U.S. patent application number 14/852516 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-17 for customizable fitted apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Diana Hall. Invention is credited to Diana Hall.
Application Number | 20160074203 14/852516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55453668 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160074203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hall; Diana |
March 17, 2016 |
CUSTOMIZABLE FITTED APPARATUS
Abstract
A customizable fitted device for immobilizing injuries and a
method for constructing the fitted device is provided. The fitted
device can be used to stabilize an al 1, wrist, hand, leg, knee,
ankle, foot or other body parts through custom formation. The
device can be formed by a sidewall having one or more sidewall
sections that can be secured together using retaining clips
positioned within retaining clip slots on the device. The device
can further include one or more openings defined in the sidewall of
each device section while maintaining rigidity in the sidewall. The
device can be constructed by of creating a 3D image scan of the
particular body part in which the device will be applied, creating
a design of the device to precisely match the contours of the 3D
image scan, and using a 3D printer to construct the device
according to the design.
Inventors: |
Hall; Diana; (Pueblo,
CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hall; Diana |
Pueblo |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55453668 |
Appl. No.: |
14/852516 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62050067 |
Sep 12, 2014 |
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62162743 |
May 17, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
602/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/0585 20130101;
A61F 5/0104 20130101; A61F 5/05858 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/058 20060101
A61F005/058; A61F 5/01 20060101 A61F005/01 |
Claims
1. A removable fitted immobilization device for a body portion
comprising: a sidewall formed by one or more shell sections, the
shell sections each having a first longitudinal end and a second
longitudinal end, wherein the first longitudinal end and the second
longitudinal end of each shell section collectively forms a
plurality of longitudinal ends, and wherein the sidewall is
configured for generally conforming to the body portion; at least
one longitudinal sidewall seam extending longitudinally along the
sidewall between an upper sidewall edge and a lower sidewall edge,
wherein each longitudinal sidewall seam removably joins two
longitudinal ends of the plurality of longitudinal ends; a first
connector receiver pair positioned along a first at least one
longitudinal sidewall seam, the first connector receiver pair
comprising: a first connector receiver positioned on the sidewall
and adjacent to the first at least one longitudinal sidewall seam,
the first connector receiver having a slot defined therein; and a
second connector receiver positioned on the sidewall and adjacent
to the first at least one longitudinal sidewall seam and positioned
opposing the first connector receiver relative to the first at
least one longitudinal sidewall seam, the second connector receiver
having a slot defined therein; and a first connector configured for
securing the first and second connector receivers of the first
connector pair together when the sidewall is joined along the first
at least one longitudinal sidewall seam; wherein, when the first
connector secures the first and second connector receivers, the
first connector receiver pair and the first connector together
provide structural stability for the device in three directional
axes.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first at least one
longitudinal sidewall seam has a configuration that provides
structural stability to the device.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first at least one
longitudinal sidewall seam has a wave-like configuration.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the two longitudinal ends of each
longitudinal sidewall seam substantially conform to one
another.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the sidewall has a plurality of
voids defined in the sidewall.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein a configuration of the plurality
of voids defines a plurality of structural ribs, each structural
rib located between two or more voids of the plurality of
voids.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of voids is
arranged in a configuration that provides structural stability for
the device.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein first connector receiver is
positioned adjacent to the second connector receiver so that the
slots of the first and the second connector receivers align to form
a continuous opening of the connector receiver pair when the
sidewall is joined together at the first at least one longitudinal
sidewall seam.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first and second connector
receivers each contain a receiver wall located along the first at
least one longitudinal sidewall seam, and wherein the receiver
walls have a configuration relative to one another that provides
structural stability for the device along the first at least one
longitudinal sidewall.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein each connector receiver further
comprises: a top wall extending away from the device sidewall in a
generally perpendicular direction; a first receiver wall positioned
laterally inward from the first at least one longitudinal sidewall
seam and extending generally perpendicular between the device
sidewall and the receiver top wall; and a second receiver wall
positioned along the first sidewall seam and extending between the
device sidewall and the receiver top wall, the second receiver wall
generally conforming to the first at least one longitudinal
sidewall seam; wherein the receiver slot is defined between the
first and the second receiver walls and extends generally
perpendicularly from the first and the second lateral walls.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the second receiver wall of the
first connector receiver conforms to the second receiver wall of
the second connector receiver.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a
configuration that structurally stabilizes the device in the three
directional axes when the connector is securing the first connector
receiver pair.
13. A connector for use with a removable fitted body portion
immobilization device, the connector comprising: an upper arm; a
lower arm; a resilient bridge connecting the upper aim and the
lower arm together at one end of the connector; a retaining rib
extending downward from the upper arm toward the lower arm, the
retaining rib having a lower edge with an inwardly protruding lip;
and a groove defined in the lower arm directly below the retaining
rib and configured for receiving a portion of the retaining rib
lower edge; wherein the connector is configured for providing
structural stability to the device
14. The connector of claim 13, wherein the lower aim is configured
for being inserted through a slot defined through a connector
receiver pair located on the device.
15. The connector of claim 14, wherein the distance between the
resilient bridge and the retaining rib is slightly greater than a
combined width of the connector receiver pair.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more shell sections
comprises a single shell section and the at least one longitudinal
sidewall seam comprises a single longitudinal sidewall seam
removably joining the first and the second longitudinal ends of the
shell section.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more shell sections
comprises a first shell section and a second shell section, wherein
the at least one longitudinal sidewall seam comprises a first
longitudinal sidewall seam and a second longitudinal sidewall seam,
and wherein the first longitudinal sidewall seam removably joins
the first longitudinal end of the first shell section and the first
longitudinal end of the second shell section and the second
longitudinal sidewall seams removably joins the second longitudinal
end of the first shell section and the second longitudinal end of
the second shell section.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the first connector receiver and
the second connector receiver are integrally connected to the
sidewall.
19. The process of designing a fitted, removable body part
immobilization device, the process comprising: collecting
information about a body portion of a user; and manipulating the
collected information to develop a customized immobilization device
that includes the following structural properties: removable,
lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and structural stability in
three different directional axes.
20. The process of claim 19, wherein the customized immobilization
device is designed to structurally conform to the body portion of
the user and be selectively removed and applied to the body portion
of the user.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/050,067, filed on Sep. 12, 2014, to Diana
Hall, entitled "Amphibian Skin Custom-fit Exoskeleton Support
Devices," currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/162,743, filed on May 17, 2015, to Diana
Hall, entitled "Amphibian Skin 3D Printed Clips and Cable Tie
Slots," currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to devices, such as casts,
splints, braces, and similar devices for immobilizing and
stabilizing various portions of a user's body, including arms,
elbows, wrists, hands, legs, knees, ankles, feet and other
structures. Such devices are also used in veterinary applications
and other various alternative uses.
[0003] When a user's body portion needs stabilization, a cast,
brace or similar device is commonly applied to immobilize the
particular location of the identified body part. The cast or splint
is commonly applied to an arm, leg, or joint, such as a knee,
ankle, elbow or wrist. One common cast is a molded plaster or
fiberglass cast formed around the location of the body part. A
layer of padding, such as a cotton wrap, is applied around the body
portion targeted and the plaster or fiberglass cast component is
then applied and molded to conform to the patient's body. The cast
is a single-use and non-removable device. While this style of casts
is generally effective at immobilizing the targeted body portion
and is generally inexpensive to produce, it has several
limitations. One main limitation is that the cast is not removable.
Thus, in order to clean the targeted body portion or subsequently
examine the targeted body portion, the cast must be removed and a
new cast applied. Another limitation is that this type of cast is
non-breathable and non-waterproof. This can lead to skin irritation
and other issues as well as damage to the cast when the patient
encounters wet conditions.
[0004] Accordingly, a need exists for a moldable cast or similar
device that is effective at immobilizing a particular body part
while being removable, reusable, lightweight, breathable,
waterproof and structurally stable in multiple directions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed generally to a
customizable fitted device for immobilizing particular portions of
a user's body. The device can be used to protect, stabilize, and/or
immobilize the targeted body portion. According to one embodiment
of the present invention, the device can include a generally
enclosed sidewall divided into one or more shell-sections. The
shell-section(s) can be joined together and faun one or more
longitudinal seams within the device sidewall. Each longitudinal
seam can extend from the upper and lower terminal ends of the
device. In an embodiment where there is only a single
shell-section, the device contains sufficient flexibility, at least
in a portion of the device, to allow the sidewall to be separated
along the longitudinal seam and be removed from the user without
damaging or destroying the device. In an embodiment where there are
multiple shell-sections, the multiple longitudinal seams enable the
device to be separated and removed from the user without damaging
or destroying the device, even while the sidewall is substantially
rigid.
