GB2578003A

GB2578003A - Critical care securing device

Info

Publication number: GB2578003A
Application number: GB1914506.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Campbell Gillian
Original assignee: Greater Glasgow Health Board
Current assignee: Greater Glasgow Health Board
Priority date: 2018-10-08
Filing date: 2019-10-08
Publication date: 2020-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-08
Also published as: GB2578003B; WO2020074871A1; GB201816404D0; GB201914506D0

Abstract

A garment comprising a collar piece 22 partially encircling the neck, two yoke pieces 20, 21 and first and second front sections 2, 3 extending from the yoke pieces, the front sections being separated by at least 10cm, the front sections comprising at least two housings 5, 6 able to accommodate cables or tubes having diameter of at least 0.5cm. As such the device will be substantially U-shaped. It may comprise further housings 7, 8 to accommodate tubes in a tongue 9, 10 and slit 11, 12 arrangement with cut-outs 13 to aid access. The first and second front sections may be weighted to keep the garment in place. In use the garment allows a parent or caregiver to provide skin-to-skin contact to an intubated baby without risk of pulling out a canula or pulling off a monitoring device via the cable. It can also be worn by a patient to keep their own tubes and cables in place. Also claimed is a kit including the above and instructions, and a method of use.

Description

CRITICAL CARE SECURING DEVICE

The present disclosure relates to a garment to assist in the safe mobilisation and/or cradling of an infant or child within an intensive care or high dependency hospital environment to whom electrical cables and respiratory support tubing are attached. The garment of the present disclosure provides secure housings for electrical cables and/or tubes attached to the infant or child, allowing the electrical cables and/or tubes to be routed over or around the shoulders of the wearer of the device, whether this be the patient or a caregiver. This reduces the risk of disconnection or removal of vital equipment during mobilisation or cradling and will in turn reduce associated anxiety associated with these processes. There is also provided a kit of parts including the garment and instructions for use, and a method of using the garment.

BACKGROUND TO THE DISCLOSURE

It is encouraged that critically ill babies in neonatal units are brought out of their incubator for skin-to-skin contact with their parents on a regular basis. As well as helping to establish a close bond between the infants and their parents, skin-to-skin contact has been associated with physiological benefits such as heart rate stabilisation, reduced infection risk and regulating temperature. Older children who are cared for within a paediatric intensive care environment are also encouraged to mobilise whilst on life support in order to reduce recovery time and enhance emotional wellbeing Babies and children in an intensive care environment are often on respiratory support and are often connected to a number of monitors and pumps. Currently, tubing and wires tend to be secured around the parent's shoulders by tape or Velcro® fasteners. These tubes and wires require careful fixation when patients are out of bed and are at risk of disconnection or dislodgement. This could lead to significant morbidity for the patient and is therefore associated with high levels of anxiety for parents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment configured to be worn across the shoulders of a user, the garment comprising two front sections configured to be worn on the user's shoulders and to extend from the user's shoulders, wherein the front sections include at least two housings configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) or configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm, generally more than 1 cm.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment comprising a collar piece configured to partially encircle the neck of a user, two yoke pieces configured to be worn on the shoulders of a user, and a first and second front section extending from the yoke pieces, wherein there is a minimum spacing of at least 10 cm between the first front section and the second front section; wherein the first and second front sections include at least two housings configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) and/or to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm.

There is also provided a method of using the garment described herein comprising: positioning the garment on and across the user's shoulders ensuring that each of the yoke pieces is positioned on the user's shoulders and the first and second front sections extends from the yoke pieces over the front of the user's torso, positioning one or more electrical cable(s) and/or one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm (generally more than 1 cm) in the housings of the first and second front sections, wherein the electrical cable(s) and/or tube(s) are releasably secured in the housings and are routed over and/or around the shoulders of the user.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of a user cradling an infant or child wherein cables and/or tubing is attached to the infant or child and to a machine, the method comprising: positioning the garment described herein on and across the user's shoulders ensuring that each of the yoke pieces is positioned on the user's shoulders and the first and second front sections extends from the yoke pieces over the front of the user's torso, placing the infant or child in the user's aims, positioning one or more electrical cable(s) and/or one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm (generally more than 1 cm) in the housings of the first and second front sections, wherein the electrical cable(s) and/or tube(s) are releasably secured in the housings and are routed over and/or around the shoulders of the user.

