Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
  • A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
  • A41D13/08—Arm or hand
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D19/00—Gloves
  • A41D19/0055—Plastic or rubber gloves
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D27/00—Details of garments or of their making
  • A41D27/10—Sleeves; Armholes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D27/00—Details of garments or of their making
  • A41D27/12—Shields or protectors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D27/00—Details of garments or of their making
  • A41D27/24—Hems; Seams
  • A41D27/245—Hems; Seams made by welding or gluing
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
  • A41D31/04—Materials specially adapted for outerwear characterised by special function or use
  • A41D31/12—Hygroscopic; Water retaining
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D2400/00—Functions or special features of garments
  • A41D2400/52—Disposable
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
  • A41D31/04—Materials specially adapted for outerwear characterised by special function or use
  • A41D31/30—Antimicrobial, e.g. antibacterial
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D31/00—Materials specially adapted for outerwear
  • A41D31/04—Materials specially adapted for outerwear characterised by special function or use
  • A41D31/30—Antimicrobial, e.g. antibacterial
  • A41D31/305—Antimicrobial, e.g. antibacterial using layered materials

Definitions

• This invention relates tp apparatus or devices for protecting peopie who provide care to other humans or animate, in particular the application relates to apparatus or devices adapted to protect the arm or arms of people who provide care to other humans or animals.
• animal patients when handling or providing care to animals (hereafter referred fa as "animal patients"), that the handling or provision of that care may involve substantial physical contact between the care giver, for example q veterinary worker such as a veterinarian ⁇ veterinary physician) or d veterinary nurse ⁇ hereafter collectively simply referred to as "the carer") and the animal patient; That contact is, in the mdin, between the hands and arms of the carer and the animal patient.
• the carer also involves the risk that clawed animal patients may scratch the arms of the carer as a result of fear, pahi or for other reasons.
• the apparatus for the protection of one or both of the arms of a carer, in which the apparatus Is comprised of a sleeve of flexible material, the sleeve 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.
• the portion of the sleeve defining the second mouth and/or the portion of the sleeve adjacent to the second end of the sleeve that releasably grips the carers arm may grip by way of any known construction such as a drawstring / draw-cord, an elasticated portion of the sleeve, a fasfenable strap, for example using a buckle or a hook and loop or burr fastening system, a high friction substance on the inside face of the sleeve, or any other known means for causing the second mouth of the sleeve to grip an arm so that the second moufh does not move relative to the arm.
• any known construction such as a drawstring / draw-cord, an elasticated portion of the sleeve, a fasfenable strap, for example using a buckle or a hook and loop or burr fastening system, a high friction substance on the inside face of the sleeve, or any other known means for causing the
• the first end of the sleeve defines a mouth, which, in use, surrounds the carer's wrist or the palm / back (dorsum) of the carer's hand.
• An advantage of the sleeve extending so that the first mouth surrounds the palm/back of the carer's hand is that this will have the effect of protecting the carer's wrist.
• the sleeve is provided with a thumb hole adjacent the first end of the sleeve.
• the carer's thumb may extend through the thumb hole, and, in such embodiments, the first mouth will extend around a portion of the palm/back (dorsum) of the hand, between the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb and the metacarpophalangeal joint of the carer's index finger.
• the presence of a thumb hole is advantageous because it has the effect of anchoring the first end of the sleeve in position on the carer's hand.
• Such an anchoring has the advantage that the first end of the sleeve cannot ride up the carer's arm so protection of the palm/back of the carer's hand is not lost. It is particularly preferred that the first end of the sleeve defining the first mouth and.
• the portion of the sleeve defining the thumb hole are not hemmed. This is particularly important when the first mouth will extend around a portion of the palm/back of the hand.
• This has the advantage that there is no ridge / increase in thickness at either the first end of the sleeve defining the mouth or around the thumb hole other than the thickness of the material from which the sleeve is formed.
• the presence of a hem In the form of a ridge of increased thickness can be felt by the patient when the carer places their hands upon them, and decreases the carer's sense of touch in the region of their hand adjacent to the hem.
• a further advantage to not hemming the first mouth of the sleeve and thumb hole, if present, is that ft may also allow the carer to provide better care because they have a better sense of touch, Additionally, it will make the use of the apparatus of the present invention less uncomfortable for the carer.
• a carer it is advantageous for a carer to use d sleeve of the present invention on one or both arms for many reasons.
