Abstract:
A protective cover for a limb cast. The protective cover includes a first layer, a second layer, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The first layer has a first thickness, a first length approximating a length of the limb cast and defines a first portion of the protective cover. The second layer encapsulates the first layer and is coupled to the first layer, the second layer having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the second layer having a second length extending beyond the first length, a difference between the first length and the second length defining a second portion of the protective cover, the second portion extending beyond the length of the limb cast, the second layer including a first end and a second end. The first cooperating fastener is secured to the second layer and is positioned within the first portion to couple the first end and the second end of the second layer together. The second cooperating fastener is secured to the second layer and is positioned within the second portion to secure the protective cover to the limb with the cast.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Athletes of all ages, through the physical demands of their sports, often sustain injuries such as ligament sprains or fractures. When these severe injuries occur, a protective cast or splint may be applied by a healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and protection of the injury. For example, if someone were to fracture their forearm, wrist, or hand, they most likely would be put in a short arm cast. 
         [0002]    A cast is generally a shell, frequently made from plaster or fiberglass, which encases a limb to hold a broken bone (or bones) in place until it has healed. Plaster casts include a cotton bandage that has been impregnated with plaster of paris, which hardens after water has been added. Fiberglass casts include a knitted fiberglass bandage impregnated with polyurethane, and is lighter and dries much faster than a plaster cast. 
         [0003]    Years ago, the application of a plaster or fiberglass cast on a fractured limb would sideline an athlete from their particular sport for 4-6 weeks, which is the average time a bone fracture takes to heal. Athletes were not allowed to participate in activity, since their casted appendage could be used as a weapon and cause harm to other athletes or even themselves while participating in the sport activity. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Generally, the same rules of protection apply in today&#39;s athletics, but new provisions have been made to the rules to allow for injured athletes to participate safely. The rules for most sports typically state that an athlete wearing an arm cast can participate in competition if they have a written notice from their physician and have the cast completely covered by a minimum of ½″ (one-half inch) padding. 
         [0005]    The cast cover of the present invention satisfies the regulations set by organizations such as the national federation of high school sports, the NCAA, and even professional sports. It is functional, easy to apply, waterproof, durable, and washable. It comes in different sizes and styles to fit the cast and also is available in a variety of colors. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, the invention provides a protective cover for an arm cast. The protective cover includes a first layer having a first thickness, a first length approximating a length of the limb cast and defining a first portion of the protective cover. The protective cover also includes a second layer encapsulating the first layer and coupled to the first layer, the second layer having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the second layer having a second length extending beyond the first length, a difference between the first length and the second length defining a second portion of the protective cover, the second portion extending beyond the length of the limb cast, the second layer including a first end and a second end. The protective cover further includes a first cooperating fastener secured to the second layer and positioned within the first portion to couple the first end and the second end of the second layer together, and a second cooperating fastener secured to the second layer and positioned within the second portion to secure the protective cover to the limb with the cast. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, the invention provides a protective cover for an arm cast. The protective cover includes a body and a plurality of fasteners. The body has a length approximating a length of the arm cast and a width sufficient to wrap around the arm cast. The body includes a first layer having a length and a width substantially similar to the length and width of the body, the first layer having a first thickness and a first surface and a second surface, and a second layer covering the first surface and the second surface of the first layer, the second layer having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the second layer having a first end and a second end. The plurality of fasteners are positioned along the length of the body, a first portion of the fastener is secured to one of the first end and the second end of the second layer and a second cooperating portion of the fastener is secured to the opposite one of the first end and the second end of the second layer. The first portion of the fastener and the second cooperating portion of the fastener are adapted to be coupled together to couple the first end of the second layer to the second end of the second layer. 
         [0008]    Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cast applied to a human arm. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a cast applied to a human arm. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a cast cover according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a cast cover according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a cast cover according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a cast cover according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a cast cover according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the cast cover illustrated in  FIGS. 4-7 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the cast cover illustrated in  FIGS. 4-7  according to another construction of the cast cover. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
         [0019]    Although directional references, such as upper, lower, downward, upward, rearward, bottom, front, rear, etc., may be made herein in describing the drawings, these references are made relative to the drawings (as normally viewed) for convenience. These directions are not intended to be taken literally or limit the present invention in any form. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. 
         [0020]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a cast  10  applied to a human arm  14 . The cast  10  can include plaster or fiberglass materials applied by medical personnel to the arm  14  due to fracture of a bone(s) in the arm  14 . The cast  10  is applied to set or secure the fractured bone(s) in the arm  14  for healing.  FIG. 1  illustrates a cast  10  including the thumb, whereas the cast  10  illustrated in  FIG. 2  does not include the thumb. 
         [0021]      FIGS. 3-6  illustrate a protective cover  18  according to several constructions of the present invention. The protective cover  18  is applied over the cast  10 , and can be applied to an arm cast. The protective cover  18  also can be modified to be applied to other casts applied to the human body. 