The garment of the present invention allows the infant or child to be placed against the user's chest, promoting a natural way of holding and cradling the child regardless of the attachment of cables and tubing to the child and allowing skin to skin contact to take place.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of securing electrical cables and/or tubing attached to the user and to a machine comprising: positioning the garment described herein on and across the user's shoulders ensuring that each of the yoke pieces is positioned on the user's shoulders and the first and second front sections extends from the yoke pieces over the front of the user's torso, positioning one or more electrical cable(s) and/or one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm (preferably more than I_ cm) in the housings of the first and second front sections, wherein the electrical cable(s) and/or tube(s) are releasably secured in the housings and are routed over and/or around the shoulders of the user.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit including the garment described herein and instructions for use.

Throughout the Application, where a device is described as having, including, or comprising specific components, or where methods are described as having, including, or comprising specific method steps, it is contemplated that device of the present teachings also consist essentially of, or consist of, the recited components, and that the methods of the present teachings also consist essentially of, or consist of the recited method steps.

In the Application, where an element or component is said to be included in and/or selected from a list of recited elements or components, it should be understood that the element or component can be any one of the recited elements or components, or the element or component can be selected from a group consisting of two or more of the recited elements or components. Further, it should be understood that elements and/or features of a device, or a method described herein can be combined in a variety of ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings, whether explicit or implicit herein.

It should be understood that the expression "at least one of' includes individually each of the recited objects after the expression and the various combinations of two or more of the recited objects unless otherwise understood from the context and use.

The use of the singular herein, for example, "a," "an," and "the," includes the plural (and vice versa) unless specifically stated otherwise.

The use of the terms include, "includes", , "comprise", "comprises" comprising", "have," "has," or "having" should be generally understood as open-ended and non-limiting unless specifically stated otherwise.

The use of the singular herein includes the plural (and vice versa) unless specifically stated otherwise. In addition, where the use of the term "about" is before a quantitative value, the present teachings also include the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the term about' refers to a +10% variation from the nominal value unless otherwise indicated or inferred.

It should be understood that the order of steps or order for performing certain actions is immaterial so long as the present teachings remain operable. Moreover, two or more steps or actions may be conducted simultaneously.

Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

At various places in the present specification, values are disclosed in groups or in ranges It is specifically intended that the description include each and every individual sub combination of the members of such groups and ranges and any combination of the various endpoints of such groups or ranges. For example, an integer in the range of 0 to 40 is specifically intended to individually disclose 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40, and an integer in the iange of Ito 20 is specifically intended to individually disclose I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language herein, for example, "such as," "including," or "for example," is intended merely to illustrate better the present teachings and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the present teachings

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment configured to be worn across the shoulders of a user, the garment comprising a first and second front section configured to be worn on the user's shoulders and to extend from the user's shoulders, wherein the first and second front sections include at least two housings to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) or to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm, generally more than 1 cm The garment of the present invention allows wires, tubes, cables and/or hoses trailing from a patient to be positioned, routed and releasably secured. The garment allows releasable access to the cables and tubing when required. The trailing cables and/or tubes are secured to the wearer of the garment meaning that the wearer of the garment can change position (for instance from sitting to standing or vice versa), without being concerned about detaching or dislodging the cables and/or tubing from the patient or from the machine.

Clearly, it is vital that a patient does not become detached from a life support machine and the garment of the present invention reduces the risk of cables and/or tubing becoming detached or tangled.

Generally, a minimum spacing of at least 10 cm is provided between the two front portions, ensuring that the infant is not covered by the garment in use. This allows the infant to be fully monitored, allowing the infant's chest or back to be easily viewed to monitor any difficulty in breathing. The minimum spacing between the first and second front portions also avoids any risk of restriction of breathing associated with an infant's head being covered.

