Abstract:
A wound dressing garment is provided. The wound dressing garment includes a wearable garment including a portion having a hole configured to receive a wound dressing therein in combination with the wound dressing. The wound dressing includes a border connecting the wound dressing to the wearable garment where the border extends around the perimeter of the hole to locate the wound dressing therein. The wound dressing may include one or more additional layers including a hydrogel layer. A method for treating wound or preventing bed sores using the wound dressing garment is also provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/649,981, filed Oct. 11, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/546,272, filed Oct. 12, 2011, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to a wound dressing incorporated into a garment for covering wounds on human and animal skin or to prevent wounds from developing on human and animal skin. More particularly, the present invention relates to a moisture vapor permeable dressing that is affixed or otherwise attached to a garment to facilitate manipulation of the dressing over the wound area. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Bed sores/pressure ulcers are pressure injuries that are just one type of trauma that can occur to skin. Generally it occurs from constantly lying in one position that prevents blood flow to particular tissue. As a result, the epidermis breaks down and then the dermis sloughs or shears off resulting in a shallow or deep wound. 
         [0006]    Current approaches to treating these pressure injuries include foam based products, socks infused with gel using aloe or lanolin, or Latex products. However, foam based products tend to be bulky and add heat to the wound area inhibiting healing, socks infused with gel are non-therapeutic, and Latex applications have limited breathability. 
         [0007]    In addition, most current wound care treatments include individual dressing pieces that imperfectly cover the wound. In fact, certain wound care treatments require cutting and applying customized dressing pieces which can be time consuming and makes rapid application of the dressing virtually impossible. Further, these cumbersome operations would have to be performed each time the dressing is changed. 
         [0008]    For patients that are bed ridden, or are required to spend extended periods of time in bed, it is often difficult for them to spend the time in a single position whether it is on their side, prone or supine. As a result, there is often a need for constant repositioning of the wound dressing as patients shift about. 
         [0009]    Therefore it is desirable to provide a wound dressing garment that addresses one or more of the problems identified above. As such, there is a need for a conformable wound dressing with high absorbency and an ability to fit different wound sites including the heel, elbow or other protuberances of a body without wrinkling or appearing bulky. In addition, the wound dressing garment should be useable with both bed ridden or ambulatory patients that allows treatment and monitoring of the wound. In addition to protecting and providing healing to wounds on the skin, there is a need to provide a system of preventing ulcers from forming, in particular to prevent the heels and elbows of patients at risk from ulcerating. In some instances it is also desirable to provide a wound dressing garment that allows for monitoring by a healthcare professional or individual. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to principles of this invention and to address one or more of the problems with conventional wound care treatments, a wound dressing garment is provided. The wound dressing garment includes a wearable garment including a portion having a hole configured to receive a wound dressing therein in combination with the wound dressing. The wound dressing includes a border connecting the wound dressing to the wearable garment where the border extends around the perimeter of the hole to locate the wound dressing therein. 
         [0011]    The border may have a central opening and the wound dressing may include a hydrogel layer located at the central opening. 
         [0012]    The wound dressing may include a mesh layer disposed below the hydrogel layer where the mesh layer is configured to allow dispersal of the hydrogel layer. 
         [0013]    The wound dressing may further include an adhesive layer to secure the mesh layer to the hydrogel layer and the border. 
         [0014]    The wound dressing may include at least one transparent layer above the hydrogel layer. The at least one transparent layer may be formed of one of a hypoallergenic film, an oxygen-permeable film and a vapor-permeable film. By way of example, the at least one transparent layer may include a first transparent layer formed of a hypoallergenic film and a second transparent layer formed of an oxygen-permeable, vapor-permeable film. 
         [0015]    The wound dressing may include a structural layer disposed above the hydrogel layer where the structural layer and the adhesive layer prevent dispersion of the hydrogel layer prior to being placed on a body part. 
         [0016]    The wearable garment may be selected from one of a sock and a sleeve. For example, the wearable garment may be a sock configured to be worn on a foot and the wound dressing may be located in one of a heel region, an ankle region, and a leg region of the sock. Alternatively, the wearable garment may be a sleeve configured to be worn on an appendage and the wound dressing is locatable to cover a joint of the appendage. 
