Transport and Holding System

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for strapping around the body of a user comprising one or more pockets to securely hold a device that may be connected to the user. The apparatus includes a band comprising a first side and a second side and a fastening tab attachably connected on a first end of the second side of the band. The apparatus also includes a pocket attachably connected on a first side of the band.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/958,372, filed on Dec. 1, 2010 and entitled “Infusion Pump Transport and Holding System,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/265,719, filed Dec. 1, 2009, entitled “Device for Holding Chemotherapy Pump.” The subject matter disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/958,372 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/265,719 is hereby incorporated by reference into the present disclosure as if fully set forth herein. The present invention hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/265,719.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a transport and holding system, and more particularly to an apparatus for securely, comfortably, and discreetly holding a device on a user's body in customizable configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In typical practice, a port is inserted into a patient's chest undergoing medical treatment and a tube, which is connected to a device, may be inserted into the port. Typically, a “fanny” pack is provided with the device to be worn below the patients' waist. However, the tubes or wires often are snagged or dislodged because they are dangling from the port to the traditional fanny pack. In addition, the dangling tubes or wires are not discrete and anyone who sees them knows that the patient is going though chemotherapy treatment or some other medical treatment. Moreover, at night, the traditional fanny pack with the device inside is usually placed on the night stand beside the bed and the tubes or wires often become tangled when the patient rolls during sleep or when a pet chews on them. As such, a need currently exists for an improved product that allows a patient to remain active while wearing the device, remain discrete and without snagging the tubes or wires.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus includes a band comprising a first side and a second side and a fastening tab attachably connected on a first end of the second side of the band. The apparatus also includes a pocket attachably connected on a first side of the band and configured to adapt between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The apparatus further includes one or more securing straps having a first end affixed to a back portion of the pocket and a second end repeatably attachable to a front portion of the pocket when the pocket is in the closed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary apparatus according to a preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the apparatus of FIG. 1 in greater detail in accordance with another embodiment;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the apparatus of FIG. 1 in greater detail in accordance with another embodiment;

FIGS. 4 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 in greater detail in accordance with another embodiment;

FIGS. 5A-D illustrate an embodiment of a device pocket of the apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6A-C illustrate other embodiments of a device pocket of the apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 7A-C illustrate embodiments of accessory pockets of the apparatus of FIG. 4.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate embodiments of the apparatus of FIG. 4, including a suspender device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the following detailed description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention provides many inventive concepts and novel features, that are merely illustrative, and are not to be construed as restrictive. Accordingly, the specific embodiments discussed herein are given by way of example and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for strapping around the body of a user comprising one or more pockets to securely hold a device that may be connected to a port associated with the user. By providing enclosure for the device and associated accessories (i.e., tubes, cables, wires) in the one or more pockets and tightly strapping the apparatus around the user's body, a user may remain active while wearing the device and accessories, for example, underneath the user's clothes without snagging the accessories or damaging the device and without being visibly noticeable.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an exemplary apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment. Apparatus 100 comprises a band 110 and a pocket 120. FIG. 1A illustrates a first side 110a of apparatus 100 and FIG. 1B illustrates a second side 110b of apparatus 100. Band 110 comprises a fastening tab 130 on a first end of second side 110b of apparatus 100 (shown in FIG. 1B), which attaches with the second end of second side 110b for securely strapping apparatus 100 around the body of a user. In one embodiment, fastening tab 130 is a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™ and may be a single tab, or two or more tabs, according to particular needs. In addition, the length of band 110 is substantially longer then the width of band 110 to provide for wrapping around a user's body. In an embodiment, a plurality of zig-zag surge stitches 150 are placed at predetermined intervals and perpendicular to the length of band 110 to allow a user to cleanly cut band 110 and decrease the length of band 110, depending upon the application.

