POST-OPERATIVE GLOVE

Abstract

A specially designed three-pronged Post Operative Glove (a POG), primarily for use in covering bandaging and casts, as well as IVs and PICs, together with a specially designed material thickness and embossing treatment, together with a securing means at its open distal end, as well as a special water-absorbent material positioning and securing means.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to the provision of a useful water/dirt protective glove for use by medical patients after they have had finger, hand, wrist, elbow, and/or arm, medical procedures and/or surgeries, as well as to the provision of a useful water/dirt protective glove for use in general protection of IVs, PICs, and the like when showering and/or when in a location subject to dirt/dust or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

After undergoing hand surgery, such as carpal tunnel, or the like, patients typically have limited use of their hands via the medical doctor's application of bulky bandaging over the affected hand, or hands, immediately after surgery, which bandaging typically remains in place for at least some period of days during the recovery process. Similarly, when one's finger or thumb (herein all referred to as digits), hand, wrist, arm, and/or elbow, has undergone surgery and/or stitching, casting, or the like, the affected areas are typically one of bandaged and cast. Such bandaging and casts typically also need to remain dry and dirt free until removed. Keeping the affected area dry during showering and/or during use of liquids, as well as keeping the affected area free of dirt, is generally medically necessary and advantageous.

Therefore, a means of assisting in alleviating the resulting difficulty in at least one of bathing/showering, in wiping after a bowl movement, and other activities involving liquids and/or dirt, in conjunction with the need for improved gripping ability, all while keeping the bandaging/casting around the injury dry and dirt free in an affordable and highly efficient manner would be helpful and advantageous.

Although after hand, arm, or the like, surgery, bandaging is generally not placed over one's fingers, the bulky bandaging generally remains in place at least for several days, or more. During this subject portion of the recovery period, patients are typically instructed not to get the bandaging wet or dirty. Generally, patients are told to place a plastic bag over the affected area while showering/bathing to prevent water from reaching the bandaging and/or underlying affected area of the body. Bathing/showering with a plastic bag, or the like, being placed over the bandaging/cast of the affected area, which typically also includes the bag being placed over the entire hand, impairs the use of one's fingers and normal gripping ability. Further, difficulty in personal hygiene during/after toilet use is encountered for the same reasons.

Prior art discloses multiple techniques for securing the open end of a bag type protective enclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,286 to Kelly, et al., teaches the use of a bag/sack-like enclosure that has an open end sealed by means of an adhesive strip. However, if water should leak through the adhesive strip, there is nothing to prevent the water from reaching the actual area to be protected.

As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,151 to Rankin, et al., discloses a bag type enclosure for a hand/arm, which bag's open distal end away from the end of the fingers has a stretchable plastic strap, which is wrapped around the open end of the bag surrounding the patient's arm, which stretched plastic strap is secured in place with a pressure sensitive adhesive (a tape). The problem with such an open end sealing design is that the stretched plastic strap can likely only be used one time with its best efficiency, and when it is removed, it must either be cut off or super-stretched, so as to potentially impair optimum additional use of the plastic strap material, as plastic (absent a specified and specialized type) is typically not resilient after stretching. Further, since the band material is an unspecified specialty stretchable plastic, it is unlikely there will be a very strong consistent compression so as to accommodate arm/muscle movement, which could result in water leakage into the intended protected area. Also, if water should leak through the plastic strap, there is nothing to prevent the water from reaching the actual area to be protected.

Also, and somewhat similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,287 to Jernoiu, a protective covering with an elastic (a manmade plastic type material) strap is taught to provide protection against water intrusion into a protected area, which protective covering may have a securable type strap on one end if a bag type protective covering, or on both ends if the protective cover has two open ends. Jernoiu secures his straps with one of Velcro and a buckle. However the need for securing his straps with one of Velcro and a buckle clearly indicates the straps themselves, even if comprised of an unspecified elastic material, are not sufficient for providing an adequate seal, and the Velcro and/or buckle impose an extra cost for the patient. Jernoiu also teaches the interior of the protected area may be inflated so as to keep the protective covering away from the wound. This is an extra inconvenient step for the patient.

However, a stretchable elastic type plastic, even if made of an elastomer such as polyurethane, generally does not have a high resiliency unless a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material is specified and utilized (which is neither disclosed nor taught by Jernoiu). Further, such an elastomer (unless a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material is specified and utilized) is likely not to provide a very strong consistent compression so as to accommodate arm/muscle movement, which could result in water leakage into the intended protected area. Also, as with Rankin's disclosure, if water should leak through the plastic strap, there is nothing to prevent the water from reaching the actual area to be protected.

An alleged improved design over that of only an elastic type plastic band for sealing the open end(s) of a protective covering is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,953 to Delao. Delao also discloses the use of elastic sealing sections at the open end, but teaches the use of an elastic section comprised of an elastic drawstring that circumscribes a cushioning resilient layer, such as foam rubber. However, the purpose of Delao's foam rubber is to permit his drawstring to adjust to differing patient arm circumferential diameters via his drawstring compressing the protective covering's pre-attached inner resilient layer (form rubber) against the patient's appendage. Delao does not teach the use of a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material for sealing the open end of the glove, and does not teach that the inner resilient layer should be comprised of a water-absorbent material. Thus, should any water get through the seal, which could easily be comprised of a closed-cell and non-water absorbent foam rubber (water absorbent foam rubber is not specified by Delao), there is nothing to prevent the water from reaching the actual protected area. Further, The process of pre-attaching foam rubber, or the like, to the interior end portion of a protective covering, as well as pre-attaching drawstrings, is a costly endeavor, which creates an impediment to patient affordability for the product. Again, the use of elastic sealing sections poses a concern, in that an elastic material generally does not have a high resiliency (unless it is a specified stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane material, as disclosed for use herein), and is likely not to provide a very strong consistent compression and/or an effective and good re-useable compression so as to enable the glove to be used more than only one time.

However, use of a stretchable subject thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU), as disclosed and taught herein, does to provide a very strong consistent compression and/or an effective and good re-useable compression so as to enable the glove and/or protective covering to be used more than only one time.

A stretchable material may also be comprised of a silicon type material (also not taught by either Jernoiu or Delao), but such a material is typically more costly than thermoplastic polyurethane and is therefore not preferable over the use of a TPU material for the subject purposes, as it inhibits patient affordability.

The three primary objectives for wound/bandaging protection for patients are: first, that they keep water and/or dirt away from the protected area of concern; second, that the protective apparatus be relatively inexpensive and affordable; and third, that as much dexterity and natural use as possible be provided to the protected appendage and/or hand/fingers.

Extensive testing has indicated that, no matter what elastic type open-end seal is utilized for a protective covering, some amount of water leakage is virtually inevitable, only with the possible exception that the elastic seal (or any other type open-end seal, such as an adhesive strip, a tied string/cord, drawstrings, or the like) is applied so tightly that blood flow could be impaired and/or that the patient is uncomfortable, which is counter-productive and can impose other health related hazards and/or unnecessary pain. Further, as explained, general elastic type open-end seals are generally not as effective as a correctly sized, stretchable, thermoplastic polyurethane seal, as other elastic type plastic materials generally tend to lose their restrictive and resilient qualities once stretched the first time and/or are more expensive (a negative), and generally do not have the resiliency of a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane seal.

Also, while early testing indicated a rubber band material may provide the stretchable qualities preferred for use in a protective glove, as disclosed herein, it has been found that rubber tends to deteriorate faster than stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane under warm conditions, such as in storage in the summer, etc., when temperatures are in the 100 F, plus, range. Further, handling of a rubber band may pose a hazard to a patient with latex allergies, which is avoided by use of a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane band.