Suitably in use, the infant being held is exposed and the garment of the present invention does not generally cover the infant allowing the infant to be easily removed from the user where necessary, for example in an emergency situation where the infant's medical indications have deteriorated qui ckl y.

The garment of the present invention rests on the shoulders of a user, meaning that it is quick and easy to put on a user, and remove from a user, even where the user is seated.

Typically, the first and second front sections extend no more than 15 cm from the yoke pieces. This ensures that the infant is not covered by the garment during use. In use, the garment does not generally extend around the front of the user. This allows the garment to be put on and removed from the user easily and ensures that the infant is exposed to allow monitoring.

In use, the garment does not generally extend around the back or sides of the user, instead sitting across the shoulders of the user. This allows the garment to be put on easily, even when seated, and promotes quick and easy removal where necessary. In addition, as the garment extends across the shoulders of the user rather than around the user, one size of garment fits all users regardless of girth and height. In addition, the comfort of the user is maximised even after extended periods of wear as the garment does not restrict the user.

According to one embodiment, the only connection between the first and second front sections is through the yoke pieces and collar piece According to a further embodiment, there are two connections between the first and second front sections, the first through the yoke pieces and collar piece, and the second through a connecting portion (generally less than 5 cm wide, suitably less than 2 cm wide, typically around 1 cm wide) configured to extend across the front of the user's torso. This reduces the risk of the garment being displaced, in particular if the user changes position. In use, the infant is positioned over the connecting portion to ensure the infant remains fully visible.

According to one embodiment, the collar piece partially encircles the neck of the user, extending across the user's shoulders, around the back of a user's neck The yoke pieces rest on the user's shoulders According to one embodiment, the front sections, the yoke pieces and the collar piece together form a U-shape or a C-shape.

According to one embodiment, the garment is for use by an adult human and the first and second front sections extend 10 to 15 cm from the yoke pieces, and in use extend for 10 to 15 cm from the user's shoulders down the front of a user's torso, thus generally extending just past the user's arm pits.

When fitted, the garment may transition between a relatively horizontal alignment to a relatively vertical alignment at the join between the collar piece and the yokes pieces to further accommodate the shoulders of a user, providing increased comfort and security.

The first and second front sections include at least two housings configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) and/or to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm. Generally, an exterior portion of one or more of the housings (suitably all of the housings) is movable relative to the front section in or upon which it is formed between an open and a closed position to provide releasable access to the interior of the housing. In the open position, the cables and/or tubes may suitably be placed within or removed from the housing. In the closed position, the cables and/or tubes are generally releasably secured in the housings.

Generally, the movable exterior of the housing is unbiased, and is particularly not biased towards a closed position. This ensures that the walls of the housings do not distort or restrict the cross section of tubes accommodated therein. Any distortion or restriction of the tubes may restrict the delivery or removal of substances to or from the infant which may be highly detrimental.

Once the movable exterior portion is in the closed position, the interior dimensions of the housings are generally fixed, and the pressure exerted on the tubes accommodated within the housing is limited According to one embodiment the maximum spacing between the inner walls of the housing in the closed position is approximately the same, generally greater than the diameter of the tube which the housing is configured to accommodate, generally less than 20% greater, typically less than 10% greater, suitably around 5% greater than the diameter of the tube which the housing is configured to accommodate. Accordingly, the housing accommodates and secures the tube but does not restrict or crush the tube.

Generally, the maximum spacing between the inner walls of the housing in the closed position is at least 0.5 cm, suitably at least 1 cm, typically at least 1.5 cm suitably at least 2 cm. Generally, the maximum spacing between the inner walls of the housing in the closed is less than 5 cm.

Generally, each of the tubes has an associated diameter of more than 0.5 cm, suitably more than 1 cm, typically more than 2 cm, suitably more than 3 cm, typically less than 5 cm. The tubes which may be accommodated in the garment are generally ventilator hoses, humidifier hoses, feeding tubes, or monitoring devices.