In one embodiment, pocket 120 comprises a device pocket 120a, an accessory pocket 120b, and a clear pocket 120c. These one or more pockets 120 may comprise one or more access holes 160 on the back of the one or more pockets 120 to allow the accessories associated with the device access to the port on the user. In addition, the one or more pockets 120 comprise one or more internal cavities that are externally accessible, such as the internal cavities of pockets 120a, 120b and 120c. Once these one or more internal cavities of pockets 120 are opened and are externally accessible to a user, a device or other object may be is inserted in the one or more pockets 120. Although a single band 110 and a single pocket 120 are shown and described; embodiments contemplate any number of bands 110 or any number of pockets attachably connected with band 110, according to particular needs. In addition, as described below in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 8A and 8B, various configurations of one or more pockets 120 may be attachably connected with band 110, according to other embodiments.

In one embodiment, band 110 is made out of LYCRA™, any woven material, spandex, rubber, latex, or other suitable material. In another embodiment, band 110 is a latex free plush medical elastic on a first side and a hook receptive material on a second side. For example, band 110 is made from, for example, an elastic medical material, such that the first side 110a of band 110 is made of a smooth plush medical elastic, rubber, or latex while the second side 110b of band 110 is made of a hook receptive material. The combination of the hook receptive material of the second side of 110b of band 110 with fastening tabs 130 provides for secure attachment of apparatus 100 around a user's body. Among other things, this provides for the stretchability of band 110 around the user's body and the comfort of band 110 against the user's body.

In one embodiment, pocket 120 is stitched to band 110 and is made of a polyester stretch material, wherein the material may be any material, such as for example, fabric, any color of fabric, and may comprise any pattern on the fabric, according to particular needs. In addition, a clear vinyl may be used for one or more pockets 120, such as clear pocket 120c. Furthermore, although one or more pockets 120 are shown and described as being stitched with band 110, embodiments contemplate taping, binding, gluing, or otherwise affixing pocket 120 with band 110 in any appropriate manner. In another embodiment, some or all of pocket 120 may be affixed to band 110, according to particular needs.

In another embodiment, a user may insert an infusion pump, such as a chemotherapy cancer pump into the internal cavity of device pocket 120a and insert the tubes of the chemotherapy cancer pump into the internal cavity of accessory pocket 120b. In addition, device pocket 120a and accessory pocket 120b comprise tabs 140a, 140b, and 140c having a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™ tabs to close pockets 120a and 120b in order to enclose and protect the chemotherapy cancer pump and tubes within the internal cavities of pockets 120. Accordingly, the chemotherapy cancer pump may be connected via the tubes into a port in the user's chest, while containing the pump within device pocket 120a and the tubes within accessory pocket 120b.

In addition, or as an alternative, a user may insert a contact card into clear pocket 120c; including a telephone number to call if the chemotherapy cancer pump becomes dislodged or won't stop beeping. Although apparatus 100 has been described in context of holding a chemotherapy cancer pump and associated tubes, other devices may be used, such as, for example, other types of infusion pumps, medical devices, diabetes pumps, telemetry packs, Jackson-Pratt (JP) bulbs, feeding tubes, heart monitors, music players, wireless devices, food and drinks, or any other device or object. In addition, although a hook and pile system is shown and described with pockets 120; embodiments contemplate using a zipper, snap or other suitable connection system to securely close pockets 120, according to particular needs.

In one embodiment, apparatus 100 may be strapped around the chest of a person directly over the skin or over an undershirt or other closing using band 110. In this manner, the user's clothing over apparatus 100 completely hides apparatus 100 from being seen. In addition, and not by way of limitations, the components of apparatus 100 may be configured to connect band 110 around the chest of a user via the user's left hand instead of the user's right hand. Furthermore, pocket 120 may be placed based upon the location of the port or other connection on the user's chest or body. Band 110 is adjustable and may be moved around a user's chest for each individual user.

