Patent Publication Number: US-2016219951-A1

Title: Recovery garment

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many women everyday undergo medical procedures that require differing amounts of recovery time. Examples of medical procedures that women may undergo include, for example, child birth, mastectomy, reconstruction, breast augmentation or reduction, and other medical procedures that require, in certain circumstances significant recovery time, Depending on the type of medical procedure that is performed the recovery may include different types of post-operative treatment. Examples of post-operative treatment may include the application of heat or cold to a localized region of the body, injection of fluids into the body, drainage of fluids from the body, the requirement for additional support for certain bodily appendages, aesthetic augmentations, and other various post-operative treatments. 
     Most garments are designed to be worn for a singular purpose, to cover a region of the body or to provide a certain amount of support for a certain region or appendage of the body. As such, singular focus garments are designed for one use and may not be effective in promoting comfort or providing for the needs of women in post-medical procedures. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention, a recovery garment including an outer garment layer having a first attachment point. The recovery garment further including an inner garment layer having a second attachment point configured to engage the first attachment point, and a support system. The inner garment layer is configured to be disposed inside the outer garment layer. 
     According to another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention, an interchangeable recovery garment. The interchangeable recovery garment includes an outer garment layer having a first attachment point. The interchangeable recovery garment also includes an inner garment layer having a second attachment point configured to engage the first attachment point, a support system, and a closure mechanism. The inner garment layer is configured to be disposed inside the outer garment layer and the interchangeable recovery garment has at least one of a medical device system disposed on at least one of the outer garment layer and the inner garment layer. 
     According to another aspect of one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method of changing a recovery garment. The method includes disposing an inner garment layer on a body and disposing an outer garment layer on the body over the inner garment layer. The method further includes securing the inner garment layer to the outer garment layer and detaching the outer garment layer from the inner garment layer. The method also includes replacing at least one of the outer garment layer and the inner garment layer with a secondary layer and securing the secondary layer to at least one of the inner garment layer and the outer garment layer. 
     Other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a front view of a garment according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows a front view of a garment according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of a garment having a closure mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a front view of a garment having a closure mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows a close-perspective view of a garment having a closure mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  shows a front view of a garment having attachment points according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a front view of a garment having attachment points according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a back view of a garment having attachment points according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a front view of an inner garment having at least one front opening portion according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows a front view of an inner garment having a pocket according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows a front view of an outer garment having a pocket according to embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a front view of an outer garment having a pocket according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     One or more embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. For consistency, like elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals. In the following detailed description of the present invention, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. In other instances, well-known features to one of ordinary skill in the art are not described to avoid obscuring the description of the present invention. 
     As explained briefly above, post-medical procedures and post-operative treatment for certain conditions may require varying amount of time and varying types of treatment, depending on the type of procedure that is performed. For example, certain procedures may require additional support for one or more appendages of a body, while in other situations fluid may be have to injected to drained from the body, or heat or cold may be required to ease pain or for other medical purposes. 
     As most garments, including conventional recovery garments, are only designed for a singular purpose, such garments may not be capable of providing for the needs of individuals in post-medical situations. Embodiments of the present invention may provide modular and interchangeable garments that allow for treatment and/or maintenance of an individual&#39;s needs in a post-medical procedure situation. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a front view of a recovery garment according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the recovery garment  100  includes an outer garment layer  105 . As shown, the outer garment layer  105  may be a robe, however, in other embodiments, the outer garment layer  105  may include pajama-style garments, shorts, pants, shirts, sweaters, or any other type of outer garment layer  105  known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In this embodiment, the outer garment layer  105  includes an outer closure device  110 . The outer closure device  110  may include, for example, belts, snaps, buttons, elastic, or other types of closure devices  110  that may be used to close or otherwise secure outer garment layer  105 . As shown in this embodiment, outer closure device  110  may be sewn directly into outer garment layer  105 . However, in other embodiments, outer closure device  110  may be fed through loops in the outer garment layer  105 , and/or may be an independent piece not directly connected to outer garment layer  105 . 
     Outer garment layer  105  may be configured to cover the outer portion of a person&#39;s body and as such, may be of varying lengths. Additionally, outer garment layer  105  may be manufactured from various materials including, for example, cotton and other natural materials, polyester and other synthetic materials, as well as composites thereof. 
