Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
  • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
  • A47G9/007—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows comprising deodorising, fragrance releasing, therapeutic or disinfecting substances
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D03—WEAVING
  • D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
  • D03D15/00—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used
  • D03D15/20—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the material of the fibres or filaments constituting the yarns or threads
  • D03D15/283—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the material of the fibres or filaments constituting the yarns or threads synthetic polymer-based, e.g. polyamide or polyester fibres
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
  • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
  • A47G9/02—Bed linen; Blankets; Counterpanes
  • A47G9/0238—Bed linen
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
  • A47G9/00—Bed-covers; Counterpanes; Travelling rugs; Sleeping rugs; Sleeping bags; Pillows
  • A47G9/02—Bed linen; Blankets; Counterpanes
  • A47G9/0238—Bed linen
  • A47G9/0253—Pillow slips
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
  • A61F5/48—Devices for preventing wetting or pollution of the bed
  • A61F5/485—Absorbent protective pads
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D03—WEAVING
  • D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
  • D03D11/00—Double or multi-ply fabrics not otherwise provided for
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D03—WEAVING
  • D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
  • D03D13/00—Woven fabrics characterised by the special disposition of the warp or weft threads, e.g. with curved weft threads, with discontinuous warp threads, with diagonal warp or weft
  • D03D13/008—Woven fabrics characterised by the special disposition of the warp or weft threads, e.g. with curved weft threads, with discontinuous warp threads, with diagonal warp or weft characterised by weave density or surface weight
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D03—WEAVING
  • D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
  • D03D15/00—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used
  • D03D15/30—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the structure of the fibres or filaments
  • D03D15/37—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the structure of the fibres or filaments with specific cross-section or surface shape
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D03—WEAVING
  • D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
  • D03D15/00—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used
  • D03D15/40—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the structure of the yarns or threads
  • D03D15/41—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the structure of the yarns or threads with specific twist
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D03—WEAVING
  • D03D—WOVEN FABRICS; METHODS OF WEAVING; LOOMS
  • D03D15/00—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used
  • D03D15/40—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the structure of the yarns or threads
  • D03D15/49—Woven fabrics characterised by the material, structure or properties of the fibres, filaments, yarns, threads or other warp or weft elements used characterised by the structure of the yarns or threads textured; curled; crimped
• • 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
  • A41D13/12—Surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses
  • A41D13/1236—Patients' garments
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2101/00—Inorganic fibres
  • D10B2101/10—Inorganic fibres based on non-oxides other than metals
  • D10B2101/12—Carbon; Pitch
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2331/00—Fibres made from polymers obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds, e.g. polycondensation products
  • D10B2331/02—Fibres made from polymers obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds, e.g. polycondensation products polyamides
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2331/00—Fibres made from polymers obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds, e.g. polycondensation products
  • D10B2331/04—Fibres made from polymers obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds, e.g. polycondensation products polyesters, e.g. polyethylene terephthalate [PET]
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2401/00—Physical properties
  • D10B2401/02—Moisture-responsive characteristics
  • D10B2401/022—Moisture-responsive characteristics hydrophylic
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2401/00—Physical properties
  • D10B2401/13—Physical properties anti-allergenic or anti-bacterial
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2401/00—Physical properties
  • D10B2401/16—Physical properties antistatic; conductive
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2403/00—Details of fabric structure established in the fabric forming process
  • D10B2403/01—Surface features
  • D10B2403/012—Alike front and back faces
• • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
  • D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
  • D10B2503/00—Domestic or personal
  • D10B2503/06—Bed linen

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to therapeutic fabrics, and more specifically to articles that include a woven fabric having advantageous antimicrobial, anti-static, wicking and drying properties, to aid in the prevention and treatment of dermatitis, skin wounds, pressure wounds and other skin ailments.
• Medical research in support of the technology disclosed in these applications has been published in Pediatric Dermatology, Vol. 25, No. 4, 439-433, July/ August 2008, in an article entitled "Use of a Silklike Bedding Fabric in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
• the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted 510(k) clearance as a Class 1 medical device (registration number K061242), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
• pressure wounds also known as bedsores
• bedsores are areas of localized tissue destruction caused by the compression of soft tissue between a bony prominence and an external surface for a prolonged period of time. They develop when blood supply to the skin is cut off for more than two to three hours.
