GB2476962A

GB2476962A - An item of clothing to allow the handling of an individual

Info

Publication number: GB2476962A
Application number: GB1000644A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Craig Siller; Shirley Howie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-01-15
Filing date: 2010-01-15
Publication date: 2011-07-20
Also published as: GB201000644D0

Abstract

An item of clothing (1) has a main body (2) having a longitudinal axis with wrap around portions 2a and 2b extending outwardly from the axis enable the device to be placed around the body of an individual. Releasable fasteners 7, 8 allow for the garment to be securely fastened. Handles 3 are placed in a position such that, when the item of clothing is worn, are in proximity to a lateral line of the individual's body. Further handles 4 and 5 are separate and are positioned along the longitudinal axis of the main body,

Description

An Item of clothing arranged to allow for the handling of an individual The present invention relates to an item of clothing arranged to allow for the handling of an individual wearing said clothing.

Background to the Invention

At present if an individual is to be handled, then this is done by people such as a carer who grips or supports part of the individual, for example an arm or a leg and then pulls on this part of the individual's body to move them. In the case of frail or elderly individuals, gripping the body may result in bruising of that individual because muscle mass is less and blood vessels may be ruptured if pressure is placed on the body.

As an alternative to directly gripping an individual there are devices such as straps which are placed around part of the individual, for example under the armpits and then a person pulls on the straps or attaches the straps to a hoist so the individual can be moved. A problem with using straps that are positioned around an individual is that they may slip and the individual may be chaffed by the straps, which can be uncomfortable or in a worse-case scenario, the straps may even slip off the individual with the result that they can be at a risk of falling when being moved.

It is an object of the invention to provide an item of clothing that allows for the safe and comfortable handling of an individual.

Statement of Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an item of clothing alTanged to allow for the handling of an individual, said item of clothing being formed of a main body having a longitudinal axis and two wrap-around portions each of which extends from one side of said longitudinal axis, said wrap-around portions each having at least one fastening member to allow for releasable securing of the wrap-around portions to each other so the item of clothing can be secured around at least part of the individual, said main body having at least a first handle such that when the item of clothing is secured around the at least part of the individual the first handle is positioned in proximity to a lateral plane of the individual's body, said main body also having at least two further handles separate from one another and positioned along the longitudinal axis of the main body.

Preferably the item of clothing is a jacket to be positioned around the torso of an individual. However, it is envisaged that the item of clothing may be trousers for positioning around the waist, hips and lower body. Alternatively, the item of clothing may be a full body suit that can be wrapped around both the torso and the lower body.

It is preferred that if the item of clothing is a jacket it is a sleeveless jacket. Preferably the item of clothing is made of one piece of material. Having one piece of material reduces the need for several seams and hence reduces the risk of ripping of the item of clothing when handling an individual.

It is preferred that there is a first handle and two further handles on either side of the longitudinal axis of the main body.

Preferably the two wrap-around portions extend substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis.

If the item of clothing is a jacket, the first handle is positioned between an area under the armpit extending towards the waist of the individual.

Preferably the further handles are positioned so that when the jacket is positioned on an individual, the further handles are positioned in proximity to the dorsal region of the individual.

In a preferred arrangement, a first of the further handles is positioned in proximity to the acromial or deltoid region of the dorsal region (back) of the individual. The second of the further handles in positioned so it is in proximity to the waist or lumbar area of a person's back (dorsal region). By having at least two handles positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis of the item of clothing, a person handling the individual can apply force more evenly to the individual because force is more balanced by using a number of locations on the item of clothing to hold or manoeuvre the individual.

I

It is preferred that the further handles are offset from one another along the longitudinal axis, with a first of said further handles being towards the medial plane of the body and a second of said further handles being distal from said medial plane. The second of said further handles is positioned in a longitudinal axis that is between the first of the further handles and the first handle that is positioned in proximity to the longitudinal plane of the individual's body.

In a preferred arrangement each handle is provided as a strap the two ends of which are attached to the item of clothing so a hand can pass between the underside of the strap and the surface of the main body of the item of clothing. Each strap may be releasable secured to the item or clothing or stitched to the clothing so it is permanently attached in position. It is envisaged that the length of the handle may be adjusted so that different hand widths can pass under the strap.