In an effort to overcome such seal leakage and blood flow restriction concerns when using a flexible tape as part of the open end securing design, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,741,203 to Liman, it is taught that a sponge-like elastomeric foam layer is pre-attached to the interior portion of a protective bag near the mouth (open end) of the bag, and that a flexible tape is then wrapped around the exterior of the bag. Liman alleges the foam band grips the exposed skin of the limb and prevents the protective covering from slipping or moving in a manner so as to avoid any tight binding requirement that could constrict blood flow. However, pre-attaching an elastomeric foam layer to the interior of the bag near its open end, as well as pre-attaching a tape to the bag for wrapping (not to mention Liman's bag inflating provisions when the foam layer may be comprised of a closed-cell and non-water absorbent foam), is costly, and materially increases the cost of the bag to the patient (a negative). Unfortunately, water can still potentially leak underneath a closed-cell foam layer near/at the protective covering bag's open mouth. Further, as can be readily seen in Liman's FIG. 2, his foam layer, even if constructed of an open cell foam (Liman's 18), is directly at the top of the bag's open mouth (Liman's 14), it is shown with only a relatively modest, unspecified, width, (see Liman's 18 in his FIG. 2) and is therefore susceptible to immediately absorbing, and becoming saturated with, water. If water is absorbed in sufficient amounts, which is likely when showering, etc., the absorbed water would saturate the open cell foam layer and could then continue on into the protective covering bag (Liman's 10) itself and potentially reach the area to be protected. Thus, while it is likely that Liman's invention, even though costly, would keep out most of the water during bathing/showering, it may not keep sufficient amounts of water from leaking into the bag and reaching the area to be protected. Further, of course, Liman's protective bag affords zero multi-finger gripping use and dexterity.

To only a modestly lesser cumbersome extent, the use of a mitten type glove made of a waterproof material is also known. Such a mitten type waterproof glove, unlike a plastic bag, has a separate extension for the thumb, with the rest of the four fingers being enclosed in a single enclosure. As a somewhat recent example, see US 20100305485 A1 to Gaffney. Mitten type waterproof gloves are not new. Therefore Gaffeny focused on a means to protect water intrusion at the open end of the glove via teaching the use of a common elastic band (not specified as being a TPU band) at the open end of the glove, but with one or two rubberized bands looped over the elastic band and fitted within one or two troughs provided in the glove near the elastic band. However, while affording a separate thumb, all four fingers remained having to be inserted into a single enclosure. Thus, while griping ability was slightly improved over that of a single waterproof enclosure intended to cover all fingers and the thumb, the use of multi-finger and thumb, via three separate prongs/extensions (one prong/extension for the last two fingers, one prong/extension for the first two fingers, and one prong/extension for the thumb) remained unavailable for gripping.

A three-pronged gripping ability (for soap, washrags, or other), as disclosed herein by Applicant, is superior over that of only a two-pronged gripping ability, as three prongs provide one-third more points of gripping contact than that afforded by a mitten type glove, which mitten type glove only has two gripping points of contact (a first single enclosure gripping point for the thumb, and a second single enclosure gripping point for all other four fingers combined).

Further, Gaffeny provided no means of protecting the bandaging/casting in the event some water should slip through the rubberized bands looped over the elastic bands, and neither the full material make-up nor the sizing of the rubberized band was described in any detail so as to insure an appropriate and effective seal. For example, some rubberized bands would be too small to fit over bandaging/casting, or the like, without breaking, other rubberized bands would be too large to provide adequate compression to seal out water. Also, even if properly sized, typical/common rubberized bands have too small a width to provide optimum security against water intrusion. Thus, a detailed stretchable band sizing is necessary (which Gaffeny neither discloses nor teaches) that provides an appropriate stretchable band size, length, width so as to both fit over bandaging/casting and to provide an effective seal against water and/or dirt intrusion.

Further, simply referencing a rubberized band does not describe with any sufficient detail the actual type of preferable rubber to be utilized in the band. For example, is rubber to be interwoven with elastic or some other material to form the band? Is the band to be constructed of natural rubber only? Is the rubber to be coagulated with acid (a common practice) so it can be made malleable so it can be shaped and formed? Even if the rubber band is coagulated or interwoven, as previously mentioned, at warm/high temperatures rubber could lose its strength and easily break and/or become impaired. Lastly, Gaffeny does not teach that his rubberized band should be treated with an ultraviolet (UV) protective additive, which, absent such protection disclosure, would render his rubberized bands brittle and useless in a relatively short period when exposed to direct sunlight.

Therefore, to more effectively and efficiently serve as a bag and/or glove type open-end sealant, a band should preferably be comprised of a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material, which preferably also has an ultra-violet (UV) protective additive. This provides advantages in both initial use and glove re-use applications, as well as cost advantages via keeping the total glove cost lower and more affordable for patients than other various designs. Further, the use of a TPU stretchable band eliminates potentially serious latex allergy concerns, which would otherwise be present whenever a rubberized band was used. The UV protective additive has been found necessary to inhibit premature deterioration and/or impairment of the TPU material if exposed to sunlight, or the like.

Preferable dimensions, with all dimensions disclosed herein being in millimeters (mm) unless otherwise designated, for such a stretchable TPU band, which dimensions are not disclosed by any of the aforesaid patents for any type of stretchable band, to be used as an open-end sealing means for a water-resistant glove would be comprised of the following preferable design size: a TPU band with an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking. Further, the TPU band should preferably be both Ultra Violet (UV) light resistant and should preferably be able to withstand temperatures of at least 110 Fahrenheit (F).

Various prior art focuses on securing the open end of a waterproof protective covering for bandaging or casting. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,286 to Kelly and Jenkins; see U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,287 to Jernoiu; and see U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,501 to George, where the use of a vacuum seal (which is time-consuming for the consumer to implement and use) for a protective covering is disclosed. However, no known prior art teaches the use of a protective glove designed to both protect bandaging/casing from moisture/dirt/liquid and to simultaneously provide improved gripping ability via the use of three gripping prongs, comprised of one prong/segment for the first and second fingers, with another prong/segment for the third and fourth fingers, and with a third prong/segment for the thumb, especially with all such prongs/segments being respectively sized large enough to accommodate a bandaged and/or cast finger and/or thumb. Further, the provision of a vacuum seal for a protective covering is time-consuming and costly to manufacture, and is therefore disadvantageously more expensive and costlier for the consumer to obtain/purchase.

While there are multitudes of prior art disclosures regarding a protective covering for bandaged and/or cast appendages, with numerous means to close/seal the open distal end of such protective coverings, no known prior art teaches a single open-end protective covering means that is relatively inexpensive; easy to use; can protect heavily bandaged/cast single digits; that is highly efficient at preventing water/liquid/dirt intrusion into the bandaging and/or casting area; and that simultaneously affords three-pronged gripping abilities and/or dexterity. Also, no known prior art teaches how such an affordable and highly efficient protective covering against moisture and/or dirt for one's fingers, thumb, hand, wrist, arm, IV and/or PIC is to be adequately dimensioned so as to both accommodate varying bandaging/casting applications (in addition to optionally affording protection for IVs and PICs), all while simultaneously affording ease of application and dexterity. An IV is the common abbreviation for an Intravenous Fluid regulator, and a PIC is the common abbreviation for a Peripherally Inserted Catheter (commonly inserted in the upper arm above the elbow).

While certain glove design dimensions are taught for patient hand and arm protection while showering and bathing in U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,148 B1 to Ballantyne, et al, the glove dimensions taught by Ballantyne are generally not well-suited for a patient with a hand and/or arm that has been bandaged and/or cast. For example, Ballantyne claims a glove having a central axis of between 12 and 18 inches (only 30.48 to 45.72 cm). Such a relatively short glove length, while sometimes sufficient for protecting a hand and/or a short arm portion (perhaps with only a cut or an abrasion, or only with stitching, or the like, but without any significant bandaging and/or casting), is generally of an insufficient length for adequately protecting bandaged and/or cast hands and/or arms and/or PICs. Further, for example, Ballantyne teaches an unnecessarily long, and un-tapered, thumb length of about 3 inches (7.62 cm) and an unnecessarily long, and un-tapered, index finger length of about 5 inches (12.7 cm), which, in a significant majority of all cases, results in useless thumb/index finger glove tip ends that extend beyond the tip end of one's actual thumb and index finger, which useless, protruding, and floppy thumb/index finger glove portion ends can actually impair one's gripping abilities and/or dexterity.