     In certain embodiments, outer garment layer  105  may include various attributes that may be useful for convenience or in treatment. For example, in certain embodiments, outer garment layer  105  may include various pockets that may be used to store personal objects. However, in certain embodiments, outer garment layer  105  may include one or more outer pockets (not illustrated) with passages therethrough that allow for medical treatment devices to be stored therein. Medical treatment devices may include, for example, fluid drainage bags or fluid injection bags, which are configured to receive or provide fluids from the body, while storing the fluids in the outer garment layer  105  for ease of monitoring or changing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  a front view of a recovery garment according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, recovery garment  100  includes an outer garment layer  105 . As explained above, outer garment layer  105  is designed to fit over a desired portion of an individual&#39;s body. Recovery garment  100  further includes an outer closure device  110 . 
     In this embodiment, outer closure device  110  is a piece of string cloth that is fed through a retaining portion  115  sewn into outer garment layer  105 . In addition to outer closure device  110 , outer garment layer  105  may further include a secondary outer closure device  120 . In this embodiment secondary outer closure device  120  is a set of buttons. However, in other embodiments, secondary outer closure device  120  may be a second cloth string, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or any other type of mechanical fastening device as may be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a front view of a garment having a closure mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, bother an outer garment layer  105  and an inner garment layer  125  of recovery garment is illustrated. In this embodiment, inner garment layer  125  includes a closure mechanism  130 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that closure mechanism  130  may include various types of mechanical closure mechanisms that may be used to selectively open and close inner garment layer  120 . As illustrated inner garment layer  125  includes a latch-type closure mechanism  130 . Thus, a male latch portion  135  may be connected or disconnected to a female latch portion  140 , thereby allowing the inner garment layer  125  to be opened or closed. 
     Referring briefly to  FIG. 4 , a front view of a garment having a different type of closure mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, recovery garment  100  includes an outer garment layer  105  and an inner garment layer  125 . The outer garment layer  105  includes an outer closure device  110  and a secondary outer closure device  120 . Outer closure device is a cloth string that is tied around outer garment layer  105 , while secondary outer closure device  120  is a button, used to secure the two sides of outer garment layer  105 . 
     Inner garment layer  125  includes a closure mechanism  130  disposed in the front of inner garment layer  125 . In this embodiment, closure mechanism  130  is a hook and loop style fastener. Examples of hook and loop style fasteners include, for example Velcro®, registered to Velcro Industries B.V. LLC, and commercially available therefrom. While the closure mechanism  130  is disposed on the front of inner garment layer  125 , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, closure mechanism  130  may be disposed on the back or one or more sides of inner garment layer  125 . In still other embodiments, inner garment layer  125  may not have a. closure mechanism  130 , and as such, may be of a pull-over design. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a close-perspective view of a view of a garment having a closure mechanism according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, recovery garment  100  is shown having an outer garment layer  105  and an inner garment layer  125 . Inner garment layer  12 . 5  is illustrated in an open position, in which a first side of closure mechanism  130  is disconnected from a second side of closure mechanism  130 . In this embodiment, closure mechanism  130  is a hook and loop style fastener. Closure mechanisms  130  such as those described herein may be beneficial in making inner garment layer  125  relatively easy to remove, thereby easing the task of putting on and/or taking off inner garment layer  125 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a front view of a garment having attachment points according to embodiments of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, recovery garment  100  includes an outer garment layer  105  and an inner garment layer  125 . Outer garment layer  105  is connected to inner garment layer  125  through multiple attachment points  145  and  150 . First attachment point  145  is disposed on outer garment layer  105  and is configured to engage second attachment point  150 , which is disposed on inner garment layer  125 . 
     In this embodiment, first attachment point  145  includes a cloth loop  155  that is configured to wrap around second attachment point  150  of inner garment layer  125 . With first attachment point  145  wrapped around second attachment point  150 , first attachment point  145  may be secured to outer garment layer  105  through use of, for example, a snap or button (not independently shown). In other embodiments, rather than use cloth loop  155 , first attachment point  145  may be a first snap portion (not shown) and second attachment point  150  may be a second snap portion (not shown). In such an embodiment, the first snap portion and second snap portion may be configured to engage and hold inner garment layer  125  within outer garment layer  105 . 
