COMPRESSION GARMENT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A COMPRESSION GARMENT

Abstract

The invention concerns a compression garment for providing compression to a body part, in particular a limb, of a patient, comprising an, in particular tubular, padded sleeve extending around the body part and having an inner layer and an outer layer secured, in particular sewn, together to define at least one enclosure between them, and multiple particles, in particular plastic foam particles, received in the enclosure for being pressed against the body part.

Claims

1. Compression garment for providing compression to a body part of a patient, comprising a padded sleeve extending around the body part and having an inner layer and an outer layer secured together to define at least one enclosure between them, and multiple particles, in particular plastic foam particles, received in the enclosure for being pressed against the body part, characterized in that the particles have an at least essentially polyhedral shape such that an irregular pattern of flat surfaces and edged protrusions is formed at least on the inner layer side of the enclosure.

2. Compression garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the edges of the particles have a length of at least 0.75 cm, in particular at least 1 cm, and/or have at least essentially the same dimensions and/or shape and/or are tetrahedrons or cubes and/or are made of high-density foam.

3. Compression garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the particles arranged in the enclosure form air passages from the inner layer to the outer layer and/or the inner layer and the outer layer are made of an, in particular moisture-wicking and/or temperature regulating, fabric.

4. Compression garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the padded sleeve comprises at least one structuring seam structuring the padded sleeve, in particular at least one quilt seam.

5. Compression garment according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one stitch of the at least one quilt seam extends through at least one of the particles and/or that particles are compressed at the quilt seam such that the padded sleeve is of less thickness.

6. Compression garment according to claim 4, characterized in that the multiple structuring seams define a pattern of channels extending over the area of the padded sleeve, in particular to facilitate flow to lymphatic pathways.

7. Compression garment according to claim 6, characterized in that the pattern of channels is or comprises a chevron pattern, in particular along a length of a limb as the body part, and/or comprises multiple sub-patterns whose channels at least partly connect to each other, wherein, in particular, an, in proximal-distal direction, central chevron pattern transitions to a straight and/or fanned pattern at the distal and/or proximal ends.

8. Compression garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the padded sleeve is elastic and/or configured to apply compression, in particular in a range of 10 to 20 mmHg, according to a predetermined basic compression profile to the body part.

9. Compression garment according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one oversleeve, which is adapted to be worn over the padded sleeve, and/or at least one undersleeve, which is adapted to be worn under the padded sleeve, wherein the oversleeve and/or the undersleeve comprise at least one, in particular moisture-wicking and/or temperature regulating, fabric layer and are configured to apply compression according to a predetermined additional compression profile to the body part.

10. Compression garment according to claim 9, characterized in that multiple oversleeves and/or undersleeves for selectively applying to the patient are provided and/or the compression applied by at least one of the at least one oversleeve and/or undersleeve is in the range of 0 to 10 mmHg and/or of 5 to 15 mmHg.

11. Compression garment according to claim 9, characterized in that the basic compression profile and the at least one additional compression profile are chosen such that they combine to an effective compression profile according to at least one compression class according to at least one guideline or standard.

12. Compression garment according to claim 9, characterized in that at least one of the at least one oversleeve is shorter in proximal-distal-direction than the padded sleeve and/or that at least one of the at least one undersleeve comprises an outer low friction surface.

13. Compression garment according claim 9, characterized in that multiple oversleeves and/or undersleeves of different dimensions or shapes for selectively applying to the patient are provided for covering different portions of the body part and/or the padded sleeve.

14. Compression garment according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one of the at least one undersleeve and/or the padded sleeve comprises indicia for positioning the padded sleeve on the undersleeve and/or at least one of the at least one oversleeve on the padded sleeve and/or the undersleeve.

15. Compression garment according to claim 9, characterized in that the oversleeve and the padded sleeve comprise corresponding fastening means for detachably fastening the oversleeve to the padded sleeve in at least one position, wherein the padded sleeve comprises at least one donning band having fixed ends secured to the outer layer and free ends detachably fastened to each other by a fastener, and wherein the fastening means of the oversleeve comprise two perforations for the donning band.

16. Compression garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the padded sleeve comprises at least one donning band on the outer layer, in particular one in a proximal end area and one in a distal end area.

17. Compression garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the padded sleeve comprises multiple different structure areas along the proximal-distal-direction, wherein at least one structure area comprises the particles in the enclosure resulting in an irregular contact surface topography of the inner layer towards the patient, while at least one other structure area comprises a different, second contact surface topography, wherein, in particular, a flat or regularly structured foam layer is arranged between the inner and the outer layers to provide the second contact surface topography.

