TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to afield of a medical apparel, and more specifically, the invention relates to a medical garment for patients receiving medical treatments or undergoing medical procedures involving central venous catheters or lines.
BACKGROUND
A central venouscatheter, also known as a central line is a thin, flexible intravenous line or tube that doctors place in large veins in the neck, chest, groin, or arm of a patient to supply fluids, blood, or medications directly into the bloodstream or to collect samples for performing medical tests. Central lines typically include Mediports™ and Broviacs™. A Mediport is a device placed under the skin of the chest through a surgical procedure and includes a catheter attached to a port. An open end of the catheter is inserted into a large vein of the upper portion of the body and the port has a flat surface that is accessible by a needle through the skin. A Broviac catheter is a line placed in the chest through a surgical procedure, where one end of the line is inserted into a large vein and another end of the line comes directly out of the skin of the chest. These central lines are used for chemotherapy, total parental nutrition, long-term infusions, blood product infusions, and frequent blood draws.
To secure these central lines, hospitals use a sterile transparent dressing where the central lines for infusion of medication is left hanging. The issue with leaving the line hanging is the frequent accidental removal of the central lines by pulling on it by the younger patients. Extra layers of medical tape on the skin for securement are easily removable by the patient and are a possible irritant to the skin.
Frequent picking at the sterile occlusive dressings makes the sites of insertion susceptible to elevated risks for infections in children. Covering the chest with hospital onesies and t-shirts is impractical as they have the potential to hinder access to the central line. Parents at home with the child patient also do not have easy, secure access to the central lines and some children have tendencies to pick at the dressing when not covered. Patients with central lines often experience difficulty in managing the multiple lines, securing them to their bodies, and ensuring that the connections between the lines and the infusion pumps or monitoring devices are not accidentally dislodged or pulled.
Additionally, preteens teenage girls, and women are subject to frequent exposure of their upper body areas when medical devices are accessed, creating social discomfort. The hospital gowns do not provide enough covering to mitigate such concerns.
SUMMARY
Various embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a medical garment.
In an embodiment, a garment is disclosed. The garment includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion includes a set of front shoulder straps. Each front shoulder strap of the set of front shoulder straps is configured with at least one first fastening member at a top portion of each front shoulder strap. The front portion further includes a flexible securing member configured on an inner surface of the set of front shoulder straps. The flexible securing member is configured for receiving at least one medical device therein. The front portion further includes at least one second fastening member configured at a lower part of the garment. The at least one second fastening member is configured at a predetermined length from each of a left armhole and a right armhole of the garment. The rear portion includes a set of rear shoulder straps. Each rear shoulder strap of the set of rear shoulder straps is configured with at least one third fastening member at a top portion of each rear shoulder strap. The at least one first fastening member of the front portion is configured to removably engage with the at least one third fastening member of the rear portion, thereby securing at least a portion of the at least one medical device passing through the flexible securing member in the garment. The rear portion further includes at least one fourth fastening member configured at the lower part of the garment. The at least one fourth fastening member is configured at the predetermined length from each of the left armhole and the right armhole of the garment. The at least one second fastening member of the front portion is configured to removably engage with the at least one fourth fastening member.