The diameter of the tube may depend on its purpose. The tube may have a diameter of 0.5 to 2 cm, suitably 0.5 to 1_ cm, alternatively it may have a diameter of 1 to 3 cm.

The electrical cables typically have an associated diameter of from Ito 5 mm, suitably 2 to 3 MM.

The movable exterior of the housing(s) may include a restraining member, extending from an outer surface of the front section into or onto which the housing is formed. The restraining member may be a flap or tongue. The flap or tongue may be adjusted to define interior spaces having different dimensions depending on the number and size of electrical cables and/or tubes to be accommodated and secured.

The restraining member is generally secured to the outer surface of the front section at one or more sides. Typically, the restraining member is secured at one side, and is securable at a second side. The restraining member is generally moveable relative to the outer surface of the front section between a dosed and open position.

Typically, the housing is adjustable to provide a different spacing in the open position depending on the tube or cable it is configured to accommodate. The restraining member is generally secured to an outer surface of the front section and this securement may be fixed or adjustable to allow different lengths of the restraining member. An extendable tongue and slit arrangement is suitable for such embodiments. For instance, where the housing is configured to accommodate and secure one tube having a diameter of more than 1 cm, the restraining member will extend from the outer surface of the first section to a first length, and where the housing is configured to accommodate and secure two tube having a diameter of more than 1 cm, the restraining member will extend a second, greater length.

According to one embodiment, the restraining member (typically the flap or tongue) may accommodate the cable or tube (generally a tube) by extending around at least half the circumference of said cable or tube, typically around at least 75% of the circumference of the cable or tube, suitably 50 to 80% of the circumference of the cable or tube. Such an embodiment is particularly suitable for accommodating a cable having a diameter of more than 1 cm.

Typically, the restraining member is attached to the front section at one side of the cable or tube and is securable to the front section at another side of the cable or tube.

The restraining member can thus be positioned to extend around the electrical cable or tube, suitably the restraining member is in the form of a flap which may be folded around the electrical cable or tube (generally a tube) and is securable the other side of the cable or tube The restraining member may be securable to the front section by any suitable means. Mention may be made of tucking the restraining member into a corresponding envelope or split in the front section, clip or zip. Generally, the restraining member is securable to the front section by tucking the restraining member into a corresponding envelope or split in the front section.

According to one embodiment, the housing configured to accommodate an electrical cable includes a restraining member, secured at one side to the front section. The restraining member may be biased towards the closed position Alternatively, the housing configured to accommodate an electrical cable may include a restraining member stiffened for example through incorporation of a wire extending from the outer surface into the restraining member and/or into the walls of the housing According to one embodiment, the housing configured to accommodate a tube includes a restraining member secured to the front section at one side, and securable to the front section at a second side According to one embodiment, the restraining member has one or more cut out portions to assist the user in moving the restraining member between a closed position and an open position or to allow movement from a secured open position to an unsecured open position The incorporation of a cut out portion allows a user's finger to be inserted into the space formed by the housing, allowing the restraining member to be quickly moved from a closed to an open position, or to allow movement from a secured open position to an unsecured open position, allowing access to the tube or cable housed within.

Generally, the front sections include at least one housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) and at least one housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm.

Suitably, each of the first and second front sections includes at least one housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) or configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of 0.5 to 3 cm According to one embodiment, each of the first and second front sections includes at least two housings configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) or configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of 0.5 to 3 cm.

Generally, the garment includes at least one housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one to three tubes, each having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm, typically one or two of such tubes Suitably the garment includes at least one housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one to three tube(s) having a diameter of more than 1 cm, suitably one or two of such tubes Typically, each of the first and second front sections includes at least one housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) and at least one housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm.

According to one embodiment, the garment includes at least one housing defining an interior space having a maximum width or diameter of 0.5 to 5 cm, generally 0.7 to 4 cm, typically 1 to 3 cm.

According to one embodiment, the length of the housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm may be from around 10 to 20 cm, typically 10 to 15 cm. This housing may have an associated width of from around 4 to 7 cm According to one embodiment, the housing to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cables defines an interior space having a maximum width or diameter of 0.5 to 3 cm, generally 1 to 2 cm.

