Abstract:
A distal extremity cast cover comprising a sleeve or gaiter portion which may be non-abrasive and which extends distally substantially to the edge of the cast, and a distal extremity covering which overlaps the sleeve or gaiter to a point proximal the wrist or ankle and which may comprise an insulating or water-repellent material. The parts of the cover may be secured by elastic and frictional properties of the materials and/or by elastic bands or pull cords proximate the openings.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to cast covers adapted to cover the exposed hand or foot of a patient and protect the environment from the rough surface of the cast.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention pertains to covers for distal extremity casts. An object of the invention is to provide a cover for a cast which is non-damaging to surfaces in which it comes in contact, such as skin, clothing, furniture, walls, or trim. Another object of the invention is to provide a cast covering which provides the patient with protection from temperature extremes on the exposed limb distal of the cast. A further object of the invention is to provide the patient with a water-resistant cast covering to provide the exposed skin distal of the cast with an enhanced opportunity to stay dry. The invention is not limited to these objects and further objects of the invention are disclosed in the specification below.  
           [0003]    In a first non-limiting embodiment, the invention is adapted for use with a lower extremity cast. This embodiment of the invention includes a gaiter, which substantially covers the cast and which may extend, for example, from the knee to the metatarsals. This gaiter may be flexible, elastic and/or non-abrasive and may include elastic bands or pull cords at its proximal and distal ends. This embodiment also includes a distal foot covering, which may cover the foot and extend proximal of the ankle. The distal foot covering may be flexible, elastic, and/or non-abrasive and may include an elastic band or pull cord at the proximal end. The distal foot covering may also include water-resistant or insulating material, particularly in a region distal of the metatarsals, such as a polyester fleece material. The gaiter may first be applied over the cast and then the distal foot covering is then applied thereover. The friction between an ankle portion of the gaiter and an ankle portion of the distal foot covering helps retain the cover in place.  
           [0004]    In a second non-limiting embodiment, the invention is adapted for use with an upper extremity cast. This embodiment of the invention includes a sleeve, which substantially covers the cast, and which may extend, for example, from the elbow to the metacarpals. The sleeve may have substantially the same qualities as the gaiter as described above. The sleeve may include elastic bands or pull cords at its proximal and distal ends and may include a plurality of holes at the distal end, such as, for example, a thumb hole and a finger hole. The embodiment also includes a distal hand and wrist cover, which may extend proximal of the wrist. The distal hand and wrist cover may have substantially the same qualities and include substantially the same material as the distal foot cover as described above. In a particular embodiment, the insulating or water-resistant material may extend distal of the metacarpals. The sleeve may first be applied over the cast and the distal hand and wrist cover may then be applied thereover. The fiction between the wrist portion of the sleeve and the wrist cover help retain the cover in place. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0005]    [0005]FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a cover for a lower extremity cast showing the cover applied over a cast;  
         [0006]    [0006]FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the flexible elongate gaiter of the cover of FIG. 1;  
         [0007]    [0007]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the distal foot covering of the cover of FIG. 1;  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a cover for an upper extremity cast showing the cover applied over a cast;  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the flexible elongate sleeve of the cover of FIG. 4;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the distal hand and wrist covering in the form of a glove of the cover of FIG. 4; and  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the distal hand and wrist covering in the form of a mitten of the cover of FIG. 4. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the several drawings, FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a cover  110  for a lower distal extremity cast  112  showing the cover  110  applied over cast  112 . The cover includes a gaiter  114  and a distal foot covering  116 .  
         [0013]    As may be best seen in FIG. 2, gaiter  114  extends over substantially the whole length of cast  112 . Gaiter  114  may extend proximally and distally beyond the ends of cast  112  as depicted in FIG. 2 or gaiter  114  may extend a lesser length. At the proximal end  216  of cast  112 , the gaiter  114  may extend up to and not beyond the cast  112 . It is generally preferred that the gaiter cover the outer surface  218  of cast  112 , so the gaiter, or a gaiter and a legging (not shown), will generally extend at least up to proximal end  216 . In contrast, because distal extremity covering  116  overlaps gaiter  114 , it is not necessary that gaiter  114  extend up to the distal end  220  of the cast  112 . However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, gaiter  114  extends distally beyond distal end  220  of cast  112  and in a contemplated embodiment gaiter  114  extends up to distal end  220  of cast  112 . Gaiter  114  includes an ankle portion  228 .  
         [0014]    It may be readily seen that for ease of installation over rigid cast  112 , gaiter  114  will be flexible. Gaiter  114  may also be elastic. Having a degree of elasticity in gaiter  114  allows gaiter  114  to accommodate casts  112  of various sizes while providing gaiter  114  an additional means to retain to cast  112 .  
