POST-OPERATIVE GLOVE

Abstract

A specially designed three-pronged Post Operative Glove (a POG), primarily for use in covering bandaging and casts, as well as IVs and PICs, together with a specially designed material thickness and embossing treatment, together with a securing means at its open distal end, as well as a special water-absorbent material positioning and securing means.

Claims

1. A protective Post-Operative Glove (also called and referred to as a “Post-Op Glove” and as a “POG”) that has three extended segments, with a first extended segment for a thumb, with a second extended segment for the first two fingers adjacent to the thumb, and with a third extended segment for the last two fingers, with the three respective segments each being large enough to accommodate bandaging and casting of the affected digit, together with an open distal end glove securing means to prevent most water and/or dirt intrusion into the area to be protected, together with a secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means to prevent minor amounts of water/liquid/dirt that might get through the initial open glove distal end securing means from reaching the bandaging/casting and/or other area to be protected within the glove itself.

2. The POG of claim 1 where the POG material is comprised of a virgin polyethylene material with a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm.

3. The POG of claim 2 where the original wall of the POG is embossed.

4. The POG of claim 1 where the POG's open distal end securing means is comprised of a looped over material end segment with a first stretchable band enclosed within the loop.

5. The POG of claim 4 where the first stretchable band is comprised of a TPU band, or the like, which band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.

6. The POG of claim 1 where the secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means is comprised of a water-absorbent material with a minimum width of two inches (50.8 mm), and with a minimum thickness of one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) that is wrapped completely around a portion of the arm in a location between the open distal end of the glove and the area to be protected, with a second TPU band, or the like, being placed directly over and completely around the applied water-absorbent material, which second TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.

7. The POG of claim 6 where, after the water-absorbent material has been applied, and where after the TPU band has been wrapped around the water-absorbent material, the POG is installed/applied completely over the area to be protected, such as bandaging, casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, a third TPU band, or the like, is installed over and completely around the exterior of the POG in a location that is directly over the water-absorbent material, now on the inside of the POG, and where the third TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.

8. The POG of claim 1 where, either before or after the POG has been applied/installed over completely over the area to be protected, such as bandaging, casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, the POG is pulled tightly down so that each of the three respective extended segments of the POG 1 (containing the fingers and the thumb) are as close as possible to the extreme far end tips of each finger and thumb, and then where a fourth stretchable TPU band, or the like, is immediately placed completely around the exterior of the POG in a location as close as possible to the wrist area of the hand 14 (any bandaging/casting 10 permitting), and where the where the TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.

9. The POG of claim 1 where POG use instructions are as follows: 1. First, wrap dry water-absorbent cloth, a small dry hand towel, dry paper towels, or similar dry material, completely around a portion of your bare arm that is above the bandaging/cast, but that is in a location so that when the glove is applied, the water-absorbent material will be completely covered by, and fully within, the upper portion of the glove. The water-absorbent material must be at least, and preferably greater than, two inches (50.8 mm) wide and one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) thick. Use one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable bands (a first band) to secure the water-absorbent material in place around your bare arm prior to glove application. 2. Second, carefully place the glove completely over the bandaging and/or cast (or other area to be protected), as well as completely over the water-absorbent material wrapped completely around your bare arm. 3. Third, pull the glove tightly down from your finger and thumb tips (within the three respective prongs) to a point past the underlying water-absorbent material: then place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a second band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is as close as possible to your wrist. This will help provide improved gripping ability by eliminating longer than necessary floppy ends of the three prongs. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearingany portion of the plastic glove. 4. Fourth, place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a third band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is directly over the water-absorbent material, so as to provide a snug and secure tension banddirectly over and completely around the water-absorbent material that is wrapped completely around your bare arm on the inside of the glove. This will help to catch any water and/or dirt that may getthrough the constrictive and pre-tensioned open end of the glovebefore it gets to the protected area. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearingany portion of the plastic glove.

