US6179800B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Splint
Assignee: Brunel University London
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Filing: 1995-06-08
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Granted: 2001-01-30
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Expires: 2015-06-08
Abstract
Abstract A splint ( 17 ) includes first and second collars ( 18,19 ) pivotally supported on a body member ( 20 ) and adjustable so as to adjust the internal dimensions of the splint ( 17 ). A plurality of spaced resilient pads ( 21-27 ) are provided on the internal surfaces of the splint ( 17 ) so as to exert pressure on a limb ( 11 ) held in the splint ( 17 ) while allowing vascular flow. The splint ( 17 ) is provided with a support ( 36 ) for supporting the extremity of a limb, such as a hand ( 14 ) or foot. The support ( 36 ) allows some movement of the limb extremity to reduce swelling by promoting vascular flow.
Inventors
- 👤 George E. Torrens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 07:56
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F5/00; A61F5/01; A61F5/0102; A61F5/012; A61F5/04; A61F5/05; A61F5/058; A61F5/05841; A61F5/05858; A61F5/05866
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A splint for supporting a fractured limb comprising: a. a rigid outer casing including a substantially inflexible main body section having a concave inner surface extending between longitudinally spaced substantially inflexible proximal and distal collars which each have a concave inner surface, said proximal and distal collars being proximate to one another so as to circumferentially envelop a common bone of the limb between the collars and the main body section when in use, the proximal and distal collars being independently adjustable relative to one another so as to provide independent adjustment of the internal dimensions of the casing; b. a plurality of spaced pressure sites located at the inner surfaces of the main body section and the proximal and distal collars, the spaced pressure sites being operative to apply pressure to a limb to be supported while retaining a vascular flow path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A splint for supporting a fractured limb comprising: a. a rigid outer casing including a substantially inflexible main body section having a concave inner surface extending between longitudinally spaced substantially inflexible proximal and distal collars which each have a concave inner surface, said proximal and distal collars being proximate to one another so as to circumferentially envelop a common bone of the limb between the collars and the main body section when in use, the proximal and distal collars being independently adjustable relative to one another so as to provide independent adjustment of the internal dimensions of the casing; b. a plurality of spaced pressure sites located at the inner surfaces of the main body section and the proximal and distal collars, the spaced pressure sites being operative to apply pressure to a limb to be supported while retaining a vascular flow path.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A splint according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure sites are provided with a plurality of resilient pressure pads spaced about the inner surfaces of the main body section and collars, and wherein the casing only applies pressure to a limb situated when in use.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A splint according to claim 1 , comprising means for supporting an extremity of the limb so as to allow limited movement of said limb extremity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
A splint according to claim 3 , wherein the extremity support means includes a support structure extending beyond the casing, the support structure including a passage defined therein into when in use and first and second stops positioned in at least substantially parallel relation on either side of the passage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A splint according to claim 4 , wherein the stops are adjustable relative to one another for adjusting the size of the passage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A splint according to claim 1 , comprising pressure sensing means for sensing a continuous range of pressures exerted on one or more of the pressure sites.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A splint according to claim 6 , wherein the pressure sensing means is incorporated in one or more pressure pads.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A splint according to claim 6 , wherein the pressure sites are adjustable in dependence upon the sensed pressure to adjust the pressure produced thereby.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A splint according to claim 1 wherein each collar is provided with two or more of the pressure sites.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A splint according to claim 9 wherein each collar's pressure sites are spaced about the curve of each collar's inner surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A splint according to claim 1 wherein the pressure sites are adjustable independently of the collars to allow variation of pressure to a desired level.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
108 words
A splint for supporting a fractured limb comprising: a. longitudinally spaced substantially inflexible proximal and distal collars situated adjacently so as to envelop a common bone of the limb when in use, the collars having concave inner surfaces, wherein the collars are independently adjustable, and further wherein the collars share a substantially inflexible concave main body section extending between the collars; b. a plurality of spaced pressure sites situated about the curves of the inner surfaces of the collars and on the main body section, the pressure sites being operative to apply pressure to a limb to be supported while maintaining a vascular flow path when in use.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
108 words
A splint for supporting a fractured limb comprising: a. longitudinally spaced substantially inflexible proximal and distal collars situated adjacently so as to envelop a common bone of the limb when in use, the collars having concave inner surfaces, wherein the collars are independently adjustable, and further wherein the collars share a substantially inflexible concave main body section extending between the collars; b. a plurality of spaced pressure sites situated about the curves of the inner surfaces of the collars and on the main body section, the pressure sites being operative to apply pressure to a limb to be supported while maintaining a vascular flow path when in use.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
A splint according to claim 12 , comprising means to support an extremity of the limb so as to allow limited movement of said limb extremity.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A splint according to claim 13 , wherein the extremity support means includes a support structure extending beyond the collars, the support structure including a passage defined therein into when in use.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
A splint according to claim 12 , comprising pressure sensing means for sensing a continuous range of pressures exerted on one or more of the pressure sites.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
A splint according to claim 12 wherein the pressure sites are adjustable independently of the collars to allow variation of pressure to a desired level.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
A splint according to claim 12 wherein the main body section includes multiple pressure sites.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
A splint according to claim 1 wherein at least some of the pressure sites on the main body section are spaced about the curve of the main body section's inner surface.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
A splint according to claim 1 wherein at least some of the pressure sites on the main body section are spaced between the collars.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
129 words
A splint for supporting a fractured limb comprising: a. a rigid outer casing including a substantially inflexible concave main body section extending between longitudinally spaced substantially inflexible concave proximal and distal collars, said proximal and distal collars being proximate to one another so as to circumferentially envelop a common bone of the limb between the collars when in use, the proximal and distal collars being independently adjustable relative to one another so as to provide independent adjustment of the internal dimensions of the casing; b. wherein the main body, the proximal collar, and the distal collar each have an inner surface whereupon a plurality of spaced pressure sites are located, the when in use to apply pressure to a limb to be supported while retaining a vascular flow path.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
129 words
A splint for supporting a fractured limb comprising: a. a rigid outer casing including a substantially inflexible concave main body section extending between longitudinally spaced substantially inflexible concave proximal and distal collars, said proximal and distal collars being proximate to one another so as to circumferentially envelop a common bone of the limb between the collars when in use, the proximal and distal collars being independently adjustable relative to one another so as to provide independent adjustment of the internal dimensions of the casing; b. wherein the main body, the proximal collar, and the distal collar each have an inner surface whereupon a plurality of spaced pressure sites are located, the when in use to apply pressure to a limb to be supported while retaining a vascular flow path.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-01-30 | 2004-07-31 | 2005-01-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-01-30 | 2008-07-31 | 2009-01-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-01-30 | 2012-07-31 | 2013-01-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |