PORTABLE POCKET FOR MEDICAL GARMENT

Abstract

A portable pocket for a medical garment comprises a base panel, an outer panel connected to the base panel, and an expansion pleat provided on the outer panel. The expansion pleat is moveable between (i) a folded position wherein a first interior volume is provided between the base panel and the outer panel and (ii) an expanded position wherein a second interior volume is provided between the base panel and the outer panel, the second interior volume being greater than the first interior volume. An adhesive layer is also provided on the base panel. The adhesive layer is provided on a side of the base panel that is opposite the side facing the outer panel.

Description

FIELD

This document relates to the field of garments, and particularly to medical garments.

BACKGROUND

Many garments do not feature pockets, or do not feature pockets of sufficient size or in the desired location. As a result, the user is left without a place to store small items on their person. Further, patients who have undergone certain surgeries may be required to have a surgical drainage reservoir, and need a place to hold the reservoir. Such reservoirs are often secured to the user's body or an abdominal binder, which may restrict the user's mobility or may otherwise cause discomfort.

Garments are known that include portable pockets. These garments generally include pockets that can be removably attached to the garment by means of an adhesive thereon, and that may further include designs or logos thereon. These pockets, however, are configured to be donned on the exterior of the garment for aesthetic purposes or for convenience of the user. These pockets do not provide a useful feature configured to carry medical accessories in a convenient location for the user following the occurrence of a surgery or other medical procedure.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a garment including a portable pocket that may be used in association with post-operative medical accessories. It would also be advantageous if such garment could be adapted from existing garment inventories and provided to a medical staff with relatively little cost.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a portable pocket comprising a base panel, an outer panel connected to the base panel, and an expansion pleat provided on the outer panel. The expansion pleat is moveable between (i) a folded position wherein a first interior volume is provided between the base panel and the outer panel and (ii) an expanded position wherein a second interior volume is provided between the base panel and the outer panel, the second interior volume being greater than the first interior volume. An adhesive layer is also provided on the base panel. The adhesive layer is provided on a side of the base panel that is opposite the side facing the outer panel.

Pursuant to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a garment for a medical patient. The garment includes a torso covering having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The torso covering includes a left shoulder portion, a right shoulder portion, an upper torso portion and a lower torso portion. A portable pocket is secured to the interior surface of torso covering. The portable pocket includes an outer panel and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is in contact with the interior surface of the torso covering and secures the outer panel to the interior surface of the torso portion.

In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method of loading a medical accessory on a patient. The method comprises fitting a medical gown to the patient and then attaching a portable pocket to an interior surface of the medical gown. The method further includes inserting the medical accessory into the portable pocket such that the medical accessory is retained within the pocket on the interior surface of the medical gown.

The above described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide a medical garment with a portable pocket that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable pocket for a medical garment;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the portable pocket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the portable pocket of FIG. 1 with a medical accessory positioned within the pocket;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a medical garment for a patient showing the location where the portable pocket of FIG. 1 is secured to the medical garment;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the portable pocket of FIG. 1 secured to a garment for a medical patient;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the portable pocket of FIG. 1 including an expandable pleat;

FIG. 7 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the portable pocket of FIG. 6 with an alternative embodiment of the expandable pleat;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the portable pocket of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the portable pocket of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a method of coupling a medical accessory to a patient using the portable pocket of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the portable pocket of FIG. 1 used in association with another garment following use with the medical garment; and

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the portable pocket of FIG. 1 used in association with another garment following use with the medical garment.

DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a portable pocket 10 includes a base panel 20 connected to an outer panel 30 with an expansion pleat 70 provided on the outer panel 30. An adhesive layer 40 is provided on a side of the base panel that is opposite the outer panel. The portable pocket 10 is configured to be secured to a garment via the adhesive layer 40. The portable pocket 10 is particularly configured to be secured to an interior surface of a garment 50 for a medical patient. When secured to the interior surface of the garment 50, the portable pocket 10 is configured to retain a medical accessory such as a post-operative medical device 90.

The base panel 20 is provided as a generally flat and rectangular sheet of fabric or other material. In at least one embodiment, the base panel 20 is comprised of a soft and flexible but relatively inelastic fabric, such as a cotton or polyester material. The base panel includes an inner side 22 and an outer side 24 with a perimeter edge 26 which defines the shape of the base panel 20. While the base panel 20 has been described herein as having a generally rectangular shape, the perimeter edge includes relatively straight side edges with curved upper and lower edges. It will be recognized that in other embodiments, the base panel 20 may be provided in other shapes such as an oval, semi-circular, or triangular shape.

In the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1-2, the base panel 20 has a length between 4″ and 7″ and a width between 3.5″ and 5.5″. In particular, the base panel 20 has a length of about 5.5″ and a width of about 5.5″. However, it will be recognized that the base panel 20 may be any of various sizes and shapes such that the portable pocket is appropriately configured to receive and retain the medical accessory 90.

The outer panel 30 (which may also be referred to herein as a “front panel” or “pocket panel”) is connected to the base panel 20 and has a similar size and perimeter shape as the base panel 20. Accordingly, the outer panel 30 is provided as may be provided as a generally flat and rectangular sheet of fabric or other material. In at least one embodiment, the outer panel 30 is comprised of a relatively elastic fabric, such as an elastane material. However, in other embodiments the outer panel 30 is comprised of a relatively inelastic material, such as a cotton or polyester fabric. In the embodiments wherein the outer panel 30 is comprised of inelastic material, the outer panel 30 typically includes an expansion pleat 70, as described in further detail below, although the expansion pleat 70 may also be provided on the outer panel in embodiments wherein the outer panel is comprised of an elastic material. In yet other embodiments, the outer panel 30 may be more bowed or curved and semi-cylindrical in nature instead of flat (e.g., see FIG. 3). However, in these embodiments, the shape of the perimeter 36 of the outer panel 30 remains similar to the shape of the perimeter 26 of the base panel 20.

The outer panel 30 includes an inner side 32 (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; see FIG. 3), an outer side 34, and a perimeter edge 36. The inner side 32 of the outer panel 30 faces the inner side 22 of the base panel 20. The outer side 34 of the outer panel 30 faces away from the base panel 20. The perimeter edge 36 defines the shape of the outer panel 30. While the outer panel 30 has been described herein as having a generally rectangular shape, the perimeter edge 36 includes a curved lower edge with relatively straight side edge and a relatively straight upper edge 38. While the outer panel 30 has been described as being generally rectangular, it will be recognized that in other embodiments the outer panel 30 may be provided in other shapes such as an oval, semi-circular, or triangular shape.

The perimeter 36 of the outer panel 30 is similar in size to that of the base panel 20 but may be slightly smaller. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the outer panel 30 generally has a length between 3.5″ and 6.5″ and a width between 3.25″ and 5.5″. In at least one embodiment, the outer panel 30 has a length of about 5″ and a width of about 5.25″. However, it will be recognized that the outer panel 30 may be any of various sizes and shapes that render the portable pocket appropriate to receive and retain the medical accessory 90.

The perimeter 36 of the outer panel 30 is connected to the perimeter 26 of the base panel 20, except the upper edge 38 of the outer panel 30 is not connected to the base panel 20. Any appropriate means may be used to connect the perimeter 26 of the base panel 20 to the perimeter 36 of the outer panel 30, such as stitching, adhesives, welding, etc. A seam is formed where the base panel 20 is connected to the outer panel 30. While the base panel 20 and the outer panel 30 are described herein as being two separate panels connected along a seam that extends along much of the perimeter of the two panels, it will be recognized that the base panel 20 and the outer panel 30 may also be connected differently. For example, the base panel 20 and the outer panel 30 could be provided by a unitary piece of fabric that is folded to provide the base panel and the outer panel and the edges connected to form one or more seams.

Once the seam is formed along the base panel 20 and the outer panel, a pocket 28 is formed between the base panel 20 and the outer panel 30. An opening to the pocket 28 is provided along the upper edge 38 of the outer panel 30. The pocket 28 provides an interior volume between the base panel 20 and the outer panel 30.

In the embodiments wherein both the base panel 20 and the outer panel 30 are relatively flat and smooth, the interior volume is relatively small. However, in such embodiments, the outer panel 30 may be comprised of an elastic material such that the interior volume may be greatly expanded. In particular, when a post-operative medical accessory or other medical device is inserted into the pocket 28, the outer panel 30 will stretch and conform to the shape of the inserted device, thus increasing the interior volume between the base panel 20 and the outer panel 30. In other embodiments wherein the base panel 20 and the outer panel 30 are both relatively flat and are both comprised of a relatively inelastic material, the outer panel 30 may include expansion pleats 70, as described in further detail below, thus facilitating an increase in the interior volume when a medical device is inserted into the pocket. In yet other embodiments wherein the outer panel 30 is not flat, but is generally bowed or curved and semi-cylindrical, no expansion of the interior volume may be needed, as the bowed nature of the outer panel 30 may provide a sufficient interior volume to receive a designated device.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, an adhesive layer 40 is connected to the outer side 24 of the base panel 20. In the embodiment disclosed herein, the adhesive layer 40 is a thin, relatively flat and continuous sheet of adhesive material that substantially covers the entire outer side 24 of the base panel. However, in other embodiments, the adhesive layer 40 may be interrupted (e.g., an adhesive mesh material or curving line of adhesive material) and cover less of the outer side 24 of the base panel 20 (e.g., only cover the perimeter 26 of the base panel 20). The adhesive layer 40 may be provided in any of various forms such as a film, tape, gel-like material, or any other appropriate form. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the adhesive layer has a shape and size that is similar to the base panel 20.

The adhesive layer 40 may be comprised of any of various types of adhesive materials. In at least one embodiment, the adhesive material is a removable adhesive configured to be applied to a surface, removed from the surface, and then reapplied to the same surface or a different surface. For example, the adhesive layer 40 may be comprised of a pressure-sensitive adhesive designed for removable applications. Removable PSAs and other removable adhesives are designed to form a temporary bond, and can typically be removed after months or years without leaving residue on the adherent. Removable adhesives are often used in applications such as surface protection films, masking tapes, bookmark and note papers, barcodes labels, price marking labels, promotional graphics materials, and for skin contact (wound care dressings, EKG electrodes, athletic tape, analgesic and transdermal drug patches, etc.). The removable adhesive may be designed to be repeatedly stuck and unstuck on a given surface. Accordingly, when the adhesive layer 40 is comprised of a removable adhesive, the portable pocket is also a removable pocket that may be adhered to one garment surface, removed, and then re-adhered to another garment surface.

In at least one embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, a backer sheet 42 is provided on the side of the adhesive layer 40 that faces away from the base panel 20. The backer sheet 42 is a sheet of paper or other material that may be easily peeled away from the adhesive layer 40 in order to expose the adhesive layer 40 before it is secured to a garment. The backer sheet 42 allows the portable pocket to be easily transported and manipulated without the risk that it will accidentally be adhered to an unintended object. Accordingly, the backer sheet 42 may be removed just prior to the portable pocket being positioned upon and pressed against an intended surface.

With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the portable pocket is attached to an inner surface of a garment 50 for a medical patient, such as a hospital gown or other medical gown. The garment 50 may be provided in any of various forms that provide a torso covering 52 for the patient during a stay in a hospital or other medical facility. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the torso covering 52 is provided as a fabric panel (e.g., a cotton panel) having an interior surface 54 and an exterior surface 56. The torso covering 52 may be provided as a single fabric panel or as multiple fabric panels that are permanently or releasably joined together to form the complete torso covering. The torso covering 52 includes a left shoulder portion 60, a right shoulder portion 62, an upper torso portion 64 and a lower torso portion 66.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the portable pocket 10 is configured to be attached to the interior surface 54 of the torso covering 52 of the garment 50. In at least one embodiment, the portable pocket 10 is attached to the interior surface of the garment 50 between the upper torso portion 64 and the lower torso portion, in the region marked with an “X” in FIG. 4. This region is generally below the chest of the wearer but above the groin of the wearer, in the proximity of the stomach or hip of the wearer. This position advantageously allows the medical accessory 90 to be situated in the pocket 28 at a proper location where tubes or lines may be easily attached to the medical accessory 90.

With reference now to FIG. 6, in at least one embodiment, an expansion pleat 70 is provided on the outer panel 30. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the expansion pleat is a box pleat having a straight panel shape. The box pleat includes a first interior crease 72, a first exterior crease 74, a second interior crease 76, and a second exterior crease 76. Each of the creases 72, 74, 76, 78 extends substantially parallel to one another along the central portion of the outer panel 30. When the box pleat 70 is withdrawn (i.e., the creases 72, 74, 76 and 78 are closely folded), the outer panel 30 is substantially flat and remains in close proximity to the base panel 20. However, when the box pleat is expanded (i.e., the creases 72, 74, 76 and 78 are made flatter), the outer panel 30 moves away from the base panel 20 creating additional space between the outer panel 30 and the base panel 20. Accordingly, it will be recognized that the expansion pleat 70 is moveable between (i) a folded position wherein a first interior volume between is provided between the base panel and the outer panel and (ii) an expanded position wherein a second interior volume is provided between the base panel and the outer panel, the second interior volume being greater than the first interior volume.

When the expansion pleat 70 is in the expanded position, the pocket 28 is sized to receive the medical accessory 90 such that the medical accessory 90 fits within the portable pocket 10. Examples of medical devices and accessories that may placed in the portable pocket 10 include post-surgical devices such as post-operative drains configured to collect bodily fluids from a patient following surgery or a telemetry packet configured to receive electronic communications with electrodes attached to a cardiac patient.

With reference now to FIGS. 7-9, in at least one embodiment, the expansion pleat 70 includes a first crease 80, a second crease 82, and a third crease 84 extending from a central junction 86 on the outer panel 30. The first crease 80 extends from the central junction 86 to an upper middle edge of the outer panel 30. The second crease 82 extends from the central junction 86 to a lower left side of the outer panel 30. The third crease 84 extends from the central junction 86 to a lower right side of the outer panel 30. In this embodiment, the first crease 80, second crease 82 and third crease 84 serve as portions of a combination pleat on the outer panel 30. The first crease 80 is provided as part of an accordion pleat having a straight panel shape. The second crease 82 and the third crease 84 are provided as part of a lower box pleat having a sunburst panel shape. The second crease 82, third crease 84, and the lower perimeter/seam of the outer panel 30 form a gusset 88 on the outer panel 30.

The combination pleat on the outer panel 30, including a box pleat design with a gusset 88 as shown in FIGS. 7-9 advantageously allows the outer panel 30 to conveniently fold inward when a lesser volume is desired in the pocket 28, and easily expand significantly outward from the base panel 20 when a large volume may be provided within the pocket 28. This arrangement for the combination pleat is especially advantageous for receiving various medical accessories that a patient may need to carry on their person following a surgery or other medical procedure. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the front panel with the expansion pleat in an expanded position wherein a larger interior volume is provided between the base panel 20 and the outer panel 30. As shown in FIG. 9, a post-operative medical accessory 90 may be easily inserted into the pocket 28 when the base panel 20 is in the expanded position.

In operation, the portable pocket 10 allows the medical accessory to be carried by the wearer on his or her medical garment 50 hands-free. Because the portable pocket 10 is on the interior of the medical garment 50, cords, tubes or other lines associated with the medical accessory easily extend between the patient and the medical accessory 90 mounted on the interior of the medical garment 50. There is no need for the cords, tubes or other lines extending between the patient and the medical accessory 90 to extend through holes or under the garment. Furthermore, the cords, tubes or other lines are conveniently removed from access to the patient's arms and therefore the patient will not accidentally disturb the cords, tubes or other lines with his or her arms. When the expansion pleat 70 is in a withdrawn position, the size of the pocket 28 is minimized and the pocket 10 does not interfere with the comfort of the patient wearing the medical garment 50.

With reference now to FIG. 10, the portable pocket facilitates a method 100 of loading a medical accessory 90 on a patient. The method 100 begins as shown in step 102 wherein a medical gown or other medical garment 50 is fitted to the patient. Fitting the medical gown to the patient generally includes one or more of (i) determining a gown size for the patent, (ii) selecting a gown for the patient, (iii) providing the gown to the patient, (iv) allowing the patient to don the selected gown, or (v) assisting the patient in donning the selected gown. Next, in step 104, the method continues with attaching a portable pocket 10 to an interior surface of the medical gown. As described previously, the portable pocket 10 is generally attached to the gown by determining a surface location on which to attach the portable pocket 10. For example, a position on the interior surface of the gown between the upper torso portion and the lower portion and to the patient's side may be the selected surface location, such as the location noted with an “X” in FIG. 4. After selecting the location to attach the portable pocket, the user removes the backing sheet 42 from the portable pocket 10 and presses the exposed adhesive layer 40 against the selected surface location of the medical gown.

Next, as noted in step 106 of FIG. 10, the user moves the outer panel 30 of the portable pocket 10 to the expanded position (e.g., moves the expansion pleats to the expanded position) and inserts the medical accessory 90 into the pocket 28. With the medical accessory retained in this position, it may be easily carried by the patient wearing the medical gown while receiving care during his or her stay at the medical facility. The patient is relieved of the need to carry the medical accessory 90 by hand or have the medical accessory attached to a conventional pole that is pulled or pushed by the user when walking. Conveniently, because the portable pocket 10 is positioned on the interior of the medical gown the cords, tubes and other lines extending between the patient and the medical accessory are retained within the gown. This prevents the cords, tubes and other lines from interfering with the motion of the patient or being disturbed by the patient.

In addition to the portable pocket 10 being used in association with a medical garment, the portable pocket may be removed from one garment and attached to other garments. Removal of the portable pocket 10 from one garment may depend at least in part on the use of a removable adhesive as the adhesive layer. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, after the portable pocket 10 is used in a medical facility, a determination is made whether the patient is allowed to or wishes to take the pocket home following his or her stay in the medical facility, as noted in step 108 of FIG. 10. If the user does not take the portable pocket 10 home, the portable pocket is removed from the medical gown 50 and disposed of in step 112.

However, if the medical facility allows the user to keep the pocket and the user decides to take the pocket home, the portable pocket 10 is removed from the medical gown 50 and method continues to step 110. Moreover, it is common for patients to be discharged from a medical facility with post-operative drains or other medical accessories still being used by the patient. In these situations, a patient may not only be discharged with the pocket they used at the medical facility, but also with additional pockets that may be attached to their personal garments. In step 110, the user attaches the portable pocket 10 to a personal garment in a desired pocket location such that the portable pocket 10 may hold any of various accessory items. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the portable pocket 10 may be adhered to an athletic shirt 130 that otherwise includes no pockets, such as a compression shirt for jogging. The portable pocket 10 may be advantageously used to hold such items as personal electronic devices or headphones 120. As another example, as shown in FIG. 12, the portable pocket may be adhered to a work shirt 140, such as a construction vest that is otherwise void of pockets. In this manner, the portable pocket may be reused with any of various garments to provide an accessory holding pocket for the user.

The foregoing detailed description of one or more exemplary embodiments of the portable pocket for a medical garment has been presented herein by way of example only and not limitation. It will be recognized that there are advantages to certain individual features and functions described herein that may be obtained without incorporating other features and functions described herein. Moreover, it will be recognized that various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements of the above-disclosed exemplary embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different embodiments, systems or applications. For example, although the portable pocket has been described herein as including both a base panel and an outer panel, in at least one embodiment, the base panel is omitted, and the outer panel is attached directly to the garment, the adhesive layer being provided along the perimeter of the outer panel. Furthermore, presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the appended claims. Therefore, the spirit and scope of any appended claims should not be limited to the description of the exemplary embodiments contained herein.

Claims

1. A portable pocket, the portable pocket comprising: a base panel;an outer panel connected to the base panel;an expansion pleat provided on the outer panel, the expansion pleat moveable between (i) a folded position wherein a first interior volume is provided between the base panel and the outer panel and (ii) an expanded position wherein a second interior volume is provided between the base panel and the outer panel, the second interior volume being greater than the first interior volume; andan adhesive layer provided on the base panel, the adhesive layer provided on a side of the base panel that is opposite the side facing the outer panel.

2. The portable pocket of claim 1 wherein the base panel and the outer panel are connected along a seam.

3. The portable pocket of claim 1 further comprising a paper backer sheet, the adhesive layer positioned between the base panel and the paper backer sheet.

4. The portable pocket of claim 1 wherein the expansion pleat is a box pleat.

5. The portable pocket of claim 1 wherein the expansion pleat includes a first crease, a second crease, and a third crease extending from a central junction, wherein the first crease extends to an upper middle edge of the outer panel, and wherein the second crease and the third crease extend toward lower sides of the outer panel.

6. The portable pocket of claim 1 wherein the expansion pleat includes a combination of a lower box pleat having a sunburst panel shape and an upper accordion pleat or side pleat having a straight panel shape.

7. The portable pocket of claim 1 wherein the adhesive layer is a film of adhesive substantially covering the side of the base panel.

8. The portable pocket of claim 1 further comprising a medical gown including an interior surface and an exterior surface, the adhesive layer adhered to the interior surface of the medical gown.

9. The portable pocket of claim 8 further comprising a medical accessory retained in the portable pocket between the outer panel and the interior surface of the medical gown.

10. A garment for a medical patient, the garment comprising: a torso covering having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the torso covering including a left shoulder portion, a right shoulder portion, an upper torso portion and a lower torso portion; anda removable pocket secured to the interior surface of the torso covering, the removable pocket including an outer panel and an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer in contact with the interior surface of the torso covering, the adhesive layer securing the outer panel to the interior surface of the torso portion.

11. The garment of claim 10 further comprising a medical accessory retained in the removable pocket between the outer panel and the interior surface of the torso covering.

12. The garment of claim 11 wherein the medical accessory is a post-operative drain configured to collect bodily fluids or a telemetry packet.

13. The garment of claim 10 wherein the torso covering is comprised of a cotton material and the outer panel is comprised of an elastane material.

14. The garment of claim 10 wherein the outer panel includes an expansion pleat.

15. The garment of claim 14 wherein the expansion pleat is provided by a box pleat.

16. The garment of claim 14 wherein the expansion pleat includes a first crease, a second crease, and a third crease extending from a central junction, wherein the first crease extends to an upper middle edge of the outer panel, and wherein the second crease and the third crease extend toward lower sides of the outer panel.

17. The garment of claim 10 wherein the removable pocket includes an base panel provided between the adhesive layer and the outer panel, the base panel including a first side facing the outer panel and a second side facing the interior surface of the torso covering.

18. The garment of claim 17 wherein the adhesive layer is a film of adhesive substantially covering the second side of the base panel.

19. The garment of claim 10 wherein the removable pocket is positioned on the lower torso portion of the torso covering in a side area of the lower torso portion.

20. A method of loading a medical accessory on a patient, the method comprising: fitting a medical gown to the patient;attaching a portable pocket to an interior surface of the medical gown after fitting the medical gown to the patient; andinserting the medical accessory into the portable pocket such that the medical accessory is retained within the pocket on the interior surface of the medical gown.