Abstract:
A sleeve-glove attachment assembly for hazardous environments such as surgical or laboratory environments, as well as applications where there is a desire to maintain a fluid impervious seal such as water or snow activities, is provided to form a fluid impervious seal between a fabric sleeve, woven or nonwoven, and an elastic glove. The sleeve glove attachment assembly comprising an elastic flap, cylindrical in shape, having a distal end and proximal end is attached near the center of the flap to the sleeve at mid-forearm with the distal end extending over the sleeve cuff and proximal end extending over the sleeve toward the elbow. At least one of the proximal and distal ends comprising a raised geometric bead and frictional ridges on the outer surface eliminates bunching and channel formation between the glove cuff and sleeve. The glove cuff is placed over the geometric bead and frictional ridges of the distal end of the flap. Then the proximal end of the flap is folded over the distal end of the flap and overlying glove to create a continuous seal against fluids and particles. A method of making the device, method of donning the assembly, and method of removal of the assembly are also provided.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims benefit to co-pending U.S. Provisional application No. 60/286,270 originally filed on Apr. 25, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    In accordance with the invention a sleeve-glove attachment assembly is provided for protective garments used in hazardous environments such as surgical hospital settings and testing laboratories as well as garments desiring a waterproof seal at the sleeve-glove interface such as underwater diving suits, motorcycle gear, and snow skiing apparel. Also, the invention may be used at orifices of garments other than the wrist including the neck and ankles. However an immediate need is obvious in the surgical operating room setting, so reference to this application will be explained in detail.  
           [0003]    This invention relates to the liquid barrier properties of surgical operating room personal protective equipment (PPE). The barrier properties are vital to the healthcare worker because of bloodborne infectious diseases and deadly viruses such as Hepatitis C and HIV. Conditions like Hepatitis C do not currently have vaccines and post-operation prophylaxis, often resulting in fatal consequences. The safety of the patient undergoing surgery may also become threatened if the liquid barrier garments of the caregiver are not sealed, especially at the fingers, hands, and wrists. Presently, surgical gowns and surgical gloves exist that provide safe liquid barriers as independent devices. However, the surgical glove-gown sleeve interface is the weakest link of all PPE because the glove and gown do not form a complete uniform seal.  
           [0004]    In developing a solution to the glove-gown sleeve interface problem, one must understand the procedures of the operating room, constraints of the surgeons, and how PPE is donned.  
           [0005]    PPE must not interfere with procedures performed by surgeons and their assistants. PPE should provide: maximum view of the surgeon&#39;s hands, maximum ventilation, non-limited sizing, fast time to don and remove, acceptable hoop stress/pressure at hands and wrists, and prevent penetration of infectious fluids such as blood, urine, and other bodily fluids.  
           [0006]    The surgeon and assistant nurses typically wear a reusable woven fabric or disposable nonwoven fabric gown. The sleeve of the surgical gown is baggy to allow free movement of the user&#39;s arms. The end of the sleeve, the stockinet, is typically manufactured with an absorbent material that performs two functions. First, the stockinet provides a comfortable layer that contacts the skin. Secondly, the stockinet is worn around the base of the hand tightly under the glove to provide a means of stabilizing the gown and glove interface during surgery. The surgical gloves are made of elastic synthetic or natural rubber latex. Other PPE includes face shields, masks, goggles, and shoe covers.  
           [0007]    After scrubbing, the surgeon dons the surgical gown. The hands remain inside the gown sleeve while an assistant opens the glove cuff opening. The surgeon then pushes his or her hand into the glove, then immediately pushing the hand through the stockinet and into the fingers of the glove. The assistant nurse would then pull the cuff of the surgical glove proximally toward the forearm over the baggy gown sleeve material.  
