This invention relates to a waterproof protective cover for protecting limbs with orthopaedic casts, bandages, stitches, and wounds etc.

It is well known to treat orthopaedic conditions of the limb, such as a limb bone fracture, by fitting a cast around the limb which stabilises and holds the limb until healing occurs.

Orthopaedic casts comprise a soft inner layer of padding material, which is surrounded by a rigid outer layer of plaster of paris or a synthetic material. A problem of orthopaedic casts is that it is undesirable to allow water to come into contact with the cast and to saturate the inner layer of padding material: it will be appreciated that the inner layer is absorbent and the outer layer prevents the inner layer from drying, with the result that the patient's skin suffers prolonged exposure to stale water and can degrade and become infected. Another problem with allowing water to come into contact with an orthopaedic cast is that the water may soften the outer rigid layer, which then undesirably allows the limb to move inside the cast or causes the cast to disintegrate altogether.

It is well known to provide waterproof protective covers for orthopaedic casts, which can be worn when bathing, showering or swimming to prevent the cast from getting wet. One such cover is disclosed in US4363317 and comprises an elongate tubular member of waterproof material which is sealed at one end. An elasticated strap is provided at the opposite end. In use, a patient inserts their limb though the open end of the tubular member, whereupon the strap is tightened around the limb to hold the cover in-situ and to prevent the ingress of water. Such covers are complicated and expensive in construction and the adjustable strap provides an ineffective seal which undesirably allows water to enter the cover.

We have now devised an improved waterproof protective cover for an orthopaedic cast.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a waterproof cover for an orthopaedic cast, the cover comprising an envelope having a pair of walls of a resiliently flexible waterproof material which are interconnected around their periphery to define a compartment for receiving the cast to be protected, the cover further comprising a cut-out formed in a portion of the edge of the envelope to define an opening into the compartment.

In use, a patient inserts the portion of their body bearing and the cast through the opening until the cast is completely contained within the compartment. The cut-out is dimensioned to stretch and fit tightly around the projecting part of the patient's body and thereby provides an extremely effective seal against the ingress of water. The cover is a one-piece unitary member and is simple and inexpensive in construction. Preferably, the cut-out is formed in a portion of the edge which is substantially straight.

The walls of the envelope may be sealed together by bonding, welding or heat sealing.

Preferably the walls of the envelope are formed of a single sheet of resiliently flexible waterproof material which is folded and interconnected around its free edge(s).

Preferably the resiliently flexible waterproof material comprises an elastomeric material, such as poly (styrene ethylene-butyl, styrene) elastomer.

Preferably the elastomeric material has anti-microbial properties and is preferably latex-free. Preferably the portion of the edge in which the cut-out is provided comprises the fold which interconnects the walls of the envelope. The prevision of the cut out in the fold prevents any risk of the material tearing along the line where the walls are interconnected. Also, it helps to avoid any risk that water may enter the envelope along a sealed line.

Preferably the cut out is disposed intermediate opposite ends of said edge portion of the envelope. Preferably said edge portion comprises portions of the walls which bound the cut out. In use, these wall portions form a tubular collar which extends around the projecting part of the patient's body. Preferably the envelope is elongate, said cut out being formed in an end edge thereof.

Preferably the cut out comprises overlying portions of the respective walls which are identical in shape.

Preferably the cut out is hemispherical, such that the opening into the envelope is substantially circular.

The envelope may comprise a pair of cut outs, preferably at opposite ends of the envelope so that the device can be used to protect parts of limbs such as knees and elbows.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of an example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a waterproof cover in accordance with the present invention for an orthopaedic cast;

Figure 2 is a sectional view along the line ll-ll of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the cover when in use.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a waterproof cover for an orthopaedic foot cast. The cover comprises an envelope 10 formed of a single sheet of elastomeric material, such as poly (styrene ethylene-butyl, styrene) elastomer. The envelope 10 is formed by folding the sheet into two along the line L-L such that the folded portions of the sheet come into face-to-face registration, whereupon the folded sheet is fed into a cutting and sealing apparatus. The folded sheet of material is fed into the apparatus in an orientation, such that the folded edge travels longitudinally of itself. The apparatus is arranged to cut the sheets of material into successive envelopes of the required shape and to form a seal 14 around the cut edge.

The apparatus is also arranged to form a hemispherical cut out 16 in the folded edge 13. The cut out 16 is formed intermediate opposite ends of the folded edge 13, with substantial regions of material being disposed on opposite sides of the cut out 16 between the cut out 16 and respective ends of the seal 14.

The envelope 10 thus defines an impermeable compartment 15 which is bounded by front and rear walls 1 1 , 12 of the sheet material, the cut out 16 forming a circular opening into the compartment 15.

Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, in use a patient enlarges the opening defined by the cut out 16 by stretching the material until the opening is sufficient to allow their leg cast 21 to be inserted into the compartment 15 through the opening. Once the cast 21 is fully contained within the compartment 15, the opening recovers its shape and forms a good seal 22 around the patient's leg 20. The seal 22 is arranged to form a collar which extends axially of the leg 20 so as to provide an extensive seal. When bathing or swimming, air is expelled out of the compartment by virtue of the water pressure, with the air escaping though the opening which acts as a form of valve.

Whilst the invention has been defined in terms of a waterproof cover for an orthopaedic cast, it will be appreciated that the cover can be used to protect limbs with bandages, stitches, and wounds etc. It will also be appreciated that the cover can be used to protect arms, legs, knees, elbows, hands, wrists and feet.

A cover in accordance with the present invention is simple and inexpensive in construction, yet provides an extremely reliable seal to prevent the ingress of water into the compartment.