U.S. patent application number 15/861584 was filed with the patent office on 2019-07-04 for heel protector packaging with integrated calf sizing device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Medline Industries, Inc. Invention is credited to Michelle Drey, Bruce Shapiro.
Application Number | 20190200704 15/861584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67058710 |
Filed Date | 2019-07-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190200704 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drey; Michelle ; et
al. |
July 4, 2019 |
Heel Protector Packaging with Integrated Calf Sizing Device
Abstract
A system (400) includes a package (401). A heel protector (402)
is disposed within the package. The heel protector includes a leg
engaging section (101) defining a leg insertion aperture (104), a
fastener coupled to a first side of the leg engaging section, and a
complementary fastener coupled to a second side of the leg engaging
section. A measurement device (404) is incorporated into, but
separable from, the package. The measurement device indicates
whether the leg engaging section will fit a patient calf (302).
Inventors: |
Drey; Michelle; (Chicago,
IL) ; Shapiro; Bruce; (Deerfiled, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Medline Industries, Inc |
Northfield |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
67058710 |
Appl. No.: |
15/861584 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 21/36 20130101;
A61F 5/00 20130101; A43D 1/02 20130101; B65D 85/187 20130101; A61F
5/05816 20130101; A43B 3/26 20130101; A43C 11/1493 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 21/36 20060101
A43B021/36; A43C 11/14 20060101 A43C011/14; B65D 85/18 20060101
B65D085/18; A43D 1/02 20060101 A43D001/02 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a package; a heel protector disposed
within the package, the heel protector comprising: a leg engaging
section defining a leg insertion aperture; a fastener coupled to a
first side of the leg engaging section, the fastener having a
predefined length; and a complementary fastener coupled to a second
side of the leg engaging section, the complementary fastener
coupling to the fastener when the fastener spans the leg insertion
aperture; and a measurement device, incorporated into but separable
from the package, the measurement device indicating whether a
patient leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section, will
allow the fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to
span the leg insertion aperture with a span distance that is within
a predefined span distance range.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a box,
wherein the measurement device is incorporated into a major face of
the box such that the measurement device defines a portion of the
major face.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the measurement device is coupled
to other portions of the major face by a perforation.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a box,
wherein the measurement device is incorporated into a tab extending
from a major face of the box.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the measurement device is coupled
to the tab by a perforation.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a
drawstring bag cinchable by a drawstring, wherein the drawstring
defines the measurement device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a
thermoplastic bag, wherein the measurement device is incorporated
into a major face of the thermoplastic bag such that the
measurement device defines a portion of the major face.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a
thermoplastic bag, wherein the measurement device is incorporated
into a tab extending from a major face of the thermoplastic
bag.
9. The system of claim 1, the measurement device indicating whether
a calf circumference of the patient leg, when the patient leg is
inserted into the leg engaging section, will allow the fastener,
when coupled to the complementary fastener, to span the leg
insertion aperture with the span distance that is within a
predefined span distance range.
10. The system of claim 9, the measurement device indicating that
the calf circumference is between five and eleven inches.
11. The system of claim 9, the measurement device indicating that
the calf circumference is between eleven and nineteen inches.
12. The system of claim 9, the measurement device indicating that
the calf circumference is between nineteen and twenty-five
inches.
13. The measurement device of claim 9, wherein the predefined span
distance range is between one and six inches.
14. A system, comprising: a package enclosing a heel protector, the
heel protector comprising a leg engaging section having at least
one fastener spanning a leg insertion aperture to engage a
complementary fastener such that the leg engaging section and the
at least one fastener define a circumference within a predefined
range; a measurement device, coupled to but separable from the
package, the measurement device indicating whether a patient leg
calf circumference will allow the leg engaging section and the at
least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to
define the circumference within the predefined range.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the measurement device is
coupled to the package by a perforation, such that tearing the
perforation separates the measurement device from the package.
16. The system of claim 14, the measurement device further
indicating, when the patient leg calf circumference fails to allow
the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when
coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference
within the predefined range, whether a larger heel protector or a
smaller heel protector would allow the leg engaging section and the
at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener,
to define the circumference within the predefined range.
17. The system of claim 17, wherein the measurement device is
color-coded, with a first color identifying the larger heel
protector would allow the leg engaging section and the at least one
fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the
circumference within the predefined range, and a second color
identifying the smaller heel protector would allow the leg engaging
section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the
complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the
predefined range, wherein the first color and the second color are
different.
18. A system, comprising: a package enclosing a heel protector
comprising a leg engaging section; and a measurement device,
coupled to but separable from the package, the measurement device
indicating whether the leg engaging section will fit a patient leg
calf; wherein the measurement device is separable from the package
without opening the package.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the measurement device is
incorporated into a tab extending from a major face of the
package.
20. The system of claim 19, further comprising a second package,
the second package enclosing at least two packages enclosing heel
protectors and comprising the measurement device.
Description
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to packages, and more
particularly to packages for heel protectors.
Background Art
[0002] Limb protection devices, including boots, braces, wraps,
socks, sleeves, and the like are used to protect a patient's limbs.
These devices can be used for a variety of reasons, including limb
elevation, limb pressure alleviation, limb protection, and limb
strengthening.
[0003] While many of these devices work reasonably well in
practice, problems with their usage exist. When used incorrectly,
these devices can sometimes lead to skin breakdown or the formation
of pressure ulcers. Where this occurs, the therapeutic device
creates new medical conditions that must be treated while aiding in
the rehabilitation of previously existing conditions. These new
issues only serve to extend the overall rehabilitation time for the
patient. It would be advantageous to have a new system able to
reduce the incidence of incorrect usage of such devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates one explanatory heel protector in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates one explanatory packaging system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates one explanatory measurement device in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in
use.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates one explanatory system in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates another explanatory system in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates one explanatory system in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates another explanatory system in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another explanatory system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates still another explanatory system in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates one explanatory measurement device in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates another explanatory measurement device
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates another explanatory measurement device
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates still another explanatory measurement
device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates yet another explanatory measurement
device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates various embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0020] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the
figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not
necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of
some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to
other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail.
Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts
throughout the views. As used in the description herein and
throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings
explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise: the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural
reference, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on." Relational
terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be
used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity
or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions.
[0022] As used herein, the terms "substantially" and "about" are
used to refer to dimensions, orientations, or alignments inclusive
of manufacturing tolerances. Thus, a "substantially orthogonal"
angle with a manufacturing tolerance of plus or minus two degrees
would include all angles between 88 and 92, inclusive. Also,
reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate
components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For
example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A
would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure
A.
[0023] Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that a problem
associated with prior art heel protectors is that instead of
providing comfort and support for a wounded limb, they can
exacerbate conditions when they are improperly fit. For example, an
improperly fitting heel protector may lead to skin breakdown or
pressure ulcers when they do not fit properly. Issues can arise
when the heel protector is too large or too small.
[0024] Ideally, a health care services provider should measure the
patient's calf to determine what size heel protector to use. After
this calf measurement is made, the health care services provider
should request an appropriately sized heel protector.
[0025] Embodiments of this disclosure contemplate, however, that
this rarely happens in practice. Frequently, and simply due to a
lack of time or lack of tools, a health care services provider will
guess the proper size of heel protector and apply the guessed size
to the patient's limb. If it does not fit, they may improvise by
attempting to twist, fold, or otherwise manipulate an ill-fitting
heel protector to situate it about the patient's limb. This
manipulation increases the risk of medical conditions associated
with the ill-fitting heel protector arising.
[0026] Additionally, if the heel protector is too large, it can
slide up and down or around the patient's leg. Such sliding can
lead to the formation of undesirable pressure points. Proper
protection of a patient's heel and foot generally cannot be
achieved with an ill-fitting heel protector. The manipulation of an
ill-fitting heel protector is not only uncomfortable for the
patient, but costly as well due to the fact that it can lead to
conditions such as blistering or skin ulcers.
[0027] Advantageously, embodiments of the disclosure provide a heel
protector system where a package disposed about the heel protector
includes an integrated measurement device that is incorporated
into, but separable from, the package. The measurement device
indicates whether a patient leg, and more particularly a calf of a
patient leg, is properly sized for the heel protector disposed
within the package. Advantageously, rather than having to carry
around a ruler, a health care services provider can simply separate
the measurement device from the package to confirm whether the heel
protector is properly sized for the patient's leg.
[0028] In one or more embodiments, a heel protector is disposed
within a package. The heel protector includes a leg engaging
section defining a leg insertion aperture. The heel protector also
includes a fastener coupled to a first side of the leg engaging
section. In one or more embodiments, the fastener has a predefined
length.
[0029] In one or more embodiments, a complementary fastener is
coupled to the second side of the leg engaging section. The
complementary fastener is configured to couple to the fastener when
the fastener spans the leg insertion aperture.
[0030] A measurement device is integrated into, but separable from,
the package. For example, when the package is configured as a box,
the measurement device can be incorporated into a major face of the
box. Where the box is a cardboard box, for instance, one or more
perforations can be disposed between the measurement device and the
major face. Accordingly, a health care services provider can
separate the measurement device from the major face by tearing the
perforations.
[0031] Alternatively, in another embodiment, a tab can extend from
the box. Where this is the case, the tab can comprise the
measurement device. Again, one or more perforations can be disposed
between the tab and the box. A health care services provider can
separate the tab from the box by tearing the perforations. They can
then use the measurement device to measure the calf of a patient to
confirm whether the heel protector is properly sized for the
patient. Other configurations in which the measurement device is
integrated into the packaging will be described below. Still others
will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure.
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is one
explanatory heel protector 100 configured in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the disclosure. The heel protector 100 includes
a leg engaging section 101 and a foot engaging section 102. The leg
engaging section 101 intersects the foot engaging section 102 at a
heel receiver 103. The leg engaging section 101 and the foot
engaging section 102 have defined therealong a leg insertion
aperture 104. A patient's leg can be inserted into the heel
protector 100 through the leg insertion aperture 104.
[0033] In one or more embodiments, the heel protector 100 includes
one or more fasteners, shown here as fastening straps
105,106,107,108 extending from the sides of the leg engaging
section 101, the foot engaging section, or combinations thereof.
For example, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 the heel
protector 100 has four fastening straps 105,106,107,108 extending
from its sides.
[0034] In one or more embodiments, at least one fastener is coupled
to, and extends from, a first side of the leg engaging section 101.
In this illustrative embodiment, each of fastening strap 105,
fastening strap 106, and fastening strap 108 are coupled to, and
extend distally from, the first side of the leg insertion aperture
104 of the leg engaging section 101 of the heel protector 100. By
contrast, fastening strap 107 is coupled to, and extends distally
from, the second side of the leg insertion aperture 104 of the foot
engaging section 102 of the heel protector 100.
[0035] In one embodiment, each fastener has a predefined length.
Illustrating by example, each of fastening strap 105 and fastening
strap 106 can have a length of six inches, eight inches, ten
inches, or other dimensions. Similarly, fastening strap 107 and
fastening strap 108 have a predefined length. In one embodiment,
fastening strap 107 and fastening strap 108 are the same predefined
length as are fastening straps 105,106. In another embodiment,
fastening strap 107 and fastening strap 108 are longer than either
fastening strap 105 or fastening strap 106. In still another
embodiment, fastening strap 107 and fastening strap 108 are shorter
than either fastening strap 105 or fastening strap 106.
