BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the outer surface of an arm version of the present therapeutic sleeve showing the shape of the material before it is assembled into a tubular sleeve, showing stitches therealong.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled arm version of the present therapeutic sleeve showing an access opening near the wrist.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the arm version of the present therapeutic sleeve showing the positioning of the device on a patient's arm.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the present therapeutic sleeve taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, showing the advantages of the seams when the sleeve is received over a patient's arm.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the outer surface of a leg version of the present therapeutic sleeve showing the shape of the material before it is assembled into a tubular sleeve, showing stitches passing therealong, a cut-away knee region, and an optional tongue. This illustrated embodiment extends from above the patient's knee to the patient's foot.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a leg version of the present therapeutic sleeve showing an access opening near the ankle. This illustrated embodiment extends from below the patient's knee to the patient's foot.
FIG. 7 is perspective view of the leg version of the present therapeutic sleeve showing the positioning of the device on the leg, and showing the functioning of the optional tongue.
FIG. 8A illustrates an operator cutting open a reinforced seam to size an arm version of the therapeutic sleeve.
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the of the resulting sized therapeutic sleeve of FIG. 8A.
FIG. 8C is a view similar to FIG. 8B, but with the seam opened down to near the user's hand.
FIGS. 9A to 9D show close-up views of the stitching pattern on the therapeutic sleeves, as follows:
FIG. 9A is a plan view of a zig-zag stitching pattern on a portion of the therapeutic sleeve;
FIG. 9B is a plan view of a straight line stitching pattern on a portion of the therapeutic sleeve;
FIG. 9C is a plan view of an alternate stitching pattern on a portion of the therapeutic sleeve; and
FIG. 9D is a plan view of a right angled stitching pattern on a portion of the therapeutic sleeve.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an arm embodiment of the present therapeutic sleeve cut fully open along a reinforced seam.
FIG. 11 is a sectional elevation view through a patient's leg, showing a therapeutic sleeve having greater thickness in the region of the patient's ankle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
The present invention provides a therapeutic sleeve for applying pressure to a body part. As such, the present therapeutic sleeve can be used under a compression sleeve, under bandages, or with any other compression system.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the outer surface of an arm version of the present therapeutic sleeve showing the shape of the material before it is assembled into a tubular sleeve, showing stitches passing therealong. Specifically, sleeve 10 is made from a flat piece of semi-elastic material, such as foam. Such foam may be covered by a shell, including, but not limited to, a cotton-Lycra shell. In addition, or alternatively, a fabric laminate may be placed onto the foam. In various embodiments, the shell may be glued directly onto the foam, or the foam may simply received within the shell, which is then sewn shut over the foam.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the assembled arm version of the present therapeutic sleeve of FIG. 1. Specifically, to form the sleeve of FIG. 2, the flat piece of material shown in FIG. 1 is simply sewn (or otherwise fastened together) together along its side edges 12. Proximal end 14 and distal end 16 are left open, thus forming a tubular shaped device that is dimensioned to wrap around a body part (received therein).
As can also be seen in FIG. 2, an access opening 13 may be provided near the patient's wrist. Access opening 13 may simply be formed by not sewing together edges 12 in this region. Access opening 13 is used to insert additional padding so as to provide additional support and /or compression at locations adjacent to a patient's wrist.
A thumb opening 15 can be provided by not sewing together edges 12 in this region as shown. In optional embodiments, the thumb portion may instead be enclosed by sewing together edges 12 in this region. In further optional embodiments, the entire extending thumb covering portion may be removed, by simply providing a hole through which the patient's thumb extends.
FIG. 3 illustrates the arm version of the present therapeutic sleeve showing its positioning on a patient's arm. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, a cut-out region 17 may be provided at the patient's elbow. Cut-out region 17 can accommodate any bunching of material that could otherwise occur at the interior of the elbow when the arm is bent. Removal of material circumscribed by cut-out region 17 thus reduces the potential for bunching of the therapeutic sleeve at the interior of the patient's elbow region.
Seams 11 are seen in each of FIGS. 1 to 4. As illustrated, therapeutic sleeve 10 has a plurality of seams 11 extending therealong. These seams 11 may extend in the longitudinal direction (as shown). However, the present invention is not so limited, as seams may extend in different directions. Moreover, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular number or pattern of seams.
FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation view (taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3) of the therapeutic sleeve 10 received over a patient's arm A. As can be seen, therapeutic sleeve 10 may comprise a foam portion 20, an inner shell 22 and an outer shell 24. As can be seen, seams 11 define regions of narrowed thickness through therapeutic sleeve 10. As illustrated, seams 11 may simply be formed by stitches passing through the tubular semi-elastic body along the length of the tubular semi-elastic body. Seams 11 have the advantage of making sleeve 10 conform properly to the shape of the patient's limb. This is true even as the patient's limb decreases in diameter over time. An optional inner sleeve 30 may also be provided if desired. In use, sleeve 30 is first pulled onto the patient's arm, and then therapeutic sleeve 10 is received thereover. Optional washable inner sleeve 30 protects sleeve 10 from getting dirty, and may also be made of a material to reduce friction when therapeutic sleeve 10 is pulled thereover.
FIG. 5 shows a leg version of therapeutic sleeve 10 before it is assembled into a tubular sleeve. The leg embodiment of therapeutic sleeve 10 shown in FIG. 5 operates similar to the arm embodiment of therapeutic sleeve 10 shown in FIG. 2, as follows.
To form a sleeve like that shown in FIG. 6, a flat piece of material similar to that shown in FIG. 5 is simply sewn (or otherwise fastened together) together along its side edges 12. Proximal end 14 and distal end 16 are left open, thus forming a tubular shaped sleeve. (Note: FIG. 5 shows a full leg embodiment of the sleeve, whereas FIG. 6 shows an embodiment that only extends up to below the patient's knee.)
As can also be seen in FIG. 6, an access opening 13 may be provided near the patient's ankle. Access opening 13 may simply be formed by not sewing together edges 12 in this region. Access opening 13 is used to insert additional padding so as to provide additional support and /or compression at locations adjacent to a patient's ankle.
FIG. 7 illustrates the leg version of the present therapeutic sleeve showing its positioning on a patient's leg. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a cut-out region 17 may be provided at the back of the patient's knee. Cut-out region 17 can accommodate any bunching of material on the interior (back) of the knee that could occur when the knee is bent. Removal of material circumscribed by cut-out region 17 reduces bunching of the therapeutic sleeve by allowing the device to contour to the back of the knee region. An optional tongue 18 may be provided that can be inserted into an opening between the foot and the leg portions of the sleeve, as desired. Tongue 18 may be used to cover any gap or opening in this region, as needed. In optional embodiments, optional tongue 18 may be cut away from sleeve 10.
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a method of sizing therapeutic sleeve 10 to fit the arm length of a particular patient. Specifically, sides 12 are sewn together (to form tubular therapeutic sleeve 10) by a reinforced seam. Thus, an operator need only cut open the reinforced seam connecting sides 12 to form an an openable slit extending longitudinally away from proximal end 14 of therapeutic sleeve 10. By opening this slit, as shown in FIG. 8A, the user can prevent bunching of sleeve 10 in their underarm region. Moreover, the slit can be cut open to different lengths to eliminate bunching near the patient's armpit such that sleeve 10 can be comfortably sized to patients of different arm lengths. For example, FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the sleeve is opened right down to the near the patient's hand. Such an embodiment may be useful should a patient desire to wrap part of sleeve 10 over upon itself, for example, after their limb has already decreased in diameter as a result of successful therapy.
Seams 11 are formed by stitches passing through the foam material of therapeutic sleeve 10. Turning next to FIGS. 9A to 9D, the particular stitching pattern used in the present invention advantageously allows the sleeve to maintain its semi-elastic properties in perpendicular longitudinal and lateral directions. For example, FIG. 9A illustrates a close-up plan view of a zig-zag stitching pattern. This zig-zag stitching pattern permits sleeve 10 to flex both in the longitudinal (Lo) and lateral (La) directions.
In various embodiments of the invention, seams 11 are formed by stitches disposed in stitched sections 20 that are separated end to end from one another. FIGS. 9B, 9C and 9D show various embodiments of such stitching patterns. Specifically, such stitched sections 20 may be disposed in straight lines (FIG. 9B), semi-straight lines (FIG. 9C) or even at right angles to one another (FIG. 9D). Each of these stitching patterns permit sleeve 10 to flex in both the longitudinal (Lo) and lateral (La) directions.
FIG. 10 shows an embodiment similar to FIG. 8B, but with a reinforced seam 19 being cut fully open from proximal end 14 to distal end 16 of sleeve 10. Thus, the entire sleeve 10 can be opened to wrap around the patient's limb and overlap upon itself. This may be useful in treating patients as their limbs decrease in diameter over time. In addition, sleeve 10 may be made such that longitudinal sections can be removed. For example, an operator could open the entire length of sleeve 10 by cutting along seam 19. Optionally, the user could cut out a section of material adjacent to seam 19. Such optionally cut out section of material may span along the entire length of the sleeve, but need not do so. For example, the user may cut fully along a seam 11A to remove a section of sleeve 10. As shown, seam 11A may be parallel to seam 19. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention is not so limited. Other removable sections are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
In optional embodiments, the thickness of therapeutic sleeve 10 may vary along its length. This may be achieved by providing a sleeve 10 that is made of separate material layers, some of which extend different lengths along the sleeve. For example, FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the invention in which sleeve 10 has a different thickness along its length. Specifically, sleeve 10 may be thicker towards distal end 16 (as illustrated). This may be particularly advantageous in the case of a patient having a leg L with a large diameter calf C and a small diameter ankle A. Foot F is also shown. In this embodiment of the invention, additional support is provided to the patient's ankle A region by the increased thickness of sleeve 10 in this area. In optional embodiments, sleeve 10 may have a greater thickness near the patient's knee. Other possibilities of non-uniform sleeve thickness are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, therapeutic sleeve 10 may be made wider at its proximal edge 14 than its distal edge 16. This allows therapeutic sleeve 10 to accommodate the larger circumference of proximal limb segments. Also, by tapering the width of therapeutic sleeve 10, or otherwise varying its circumference, therapeutic sleeve 10 can be made to best conform to the shape of the body part.
In further optional embodiments, the seams of the present invention are formed from elastic threads. Such elastic threads may be used in embodiments of the present invention in which an access opening is, or is not, provided in the side of the sleeve. In its various embodiments, the use of elastic threads in seams 11 assists therapeutic sleeve 10 in conforming to the shape of the patient's body, and in providing strength and flexibility in lateral and longitudinal directions.
Therapeutic Use
The present invention may be used to treat a variety of medical disorders which require compression therapy. Such disorders include, but are not limited to, lymphedema, phlebitis, varicose veins, post-burn treatment, post-fracture and injury (including sports injury such as a pulled muscle) edema, stasis ulcers, obesity and circulatory disorders. Moreover, the present invention may be used on both humans or animals, as desired.
After the sleeve placed on the body part, a compressive force or support can then be applied to the body part for a sufficient amount of time to mitigate swelling in the limb. Because human skin is elastic in nature, when such systems as the lymphatic or venous return systems fail to function properly, the limb or body part accumulates fluid and stretches to accommodate edema. Under normal operation, those systems would allow that fluid to circulate and not collect in those limbs or body parts and the skin would normally accommodate only the subtle changes by expanding or contracting. Use of various compression devices applied over the present invention maintains the lymph volume, not allowing the skin to stretch and accumulate fluid. The fluid must then flow through the system from the force of the applied compression device.
The present invention has been shown in preferred forms and by way of example, and many variations and modifications can be made therein within the spirit of the invention. The present invention, therefore, is not intended to be limited to any specified form or embodiment, except in so far as such limitations are expressly set forth in the claims.
Patent Application
20070276310
