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  Cast cover and method of useUSPTO Application #: 20060224094Title: Cast cover and method of use Abstract: An orthopedic cast cover for covering an orthopedic cast of a user includes a tubular portion for covering the orthopedic cast; a distal portion including a thumb hole for receiving a thumb of the user and an oval finger opening for receiving fingers of the user; and finger separators spanning the oval finger opening and extending linearly between the fingers in V-shaped portions formed between the fingers. (end of abstract) Agent: M G Price - Austin, TX, US Inventor: Sally J. Baron USPTO Applicaton #: 20060224094 - Class: 602003000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Surgery: Splint, Brace, Or Bandage, Orthopedic Bandage, Protective Covering Means For A Bandage Or Cast The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060224094. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation application and claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/969,546 filed on Oct. 20, 2004, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,899 on Jun. 27, 2006. The drawings and disclosure of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/969,546 are hereby incorporated by reference as though set forth in full. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is in the field of orthopedic cast covers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Orthopedic cast covers have been developed in the past to cover and protect wrist, short-arm, long-arm, short-leg, and long-leg casts. A big problem for cast wearers is their need to have a cast changed because the cast has become dirty (or the cast color does not match other clothes) and the wearer has a special event to attend, etc. It costs $150.00 or more to change the cast, and the process is time-consuming and inconvenient for both physicians and patients. [0004] Another problem with orthopedic casts is that the existing colored fiberglass cast material causes pulls in clothing material and scratches on furniture. [0005] A problem with cast covers of the past is that they do not prevent moisture and contaminant build-up between the fingers or toes. As a result, skin lesions develop in the V-shaped areas between the fingers or toes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The cast cover of the present invention eliminates the need to change casts. The cast cover protects the cast and is decorative. The protective nature of the cast cover prevents pulls in clothing and scratches on furniture. Cast covers with different colors/designs can be worn for different occasions. The cast cover can be easily slipped on, over a cast, and easily removed from the cast. Because the cast cover is washable, the cast cover can be frequently cleaned. Separators at an end of the cast cover prevent moisture and contaminant build-up between the fingers (or toes). [0007] Another aspect of the present invention involves an orthopedic cast cover for covering an orthopedic cast of a user. The orthopedic cast cover includes a tubular portion for covering the orthopedic cast; a distal portion including a thumb hole for receiving a thumb of the user and an oval finger opening for receiving fingers of the user; and finger separators spanning the oval finger opening and extending linearly between the fingers in V-shaped portions formed between the fingers. [0008] A further aspect of the invention involves a method of using an orthopedic cast cover for covering an orthopedic cast of a user. The method includes the steps of providing an orthopedic cast cover including a tubular portion for covering the orthopedic cast, a distal portion including a thumb hole for receiving a thumb of the user and an oval finger opening for receiving fingers of the user, and finger separators spanning the oval finger opening and extending linearly between the fingers in V-shaped portions formed between the fingers; inserting at least one of an arm and wrist cast through the orthopedic cast cover so that the finger separators extend linearly between the fingers in the V-shaped portions formed between the fingers of the user's hand; and absorbing moisture and soil in the V-shaped sections between the fingers with the finger separators, thereby inhibiting development of skin lesions between the fingers. [0009] Further objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a review of the drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments set forth below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a long-arm cast cover with a long-arm cast and user's fingers shown. [0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a short-arm cast cover with a short-arm cast and user's fingers shown. [0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wrist cast cover with a wrist cast and user's fingers shown. [0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wrist cast cover shown in FIG. 3 without the wrist cast and the user's fingers shown. [0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a short-leg cast cover with a short-leg cast and the user's toes shown. [0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a long-leg cast cover with a long-leg cast and the user's toes shown. [0016] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the cast cover of FIG. 6 with the user's toes shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0017] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, and initially FIG. 1, an orthopedic cast cover (hereinafter "cover") 20 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will now be described. The cover 20 is a long-arm cast cover and is shown applied over a long-arm cast 30 with a user's fingers shown extending from a distal end 40 of the cast 30. [0018] The cover 20 is made of a washable, stretchable material that slips over the cast 30. The cover 20 has a generally tubular portion ("tube") 50 that serves as a protective and decorative covering. The cover 20 may include a finished binding for the thumb, around the fingers, at a middle part of the limb, and at an upper part of the limb. The binding may be elastic. A thumb hole 60 is formed near a distal portion 70 of the cover 20. Preferably, the thumb hole 60 is situated so that the cover 20 fits thumb 80 between the first and second knuckle of the thumb 80. An oval finger opening 90 is adjacent the thumb hole 60 and receives fingers 100 of user's hand 110. Linear elongated tubular finger separators 120 separate the fingers 100 from each other. The separators 120 have a cylindrical configuration and each separator extends between two opposite points on the circumference of the finger opening 90, parallel with each other, and spanning the opening 90. The separators 120 are made of an absorbent material and may include an elastic material therein. Continue reading... Full patent description for Cast cover and method of use Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Cast cover and method of use patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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