     In still other embodiments, first attachment point  145  may be an aperture (not shown) and second attachment point  150  may be a button (not shown) or other mechanical attachment portion that is configured to engage first attachment point  145 . In such an embodiment, second attachment point  150  may be inserted into first attachment point  145 , thereby releasably securing inner garment layer  125  within outer garment layer  105 . 
     In still other embodiments, second attachment point  150  may be an aperture (not shown) and first attachment point  145  may be a button (not shown) or other mechanical attachment portion that is configured to engage second attachment point  150 . In such an embodiment, first attachment point  145  may be inserted into second attachment point  150 , thereby releasably securing inner garment layer  125  within outer garment layer  105 . 
     In another embodiment, first attachment point  145  may include a cloth tie that is secured to outer garment layer  105 , such as by sewing first attachment point  145  directly onto outer garment layer  105 . In this embodiment, first attachment point  145  may be tied to or around second attachment point  150 . Second attachment point  150  may be a location on inner garment layer  125  or may be a physical structure attached directly or indirectly to inner garment layer  125 . For example, in one embodiment, second attachment point  150  may be a loop (not shown), through which first attachment point  145  may be threaded. In either embodiment, first attachment point  145  may engage second attachment point  150 , thereby securing inner garment layer  125  within outer garment layer  105 . 
     in another embodiment, first attachment point  145  may include a first clasp portion (not shown), such as a male portion, that is configured to engage second attachment point  150 . In such an embodiment, second attachment point  150  may include a second clasp portion (not shown), such as a female potion, there thereby releasably secures first attachment point  145  and second attachment point  150 . In such an embodiment, engaging first attachment point  145  and second attachment point  150  secures inner garment layer  125  within outer garment layer  105 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a front view of a garment having attachment points according to embodiments of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, recovery garment  100  includes an outer garment layer  105  and an inner garment layer  125 . Outer garment layer  105  is connected to inner garment layer  125  through multiple attachment points  145  and  150 . First attachment point  145  is disposed on outer garment layer  105  and is configured to engage second attachment point  150 , which is disposed on inner garment layer  125 . 
     in this embodiment, second attachment point  150  includes a hook-type fastener having a clamp end  157 . Clamp end  157  is configured to engage first attachment point  145 , thereby connecting inner garment layer  125  to outer garment layer  105 . In an alternate embodiment, first attachment point  145  may include a hook-type fastener having a clamp end (not shown). In such an embodiment, the clamp end (not shown) of first attachment point  145  is configured to engagement second attachment point  150  of inner garment layer  125 . 
     in the embodiments discussed with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first and second attachment points  145  and  150  of outer garment layer  105  and inner garment layer  125 , respectively, are illustrated disposed on the sides of the respective garment layers  105  and  125 . However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, attachment points  145  and  150  may be disposed at various other locations on outer garment layer  105  and inner garment layer  125 . For example, in certain embodiments, attachment points  145  and  150  may be located on the front or the back of outer garment layer and inner garment layer  125 . In still other embodiments, outer garment layer  105  and inner garment layer  125  may have multiple attachment points  145  and  150  located on the sides, front, and/or back of the respective garment layers  105  and  125 . Multiple attachments point  145  and  150  may thereby further secure inner garment layer  125  within outer garment layer  105 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a back view of a garment having attachment points according to embodiments of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, recovery garment  100  includes an outer garment layer  105  and an inner garment layer  125 . Outer garment layer  105  is connected to inner garment layer  125  through multiple attachment points  145  and  150 . First attachment point  145  is disposed on outer garment layer  105  and is configured to engage second attachment point  150 , which is disposed on inner garment layer  125 . 
     As discussed briefly above, attachment points  145  and  150  may be located in various locations on outer garment layer  105  and inner garment layer  125 , respectively. In this embodiment, attachment points  145  and  150  are located on the back of outer garment layer  105  and inner garment layer  125 , respectively. As illustrated, first attachment point  145  includes a cloth loop-style fastener that is configured to wrap around a particular location, i.e., second attachment point  150 , on inner garment layer  125 . First attachment point  145  may then be secured in place through use of a snap, clasp, button, or other mechanical attachment located on either outer garment layer  105  or inner garment layer  125 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , a front view of an inner garment having at least one front opening portion according to embodiments of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, recovery garment  100  includes an outer garment layer  105  and an inner garment layer  125 . Inner garment layer  125  further includes a front opening portion  160  that is configured to be adjusted between an open and a closed position. 
