Device And Method For Sleeve Shield and Wrap Shield For Hygienic Protection

Abstract

The disclosed inventive concept is essentially a hygienic shield. The hygienic shield may comprise two basic embodiments, referred to as a Cuff Sleeve Shield and a Cuff Wrap Shield, respectively. Both versions of the hygienic shield are disposable immediately after use. The preferred embodiment and method of use of the hygienic shield is as a protective blood pressure (BP) cuff shield, constructed as a tubular apparatus made of thin, highly flexible rubber. In the alternate embodiment and method of use, the hygienic shield is fabricated from a planar segment of rectangular material, preferably blue nitrile rubber of 4.0 mm thickness. The Cuff Wrap Shield further is fabricated with a first means of attachment at a first side of the Cuff Wrap Shield and a second means of corresponding attachment integral to a directly opposing second side. Thus, when joined at the seam, there is ultimately formed a tubular sleeve apparatus.

Claims

1. A flexible, tubular sleeve apparatus for donning by a human wearer as hygienic protection of the skin of the wearer during the placement of a blood pressure cuff, any medical equipment or device around some part of the skin or anatomy of the wearer, the sleeve apparatus comprising an elongate rubber device (i) having an upper end which is parallel to a lower end, a first edge, a second edge, and a central tubular passage, (ii) manufactured from a rubber material; and (iii) of a length necessary to make contact with all portions of the medical equipment which may impinge upon the skin of the human wearer.

2. The tubular sleeve apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rubber material is blue nitrile rubber of 4.0 mm thickness, so as to enable (a) the determination of the location of the wearer's artery and (b) the wearer's appropriate artery to be felt underneath the rubber.

3. The tubular sleeve apparatus of claim 1, wherein (a) the medical equipment to be utilized comprises a blood pressure cuff, and (b) the skin of the anatomy is that of the upper arm area of a wearer.

4. The tubular sleeve apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve apparatus is a continuous quantity of material fabricated in the form of an elongated, flexible cylinder.

5. The tubular sleeve apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve apparatus is fabricated from material in the shape of a planar rectangle, where the rubber material is rolled into a cylindrical shape, formed by the two parallel opposing ends of the planar rectangle being mutually connected at a common seam.

6. The tubular sleeve apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dimensions of length and diameter of the central tubular passage are fabricated so as to accommodate the anatomy, weight, and size of the human wearer for which the tubular sleeve apparatus will be utilized.

7. The tubular sleeve apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve apparatus is fabricated from material in the shape of a planar circle having a first means of attachment on a first side and a second means of attachment on the second side, where, upon rolling the circle material into a cylinder form, the first and second means of attachment are joined together, thereby forming the tubular sleeve apparatus.

8. The tubular sleeve apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sleeve apparatus is fabricated from material in the shape of a planar diamond having a first means of attachment on a first side and a second means of attachment on the second side of the material, where, upon rolling the diamond shape into a cylinder, the first and second means of attachment are joined together, thereby forming the tubular sleeve apparatus.

9. A method for safeguarding a human wearer from pathogens or harmful organisms that may be conveyed to the surface of the skin of the human when a health care procedure requires placement of a blood pressure cuff, an item of medical equipment or any type of medical device around or upon the skin of a limb of the wearer, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a continuous, tubular shaped sleeve apparatus, the sleeve apparatus comprising an elongate rubber cylinder having (i) an upper end, a parallel lower end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface; (ii) a central tubular passage, (iii) a material comprised of a type of thin rubber; (iv) a diameter approximately equivalent to the diameter of the subject limb of the human wearer, and (v) a length sufficient to make contact with all portions of the medical equipment which may impinge upon the skin of the human wearer; b) placing the sleeve apparatus in direct perimetral contact with the limb about, or upon which the medical equipment is to be placed and ensuring that the interior surface of the sleeve apparatus is (i) placed flush against the skin of the wearer, so as to be absent any folds or gathers; c) placing the item of medical equipment about, or in abutment with, the exterior surface of the sleeve apparatus; and d) at the conclusion of the health care procedure, disconnecting the item of medical equipment, removing the sleeve apparatus, and depositing the sleeve apparatus into an appropriate medical waste container.

10. (canceled)

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the thin rubber is blue nitrile rubber, of a 4.0 mm thickness, so as to enable (a) the determination of the location of the wearer's artery and (b the wearer's appropriate artery to be felt underneath the rubber.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein dimensions of length and diameter of the central tubular passage are fabricated so as to accommodate the anatomy, weight, and size of the human wearer for which the tubular sleeve apparatus will be utilized.

