Barrier Band

Abstract

The Barrier Band for an area on a human body, involving a vascular device access area. The present invention relates to an apparatus that provides a barrier between a person's skin, and any vascular access device, and its components, to prevent compromising skin, and to provide comfort to a person.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to a vascular access device site, and more specifically to a sleeve with which can assist in preventing such a site from compromising someone's skin. When a patient has any type of vascular access device is covered with medical grade gauze, netting, or other suitable material. This is to keep it secure. A problem that many patients have when they are required to wear this cover is that their skin becomes irritated as a result of the cover causing the vascular access device and its components to press against the skin. Consequently, whether it is short or long-term use, the skin should be protected during its use, and no current invention provides a barrier between the skin and vascular access device and its components, like the present invention does with its tunnel. At times patients that need this device already have comprised skin, which means it will be further compromised. This complete coverage fully eliminates all contact. The band's specific measurement and configuration is determined by a person's weight, and which body part it is utilized. A common complaint among people is that with extended use, a cover of this type does not work effectively. For that reason, the disposable and washable version are offered in a specific stretchable materials, and some washable variations of the Barrier Band have an adjustable apparatus including: zips, hooks, toggles, elastic, snaps, zippers, velcro, or any other suitable component present. This adjustable apparatus is implemented in an effort to tighten or loosen the band.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an easily installable means for protecting a vascular access device area on a human body. It is another object of the present invention to achieve this using multiple sizes, and further, using a stretchable material, in both the disposable and washable versions, allowing it to fit the various sizes of human extremities. These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The present invention relates to a sleeve, sometimes referred to as a band, apparatus that provides a barrier with a tunnel, sometimes referred to as a ductway, between the skin on any part of a person's body and a vascular access device and its components. It is utilized to prevent skin from being compromised, eliminate discomfort, and keep the vascular access device and its components secure.

The Barrier Band is constructed in one of two ways. One way is a breathable, disposable mesh, gauze, netting or any other suitable disposable material. The other is a breathable, washable, polyester, spandex or any other suitable washable material. With usage and a person's weight fluctuation a person could need to tighten or loosen the Barrier Band, and that is why some versions offer built in adjustable apparatuses. There are several ways that the method of the barrier is delivered. The disposable version is changed frequently. This variant is determined by a person's weight, and where the sleeve will be located on their body. The sleeve in one embodiment has a tunnel opening on one end and at least another tunnel opening at the other end integrally formed in the sleeve, which form a barrier between the person's skin and any vascular access device and its is pliable, and components. This band's midsection contains stitching defining the tunnel. The sleeves cylindrical in shape, with two open ends. Another embodiment has the same features, and has only one stitch to secure the canal. The length of stitching on a Barrier Band can vary in size. Glue or any suitable material that could adhere the tunnel to the band can replace stitching. An area of the sleeve or stitching might be a different color to for instructional purposes. Another embodiment has containing no stitching, and is essentially a band within a band, acting as a double layer, still providing the barrier between the skin and vascular access device and its components. Another embodiment is flat opened version of the present invention, and involves a wrapping technique. The Barrier Band may or may not have an adjustable apparatus including: zips, hooks, toggles, elastic, snaps, zippers, velcro, or any other suitable component present. This adjustable apparatus is implemented in an effort to tighten or loosen the band. The sleeve's specific measurement is determined by a person's weight, and which body part it is utilized. The presence of stitching or other suitable material and its sizing, style and location on a Barrier Band, will vary among the variations.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to protect the skin of someone who has a vascular access device and/or its components placed on any body part with a sleeve like apparatus. It is another object of the invention to protect such skin without dragging, snagging, pulling or otherwise interfering with the vascular access device and its components. A feature of this invention is that the sleeve is made from a single piece of washable or disposable material that is smooth on the inner and outer surface, includes an opening in the fore and aft ends, and contains a tunnel located at each end, which provides a barrier between the skin and the components of the vascular access device. In another embodiment stitching is present adjacent the aft and fore ends defining the tunnel. In another embodiment the embodiment is doubled layered and contains no stitching. The size or presence of stitching or any others means of adherence, and its positioning will vary among different embodiments. In another embodiment an adjustable apparatus (i.e. zips, hooks, toggles, elastic snaps, zippers etc.) or any other suitable adjustable apparatus component is present. This adjustable apparatus is implemented in an effort to tighten or loosen the band. Any sleeve's specific measurement choice is determined by a person's weight, and which body part it is covered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. In an effort to have the reader understand the invention and not to limit the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention in any way, these drawings are provided. These drawings are not necessarily made to scale. Descriptive drawing terms illustrating various embodiment-viewing angles, such as “top,” or “front” views are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a front and top view of the present invention with a tunnel containing a double stitched configuration.

