Article for use with orthopedic immobilization apparatus

A wearable article, which covers any number of different orthopedic immobilization devices for appendages of either the upper or lower extremities, includes a tubular sleeve of material printed with graphic indicia, including any of a decorative pattern, logo, text, graphic or advertisement, etc. In various disclosed embodiments, the article maybe any of reversible, water repellent, rapidly securable, selectively accessible or capable of storing either a source of scent or other all the object therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed article relates to apparel, and, in particular, to a cover for use with orthopedic immobilization devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous apparatus or devices are currently used by orthopedic specialists and medical personnel to immobilize injured limbs, including devices such as soft casts, hard casts, walking boots, etc. The primary function of such devices is to immobilize the injury to accelerate the healing process. Such devices must be worn for a period of time which can span from several days to several months, depending on the severity of the injury. Unfortunately, the physical appearance of such devices is often utilitarian and unattractive. The appearance of such devices can have a negative psychological impact on the patient during healing process, particularly if the device must be worn for an extended period of time, further exacerbating any negative feelings towards the injury.

Accordingly, need exists for a cover which may be placed around an orthopedic immobilization device which improves the aesthetic appearance of the device.

A further need exists for a cover which may be placed around an orthopedic immobilization which improves the psychological well-being of the injured party toward the device and/or the injury.

Yet another need exists for a cover which may be placed around an orthopedic immobilization which enables the wearer to express their style or tastes or endorsement of a brand or entity.

In addition, the above problems such immobilization devices, depending on their composition and structure, are usually susceptible to exposure from the elements, most notably rain, snow, etc. This is particularly true for immobilization devices worn on the lower extremities, particularly during seasons with frequent inclement weather.

Accordingly, still a further need exists for a cover which may be placed around an orthopedic immobilization device which protects the underlying device from the elements and which may be easily secured and removed, as necessary.

A further concern associated with long-term use of an orthopedic immobilization device is keeping the device and the immobilized limb fresh smelling.

Accordingly, yet a further need exists for cover which may be placed around an orthopedic immobilization device which contains a pocket or other feature for storing a fragrance source or other item.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-described deficiencies are fulfilled by the article disclosed herein which contemplates a wearable article which covers any number of different orthopedic immobilization devices for appendages of both the upper and lower extremities. The sleeve may be printed with a decorative pattern, logo, graphic, text, advertisement, etc. and, in some embodiments, as will be explained hereinafter, maybe any of reversible, water repellent, rapidly securable, selectively accessible or capable of storing either a source of scent or other object. The disclosed article transforms the bland, institutional look of an orthopedic device into a fashion statement- or a business necessity. Another benefit of the disclosed article is that the cover thereof solves the problem of the hook and loop boot straps, as well as the rougher extremity of the cast, from catching on clothes, blankets or any other materials that are prone to snagging.

According to the first aspect of the disclosure, an article of apparel for covering an orthopedic immobilization device comprises a first sleeve of material defining exterior surface and interior surfaces and extending between first and second ends thereof; a first elastic member secured about one of the first and second ends of the first sleeve; and graphic indicia printed on one of the exterior surface and interior surfaces of the first sleeve. In one embodiment, the first sleeve is substantially tubular, with an L-shaped profile, one of the first sleeve ends defusing an opening larger than the other of the first sleeve ends. In such embodiment, the end with the larger opening is provided with an attachment mechanism which may be implemented with either of the hook and pile portion of an attachment set at multiple locations, with the complementary half of the hook and pile attachment set being securable to the orthopedic immobilization device. In an embodiment useful for covering a foot cast, one end of the sleeve may optionally have a pocket attached thereto and extending outwardly therefrom for use in covering the toes. Such pocket may be secured with an attachment mechanism.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, one or both ends of the first sleeve have an elastic members secured thereto. In addition, a hole may be present at the one end of the sleeve to allow for insertion of a digit, typically the thumb. In other embodiments, the sleeve may include a pocket for retention of the scent source or other objects.