In another embodiment, a medical garment having a front portion and a rear portion is disclosed. The front portion includes a set of front shoulder straps. Each front shoulder strap of the set of front shoulder straps is configured with at least one first fastening member at a top portion of each front shoulder strap. The front portion further includes a cut-out portion located between a top part and a central part of the medical garment. The cut-out portion is configured to receive the at least one medical device therein for securing onto a body region of a patient exposed in the cut-out portion. The front portion further includes a flap member. The flap member includes a first end secured to the front portion and located proximate to a top side of the cut-out portion, and a second end comprising a snap member. The front portion further includes a flexible securing member configured on an inner surface of the set of front shoulder straps. The flexible securing member is configured for receiving the at least one medical device therein. The front portion further includes at least one second fastening member configured at a lower part of the medical garment. The at least one second fastening member is configured at a predetermined length from each of a left armhole and a right armhole of the medical garment. The rear portion includes a set of rear shoulder straps. Each rear shoulder strap of the set of rear shoulder straps is configured with at least one third fastening member at a top portion of each rear shoulder strap. The at least one first fastening member of the front portion is configured to removably engage with the at least one third fastening member of the rear portion, thereby securing at least a portion of the at least one medical device passing through the flexible securing member within the medical garment. The rear portion further includes at least one fourth fastening member configured at the lower part of the medical garment. The at least one fourth fastening member is configured at the predetermined length from each of the left armhole and the right armhole of the medical garment. The at least one second fastening member of the front portion is configured to removably engage with the at least one fourth fastening member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The invention itself, together with further features and advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a medical garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2A illustrates a left-side view of the medical garment of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2B illustrates a right-side view of the medical garment of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the medical garment of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic representation of the medical garment of FIG. 1 worn by a patient and depicts a front shoulder strap disengaged from a rear shoulder strap for allowing the securement of at least one medical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic representation of the medical garment of FIG. 1 depicting the front shoulder strap engaged with the rear shoulder strap for securing at least one medical device in the medical garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a medical garment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6A illustrates a left-side view of the medical garment of FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6B illustrates a right-side view of the medical garment of FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic representation of the medical garment of FIG. 5 depicting a front shoulder strap disengaged from a rear shoulder strap for allowing securement of at least one medical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic representation of the medical garment of FIG. 5 depicting the front shoulder strap engaged with the rear shoulder strap for securing at least one medical device in the medical garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic representation of a medical garment, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10A illustrates a left-side view of the medical garment of FIG. 9, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 10B illustrates a right-side view of the medical garment of FIG. 9, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 11A illustrates a schematic representation of the medical garment of FIG. 9 worn by the patient and depicts a front shoulder strap disengaged from a rear shoulder strap for allowing the securement of at least one medical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 11B illustrates a schematic representation of the medical garment of FIG. 9 depicting the front shoulder strap engaged with the rear shoulder strap for securing at least one medical device in the medical garment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, systems and methods are shown in block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase “in an embodiment” in various places in the specification is not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present disclosure.
The term “garment” or “clothing” as used herein, along with all of its variations thereof, include but are not limited to, “vests,” and “sports brassieres”.
The term “vest” is used herein interchangeably with “central line vest” and is described as a medical garment that is adapted to be worn on the upper body portion of the patient including the torso.
The term “sports brassiere” is used herein interchangeably with “central line sports brassiere” and is described as the medical garment that is adapted to be worn on the upper body portion of the patient specifically in the chest region of female patients.
The purpose of the central line medical garment as disclosed in the present disclosure is to provide a comfortable, easily accessible, secure medical garment for a patient that intends to provide easy access for treatment and diagnostics while not compromising the modesty of the patient.
Overview
The present invention provides a medical garment for accommodating central lines a design feature that provides an opportunity for relatively easy access to skin dressings. Further, for teens and women patients, the medical garment allows them to minimize the area for securing the medical lines, without violating their modesty. The present invention fulfills the need in the field of medical care to provide a medical garment of clothing used for medical procedures involving central lines, during access, and infusions for patients, with special adaptations for women and children.
The embodiments of the present invention are directed to medical garments described as central line vests and central line sports brassieres as some of the examples.
In one embodiment, the fabric or material used in the vest is made with 85% cotton and 15% polyester or 100% cotton, which provides soft, comfortable material in multiple sizes, colors, and child-friendly prints.
Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a medical garment such as a central line sports brassiere. The medical garment provides easy access straps with snap closures on each side at the top of the shoulder for line securement, a zippered front, a viewing window on the central line side, an opening with a fastening arrangement (such as loop and hook fasteners) under the cut-out portion for line securement and easy access, and snaps on the sides for another line securement option.
In one embodiment, the fabric used in the sports brassiere is elastane or spandex. The sports brassiere may be made available in multiple sizes, colors, and prints.