In addition, apparatus 100 may be of different sizes. For example, apparatus 100 may be a XS-M size with a band 110 length of about 22-40 in, or an L-XXL size with a band 110 length of about 38-56 in. In addition, the width of the band 110 may be 4 inches but may be smaller or larger, according to particular needs. Although a particular length and width of band 110 has been shown and described, embodiments contemplate any particular length or width of band 110, according to particular needs.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. As discussed above, one or more pockets may be stitched, taped, bound, glued, or otherwise affixed to a first side 110a of band 110 in any appropriate manner. FIG. 2A illustrates band 110a of FIG. 1 and a pocket 220. In one embodiment, pocket 220 comprises a device pocket 220a, an accessory pocket 220b, and a clear pocket 220c. In addition, and as discussed above, the one or more pockets comprise one or more internal cavities that are externally accessible, such as the internal cavities of pockets 220a, 220b and 220c. Once these one or more internal cavities of pockets 220 are opened and are externally accessible to a user, a device or other object may be is inserted in the one or more pockets 220. In addition, or as an alternative, clear pocket 220c is affixed on the top side of accessory pocket 220b, which is affixed on the top side of device pocket 220a. In addition, device pocket 220a comprises tab 240 having a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™, tab to close pockets 220 in order to enclose and protect a device and accessories within the internal cavities of device pocket 220a.

FIG. 2B illustrates band 110a of FIG. 1 and a pocket 222. In one embodiment, pocket 222 comprises a device pocket 222a and an accessory pocket 222b. Furthermore, and as discussed above, the one or more pockets comprise one or more internal cavities that are externally accessible, such as the internal cavities of pockets 222a and 222b. In addition, or as an alternative, device pocket 222a comprises a clear front cover. In addition, device pocket 222a and accessory pocket 222b comprise tabs 242a, 242b, and 242c having a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™ tabs to close pockets 222a and 222b in order to enclose and protect the device and accessories within the internal cavities of pockets 222.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. As discussed above, one or more pockets may be stitched, taped, bound, glued, or otherwise affixed to a first side 110a of band 110 in any appropriate manner. FIG. 3A illustrates band 110a of FIG. 1 and a pocket 320. In one embodiment, pocket 320 comprises one or more internal cavities that are externally accessible. Once these one or more internal cavities of pockets 320 are opened and are externally accessible to a user, a device or other object may be is inserted in the one or more internal cavities. In addition, pocket 320 comprises tab 340 having a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™ tab to close pocket 320 in order to enclose and protect a device and accessories within the one or more internal cavities.

FIG. 3B illustrates band 110a of FIG. 1 and a clear pocket 322 which as discussed above, comprises one or more internal cavities that are externally accessible. In addition, clear pocket 322 comprises tab 342 having a hook and pile system, such as a Velcro™, tab to close clear pocket 322 in order to enclose and protect the device and accessories within the internal cavities of clear pocket 322.

FIG. 4 illustrates apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. As discussed above, one or more pockets may be stitched, taped, bound, glued, or otherwise affixed to a first side 110a of band 110 in any appropriate manner. While in some embodiments, one or more of the pockets 420a, 420b are affixed in a relatively permanent manner (e.g. by stitching), in other embodiments the one or more pockets are affixed in a relatively transient manner (e.g. using a hook and pile system). Particular manners for affixing may be selected based on the weight of the device or object to be held in the pocket or the relocatability of, for example, pockets 420b to different positions along band 110. For example, with heavier devices or objects, it is preferred that the pockets be affixed in a relatively permanent manner, whereas with lighter devices or objects, a relatively transient manner may be preferred, thus facilitating attachment and detachment of the pockets, including detaching a pocket in order to relocate it to different locations on the apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, apparatus 100 comprises pockets 420 including a device pocket 420a. In some embodiments, apparatus 100 comprises pockets 420 further including one or more accessory pockets 420b. Furthermore, and as discussed above, one or more pockets 420 comprise one or more internal cavities that are externally accessible, such as internal cavities of pockets 420a and 420b. Once the internal cavity of pockets 420a and 420b is opened and is externally accessible to a user, a device or other object may be inserted in the one or more pockets 420. In an embodiment, device pocket 420a comprises a clear vinyl front cover 424. In another embodiment, device pocket 420 comprises an opaque or translucent front cover 424. In addition, pockets 420 comprise side straps 422a and tabs 422b having a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™, to close pocket 420 in order to enclose and protect the device and accessories within the internal cavity of pocket 420. In some embodiments, side straps 422a and tabs 422b are stitched, taped, bound, glued, or otherwise affixed to a back portion of the pockets 420, such that an unbound end of the side straps 422a may be wrapped around and attached, as described above, to a front portion of the pockets 420 and secured via tabs 422b.