         [0015]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, gaiter  114  may be non-abrasive. The term non-abrasive is herein understood to mean having a degree of softness or smoothness necessary to not irritate or abrade skin which may come in contact with the gaiter and necessary to allow clothing materials to pass by without catching and necessary to avoid scratching surfaces of furniture, walls or trim. At a minimum, the term non-abrasive means less abrasive than the cast  112 . It will be appreciated that a wide variety of materials are non-abrasive as herein defined, of which woven cotton, polyester, and nylon are only non-limiting examples.  
         [0016]    The material of which gaiter  114  is made may also have a thickness or pile substantially greater than or equal to the surface roughness of cast  114 . The term surface roughness of the cast is herein understood to mean the depth and height to which the actual surface of the cast protrudes below and above a theoretical, perfectly smooth cast surface having the same overall topology as the actual cast surface. The advantages of having this thickness or pile to gaiter  114  may be readily appreciated. Some of these advantages are additional cushioning to protect adjacent surfaces and an enhanced uniformity of appearance. Of course, other thicknesses of material are contemplated, both thicker and thinner than that of the above disclosed embodiment, which, depending on the particular material selected for use in gaiter  114 , may provide the above disclosed advantages. For example, in a particular embodiment the material of gaiter  114  is heavy knit cotton, of weight similar to that of a hockey sock.  
         [0017]    While, as disclosed above, gaiter  114  may be elastic, this quality is by no means required. For instance, gaiter  114  may also be deformable without being elastic. In these embodiments, but certainly not limited to these embodiments, it may be advantageous to include in gaiter  114  elastic bands or pull cords  222  at the proximal end  224  and the distal end  226  of gaiter  114 . The advantages of such bands  222  are readily appreciated. For instance, bands  222  may enhance the retaining power of gaiter  114  to cast  112  or may allow proximal  224  and distal  226  ends of gaiter  114  to cover the exposed cast surface at the proximal  216  and distal  220  ends of cast  112 .  
         [0018]    Other variations of gaiter  114  are also contemplated. For instance, it may be advantageous to line gaiter  114  with a layer of relatively slick material (not shown), such as a woven nylon or rayon shell, to aid in its application over rough surface  218  of cast  112 . An embodiment is also contemplated wherein gaiter  114  includes a plurality of coterminous or overlapping segments, which may advantageously enhance ease of installation.  
         [0019]    As may be best seen in FIG. 3, distal foot covering  116  includes a distal extremity portion  326  and an ankle portion  328 . Distal foot covering  116  generally extends proximal of ankle portion  228  of gaiter  114 , the purpose and advantages of which will be discussed below.  
         [0020]    Like gaiter  114 , distal foot covering  116  may be elastic or non-abrasive, said qualities having many of the purposes and advantages discussed above with reference to gaiter  114 . Distal foot covering  116  may also be insulating. The term insulating is herein understood to mean providing thermal retention including, for example, heat retention capabilities. As used herein, the term insulating may refer to materials having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the material of the gaiter  114 , or than conventional weight cotton sock material. Examples of insulating materials include polyester fleece, wool, or a quilted material with a cotton or nylon shell. In a particular embodiment, only the distal extremity portion  326  of distal foot covering  116  includes insulating material. Advantages of including insulating material in the distal foot covering  116  include keeping the foot at a comfortable temperature and protecting the foot from extreme temperatures.  
         [0021]    Distal foot covering  116 , particularly distal extremity portion  326 , may include water-repellent material. The term water-repellent is understood to mean material which is hydrophobic or which does not wick water towards the foot. Examples of water-repellent materials include polyester fleece, Gore-Tex™, nylon, and waxed cotton. Advantages of including water-repellent material in distal foot covering  116  include keeping moisture from the foot and providing a distal foot covering  116  which dries rapidly, particularly in the areas in which it is exposed to the skin of the foot (not shown).  
         [0022]    Distal foot covering  116  may include an elastic band or pull cord  330  at the proximate end  332  of the foot cover. Elastic band or pull cord  330  would enhance the retention capabilities of distal foot covering  116 .  
         [0023]    It is also contemplated that distal foot covering  116  and gaiter  114  would be washable. This would enhance the ability of the patient to maintain cover  110  in a hygienic state.  
         [0024]    Gaiter  114  and distal foot covering  116  may be made by conventional manufacturing techniques well known to those of skill in the art.  