         [0022]    The protective cover  18  includes a body  22  having a first end  26  and a second end  30 . The first end  26  is adapted to couple to the second end  30 . The first end  26  includes a sloped surface  34 , and the second end  30  includes a corresponding sloped surface  38  adapted to be coupled to the sloped surface  34  of the first end  26 . The sloped surface  34  and/or the sloped surface  38  can include a fastener, such as hook and loop, adhesive, snaps, or other suitable mechanism to secure the first end  26  to the second end  30 . The first end  26  and the second end  30  can be comprised of the same material or different material than the body  22 . 
         [0023]    The protective cover  18  also includes a recess  46  adapted to receive the cast  10  when the protective cover  18  is wrapped around the cast  10 . The first end  26  and the second end  30  are coupled together at their respective sloped surfaces  34 ,  38  when the protective cover  18  is wrapped around the cast  10 . 
         [0024]    The protective cover  18  also includes a plurality of straps  50  secured to the body  22  adjacent to one of the first end  26  and the second end  30 . The straps  50  can be flexible and can include a fastener  54 , such as the respective portion of a hook and loop fastener, adhesive, snaps, or other suitable mechanism. The protective cover  18  also includes a plurality of targets  58  positioned adjacent to one of the first end  26  and the second end  30  opposite the plurality of straps  50 . The plurality of targets  58  are adapted to receive and secure the straps  50  and to retain the first end  26  adjacent to the second end  30 . The targets  58  can include the respective portion of a hook and loop fastener, adhesive, snaps, or other suitable mechanism to receive and secure the straps  50 . 
         [0025]    One construction of the protective cover  18  can include a plurality of loops or buckles  62  in lieu of or in addition to the plurality of targets  58  as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . The loops  62  are secured to the body  22  adjacent to one of the first end  26  and the second end  30  and opposite the end  26 ,  30  in which the plurality of straps  50  are located. Each loop  62  is generally aligned with a corresponding strap  50 . In this construction, each strap  50  includes a fastener  66 , such as hook and loop, adhesive, snaps, or other suitable mechanism. For example, one end of the strap  50  includes a first portion of the fastener  66  while a second end of the strap  50  includes a second portion of the fastener, such that the first portion and the second portion are adapted to couple together. Each of the straps  50  is looped through the respective loop  62  and is folded back onto itself to couple together the first end  26  and the second end  30  of the protective cover  18 . 
         [0026]    The protective cover  18  also includes an opening  70  through the body  22  adapted to receive a thumb of the casted limb. The opening  70  can include a stiched border or edging to provide a smooth surface for the user. 
         [0027]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the body  22  includes a first layer  78  positioned adjacent to a second layer  74 . The first layer  78  may be secured to the second layer  74  by stitching, glue or other suitable means. The first layer  78  can extend along a portion of or a substantial length of the protective cover  18 . The first layer  78  comprises a material of sufficient thickness and flexibility to pad the cast  10  and comply with the rules for participation in high school and collegiate sports, such as football. The material for the first layer  78  can comprise a foam-like material, such as a high density foam. More specifically, the high density foam can be further characterized as a closed cell polyurethane foam or slow-recovery foam. The first layer  78  can have a thickness in the range of about ⅛″ to about five inches. 
         [0028]    The body  22  of the protective cover  18  also includes a second layer  74  comprising a material that is waterproof, easy to clean, and durable. The second layer  74  generally comprises the outer layer of the protective cover  18  and can protect the first layer  78  from damage during use and reuse. For example, the material of the second layer  74  can comprise one of or a combination of the following types and/or brands of materials: closely woven cotton, wax impregnated cotton, Polymer-Encapsulated cotton EPIC, Gore-Tex® functional textiles, Nikwax® Directional textiles, eVent waterproof fabrics, Sympatex® Technology membranes, Epoxy, 3-ply Entrant-EV membrane, Hyper-Dri, Drilite Extreme, Ventile, HyVent, Lycra Nylon, H 2 NO, vinyl, Omni-Tech, neoprene, Conduit, PVC coated nylon, Triple Point Ceramic, Polyurethane coated nylon, Precip, Hydrodry P3, Watergate, Triple Point Ceramic, and Aquadry fabrics. The preferred material for the second layer  74  is vinyl because of its durability and ease of cleaning. Vinyl can withstand the applied stresses during sports activities. The second layer  74  can have a thickness in the range of about 1/32″ to about ⅛″ and includes a length and width sufficient to cover the cast  10 . The second layer  74  forms a pocket and substantially encloses the first layer  78 . The second layer  74  can include stitching around the second layer and/or on the first layer  78  to hold the first layer in position. 