FIGS. 5A-D illustrate an embodiment of device pocket 420a. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, device pocket 420a is in an open and unsecured configuration. In embodiments, device pocket 420a comprises front cover 424, bottom 436, back 430 and top securing flap 426. Front cover 424 is attachably connected with bottom 436 and comprises tabs 422b and front tab 432. Bottom 436 is attachably connected with front cover 424 and back 430 and is made from, for example, woven elastic. Back 430 is attachably connected with bottom 436 and top securing flap 426 and comprises clip slot 428 which provides for securing a clip portion of a device in the internal cavity of device pocket 420a and is made from, for example, a polypropylene webbing. Back 430 is made from, for example, a denier nylon material, such as 500 denier nylon. Border 434 is attachably connected with the outer parameter of device pocket 420a and is made from, for example, a denier nylon material, such as 500 denier nylon.

Although device pocket 420a is shown and described including exemplary materials, embodiments contemplate using any material or materials, according to particular needs. Furthermore, although device pocket 420a is shown and described as being stitched together with front cover 424, bottom 436, back 430, top securing flap 426 and border 434, embodiments contemplate taping, binding, gluing, or otherwise affixing front cover 424, bottom 436, back 430, top securing flap 426 and border 434 together to form device pocket 420a in any appropriate manner. In another embodiment, some or all of device pocket 420a may be formed from a single material or multiple materials, according to particular needs.

In embodiments, side straps 422a are affixed at a first and second side portion and tabs 422b are affixed to a first and second front portion of front cover 424. Furthermore, side straps 422a comprise a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™ and a stretchable portion, such that side straps 422a may be wrapped around and stretched to a front portion of device pocket 420a and attached to tabs 422b to secure a device in the internal cavity of device pocket 420a. In addition, front tab 432 is affixed to the front portion of front cover 424. Side straps 422a and tabs 422b are provided to secure the front cover, such as clear vinyl front cover 424, when front cover 424 is in a closed configuration. Likewise, top securing flap 426 and front tab 432 are provided to secure a device within device pocket 420a, when top securing flap 426 is in a closed and secure configuration. In some embodiments, front cover 424 and side straps 422a are detachably engageable using, for example, a hook and pile system via tabs 422b. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, side straps 422a may be released from tabs 422b of front cover 424, for example, providing an unsecured configuration.

FIG. 5C illustrates an embodiment of device pocket 420a in which front cover 424 has been adapted to a closed configuration. Side straps 422a are attached to front cover 424 via tabs 422b, providing a secured closed configuration. FIG. 5D illustrates an embodiment of device pocket 420a in a secured closed configuration. As shown in FIG. 5D, top securing flap 426 is folded over and attached to front cover 424, via front tab 432, providing a secured closed configuration.

FIGS. 6A-C illustrate other embodiments of device pocket 420a of apparatus 100 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment wherein device 610 is placed within the internal cavity of device pocket 420a. Although device 610 is shown including a HeartMate® device, embodiments contemplate any device within the internal cavity of device pocket 420a, according to particular needs. As shown in FIG. 6A, device pocket 420a is in an open and unsecured configuration. As discussed above, clip slot 428 attachably connected with back 430 provides for securing a clip portion of device 610 within device pocket 420a as shown in FIGS. 6A-C. As shown in FIG. 6B, clear front cover 424 is adapted to fold over the device, into a closed configuration. Also, as shown, side straps 422a are engaged with tabs 422b on front cover 424, in a secured configuration. Furthermore, top securing flap 426 of device pocket 420a is shown in an open configuration. In embodiments, top securing flap 426 is configured to detachably engage with front tab 432 of front cover 424 in order to further secure the device within device pocket 420a.

