U.S. patent application number 14/447555 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-19 for graduated compression device having separate body and bands.
This patent application is currently assigned to Circaid Medical Products, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Circaid Medical Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Teresa Kennerknecht, Moses A. Lipshaw, Thomas Richardson, Sandra Anne Shaw.
Application Number | 20150051523 14/447555 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46455814 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150051523 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lipshaw; Moses A. ; et
al. |
February 19, 2015 |
GRADUATED COMPRESSION DEVICE HAVING SEPARATE BODY AND BANDS
Abstract
A compression garment, having: (a) a body portion dimensioned to
be wrapped around a body limb, the body portion having a top edge,
a bottom edge and a pair of opposite side edges; and (b) a
plurality of bands, wherein the bands are each attachable onto the
body portion at a plurality of different locations, and wherein the
bands wrap around part of the body portion when the body portion is
wrapped around the body limb to apply compression force to the body
limb.
Inventors: |
Lipshaw; Moses A.;
(Encinitas, CA) ; Richardson; Thomas; (Del Mar,
CA) ; Kennerknecht; Teresa; (San Diego, CA) ;
Shaw; Sandra Anne; (Coronado, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Circaid Medical Products, Inc. |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Circaid Medical Products,
Inc.
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
46455814 |
Appl. No.: |
14/447555 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13346689 |
Jan 9, 2012 |
8801645 |
|
|
14447555 |
|
|
|
|
61431371 |
Jan 10, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
601/84 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 99/00 20130101;
A61H 1/008 20130101; A61F 13/0273 20130101; A61F 13/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
601/84 |
International
Class: |
A61H 1/00 20060101
A61H001/00; A61H 99/00 20060101 A61H099/00 |
Claims
1. A method of fitting a compression garment to a body portion,
comprising: assembling a compression garment around a patient's
limb, wherein the compression garment comprises a body portion and
a plurality of bands, by; (i) selecting an orientable position on
the body portion where each of the plurality of bands are to be
attached in reference to the limb; (ii) attaching each of the
plurality of bands to the body portion; (iii) wrapping the body
portion around the limb; and (iv) wrapping each of the plurality of
bands around the limb and the body portion to apply compression to
the body limb.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: (v) cutting the body
portion to a preferred shape prior to attaching the bands to the
body portion.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein cutting the body portion to a
preferred shape comprises: (i) measuring the circumference of a
body limb at multiple locations, and (ii) tapering the body portion
such that top and bottom edges of the body portion correspond to
the circumference of the body limb at each of the locations.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein attaching each of the plurality
of bands to the body portion comprises attaching the plurality of
bands to the body portion by hook and loop fasteners.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein wrapping the bands around the
body portion comprises: (i) pulling together the opposite side
edges of the body portion, and (ii) wrapping the bands across the
opposite side edges of the flat body portion.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein wrapping the bands across
opposing edges of the body portion comprises juxtaposing bands
extending from the opposing edges.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein a shape of the body portion is
changed during fitting and a size of the bands are not changed
during fitting.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein a shape of the body portion and
the bands are each changed during fitting.
9. A compression garment, comprising: a cylindrical body portion
dimensioned to be wrapped around part of a patient's body, the body
portion having a top edge and a bottom edge; and a plurality of
bands, wherein the bands are each attachable onto the body portion
at a plurality of different locations, and wherein the bands wrap
around part of the body portion when the body portion is wrapped
around the part of the patient's body to apply compression force to
the patient's body.
10. A method of fitting a cylindrical compression garment to a body
portion, comprising: assembling a cylindrical compression garment
around part of a patient's body, wherein the cylindrical
compression garment comprises a cylindrical body portion and a
plurality of bands, by; (i) selecting a position on the body
portion at which each of the plurality of bands are to be attached
in reference to the part of the patient's body; (ii) attaching each
of the plurality of bands to the body portion; (iii) wrapping the
body portion around the part of the patient's body; and (iv)
wrapping each of the plurality of bands around part of the body
portion to apply compression to the body limb.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application 61/431,371; filed Jan. 10, 2011, entitled
"Graduated Compression Device For The Treatment Of Circulatory
Disorders Such As Lymphedema And Venous Diseases", the full
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to devices that treat
circulatory disorders such as lymphedema, edema and venous
diseases.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A common treatment for circulatory disorders such as
lymphedema, edema and venous diseases is to wear a compression
garment. Current compression garments are available in various
ready-to-wear standard sizes. Unfortunately, a wide array of
inventory must be kept on hand when distributing ready-to-wear
garments in order to accommodate the population majority. Although
compression garments have been designed that can be modified in
circumference or length to obtain a better fit, the "nearest" size
must still be chosen.
[0004] Alternatively, custom made-to-measure garments have also
been produced as a form of treatment. Unfortunately, measuring,
sizing, and ordering these made-to-measure garments is time
consuming and may still not result in a properly fitted compression
garment. For limbs that are outside of the standard ready-to-wear
size range, custom garments need to be built to match the
curvature, length and circumference of the limb. As a result, many
measurements are needed to make these custom garments and there is
a period between measuring, ordering, production and fitting of the
garment where the limb profile may change, which can result in an
improper fit due to the time it takes for the patient to receive
their garment.
[0005] Various compression garments have tried trimming-to-fit
methods where longer bands are cut down from the largest size to
fit the patient. Unfortunately, these bands need to be trimmed
separately or in pairs and angled in a manner that best conforms to
the shape of the limb. This is a slow and time consuming process.
Working out the correct lengths and angles of each band can be very
difficult, and is often made more difficult due to the fact that
the bands need to overlap to obtain complete coverage.
[0006] Other compression modalities such as bandaging have also
been used. An advantage of bandaging is that it can be used on 100%
of the population with one inventory set. Unfortunately, bandaging
is very time consuming and does not have the benefit of quick and
easy application as compared to standard compression garments. In
addition, bandaging is not guaranteed to provide
reliable/consistent compression levels, and cannot be adjusted as
the limb shape and compression needs change.
[0007] Furthermore, although "fixed bands" compression garments can
be modified in circumference from one direction to fit most users,
the garment can still only be modified from one direction and the
angle of the bands can not be adjusted. As a result, the garment
cannot sufficiently contour to limbs that feature large changes in
circumference. For limbs out of the standard ready to wear size
range, custom garments can be built to match the curvature of the
limb. Unfortunately, many measurements are needed to make these
garments and there is a period between production and fitting of
the garment where the limb profile may change. This can result in
an improper fit and the patient has to wait to receive their
garment.
[0008] What is instead desired is a one-size-fits-all compression
garment that can be easily and quickly tailored to match the
patient's limb length and circumference profile.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0009] The present invention provides a one-size-fits-all
compression garment that can easily and quickly be tailored to
match the circumference profile and length of a particular
patient's body portion. An advantage of the present garment is that
it can be provided in one size for all patients (since the actual
sizing and adjustment of the garment can be done by the therapist
or end user or clinician). Another advantage of the present garment
is that it is simple to put on and very easy for therapist or a
clinician or end user to shape, size correctly, and adjust
accordingly.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a
therapeutic compression garment, having: a body portion dimensioned
to be wrapped around a portion of the body, including but not
limited to a limb or torso, the body portion preferably being flat
and having a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of opposite side
edges; and a plurality of bands, wherein the bands are each
attachable onto the flat body portion at a plurality of different
locations, and wherein the bands wrap around part of the body
portion when the flat body portion is wrapped around the body limb
to apply a compression force to the body limb.
[0011] In its simplest form, the present invention comprises a body
portion that is cut down equally from both sides (and/or top or
bottom) to form a preferred shape, and four separate bands that are
secured onto this body portion. Preferably, the bands extend from
opposite sides and are juxtaposed to wrap part way around the body
portion to provide therapeutic compression. The bands may be
attached to the flat body portion by hook and loop fasteners, or
alternatively by gluing or by zippers, or any other suitable
system.
[0012] In preferred embodiments, the top edge of the body portion
is wider than the bottom edge and the opposite side edges of the
body portion taper inwardly from the top to bottom edges. The top
edge of the body portion is dimensioned to wrap around the calf,
thigh or upper arm and the bottom edge of the body portion is
dimensioned to wrap around the ankle, wrist or knee. Specifically,
the body limb circumference is first measured at these two
locations and the body portion is then cut into a tapered shape
from a wide top to a narrow bottom. Preferably, measurement indicia
run along the top and bottom edges of the body portion, and the
side edges of the body portion are cut down equally such that the
measured diameters of the patient's limb matches the measurements
running along the top and bottom of the body portion of the
garment. Additional indicia can be used to further refine the band
placement on the body portion. For example, band placement markers
can be used along the height of the garment.
[0013] In use, the body portion is wrapped around the body limb and
the bands are wrapped around a portion of the body to apply a
therapeutic compression force to the limb. In accordance with the
present invention, the position of each of the bands can be varied
such that they may be mounted at various preferred locations on the
flat body portion of the garment. As a result, each band can be
angled independently, aiding in achieving a contoured fit around
the limb. This feature allows the fitting of the garment to be
customized to the particular individual's body dimensions.
[0014] Preferably, the body portion has cut away regions for
shortening the length of the garment along a body limb, as well as
for narrowing the width of the compression garment.
[0015] Existing compression garments rely on trimming bands for
size adjustments. In contrast, the present invention relies on
trimming the body portion of the garment and not the bands. The
fitting process is therefore simplified by not having to alter any
of the bands. It is to be understood, however, that the present
invention also encompasses embodiments in which trimmable bands are
provided. Such trimmable bands may be useful when dealing with very
small circumference limbs (to avoid the bands wrapping
unnecessarily far around the limb). Another advantage of the
present garment is that it can be provided in one size for all
patients (since the actual sizing and adjustment of the garment can
be done by the therapist or end user or clinician). Yet another
advantage of the present garment is that it is simple to put on and
very easy for a clinician or end user to shape, size correctly, and
adjust accordingly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the parts of the compression
garment prior to cutting the body portion to fit a particular
individual.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the parts of the compression
garment after the body portion has been cut to fit a particular
individual.
[0018] FIG. 3A is an illustration of the body portion dimensioned
for a patient having a small calf and a small ankle.
[0019] FIG. 3B is an illustration of the flat body portion
dimensioned for a patient having a medium calf and a small
ankle.
[0020] FIG. 3C is an illustration of the flat body portion
dimensioned for a patient having a large calf and a small
ankle.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the bands attached onto the
body portion.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an illustration showing the wrapped garment with
the bands in the closed position.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an embodiment showing all the bands extending from
one side of the garment.
[0024] FIG. 7A is another embodiment showing all the bands
extending from one side of the garment with D-rings mounted onto
the other side of the garment.
[0025] FIG. 7B is another embodiment with juxtaposed bands and
corresponding D-rings mounted on opposite sides of the garment.
[0026] FIG. 8A is an illustration of an alternate position of the
bands attached to the body portion.
[0027] FIG. 8B is an embodiment with bands of different
lengths.
[0028] FIG. 8C is an embodiment with six bands.
[0029] FIG. 9 is an illustration showing a bottom cut away portion
of the garment.
[0030] FIG. 10A is an embodiment of the invention having
interlocking bands and an attached foot wrap.
[0031] FIG. 10B is similar to FIG. 10A, but the wrap extends from
an alternate location.
[0032] FIG. 10C to 10E show three alternate placement locations for
the wrap.
[0033] FIG. 11 is an embodiment of the invention having
interlocking bands, a compression measuring system and an
ankle-foot wrap.
[0034] FIG. 12A is an embodiment of the invention having flow
channels in the body portion also showing alternate angling of a
top band for improved contouring.
[0035] FIG. 12B is a side elevation view corresponding to FIG. 12A
showing channels to create alternating regions of high and low
pressure.
[0036] FIG. 13 is an embodiment in which each of the bands have
reinforcement tabs securing them to the body portion.
[0037] FIG. 14A is another embodiment with all the bands extending
from one side of the garment.
[0038] FIG. 14B shows the embodiment of FIG. 14A wrapped
together.
[0039] FIG. 14C shows the embodiment of FIGS. 14A and 14B after the
fitting is done.
[0040] FIG. 15 is an embodiment of the invention showing a strip
for attachment of either additional foam pads or wound
dressings.
[0041] FIG. 16A is an embodiment of the invention with two
positional bands and two fixed bands.
[0042] FIG. 16B shows the cutting of the body portion of FIG.
16A.
[0043] FIG. 16C shows the positioning of the bands on a body
portion.
[0044] FIG. 16D shows an alternate positioning of the bands.
[0045] FIG. 16E shows an alternate positioning of the bands.
[0046] FIG. 16F shows a perspective view of high and low pressure
channels in the garment.
[0047] FIG. 17A is a cylindrical piece body that is wrapped onto
itself.
[0048] FIG. 17B is the embodiment of FIG. 17A showing the bands
attached thereto.
[0049] FIGS. 18A to 18D show various embodiments of the invention
with a bridge portion in the middle of the body portion.
[0050] FIGS. 19A and 19B show materials attached to the body
portion to vary the stiffness of the garment.
[0051] FIG. 19C shows an embodiment having an inelastic material
attached to the body portion of the garment.
[0052] FIG. 20 is an embodiment of the invention in which fitting
measurements are only taken at the mid-point of the body.
[0053] FIG. 21 is an embodiment supporting and wrapping around an
orthotic insert.
[0054] FIGS. 22A and 22B are a first example of a three dimensional
garment.
[0055] FIGS. 23A and 23B are a second example of a three
dimensional garment.
[0056] FIGS. 24A and 24B are a third example of a three dimensional
garment.
[0057] FIG. 25 is an embodiment of the garment in which bands are
attached to the body portion in pairs or sets.
[0058] FIG. 26 is an embodiment showing removable body and band
portions.
[0059] FIG. 27 is an embodiment showing an internal guide
sleeve.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0060] FIG. 1 shows a compression garment prior to cutting the body
portion to fit a particular individual, and FIG. 2 shows the
compression garment after the body portion has been cut to fit the
patient. The examples described herein typically refer to a limb
(i.e.: an arm or leg). However, it is to be understood that the
present invention is not limited to application only to limbs.
Instead, it may also be used on the body torso, neck, head,
fingers, toes, etc.
[0061] First, as seen in FIG. 1, a therapeutic compression garment
10 is provided. Garment 10 has a flat body portion 20 that wraps
around a body limb. Body portion 20 is preferably made of a
breathable short stretch foam laminate material with unbroken loop
material, but other suitable, elastic and inelastic woven and
non-woven materials can also be used. Moreover, different bands can
be made of different materials having different stretch
characteristics. For example, bands can be made of decreasing power
from the bottom to the top so that if both were wrapped around the
limb, the one with more power would apply more compression.
Furthermore, since the circumference is known during the fitting
process, a band with known power can be chosen such that the
compression level beneath the garment is known when the band is
applied with just enough tension to completely elongate the
material (e.g. 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg, etc.) In optional
embodiments, all or portions of the garment may be made of active
textiles (i.e.: that change heat, electricity, etc.), or be
inflatable, or made of a disposable material impregnated with
pharmaceuticals, antimicrobials, etc. that is designed to come into
direct contact with wounds.
[0062] Body portion 20 has a top edge 21, a bottom edge 22 and a
pair of opposite side edges 23 and 24. Garment 10 also includes a
plurality of bands 40. Each band 40 is releasably attachable onto
flat body portion 20. As a result, each band 40 can be attached
onto flat body portion 20 at a wide range of different locations.
As will be shown, flat body portion 20 will be dimensioned to wrap
around a patient's arm or leg while bands 40 wrap there around to
apply a compression force to the body limb. Optionally, bands 40
may have loops 47 or pockets 48 to aid with donning.
[0063] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, top and bottom edges 21 and 22 may
have measurement indicia thereon. Prior to use, the patient (or
healthcare provider) will measure the circumference of the body
limb at an upper end (e.g.: the calf, thigh or upper arm) and at
the lower end (e.g.: the ankle or wrist or knee).
[0064] Next, portions of the side edges will be cut away such that
the circumference of the top of the limb will correspond to the
length of top edge 21 and the circumference of the bottom of the
limb will correspond to the length of bottom edge 23. Specifically,
these lengths would be somewhat smaller than the actual limb
circumferences such that the bands provide the added length for
complete coverage around the limb. For a limb with a larger upper
circumference and smaller lower circumference, cutting away and
removing these portions of the top edge will give the garment the
axially tapered shape shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, body portion 20
will wrap at least half or three-quarters of the way around the
body limb.
[0065] FIGS. 3A to 3C show three different shapes for body portion
20 (with a matching leg shown below). FIG. 3A shows a flat body
portion 20 cut for a patient having a small calf and a small ankle.
FIG. 3B is an illustration of the flat body portion dimensioned for
a patient having a medium calf and a small ankle. Lastly, FIG. 3C
is an illustration of the flat body portion dimensioned for a
patient having a large calf and a small ankle. As can be seen, the
present garment can be ideally contoured to the patient's leg (or
arm) simply by cutting body portion 20 into a preferred shape.
Moreover, this shape can be changed over time by progressively
cutting away and removing more and more of the side portions. This
is especially helpful when the patient's limb is getting smaller
(as a result of the pressure being applied by the garment).
[0066] Next, as seen in FIG. 4, each of the bands 40 will be
attached to body portion 20. In one optional preferred embodiment,
bands 40 are simply attached onto flat body portion 20 by hook and
loop (e.g.: Velcro.RTM.) fasteners, although other systems may be
used as well. A band tensioning measurement card 41 can also be
included. Card 41 has lines printed thereon at pre-set distances
apart. Measurement indicia (i.e.: spaced apart lines 61) can be
printed on bands 40. As each of bands 40 is stretched, their
measurement indicia lines 61 move farther apart. The spacing of
lines 61 on bands 40 can be compared to the spacing of the lines on
card 41 such that pre-determined tensions can be set in the bands.
Guides 43 can also be printed on body 20 to assist in the placement
of bands 40. Finally, as shown in FIG. 5, the opposite edges 23 and
24 may be moved towards one another, partially wrapping around body
portion 20 as shown. Thus, body portion 20 wraps most of the way
around the limb and bands 40 also wrap partially around the limb.
Typically, edges 23 and 24 will not contact one another as this
would cause the garment to lose it's adjustability to a reduction
in limb size. Instead, when the bands encompass a portion of the
limb, it offers the benefit of being adjustable to changes in the
limb size without having to re-cut and apply the bands to the new
limb shape. Once the bands start to "bottom out", and the body
portion completely covers the limb, it is then time to re-trim the
body portion again to make the garment adjustable. As seen in the
example of FIG. 5, bands 40 may be juxtaposed with each passing
over opposite edges 23 and 24.
[0067] It is to be understood that the present invention provides
two novel fitting systems to ensure that the garment is tailored to
the individual. First, the size of body portion 20 can be cut to
provide the optimal shape. Second, the position of bands 40 on body
20 can be varied.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which
all of the bands 40 are attached to the same side of body 20. FIG.
7A illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which all of
the bands 40 are again disposed on the same side of body 20.
However, in this embodiment, each band 40 is passed through a
corresponding (and preferably releasable) D-ring 42 and then looped
back and fastened upon itself to wrap the garment around the body
limb. The embodiment of FIG. 7B is similar to FIG. 7A except that
the bands 40 (with their corresponding D-rings 42) now extend from
opposite sides such that the bands are juxtaposed with respect to
one another.