     Front opening portion  160  may he releasably secured to a base portion  165  of inner garment layer  125  through various types of mechanical attachment mechanisms. Examples of mechanical attachment mechanisms that may he used include, for example, buttons, snaps, clasps, ties, or any other type of mechanical attachment mechanism that may be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the present embodiment, front opening portion  160  includes a hook and loop style attachment mechanism  170 , such as those discussed above. 
     Front opening portion  160  may be desirable in inner garment layer  125  in a variety of circumstances. For example, front opening portion  160  may be used post-childbirth to enable ease of breast feeding. In still other embodiments, front opening portion  160  may be desirable in post-operative situations to allow ease of access when applying medical treatment, such as cold or heat-based treatment, application of medication, examination, or other post-operative requirements. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a front view of an inner garment having a pocket according to embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, recovery garment  100  includes an outer garment layer  105  and an inner garment layer  125 . Additionally, inner garment layer  105  includes a pocket  165 . Pocket  165  may be located on a front portion of inner garment layer  105 , as illustrated or, in other embodiments, pocket  165  may be located at various other locations on inner garment layer  105 , such as, on the side or back. Furthermore, depending on the requirements of the recovery garment  100 , more than one pocket  165  may be disposed on inner garment layer  125 . 
     in certain embodiments, the front of both sides of inner garment layer  125  may include pockets  165 . Thus, in such an embodiment, inner garment layer  125  may include two pockets  165 . In still other embodiments, inner garment layer  125  may have more than two pockets  165 . For example, inner garment layer  125  may have front pockets  165 , side pockets (not shown) and/or back pockets  165 . 
     in this embodiment, pocket  165  includes an open space in inner garment layer  125 , thereby allowing one or more devices to be inserted therein. As illustrated, a medical device  170 , such as a cold compress, may be inserted into pocket  165 , thereby providing ease in treatment. In still other embodiments, other types of medical device  170  may be inserted into pocket  165 . Examples, of other medical devices may include heat generating packets, fluid reservoirs, prosthetics, and other types of devices as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In certain embodiments, pocket  165  may be adjustable between an open and a. 
     closed position. For example, in certain embodiments pocket  165  may include one or more mechanical closure devices, thereby allowing medical devices  170  to be secured within pocket  165 . Examples of mechanical closure devices may include, for example, snap, button, hook and loop, clasp, tie down, or any other types of mechanical closure devices discussed above or known to those of ordinary skill in the art. By allowing pocket  165  to be closed, the medical devices  170  may he more easily retained therein or otherwise secured in place during treatment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a front view of an outer garment having a pocket according to embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, recovery garment  100  includes an outer garment layer  105  and an inner garment layer  125 . Outer garment layer  105  further includes at least one pocket  175 . As illustrated, pocket  175  is located on an internal side  180  of outer garment layer  105 . While recovery garment  100  is shown with one pocket  175 , those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, outer garment layer  105  may include two, three, four, or more pockets  175 . Additionally, pockets  175  may he disposed in various location on outer garment layer  105  such, as for example, on the inner front, inner side, inner back, or on the outside of outer garment layer  105 . 
     As illustrated, pocket  175  may be configured to receive one or more medical devices  185 . In this embodiment, medical device  185  includes a fluid drainage reservoir. However, in other embodiments, pocket  175  may be configured to receive various other types of medical devices  185  such as, for example, heat and cold compresses, medical applicators, prosthetics, and other types of medical devices  185  as would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In certain embodiments, pocket  175  may be releasably secured to outer garment layer  105 , While in other embodiments, pocket  175  may be sewn directly into outer garment layer  105 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , as well as  FIG. 11 , a front view of an outer garment having a pocket according to embodiments of the present invention.  FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment wherein pocket  175  is releasably secured to outer garment layer  105 . In such an embodiment, pocket  175  may be mechanically secured to outer garment layer  105  through various mechanical attachments, such as, tie downs, clasps, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and/or any other type of mechanical attachments discussed above or known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In embodiments where pocket  175  is releasably secured, a user of recovery garment  100  may choose to add pockets  175  when treatment is required, and then remove pockets  175  when the treatment is over. The removability of pocket  175  may further allow for ease of cleaning pocket  175  and also allow for greater customization of treatments when using recovery garment  100 . 