[0006] According to one embodiment, the enclosed sidewall can have
a plurality of voids defined through the sidewall. The plurality of
voids can define structural ribs in the sidewall that maintain
structural rigidity while still permitting several openings within
the sidewall. The device can also include primary openings at the
upper and lower ends of the sidewall so that the device can be
applied to only a portion of the user's body, such as the lower aim
or leg with other portions of the user's body protruding from the
device. Additionally, the device can include secondary openings
defined within the sidewall to accommodate thumbs, finger, or other
body portion.
[0007] The device can further include one or more connector
receivers positioned on the longitudinal seams of the device. The
connector receivers can be used to hold the one or more sidewall
sections together along the one or more longitudinal seams. Each
connector receiver is positioned on both portions of the sidewall
adjacent to the longitudinal seam. For example, in an embodiment
where there are two sidewall- or shell-sections, each connector
receiver is positioned on both sidewall sections adjacent to a
longitudinal seam. The connector receiver can further be divided
along the longitudinal seam so that one portion of the receiver
remains on one side sidewall and the other portion of the receiver
remains on the adjacent side of the sidewall when the sidewall is
separated along the longitudinal seam. Each connector receiver also
can include an opening or slot defined through the receiver. The
opening can be configured to allow a connector or clip to be
inserted through and hold the two portions of the connector
receiver together.
[0008] When the device is ready for use, the one or more sidewall
sections can be placed around the target area of the user so that
the one or more sidewall sections meet at the one or more
longitudinal seams, thereby forming an enclosed sidewall around the
target area. The connectors or clips can then be inserted through
the receiver openings and secured to holder the connector receivers
together. Once all connector receivers are secured, the device
forms a rigid or supporting device around the target area. The
device can then be easily removed from the user by removing the
connectors or clips and separating the sidewall section(s).
[0009] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0010] In the accompanying drawing, which forms a part of the
specification and is to be read in conjunction therewith in which
like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar parts
in the various views:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a fitted device for
immobilizing a lower arm of a user in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the fitted device of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the fitted device of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the fitted device of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the fitted device
of FIG. 1, illustrating a first section and a second section of the
fitted device separated prior to being applied to a user's arm in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the fitted device of
FIG. 1, illustrating the fitted device applied to a user's arm in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a fitted device for
immobilizing a hand of a user in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the fitted device of
FIG. 7;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the fitted device of
FIG. 7;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the fitted device of
FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the fitted device
of FIG. 7, illustrating a first section and a second section of the
fitted device separated prior to being applied to a user's hand in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the fitted device of
FIG. 7, illustrating the fitted device applied to a user's hand in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a connector used to
secure two sections of a fitted device in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a connector and fitted
device for immobilizing a user's hand in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the connector
inserted into a receiver slot and holding two sections of the
fitted device together;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a section plan view of the fitted device of FIG.
3, illustrating a connector inserted into a receiver slot for
holding a first section and a second section of the fitted device
together; and
[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a connector and fitted
device fitted device for immobilizing a user's hand in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the
connector inserted into a receiver slot and holding two end of the
fitted device together.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The invention will now be described with reference to the
drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like
parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the
characteristics of the present invention, proportional
relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained
in the drawing figures.
[0028] The following detailed description of the invention
references specific embodiments in which the invention can be
practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the
invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and
changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. The present invention is defined by the appended claims
and the description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting
sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled.
[0029] The present invention is directed toward a fitted device 10.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, where
device 10 is configured for application to a user's arm. FIG. 7
illustrates another embodiment of the present invention where
device 10 is configured for application to a user's hand. As
illustrated in the various figures, device 10 can be configured for
application to an arm or hand of a human user; however, device 10
can also be suitable for application to other limbs or body parts,
such as a leg or foot. Additionally, device 10 as described herein
may be used for animals of all types and sizes.