Preferably the fastening members are hook and loop members, positioned towards the ends of the wrap-around portions. A typical hook and loop fastening is Velcro ®. It is envisaged however that alternative fastenings may be used, such a buckle type fastenings but Velcro ® is preferred as it is quick and easy to release and reattach. To allow for maximum securing and holding of the two ends of the wrap-around portion the hook and loop members are arranged in a plurality of rows that are substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the main body. Such an arrangement allows for the maximum of force to be exerted on the handles without separation of the two ends of the wrap-around portion. The hook and loop fastening may be used with a fastening such as a buckle fastening to allow for even greater securing of the wrap-around portion around the individual.

It is desirable that the item of clothing has a degree of padding so that if an individual should fall there is some protection to the individual. Also, by having padding, then if the clothing is pulled, pressure against the individual is reduced which again minimises the risk of chaffing or fabric burns if the clothing is pulled against the skin.

It is envisaged that the item of clothing is made from a stain resistant material so the clothing can be kept clean. Further the item of clothing may be formed of a breathable fabric for maximum comfort. It is also envisaged that if an individual is having treatment for example via intra-peritoneal injections, or intra-arterial injections, then the item of clothing has flaps that may be opened so drugs may be administered easily because there is ready access to the part of the body where the injection or line is to be introduced.

The item of clothing of the invention may be used with individuals that are unsteady on his or her feet and the handles are used by a person walking with the individual to give them support by steadying the individual should they begin to fall over. In addition, or as an alternative, the item of clothing may used to assist a person in rising from a seat or a bed, so they have a degree of lifting by a person that pulls on the handles, this is a particularly useful feature because by providing a degree of lift a person who otherwise could not move because they are too weak to move can have a level of confidence in being able to raise themselves from a stationary position due to the support can have from another individual by using the device of the invention.

Further, the invention can be used to move an individual if they are in a position more comfortably because by having force distributed across the clothing, there is less pulling on the body when moving the individual, for example, rolling them or turning them to one side in order to avoid bed-sores if an individual has been in one position for a period of time.

The invention in particular allows for an individual to be moved or supported without applying the forces that are associated with lifting to the individual, which could result in injury.

In addition, although the invention has a particular application in the area of caring for individuals, it may be used in any situation where an individual may need to be moved with the minimum amount of harm occurring to them. Other examples include moving persons who may be in police care, for example if they are drunk or injured or even individuals who are disorientated, for example if they have been involved in an accident and so the invention has further applications for use by the emergency services.

A further adaptation of the invention is the use of an insert on the inside of the item of clothing that limits the amount of nicking or gathering of clothing under the jacket which could result in discomfort to the wearer of the clothing.

Although the invention has a particular application for use with humans, it may also be used with animals.

The invention is advantageous in that it provides for an arrangement where an individual can be handled easily and with the greatest degree of safety not only for the individual but also for the person handling the individual. Further as the item of clothing provides a layer around the individual with defined handles for grasping the individual in set locations on the clothing, this avoids a person handling an individual from accidental inappropriate placing of the hands on the individual.

Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front view of an item of clothing according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a rear view of the item of clothing of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a view of the item of clothing of Figure 1 with the wrap-around portion being open; Figure 4 shows a rear view of the item of clothing of Figure 3; and Figure 5 shows a front view of an item of clothing of Figure 1, where the wrap-around portion is partially open.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring firstly to Figure 1, an item of clothing is indicated generally at 1. The item of clothing, which in this embodiment is a sleeveless jacket, is formed of a main body 2, which can be wrapped around the torso of an individual wearing that is to wear the jacket. The jacket has shoulder fastenings 6 on each shoulder, which are provided as hook and loop fastenings where a flap on the rear of the jacket be passed over the top of the shoulder and fastened to an extension on the front of the jacket so allowing for the jacket to be placed around the arms and shoulders of an individual and fastened in place easily. Towards either side of the jacket there are handles 3, which when the jacket is worn by an individual would be positioned towards the lateral plane of the individual. When worn, the handle on one side of the jacket extends between from just under an armpit of the individual towards the individual's waist.

