Patient Garment Access Panels With Integrated Lifting Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garments for patients with reduced mobility require cumbersome and embarrassing processes for accessing the upper torso or pelvic region, and lack convenient storage for medical devices, posing challenges for caregivers and patients alike.
Innovation Solution
A clothing system with integrated lifting features and discrete access points for the upper torso and pelvic region, along with internal compartments for medical equipment, allowing caregivers to lift and access patients comfortably without full removal of garments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional lifting methods using external machines and sheets are used, then patient transfer can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and physically taxing on caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lifting function with the patient's clothing by integrating lifting straps into the garment structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate lifting equipment and sheets, allowing caregivers to lift patients directly through the clothing, thereby reducing time and improving transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting straps serve as an intermediary element between the caregiver and the patient's body. Instead of direct contact with the patient's skin or using separate sheets, the straps embedded in the clothing mediate the lifting force, making the process more efficient and hygienic.
2Ease of operation
If traditional access methods requiring shirt removal or pulling up are used, then caregivers can access the upper torso for medical procedures, but this causes embarrassment for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is segmented into modular components including a front panel, back panel, and side panels that can be independently opened or adjusted. This segmentation allows caregivers to access specific areas like the upper torso or pelvic region without removing the entire garment, maintaining patient modesty while enabling necessary medical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment provides localized access features at specific body regions (upper torso, pelvic area, gluteal region) rather than requiring full garment removal. Each panel can be opened independently to provide access only where needed, reducing patient embarrassment while maintaining coverage in other areas.
3Ease of operation
If traditional storage methods using tape or straps are used, then medical devices can be positioned near the patient, but this is uncomfortable for the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function with the clothing structure by creating integrated pockets and compartments within the garment. Medical devices such as Jackson-Pratt bulbs are stored in these built-in pockets rather than being taped or strapped to the patient's body, eliminating discomfort while maintaining convenient access and positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A clothing system including an upper body garment and a lower body garment. The upper body garment has a neck portion that extends about a central axis from a head of a patient towards to feet of the patient. The upper body garment includes a pair of shoulder coverings, a torso covering, and a plurality of first fasteners. The plurality of first fasteners is configured to be transitioned so that each of the shoulder coverings may be separated to provide access to the upper torso and/or arm of a patient. The lower body garment includes a pair of leg coverings, a rise, an access covering, and a plurality of second fasteners. The rise includes a window spaced apart from a waist retainer positioned at the top of the rise and covered by an access covering selectively retained by the plurality of second fasteners to provide access to the lower body.