FIG. 2 is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front and top view of the present invention with a tunnel containing a double stitched configuration, featuring an adjustable apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the adjustable apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front and top view of the present invention with a tunnel containing a double stitched configuration featuring an adjustable hook apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the adjustable full hook apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the adjustable hook apparatus, as it would appear attached to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a front and top view of the present invention with two tunnel openings containing a single stitch configuration.

FIG. 11 is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a front and top view of the present invention with two tunnel openings containing a single shortened stitch configuration.

FIG. 13 is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a front and top view of the present invention with two tunnel openings, containing a no stitch configuration.

FIG. 15 is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a cut-through view of the present invention with a curved tunnel entry point.

FIG. 17 is a cut-through view of the present invention with a flat tunnel entry point.

FIG. 18 is a front and top view of the present invention in an opened version containing a foldable tunnel and foldable band configuration.

FIG. 19 is a side view taken over line 1 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a cut through view of line 1 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the invention positioned over a hand.

FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the invention positioned over a foot.

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the invention positioned over an ankle.

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the invention positioned over a neck.

FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the invention positioned over a head.

FIG. 26 is another perspective view of the invention positioned over an arm.

FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the invention positioned over a chest.

FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the invention positioned over a leg.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific details and be practiced with modification within the spirit and cope of the appended claims. The present invention is directed toward a sleeve that covers a person's vascular access device area on their body, while simultaneously protecting their skin with a tunnel. When a patient has any type of vascular access device it is covered with medical grade disposable gauze, netting, or other suitable material. It can also be covered in a washable spandex, polyester, or other suitable material. This is to keep it protected and secure. A problem that many patients have when they are required to wear this cover is that their skin becomes irritated as a result of the cover causing the vascular access device and its components to press against the skin. Consequently, whether it is short or long-term use, the skin should be protected during its use, and no current invention provides a barrier between the skin and vascular access device and its components, like the present invention does. At times patients that need this device already have comprised skin, which means it will be further comprised. This complete coverage fully eliminates all discomfort. The sleeve's specific measurement and configuration is determined by a person's weight, and which body part it is utilized. A common complaint amount people are that with extended use, a cover of this type does not work effectively. For that reason, some washable variations of the Barrier Band have an adjustable apparatus including: zips, hooks, toggles, elastic, snaps, zippers, velcro, or any other suitable component present. This adjustable apparatus is implemented in an effort to tighten or loosen the band. The disposable version is made with a specific tubular netting to accommodate a patient's needs.

FIG. 1 Illustrates a sleeve (5) for a vascular access device site. Such a site can be present on several different body parts. The sleeve (5) can be placed on a body part through the open ends (1) and (8), and the sleeve's specific measurement is determined by a patient's size, and which body part it is being covered. This is a front and top view of the present invention featuring a tunnel opening (2) and (6) that creates a barrier (4) and (8) between a person's vascular access device and their skin. This embodiment contains a double stitch (3) configuration.

FIG. 2 Is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 1. It illustrates an opening (1) for a body part, the tunnel (2) where the vascular access device components are placed, and the actual barrier (4) provided by the Barrier Band, in between the body part and the vascular access device, and its components.

