Therapeutic Treatment Garment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a unique therapeutic garment that wraps around the torso of a patient with a chest related ailment or recovering from a chest related procedure such as, without limitation, a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or the like. The therapeutic garment comprises a web, band or tube-like post-surgical wrap having two opposite ends along the length of the garment, which are secured together over the torso of the user. The therapeutic garment further comprises two pockets that are attached to, or integrally formed with, the wrap garment, such that one pocket covers the left breast of the wearer and the other pocket covers the right breast. Each of the pockets has an opening therein for receipt of a hot pack, cold pack and/or therapeutic device to combat swelling, pain and the like.

Claims

1. A therapeutic garment comprising; a band of material sized and configured to fit around a torso of a patient and comprising a front surface; and at least one pocket secured to the front surface of the band of material, wherein the at least one pocket is sized and configured to receive a therapeutic device, and further wherein the at least one pocket is comprised of a resealable closure and is waterproof.

2. The therapeutic garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the band of material is manufactured in accordance with ASTM Test Method D 5034-90; Federal Test method Standard No. 191A, Method 5100.

3. The therapeutic garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket satisfies the hydrostatic head test—Federal Test Standard 191A, Method 5514

4. The therapeutic garment as recited in claim 1 further comprising a second pocket disposed on the front surface of the band of material.

5. The therapeutic garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the band of material is comprised of one of a Lycra, a SMS, a SMMS, a SMMMS, or a combination thereof.

6. The therapeutic garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the at least one pocket has a length of between 2 and 8 inches, and a width of between 2 and 6 inches.

7. The therapeutic garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the band of material provides a compression force ranging from 8 mmHg to 50 mmHg.

8. The therapeutic garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the band of material provides a compression force of between 15 mmHg to 30 mmHg.

9. The therapeutic garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the resealable closure is one of a hook and loop fastener, a magnet, a snap, a clap, a button, a zipper, or a combination thereof.

10. The therapeutic garment as recited in claim 1, wherein the band of material is comprised of a plurality of natural fibers, a plurality of synthetic fibers, or a combination thereof.

11. A post-surgical garment comprising: a web of material for providing a compression force, wherein the web of material comprises a top edge and a bottom edge, and further wherein the top edge being secured around a patient and the bottom edge being open; the web of material having a first pocket and a second pocket each disposed on a front surface of the web of material, and each of the first and second pockets sized and configured to receive a therapeutic aid; each of the first and second pockets having an openable slit to allow insertion of the therapeutic aid within the first and second pockets; and the web of material providing a compression force ranging from between 8 mmHg to 50 mmHg.

12. The post-surgical garment as recited in claim 11, wherein each of the first and second pockets are waterproof.

13. The post-surgical garment as recited in claim 11, wherein the therapeutic aid is one of a hot pack or a cold pack.

14. The post-surgical garment as recited in claim 11, wherein the openable slit includes a closure.

15. The post-surgical garment as recited in claim 14, wherein the closure is one of a hook and loop fastener, a magnet, a snap, a clap, a button, a zipper or the combination thereof.

16. The post-surgical garment as recited in claim 11, wherein web of material is comprised of one of a Lycra, a SMS, a SMMS, a SMMMS, a plurality of natural fibers, a plurality of synthetic fibers or a combination thereof.

17. A compression garment system comprising: a web of material sized and configured to fit a human torso, wherein the web of material is comprised of at least one of a Lycra, a SMS, a SMMS, a SMMMS, a plurality of natural fibers, a plurality of synthetic fibers or a combination thereof; a first pocket and a second pocket each applied to the web of material, wherein each of the first and second pockets have a length ranging from between 2 and 8 inches and a width ranging from between 2 and 6 inches; a therapeutic device inserted in each of the first and second pockets, wherein each of the first and second pockets are comprised of a resealable closure; and the web of material providing a compressive force of between 8 mmHg and 50 mmHg when applied and secured to the human torso.

18. The compression garment system as recited in claim 17, wherein each of the first and second pockets are waterproof.

19. The compression garment system as recited in claim 17, wherein the web of material is comprised of a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the top edge is secured around a patient and the bottom edge is open.

20. The compression garment system as recited in claim 19, wherein the top edge includes an elastic material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the therapeutic compression garment of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the right pocket stitched on the outer layer of the therapeutic compression garment of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of an alternative potential embodiment of the therapeutic compression garment of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a user wearing one potential embodiment of the therapeutic compression garment of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.