         [0029]    In this construction, the first layer  78  is supported within an enclosure or pocket formed by the second layer  74  such that the first layer  78  can be removed and replaced as needed. The second layer  74  includes an opening for access to the interior of the enclosure. Also in this construction, the first layer  78  can comprise a single sheet of material and/or a collection of smaller pieces of the material. For example, the first layer  78  can comprise a plurality of smaller pieces of the material (or combinations of the materials) connected together by fastener means, such as glue, heat, and/or tape. Alternatively, the first layer  78  can comprise a plurality of smaller pieces of the material (or combinations of materials) held within the enclosure or pocket to form a dense sheet-like material. 
         [0030]    As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the body  22  of the protective cover  18  also can include a third layer  82  positioned adjacent to the first layer  78 . The third layer  82  can extend along a portion of or a substantial length of the first layer  78  and/or the second layer  74 . The third layer  82  can comprise a material such as a layer of cotton or other suitable padding material. The third layer  82  can be secured to the first layer  78  and/or the second layer  74  by stitching, glue, hook and loop fastener, or other suitable temporary or permanent means. Alternatively, the perimeter of the third layer  82  can be secured to the perimeter of the second layer  74 . In one construction the third layer  82  can have a thickness in the range of about ⅛″ to about five inches. The third layer  82  can have a thickness substantially the same as or different than the thickness of the first layer  78 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 7  illustrates a protective cover  86  according to another construction of the present invention. The protective cover  86  is applied over the cast  10 , and can be applied to an arm cast. The protective cover  86  also can be modified to be applied to other casts applied to the human body. 
         [0032]    The protective cover  86  includes a body  90  having a first end  94  and a second end  98 . The first end  94  is adapted to couple to the second end  98 . The first end  94  includes a sloped surface  102 , and the second end  98  includes a corresponding sloped surface  106  adapted to be coupled to the sloped surface  102  of the first end  94 . The sloped surface  102  and/or the sloped surface  106  can include a fastener, such as hook and loop, adhesive, snaps, or other suitable mechanism to secure the first end  94  to the second end  98 . The first end  94  and the second end  98  can be comprised of the same material or different material than the body  90 . 
         [0033]    The protective cover  86  also includes a recess  110  adapted to receive the cast  10 . The protective cover  86  is wrapped around the cast  10  and the first end  94  and the second end  98  are coupled together at their respective sloped surfaces  102 ,  106 . 
         [0034]    The protective cover  86  also includes a plurality of straps  114  secured to the body  90  adjacent to one of the first end  94  and the second end  98 . The straps  114  can be flexible and can include a fastener  118 , such as the respective portion of a hook and loop fastener, adhesive, snaps, or other suitable mechanism. The protective cover  86  also includes a plurality of targets  122  positioned adjacent to one of the first end  94  and the second end  98  opposite the plurality of straps  114 . The plurality of targets  122  are adapted to receive and secure the straps  114  and to retain the first end  94  adjacent to the second end  98 . The targets  122  can include the respective portion of a hook and loop fastener, adhesive, snaps, or other suitable mechanism to receive and secure the straps  114 . 
         [0035]    One construction of the protective cover  86  can include a plurality of loops or buckles in lieu of or in addition to the plurality of targets  122 . The loops are secured to the body  90  adjacent to one of the first end  94  and the second end  98  and opposite the end  94 ,  98  in which the plurality of straps  114  are located. Each loop is generally aligned with a corresponding strap  114 . In this construction, each strap  114  includes a fastener, such as hook and loop, adhesive, snaps, or other suitable mechanism. For example, one end of the strap  114  includes a first portion of the fastener while a second end of the strap  114  includes a second portion of the fastener, such that the first portion and the second portion are adapted to couple together. Each of the straps  114  is looped through the respective loop and is folded back onto itself to couple together the first end  94  and the second end  98  of the protective cover  86 . 
         [0036]    The protective cover  86  also includes an opening  126  through the body  90  adapted to receive a thumb of the casted limb. The opening  126  can include a stiched border or edging to provide a smooth surface for the user. 
         [0037]    As discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the protective cover  86  also includes a first layer  134  (e.g., inner layer) and a second layer  130  (e.g., outer layer). The first layer  134  and the second layer  130  are substantially similar to the first layer  78  and the second layer  74 , respectively as described above. The protective cover  86  includes an extended portion  138  that extends from the body  90  and is distal from the location of the hand. The extended portion  138  includes the first layer  134  and has a reduced diameter than a diameter of the first layer  78  of the body  90 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , only the first layer  134  extends beyond the body  90  and forms the extended portion  138 . In other constructions, the extended portion  138  may include the second layer  130 . The extended portion  138  also includes a cooperating fastener such as the fasteners described above. The extended portion  138  with cooperating fastener can be secured to the arm above the cast  10  to prevent the protective cover  86  from slipping off of the cast  10 . 
         [0038]    The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.