10. A protective Post-Operative Glove (also called and referred to as a “Post-Op Glove” and as a “POG”) that has three extended segments, with a first extended segment for a thumb, with a second extended segment for the first two fingers adjacent to the thumb, and with a third extended segment for the last two fingers, with the three respective segments each being large enough to accommodate bandaging and casting of the affected digit, together with an open distal end glove securing means to prevent most water and/or dirt intrusion into the area to be protected, together with a secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means to prevent minor amounts of water/liquid/dirt that might get through the initial open glove distal end securing means from reaching the bandaging/casting and/or other area to be protected within the glove itself: where the POG material is comprised of a virgin polyethylene material with a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm; where the original wall of the POG is embossed; where the POG's open distal end securing means is comprised of a looped over material end segment with a first stretchable band enclosed within the loop; where the first stretchable band is comprised of a TPU band, or the like, which band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.; where the secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means is comprised of a water-absorbent material with a minimum width of two inches (50.8 mm), and with a minimum thickness of one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) that is wrapped completely around a portion of the arm in a location between the open distal end of the glove and the area to be protected, with a second TPU band, or the like, being placed directly over and completely around the applied water-absorbent material, which second TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.; where, after the water-absorbent material has been applied, and where after the TPU band has been wrapped around the water-absorbent material, the POG is installed/applied completely over the area to be protected, such as bandaging, casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, a third TPU band, or the like, is installed over and completely around the exterior of the POG in a location that is directly over the water-absorbent material, now on the inside of the POG, and where the third TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.; where, either before or after the POG has been applied/installed over completely over the area to be protected, such as bandaging, casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, the POG is pulled tightly down so that each of the three respective extended segments of the POG 1 (containing the fingers and the thumb) are as close as possible to the extreme far end tips of each finger and thumb, and then where a fourth stretchable TPU band, or the like, is immediately placed completely around the exterior of the POG in a location as close as possible to the wrist area of the hand 14 (any bandaging/casting 10 permitting), and where the where the TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.; and where POG use instructions are as follows: 1. First, wrap dry water-absorbent cloth, a small dry hand towel, dry paper towels, or similar dry material, completely around a portion of your bare arm that is above the bandaging/cast, but that is in a location so that when the glove is applied, the water-absorbent material will be completely covered by, and fully within, the upper portion of the glove. The water-absorbent material must be at least, and preferably greater than, two inches (50.8 mm) wide and one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) thick. Use one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable bands (a first band) to secure the water-absorbent material in place around your bare arm prior to glove application. 2. Second, carefully place the glove completely over the bandaging and/or cast (or other area to be protected), as well as completely over the water-absorbent material wrapped completely around your bare arm. 3. Third, pull the glove tightly down from your finger and thumb tips (within the three respective prongs) to a point past the underlying water-absorbent material: then place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a second band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is as close as possible to your wrist. This will help provide improved gripping ability by eliminating longer than necessary floppy ends of the three prongs. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearing any portion of the plastic glove. 4. Fourth, place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a third band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is directly over the water-absorbent material, so as to provide a snug and secure tension banddirectly over and completely around the water-absorbent material that is wrapped completely around your bare arm on the inside of the glove. This will help to catch any water and/or dirt that may getthrough the constrictive and pre-tensioned open end of the glovebefore it gets to the protected area. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearingany portion of the plastic glove.