[0024] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for an effective treatment to combat post-operative inflammation, swelling in the chest area, pain, anxiety and the like. There is also a long felt need in the art for a therapeutic treatment garment that enables a wearer to apply heat or cold to an affected area in a hands free and secure manner, thereby enabling the wearer to engage in other tasks while receiving treatment. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a therapeutic treatment garment that provides compression therapy to the affected area both during the application of the heat/cold and during such times that the same is not being applied, and that comprises waterproof pockets for securing and applying, for example, an ice pack to an affected area without dampening the skin of the wearer.

[0025] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the therapeutic compression garment 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the therapeutic garment 100 is comprised of a web, band or tube-like post-surgical wrap 110 having a first longitudinal edge 1103, a second longitudinal edge 1104 which is opposite the first longitudinal edge 1104, a top edge 1101 and an opposite bottom edge 1102. In one embodiment, the first longitudinal edge 1103 has hook like fasteners along the length of the edge, and the second longitudinal edge 1104 has loop like fasteners along the length of the edge such that using the hook and loop fasteners allows the wrap 110 to be removably secured in the front or the back of the user 400.

[0026] When worn, the top edge 1101 of the wrap 110 is positioned at or near the top of the chest area of the user 400, and the bottom edge 1102 is open or free for relatively easy movement of the user 400. The therapeutic compression garment 100 is further comprised of a first pocket 120 and a second pocket 122 that are positioned on a front surface 121 of the post-surgical wrap 110, wherein the first or right pocket 120 covers the right chest area of the user 400 wearing the wrap garment 110, and the second or left pocket 122 covers the left chest area. Each of the pockets 120, 122 are preferably rectangular in shape and stitched on the outer or front surface 121 of the wrap 110 on three of the four sides of the pocket 120, 122, thereby leaving a slit or opening 121, 123. More specifically, the right pocket 120 is comprised of a slit or opening 121, and the left pocket 122 is comprised of a slit or opening 123. Each of the slits 121, 123 have a closure mechanism such as a magnetic fastener, hook and loop fastener, snap, zipper, button, clasp or other suitable closure for sealing or closing the pocket 120, 122.

[0027] The interior of the pockets 120,122 may receive a cold pack, a hot pack or a dual hot-cold pack, as per the preferences or needs of the user. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the pockets 120, 122 are stitched at an angle, such that no edge of the pockets 120, 122 is parallel to any of the top edge 1101, bottom edge 1102, or the longitudinal edges 1103, 1104. The position and shape of the pockets 120, 122 is meant to provide maximum coverage of the chest area by the cold pack, hot pack or the dual hot-cold pack kept in the interior of the pockets 120, 122.

[0028] As best shown in FIG. 1, a border 130 is preferably provided along the periphery of the wrap 110 to give a clean and comfortable finish to the wrap 110, such that it is securely worn by a user. The border 130 is created using stitching via thread and may include an elastic band 131 to help hold the wrap in place. The wrap garment 110 provides adequate relief from pain and discomfort, and is available in a large range of sizes with adjustability via a hook and loop fastener or front zipper along the longitudinal edges 1103, 1104. The wrap garment 110 is preferably manufactured in accordance with ASTM Test Method D 5034-90; Federal Test Method. Standard No. 191A, Method 5100 relating to strength and tear resistance. In addition, the wrap garment 110 should allow the passage of sterilant through the materials as well as anti-microbial solutions to protect against infection. The material is preferably waterproof and meets the hydrostatic head test—Federal Test Standard 191A, Method 5514 concerning the penetration of liquids. The material is made from one of SMS (Spunbond+Meltblown+Spunbond Nonwovens,), that is a combined nonwoven fabric which has two layers of spunbond material that have been combined with one layer of meltblown nonwovens inside, conforming them into a layered product, called a SMS nonwoven fabric. If the material is combined with two layer meltblown nonwoven inside, it is referred to as SMMS nonwoven fabric (spun-melt-melt-spun). In the same way, if the material is combined with three layer meltblown nonwoven inside, it is known as SMMMS nonwoven fabric (spun-melt-melt-melt-spun).