18. Compression garment according to claim 1, characterized in that the padded sleeve further comprises at least one foam layer between the particles and the outer layer in the enclosure, the foam layer having an outer layer side topography differing from the inner layer side topography provided by the particles, in particular a flat or regularly structured outer layer side topography, such that the padded sleeve can be reversed to apply the outer layer side topography to the body part.

19. Method for manufacturing a compression garment, in particular a compression garment according to claim 1, to apply compression to a body part of a patient, characterized in that, to produce a padded sleeve, an inner and an outer layer are sewn together along their edges leaving an opening to the provided enclosure between the layers, the enclosure is filled with a multiplicity of particles, in particular plastic foam particles, for being pressed against the body part, wherein the particles have an at least essentially polyhedral shape such that an irregular pattern of flat surfaces and edged protrusions is formed at least on the inner layer side of the enclosure, and the opening is closed by sewing.

20. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that, before or after the opening has been closed by sewing, the compression garment is quilted along at least one quilt seam.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] FIG. 1 a principle drawing of a padded sleeve of an embodiment of a compression garment according to the invention,

[0058] FIG. 2A a foam particle,

[0059] FIG. 2B a layer structure during manufacture of the padded sleeve,

[0060] FIG. 2C the layer structure of FIG. 2B after quilting,

[0061] FIG. 3 a cross section of the padded sleeve,

[0062] FIG. 4A a layer structure for a second embodiment of a padded sleeve,

[0063] FIG. 4B the layer structure of FIG. 4A after quilting,

[0064] FIG. 5 a layer structure for a third embodiment of a padded sleeve,

[0065] FIG. 6 a schematic view of a padded sleeve having different structure areas,

[0066] FIG. 7A-D examples of channel patterns for a padded sleeve for the arm of a patient,

[0067] FIG. 8 a first embodiment of a compression garment with an oversleeve,

[0068] FIG. 9A-B alternative embodiments of the oversleeve of FIG. 8,

[0069] FIG. 10 a second embodiment of a compression garment with an oversleeve,

[0070] FIG. 11 a combined view of the padded sleeve and the oversleeve of the second embodiment of FIG. 10,

[0071] FIG. 12 a cross-sectional view of the combined sleeves of FIG. 11,

[0072] FIG. 13 a third embodiment of a compression garment with oversleeves,

[0073] FIG. 14 a combined view of the padded sleeves and the oversleeves of the third embodiment of FIG. 13,

[0074] FIG. 15 a fourth embodiment of a compression garment with an undersleeve,

[0075] FIG. 16 a combined view of the padded sleeve and the undersleeve of the fourth embodiment of FIG. 10, and

[0076] FIG. 17 a fifth embodiment of a compression garment for the leg of a patient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] In the following, multiple embodiments of padded sleeves and compression garments are exemplarily described. Each compression garment according to the invention comprises at least one padded sleeve, in some embodiments discussed here two padded sleeves. However, in principle, the number of padded sleeves is not so limited. The same holds true for the optional oversleeves and undersleeves, which may be provided as one or more exchangeable and/or combinable sleeves. In particular, a compression garment system that is configurable to provide different compressions and/or, in particular graduated, compression profiles may be created.

[0078] Certain features only discussed with respect to one embodiment may, of course, be transferred to other embodiments described here, where applicable, in particular regarding materials, shapes of components, fastening systems, and/or indicia/marking systems.

[0079] FIG. 1 shows a principle drawing of a padded sleeve 1 of a compression garment according to the invention. The padded sleeve 1 is, in this case, tubular and hollow to receive a body part, in particular a limb, therethrough. To this end, the padded sleeve 1 may be elastic and/or comprise a closure system (not shown). In some, less preferred embodiments, the padded sleeve 1 may also comprise straps for adjusting compression. The straps and the closure system may be combined.

[0080] Regarding FIGS. 2A to 2C, the manufacturing of the padded sleeve 1 is explained. For the padding of the padded sleeve 1, foam particles 2 as indicated in FIG. 2A are used. The foam particle 2 in this case has the shape of a cube, but may, in other embodiments, also comprise other polyhedral shapes, for example tetrahedrons or cuboctahedrons. For example, the particles may be made from polyurethane foam and preferably have a density between 2 and 3.5 pounds per cubic foot, in this case between 2.5 and 2.9 pounds per cubic foot. The impression load deflection (ILD) firmness may be 50 to 80, preferably 60 to 70. To form the cubes, the particles 2 are water jet cut or die cut from a foam sheet.