• One of the reasons is concerned with cleanliness and infection control, either within a care institution, such as a hospital, a care home, a veterinary practice, or within the community, in particular, a human patient who is being cared for will in certain situations, such as when they are being moved within a bed or being assisted in standing or sitting, grasp and possibly scratch the arm or arms of a carer.
• a carer will be providing care to more than one human patient, it is undesirable that bacteria and / or other micro-organisrns transferred onto the arm or arms of a carer by a first human patient are transferred to one or more other human patients when the one or more other human patients grasp the arm or arms of the carer. It is particularly undesirable that if the carers skin is scratched because bacterid dnd / or other micro-organisms can be introduced directly into the carer's blood stream.
• a sleeve according ta the present invention wi offer the care protection from those bacteria and / or other micro-organisms.
• the protection to the carer offered by the sleeve of the present invention may be particularly advantageous when the animal patient is one with claws that may. if the carer's skin is otherw&e unprotected, scratch and break the skin of the carer. This is particularly problematic because bacteria and / or other microorganisms can be introduced directly into the carer's blood stream.
• a Carer using a sleeve of the present invention Will, on an arm with which the sieeve Is used, place a first, inner, glove on the hand of that arm; place that arm into the sleeve of the present invention so that the first end of the sleeve overlies a portion of the inner glove, and then place a second, outer gloye over the inner glove and the first end of the sleeve.
• Combination of the sleeve of the present invention In connection with an inner and outer glove as described above is particularly advantageous for a number of reasons.
• a first reason why this is advantageous is that such a combination maximises protection of the carer and ensures that the carer can change the second glove for each patient that the carer is looking after so as not to transmit bacteria and/br other micro-organisms between patients via their hands or the first end of the sleeve.
• the lack of hem is advantageous because the presence of a thickened portion of sleeve resulting from a hem makes if more difficult to put the second glove on over the first end of the sleeve which increases the risk that the second glove will tear. This is less likely If there is no hem.
• the sleeve is manufactured from a sheet material and hds a longitudinal seam extending from the first end to the second end. If is most preferred that that longitudinal seam Is glued or fabric welded as an alternative to, or in addition to, stitching.
• the giuing or fabric welding is preferably continuous with the beneficial effect that the seam does not create a series of cavities or gaps along the seam within which bacteria and / or microorganisms could become trapped and / or build up. This is in contrast to stitched seams which can include such cavities or gaps.
• a further benefit of gluing or fabric welding the longitudinal seam is that it will, when the gluing or fabric welding is continuous, result in a waterproof seam. This will prevent the woterbome transmission of bacterid and / or other micro-organisms through the seqm and onto the carer.
• the seam of the sleeve is located so that, when the seqm includes a thumb hole, the seam is located substantially opposite the thumb hole so that the end of the seam adjacent the side of the hand adjacent the little finger when the sleeve is located on an arm.
• the sleeve further comprises one or more darts or pleats adjacent the elbow of the user's arm when the sleeve is in use.
• the darts or pleats enhance the flexibility of the sleeve when in use.
• the darts or pleats extend from the seam toward the inner or ventral portion of the user's elbow. In other embodiments, there are provided one or mote pleats that overlie part of the users Inner (ventral) or outer (dorsal) elbow when in use.
• the sleeve is manufactured from a material that has at least one face that Is not absorbent. That face is most preferably orientated to face away from the skin of the carer's arm, that is on the outside of the sleeve when in use.
• That wiping clean can be with spap and water or some form pf antimicrobial substance, for example p disinfectant, bactericide or bleach. This means that the sleeve can be cleaned between patients and the risk of transmission of bacteria and / or other micro-organisms between patients minimised.
• the sleeve is manufactured from q material which comprises at least one substance or compound Which has antimicrobial, biostatic, bactericidal, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral and/or biociddl properties-
• the material may comprise more than one substance or compound having one of the aforementioned properties. Such properties can hfclp minimise the transmission of viable bacteria and/or other microorganisms between patients.
• the sleeve of the present invention is formed from a material which has a degree of elasticity 'm at least one direction, it is preferred that the material hqs elastic properties In two. perpendicular, directions which may commonty be called the X and Y directions in the plane of the material if it is laid flat, tn some preferred embodiments of the present invention the X or Y direction is a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the carer's arm, and the Y or X direction respectively is substantially perpendicular to the X or Y direction.
• the advantage of the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is formed having a degree of elasticity tn at least one direction is that it makes the sleeve of the present invention more comfortable than woyfd be the case if there was no elasticity. Further, such a degree of elasticity results in the sleeve being less restrictive of movement of the carer's arm than would be the case if there was no elasticity.