           [0008]    The constriction of the glove cuff compresses the gown sleeve against the user&#39;s forearm creating channels that allow blood to pass through. These channels make the glove-gown sleeve interface the weakest link in surgical PPE.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The present invention provides a sleeve-glove attachment assembly, which forms a liquid impervious seal between a fabric sleeve, woven or nonwoven, and elastic glove. The sleeve-glove attachment assembly, cylindrical in shape, described herein as a flap or tube having a distal end and proximal end is attached near the center of the flap to the sleeve at mid-forearm with the distal end extending over the sleeve cuff and proximal end extending over the sleeve close to the elbow. At least one of the proximal and distal ends comprising a raised geometric bead and frictional ridges on the outer surface eliminating bunching and channel formation between the glove cuff and sleeve. The glove cuff is placed over the geometric bead and frictional ridges of the distal end of the flap. Then the proximal end of the flap is folded over the distal end of the flap and overlying glove to create a continuous seal against fluids and particles. The interface may comprise one geometric bead, a bead and at least one frictional ridge, multiple geometric beads, multiple geometric beads and multiple frictional ridges. The ridges and beads may be strategically placed on one or both of the distal and proximal ends of the flap to create a single continuous seal or an interlocking mesh of beads and ridges. A method of making the invention, method of donning, and method of removal of the assembly is also provided.  
           [0010]    An object of the invention is to provide a liquid impervious seal to prevent fluids or particles from passing through the interface of a glove and sleeve interface by creating a smooth and continuous seal wherein no sleeve or glove channels allow fluids to pass through the interface.  
           [0011]    A further object of the invention is to minimize time during donning of a sleeve and glove, provide comfort, breathability, and dexterity to the wearer of the glove and sleeve.  
           [0012]    A further object of the invention is to provide a method of making a device of the present invention.  
           [0013]    A further object of the invention is to provide a method of donning the present invention to prevent fluids or particles from passing through the interface of a glove and sleeve interface.  
           [0014]    A further object of the invention is to provide a method of removing a sleeve-glove assembly of the present invention to prevent fluids or particles from reaching the skin of the user during removal.  
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES  
       [0015]    The present invention and its advantages may be understood by reference to the detailed description section when read with the accompanying drawings briefly described below.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 shows a person wearing a baggy sleeve currently used with one embodiment of the invention, or flap attached to the sleeve. The elastic flap is pulled back over the forearm during donning. A glove is also shown to the side.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 shows the assembly of FIG. 1 wherein the glove has been donned.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 3 shows the assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the flap has been folded over the glove cuff.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4 is a three dimensional CAD drawing of the flap of FIGS.  1 - 3  viewed from the end attached to the sleeve.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 is a three dimensional CAD drawing of the flap of FIGS.  1 - 3  viewed from the distal end covering the cuff of the glove.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6 shows the profile of the flap of FIGS.  1 - 3 .  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 7 shows a person wearing a baggy sleeve with an elastic fabric cuff.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of a flap attached to a baggy sleeve. A glove is shown to the side. The elastic flap is adhered to the sleeve at a point near the center of the flap.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 9 shows a glove donned over the distal end of the flap of FIG. 8.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 10 shows the proximal end of the flap pulled over the glove cuff creating the fluid impervious seal.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of FIG. 10.