WO2020112073A1

WO2020112073A1 - Sealskin application system

Info

Publication number: WO2020112073A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/062410
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph ANNAMARIE
Original assignee: Annamarie Joseph
Priority date: 2018-11-26
Filing date: 2018-11-26
Publication date: 2020-06-04

Abstract

A system for providing a protective covering on an animal comprising a supply of dispensable plastic stretch film pre-wound onto a spool and a dispenser-applicator for dispensing the film, wherein said dispenser-applicator and spool are are longitudinally aligned with a telescoping mechanism which enables extension of the spool, and incorporated therein a cam lock which permits positive locking of the telescoping mechanism in an adjusted position.

Description

SEALSKIN APPLICATION SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] State-of-the-art medical care requires that open wounds, plaster and other types of casts, porous and non-waterproof bandages and the like require covering by watertight coverings that also prevent access to the injured areas by infectious agents. Thus, the plaster used to form casts around broken or severely injured limbs and joints becomes soft and deteriorates when wet. A patient must make every effort to keep such casts, as well as other types of casts, dry at all times. Moreover, it is necessary to maintain any kind of open wound dry and protected at all times.

[0002] In addition, pic lines, incisions, drainage tubes, dressings during bathing, drawing blood (phlebotomy), hygiene, "hot or cold" compresses, numerous treatments or remedies also require protection from infiltration by moisture, water or other fluids.

[0003] There have been a large number of prior U.S. patents for covering a cast or sealing the cover for the cast to prevent the intrusion of water into the cast.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,265 shows a protective cast cover which covers a cast with a protective plastic cover and wraps the end of the protective cover with a neoprene or foam plastic material to form the seal.

[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,911 ,151 , a disposable dressing cover for an arm or a leg provides for a tubular plastic sleeve to fit over the cast and then has one end secured with a strap which is attached by an adhesive.

[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,183, a waterproof cover for a cast uses a transparent polyethylene bag and seals the distal ends with pairs of strips of hook and loop material. [0007] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,220 has a protective cover and has a flexible collar to form the seal which is attached with hook and loop material.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,229,575 has a flexible bag covering an artificial limb which is sealed with a sealing band.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,286 provides a water impervious covering for extremities and uses an adhesive strip in the sealing of a flexible covering.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,317 is for a watertight cast cover for protecting a cast which is sealed with a band having overlapping ends forming flaps of hook and loop material.

[0011 ] U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,245 is for a protective sleeve for a human limb which has a sealing cuff which is wrapped tightly around the limb.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,741 ,203 discloses a protective covering for an injured limb to form a seal with wrapping tape.

[0013] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,622 an immobilizing orthopedic cast is made of an inner water-impermeable protective sleeve next to the skin and a resilient padding layered with a plastic or resin or glass fiber outer immobilizing layer.

[0014] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,586 a protective cover for a limb or cast is provided with a sealing band as is U.S. Pat. No. 3,324,580.

[0015] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,953, a wound cover is formed with a flexible sleeve sealed at each end.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,301 ,603 concerns a light weight flexible boot worn over a foot in a surgical cast to protect the cast from moisture. The boot can be stretched over various sizes and shapes of casts. [0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,834 relates to a waterproof covering intended to be worn over a cast or bandage on an injured arm or leg comprising a generally tubular water- impervious sleeve which is closed at one end, and which has spaced cutting sites running from side to side along which the sleeve can be cut to different lengths.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,501 discloses an air- and water-impervious flexible membrane to be placed over the cast or dressing to a position where the membrane's edge margins overlie the patient's skin along the perimeter of the cast or dressing. A vacuum is created between the membrane and skin by evacuating air through a suction tube or valve.

[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,648 concerns a tubular sleeve of waterproof material for receiving a limb and an elongated closure member for tightening this sleeve around the limb. A portion of the sleeve above the closure member is folded over the closure member to form a cuff. A belt attaches to the cuff and wraps around the cuff to completely seal the covered limb.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,302 relates to a limb sheath used to provide a waterproof cover for an injured limb, such as a burned limb or a limb which is bandaged or in a cast. The sheath has a water impervious sleeve made of a first plastics material. The sleeve has an open end through which a limb can be inserted. A sealing strip is fastened to and extends about the internal surface of the sleeve at the open end. The sealing strip is made of a second plastics material which is more highly plasticized than the first plastics material. There is also an elastic strap which is connected to and extends from the sleeve adjacent the open end. The strap is fastened to itself by mating components of a self-contact fastener.

[0021 ] U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,052 concerns a waterproof enclosure including a pliable, waterproof, elongated sheath having either (i) a closed end and an open end, or (ii) two open ends. A resilient, waterproof, sealing element is associated with each open end. A pliable, waterproof, bellows car be interposed between and contiguous with (i) the end of each sealing element and (ii) the sheath. A gas passage through the sheath can be provided that includes a port activated from a first state for inhibiting gas movement through the gas passage and a second state for permitting gas movement through the gas passage.