Additionally, Ballantyne neglects to teach that there should be an approximate one-half centimeter distance between the base of one or more finger digits, so as to facilitate common natural hand finger separation design (as disclosed by Applicant herein), so as to even further facilitate a more natural, comfortable, and useful protective glove fit for the fingers of the hand, especially in conjunction with the three-pronged gripping ability as disclosed by Applicant herein (which three-pronged gripping ability is not taught by Ballantyne). Also, via the provision of four separate finger enclosures, Ballantyne's disclosure is likely not able to provide adequate glove finger width for an individual finger that is heavily bandaged/cast, which concern is resolved by means of the amply wide respective two finger combined spaces provided by the Applicant herein.

Ballantyne further teaches the glove material should be comprised of a clear polyethylene, with a thickness of between 0.003 inches (0.0762 mm) and 0.012 inches (0.3048 mm). To the contrary, as hereinafter more fully discussed and disclosed, the glove material should be comprised of a thinner polyethylene, having a preferable thickness of between 0.05 and 0.07 mm. The subject thinner glove material thickness disclosed by Applicant is rugged enough to help prevent tearing when installed over plaster casts or other materials, and also enables the glove to be placed on and off for multiple applications as needed. Additionally, the thicker clear polyethylene material disclosed by Ballantyne is more cumbersome, stiffer, more rigid, thicker, and has a more bulky and heavier wall that a patient has to deal with than the thinner walled polyethylene material disclosed by Applicant herein. A glove with a heavier/greater wall thickness than that disclosed by the Applicant herein is also costlier to manufacturer. This is due both to requiring more polyethylene material and to requiring a longer time to dry and cool on the manufacturing mold, resulting in a disadvantageous greater cost to the consumer.

Further, the polyethylene material should preferably be comprised of virgin polyethylene (not disclosed by Ballantyne) so as to insure a high-quality glove polyethylene material that is less subject to other potential problems sometimes encountered by polyethylene that is not specified to be virgin polyethylene. A “clear” polyethylene specification, as disclosed by Ballantyne, is not a “virgin” polyethylene specification. Also, the exterior of the polyethylene glove material should be embossed, as subsequently taught and disclosed herein by Applicant in more detail, to help protect the glove's exterior surface from being as slippery, so as to further assist in gripping ability. Embossing the exterior of such a moisture/dirt protective polyethylene glove is also not taught by Ballantyne.

As used herein by the Applicant, the term “glove,” means a moisture/dirt protective covering/enclosure for a finger, a hand, a wrist, an elbow, an arm, an IV, a PIC, or the like.

Gloves with certain design aspects, including an improved means of sealing the open upper distal end of such a glove against water/liquid and/or dirt intrusion, in both an economically viable and highly efficient manner, particularly so as to accommodate the protection of bandaging and/or casts after any surgery and/or medical treatment (herein referred to as “post-operative”, or Post-Op” treatment) that requires one to keep the bandaging and/or casts dry and/or clean for any specified period of time, and that incorporates a three point digit gripping ability, are herein referred to and/or defined as and/or called “Post-Operative Gloves”, and/or “Post-Op Gloves”, and/or “POGs”.

The use of such a protective Post-Op Gloves, or POGs, as more fully disclosed herein, to protect against water and/or dirt intrusion onto or into an affected area and/or onto or into bandaging/casting after medical treatment would also preferably incorporate a protective glove material that rarely caused allergic reactions to a patent's skin and that was preferably recyclable and environmentally friendly, such as polyethylene as an example. This is all in addition to the POG preferably: being relatively inexpensive; being sufficiently strong to resist being easily torn; being sufficiently strong to be repeatedly utilized; not being constructed of a glove material thickness that is too great so as to increase costs and/or so as to impair flexibility and dexterity; not having a completely smooth and slippery surface; and having a three-point digit gripping ability.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A means of improving gripping abilities and dexterity when one has at least one of a bandaged and/or cast hand, finger, arm, or the like, in at least one of bathing/showering, in wiping after a bowl movement, and in other activities involving liquids and/or dirt, as well a means of keeping at least one of a hand, finger, arm, or the like, bandaging and/or cast, as well as an IV and/or a PIC, dry and dirt-free, all in an affordable, generally safe, and highly efficient manner is provided by the provision of a specially designed glove, which, as related, are herein referred to as “Post-Operative Gloves” and/or as “Post-Op Gloves™” and/or as “POG™”, as mentioned above.

Such a Post-Op Glove, would preferably have an expanded hand and forearm section area that can easily fit over bandaging/casts and/or IVs and/or PICs, but which specially designed protective glove would also have three extended prong/segment gripping points for digits, with a first extended segment for a thumb, with a second extended segment for the first two fingers adjacent to the thumb, and with a third extended segment for the last two fingers. The three extended prongs/segments of the glove would each be respectively large enough to accommodate bandaging and casting of the affected digit (a finger and/or a thumb). While the three extended prongs/segments would not provide as tight a fit as normal glove finger/thumb extensions for each individual digit, the subject three-pronged digit containment glove design would accommodate most bandaged/cast fingers or thumbs, all while providing more gripping ability than only a two extended prong/segment glove, such as a mitten type glove. A mitten type glove only has a single thumb extended segment and one other single and larger extended segment for containing all four fingers, thereby affording only two gripping points.

Further, such a special three extended prong/segment Post-OP Glove would preferably extend along one's arm for a sufficient distance/length so as to fully cover all potential elbow/arm bandaging/casting, as well as PICs (which are normally placed above the elbow) during a showering/bathing process, or the like. A sufficient overall completed POG length, for example, so as to accommodate most adult persons would preferably be comprised of a distance of 80 centimeters (cm), or 800 mm, from the outermost finger tip point of the glove to the open distal end of the glove along the arm (the end opposite the fingers). Optionally, the 80 cm, or 800 mm, glove length could be plus or minus 15 cm, or 150 mm, with an optional range length of 80 cm, or 800 mm being sufficient to cover most taller individuals. In addition to the said preferable overall POG length, which affords adequate length for most broken arms, broken elbows, and for most PICs, an additional 3 cm, or 30 mm, plus or minus 1 cm, or 10 mm, in POG length should preferably be provided in order to make a loop at the distal open end perimeter of the POG, which loop would encase a stretchable band, such as a TPU stretchable/constrictive band, to be used for initial securing of the distal open end perimeter of the POG around one's arm.

A sufficient glove width below the fingers and extending the full length of the glove, so as to accommodate most adult persons, would preferably be comprised of a width of 21 centimeters (cm), or 210 mm. Optionally, a width distance range of between 17 cm to 25 cm (170 mm to 250 mm) would be acceptable.

A sufficient width for the extended prong/segment for the thumb would be 40 mm at the tip, before rounding, and 60 mm at the base where the segment intersects with the side of the glove extending downwardly 65 mm from the bottom of the extended prong/segment for the first two fingers closest to the thumb.

A sufficient width for the extended prong/segment for the first two fingers would be 109 mm at the base, before extending upwardly 65 mm on the side closest to the thumb, and extending upwardly 85 mm on the side closest to the prong/segment for the last two fingers, with a top width of 55 mm extending from the side closest to the prong segment for the last two fingers, from which point the glove is rounded down to the 65 mm distance on the side closet to the thumb.

There would be a gap of between 1 mm and 10 mm between the prong/segment for the first two fingers and the prong/segment for the last two fingers, with a rounded gap bottom.

A sufficient width for the extended prong/segment for the last two fingers would be 100 mm at the base, before extending upwardly 55 mm on the outside of the glove opposite the thumb, and extending upwardly 80 mm on the side closest to the prong/segment for the first two fingers, with a top width of 50 mm extending from the side closest to the prong segment for the first two fingers, from which point the glove is rounded down to the 55 mm distance on the outside of the glove opposite the thumb.