According to a third aspect of the disclosure, an article of apparel for covering an orthopedic immobilization device comprises first and second sleeves of material defining respective exterior surface and interior surfaces and extending between first and second respective ends thereof; an elastic member may be secured about one of the first and second ends of the first and second sleeves; and graphic indicia printed on one of the exterior surface and interior surfaces of the first and second sleeves. In this embodiment, the second sleeve and first sleeve are concentrically arranged and joined to form a composite sleeve, such that the graphic indicia printed on the first sleeve is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a first configuration and the graphic indicia printed on the second sleeve is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a second configuration.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, an article for covering an orthopedic immobilization device, the article comprises: first and second sleeves of material, each sleeve defining exterior and interior surfaces thereof and extending between first and second ends thereof; first elastic members secured about one of the first and second ends of each of the first and second sleeves; graphic indicia printed on one of the exterior surface and interior surfaces of each of the first and second sleeves; the first and second sleeves being concentrically arranged and joined to form a composite sleeve having a evertable interior and exterior surfaces, wherein the graphic indicia printed on the first sleeve is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a first configuration and the graphic indicia printed on the second sleeve is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a second configuration.

According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure, an article for covering an orthopedic immobilization device comprises: a sleeve of material defining exterior surface and interior surfaces and extending between first and second ends thereof; a first elastic member secured about one of the first and second ends of the sleeve; an aperture extending through the sleeve proximate one of first and second ends thereof and sized to allow a digit to extend therethrough when the article is disposed about an appendage; graphic indicia printed on one of the exterior surface and interior surfaces of the first sleeve; and a pocket attached to the interior surface of the first sleeve.

According to a sixth aspect of the disclosure, an article for covering an orthopedic immobilization device comprises: a sleeve of material defining exterior surface and interior surfaces and having a substantially boot-shaped profile and a first open end and a second end; a first elastic member secured about the first end of the sleeve; graphic indicia printed on the exterior surface of the sleeve; and a pocket attached to the interior surface of the first sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

InFIGS. 1A-6Bdashed-lines are used to illustrate exemplary stitching patterns except where noted as specifically illustrating a phantom or invisible portion of an article. Such seems or stitching patterns are exemplary only and are not meant to be limiting as to their location, form, etc.

Referring toFIGS. 1A-D, an article15in accordance with the disclosure is illustrated. Article15is intended to cover a walking boot orthopedic device such as any of the Equalizer Walker, Equalizer Air Walker, and the Equalizer Pre-Inflated Air Walker all commercially available from Ossur Americas Aliso Viejo, Calif., or the DONJOY walker boots commercially available from DJO, LLC Vista, Calif., or any of the FP, XP or SP walking brace products commercially available from Aircast, Inc. Austin, Tex. In the figures, the sole of the walking boot5relative to article15is illustrated. In the disclosed embodiment, article15comprises a substantially tubular sleeve10having a substantially L-shaped profile with a first end10A having an opening larger than a second end1013thereof. Since walking boots are symmetric in design, sleeve10is also symmetric in design and can be used on either the right or left foot. One or both ends10A and10B may have an elastic band16secured about their respective openings to ensure a close fit of sleeve10about the walking boot and to prevent sleeve10from moving relative to the surface of the walking boot. InFIGS. 1A-D, the location of elastic member16is delineated by the stitching near ends10A-B, in addition to the corresponding reference numerals.

In one embodiment, sleeve10comprises a stretchable fabric that may be breathable, durable and washable to allow air flow through sleeve10to keep the immobilized limb or appendage comfortable. Such stretchable fabric may comprise Spandex and/or other combinations of material, including any of LYCRA®, polyester and/or rayon and enables the article15to accommodate a range of boot sizes and commercially available configurations. Alternatively, sleeve10may be made from a breathable, washable water repellant material, such as rip stop, or other suitable equivalent materials such as a material impregnated with natural or synthetic rubber. Such a water repellent sleeve keeps the boot, foam liner or cast dry during inclement weather to prevent hours of discomfort from dampness or cold.

