BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In describing the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures wherein like parts have like reference numerals, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a therapeutic device consistent with the present invention and shown with the straps laid open and flat.
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the first embodiment shown with greater detail for strap and device construction, and showing a strap in an auxiliary strap holding position.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the first embodiment shown with a strap in a primary adjustable and releasable attachment position.
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a first alternative strap construction to that shown in FIGS. 1-3, with a strap in an auxiliary strap holding position.
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a second alternative strap construction to that shown in FIGS. 1-3, with a strap connected to and extending from the inner surface of a band which has an auxiliary strap holding position.
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of a third alternative strap construction to that shown in FIGS. 1-3, with a strap connected to and extending from the outer surface of a band, and where the strap has an auxiliary strap holding position.
FIG. 6A is a further partial perspective view of the third alternative strap construction shown in FIG. 6, but with the strap folded over on itself into an auxiliary strap holding position.
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a fourth alternative strap construction shown in FIGS. 1-3, with an auxiliary strap holding position and with a the strap laid open and flat.
FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a second preferred embodiment shown with a band having a loop surface on both sides except for a hook portion on the inner surface of a strap at the left end and a non-attachment portion on the band that defines an auxiliary strap holding position.
FIG. 9 is a front view of a third preferred embodiment of a therapeutic device of an alternative construction consistent with the present invention and shown with the device laid open and flat.
FIG. 9A is a partial perspective view of a first alternative strap construction to that shown in FIG. 9, with a strap formed by the band extending beyond the distal end of an attachment portion, and an auxiliary strap holding position formed on the strap.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a therapeutic device of an alternative construction consistent with the present invention and shown with one strap laid open and flat and a second strap folded over on itself into an auxiliary strap holding position.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a therapeutic device of an alternative construction consistent with the present invention and shown with a pair of straps having auxiliary strap holding positions but with the straps in their primary attachment position.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a therapeutic device of an alternative construction consistent with the present invention and shown with an elastic band having an attachment portion and an auxiliary strap holding position at each end.
It should be understood that the drawings are not to scale. While some mechanical details of a therapeutic device, including other plan and section views of the particular components, have been omitted, such details are considered well within the comprehension of those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure. It also should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments illustrated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring generally to FIGS. 1-12, it will be appreciated that therapeutic devices having auxiliary strap holding positions and being consistent with the present invention may be embodied within numerous configurations.
Referring to a first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, a therapeutic device 10, embodying the present invention is constructed as a compression garment. Device 10 has a plurality of compression bands 12 arranged in a parallel overlapping relationship to enable the device to encompass a body part or limb, such as a leg. In this example, compression bands 12 are held in place with respect to each other by a longitudinal band 14 of fabric sewn to a central region of each compression band 12. Longitudinal band 14 has an inner surface having a loop fabric. In the preferred embodiment, a flexible support 16, such as a strip of semi-rigid plastic, is sewn across the outside of compression bands 12, and a further longitudinal band 18 comprising fabric having an outer loop surface overlays flexible support 16 and is sewn to compression bands 12. In the preferred embodiment, second longitudinal band 18 is positioned in alignment with first longitudinal band 14 on the opposite side of compression bands 12.
Each compression band 12 has a first strap 20 at a first end. In this example, strap 20 is made from a portion 21 of material extending from band 12, and which is folded back on itself to present inward facing portion L′. Strap 20 also includes an inward facing hook portion H affixed to and extending from the outer surface of portion 21. Each band 12 also has at least one slot 22 near a second end to accommodate first strap 20 to pass through the slot in threaded relationship so as to allow a user to apply compression to the body part encompassed by the device. It will be appreciated that additional slots 22 may be provided to permit a wider range of adjustment in each compression band 12. A second strap 24 is provided at a second end of each band 12. Each first strap 20 and second strap 24 may extend from a respective end of band 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, or may overlap or be within the area of band 12, so that the band extends to the end of each strap or beyond, as shown for instance in the fourth preferred embodiment in FIGS. 9 and 9A.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, each compression band 12 preferably is made from a flexible, foldable Velcro-type fabric having an outer surface loop-portion L which is preferably a light weight loop fabric that is essentially inelastic, although it will be understood that it may comprise elastic material if desired, and may cover an area which is less than the entire outer surface. Each strap comprises an inner surface hook portion H having a strip of Velcro-type hook fabric or tape connected to or extending from the end of a band 12 or as part of a strap. It will be appreciated that each hook portion H may be connected to band 12 or a strap by stitching, adhesive or any other suitable joining methods and materials.