Various example embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 1 to FIGS. 11A-11B.
FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a garment 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The garment 100 is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as ‘the medical garment 100’. The medical garment 100 corresponds to a vest. The medical garment 100 may be suitable for infants and children for securement of at least one medical device (e.g., central lines), cleanliness of the sites at which the central lines have been located, and ease of access to the central lines for performing medical procedures, such as infusions and blood draws. The medical garment 100 provides fastening arrangements to hold the central lines and keep the sites of the central lines clean and intact which is further explained in detail. The medical garment 100 may be made using a cotton material, a polyester material, or a combination thereof. In one example, the medical garment 100 may be made with 85% cotton and 15% polyester, 100% cotton, or any other proportion as per design feasibility and requirements. Further, the medical garment 100 may be provided with solid or printed colors to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the medical garment 100. The medical garment 100 may be worn alone or under other garments as per the requirements.
As shown, the medical garment 100 includes a front portion 102 and a rear portion (see, 202 of FIGS. 2A and 2B). The front portion 102 includes a set of front shoulder straps 104. Each front shoulder strap of the set of front shoulder straps 104 is configured with at least one first fastening member 106 at a top portion 108 of each front shoulder strap 104. The first fastening members 106 includes four fasteners, where a set of two first fastening members 106a and 106b of the first fastening members 106 are arranged in a two-step arrangement (as shown in FIG. 1). The first fastening members 106 arranged in the two-step arrangement is configured to provide adjustability feature for securing the medical garment 100 to a patient which will be explained further in detail. Some examples of the first fastening members 106 may include magnetic snaps, snap buttons, toggle fasteners. press studs, and the like.
Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B in conjunction with FIG. 1, the medical garment 100 includes at least one second fastening member (see, 204). The second fastening members 204 are configured at a lower part 112 of the medical garment 100. The second fastening members 204 are configured at a predetermined length (see, ‘L’ of FIGS. 2A and 2B) from each of a left armhole (see, 110a of FIG. 1) and a right armhole (see, 110b of FIG. 1) of the garment 100. In other words, the second fastening members 204 are configured on each of a left side portion (see, 114a of FIG. 1) and a right side portion (see, 114b of FIG. 1) at the lower part 112 of the medical garment 100.
The rear portion 202 includes a set of rear shoulder straps 206. Each rear shoulder strap of the set of rear shoulder straps 206 is configured with at least one third fastening member 208 at a top portion 210 of each rear shoulder strap 206. The third fastening members 208 includes four fasteners, where a set of two third fastening members 208a and 208b of the third fastening members 208 are arranged in a two-step arrangement (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The first fastening members 106 of the front portion 102 are configured to removably engage with the third fastening members 208 of the rear portion 202 for securing the medical garment 100 to a patient. It is to be understood that the third fastening members 208 are selected to be complementary fastening members of the first fastening members 106 for enabling the first fastening members 106 to be removably engaged to the third fastening members 208.
As explained above, removably engaging the first fastening members 106 of each front shoulder strap 104 with the third fastening members 208 of each rear shoulder strap 206 enables adjustability of a length dimension of each rear shoulder strap 206 relative to each front shoulder strap 104. In one scenario, the set of first fastening members 106a and 106b may removably engage with the corresponding set of third fastening members 208a and 208b. In another scenario, the set of first fastening members 106a may engage only with the set of third fastening members 208b. This provides adjustability of the set of rear shoulder straps 206 relative to the set of front shoulder straps 104.
