A DEVICE

Abstract

Apparatus for the protection of an arm of a carer or handler of humans or animals is provided. The apparatus is comprised of a sleeve of flexible material having a first and second end, the first and second ends of the sleeve define first and second mouths respectively, and when in use the first mouth surrounds a portion of the carers hand or wrist, and the second mouth surrounds a portion of the carers arm between the elbow and armpit, and the portion of the sleeve defining the second mouth and/or the portion of the sleeve adjacent to the second end is adapted to releasably grip the carer's arm.

Claims

1. Apparatus for the protection of an arm of a carer or handler of humans or animals in which the apparatus is comprised of a sleeve of flexible material having a first and second end, the first and second ends of the sleeve define first and second mouths respectively, and when in use the first mouth surrounds a portion of the carer's palm and back of hand, and the second mouth comprises a thumb hole adjacent the first end of the sleeve and surrounds a portion of the carers arm between the elbow and armpit, and the portion of the sleeve defining the second mouth and/or the portion of the sleeve adjacent to the second end is adapted to releasably grip the carer's arm.

2.-3. (canceled)

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which one or both of the first end of the sleeve which defines the first mouth and/or the portion of the sleeve which defines the thumb hole is not hemmed.

5. (canceled)

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve has a longitudinal seam and the longitudinal seam is glued or fabric welded.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve has an inner face adapted to contact the arm of the carer and an outer face in which the outer face is comprised of a non-absorbent surface.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve is manufactured from a material which comprises at least one substance which has antimicrobial, biostatic, bactericidal, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral and/or biocidal properties.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve is formed from a material that is elastic in x and y directions in the plane of the material.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve is formed from a material that is one or more of tear resistant, abrasion resistant, waterproof, and or water vapour permeable.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve is resistant to washing temperatures of up to 95 C.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve is resistant to drying temperatures of up to 71 C.

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the sleeve further comprises one or more darts and/or lacuna in the region that, in use, surrounds the carer's elbow.

14. (canceled)

15. Apparatus for the protection of an arm of a carer or handler of humans or animals in which the apparatus is comprised of a sleeve according to claim 1, a first inner disposable glove, and a second outer disposable glove, the inner disposable glove being for placement in direct contact with a user's hand, and the outer disposable glove for placement over the inner glove.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 in which a portion of the inner glove is locates within the sleeve and a portion of the outer glove overlies a portion of the outside of the glove.

17. Use of a sleeve according to claim 1 to protect an arm of a carer or handler when caring for or handling a human or animal patient.

18. Use of a sleeve according to claim 1 in which the carer or handler first puts on a protective glove with a cuff that extends beyond the carer's wrist, second they put the arm with the gloved hand into the sleeve, and third they put their gloved hand into a second protective glove which will overlies the first glove and the first end of the sleeve.

19. A kit comprising at least one sleeve according to claim 1, and one or both of a storage container for the sleeve or sleeves, and at least one protective glove.

20. (canceled)

Description

[0035] The present invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of the sleeve or device according to the present invention in use on either arm of a user;

[0037] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device of FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 3 shows bent embodiments of the device of FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 4 shows pan isometric view of the device of FIG. 1 with securement strap exposed;

[0040] FIG. 5 shows isometric views of storage cases for the device of FIG. 1;

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention; and

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, there is shown a sleeve or device for shielding a user's arm. In FIG. 1 a device is used on either arm.

[0044] The device is simple composed primarily of one material with minimal profile and additional parts and of a colour that approximates to the colour of the flesh of a user of the apparatus of the present invention. In this way the device is advantageously aesthetically non-threatening in order that vulnerable patients are not intimidated.

[0045] Carers can often sustain arm injuries when looking after vulnerable patients.

[0046] This device further allows a patient or other third party to grip onto the user's arm, with the arm shielded from bacteria or other damage from bacteria and cross contamination, scratching or other damage.