[0030] Device 10 can be used to support, stabilize and/or
immobilize a limb or similar target area of a user by faulting a
partially enclosed structure around the target area. Device 10 can
be formed as a substantially rigid structure without noticeable
flexibility or device 10 can be formed with semi-flexible
properties in all or some of device 10 depending on the particular
intended application of device 10. Device 10 can also substantially
conform to the shape and contours of the target area by forming
device 10 in accordance with a method of construction as described
in greater detail below. As also described below, device 10 can be
comprised of one or more sections that can enable device 10 to be
easily applied, removed and re-applied to a user without damage to
device 10.
[0031] As shown throughout the various figures, device 10 can
comprise a generally enclosed sidewall 12 having a plurality of
voids 14 defined therein. Voids 14 can have any number of different
sizes and shapes and can be configured into particular patterns or
non-uniformly arranged formations across sidewall 12. As shown in
FIG. 1, and in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, voids 14 can be positioned in a certain configuration
within sidewall 12 so as to form a plurality of structural ribs 16
between voids 14. This configuration of voids 14 and ribs 16 can
reduce the amount of material necessary to form device 10 and
maintain rigidity of device 10 while providing the device with
lightweight properties and enabling ventilation and breathability
of device 10 with regard to the user's limb or other target area
where device 10 is applied while conforming to manufacturing
requirements.
[0032] Device 10 can further comprise one or more shell-sections
18, which can be joined together to form the enclosed sidewall 12.
As shown in FIG. 16, device 10 comprises a shell-section 18, which
can be joined at its ends 26 and 28 to form the enclosed sidewall
12. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, device 10 can comprise a
shell-section 18 and a shell-section 20, which can be joined
together to form the enclosed sidewall 12. Device 10 can also
comprise more than two sidewall sections in alternative embodiments
of the present invention (this alternative embodiment is not shown
in the figures).
[0033] In an embodiment where device 10 includes one shell-section
18, sidewall 12 can include a sidewall seam 22 defined
longitudinally through sidewall 12. Sidewall seam 22 can define a
first and a second longitudinal ends 26 and 28 of shell-section 18,
which join together to form sidewall seam 22. Sidewall seam 22 can
be configured in a general wave-like configuration or a generally
straight configuration. Alternative configurations can also be
used, especially configurations that further the structural
stability of the device 10. A wave-like configuration can also be
configured to provide structural stability of the device 10.
[0034] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, in an embodiment where
device 10 includes shell-sections 18 and 20, shell-sections 18 and
20 can be defined by sidewall seams 22 and 24 defined
longitudinally through sidewall 12 and thereby separating sidewall
12 into shell-sections 18 and 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when
both shell-sections 18 and 20 form sidewall 12, shell-section 18
has first and second longitudinal edges 26 and 28 that correspond
to first and second longitudinal edges 30 and 32 of shell-section
20. Longitudinal edges 26 and 30 combine to form first seam 22
while longitudinal edges 28 and 32 combine to form second seam 24.
As shown in FIG. 3, seams 22 and 24 (along with corresponding
longitudinal ridges 26-32) can be configured in a general wave-like
pattern, as shown in FIG. 3, or can have a straighter configuration
as shown in FIG. 7. Other configurations or orientations can also
be used for seams 22 and 24 so long as seams 22 and 24 are suitable
for joining shell-sections 18 and 20 together. Seams 22 and 24 can
be formed (and correspondingly, enclosed sidewall 12) when first
longitudinal edge 26 of shell-section 18 is joined to conforming
first longitudinal edge 30 of shell-section 20 and second
longitudinal edge 28 of shell-section 18 is joined to conforming
second longitudinal edge 32 of shell-section 20. When
shell-sections 18 and 20 are joined together at seams 22 and 24 to
form enclosed sidewall 12, adjacent longitudinal edges 26 and 30
and 28 and 32 can be positioned with minimal space defined
between.