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 12 is the cross section  12 - 12  of FIG. 11 viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve showing how the sleeve, flap, and glove interface.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 13 is the cross section  13 - 13  of the donned assembly of FIG. 12 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the arm.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 14 is the cross section  14 - 14  of the donned assembly of FIG. 12 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the arm including the geometrical bead on the outer surface of the distal end of the flap.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 15 is a profile view of the flap of FIGS.  8 - 14  utilizing one adhesion point in the center, a geometric bead consisting of a combination of a triangle and rectangle, and ridges to increase friction.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 16 is an angle view of the elastic flap shown in FIG. 15.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 17 is another embodiment of the invention wherein a geometric bead may be placed over the flap or used alone with only a sleeve and glove.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 18 shows possible profiles for the geometric bead of all embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0034]    FIGS.  1 - 6  show a first embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a sleeve ( 6 ) has an elastic pullover flap ( 2 ) attached to the sleeve by at least one circumferential location. The flap may be attached by any known method in the art such as heat bonding, sewing, adhesives, or combination thereof. The user dons the garment that includes the elastic pullover flap ( 2 ) in the pulled back position as shown in FIG. 1. The adhesion point of the pullover flap ( 5 ) is shown. Typically the sleeve cuff, commonly known as the stockinet ( 7 ) is donned at the base of the hand ( 8 ). The glove ( 9 ) is shown to the side of the hand ( 8 ). A geometric bead ( 1 ) is positioned near the end of the pullover flap ( 2 ) to increase the impervious properties of the seal when the flap is folded over the glove cuff ( 10 ). Preferably the geometric bead comprises an elastic material. The bead preferably has a circular, triangular, square, rectangular, or polygonal profile, and a height greater then 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 9,or 1 cm, up to and including 1 cm, 1.3 cm, 1.5 cm, 1.7 cm, 1.9 cm, or 2 cm.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 2 shows a second step of the first embodiment wherein the glove ( 9 ) is donned over the stockinet ( 7 ). After donning, the glove cuff ( 10 ) end is located proximal to the stockinet ( 7 ) visible in FIG. 1. The pullover elastic flap ( 2 ) is then folded about the attachment point ( 5 ) of the flap ( 2 ), as shown in FIG. 3, to completely cover the glove cuff ( 10 ) shown in FIG. 2. The resulting assembly is an innermost sleeve layer ( 6 ), glove cuff ( 10 ) surrounding the sleeve layer ( 6 ), and outermost elastic flap ( 2 ).  
         [0036]    [0036]FIGS. 4 and 5 show three-dimensional views of the elastic pullover flap ( 2 ) of FIGS.  1 - 3 . Herein, proximal end refers to the proximal end of the flap before any folding steps. FIG. 4 shows the opening of the proximal end of the elastic flap ( 4 ). The circumference of the proximal end of the pullover elastic flap ( 4 ) is larger than the distal end of the pullover elastic flap ( 3 ) because the proximal end must be adhered to the sleeve when fully expanded. The larger circumference prevents creation of pores that may allow fluids or particles to pass through. Therefore the circumference of the proximal end should be large enough such that unnecessary expansion is not required when attaching the flap to the sleeve. The circumference of the distal end of the pullover elastic flap ( 3 ) is smaller to more closely match the circumference of the user&#39;s wrist. Preferably the distal end circumference is smaller or substantially equal to the wrist circumference so that the distal end expands to create a continuous seal void of channels or bunching of the interface materials. However, depending on the amount of excess sleeve material that would accumulate under the interface of the invention, it may be desirable to select a circumference larger than the wrist of the user to prevent unnecessary expansion of the flap.  
         [0037]    The profile of the flap ( 2 ) is shown in FIG. 6. The central portion of the flap may taper in a curved (shown) or straight manner. FIG. 5 shows the rectangular geometric bead ( 1 ) placed on the inside surface of the distal end of the elastic pullover flap ( 2 ).  