[0036] In this illustrative embodiment, fastening strap 107 is
coupled to a second side of the insertion aperture 104 of the heel
protector 100. While fastening strap 107 could be coupled to the
second side of the leg engaging section 101, to show a variation in
this embodiment fastening strap is coupled to the base of the foot
engaging section 102. This configuration allows the fastening strap
107 to selectively "criss-cross" one or more of fastening strap
105, fastening strap 106, or fastening strap 108 as desired by a
health care services provider. In this illustrative embodiment,
three fastening straps 106,107,108 extend from the medial side 109
of the heel protector 100, while one fastening strap 105 extends
from the lateral side 110 of the heel protector 100. This
configuration is illustrative only, as other configurations and
placements of the fastening straps 105,106,107,108 will be obvious
to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0037] In one or more embodiments, the fastening straps
105,106,107,108 are stretchable. For example, they may comprise an
elasticized material configured to stretch when being wrapped about
the leg insertion aperture 104. In another embodiment, the
fastening straps 105,106,107,108 are not stretchable, but are
rather material layers that are fixed in a predefined length and do
not change when being wrapped about the leg insertion aperture 104.
The fastening straps 105,106,107,108 are affixed to the heel
protector 100 by stitching in one embodiment. Other coupling
techniques will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0038] In one embodiment, each of the fastening straps
105,106,107,108 comprises one of a hook fastener or a loop fastener
disposed therealong. Illustrating by example, fastening strap 105
may have hook fasteners disposed along one side. To complete the
fastening system, in one embodiment the leg engaging section 101
includes one or more panels 112 that have a complementary fastener
disposed along an opposite side of the leg engaging section 101.
Where, for example, fastening strap 105 includes hook fasteners,
and is disposed on a first side of the leg engaging section 101,
corresponding panel 112 may have loop fasteners disposed along the
second side of the leg engaging section 101, as the loop fasteners
are complementary to the hook fasteners.
[0039] The complementary fastener couples to the fastener when the
fastener spans the leg insertion aperture 104. Illustrating by
example, when fastening strap 105 is wrapped across the leg
insertion aperture 104 so as to span the same, it couples to the
complementary fastener of the panel 112. Accordingly, fastening
strap 105 can be attached anywhere along panel 112.
[0040] The same is true with fastening straps 106,107,108 attaching
to another panel on the opposite side of the leg engaging section
101 (fastening strap 108 is attached to this other panel in FIG.
1). While hook and loop fasteners are one type of fastener or
attachment mechanism suitable for use with embodiments of the
invention, it should be noted that others will be obvious to those
having ordinary skill in the art and the benefit of this
disclosure. For example, the hook and loop fasteners can be
replaced by laces, snaps, buttons, drawstrings, or other fastening
devices. Each of these can serve as a fastener or complementary
fastener.
[0041] In one embodiment, the interior lining 114 of the heel
protector is soft and comfortable. For example, in one embodiment
the interior lining 114 can be fleece or another soft material. In
another embodiment, the interior lining 114 can be felt or chamois.
Other interior linings will be obvious to those of ordinary skill
in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0042] In one embodiment, the interior lining 114 has a relatively
high coefficient of friction so that the heel protector 100 does
not move when wrapped about a patient's limb or compression device
attached thereto. For example, the interior lining 114 can be
brushed, napped or sanded to raise its pile for comfort and
increase the coefficient of friction. In one embodiment, the
interior lining 114 has an antibacterial, antimicrobial, or
anti-odor material integrated therein to help reduce the risk of
bacteria, microbes, or odors from existing in the interior of the
heel protector 100 after prolonged use. The interior lining 114 can
also be manufactured from a wicking material. The exterior 116 of
the heel protector 100 may be water resistant or waterproof as
desired. In one embodiment, the interior of the heel protector 100
can be constructed from a cooling material, such as a gel that can
be cooled to apply thermal therapy to the patient.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, the heel protector 100 of FIG. 1
comes in at least three sizes. For example, the heel protector 100
can come in a petite, a standard, and an extra large size in one
embodiment. In one or more embodiments, the size of the heel
protector 100, as well as the predefined length of at least one
fastening strap of the various fastening straps 105,106,107,108 is
a function of the size of a patient's calf circumference. This will
be explained in further detail below with reference to FIG. 3.
[0044] Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is a package 200
into which the heel protector (100) of FIG. 1, or alternatively
another heel protector, can be disposed. Said differently, the heel
protector (100) of FIG. 1 or another heel protector can be situated
or placed within the package 200 in one or more embodiments.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the package 200 includes a measurement
device 201. The measurement device 201 is incorporated into, but
separable from the package 200. For example, in the attached state
202 of the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2, the measurement
device 201 is integrated into a major face 204 of the package 200.
A perforation 205 is disposed between the measurement device 201
and the package 200. In one embodiment, the perforation 205
circumscribes the measurement device 201, passing across the major
face 204 and about three edges of the package 200. Where the
measurement device 201 is more centrally disposed along the major
face 204 of the package 200 and the perforation 205 circumscribes
the measurement device 201, the perforation will bound the
measurement device 201, touching it at all points by passing along
the major face 204 without cutting the measurement device 201.
[0046] As shown in the separated state 203, the measurement device
201 can be separated from the package 200 in one or more
embodiments. In this illustration, a health care services provider
tears the perforation 205 to separate the measurement device 201
from the package 200. When this occurs, the health care services
provider can use the measurement device 201 to measure the calf of
a patient to ensure that the heel protector disposed within the
package 200 is the proper size for the patient, as shown in FIG.
3.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 3, a health care services provider 301
is using the measurement device 201 to measure the calf 302 of a
patient 300. Recall from above that the heel protector (100) of
FIG. 1 can be manufactured in at least three sizes. The size of the
heel protector (100), as well as the predefined length of at least
one fastening strap of the various fastening straps
(105,106,107,108), can be a function of the size of a patient's
calf circumference 303.