11. The POG of claim 1 where the POG has the following dimensions: i. The POG maximum length, between the top of the first two finger segment and the bottom of the POG, is 800 mm, plus or minus 1 mm to 150 mm. ii. The loop width, where the POG's open distal end securing means is comprised of a looped over material end segment with a first stretchable band enclosed within the loop, is 30 mm, plus or minus 1 mm to 10 mm. iii. The POG width is 210 mm, plus or minus 1 mm to 5 mm. iv. The width for the upper portion of the extended prong/segment for the thumb is be 40 mm at the tip of the thumb segment, before the rounded thumb segment tip end, and the width for the thumb prong/segment at its midpoint, opposite of the location where the top portion of the thumb segment intersects with the side of the POG 1, is 60 mm. v. The distance between the top of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment intersects with the side of the POG, and the bottom of the extended prong/segment for the first two fingers closest to the thumb segment is 65 mm. vi. The width for the first two finger segment is 109 mm vii. The first two finger segment extends upwardly 65 mm on its right side, on the side closest to the top of the thumb segment, to the base of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment”. viii. The first two finger segment extends 20 mm, in a total vertical distance upwardly along its largest rounded top portion from the base of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” to the uppermost starting point of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment”. ix. The total distance from the uppermost top to the bottom of the first two finger segment is 85 mm. x. The distance from the top portion of the thumb segment to the bottom portion of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment extends from the POG, is 90 mm. xi. The distance between the lower portion bottom of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment extends from the POG, and the bottom/base of the POG is 560 mm. xii. The distance between the bottom/base of the first two finger segment and the bottom of the POG is 715 mm xiii. The width of the upper portion of the thumb segment before the rounded tip end of the thumb segment is 40 mm xiv. The first two finger segment has a total uppermost top width of 55 mm, extending from the left side closest to the prong segment for the second two finger segment to the end of the said 55 mm width, which end is at the uppermost starting point of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment”. xv. The horizontal width, between the uppermost starting point of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” and the lowermost ending point of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment”, is 54 mm. xvi. The upper left portion of the first two finger segment, on the side next to the third and fourth (little) finger segment, has a rounded segment with a bottom/base that is between 1 mm and 10 mm in width xvii. There is a gap width of between 1 mm and 10 mm between the first two finger segment and the second two finger segment with a preferable rounded gap bottom. xviii. The maximum width of the third and fourth (little) finger segment is 100 mm. xix. The maximum length of the third and fourth (little) finger segment, also referred to herein as the second two finger segment, is 80 mm. xx. The width of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” is 50 mm, but is rounded between its uppermost starting point and its lowermost ending point. xxi. The width of the second two finger segment between the uppermost starting point of its largest rounded top portion and its far-right side, next to the first two finger segment, is 50 mm. xxii. The upper right portion of the second two finger segment, on the side next to the first finger segment has a rounded segment with a bottom/base that is between 1 mm and 10 mm in width xxiii. The distance between the uppermost top of the first two finger segment and the bottom of the POG is 795 mm xxiv. The distance between the bottom of the POG and the bottom of the second finger segment is 715 mm. xxv. The distance between the bottom of the second finger segment and the lowermost ending point of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54 is 55 mm. xxvi. The second two finger segment extends 25 mm, in a total vertical distance upwardly, along its largest rounded top portion from the lowermost ending point of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” to the uppermost starting point of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment.

12. The POG of claim 11 where all of the said POG sizing dimensions would be/is proportionately reduced for smaller/children, and would be/is proportionately increased for larger adult sizes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIG. 1 is a top view of a protective Post-Op Glove that has three extended segments, with a first extended segment for a thumb, with a second extended segment for the first two fingers adjacent to the thumb, and with a third extended segment for the last two fingers. The three extended segment glove would have three respective segments that are each large enough to accommodate bandaging and casting of the affected digit, together with an open distal end glove securing means to prevent most water and/or dirt intrusion into the area to be protected, and with a specially designed secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means to prevent minor amounts of water/liquid/dirt that might get through the initial open glove securing means from reaching the bandaging/casting and/or other area to be protected within the glove itself. Glove use instructions are also provided.

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a POG, with preferable dimensions described in millimeters (mm).

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a simulated un-annealed POG segment, which is weaker, adjacent to a simulated annealed POG segment, which is stronger.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a simulated un-embossed POG segment adjacent to simulated embossed POG segments, which embossed segments afford enhanced strength and enhanced gripping abilities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the subject matter disclosed herein. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of this subject matter. The various features and advantages of the present disclosure may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. None of the drawings are drawn to scale.

[0051] Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a top view, not drawn to any scale, of a protective Post-Op Glove (POG) 1 that has three extended segments 2, 3, and 4: with a first extended segment 2 for a thumb 5; with a second extended segment 3 for the first two fingers 6 and 7 adjacent to the thumb 5; and with a third extended segment 4 for the last two fingers 8 and 9. The POG's 1 three respective segments, 2, 3, and 4, are each respectively large enough to accommodate bandaging and/or casting 10 of the affected areas, with a POG 1 outer perimeter expanded area 11 (shown by broken lines) large enough to easily slide over bandaging and/or casting 10, IVs 12, and PICCs 13, or the like. The separation distance between the second extended segment 3 and the third extended segment 4 should preferably be between 0.5 mm and one mm, which is a small enough separation distance (with the said separation distance being taken away from the overall combined POG 1 width across both extended segments, 3 and 4) to permit adequate room for bandaging and casts 10 in either or both of the extended segments 3 and 4, but which is large enough to permit ease of manufacturing and removal of the POG 1 from its factory production mold. For perspective, a normal sized hand 14 (with fingers 6, 7, 8, and 9, and a thumb 5) is shown within the outer perimeter expanded area 11 by a solid line in the shape of a normal sized hand 14, together with an arm extension 15.

