US-20260123694-A1 - PADDED EXTREMITIES PROTECTION

US20260123694A1US 20260123694 A1US20260123694 A1US 20260123694A1US-20260123694-A1

Abstract

Improved apparatus and methods for protection of extremities of patients using blood thinners. Reinforced and padded clothing protects the patient from injury, bruising, and bleeding, featuring strategically placed, protective padding in key areas susceptible to impacts. Notable innovations include upper and lower padded arm sleeves with elbow and thumb openings for enhanced mobility, calf, and knee coverings with ergonomic cutouts to prevent material bunching, and integrated moisture-wicking linings for comfort. Reflective materials for safety, adjustable closures for a customized fit, and reinforced borders for durability are also incorporated. The manufacturing method involves selecting high-quality materials, precision cutting, and ergonomic assembly to ensure comfort and functionality. This protective garment system offers a balanced solution for individuals needing extra protection due to medical conditions, providing safety without compromising on comfort or mobility.

Inventors

Peter A. Rodriguez

Assignees

PAPELTEC OVERSEAS, INC.

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20240416

Claims (20)

1 . A padded garment system for protecting human extremities, the padded garment system comprising: a wearable protective item, to be worn on a limb, comprising one or both of: an arm sleeve and a knee leg item; at least one protective padding integrated to the wearable protective item to cover targeted areas prone to impact, the targeted areas comprising one or more of: a knee, a shin, a calf, an ankle, a forearm, an upper arm, an elbow, and knuckles; at least one opening, crafted at selective points on the wearable protective item, wherein the at least one opening prevents bunching during flexion in the limb; and a border seal along one or both of: an upper termination and a lower termination of the wearable protective item.
2 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the wearable protective item additionally comprising at least one pocket designed to receive the at least one protective padding.
3 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the wearable protective item additionally comprising a plurality of pockets at one or more of the targeted areas for holding multiple pieces of protective padding individually.
4 . The padded garment system of claim 3 , wherein the plurality of pockets are designed with closures selected from a group consisting of zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, and magnetic seals.
5 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one protective padding is comprised of a viscoelastic material that hardens upon impact to disperse force.
6 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening comprises a delicate stretchable mesh to prevent bunching and ensure comfort during flexion of the limb.
7 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening further comprising a behind-the-knee opening designed to align with a knee joint and reduce material gathering during leg movement.
8 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening further comprising a behind-the-elbow opening designed to align with an elbow joint and reduce material gathering during arm movement.
9 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , further comprising a thumb opening and an ankle strap incorporated into the respective wearable protective item, each featuring exposure features to facilitate movement of a thumb and heel.
10 . The padded garment system of claim 9 , further comprising knuckle protection, wherein the thumb opening and the knuckle protection are designed to mimic a fingerless glove configuration to provide protection while allowing full manual dexterity.
11 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the border seal comprises a non-slip material, ensuring that the wearable protective item remains in place during a variety of activities.
12 . The padded garment system of claim 7 , wherein the behind-the-knee opening is additionally lined with a soft, hypoallergenic fabric to prevent irritation to sensitive skin behind the knee joint.
13 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , further comprising moisture-wicking fabrics incorporated into the wearable protective item to facilitate thermal regulation and enhance wearer comfort.
14 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one protective padding further comprising tapered edges to reduce a risk of bruising caused by demarcation at perimeter of the at least one protective padding, thereby blurring the demarcation and enhancing wearer comfort.
15 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the wearable protective item comprises an elastic compression sleeve being augmented with the at least one protective padding over parts of the limb that are vulnerable to impact.
16 . The padded garment system of claim 15 , wherein the elastic compression sleeve and the at least one protective padding are composed of porous fabrics allowing for evaporation of perspiration and maintaining breathability and dryness for a wearer.
17 . The padded garment system of claim 15 , further comprising pockets sewn into the elastic compression sleeve with closures to encapsulate the at least one protective padding, preventing it from migrating from its intended position during movement of the limb.
