Abstract:
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.

Description:
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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features, objects and advantages of the invention will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate perspective, front, rear, and side views of the disclosed article in relation to an orthopedic walking boot; 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate perspective, front, rear, and side views of a reversible article in relation to an orthopedic walking boot; 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate perspective, front, rear, and side views of an article in relation to a foot cast; 
         FIG. 3E  is an alternative embodiment of the article of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate perspective, front, rear, and side views of an alternative embodiment of the disclosed article of  FIGS. 3A-3D ; 
         FIG. 4E  is an alternative embodiment of the article of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate side and perspective views of an embodiment of an article in relation to an arm cast; 
         FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate side and perspective views of a reversible embodiment of the article of  FIGS. 5A-5B , respectively; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an implementation of the scent source which may be used with the articles disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In  FIGS. 1A-6B  dashed-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 to  FIGS. 1A-D , an article  15  in accordance with the disclosure is illustrated. Article  15  is 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 boot  5  relative to article  15  is illustrated. In the disclosed embodiment, article  15  comprises a substantially tubular sleeve  10  having a substantially L-shaped profile with a first end  10 A having an opening larger than a second end  1013  thereof. Since walking boots are symmetric in design, sleeve  10  is also symmetric in design and can be used on either the right or left foot. One or both ends  10 A and  10 B may have an elastic band  16  secured about their respective openings to ensure a close fit of sleeve  10  about the walking boot and to prevent sleeve  10  from moving relative to the surface of the walking boot. In  FIGS. 1A-D , the location of elastic member  16  is delineated by the stitching near ends  10  A-B, in addition to the corresponding reference numerals. 
     In one embodiment, sleeve  10  comprises a stretchable fabric that may be breathable, durable and washable to allow air flow through sleeve  10  to 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 article  15  to accommodate a range of boot sizes and commercially available configurations. Alternatively, sleeve  10  may 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. 
     Article  15  further comprises along the backside thereof a closure mechanism  12  which 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 mechanism  12 , article  15  may further comprise one or more attachment mechanisms  14 A-B, which may also be implemented with VELCRO®, and may be located at the rear and sides of the larger open end of sleeve  10  proximate end  10 A. In the contemplated embodiment, either the hook or pile portion of attachment mechanisms  14 A-C may be secured to sleeve  10  by sewing or equivalent attachment techniques, with the complementary portion of the mechanism securable to the boot surface. As manufactured, attachment mechanisms  14 A-C, may come with the hook portion sewn to sleeve  10  while 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. In  FIGS. 1A and 1D , the locations of attachment mechanism  14 B is illustrated by its respective stitching to the inside surface of sleeve  10 . Similarly, in  FIG. 1C , the location of attachment mechanism  14 A is illustrated by its respective stitching to the inside surface of sleeve  10  at the rear of article  15 . 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate perspective, front, rear, and side views, respectively, of a reversible article  25  in relation to orthopedic walking boot  5 . Reversible article  25  is similar in design and function to article  15  in that article  25  also comprises a substantially tubular sleeve  20  having a substantially L-shaped profile with a first end  20 A having an opening larger than a second end  20 B thereof. Sleeve  20  is also symmetric in design and can be used on either the right or left foot. As with sleeve  10  of article  15 , sleeve  20  may 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 ends  20 A and  28 B. One or both ends  20 A and  20 B may have an elastic band  26  secured about their respective openings to ensure a close fit of sleeve  20  about the walking boot  5  and to prevent sleeve  20  from moving relative to the surface of the walking boot. 