Further, the rear portion 202 includes at least one fourth fastening member 212. The fourth fastening members 212 are configured at the lower part 112 of the medical garment 100. The fourth fastening members 212 are configured at the predetermined length (L) from each of the left armhole 110a and the right armhole 110b of the medical garment 100 (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The second fastening members 204 of the front portion 102 are configured to removably engage with the fourth fastening members 212 for securing the at least one medical device on a side portion of the body of the patient (as shown in FIG. 4B). In other words, the fourth fastening members 212 are configured on each of the left side portion (see, 114a of FIG. 1) and the right side portion (see, 114b of FIG. 1) at the lower part 112 of the medical garment 100 (as shown in FIG. 3). For example, the combination of the second fastening members 204 and the fourth fastening members 212 may include loop and hook type fastening arrangements, button and hole type fastening arrangements, belt and buckle type fastening arrangements, and the like. Further, removably engaging the first fastening members 106 and the second fastening members 204 of the front portion 102 with the third fastening members 208 and the fourth fastening members 212 of the rear portion 202, respectively, defines the left armhole 110a, the right armhole 110b and a collar 142 of the medical garment 100.
Further, the front portion 102 of the medical garment 100 includes a flexible securing member 214a and a flexible securing member 214b. The flexible securing members 214a and 214b are configured on an inner surface 216 of each of the set of front shoulder straps 104 (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The flexible securing members 214a and 214b are collectively referred to as the flexible securing member 214. The flexible securing member 214 is configured for receiving at least one medical device (see, 402) therein.
Referring to FIG. 1, the medical garment 100 further includes a closure member 116. The closure member 116 is configured to removably engage a first part 118a and a second part 118b of the front portion 102. The closure member 116 may include a zipper (as shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the closure member 116 may include a hook loop fastener arrangement, a button and button hole fastener arrangement, press studs, and the like. In one embodiment, the front portion 102 may be a unitary structure. Additionally, the medical garment 100 may include a snap closure 120. The snap closure 120 is configured at a top end 122 of the closure member 116. Specifically, the snap closure 120 includes an engaging member 124 attached to the second part 118b and a button 126 configured on the first part 118a. The engaging member 124 removably engages with the button 126 for removably coupling the first part 118a and the second part 118b at the top end 122 of the closure member 116. Further, removably engaging the engaging member 124 with the button 126 prevents direct access by the patient, in order to prevent accidental opening of the closure member 116 (e.g., the zipper).
The medical garment 100 further includes a cut-out portion 128 configured in the front portion 102 and located between a top part 130 and a central part 132 of the medical garment 100. In one example, the cut-out portion 128 may be configured in the first part 118a (as shown in FIG. 1). In another example, the cut-out portion 128 may be configured in the second part 118b or both the first part 118a and the second part 118b as per the design feasibility and requirements. The cut-out portion 128 is configured to receive the at least one medical device (e.g., central lines, Intravenous (IV) lines, Central Venous Catheter (CVC), and the like) therein for securing onto a body region (e.g., chest region) of the patient exposed in the cut-out portion 128 while the medical garment 100 is secured onto the patient. Further, the medical garment 100 includes a flap member 134. The flap member 134 includes a first end 134a and a second end 134b. The first end 134a is secured (or affixed) to the secured to the front portion 102 and located proximate to a top side 128a of the cut-out portion 128. The second end 134b includes a snap member 134c. The flap member 134 is configured to be operated in a first condition 136 by detachably engaging the snap member 134c with an engagement member 134d configured proximate to the central part 132 of the garment 100. Further, detachably engaging the snap member 134c with the engagement member 134d results the flap member 134 to overlap on the cut-out portion 128 and cover the cut-out portion 128. The flap member 134 is configured to be operated in a second condition (see, 410 of FIG. 4A) by disengaging the snap member 134c from the engagement member 134d, thereby providing access to the cut-out portion 128 and enabling the at least one medical device (e.g., central lines, IV lines, etc.) to be inserted therein. Hence, the cut-out portion 128 provides case of visibility of the body region exposed in the cut-out portion 128 by operating the flap member 134 in the second condition 410.
The medical garment 100 includes a closable opening 138 configured parallel to a lower side 128b of the cut-out portion 128 and located in the central part 132. As shown, at least a portion of the closable opening 138 is covered by the flap member 134 by detachably engaging the snap member 134c with the engagement member 134d. In other words, the closable opening 138 blends with the medical garment 100 and is covered by the flap member 134. Further, the closable opening 138 is configured to be operated in an open state (see, 408 of FIG. 4A) and a closed state (see, 140 of FIG. 1) for allowing access to the at least one medical device (e.g., central lines, IV lines, CVC, and the like). The closable opening 138 gives another option for securing the medical devices, for example, for an active pediatric patient.
Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B in conjunction with FIG. 1, the flexible securing member 214b is configured for receiving the at least one medical device 402 therein. The medical device 402 may include central lines, intravenous (IV) lines, and the like. Further, it should be noted that the first fastening members 106 of the front portion 102 removably engaged with the third fastening members 208 of the rear portion 202 secures at least a portion of the medical device 402 passing through the flexible securing member 214b in the medical garment 100 (as shown in FIG. 4B). Similarly, the at least one medical device 402 is configured to be secured in the flexible securing member 214a.
FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representation of a garment 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The garment 500 is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as ‘the medical garment 500’. The medical garment 500 corresponds to a sports brassiere. The medical garment 500 may be suitable for teens, preteens, and women for the securement of at least one medical device (e.g., central lines), cleanliness of the sites at which the central lines have been located, and case of access to the central lines for performing medical procedures such as infusions and blood draws. The medical garment 500 provides fastening arrangements to hold the central lines and keep the sites of the central lines clean and intact which is further explained in detail. The medical garment 500 may be made using a cotton material, a polyester material, or a combination thereof. In one example, the medical garment 500 may be made with 85% cotton and 15% polyester, 100% cotton, or any other proportion as per design feasibility and requirements. Further, the medical garment 500 may be provided with solid or printed colors to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the medical garment 500. The medical garment 500 may be worn alone or under other garments as per the requirements.
As shown, the medical garment 500 includes a front portion 502 and a rear portion (see, 602 of FIGS. 6A and 6B). The front portion 502 includes a set of front shoulder straps 504. Each front shoulder strap of the set of front shoulder straps 504 is configured with at least one first fastening member 506 at a top portion 508 of each front shoulder strap 504. The first fastening members 506 includes four fasteners, where a set of two first fastening members 506a and 506b of the first fastening members 506 are arranged in a two-step arrangement (as shown in FIG. 5). The first fastening members 506 arranged in the two-step arrangement is configured to provide adjustability feature for securing the medical garment 500 to a patient which will be explained further in detail. Some examples of the first fastening members 506 may include magnetic snaps, snap buttons, toggle fasteners. press studs, and the like.
Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B in conjunction with FIG. 5, the medical garment 500 includes at least one second fastening member (see, 604). The second fastening members 604 are configured at a lower part 512 of the medical garment 500. The second fastening members 604 are configured at a predetermined length (see, ‘L1’ of FIGS. 6A and 6B) from each of a left armhole (see, 510a of FIG. 5) and a right armhole (see, 510b of FIG. 5) of the medical garment 500. In other words, the second fastening members 604 are configured on each of a left side portion (see, 514a of FIG. 5) and a right side portion (see, 514b of FIG. 5) at the lower part 512 of the medical garment 500.
The rear portion 602 includes a set of rear shoulder straps 606. Each rear shoulder strap of the set of rear shoulder straps 606 is configured with at least one third fastening member 608 at a top portion 610 of each rear shoulder strap 606. The third fastening members 608 includes four fasteners, where a set of two third fastening members 608a and 608b of the third fastening members 608 are arranged in a two-step arrangement (as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B). The first fastening members 506 of the front portion 502 are configured to removably engage with the third fastening members 606 of the rear portion 602 securing the medical garment 500 to a patient. It is to be understood that the third fastening members 608 are selected to be complementary fastening members of the first fastening members 506 for enabling the first fastening members 506 to be removably engaged with the third fastening members 608.
As explained above, removably engaging the first fastening members 506 of each front shoulder strap 504 with the third fastening members 608 of each rear shoulder strap 606 enables adjustability of a length dimension of each rear shoulder strap 606 relative to each front shoulder strap 504. In one scenario, the set of first fastening members 506a and 506b may removably engage with the corresponding set of third fastening members 608a and 608b. In another scenario, the set of first fastening members 506a may engage only with the set of third fastening members 608b. This provides adjustability of the set of rear shoulder straps 606 relative to the set of front shoulder straps 504.