         [0017]    In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a wound dressing garment for treatment of wounds to skin or to protect the skin from wound development is provided. The wound dressing garment includes a wearable garment in the form of a sock or sleeve, the wearable garment having a hole configured to receive a wound dressing therein, the wearable garment being configured to hold the wound dressing in contact with the skin. The wound dressing may be configured to cover the skin to treat a wound or to protect the skin from developing a wound at the location of the wound dressing. The wound dressing includes a border connecting the wound dressing to the wearable garment where the border extends around the perimeter of the hole to locate the wound dressing therein. The border has a central opening. The wound dressing includes a hydrogel layer located at the central opening, a mesh layer disposed below the hydrogel layer, the mesh layer configured to allow dispersal of the hydrogel layer, an adhesive layer to secure the mesh layer to the hydrogel layer and the border, a structural layer disposed above the hydrogel layer, the structural layer and adhesive layer preventing dispersion of the hydrogel layer prior to contact with the skin and at least one transparent layer above the hydrogel layer. 
         [0018]    The wearable garment may be provided with at least one of a ventilation channel tab, an evaporation channel and a resealable opening. 
         [0019]    The wearable garment may be in the form of a sock and have an elastic cuff and a non-cinching portion. Alternatively, the wearable garment may be a sleeve having a pair of elastic cuffs. 
         [0020]    The hydrogel layer may include hydrogel in combination with antibiotics or anti-inflammatories to assist in the treatment of a wound. 
         [0021]    In accordance with principles of the present invention, a method of treating a wound on skin or preventing wound formation on skin is provided. The method includes placing a wound dressing garment described above on a foot or appendage and activating the wound dressing to cause dispersal of the hydrogel layer to the skin. 
         [0022]    The method may further include monitoring the wound dressing, which may include observing the skin through the wound dressing. 
         [0023]    Further scope of applicability of the present application will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention and wherein: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of a wound dressing garment according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 1A  illustrates a modification of the wound dressing garment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front perspective view of a wound dressing garment according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 2A  illustrates a modification of the wound dressing garment of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the wound dressing garment of  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a wound dressing garment according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a wound dressing garment according to a fourth exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a schematic sectional view of an exemplary wound dressing affixed or attached to a garment; and 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the exemplary wound dressing of  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    Exemplary wound dressing garments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like numbers referring to similar elements in the various exemplary embodiments will be used in the description that follows and the descriptions may not be repeated. 
         [0033]    A wound dressing garment according to a first exemplary embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The wound dressing garment includes a sock shaped garment  100 , hereinafter “sock”, and a wound dressing  500  affixed or attached thereto. The sock  100  is shaped so as to cover the foot and at least part of the calf of an individual. The sock  100  includes a foot portion  102 , an ankle portion  104  and a leg portion  106 . As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the wound dressing  500  may extend across the ankle portion  104  and the leg portion  106 ; however, it is understood that the wound dressing  500  is not limited to this location. For example, the wound dressing  500  may cover the rim of the heel edge extending to the sole. The wound dressing  500  includes a wound dressing border  502  that connects the wound dressing  500  to the sock  100 . The wound dressing  500  will be discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0034]    The sock  100  may include a non-binding, non-restrictive elastic cuff  108  provided at the top of the leg portion  106 . The cuff  108  serves to prevent the sock from slipping down the leg of the individual. The cuff  108  may be attached to a large gauge mesh weave  110  that defines the upper portion of leg portion  106  and is stretchable to allow a foot to be inserted through the opening of the sock  100  and to contract and collapse against the leg of the individual once the foot is inserted. A smaller gauge mesh weave  112  is connected to the mesh weave  110  and spans the leg portion and the ankle portion. The mesh weave  112  may be in the form of a panel so as to cover the dorsum of the foot and may extend upward to cover a lower portion of the shin bone as it tapers and is joined to the mesh weave  110 . A non-wrinkle or non-cinching portion  114  may be provided in the middle of the mesh weave  112  or it can be provided at one end of the mesh weave  112  opposite the mesh weave  110 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the non-wrinkle portion  114  may have a transition portion that tapers into a mesh weave prior to reaching a toe portion  116 ; however, it is understood that the non-wrinkle portion  114  may extend to the toe portion  116 . The sock  100  ends at the toe portion  116  and the toe portion  116  may be designed to provide a wide or loose fit so as to not feel restrictive on a foot of the individual. To this end, the toe portion  116  may be seamless. Alternatively, the toe portion  116  may be eliminated, thereby providing an open-toe sock  100 ′ arrangement as shown in  FIG. 1A , so as to be less restrictive on the individual&#39;s foot. 