FIG. 3 Illustrates a sleeve (5) for a vascular access device site. Such a site can be present on several different body parts. The sleeve (5) can be placed on a body part through the open ends (1) and (8), and the sleeve's specific measurement is determined by a patient's size, and which body part it is being covered. This is a front and top view of the present invention featuring a tunnel opening (2) and (6) that creates a barrier (4) and (8) between a person's vascular access device and their skin. This embodiment contains a double stitch (3) configuration, and features an adjustable apparatus (9), in the form of a elastic pull string, which is inserted to enable someone to tighten or loosen his or her band. FIG. 4 is a front view of the adjustable apparatus (9), which is inserted to enable someone to tighten or loosen their band. FIG. 5 is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 3. It illustrates an opening (1) for a body part, the tunnel (2) where the vascular access device components are placed and the actual barrier (4) in between the body part and the vascular access device, and its components. It also features an adjustable apparatus (9), in the form of elastic, which is inserted to enable someone to tighten or loosen his or her band.

FIG. 6 Illustrates a sleeve (5) for a vascular access device site. Such a site can be present on several different body parts. The band (5) can be placed on a body part through the open ends (1) and (8), and the sleeve's specific measurement is determined by a patient's size, and which body part it is being covered. This is a front and top view of the present invention featuring a tunnel opening (2) and (6) that creates a barrier (4) and (8) between a person's vascular access device and their skin. This embodiment contains a double stitch (3) configuration, and features an adjustable apparatus (10) in the form of a hook, which is inserted to enable someone to tighten or loosen their band.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the adjustable full hook apparatus. This is the hook in its full form before it is adhered to the band (5).

FIG. 8 is a front view of the adjustable hook apparatus, as it would appear when it is attached to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 6. It illustrates an opening (1) for a body part, the tunnel (2) where the vascular access device components are placed and the actual barrier (4) in between the body part and the vascular access device, and its components. It also features an adjustable apparatus (9), in the form of a hook, which is inserted to enable someone to tighten or loosen their band.

FIG. 10 Illustrates a band (5) for a vascular access device site. Such a site can be present on several different body parts. The band (5) can be placed on a body part through the open ends (1) and (8), and the band's specific measurement is determined by a patient's size, and which body part it is being covered. This is a front and top view of the present invention featuring a tunnel opening (2) and (6) that creates a barrier (4) and (8) between a person's vascular access device and their skin. This embodiment contains a single stitch (3) configuration.

FIG. 11 Is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 10. It illustrates an opening (1) for a body part, the tunnel (2) where the vascular access device components are placed, and the actual barrier (4) provided by the Barrier Band, in between the body part and the vascular access device, and its components.

FIG. 12 Illustrates a sleeve (5) for a vascular access device site. Such a site can be present on several different body parts. The sleeve (5) can be placed on a body part through the open ends (1) and (8), and the sleeve's specific measurement is determined by a patient's size, and which body part it is being covered. This is a front and top view of the present invention featuring a tunnel opening (2) and (6) that creates a barrier (4) and (8) between a person's vascular access device and their skin. This embodiment contains a shortened single stitch (3) configuration.

FIG. 13 Is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 12. It illustrates an opening (1) for a body part, the tunnel (2) where the vascular access device components are placed, and the actual barrier (4) provided by the Barrier Band, in between the body part and the vascular access device, and its components.

FIG. 14 Illustrates a sleeve (5) for a vascular access device site. Such a site can be present on several different body parts. The sleeve (5) can be placed on a body part through the open ends (1) and (7), and the sleeve's specific measurement is determined by a patient's size, and which body part it is being covered. This is a front and top view of the present invention featuring a tunnel opening (2) and (6) that creates a barrier (4) and (8) between a person's vascular access device and their skin. This embodiment contains no stitch.

FIG. 15 Is a top view taken over line 1 of FIG. 14. It illustrates an opening (1) for a body part, the tunnel (2) where the vascular access device components are placed, and the actual barrier (4) provided by the Barrier Band, in between the body part and the vascular access device, and its components.

FIG. 16 is a cut-through view of the present invention showing the access point for a body part (1) with a curved tunnel entry point (4), stitching (3), and a open view of the barrier (2).

FIG. 17 is a cut-through view of the present invention showing the access point for a body part (1) with a flat tunnel entry point (4), stitching (3), and a open view of the barrier (2).

FIG. 18 is a is a front and top view of the present invention, where the sleeve (4) is offered in an opened version configuration, containing a foldable ductway (3) and the band (4) can be folded over a body part. In this embodiment, the body part is placed on one side (1) of the tunnel, and the components of the vascular access device are placed on the other side (2) of the tunnel.