[0047] In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the device comprises a length 1 of cylindrical material, which material is arranged to surround a length of the user's arm, in particular the lower arm. The material is flexible and may be elastic at least in part. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the material comprises Lycra or similar and Lightweight Micro Fibre Polyester. The polyester has an external non-absorbent rubber or plasticised finish to increase grip for the patient, and to allow easy wiping clean where necessary. As patients tend to grab the arms of carers it would be unsafe for the device to be slippery to touch so in such embodiments the finish is ideally lightly textured or smooth but not slippery.

[0048] The material has an internal Lycra layer for comfort for the user's arm, Lycra being soft and breathable. This layer may be displaceable, detachable, washable or disposable.

[0049] In other embodiments of the present invention, differing combination of layers of material and/or layers of differing physical properties may be envisaged, for example comprising an outer layer, a base layer and an inner layer. In some embodiments on inner guard layer may protect against needle stabs or sticks. The layers may be displaceable or detachable, for example to allow separate disposal or cleaning of a layer or layers.

[0050] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 of the present invention, the layers are separately/in turn or collectively/as a whole seamed at a hand-proximal (first) end 4, and shoulder-proximal (second) end 5. Those seams are sewn and/or bonded which limit fraying from wear. The bonding is preferably fabric welding or gluing. Seamed edges resist fraying and stretching.

[0051] The device is fastened together and onto the user's arm using hook and loop material such as Velcro.

[0052] Hook and loop portions are arranged on a securement strap 11, which strap is used to secure the device at at least one end, namely in the pictured embodiment the shoulder-proximal (second) end of the device, wherein the wrist (first) end is advantageously left clear to avoid snagging. The strap comprises a length of fabric or material that may be wrapped around a lateral part of the length of the device, so as to decrease the device's sectional width. In alternative embodiments, alternative means for fastening the sleeve on the users arm may be employed. The second end of the sleeve may be attached to the carer's clothing at or near their shoulder

[0053] Such end or ends consequently include seamed slots 10 providing a lacuna which allows the end to be reduced in size and pulled together to close the lacunae and ends onto the arm.

[0054] The illustrated lacuna 10 is adjacent the user's arm pit and additionally or alternatively advantageously prevents the device rucking up around the pit area and becoming uncomfortable.

[0055] Furthermore for users of differing body shapes, the lacuna is ideally situated to accommodate larger upper arm to shoulder shaping.

[0056] The edges, seams or ends of the sleeve furthermore include internal silicone grip sections, which sections are pressed against the user's skin by the securement strap, so as to provide a seal, as the sections deform resiliently.

[0057] In order to allow flexure and movement of the arm whilst wearing the device, the device includes intermediate lacunae is shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. In particular the device of FIGS. 1 to 5 includes a lacuna 3 at or adjacent the user's elbow when the device (sleeve) is being worn. This allows the user to flex their arm at the elbow to allow easy arm movement without stretching the device.

[0058] The lacuna is mirrored to the other side 2 so as to enable flexure of the arm in a plurality of directions and avoid device material bagging or providing unwelcome interference to arm, flexure.

[0059] In an alternative, not illustrated, embodiment of the present invention to that described above the lacuna or cut outs in the sleeve may be replaced with continuous fabric with one or more darts in substantially the same position as the lacuna so as to aid flexure of the sleeve.

[0060] In use it may be envisaged that the device of the present invention comprises a pair of devices or sleeves to aid patient handling and reduce injuries at work.

[0061] Using the devices will give the patient a more secure and comfortable grip when being moved, whilst protecting the carer. Although patients are not often encouraged to hold onto carers' arms in panic it may be envisaged that they do. In this way if the device is slippery the patients' hand may slip off and hurt the carer or themselves.

[0062] The device further includes a protective flap 7 to cover the and securement strap, in order that patients are not liable to catch themselves on it, and user's not liable to shag clothing or other objects on the portions or securement strap.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment the protective flap comprises a collar of material 7 that may be displaced away from or over the securing strap, comprising a flexible flap, attached along one edge 13 (that is the lowest edge or edge closed the carer's hand when in use, distal from the securing strap) so as to allow displacement or expansion along the device. The proximal edge 9 is closest to the carer's arm pit when in use is seamed to avoid fraying and aid in displacement thereof, and the distal edge 13 is seamed and bonded or sewn to the device. The flap encircles the device and includes an intermediate seamed bond (not shown).

[0064] The protective flap thereby comprises a flexible and elastic piece of material arrangeable to cover the securement strap in part or whole. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the flap comprises smooth material displaced to the distal side of the distal edge when not covering the strap, and smooth material when covering the strap, being displaced over the strap and stretched to be distal from the distal edge. In further uses, the material may be bunched around the distal edge when not covering the strap.

[0065] In Use the User Would:

[0066] 1. Put their hand into the device and pull the device up to the top of their arm.

[0067] 2. Secure the device end in place with the securing strap.

[0068] 3. Cover the strap with the protective flap and repeat for the other arm.

[0069] 4. When finished, wipe clean with antibacterial wipes then remove the devices and put them in an accompanying storage pouch.

[0070] In some embodiments the devices may be envisaged to be disposable, or single-use, and/or have a disposable or single-use covering. For example the devices may include an adhesive outer layer or layers.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a sleeve (30) having a first end (32) and a second end (34). The sleeve (30) is formed from a sleeve body (31). The first end (34) of the sleeve (30) is adopted to overlie the palm and back of hand of a user (not shown) with the thumb of the user projecting through a thumb hole (36).

[0072] The first end (32) is defined by an edge (38) and the thumb hole (36) is defined by an edge (40), neither of the edges (38) or (40) are hemmed. This minimises interference between the edges (38) and or (40) when protective disposable gloves are put on by the carer over the first end of the sleeve (32). The lack of hem also increases sensitivity of touch for the carer and has the effect that the patent feels a close approximation to an unprotected human hand when the carer's hand is placed on the patient.

[0073] The second end (34) of the sleeve (30) is defined by a portion of the sleeve body (31) that is formed into a flexible tube (42) through which extends a draw string (44). The draw string (44) is elasticated and the diameter of the second end (34) may be adjusted with the draw string (44). The draw string (44) is gripped with a gripper (not shown) to keep the diameter of the second end (34) at the desired size. In alternative embodiments to that illustrated in FIG. 6, the material or fabric from which the sleeve is made is at a sufficiently elastic nature that it is stretched when the user places their arm in the sleeve and grips the users arm. In further alternative embodiments to that illustrated in FIG. 6, the flexible tube (42) contains a loop of elastic material which is stretched when the user places their arm within the sleeve, and grips the users arm. In similar embodiments, the sleeve does not include a flexible tube (42), but instead includes a loop of elastic material attached to the sleeve adjacent the second mouth of the sleeve which is stretched when the user places their arm within the sleeve, and grips the users arm.

[0074] The sleeve body (31) is formed from a flat sheet of material whose longitudinal edges have been, joined at a seam (46). The seam (46) is fabric welded or glued together with the effect that the seam (46) is smooth and does not include locations where bacteria or other micro-organisms can build up and be protected from being cleaned off the sleeve (30) or chemically treated.

[0075] The sleeve body is a material which has a degree of elasticity in the X and Y directions as shown in FIG. 6. This has the effect that the sleeve has at least some stretch to it which increases the comfort of the wearer relative to a sleeve with no elasticity/stretch.

[0076] With reference to FIG. 7, a third embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention is shown. The sleeve of FIG. 7 is as that of FIG. 6 with the addition of the darts (48) which are located so that the darts fall either side of the elbow at a user when the sleeve on the arm of the user. The sleeve (30) as shown in FIG. 7 is adapted for use on the left hand arm of a user. This has the result that the darts overlie the inner (ventral) portion of the users arm either side of the elbow when the sleeve is located on the user's arm. The sleeve for the right hand arm of the user is a mirror image of the sleeve (30) illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0077] In other, unillustrated, embodiments, there is provide a pleat adjacent the inner or outer face of the user's elbow when the sleeve is located on the user's arm.

[0078] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. The general principles of construction of the device of the illustrated embodiment of the present invention may be employed in other embodiments of the present invention. It will be further appreciated that all combinations of the features described herein are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

[0079] With respect to the above description it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships far the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0080] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.