         [0035]    The sock  100  may include a pair of evaporation channels  118  that extend along the sides of the sock from the toe portion  116  of the foot portion  102  towards the ankle portion  104 . In addition, a pair of ventilation channel tabs  120 , one for each side of the foot, may be disposed in the foot portion  102 . The purpose of the evaporation channels  118  and ventilation channel tabs  120  is to allow for the evaporation and/or transportation of moisture. 
         [0036]    A non-skid tread  122  may also be provided on the sole of the sock  100  in the foot portion  102 . In the exemplary embodiment, the tread  122  extends between the ball of the foot and the heel of the foot; however, it is understood that the non-skid tread  122  may be provided at other portions of the sock. The tread  122  may be made of silicon rubber or other suitable materials. 
         [0037]    To use the wound dressing garment, a health care professional or the individual can apply the sock  100  by placing it over the foot and leg. Once in place, the wound dressing garment is arranged so that the wound dressing  500  covers the heel, ankle, leg or portions thereof to cover any wounds, such as cuts, bruises or ulcers or to prevent ulcers from forming in that area. The health care professional or individual can adjust the location of the wound dressing to cover a majority of wounds that could occur in the heel, ankle or leg. 
         [0038]    A second exemplary wound dressing garment similar to the sock  100  of  FIG. 1  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . This sock shaped garment  200 , hereinafter “sock” mostly differs from the sock  100  in that the sock  200  is a shorter length sock, often referred to as an ankle length sock, and the possible locations of the wound dressing  500 . Based on the size of the sock  200 , the wound dressing  500  is more generally localized around the heel and/or ankle of the individual and may cover the heel rim extending under the foot to the sole. 
         [0039]    The sock  200  includes a foot portion  202  and an ankle portion  204 . As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the wound dressing  500  may be located in the ankle portion  204 ; however, it is understood that the wound dressing  500  is not limited to this location. The wound dressing  500  includes a wound dressing border  502  that connects the wound dressing  500  to the sock  200 . The wound dressing  500  will be discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0040]    The sock  200  may include a non-binding, non-restrictive elastic cuff  208  provided at the top of the ankle portion  204 . The cuff  208  may be attached to a large gauge mesh weave  210  that defines the upper portion of ankle portion  204  and is stretchable to allow a foot to be inserted through the opening of the sock  200  and to contract and collapse against the ankle of the individual once the foot is inserted. A smaller gauge mesh weave  212  is connected to the mesh weave  210  and spans the remaining ankle portion. The mesh weave  212  may be in the form of a panel so as to cover the dorsum of the foot and may extend upward as it tapers and is joined to the mesh weave  210 . A non-wrinkle or non-cinching portion  214  may be provided in the middle of the mesh weave  212  or it can be provided at one end of the mesh weave  212  opposite the mesh weave  210 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the non-wrinkle portion  214  is located in a central region of the mesh weave  212  and the mesh weave  212  extends to a toe portion  216 ; however, it is understood that the non-wrinkle portion  214  may extend to the toe portion  216 . The sock  200  ends at the toe portion  216  and the toe portion  216  may be designed to provide a wide or loose fit so as to not feel restrictive on a foot of the individual. To this end, the toe portion  216  may be seamless. Alternatively, the toe portion  216  may be eliminated, thereby providing an open-toe sock  200 ′ arrangement as shown in  FIG. 2A , so as to be less restrictive on the individual&#39;s foot. 
         [0041]    The sock  200  may include a pair of evaporation channels  218  that extend along the sides of the sock from the toe portion  216  of the foot portion  202  towards the ankle portion  204 . In addition, a pair of ventilation channel tabs  220 , one for each side of the foot, may be disposed in the foot portion  202 . The purpose of the evaporation channels  218  and ventilation channel tabs  220  is to allow for the evaporation and/or transportation of moisture. 
         [0042]    A non-skid tread  222  may also be provided on the sole of the sock  200  in the foot portion  202 . In the exemplary embodiment, the tread  222  extends between the ball of the foot and the heel of the foot; however, it is understood that the non-skid tread  222  may be provided at other portions of the sock. The tread  222  may be made of silicon rubber or other suitable materials. 
         [0043]    A third exemplary wound dressing garment similar to the sock  200  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . This sock shaped garment  300 , hereinafter “sock” differs from the sock  200  in that the sock  300  is provided with a re-sealable opening  330 . The purpose of the re-sealable opening is to allow positioning of the sock  300  on the individual without requiring that the sock be slid up the individual&#39;s foot. The re-sealable opening  330  may be in the shape of a V and can be closed using conventional means (not shown), such as, for example, VELCRO type tape or hook and loop fasteners, provided on opposing edges of the V shape opening. Other features of the sock  300  are similar to those described above regarding sock  200  and are not repeated here. 