Article15further comprises along the backside thereof a closure mechanism12which may be implemented with a zipper, or equivalent mechanisms such as snaps, hooks, or a hook and pile attachment mechanism such as VELCRO®. In addition to closure mechanism12, article15may further comprise one or more attachment mechanisms14A-B, which may also be implemented with VELCRO®, and may be located at the rear and sides of the larger open end of sleeve10proximate end10A. In the contemplated embodiment, either the hook or pile portion of attachment mechanisms14A-C may be secured to sleeve10by sewing or equivalent attachment techniques, with the complementary portion of the mechanism securable to the boot surface. As manufactured, attachment mechanisms14A-C, may come with the hook portion sewn to sleeve10while the loop or pile section is removably secured thereto with an accessible cover which may be peeled off to expose adhesive for rapid securing to the boot surface. InFIGS. 1A and 1D, the locations of attachment mechanism14B is illustrated by its respective stitching to the inside surface of sleeve10. Similarly, inFIG. 1C, the location of attachment mechanism14A is illustrated by its respective stitching to the inside surface of sleeve10at the rear of article15.

FIGS. 2A-2Dillustrate perspective, front, rear, and side views, respectively, of a reversible article25in relation to orthopedic walking boot5. Reversible article25is similar in design and function to article15in that article25also comprises a substantially tubular sleeve20having a substantially L-shaped profile with a first end20A having an opening larger than a second end20B thereof. Sleeve20is also symmetric in design and can be used on either the right or left foot. As with sleeve10of article15, sleeve20may be formed from two pieces of material having substantially similar shapes which are sewn together along their profile images, except those edges forming either of open ends20A and28B. One or both ends20A and20B may have an elastic band26secured about their respective openings to ensure a close fit of sleeve20about the walking boot5and to prevent sleeve20from moving relative to the surface of the walking boot.

Reversible article25further comprises a second sleeve28having ends28A and28B similar to ends20A and20B of sleeve20, respectively. Sleeve28maybe substantially similar in size and construction to sleeve20. One or both of sleeves20and28may comprise material similar to sleeve10of article15. Sleeves20and28are concentrically arranged and are attached at a plurality of locations, typically proximate their respective ends20A-B and28A-B. Sleeve28is illustrated conceptually in phantom inFIGS. 2A-2Crelative to sleeve20. In the illustrative embodiment, at least one surface of each of sleeves20and28is printed with graphic indicia which may comprise any of a color, pattern, logo, text, or advertisement, etc., or any combination thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the printed graphic indicia of sleeves20and28are different in appearance. In such embodiment, because sleeve28and sleeve20are concentrically arranged and joined to form a composite sleeve, the graphic indicia printed on sleeve20is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a first configuration and the graphic indicia printed on sleeve28is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a second configuration. In this manner, given the evertable nature of article25, the wearer may choose which of the graphic indicia is to be displayed or exposed as the covering for the orthopedic immobilization device. In an alternative embodiment, sleeve20and28may comprise materials having different characteristics, for example one sleeve comprising a water repellent material and the other sleeve comprising a less water repellent material.

Although not shown in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, reversible article25, may include a zipper or closure mechanism extending along the back there. Article25further comprises one or more hook and pile attachment mechanisms24A-B, which may also be implemented with VELCRO®, and may be located at the rear and sides of the larger open ends of each of sleeves20and28. In the contemplated embodiment, either the hook or pile portion of the attachment set may be secured to sleeves20and28, with the complementary portion securable to the boot surface. As manufactured, attachment mechanisms24A-C, may come with the hook portions sewn to each of sleeves20and28with a loop or pile portion removably secured thereto and having a cover which may be peeled off to expose the adhesive for rapid securing to the boot surface.

Since reversible article25may be everted to expose the graphic indicia on either sleeve20or28, each of sleeves20and28have attachment mechanisms24A-B secured thereto on either side of open ends20A and28A, respectively, as well as at the rear of the article. To facilitate attachment of the composite sleeve to a boot surface, open ends20A and28A are not attached to each other in the area proximate the attachment mechanisms24A-B of either sleeve. As manufactured, attachment mechanisms24A-B, which may be implemented with the hook portion of a hook and pile device, such as VELCRO®, are sewn to the open ends20A and28A of sleeves20and28, respectively, while the pile portion7is securable to the boot surface by the wearer. In this manner, the potential for the hook portion to snag floor coverings, clothing or other materials is reduced since it is not present on the surface of the boot. As illustrated inFIG. 2D, sleeve28which is disposed adjacent the surface of boot5may be repositioned away from the sole of boot5to allow the hook section of attachment mechanism24B on the inner surface of sleeve20to be secured to the pile section7of walking boot5. In this configuration, the graphic indicia of the exterior surface of sleeve20is currently exposed on the exterior of article25. A similar process may be utilized so that attachment mechanism24B of sleeve28is attachable to pile7of boot5to expose the exterior surface of sleeve28when sleeve20is disposed adjacent the surface of boot5.