12. A method for safeguarding a human wearer from pathogens or harmful organisms that may be conveyed to the surface of the skin of the human wearer when a health care procedure requires placement of a blood pressure cuff, an item of medical equipment or other device against the skin of a limb of the human wearer, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a planar, rectangular segment of thin rubber material in a range of dimensions, further having two parallel lateral ends, two parallel longitudinal edges, an interior surface, and an exterior surface; b) fabricating, on the interior face of the rectangular segment of rubber material, at the first lateral end of the rectangular segment, a strip of material constituting a first means of attachment or bonding with other materials; c) fabricating on the exterior face of the segment of rubber, and at the second lateral end of the segment, a strip of material constituting a second means of attachment, which corresponds with the first means of attachment; d) manually rolling the first longitudinal edge of the segment in a curling manner such that the first means of attachment engages the entirety of the length of the second means of attachment at a common seam, thereby forming a tubular sleeve apparatus, having (i) an upper end and a lower end, (ii) a central tubular passage, (iii) a diameter approximately equivalent to the diameter of the subject limb of the human wearer, and (iv) an exterior length sufficient to make contact with the portion of the medical equipment which may impinge upon the skin of the human wearer; e) placing the sleeve apparatus in direct perimetral contact with the limb about, or upon which the medical equipment is to be placed and ensuring that the interior surface of the material of the tubular sleeve apparatus is placed flush against the skin of the wearer, so as to be absent any folds or gathers; f) placing the item of medical equipment about, or in abutment with, the newly donned sleeve apparatus; and g) at the conclusion of the health care procedure, (i) disconnecting the item of medical equipment, (ii) removing the tubular sleeve apparatus from the wearer's limb, and (iii) depositing the tubular sleeve apparatus into an appropriate medical waste container.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the item of medical equipment comprises a blood pressure cuff and the limb of the wearer comprises either the left or right bicep area.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the thin rubber material is blue nitrile rubber of 4.0 mm thickness, so as to enable (a) the determination of the location of the wearer's appropriate artery and (b) the wearer's appropriate artery to be felt underneath the rubber.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the range of dimensions of length and diameter of the central tubular passage are fabricated so as to accommodate the anatomy, weight, and size of the human wearer for which the tubular sleeve apparatus will be utilized.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF DRAWINGS AS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPT

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tubular sleeve apparatus, including its exterior surface 11, the interior surface 12, a first end 13, and a second 14. The apparatus is designated as the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10.

[0024] FIG. 2 presents a perspective view of a device referred to as a Cuff Wrap Shield 20, which, in its useable form, is of dimensions and function identical to the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates the manner of bunching into gathers 18, the material at one end of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10, by which a user is more readily enabled to place the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 about some part of the anatomy of the user.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a direct view of the exterior surface 22 of the original material of a rectangle 28 shape, utilized in forming the Cuff Wrap Shield 20, further showing a segment of material which functions as a first attachment means 30, at the upper end 25 of the rectangle.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a direct view of the interior surface 21 of the original material of a rectangle 28 shape, needed to form the Cuff Wrap Shield 20, further showing a segment of material which functions as a second attachment means 31, at the lower end 26 of the rectangle 28.

[0028] FIG. 5A is a side view of the left edge of the Cuff Wrap Shield 20, further showing a first attachment means 30 and a second attachment means 31.

[0029] FIG. 6 displays the positioning of the exterior surface 22 of the rectangular-shaped 28 material in the process of being rolled over so as to join the first attachment means 30 with the second attachment means 31 on the interior surface 21 of the rectangle.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows the end result of the process of FIG. 6, resulting in the joining of the first attachment means 30 to the second attachment means 31, thereby forming the tubular Cuff Wrap Shield 20.

[0031] FIGS. 8 through 8C, display views of two different embodiments of planar shapes that may also be utilized in forming a different configuration of a Cuff Wrap Shield 10. The first embodiment is a round, or circular form, further showing its exterior surface 35 and its reverse, interior surface 36, while the second embodiment is in the form of a diamond, further showing an exterior surface 37, and an interior surface 38.

[0032]

TABLE-US-00001 Table of Nomenclature & Part Numbers of Invention  1. Hygienic Shield 2.-9. n/a 10. Cuff Sleeve Shield 11. Exterior surface 12. Interior surface 13. First end 14. Second end 15. Thickness 16. Length (L) 17. Diameter (D) 18. Gathers 19. n/a 20. Cuff Wrap Shield 21. Interior surface 22. Exterior surface 23. First edge 24. Second edge 25. Upper end 26. Lower end 27. Seam 28. Rectangle 29. Length 30. First attachment means (A) 31. Second attachment means (B) 32.-34. n/a 35. Round exterior 36. Round interior 37. Diamond exterior 38. Diamond interior 39. n/a 40. Diamond length 41. Round diameter

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0034] The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application, referred to generically as a “hygienic shield” 1. The inventive concept is more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling nine figures, show the basic components and functions of embodiments and/or methods of use. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

[0035] The discussion of the present inventive concept will be initiated with FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a view of the preferred embodiment of the hygienic shield 1 in the form of a Cuff Sleeve Shield 10. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an elongate rubber device, being a tubular sleeve apparatus. The view in FIG. 1 further shows its exterior surface 11, the interior surface 12, a first end 13, and a second end 14. The apparatus shown is designated as the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10.