[0035] Enclosed sidewall 12 can also define primary end openings 34
and 36 of device 10 at sidewall's 12 terminal or axial ends, as
best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 14. Primary end openings 34 and 36
can accommodate a user's arm, hand, fingers, leg, foot, etc.
extending away from device 10 in either direction. Depending on the
particular application or use, device 10 can also include secondary
openings 38 for thumbs, fingers or similar extremities. As shown in
FIG. 2, device 10 can include a secondary opening 38 for receiving
a user's thumb, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0036] Device 10 can also include one or more connector receiver
pairs 40 located on seams 22 and/or 24 and comprising two connector
receivers 42. As described below, each connector pair 40 can be
separable into two portions to allow shell-section 18 to be
separated at its ends 26 and 28 or to be separated from
shell-section 20. FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of device 10
having two receiver pairs 40 along each seam 22 and 24 while FIGS.
9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of device 10 having only one
receiver pair 40 along each seam 22 and 24. FIG. 16 illustrates yet
another embodiment of device 10 having only one receiver pair along
seam 22, which connects the first and second longitudinal ends 26
and 28 of shell-section 18 together. Any number of additional
combinations of receiver pairs 40 may be suitable depending on the
particular configuration and shape of device 10. Receiver pairs 40
can be used in conjunction with connectors 44 to secure and hold
shell-sections 18 and 20 together along seams 22 and 24, as best
shown in FIG. 14, or to secure shell-section 18 together at its
ends 26 and 28, as best shown in FIG. 16.
[0037] Each connector receiver 42 can extend axially away from
sidewall 12 adjacent to seam 22 or 24 (and corresponding
longitudinal edge 26-32) as best shown in FIG. 11. As also shown in
FIG. 11, each connector receiver 42 can also have first and second
raised sidewalls 46 and 48 and a top wall 50 extending therebetween
and defining the upper boundary of the receiver 40. Defined within
each connector receiver 40 can be a slot 52 extending from first
raised sidewall 46 to second raised sidewall 48 for receiving a
section of connector 44.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 11, second raised sidewall 48 of each
receiver 42 can conform to the corresponding longitudinal edge
26-32 adjacent to the receiver 42 so that each receiver 42 does not
extend beyond seam 22 or 24 and first and second shell-sections 18
and 22 can be joined at seams 22 and 24 with a conforming fit. As
best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, each connector receiver 42 on first
longitudinal edge 26 of shell-section 18 corresponds to each
connector receptacle 42 on first longitudinal edge 30 of
shell-section 20 so that the receivers 42 align along seam 22 and
form receiver pairs 40. Similarly, each connector receiver 42 on
second longitudinal edge 28 of shell-section 18 can align with each
connector receiver 42 on second longitudinal edge 32 of
section-shell 18 to form receiver pairs 40. Alternatively, when
sidewall 12 comprises only one shell-section 18, as shown in FIG.
16, each connector receiver 42 on first longitudinal edge 26
corresponds to a connector receiver 42 on second longitudinal edge
28 so that the receivers 42 align along seam 22 to form a receiver
pair 40. Pursuant to this alignment, slots 52 of corresponding
connector receivers 42 in a receiver pair 40 align to form a
continuous slot or opening 52 through the receiver pair 40 when
shell-sections 18 and 20 are joined together, as best shown in FIG.
8, or when ends 26 and 28 of shell-section 18 are joined together,
as best shown in FIG. 16.
[0039] Connectors 44 can be used to lock receivers 42 in each
connector receiver pair 40 together to join shell-section 18 at its
ends as shown in FIG. 16, or to join shell-section 18 and 20
together as shown in FIG. 14. Connectors 44 can comprise many
different types of fasteners depending on the particular embodiment
of the present invention. FIG. 13 illustrates one specific
embodiment of connector 44 in the form of a clip. As shown in FIG.
13, clip 44 can comprise an upper arm 54 and a lower arm 56
connected together by a resilient bridge 58 at one end of each arm.
At its end opposing bridge 58, clip 44 can include a retaining rib
60 extending downward from upper arm 54 into a groove 62 defined in
lower arm 56. Retaining rib 60 can include a lower edge 64 that has
an inward-extending lip 66 as best shown in FIG. 13. Lip 16
facilitates securing connector pairs 42 together as described in
greater detail below. Resilient bridge 58 allows upper aim 54 (and
attached rib 60) to be flexed upward away from lower arm 56 by a
user to fasten clip 44 to receptacle pair 40, as also described in
greater detail below.