[0052] When there is a bandaged/cast 10 digit, such as a fourth (little) finger 9, as an example, the POG's 1 three respective extended segments, 2, 3, and 4 facilitate gripping and dexterity to a much greater extent than that of a common mitten type glove.

[0053] A securing means/material 16 (indicated herein by a bracketed area 16) is shown as being provided at/near/along the open distal end 17 of the POG 1. The securing means/material 16 could be comprised of tape, of elastic, or the like, but would preferably be comprised of a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) band, or the like, 18 enclosed within the extreme open distal end 17 of the POG 1. Preferably, the securing means/material 16 would be comprised of a first stretchable TPU band 18, or the like, so that tension is always maintained around the patient's arm during arm and/or muscle movement. Such a preferable normal adult-sized first TPU band 18 (as well as all other TPU bands hereinafter discussed and shown, such as TPU bands 20, 21, and 22) would have an un-stretched width of five to ten mm, an un-stretched length of between ninety to one hundred and ten mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of one to three mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least three hundred mm long without breaking. The first stretchable TPU band 18 (as well as all other TPU bands hereinafter discussed and shown, such as TPU bands 20, 21, and 22) would preferably have an ultraviolet (UV) resistant additive so as to prevent premature damage and/or strength/quality impairment when exposed to sunlight, or the like, and would preferably be able to withstand temperatures of at least one hundred and ten degrees F.

[0054] When a first TPU band, or the like, 18 is used as a securing means/material 16, the first TPU band 18 would preferably be secured within a small distal open end looped-over segment 23 of the POG 1, with the looped-over segment 23 containing the first TPU band 18 within the loop 23, and with the first TPU band 18 being secured within the loop 23 by means of sewing and/or gluing and/or heat fusion, or the like 24. Generally, an additional three mm length would be added to the primary POG 1 preferable overall total length so as to provide an additional adequate length for the loop 23 containing the first TPU band 18.

[0055] All adult-sized stretchable TPU bands, or the like, discussed and shown herein 18, 20, 21, and 22, with dimensions as explained hereinabove, would have appropriately and proportionately shorter lengths and/or sizes for smaller sized POG 1 applications, such as for children, for example, and would have proportionately longer lengths and/or other sizes for larger sized POG 1 applications.

[0056] It is also important that the POG 1 itself be comprised of a material that protects against water and/or dirt intrusion, that is waterproof, that rarely caused allergic reactions to a patient's skin, that is recyclable, and that is both inexpensive and relatively strong, rugged, and durable. Such a preferable material would be comprised of a virgin polyethylene (plastic type) waterproof material, having a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm. Optionally, a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.065 mm will typically be sufficient and will also advantageously save some small amount of curing and drying time on the POG 1 manufacturing mold. Such a specified and/or optional lesser wall thickness expedites the manufacturing/production process and reduces time/costs by decreasing curing and/or drying time otherwise necessary for thicker, and more costly, heavier walled plastic/polyethylene.

[0057] Regarding processing of the basic and primary plastic POG 1 material, two specific processes will be addressed herein, annealing and embossing. First, annealing is a special process (which is well understood by those skilled in the annealing art) that materially assists in relieving plastic (such as polyethylene) stresses, typically by slowly heating and then by slowly cooling the plastic POG 1 below its transition temperature, or softening point/temperature. Annealing the POG 1 provides more strength and durability than otherwise available via simple molded/manufactured traditional plastic gloves, but annealing is both time consuming and costly, which is contra to client/user low pricing and affordability objectives. Annealing will be discussed in more detail hereinafter in FIG. 3.

[0058] Embossing (the second material process being addressed herein) is a process that raises, and increases the height of, portions of the basic and primary plastic POG 1 material. A basic and primary preferred un-embossed plastic material POG 1 thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm can withstand dotted, or the like, embossing without significantly jeopardizing POG 1 material strength. Dotted/raised dots, raised lines/ribbing, or the like, embossing is preferred for a POG 1, as it increases gripping abilities for the POG 1 client/consumer while simultaneously reducing slippery POG 1 surface concerns, which is one of the primary safety and utility objectives of the subject hand/arm related POG 1 designs. Embossing is relatively inexpensive and is highly advantageous for a POG 1 client/user, and will be further discussed in more detail hereinafter in FIG. 4.

