Apparatus for treating colic in infants

• US 5,518,009 A
• Filed: 11/28/1994
• Issued: 05/21/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 11/28/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Colicare Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Colicare Incorporated
• Inventors: Ruiz-Gonzalez, Susan
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Michael A.
• Application Number:
  US08/345,603
• Time in Patent Office: 540 Days
• Field of Search: 128/864, 128/874, 128/875, 128/876, 600/28, 2/318, 2/317, 2/316, 602/19
• US Class Current: 128/869
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1322 comprising a flexible encircling member A61B17/135 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/028 Braces for providing support to the lower back, e.g. lumbo sacral supports

Abstract

An apparatus and method for treating colic in infants including an elongate, belt-like device comprised of two-layers of fabric and hook and loop fasteners at opposite ends for securing the device about an infants lower torso. The belt may also include a third layer of rubber or similar air impermeable material, encased between the two layers for trapping heat between the device and the infants body. In treating colic, the belt is wrapped snugly about the infants lower torso, overlying the bellybutton region applying warmth and slight pressure to thereby relieve discomfort.

Claims

1. A method for treating colic in infants using an elongate belt including top and bottom cotton layers disposed in overlying relation to one another and stitched about their corresponding, overlying peripheral edges, and fastening means for releasably securing a first end zone of the belt to a second end zone of the belt,

said method comprising the steps of:

(a) wrapping said belt about said lower torso such that said bottom layer overlies the bellybutton region of the infant in covering relation thereto,

(b) securing said first end zone to said opposite second end zone using said fastening means, so that said belt is fitted about said lower torso,

(c) adjusting said fastening means so that said belt is maintained in snug, fitted relation about said lower torso,

(d) applying pressure to the bellybutton region and the lower torso,

(e) trapping heat between said belt and an area of said lower torso over which said belt covers, and

(f) applying warmth to the bellybutton region and the lower torso.

2. A method for treating colic in infants as recited in claim 1 wherein said belt further includes an air impermeable center layer disposed between said top layer and said bottom layer in concealed relation therein.

3. A method for treating colic in infants as recited in claim 2 wherein said center layer is constructed of a rubber composition.