• the pressure wound starts as a red, painful area, which eventually turns purple. They often occur on areas of the skin that are under pressure from the patient lying in bed, sitting in a wheelchair, and/or wearing a cast for a prolonged period of time.
• An untreated wound can break open and become infected, and/or extend deep into the muscle. Once a pressure wound develops, it is often very slow healing.
• Known methods of prevention include inspecting the skin for areas of redness (the first sign of skin breakdown), frequent turning and repositioning, providing soft padding in wheelchairs and beds to reduce pressure, and/or providing good skin care by keeping the skin clean and dry. Treatment may include removing pressure on the affected area, protecting the wound with medicated gauze or other special dressings, keeping the wound clean, transplanting healthy skin to the wound area and/or medication (i.e., antibiotics to treat infections).
• a typical conventional hospital bedding fabric is a plain weave construction of 120 warp yarns per inch and 74 filling yarns per inch, producing a fabric that is 4.12 ounces per square yard.
• the warp yarns are 39/1 spun yarns, equivalent to 136 denier, in a blend of 50% cotton and 50% staple polyester.
• the filling yarns are 35.6/1 spun yarns, equivalent to 149 denier, in a , blend of 50% cotton and 50% staple polyester.
• These fabrics have no special finishes, moisture handling characteristics, antimicrobial properties, anti-static characteristics, or soil-release properties. In short, these are low-end bedding products similar to what one might find in a home or hotel, and are not made to prevent or treat skin disorders.
• an underpad also known as a protective pad, which provides a means for shielding mattresses from biological fluids that emanate from a person in bed. They range from a very simple sheet of waterproof material such as rubber, to more a complex multi-layered device. They may be intended for one use (disposable), or may be reusable. Underpads are intended to be positioned between the bottom sheet and top sheet of a bed, so a person in the bed is laying directly on the underpad, with gravity carrying the emanating biologicals to the underpad. To varying degrees this protects the bottom sheet and mattress thereunder. Since the underpad is typically in direct contact with the patient, efforts have been made to make the underpad more comfortable. For example, rubberized pads may include flocking to contact the patient, or vinyl backing may include a quilted cloth.
• Underpads may comprise an absorbent material that is covered in the conventional hospital bedding fabric discussed above. While an underpad of this construction may effectively protect the mattress, and possibly even be relatively comfortable, it does not rise to the level of being therapeutic insofar as it doesn't prevent or treat skin problems, and pressure wounds in particular.
• FIG. 1 Another example of a hospital article that is commoditized to the detriment of patients is the patient gown, also known as a hospital gown.
• These garments are typically constructed of cotton/poly blends, for example the aforementioned conventional bedding fabric. They are typically relatively inexpensive and easy to wash, but do not possess properties which would actually prevent or treat skin disorders, and particularly pressure wounds.
• Silk is effective in this case since silk fibers have a chemical structure very similar to that of human hair (97% protein, 3% fat, and wax matter). Silk fibers are perfectly smooth and cylindrical. As such, they do not create mechanical friction with the skin. Further, silk is naturally hygroscopic, absorbing up to 30% of its own weight in sweat without becoming wet. This is important in aiding the cure of atopic dermatitis because silk is able to maintain the moisture balance of the skin, providing a softening and soothing micro-climate next to the skin. Silk is also capable of absorbing and releasing moisture without causing irritation, because the diameter of silk's cylindrical fibers simply increase or decrease as moisture is absorbed or released.
• Silk yarns are made up of tiny continuous filaments, delicate skin is not disturbed as the moisture content changes. Silk helps to reduce heavy sweating (common in children affected by atopic dermatitis), as well as minimize the loss of moisture that can aggravate skin dryness and itching. Silk is also naturally elastic. When used in a knitted construction, silk fabrics allow garments to move with the body and to remain closely bound to the skin, thereby reducing friction.
• DermataSilk fabrics and apparel also incorporate a topical antimicrobial agent that provides protection to the silk fibers against a broad range of bacteria, germs, molds, and fungus. This antimicrobial treatment inhibits the survival of bacteria on the fabric and is highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus, one of the major factors of worsening atopic dermatitis.