According to one embodiment, the length of the housing to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cables is from around 2 to 5 cm This housing may have an associated width of from around 4 to 7 cm.

Suitably the garment includes adjustable housing(s) that may be adjusted to define interior spaces having different dimensions depending on the number and size of electrical cables and/or tubes to be accommodated and secured.

According to one embodiment, the adjustable housing(s) are configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tubes having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm According to one embodiment, the interior space defined by the walls of the housing(s) configured to releasably accommodate and secure or more electrical cables is not adjustable, merely being movable between an open position and a closed position.

According to one embodiment, the cross-section of the interior space defined by the housings is generally circular, oval, cylindrical or elliptical The collar piece generally has an associated width at least 75% of the width of the first or second front section, suitably at least 85%, typically at least 90% of the width of the first or second front section.

Generally the dimensions of the first and second front sections are approximately equal (i.e. to within 10% of each other). According to one embodiment, each of the two front sections may have an associated width of 9 to 12 cm, generally around 10 to 11 cm.

According to one embodiment, the collar piece may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the first and second front sections, typically at least double the thickness of the first and second front sections. This tends to maximise comfort following extended periods of wear. Optionally the yoke pieces may have approximately the same thickness as the collar piece.

Each of the first and second front sections includes an end spaced away from the yoke pieces During use, these ends are configured to be worn on the front of the user's torso. According to one embodiment, the first arid second front sections are weighted, suitably through the incorporation of weights at the ends of the first and second front sections. Generally, the density of the material used to form the ends of the front sections is greater than the material used to form the rest of the garment. By being weighted at the ends of the first and second front sections, the garment is not easily displaceable from the user's shoulders, even where the garment accommodates several cables or tubes.

The density of the material used to form the ends of the front sections is generally at least three times the density of the material used to form the rest of the front sections.

Alternatively, the material used to form the end sections may be thicker than that used to form the rest of the front sections, generally at least three times as thick.

According to one embodiment, the front sections are weighted with weights of at least 200 g, suitably at 200 to 400 g.

The interior space defined by the walls of the housings generally has a longitudinal axis which slopes downwardly towards the spacing provided between the first and second front sections. In use, this spacing is where the infant is positioned. By this positioning of the housings, sharp twists or abnyt changes in the angle of the wires, cables and tubes are minimised or avoided. This reduces the risk of the wires, cables or tubes kinking or becoming obstructed.

Generally the longitudinal axis of the interior space defined by the walls of at least 50% of the housings slope downwardly towards the spacing provided between the first and second front sections, typically at least 75% of the housings, suitably at least 90% of the housings.

Generally the longitudinal axis of the interior space defined by the walls of the housings is provided at an angle of from 50 to 80 degrees from the central longitudinal axis of the garment.

The outer surfaces of the garment are generally formed from a plastics material which provide vvaterproof, "wipe-clean" surfaces and prevent absorption of fluids.

The interior of the housings is also generally formed from a waterproof material to promote easy cleaning, and prevent absorption of fluids According to one embodiment, most or all of the housings of the garment are provided in the first and second front sections Generally at least 50% of the housings are provided towards the ends of the first and second front sections.

According to one embodiment, the positioning of the housings on the first and second front sections is the same, and/or the size of the housings on the first and second front sections is the same. Typically, the garment is symmetrical along its central longitudinal axis.

Suitably one or more housings may be provided in the collar piece and/or in the yoke pieces. This may assist in routing the wires from one of the first and second front sections, around the user's shoulders towards the machine to which the infant is connected According to one embodiment, the garment does not include pockets. The user will have access to pockets in his/her clothes and including pockets in the garment describe herein would increase the weight of the garment and make it harder to clean.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the housing(s) extends across at least 50% of the width of the front section in which it is formed, typically at least 50% of the housings extend at least 50% of the width of the front section in which they are formed, generally all of the housings extend across at least 50% of the width of the front section in which they are formed.

According to one embodiment, the housing(s) may sit flush with the outer surface of the front section in which it is formed where the housing is not accommodating the electrical cable or tube.