An improved means of sealing the open upper end (the end opposite the fingers) of such a three-pronged Post-Op Glove type protective glove in both an affordable and a highly efficient manner would also be helpful and advantageous. Such a special open-end Post-Op Glove sealing means would encompass a means that is simultaneously affordable (relatively inexpensive), that easy for the patient to use, and that is highly efficient at keeping water/dirt away from the bandaging and/or cast and/or IV and/or PIC, or the like.

It should be noted that there are many types of cast covers and/or open distal glove end securing means disclosed in prior art. However, simply showing a drawing of a glove over a cast and/or bandaging, and then describing an open glove distal end securing method, is insufficient information to actually manufacture an optimum use and relatively low-cost protective glove in a meaningful manner. Also, in prior art, there are various protective glove disclosures with accommodation for individual fingers, but, as mentioned, gloves with individual fingers are likely unable to allow room for a heavily bandaged/cast finger. No size specifications for any such individual finger gloved accommodations have been observed by the Applicant herein, without resulting in bulky, cumbersome, and significantly oversized hand/finger lengths and/or widths for most people.

Also, for a good and/or improved gripping ability via utilization of the subject three prongs for the respective digits as disclosed herein, the application of a flexible band around the outside of the glove, as near to the wrist area as reasonably possible, would be preferable, in conjunction with the glove being pulled as snugly as possible against the respective tips of the digits (whether or not the digits are bandaged) within the three respective prongs, immediately prior to the application of the flexible band near the wrist area. The flexible band should preferably be comprised of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material so as to eliminate latex allergy concerns via use of a standard rubber band.

In multiple prior art disclosures attempting to seal the open distal end of a protective glove, there is generally always some chance of some water infiltration into the interior portion of the glove, absent extreme measures and/or potential adverse consequences. As an example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,290 B2 to Treadway Fancher, the use multiple bands of elastic around the open distal end of a protective covering were taught, so that if water got through a first elastic band, it would theoretically be stopped by a second elastic band. However, if water can get through a first elastic band, it can also get through a second elastic band. Also, elastic bands are generally not nearly as effective and resilient as correctly designed and sized TPU bands. Hence, while the sealing means of Treadway Fancher might keep out a majority of water infiltration, it affords no protective means to prevent any water that may infiltrate both elastic bands from reaching bandaging and/or casting that must be kept dry, as does the Applicant's disclosure herein. The Applicant's disclosure herein incorporates an easily fastened/secured/tensioned moisture absorbent and protective material layer to be placed at a location on the arm within the interior of the glove before any moisture and/or dirt intrusion could reach the affected area requiring protection.

As another example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,038 A to Orange and Boardman, a water-absorbent material is placed around a limb or extremity beneath a waterproof outer cover, so as to theoretically absorb any water intrusion into the interior of the waterproof outer cover. However, while most of any intruding water might be absorbed, the subject disclosure of Orange and Boardman does not provide a means to insure that all intruding water will be absorbed. This is because Orange and Boardman have no provision for any exterior tension around their water-absorbent material, which leaves room for potential (and likely) small open areas for moisture to run through to the bandaging/cast/protected area. To the contrary, the Applicant herein discloses an exterior tension provision (via a TPU stretchable band, or the like) that is placed directly over and completely around the water-absorbent/protective material surrounding the arm within the interior of the glove, so as to both easily secure the protective material and to prevent moisture and/or dirt from leaking through any otherwise un-tensioned area with a potential opening, however small. Thus, in the disclosure of Orange and Boardman, there is nothing to prevent water (some of which is anticipated by Orange and Boardman to intrude through their waterproof cover distal end sealing means) from traveling along the interior side of the waterproof outer cover, in and along a potentially open space, no matter how small, between the interior side of the waterproof outer cover and the exterior outer side of the water absorbent material, which water could therefore potentially reach and adversely infiltrate bandaging and/or casting. Such potential water intrusion reaching bandaging/casting is remedied by the teaching/disclosure of Applicant herein.

Further, in the disclosure of Orange and Boardman, there is nothing to describe minimum necessary widths and/or minimum necessary thicknesses of their water-absorbent material. Consequently, if only a very narrow and/or only a very thin water-absorbent material were to be utilized, it could quickly become fully water-saturated and water could then continue on to the area supposed to be kept dry. In order to remedy this uncertainty and guesswork as to a minimum necessary width and/or thickness of an appropriately sized water-absorbent material, a minimum width of about two inches (50.8 mm), and a minimum thickness of about one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) for a water-absorbent material is disclosed herein.

Further, all POGs should preferably be embossed so as to improve gripping abilities and so as to eliminate an otherwise slicker plastic surface. While embossing is a process typically utilized for raising lettering, or the like, it may also be effected via the provision of raised dots, raised lines/ribbing, or the like, on the surface of the basic plastic/polyethylene POG material, so as to facilitate the provision of a less slippery surface, which is very important for POG patient applications (especially during showering/bathing, or the like). Embossing does not change the basic and primary plastic material thickness of the POG, but, when the now raised dots, or the like, are included in the fabricated/embossed elevation from bottom to top, the new embossed elevation will be increased, typically by a factor of about two to one for a POG material with a primary plastic material thickness of 0.05 to 0.07 mm. Further, such POG material embossing is not nearly as time-consuming a process as annealing, and can be provided at relatively minimal additional costs. Thus, embossing POG glove material is very advantageous from a both safety provision aspect, in helping to prevent an otherwise very slick glove outer surface, and in facilitating patient/user gripping abilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a protective Post-Op Glove that has three extended segments, with a first extended segment for a thumb, with a second extended segment for the first two fingers adjacent to the thumb, and with a third extended segment for the last two fingers. The three extended segment glove would have three respective segments that are each large enough to accommodate bandaging and casting of the affected digit, together with an open distal end glove securing means to prevent most water and/or dirt intrusion into the area to be protected, and with a specially designed secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means to prevent minor amounts of water/liquid/dirt that might get through the initial open glove securing means from reaching the bandaging/casting and/or other area to be protected within the glove itself. Glove use instructions are also provided.

FIG. 2 shows a POG, with preferable dimensions described in millimeters (mm).

FIG. 3 shows a simulated un-annealed POG segment, which is weaker, adjacent to a simulated annealed POG segment, which is stronger.

FIG. 4 shows a simulated un-embossed POG segment adjacent to simulated embossed POG segments, which embossed segments afford enhanced strength and enhanced gripping abilities.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the subject matter disclosed herein. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of this subject matter. The various features and advantages of the present disclosure may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. None of the drawings are drawn to scale.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a top view, not drawn to any scale, of a protective Post-Op Glove (POG) 1 that has three extended segments 2, 3, and 4: with a first extended segment 2 for a thumb 5; with a second extended segment 3 for the first two fingers 6 and 7 adjacent to the thumb 5; and with a third extended segment 4 for the last two fingers 8 and 9. The POG's 1 three respective segments, 2, 3, and 4, are each respectively large enough to accommodate bandaging and/or casting 10 of the affected areas, with a POG 1 outer perimeter expanded area 11 (shown by broken lines) large enough to easily slide over bandaging and/or casting 10, IVs 12, and PICCs 13, or the like. The separation distance between the second extended segment 3 and the third extended segment 4 should preferably be between 0.5 mm and one mm, which is a small enough separation distance (with the said separation distance being taken away from the overall combined POG 1 width across both extended segments, 3 and 4) to permit adequate room for bandaging and casts 10 in either or both of the extended segments 3 and 4, but which is large enough to permit ease of manufacturing and removal of the POG 1 from its factory production mold. For perspective, a normal sized hand 14 (with fingers 6, 7, 8, and 9, and a thumb 5) is shown within the outer perimeter expanded area 11 by a solid line in the shape of a normal sized hand 14, together with an arm extension 15.

When there is a bandaged/cast 10 digit, such as a fourth (little) finger 9, as an example, the POG's 1 three respective extended segments, 2, 3, and 4 facilitate gripping and dexterity to a much greater extent than that of a common mitten type glove.