In use, when strap 20 is threaded through a slot 22, the ends of straps 20 and 24 may be pulled away from each other to tighten the band, as shown in FIG. 3. Once a band 12 has been tightened, it can be held in a tightened primary adjustment or releasable holding position by pressing hook portions H of first strap 20 and second strap 24 against the underlying complementary loop portions L on the outer surface of band 12. In the tightened position, first strap 20 is accommodated through a slot 22.
In this first embodiment, a small complimentary loop portion L′ comprising an auxiliary strap holding position 26 is provided near the edge of each hook portion H opposite the distal end of each strap 20, 24. When straps 20, 24 are not being used to hold the compression band in a tightened position, the end of each strap may be folded over on itself with part of a hook portion H pressed into small loop portion L′ of auxiliary strap holding position 26, as shown in FIG. 2, to engage the auxiliary strap holding position. In this position, hook portion H is shielded such that strap 20 will not make firm engagement with any other loop portion L on any of bands 12, or on any other portion of device 10, or on the user's clothing, such as socks (not shown). Thus, strap 20 is prevented from tangling. In addition, with loop portion L′ comprising an auxiliary strap holding position 26 being smaller than hook portion H of strap 20, the force required to separate strap 20 from auxiliary holding position 26 will be less than the force required to remove strap 20 from the primary holding position on the outer surface loop portion L of respective band 12, because the primary holding position offers sufficient area to engage substantially the entirety of hook portion H on strap 20. A strap 24 at the opposite end of each band 12 presents a similar small loop portion L″ comprising an auxiliary strap holding position 28, to be used in the same manner.
In a first alternative strap construction for the first preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a strap 120 extends from band 112. Strap 120 is made from a portion 119 of material extending from band 112, and further includes an inward facing hook portion H which is affixed to and extends from the outer surface of portion 119. As with all of the various constructions of the different materials intended to be affixed to each other within the present device, hook portion H may be affixed to portion 119 by any conventional connecting methods and materials, as previously discussed.
A complementary smaller loop portion L′ is positioned within and connected to a region of band 112, which otherwise does not present hook or loop elements. The small loop portion L′ forms an auxiliary strap holding position 126. When a strap 120 is not being used to hold compression band 112 in a tightened primary holding position, the end of strap 120 may be folded over on itself and part of hook portion H may be pressed into loop portion L′ on auxiliary strap holding position 126. In this position, hook portion H is shielded from making firm engagement with any other portion of loop surface on any further bands 112, or on any other portion of the device, or on the user's clothing. Also, since part of hook portion H on strap 120 overlays an area void of loop fabric, the force required to separate the strap 120 from auxiliary strap holding position 126 will be less than the force required to remove strap 120 from a primary holding position which would offer sufficient area to completely engage the entirety of hook portion H.
In a second alternative strap construction for the first preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a strap 220 is affixed to the inner surface of band 212, and comprises an inward facing hook portion H. Similarly to the alternative shown in FIG. 4, a complementary smaller loop portion L′ is positioned within and connected to a region of band 212, which otherwise does not present hook or loop elements, to form an auxiliary strap holding position 226. This alternative construction provides a similar ability for a user to fold over on itself and releasably connect a hook portion H of a strap 220 to an auxiliary strap holding position 226, when not in a tightened primary holding position. As with the prior example, in this position, hook portion H is shielded from making firm engagement with any other loop surface on the device or on the user's clothing. Auxiliary strap holding position 226 also requires reduced effort to separate strap 220 from auxiliary strap holding position 226 because part of hook portion H on strap 220 overlays an area void of loop fabric.