[0022] US Published Application No. 20140188020 relates to a system for providing a protective covering for a human on non-human animal comprising dispensing and applying film from an applicator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention relates to a system for providing and applying a

waterproof, moisture-sealing protective film cover to a portion of the anatomy of a human or non-human animal in need thereof, such as, for example, one bearing a wound, cast, prosthesis, dressing, bandage, compress, drainage tube, or the like, which system is more efficient than and highly advantageous over those of the prior art

[0024] One of many embodiments of the invention relates to a system for providing a protective covering for at least a portion of a human on non-human animal comprising a supply of dispensable plastic stretch film having a predetermined thickness and width pre-wound onto a spool and a dispenser-applicator for dispensing a predetermined length of film from said supply thereof and applying said predetermined length of said film to said human or non-human animal wherein said dispenser-applicator and spool are coupled to and longitudinally aligned with a telescoping mechanism which enables extension of the spool roll of said film, and incorporated in said telescoping mechanism a cam lock which permits positive locking of the telescoping mechanism in an adjusted position by relative rotation thereof in one direction and release by relative rotation in the opposite direction for further longitudinal adjustment of the telescoping members. [0025] An additional embodiment of the invention concerns an article of manufacture comprising packaging material and the above-described system contained within the packaging material, and wherein the packaging material comprises a label which indicates that the system can be used for providing a protective covering for at least a portion of a human on non-human animal.

[0026] A still further embodiment of the invention relates to the above-described article of manufacture wherein the packaging material provides protection for the contained system from contamination by water and/or microorganisms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the written description and the drawings in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a dispenser-applicator system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 1 A shows a side view of a dispenser-applicator implemented in the system of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded isometric view showing the various parts of the cam lock in disassembled condition;

[0031 ] FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section through the telescoping members of FIG. 2 showing the cam lock therewithin;

[0032] FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged transverse sections through the cam lock of FIG. 3.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows the cam lock in the locked condition with the collar eccentrically located on the plug forcing the collar and plug into tight frictional engagement with opposite sides of the outer telescoping member, locking the telescopic members in longitudinal adjusted position.

[0034] FIG. 5 showing the cam lock in the unlocked condition with the collar concentrically disposed with respect to the plug.

[0035] FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded isometric view showing a modified form of cam lock in accordance with this invention in disassembled form.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 -1 A, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a dispenser- applicator system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 1A shows a side view of a preferred dispenser-applicator implemented in system 100.

[0038] Referring specifically to FIG. 1 , a supply of plastic stretch film 112 is pre-wound onto spool 114 of a dispenser-applicator 100. Applicator 100 also includes a preferably ergonomic handle 118. Dispenser-applicator 100 is optionally coupled to and longitudinally aligned with telescoping mechanism 120 which allows, if desired, extending the spool 14 to enable application of the film 12 to hard-to-reach

areas. Preferably incorporated within telescoping mechanism 120 is a cam lock (described below), which enables the handle 118 to be releasably locked in place to permit any desired length of the applicator 100.

[0039] FIG. 1A shows a side view of dispenser applicator 100 without the pre-wound plastic stretch film so as to further illustrate the telescoping mechanism 120. [0040] In FIG. 3 there is shown a pair of telescoping members 1 and 2 (corresponding to elements 114 and 118 in Figs. 1 and 1A), which may be releasably locked in longitudinal adjusted position using cam lock 3. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that locking the telescoped device in any position will not affect the sealskin applicating function thereof.

[0041 ] As best seen in FIG. 2, the cam lock 3 desirably consists of two main parts, a cylindrically shaped plug 6 and a collar or ring 7. One end 8 of the plug 6 is of a diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the inner telescoping member 1 for insertion therein (see FIG. 3), where it is locked in place as by indenting the inner telescoping member 1 around the outer periphery thereof. The extent to which the plug 6 may be inserted into the inner telescoping member 1 may be limited by an enlarged cylindrical portion 10 on the outer projecting portion of the plug which provides a shoulder 11 for engagement by the end of the inner member 1. Preferably, the outer diameter of the enlarged cylindrical plug portion 10 is the same as the outer diameter of the inner telescoping member 1 thus to permit a close sliding fit of the outer telescoping member 2 over such enlarged cylindrical plug and inner telescoping member 1.