         [0038]    [0038]FIGS. 7 through 10 show donning steps of a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 shows a person with an unmodified sleeve ( 6 ) pulled over the arm and terminating at the base of the hand ( 8 ).  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 8 shows a similar sleeve ( 6 ) having the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) attached to the sleeve by at least one attachment location. Preferably one attachment point is located near the middle of the longitudinal length of the flap ( 15 ). A second attachment point may be located near the stockinet ( 7 ) to prevent the distal end of the flap from moving out of position. Any suitable means of attachment as described with the first embodiment may be used. The elastic folding flap includes a geometrical bead ( 11 ) on the outer surface near the distal end of the flap. The profile shape of the geometrical bead in FIGS. 8 through 11 is a semicircle, although other profiles of the bead may be used as is shown in FIG. 18. A glove ( 9 ) is shown in FIG. 8 to represent the extent at which the glove cuff ( 10 ) reaches when donned over the elastic folding flap ( 12 ). Notice that the glove cuff ( 10 ) will be donned just beyond the geometric bead on the distal end of the elastic folding flap ( 12 ).  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 9 shows the glove ( 9 ) donned over the elastic folding flap ( 12 ). The geometric bead ( 11 ) on the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) expands the circumference of the donned glove cuff ( 10 ) so that the glove cuff ( 10 ) smoothly conforms to the shape of the geometric bead. The smooth conformation and contracting force of the glove cuff ( 10 ) creates a tight, continuous, and uniform seal. During this step the proximal end ( 14 ) of the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) remains in the pulled back position. The final step requires the proximal end ( 14 ) of the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) to be folded over the glove cuff ( 10 ) about the attachment point ( 15 ) located near the middle of the flap.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 10 shows the proximal end ( 14 ) of the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) folded over the glove cuff ( 10 ), which is now hidden from view. The adhesion point ( 15 ) is now the most proximally located section of the elastic folding flap ( 12 ). Notice that the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) conforms smoothly over the glove cuff and geometric bead ( 11 ) eliminating bunching and channel formation of material at the interface. Because the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) is elastic, it constricts on the glove cuff ( 10 ) and geometric bead ( 11 ) to further increase the pressure of the fluid impervious seal. When using geometric beads  23  or  24  of FIG. 18, the seal and pressure is confined to a circumferential line or circle.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 12 is the cross section view of FIG. 11. Only one side of the cross section is shown. It is to be understood that the opposite side would be the exact mirror image of FIG. 12. The arm of the user would reside to the right of the shown cross section in FIG. 12, and the assumed mirror image of FIG. 12 would be shown to the right of the arm of the user.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 12 shows the interface of the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) in conjunction with the glove cuff ( 10 ) and sleeve ( 6 ). Also shown is one of the preferred adhesion locations ( 15 ) between the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) and sleeve material ( 6 ). Adhesion may be accomplished by heat bonding, sewing, adhesives, or combination thereof that would not damage the integrity of either material and provide a liquid impervious seal. The cross sectional profile of the flap in FIG. 12 shows that the elastic folding flap forms a V-shape when folded and the glove cuff ( 10 ) resides in the middle of this V-shaped flap. Although the elastic folding flap is one part, it will now be described as the outer layer ( 18 ) and inner layer ( 17 ) for clarity. FIG. 12 also shows a different style of geometrical bead ( 27 ) from the semicircular geometrical bead ( 11 ) shown in FIGS. 8 through 11. The geometrical bead ( 27 ) of FIG. 12 has a profile that comprises a semicircle resting on a rectangle, wherein the rectangle corners have a radius of curvature to remove any sharp angled edges. It should be noted that proper selection of the shape of the geometrical bead to match chosen materials is a crucial aspect of the seal. The shape is selected to allow the greatest fluid impervious seal, while preventing possible damage to the outer elastic layer ( 18 ) and glove cuff ( 10 ). Also shown in FIG. 12 is the addition of multiple rectangle beads, or ridges ( 16 ), that encircle the circumference of the inner surface of the outer layer ( 18 ) of the elastic folding flap ( 12 ). Preferably the selected elastic materials are durable enough to resist tearing so that bead profiles  23  or  24  may be used. However, the other profiles shown in FIGS. 12 and 18 have been shown to be satisfactory as well.