FIGS. 3A-3Dillustrate perspective, front, rear, and side views, respectively, of an article35in relation to a foot cast. Article35comprises a substantially tubular sleeve30having a substantially boot-shaped profile with a symmetric design that can be used to cover a leg cast or a below the knee cast of either the right or left foot. Article35surrounds the bottom of the cast and is typically used with non-weight bearing orthopedic devices. Sleeve30comprises an open end30A having an elastic band36secured proximate thereto to facilitate a close fit of sleeve30about the cast or leg and to prevent sleeve30from moving relative to the surface thereof. Sleeve30may comprise material similar to sleeve10of article15and may be formed from multiple pieces of material which are sewn together, or, alternatively, from a single piece of material stitch into the sleeve configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 3E. The exemplary seams shown inFIGS. 3A-E, as well as the other figures herein, are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting. Article35may further comprise an optional closure mechanism32, such as a zipper, similar to closure mechanism12of article15, for ease of application and to help maintain the article35in place during use.

Article35further comprises a pocket31secured to the inside surface of sleeve30. and which may be formed of cotton, muslin, or other breathable fabric. In one embodiment, the pocket31may be closable using any currently known mechanism as would be understood by those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, VELCRO®, snaps, buttons, clips, etc. Pocket31may be used to house a scent source70and allows for the release of a scent to mask the inevitable pungent odor of the cast, which is one of the most common complaints of patients. Scent source70may have the implementation described herein. The presence of pocket31or scent source70does not interfere with the function of the cast or orthopedic device. Alternatively, pocket31may be sized or shaped to accommodate another object including, but not limited to those mentioned elsewhere herein. Further, the location target31relative to sleeve30may also be chosen as a matter of design choice to accommodate not only the size and shape of the object intended to be stored therein, but also the frequency of access thereto and whether the pocket is open or is closable with a closure mechanism.

An alternative embodiment of article35may comprise a sleeve30made of water repellent fabric which completely covers the cast, foot and toe.FIG. 3Eillustrates an alternate embodiments toFIG. 3Ain which the sleeve30includes a single seam extending down the front portion thereof, as illustrated.

FIGS. 4A-4Dillustrate perspective, front, rear, and side views, respectively, of an article45in relation to a foot cast. Article45comprises a sleeve40having an opening40A at one end thereof, and an optional closure mechanism42which may implemented with a zipper. Article45may be similar in design and function to article35, except that article45further comprises an end40A and a flap40C which may be selectively positioned to enable the user to have their toes covered or exposed, depending on their preference and/or external temperatures. Openable end40A has an aperture defined by a seam40D (illustrated in Phantom inFIG. 4D) on the main portion of sleeve40and an edge of the flap40C. Seam40D may have an elastic band46secured along a top portion of seam. Flap40C may be may be sized and shaped to lie over seam40D for an enclosed toe configuration, or, flap40C maybe retracted to under the cast, thereby allowing the toes to be exposed through the open end40A.FIG. 4Eillustrates an alternate embodiments toFIG. 4Ain which the front of sleeve40includes a single seam extending down the front portion thereof, as illustrated. In an alternate embodiment to those illustrated inFIGS. 4D-E, the edges of flap40C and40D defining the aperture may include an attachment mechanism such as those described herein, including VELCRO®, to prevent the aperture from opening, for example, during inclement weather.

FIGS. 5A-5Billustrate perspective and side views of an article55for use with an arm cast. Article55comprises a substantially tubular sleeve50that can be used to cover an arm cast or a below the elbow cast of either the right or left arm. Sleeve50comprises an open ends50A and50B each having an elastic band56secured proximate thereto to facilitate a close fit of sleeve50about the cast or appendage and to prevent sleeve50from moving relative to the surface thereof. Sleeve50may comprise material similar to sleeve10of article15and may be formed from single or multiple piece(s) of material which are sewn together. Article55further comprises an aperture57located proximate one end thereof which may be designed to accommodate insertion of the wearer's thumb. In one embodiment, aperture57may be outlined with a different color thread or other graphic indicia different from that of the remainder of sleeve50to readily identify the location of aperture57.