Further, the rear portion 602 includes at least one fourth fastening member 612. The fourth fastening members 612 are configured at the lower part 512 of the medical garment 500. The fourth fastening members 612 are configured at the predetermined length (L1) from each of the left armhole 510a and the right armhole 510b of the medical garment 500 (as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B). The second fastening members 604 of the front portion 502 are configured to removably engage with the fourth fastening members 612 for securing the at least one medical device on a side portion of the body of the patient (as shown in FIG. 8B). In other words, the fourth fastening members 612 are configured on each of the left side portion (see, 514a of FIG. 5) and the right side portion (see, 514b of FIG. 5) at the lower part 512 of the medical garment 500. For example, the combination of the second fastening members 604 and the fourth fastening members 612 may include loop and hook type fastening arrangements, button and hole type fastening arrangements, belt and buckle type fastening arrangements, and the like. Further, removably engaging the first fastening members 506 and the second fastening members 604 of the front portion 502 with the third fastening members 608 and the fourth fastening members 612 of the rear portion 602, respectively, defines the left armhole 510a, the right armhole 510b, and the collar 542 of the medical garment 500.
Further, the front portion 502 of the medical garment 500 includes a flexible securing member 614a and a flexible securing member 614b. The flexible securing members 614a and 614b are configured on an inner surface 616 of each of the set of front shoulder straps 504 (as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B). The flexible securing members 614a and 614b are collectively referred to as the flexible securing member 614. The flexible securing member 614 is configured for receiving at least one medical device (see, 702) therein.
Referring to FIG. 5, the medical garment 500 further includes a closure member 516. The closure member 516 is configured to removably engage a first part 518a and a second part 518b of the front portion 502. The closure member 516 may include a zipper (as shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the closure member 516 may include, a hook loop fastener arrangement, a button and button hole fastener arrangement, press studs, and the like.
The medical garment 500 further includes a cut-out portion 528 configured in the front portion 502 and located between a top part 530 and a central part 532 of the medical garment 500. In one example, the cut-out portion 528 may be configured in the first part 518a (as shown in FIG. 5). In another example, the cut-out portion 528 may be configured in the second part 518b or both the first part 518a and the second part 518b as per the design feasibility and requirements. The cut-out portion 528 is configured to receive the at least one medical device (e.g., central lines, Intravenous (IV) lines, Central Venous Catheter (CVC), and the like) therein for securing onto a body region (e.g., chest region) of the patient exposed in the cut-out portion 528 while the medical garment 500 is secured onto the patient. Further, the medical garment 500 includes a flap member 534. The flap member 534 includes a first end 534a and a second end 534b. The first end 534a is secured (or affixed) to the secured to the front portion 502 and located proximate to a top side 528a of the cut-out portion 528. The second end 534b includes a snap member 534c. The flap member 534 is configured to be operated in a first condition 536 by detachably engaging the snap member 534c with an engagement member 534d configured proximate to the central part 532 of the medical garment 500. Further, detachably engaging the snap member 534c with the engagement member 534d results the flap member 534 to overlap on the cut-out portion 528 and cover the cut-out portion 528. The flap member 534 is configured to be operated in a second condition (see, 810 of FIG. 8A) by disengaging the snap member 534c from the engagement member 534d, thereby providing access to the cut-out portion 528 and enabling the at least one medical device (e.g., central lines, IV lines, etc.) to be inserted therein. Hence, the cut-out portion 528 provides case of visibility of the body region exposed in the cut-out portion 528 by operating the flap member 534 in the second condition 810.
The medical garment 500 includes a closable opening 538 configured parallel to a lower side 528b of the cut-out portion 528 and located in the central part 532. As shown, at least a portion of the closable opening 538 is covered by the flap member 534 by detachably engaging the snap member 534c with the engagement member 534d. In other words, the closable opening 538 blends with the medical garment 500 and is covered by the flap member 534. Further, the closable opening 538 is configured to be operated in an open state and a closed state for allowing access to the at least one medical device (e.g., central lines, Intravenous (IV) lines, Central Venous Catheter (CVC), and the like). The configuration of the closable opening 538 and the operation of the closable opening 538 in the open state and the closed state are similar to the closable opening 138 of FIG. 1, therefore they are not reiterated herein for the sake of brevity. The closable opening 538 gives another option for securing the medical devices, for example, for an active pediatric patient.
Referring to FIG. 7 in conjunction with FIG. 5, the rear portion 602 (or the rear shoulder straps 606) of the medical garment 500 is configured with a X-back shoulder strap configuration. In other words, the X-back shoulder strap configuration is a style of shoulder strap arrangement typically used in garments (such as the medical garment 500). In this configuration, the straps (e.g., the rear shoulder straps 606) cross each other on the back, forming an “X” shape.
The flexible securing member 614b is configured for receiving the at least one medical device 702 therein. The medical device 702 may include central lines, intravenous (IV) lines, and the like. Further, it should be noted that the first fastening members 506 of the front portion 502 removably engaged with the third fastening members 608 of the rear portion 602 secures at least a portion of the medical device 702 passing through the flexible securing member 614b in the medical garment 500 (as shown in FIG. 8). Similarly, the at least one medical device 702 is configured to be secured in the flexible securing member 614a.
FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic representation of a garment 900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The garment 900 is hereinafter interchangeably referred to as ‘the medical garment 900’. The medical garment 900 corresponds to a sports brassiere. The medical garment 900 may be suitable for teens, preteens, and women for the securement of at least one medical device (e.g., central lines), cleanliness of the sites at which the central lines have been located, and case of access to the central lines for performing medical procedures such as infusions and blood draws. The medical garment 900 provides fastening arrangements to hold the central lines and keep the sites of the central lines clean and intact which is further explained in detail. The medical garment 900 may be made using a cotton material, a polyester material, or a combination thereof. In one example, the medical garment 900 may be made with 85% cotton and 15% polyester, 100% cotton, or any other proportion as per design feasibility and requirements. Further, the medical garment 900 may be provided with solid or printed colors to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the medical garment 900. The medical garment 900 may be worn alone or under other garments as per the requirements.
As shown, the medical garment 900 includes a front portion 902 and a rear portion (see, 1002 of FIGS. 10A and 10B). The front portion 902 includes a set of front shoulder straps 904. Each front shoulder strap of the set of front shoulder straps 904 is configured with at least one first fastening member 906 at a top portion 908 of each front shoulder strap 904. The first fastening members 906 includes four fasteners, where a set of two first fastening members 906a and 906b of the first fastening members 906 are arranged in a two-step arrangement (as shown in FIG. 9). The first fastening members 906 arranged in the two-step arrangement is configured to provide adjustability feature for securing the medical garment 900 to a patient which will be explained further in detail. Some examples of the first fastening members 906 may include magnetic snaps, snap buttons, toggle fasteners. press studs, and the like.
Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B in conjunction with FIG. 9, the medical garment 900 includes at least one second fastening member (see, 1004). The second fastening members 1004 are configured at a lower part 912 of the medical garment 900. The second fastening members 1004 are configured at a predetermined length (see, ‘L2’ of FIGS. 10A and 10B) from each of a left armhole (see, 910a of FIG. 9) and a right armhole (see, 910b of FIG. 9) of the medical garment 900. In other words, the second fastening members 1004 are configured on each of a left side portion (see, 914a of FIG. 9) and a right side portion (see, 914b of FIG. 9) at the lower part 912 of the medical garment 900.
The rear portion 1002 includes a set of rear shoulder straps 1006. Each rear shoulder strap of the set of rear shoulder straps 1006 is configured with at least one third fastening member 1008 at a top portion 1010 of each rear shoulder strap 1006. The third fastening members 1008 includes four fasteners, where a set of two third fastening members 1008a and 1008b of the third fastening members 1008 are arranged in a two-step arrangement (as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B). The first fastening members and 906 of the front portion 902 are configured to removably engage with the third fastening members 1008 of the rear portion 1002 for securing the medical garment 900 to a patient. It is to be understood that the third fastening members 1008 are selected to be complementary fastening members of the first fastening members 906 for enabling the first fastening members 906 to be removably engaged with the third fastening members 1008.
As explained above, removably engaging the first fastening members 906 of each front shoulder strap 904 with the third fastening members 1008 of each rear shoulder strap 1006 enables adjustability of a length dimension of each rear shoulder strap 1006 relative to each front shoulder strap 904. In one scenario, the set of first fastening members 906a and 906b may removably engage with the corresponding set of third fastening members 1008a and 1008b. In another scenario, the set of first fastening members 906a may engage only with the set of third fastening members 1008b. This provides adjustability of the set of rear shoulder straps 1006 relative to the set of front shoulder straps 904.
Further, the rear portion 1002 includes at least one fourth fastening member 1012. The fourth fastening members 1012 are configured at the lower part 912 of the medical garment 900. The fourth fastening members 1012 are configured at the predetermined length (L2) from each of the left armhole 910a and the right armhole 910b of the medical garment 900 (as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B). The second fastening members 1004 of the front portion 902 are configured to removably engage with the fourth fastening members 1012 for securing the at least one medical device on a side portion of the body of the patient. In other words, the fourth fastening members 1012 are configured on each of the left side portion (see, 914a of FIG. 9) and the right side portion (see, 914b of FIG. 9) at the lower part 112 of the medical garment 900. For example, the combination of the second fastening members 1004 and the fourth fastening members 1012 may include loop and hook type fastening arrangements, button and hole type fastening arrangements, belt and buckle type fastening arrangements, and the like. Further, removably engaging the first fastening members 906 and the second fastening members 1004 of the front portion 902 with the third fastening members 1008 and the fourth fastening members 1012 of the rear portion 1002, respectively, defines the left armhole 910a, the right armhole 910b and a collar 922 of the medical garment 900.
Further, the front portion 902 of the medical garment 900 includes a flexible securing member 1014a and a flexible securing member 1014b. The flexible securing members 1014a and 1014b are configured on an inner surface 1016 of each of the set of front shoulder straps 904 (as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B). The flexible securing members 1014a and 1014b are collectively referred to as the flexible securing member 1014. The flexible securing member 1014 is configured for receiving at least one medical device (see, 1102) therein.
Referring to FIG. 9, the medical garment 900 further includes a closure member 916. The closure member 916 is configured to removably engage a first part 918a and a second part 918b of the front portion 902. The closure member 916 may include a zipper (as shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the closure member 916 may include a hook loop fastener arrangement, a button and button hole fastener arrangement, press studs, and the like. In one embodiment, the front portion 902 may be a unitary structure.
Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B in conjunction with FIG. 9, the flexible securing member 1014b is configured for receiving the at least one medical device 1102 therein. The medical device 1102 may include central lines, intravenous (IV) lines, and the like. Further, it should be noted that the first fastening members 906 of the front portion 902 removably engaged with the third fastening members 1008 of the rear portion 1002 securing at least a portion of the medical device 1102 passing through the flexible securing member 1014b in the medical garment 900 (as shown in FIG. 11B). Similarly, the at least one medical device 1102 is configured to be secured in the flexible securing member 1014a.
The medical garments 100/500/900 may be used for cancer patients and patients suffering from other chronic conditions, who need frequent infusions, and blood draws. The medical garments 100/500/900 may be provided with different colors and prints to enhance the aesthetic appearance.
Various embodiments of the disclosure, as discussed above, may be practiced with steps and/or operations in a different order, and/or with hardware elements in configurations, which are different than those which are disclosed. Therefore, although the disclosure has been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it is noted that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions may be apparent and well within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Although various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described herein in a language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.
Patent Application
20240415211