According to one embodiment, the collar piece is provided around the back of the user's neck, the yoke pieces rest on the user's shoulders and the first and second front sections extend 10 to 15 cm from the yoke pieces. Each of the first and second front sections may include two or more housings, generally two housings. Typically each of the first and second front sections includes a first housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cables. Generally each of the first and second front sections includes a second housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tubes having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm, generally more than 1 cm. The first housing may be in the form of a flap in an outer surface of the front section. The flap is generally moveable relative to the outer surface between an open position and a closed position. The angle between the flap of the first housing and the outer surface of the front section is generally greater in the open position than in the closed position. The second housing may be in the form of a restraining member, generally secured to the outer surface of the front section at one side, and securable to the outer surface of the front section at another side thereof The exterior of the second housing is generally movable relative to the outer surface of the front section between an open and closed position, and is suitably adjustable depending on the size or number of tubes to be releasably accommodated. Generally in the closed position, the spacing between the inner walls of the second housing is greater than 1 cm and less than 10 cm. The second housing typically includes cut out portions to allow insertion of a user's finger into the spacing provided between the inner walls of the second housing. The housings provided in or on the first front section are generally the same size, shape and position and the housings provided in or on the second front section. Suitably the garment is symmetrical or substantially symmetrical about its longitudinal axis.

The ends of the front sections are generally both weighted through the incorporation of a material having a higher density than that used to form the remaining garment.

According to one embodiment, the only connection between the first and second front sections is through the yoke pieces and collar piece According to a further embodiment, there is provided a connecting strap to secure the front sections to each other providing additional security against dislodgement from the shoulders of a user.

Method There is also provided a method of using the garment described herein comprising: positioning the garment on and across the user's shoulders ensuring that the yoke pieces are positioned on the user's shoulders and the first and second front sections extend from the yoke pieces over the front of the user's torso, positioning one or more electrical cable(s) and/or one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 1 cm in the housings of the first and second front sections, thus routing the electrical cable(s) and/or the tube(s) over or around the shoulders of the user.

Suitably the electrical cable(s) and/or tube(s) are releasably accommodated and secured in the housings.

Generally, the electrical cable(s) and the tube(s) are positioned in housings provided in both of the front sections.

Typically, all of the electrical cables and/or tubing provided in any one housing have approximately the same diameter. This reduces the risk of a smaller cable or tube becoming crushed or dislodged.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of a user cradling an infant or child wherein wires, tubes, cables and/or hoses are attached to the infant or child and to a machine comprising: positioning the garment described herein on and across the user's shoulders ensuring that the yoke pieces are positioned on the user's shoulders and the first and second front sections extend from the yoke pieces over the front of the user's torso, placing the infant or child in the user's arms, positioning and generally securing one or more electrical cable(s) or one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 1 cm in the housings of the front sections, wherein the infant or child may be placed against the user's chest.

The method allows the user to hold the baby without the need to hold trailing wires etc, and without wires being secured to another object for instance the user's chair The user can change position without anxiety about dislodging or detaching tubes or cables from the infant or from the machine to which the infant is attached.

Alternatively, the patient themselves may wear the garment, allowing correct positioning and securement of electrical cables and tubing attaching the patient to a machine (for instance a life support machine or monitoring apparatus). The patient can mobilise with reduced risk of the cables or tubing becoming dislodged or detached.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit including the garment of the present teachings and instructions for use The garment may be provided in one part or in several parts. Preferably, the kits are packaged in a container suitable for commercial distribution, sale, and/or use.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 shows a photograph of a garment according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows detail of a housing of the garment of Figure 1 in which two tubes having a diameter of more than 1 cm are accommodated and secured.

Figure 3 shows detail of a housing of the garment of Figure I in which three electrical cables are accommodated and secured.

Figure 4 provides a schematic representation of a garment according to the present invention.

Figure 5 provides a schematic representation of a garment according to the present invention being positioned on a user.

Figure 6 provides a schematic representation of a tube having a diameter of more than 1 cm being positioned in a housing of the garment of Figure 5.