[0036] In its preferred embodiment rendering, the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 is composed of blue, nitrile rubber, of 4.0 mm thickness (T) 15. Thus, the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 is inherently an extremely flexible, its interior surface forming a central tubular passage. The length and width dimensions of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 are variable, in accordance with the weight and anatomy structure of the intended wearer.

[0037] In its preferred embodiment, the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 is intended for use as a hygienic shield 1 between the skin of a user (the wearer) and the surface of a blood pressure (BP) cuff. As commonly used, a BP cuff is applied at the upper arm, or bicep area of the anatomy of a wearer/user, thus measuring his/her blood pressure. A wearer of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 will first place the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 about his/her upper arm area, with the exterior surface 11 of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 exposed. Immediately afterwards, the user of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10, or a caregiver, will place a blood pressure cuff directly about the exposed length (L) 29 of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10, thereby providing hygienic shielding of the user/wearer's skin from any type of contaminants or particles that may reside on the blood pressure cuff.

[0038] By way of further analysis, the optimum length (L) 29 of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 is 16.0 inches. Similarly, the optimum diameter (D) 17 of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 is approximately 4.7 inches, which accommodates the circumference of either bicep of the average person. The length 29 of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 is measured from the first end 13 of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 to the second end 14 of the device. The optimum diameter (D) 17 translates to a circumference, about the exterior surface 11 of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10, of approximately 14.0 inches.

[0039] It is to be understood that both the length (L)29 and optimum diameter (D) 17 of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 may be altered and varied at the point of manufacture to provide this device in a size appropriate for use in accommodating the anatomy of infants as well as that of significantly obese individuals.

[0040] In FIG. 2, there is illustrated a view of an alternative embodiment of the hygienic shield 1 in the form of a Cuff Wrap Shield 20. As indicated in FIG. 2, the Cuff Wrap Shield 20 is a tubular-shaped sleeve apparatus, manifesting a seam 27. The seam 27 is formed by the sealed overlap of the upper end 25 and lower end 26 of a single piece of material, the material originally being a rectangle 28 shape. The upper end 25 and lower end 26 are more readily seen in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 6. In its preferred embodiment, the Cuff Wrap Shield 20 is composed of blue nitrile rubber, of 4.0 mm thickness (T) 15.

[0041] Continuing with FIG. 2, it is seen that the Cuff Wrap Shield 20 displays a partial view of the interior surface 21 of the original rectangle 28 of material. The exterior surface 22 is prominently displayed, both surfaces 21, 22 being components in forming the Cuff Wrap Shield 20. Both the interior surface 21 and exterior surface 22 are bounded by an upper end 25 and a lower end 26. These are the same bounding ends designated as components of the exterior surface 22.

[0042] In this manner, the Cuff Wrap Shield 20 in FIG. 2 functions as an inherently flexible, collapsible, tubular structure. In its preferred embodiment, the Cuff Wrap Shield 20 is intended for use as a hygienic shield 1 between the skin of a user and the interior surface of a blood pressure (BP) cuff. As commonly used, the BP cuff is applied on the skin of the bicep area of the anatomy of a human wearer, for the purpose of measuring his/her blood pressure and/or heart rate. Both the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 and the Cuff Wrap Shield 20 must be of a length sufficient to make contact with the portion of the medical equipment which may impinge upon the skin of the human wearer;

[0043] Directing attention to FIG. 3, there is displayed the initiation of a convenient process of placing the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 about, for example, the forearm and bicep area of a wearer/user. FIG. 3 displays the manner of bunching into gathers 18, the material at the second end 14 of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10. The gathers 18 thereby form the first portion of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 through which a user places his/her hand and wrist. The remaining material, extending to the first end 13 of the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 will more easily follow in sequence. Likewise, in a similar manner, the process of displayed in FIG. 3 may, if necessary, also be used in donning the Cuff Wrap Shield 20.