Article55further comprises a pocket51sewn to the inside surface of sleeve50and which may be formed of cotton, muslin, or other breathable fabric. Pocket51may be used to house a scent source70and allows for the release of a scent to mask the inevitable pungent odor of the cast, which is one of the most common complaints of patients. Scent source70may have the implementation described herein. The presence of pouch51or scent source70does not interfere with the function of the cast or orthopedic device.

An alternative embodiment of article55, may comprise a sleeve50made of water repellent fabric which completely covers the cast, forearm and hand except for the fingers from. Optionally, such alternative embodiment of article55may further include a closure mechanism52, such as a zipper, similar to closure mechanism12of article15, for ease of application and to help maintain the article55in place during use.

FIGS. 6A-6Billustrate perspective and side views of a reversible article65with an arm cast. Reversible article65is similar in design and function to article55in that article65also comprises a substantially tubular sleeve60having a first end60A and a second end60B. Sleeve60may be used on either the right or left arm. As with sleeve50of article55, sleeve60may be formed from one or more pieces of material. One or both ends60A and60B may have an elastic band66secured about their respective openings to ensure a close fit of sleeve60about the cast or appendage and to prevent sleeve60from moving relative to the surface thereof.

Reversible article65further comprises a second sleeve68having ends68A and68B similar to ends60A and60B of sleeve60. Sleeve68maybe substantially similar in size and construction to sleeve60. One or both of sleeves60and68may comprise material similar to sleeve10of article15. Sleeves60and68are concentrically arranged and may be attached at a plurality of locations, typically proximate ends60A and60B. Sleeve68is illustrated conceptually in phantom inFIG. 6and relative to sleeve60. In the illustrative embodiment, at least one surface of each of sleeves60and68is printed with graphic indicia which may comprise any of a color, pattern, logo, text, etc., or any combination thereof. In the illustrative embodiment, the printed graphic indicia of sleeves60and68are different in appearance. In this embodiment, because second sleeve68and first sleeve60are concentrically arranged and joined to form a composite sleeve, the graphic indicia printed on the first sleeve60is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a first configuration and the graphic indicia printed on the second sleeve68is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a second configuration. In this manner, the wearer may choose which of the graphic indicia is to be displayed or exposed as the covering for the orthopedic immobilization device. In an alternative embodiment, sleeve60and68may comprise materials having different characteristics, for example one sleeve comprising a water repellent material and the other sleeve having different characteristics.

Article65further comprises a pocket61similar to pocket51of article50which accommodates scent source70. Pocket61may disposed in the space intermediate the sleeves60and68near one end thereof and may be sewn or attached to at least one of the sleeves in a manner that allows access to the pocket interior. In one embodiment, the pocket61may be closable using any currently known mechanism as would be understood by those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, VELCRO®, snaps, buttons, clips, etc. Pocket61may be further sized and shaped to accommodate other objects such as a personal music playing device, cell phone, billfold, identification badge, credit card, etc. or other objects whose presence will not interfere with the purpose of the cast or other orthopedic device. Article65further comprises an aperture67located proximate one end thereof which may be designed to accommodate insertion of the wearer's thumb, and similar to aperture57of article55.

FIG. 7illustrates a scent source70which may be used with any of articles15,25,35,45,55, or65having a pocket, illustrated conceptually in phantom, to accommodate the same. In one embodiment, the scent source70may comprise a carrier medium such as an absorbent, semi-flexible piece of material, including any of fabric, paper or natural or synthetic resins02which either a solid or liquid scent, such as a scent oil, has been impregnated in a manner which allows for gradual release of the scent therefrom. In other embodiments scent source may comprise a pouch, sachet or satchel of beads, crystals or other materials, including waxes or gels, from which the scent may emanate. In yet another, embodiment, the source70may include a small ampule of scented liquid which may be selectively released.

Note that although some of the embodiments disclosed in the figures described articles made of water repellent fabric, it is contemplated herein that entire article itself may be made of materials and with tolerances that effectively make it waterproof.

The present invention is illustratively described above in reference to the disclosed embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.