[0081] In the following, when particles 2 are shown in a formed enclosure 5 in the padded sleeve 1, for simplicity, they may be shown separated and spaced. However, it is understood that, in reality, the particles 2 are touching each other, contacting, in particular partly along edges or at corners, and, due to the random insertion, create smaller, randomly distributed spaces between them.

[0082] To manufacture the padded sleeve 1, an inner layer 3 and an outer layer 4 are sewed together to form a panel which may be compared to a pillow case, wherein the panel has an opening to add the foam particles 2 into the formed enclosure 5, as indicated in FIG. 2B. The inner and outer layers 3, 4 are, in this case, identical, and are fabric layers. A moisture-wicking and temperature regulating fabric that draws heat and moisture away instantly and continuously from the body part, like materials known by the trademark “brrrº”, is used.

[0083] The particles 2 have a dimension along their edges of 0.75 to 1.75 cm, in the current embodiment ½ inch. When placed inside the enclosure 5, the cubed geometry of the particles provides, as indicated in the figures, for an irregular pattern of flat surfaces and edged protrusions on at least the inner layer side of the enclosure 5, since the particles 2 are placed randomly in the enclosure 5. This transfers to an irregular combination of flat surfaces and contoured surface protrusions in the contact surface topography of the inner layer 3 when pressed against the body part. The relatively large size and geometry of the particles 2 also results in an increased air space between the particles 2, forming air passages to promote air, heat and moisture transfer to the outside of the padded sleeve 1.

[0084] The panel, after being filled with the particles 2 and hence showing the layer structure of FIG. 2B, is then closed by sewing. Thereafter, structuring seams 6 are quilted through the layer structure of FIG. 2B along defined paths thus creating a pattern of channels 7, as further discussed below. The stitches of the structuring seams 6, in this case kilt seams, not only extend through the inner and outer layers 3, 4, but also through the particles 2, such that some foam particles 2′ are secured and compressed, padding the seam channel 7 areas. In consequence, as seen in FIG. 2C, the thickness varies along the panel, wherein thinner portions are found along the structuring seams 6.

[0085] The so-prepared panel may then be secured together at opposing ends, as already discussed with respect to FIG. 1, permanently or using a closure system. For example, opposing side edges may be sewed together.

[0086] The padded sleeve 1 may be configured for multiple body parts, but is preferably used for the upper extremities of a patient, that is, the arms. Here, the padded sleeve 1 may be configured to cover the hand, arm, and/or the shoulder, the latter using an oblique proximal rise. The padded sleeve 1 can be further configured to include a thumb post/thumb hole, quilted finger channel seems, or partial hand/arm coverage. Similar approaches can be applied to the lower extremities and other body parts, for example the head, the neck or the trunk.

[0087] FIG. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the headed sleeve 1. As can be seen, by using the quilted seams 6, multiple channels 7 and sub-enclosures filled with foam particles 2 are formed. In this case, as can be seen, only cubically formed particles 2 are found in the enclosure 5, such that the irregular pattern can be found on the inner layer side as well as on the outer layer side, making the padded sleeve 1 in principle reversable. Upon reversing the padded sleeve 1, the former inner layer 3 becomes the outer layer and the former outer layer 4 becomes the inner layer.

[0088] In this context, FIGS. 4A and 4B show an alternative embodiment of the layer structure that can be employed in the padded sleeve 1. In this case, on the outer layer side of the enclosure 5, a flat foam layer 8 is provided before the particles 2 are randomly inserted to the inner layer side of the enclosure 5. When the structuring seams 6 are quilted through the whole layer structure, also the flat foam layer 8 is fixed and compressed at positions 9. In this case, an irregular contact surface topography of the inner layer 3 towards the patient is provided by the particles 2, whereas a flat, second contact surface topography, also with channels 7, is provided for the outer layer 4. By respectively reversing the padded sleeve 1, both contact surface topographies may be applied to the patient. It is noted that, as an alternative to the flat foam layer 8, also a regularly structured foam layer may be employed.

[0089] The contact surface topography may, according to the invention, also vary along the proximal-distal-direction, as indicated in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows a layer structure of the padded sleeve 1 explaining the possibilities for providing different structure areas along the padded sleeve 1. Free particles 2 and sheet foam layers 8 can be placed in parallel layers or alternated in series, or any combination of both. This allows for different topographies and compression effects at different areas of the body part.

[0090] For example, a padded sleeve 1 to be applied to the arm and hand of a patient is shown as a principle drawing in FIG. 6. Two structure areas 10, 11 are shown, wherein, in the structure area 10, a flat foam layer 8 is used, while in the structure area 11, the particles 2 in the enclosure 5 are employed. The structure area 10 is provided for the hand area, while the structure area 11 is provided for the arm. It is, however, noted that, alternatively, two padded sleeves 1 may be provided.