[0069] FIG. 8 shows one example of alternate placement locations of
bands 40 on body portion 20. Specifically, bands 40A and 40D are
positioned parallel to edges 21 and 22; whereas bands 40B and 40C
are positioned at different angles with respect to top and bottom
edges 21 and 22, at an angle perpendicular to the body contour. It
is to be understood that the band positions shown in FIG. 8A are
merely exemplary and that limitless possibilities exist for
locations to attach bands 40 to body 20. As seen in FIG. 8B, each
of bands 40 may be of different lengths. FIG. 8C shows an
embodiment with six bands instead of four. It is to be understood
that the total number and lengths of bands 40 can be varied, all
keeping within the scope of the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 9 illustrates trimming of the garment prior to use.
Specifically, a cut away portion 20R is removed from body 20 as a
cut away portion 40R is removed from band 40. Removal of portions
20R and 40R results in a garment having a shorter axial length.
Alternatively, the cut away portion 20R could instead be at the top
of the garment.
[0071] FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment of the invention having
interlocking bands. Specifically, the end of band 40A1 is passed
through hole 43 in corresponding band 40A2. Thereafter, Velcro.RTM.
patches on either or both of the ends of bands 40A1 and 40A2 may be
used to fasten these ends together. An optional attached foot or
knee wrap 50 is also included. Wrap 50 may also be a non-slip band
applied to the bottom (or top) edge of body 20 to keep the garment
in place. As seen in FIG. 10B, wrap 50 may be placed at alternate
locations on body 20. For example, as seen in FIG. 10C, wrap 50 may
be wrapped around the ankle. As seen in FIG. 10D, wrap 50 may be
wrapped around the knee. Or as seen in FIG. 10E, wrap 50 may be
wrapped just below the knee.
[0072] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment similar to FIG. 10, but
now includes a measurement system 60. Preferably, system 60
comprises lines 61 printed on body portion 20. As body portion 20
is stretched, pairs of lines 61 move apart from one another. The
spacing between each of the pairs of lines 61 thus corresponds to
the tension in body 20 at that location. An advantage of this
system is that fewer tension measurements can be made than the
number of bands. For example, the system may use six bands, but
only three pairs of lines 61. Thus, only three tension measurements
need to be made to fit the garment. Optionally, the present
invention also includes a "Built-In Pressure System.TM." and guide
card. The patient's ankle circumference measurement determines the
appropriate range on the Built-In Pressure System card for the
patient. This eliminates the need to translate the patient's ankle
circumference into a nominal size, furthermore simplifying the
fitting process. The Built-in Pressure System card allows the
patient to adjust the garment to the prescribed amount of
compression. An optional an ankle/foot wrap 52 is also included.
Additionally, optional compression pants 53 or a compression anklet
54 (shown in dotted lines) may also be attached.
[0073] FIG. 12A illustrates an embodiment in which the inner (i.e.:
limb facing) surface of flat body portion 20 has directional seams
which narrow the thickness of the flat body portion such that the
alternating channels 25 of high and low pressure are created
running along the body limb. FIG. 12B is a corresponding side
profile view. Moreover, it is to be understood that seams are not
required to make the present channels. For example, foams and
laminates can be channeled without seams. Moreover, bands 40 may
also have channels 25. Channels 25 on either or both of body
portion 20 and bands 40 may vary in angle and spacing as
desired.
[0074] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which each of bands 40
have reinforcement tabs 45 securing them to flat body portion 20.
Reinforcement tabs 45 may simply be hook or loop fasteners having
greater strength than the hook or loop fasteners found at the ends
of bands 40. Thus, pulling on bands 40 will cause the bands to
release from the opposite side of the garment (instead of simply
being pulled off the garment completely). Thus, pulling on the
bands to tighten, adjust, or remove the garment will not cause
bands 40 to come off the body portion 20.
[0075] FIGS. 14A to 14C show the sequence of positioning all of the
bands on one side of the body portion (FIG. 14A), and then wrapping
the garment around a body limb (FIG. 14B) followed by opening the
garment after the fitting is done (FIG. 14C). Excess material 20R
can also be trimmed after initial fitting.