     Reversible article  25  further comprises a second sleeve  28  having ends  28 A and  28 B similar to ends  20 A and  20 B of sleeve  20 , respectively. Sleeve  28  maybe substantially similar in size and construction to sleeve  20 . One or both of sleeves  20  and  28  may comprise material similar to sleeve  10  of article  15 . Sleeves  20  and  28  are concentrically arranged and are attached at a plurality of locations, typically proximate their respective ends  20 A-B and  28 A-B. Sleeve  28  is illustrated conceptually in phantom in  FIGS. 2A-2C  relative to sleeve  20 . In the illustrative embodiment, at least one surface of each of sleeves  20  and  28  is 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 sleeves  20  and  28  are different in appearance. In such embodiment, because sleeve  28  and sleeve  20  are concentrically arranged and joined to form a composite sleeve, the graphic indicia printed on sleeve  20  is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a first configuration and the graphic indicia printed on sleeve  28  is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a second configuration. In this manner, given the evertable nature of article  25 , 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, sleeve  20  and  28  may 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 article  25 , may include a zipper or closure mechanism extending along the back there. Article  25  further comprises one or more hook and pile attachment mechanisms  24 A-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 sleeves  20  and  28 . In the contemplated embodiment, either the hook or pile portion of the attachment set may be secured to sleeves  20  and  28 , with the complementary portion securable to the boot surface. As manufactured, attachment mechanisms  24 A-C, may come with the hook portions sewn to each of sleeves  20  and  28  with 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 article  25  may be everted to expose the graphic indicia on either sleeve  20  or  28 , each of sleeves  20  and  28  have attachment mechanisms  24 A-B secured thereto on either side of open ends  20 A and  28 A, respectively, as well as at the rear of the article. To facilitate attachment of the composite sleeve to a boot surface, open ends  20 A and  28 A are not attached to each other in the area proximate the attachment mechanisms  24 A-B of either sleeve. As manufactured, attachment mechanisms  24 A-B, which may be implemented with the hook portion of a hook and pile device, such as VELCRO®, are sewn to the open ends  20 A and  28 A of sleeves  20  and  28 , respectively, while the pile portion  7  is 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 in  FIG. 2D , sleeve  28  which is disposed adjacent the surface of boot  5  may be repositioned away from the sole of boot  5  to allow the hook section of attachment mechanism  24 B on the inner surface of sleeve  20  to be secured to the pile section  7  of walking boot  5 . In this configuration, the graphic indicia of the exterior surface of sleeve  20  is currently exposed on the exterior of article  25 . A similar process may be utilized so that attachment mechanism  24 B of sleeve  28  is attachable to pile  7  of boot  5  to expose the exterior surface of sleeve  28  when sleeve  20  is disposed adjacent the surface of boot  5 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate perspective, front, rear, and side views, respectively, of an article  35  in relation to a foot cast. Article  35  comprises a substantially tubular sleeve  30  having 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. Article  35  surrounds the bottom of the cast and is typically used with non-weight bearing orthopedic devices. Sleeve  30  comprises an open end  30 A having an elastic band  36  secured proximate thereto to facilitate a close fit of sleeve  30  about the cast or leg and to prevent sleeve  30  from moving relative to the surface thereof. Sleeve  30  may comprise material similar to sleeve  10  of article  15  and 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 in  FIG. 3E . The exemplary seams shown in  FIGS. 3A-E , as well as the other figures herein, are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be limiting. Article  35  may further comprise an optional closure mechanism  32 , such as a zipper, similar to closure mechanism  12  of article  15 , for ease of application and to help maintain the article  35  in place during use. 
     Article  35  further comprises a pocket  31  secured to the inside surface of sleeve  30 . and which may be formed of cotton, muslin, or other breathable fabric. In one embodiment, the pocket  31  may 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. Pocket  31  may be used to house a scent source  70  and 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 source  70  may have the implementation described herein. The presence of pocket  31  or scent source  70  does not interfere with the function of the cast or orthopedic device. Alternatively, pocket  31  may be sized or shaped to accommodate another object including, but not limited to those mentioned elsewhere herein. Further, the location target  31  relative to sleeve  30  may 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 article  35  may comprise a sleeve  30  made of water repellent fabric which completely covers the cast, foot and toe.  FIG. 3E  illustrates an alternate embodiments to  FIG. 3A  in which the sleeve  30  includes a single seam extending down the front portion thereof, as illustrated. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate perspective, front, rear, and side views, respectively, of an article  45  in relation to a foot cast. Article  45  comprises a sleeve  40  having an opening  40 A at one end thereof, and an optional closure mechanism  42  which may implemented with a zipper. Article  45  may be similar in design and function to article  35 , except that article  45  further comprises an end  40 A and a flap  40 C 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 end  40 A has an aperture defined by a seam  40 D (illustrated in Phantom in  FIG. 4D ) on the main portion of sleeve  40  and an edge of the flap  40 C. Seam  40 D may have an elastic band  46  secured along a top portion of seam. Flap  40 C may be may be sized and shaped to lie over seam  40 D for an enclosed toe configuration, or, flap  40 C maybe retracted to under the cast, thereby allowing the toes to be exposed through the open end  40 A.  FIG. 4E  illustrates an alternate embodiments to  FIG. 4A  in which the front of sleeve  40  includes a single seam extending down the front portion thereof, as illustrated. In an alternate embodiment to those illustrated in  FIGS. 4D-E , the edges of flap  40 C and  40 D 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-5B  illustrate perspective and side views of an article  55  for use with an arm cast. Article  55  comprises a substantially tubular sleeve  50  that can be used to cover an arm cast or a below the elbow cast of either the right or left arm. Sleeve  50  comprises an open ends  50 A and  50 B each having an elastic band  56  secured proximate thereto to facilitate a close fit of sleeve  50  about the cast or appendage and to prevent sleeve  50  from moving relative to the surface thereof. Sleeve  50  may comprise material similar to sleeve  10  of article  15  and may be formed from single or multiple piece(s) of material which are sewn together. Article  55  further comprises an aperture  57  located proximate one end thereof which may be designed to accommodate insertion of the wearer&#39;s thumb. In one embodiment, aperture  57  may be outlined with a different color thread or other graphic indicia different from that of the remainder of sleeve  50  to readily identify the location of aperture  57 . 