[0048] Illustrating by example, the heel protector (100) can come
in a petite, a standard, and an extra large size in one embodiment.
In one or more embodiments, a petite heel protector is designed to
fit a patient 300 when the calf circumference 303 is between five
and eleven inches. In one or more embodiments, a standard heel
protector is designed to fit a patient 300 when the calf
circumference 303 is between eleven and nineteen inches. In one or
more embodiments, an extra large heel protector is designed to fit
a patient 300 when the calf circumference 303 is between nineteen
and twenty-five inches. These measurements are illustrative only,
as others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0049] Advantageously, using the measurement device 201 to measure
the calf 302 of the patient 300 allows the health care services
provider 301 to determine whether the heel protector disposed
within the package (200) from which the measurement device 201 was
taken is properly sized for the patient 300. If, for example, the
heel protector disposed within the package (200) was a petite heel
protector, and the calf circumference 303 of the calf 302 of the
patient 300 were fourteen inches, the health care services provider
301 would instantly know that the heel protector was too small.
Accordingly, they would need to request a larger heel protector. By
contrast, the heel protector disposed within the package (200) was
a standard heel protector, the health care services provider 301
would instantly know that the heel protector was properly sized and
could be applied to the patient's leg.
[0050] Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 3, the measurement device
201 indicates whether a patient leg, when inserted into the leg
engaging section (101) of a heel protector (100) will allow one or
more of the fastener, e.g., fastening straps (105,106,107,108),
when coupled to the complementary fastener, e.g., panel (112), to
span the leg insertion aperture (104) with a span distance within a
predefined span distance range.
[0051] Turning back to FIG. 1, such a predefined span distance 115
is shown. In one or more embodiments, the predefined span distance
115 is within a predefined span distance range of between one and
six inches. In another embodiment, the predefined span distance 115
is within a predefined span distance range of between two and five
inches. In another embodiment, the predefined span distance 115 is
within a predefined span distance range of between three and four
inches. These predefined span distance range examples are
illustrative only, as others will be obvious to those of ordinary
skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is one
explanatory system 400 configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. The system 400 includes a package
401 and a heel protector 402. The heel protector 402 is disposed
within the package 401. A picture of the heel protector 402 is
disposed on a major face 403 of the package 401.
[0053] In this illustrative embodiment, the package 401 comprises a
box. The box can be manufactured from a variety of materials. For
instance, in one embodiment the box is manufactured from cardboard.
In another embodiments, the box is manufactured from a
thermoplastic material. In another embodiment, the box is
manufactured from paper. Other materials from which the box can be
manufactured will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0054] In this illustrative embodiment, a measurement device 404 is
incorporated into, but separable from, the box. For example, in one
embodiment the measurement device 404 can be a thermoplastic strip
that is adhesively or otherwise attached to a major face 403 of the
box. In such an embodiment, the measurement device 404 can simply
be peeled from the major face 403 of the box for use.
[0055] In another embodiment, the measurement device 404 is
incorporated into the major face 403 of the box such that the
measurement device 404 defines a portion of the major face 403. For
example, the measurement device 404 can be coextensive with the
major face 403 of the box and segregated from the major face 403
with a perforation 405 as previously described. A health care
services provider can then tear the perforation to separate the
measurement device 404 from the major face 403 of the box. Thus, in
one or more embodiments the measurement device 404 is coupled to
other portions of the major face 403 by a perforation 405.
[0056] A health care services provider (301) can use the
measurement device 404 to measure the calf (302) of a patient (300)
to determine whether the heel protector 402 disposed within the
package 401 is properly sized for the patient (300) due to the fact
that the measurement device 404 indicates whether a patient leg,
when inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel protector
402 will allow a fastener, when coupled to the complementary
fastener, to span the leg insertion aperture with a span distance
within a predefined span distance range.
[0057] Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is another
explanatory system 500 in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the disclosure. As was the case with the system (400) of FIG. 4,
the system 500 of FIG. 5 includes a package 501 and a heel
protector 502. The heel protector 502 is disposed, i.e., placed or
situated, within the package 501. A picture of the heel protector
502 is disposed on a major face 503 of the package 501. As before,
in this illustrative embodiment, the package 401 comprises a
box.
[0058] In this illustrative embodiment, a tab 504 extends distally
from an edge of the box. In one or more embodiments, the tab 504
comprises a measurement device 505 indicating whether a patient
leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel
protector 402, will allow a fastener, when coupled to a
complementary fastener, to span a leg insertion aperture of the
heel protector 502 with a span distance that is within a predefined
span distance range.
[0059] In one embodiment, the measurement device 505 is coupled to
the tab 504 by a perforation 506. A health care services provider
can then tear the perforation 506 to separate the measurement
device 505 from the tab 504. Alternatively, in another embodiment,
the tab 504 itself can be coupled to the box by a perforation
located at edge 507. A health care services provider can then tear
the perforation at the edge 507 to separate the tab 504, and its
included measurement device 505, from the box. In either case, a
health care services provider (301) can use the measurement device
505 to measure the calf (302) of a patient (300) to determine
whether the heel protector 502 disposed within the package 501 is
properly sized for the patient (300) due to the fact that the
measurement device 505 indicates whether a patient leg, when
inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel protector 502
will allow a fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener,
to span the leg insertion aperture with a span distance within a
predefined span distance range.
[0060] Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is another
explanatory system 600 in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the disclosure. The system 600 of FIG. 6 includes a package 601
and a heel protector 602. The heel protector 602 is disposed, i.e.,
placed or situated, within the package 601.