A securing means/material 16 (indicated herein by a bracketed area 16) is shown as being provided at/near/along the open distal end 17 of the POG 1. The securing means/material 16 could be comprised of tape, of elastic, or the like, but would preferably be comprised of a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) band, or the like, 18 enclosed within the extreme open distal end 17 of the POG 1. Preferably, the securing means/material 16 would be comprised of a first stretchable TPU band 18, or the like, so that tension is always maintained around the patient's arm during arm and/or muscle movement. Such a preferable normal adult-sized first TPU band 18 (as well as all other TPU bands hereinafter discussed and shown, such as TPU bands 20, 21, and 22) would have an un-stretched width of five to ten mm, an un-stretched length of between ninety to one hundred and ten mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of one to three mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least three hundred mm long without breaking. The first stretchable TPU band 18 (as well as all other TPU bands hereinafter discussed and shown, such as TPU bands 20, 21, and 22) would preferably have an ultraviolet (UV) resistant additive so as to prevent premature damage and/or strength/quality impairment when exposed to sunlight, or the like, and would preferably be able to withstand temperatures of at least one hundred and ten degrees F.

When a first TPU band, or the like, 18 is used as a securing means/material 16, the first TPU band 18 would preferably be secured within a small distal open end looped-over segment 23 of the POG 1, with the looped-over segment 23 containing the first TPU band 18 within the loop 23, and with the first TPU band 18 being secured within the loop 23 by means of sewing and/or gluing and/or heat fusion, or the like 24. Generally, an additional three mm length would be added to the primary POG 1 preferable overall total length so as to provide an additional adequate length for the loop 23 containing the first TPU band 18.

All adult-sized stretchable TPU bands, or the like, discussed and shown herein 18, 20, 21, and 22, with dimensions as explained hereinabove, would have appropriately and proportionately shorter lengths and/or sizes for smaller sized POG 1 applications, such as for children, for example, and would have proportionately longer lengths and/or other sizes for larger sized POG 1 applications.

It is also important that the POG 1 itself be comprised of a material that protects against water and/or dirt intrusion, that is waterproof, that rarely caused allergic reactions to a patient's skin, that is recyclable, and that is both inexpensive and relatively strong, rugged, and durable. Such a preferable material would be comprised of a virgin polyethylene (plastic type) waterproof material, having a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm. Optionally, a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.065 mm will typically be sufficient and will also advantageously save some small amount of curing and drying time on the POG 1 manufacturing mold. Such a specified and/or optional lesser wall thickness expedites the manufacturing/production process and reduces time/costs by decreasing curing and/or drying time otherwise necessary for thicker, and more costly, heavier walled plastic/polyethylene.

Regarding processing of the basic and primary plastic POG 1 material, two specific processes will be addressed herein, annealing and embossing. First, annealing is a special process (which is well understood by those skilled in the annealing art) that materially assists in relieving plastic (such as polyethylene) stresses, typically by slowly heating and then by slowly cooling the plastic POG 1 below its transition temperature, or softening point/temperature. Annealing the POG 1 provides more strength and durability than otherwise available via simple molded/manufactured traditional plastic gloves, but annealing is both time consuming and costly, which is contra to client/user low pricing and affordability objectives. Annealing will be discussed in more detail hereinafter in FIG. 3.

Embossing (the second material process being addressed herein) is a process that raises, and increases the height of, portions of the basic and primary plastic POG 1 material. A basic and primary preferred un-embossed plastic material POG 1 thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm can withstand dotted, or the like, embossing without significantly jeopardizing POG 1 material strength. Dotted/raised dots, raised lines/ribbing, or the like, embossing is preferred for a POG 1, as it increases gripping abilities for the POG 1 client/consumer while simultaneously reducing slippery POG 1 surface concerns, which is one of the primary safety and utility objectives of the subject hand/arm related POG 1 designs. Embossing is relatively inexpensive and is highly advantageous for a POG 1 client/user, and will be further discussed in more detail hereinafter in FIG. 4.

The POG 1 with the outer perimeter expanded area 11 is shown herein with a strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 (such as cloth, fiber, cotton, paper, or the like) that has been temporarily attached around the arm 15, beneath the POG 1, before the POG 1 is to be used. The strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 preferably a minimum width of about two inches (50.8 mm), and a minimum thickness of about one-eighth inch (3.175 mm). The strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 is placed around the arm 15, in a full three hundred and sixty degree circular manner, at a position between the anticipated location of the open distal end 17 of the installed/applied POG 1 and any bandaging and/or casting 10, or other area to be protected (such as a PIC 13, or the like).

After the strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 has been temporarily attached around the arm 15, a second stretchable TPU band 20, or the like, is preferably placed around, and on top of, the temporarily placed strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 so as to secure same in place around the arm 15 before the POG 1 is installed/applied. The second stretchable TPU band 20, or the like, placed over and around the temporary strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 helps to keep the water-absorbent material 19 firmly and snugly against the skin (skin is not separately shown as same is well understood by those skilled in the art) and to keep the water-absorbent material 19 from otherwise sliding and/or slipping loose and thereby accidently permitting water/liquid/dirt intrusion into the bandaging and/or casting 10 and/or other protected area, which intrusion would foul the entire purpose of the POG 1.

While a strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 could be permanently pre-attached to the inner surface of the POG 1 near the open distal end 17, this is not preferable as this would both disadvantageously increase POG 1 manufacturing costs, and would inhibit preferable abilities to frequently re-use the POG 1 whenever desired, since such a permanent attachment of the a strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 would require cleaning and/or drying out periods after POG 1 use over unknown times, depending on how dirty and/or wet the strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 became after each POG 1 use. To the contrary, simply attaching a new, temporary, clean, and already dry, strip/layer of water-absorbent material 19 to one's arm 15 whenever the POG 1 is desired to be utilized, is both easy to do and significantly reduces POG 1 initial costs to the consumer.

After the water-absorbent material 19 has been temporarily attached around the arm 15 and secured in place with the second stretchable TPU band 20, or the like, and then, after the POG 1 is installed/applied for use, what is herein shown as a third stretchable TPU band 21, or the like, should preferably be placed around the exterior of the installed/applied POG 1 in a location directly over the water-absorbent material 19. This will insure a full and snug fit of the water-absorbent material 19 around the arm 15, and so as to eliminate any potential small open areas between the arm 15 and the water-absorbent material 19 where moisture and/or dirt could get through to the area to be protected, such as bandaging and/or casting 10, or such as IVs 12 and/or PICs 13, or the like.

While the stretchable TPU bands, 18, 20, and 21, described hereinabove could optionally be comprised of other materials, TPU bands are preferable since they eliminate latex allergy concerns, since they are stretchable, since they provide appropriate tension, since they are resilient, and since they may be repeatedly utilized. While a string, a strip of plastic, a Velcro strip, or the like, could be utilized as a securing/compression means material, a stretchable TPU band, such as 18, 20, and 21, is preferable because it retains tension over both the exterior of the POG 1 and the underlying water-absorbent material 19, whereas a string, a strip of plastic, a Velcro strip, or the like, is not self-tightening and can more easily loose tension during use with arm movement and/or muscle flexing, and therefore more easily permit water/liquid/dirt intrusion into the POG 1 and past the water-absorbent material 19.

The water-absorbent material 19 may optionally be comprised of a folded string of dry paper towels, multiple wraps of dry toilet tissue, dry cloth, or the like, so long as the dry water-absorbent material 19 completely encircles the arm 15 in a location between the distal open end 17 of the POG 1 and the bandaging/casting 10, the IV 12, the PIC 12, or the like. As related, the water-absorbent material 19 would preferably be comprised of a minimum width of two inches (50.8 mm), and have a minimum thickness of one-eighth inch (3.175 mm).

Also, either prior to or after applying the third stretchable TPU band 21 securing/compression means around the exterior of the POG 1 directly over the water-absorbent material 19 around the arm 15 within the POG 1, it is preferable to tightly pull each of the three extended segments, 2, 3, and 4, of the POG 1 tightly down so as to be as close as possible to the extreme far end tips of each finger, 6, 7, 8, 9, and thumb 5. A fourth stretchable TPU band, or the like, 22 is then preferably immediately placed completely around the exterior of the POG 1 in a location as close as possible to the wrist area of the hand 14 (any bandaging/casting 10 permitting). This tight pull of the POG 1 helps to keep the far end tips of one's fingers 6, 7, 8, 9 and thumb 5 extended into the POG 1 as far as reasonably possible, so as to improve gripping ability and dexterity.

Here, the POG 1 is not shown in a position of yet being finally tightly pulled down over the end tip of the bandaged/cast 10 fourth finger 9; over the end tips of the other three fingers, 6, 7, and 8; and over the end tip of the thumb 5; all so as to demonstrate adequate room remains available for other and additional potential bandaging/casting, even though other and additional such potential bandaging/casting is not shown herein. Pulling each of the three extended segments, 2, 3, and 4, of the POG 1 tightly down as close as possible to the extreme far end tips of each finger, 6, 7, 8, 9, and thumb 5 (whether or not bandaged/cast 10), and then immediately applying/placing the fourth stretchable TPU band 22 completely around the exterior of the POG 1 in a location as close as possible to the wrist area of the hand 14 (bandaging/casting 10 permitting) would be generally well understood.

As shown herein, all TPU stretchable bands, or the like, 18, 20, 21, and 22, are shown in a stretched position so as to be positioned within and/or around the top view of a POG 1. When actually applied, the TPU stretchable bands, 18, 20, 21, and 22, would respectively have lesser diameters so as to more tightly fit around the arm 15 and/or wrist area of the hand 14. Further, all TPU stretchable bands, or the like, 18, 20, 21, and 22, described herein should preferably have an un-stretched width of five to ten mm, an un-stretched length of between ninety to one hundred and ten mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between one to three mm, and have a length stretch-ability to at least three hundred mm long without breaking, as well as all being UV resistant and capable of withstanding temperatures of at least one hundred and ten degrees F.

Sample preferable POG 1 use instructions, absent any item number designations, are comprised as follows:

• • 1. First, wrap dry water-absorbent cloth, a small dry hand towel, dry paper towels, or similar dry material, completely around a portion of your bare arm that is above the bandaging/cast, but that is in a location so that when the glove is applied, the water-absorbent material will be completely covered by, and fully within, the upper portion of the glove. The water-absorbent material must be at least, and preferably greater than, two inches (50.8 mm) wide and one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) thick. Use one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable bands (a first band) to secure the water-absorbent material in place around your bare arm prior to glove application.
  • 2. Second, carefully place the glove completely over the bandaging and/or cast (or other area to be protected), as well as completely over the water-absorbent material wrapped completely around your bare arm.
  • 3. Third, pull the glove tightly down from your finger and thumb tips (within the three respective prongs) to a point past the underlying water-absorbent material: then place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a second band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is as close as possible to your wrist. This will help provide improved gripping ability by eliminating longer than necessary floppy ends of the three prongs. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearing any portion of the plastic glove.
  • 4. Fourth, place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a third band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is directly over the water- absorbent material, so as to provide a snug and secure tension banddirectly over and completely around the water-absorbent material that is wrapped completely around your bare arm on the inside of the glove. This will help to catch any water and/or dirt that may getthrough the constrictive and pre-tensioned open end of the glovebefore it gets to the protected area. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearing any portion of the plastic glove.

FIG. 2 is a top view, not drawn to any scale, of a protective Post-Op Glove (POG) 1 with preferable standard adult-sized dimensions designated in millimeters (mm) between numbered arrowed lines.

The designated POG 1 dimensions, as shown herein, would be respectively and appropriately reduced for smaller sized applications (such as for children for example), and would be respectively and appropriately increased for larger-sized applications.

A sufficient maximum overall completed POG 1 length, for example, so as to accommodate most adult persons would preferably be comprised of a distance of 80 centimeters (cm), or 800 millimeters (mm), plus or minus 1 mm to 150 mm, as shown by arrow 30, is sufficient to cover most individuals. The said 800 mm is the distance between the top of the first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) and the bottom of the POG 1.

Within the said preferable maximum overall POG 1 length of 800 mm, as shown by arrow 30, which affords adequate length for most broken arms, broken elbows, and for most PICs, a 3 cm, or 30 mm, plus or minus up to 1 to 10 mm portion, as shown by arrow 31, in POG 1 length should preferably be provided in order to make a loop (shown as 23 in FIG. 1) at the distal open end perimeter (shown as 17 in FIG. 1) of the POG 1, which loop would encase a stretchable band (shown as 18 in FIG. 1), such as a TPU stretchable/constrictive band, to be used for initial securing of the distal open end perimeter of the POG 1 around one's arm (not shown herein as an arm is well understood by most everyone). Here, the loop containing the stretchable band, as well as the sealed end of the loop (shown as 24 in FIG. 1) are all shown as being stretched to the full POG 1 width of 210 mm, as shown by arrow 32.

A sufficient POG 1 width below the finger segments (shown as 3 and 4 in FIG. 1) and extending the full length of the POG 1, so as to accommodate most adult persons, would preferably be comprised of a width of 21 centimeters (cm), or 210 millimeters (mm), plus or minus 1 mm to 5 mm, as shown by arrow 32.

A sufficient width for the upper portion of the extended prong/segment for the thumb (shown as 2 in FIG. 1) would be 40 mm, as shown by arrow 42, at the tip of the thumb segment, before the rounded thumb segment tip end. A sufficient width for the thumb prong/segment at its midpoint 63, opposite of the location of where the top portion of the thumb segment intersects with the side of the POG 1, is 60 mm, as shown by arrow 33. The distance between the top of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment intersects with the side of the POG 1, and the bottom of the extended prong/segment for the first two fingers (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) closest to the thumb segment (shown as 2 in FIG. 1) is 65 mm, as shown by arrow 34.

The distance between the base of the upper rounded portion of the thumb segment (shown as 2 in FIG. 1) to the bottom of the extended prong/segment for the first two fingers (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) is 65 mm, as shown by arrow 41. The distance from the top portion of the thumb segment to the bottom portion of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment extends from the POG 1, would preferably be 90 mm, as shown by arrow 39. The remaining distance between the lower portion bottom of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment extends from the POG 1, and the bottom/base of the POG 1 is 560 mm, as shown by arrow 40.

A sufficient width for the extended prong/segment for the first two fingers (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) would be 109 mm, as shown by arrow 35, near the base of the first two finger segment.

The first two finger segment extends upwardly 65 mm on its right side, as shown by arrow 36, on the side closest to the top of the thumb segment, to the base of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48, which is also the lowermost ending point 50 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48.

The first two finger segment then extends another 20 mm, in a total vertical distance, as shown by arrow 37, upwardly along its largest rounded top portion 48, from the base of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48 to the uppermost starting point 49 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48.

The total distance from the bottom 46 of the first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1), which bottom is shown by a dashed line 46, to the uppermost top of the first two finger segment, is 85 mm, as shown by arrow 38.

The first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1) has a total uppermost top width of 55 mm, as shown by arrow 43, extending from the left side closest to the prong segment for the second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), to the end of the said 55 mm width, which end is at the uppermost starting point 49 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48.

The horizontal width, between the uppermost starting point 49 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48 and the lowermost ending point 50 of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” 48, is 54 mm, as shown by arrow 44.

The upper left portion of the first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1), on the side next to the third and fourth (little) finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), has a rounded segment with a bottom/base that is between 1 mm and 10 mm in width, as shown by arrow 45.

There is a gap width of between 1 mm and 10 mm, as shown by arrow 47, between the first two finger segment and the second two finger segment with a preferable rounded gap bottom.