• Silk cannot be presoaked in detergents or bleaches, as both will damage silk. Further, silk fabrics cannot be air-dried in the sun, since ultraviolet rays degrade silk. Therefore, silk fabrics are less than ideal for widespread use in therapeutic hospital articles.
• An inventor of the present invention developed a new fabric technology for therapeutic bedding which overcame some of DermaSilk's shortcomings by employing synthetic fibers, some of which possess non-round cross-sectional shapes.
• This fabric has shown great promise in treating mild atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type of eczema. Indeed, on January 25, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted 510(k) clearance on the invention as a Class 1 medical device (registration number K061242) for the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis.
• that invention represented the first therapeutic bedding to be granted FDA marketing clearance as a Class 1 medical device for skincare therapy.
• the present invention fulfills one or more of these needs in the art by providing a fabric for bedding, including underpads, and patient gowns, that utilize a unique combination of polymer types and fiber configurations to form woven fabrics that are like silk in terms of aesthetics, smoothness, elongation, and moisture handling, but more durable, more stain resistant, and more suitable for articles such as bedding and patient gowns. Further, the fabric is also superior to cotton-containing fabrics because it dries more quickly and stays smooth when wet.
• the fabric includes a woven fabric having warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide a smooth fabric surface.
• one of the warp and filling yarns is at least 40% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament nylon.
• the other of the warp and filling yarns may be from about 0% to 60% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament polyester or nylon having non-round filament cross sections.
• the fabric includes a conductive yarn from about 0% to about 2% by weight of the fabric.
• an antimicrobial substance is topically applied or inherently available in the fabric.
• the warp yarns may be 100% nylon, and the filling yarns may be polyester or nylon.
• the fabric is preferably woven as a twill weave or plain weave.
• the plain weave is preferred and if a twill weave is used, preferably it is balanced so that both sides of the fabric are the same.
• the warp yarn may be a 40 denier, 34 filament, five twist per inch, continuous filament nylon 6-6 yarn, with the filling yarn a 75 denier, 48 filament, continuous filament textured polyester.
• the warp yarn is a 70 denier, 48 filament, continuous filament textured nylon yarn, the filling yarn a 75 denier, 36 filament, non-round cross-section continuous filament textured polyester, and the conductive yarn is from about 0% to about 2% by weight of the fabric.
• the continuous filaments have a non-round fiber cross section, such as fibers with a star shaped, clover leaf, trilobal or bowtie cross section.
• the continuous filaments with non-round fiber cross sections typically have a cross section such that adjacent filaments form wicking channels that enhance moisture wicking and rapid drying.
• the fabric is finished to produce a fabric with an elongation greater than about 30% per ASTM D5034-95 test for breaking strength and elongation of textile fabrics.
• the fabric has a soil-release topical finish.
• the present invention provides a therapeutic woven fabric for preventing and reducing skin wounds having warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide a smooth fabric surface and made into a sheet sized to cover a bed.
• the sheet typically has hems to prevent raveling of the woven fabric.
• One of the warp and filling yarns is at least 40% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament nylon, the other of the warp and filling yarns is from about 0% to 60% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament polyester or nylon having non-round filament cross sections, and the conductive yarn from about 0% to about 2% by weight of the fabric.
• an antimicrobial substance is topically applied or inherently available in the fabric.
• Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a therapeutic woven fabric for use in articles that contact the skin.
• One of the warp and filling yarns is at least 40% by weight of continuous filament nylon
• the other of the warp and filling yarns is from about 0% to 60% by weight of continuous filament polyester or nylon having non- round filament cross sections
• a conductive yarn is from about 0% to about 2% by weight of the fabric.
• an antimicrobial substance is topically applied or inherently available in the fabric.
• Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a therapeutic woven fabric with a smooth surface for constructing bedding, including underpads and/or garments such as patient gowns.
• the warp and filling yarns are continuous and substantially free of hairiness.
• One of the warp and filling yarns is preferably a continuous filament yarn having a non-round filament cross section such that adjacent filaments form wicking channels, and a conductive yarn is integrated to control static.
• An antimicrobial substance may be topically applied or inherently available in the fabric.
• An invention can also be considered as providing a method of patient therapy including covering the patient's bed with sheets having surfaces that are smooth even when wet; and allowing the patient to rest between the sheets.