Figure 7 provides a schematic representation of an electrical cable being positioned in a housing of the garment of Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 8 provides a schematic representation of the garment of Figures 5 to 7 in use.

Figure 9 shows a photograph of a garment according to the present invention positioned on a user.

Figure 10 shows detail of the housings of the garment of Figure 9 in the closed position.

Figure 11 shows detail of the housings of the garment of Figure 9 in the open position Figure 12 shows the length associated with a housing to accommodate and secure one or more tubes having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm of the garment of the present invention.

Figure 13 shows the width associated with a housing to accommodate and secure one or more tubes having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm of the garment of the present invention.

Figure 14 shows the length of an extendable tongue which forms part of the housing to accommodate and secure one or more tubes having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm of the garment of the present invention.

Figure 15 shows the length associated with a housing to accommodate one or more electrical cables of the garment of the present invention.

Figure 16 shows the width associated with a housing to accommodate one or more electrical cables of the garment of the present invention Figure 17 shows the width of a front section of the garment of the present invention.

Figure 18 shows the width of an end of a front section of the garment of the present invention.

The Figures show the garment, 1, of the present invention, including a first and second front sections, 2, 3, and a connecting portion, 4 formed from two yoke piece 20, 21 and a collar piece 22. The front sections, 2, 3, yoke pieces and collar piece together form a U-shape Alternatively, the garment of the present invention may be in the form of a C-shape. The collar piece is configured to partially encircle the neck of a user, and the yoke piecesare configured to be work on a user's shoulders.

Each of the first and second front sections, 2, 3, includes a first housing, 5, 6, to accommodate and secure one or more electrical cables. The first housing, 5, 6 is in the form of a flap formed in an outer surface of the front section, 2, 3. The flap is movable relative to the front section 2, 3, in which it is formed between an open and a closed position. The angle between the flap and the outer surface of the front section, 2, 3, is greater in the open position than in the closed position. The first housing, 5, 6, is securable to the outer surface of the front section with hook and loop fastening.

Each of the front sections, 2, 3, includes a second housing, 7, 8, to accommodate and secure one or more tubes having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm. The second housing, 7, 8 is in the form of an extendable tongue, 9, 10, and slit, 11, 12, arrangement. Where the second housing 7, 8 is configured to accommodate and secure one tube having a diameter of more than 1 cm, the tongue, 9, 10, will extend a first length, and where the second housing 7, 8 is configured to accommodate and secure two tube having a diameter of more than 1 cm, the tongue, 9, 10 will extend a second, greater length. The extendable tongue, 9, 10, is secured in the slit, 11, 12 in the outer surface of the front section, 2, 3. The tongue, 9, 10 includes two cut-out portions, 13 to assist the user in moving the tongue, 9, 10 between a closed position and an open position. The incorporation of the cut out portion, 13 allows a user's finger to be inserted easily into the space formed by the second housing, 7, 8 allowing the tongue, 9, 10 to be quickly moved from a closed to an open position allowing access to the tube housed within.

Figure 2 shows the second housing, 7, 8 accommodating and securing two tubes having a diameter of more than 1 cm, 15 Figure 3 shows the first housing, 5, 6 accommodating and securing two electrical cables, 17 Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the garment, I, of the present invention where each of the first and second front sections, 2, 3 includes two first housings, 5, 6 accommodating and securing two electrical cables, 17 in each of the first housings, 5, 6.

Figure 5 shows the garment, I, of the present invention being positioned on the shoulders of a user, and around the back of the neck of the user. Figure 6 shows two tubes having a diameter of more than 1 cm, 15, being positioned in the second housing, 7, 8. Figure 7 shows two electrical cables, 17, being positioned in the first housing, 5, 6. Figure 8 shows the garment in use, with cables and tubes secured and routed from the baby around the shoulders of the user. The baby is positioned to snuggle into the chest of the user.

Figure 9 shows the garment of the present invention positioned on a user. The front sections, 2, 3 extend from the yoke pieces down the front of the user's torso. The second housing 7, 8 is in the form of an extendable tongue, 9, 10, and slit, 11, 12, arrangement.