The third and fourth (little) finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), also herein referred to as the second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), has a maximum width of 100 mm, as shown by arrow 51, and has a maximum length of 80 mm, as shown by arrow 52, from its bottom 46 to its uppermost top 53, which uppermost top 53 is also herein shown as the uppermost starting point 53, of its “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54.

The “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54 has a width of 50 mm, as shown by arrow 55, but with the 50 mm width 55 being rounded between its uppermost starting point 53 and its lowermost ending point 56.

The width of the second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), between the uppermost starting point of its largest rounded top portion and its far-right side next to the first two finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1), is 50 mm, as shown by arrow 57.

The upper right portion of the second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1), on the side next to the first finger segment (shown as 3 in FIG. 1), has a rounded segment with a bottom/base that is between 1 mm and 10 mm in width, as shown by arrow 58.

The distance between the uppermost top of the first two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1) and the bottom of the POG 1 is 795 mm, as shown by arrow 59.

The distance between the bottom of the POG 1 and the bottom 46 of the second finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1) is 715 mm, as shown by arrow 60.

The distance between the bottom 46 of the second finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1) and the lowermost ending point 56 of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54 is 55 mm, as shown by arrow 61.

The second two finger segment (shown as 4 in FIG. 1) extends 25 mm, in a total vertical distance upwardly, along its largest rounded top portion 54 from the lowermost ending point 56 of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54 to the uppermost starting point 53 of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54, as shown by arrow 62.

All of the above-said POG sizing dimensions would be/is proportionately reduced for smaller/children, and would be/is proportionately increased for larger adult sizes.

FIG. 3, not drawn to any scale, shows a simulated un-annealed POG 1 segment 25, which is weaker, adjacent to a simulated annealed segment 26, which is stronger.

As explained hereinabove, under FIG. 1's detailed description as an example, it is important that a POG 1 is comprised of a basic virgin polyethylene material (for both medical/allergy safety purposes, for reliably good quality, and for material recycling purposes, etc.). However, if the basic polyethylene material has a thickness of less than 0.05 mm, while the curing and drying time on the manufacturing mold is relatively short, it is subject to being more easily torn on casting, or the like, and is less likely to be repeatedly used. Therefore, it is preferable that any polyethylene material with less than a 0.05 mm wall thickness be annealed 26 to increase its strength and/or usefulness.

Annealing 26 is a special process (which is well understood by those skilled in the annealing 26 art) that materially assists in relieving and/or minimizing residual stresses in plastic and in removing any chain orientation, typically by first slowly heating and then by slowly cooling the plastic below its transition temperature, or softening point/temperature. However, annealing 26 is time-consuming and adds additional POG 1 costs, which is counter-productive to the objective of providing a good, but relatively low-cost, POG 1 to the consumer.

While a POG 1 polyethylene material thickness greater than 0.07 mm could possibly be strong enough to withstand easily being torn without being annealed, as mentioned hereinabove, a material thickness greater than 0.07 mm disadvantageously requires both more polyethylene material and a longer curing and drying time on the POG1 manufacturing mold, and is therefore disadvantageously costlier to the consumer. Thus, while annealing 26 is a possible option for a thinner POG 1 polyethylene material, due to the additional more significant time and costs involved, annealing 26 is not a preferable option.

FIG. 4 shows a simulated un-embossed POG segment 27, which provides lesser gripping abilities (more prone to slipping), adjacent to a simulated dotted/raised dot embossed POG segment 28, which affords enhanced gripping abilities (less prone to slipping). An optional raised lines/ribbing embossing POG segment 29 is also shown as an example of other embossing designs, which affords enhanced gripping abilities (less prone to slipping).

As explained hereinabove in FIG. 3, annealing requires relatively significant additional POG 1 processing time (slowly heating the preferable POG 1 polyethylene material generally to a certain temperature at/near its softening point, and then slowly cooling the polyethylene material) and increased POG 1 production costs. However, a single embossing, 28 or 29, procedure, absent any annealing, enhances both POG 1 strength and gripping abilities, as well as maintains relatively low POG 1 pricing and enhanced consumer affordability, as embossing, 28 or 29, is much less time-consuming and costly than annealing.

While embossing, 28 or 29, a POG 1 material will increase its height from bottom to top, the original un-embossed thickness should preferably have a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm. Optionally, an original and un-embossed wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.065 mm will typically be sufficient and will also advantageously save some small amount of curing and drying time on the POG 1 manufacturing mold.

While the term embossing, 28 or 29, can have many meanings and applications (typically referring to raised lettering), as used herein, the term embossing 28 and 29 is referring to a dotted type 28 of embossing and/or to a raised lines/ribbing type 29 of embossing, which enhances tear resistance and gripping abilities via the elimination of an otherwise smooth and slippery POG 1 surface, especially when wet. A dotted type embossing 28 may generally be preferred, but a raised lines/ribbing type embossing 29 may also optionally be utilized, as well as any other type of embossing which is not shown herein, but which would be well understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A protective Post-Operative Glove (also called and referred to as a “Post-Op Glove” and as a “POG”) that has three extended segments, with a first extended segment for a thumb, with a second extended segment for the first two fingers adjacent to the thumb, and with a third extended segment for the last two fingers, with the three respective segments each being large enough to accommodate bandaging and casting of the affected digit, together with an open distal end glove securing means to prevent most water and/or dirt intrusion into the area to be protected, together with a secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means to prevent minor amounts of water/liquid/dirt that might get through the initial open glove distal end securing means from reaching the bandaging/casting and/or other area to be protected within the glove itself.

2. The POG of claim 1 where the POG material is comprised of a virgin polyethylene material with a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm.

3. The POG of claim 2 where the original wall of the POG is embossed.

4. The POG of claim 1 where the POG's open distal end securing means is comprised of a looped over material end segment with a first stretchable band enclosed within the loop.

5. The POG of claim 4 where the first stretchable band is comprised of a TPU band, or the like, which band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.

6. The POG of claim 1 where the secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means is comprised of a water-absorbent material with a minimum width of two inches (50.8 mm), and with a minimum thickness of one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) that is wrapped completely around a portion of the arm in a location between the open distal end of the glove and the area to be protected, with a second TPU band, or the like, being placed directly over and completely around the applied water-absorbent material, which second TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.

7. The POG of claim 6 where, after the water-absorbent material has been applied, and where after the TPU band has been wrapped around the water-absorbent material, the POG is installed/applied completely over the area to be protected, such as bandaging, casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, a third TPU band, or the like, is installed over and completely around the exterior of the POG in a location that is directly over the water-absorbent material, now on the inside of the POG, and where the third TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.

8. The POG of claim 1 where, either before or after the POG has been applied/installed over completely over the area to be protected, such as bandaging, casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, the POG is pulled tightly down so that each of the three respective extended segments of the POG 1 (containing the fingers and the thumb) are as close as possible to the extreme far end tips of each finger and thumb, and then where a fourth stretchable TPU band, or the like, is immediately placed completely around the exterior of the POG in a location as close as possible to the wrist area of the hand 14 (any bandaging/casting 10 permitting), and where the where the TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.

9. The POG of claim 1 where POG use instructions are as follows:

1. First, wrap dry water-absorbent cloth, a small dry hand towel, dry paper towels, or similar dry material, completely around a portion of your bare arm that is above the bandaging/cast, but that is in a location so that when the glove is applied, the water-absorbent material will be completely covered by, and fully within, the upper portion of the glove. The water-absorbent material must be at least, and preferably greater than, two inches (50.8 mm) wide and one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) thick. Use one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable bands (a first band) to secure the water-absorbent material in place around your bare arm prior to glove application.

2. Second, carefully place the glove completely over the bandaging and/or cast (or other area to be protected), as well as completely over the water-absorbent material wrapped completely around your bare arm.

3. Third, pull the glove tightly down from your finger and thumb tips (within the three respective prongs) to a point past the underlying water-absorbent material: then place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a second band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is as close as possible to your wrist. This will help provide improved gripping ability by eliminating longer than necessary floppy ends of the three prongs. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearingany portion of the plastic glove.