In a third alternative strap construction for the first preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, a strap 320 having an inward facing hook portion H for releasable attachment to an outer surface loop portion L of a band 312 is affixed to the outer surface of band 312. Strap 320 also has a small loop portion L′ which is complementary to hook portion H, and is positioned within and connected to hook portion H, thereby forming an auxiliary strap holding position 326, as shown in FIG. 6. When a plurality of straps 320 are not being used to hold a therapeutic device in a tightened primary holding position, each strap 320 may be folded over on itself with part of a hook portion H pressed into a corresponding loop portion L′ to releasably hold the strap 320 on auxiliary strap holding position 326, as shown in FIG. 6A. As with the prior alternative constructions, this preferably shields hook portion H such that strap 320 will not engage any other part of loop portion L on any other portion of the device, or on the user's clothing, preventing tangling. As an added benefit, by having hook portion H on strap 320 overlay a portion of itself, the force required to separate hook portion H from loop portion L′ of auxiliary holding position 326 will be lower than the force required to remove strap 320 from a primary holding position which would otherwise offer sufficient area to engage substantially the entirety of hook portion H on strap 320.
FIG. 7 presents a fourth alternative strap construction for the first preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. Here, band 412 extends at a first end via portion 421 into a strap 420, having an inward facing hook portion H affixed to its outer surface, and having portion 421 folded back on itself to present inward facing portion L′, defining an auxiliary strap holding position 426.
When band 412 is used to encircle a body part, hook portion H of strap 420 may be fully engaged with loop portion L on the outer surface of band 412. When donning, doffing or storing the therapeutic device, strap 420 may be folded over on itself to releasably connect the hook portion H to small loop portion L′ in the auxiliary strap holding position 426. This tends to curl band 412 in a manner that discourages hook portion H on strap 420 from engaging loop portion L on the outward facing side of band 412, and prevents inadvertent tangling of strap 420.
A second preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. The embodiment of FIG. 8 is shown in a simplified format as a compression band 510 with the right end portion of a band 512 removed for convenience of viewing. As shown, band 512 is made of a material having both inner and outer surfaces presenting a loop portion L. Band 512 extends at a first end to form a strap (not shown) also having loop material on its outer surface. Band 512 has a strap 524 at its second end which includes a hook portion H affixed to and extending from the second end of band 512. To provide an auxiliary strap holding position 526, a patch of non-loop material 530, having an open center, is affixed to band 512 proximate the end of band 512 from which strap 524 extends. The open center of patch 530 defines a small loop portion L′ which forms auxiliary strap holding position 526.
Thus, this second preferred embodiment permits band 512 to be wrapped around a body part and hook portion H on strap 524 may be pressed into to loop portion L on the outer surface of band 512 to hold therapeutic device 510 in place. When donning, doffing or storing therapeutic device 510, strap 524 may be folded over on itself so as to press hook portion H into loop portion L′ at auxiliary strap holding position 526. It will be appreciated that the reduced surface area for binding which is presented when engaging hook portion H with loop portion L′ permits easy removal and repositioning of strap 524. It also will be appreciated that this form of shielding or interrupting the binding surface area could be provided by placing on loop portion L a small patch of non-loop material, having virtually any outline and not necessarily having an open center, because while it would shield some of the surface of hook portion H, it would still permit hook portion H to bind to loop portion L where hook portion H does not overlie patch 530. In this manner, fancifully shaped patches 530 could be used as targets to define auxiliary strap holding positions for placement of hook portions H.
A third preferred embodiment is shown as a therapeutic device 610 in FIG. 9. Therapeutic device 610 is shown in a configuration as a compression garment made in one piece from a flexible, foldable Velcro-type fabric having an outer surface loop portion L (not seen in the front view) which is preferably a light weight loop fabric, such as of the type designated as Velcro 3610 or Velcro 3800, the former being substantially inelastic and the latter having a limited stretch at least in the vertical or longitudinal direction.
The therapeutic device 610 of FIG. 9 includes a central region 611 which is wrapped around the body part and a plurality of bands 612 integrally connected to the central region and extending outwardly in opposite directions from both sides of the central region to encompass the body part. The bands 612 have first straps 620 at first ends which are defined by slits 640, and second straps 624 at second ends which are defined by slits 642. Each band 612 has a slot 644 proximate strap 624 to accommodate the opposite strap 620 in threaded, folded relationship to apply compression to the body part encompassed by the garment. The straps 620 which are threaded through slots 644 may include portions 646 of reduced width formed by widening slits 642 separating bands 612, but such narrow width portions are not essential because of the flexible, foldable characteristics of the fabric. The inner surfaces of straps 620, 624 have Velcro-type hook portions H at or near their ends. The opposite straps 620, 624 of each band 612 are extended toward each other and one strap 620 of each band 612 is threaded through slot 644 in the complimentary strap 624, and then tightened to apply the desired compression to the body part. Inner surface hook portions H are then pressed against the outer surface loop portions L of the fabric to anchor the straps in a primary tightened position. The garment is removed by separation of hook portions H from loop portions L of the garment and then unthreading straps 620 from straps 624.
A small loop portion L′ comprising an auxiliary strap holding position 626 is provided on each strap 620, while a small loop portion L″ comprising an auxiliary strap holding position 628 is provided on each strap 624, as shown in FIG. 9 near hook portions H, and opposite the distal end of each strap. When the straps are not being used to hold the compression bands 612 in the tightened position, the end of each band may be folded over itself with a part of each hook portion H pressed into a respective loop portion L′, L″ of auxiliary strap holding position 626, 628, respectively. In this position, each hook portion H is shielded such that the strap will not make firm engagement with any other part of outer surface loop portions L on any of bands 612, central region 611, any other portion of garment 610, or the user's clothing. If the small loop portion L′, L″ comprising an auxiliary strap holding position 626, 628 is smaller than its complimentary hook portion H of strap 620, 624, the force required to separate the strap from the auxiliary strap holding position will be less than the force required to remove the strap from the primary holding position, since the primary holding position offers sufficient area to completely engage the entirety of the hook portion H on each strap.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various configurations or constructions of the present invention, such as for example those described with respect to the first preferred embodiment, may be practiced with the therapeutic device 610 shown in FIG. 9. As an example, one alternative construction for strap 620 of the third preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 9A. In this alternative construction, a strap 620A includes a hook portion H. Also, an auxiliary strap holding position is formed by cutting a flap 626A in the strap and folding the flap inward, so as to make a small piece of what was the outer loop portion L become an inward facing loop portion L′. It will be appreciated that the opening and flap 626A may be secured such as by stitching, adhesive or other suitable means.
The advantages of the present invention similarly may be realized when practiced with other therapeutic devices worn on the body, such as is shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in the form of a therapeutic device 710 that includes a therapeutic pad 711, shown in a simplified manner. It will be appreciated that therapeutic pad 711 represents a variety of potential therapeutic components that may provide a stand alone feature, such as a battery operated light therapy device or a thermal pack, or may include therapeutic components which require power supplied via an external power source, such as may be conveyed by a cord (not shown).
Therapeutic device 710 has a band 712 attached thereto, to permit the device to be worn on a body part, such as around a waist, or in a shorter format, such as around an arm or leg. Band 712 is formed at each end to provide a pair of parallel straps 720 at a first end and 724 at an opposite second end. The entire outer surface of band 712, including straps 720, 724 is a loop portion L of a Velcro-type loop fabric. The inward facing surface of straps 720 have neither a hook nor loop surface. The inward surface of straps 724 are constructed much like straps 620 in FIG. 9, and have a hook portion H and a separate but closely placed small loop portion L′ forming an auxiliary strap holding position 728. Hook portion H and loop portion L′ may be affixed to strap 724 such as by attachment means previously described.
In use, hook portion H on each strap 724 may be connected directly to loop portion L on the outer surface of a strap 720 or band 712, in a primary holding position. Alternatively, each hook portion H may be conveniently prevented from tangling during donning, doffing or storage, by folding each strap 724 over on itself to connect hook portion H to loop portion L′ in the auxiliary strap holding position 728, as shown. As an added benefit, with this embodiment, the force required to separate hook portion H from loop portion L′ will be reduced relative to that required to separate hook portion H from the larger surface of loop portion L.
A fifth preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 11, with a pad 811 and a pair of straps 812 connected to pad 811 to permit the therapeutic device 810 to be worn around a body part. It will be appreciated that straps 812 may be constructed of various materials, such as nylon, leather, elastic or inelastic fabric, or other suitable materials. In this embodiment, pad 811 has a loop portion L on its outer surface and a pair of rings 813 attached at a first end. Each strap 812 is connected to pad 811 by looping around a ring 813 at the first end, and has an inward facing hook portion H at a second end for releasable connection to loop portion L. To prevent entanglement or inadvertent attachment of hook portion H to loop portion L or to a user's clothing, each strap 812 also has a small inward facing loop portion L′ located relatively close to hook portion H. Thus, when in a use position as shown in FIG. 11, hook portions H are releasably connected to loop portion L, and when not secured around a body part, each hook portion H may be connected to a convenient and complimentary loop portion L′ in an auxiliary strap holding position 826. In this position, hook portion H is shielded and requires less force to be disengaged from loop portion L′ than would be required when removing hook portion H from a primary holding position.
In a sixth embodiment, a therapeutic device 910 is shown in FIG. 12, with a therapeutic component 911 connected to a band 912. Band 912 preferably is made from a flexible, foldable Velcro-type fabric having an outer loop portion L which is preferably a light weight loop fabric that is elastic, but it may be inelastic, if desired. Band 912 has an outer surface loop portion L and is formed with a narrowed strap 920 at a first end, and a full width further strap 924 at a second end. Strap 920 has an inward facing hook portion H proximate its end and a small loop portion L′ adjacent hook portion H. Strap 924 includes a pair of slots 922 to accommodate strap 920 to pass through in threaded relationship. When strap 920 is threaded through a slot 922, the ends of straps 920, 924 are pulled away from each other to tighten the band. Once the band has been tightened, the band can be held in the tightened position to locate therapeutic device 910 on a body part requiring therapy, such as by pressing hook portions H against underlying complementary loop portion L. Additional slots 922 may be provided to permit a wider range of adjustment of band 912.
Small loop portion L′ forms an auxiliary strap holding position 926 on strap 920 and is provided near the edge of hook portion H. A similar small loop portion L″ forms an auxiliary strap holding position 928 at the second end, where it is located near the other hook portion H. When therapeutic device 910 is not being used, the end of strap 920, 924 may be folded over on itself to press part of a hook portion H into a respective loop portion L′, L″ in auxiliary strap holding positions 926, 928. As with the prior embodiments, this provides more convenient use, without tangling by shielding hook portions H from full engagement with loop portion L, any other similar band 912, or the user's clothing.
It will be appreciated that a therapeutic device in accordance with the present invention may be provided in various configurations having complimentary hook and loop portions for releasable engagement, but still provide for an auxiliary strap holding position for each respective strap. Any variety of suitable materials of construction, configurations, shapes and sizes for the components and methods of connecting the components may be utilized to meet the particular needs and requirements of an end user. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made in the design and construction of such a therapeutic
Patent Application
20070282232