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the jacket of Figure 1. The first handles are shown as 3 but there are also further handles 4 and 5. When the jacket is worn, the further handles would be in the dorsal area of an individual. A first of the further handles, 4 would be positioned in proximity to the shoulder blades of the individual. The second of the further handles would be in proximity to the lower back or lumbar spine. The first of the handles are positioned closer to the medial line of the body than the lower handles, which are positioned towards the lateral line of the body. In effect, looking at the back of the jacket, the handles radiate out from the medial line in the following sequence, the further handles in the shoulder blade region, the further handles in the lumber region and then the first handles which are in the lateral region of the body.

Figure 3 shows the jacket of Figure 1 opened out. The wrap-around portion is shown as portions 2a and 2b which extend outwardly from either side of the position of the jacket that is to fit over the dorsal area of an individual wearing the jacket. A first wrap-around portion 7a has a first part of a hook and loop attachment arrangement and in this arrangement, the attachment arrangement is provided as a rectangle of material. The second wrap-around portion 2b is provided as a series of parallel strips 8with the end of the strips being perpendicular to the edge of the second potion 2b.

The handles 3, 4 and 5 are substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the parallel strips 8. Such an alTangement allows for moving of the individual by using handles 3, 4 and 5 without detachment of the members 7 and 8, when attached because the force applied to the handles will not be in the plane of the pull on the attachment members 7 and 8.

Figure 4 shows the arrangement of Figure 3 when the item of clothing is reversed.

The shoulder straps which are shown as 6 in Figure 1 have Velcro ® attachments so the jacket can be secured around the shoulders of an individual without having to push the individual's arms through an opening, which could result in injury or may be difficult is the individual is confused or very immobile. The inside of the jacket has a padding 11 and also shown is the stitching for the lines of fastening 8, and this stitching provides reinforcement for the attachment arrangement.

Figure 5 shows the jacket of preceding Figures and in particular Figure 1. The wrap around portion is partially open and shows how the attachment member 7 extends from the end of the first wrap-around portion 2a, so that the jacket can be altered so it can accommodate people of different girths. Also shown is the Velcro ® attachment 9 for shoulder strap 6.

The invention is envisaged as covering all combinations of the features as described and aspects and embodiments discussed. It will be apparent that modifications and variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An item of clothing alTanged to allow for the handling of an individual, said item of clothing being formed of a main body having a longitudinal axis and two wrap-around portions each one of which extends from one side of said longitudinal axis, said wrap-around portions each having at least one fastening member to allow for releasable securing of the wrap-around portions to each other so the item of clothing can be secured around at least part of the individual, wherein said main body having at least a first handle such that when the item of clothing is secured around the at least part of the individual the first handle is positioned in proximity to a lateral line of the individual's body, said main body also having at least two further handles separate from one another and positioned along the longitudinal axis of the main body.
2. An item of clothing according to claim 1 that is to be positioned around the torso of an individual.
3. An item of clothing according to claim 2 that is formed of one piece of material.
4. An item of clothing according to any preceding claim wherein the wrap-around portions extend substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis.
5. An item of clothing according to any preceding claim wherein a first handle and two further handles are positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis of the main body.
6. An item of clothing according to any preceding claim wherein the further handles are positioned so that when the jacket is positioned on an individual, the further handles are in proximity to the dorsal region of the individual.
7. An item of clothing according to claim 5, wherein a first of the further handles is positioned in proximity to the acromial or deltoid area of the dorsal region of the individual.
8. An item of clothing according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein a second of the further handles in positioned in proximity to the waist or lumbar area of the dorsal region of the individual.
9. An item of clothing according to any preceding claim wherein the further handles are offset from one another with a first of said further handles being towards the medial plane of the body and a second of said further handles being distal from said medial plane.
10. An item of clothing according to any preceding claim wherein each handle is a strap the two ends of which are attached to the item of clothing so a hand can pass under the strap.
11. An item of clothing according to any preceding claim wherein the fastening members are hook and loop members.
12. An item of clothing according to claim 9, further including buckle fasteners.
13. An item of clothing according to any preceding claim that is padded.
14. An item of clothing according to any preceding claim including at least one area of breathable fabric.
15. An item of clothing according to any preceding claim for use with humans, or animals.
16. An item of clothing substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.