18 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one protective padding is of a density sufficient to disperse impacts over a wide area, thereby reducing force transmitted directly to a skin beneath the at least one protective padding.
19 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one protective padding further comprising molded cups at the targeted areas to facilitate flexure and protect joints.
20 . The padded garment system of claim 1 , further comprising encircling pads around the limb, which may be split and overlapped or provided in multiple overlapping pieces to allow for free movement of the limb.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a National Phase Application of, and claims priority to, International Application Number PCT/US24/24735, filed Apr. 16, 2024, and entitled PADDED EXTREMITIES PROTECTION, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/460,203, filed Apr. 18, 2023, and entitled PADDED EXTREMITIES PROTECTION, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for improved protection of human extremities. More specifically, the present invention provides improved padding for human extremities compromised by blood thinners and reduced elasticity of the skin. It relates to the development of a specialized range of protective clothing aimed at mitigating the risks associated with thinning skin and the susceptibility to bruising and cuts. This is particularly relevant for individuals engaging in activities that might expose them to frequent knocks, scrapes, or abrasions. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE A variety of medical conditions may indicate the prescription of blood thinners. A common side-effect of blood thinners is seemingly spontaneous hematomas, or bruising. Such bruises may be caused by incidental impacts with the environment, such as bumping an arm against a table or counter when walking past. “Thin skin,” or a tendency to bleed more easily is another side effect, which is inconvenient at best and may require medical attention if severe enough. Individuals prescribed with blood thinners may desire to continue vocations or avocations that expose them to the risk of bumps or lacerations. Auto maintenance, woodworking, gardening, construction, and athletics are suggestive of such activities. Existing protective gear, such as that used in sports or industrial settings, is often bulky and designed for high-impact protection, making it impractical for everyday use. Such equipment also tends to restrict movement, offering a binary choice between protection and dexterity. The absence of a middle ground has left a significant portion of the population vulnerable to frequent and unnecessary injury, impacting their quality of life and their ability to engage in daily activities with confidence. Moreover, the psychological impact of visible bruising and the fear of injury can lead to a decrease in activity levels and social engagement, particularly in older adults or those with chronic conditions. Current market solutions do not adequately address the need for discrete protection that can be worn comfortably and unobtrusively under everyday clothing. There is a clear gap in the protective apparel market for garments that support an active lifestyle while simultaneously providing effective protection against common, everyday hazards. In response to these unmet needs, there is a demand for a novel protective garment that can be seamlessly integrated into the user's daily wardrobe. Such a garment would need to offer sufficient padding to prevent bruising while maintaining a low profile to ensure the user's range of motion is not compromised. Additionally, for long-term wearability, the material must be breathable, moisture-wicking, and designed to conform to the natural movements of the body, ensuring that protection does not come at the expense of comfort or personal style. The technical challenges of creating a garment that is both protective and comfortable are non-trivial. A balanced integration of materials that provide both impact resistance and flexibility is crucial. Moreover, these materials must be combined in a way that considers the anatomical variety and movement patterns of potential users. The protective garment must also cater to different severity levels of bruising and skin sensitivity, which requires a modular design capable of being adapted to individual needs. Current skin protection solutions offer limited adaptability and often fail to account for the variety of situations in which individuals may find themselves throughout the day. The ideal protection would not only shield against direct impacts but also offer resilience against shear forces and skin tears, which are common in daily activities. This level of comprehensive protection demands an innovation that surpasses the basic utility of existing garments and evolves into a multifaceted system capable of providing security and peace of mind to those at risk. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention provides for improved function, performance and overcoming of shortcomings of using blood thinners without adequate physical protection. Recognizing the delicate balance required for individuals on such medication, the disclosure offers a tailored approach to safeguard against everyday impacts that could result in injury. It addresses the urgent need for specialized protection in a form that supports both the physiological and lifestyle needs of the user, enhanci