     Article  55  further comprises a pocket  51  sewn to the inside surface of sleeve  50  and which may be formed of cotton, muslin, or other breathable fabric. Pocket  51  may be used to house a scent source  70  and 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 source  70  may have the implementation described herein. The presence of pouch  51  or scent source  70  does not interfere with the function of the cast or orthopedic device. 
     An alternative embodiment of article  55 , may comprise a sleeve  50  made of water repellent fabric which completely covers the cast, forearm and hand except for the fingers from. Optionally, such alternative embodiment of article  55  may further include a closure mechanism  52 , such as a zipper, similar to closure mechanism  12  of article  15 , for ease of application and to help maintain the article  55  in place during use. 
       FIGS. 6A-6B  illustrate perspective and side views of a reversible article  65  with an arm cast. Reversible article  65  is similar in design and function to article  55  in that article  65  also comprises a substantially tubular sleeve  60  having a first end  60 A and a second end  60 B. Sleeve  60  may be used on either the right or left arm. As with sleeve  50  of article  55 , sleeve  60  may be formed from one or more pieces of material. One or both ends  60 A and  60 B may have an elastic band  66  secured about their respective openings to ensure a close fit of sleeve  60  about the cast or appendage and to prevent sleeve  60  from moving relative to the surface thereof. 
     Reversible article  65  further comprises a second sleeve  68  having ends  68 A and  68 B similar to ends  60 A and  60 B of sleeve  60 . Sleeve  68  maybe substantially similar in size and construction to sleeve  60 . One or both of sleeves  60  and  68  may comprise material similar to sleeve  10  of article  15 . Sleeves  60  and  68  are concentrically arranged and may be attached at a plurality of locations, typically proximate ends  60 A and  60 B. Sleeve  68  is illustrated conceptually in phantom in  FIG. 6  and relative to sleeve  60 . In the illustrative embodiment, at least one surface of each of sleeves  60  and  68  is 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 sleeves  60  and  68  are different in appearance. In this embodiment, because second sleeve  68  and first sleeve  60  are concentrically arranged and joined to form a composite sleeve, the graphic indicia printed on the first sleeve  60  is positioned on an exterior surface of the composite sleeve in a first configuration and the graphic indicia printed on the second sleeve  68  is 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, sleeve  60  and  68  may comprise materials having different characteristics, for example one sleeve comprising a water repellent material and the other sleeve having different characteristics. 
     Article  65  further comprises a pocket  61  similar to pocket  51  of article  50  which accommodates scent source  70 . Pocket  61  may disposed in the space intermediate the sleeves  60  and  68  near 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 pocket  61  may 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. Pocket  61  may 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. Article  65  further comprises an aperture  67  located proximate one end thereof which may be designed to accommodate insertion of the wearer&#39;s thumb, and similar to aperture  57  of article  55 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a scent source  70  which may be used with any of articles  15 ,  25 ,  35 ,  45 ,  55 , or  65  having a pocket, illustrated conceptually in phantom, to accommodate the same. In one embodiment, the scent source  70  may comprise a carrier medium such as an absorbent, semi-flexible piece of material, including any of fabric, paper or natural or synthetic resins  02  which 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 source  70  may 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.