[0059] The POG 1 with the outer perimeter expanded area 11 is shown herein with a strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 (such as cloth, fiber, cotton, paper, or the like) that has been temporarily attached around the arm 15, beneath the POG 1, before the POG 1 is to be used. The strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 preferably a minimum width of about two inches (50.8 mm), and a minimum thickness of about one-eighth inch (3.175 mm). The strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 is placed around the arm 15, in a full three hundred and sixty degree circular manner, at a position between the anticipated location of the open distal end 17 of the installed/applied POG 1 and any bandaging and/or casting 10, or other area to be protected (such as a PIC 13, or the like).

[0060] After the strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 has been temporarily attached around the arm 15, a second stretchable TPU band 20, or the like, is preferably placed around, and on top of, the temporarily placed strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 so as to secure same in place around the arm 15 before the POG 1 is installed/applied. The second stretchable TPU band 20, or the like, placed over and around the temporary strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 helps to keep the water-absorbent material 19 firmly and snugly against the skin (skin is not separately shown as same is well understood by those skilled in the art) and to keep the water-absorbent material 19 from otherwise sliding and/or slipping loose and thereby accidently permitting water/liquid/dirt intrusion into the bandaging and/or casting 10 and/or other protected area, which intrusion would foul the entire purpose of the POG 1.

[0061] While a strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 could be permanently pre-attached to the inner surface of the POG 1 near the open distal end 17, this is not preferable as this would both disadvantageously increase POG 1 manufacturing costs, and would inhibit preferable abilities to frequently re-use the POG 1 whenever desired, since such a permanent attachment of the a strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 would require cleaning and/or drying out periods after POG 1 use over unknown times, depending on how dirty and/or wet the strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 became after each POG 1 use. To the contrary, simply attaching a new, temporary, clean, and already dry, strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 to one's arm 15 whenever the POG 1 is desired to be utilized, is both easy to do and significantly reduces POG 1 initial costs to the consumer.

[0062] After the water-absorbent material 19 has been temporarily attached around the arm 15 and secured in place with the second stretchable TPU band 20, or the like, and then, after the POG 1 is installed/applied for use, what is herein shown as a third stretchable TPU band 21, or the like, should preferably be placed around the exterior of the installed/applied POG 1 in a location directly over the water-absorbent material 19. This will insure a full and snug fit of the water-absorbent material 19 around the arm 15, and so as to eliminate any potential small open areas between the arm 15 and the water-absorbent material 19 where moisture and/or dirt could get through to the area to be protected, such as bandaging and/or casting 10, or such as IVs 12 and/or PICs 13, or the like.

[0063] While the stretchable TPU bands, 18, 20, and 21, described hereinabove could optionally be comprised of other materials, TPU bands are preferable since they eliminate latex allergy concerns, since they are stretchable, since they provide appropriate tension, since they are resilient, and since they may be repeatedly utilized. While a string, a strip of plastic, a Velcro strip, or the like, could be utilized as a securing/compression means material, a stretchable TPU band, such as 18, 20, and 21, is preferable because it retains tension over both the exterior of the POG 1 and the underlying water-absorbent material 19, whereas a string, a strip of plastic, a Velcro strip, or the like, is not self-tightening and can more easily loose tension during use with arm movement and/or muscle flexing, and therefore more easily permit water/liquid/dirt intrusion into the POG 1 and past the water-absorbent material 19.

[0064] The water-absorbent material 19 may optionally be comprised of a folded string of dry paper towels, multiple wraps of dry toilet tissue, dry cloth, or the like, so long as the dry water-absorbent material 19 completely encircles the arm 15 in a location between the distal open end 17 of the POG 1 and the bandaging/casting 10, the IV 12, the PIC 12, or the like. As related, the water-absorbent material 19 would preferably be comprised of a minimum width of two inches (50.8 mm), and have a minimum thickness of one-eighth inch (3.175 mm).

[0065] Also, either prior to or after applying the third stretchable TPU band 21 securing/compression means around the exterior of the POG 1 directly over the water-absorbent material 19 around the arm 15 within the POG 1, it is preferable to tightly pull each of the three extended segments, 2, 3, and 4, of the POG 1 tightly down so as to be as close as possible to the extreme far end tips of each finger, 6, 7, 8, 9, and thumb 5. A fourth stretchable TPU band, or the like, 22 is then preferably immediately placed completely around the exterior of the POG 1 in a location as close as possible to the wrist area of the hand 14 (any bandaging/casting 10 permitting). This tight pull of the POG 1 helps to keep the far end tips of one's fingers 6, 7, 8, 9 and thumb 5 extended into the POG 1 as far as reasonably possible, so as to improve gripping ability and dexterity.