FIG. 6C illustrates an embodiment in which top securing flap 426 is attachably connected with front tab 432 of front cover 424, as described above, to further secure the device 610 in device pocket 420a. In embodiments and as shown in FIG. 6C, when device pocket 420 is in a closed secure configuration one or more accessible openings 425a-d are provided that facilitate the placement of wires and tubes that may need to be connected to and protrude from device 610. In some cases, different makes and models of devices have wire and tube configurations. Providing less-restrictive accessible openings, as shown in FIG. 6C, permits a wider variety of makes and models of devices to be used with apparatus 100.

FIGS. 7A-C illustrate embodiments of accessory pocket 420b. In some embodiments, accessory pockets 420b are battery or battery pack pockets. According to embodiments, accessory pocket 420b is adapted to securely contain a battery pack or other power supply. In embodiments, accessory pocket 420b comprises securing flap 710, front side 720 including a clear view port 724 at the front and bottom of accessory pocket 420b and back side 730. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7A-C, an accessory securing flap 710 is attachably connected with back side 730 of accessory pocket 420b. In embodiments, tab 712 of securing flap 710 is adapted to attach to tab 722 of front side 720 of accessory pocket 420b, using for example, a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™ or other suitable attachment system.

In some embodiments, accessory pocket 420b comprises, on back side 730, a band attachment surface 732 adapted to attach to band 110. For example, in an embodiment where the band 110 comprises a hook receptive material, band attachment surface 732 may comprise a hook material, such that the accessory pocket may be repeatably attached to the same or different locations on band 110. Such adaptation provides flexibility for a user who may desire to have an accessory pocket 420b attached to band 110 at different locations based on particular body positions, activities, times, or other reasons. In some embodiments, a user may choose to leave an accessory pocket detached from band 110.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate embodiments of apparatus 100 of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment. In some cases, additional support is desired by the user, in order to comfortably distribute the weight of apparatus 100 including devices, accessories and batteries, or other objects being carried. According to embodiments, one or more suspender devices 800 are provided, attachable to band 110. In embodiments, two suspender devices 800 are used with apparatus 100, such that each suspender device 800 is worn over each shoulder of a user. In embodiments, suspender devices 800 comprise strap 810, two tabs 820 and two adjustment devices 830. Strap 810 is connected with adjustment devices 830 and is made from, for example, a plush medical latex free elastic material. Adjustment devices 830 are made from, for example, plastic material. Tabs 820 are connected with adjustment devices 820 and are made from, for example, material having a first side with a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™, and having a second side with a smooth material. Although suspender devices 800 are shown and described including exemplary material, embodiments contemplate using any material or materials, according to particular needs.

While in some embodiments, suspender devices 800 are affixed to band 110 in a relatively permanent manner (e.g. by stitching, taping, binding, gluing, or otherwise affixing), in other embodiments suspender devices 800 are affixed in a relatively transient manner (e.g. using a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™). A first tab 820 of suspender devices 800 is affixed to a first side 110a of apparatus 100 on the front of a user using a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™ and a second tab 820 of suspender device 800 is affixed to the first side 110a of apparatus 100 on the back of a user using a hook and pile system, such as Velcro™ such that strap 810 is over the shoulder in order to comfortably distribute the weight of apparatus 100.

Reference in the foregoing specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

While the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that various changes and modifications to the foregoing embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modification and substitutions without departing form the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a band comprising a first side and a second side;

a fastening tab attachably connected on a first end of the second side of the band;

a pocket attachably connected on a first side of the band and configured to adapt between an open configuration and a closed configuration

one or more securing straps having a first end affixed to a back portion of the pocket and a second end repeatably attachable to a front portion of the pocket when the pocket is in the closed configuration.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket is stitched to the band.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket comprises one or more internal cavities.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more tabs disposed between an internal cavity of the pocket.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more tabs is a connector selected from the group consisting of Velcro, snaps, buttons, and a zipper.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the band comprises a plurality of zig-zag surge stitches at predetermined intervals along the length of the band.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket comprises a polyester stretch material.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side of the band comprises a latex material and the second side of the band comprises a hook receptive material.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket comprises an access hole on the back portion of the pocket.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fastening tab comprises two fastening tabs.