4. Fourth, place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a third band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is directly over the water-absorbent material, so as to provide a snug and secure tension banddirectly over and completely around the water-absorbent material that is wrapped completely around your bare arm on the inside of the glove. This will help to catch any water and/or dirt that may getthrough the constrictive and pre-tensioned open end of the glovebefore it gets to the protected area. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearingany portion of the plastic glove.

10. A protective Post-Operative Glove (also called and referred to as a “Post-Op Glove” and as a “POG”) that has three extended segments, with a first extended segment for a thumb, with a second extended segment for the first two fingers adjacent to the thumb, and with a third extended segment for the last two fingers, with the three respective segments each being large enough to accommodate bandaging and casting of the affected digit, together with an open distal end glove securing means to prevent most water and/or dirt intrusion into the area to be protected, together with a secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means to prevent minor amounts of water/liquid/dirt that might get through the initial open glove distal end securing means from reaching the bandaging/casting and/or other area to be protected within the glove itself:

where the POG material is comprised of a virgin polyethylene material with a wall thickness of between 0.05 mm and 0.07 mm;

where the original wall of the POG is embossed;

where the POG's open distal end securing means is comprised of a looped over material end segment with a first stretchable band enclosed within the loop;

where the first stretchable band is comprised of a TPU band, or the like, which band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.;

where the secondary water/liquid/dirt intrusion protection means is comprised of a water-absorbent material with a minimum width of two inches (50.8 mm), and with a minimum thickness of one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) that is wrapped completely around a portion of the arm in a location between the open distal end of the glove and the area to be protected, with a second TPU band, or the like, being placed directly over and completely around the applied water-absorbent material, which second TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.;

where, after the water-absorbent material has been applied, and where after the TPU band has been wrapped around the water-absorbent material, the POG is installed/applied completely over the area to be protected, such as bandaging, casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, a third TPU band, or the like, is installed over and completely around the exterior of the POG in a location that is directly over the water-absorbent material, now on the inside of the POG, and where the third TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.;

where, either before or after the POG has been applied/installed over completely over the area to be protected, such as bandaging, casting, an IV, a PIC, or the like, the POG is pulled tightly down so that each of the three respective extended segments of the POG 1 (containing the fingers and the thumb) are as close as possible to the extreme far end tips of each finger and thumb, and then where a fourth stretchable TPU band, or the like, is immediately placed completely around the exterior of the POG in a location as close as possible to the wrist area of the hand 14 (any bandaging/casting 10 permitting), and where the where the TPU band has an un-stretched width of 5 to 10 mm, an un-stretched length of between 90 to 110 mm, an un-stretched wall thickness of between 1 to 3 mm, and with a length stretch-ability to at least 300 mm long without breaking, and which TPU band is UV resistant and can withstand temperatures of at least 110 degrees F.;

and where POG use instructions are as follows:

1. First, wrap dry water-absorbent cloth, a small dry hand towel, dry paper towels, or similar dry material, completely around a portion of your bare arm that is above the bandaging/cast, but that is in a location so that when the glove is applied, the water-absorbent material will be completely covered by, and fully within, the upper portion of the glove. The water-absorbent material must be at least, and preferably greater than, two inches (50.8 mm) wide and one-eighth inch (3.175 mm) thick. Use one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable bands (a first band) to secure the water-absorbent material in place around your bare arm prior to glove application.

2. Second, carefully place the glove completely over the bandaging and/or cast (or other area to be protected), as well as completely over the water-absorbent material wrapped completely around your bare arm.

3. Third, pull the glove tightly down from your finger and thumb tips (within the three respective prongs) to a point past the underlying water-absorbent material: then place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a second band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is as close as possible to your wrist. This will help provide improved gripping ability by eliminating longer than necessary floppy ends of the three prongs. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearing any portion of the plastic glove.

4. Fourth, place another one of the enclosed specially designed stretchable-bands (a third band) over the exterior top portion of the glove that is directly over the water-absorbent material, so as to provide a snug and secure tension banddirectly over and completely around the water-absorbent material that is wrapped completely around your bare arm on the inside of the glove. This will help to catch any water and/or dirt that may getthrough the constrictive and pre-tensioned open end of the glovebefore it gets to the protected area. When finished, VERY CAREFULLY PLACE AND REMOVE THIS EXTERIOR STRETCHABLE BAND, so as to avoid tearingany portion of the plastic glove.

11. The POG of claim 1 where the POG has the following dimensions:

i. The POG maximum length, between the top of the first two finger segment and the bottom of the POG, is 800 mm, plus or minus 1 mm to 150 mm.

ii. The loop width, where the POG's open distal end securing means is comprised of a looped over material end segment with a first stretchable band enclosed within the loop, is 30 mm, plus or minus 1 mm to 10 mm.

iii. The POG width is 210 mm, plus or minus 1 mm to 5 mm.

iv. The width for the upper portion of the extended prong/segment for the thumb is be 40 mm at the tip of the thumb segment, before the rounded thumb segment tip end, and the width for the thumb prong/segment at its midpoint, opposite of the location where the top portion of the thumb segment intersects with the side of the POG 1, is 60 mm.

v. The distance between the top of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment intersects with the side of the POG, and the bottom of the extended prong/segment for the first two fingers closest to the thumb segment is 65 mm.

vi. The width for the first two finger segment is 109 mm

vii. The first two finger segment extends upwardly 65 mm on its right side, on the side closest to the top of the thumb segment, to the base of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment”.

viii. The first two finger segment extends 20 mm, in a total vertical distance upwardly along its largest rounded top portion from the base of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” to the uppermost starting point of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment”.

ix. The total distance from the uppermost top to the bottom of the first two finger segment is 85 mm.

x. The distance from the top portion of the thumb segment to the bottom portion of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment extends from the POG, is 90 mm.

xi. The distance between the lower portion bottom of the thumb segment, where the thumb segment extends from the POG, and the bottom/base of the POG is 560 mm.

xii. The distance between the bottom/base of the first two finger segment and the bottom of the POG is 715 mm

xiii. The width of the upper portion of the thumb segment before the rounded tip end of the thumb segment is 40 mm

xiv. The first two finger segment has a total uppermost top width of 55 mm, extending from the left side closest to the prong segment for the second two finger segment to the end of the said 55 mm width, which end is at the uppermost starting point of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment”.

xv. The horizontal width, between the uppermost starting point of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment” and the lowermost ending point of the “largest rounded top portion of the first two finger segment”, is 54 mm.

xvi. The upper left portion of the first two finger segment, on the side next to the third and fourth (little) finger segment, has a rounded segment with a bottom/base that is between 1 mm and 10 mm in width

xvii. There is a gap width of between 1 mm and 10 mm between the first two finger segment and the second two finger segment with a preferable rounded gap bottom.

xviii. The maximum width of the third and fourth (little) finger segment is 100 mm.

xix. The maximum length of the third and fourth (little) finger segment, also referred to herein as the second two finger segment, is 80 mm.

xx. The width of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” is 50 mm, but is rounded between its uppermost starting point and its lowermost ending point.

xxi. The width of the second two finger segment between the uppermost starting point of its largest rounded top portion and its far-right side, next to the first two finger segment, is 50 mm.

xxii. The upper right portion of the second two finger segment, on the side next to the first finger segment has a rounded segment with a bottom/base that is between 1 mm and 10 mm in width

xxiii. The distance between the uppermost top of the first two finger segment and the bottom of the POG is 795 mm

xxiv. The distance between the bottom of the POG and the bottom of the second finger segment is 715 mm.

xxv. The distance between the bottom of the second finger segment and the lowermost ending point of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” 54 is 55 mm.

xxvi. The second two finger segment extends 25 mm, in a total vertical distance upwardly, along its largest rounded top portion from the lowermost ending point of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment” to the uppermost starting point of the “largest rounded top portion of the second two finger segment.

12. The POG of claim 11 where all of the said POG sizing dimensions would be/is proportionately reduced for smaller/children, and would be/is proportionately increased for larger adult sizes.