     Inner garment layer  125  includes a support system  185 . Depending on the type of inner garment layer  125 , the support system  185  may var. For example, in one embodiment, support system may include a rigid portion (not independently shown) disposed inside the inner garment layer  125 . In such an embodiment, the rigid portion may be configured to support at least one appendage. In other embodiments, support system  185  may include a non-rigid support. In such an embodiment the material that inner garment layer  125  is manufactured from may provide the required support without rigid materials being added thereto. 
     in addition to the apparatuses described in detail below, methods of changing aspects of recovery garments are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, an inner garment layer may be disposed on an individual&#39;s body. Depending on the type of closure mechanism on the inner garment layer, the inner garment layer may be pulled onto the individual&#39;s body, or may be placed into an open position, put on, and then put into a closed position. 
     After the inner garment layer is disposed on an individual&#39;s body, an outer garment layer may be disposed on the individual&#39;s body, over the inner garment layer. The inner garment layer may then be secured to the outer garment layer. The inner and outer garment layers may be secured in various ways, including any of the mechanical attachment mechanisms discussed above. In other embodiments, the inner and outer garment layers may be secured prior to either of the layers being disposed on the individual&#39;s body. In such an embodiment, after the inner and outer layers are secured, the steps of disposing the inner and outer garment layers on the body occurs substantially contemporaneously. 
     The individual may now wear the unified recovery garment as desired. During the wearing of the garment one or more medical devices may be used to apply a treatment to the individual. During the treatment, the medical device may be disposed in one or more medical device support systems. Medical device support systems may include any of the features described above that are capable of receiving a medical device. Examples of medical device support systems include, for example, pockets on the inner garment layer and pockets on the outer garment layer. 
     At certain points, the individual may wish to change the structure of the recovery garment. in such a situation, the outer garment layer may be detached from the inner garment layer. After separating the outer and inner layers, one of the outer garment layer and the inner garment layer may be replaced with a secondary layer. A secondary layer may include a replacement inner garment layer or outer garment layer. Examples of secondary layers may include, for example, robes, bras, shirts, pants, and/or other types of specialized garments or general use garments that may be worn by the individual. After the garment layer is replaced with the secondary layer, the secondary layer may be secured to at least one of the inner garment layer and the outer garment layer, depending on which garment layer was replaced. 
     In one embodiment, the secondary layer is a replacement inner garment layer. The inner garment layer may then be interchanged with a second inner garment layer. In this embodiment, the second inner garment layer may include a third attachment point (not individually shown) that is configured to engage the first attachment point on the outer garment layer. In other embodiments, the secondary layer may be a replacement outer garment layer, in which case, the third attachment point on the replacement outer garment layer may be used to attach the replacement outer layer to the original inner garment layer. 
     Advantages of one or more embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the following: 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus disclosed herein may provide for the ease of treatment of individuals after medical procedures. 
     in one or more embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus disclosed herein may provide for the ease of recovery of individuals after medical procedures. 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus disclosed herein may provide for the ease of recovery of individuals after child birth. 
     in one or more embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus disclosed herein may provide front opening portions, thereby allowing an individual to receive treatment more easily. 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus disclosed herein may provide front opening portions, thereby allowing an individual to breast feed more easily. 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus disclosed herein may provide one or more inner pockets, thereby allowing an individual to receive treatment more easily. 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus disclosed herein may provide one or more pockets on the inner garment layer, thereby allowing an individual to receive treatment more easily. 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus disclosed herein may provide a closure mechanism, thereby allowing the inner garment layer to be opened and put on by the individual. 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus disclosed herein may provide one or more attachments points, thereby allowing outer and inner garments layers to be interchangeable. 
     In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus disclosed herein may provide methods for interchanging inner and/or outer garment layers, thereby making the recovery garment customizable for treatment or recovery purposes. 
     While the present invention has been described with respect to the above-noted embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will recognize that other embodiments may be devised that are within the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.