• the patient's bed includes an underpad, and the patient is wearing a patient gown, with both the underpad and gown constructed of a fabric having these same properties as the sheets.
• the surface roughness between the sheets, underpad and patient gown, and the patient's skin is reduced in comparison with the surface roughness that would exist between cotton or polyester/cotton blend fabric sheets and the patient's skin.
• an invention can also be considered as providing a method of patient therapy including dressing or providing a patient with a patient gown having smooth surfaces even when wet.
• the patient's bed includes bedding, including an underpad, constructed with the same fabric as the patient gown. The surface roughness between the patient gown and the patient's skin is reduced in comparison with the surface roughness that would exist between cotton or polyester/cotton blend fabric sheets and the patient's skin.
• the therapeutic fabric is constructed from a woven fabric having warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide a smooth fabric surface, with one of the warp and filling yarns being at least 40% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament nylon, the other of the warp and filling yarns being from about 0% to 60% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament polyester or nylon having non-round filament cross sections, and including a conductive yarn from about 0% to about 2% by weight of the fabric.
• the patient is also provided one of at least a bottom bed sheet, top bed sheet, pillowcase, and/or underpad.
• the article should have an average geometric surface roughness of 1.0 to 1.75 microns when dry as measured by the Kawabata
• the article or articles provide an antimicrobial reduction of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis of at least 98.0% after 24-hour contact time.
• Another aspect of this invention is a patient gown comprising a textile fabric woven of 100% continuous synthetic yarns, with the fabric finished to achieve antimicrobial reduction of greater than 99% of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis after 24-hour contact time when tested by the AATCC Test Method 100, having an average surface roughness of about 1.75 microns using the Kawabata Surface
• the present invention provides a therapeutic woven fabric for constructing an underpad capable of preventing and reducing skin wounds having warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide a smooth fabric surface, and sized to fit on a bed.
• the underpad may have hems or seams to prevent unraveling of the woven fabric, include a liquid impermeable bottom layer and/or a fluid absorbing middle layer, and may be at least 34 inches in width along the top edge, at least 42 inches at the bottom edge, and a total length of 65 inches so as to increase protection for patients' knees and feet.
• [OO35]An invention can also be considered as providing a method of patient therapy including covering the patient's bed with an underpad whose top fabric layer has a smooth surface, even when wet; and allowing the patient to rest upon this underpad.
• the patient's bed includes at least one other bedding article such as a bottom sheet, top sheet, and/or pillow case, and/or the patient is wearing a patient gown, with the article(s) and patient gown constructed of the same fabric as the underpad' s top fabric layer.
• the surface roughness between the top fabric layer and the patient's skin is reduced in comparison with the surface roughness that would exist between a
• the top fabric layer of the underpad is constructed from a woven fabric having warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide a smooth fabric surface, with one of the warp and filling yarns being at least 40% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament nylon, the other of the warp and filling yarns being from about 0% to 60% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament polyester or nylon having non-round filament cross sections, and including a conductive yarn from about 0% to about 2% by weight of the fabric.
• the top fabric layer of the underpad should have an average geometric surface roughness of 1.0 to 1.75 microns when dry as measured by the Kawabata Evaluation System FB4 Surface Tester.
• the top layer of the underpad provides an antimicrobial reduction of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis of at least 98.0% after 24-hour contact time.
• Another aspect of this invention is an underpad with a top fabric layer comprising a textile fabric woven of 100% continuous synthetic yards, with the fabric finished to achieve antimicrobial reduction of greater than 99% reduction of
• this underpad also includes a liquid impermeable bottom layer and fluid absorbing middle layer, with all three layers secured together.
• the article is constructed from a woven fabric having warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide a smooth fabric surface, with one of the warp and filling yarns being at least 40% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament nylon, the other of the warp and filling yarns being from about 0% to 60% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament polyester or nylon having non-round filament cross sections, and including a conductive yarn from about 0% to about 2% by weight of the fabric.
• the articles of this method could be one or more of a bottom bed sheet, top bed sheet, pillowcase, underpad and/or patient gown.
• the article should have an average geometric surface roughness of 1.0 to 1.75 microns when dry as measured by the Kawabata Evaluation System FB4 Surface Tester.