[0076] FIG. 15 illustrates the interior (patient limb facing) side
of body portion 20. A strip 26 is provided for attachment of an
additional foam pad 28A. Strip 26 is made of a hook and loop
compatible material. Alternatively, a wound dressing 28B may be
attached to body 20 (for treating skin that requires a primary
dressing before applying the compressive layer).
[0077] FIGS. 16 A, 16B, 16D and 16E show an alternate embodiment of
the invention having two bands 40A and 40C that are an integral
part of body 20 and two bands 40B and 40D that are separate from
body 20. In FIG. 16B, the user first cuts away a portion of side
24, removing portion 20R. Next, bands 40B and 40D are attached as
shown in FIG. 16A. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 16C, body portion
20 may instead have three integral bands 40A, 40C and 40E. Other
numbers of bands 40 (including a single band) are all encompassed
within the present invention. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16D,
bands 40 can be pre-applied before fitting. Once the garment is
wrapped around the body portion, the band ends can be released such
that the bands are configured as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C. Or, as
shown in FIG. 16E, bands 40 can all extend from the same side of
body portion 20 when initially being applied. FIG. 16F shows a
perspective view of the high and low pressure channels 25 in the
garment.
[0078] FIGS. 17A and 17B show a one piece body 20 that is wrapped
onto itself. In operation, cylindrical body 20 is slid onto the
body limb and then folded over on top of itself (FIG. 17A). Next,
bands 40 are attached over the fold in body 20 (FIG. 17B).
Optionally, the cylindrical body 20 may be cut along the folds. The
advantage of this approach is that the garment sizes itself to the
limb without the need for measuring or indicia.
[0079] The present invention also provides a method of fitting a
compression garment to a body limb, comprising: assembling a
compression garment around the body limb, wherein the compression
garment comprises a body portion 20 and a plurality of bands 40,
by; (i) selecting a position at which each of the plurality of
bands 40 are to be attached to body portion 20; (ii) attaching each
of the plurality of bands 40 to body portion 20; (iii) wrapping
body portion 20 around a body limb; and then (iv) wrapping each of
the plurality of bands 40 around part of body portion 20 to apply a
therapeutic compression to the body limb.
[0080] The preferred method may also comprise: (v) cutting the body
portion to a preferred size prior to attaching the plurality of
bands to the body portion, by: (i) measuring the circumference of a
body portion at two or more locations, and (ii) tapering the flat
body portion such that the top and bottom edges of the flat body
portion correspond to the circumference of the body limb at each of
the two locations. The dimensions where the body limb circumference
may be measured may be (i) calf and ankle circumferences, or (ii)
upper arm and wrist circumferences. In addition, by determining the
body portion circumference location at more than two locations, a
more defined body contour can be achieved. It is to be understood,
however, that the present invention also encompasses taking only
one body circumference fitting measurement.
[0081] Wrapping bands 40 around part of the body portion 20 may
comprise: (i) pulling together the opposite side edges of the body
portion, and (ii) wrapping the bands across the opposite side edges
of the body portion.
[0082] Advantageously, in accordance with the preferred method, the
size of body portion 20 may be changed during fitting while the
size of bands 40 are not changed during fitting.
[0083] FIGS. 18A to 18D show various optional embodiments of the
invention having a bridge portion 20B positioned between portions
20. Bridge portion 20B could be used to extend the circumference of
the garment if the limb diameter increases. Optionally, a series of
multiple bridge portions 20B could also be used to eliminate
trimming waste since instead of trimming down, multiple bridges
could be added to build up to the required fit. Alternatively,
bridge portion 20B could be made of a different material than the
remainder of body portion 20. For example, bridge portion 20B could
be made of a stiffer material to make the garment stay in place or
to act as an orthotic, or a guide sock or compression socking 54
could also act as a bridge as shown in 18B. Moreover, bridge
portion 20B could instead be made of a more elastic material, or
the user could be supplied with a series of bridges 20B, each with
a different stiffness. These different stiffness levels can
preferable each relate to a known compression level when applied
with just enough tension to reach maximum elongation.
