Protective sock for preventing pressure injury of long-term bedridden patient

By designing protective socks with heel windows and cushioning pockets, the heels of long-term bedridden patients are suspended and fully protected, solving the problem that existing technologies cannot effectively distribute pressure on the heels, thus improving patient comfort and nursing convenience.

CN121286793AInactive Publication Date: 2026-01-09AFFILIATED HOSPITAL OF NANTONG UNIV
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511409570.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-29
Publication Date
2026-01-09
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current technology lacks protective stockings specifically designed for long-term bedridden patients that can effectively and comfortably distribute pressure on the heel and are easy to care for, thus failing to effectively prevent pressure injuries.

Method used

A protective sock with a body made of elastic and breathable fabric was designed. It features a heel window and a cushioning sac, with the heel suspended by a flexible connecting strap. The sock also has a gradient pressure zone and an anti-slip structure on the sole. The sock body is made of antibacterial and breathable fabric and has an observation window for easy observation by caregivers.

Benefits of technology

It achieves complete heel suspension, completely eliminates pressure points on the heel, provides all-round protection, improves patient comfort and safety, and reduces nursing workload.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN121286793A_ABST
    Figure CN121286793A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention discloses a protective sock for preventing pressure injury of a long-term bedridden patient, which comprises a sock body, a heel window is arranged at the heel part of the sock body, and a buffer bag body for suspending the heel is arranged on the inner side of the heel window; the buffering bag body is connected with the edge of the heel window through a flexible connecting belt, and the buffering bag body can be stably attached to the heel by adjusting the tightness of the flexible connecting belt; a gradient pressure area of which the pressure is gradually increased from the toe to the arch is arranged at the sole of the sock body; and anti-skid structures are arranged at the foot sole half sole part of the sock body and the opening of the sock leg. The insole can effectively suspend the heel and uniformly disperse the pressure of the sole and the ankle, and has the advantages of breathability, skid resistance, convenience in observation and the like.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients are caused by factors such as prolonged pressure on the local skin, malnutrition, dampness, incontinence, and excessive sweating. Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers, refer to localized damage to the skin and / or subcutaneous soft tissues, typically occurring at bony prominences or sites of pressure from medical devices or other instruments.

[0003] Pressure injuries are a common and serious complication in patients who are bedridden for extended periods and have limited mobility. They are mainly caused by prolonged pressure on local tissues, leading to impaired blood circulation, persistent ischemia, hypoxia, and malnutrition, resulting in soft tissue ulceration and necrosis. The heel is the second most common site for pressure injuries because it has little subcutaneous fat, a thin muscle layer, and prominent bones, making it extremely prone to contact with the bed surface and bearing significant pressure when lying down.

[0004] Currently, the commonly used clinical methods for preventing pressure injuries to the heel include the following: First, regular turning, which requires frequent intervention by nursing staff, resulting in a heavy workload and is difficult to guarantee at night; second, the use of heel supports or pads. While traditional foam or gel heel supports can elevate the heel, they suffer from problems such as insecure fixation, easy displacement, potential creation of new pressure points on the Achilles tendon, and impact on patient comfort; third, ordinary soft pillows or sponge pads, but their support is not lasting, they are prone to collapse, and they cannot effectively distribute pressure.

[0005] Therefore, existing technology lacks a dedicated protective sock that can effectively and continuously distribute pressure on the heel while being easy to care for and improving patient comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients. It can effectively suspend the heel, evenly distribute the pressure on the sole and ankle, and has the advantages of being breathable, non-slip, and easy to observe.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients includes a sock body made of elastic and breathable fabric. The sock body has an open heel window in the area corresponding to the heel of the human foot. The edge of the heel window is provided with a soft edging. A hollow or low-density, high-elasticity cushioning sac is provided on the inner side of the heel window, corresponding to the position of the suspended heel.

[0009] The cushioning bladder is connected to the edge of the heel window via a flexible connecting strap. Adjusting the tightness of the flexible connecting strap allows the cushioning bladder to fit stably against the heel, thus keeping the heel completely suspended.

[0010] The sole of the sock is provided with a gradient pressure zone that gradually increases from the toes to the arch of the foot to promote blood return in the foot;

[0011] The sock body also features an anti-slip structure at the forefoot and the opening of the sock to prevent the patient from sliding on the bed or the sock from twisting.

