U.S. patent application number 11/868795 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for garment permitting enhanced accessibility to medicament injection sites.
Invention is credited to Laurie E. McLeod.
Application Number | 20080083049 11/868795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39273886 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083049 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McLeod; Laurie E. |
April 10, 2008 |
Garment Permitting Enhanced Accessibility to Medicament Injection
Sites
Abstract
Garments are provided that permit easy accessibility to
medicament injection sites, or key zones, of the wearer. Each of
the garments has multiple access slots which overlie respective
injection sites, e.g., arms, thighs, abdomen, and/or other body
parts which tend to accumulate subcutaneous fat, making them
suitable as injection sites. Each of the access slots has a base
portion and a corresponding flap portion. Openings are defined
through the access slots, between the base and flap portions, and
provide access to the skin of the wearer at the respective
injection sites. The access slots can be incorporated into the
garment in a visually inconspicuous manner by providing them on or
within covers that replicate the appearance of, e.g., pockets,
patches, or other structures concealing their appearance.
Inventors: |
McLeod; Laurie E.;
(Middleton, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOYLE FREDRICKSON S.C.
840 North Plankinton Avenue
MILWAUKEE
WI
53203
US
|
Family ID: |
39273886 |
Appl. No.: |
11/868795 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60828498 |
Oct 6, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/83 ; 2/114;
2/243.1; 2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/1272 20130101;
A41D 13/1263 20130101; A41D 13/1281 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/83 ; 2/114;
2/243.1; 2/69 |
International
Class: |
A41D 10/00 20060101
A41D010/00; A41D 1/00 20060101 A41D001/00; A41D 27/00 20060101
A41D027/00 |
Claims
1. A garment system, comprising: a garment configured to cover at
least a portion of the body of a wearer; a slot permitting access
to a skin surface area of the wearer in an area of subcutaneous fat
accumulation; and a closure mechanism selectively restricting
access to the skin surface area through the slot, wherein the slot
and closure mechanism cooperate to selectively permit dispensation
of an injectable medicament through the slot.
2. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the slot defines a length
and a width dimension, the width dimension being generally constant
in magnitude along the length.
3. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the slot defines a length
and a width dimension, the width dimension being generally
non-constant in magnitude along the length.
4. The garment system of claim 1, wherein a flap selectively covers
the slot.
5. The garment system of claim 4, wherein the flap has pocket-like
appearance characteristics.
6. The garment system of claim 4, wherein the flap has patch-like
appearance characteristics.
7. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism is
a hook and loop fastener assembly.
8. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism is
a zipper assembly.
9. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism is
a button assembly.
10. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism is
a fabric tie assembly.
11. A garment system, comprising: a garment having appendage
covering segments that cover at least parts of appendages of a
wearer; and multiple slots extending through the appendage covering
segments of the garment, the slots being manipulatable between a
first closed condition and a second open condition, wherein when
the slot is in the closed condition, access therethrough is
restricted, and when the slot in the open condition, administration
of an injectable medicament is permitted therethrough.
12. The garment system of claim 11, wherein the appendage covering
segments are sleeves.
13. The garment system of claim 11, wherein the appendage covering
segments are leg segments.
14. The garment system of claim 12, wherein the slots extend
through portions of the sleeves that cover the upper arms of the
wearer.
15. The garment system of claim 13, wherein the slots extend
through portions of the leg segments that cover the thighs of the
wearer.
16. The garment system of claim 14, wherein the slots extend
through lateral outwardly facing portions of the sleeves.
17. The garment system of claim 15, wherein the slots extend
through lateral outwardly facing portions of the leg segments.
18. A garment system, comprising: a garment configured to cover at
least a portion of the body of a wearer; a slot permitting access
to a skin surface area of the wearer in an area of subcutaneous fat
accumulation; a flap selectively overlying the slot; a closure
mechanism attached to the flap and temporarily attaching the flap
to the garment, wherein when the flap is temporarily attached to
the garment, the flap overlies the slot and restricts access
therethrough, and when the flap does not overlie the slot,
administration of an injectable medicament is permitted
therethrough.
19. The garment system of claim 14, wherein the garment includes
sleeves and the slot extends through a lateral outwardly facing
upper arm portion of one of the sleeves.
20. The garment system of claim 15, wherein the garment includes
leg segments and the slot extends through a lateral outwardly
facing portion of one of the leg segments.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/828,498, filed on Oct. 6, 2006,
which is expressly incorporated by reference herein, in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to clothing and, more particularly, to
improvements in clothing that provide quick and easy access to the
skin of a wearer's body to administer medicine.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] According to recent estimates, approximately seven percent
of the United States population has diabetes. Approximately 150,000
children presently have diabetes with more than 13,000 children
diagnosed with the disease each year. Type 2 diabetes is the most
common type of diabetes and can usually be controlled through diet
and exercise. However, five to ten percent of all people with
diabetes have Type 1 diabetes, a lifelong disease that develops
when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Type 1 diabetes can
develop at any age; however, it usually develops in children and
young adults, which is why it used to be called juvenile diabetes.
It has also been called insulin-dependent diabetes because insulin
injections must be taken daily to supply the body with insulin.
[0006] When a child is diagnosed with diabetes, a parent or
guardian must assume the responsibility for monitoring and
controlling the child's blood sugar levels. Therefore, the
caregivers of young children and toddlers with Type 1 diabetes must
administer the injections to deliver the insulin. Insulin
injections are generally administered to the body in subcutaneous
fat zones, such as the arms, thighs or abdomen, also known as "key
zones."
[0007] One method or strategy of accessing a child's key zones to
administer insulin via needle injection is to remove all clothing
by the key zones. This method is traumatic for both parent and a
child. The requirement to remove clothing can also be tedious and
difficult, especially at night when a child might be sleepy or
groggy and difficult to move around. The removal of clothing during
the day can also be disruptive and embarrassing depending on where
an individual is at the time of a needed insulin injection.
[0008] Another method of accessing a child's key zones for insulin
administration is to manipulate clothing to uncover the area where
access is needed. This can be a very difficult task when clothing
is long, such as long sleeves, and tight or close fitting. The task
can also be time consuming or uncomfortable in such circumstances,
prolonging the trauma or agony for all involved (i.e., both parent
and child). This process can be especially irritating or
embarrassing for young children who are already traumatized by the
fact that they are being tested for blood sugar levels and injected
with insulin many times per day.
[0009] In an effort to minimize the uncomfortable and oftentimes
disturbing process of manipulating or removing clothing, yet
another method of insulin administration includes injecting insulin
through clothing. Various studies have been conducted on the health
effects of injecting through clothing but no conclusive
determinations have been made. Generally, though, it is not
advisable due to sanitary concerns, especially for young children.
Dirt, fabric fibers, and other impurities found on clothes can
potentially taint the needle and be injected into the body. Also,
it is nearly impossible to see if the insulin is getting completely
absorbed into the body or if some is leaking out. Finally, the
clothing fabric can remove the lubricant and damage the needle tip,
increasing pain and discomfort when injecting.
[0010] Therefore, the need has arisen for clothing that is
specifically designed to provide quick and easy access to specific
locations of the body to facilitate the injection or application of
medicine, particularly insulin. The need has arisen for clothing
designed with easily opened closures to prevent or alleviate trauma
for children needing medicine most importantly, but also for the
parents or caregivers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to the invention, garments and garment systems are
provided that permit easy accessibility to medicament injection
sites of the wearer. Each of the garments can have multiple access
slots which overlie respective injection sites, e.g., arms, thighs,
abdomen, and/or other body parts which tend to accumulate
subcutaneous fat, making them suitable as injection sites,
sometimes referred to as "key zones." Each of the access slots has
a base portion and a corresponding flap portion. Openings are
defined through the access slots, between the base and flap
portions, and provide access to the skin of the wearer at the
respective injection sites. The access slots can be incorporated
into the garment in a visually inconspicuous manner by providing
them on or within covers that replicate the look of, e.g., pockets,
patches, or other structures concealing their appearance. It is
further contemplated that the access slot(s) can be retrofitted
into existing, commercially available, clothing, as desired.
[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, a garment
system is provided that includes a garment covering at least a
portion of the body of a wearer and a slot that permits access to a
skin surface area of the wearer, and a closure mechanism for
selectively restricting access to the skin surface area through the
slot. The closure mechanism can be, e.g., a hook and loop fastener
assembly, a zipper, snaps, buttons, fabric ties, or others. The
accessible skin surface area can be in an area of subcutaneous fat
accumulation on the body of the wearer, whereby injectable
medicaments can be dispensed through the slot, as desired.
[0013] In some implementations, the slot defines a length and a
width dimension, the width dimension being generally constant in
magnitude along the length such that it is a generally uniform
opening. However, as desired, the opening width can be non-uniform
or non-constant in magnitude along its length.
[0014] In yet other implementations, a flap selectively covers the
slot. The flap can be visually concealed into the garment, or can
take on a pocket-like appearance, a patch-like appearance, or
others.
[0015] In some implementations, the garment includes multiple slots
permitting enhanced accessibility to medicament injection sites or
key zones. The slots can be provided at lateral and outwardly
facing segments of, e.g., upper arm portions of sleeves, thigh
portions of garment leg segments, or overlying other key zones.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A clear conception of the advantages and features
constituting the present invention, and of the construction and
operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present
invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the
exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in
the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification,
wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the
several views, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first garment in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a front elevation of a one-piece, full body
garment according to the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front elevation of a short sleeve, upper body
garment according to the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a front elevation of a long-sleeve, upper body
garment according to the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a close-up front elevation of a lower body garment
according to the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a close-up front elevation of an access slot
incorporated into a suitable garment, in a closed configuration;
and
[0023] FIG. 7 is a close-up front elevation of an access slot
incorporated into a suitable garment, in an open configuration.
[0024] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention
which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be
resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended
that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and
it is to be understood that each specific term includes all
technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] The present invention and the various features and
advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with
reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in
the following description.
[0026] A garment system is provided in which various garments
permit enhanced accessibility to medicament injection sites, or
"key zones" , of the wearer. The garment system, constructed
according to the present invention, is indicated generally as,
e.g., garment system 5 in FIGS. 1-5.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, garment system 5 includes garment
10 which has multiple access slots 100 incorporated thereinto. The
access slots 100 are located at portions of the garment 10 that
correspond to typical key zones, providing the wearer relatively
easy access to such key zones without removal of or adjusting the
garment 10 itself.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 2, garment 10 is any of a variety of
suitable garments that would typically be worn by an individual. In
other words, although only certain garments 10 are exemplarily
illustrated, it is fully understood that the particular garment 10
is selected based on, e.g., the intended end use environment and
associated style or other considerations. In some implementations,
the preferred materials for garment 10 include, e.g., various micro
fleece fabrics, cotton or cotton/polyester blends, and/or other
stretchy or woven fabrics. Notwithstanding, regardless of the
particular fabrics or materials used, or the particular
characteristics such as color, texture, nap, others, the garment 10
should be suitably comfortable for the wearer.
[0029] The particular garment 10 seen in FIG. 2 is a one-piece,
full-body garment, such as a "onesie," romper, or pajama, e.g.,
pajama 12. Conventional romper or pajama portions are incorporated
into pajama 12, including, e.g., full, optionally partial, length
leg segments and arm sleeves, elastic cuffs or bindings at the
ankle, wrist, neckline, or other portions, a zipper extending up
the front torso portion, and/or other features or configurations as
desired.
[0030] Access slots 100 can be provided at locations on the pajama
12. For example, access slots 100 are located at each of the outer
surface of the upper thigh portion of pajama 12. Yet other access
slots 100 are provided at the outer surface of the upper arm
portion. Access slots 100 can be provided elsewhere on the pajama
12, preferably superposing, overlying, or otherwise located at
portions of the pajama that correspond to key zones or other
medicament injection sites.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, garment 10 can embody an upper body
garment, such as short-sleeved T-shirt 14. Like pajama 12, T-shirt
14 includes the various conventional T-shirt components including,
e.g., torso segment, short arm sleeves, collared or other neck
portion, and/or other features or configurations as desired. Access
slots 100 can be provided at analogous locations on the T-shirt 14.
For example, access slots 100 are located at each of the outer
surface of the upper arm portion, 15A.
[0032] In some implementations, T-shirt 14 further includes a
second or outer sleeve segment 15B. Outer sleeve segment 15B is a
material member that covers or overlies the upper arm portion 15A,
similar to how the sleeve of a short-sleeved dress shirt might
cover the sleeve of a short-sleeved undershirt. The outer sleeve
segments 15B can lie loosely over upper arm portions 15A, or be
selectively attached thereto, by way of hook and loop fasteners,
zippers, buttons, snaps, and/or otherwise, as desired.
[0033] Since the access slot 100 is provided in the upper arm
portion 15A, the outer sleeve segment 15B serves as, e.g., a loose
over-layer that conceals the access slot 100, when not in use. The
outer sleeve segments 15B can be made from the same material as the
remainder of T-shirt 14, whereby the overall appearance of the
T-shirt 14 resembles that of, preferably visually indiscernible
from, a conventional shirt.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, in some implementations, garment 10
is an upper body garment with long sleeves, such as sweatshirt 16.
Sweatshirt 16 includes numerous common sweatshirt components, such
as, e.g., a torso segment, long arm sleeves, hooded or other neck
portion, various elastic components, drawstring components,
pockets, and/or other features or configurations as desired. Access
slots 100 are again located at each of the outer surface of the
upper arm portion, 17A.
[0035] In some implementations, sweatshirt 16 further includes a
concealing member, such as patch-like cover 17B. Patch-like covers
17B are material members that cover or overlie the upper arm
portions 17A, and the respective access slots 100. Patch-like
covers 17B can themselves have slots or openings, registered or
otherwise aligned with access slots 100, permitting selective
access thereto. In other implementations, the patch-like covers 17B
are continuous, non-slotted, material members that are at least
partially temporarily attached to the upper arm portions 17A, by
way of, e.g., hook and loop fasters, zippers, buttons, snaps,
and/or other suitable means.
[0036] Patch-like covers 17B can be made from the same material as
the remainder of sweatshirt 16 to mitigate their visual impact.
However, as desired, patch-like covers 17B can be made from a
dissimilar material such that they are visually conspicuous, and
easily recognizable as patches, preferably visually indiscernible
from conventional patches.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, in some implementations, garment 10
is a lower body garment with long leg segments, such as pants 18.
Pants 18 includes numerous common components, such as, e.g., leg
segments, zippered or other fly portion, belt loops, pockets,
and/or other features or configurations as desired. Access slots
100 are again located at each of the outer surface of the upper
thigh portion, 19A.
[0038] As desired, pants 18 can further include various concealing
members, such as pocket-like covers 19B. Although labeled as being
"pocket-like," it is fully appreciated, and well within the scope
of the invention, that pocket-like covers 19B can have at least
some, optionally all, the functionality of a typical garment
pocket. Similar to patch-like covers 17B, pocket-like covers 19B
are material members that cover or overlie the respective access
slots 100, only the pocket-like covers 19B are provided upon the
upper thigh portion 19A of pants 18.
[0039] Pocket-like covers 19B can include slots or openings,
registered or otherwise aligned with access slots 100, permitting
selective access to the slots 100 and the key zone(s) of the
wearer. However, as desired, pocket-like covers 19B can be
continuous, non-slotted, or unitary material members that are at
least partially temporarily attached to the upper arm portions 17A,
by way of, e.g., hook and loop fasters, zippers, buttons, snaps,
and/or other suitable means of attaching or fastening
material(s).
[0040] Pocket-like covers 19B can be made from the same or
dissimilar material as the remainder of pants 18, as desired.
Preferably pocket-like covers 19B are made of the same material and
incorporated into the overall design of pants 18 to not distract
from the overall aesthetic characteristics of the pants. In other
words, pocket-like covers 19B can largely duplicate the appearance
of, preferably visually indiscernible from, conventional pockets
that might be on outer thigh surfaces of pants, such as, e.g.,
cargo pants.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, access slots 100 can be
incorporated into any of the above discussed garment systems 5,
garments 10, and thus ones of pajama 12, T-shirt 14, sweatshirt 16,
pants 18, or other suitable garments. Each access slot 100 includes
an aperture or opening 105 extending therethrough, which provides
the access to key zones or other medicament injection sites.
[0042] Access slots 100, in particular openings 105, are adapted
and configured to selectively provide suitable access to the
respective key zones, whereby a sufficient surface area of the
wearer's skin is exposed through the openings 105. In some
implementations, the openings 105 exposes a skin surface area of at
least about 2 inches.sup.2, optionally at least about 6
inches.sup.2, optionally at least about 10 inches.sup.2, or
otherwise. The particular opening area, perimeter shape, and/or
other characteristics of access slots 100 are selected based on the
size of the garment 10 and thus the size of the wearer, the
relative sizes of particular key zones, the desired amount of
injection site variation within the key zones, and/or others.
[0043] Preferably, openings 105 are narrow slits, as though they
were merely split or slotted portions of the material of garment
10. The opening 105 can define an opening width dimension, between
generally straight lateral edges, that is generally constant along
the entire length of the opening 105. Optionally, the opening 105
can be defined between arcuate lateral edges. In such
implementations, the opening 105 can be relatively wider in the
middle portion and taper down to one or more relatively more narrow
ends. In yet other embodiments, the opening 105 can define a
substantially rectangular, square, or other polygonal perimeter as
desired, depending on the amount of skin surface area exposure of
the key zone that is sought through opening 105.
[0044] In most implementations, the opening 105 is defined between
a base portion 110 and a flap portion 120 which are selectively
connected to each other by a closure mechanism 130. Base portion
110 is, e.g., a piece of material attached to or integral with the
garment 10. It is the portion of the access slot 100 that remains
connected to the garment 10 at all times, during use. Accordingly,
a first lateral edge of base portion 110 is adjacent and interfaces
with the garment, whilst a second lateral edge of base portion 110
is adjacent and interfaces with opening 105. An outwardly facing
surface of base portion 110 includes a first fastening component
150 of the closure mechanism 130, for selectively closing the
access slots 100.
[0045] Flap portion 120 is adapted and configured to selectively
extend over and cover the access slot 100. In other words, flap
portion 120 functions, at least in part, to permit or restrict
access to the opening 105 and thus permit or restrict access to the
key zones. A first end or segment of flap portion 120 is secured to
the garment 10, adjacent the opening 105, on the opposing side of
the opening 105 with respect to the base portion 110. A second end
or segment of flap portion 120, distal the point of attachment
between the flap portion 120 and garment 10, includes a second
fastening component 155 of the closure mechanism 130, for
selectively closing the access slots 100.
[0046] First and second fastening components 150, 155 cooperate
with each other to provide the selective closing and opening
functionality of the closure mechanism 130. Preferably, the closure
mechanism is a hook and loop system, such as that available and
sold under the Brand Name Velcro.RTM.. In such implementations, the
first and second fastening components 150, 155 can be either of the
hooks or the loops, respectively, as desired. Notwithstanding,
other products, devices, and mechanisms which can suitably retain
the access slot 100 in a temporarily closed condition can be
utilized as closure mechanism 130, including, e.g., zippers,
buttons, snaps, fabric ties, and/or others as desired.
[0047] In light of the above, to use the garment system 5, in some
regards, the user or wearer uses it in substantially the same
manner as conventional clothing. Thus, the wearer merely selects
the appropriate garment 10 based on weather conditions, activity,
style, or otherwise.
[0048] When the wearer requires delivery of an injected medicament,
the wearer releases the closures mechanism 130 by, e.g., releasing
the hook and loop fastener(s), unzipping the zipper, unbuttoning
the buttons, unsnapping the snaps, untying the ties, or otherwise,
depending on the particular configuration of the closure mechanism
130. Next, the wearer pulls the flap portion 120 away from the base
portion 110, sufficiently far to manipulate the access slot 100. If
needed, the edges of the access slot are adjusted so that the
opening 105 directly overlies the desired key zone and injection
site, exposing the respective surface area portion of skin of the
user. The medicament is administered by injection, e.g.,
subcutaneous or other injection methods, into the key zone of the
wearer. Then, the access slot 100 is closed by generally reversing
the procedures used to release the closure mechanism 130.
[0049] At no point during the use of garment system 5 is the wearer
required to (i) remove garment 10, (ii) partially remove garment
10, (iii) expose a non-key zone portion of their body, or (iv)
expose a skin surface area larger than exposed through the opening
105 of the access slot 100, even while administering the injectable
medicament.
[0050] The medicaments are any of those that are administered by
injection, but can be particularly useful for insulin injection
treatments for coping with diabetes. Diabetics tend to inject
insulin in key zones that are largely inaccessible without removing
or partially removing clothing, yet can be generally easily reached
by the individual him/herself, or a caretaker, whereby the garment
system 5 can prove particularly useful for individuals, adult or
child, with diabetes.
[0051] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of
carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of
the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest
that various additions, modifications, and rearrangements of the
features of the present invention may be made without deviating
from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. The
scope of still other changes to the described embodiments that fall
within the present invention but that are not specifically
discussed above will become apparent from the appended claims.
* * * * *