US-12616595-B2 - Heel protector and corresponding rehabilitation systems and methods for using the same

Abstract

A device ( 100 ) includes a leg engaging section ( 101 ) and a foot engaging section ( 102 ) intersecting at a heel receiver ( 103 ). The leg engaging section and the foot engaging section define a leg insertion aperture ( 104 ). A compressible cushion layer ( 402 ) is disposed at least in the leg engaging section. At least one bolster tube ( 401 ) is disposed interior the leg engaging section. The bolster tube ( 401 ) can be selectively removable through one or more apertures ( 1105,1106 ).

Inventors

• Michelle Drey
• Bruce Shapiro

Assignees

• MEDLINE INDUSTRIES LP

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20240724

Claims (19)

1. 1 . A device, comprising: a leg engaging section intersecting a foot engaging section, the leg engaging section and the foot engaging section defining a leg insertion aperture, at least the leg engaging section comprising a compressible cushion layer; a wicking material defining an interior lining of the leg engaging section; and at least one side member attached to the leg engaging section, the at least one side member allowing at least one bolster tube to be selectively inserted therein.
2. 2 . The device of claim 1 , the at least one side member defining at least one aperture into which the at least one bolster tube may be selectively inserted.
3. 3 . The device of claim 2 , the at least one aperture comprising a first aperture situated at a top of the at least one side member and a second aperture situated at a bottom of the at least one side member.
4. 4 . The device of claim 3 , further comprising the at least one bolster tube.
5. 5 . The device of claim 4 , wherein the at least one bolster tube comprises a first bolster tube and a second bolster tube.
6. 6 . The device of claim 5 , wherein only the first bolster tube is inserted a first side member to stabilize the device rotationally.
7. 7 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the second bolster tube is inserted in a second side member.
8. 8 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising one or more fastening straps.
9. 9 . The device of claim 8 , the one or more fastening straps comprising at least one fastening strap extending from a first side of the device and at least one other fastening strap extending from another side of the device.
10. 10 . A device, comprising: a leg engaging section intersecting a foot engaging section, the leg engaging section and the foot engaging section defining a leg insertion aperture, at least the leg engaging section comprising a compressible cushion layer; a cooling material defining an interior lining of the leg engaging section that can be cooled to apply thermal therapy to a patient; and at least one side member attached to the leg engaging section, the at least one side member allowing at least one bolster tube to be selectively inserted therein.
11. 11 . The device of claim 10 , the at least one side member defining at least one aperture into which the at least one bolster tube may be selectively inserted.
12. 12 . The device of claim 11 , the at least one aperture comprising a first aperture situated at a top of the at least one side member and a second aperture situated at a bottom of the at least one side member.
13. 13 . The device of claim 12 , further comprising the at least one bolster tube.
14. 14 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the at least one bolster tube comprises a first bolster tube and a second bolster tube.
15. 15 . The device of claim 14 , wherein only the first bolster tube and the second bolster tube have different sizes to stabilize the device rotationally.
16. 16 . The device of claim 14 , wherein the first bolster tube and the second bolster tube have different shapes.
17. 17 . The device of claim 10 , further comprising one or more fastening straps.
18. 18 . A device, comprising: a leg engaging section and a foot engaging section, the leg engaging section defining a leg insertion aperture, wherein: the leg engaging section comprises a compressible cushion layer; and the leg engaging section comprises a single bolster inserted into a side member attached to the leg engaging section configured to stabilize the device rotationally.
19. 19 . The device of claim 18 , further comprising an interior lining attached to the leg engaging section and having a raised pile that increase a coefficient of friction provided by the interior lining.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 USC § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 18/142,920, filed May 3, 2023, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 USC § 120 from U.S. application Ser. No. 16/993,737, filed Aug. 14, 2020, which is a divisional application claiming priority under 35 USC § 121 from U.S. application Ser. No. 15/892,186, filed Feb. 8, 2018, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 USC § 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/468,872, filed Aug. 26, 2014, each of which is incorporated by reference for all purposes. BACKGROUND Technical Field This disclosure relates generally to ulcer prevention, and more particularly to devices for preventing ulcer complications during therapy. Background Art Limb protection devices, including boots, braces, wraps, socks, sleeves, and the like are used to protect a patient's limbs. These devices can be used for a variety of reasons, including limb elevation, limb pressure alleviation, limb protection, and limb strengthening. While many of these devices work reasonably well in practice, problems with their usage exist. When used incorrectly, these devices can sometimes lead to skin breakdown or the formation of pressure ulcers. For example, if a patient's limb rolls to an incorrect position while wearing a protection device, the device itself can create new medical conditions that must be treated while aiding in the rehabilitation of previously existing conditions. These new issues only serve to extend the overall rehabilitation time for the patient. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have an improved therapeutic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation view of one explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a rear elevation view of one explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of one explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of one explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of another explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of another explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation view of one explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates an explanatory step of a method of using an explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates another explanatory step of a method of using an explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 10 illustrates an explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in use. FIG. 11 illustrates a front elevation view of another explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 12 illustrates a top plan view of another explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 13 illustrates a top plan view of yet another explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 14 illustrates an explanatory method step of using another explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 15 illustrates another explanatory method step of using another explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. FIG. 16 illustrates another explanatory device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in use. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference,