Method for preventing infection and maintaining aseptic epidermal areas using a reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover

• US 7,628,767 B1
• Filed: 09/18/2007
• Issued: 12/08/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/18/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kathy A. Simmons, Mary E. Simmons
• Original Assignee: Kathy A. Simmons, Mary E. Simmons
• Inventors: Simmons, Kathy A., Simmons, Mary E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bianco; Patricia M
• Assistant Examiner(s): Patel; Tarla R
• Application Number:
  US11/857,022
• Time in Patent Office: 812 Days
• Field of Search: 602 41- 44, 602/79, 602/78, 602/3, 604/46, 604/192, 604/289, 604304-316, 604/164.08, 604/263, 604/327, 604/332, 604337-338, 604/353, 604/355, 604/303, 604179-180, 604/174, 128888-889, 128849-853, 128893-894, 128/96.1, 128/99.1, 128/100.1, 128/105.1, 206/438, 206/440, 290/8, D24/190, D24/189, 245/721
• US Class Current: 602/79
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/00068 specially adapted for application or removal of fluid, e.g. irrigation or drainage of wounds, under-pressure wound-therapy A61F13/0216 takes precedence; drainage appliances for wounds in general A61M27/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/05 specially adapted for use with sub-pressure or over-pressure therapy, wound drainage or wound irrigation, e.g. for use with negative-pressure wound therapy [NPWT]
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 15/004 Bandage protectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 15/008 Appliances for wound protecting, e.g. avoiding contact between wound and bandage corn plasters A61F13/063
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00165 not touching the wound
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00268 impervious, i.e. occlusive bandage
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00272 protection of the body or articulation safety barrier for protection of the operator A61F2013/00297; protecting the body against ulcers A61F2013/15024; protection in contaminated, e.g. NBC or industrial toxic ambience A61F2013/15065
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/004 from liquid water
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00412 for use with needles, tubes or catheters
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00536 for draining or irrigating wounds
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00553 with detachable parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00621 cast
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2013/00829 rigid or semi-rigid backing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 2/908 Guard or protector having a hook-loop type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/45 Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]

Abstract

A method for preventing infection and maintaining aseptic epidermal areas by preventing contaminated fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising the steps of: removably attaching at least one adjustable strap to a reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover comprising a sealing member, covering the open epidermal site with the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover while maintaining a space between the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover and the open epidermal site, and tightening the at least one adjustable strap to secure the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cove over the open epidermal site to create a fluid-tight seal between the sealing member and the open epidermal site, thereby preventing contaminated fluid from entering the open epidermal site.

Claims

1. A method for preventing infection and maintaining aseptic epidermal areas by preventing contaminated fluid from entering an open epidermal site on a user, comprising the steps of:

a. removably securing at least two adjustable straps to a reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover without the need for the use of adhesives comprising a sealing member, wherein the adjustable straps are secured over non-deforming flexible protective cover;

b. covering the open epidermal site with the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover while maintaining a space between the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover and the open epidermal site; and

c. tightening the at least two adjustable straps to secure the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover over the open epidermal site and apply pressure to the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover to create a fluid-tight seal around the open epidermal site, thereby preventing contaminated fluid from entering the open epidermal site.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover further comprises:

a. a one-piece flexible cover body for covering the open epidermal site, wherein the one-piece flexible cover body comprises;

i. a central portion having an outside surface and an inside surface;

ii. at least one edge connected to the central portion at an angle; and

iii. a lip disposed around the edge;

b. a sealing member disposed over the lip for providing a sealing engagement between the lip and the open epidermal site and preventing fluid from entering the open epidermal site; and

c. at least two adjustable straps removably connected to the outside surface, wherein the at least two adjustable straps secure the one-piece flexible cover body over the open epidermal site, applies pressure to the one-piece flexible cover body forming the sealing engagement, and secures the one-piece flexible cover body to the user.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the wherein the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover further comprises:

a one-piece flexible cover body for covering the open epidermal site, wherein the one-piece flexible cover body comprises;

i. a central portion having an outside surface and an inside surface; and

ii. at least one edge connected to the central portion at an angle;

b. an inflatable sealing member integral with the edge and providing a sealing engagement between the one-piece flexible cover body and the open epidermal site for preventing fluid from entering the open epidermal site; and

c. at least one adjustable strap removably connected to the outside surface, wherein the at least one adjustable strap secures the one-piece flexible cover body over the open epidermal site, applies pressure to the one-piece flexible cover body forming the sealing engagement, and secures the one-piece flexible cover body to the user.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of applying at least one dressing means to the open epidermal site.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the dressing means is selected from the group consisting of:

a bandage, gauze, a catheter, an intravenous line, a peripheral intravenous line, a port for central venous access, a central venous line, a catheter line, at least one suture, or combinations thereof.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of securely engaging tubing connected to the open epidermal site with at least one opening in the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of removably attaching at least two adjustable straps comprises fastening each of the at least two adjustable straps to at least one fastener having an anchored portion disposed on the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover, at least one fastener integral with the outside surface of the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the sealing member is an inflatable sealing member, the method further comprising the step of inflating the inflatable sealing member to seal gaps between the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover and the open epidermal site.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of cinching the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover to the user using at least one buckle connected to one of the at least two adjustable straps, at least one slidable fastener connected to the one of the adjustable straps, or combinations thereof.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of aseptically cleaning the reusable non-deforming flexible protective cover.