• the article or articles provide an antimicrobial reduction of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis of at least 98.0% after 24-hour contact time.
• FIG. 1 is an illustration of a bed having a top sheet and pillow cases constructed of fabric of the present invention
• FIG. 2 is an illustration of a bed having a bottom sheet and underpad constructed of fabric of the present invention
• FIG. 3 depicts a patient wearing an embodiment of the patient gown of the present invention
• FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an underpad in cross-section
• FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a patient gown blank
• FIG. 6 is a photomicrograph of yarn whose fibers are star-shaped in cross section
• FIG. 7 is a photomicrograph of yarn whose fibers are cloverleaf-shaped in cross section
• FIG. 8 A is a photomicrograph of an embodiment of the fabric of the present invention.
• FIG. 8B is a photomicrograph of conventional hospital bedding fabric.
• a therapeutic fabric for the prevention and treatment of skin wounds and disorders is disclosed.
• the fabric or “the therapeutic fabric” shall refer to this fabric unless the context implies differently.
• the fabric is used to form articles that contact the skin, such as bedding and patient gowns.
• bedding shall refer to bottom bed sheets, top bed sheets, pillow cases and/or underpads, and “articles” shall refer to bedding and patient gowns.
• the therapeutic fabric includes warp yarns and filling yarns woven to provide a smooth fabric surface.
• one of the warp or filling yarns is at least 40% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament nylon, and the other of the warp or filling yarns is from about 0% to about 60% by weight of the fabric of continuous filament polyester or nylon having non-round filament cross sections.
• the most preferred embodiment includes about 1% to about 2% of a conductive yarn to control static electricity.
• an antimicrobial substance is topically applied or inherently available in the fabric.
• an antimicrobial substance such as ⁇ EGIS Microbe Shield, manufactured by J ⁇ GIS Environments, Inc., is topically applied to the woven fabric in a standard textile finishing operation.
• the antimicrobial substance is preferably applied at 0.25% to 2.0%-weight of the active ingredient to 100%-weight of the fabric.
• ⁇ EGIS Microbe Shield works well against the following common microbes: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• the antimicrobial substance may also prevent odors in the fabric.
• the warp yarns may be 100% nylon, and the filling yarns may be polyester or nylon.
• the fabric is woven as a twill weave (typically a 2X1 twill) or, in another embodiment, as a plain weave.
• Yarns are woven into fabric constructions that have 80% to 100% coverage.
• the warp yarn may be a 40 denier, 34 filament, five twist per inch, continuous filament nylon 6-6 yarn, and the filling yarn may be a 75 denier, 48 filament, continuous filament textured polyester.
• the warp yarn is a 70 denier, 48 filament, continuous filament, textured nylon, and the filling yarn is a 75 denier, 36 filament, continuous filament, textured polyester.
• Continuous filament yarns are preferred because those yarns do not have short fibers extending beyond the fabric's planar surface, thereby decreasing irritation to sensitive skin.
• the smooth fabric surface also accentuates this effect.
• Continuous filaments forming a smooth surface and short fibers forming an irritating surface are shown in the photomicrographs of FIGS. 8 A and 8B, respectively. Warp yarns of about 30 denier to 100 denier, and filling yarns of about 30 denier to 100 denier may be used.
• the continuous filament has non-round filament cross-sections such as a star-shaped cross section or a clover-leaf cross section.
• the clover-leaf cross section also improves the fabric's smoothness and softness. Examples of these are seen in FIGS. 6 and 7.
• adjacent filaments form wicking channels along filament surfaces to promote and enhance moisture transport away from contact with the skin. The moisture moves along the fabric away from its original source, from whence it can evaporate or wick further. Thus, moisture more quickly evaporates and dries from the fabric surface, reducing the amount of moisture contacting the skin. As such, the wicking channels also help the user to maintain body temperature by reducing excess sweating.
• nylon is used because it has one of the highest moisture regains of any synthetic fiber. Nylon absorbs moisture, and aids in wicking and evaporation. Although nylon is preferred, polyester can also be used if a durable auxiliary hydrophilic treatment is applied as a post finish.
• the fabric may also contain a soil-release topical finish, such as Hydro WickTM NA, from HydroTex USA, Inc., at 40% solids applied at 8% exhausted on the weight of the fabric.
• a soil-release topical finish such as Hydro WickTM NA, from HydroTex USA, Inc.
• the fabric is able to release stains associated with skin antibiotic creams and ointments, wound drainage, and tissue detritus.
• the fabric may also include a conductive yarn such as carbon, silver or other metal.
• the conductive yarn is not critical to the therapeutic properties of the present invention, but it is useful in reducing the potential for static electricity which can occur during institutional laundering processes.
• the conductive yarn controls static dissipation by conducting static charges away and preventing a static charge accumulation.
• the conductive yarn is preferably included as various ends of the warp and/or courses of filling yarns.
• the conductive yarn is about 1% to about 2% by weight of the fabric.
• the fabric provides exceptional antimicrobial, anti-static, wicking and drying properties, and is capable of preventing and treating dermatitis, skin wounds, pressure wounds and other skin ailments. Moreover, the fabric is non- abrasive, cost effective, and able to withstand many washings, detergents, autoclaving, irradiation, and nightly wear. Accordingly, this fabric is exceptionally well suited for people who bed ridden, receiving rehabilitation, assisted living or nursing care, and particularly those who are exposed to biologicals including sweat, urine, feces, vomitus, wound drainage.
• the fabric is finished to produce a fabric with an elongation greater than about 30% as measured by ASTM D5034-95.
• ASTM D5034-95 Those of ordinary skill in the art are familiar with suitable finishing technologies to achieve this result.
• the fabric lends itself to the construction of various articles that come in skin contact including top sheet 10 which includes hem 14 to prevent raveling, and pillowcase 12 also having a hem (not shown), both shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the fabric may also be used to construct bottom sheet 20, underpad 60, and patient gown 30, as shown in FIG. 3
• underpad 60 is positioned on bottom sheet 20, which preferably includes fitted corners 21.
• a patient (not shown) lays directly on top of underpad 60 with top sheet (not shown) draped over the patient.
• Underpad 60 is preferably trapezoidally shaped with top edge 62 being less wide than bottom edge 64 when positioned on a bed.
• top edge 62 is at least 34 inches wide
• bottom edge 64 is at least 42 inches wide
• length 68 is approximately 65 inches.
• FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of underpad 60 including top fabric layer 75, which is comprised of therapeutic fabrics discussed herein, middle layer 77, and bottom layer 79.
• Absorbent middle layer 77 is preferably constructed of a nonwoven or foam material.
• Bottom layer 79 is preferably liquid impermeable, and can be constructed of materials such as vinyl, rubber, polyurethane-coated materials, and other liquid barriers known in the art.
• Top fabric layer 75, middle layer 77 and bottom layer 79 are preferably secured together to form underpad 60 by perimeter stitching 85, shown in FIG. 2.
• FIG. 5 depicts a preferred blank for constructing patient gown 30.
• a continuous piece of therapeutic fabric comprises body 33.
• Each individual panel 32 is attached to another arm panel 32 via arm hole seams 35.
• Each pair of two arm panels 32 are attached to body 33 via arm panel seams 36.
• Arm panels 32 define arm holes 34, through which arms extend when the assembled gown is worn by a patient, as shown in FIG. 3.
• first fasteners 40 and second fasteners 42 are first fasteners 40 and second fasteners 42, each mating one with another, for example as male and female snaps or buttons, loop and hook attachments, and the like.
• the innermost arm panels 32 define neck hole 37 (shown in FIG. 3) which may be a v-neck, semi-circular, or the like.
• Ties 38 secure to one another (such as by tying) behind the patient, as shown in FIG. 3.
• tie 39 may be attached to body 33 in a position other than outermost edge 50.
• patient gown 30 includes hem 48 and/or piping 52 to finish edges, pocket 44 for holding small personal or medical items, and identification 46 which indicates name of hospital, department, brand of item or any other desirable indicia.
• One comparative example of the fabric is a construction of 84 warp yarns per inch and 96 fill yarns per inch, to produce a fabric which is 2.36 ounces per square yard.
• the warp yarn is a 70 denier, 49 filament continuous textured nylon, with the primary filling yarn a 75 denier, 36 non-round cross-section continuous filament textured polyester.
