Protective surgical sock (feet) protective surgical covering for the arm, hand

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6298496
  • Patent Number
    6,298,496
  • Date Filed
    Tuesday, April 18, 2000
    24 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, October 9, 2001
    22 years ago
Abstract
The intention of this current and improved invention relates to podiatry/orthopedic (entire foot/toe area, heel, ankle, lower and upper part of the leg) for providing the patient with a protective covering. The loose fit sock provides protection, flexibility, comfort, and adjustability during the rehabilitation/treatment process. In most cases (foot/toe area) after a procedure is done, an open surgical shoe is required to be worn by the patient. For the arm/hand area—when braces, casts, splints, fixtures, bandages and medicated patches (e.g.) are used after procedures, the components and variations are an asset. In addition, with both the foot/leg, and hand/arm coverings, the variations, components and materials are practical, safe, washable and reusable, and the manufacturing cost is minimal.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




This invention relates to protective sock used for the foot and entire toe area including the ankle, lower and upper part of the leg/knee. This protective Surgical Sock can be used in Podiatry/Orthopedic, Vascular and general related treatment/rehabilitation after surgery, and will enhance the quality of the rehabilitation.




In the past there has been no known all season protective covering addressing the entire foot area and leg area. This covering is practical, safe, sanitary and reusable. In most instances during the course of treatment in the foot/toe area, a surgical shoe is worn during the healing/rehabilitation process. The surgical shoe in most instances is open. Surgery to the foot/toe area sometimes include pins in the toes, osteotomies (cutting) clamps, and stitches. This loose fitting sock with a variation of shapes, sizes, padding and materials will be workable and effective with the on going treatment process. The variation of the loose fit shape-sock will be referred to as (a) sock-like and (j) Pear-Sock-with varying components.




In reference to the lower and upper leg area, the protective sock is adaptable and adjustable where casts, bandages and dressings are used, and the toe and heel area are most times left unprotected.




In the past there has been no known all seasonal protective covering addressing the arm/hand area. This current and improved invention for the forelimb (arm), the carpus (wrist), the metacarpus (palm proper) and the digits (the four fingers and the thumb) addresses fractures, surgery, and other diseases of the arm and hand. This protective covering will provide the patient with the same protection as the Protective Surgical Sock for the foot, lower and upper leg area. In most instances the digits are exposed. The flexibility, variations in materials, sizes and components will be workable and effective in the on going rehabilitation/treatment process. This covering is safe, practical and sanitary where casts, bandages, splints, braces, external fixtures, dressings (e.g.) may be used. This Tub-shape-Mit will be referred to as (y). This Tub-shape Mit is easily maintained, hand washable and reusable.




BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




The object of this invention is to provide the patient with adequate/suitable protection. The variations in sizes, shapes, designs and materials will be an asset. Most designs will be suitable for the open surgical shoe and will adequately cover casts, pins, clamps, bandages, tapes and other dressings. The patient will have the flexibility of movement as much as existing injuries will allow, but the Protective Surgical Sock will be an asset. Most of the sock-like coverings will have extra padding.




Maintenance of this sock-like covering is relatively easy since it can be hand washed and reused. Protective Tub-shape Mit (y) will be an asset. This design will be suitable for the arm/hand area for adequately covering casts, braces, fixtures, splints, bandages, tapes and other dressings. The motivation and object of this current invention will be clarified in the following drawings.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

Outline of the Protective Surgical Sock (a) with possible examples of materials to be used in promoting this current invention in relation to injury, rehabilitation, seasonal/environmental conditions.





FIG. 2

Outline of the Protective Surgical Sock (a) addresses the loose Fit, practical for bandages, casts, tapes, pins (e.g.) foot (toes) lower and upper leg area.





FIG. 3

Outline of the Protective Surgical Sock This version covers the lower half of the leg and entire foot (toes) area.





FIG. 4

Pear Shape-Sock like (j) addresses the loose fit practical for bandages, Casts, tapes, pins (e.g.) foot (toes) lower and upper leg area.





FIG. 5

Pear Shape-Sock-like (j) addresses the loose fit practical for bandages, casts, tapes, pins (e.g.) foot (toes) lower and upper leg area.





FIGS. 1-18

address some variations and components with the patient in mind for comfort, flexibility and protection from the elements. (FOOT)





FIGS. 19-26

address a Tub-shape-Mit (y), with components and the patient in mind for comfort, flexibility, and an element protector. (ARM/HAND)























Top tie draw strings




foot




b




(1)







Top tie draw strings




hand




b




(2)







Semi-rounded toe




foot




c








Lining/insulation




foot




d




(1)







Lining/insulation




hand




d




(2)








arm









Fore Foot padding




foot




e




(1)







Heel padding




foot




e




(2)







Ball of foot padding




foot




e




(3)







Heel




foot




f








Tie drawstrings




foot




g








Rounded toe




foot




h








Tie strings (upper sock)




(lateral)




I




(1)








foot









Tie draw strings (left arm)




(lateral)




I




(2)







Tie draw strings (right arm)




(lateral)




I




(3)







Pear Shape-Sock-like




foot




j








Tie drawstrings (middle)




foot




k








right and left side










All around ties




foot




l








Back zipper (posterior)




foot




m








Front zipper (anterior)




foot




n








Zipper left side




foot




o




(1)







Zipper left side




arm




o




(2)







Zipper right side




foot




p




(1)







Zipper right side




arm




p




(2)







All around zipper




foot




q








Zipper Fore foot




foot




r








Side zippers left and right




foot




s








Buttons left side




foot




t




(1)







Buttons left side




arm




t




(2)







Buttons right side




foot




u




(1)







Buttons right side




arm




(u)




2







Snaps./hooks left side




hand




u




(3)








arm









Snaps/hooks right side




hand




u




(4)








arm









Elastic (top)




arm




v








Diagonal (toe shapes)




foot




w








Forearm/hand




hand




x









arm









Tub-shape-Mit




hand




y








arm









Digits




fingers




z









thumb






















DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




Protective Surgical Sock . . . Shape (a) and Shape (j)




FIG.


1


. Sock (a) Top left. Padding and Insulation: Variety of fabrics cotton, terry cloth, sweat cloth, plastic coated (e.g.) for use.






















Top tie draw strings




b




(1)







Semi-rounded toe




c








Lining/Insulation




d




(1)







Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Ball of foot padding




e




(3)







Heel




f















FIG.


2


. Sock (a) Top-right Out-line Sock (a) loose fitting, practical for bandages, casts, pins (e.g.)






















Top tie draw strings




b




(1)







Semi-rounded toe




c








Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Heel




f















TIE DRAW STRINGS




FIG.


3


. Sock (a) Short















Top left



























Top tie drawstrings




b




(1)







Semi-rounded toe




c








Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Heel




f








Tie draw strings (middle)




g
















FIG. 4

(j)















Top right



























Top tie drawstrings




b




(1)







Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Tie draw strings (middle)




g








Rounded toe




h















FIG.


5


. Pear-shape-sock (j)















Bottom left






Loose fitting, practical for bandages,






casts, tapes, pins (e.g.)



























Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Rounded toe




h















FIG.


6


. Pear-shape-sock (j)















Bottom right



























Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Rounded toe




h








Left and right side tie strings - (upper sock)




l















FIG.


7


. VERSION 7. Pear-shape-sock (j)















Top left



























Top tie drawstrings




b




(1)







Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Rounded toe




h








Tie draw strings (middle) right and left side




k















FIG.


8


. VERSION 8. Pear-shape-sock (j)















Top right



























Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Rounded toe




h








All around ties




l








ZIPPERS















FIG.


9


. Sock (a)















Top left



























Top tie drawstrings




b




(1)







Semi-rounded toe




c








Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Heel




f








Back zipper (posterior)




m















FIG.


10


. Sock (a)















Top right



























Top tie drawstrings




b




(1)







Semi-rounded toe




c








Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Heel




f








Front zipper (anterior)




n















FIG.


11


. Sock (a)















Top left



























Semi-rounded toe




c








Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Heel




f








Zipper left side




o




(1)















FIG.


12


. Sock (a)















Top right



























Semi-rounded toe




c








Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Heel




f








Zipper right side




p




(1)















FIG.


13


. Sock (a)















(MIDDLE)



























Semi-rounded toe




c








Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Heel




f








All around zipper




q















FIG.


14


. Pear-shape-sock (j)















Top left



























Top tie drawstrings




b




(1)







Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Tie draw strings (middle)




g








Rounded toe




h








Zipper (anterior toe area)




r















FIG.


15


. Pear-shape-sock (j)















Top right



























Top tie drawstrings




b




(1)







Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Rounded toe




h








Side zippers (left and right)




s















FIG.


16


. Sock (a)















Top left



























Semi-rounded toe




c








Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Heel




f








Buttons left side




t




(1)















FIG.


17


. Sock (a)















Top right



























Semi-rounded toe




c








Fore foot padding




e




(1)







Heel




f








Buttons right side




u




(1)















FIG.


18


.





















Left side








Semi-rounded toe




c







Middle








Rounded toe




h







Right side








Diagonal sides right and left




w







Rounded toe




h
















FIGS. 19-26

Tub-shape-Mit for the arm/hand: a variation that will address features and components that protect and allow the patient the flexibility of movement as much as existing injuries will allow during the rehabilitation/treatment process. Materials and components are washable, very easy to care for, and reusable. This protective covering will be conducive to changing seasonal and environmental conditions. The Tub-shape-Mit (y), variations and components are practical for braces, splints, casts, fixtures, bandages and medicated patches (e.g.).




HAND/ARM




FIG.


19


. Tub-shape-Mit (y)















Top left






Padding and Insulation: Variety of fabrics






Cotton, terry cloth, sweat cloth, plastic coated (e.g.) for use.



























Top tie drawstrings




b




(2)







Lining/insulation




d




(2)







Fore arm




x








Digits/thumb




z















FIG.


20


. Tub-shape-Mit (y)















Top-right






Out-line of (y-Mit) practical design for braces,






bandages, splints, casts and fixtures (e.g.)


























Top fore arm (elastic)




v







fore arm




x







digits/thumb




z















FIG.


21


. Tub-shape-Mit (y)















Top left


























Snaps/hooks (left fore arm)




u (3)







Top left (fore arm) elastic




v







Fore arm




x







Digits/thumb




z















FIG.


22


. Tub-shape-Mit (y)















Top right


























Snaps/hooks right (fore arm)




u (4)







Top right (fore arm) elastic




v







Digits/thumb




z















FIG.


23


. Tub-shape-Mit (y)















Top left


























Left arm (lateral zipper)




o (2)







Top left (fore arm) elastic




v







fore arm




x







Digits/thumb




z















FIG.


24


. Tub-shape-Mit (y)















Top right


























Right arm (lateral zipper)




p (2)







Top left (fore arm) elastic




v







fore arm




x







Digits/thumb




z















FIG.


25


. Tub-shape-Mit (y)















Top left



























Tie drawstrings left lateral (fore arm)




I




(2)







Buttons left lateral (fore arm)




t




(2)







Top left (fore arm) elastic




v








Fore arm




x








Digits/thumb




z















FIG.


26


. Tub-shape-Mit (y)















Top right



























Tie draw strings lateral (fore arm)




I




(3)







Buttons right lateral (fore arm)




u




(2)







Top right (fore arm) elastic




v








Fore arm




x








Digits/thumb




z















STRUCTURAL FEATURES




The sock is made from a variety of fabrics including cotton, terry cloth, sweat cloth, muslin, plastic coating (e.g.), Strings, buttons, and zippers, are used for closure, secureness, adjustability, and flexibility.




STRUCTURAL FEATURES AND COMPONENTS: SOCK (a)




FIG.


1


. Sock (a)




The Protective Surgical Sock is machine stitched from the top, with a turned down machine stitched hem, tie draw strings (b-


1


) incorporated and extended through hemmed opening for closure, secureness, and adjustability for inserting the foot, lower and upper leg into the opening without atraumatics to the patient. The machine stitching continues from the hemmed top to one side of the sock to the other side of the sock.




The sock includes Lining/Insulation (d-


1


) inside of the protective Surgical Sock (a). Terry cloth material may be used on the inside for added protection in the fore foot area, semi-rounded toe (c), and ball of foot padding (e-


3


). The terry cloth material is machine stitched to the plantar on the inside of the protective covering, and at the heel (f), for added protection on the inside of the sock (a) completely covering the inside of the Protective Surgical Sock (a).




Terry cloth material may also be sewn to the interior surface of the sock at the heel area (f) for reinforcement.





FIG. 3

shows a shorter sock with forefoot padding and tie drawstrings at top and middle positions for adjustably securing the sock.





FIG. 9

shows an embodiment with a zipper along a side seam and a tie drawstring at the top.





FIG. 10

shows an embodiment with a zipper along a left side seam.





FIG. 11

shows a sock with a zipper located adjacent to the heel portion (f) with fore foot padding (e-


1


)





FIG. 12

shows a sock with the zipper located on the opposite side of the sock.





FIG. 13

shows a sock with a zipper (q) extending about the outer periphery of the sock.





FIG. 16

shows the sock with buttons extending a long a top portion, with complementary buttonholes (not shown)





FIG. 17

shows the sock with buttons extending along the bottom sock portion.




FIG.


4


.




A Pear-shape-sock (j) is machine stitched from the top wide opening, with a turned down machine stitched hem, and tie draw strings extending through the hemmed opening for closure, secureness, adjustability. Fore foot padding (e-


1


) is machine stitched at the anterior of the Protective Surgical Sock (j), with terry cloth material (not visible.




FIG.


5


.




A Pear-shape-sock (j) is machine stitched from the top wide opening, with a turned down machine stitched hem, and machine stitching continues from turned down machine-stitched hem, from one top side to the other top side of said sock (laterally). Fore foot padding (e-


1


) is machine stitched at the anterior of the Protective Surgical Sock (j), with terry cloth material covering the toes on the inside of the material for added protection.




Heel padding (e-


2


) of terry cloth material is machine stitched on the inside of the (f) area for reinforcement.




FIG.


6


. Pear-shape-sock (j)




Protective Surgical Sock (j) has fore foot padding E(j) and drawstrings extending vertically along opposing sides of the sock for securing the sock on the foot.




FIG.


7


. Pear-shape-sock (j)




Protective Surgical Sock (j) has fore foot padding E(


1


) with a variation of the draw strings.




FIG.


8


. Pear-shape-sock-like (j)




Protective Surgical Sock (j) shows another embodiment with tie drawstrings.




FIG.


14


. Pear-Shape-Sock (j)




Protective Surgical Sock (j) has an opening extending from one side to the other at the toe end of the sock and a zipper closure for selectively opening and closing the toe area of the sock for exposing a wearer's toe area. The sock also includes fore foot padding and tie draw strings at the middle and upper end of the sock.




FIG.


15


. Pear-shape-sock (j)




Protective Surgical Sock (j) has yet another embodiment with zippers extending vertically along the sides of the sock and a tie draw string at the top.





FIG. 18

shows different shapes of the toe portion of the sock.




PROTECTIVE COVERING-ARM/HAND TUB-SHAPE MIT (Y)




FIG.


19


.




Tub-shape-mit (y) is a mitten with a thumb enclosure a tie drawstrings at an upper end.




FIG.


20


.




Tub-shape-mit (y) is a mitten with a thumb enclosure and elastic at an upper end for securing the covering around an arm.




FIG.


21


.




Tub-shape-mit (y) is a mitten with an elongated sleeve adapted to extend midway up a wearer's arm and including an opening along the length of the sleeve with snaps for closing the opening. The sleeve has an elastic upper end.




FIG.


22


.




Tub-shape-mit (y) is the mitten of

FIG. 21

with the vertical opening on the opposite side of the sleeve.




FIG.


23


.




Tub-shape-mit (y) is a mitten with a zipper closure.




FIG.


24


.




Tub-shape-mit (y) is the mitten of

FIG. 23

with the zipper on the opposite side of the sleeve.




FIG.


25


.




Tub-shape-mit (y) is a mitten with tie drawstrings at an upper end and buttons with complementary buttonholes for closing an opening extending vertically along the length of the sleeve.





FIG. 26

is the mitten of

FIG. 25

with the opening along an opposite side of the sleeve portion



Claims
  • 1. A sock for providing cushioning comfort to a foot comprising:a stocking arranged to be loosely positioned over the foot, the stocking having a top, bottom, two side portions, a distal end, and a cushioned, quilted portion positioned over a toe area of the top of the stocking, a first closure positioned in a semi-circular configuration extending from one side to the other at a toe end of the stocking, wherein the toe area of a wearer is readily accessible, and a second closure at a distal end.
  • 2. A sock according to claim 1, wherein the distal end is positioned to cover an ankle and lower leg area of a wearer.
  • 3. A sock according to claim 1, wherein the stocking is made from a material selected from the group consisting of:terry cloth, cotton, and plastic-coated material.
  • 4. A sock according to claim 1, wherein the first closure is a zipper.
  • 5. A sock according to claim 1, wherein the first closure is a button and buttonhole.
  • 6. A sock according to claim 1, wherein the second closure is a drawstring located at each side portion for adjustably securing the distal end around a leg portion of a wearer.
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Number Name Date Kind
4966135 Renfrew Oct 1990
5230333 Yates et al. Jul 1993
5497513 Arabeyre et al. Mar 1996
5575013 Krack Nov 1996
5617745 Della Corte et al. Apr 1997
5634216 Wu Jun 1997
5658354 Norvell Aug 1997
5697106 Baker et al. Dec 1997
5720712 Joy et al. Feb 1998
5749100 Rosenberg May 1998
5830237 Kania Nov 1998