[0091] As already discussed, by using the structuring seams 6, certain patterns of channels can be provided. Exemplary embodiments are shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D for a padded sleeve 1 to be worn on the arm and hand of a patient. FIG. 7A shows an embodiment only comprising a chevron pattern 12 of channels extending over the whole padded sleeve 1. In FIG. 7B, the chevron pattern 12 transitions into a straight pattern 13 at the proximal end of the padded sleeve 1. The preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 7C, where a straight pattern 13 at the distal end in the hand area transitions to a chevron pattern 12 in the central area, which again transitions into a straight pattern 13 at the proximal end. Finally, a pattern of channels 7, wherein chevron patterns 12 at the ends transition into a straight pattern 13 the central region is shown.

[0092] In the following, concrete embodiments of compression garments using such padded sleeves 1 are shown. In FIG. 8, a compression garment 4 for the arm and hand of a patient having two padded sleeves 1a, 1b, one for the arm, one for the hand, and two oversleeves 15a, 15b for the respective padded sleeves 1a, 1b is shown. At the paired sleeve end junction 16, as can be seen, the shared edges of the padded sleeves 1a, 1b that abut each other when donned follow the chevron pattern angle. The paired sleeve end junction 16 serves as a low-pressure channel similar to the channels 7 provided by the structuring seems 6 kilted through the padded sleeves 1a, 1b. The angular extension areas of the padded sleeves 1a, 1b also provide a region of little to no compression. The oversleeves 15a, 15b are configured to be worn over the padded sleeves 1a, 1b to apply additive compression to both the padded sleeves 1a, 1b as well as the angular extension areas.

[0093] As shown by the alternative oversleeves 15a, 15b of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the paired sleeve end junctions 16 of the oversleeves 15a, 15b and the padded sleeves 1a, 1b are not required to match, which may lead to increased stability. It should further be noted already at this point that multiple oversleeves 15a and/or 15b may be provided each having different compression characteristics to be able to apply different effective compression profiles to the body part by choosing the respective combination of padded sleeve 1a, 1b and oversleeve 15a, 15b, as further discussed below for further embodiments.

[0094] FIGS. 10 to 12 show a second embodiment of a compression garment 14, again for use at the arm and hand. As can be seen, in this embodiment, the padded sleeve 1 comprises a donning band 17 secured to its outer layer 4. The donning band 17 can be used to aid in donning or undonning the compression garment 14, since it forms a handle strap allowing to don at least the padded sleeve 1 over the body part, in this case arm and hand. It should be noted at this point that also an undersleeve (not shown in FIGS. 10 to 12) having an outer low friction surface may be provided as part of the compression garment 14 upon which the padded sleeve 1 may slide to provide easier donning. The two-part donning band 17 comprises two fixed ends 18 sewn to the outer layer 4 and to free ends 19 detachably fastenable to each other by a fastener 20 ,in this case a button-and-loop-fastener having a button 21 passing through a perforation 22 in the other free end to attach the free ends 19 together.

[0095] The compression garment 14 further comprises an oversleeve 15, wherein the oversleeve 15, as shown in the combined view of FIG. 11, is shorter than the padded sleeve 1 such that its finished edges 23 do not touch the skin of the patient, possibly causing irritations.

[0096] The oversleeve 15 further comprises two perforations 24, through which the free ends 19 of the donning band 17 may be guided and then again fastened together using the fastener 20. In FIG. 12, the parts of the donning band 17 passing through the perforations 24 are clearly shown.

[0097] In other words, the parts of the donning band 17 are secured to the padded sleeve 1 and connected using a button 21. When released from the button 21, the donning band 17 can be threaded through openings 24 of the oversleeve 15, allowing the donning band 17 to be used to assist in donning both the padded sleeve 1 and the oversleeve 15 simultaneously, where otherwise the donning band 17 would be covered by the oversleeve 15. In an additional functionality, the donning band 17 secures the oversleeve 15 in place and the button 21 can be further utilized as an anker for additional oversleeves 15.