[0061] In this embodiment, the package 601 comprises a
thermoplastic bag. The thermoplastic bag in this illustrative
embodiment is clear so that the heel protector 602 disposed therein
can be seen from the exterior of the thermoplastic bag. While the
bag is manufactured from a flexible thermoplastic in this
embodiment, it could also be manufactured from other materials,
such as vinyl, paper, synthetic, organic, or synthetic/organic
fibers, and so forth. Other suitable materials from which a bag can
be manufactured will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the
art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0062] In this illustrative embodiment, a measurement device 603 is
incorporated into, but separable from, the thermoplastic bag. For
example, in one embodiment the measurement device 603 can be a
flexible strip that is adhesively or otherwise attached to a major
face 604 of the box. In such an embodiment, the measurement device
603 can simply be peeled from the major face 604 of the
thermoplastic bag for use.
[0063] In another embodiment, the measurement device 603 can be
disposed within the thermoplastic bag along with the heel protector
602. For example, a measurement device 603 may be wrapped about the
heel protector 606 such that a health care services provider can
simply remove it from the heel protector 602 to measure a patient
calf circumference prior to applying the heel protector 602 to a
patient leg.
[0064] In one embodiment, the measurement device 603 is
incorporated into the major face 604 of the thermoplastic bag such
that the measurement device 603 defines a portion of the major face
604. For example, the measurement device 603 can be coextensive
with the major face 604 of the box and segregated from the major
face 604 with a perforation 605 as previously described. A health
care services provider can then tear the perforation 605 to
separate the measurement device 603 from the thermoplastic bag. The
measurement device 603 indicates whether a calf circumference (303)
of a patient leg, when the patient leg is inserted into the leg
engaging section of the heel protector 602, will allow a fastener,
when coupled to a complementary fastener, to span the leg insertion
aperture of the heel protector 602 with the span distance that is
within a predefined span distance range.
[0065] Turning now to FIG. 7, illustrated therein is another
explanatory system 700 in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the disclosure. As was the case with the system (600) of FIG. 6,
the system 700 of FIG. 7 includes a package 701 and a heel
protector 702. The heel protector 702 is disposed, i.e., placed or
situated, within the package 701. As before, the package 701
comprises a thermoplastic bag.
[0066] In this illustrative embodiment, a tab 704 extends distally
from an edge of the thermoplastic bag. In one or more embodiments,
the tab 704 comprises a measurement device 703 indicating whether a
patient leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section of the
heel protector 702, will allow a fastener, when coupled to a
complementary fastener, to span a leg insertion aperture of the
heel protector 702 with a span distance that is within a predefined
span distance range.
[0067] In one embodiment, the measurement device 703 is coupled to
the tab 704 by a perforation. A health care services provider can
then tear the perforation to separate the measurement device 703
from the tab 704. The measurement device 703 indicates whether a
calf circumference (303) of a patient leg, when the patient leg is
inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel protector 702,
will allow a fastener, when coupled to a complementary fastener, to
span the leg insertion aperture of the heel protector 702 with the
span distance that is within a predefined span distance range.
[0068] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the tab 704 itself can
be coupled to the thermoplastic bag by a perforation 705. A health
care services provider can then tear the perforation 705 to
separate the tab 704, and its included measurement device 703, from
the box. In either case, a health care services provider (301) can
use the measurement device 703 to measure the calf (302) of a
patient (300) to determine whether the heel protector 702 disposed
within the package 701 is properly sized for the patient (300).
[0069] Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrated therein is another
explanatory system 800 in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the disclosure. The system 800 of FIG. 8 includes a package 701
and a heel protector 802. The heel protector 802 is disposed, i.e.,
placed or situated, within the package 801.
[0070] In this illustrative embodiment, the package 801 comprises
drawstring bag. The drawstring bag can be manufactured from a
variety of materials. In one embodiment, the drawstring bag is
manufactured from organic fibers. For example, the drawstring bag
can be manufactured from cotton or linen in one embodiment. In
other embodiments, the drawstring bag is manufactured from
synthetic fibers, such as nylon. Of course, a combination of
synthetic fibers and organic fibers can be used as well. In still
other embodiments, the drawstring bag is manufactured from a
thermoplastic material. Other materials from which the drawstring
bag can be manufactured will be obvious to those of ordinary skill
in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0071] In one or more embodiments, the drawstring bag is cinchable
by a drawstring 803. In one or more embodiments, the drawstring 803
defines a measurement device. A health care services provider can
remove the drawstring 803 from the drawstring bag to measure the
calf circumference (303) of a patient leg. Alternatively, the
health care services provider may leave the drawstring 803 attached
to the drawstring bag and pass the patient leg through the
drawstring loop 805 to measure the calf circumference (303).
[0072] In one embodiment the drawstring 803 comprises one or more
demarcations indicating whether a leg engaging section of the heel
protector 802 will fit a patient leg calf. For example, where the
heel protector 802 is a petite heel protector, the demarcations 804
indicate whether the calf circumference (303) is between five and
eleven inches. If it is, the heel protector 802 is properly sized
for the patient leg. If not, a larger heel protector will be
required.
[0073] Similarly, where the heel protector 802 is a standard heel
protector, the demarcations 804 indicate whether the calf
circumference (303) is between eleven and nineteen inches. If it
is, the heel protector 802 is properly sized for the patient leg.
If not, a larger or smaller heel protector will be required. Where
the heel protector 802 is an extra large heel protector, the
demarcations 804 indicate whether the calf circumference (303) is
between nineteen and twenty-five inches. If it is, the heel
protector 802 is properly sized for the patient leg. If not, a
smaller heel protector will be required.
[0074] Turning now to FIG. 9, in one or more embodiments a
plurality of heel protector systems 901,902,903,904, each
comprising a measurement device 905,906,907,908 that is attached
to, but separable from, its corresponding heel protector system
901,902,903,904, can be placed within a larger container 909. This
allows the plurality of heel protector systems 901,902,903,904 to
be shipped to an end user, with each heel protector system
901,902,903,904 having its own measurement device 905,906,907,908.
Accordingly, FIG. 9 illustrates a second package, i.e., container
909, enclosing at least two packages enclosing heel protectors and
comprising the measurement device.
[0075] In one or more embodiments, each heel protector system
901,902,903,904 can have two, three, four, or more measurement
devices 905,906,907,908 attached to, but separable from, its
corresponding package. This advantageously allows one or more of
the measurement devices to remain attached to its corresponding
package after another measurement device has been used. If, for
example, four measurement devices 905,906,907,908 are attached to
each package, when a health care services provider uses one and
discovers that the corresponding heel protector is not properly
sized, three will remain for other health care services providers
to determine if the heel protector fits another patient. Thus, the
inclusion of four measurement devices 905,906,907,908 allows for
"three strikes" where the heel protector does not properly fit
without running out of measurement devices 905,906,907,908.
[0076] Turning now to FIG. 10, illustrated therein is a first
example of a measurement device 1000 configured in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In FIG. 10, the
measurement device 1000 is configured as a ruler with one or more
demarcations 1001 indicating a number of units, which are inches in
this example.
[0077] As noted above, in one or more embodiments a heel protector
can come in a petite, a standard, and an extra large size. In one
or more embodiments, a petite heel protector is designed to fit a
patient (300) when the calf circumference (303) is between five and
eleven inches. In one or more embodiments, a standard heel
protector is designed to fit a patient (300) when the calf
circumference (303) is between eleven and nineteen inches. In one
or more embodiments, an extra large heel protector is designed to
fit a patient (300) when the calf circumference (303) is between
nineteen and twenty-five inches. Advantageously, by configuring the
measurement device 1000 as a ruler, the measurement device 1000
indicates whether the calf circumference (3030) is between five and
eleven inches, eleven and nineteen inches, or nineteen and
twenty-five inches when wrapped about the patient calf (302) as
shown in FIG. 3.
[0078] Turning now to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is another
example of a measurement device 1100 configured in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In FIG. 11, the
measurement device 1100 is again configured as a ruler with one or
more demarcations indicating a number of units, which are inches in
this example.
[0079] To make things easier for the health care provider, a number
of circumference measurements 1101,1102,1103 are provided along the
face of the measurement device 1100. As noted above, the heel
protector situated within the package to which the measurement
device 1100 is attached can include a leg engaging section (101)
having at least one fastener spanning a leg insertion aperture
(104) to engage a complementary fastener. When this occurs, the leg
engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener define an
interior circumference that is within a predefined range. In one
embodiment, this predefined range is one of three predefined
ranges: A first predefined range is between five and eleven inches,
a second predefined range is within eleven and nineteen inches, and
a third predefined range is between nineteen and twenty-five
inches.
[0080] In this illustrative embodiment, the circumference
measurements 1101,1102,1103 indicate whether a patient leg calf
circumference (303) will allow the leg engaging section (101) and
the at least one fastener, e.g., fastening strap (105), when
coupled to the complementary fastener disposed on panel (112), will
define the interior circumference that within the predefined range.
To wit, the circumference measurements 1101,1102,1103 indicate that
an interior circumference of between five and eleven inches is
proper for a petite heel protector, an interior circumference of
between eleven and nineteen inches is proper for a standard heel
protector, and an interior circumference of between nineteen and
twenty-five inches is proper for an extra large heel protector.
[0081] Turning now to FIG. 12, illustrated therein is another
measurement device 1200 configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. As with each of the measurement
devices described herein, the measurement device 1200 of FIG. 12 is
configured to wrap about the leg of a patient. The measurement
device 1200 is configured to indicate whether a patient leg calf
circumference (303) will allow a leg engaging section (101) and at
least one fastener of a heel protector (100), when the fastener is
coupled to a complementary fastener of the heel protector (100), to
define an internal circumference within a predefined range. Here
the predefined range is one of three predefined ranges: A first
predefined range is between five and eleven inches, a second
predefined range is within eleven and nineteen inches, and a third
predefined range is between nineteen and twenty-five inches.
[0082] In this illustrative embodiment, the measurement device 1200
is manufactured from a non-stretchable material. The measurement
device 1200 can be manufactured from one or more sheets of plastic,
neoprene, rubber, foam, felt, polymers, resins, and/or natural
fabric materials. As with each of the measurement devices described
herein, the measurement device 1200 is coupled to, but separable
from, a package, be it a box, a bag, a drawstring bag, or other
package.
[0083] The measurement device 1200 has a major face, a first side
edge 1205, and a second side edge 1206. To make things easier for
the health care provider, a number of circumference measurements
1201,1202,1203 are provided along the face of the measurement
device 1200. The circumference measurements 1201,1202,1203 indicate
whether a patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow the leg
engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener, e.g.,
fastening strap (105), when coupled to the complementary fastener
disposed on panel (112), will define the interior circumference
that within the predefined range. Accordingly, the circumference
measurements 1201,1202,1203 indicate that an interior circumference
of between five and eleven inches is proper for a petite heel
protector, an interior circumference of between eleven and nineteen
inches is proper for a standard heel protector, and an interior
circumference of between nineteen and twenty-five inches is proper
for an extra large heel protector.
[0084] In this illustrative embodiment, each circumference
measurement 1201,1202,1203 defines a measurement scale. For
example, circumference measurement 1201 comprises two longitudinal
boundaries: first edge 1205 and reference line 1207. These
boundaries identify a range within which the second edge 1206
should position for the corresponding heel protector to provide an
appropriate fit when the measurement device 1200 is wrapped about a
patient calf (302) as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, when the
measurement device 1200 is wrapped about the patient calf (302) and
the second edge 1206 is pulled to abut the major face of the
measurement device, the proper size of heel protector is indicated
where by within which range the second edge 1206 contacts.