         [0025]    In use, foot cover  110  may be applied in the following manner, as disclosed in this particular embodiment. Gaiter  114  may first be applied on cast  112  such that proximal end  224  of gaiter  114  is at or near proximal end  216  of cast  112 . It may be desirable to have proximal end  224  of gaiter  114  extend up to or beyond proximal end  216  of cast  112 . Distal foot covering  116  may then be applied such that ankle portion  328  of distal foot covering  116  overlaps ankle portion  228  of gaiter  114 . The friction between the two ankle portions  116  and  228  may help retain distal foot covering  116  in place. Other uses, such as first applying distal foot covering  116  and then applying gaiter  114 , are contemplated.  
         [0026]    Refer now to FIG. 4 which is a diagrammatic view of a cover  410  for an upper distal extremity cast  412  with the cover  410  applied over cast  412 . The cover includes a sleeve  414  and a distal hand and wrist covering  416 .  
         [0027]    As may be best seen in FIG. 5, sleeve  414  extends over substantially the whole length of cast  412 . Sleeve  414  may extend proximally and distally beyond the ends of cast  412  as depicted in FIG. 5 or may extend a lesser length. As an example, at the proximal end  516  of cast  412 , sleeve  414  may extend up to and not beyond cast  412 . It is generally preferred that sleeve  414  cover the outer surface  518  of cast  412 . Therefore, sleeve  414  or a plurality of sleeves (not shown), will generally extend at least up to proximal end  516  of cast  412 . In contrast, because distal hand and wrist covering  416  overlaps sleeve  414  at the distal end of the cast, it is not necessary that sleeve  414  extend up to distal end  520  of cast  412 . However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, sleeve  414  extends distally beyond distal end  520  of cast  412 , and in a contemplated embodiment sleeve  414  extends up to distal end  520  of cast  412 . In the embodiment of FIG. 5, sleeve  414  includes a wrist portion  522 , a thumb opening  524  and a finger opening  526 .  
         [0028]    It will be appreciated that sleeve  414  may include a different number of distal openings than that of the previous embodiment. For instance, if sleeve  414  does not extend to distal end  520  of cast  412 , sleeve  414  may include a single distal opening (not shown). An embodiment is also contemplated in which sleeve  414  may include four separate finger openings (not shown). A further embodiment is contemplated where sleeve  414  includes a plurality of coterminous or overlapping segments, which may advantageously ease application of sleeve  414 .  
         [0029]    While, as disclosed above, sleeve  414  may be elastic, this quality is by no means required. For instance, sleeve  414  may also be deformable without being elastic. In these embodiments, but certainly not limited to these embodiments, it may be advantageous to include in sleeve  414  elastic bands or pull cords  528  at the proximal end  538  and the distal end  526  of sleeve  414 . The advantages of such bands  528  are readily appreciated. For instance, bands  528  may enhance the retaining power of sleeve  414  to cast  412  or may allow proximal  538  and distal  526  ends of sleeve  414  to cover the exposed cast surface at the proximal  516  and distal  520  ends of cast  412 .  
         [0030]    [0030]FIGS. 6 and 7 show distal hand and wrist covering  416 . Covering  416  includes a wrist portion  628 , a proximal wrist end  630 , and a distal digit portion  632 . Distal digit portion  632  may include separate and separately articulated digit lumens  634  such as a glove as shown in FIG. 6, or shared lumens  634  such as a mitten as shown in FIG. 7. Distal hand and wrist covering  416  may include elastic band or pull cord  636  to enhance the retaining power of covering  416 .  
         [0031]    Sleeve  414  and distal hand and wrist covering  416  may include the materials discussed above with reference to gaiter  114  and distal foot covering  116 , respectively. Because the materials, and the purposes and advantages for them are similar to the materials and purposes of gaiter  114  and distal foot covering  116 , further discussion is unnecessary.  
         [0032]    In use, cover  410  may be applied in the following manner, as contemplated in this particular embodiment. Sleeve  414  may be first applied on cast  412  such that proximal end  538  of sleeve  414  is at or near proximal end  516  of cast  412 . It may be desirable to have proximal end  536  of sleeve  414  extend up to or beyond proximal end  516  of cast  412 . Distal hand and wrist covering  416  may then be applied such that wrist portion  628  of covering  416  overlaps wrist portion  522  of sleeve  414 . The friction between the two wrist portions  522  and  628  will help retain distal hand and wrist portion  416  in place. Other uses, such as first applying distal hand and wrist covering  416  and then applying sleeve  414 , are also contemplated.  
         [0033]    Numerous characteristics and advantages of the invention covered by this document have been set forth in the foregoing description. It will be understood, however, that this disclosure is in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details without exceeding the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is of course not limited to the foregoing illustrative embodiments but is rather defined by the appended claims.