[0098] FIGS. 13 and 14 show a third embodiment of a compression garment 14 for the arm and hand of a patient, in this case again comprising two padded sleeves 1a, 1b, one for the arm and one for the hand, and two oversleeves 15a, 15b, again one for the arm and one for the hand. In the padded sleeve 1b, finger channels for receiving the fingers have been provided by quilting opposing parts of the whole padded sleeve 1b together using finger channel seams 25. Furthermore, each sleeve 1a, 1b, 15a, 15b comprises alignment indicia 26 of a marking system as well as compression indicia 27 of a labelling system. The alignment indicia 26 serve to indicate how interfacing sleeves 1a, 1b, 15a, 15b are to be correctly positioned. In this case, the oversleeves 15a, 15b are supposed to partly overlap in a compression zone 28, which is also exploited by providing fastening means 29 for both the padded sleeve 1b as well as both oversleeves 15a, 15b to detachably fasten the oversleeves 15a, 15b to the padded sleeve 1b in the correct position. To this end, the fastening means 29 comprise through-holes for perforations in the oversleeves 15a, 15b, and a button to pass through both through-holes, as illustrated in FIG. 14. Of course, additionally, a donning band 17 as described above may be employed, for example at the proximal end of the padded sleeve 1a.

[0099] Each of the sleeves 1a, 1b, 15a, 15b has certain compression characteristics, in particular compression zones in which a certain compression onto the body part is exerted, wherein these compression zones and their compression are indicated by the compression indicia 27. The compression zones, in this example, are separated by the alignment indicia 26. When the compression garment 14 of FIG. 13 is worn as shown in FIG. 14, four compression zones result. In the finger area, the compression of 20 mmHg of the padded sleeve 1b and 5 mmHg of oversleeve 15b add up to a total compression of 25 mmHg. In a hand compression zone proximally adjacent, 15 mmHg from the padded sleeve 1b and 5 mmHg from the oversleeve 15b add up to yield a compression of 20 mm. In a lower arm compression zone, the respective 0 mmHg compression of the sleeves 1a and 1b add up with the compression of 15 mmHg of the oversleeve 15a to yield 15 mmHg in total. Finally, in an upper arm compression zone, a 15 mmHg of the padded sleeve 1a add up with 0 mmHg of the oversleeve 15a to provide, again, a total of 15 mmHg. Hence, a graduated compression profile (25 mmHg, 20 mmHg, 15 mmHg, and 15 mmHg) is provided in a distal-proximal-direction, facilitating flow of edema fluid.

[0100] It is noted that multiple oversleeves 15a, 15b each having different compression characteristics may be provided to be able to configure the compression garment 14 to an effective compression profile as desired. For example, the basic compression profiles provided by the padded sleeves 1a, 1b and additional compression profiles provided by oversleeves 15a, 15b may be combined to an effective compression profile according to a compression class according to a standard, like RAL-GC 387/2. Here, preferably, oversleeves 15a, 15b are provided such that at least compression class I and compression class II (mild and moderate compression, respectively) may be adjusted on the patient. In this case, an embodiment, the compression indicia 27 may additionally or alternatively indicate compression classes.

[0101] It is noted that such combinations to implement desired effective compression profiles may alternatively or additionally also be achieved using undersleeves.

[0102] In a fourth embodiment according to FIGS. 15 and 16, the compression garment 14 comprises a padded sleeve for the arm and an undersleeve 30 covering the arm and the hand. Alignment indicia 26a in positioning the padded sleeve 1 over the undersleeve 30, wherein, furthermore, compression indicia 27 indicate compression, in this case ranges. The undersleeve 30 has a low friction outer surface to facilitate donning the padded sleeve 1.

[0103] In this embodiment, the undersleeve 30 exerts a compression of 15 to 20 mmHg in the hand area and 0 to 10 mmHg in the arm area. The padded sleeve 1 exerts a compression of 0 to 10 mmHg in the arm area, such that, in the arm area, the basic compression profile of the padded sleeve 1 adds up with the additional compression profile of the undersleeve 30, wherein, in the hand area, only the additional compression profile of the undersleeve 30 defines the effective compression profile.

[0104] FIG. 17 finally illustrates a compression garment applicable to the lower extremities, in this case covering the leg and partially the foot. A padded sleeve 1 is provided for both the foot and the leg, while exemplarily three oversleeves 15a, 15b and 15c for different portions of the body part, in this case the lower leg, the lower leg and foot, and the upper and lower leg, are provided, wherein, again, alignment indicia 26 of a marking system for correct positioning of the oversleeve 15a, 15b and 15c are provided. Additionally, compression indicia 27 of a labeling system are printed on the sleeves 1, 15a, 15b, 15c to indicate compression levels provided, such that, by combining the padded sleeve 1 with respective combinations of oversleeves 15a, 15b and 15c, desired effective compression profiles can be adjusted.

[0105] It is noted that also for the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 17, of course, fastening means 29 may be provided to detachably secure the oversleeves 15, 15a, 15b, 15c on the padded sleeve 1 and/or the undersleeve 30 and/or the padded sleeve 1 on the undersleeve 30.