         [0044]    Having described wound dressing garments that are in the form of sock shaped garments, it should be understood that the wound dressing garment is not limited to sock shape garments. A fourth exemplary wound dressing garment is illustrated in  FIG. 5  as used on an appendage, in this case an arm. It is understood that this wound dressing garment could be used on the leg as well. The wound dressing garment includes a sleeve shaped garment  400 , hereinafter “sleeve,” and a wound dressing  500 . The wound dressing  500  will be discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0045]    Sleeve  400  includes a pair of non-binding, non-restrictive elastic cuffs  408  provided at opposite ends thereof. The cuffs  408  allow for the sleeve  400  to be easily positioned on an appendage to cover a joint, such as a knee or elbow, and to hold the sleeve  400  in place on the appendage. The sleeve  400  can include a wide band of non-binding, stretchable mesh material  410  that is connected to both cuffs  408 . The mesh material  410  may be large gauge mesh that is easily stretchable to allow for the insertion of the appendage and to conform to the contour of the joint. In the case of an elbow, the mesh material  410  would be arranged in the crook of the arm. Preferably, the mesh material  410  would be selected so as not to overly wrinkle or bunch-up when the appendage is moved. As above, the wound dressing  500  may be affixed or attached to the sleeve  400  by a border  502 . 
         [0046]    The sleeve  400  may include a pair of evaporation channels  418  that extend along the length of the sleeve  400 . In addition, a pair of ventilation channel tabs  420  are provided, one located on each side of the joint, which in this exemplary embodiment is the elbow. The purpose of the evaporation channels  418  and ventilation channel tabs  420  is to allow for the evaporation and/or transportation of moisture. 
         [0047]    Similar to sock  300 , the sleeve  400  may have a re-sealable closing strip (not shown). The purpose of the re-sealable closing strip is to allow positioning of the sleeve  400  on the individual without requiring that the sock be slid up the individual&#39;s appendage. The re-sealable closing strip may be any conventional means, such as, for example, VELCRO type tape or hook and loop fasteners, provided on opposing edges of the re-sealable closing strip. 
         [0048]    To use the wound dressing garment, a health care professional or the individual can apply the sleeve  400  by sliding it in place over an appendage. Once in place, the wound dressing garment is arranged so that the wound dressing  500  may cover a knee, leg, elbow or arm to cover and/or treat any wounds, such as cuts, bruises, burns or ulcers or to prevent ulcers from forming in that area. The health care professional or individual can adjust the location of the wound dressing to cover a majority of wounds that could occur in these locations. 
         [0049]    Having described the various wound dressing garments, the wound dressing will be described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the wound dressing  500  may include a wound dressing border  502  that is connected to a sock  100 ,  100 ′,  200 ,  200 ′ or  300  or sleeve  400 , a blister pack mesh layer  504 , an adhesive layer  506 , a hydrogel layer  508 , a structural layer  510 , a first transparent layer  512 , a second transparent layer  514  and an outermost layer  516 . The layers of wound dressing  500  may be arranged to provide a transparent portal to allow observation of the wound or potential wound area. It is understood that one or more of these layers may be excluded depending on the desired application of the wound dressing  500 . The wound dressing  500  may have a bell shaped contour to cover an ankle or heel or may be a thin flexible panel to follow the contour of the body part where it is positioned. 
         [0050]    The wound dressing border  502  surrounds the remaining layers of the wound dressing  500  and provides two functions. It secures the wound dressing  500  to the garment and provides structural integrity to the wound dressing  500 . The border  502  is affixed or attached to the sock or sleeve via cold pressing, aqua sealing or other suitable manufacturing processes. For example, one method for affixing or attaching the border  502  to the sock or sleeve would involve providing a cut out portion in the sock or sleeve and sealing or adhering the cut out fringes of the sock or sleeve material between two spaced edges of the wound dressing border  502  so as to sandwich the cut out fringes between portions of the wound dressing border  502 . In this manner, the wound dressing  500  may be reliably secured to the sock or sleeve. 
         [0051]    The mesh layer  504  may be a sterile, perforated or semi-perforated layer that contacts the skin surrounding the wound area or potential wound area as well as extending over the area itself. For example, region  504   a  may be disposed around the wound area while region  504   b  covers the wound area. As shown, the mesh layer  504  does not need to extend all the way to the border  502  as it may be secured to the border  502  via the adhesive layer  506 , although it is understood that different sized blister pack mesh layers could be provided. The mesh layer may be made of a material that is dissolvable or otherwise absorbable by the hydrogel in the hydrogel layer  508  once the hydrogel is dispersed. 