[0084] FIGS. 19A to 19C show embodiments where materials are
attached to the body portion 20 to vary its stiffness. In FIG. 19A,
material 201 covers body portion 20 and varies its stiffness. In
FIG. 19B, a strip of material 201 is placed onto body 20 to vary
its stiffness in this local region. In FIG. 19C, a pair of material
strips 201 vary the stiffness in the regions where they are
applied. In preferred embodiments, material 201 may be inelastic.
For example, in FIG. 19B, an inelastic material 201 may optionally
be positioned adjacent to the patient's calf to reinforce the calf
muscle action pumping fluid out of the leg.
[0085] FIG. 20 is an embodiment of the invention in which fitting
indicia (i.e.: the dotted lines marked 20, 30 and 40) extend the
full top to bottom distance of the device. In this embodiment, it
is only necessary to take fitting measurements at mid-point 27
(i.e.: measure the separation distances between dotted lines 20-20,
or 30-30 etc. from mid-point 27). Advantageously, all other fitting
measurements are assumed.
[0086] FIG. 21 is an embodiment of the invention that wraps around
an orthotic insert. Specifically, a leg orthotic support 60 and
body portion 20 can be provided with respective hook and loop
fasteners 62 and 64. In operation, orthotic support 60 is fastened
onto body portion 20, and body portion 20 and its associated bands
40 are than wrapped around the limb. An orthotic insert that is
jointed may also be used as desired. It is to be understood that
the present invention can be used to hold other devices in place,
not just wound dressings and orthotics.
[0087] FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate the flat (FIG. 22A) and
assembled (FIG. 22B) views of a three dimensional garment that
contours to the body limb. In FIG. 22A, body portion 20 made from a
left portion 20L and a right portion 20R. Portions 20L and 20R each
have indented areas 29. As seen in FIG. 22B, when portions 20L and
20R are attached together (e.g.: by hook and loop fasteners), the
garment will have a shape that better contours to the leg. Bands 40
are than attached thereto, similar to the embodiments described
above. It is to be understood that one or more bridge portions as
described herein may also be used with this embodiment of the
invention.
[0088] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate the flat (FIG. 23A) and
assembled (FIG. 23B) views of a three dimensional garment that
contours to a patient's leg. In FIG. 23A, a novel shaped body
portion 20 is provided together with a plurality of bands 40. As
seen in FIG. 23B, when bottom edge 22 is wrapped together, it will
form a cup in which to support the patient's leg. Bands 40 are then
attached thereto (or extend therefrom), similar to the embodiments
described above. The dotted line portions along bottom edge 22 can
be cut away to better adjust the shape the to particular patient's
leg/foot. Moreover, as can be seen, the portions forming bottom
edge 22 can either be integral to body 20 or attached thereto.
These cupped portions are beneficial for providing compression to
the heel or an amputated limb stump.
[0089] FIGS. 24A and 24B show flat (FIG. 24A) and angled
perspective (FIG. 24B) views of a garment having a preformed
indentation 31 therein. The three dimensional shaping provided by
indentation 31 can assist in shaping the device to a patient's leg.
Alternatively, the space provided under indentation 31 could be
used for placing bandages or dressings.
[0090] FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of the invention in which bands
are attached onto the body portion in sets. Specifically, bands 40A
and 40C are provided on the same pad of material that is attached
to body 20. Similarly, bands 40B and 40D are provided on another
pad of material that is attached to body 20. It is to be understood
that bands 40 may be attached in sets of two or three or any other
number.
[0091] FIG. 26 is an embodiment showing removable body and band
portions.
[0092] Lastly, FIG. 27 is an embodiment showing an internal guide
sleeve 32 to protect the patient's skin from band edges, etc.
Internal guide sleeve 27 can help keep the garment in place, aid in
donning the garment, or be padded for added comfort or even be
inflatable to change pressure, as desired. Moreover, internal guide
sleeve 27 can optionally be impregnated with pharmaceuticals,
etc.
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