[0066] Here, the POG 1 is not shown in a position of yet being finally tightly pulled down over the end tip of the bandaged/cast 10 fourth finger 9; over the end tips of the other three fingers, 6, 7, and 8; and over the end tip of the thumb 5; all so as to demonstrate adequate room remains available for other and additional potential bandaging/casting, even though other and additional such potential bandaging/casting is not shown herein. Pulling each of the three extended segments, 2, 3, and 4, of the POG 1 tightly down as close as possible to the extreme far end tips of each finger, 6, 7, 8, 9, and thumb 5 (whether or not bandaged/cast 10), and then immediately applying/placing the fourth stretchable TPU band 22 completely around the exterior of the POG 1 in a location as close as possible to the wrist area of the hand 14 (bandaging/casting 10 permitting) would be generally well understood.

[0067] As shown herein, all TPU stretchable bands, or the like, 18, 20, 21, and 22, are shown in a stretched position so as to be positioned within and/or around the top view of a POG 1. When actually applied, the TPU stretchable bands, 18, 20, 21, and 22, would respectively have lesser diameters so as to more tightly fit around the arm 15 and/or wrist area of the hand 14. Further, all TPU stretchable bands, or the like, 18, 20, 21, and 22, described herein should preferably have an un-stretched width of five to ten mm, an un-stretched length of between ninety to one hundred and ten mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between one to three mm, and have a length stretch-ability to at least three hundred mm long without breaking, as well as all being UV resistant and capable of withstanding temperatures of at least one hundred and ten degrees F.

[0068] Sample preferable POG 1 use instructions, absent any item number designations, are comprised as follows: [0069] 1. First, wrap dry water-absorbent cloth, a small dry hand towel, dry paper towels, or similar dry material, completely around a portion of your bare arm that is above the bandaging/cast, but that is in a location so that when the glove is applied, the water-absorbent material will be completely covered by, and fully within, the upper portion of the glove. The water-absorbent material must be at least, and preferably greater than, two inches (50.8 mm) wide and one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) thick. Use one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable bands (a first band) to secure the water-absorbent material in place around your bare arm prior to glove application. [0070] 2. Second, carefully place the glove completely over the bandaging and/or cast (or other area to be protected), as well as completely over the water-absorbent material wrapped completely around your bare arm. [0071] 3. Third, pull the glove tightly down from your finger and thumb tips (within the three respective prongs) to a point past the underlying water-absorbent material: then place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a second band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is as close as possible to your wrist. This will help provide improved gripping ability by eliminating longer than necessary floppy ends of the three prongs. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearing any portion of the plastic glove. [0072] 4. Fourth, place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a third band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is directly over the water- absorbent material, so as to provide a snug and secure tension banddirectly over and completely around the water-absorbent material that is wrapped completely around your bare arm on the inside of the glove. This will help to catch any water and/or dirt that may getthrough the constrictive and pre-tensioned open end of the glovebefore it gets to the protected area. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearing any portion of the plastic glove.

[0073] FIG. 2 is a top view, not drawn to any scale, of a protective Post-Op Glove (POG) 1 with preferable standard adult-sized dimensions designated in millimeters (mm) between numbered arrowed lines.

[0074] The designated POG 1 dimensions, as shown herein, would be respectively and appropriately reduced for smaller sized applications (such as for children for example), and would be respectively and appropriately increased for larger-sized applications.

[0075] A sufficient maximum overall completed POG 1 length, for example, so as to accommodate most adult persons would preferably be comprised of a distance of 80 centimeters (cm), or 800 millimeters (mm), plus or minus 1 mm to 150 mm, as shown by arrow 30, is sufficient to cover most individuals. The said 800 mm is the distance between the top of the first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) and the bottom of the POG 1.