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIGS. 13 and 14 show cross sections looking down the longitudinal axis of the sleeve ( 6 ) as shown in FIG. 12. The adhesion point is not shown in these cross section views and the thickness of each layer is only for generalized graphical representation. It should be noted that varying thickness of any of the layers ( 6 ,  17 ,  27 ,  10 , and  18 ) to increase stiffness or modify other properties of sections of the interface would not depart from the spirit of the invention. The central openings of FIGS. 13 and 14 represent the wrist of the user ( 28 ). FIG. 14 is the cross section located at the geometrical bead ( 27 ) on the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) of FIG. 12. Therefore the added thickness of FIG. 14 versus FIG. 13 is the geometric bead ( 27 ) on the inner layer ( 17 ) of the elastic folding flap.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 15 shows the profile of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.  8 - 12  before the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) is attached to the sleeve. The attachment point ( 15 ) is located near the center where the circumference is the greatest. This circumference may vary depending the circumference of the sleeve, which the flap is to be used with. This circumference should range between from 10 cm to 60 cm. FIG. 16 shows FIG. 15 at an angle so that it is clear that the elastic flap is a thin hollow shell or tube. The circumference of the distal end (bottom of FIG. 15) and proximal end (top of FIG. 15) is selected similarly as described with the first embodiment. The ridges ( 16 ) are shown most clearly in FIGS. 15 and 16. The profile of each ridge ( 16 ) could be composed of numerous shapes as shown in FIG. 18 to increase friction between the layers resulting in reduced opportunity for the assembly to separate during use. The height of the ridge is preferably at least 1 mm up to and including 1 cm; including 1 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 9 mm, 1 cm. When the proximal end of the elastic folding flap ( 14 ) is folded over the glove cuff and distal end of the elastic folding flap ( 13 ), the ridges serve to grip on the glove cuff to prevent the sleeve from sliding out of the glove. This is more clearly shown in FIG. 12. The geometric bead ( 23 ) of FIGS. 15 and 16 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 17 and in the profile view ( 23 ) of FIG. 18.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 17 shows that the geometric bead ( 23 ) could serve as a separate component to the elastic folding flap ( 12 ) or elastic pullover flap ( 2 ) rather than being formed integral with the folding flap or pullover flap. In addition, it is contemplated that the geometric bead of FIG. 17 may be used alone with a sleeve and glove to create an impervious seal. In this embodiment the geometric bead may be considered a band that can be attached or detached from the sleeve depending on the characteristics of the sleeve. However, as with all embodiments of the invention, a uniformly continuous seal must be present between the bead and sleeve, bead and glove, flap and sleeve, or flap and glove to prevent fluids and particles from passing through the interface.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 18 shows cross sectional profiles of the possible geometric bead shapes for all embodiments described above. The shapes comprise a rectangle ( 20 ), square ( 21 ), circle ( 22 ), rectangle-triangle combination ( 23 ), triangle ( 24 ), circle-rectangle combination ( 25 ), and a semicircle ( 26 ). The preferred profile is the triangle-rectangle combination ( 23 ) shown in FIGS. 15 through 17. Depending on durability of the flap and glove materials it may be desirable to reduce sharp angled edges by providing curvature to each edge.  
         [0048]    The components of the invention described above may be made by processes known in the art such as extruding, molding dipping, or combinations thereof.  
         [0049]    The components of the invention described above may comprise any known materials exhibiting elastic and impermeable properties such as polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, natural and synthetic elastomers such as latex, or a combination thereof. The fluid impermeability characteristics of the flap and bead should be equal to or greater than the glove and gown. Furthermore, the materials may comprise coatings or impregnation of drugs to kill bacteria or microorganisms on contact.  
         [0050]    Throughout this specification the word ‘comprise,’ or variations such as ‘comprises’ or ‘comprising,’ will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.  
         [0051]    It will be understood that the descriptor “a” is meant to include plural referents unless the context specifically requires otherwise. Thus, in the practice of this invention, providing a sleeve allows for the provision of two arm sleeves and potentially two leg sleeves.  
         [0052]    While preferred embodiments have been shown, it will be understood that the invention is capable of numerous modifications, rearrangements, and substitution of parts without departing from the uniqueness of this invention as set forth in the claims section of this application. Although described in detail for hazardous environment applications such as surgery, this invention may be used with other garments to be used for various applications such as skiing, rain gear, motorcycle apparel, general laboratory garments, and underwater diving garments.