[0012] Furthermore, the gradient pressure zone is achieved by changing the yarn density and elasticity of the sock body.

[0013] Furthermore, an ankle protection pad is provided on the inner side of the sock body corresponding to the prominence of the inner and outer ankle bones to distribute ankle pressure. The ankle protection pad is made of soft silicone or gel.

[0014] Furthermore, the sock body is also provided with toe side protective pads at the protruding positions on the inner and outer sides of the toes.

[0015] Furthermore, the anti-slip structure includes an anti-slip dot matrix on the forefoot and anti-slip stripes on the sock opening.

[0016] Furthermore, the instep area of ​​the sock body is provided with an instep observation window for observing the skin. The instep observation window is made of mesh or semi-transparent elastic material, which facilitates observation of the skin color, temperature and edema of the foot.

[0017] Furthermore, the cushioning bladder is filled with air, silicone gel, or memory foam whose shape is adapted to the curvature of the heel.

[0018] Furthermore, the flexible connecting band is an adjustable-length Velcro or elastic band to accommodate the different heel height requirements of patients.

[0019] Furthermore, the fabric of the sock body is an antibacterial elastic fabric blended with silver ion fibers or a medical-grade spandex blended fabric with antibacterial materials, which has antibacterial and bacteriostatic functions.

[0020] Furthermore, breathable layers are provided on both sides of the sock.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. This invention, through its unique heel window and cushioning bladder design, fundamentally achieves complete suspension of the heel, completely eliminating pressure points on the heel, resulting in significant preventative effects and efficient pressure relief.

[0023] 2. This invention not only targets the heel, but also provides comprehensive protection for multiple vulnerable points of the foot through gradient pressure on the sole and ankle protection pads, achieving a comprehensive protection effect.

[0024] 3. This invention is comfortable and breathable, using elastic breathable fabric and an observation window on the instep to ensure that the feet are dry and comfortable, reducing the risk of skin maceration.

[0025] 4. This invention is safe and secure when worn. The anti-slip design of the sole and sock cuff ensures that the sock does not shift, avoiding secondary damage caused by friction and shearing force.

[0026] 5. This invention facilitates nursing care. The dorsum of the foot observation window allows medical staff to quickly assess the patient's foot condition without removing socks, reducing the workload of nursing care.

[0027] 6. This invention has wide applicability, and its adjustable design allows it to adapt to patients of different body types and conditions, thus improving its clinical applicability.

[0028] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of the embodiments of this application and to implement them in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of this application more obvious and understandable, specific implementation methods of this application are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external side structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the foot sole structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-sectional structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the buffer capsule in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] The components include: 1. Sock body; 2. Heel window; 3. Cushioning bladder; 4. Flexible connecting strap; 5. Foot gradient pressure zone; 6. Ankle protection pad; 7. Foot anti-slip dot matrix; 8. Sock cuff anti-slip stripes; 9. Instep observation window; 10. Breathable layer; 11. Toe side protection pad. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein in the specification of the application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims and drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0037] The term "embodiment" as used herein means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of the phrase "embodiment" in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application or in the aforementioned drawings are used to distinguish different objects rather than to describe a specific order, and may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" or "joining" in mechanical structures can refer to a physical connection, such as a fixed connection, for example, a connection fixed by fasteners, such as a connection fixed by screws, bolts, or other fasteners; a physical connection can also be a detachable connection, such as a snap-fit ​​or interlocking connection; a physical connection can also be an integral connection, such as a connection formed by welding, bonding, or integral molding. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0040] To make the content of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0041] like Figure 1-5As shown in this embodiment, a protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients is provided. It includes a sock body 1 made of elastic and breathable fabric, designed for both left and right feet to better conform to the anatomical structure of the human foot. The sock body 1 has a heel window 2 at the heel, and a cushioning sac 3 for suspending the heel is located on the inner side of the heel window 2. Specifically, an open heel window 2 is provided in the area of ​​the sock body 1 corresponding to the heel, and the edge of the heel window 2 is provided with a soft edging. A hollow or low-density, high-elasticity cushioning sac 3 is located on the inner side of the heel window 2, corresponding to the position of the suspended heel. The cushioning sac 3 is filled with air, silicone gel, or memory foam with a shape adapted to the curvature of the heel. The cushioning sac 3 is connected to the edge of the heel window 2 by a flexible connecting strap 4. Adjusting the tightness of the flexible connecting strap 4 allows the cushioning sac 3 to stably fit the heel, thus keeping the heel completely suspended. This invention, through its unique heel window 2 and cushioning bladder 3 design, fundamentally achieves complete suspension of the heel, completely eliminates pressure points on the heel, provides significant preventative effect, and achieves efficient pressure relief.

