U.S. patent application number 12/459951 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-28 for modular medical apparel for use by patients during medical care and treatment.
Invention is credited to Elizabeth Lide Taylor-Barry.
Application Number | 20100017933 12/459951 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41567284 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100017933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Taylor-Barry; Elizabeth
Lide |
January 28, 2010 |
Modular medical apparel for use by patients during medical care and
treatment
Abstract
A concern for medical patients and caregivers is suitable
apparel that provides comfort, dignity, easy dressing and access to
the body without unnecessary body exposure. Critically ill
patients' fragile skin is easily damaged when handled and patients
recovering from broken limbs or surgery experience the need for
easier ways to dress and accommodate medical devises and treatment.
Modular medical apparel provides slip-on and snap-seam construction
of shirts and pants to meet treatment needs and pulling overhead or
up the body is avoided. Plastic snap closures enable the patient to
wear the apparel during routine examinations, x-rays, chemo
therapy, MRI and other treatments, eliminating change of clothing
and body exposure. The apparel is adaptable to amputees and has the
appearance of sportswear. Optional features include, but are not
limited to, removable sleeves, flexible seam closures, moisture
control, antimicrobial, stain resistant, flame retardant, and
Velcro, stainless steel or plastic fasteners.
Inventors: |
Taylor-Barry; Elizabeth Lide;
(Columbia, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Elizabeth Lide Taylor-Barry
409 Park Lake Road
Columbia
SC
29223
US
|
Family ID: |
41567284 |
Appl. No.: |
12/459951 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61135556 |
Jul 22, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/83 ; 2/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/1254 20130101;
A41D 13/1245 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/83 ; 2/114 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/12 20060101
A41D013/12 |
Claims
1: The apparel's modular shirts interchangeable units have the
utility of seam fastener closures and pattern construction
providing easy body access and removal.
2: The apparel's modular pants interchangeable units have the
utility of side and inseam fastener closures and pattern
construction providing easy body access and removal.
Description
[0001] From technical design drawings and pattern construction, the
six items (three tops and three pants), will be manufactured for
men, women and children in a variety of fabrics--from 100% cotton
to moisture absorbent and germ resistant fabrics. Manufacturing
facilities in the U.S. as well as offshore companies will be used.
Special order options will be available to patients with special
needs.
[0002] This section of the application describes and demonstrates
the utility of the modular medical apparel as shown in technical
drawings and photographs and the written description of two major
apparel items (shirts and pants). Any color shown on the claimed
technical drawings and photographs forms no part thereof. The
fastener construction features a choice of using (1) stainless
steel snaps and grommets; (2) plastic snaps; (3) Velcro fasteners;
or plastic grommets which will allow the patient to wear the
apparel in x-ray, MRI, etc. medical treatments, thereby eliminating
the need to change clothing. Optional features will also include
variations of necklines on the shirts (round, v-neck, and other
design choices). Fabric features and choices will include: moisture
management fabrics (wicking), antimicrobial, germ killing agents,
and flame retardants. Fabric content choices will include: 100
percent cotton, cotton/polyester blends, 100 percent polyester, and
other textile blends to provide comfort.
[0003] "The color shown on the claimed technical drawings and
photographs forms no part thereof." The technical drawings and
photographs support the construction utility of the shirts as
follows: [0004] (1) Sizing for adults (short, medium and tall
lengths as well as standard small, medium, large and extra large);
and for children. [0005] (2) Modular shirts in three (3) lengths
(hip length, thigh length and knee length) as well as two sleeve
lengths (short and % length); [0006] (3) Optional pocket
construction holds medical monitor equipment; [0007] (4) Removable
raglan sleeve can be removed without losing integrity of shirt
utility or construction; [0008] (5) Partial fastened non-removable
raglan sleeve (for access to IVs, etc.); and [0009] (6) Fastener
plackets positioned from neckline to side front of shirt.
[0010] "The color shown on the claimed technical drawings and
photographs forms no part thereof." Technical drawings and
photographs support the construction utility of the pants as
follows: [0011] (1) Sizing for adults and children in short, medium
and tall lengths as well as small, medium, large and extra large;
[0012] (2) Pants in three (3) lengths (boxer shorts length, knee
length and ankle length); [0013] (3) All pants have extra long rise
to accommodate catheter, diapers and other medical equipment;
[0014] (4) Draw string with elastic waist; [0015] (5) Hidden
fastener plackets on the entire length of one side; [0016] (6)
Hidden fastener plackets on the entire inseam; [0017] (7) A
non-binding ankle band on the bottom of long pants; and [0018] (8)
Optional detachable pant legs for amputee patients.
[0019] The concept of modular medical apparel has already been
tested on a cancer patient who had lost most of his mobility and
was receiving home health care and a patient critically injured in
an automobile accident resulting in several broken limbs. The
design of the product was based on: [0020] The desire to provide
the patient with comfort and dignity (in place of the traditional
hospital gown design)--semi-fit to look like sportswear. [0021] The
need to minimize movement of the patient to avoid bruising and skin
tearing injury--patient lies on side, apparel is slipped on,
patient rolls over on back, apparel is snapped on front side; and
then removable sleeve is snapped in place without disturbing IVs
and other medical equipment. The same procedure is used to slip on
pants without disturbing catheters. [0022] The need to minimize
patient bed sores--less fabric to bunch up and create impressions
in skin which lead to bed sores and bruising. No fabric tie knots
to do the same. [0023] The need to allow a caregiver easier patient
clothing changes; and easier access to IVs, catheters and other
medical tubing and equipment--regular clothing prohibits easy
changing when IVs or catheters are in place. You cannot put on a
regular shirt if the patient is connected to IVs and other medical
equipment. [0024] The need for clothing that can be worn from bed
or a hospital room to an outside location or in the public without
embarrassment to the patient.
[0025] The technical drawings and photographs are as follows:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel "shirt" using side
fastener closures.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical
apparel "shirt" using side fastener closures.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel "removal & reversible
(from to back) sleeve shirt" with fastener closures.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical
apparel "removal & reversible (from front to back) sleeve
shirt" with fastener closures.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel "nightshirt" using side
fastener closures. The nighshirt is the same utility and
construction as the shirt except for length. There is no photograph
of the nightshirt.
[0031] The features of modular medical apparel pattern construction
of shirts include: [0032] As shown in the attached drawings and
photographs, sizing for adults and children in short, medium and
tall lengths as well as small, medium, large and extra large;
[0033] Modular shirts in three (3) lengths (hip length, thigh
length and knee length) and two sleeve lengths (short and %
length); [0034] Optional pocket construction to hold medical
monitor equipment; [0035] Removable raglan sleeve (fastens on and
off when changing clothes and can be removed without losing
integrity of shirt. [0036] Snapped non-removable raglan sleeve (for
access to IVs, etc.).
[0037] The features of modular medical apparel pattern construction
of pants include:
[0038] FIG. 6 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel pair of "boxers" using
side and inseam fastener closures.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical
apparel pair of "boxers" using side and inseam fastener
closures.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel pair of "shorts" using
side and inseam fastener closures.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical
apparel pair of "shorts" using side and inseam fastener
closures.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel pair of "pants" using
side and inseam fastener closures.
[0043] FIG. 11 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical
apparel pair of "pants" using side and inseam fastener closures.
[0044] As shown as the above referenced drawings and photographs,
sizing for adults and children in short, medium and tall lengths as
well as small, medium, large and extra large; [0045] Pants in three
(3) lengths (boxer shorts length, knee length and ankle length);
[0046] All pants have extra long rise to accommodate catheter,
diapers and other medical equipment; [0047] Draw string with
elastic waist; [0048] Hidden fastener plackets on the entire length
of one side; [0049] Hidden fastener plackets on the entire inseam;
[0050] A non-binding ankle band on the bottom of long pants; and
[0051] Optional detachable pant legs for amputee patients.
THE WAY A PERSON (PATIENT OR CAREGIVER) WILL USE THE INVENTION
[0052] The modular medical apparel slips onto the patient's body
rather than pulling over the head or tugging on arms and legs to
pull on bed clothing. The apparel slips on one side of the body by
rolling the patient on his side; then the patient is then rolled
over and the apparel is then fastened in placed without disturbing
medical tubing and other equipment. Limited motion of the patient
is required to fully undress or dress a patient.
[0053] The removal sleeve and reversible option (front to back) is
one of the most important features of the three shirts (three
lengths--hip, thigh and knee lengths). Not only does the removal
sleeve make changing clothes easier but it provides access for
medical equipment (IVs, etc.) while keeping a patient warm and
comfortable. The feature was designed for both the caregiver and
the patient. Pants are constructed to allow a slip-on feature
rather than a pull up on the patient. The pants will be easier for
the patient who is bedridden and requires a caregiver to assist in
dressing, as well as for the patient who is recovering from knee
surgery, loss of limb or in sports medicine therapy.
[0054] The hidden fastener placket on the shirts and pants was
designed to protect the patient from minor skin intrusions in
addition to avoiding discomfort to the patient. Shirts can be
slipped onto the patient and the pants can be slipped on the
patient as well. Slipping on the apparel from the side of the body
avoids pulling clothing overhead or pulling garments up the
legs--both procedures are difficult when the patient is not able to
help dress himself. Drawings indicate the hidden fastener plackets
and show how the apparel opens for the easy slip-on features.
[0055] The modular medical apparel was tested on a cancer patient
who had lost most of his mobility. The design of the product was
based on: [0056] The desire to provide the patient with comfort and
dignity (in place of the traditional hospital gown
design)--semi-fit to look like sports wear. [0057] The need to
minimize movement of the patient to avoid bruising and skin tearing
injury--patient lies on side, apparel is slipped on, patient rolls
over on back, apparel is fastened on front side; and then removable
sleeve is snapped in place without disturbing IVs and other medical
equipment. The same procedure is used to slip on pants without
disturbing catheters. [0058] The need to minimize patient bed
sores--less fabric to bunch up and create impressions in skin which
lead to bed sores and bruising. No fabric tie knots to do the same.
[0059] The need to allow a caregiver: easier patient clothing
changes; and easier access to IVs, catheters and other medical
tubing and equipment--regular clothing prohibits easy changing when
IVs or catheters are in place. You cannot put on a regular shirt if
the patient is connected to IVs and other medical equipment. [0060]
The need for clothing that can be worn from bed or a hospital room
to an outside location or in the public without embarrassment to
the patient.
MODE OF CARRYING OUT INVENTION
[0061] The modular medical apparel will be manufactured in the U.S.
Offshore production will only be used when US production is no
longer available. Fabrics, trims, and services will be
American-made products if available. Manufacturers have already
been identified in the U.S. The modular medical apparel will be
made available through government contract procurements, medical
facilities, sports medicine facilities and public retail markets
for home health care and Hospice use.
[0062] The initial apparel testing and apparel marketing has been
conducted. Apparel sample products were made by the University of
Clemson, Apparel Research Center in South Carolina. The South
Carolina Center for Women, a U.S. Small Business Administration
sponsored program, in Columbia, S.C., has provided business
planning and development assistance to the Inventor. Also providing
assistance is the Center for Women in Charleston, S.C.
[0063] Marketing and procurement activities will be conducted by
the inventor. Elizabeth L. Taylor-Barry has twenty years federal
government service (U.S. House and Senate in Washington, D.C.) and
the U.S. Small Business Administration in senior staff positions.
With more than twenty years private sector service, Elizabeth has
federal procurement and business development experience in
Washington, D.C. and South Carolina.
[0064] The first modular medical apparel, referred to as
BarryBasics, was produced in honor and memory of Lt. Colonel A. P.
Barry, USMC, Retired, husband of Elizabeth L. Taylor-Barry. More
than 300 gift sets of the apparel have been distributed to wounded
warriors and cancer patients. Apparel for women and children are
scheduled for availability in the Fall of 2009.
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
[0065] I, Elizabeth L. Taylor-Barry, have invented a new utility
design & construction of modular medical apparel, as Shown in
the following drawings and photographs.
[0066] FIG. 1 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel "shirt" using side
fastener closures.
[0067] FIG. 2 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical
apparel "shirt" using side fastener closures.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel "removal & reversible
(from to back) sleeve shirt" with fastener closures.
[0069] FIG. 4 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical
apparel "removal & reversible (from front to back) sleeve
shirt" with fastener closures.
[0070] FIG. 5 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel "nightshirt" using side
fastener closures.
[0071] FIG. 6 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel pair of "boxers" using
side and inseam fastener closures.
[0072] FIG. 7 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical
apparel pair of "boxers" using side and inseam fastener
closures.
[0073] FIG. 8 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel pair of "shorts" using
side and inseam fastener closures.
[0074] FIG. 9 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical
apparel pair of "shorts" using side and inseam fastener
closures.
[0075] FIG. 10 is a technical drawing of the design &
construction of a modular medical apparel pair of "pants" using
side and inseam fastener closures.
[0076] FIG. 11 is a photograph of the manufactured modular medical
apparel pair of "pants" using side and inseam fastener
closures.
[0077] I claim the design and construction for modular medical
apparel as shown and described.
[0078] I have invented modular medical apparel to be used by
patients receiving medical care and treatment for the purposes of
providing comfort, dignity, easy access to the body for treatment
and invasive tubing and intravenous sites, as well as ease in
changing clothing by caregivers in the following claim:
* * * * *