FIG. 19 is a side view taken over line 1 of FIG. 18 of the present invention, where the sleeve (4) is offered in an opened version configuration, containing a foldable tunnel (3) and the sleeve (4) can be folded over a body part. In this embodiment, the body part is placed on one side (1) of the tunnel, and the components of the vascular access device are placed on the other side (2) of the tunnel.

FIG. 20 is a cut through view of line 1 of FIG. 18 of the present invention, where the sleeve (4) is offered in an opened version configuration, containing a foldable tunnel (3) and the sleeve (4) can be folded over a body part. In this embodiment, the body part is placed on one side (1) of the tunnel, and the components of the vascular access device are placed on the other side (2) of the tunnel.

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the invention in use and positioned over a hand.

FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the invention in use and positioned over a foot.

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the invention in use and positioned over a ankle.

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the invention in use and positioned over a neck.

FIG. 25 is another perspective view of the invention in use and positioned over a head.

FIG. 26 is another perspective view of the invention in use and positioned over a arm.

FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the invention in use and positioned over a chest.

FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the invention in use and positioned over a leg.

The body parts listed and illustrated in FIGS. 21 through 28, are for the intent to provide an understanding of the invention's purpose, and not to limit its use on those body parts only. As illustrated and described above, through the several embodiments offered, there are many effective ways to implement the barrier's method of use regardless of a person's weight or what body part needs to be covered.

Claims

1. An apparatus consisting essentially of a sleeve with two open ends, compromising a tunnel configured with dimensions to allow a PICC line or IV and its supporting components to be inserted a first portion of said main body to form around a human body part at one said end of said sleeve;a second portion of said main body to form around a human body part at a second open end of said sleeve;the circumference of said first and second portions having equal sizes;a third portion of said main body wherein a first tunnel opening is integrally formed at said first open end and a second tunnel opening is integrally formed at said second end.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is made with a disposable tubular netting material, which is stretchable to fit different size body parts.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus is made with a washable spandex, polyester fabric, which is stretchable to fit different size body parts.

4. The tunnel as claimed in claim in 1, wherein said tunnel is attached with stitching, and does not include any other opening other than its to open ends.

5. The stitching in claim 4, wherein said stitching is on both sides of the tunnel.

6. The stitching in claim 4, wherein said stitching is on one side of the tunnel.

7. The stitching in claim 6, wherein said stitching is shortened by half the size.

8. The tunnel in claim 1, wherein said tunnel has no stitching.

9. The tunnel in claim 1, wherein said tunnel is adhered to the band using an adhesive.

10. The stitching as claimed in claim 4, wherein a portion of said stitching is defined with a color.

11. The circumference in claim 1, wherein said circumference does not have equal portions at each end.

12. The sleeve in claim 1, wherein said sleeve has an adjustable apparatus

13. The adjustable apparatus in claim 12, wherein said adjustable apparatus is a hook.

14. The adjustable apparatus in claim 12, wherein said adjustable apparatus is elastic.

15. The material in claim 1, where said material is offered in a variety of colors and/or patterns.

16. The sleeve in claim 1, wherein said sleeve has a colored area.

17. The tunnel opening as claimed in claim in 1, wherein said tunnel opening has a curvature.

18. The tunnel opening as claimed in claim in 1, wherein said tunnel opening has no curvature.

19. The sleeve in claim 1, wherein said sleeve is in an open configuration, containing an attachable component.

20. A method of protecting the skin on any section of a human body, surrounding a vascular device access area, using a washable polyester and spandex material, or a disposable tubular net material, formed in an open or continual sleeve, opened at both ends, containing a tunnel, creating a barrier between the skin, and a vascular access device, and its components comprising the steps of: i. placing said sleeve on a body part;ii. adjusting said sleeve up to the vascular device access area;iii. placing the vascular device access components into the sleeve's tunnel;iv. tucking the components back up through the bottom of the tunnel, if needed.v. moving the sleeve's end further up a portion of said area positioning it to cover said vascular device access area entirely.