US2956561A - Cast protector - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 18, 1960 Y. HOUDE CAST PROTECTOR Filed Oct. 22, 1958 INVENTOR.

yl ffff #0005 ATTD RN EYS U 'r ta-ES Patent This invention relates to a cast such as a leg of ankle cast, and more particularly to a protector for such a cast. The object of the invention is to provide a device which is adapted to offer protection for a cast while such a cast is being worn on a persons leg or foot, as for example after a persons leg or foot has been injured.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cast protector which will permit the cast to be worn or used with greater effectiveness, and wherein the protector will also enhance the attractiveness of the cast which is being worn.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cast protector which is extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the same.

Figure l is a side elevational view illustrating the cast protector of the present invention and showing the device on a cast.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing the device removed from the cast.

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the device of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a view looking at the opposite side of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a bottom plan view.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the parts separated.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral 10 inidcates a portion of a persons leg which has a cast 11 thereon, and the numeral 12 indicates the protector of the present invention which is adapted to be arranged on the cast 11.

The protector '12 includes a body portion which embodies an upper section 13 and a lower section 14. The upper section 13 is provided with a top portion 15 of reduced size, Figure 1.

The lower section 14 is provided with a bottom member 16, and the numeral 17 indicates a detachable or removable portion or panel which is joined to the bottom member 16 in any suitable manner, as for example by means of a perforated section 18. When the panel 17 is removed, an opening 19 is provided in the bottom memebr 16, Figure 6 whereby a heel member 20 may be projected through the opening 19.

The numeral 21 indicates a slide fastener which serves to provide a means for facilitating the placement of the protector on the cast. Thus, by properly moving the movable element of the slide fastener 21, the portions 13 and 14 can be partially separated as for example when the protector 12 is being placed on or removed from the cast 11.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that there has been provided a protector which is especially suitable for use with a cast such as a cast being worn on a persons leg,

r 2,956,561 Patented Oct. 18, 1960 ankle, footer the like. In use, the protector 12 is adapted tobe arranged over the cast 11 as for example as shown in Figure 1, and it to be noted that there is provided a slide fastener 21 which can be opened or actuated so as to facilitate placement of the protector on the cast. Then, the slide fastener 21 can be moved to closed position so as to retain the protector in its proper position on the cast.

In certain instances the" protector may be used with" the portion 17 in place in the bottom member 16. In certain other instances the portion 17 may be readily removed from the bottom member 16 due to the provision of the perforations 18, and after the panel or portion 17 has been-- removed the opening 19 is provided and this opening 19 may have a heel member such as the heel member 20 inserted therethrough.

The parts can be made of any suitable material and in different shapes or sizes.

The medical cast protector of the present invention is in the nature of a shoe which is adapted to be used solely on a cast with or without a walking heel such as the heel 20. It is believed that there is a psychological need for an attractive cast covering. lit is well known that unattractive and dirty casts prevent persons such as adults from going places and in some instances prevent a child from attending school. Doctors believe that an attractive as well as practical cast protector would permit adults to attend more social functions and work where they would not otherwise be able to do so and the present invention will also protect a cast from harm during adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, children will not have to miss school when wearing a medical cast protector due to the fact that the protector will provide an attractive arrangement which will be pleasing to look at and advantageous to use.

The protector can be used by persons of all ages and can be worn at any time with a cast. It can be used with a bulky cast or a small cast and the removable panel 17 permits the heel member 20 to be used when desired. The device is comfortable to wear and the provision of the slide fastener 21 facilitates removal and replacement of the device on a cast and the device is adapted to be made so that it is highly attractive. The sole or bottom member 16 may be made of any suitable material such as a suitable lightweight leather or plastic material and the parts can be made of durable substances so that they will withstand long periods of use. Suitable reinforcements can be used wherever desired or required.

In actual practice several weeks before complete removal of the cast, a heel such as the heel 2.0 can be molded into the soft plaster on the bottom in the middle of the foot at right angles to and slightly forward to the axis of the leg to strengthen unused muscles and bone.

The cast protector can be made in any desired color and when being used by children, bright colors can be used so as to increase the appeal or attractiveness thereof, and a color to match the color of a regular shoe may be used. The device can be made in sizes as desired.

The heel 20 is of the type which is easy to apply and easy to walk on and is preferably made of a lightweight material which is inexpensive and will not damage floors or the like.

The protector will insure longer life for a cast such as a cast used for a broken leg or broken ankle and it will also help prevent cast fragments from messing up or cluttering up a house or other area. Furthermore the device will keep the toes or other exposed parts warm.

Without protection for the sole or heel of a cast, friction causes the cast to crumble and break down into small fragments and this is expensive because a person must make many trips to the hospital for repairs to the cast. The protector is preferably made of a durable long lasting material and is sanitary to use since a bed or other member will be kept free and clean of'cast fragments. Furthermore'floors {will myp ma tracked up with crumbling cast fragments and 'dirtfre sulting from such fragments will be eliminated.-

The parts can he made of lightweight material so as not to add weight to the already heavy cast and a suit-able nonflammable material can be used.

Minor changes in shape, size and rearrangement of details coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice, if desired.

I claim:

including a lower section and an upper section, a slide fastener operatably connected to said lower and upper sections, said upper section being provided with a top portion of reduced size, said lower section including a bottom member, a detachable panel connected to said heads member, the removal of said panel member viding an opening in the bottom member.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a. cast protector comprising a body portion including a lower section and an upper section, a slide fastener operatably connected to said lower and upper sections, said upper section being provided with a top portion of reduced size, said lower g, section including a bottom member, a detachable panel connected to said bottom member, said panel member --l. A protector for a cast, comprising a body portion 15 when removed providing in the bottom member an opening- References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Joseph n Mar. 19, 1957'

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