• a secondary filling yarn is a two-ply yarn made by twisting a 25 denier, 3 filament, carbon yarn with a 70 denier, 68 continuous filament polyester yarn, and woven into the fabric at 2.5 picks per inch or 1% of the total weight of the fabric.
• this construction shall be referred to as the therapeutic fabric, which is but one embodiment of the present invention.
• typical hospital bedding fabric is a plain weave in a construction of 120 warp yarns per inch and 74 filling yarns per inch, producing a fabric that is 4.12 ounces per square yard, or 75% heavier than the present invention.
• the warp yarns are 39/1 spun yarns (equivalent to 136 denier) in a blend of 50% cotton and 50% staple polyester.
• the filling yarns are 35.6/1 spun yarns (equivalent to 149 denier) in a blend of 50% cotton and 50% staple polyester.
• These cotton-blend fabrics have no special finishes, moisture handling characteristics, antimicrobial properties, or soil- release properties. For purposes of interpreting Tables 1 and 2, this construction shall be referred to as "Cotton Blend".
• Non-round fiber cross sections create channels along fiber surfaces to promote and enhance moisture transport away from contact with the skin. Moisture more quickly evaporates and dries, and thereby reduces the amount of wetness next to the skin.
• the therapeutic fabric's ability to be greater than 95% dry after 45 minutes is a considerable improvement over the cotton blend, as shown in Table 2.
• Table 2 [0072]Minimal friction with the skin. Continuous-filament yarns have no short fibers extending beyond the fabric's planar surface to irritate sensitive skin. A smooth fabric surface accentuates this effect. Preferably, the fabric has an average geometric roughness of less than about 1.7 microns as measured by the Kawabata Evaluation System FB4 Surface Tester. Photomicrographs of the present invention and cotton blend, FIGS. 8 A and 8B respectively, demonstrate their substantial surface differences.
• Table 3 • [0074] A good degree of stretch and recovery. Such fabrics help bed sheets to fit tighter and thereby reduce wrinkles that cause skin irritation. Such fabrics also better conform to the body and reduce the shear forces on sensitive skin.
• the fabric is finished to produce a fabric with an elongation greater than about 30% as measured by ASTM D5034-95. The superior elongation properties are demonstrated in Table 4.
• invention ensemble (hereafter referred to as the "invention ensemble”) were compared with the incumbent cotton-blend sheets, including underpads, and patient gowns used in the hospital (hereafter referred to as the "standard ensemble”).
• a patient is provided one or more articles which are constructed of the fabric. Suitable articles include a bottom bed sheet, top bed sheet, pillow case, underpad and/or patient gown. These articles are considered to be in "substantial skin contact" with the patient insofar as it is foreseeable that the skin of a bed-ridden patient will come in contact with the article within a 24 hour period in the hospital. The article or articles should be replaced when they become undesirably moist or soiled, or otherwise according to standard hospital procedures which require, for example, complete bedding changes every 24 hours.
• Pressure wounds may also be prevented or cured by obtaining a bottom sheet, top sheet, pillow case, underpad, and/or patient gown marketed as a pressure wound preventative or curative, providing that article for use, and optionally providing instructions or information.
• “Marketed” as used herein, refers to the written or electronic dissemination of information about the sheet, pillowcase, underpad or gown.
• the invention also covers a method of preventing and/or treating pressure wounds by obtaining an article marketed as a pressure wound preventative, employing the article in connection with the care of a patient would subject to the development of pressure wounds under conventional therapies, and monitoring the patient for the development of pressure wounds.
• This article may be replaced when undesirably moist or soiled, may have an average geometric surface roughness of about 1.0 to 1.75 microns when dry, and/or may have a conductive yarn.
• the invention also covers a method of preventing and treating pressure wounds by marketing at least one article as a pressure wound preventative and treatment, providing the article to the healthcare provider, and providing information to the healthcare provider on use of the article to prevent or treat pressure wounds.
• the invention also covers weaving a fabric, applying an antimicrobial to the fabric, cutting and sewing the fabric to form an article, promoting the sale of the article as a pressure wound preventative or treatment, and providing the article to a health care provider.
• This article may include a conductive yarn.

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• Vascular Medicine (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
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• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
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