         [0052]    The adhesive layer  506  is located between the mesh layer  504  and the hydrogel layer  508  and, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, may also be placeable into contact with the skin as it extends to the end of the border  502  to help hold the wound dressing  500  in place. The adhesive layer should be thin enough to allow the hydrogel layer to be activated through the mesh layer  504 . The adhesive layer can be formed from any suitable adhesive and may also be a slightly tackier hydrogel composition than the hydrogel layer  508 . 
         [0053]    The hydrogel layer  508  is located above the adhesive layer and may be any suitable hydrogel or hydrogel in combination with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and/or other medicinal aides. The appropriate amounts can be selected to provide desired results know to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, as non-limiting examples, several different hydrogels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,244 to Quarfoot et al. and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2009/0148394 to Muno, which are incorporated herein by reference. An additional adhesive layer (not shown) may be provided between the hydrogel layer  508  and the mesh layer  504  that may attach the dispersed hydrogel to the skin once it has been exuded through the mesh layer. 
         [0054]    The structural layer  510  is arranged above the hydrogel layer  508  and may be any suitable film material. The structural layer  510  may be stretchable so as to allow for expansion of the hydrogel layer if it absorbs wound exudate and to be flexible to allow the wound dressing  500  to follow the contours of region where the wound dressing  500  is placed on the body. Depending on the properties of the hydrogel layer and the structural layer  510  a bond may be provided by an intervening layer (not shown). 
         [0055]    The first and second transparent layers  512  and  514  are provided to prevent the other layers from being easily separate from the border  502 . The first and second layers may be selected from different materials to provide different properties. For example, the first transparent layer  512  may provide protection from outside bacteria and other contaminants. For example, it may be a hypoallergenic, non-adhesive flexible plastic film that allows vapor and gases to escape through the material in one direction but blocks contaminants and moisture from passing in the opposite direction. 
         [0056]    The second transparent layer  514  may be the outermost layer from the skin and may be in the form of a thin, oxygen- and vapor-permeable film. The second transparent layer  514 , in combination with the other layers may define a viewing portal such that the wound or potential wound area can be observed during treatment. 
         [0057]    Outermost layer  516  may be optionally provided as a reinforcing layer to the transparent layers  512  and  514 . In addition, outermost layer  516  may be selected from different materials from those of the transparent layers  512  and  514  depending on which additional properties are desired. 
         [0058]    Once the wound dressing  500  has been assembled and attached to the garment, the wound dressing garment can be sealed in a sterile container or bag until it is to be used. At that point, the healthcare professional or individual simply removes the wound dressing garment and places it in position on the foot of the individual or appendage of the individual. Pressure can then be applied to the wound dressing  500  to activate it, which causes the hydrogel layer  508  to seep through or dissolve the mesh layer  504 . After which, the wound dressing  500  can be monitored by the healthcare profession or individual. 
         [0059]    The wound dressing garment assists in carrying out the treatment of wounds, ulcers or burns by providing a stable positioning of the hydrogel layer of the wound dressing. This position is assisted by the combination of the wound dressing with a lightweight garment, which may be a sock or sleeve. The wound dressing garment assists in application or positioning of the wound dressing, while diminishing or avoiding displacement of the dressing and may be expanded for use in treatment of other parts of the body. In certain circumstances, the patient can attend to his medication through the wound dressing directly without assistance from a healthcare professional. The placement and stability created through the securing of the wound dressings enables the advanced dressings to remain in place longer, aid in prevention of infection and promote healing. 
         [0060]    The wound dressing garment provides advantages over other convention approaches in that the wound dressing garment can be provided as a unitary structure, which includes an adhesive border of the wound dressing for securing the wound dressing to the wound area, adding ease of application. The wound dressing garment also has the ability to contain exudates while providing vapor permeability. Additionally, the transparent wound dressing provides a hydrogel wound bed layer for resting the wound locus and thus reducing constant need for repositioning, while at the same time, providing a moist, cool climate for healing that can be easily monitored for effective treatment. 
         [0061]    When the wound dressing garment is used to treat wounds, as opposed to protecting the skin from the generation of wounds, it can reduce one or more undesirable aspects of a wound. For example, in the context of a chronic skin lesion, the wound dressing garment can help in the reduction of pain associated with the wound, pain associated with the changing of the dressing, exudation, smell, irritation and/or hyperkeratosis. 
         [0062]    The invention thus being described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.