[0044] FIG. 4 presents a direct view of the exterior surface 22 of the original rectangle 28 of material, utilized in forming the Cuff Wrap Shield 20. Further shown, integral to the upper end 25 of the rectangle 28 material is a segment of material which comprises a first attachment means 30. The first attachment means 30 may be an adhesive, the felt component of a hook-and-felt fastening mechanism, a strip of covered adhesive tape, or other suitable attachment means. The exterior surface 22 shown is also bounded by a first edge 23, a second edge 24, an upper end 25, and a lower end 26. The reverse side of the view shown in FIG. 4 is the interior surface 21 of the rectangle 28 material, more clearly shown in FIG. 5.

[0045] FIG. 5, as mentioned previously, is a direct view of the interior surface 21 of the original rectangle 28 of material utilized in forming the Cuff Wrap Shield 20. The interior surface 21 is bounded by an upper end 25, a lower end 26, its first edge 23, and a second edge 24, all of which are also common to the exterior surface 22. Proximate the lower end 26 of the inter surface 21, there is displayed a second attachment means 31 which is fabricated so as to correspond to the first attachment means 30 integral to the exterior surface 22 of the rectangle 28. Similarly, the second attachment means 31 may be an adhesive, the hook component of a hook-and-felt fastening mechanism, a strip of covered adhesive tape, or other attachment means compatible with the first attachment means 30.

[0046] FIG. 5A is a side view of the first edge 23 of the Cuff Wrap Shield 20, further showing the placement of the first attachment means 30 onto the exterior surface 22 of the Cuff Wrap Shield 20, and the placement of the second attachment means 31 onto the interior surface 21 of the Cuff Wrap Shield 20. The tubular form of the Cuff Wrap Shield 20 is accomplished by a circular rolling of either the upper end 25 of the device or the lower end 26 so as to position the first attachment means 30 and second attachment means 31 against each other, forming a seam 27 (the seam 27 is also readily observed in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7). In this manner, a tubular sleeve apparatus is formed.

[0047] FIG. 6 displays the manner in which the exterior surface 22 of the rectangle 28 material is positioned so as to ultimately form the Cuff Wrap Shield 20. The rectangle 28 is shown having been “rolled over,” so as to expose its exterior surface 22 and simultaneously place the interior surface 21 in an internal configuration. This rolling over of the rectangle 28 material may be performed either totally out of physical contact with the prospective human wearer, or by placing, for instance, one of the biceps of a human wearer in abutment to the interior surface 21 of the rectangle 28 prior to beginning the roll-over procedure.

[0048] At this stage of the “roll over” procedure, it is seen that the first attachment means 30 and second attachment means 31 sufficiently proximate each other so as to form a common bond. The configuration of the rectangle 28 as shown in FIG. 6 shows a design which is easily useable by left-handed and/or right-handed people, thereby facilitating the sealing of the first attachment means 30 and the second attachment means 31, one to the other.

[0049] FIG. 7 displays the Cuff Wrap Shield 20 in its ultimate form as a tubular-shaped sleeve apparatus. There is further displayed a slight unpeeling of material, thus revealing the second attachment means 31 bonding to, and approaching a full bonded connection to the first attachment means 30.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows near completion of the “rollover” procedure of FIG. 6, resulting in the joining of the first attachment means 30 to the second attachment means 31. In this manner, there is formed a seam 27, evidencing the completion of the Cuff Wrap Shield 20. This same result would be obtained had, for instance, the upper arm area of a human wearer/user been placed flush against the interior of the rectangle 28 prior to initiating the rollover process.

[0051] FIGS. 8, 8A, 8B, and 8C display views of two different embodiments of planar shapes that may also be utilized in forming a differently-shaped configuration of a Cuff Wrap Shield 10. The first embodiment is a round, or circular form, further showing, in FIG. 8 and FIG. 8A, its exterior surface 35 and its reverse, interior surface 36. The diameter 40 of the planar circle may be varied, prior to manufacture, to accommodate varying sizes of human anatomy for which use of these devices may be necessary.

[0052] In viewing FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C, there are shown views of a segment of material constructed in the form of a diamond, further showing an exterior surface 37, and an interior surface 38. Each of the views of the diamond-shaped planar material in FIGS. 8B and 8C also display a first and second means of attachment 30, 31. It is to be noted that the length of the diagonal 41 of the planar diamond shape may be varied, prior to manufacture, to accommodate the differing sizes of human anatomy for which use of this devices may be necessary.

[0053] The disposable blue nitrile rubber used in both the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 and the Cuff Wrap Shield 20 is the same medically approved material that is utilized for personal protective equipment (PPE) in health care facilities. Just as a substantial quantity of rubber gloves are made of nitrile rubber, non-allergenic, non-porous and used as a PPE, similarly the Cuff Sleeve Shield 10 and Cuff Wrap Shield 20 will provide personal protection to the patient when placed on the arm or leg prior to many medical or health monitoring procedures.

[0054] While preferred embodiments of the present inventive method have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, as described by the scope of the claims presented herein.