[0076] Within the said preferable maximum overall POG 1 length of 800 mm, as shown by arrow 30, which affords adequate length for most broken arms, broken elbows, and for most PICs, a 3 cm, or 30 mm, plus or minus up to 1 to 10 mm portion, as shown by arrow 31, in POG 1 length should preferably be provided in order to make a loop (shown as 23 in FIG. 1) at the distal open end perimeter (shown as 17 in FIG. 1) of the POG 1, which loop would encase a stretchable band (shown as 18 in FIG. 1), such as a TPU stretchable/constrictive band, to be used for initial securing of the distal open end perimeter of the POG 1 around one's arm (not shown herein as an arm is well understood by most everyone). Here, the loop containing the stretchable band, as well as the sealed end of the loop (shown as 24 in FIG. 1) are all shown as being stretched to the full POG 1 width of 210 mm, as shown by arrow 32.

[0077] A sufficient POG 1 width below the finger segments (shown as 3 and 4 in FIG. 1) and extending the full length of the POG 1, so as to accommodate most adult persons, would preferably be comprised of a width of 21 centimeters (cm), or 210 millimeters (mm), plus or minus 1 mm to 5 mm, as shown by arrow 32.

[0078] A sufficient width for the upper portion of the extended prong/segment for the thumb (shown as 2 in FIG. 1) would be 40 mm, as shown by arrow 42, at the tip of the thumb segment, before the rounded thumb segment tip end. A sufficient width for the thumb prong/segment at its midpoint 63, opposite of the location of where the top portion of the thumb segment intersects with the side of the POG 1, is 60 mm, as shown by arrow 33. The distance between the top of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment intersects with the side of the POG 1, and the bottom of the extended prong/segment for the first two fingers (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) closest to the thumb segment (shown as 2 in FIG. 1) is 65 mm, as shown by arrow 34.

[0079] The distance between the base of the upper rounded portion of the thumb segment (shown as 2 in FIG. 1) to the bottom of the extended prong/segment for the first two fingers (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) is 65 mm, as shown by arrow 41. The distance from the top portion of the thumb segment to the bottom portion of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment extends from the POG 1, would preferably be 90 mm, as shown by arrow 39. The remaining distance between the lower portion bottom of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment extends from the POG 1, and the bottom/base of the POG 1 is 560 mm, as shown by arrow 40.

[0080] A sufficient width for the extended prong/segment for the first two fingers (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) would be 109 mm, as shown by arrow 35, near the base of the first two finger segment.

[0081] The first two finger segment extends upwardly 65 mm on its right side, as shown by arrow 36, on the side closest to the top of the thumb segment, to the base of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48, which is also the lowermost ending point 50 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48.

[0082] The first two finger segment then extends another 20 mm, in a total vertical distance, as shown by arrow 37, upwardly along its largest rounded top portion 48, from the base of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48 to the uppermost starting point 49 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48.

[0083] The total distance from the bottom 46 of the first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1), which bottom is shown by a dashed line 46, to the uppermost top of the first two finger segment, is 85 mm, as shown by arrow 38.

[0084] The first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) has a total uppermost top width of 55 mm, as shown by arrow 43, extending from the left side closest to the prong segment for the second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), to the end of the said 55 mm width, which end is at the uppermost starting point 49 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48.

[0085] The horizontal width, between the uppermost starting point 49 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48 and the lowermost ending point 50 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48, is 54 mm, as shown by arrow 44.

[0086] The upper left portion of the first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1), on the side next to the third and fourth (little) finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), has a rounded segment with a bottom/base that is between 1 mm and 10 mm in width, as shown by arrow 45.

[0087] There is a gap width of between 1 mm and 10 mm, as shown by arrow 47, between the first two finger segment and the second two finger segment with a preferable rounded gap bottom.

[0088] The third and fourth (little) finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), also herein referred to as the second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), has a maximum width of 100 mm, as shown by arrow 51, and has a maximum length of 80 mm, as shown by arrow 52, from its bottom 46 to its uppermost top 53, which uppermost top 53 is also herein shown as the uppermost starting point 53, of its “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54.

[0089] The “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54 has a width of 50 mm, as shown by arrow 55, but with the 50 mm width 55 being rounded between its uppermost starting point 53 and its lowermost ending point 56.

[0090] The width of the second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), between the uppermost starting point of its largest rounded top portion and its far-right side next to the first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1), is 50 mm, as shown by arrow 57.

[0091] The upper right portion of the second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), on the side next to the first finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1), has a rounded segment with a bottom/base that is between 1 mm and 10 mm in width, as shown by arrow 58.