[0042] To promote blood return, this embodiment features a gradient pressure zone 5 on the sole of the sock 1, with pressure gradually increasing from the toes to the arch, to facilitate blood return from the foot. Specifically, the gradient pressure zone 5 can be achieved by changing the yarn density and elasticity of the sock, or by adding an arc-shaped pressure pad.

[0043] To ensure stable wearing of the socks and prevent slippage, in this embodiment, anti-slip structures are also provided on the forefoot area of ​​the sock body 1 and at the sock opening. Specifically, the anti-slip structure includes an anti-slip dot matrix 7 on the forefoot area and anti-slip stripes 8 at the sock opening, preventing the patient from sliding on the bed or the sock from twisting. Therefore, this invention not only targets the heel but also provides comprehensive protection for multiple vulnerable points of the foot through gradient pressure on the sole and ankle protection pads, achieving a comprehensive protection effect. It is safe and stable to wear, and the anti-slip design on the sole and sock opening ensures that the sock does not shift, avoiding secondary damage caused by friction and shearing forces.

[0044] Specifically, in this embodiment, the fabric of the sock body 1 is a medical-grade spandex blended with silver ion fibers for antibacterial elasticity or antibacterial materials, which has antibacterial and bacteriostatic functions. Meanwhile, this embodiment has breathable layers 10 on both sides of the sock body 1, ensuring comfort and breathability. The use of elastic and breathable fabric guarantees dryness and comfort of the feet and reduces the risk of skin maceration.

[0045] To protect the ankle joint, an ankle protection pad 6 is provided on the inner side of the sock body 1 corresponding to the medial and lateral malleolar prominences in this embodiment to distribute ankle pressure. Specifically, the ankle protection pad 6 in this embodiment is a soft silicone or gel pad.

[0046] In order to protect the protruding parts on both sides of the toes, the sock body in this embodiment is also provided with toe side protection pads 11 at the protruding positions on the inner and outer sides of the toes to distribute the pressure on the sides of the toes.

[0047] To meet the needs of different patients, the flexible connecting strap 4 in this embodiment is an adjustable-length Velcro or elastic band to accommodate the different height requirements of the heel. Therefore, this invention has wide applicability, and its adjustable design allows it to adapt to patients of different body types and conditions, improving its clinical applicability.

[0048] In addition, to facilitate monitoring of foot health, an observation window 9 for observing the skin is provided on the instep area of ​​the sock body 1 in this embodiment. The observation window 9 is made of mesh or semi-transparent elastic material, which facilitates observation of the skin color, temperature, and edema of the foot. Thus, this invention facilitates care, as the observation window 9 allows medical staff to quickly assess the patient's foot condition without removing the sock, reducing the workload of caregivers. When using the sock, caregivers put it on the patient like a regular sock, ensuring the heel is accurately placed on the cushioning bladder 3, and adjust the flexible connecting strap 4 to a suitable tightness so that the heel is comfortably suspended. The foot condition can be checked daily through the observation window 9.

[0049] refer to Figure 1-5 As shown in Embodiment 2, the present invention provides a protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients, comprising a sock body 1 that wraps around the foot and ankle. The sock body 1 is made of a medical-grade spandex and cotton blend elastic fabric. An oval-shaped heel window 2 is provided at the heel of the sock body 1, with a soft knitted edge to prevent skin abrasion. The inside of the heel window 2 is connected to a cushioning sac 3 filled with silicone gel via two adjustable elastic bands, i.e., flexible connecting bands 4. When wearing the sock, the heel is placed on the cushioning sac 3, and by adjusting the tightness of the elastic bands, the heel can be stably suspended in the heel window 2 without contacting any hard surfaces.

[0050] The sole of the sock body 1 features a special knitting technique to create a gradient pressure zone 5, with minimal pressure at the toes, gradually increasing towards the arch. Thickened silicone ankle pads 6 are sewn onto the inner and outer sides of the sock body 1 at the ankle joint. Anti-slip silicone dot matrix 7 and anti-slip stripes 8 are respectively located at the forefoot of the sock sole and the sock opening to prevent slippage. The instep of the sock body 1 features a mesh fabric viewing window 9 for easy observation.

[0051] When using this protective sock, caregivers put it on the patient like a regular sock, adjust the heel position so that it rests comfortably on the cushioning bladder 3, and ensure that the ankle support pad 6 is aligned with the inner and outer ankles. The condition of the foot skin can be checked daily through the dorsum of the foot observation window 9.

[0052] In Embodiment 3 of the present invention, a protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients is provided, the main structure of which is a sock body 1. The sock body 1 is made of a silver ion spandex blend fabric with antibacterial function, which has good elasticity and breathability. The core innovation of the present invention lies in the heel pressure-reducing structure. A sufficiently large heel window 2 is opened at the heel of the sock body 1, and its edge is bound to prevent skin abrasion. The inner side of the heel window 2 is connected to a cushioning sac 3 filled with silicone gel by two adjustable-length Velcro straps, i.e., flexible connecting straps 4. When wearing the sock, the patient's heel is placed on the cushioning sac 3. By adjusting the length of the Velcro straps, the heel can be stably suspended in the center of the opening of the heel window 2, without contacting the bed surface at all.

[0053] To further enhance the protective effect, a gradient pressure zone 5 is formed on the sole of the sock body 1 using a special knitting technique. This minimizes pressure on the toes and gradually increases pressure towards the arch, promoting venous blood return. Soft silicone ankle pads 6 are sewn onto the inner and outer sides of the sock body 1, corresponding to the bony prominences of the medial and lateral malleoli, to distribute ankle pressure.

[0054] To enhance stability and safety, the sock features a silicone dot matrix 7 on the forefoot area and silicone strips 8 on the inside of the sock opening, effectively preventing twisting or slippage of the sock during patient movement. Furthermore, a large mesh area forms an observation window 9 on the instep, allowing for easy monitoring of the foot's skin condition.

[0055] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0056] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients, characterized in that: The sock body (1) includes a heel window (2) at the heel of the sock body (1), and a cushioning bladder (3) for suspending the heel is provided on the inner side of the heel window (2). The cushioning bladder (3) is connected to the edge of the heel window (2) by a flexible connecting strap (4). Adjusting the tightness of the flexible connecting strap (4) can make the cushioning bladder (3) fit stably against the heel. The bottom of the sock body (1) is provided with a gradient pressure zone (5) from the toes to the arch of the foot, where the pressure gradually increases. The sock body (1) is also provided with an anti-slip structure at the forefoot and the opening of the sock.

2. The protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gradient pressure zone (5) is achieved by changing the yarn density and elasticity of the sock body.

3. The protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sock body (1) is provided with an ankle protection pad (6) on the inner side corresponding to the prominence of the inner and outer ankle bones. The ankle protection pad (6) is a soft silicone or gel pad.

4. The protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sock body (1) is also provided with toe side protection pads (11) at the positions where the toes protrude on the inner and outer sides.

5. A protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anti-slip structure includes an anti-slip dot matrix (7) on the forefoot and an anti-slip stripe (8) at the sock opening.

6. The protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The instep area of ​​the sock body (1) is provided with an instep observation window (9) for observing the skin, and the instep observation window (9) is made of mesh or semi-transparent elastic material.

7. The protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cushioning bladder (3) is filled with air, silicone gel or memory foam that is shaped to match the curvature of the heel.

8. The protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible connecting strip (4) is an adjustable-length Velcro or elastic band.

9. A protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fabric of the sock body (1) is an antibacterial elastic fabric blended with silver ion fibers.

10. A protective sock for preventing pressure injuries in long-term bedridden patients according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both sides of the sock body (1) are provided with breathable layers (10).