[0042] Formed in the outer periphery of the enlarged cylindrical plug portion 10 is an eccentric groove 12 adapted to receive the collar 7 which has an outer cylindrical surface and an eccentric opening therein providing a collar having a shape

corresponding to the shape of the eccentric groove 12, for a purpose to be

subsequently described. Projecting into the eccentric groove 12 from one side thereof is a projection or stop 15 which is received in a circumferentially extending slot 16 formed in one end of the collar 7, whereby when the collar 7 and plug 6 are properly

assembled, the extent of rotation of the collar 7 relative to the plug 6 is limited by engagement of the ends of the slot 16 with the stop. Alternatively, the circumferentially extending slot 16' may be intermediate the ends of the collar 7' and the projection or stop 15' may be a pin projecting into the slot from the bottom of the groove 12' as shown in FIG. 6. In any event the slot 16 desirably extends approximately 180. degree around the collar 7, and the projection 15 is located in such a position with respect to the slot 16 that when the collar 7 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction in the groove to bring one end 17 of the slot 16 into engagement with the projection 15 as shown in FIG. 5, the collar 7 is concentrically located on the plug 16 and will not interfere with longitudinal adjustment of the outer telescoping member 2 with respect to the inner telescoping member 1. However, when the collar 7 is rotated in the reverse or clockwise direction to bring the other end 18 of the slot 16 into engagement with the projection 15 as shown in FIG. 4, the collar is eccentrically disposed on the plug, thus causing the collar and plug to be forced into frictional engagement with opposite sides of the outer telescoping member 1 for locking both telescoping members in longitudinal adjusted position. A longitudinal bore 19 through the plug 6 permits free circulation of air between the telescoping members 1 and 2 so that air pressure does not build up within the outer member 2 during retraction of the outer member and a vacuum is not created therein during extension of the outer member relative to the inner member.

[0043] The collar 7 is made of a flexible material which may be of plastic such as nylon, and is split as shown to facilitate assembly of the collar onto the plug, and insure frictional sliding contact between the collar and inner diameter of the outer member 2 even when the collar is concentric on the plug. Accordingly, rotation of the outer member 2 relative to the inner member 1 will cause the collar 7 to rotate with the outer member unless there is engagement between one end of the notch in the collar and the projection 15 on the plug precluding further rotation of the collar in an unlocking direction or the collar is already in the eccentric locking position precluding further rotation of both the collar 7 and outer member in the locking direction. The forward end 20 of the plug 6 may be tapered as shown to provide a ramp for sliding of the collar up onto the enlarged cylindrical portion 10 and into the groove 12 during assembly.

[0044] To assist in guiding of the outer member 2 along the inner member 1 during longitudinal adjustment, an end cap 21 is provided on the telescoping end of the outer member which has a close sliding fit with the outer diameter of the inner member 1 as shown in FIG. 3. A suitable legend may also be provided on the end cap 21 or adjacent thereto indicating to the operator the directions of rotation of the outer member 2 relative to the inner member 1 which result in tightening and untightening of the telescopic members.

[0045] From the foregoing, it will now be apparent that the cam lock of the present invention is easily operated by relatively rotating the telescopic members in one direction or the other to obtain locking and unlocking of such members. The lock has unidirectional characteristics providing to the user known directions for always tightening and untightening the lock, thereby substantially eliminating the chances of inadvertent overtightening or loosening of the lock.

[0046] Although the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

[0047] For example, the system may be designed for single usage applications or for situations where multiple lengths of film are separately dispensed for applications to multiple sites; either on the same or different patients. Moreover, the film may assume any convenient shape, design or construction. For example, the film may be perforated, it being understood that the system is designed for multiple wrappings of the perforated sheet around the designated site so that the perforations overlap with non-perforated sections to provide a waterproof and protective covering.

Claims

1. A system for providing a protective covering for at least a portion of a human on non-human animal comprising a supply of dispensable plastic stretch film having a predetermined thickness and width pre-wound onto a spool and a dispenser- applicator for dispensing a predetermined length of film from said supply thereof and applying said predetermined length of said film to said human or non-human animal, wherein said dispenser-applicator and spool are coupled to and longitudinally aligned with a telescoping mechanism which enables extension of the spool roll of said film, and incorporated in said telescoping mechanism, a cam lock which permits positive locking of the telescoping mechanism in an adjusted position by relative rotation thereof in one direction and release by relative rotation of the members in the opposite direction for further longitudinal adjustment of the telescoping members.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said supply of plastic stretch film comprises a roll of said film.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said plastic stretch film is substantially transparent.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said plastic stretch film is colored.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein said plastic stretch film is a skin tone color.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said plastic stretch film comprises a polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride or ethylene vinyl acetate.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said polyolefin comprises polyethylene, polypropylene or polybutylene.

9. An article of manufacture comprising packaging material and the system of claim 1 contained within said packaging material, and wherein said packaging material comprises a label which indicates that said system can be used for providing a protective covering for at least a portion of a human on non-human animal.

10. The article of manufacture of claim 9 wherein said packaging material provides protection for said contained system from contamination by water and/or microorganisms.