[0085] If, for example, the measurement device 1200 wraps around
the patient calf (302) and the second edge 1206 can only touch the
range defined by the longitudinal boundaries of circumference
measurement 1201, this means that the patient's calf circumference
(303) is between nineteen and twenty-five inches and an extra large
heel protector should be used. By contrast, if the measurement
device 1200 is able to wrap around the patient calf (302) and be
cinched such that the second edge 1206 can touch the range defined
by the longitudinal boundaries of circumference measurement 1202,
this means that the patient's calf circumference (303) is between
eleven and nineteen inches and a standard heel protector should be
used. Similarly, if the measurement device 1200 is able to wrap
around the patient calf (302) and be cinched such that the second
edge 1206 can touch the range defined by the longitudinal
boundaries of circumference measurement 1203, this means that the
patient's calf circumference (303) is between five and eleven
inches and a petite heel protector should be used.
[0086] The measurement device 1200 of FIG. 12 offers other
advantages as well. Since three ranges are defined by the
boundaries of the circumference measurements 1201,1202,1203, the
measurement device 1200 provides an indication, when the heel
protector is not properly sized, of which other heel protector
should be selected. Consider the situation where the measurement
device 1200 accompanies a standard heel protector configured to fit
a patient with a calf circumference (303) of between eleven and
nineteen inches. If the measurement device 1200 is able to wrap
around the patient calf (302) and be cinched such that the second
edge 1206 can touch the range defined by the longitudinal
boundaries of circumference measurement 1203, this means that the
patient's calf circumference (303) is between five and eleven
inches. Since the circumference measurement 1203 states "petite,"
the health care services provider is immediately alerted to the
fact that a petite heel protector should be used. Accordingly, in
one or more embodiments, measurement devices configured in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure further
indicate, when the patient leg calf circumference (303) fails to
allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener,
when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the interior
circumference within the predefined range, whether a larger heel
protector or a smaller heel protector would allow the leg engaging
section (101) and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the
complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the
predefined range.
[0087] Turning now to FIG. 13, illustrated therein is another
measurement device 1300 configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. Once again, the measurement device
1300 of FIG. 13 is configured to wrap about the leg of a patient.
The measurement device 1300 is configured to indicate whether a
patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow a leg engaging
section (101) and at least one fastener of a heel protector (100),
when the fastener is coupled to a complementary fastener of the
heel protector (100), to define an internal circumference within a
predefined range.
[0088] The measurement device 1300 has a major face, a first side
edge 1305, and a second side edge 1306. To make things easier for
the health care provider, a number of circumference measurements
1301,1302,1303 are provided along the face of the measurement
device 1300. The circumference measurements 1301,1302,1303 indicate
whether a patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow the leg
engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener, e.g.,
fastening strap (105), when coupled to the complementary fastener
disposed on panel (112), will define the interior circumference
that within the predefined range. Additionally, the circumference
measurements 1301,1302,1303 indicate that an interior circumference
of between five and eleven inches is proper for a petite heel
protector, an interior circumference of between eleven and nineteen
inches is proper for a standard heel protector, and an interior
circumference of between nineteen and twenty-five inches is proper
for an extra large heel protector.
[0089] In this illustrative embodiment, each circumference
measurement 1301,1302,1303 defines a measurement scale. For
example, circumference measurement 1301 comprises two longitudinal
boundaries: first edge 1305 and reference line 1307. These
boundaries identify a range within which the second edge 1306
should position for the corresponding heel protector to provide an
appropriate fit when the measurement device 1300 is wrapped about a
patient calf (302) as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, when the
measurement device 1300 is wrapped about the patient calf (302) and
the second edge 1306 is pulled to abut the major face of the
measurement device, the proper size of heel protector is indicated
where by within which range the second edge 1306 contacts.
[0090] If, for example, the measurement device 1300 wraps around
the patient calf (302) and the second edge 1306 can only touch the
range defined by the longitudinal boundaries of circumference
measurement 1301, this means that the patient's calf circumference
(303) is between nineteen and twenty-five inches and an extra large
heel protector should be used.
[0091] Turning now to FIG. 14, illustrated therein is another
measurement device 1400 configured in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the disclosure. Once again, the measurement device
1400 of FIG. 14 is configured to wrap about the leg of a patient.
The measurement device 1400 is configured to indicate whether a
patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow a leg engaging
section (101) and at least one fastener of a heel protector (100),
when the fastener is coupled to a complementary fastener of the
heel protector (100), to define an internal circumference within a
predefined range.
[0092] The measurement device 1400 has a major face, a first side
edge 1405, and a second side edge 1406. To make things easier for
the health care provider, a number of circumference measurements
1401,1402,1403 are provided along the face of the measurement
device 1400. The circumference measurements 1401,1402,1403 indicate
whether a patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow the leg
engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener, e.g.,
fastening strap (105), when coupled to the complementary fastener
disposed on panel (112), will define the interior circumference
that within the predefined range. Additionally, the circumference
measurements 1401,1402,1403 indicate that an interior circumference
of between five and eleven inches is proper for a petite heel
protector, an interior circumference of between eleven and nineteen
inches is proper for a standard heel protector, and an interior
circumference of between nineteen and twenty-five inches is proper
for an extra large heel protector.
[0093] In this illustrative embodiment, each circumference
measurement 1401,1402,1403 defines a measurement scale. For
example, circumference measurement 1401 comprises two longitudinal
boundaries: first edge 1405 and reference line 1407. The other
circumference measurements 1402,1403 can be similarly configured.
Circumference measurement 1402 would include reference line 1407
and another reference line, while circumference measurement 1403
would include the reference line shared with circumference
measurement 1402 and the second edge 1406.
[0094] As before, these boundaries identify a range within which
the second edge 1406 should position for the corresponding heel
protector to provide an appropriate fit when the measurement device
1400 is wrapped about a patient calf (302) as shown in FIG. 3.
Accordingly, when the measurement device 1400 is wrapped about the
patient calf (302) and the second edge 1406 is pulled to abut the
major face of the measurement device, the proper size of heel
protector is indicated where by within which range the second edge
1406 contacts.