• the sleeve may include one Or more pleats and/or one or more lacuna or cut outs. It is preferable that where pleats or lacuna are present In the sleeve of the present invention, they are located adjacent to tne elbow and / or wrist of the carer. This will avoid of the carer experiencing discomfort a ⁇ a result of or resistance to the bending of their wrist or elbow.
• the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is formed has one or more of the following properties: tear resistance; abrasion resistance, puncture resistance, stain resistance. impenrneqbiftty to liquids, and / or impermeability to liquids and water vapour permeable.
• Tear resistance and / or abrasion resistance and / or puncture resistance of the material of the sieeve of the present invention is advantageous because it helps protect the arm of the carer. For example, it will protect the carer from sharp finger ndBs on a human patient or claws on an animal patient, and thus helps to prevent injury.
• the material may additionally or alternatively be puncture proof or puncture resistant, which includes resistance to needle sticks. Again this will help protect the arm of the carer and help prevent injury.
• the material from which the sieeve of the present invention is formed is a composite of two or more materials, each material having different properties.
• the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is formed is comprised of at least two layers, those layers having different properties. The layers can be continuously joined to each other, or may be separate from each other.
• the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is formed is comprised of at feast two layers and the layer that is designed to be closest to the skin of the wearer is soft so as to avoid chdfing the skin of the wearer.
• the layer of material furthermost from the skin of the wearer is preferably non- absorbent, and may comprise within its structure, one or more substances which are one or mare of antimicrobial, bipstotic, bactericidal, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral and/or bipcidal.
• the surface of the sleeve remote from the skfn of the arm of the carer, the outer face may be smooth, which aids the cleaning of that surface.
• the surface is such that although It is smooth, it is not slippery
• the outer face of the sleeve may be wholly or partially textured and / or contoured.
• the inclusion of texture and / or contours on some or all of the surface of the sleeve giyes the advantage that the texture and / or contours may help a patient to grip on to the arm of the cprer without slipping.
• a further advantage of a wholly or partially textured and / or contoured is that the texture and / or contouring may give the patient a more pleasant tactile experience than a smooth surface.
• the texture and / or contouring on the surface is preferably such that no locations are formed in which microorganisms can build up.
• the sleeve 3 ⁇ 4 formed from one or more materials that are resistant to washing at temperatures of Up to 95°C, and / or resistant to drying at temperatures of up to 7T*C, This is particularly desirable because the use of high temperatures in washing or drying maximises cleansing of the sleeve and the destination of micro-organisms. This fe particularly important in case there may be micro-organisms that have developed resistance to chemical destruction.
• the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is made may preferably be a polyamide-eldstdne fabric. Such a fabric is a pblyurethane transfer coated coating On a weft knitted fabric. Other materials of similar properties can be employed in alternative embodiments of the present invention.
• the material from which the sleeve of the present invention is made may In some embodiments be coloured so as to be an approximation of the skin tone of the carer. Such colouring is particularly important in connection with some human patients who may be suffering from conditions which leave them confused or without the some cognitive function as the majority of the human population because the carer will not look out of the ordinary when wearing one or two sleeves of the present invention.
• the sleeve may be coloured so as to mgtch the colour of a uniform worn by the carer.
• a kit for use by a carer comprising at least one sleeve according to the first aspect of the present invention and a storage container or case suitable for the storage of that sleeve or, if the kit is comprised of more than one sleeve, those sleeves.
• the storage case may be of any appropriate material and may comprise of one or more substances which are antimicrobial, biostgtia bactericidal, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral or biocidal.
• the storage case may be a pouch that can be clipped to a belt or retained on one or more straps that will hold the pouch on the carer's body.
• a kit for use by carers may further include at least one protective glove fdf use by the carer. Most preferably, the kit will include at least two protective gloves in addition to the sleeve or sleeves of the present invention.
• Figure 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;
• Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device of Figure 1 ;
• Figures 3 shows bent embodiments of the device of Figure I ;
• Figure 4 shows dn isometric view of the device of Figure 1 with seeuremerit strap exposed;
• Figure 5 shows isometric views .of storage cases for the device of Figure 1 ;
• Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention.
• Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention
• FIG. 1 With reference to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown ⁇ sleeve or device for shielding a user's arm.
• a device is used on either arm.
• 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.
• Carers can often sustain arm injuries when looking after vulnerable patients
• the device further allows a patient of 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.
• 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 ⁇ east in part.