Figures 12 to 18 are provided to show appropriate dimensions for a garment according to the present invention for use on a human adult, where these figures show a ruler including at its top edge, measurements in cm and mm.

Various modifications and variations of the described aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes of carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the relevant fields are intended to be within the scope of the following Claims.

Claims

Claims 1 A garment comprising a collar piece configured to partially encircle the neck of a user, two yoke pieces configured to be worn on the shoulders of a user, and a first and second front section extending from the yoke pieces, wherein there is a spacing of at least 10 cm between the first front section and the second front section; wherein the first and second front sections include at least two housings configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) and/or to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm.
2 The garment as claimed in claim I, wherein the first and second front sections are attached to the yoke pieces and extend no more than 15 cm from the yoke pieces.
3 The garment as claimed in either one of claim I and claim 2 wherein the only connection between the first and second front sections is through the yoke pieces and collar piece.
4 The garment as claimed in either one of claim 1 and claim 2 wherein there are only two connections between the first and second front sections, the first through the yoke pieces and collar piece, and the second through a connecting portion having a width of less than 2 cm configured to extend across the front of the user's torso.
A garment as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one of the first and second front sections includes a housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 1 cm.
6 The garment of claim 1 wherein an exterior portion of one or more of the housings is movable relative to the front section in or upon which it is formed between an open and a closed position to provide releasable access to the interior of the housings.
7. The garment of claim 5 wherein the interior of the housing is defined by inner walls and the maximum spacing between the inner walls of the housing in the closed position is Ito 5 cm.
8 The garment of any preceding claim wherein the first and second front sections include at least one housing to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) and at least one housing to accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) haying a diameter of more than 0.5 cm.
9 The garment of any preceding claim wherein each of the first and second front sections includes at least one housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) and/or at least one housing configured to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 1 cm.
10. The garment of any preceding claim wherein each of the first and second front sections includes at least two housings to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) or to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) haying a diameter of more than I_ cm
11. The garment of any preceding claim wherein each of the front sections includes at least one housing to releasably accommodate and secure one or more electrical cable(s) and at least one housing to releasably accommodate and secure one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 1 cm.
12. The garment of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the housing(s) extends across at least 50% of the width of one of the first and second front sections.
13. The garment of any preceding claim wherein all of the housings extend across at least 50% of the width of one of the first and second front sections in which the housing is formed.
14. The garment of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the housing(s) is adjustable between a first open position and a second open position.
15. The garment of any preceding claim wherein at least 50% of the housings slope upwardly towards the central longitudinal axis of the garment, typically at an angle of 50 to 80 degrees from the central longitudinal axis of the garment.
16. The garment of any preceding claim, wherein the size and positioning of the housings on both of the first and second front sections is the same
17 The garment of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the housings comprises a restraining member secured to one of the first and second front sections at one side of the restraining member, said restraining member moveable relative to the front section between an open position and a closed position, preferably wherein the restraining member is biased towards the closed position.
18. The garment of claim 17 wherein the restraining member includes one or more cut out portions to allow access to the spacing between the inner walls of the housing.
19. The garment of any preceding claim wherein, when fitted, the garment has a transition between a relatively horizontal alignment to a relatively vertical alignment at the join between the collar piece and the yokes pieces to further accommodate the shoulders of a user.
The garment of any preceding claim wherein an end of each of the first and second front sections spaced away from the yoke pieces is weighted.
21. A kit including the garment of any one of claims Ito 20 and instructions for use.
22 A method of using the garment of any one of claims 1 to 20 comprising: positioning the garment on and across the user's shoulders ensuring that each of the yoke pieces are positioned on the user's shoulders and the first and second front sections extend from the yoke pieces over the front of the user's torso, positioning one or more electrical cable(s) or one or more tube(s) having a diameter of more than 0.5 cm in the housings of the first and second front sections wherein the electrical cable(s) and/or tube(s) are releasably secured in the housings and are routed over and/or around the shoulders of the user.