Device, system, and methods for applying cryotherapy

• US 5,148,804 A
• Filed: 06/28/1990
• Issued: 09/22/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dennis M. Hill, Jerry L. Spence
• Original Assignee: Dennis M. Hill, Jerry L. Spence
• Inventors: Spence, Jerry L., Hill, Dennis M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Grieb, William H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Graham, Mark S.
• Application Number:
  US07/546,110
• Time in Patent Office: 817 Days
• Field of Search: 128/380, 128/379, 128/400, 128/402, 128/403, 128/82.1, 128/399, 128/382, 62/530, 383/901
• US Class Current: 607/108
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0013 Jaw
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0032 Elbow
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0042 Knee
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0044 Ankle
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/023 with pockets for receiving packs or pouches
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0231 hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/10 Cooling bags, e.g. ice-bags

Abstract

A device, system, and methods for applying cryotherapy to a joint or body part are disclosed herein. The device comprises an adjustable wrap structure capable of wrapping at least partially around various joints or body parts. Two pockets each having an easily accessible opening manufactured on opposite sides of the wrap structure'"'"'s central region on the inside surface of the wrap structure in which a cooling vehicle, such as a ice bag or a gel pack, may be inserted. A joint alignment means is manufactured on the in the central region of each device so that the device can be properly aligned and position on the joint or body part. An adjustable device attachment means is included to hold the device in place during use. The system for applying cryotherapy uses the above disclosed device and multiple sets of gel packs each set containing a coolant substance having a different freezing temperature. A method for initially applying cryotherapy that elicits less pain and a method of applying extending cryotherapy treatment are also disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device used to apply cryotherapy, comprising:

a) a rectangular-shaped wrap structure capable of being at least partially wrapped around a joint, said wrap structure having a central region, a first and second vertical edge, and an upper and lower horizontal edge, said wrap structure being made of a single sheet of flexible material and having an inside and an outside surface;

b) two pockets formed on said inside surface of said wrap structure, each said pocket being located on opposite sides of said central region, each said pocket being formed by attaching a cover made of thin, flexible mesh material, said mesh material having openings with a sufficient diameter to enable a portion of a gel pack inserted into each said pocket to touch the skin surface around said joint, and to make said mesh material sufficiently flexible to enable the insertion or removal of said gel pack from said pocket during use, each said pocket having an unattached extending edge thereby creating an opening into each said pocket;

c) two gel packs, one said gel pack being placed into each said pocket;

d) a passage located on said central region and approximately equal distance between said pockets, said passage having a sufficient size and shape to enable a portion of said joint to be partially extended through so that said device is aligned on said joint with said cooling vehicles disposed on substantially opposite sides of said joint when said device is attached to said joint;

e) two elastic straps having an attached end and a detachable end, said attached end being permanently attached to said second vertical edge of said wrap structure, each said strap capable of being placed around said joint and adjustably connected to said outside surface of said wrap structure on the opposite side of said device, said elastic straps having a sufficient length so that said pockets are disposed on substantially opposite sides of said joint when said device is attached to said joint and;

f. a pad-shaped hook connector attached to said inner surface of each said strap near said detachable end, and;

g. a pad-shaped loop connector located on said outside surface of said wrap structure on said side of wrap structure near said first vertical edge, said pad-shaped loop connector being capable of releasably engaging said pad-shaped hook connector on each said strap to adjustable connect each said detachable end of each said strap thereto.

2. A device as claim 1, wherein said mesh material has mesh openings approximately 1/8 inch in diameter.

3. A device of claim 2, wherein said passage is substantially circular and measures approximately 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

4. A device of claim 2, wherein said passage is substantially circular and measures approximately 2 inches in diameter.

5. A device of claim 2, wherein said passage is substantially circular and measures approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

6. A device of claim 2, wherein said passage is sufficiently oval in shape to enable said device to be positioned and aligned on said joint and to allow access to the area surrounding said portion of said joint protruding through said passage when said device is used.

7. A device used to apply cryotherapy, comprising:

a) a rectangular-shaped wrap structure capable of being at least partially wrapped around a joint, said wrap structure having a central region, a first and second vertical edge, and an upper and lower horizontal edge, said wrap structure being made of flexible material and having an inside and an outside surface;

b) two pockets formed on said inside surface of said wrap structure, each said pocket being located on opposite sides of said central region, each said pocket having an unattached extending edge thereby creating an opening into each said pocket;

c) two cooling vehicles, one said cooling vehicle being placed into each said pocket;

d) a passage located on said central region and approximately equal distance between said pockets, said passage having a sufficient size and shape to enable a portion of said joint to be partially extended through so that said device is aligned on said joint with said cooling vehicles disposed on substantially opposite sides of said joint when said device is attached to said joint;

e) two straps attached to said wrap structure to adjustable secure said device to said joint, each said strap is made of elastic material, extends laterally from said device, and has a detachable end, each said strap being permanently attached to one said extending edge of one said pocket, each said strap is elongated and capable of being wrapped around a limb structure located adjacent to said joint to adjustable secure said device to said joint, and;

f) a strap attachment means disposed between said detachable end of each said strap and said outside surface of said wrap structure which enables each said detachable end to be adjustably connected to said outside surface.

8. A device of claim 7, wherein said strap attachment means is a pad-shaped hook connector attached to said detachable end of each said strap, and wherein a pad-shaped loop connector is attached to said outside surface of said wrap structure opposite said pocket with said strap permanently attached thereto.