• the material comprises Lycra (RTM) or similar and Lightweight Micro Fibre Polyester.
• the polyester has an external non-absorbent rubber or p!asticised finish to increase grip for the patient, and to allow easy wiping clean where necessary 4
• the finish is ideally lightly textured or smooth but not slippery.
• the material has an internal Lycra (RTM) layer for comfort for the user's arm, Lycra (RTM) being soft and breathable.
• This layer may be dispiaceable, detachable, washable or disposable.
• 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.
• an inner guard layer may protect against needle stabs or sticks, the layers may be dispiaceable or detachable, for example to aHow separate disposal or cleaning of a layer or layers.
• the layers are separately / " m turn or collectively / as a whole seamed at a hand-proximai (first j end 4, and shoulderi ⁇ roximal (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.
• the device is fastened together and onto the user's arm using hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM) ; . . Hook and loop portions are arranged on a securement strap ⁇ 1.
• hook and loop material such as Velcro (RTM) ; . . Hook and loop portions are arranged on a securement strap ⁇ 1.
• the 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 dear to avoid snagging.
• the strap comprises a length of fabric or materia ⁇ that may be wrapped around a lateral part of the length of the device, so as to decrease the device's sectional width.
• 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
• 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.
• the illustrated lacuna 10 is adjacent the user's arm pit and additionally or alternatively advantageously prevents the device fucking up around the pit area and becoming uncomfortable.
• the lacuna is ideally situated to accommodate larger upper arm to shoulder shaping.
• 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.
• the device includes intermediate lacunae is shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 5.
• the device of Figures 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 1o flex their arm at the elbow to allow easy arm movement without stretching the device,
• the lacuna is mirrored to the other side 2 so as to enable flexure of the arm Jn a plurality of directions and avoid device material bagging or providing unwelcome interference to arm flexure.
• 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.
• the device of the present invention comprises a pair of devices or sleeves to aid patient handling and reduce injuries at work.
• 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. m this way If the device is slippery the patients' hand may sjip off and hurt the carer or therroerves.
• the device further includes a protective flap 7 to cover the and securement strap, in order mat patients are not liable to catch themselves on it, and user's not liable to snag clothing or other objects oh the portions or securement strap.
• the protective flap comprises a collar of material 7 that may be displaced away from or over the securing strap, comprising ⁇ 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 tp 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 inclucJes ah intermediate seamed bond ⁇ not shown).
• the protective flap thereby comprises a flexible and elastic piece of material arrangeable to cover the securement strap in part or whole.
• 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.
• the material may be bunched around the distal edge when not covering the strap.
• the devices may be envisaged to be disposable, or single ⁇ use, and/or have a disposable or singje-use covering.
• the devices may include an adhesive outer layer or layers.
• 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 adapted 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),
• the first end (32) is defined by ah edge (38)
• the thumb hole (36) is defined by an edge (40).
• neither of the edge* (38) or (40) are hemmed. This minimises interference between the 6dges (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
• the second end (34) of the sleeve (30) is defined by a portion of the sleeve body (31 ) that is farmed into a flexible tube (42) through which extends a draw string (44).
• the drqw 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 d gripper (not shown) to keep the diameter of the second end (34) at the desired see.
• the material or fabric from which the sleeve is made is of d sufficiently elastic nature that it is stretched when the user places their arm in the sleeve and grips the users arm.
• the flexible tube (42) contains q loop of elastic material which is stretched when the user places their arm within the sleeve, and grips the users arm.
• the sleeve does not include a flexible tube (42), but instead includes a loop pf 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.
• 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.
• the sleeve body is a material which has a degree of elasticity in the X and Y directions as shown fn Figure 6. This has the effect that the sleeve hds dt least some stretch to it which increases the comfort of the wearer relative to a sleeve with no elasticity / stretch.
• FIG. 7 a third embodiment of a sleeve according to the present invention is shown.
• the sleeve of Figure 7 is as that of Figure 6 with the addition of the darts (48) which are located so that the darts fall either side of the elbow of a user when the sleeve on the dfrh of the user.
• the sleeve (3D) as shown in Figure 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 Figure 7.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=54544109

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (4)

Families Citing this family (2)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 2015
  • 2015-09-25 GB GBGB1516985.7A patent/GB201516985D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2016
  • 2016-09-26 WO PCT/GB2016/052985 patent/WO2017051200A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2016-09-26 EP EP16779164.9A patent/EP3352598A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2016-09-26 US US15/763,333 patent/US20180271187A1/en not_active Abandoned

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