[0092] The distance between the uppermost top of the first two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1) and the bottom of the POG 1 is 795 mm, as shown by arrow 59.

[0093] The distance between the bottom of the POG 1 and the bottom 46 of the second finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1) is 715 mm, as shown by arrow 60.

[0094] The distance between the bottom 46 of the second finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1) and the lowermost ending point 56 of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54 is 55 mm, as shown by arrow 61.

[0095] The second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1) extends 25 mm, in a total vertical distance upwardly, along its largest rounded top portion 54 from the lowermost ending point 56 of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54 to the uppermost starting point 53 of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54, as shown by arrow 62.

[0096] All of the above-said POG sizing dimensions would be/is proportionately reduced for smaller/children, and would be/is proportionately increased for larger adult sizes.

[0097] FIG. 3, not drawn to any scale, shows a simulated un-annealed POG 1 segment 25, which is weaker, adjacent to a simulated annealed segment 26, which is stronger.

[0098] As explained hereinabove, under FIG. 1's detailed description as an example, it is important that a POG 1 is comprised of a basic virgin polyethylene material (for both medical/allergy safety purposes, for reliably good quality, and for material recycling purposes, etc.). However, if the basic polyethylene material has a thickness of less than 0.05 mm, while the curing and drying time on the manufacturing mold is relatively short, it is subject to being more easily torn on casting, or the like, and is less likely to be repeatedly used. Therefore, it is preferable that any polyethylene material with less than a 0.05 mm wall thickness be annealed 26 to increase its strength and/or usefulness.

[0099] Annealing 26 is a special process (which is well understood by those skilled in the annealing 26 art) that materially assists in relieving and/or minimizing residual stresses in plastic and in removing any chain orientation, typically by first slowly heating and then by slowly cooling the plastic below its transition temperature, or softening point/temperature. However, annealing 26 is time-consuming and adds additional POG 1 costs, which is counter-productive to the objective of providing a good, but relatively low-cost, POG 1 to the consumer.

[0100] While a POG 1 polyethylene material thickness greater than 0.07 mm could possibly be strong enough to withstand easily being torn without being annealed, as mentioned hereinabove, a material thickness greater than 0.07 mm disadvantageously requires both more polyethylene material and a longer curing and drying time on the POG1 manufacturing mold, and is therefore disadvantageously costlier to the consumer. Thus, while annealing 26 is a possible option for a thinner POG 1 polyethylene material, due to the additional more significant time and costs involved, annealing 26 is not a preferable option.

[0101] FIG. 4 shows a simulated un-embossed POG segment 27, which provides lesser gripping abilities (more prone to slipping), adjacent to a simulated dotted/raised dot embossed POG segment 28, which affords enhanced gripping abilities (less prone to slipping). An optional raised lines/ribbing embossing POG segment 29 is also shown as an example of other embossing designs, which affords enhanced gripping abilities (less prone to slipping).

[0102] As explained hereinabove in FIG. 3, annealing requires relatively significant additional POG 1 processing time (slowly heating the preferable POG 1 polyethylene material generally to a certain temperature at/near its softening point, and then slowly cooling the polyethylene material) and increased POG 1 production costs. However, a single embossing, 28 or 29, procedure, absent any annealing, enhances both POG 1 strength and gripping abilities, as well as maintains relatively low POG 1 pricing and enhanced consumer affordability, as embossing, 28 or 29, is much less time-consuming and costly than annealing.

[0103] While embossing, 28 or 29, a POG 1 material will increase its height from bottom to top, the original un-embossed thickness should preferably have a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm. Optionally, an original and un-embossed wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.065 mm will typically be sufficient and will also advantageously save some small amount of curing and drying time on the POG 1 manufacturing mold.

[0104] While the term embossing, 28 or 29, can have many meanings and applications (typically referring to raised lettering), as used herein, the term embossing 28 and 29 is referring to a dotted type 28 of embossing and/or to a raised lines/ribbing type 29 of embossing, which enhances tear resistance and gripping abilities via the elimination of an otherwise smooth and slippery POG 1 surface, especially when wet. A dotted type embossing 28 may generally be preferred, but a raised lines/ribbing type embossing 29 may also optionally be utilized, as well as any other type of embossing which is not shown herein, but which would be well understood by those skilled in the art.