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of one potential embodiment of the right pocket 120 stitched on the outer layer of the therapeutic compression garment 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the right pocket 120 is a generally rectangular shaped open-ended pocket having an interior cavity 220 for receipt of a cold pack, a hot pack or a dual hot-cold pack for applying cold or heat or therapeutic aid to the chest or other area. The right pocket 120 itself is stitched or sealed along three edges/borders 210, and has a slit opening having magnetic fasteners 200 to insert the therapeutic aid, such as the cold pack, hot pack or the dual hot-cold pack. The slit may also be reversibly sealable by means of opposite facing complementary hook and loop fastener strips. Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that any suitable fastener, such as a zipper, male and female connectors, clips, buttons, clasps, etc. can reversibly seal the slit of the right pocket 120. Further, while the right pocket 120 is shown as a rectangle, it should be understood that the pocket may be of any geometric shape in order to accommodate different configurations and apply different treatment regimes. It should also be appreciated that the details of the left pocket 122 can be the same as of the right pocket 120 described in this embodiment. If the pockets 120, 122 are not stitched in place, they may be removable, such as through the use of a removable or repositionable adhesive so that the garment does not need to have two pockets, or any pockets.

[0030] As previously stated, a cold pack, such as a freezer pack or crushed ice secured inside a zip-lock bag can be used in the pockets 120, 122. A hot pack could be, for example, heatable beads, a gel pack or the like secured inside a bag. In one embodiment, the pockets 120, 122 are made up of the same material as the wrap 110 and, in another embodiment, the material of the pockets 120, 122 and the wrap 110 may be different. The pockets 120, 122 are preferably waterproof and non-insulating in nature, such that the heat or cold from the packs when placed in the pockets 120, 122 reduces swelling, pain and discomfort. The size of the pockets 120, 122 may range from between 2 and 8 inches in length, and between 2 and 6 inches in width.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of an alternative potential embodiment of the therapeutic compression garment 300 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the therapeutic compression garment 300 is comprised of a zip fastener 302 on its longitudinal edges 1103, 1104 to secure the edges together when the garment 300 is worn by the user. Each longitudinal edge 1103, 1104 has rows of protruding teeth to secure the edges together. The zip fastener 302 allows the garment 300 to more easily conform to the shape of the torso of the user.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a user 400 wearing one potential embodiment of the therapeutic compression garment 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the user 400 is wearing the wrap garment 110 over a t-shirt 402. In other embodiments, the user 400 can wear the garment 100 under their clothes. As shown, the right pocket 120 covers the right chest area 404 and the left pocket 122 covers the left chest area of the user 400. The pain alleviating or therapeutic packs are inserted into the pockets 120, 122 to soothe the chest area 404 or other areas, such as the back of the user 400. The material of the wrap 110 is such that the garment 100 conforms and secures comfortably around the torso of the user 400. The top edge 1101 rests above the chest area 404 to ensure that the complete chest of the user 400 is covered by the garment 100, and may include an elastic band 131. When the garment 100 is worn by the user 400, the longitudinal edges 1103, 1104 are secured in the front or back of the user 400, depending on the area being treated using a fastening means, as described in FIG. 1. The magnetic or other fastener present on the slits of the pockets 120, 122 is closed once the garment 110 is worn by the user 400 with the therapeutic packs present within the pockets 120, 122. As previously stated, the garment 100 may be comprised of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, stretchable cotton, Lycra®, SMS, SMMS, SMMMS, natural and synthetic fibers as well as combinations of woven and non-woven materials.

[0033] In one embodiment, the therapeutic compression garment 100 may have adjustable straps (not shown) for required comfort and support, or one or more internal pockets to hold, for example, drains. The internal pockets may further comprise special fasteners to keep the drains and drainage tubes in place. The garment 100 of the present invention can be worn in all types of weather, and is relatively lightweight. The material is soft, breathable, and has wrinkle resistant properties. The garment 100 is ideal for post-surgery recovery and rehab for providing relief from pain, swelling, muscle spasms, and discomfort while maintaining privacy, comfort and style; and is suited to both single and double mastectomies, heart and kidney surgery.

[0034] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “therapeutic garment”, “compression garment”, “therapeutic compression garment”, and “post-surgical wrap” are interchangeable and refer to the therapeutic garment 100 of the present invention.

[0035] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the therapeutic compression garment 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the therapeutic garment 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes of the therapeutic garment 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the therapeutic compression garment 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the therapeutic compression garment 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.

[0036] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.