Immobilizing and Supporting Inflatable Splint Apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed is a medical device that operates as a supporting splint for the limbs and other body parts necessary for the treatment of a variety of medical and surgical conditions. Said device is an inflatable, flexible, lightweight water-resistant splint whose measure of rigidity is easily controlled by the fitter or user. According to the present invention there are several embodiments of the splint, each suited to fit a different body part such as the limbs, torso, chest, pelvis, and neck. Said device, which is constructed of inflatable tubes, is made of two nylon layers welded together and coated with polyurethane. The tubes may be inflated by any means of supplying air pressure. The present invention is especially designed to allow normal blood circulation to the treated body part, provide ventilation to the area, enable easy inspection of an injury, and allow partial movement of the treated part.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A splint for immobilizing and supporting a limb or other body parts of a human, wherein said splint is made of flexible material for covering body parts and articulations from at least three sides and where said splint includes: 
 a. inflatable tubes interconnected by non-inflatable parts for achieving variable degrees of support, stiffness and restriction of movement;    b. ventilation holes for skin ventilation, contained in the non-inflatable parts;    c. at least one gas pressure source device connected to said splint;    d. at least one adjustable strap for connecting splint edges;    wherein the inflated structure of the splint fits the structure and anatomical shape of the appropriate body part for the purpose of stabilizing and providing support to the patient's body part and its articulations in varying degrees of rigidity and in particular positions.    
     
     
         2 . The splint of  claim 1  for supporting limbs wherein a part of the limb remains uncovered.  
     
     
         3 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable straps are made of Velcro.  
     
     
         4 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein said splint is designed to wrap the torso, taking into account the structure of the body and its anatomical shape for maximum compatibility.  
     
     
         5 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein said splint is designed to wrap to the neck, taking into account the neck's anatomical shape and structure for maximum compatibility.  
     
     
         6 . The splint according to  claim 2 , wherein said splint is designed to wrap the leg, the foot, the ankle and the heel of the patient, taking into account the leg's anatomical shape and structure for maximum compatibility and preventing pressure on the heel.  
     
     
         7 . The splint according to  claim 2 , wherein said splint is designed to wrap the leg, the foot, the ankle, heel, knee and thigh of the patient, talking into account the leg's anatomical shape and structure for maximum compatibility and preventing pressure on the heel.  
     
     
         8 . The splint according to  claim 2 , wherein said splint is designed to wrap the arm, fit the shoulder structure, and support the palm, taking into account the arm's anatomical shape and structure for maximum compatibility and immobilizing the shoulder joints or upper and lower arm in any desired position.  
     
     
         9 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein said splint is designed to wrap the rib cage, wherein the inflated tubes are arranged in segments that can be inflated separately in order to exert selected pressure on different areas of the chest wall according to necessity, taking into account the curves and structure of the ribs for maximum compatibility.  
     
     
         10 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein said splint is made of two nylon layers joined together by soldering means.  
     
     
         11 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein said splint is made of two nylon layers which are coated with polyurethane.  
     
     
         12 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein movement, rigidity, and stabilization of said limb articulation are controlled by the degree of air pressure in said splint.  
     
     
         13 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure source device is a mechanical pump.  
     
     
         14 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure source device is an electrical pump.  
     
     
         15 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure source device is a pressure canister.  
     
     
         16 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein in the inflated state, the splint takes up the shape of the body part for which it was designed.  
     
     
         17 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein the tightness of the splint on the body part is controlled by the fastening or loosening of straps.  
     
     
         18 . The splint according to  claim 1  further including a suspension strap.  
     
     
         19 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein pressure within the splint is controlled by a valve.  
     
     
         20 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein the adjustable strap is detachable.  
     
     
         21 . The splint according to  claim 1 , wherein the degree of rigidity of the splint on the body part enables partial movement of the wrapped joints.  
     
     
         22 . The splint according to  claim 1  further comprising at least one loop connected to the edge of said splint for suspension purposes.