[0095] In this illustrative embodiment, the circumference
measurements 1401,1402,1403 are color-coded. Circumference
measurement 1401 is color-coded with a first color 1408 identifying
the larger heel protector would allow the leg engaging section
(101) and the at least one fastener to define an interior
circumference within a predefined range of nineteen and twenty-five
inches. Circumference measurement 1402 is color-coded with a second
color 1409 identifying a middle-sized heel protector would allow
the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener to
define an interior circumference within a predefined range of
eleven and nineteen inches. Circumference measurement 1403 is
color-coded with a third color 1410 identifying a smaller heel
protector would allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at
least one fastener to define an interior circumference within a
predefined range of five and eleven inches.
[0096] In one or more embodiments, the first color 1408, the second
color 1409, and the third color 1410 are different. In one or more
embodiments, the heel protector material, the fastening straps, or
other components of the heel protector could be color coded with
one of the first color 1408, the second color 1409, or the third
color 1410. Accordingly, the measurement device 1300 could function
as a mnemonic device to indicate to a health care services provider
which heel protector should be used by color. If, for example, the
measurement device 1400 wraps around the patient calf (302) and the
second edge 1406 can only touch the range defined by the
longitudinal boundaries of circumference measurement 1401, this
means that the patient's calf circumference (303) requires a heel
protector that has the first color 1408.
[0097] Turning now to FIG. 15, illustrated therein are various
embodiments of the disclosure. At 1501, a system comprises a
package. At 1501, a heel protector is disposed within the package.
At 1501, the heel protector comprises a leg engaging section
defining a leg insertion aperture and a fastener coupled to a first
side of the leg engaging section, where the fastener has a
predefined length. At 1501, the heel protector has a complementary
fastener coupled to a second side of the leg engaging section. At
1501, the complementary fastener couples to the fastener when the
fastener spans the leg insertion aperture.
[0098] At 1501, the package comprises a measurement device. At
1501, the measurement device is incorporated into, but separable
from, the package. At 1501, the measurement device indicates
whether a patient leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section
of the heel protector, will allow the fastener, when coupled to the
complementary fastener, to span the leg insertion aperture with a
span distance that is within a predefined span distance range.
[0099] At 1502, the package of 1501 comprises a box. At 1502, the
measurement device is incorporated into a major face of the box
such that the measurement device defines a portion of the major
face. At 1503, the measurement device is coupled to other portions
of the major face by a perforation.
[0100] At 1504, the package of 1501 comprises a box. At 1504, the
measurement device is incorporated into a tab extending from a
major face of the box. At 1505, the measurement device is coupled
to the tab by a perforation.
[0101] At 1506, the package of 1501 comprises a drawstring bag. At
1506, the drawstring bag is cinchable by a drawstring. At 1506, the
drawstring defines the measurement device.
[0102] At 1507, the package of 1501 comprises a thermoplastic bag.
At 1507, the measurement device is incorporated into a major face
of the thermoplastic bag such that the measurement device defines a
portion of the major face.
[0103] At 1508, the package of 1501 comprises a thermoplastic bag.
At 1501, the measurement device is incorporated into a tab
extending from a major face of the thermoplastic bag.
[0104] At 1509, the measurement device of 1501 indicates whether a
calf circumference of the patient leg, when the patient leg is
inserted into the leg engaging section, will allow the fastener,
when coupled to the complementary fastener, to span the leg
insertion aperture with the span distance that is within a
predefined span distance range. At 1510, the measurement device of
1509 indicates that the calf circumference is between five and
eleven inches. At 1511, the measurement device of 1509 indicates
that the calf circumference is between eleven and nineteen inches.
At 1512, the measurement device of 1509 indicates that the calf
circumference is between nineteen and twenty-five inches. At 1513,
the predefined span distance range of 1509 is between one and six
inches.
[0105] At 1514, a system comprises a package enclosing a heel
protector. At 1514, the heel protector comprises a leg engaging
section having at least one fastener spanning a leg insertion
aperture to engage a complementary fastener such that the leg
engaging section and the at least one fastener define a
circumference within a predefined range.
[0106] At 1514, the package comprises a measurement device. At
1514, the measurement device is coupled to, but separable from, the
package. At 1514, the measurement device indicates whether a
patient leg calf circumference will allow the leg engaging section
and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary
fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined
range.
[0107] At 1515, the measurement device of 1514 is coupled to the
package by a perforation, such that tearing the perforation
separates the measurement device from the package. At 1516, the
measurement device of 1515 further indicates, when the patient leg
calf circumference fails to allow the leg engaging section and the
at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener,
to define the circumference within the predefined range, whether a
larger heel protector or a smaller heel protector would allow the
leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to
the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the
predefined range. At 1517, the measurement device of 1515 is
color-coded, with a first color identifying the larger heel
protector would allow the leg engaging section and the at least one
fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the
circumference within the predefined range, and a second color
identifying the smaller heel protector would allow the leg engaging
section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the
complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the
predefined range, wherein the first color and the second color are
different.
[0108] At 1518, a system comprises a package enclosing a heel
protector. At 1518, the heel protector comprises a leg engaging
section. At 1518, the package comprises a measurement device,
coupled to but separable from the package. At 1518, the measurement
device indicates whether the leg engaging section of the heel
protector will fit a patient leg calf. At 1518, the measurement
device is separable from the package without opening the
package.
[0109] At 1519, the measurement device of 1518 is incorporated into
a tab extending from a major face of the package. At 1520, a second
package encloses at least two packages enclosing heel protectors
and comprising the measurement device.
[0110] In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the
present disclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary
skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes
can be made without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred
embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described,
it is clear that the disclosure is not so limited. Numerous
modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents
will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the
following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to
be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of present disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as a critical, required, or essential features or
elements of any or all the claims.
* * * * *