[0040] Lower arm 56 can be configured to be inserted into and
through receiver slots 52 of a connector receiver pair 40 when
joined together. According to this configuration, lower arm 56
preferably has a thickness T.sub.C that is less than a height
T.sub.R of receiver slot 52 of receiver pair 40 as best shown in
FIG. 15. Lower arm 56 also preferably has a width Y.sub.C that is
less than a width Y.sub.R of receiver slot 52 as best shown in FIG.
14. As shown in FIG. 15, the distance between resilient bridge 58
and retaining rib 60 is preferably slightly greater than the length
of receiver pair 40 so that clip 44 tightly joins receptacles 42
together.
[0041] Connectors 46 can also comprise any number of alternative
embodiments that are suitable for maintaining a joined connected
between first and second shell-halves 18 and 20. In an alternative
embodiment (not shown), receiver slots 52 of each receiver pair 40
include a divider wall (not shown) that allows a cord, string, wire
or similar tie to semi-permanently secure receivers 42 of each
receiver pair 40 together.
[0042] As best shown in FIG. 5, prior to use, shell-sections 18 and
20 can be separated from one another. Device 10 can then be used by
positioning shell-sections 18 and 20 around the user's target area
(such as an arm or leg) and joining first longitudinal edges 26 and
30 to form seam 22 and joining second longitudinal edges 28 and 32
to form seam 24, as best illustrated in FIG. 6. When shell-sections
18 and 20 are joined together along seams 22 and 24, corresponding
connector receivers 42 of each receiver pair 40 can be joined
together. In an embodiment where sidewall 12 comprises only
shell-section 18, the longitudinal ends 26 and 28 can be separated
along seam 22 until device 10 can be applied to the target area of
the user, where longitudinal seams 26 and 28 can be joined back
together.
[0043] Connectors 44 can then be used to lock or secure
shell-sections together as shown in FIGS. 14-16. When a clip 44 is
used as shown in FIGS. 14-16, lower arm 56 of each clip 44 can be
inserted into receiver slot 52 of the corresponding receiver pair
40 by raising upper arm 54 away from lower arm 56 until the
distance between a lower edge 64 of retaining rib 60 and lower arm
56 is greater than the width top wall 50 of receivers 42. Once
lower arm 56 of clip 44 is fully inserted through slot 52,
retaining rib 60 snaps downward partially into groove 62 to lock
clip 44 in place due to the resiliency of bridge 58. When fully
inserted, clip 44 restricts receivers 42 in a receiver pair 40 from
separating because top walls 50 of each receiver 42 enclosed by
upper aim 54, lower aim 56, resilient bridge 58 and retaining rib
60 of clip 44. Lip 66 on retaining rib 64 can also be positioned
partially within slot 52 and thereby prevent upper arm 54 and lower
aim 56 from separating. After all clips 44 are inserted into each
receiver pair 40 and enclosed around top walls 50, device 10 can be
rigidly secured and sidewall 12 can form around the user's arm or
other target area.
[0044] Device 10 can then be removed from the user by removing
connectors 44 and separating first and second shell sections 18 and
20. Because lip 66 can be partially inserted into slot 52, a user
can be required to push the resilient bridge laterally against the
first sidewall 36 of connector receiver 42 in order to allow lip 66
to exit slot 52. Connectors 44 can then be removed by lifting upper
arm 56 away from lower arm 58 and sliding lower arm 58 out of slot
52. Once all connectors 44 are removed from receiver pairs 40,
shell-sections 18 and 20 can be removed from the user.
Alternatively, when sidewall 12 includes one shell-section 18,
longitudinal ends 26 and 28 can be separated in or to allow the
device 10 to be removed from the user. Device 10 can then be
reapplied in the manner described above.
[0045] Collectively, connectors 44 and receiver pairs 40 provide
structural stability for the device 10. Each connector 44 can
securely hold the connector receivers 44 within a connector
receiver pair 40 together and restrict movement along several
different directional axes. The sizing of the upper arm 54 and
lower arm 56 thicknesses in relation to the top wall 50 thicknesses
of the connector receivers 42 restricts movement of one
longitudinal end 26-32 relative to another longitudinal end 26-32
along sidewall seam 22 or 24 in a first direction. Lip 66 on
retaining rib 64 also assists in preventing this direction of
movement by preventing upper and lower arms 54 and 56 from
separating unless lip 66 is removed from slot 52. The length of
clip 44 between resilient bridge 58 and retaining rib 60 relative
to the length of a connector receiver pair 40 restricts movement of
a paired longitudinal ends 26-32 relative to one another along seam
22 or 24 in a second direction. Resilient bridge 58 and retaining
rib 60 also restrict movement of paired longitudinal ends 26-32
relative to one another along seam 22 or 24 in a third direction.
As a result, device 10 can maintain structural rigidity about
sidewall 12 when connectors 44 are secured onto clip receiver pairs
40.
[0046] Device 10 can be sized, constructed, and designed according
to a number of different methods or processes. According to one
process, different information can be collected about the intended
user of the device. Such information can be collected by various
types of equipment, such as scanners and other similar devices.
Some or all of this information can also be collected manually The
collected information can then be used to design device 10
according to specific parameters. The information can be used in
conjunction with one or more computer analysis programs or
software, and other technology in order to develop the design of
device 10. The information can also be in a human design process to
develop device 10.
[0047] The design of device 10 can take into account several
different parameters. For example, the design can be dependent on
the user, the intended application of device 10, desired
immobilization, desired stability, size, shape, temperature,
conditions, etc., each of which can affect the material used, the
type of scanning device or printer used, and the like. According to
one process, the information collected is used to design a device
10 specifically customized to a user with lightweight, breathable,
waterproof, and structural stability properties. Further, the
process can incorporate additional factors, such as the degree of
removability, degree of immobilization of the target area, among
others. Based on the foregoing, the design process, according to
one embodiment of the present invention, can collect different
information specific to a user, combine the collected information
with additional design information non-specific to the user,
combine, manipulate, and factor the collected and additional
information using computer implemented devices, a human design
process or a combination of the two in order to develop the design
of device 10 specifically adapted to the user in structure and
functionality.
[0048] According to one method, device 10 can be formed using a 3D
scanner to precisely identify the shape and contours of the user's
target area. The 3D scanner can incorporate a hand-held,
white-light reflective scanner that can be selectively positioned
around the user's arm or other body part in which device 10 will be
applied to create a 3D image of the target area. Additional
information can be collected and incorporated in certain
applications. 3D CAD software, along with other design software,
can then be used to design the device 10 to precisely fit around 3D
image by effectively drawing the shape of the device 10 onto the 3D
image model. Voids 14 and corresponding structural ribs 16 can then
be selectively designed into device 10. Seams 22 and/or 24 can then
be provided onto the design of device 10 to form shell-section 18
and shell-section 20, if applicable. Connector receiver pairs 40
can then be provided onto device 10 along seams 22 and/or 24.
Connectors 44 can also be designed to correspond to receiver pairs
40. Device 10 can then be constructed by printing each
shell-section 18 and 20 (if applicable) using a 3D printer. Device
10 can be constructed from several different materials depending on
the particular application of device 10. Device 10 can be
constructed from a uniform material or a combination of materials.
The specific material used can affect the flexibility, rigidity,
structural stability, weight and other properties of the device. In
one embodiment, device 10 is constructed from a rigid material such
as rigid plastic. In an alternative embodiment, device 10 is
constructed from a semi-rigid or semi-flexible material, such as
flexible plastic or woven fabric material.
[0049] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set
forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which
are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain
features and sub combinations are of utility and may be employed
without reference to other features and sub combinations. This is
contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many
possible embodiments of the invention may be made without departing
from the scope thereof, it is also to be understood that all
matters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are
to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.
[0050] The constructions described above and illustrated in the
drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended
to limit the concepts and principles of the present invention.
Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a
novel invention. As is evident from the foregoing description,
certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the
particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is
therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications,
or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The
terms "having" and "including" and similar terms as used in the
foregoing specification are used in the sense of "optional" or "may
include" and not as "required". Many changes, modifications,
variations and other uses and applications of the present
construction will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the
art after considering the specification and the accompanying
drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other
uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope
of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is
limited only by the claims which follow.
* * * * *