U.S. patent application number 11/339374 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-08 for post-abdominal-surgery garment.
Invention is credited to Rima Kasprzak.
Application Number | 20070050881 11/339374 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37828671 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070050881 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kasprzak; Rima |
March 8, 2007 |
Post-abdominal-surgery garment
Abstract
A post-abdominal-surgery garment comprising a body having an
upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion including at
least one compression region capable of providing a pressure level
to an item contained beneath said compression region and a
selectively sealable division capable of transitioning from a first
configuration and a second configuration; said selectively sealable
division being located substantially within said upper portion,
wherein said selectively sealable division can have maintain any
configuration between said first configuration and said second
configuration without substantially affecting the pressure level
beneath the compression region.
Inventors: |
Kasprzak; Rima; (Pleasant
Hill, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEST & ASSOCIATES, A PC
2815 MITCHELL DRIVE
SUITE 209
WALNUT CREEK
CA
94598
US
|
Family ID: |
37828671 |
Appl. No.: |
11/339374 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60645957 |
Jan 24, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41C 1/10 20130101; A41D
13/1236 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/069 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1. A garment comprising: a body having an upper portion and a lower
portion, said lower portion including at least one compression
region capable of providing a pressure level to an item contained
beneath said compression region; and a selectively sealable
division capable of transitioning between a first configuration and
a second configuration; said selectively sealable division being
located substantially within said upper portion; wherein said
selectively sealable division is capable of maintaining any
configuration between said first configuration and said second
configuration without substantially affecting the pressure level
beneath the compression region.
2. The garment of claim 1, wherein said body is comprised of a
material capable of a unidirectional elastic response.
3. The garment of claim 1, wherein said body is comprised of a
material capable of a multidirectional elastic response.
4. The body of claim 2, wherein the orientation of material capable
of a unidirectional elastic response in a first compression region
varies from the orientation of material capable of a unidirectional
elastic response in a second compression region.
5. The body of claim 3, wherein the orientation of material capable
of a multidirectional elastic response in a first compression
region varies from the orientation of material capable of a
multidirectional elastic response in a second compression
region.
6. The garment of claim 1, wherein said selectively sealable
division is comprised of a vertically oriented closure
structure.
7. The selectively sealable division of claim 6, wherein said
vertically oriented closure structure is at least one of the group
consisting of buttons, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, and touch
fasteners.
8. The garment of claim 1, wherein said pressure levels range
between approximately 5 PSI and approximately 80 PSI applied to
said item contained beneath said compression region.
9. The garment of claim 1, wherein said compression region
comprises of at least two sub-compression regions located at
different areas of an item contained beneath said compression
region.
10. A method of selectively compressing comprising: providing a
garment having a body, having an upper portion and a lower portion,
said lower portion including at least one compression region
capable of providing a pressure level to an item contained beneath
said compression region; and transitioning a selectively sealable
division between a first configuration and a second configuration,
said selectively sealable division being located substantially
within said upper portion; and maintaining any configuration from
said selectively sealable division between said first configuration
and said second configuration without substantially affecting the
pressure level beneath the compression region.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional patent application No. ______
filed 24 Jan. 2005, by R. Kasprzak, the complete contents of which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The disclosed invention relates generally to clothing,
specifically a garment to be worn after surgery.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] In today's modern world, child birth can often be
complicated and/or difficult for women. Thus, many women and their
doctors opt for or are forced to deliver children via caesarian
section surgery. Such surgical procedures can be fairly invasive
and can, and do, result in trauma to the abdominal muscles. Such
surgical procedures can therefore leave a new mother with impaired
abdominal strength and an incision mark which can scar
significantly if the surrounding tissue and muscles are not
properly rested and given time to heal.
[0006] Additionally, modern, cosmetic surgical procedures such as
abdominoplasty have become popular. Such procedures can also leave
the patient with weakened abdominal muscles. More problematic, give
the cosmetic nature of the surgery, is how to minimize scarring.
Significant movement or agitation of the tissue can result in
significant scarring.
[0007] Presently, most doctors wrap patients in large bandages to
prevent movement and agitation of the tissue. However, such
bandages can interfere with everyday tasks. Particularly, for new
mothers, the bandages can restrict or prohibit breast feeding
without removal of the bandages.
[0008] What is needed is a garment that provides appropriate
support and compression that can be easily removed and/or partially
released, when desired, without causing unnecessary abrasion, so
that the user can perform normal functions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of one embodiment of a
post-abdominal-surgery garment in a first configuration.
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1, in a second configuration.
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
1 and 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts an alternate rear view of the embodiment
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts an alternate embodiment of the
post-abdominal-surgery garment shown in FIG. 1
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the
post-abdominal-surgery garment shown in FIG. 1
[0015] FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of the embodiments shown in FIGS.
6 and 7.
[0016] FIG. 8 depicts an alternate rear view of the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a post-abdominal-surgery
garment 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the garment 100
includes a body 102, shoulder supports 104, arm holes 106, leg
openings 108 and a selectively sealable division 110. Additionally,
in some embodiments, the garment 100 can include a compression
region 112 and breast support 114.
[0018] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the body 102 can be
comprised of any capable of elastic deformation. In some
embodiments, the body 102 can be comprised of 90% cotton with a 10%
elastic thread composition, such as Lycra.RTM.. However, in
alternate embodiments, the body 102 can be comprised of synthetic
material, such as Nylon.RTM. and/or any known and/or convenient
material or can be comprised of any natural material, such as
cotton, wool and/or any known and/or convenient material. In still
further alternate embodiments, the body 102 can be comprised of any
combination of natural and/or synthetic materials. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the garment 100 can be formed as a
single, seamless unit made from any known and/or convenient
material.
[0019] In some embodiments, the garment 100 and/or the body 102 can
be comprised of two or more layers of material bound together at
the perimeter of the garment 100. In some embodiments, the two or
more can be selected such that they have a low coefficient of
friction relative to each other, such that the layers slide easily
against each other.
[0020] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the shoulder straps 104
can be integral with the body 102 of the garment 100 and can be
comprised of the same material. However, in alternate embodiments,
the shoulder straps 104 can be comprised of a material different
from the body 102 of the garment. In some embodiments, the shoulder
straps 104 can be comprised of a translucent material and can be
removably attached to the body 102 using any known and/or
convenient detachable mechanism. In alternate embodiments, the
straps can be fixed to the body 102 of the garment 100, but can be
a contrasting material.
[0021] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the shoulder straps 104
are depicted as uniform in thickness. However, in alternate
embodiments the shoulder straps 104 can have any convenient
geometry or proportions and/or can be adjustable in any known
and/or convenient manner. In some embodiments, the shoulder straps
104 may be absent.
[0022] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the garment 100 includes
arm holes 106 which are specifically identified and located below
the shoulder straps 104. In alternate embodiments, the shoulder
straps 104 and the arm holes 106 can be integral and have any
convenient geometry. Additionally, in alternate embodiments, the
arm holes 106 can include elastomeric elements at the edge of the
garment 100.
[0023] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the garment 100 includes
leg openings 108. The leg openings 108 can be proportioned to
accommodate a human leg. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the
leg openings 108 can include an elastomeric member.
[0024] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the garment 100 includes
a selectively sealable division 110. In some embodiments, the
selectively sealable division can incorporate a zipper, hook/loop
patch closure (such as Velcro.RTM.), spaced fasteners and/or any
other known and/or convenient selectively sealable mechanism.
[0025] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the garment 100 can
include a compression region 112. The compression region 112 can be
located such that it encompasses the abdominal region and/or part
of the torso of a wearer. In alternate embodiments the compression
region 112 can have any convenient geometry and/or location
relative to the garment 100 and/or selectively sealable division
110. The compression region 112 can be formed by including a higher
composition of elastomeric material within the region 112 or can be
created by the introduction of an additional layer of elastomeric
material associated with the body 102. In alternate embodiments,
the compression region 112 can be formed and/or created in any
known and/or convenient manner using any know and/or convenient
mechanism, material and/or composition thereof. In some
embodiments, the compression region 112 can be formed from the same
material as the body 102 of the garment 100.
[0026] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the upper portion of the
garment 100 can include breast support 114. In the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, the breast support 114 can be an elastomeric member
integrated and/or coupled with the body of the garment designed to
provide support to the wearer's breast tissue. In alternate
embodiments, the breast support 114 can be any known and/or
convenient mechanism or material that can be used to support the
breasts of wearer. In still further alternate embodiments, the
breast support 114 can be absent.
[0027] The garment 100 can be appropriately sized such that the
body, and in particular the abdominal region and torso, of wearer
will be bound with a prescribed level or range of pressure. Sizing
and material composition can be altered such that a prescribed
level or range of pressure is achieved.
[0028] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of an embodiment of the garment
100 shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the
selectively sealable division 110 is in an unsealed position.
Although the selectively sealable division 110 is in the unsealed
position, the compression region 112 can still deliver a prescribed
level or range of pressure is maintained. The pressure level in the
compression region 112 when the selectively sealable division 110
is in an unsealed position can be lower than or equal to the
pressure level in the compression region 112 when the selectively
sealable division 110 in the sealed position. In some embodiments,
the selectively sealable division 110 can be in a partially open
and/or closed position. The geometry of the garment 100 and the
selectively sealable region can be selected such that a mother can
uncover her breast to breast feed her child without significantly
impacting the pressure level in the compression region 112.
[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the garment 100 can
include a fastening mechanism 202 located in the nether and/or
lower region of the garment 100. In some embodiments the fastening
mechanism 202 can be located between the leg openings 108 and can
be a hook/loop patch, snap-type fastener and/or any other known
and/or convenient fastening mechanism. In alternate embodiments,
the fastening mechanism 202 can be located in any convenient
location below the compression region 112. The fastening mechanism
202 can be opened to allow a wearer to urinate and/or defecate
without removal of the garment 100. In some alternate embodiments,
the fastening mechanism 202 may be absent.
[0030] FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the garment 100 shown in FIGS.
1 and 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the rear of the body
102 of the garment 100 has a dropped region 302. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 3, the dropped region 302 is substantially
horizontal. However, in alternate embodiments, the rear of the body
102 can have any convenient geometry that does not interfere with
the pressure level in the compression region 112 while the
selectively sealable division 110 is in any possible position.
[0031] FIG. 4 depicts a rear view of an alternate embodiment of the
garment 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
4, the rear of the body 102 of the garment 100 has a rounded
dropped region 402. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the rounded
dropped region 402 is adjacent to the compression region 112.
However, in alternate embodiments, the rear of the body 102 can
have any convenient geometry that does not interfere with the
pressure level in the compression region 112 while the selectively
sealable division 110 is in any possible position.
[0032] FIG. 5 depicts a front five of an alternate embodiment of
the garment 100 shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5,
the lower portion of the garment 100, including the leg holes 108
and fastening mechanism 202 are absent. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5, the lower portion of the garment 100 can include fasteners
502 designed to attach the garment 100 to another item of clothing
and/or any other convenient attachment point. The fasteners can be
any known and/or convenient fastening mechanism. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 5, the fasteners 502 are located within the
compression region 112. However, in alternate embodiments, the
fasteners can be located in any convenient location on the garment
100 and/or may be absent. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the
base of the garment 100 can also include an elastomeric member 504.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the elastomeric member 504 can
be integral with the body 102, coupled with the body 102 or
detachably coupled with the body 102. However, in some embodiments
the elastomeric member can be absent.
[0033] In the embodiments shown in FIG. 5, the front of the body
102 of the garment 100 can have a depressed neckline 506. In
alternate embodiments, the neckline 506 can have any convenient
geometry that does not substantially interfere with the operation
of the selectively sealable division 110 and/or the pressure within
the compression region 112.
[0034] FIG. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the garment 100
shown in FIG. 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the selectively
sealable division 110 can be held in the closed position by a
continuous and/or partially continuous hook/loop patch, such as
Velcro.RTM., a resealable adhesive and/or any other known and or
convenient selectively sealable mechanism; collectively 602.
[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the garment can include
hook/loop fasteners 604 that can selectively attach to other
articles to secure the lower portion of the garment 100. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the hook/loop fasteners are located at
the perimeter of the lower portion of the garment 100. However, in
alternate embodiments, the hook/loop fasteners 604 can be located
in any convenient location on the garment 100.
[0036] FIG. 7 depicts a rear view of an embodiment of the garment
100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a substantial portion of
the rear portion of the garment 100 has been removed to leave a
plunged back 702. In some embodiments the garment can be
manufactured in the suggested geometry or can be tailored into the
desired geometry. In alternate embodiments, the rear of the garment
100 can have any convenient geometry that does not substantially
interfere with the pressure level in the compression region 112 at
the abdomen of the wearer.
[0037] The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 depicts a rear view of an
alternate embodiment of the garment 100. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8, a substantial portion of the rear portion of the garment
100 has been removed to leave a plunged back 802 having at least a
partially rounded edge. In some embodiments the garment can be
manufactured in the suggested geometry or can be tailored into the
desired geometry. In alternate embodiments, the rear of the garment
100 can have any convenient geometry that does not substantially
interfere with the pressure level in the compression region 112 at
the abdomen of the wearer.
[0038] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the garment 100 can
include a strap 804 that can connect opposing sides of the back of
the body 102 of the garment 100 across a plunged back 102. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the strap 804 can be comprised of an
adjustable elastomeric material. However, in alternate embodiments
the strap 804 can be comprised of any known and/or convenient
material capable of connecting opposing sides of the back of the
body 102 of the garment 100 across the plunged back 102. In some
embodiments, the strap 804 may not be present.
[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 the strap 804 can be
removeably coupled with the garment 100 via connectors 806. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the connectors 806 can be hook/look
fasteners, snap-style fasteners, hook-style fasteners and/or any
known and/or convenient fastening mechanism. In some embodiments,
the connectors 806 can be permanent fastening mechanisms, can be
integral with the body 102 and/or can be absent.
[0040] Although the description of the garment 100 has been
provided in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is
evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will
be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the
apparatus, as described and hereinafter claimed, is intended to
embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *