Assemblies, devices, systems, and methods for wearing compression garments

Abstract

An assembly (2) for donning a compression garment (4), comprising a set of ring portions (6, 6') extending about a main ring axis (R) and together forming an openable closed ring structure (8), said ring structure (8) having a circumferential wall (10) onto which the stretched compression garment (4) is received; the ring structure (8) is configured to resist radial compression of the circumferential wall (10) by the received garment (4); At least two of the plurality of ring portions (6, 6') are movable relative to each other to open the ring structure (8); The assembly, wherein at least one passage (12a, 12b) is provided in the circumferential wall (10) of the closed ring structure (8).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to assemblies, devices, systems and methods for wearing a compressive garment. [Background technology]

[0002] Compression garments, also known as pressure garments, are known from practice. When worn, they fit tightly and compress the underlying tissue. Such compression can be beneficial in various ways and in various situations. For example, compression hosiery, in particular compression stockings, are known to be used in the treatment of venous or lymphatic diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis.

[0003] Due to their tight, compressive fit, compression garments are generally difficult to don and require forceful stretching of the garment before and during donning to ensure proper positioning of the garment relative to the relevant body part. In known methods, the user of the garment or a caregiver manually stretches and positions the garment. This process is physically demanding, cumbersome, uncomfortable and in some cases unsafe.

[0004] Efforts have been made to improve the donning of compression garments, but none have produced a satisfactory solution, as evidenced by the fact that manual donning methods remain standard practice even in relatively affluent settings.

[0005] JP 2011-004875A discloses an assisting device for wearing an elastic garment. The device has a pair of split pieces (semi-cylinders) obtained by splitting a tapered hollow cylinder (sleeve) whose diameter gradually decreases from the front end to the distal end symmetrically about an axis. A fitting device is provided to help a user stretch the elastic garment toward the assisting device by operating a drive lever. To subsequently attach the garment to the assisting device, the user holds the mouth portion of the elastic garment with his or her hand and pulls the mouth portion of the elastic garment downward toward the base end of the assisting device.

[0006] Manually pulling such a stretched compression garment is known to require a high degree of strength and dexterity, similar to that required for the typical manual donning method previously described, and operating such an actuating lever also requires significant physical strength.

[0007] Thus, there remains a need for improvements in the application of compression garments. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved donning of a compression garment. One object is to provide a donning method which requires less user strength and / or less user dexterity. One object is to provide a donning method which is easier, faster, safer, more efficient, more comfortable and / or more versatile. One object is to at least partially solve at least one of the problems mentioned in the background section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To that end, an aspect of the present disclosure provides an assembly according to claim 1 for wearing a compression garment, the assembly comprising a set of a plurality of ring portions extending about a main ring axis and together forming an openable closed ring structure, the ring structure comprising a circumferential wall for receiving a stretched compression garment thereon, the ring structure being configured to resist radial compression of the circumferential wall by the received garment, at least two of the plurality of ring portions being movable relative to one another to open the ring structure, and at least one passageway being provided in the circumferential wall of the closed ring structure.

[0010] A compression garment can be advantageously positioned on such a ring structure, in particular in a stretched state, after which the ring structure on which it rests can be moved relative to, for example along, a body part of a user, thereby releasing the garment onto said body part and thus donning the compression garment. To release the ring structure from the body part, the ring structure can be opened, in particular by moving at least two ring parts relative to each other.

[0011] The at least one passageway advantageously provides access to the garment through the ring structure in a radially outward direction for moving the garment relative to the ring structure, such that the garment can be (further) stretched radially outward while the garment is at least partially positioned on the ring structure, such stretching advantageously reducing friction between the garment and the circumferential wall to facilitate further positioning, in particular axial displacement, of the garment relative to the circumferential wall.

[0012] The at least one passageway may be particularly versatile, allowing for various ways of engaging, e.g. stretching, the compression garment relative to the ring structure. Preferably, the at least one passageway thereby provides access to at least one engagement member of a device, in particular a device described below, for stretching and positioning a compression garment on the circumferential wall of the ring structure.

[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one passageway comprises a plurality of passageways circumferentially, preferably evenly, spaced apart in the circumferential wall of the closed ring structure to enable a compression garment engaging member of a device for stretching and positioning a compression garment to extend at least partially radially outwardly through the passageway in the circumferential wall to engage the compression garment.

[0014] In one embodiment, the assembly is adapted for use with a device for stretching and positioning a compression garment, the device being adapted to receive the ring structure on the device and to release the ring structure from the device in an axial direction relative to the main ring axis of the ring structure. In this embodiment, the device may comprise at least one engagement member adapted to engage at least a portion of the compression garment and to move at least the engaged portion of the garment relative to the circumferential wall of the assembly. The at least one engagement member is thereby movable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position, the at least one passage in the circumferential wall of the closed ring structure being arranged and configured such that in the extended position, the engagement member at least partially extends radially outward through the at least one passage in the circumferential wall. In the retracted position, the engagement member extends a little or does not extend through the passage.

[0015] A further aspect of the present disclosure provides a device according to claim 10 for stretching and positioning a compression garment on the circumferential wall of the ring structure of an assembly for wearing a compression garment as described above, the device being configured to receive the ring structure onto the device and to release the ring structure from the device axially relative to the main ring axis of the ring structure.

[0016] The device includes at least one engagement member configured to engage at least a portion of the compression garment and to move at least the engaged portion of the garment relative to the circumferential wall.

[0017] The at least one engagement member is movable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position, in which the engagement member extends at least partially radially outward through the at least one passage in the circumferential wall, and in which the engagement member extends little or does not extend through the passage.

[0018] Such a device can significantly reduce the manual effort and dexterity required to position a compression garment on the ring structure. In the extended position, the at least one engagement member can advantageously engage the garment, particularly in the area of ​​the at least one passageway. Thus, the at least one engagement member can engage the garment, preferably radially outwardly, thereby reducing friction between the garment and the ring structure, and also axially, thereby further positioning the garment on the ring structure.

[0019] In the retracted position, the ring structure with the stretched garment resting thereon can be easily removed from the device for subsequent donning of the garment.

[0020] A further aspect provides an auxiliary positioning device according to claim 24, comprising a ring body extending about a central axis of the auxiliary positioning device for receiving an at least partially rolled up compression garment in a substantially unstretched configuration, the auxiliary positioning device further comprising a plurality of circumferentially distributed fingers extending substantially axially from the ring body, the fingers being biased radially inwardly to a radially inwardly displaced position and configured to be movable radially outwardly to a radially outwardly displaced position when a radially outwardly directed force component is exerted on the respective finger.

[0021] With such an auxiliary positioning device, a compression garment can be easily applied onto the device and then onto the assembly of the system. First, the compression garment is positioned on the auxiliary positioning device in an unstretched state. Then, by pushing the auxiliary positioning device onto the axial end of the device, it is made very easy and secure for the user to transfer the compression garment from the auxiliary positioning device to the device of the present disclosure and then to the assembly of the present disclosure.

[0022] A further aspect provides a system according to claim 29 for wearing a compression garment, said system comprising said assembly and said device as described above.

[0023] Such a system can provide the advantages mentioned above, thereby enabling a particularly advantageous way of wearing the compression garment, as will be explained below.

[0024] A further aspect provides a method for wearing a compression garment according to claim 33, the method comprising providing the above-mentioned system for wearing a compression garment, receiving the closed ring structure formed by the set of the ring portions of the assembly onto the device, engaging at least a portion of the compression garment with the at least one engaging member of the device, and stretching at least a portion of the compression garment radially outwardly relative to the main ring axis by means of the device.

[0025] Such a method may provide the advantages mentioned above, in particular that the compression garment may be easily donned without requiring a high degree of strength and dexterity.

[0026] Further advantageous elaborations of the invention are provided by the features of the dependent claims, as further explained in the detailed description.

[0027] In the following the invention will be further explained using exemplary embodiments and drawings, which are schematic and show examples only, in which similar or corresponding elements are provided with similar or corresponding reference signs. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1a shows an isometric view of a system for wearing a compression garment according to one embodiment, the system comprising a respective device and a respective assembly, in which in FIG. 1a the system is fitted with a compression garment. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b shows an isometric view of the assembly of the system of FIG. 1a, with each ring portion forming a ring structure and with a compression garment positioned on the ring structure. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a shows an isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 1b with the ring portions in different respective positions. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows an isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 1b with the ring portions in different respective positions. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2c shows an isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 1b with the ring portions in different respective positions. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a shows an isometric view of a system for wearing a compression garment according to one embodiment, the system comprising a respective device and a respective assembly. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b shows a top view of the apparatus of the system of FIG. 3a. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a shows a partially opened isometric view of the system of FIG. 3b. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b shows a partially opened isometric view of the system of FIG. 3b. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method of donning a compression garment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary support structure. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary guide means. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a ring portion according to a further embodiment. [Figure 9a] FIG. 9a shows an isometric view of the top of an apparatus according to a further embodiment. [Figure 9b] FIG. 9b shows an isometric view of the top of an apparatus according to a further embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a partially opened isometric view of the top of an apparatus according to a further embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an example of an auxiliary positioning device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an example of an auxiliary positioning device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an example of an auxiliary positioning device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a second example of the device without the assembly for wearing a garment placed thereon. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a second example of the device of FIG. 14, with the assembly for wearing apparel placed thereon. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows a side view of the device of Figures 14 and 15 and the auxiliary positioning device of Figures 11-13 above the device with a compression garment placed thereon. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a side view similar to that shown in FIG. 16 with the auxiliary positioning device pressed onto the axial end of the device, with the garment not shown for improved clarity. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a section of the device from various perspectives. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a section of the device from various perspectives. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a compartment of the device from various perspectives, in which a wall has been removed to show the interior of the compartment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the device shown in FIGS. [Figure 22]FIG. 22 shows a cross section taken along line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Figures 1b and 2a-2c show an assembly 2 for donning a compression garment 4. Figures 1a and 3a show such an assembly 2 as part of a system 32 for donning a compression garment, where the assembly 2 is arranged to cooperate with a device 22 of the system 32. Figure 5 shows such an assembly 2 in an illustration of an exemplary method of donning a compression garment. A compression garment 4 positioned on the assembly 2 can be seen in Figures 1b and 5.

[0030] The assembly 2 comprises a set of several ring parts 6, 6' which together form an openable closed ring structure 8 (see Figures 1b, 2b) extending around a main ring axis R. The ring structure 8 comprises a circumferential wall 10 on which the stretched compression garment 4 is received (see Figure 1b).

[0031] In the context of the present disclosure, a ring structure can be in the form of a hollow, substantially cylindrical and / or frusto-conical structure. However, no part of the ring structure needs to be strictly cylindrical or conical or circular. A ring structure can have one or more non-curved, e.g. flat and / or angled, portions. In the context of the present disclosure, a closed ring structure provides a substantially continuous structure along the entire circumference of the ring, and thus does not have circumferential ends. However, such a continuous structure does not need to be continuous in any one plane. Thus, among other options, a closed ring structure can include a structure that is serpentine and / or zigzag with respect to the axial and / or radial directions of the ring, while providing a structurally continuous circumferential path.

[0032] The ring structure 8 is configured to resist radial compression of the circumferential wall 10 by the received garment 4. Such a compression-resistant configuration can be realized in various ways. For example, the ring structure 8 or a portion thereof can be made from a substantially rigid material, such as a rigid plastic. As another example, the circumferential wall 10 can include one or more flanges, ribs and / or similar reinforcing structures, e.g., extending in a circumferential direction. Such a flange 46 is shown in FIG. 1b.

[0033] As shown, for example, in Figures 2a and 2c, at least two of the ring portions 6, 6' are movable relative to one another to open the ring structure 8. Such movability may involve rotational and / or translational capabilities.

[0034] At least one passage 12a, 12b (see FIG. 2b) is provided in the circumferential wall 10 of the closed ring structure 8. Such a passage 12a, 12b can be realized in various ways, examples of which are given below.

[0035] In one embodiment, the at least one passageway 12 a , 12 b includes at least one first passageway 12 a defined by an axial recess in the axial edge 14 of the circumferential wall 10 .

[0036] Such a first passage 12a advantageously enables manipulation of the garment 4 in the area of ​​the axial edge 14, in particular radially outward, in order to position the garment 4 or part thereof axially on the circumferential wall 10 from a position spaced from the circumferential wall 10.

[0037] In one embodiment, the at least one passageway 12 a, 12 b includes at least one second passageway 12 b defined by an opening through the circumferential wall 10 .

[0038] Such second passages 12b advantageously enable manipulation of the garment 4 along the circumferential wall 10, i.e. between different positions along the wall 10, particularly radially outward, for example to distribute the garment 4 or parts thereof over the axial length of the circumferential wall 10.

[0039] In one embodiment, for example, referring to FIG. 2b, the at least one first passage 12a is separate from the at least one second passage 12b, and in the axial direction, the at least one first passage 12a at least partially overlaps with the at least one second passage 12b.

[0040] Such a configuration allows a closed ring structure 8 to be formed by the circumferential wall 10 while still allowing manipulation of the garment substantially along the axial length of the circumferential wall 10 .

[0041] In one embodiment, the at least one first passage 12a includes a plurality of first passages 12a, and the at least one second passage 12b includes a plurality of second passages 12b, and the first passages 12a and the second passages 12b are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the ring structure 8.

[0042] Such a configuration allows for substantially uniform manipulation of the garment 4 along the circumferential wall 8 .

[0043] In one embodiment, the ring structure 8 includes one or more hinges 16, 16' for hingedly moving two or more of the ring portions 6, 6' relative to one another, and the two or more ring portions 6, 6' are separable from one another at the hinges 16, 16' to open the ring structure 8.

[0044] Such a hinge 16, 16' is shown in Figure 2c. Figure 2a shows the ring parts 6, 6' separated from each other, thus opening the ring structure 8. A suitable hinge 16, 16' can be realised in various ways, for example by a rounded tongue and groove structure as shown. To aid in easy positioning of the tongue in the groove, the groove can be provided with one or more guide walls extending from the side of the groove to guide the tongue towards the groove.

[0045] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2c, the one or more hinges 16, 16′ define at least one hinge axis H extending obliquely relative to the main ring axis R, whereby the ring structure 8 can be changed between a first shape and a second shape by hinging the two or more ring portions 6, 6′ about the at least one hinge axis H, wherein compared to the first shape, the second shape is more tapered along the main ring axis R.

[0046] Such a configuration allows for easy release of the garment 4 from the ring structure 8, particularly during and / or after wearing of the garment 4, which then allows for the ring structure 8 to be opened as shown in FIG. 2a.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of ring portions 6, 6' is provided with one or more connectors, such as cams 18, 18' and / or magnets, for connecting with other of the plurality of ring portions 6, 6' to resist relative movement of the ring portions 6, 6' in at least one of the radial and axial directions.

[0048] Such a configuration allows the formation of a robust, openable ring structure 8 that is particularly resistant to radial compression. The cams 18, 18' may provide, for example, a snap connection. It should be noted that the connectors, shown as cams 18, 18' in FIG. 2c, do not have to be located at the top ends of the ring parts 6, 6', but may also be located closer to the hinges 16, 16'. This may help to prevent the ring parts 6, 6' from unintentionally separating due to unintentional hinging about the connectors 18, 18', for example when an upward force is exerted on the handles 20, 20'.

[0049] In one embodiment, at least two of the ring portions 6, 6' each include a respective handle 20, 20' for moving the ring portions 6, 6' relative to one another, the handles 20, 20' being radially and axially spaced apart from the circumferential wall 10. Preferably, the handles 20, 20' are substantially evenly distributed along the circumference of the ring structure 8.

[0050] Such handles may allow easy manipulation of the assembly, for example to form, position, hinging, and / or open the ring structure 8.

[0051] 8 shows an advantageous optional elaboration of the ring portion 6 (equally applicable to the ring portion 6'). In this example, each of the first passages 12a comprises one or more respective spacing structures 42 extending radially outwardly from at least the axially open end of the first passage 12a.

[0052] Such spacing structure 42 can advantageously help prevent a portion of the garment 4 from being unintentionally moved radially inward from the circumferential wall 10 and thereby becoming trapped between the ring structure 8 and the device 22.

[0053] Optionally, the edge of the circumferential wall 10 of the ring structure 8 of the assembly 2 may have a structure with a high coefficient of friction compared to the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the circumferential wall 10. This may prevent the compression garment 4 from slipping off the circumferential wall 10 during the transfer of the compression garment 4 onto the circumferential wall 10. The high coefficient of friction may be achieved, for example, by a roughened local surface structure or by an edge provided with an additional layer of material at the edge, for example a silicone layer.

[0054] Figures 3b, 4a-b, 9a-b and 10 show an example of at least a portion of a device 22 for stretching and positioning a compression garment 4 on the circumferential wall 10 of the ring structure 8 of the assembly 2. Figures 1a and 3a show such a device 22 as part of the system 32.

[0055] The device 22 is configured to receive the ring structure 8 onto the device 22 and to release the ring structure 8 from the device 22 axially relative to the main ring axis R of the ring structure 8 .

[0056] The device 22 comprises at least one engagement member 24a, 24b (see, for example, Figures 3a-3b) configured to engage at least a portion of the compression garment 4 and to move at least the engaged portion of the garment 4 relative to the circumferential wall 10.

[0057] The at least one engagement member 24a, 24b is movable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position, in which the engagement members 24a, 24b extend at least partially radially outward through the at least one passage 12a, 12b in the circumferential wall 10 (Figure 3a), and in which the engagement members 24a, 24b extend slightly or not at all through the passages 12a, 12b.

[0058] These figures show the at least one engaging member 24a, 24b in the radially extended position. With reference to Figs. 4a-b, the at least one engaging member 24a, 24b can be moved to the radially retracted position by rotation of the respective device part about its respective extension axis E in this example. Thus, it can be seen that the at least one engaging member 24a, 24b can be moved radially inwards with respect to the main ring axis R. From the radially retracted position, the at least one engaging member 24a, 24b can be returned to the radially extended position by a reverse rotation about the extension axis E. It will be understood that many alternative configurations are possible to allow the movability between the extended and retracted positions. In some alternatives, the respective device parts can be translated rather than rotated. In some alternatives, a combination of translation and rotation can be provided.

[0059] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 4a, the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b is rotatably drivable about a respective engagement member axis A which is radially movable relative to the main ring axis R between a first position in which the respective engagement member 24a, 24b is in the retracted position, and a second position in which the respective engagement member 24a, 24b is in the extended position.

[0060] Thus, the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b can be actuated to engage the garment 4, at least in the extended position, while being movable between the extended position and the retracted position. In Fig. 4a, a respective engagement member axis A is shown by way of example for one exemplary engagement member 24a and another exemplary engagement member 24b. Thus, it will be understood that a respective engagement member axis can be defined for each engagement member 24a, 24b.

[0061] In one embodiment, with continued reference to Figure 4a, the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b comprises one or more rings 24a for engaging at least a portion of the compression garment 4 at a respective ring surface, the one or more rings 24a each being rotatably drivable about a respective ring axis W (an example of which is shown in Figure 4a) extending obliquely relative to the main ring axis R.

[0062] Such one or more hoops 24a may advantageously be positioned to extend the garment 4 radially outwardly and axially and / or over the circumferential wall 10, in particular beyond the edge 14 of the wall. For engagement with the garment 4, the hoop surface is preferably configured to resist tangential movement of the garment 4 relative to the hoop surface. To that end, the hoop surface is preferably configured to induce friction with the garment 4, for example through a suitable hoop surface structure and / or material.

[0063] In one embodiment, for example, referring to FIG. 3a in conjunction with FIG. 2b, the one or more rings 24a are positioned to extend through the at least one first passageway 12a when the at least one ring 24a is in the extended position.

[0064] In one embodiment, the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b comprises one or more worm gears 24b for engaging at least a portion of the compression garment 4 at a respective worm gear surface, the one or more worm gears 24b each being rotatably drivable about a respective worm gear axis G (an example of which is shown in Figure 4a) extending at least axially relative to the main ring axis R.

[0065] Such a worm gear 24b advantageously transfers at least a portion of the garment 4 substantially axially along the outer surface of the circumferential wall 10, thereby distributing the garment over the wall 10. Such distribution allows a relatively large portion of the garment 4 to be positioned on the ring structure 8, in particular for easy subsequent donning of the garment 4. The worm gear 24b may be substantially cylindrical in shape. In an advantageous elaboration (not shown), the worm gear 24b is tapered along the worm gear axis G, extending from a thicker end on the side of the ring 24a to an opposite thinner end.

[0066] In one embodiment, the one or more worm gears 24b are positioned to extend through the at least one second passageway 12b when the at least one worm gear 24b is in the extended position.

[0067] In one embodiment, in the axial direction, the one or more wheels 24a at least partially overlap the one or more worm gears 24b to axially transfer at least a portion of the compression garment 4 from the one or more wheels 24a to the one or more worm gears 24b.

[0068] This advantageously allows substantially continuous axial garment manipulation to be achieved, benefiting from the advantages described above provided by each of the one or more wheels 24a and the one or more worm gears 24b.

[0069] In one embodiment, the apparatus 22 comprises drive means 26 for driving the one or more wheels 24a and the one or more worm gears 24b such that, during operation, the circumferential wheel speed of the one or more wheels 24a exceeds the axial transport speed of the one or more worm gears 24b.

[0070] It has been found that good overall engagement of the garment 4 with the ring structure 8 can be achieved in this way. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that this is at least partly related to the formation of folds and / or pleats in the garment, particularly in or at the area of ​​axial overlap between the ring 24a and the worm gear 24b. Such folds and / or pleats can then be transferred along the worm gear 24b, thereby resulting in a substantially uniform axial distribution of the garment 4 along the circumferential wall 10.

[0071] In one embodiment, the one or more rings 24a include a plurality of rings 24a and the one or more worm gears 24b include a plurality of worm gears 24b, the rings 24a and the worm gears 24b being alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the ring structure 8.

[0072] This allows the garment 4 to be engaged and transferred substantially uniformly around the circumference of the ring structure 8 .

[0073] In one embodiment, the number of wheels 24a of the plurality of wheels 24a is in the range of 4 to 8, preferably 6, and the number of worm gears 24b of the plurality of worm gears 24b is the same as the number of wheels 24a, or one more or one less.

[0074] Good results have been obtained using such an arrangement, whilst resulting in a relatively simple device structure.

[0075] In one embodiment, the device 22 is provided with a tapered, e.g. conical, shape towards its garment receiving axial end 28 (see e.g. Figures 3a-b) for guiding the compression garment 4 towards the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b.

[0076] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 9a-9b and 10, the garment receiving axial end 28 includes a circumferential array of a plurality of spring-loaded hooks 44 for at least selectively resisting movement of the garment away from the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b toward the axial end 28.

[0077] Such hook 44 may be movable between a retracted position as shown in Figure 9b and an extended position as shown in Figures 9a and 10, with the spring-loaded hook 44 preferably biased towards the extended position. Such hook 44 allows easy initial positioning of the garment 4 on the axial end 28 of the device 1, particularly for subsequent engagement by the ring 24a. Optionally, the hook 44 may be lockable in the retracted position to prevent the hook 44 from adversely interacting with the garment 4, for example, during axial removal of the ring structure 8 with the garment 4 resting thereon from the device 1.

[0078] In one embodiment, the device 22 includes one or more motors 30 for driving the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b. Alternatively, or in addition, the at least one engagement member 24a may be manually driven and / or otherwise powered, for example using a lever and / or a winch.

[0079] In one embodiment, the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b is lockable in its extended position and subsequently unlockable therefrom.

[0080] Such a configuration can be realized in various ways, where such locking allows a robust positioning of at least the engagement members 24a, 24b relative to the ring structure 8. Such locking and unlocking can be combined, e.g. coupled, with, for example, the locking of the spring-loaded hook 44, as described above. Here, preferably, the hook 44 can be locked in its retracted position when the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b is unlocked, and can thus be moved to that retracted position. The various locking functions described above are preferably operable by a user, e.g. via a user interaction element, e.g. a button, located at the axial end 28 of the device 22. The button can be axially movable or alternatively rotatable. Instead of a button at the axial end 28 of the device 22, the user interaction element can alternatively be embodied as a rotatable ring, located near the bottom of the device, e.g. with a handle to be engaged by the user.

[0081] 1 a and 3 a show a system 32 for wearing a compression garment comprising the assembly 2 and the device 22 .

[0082] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the system 32 further comprises a support structure 34 for positioning the ring structure 8 with the received compression garment 4 in an initial wearing position, the support structure 34 being configured to anchor at least a portion of the compression garment 4 on the circumferential wall 10 of the ring structure 8 to resist, at least initially, relative axial movement between at least a portion of the compression garment 4 and the circumferential wall 10.

[0083] Such a lock can facilitate positioning of the garment 4 on the body part BP, in particular by preventing a relatively large portion of the garment 4 from being released at once. Such a lock can be provided in various ways, for example by means of a narrow opening 40 into which the ring structure 8 with the garment 4 can be placed.

[0084] In one embodiment, the system further comprises the compression garment 4, which is capable of being stretched from a less stretched circumference which is smaller compared to the circumference of each of the circumferential walls 10 of the ring structure 8 to a more stretched circumference which is at least equal to the circumference of the circumferential walls 10.

[0085] Such compression garments are known in many varieties from practice and may be used to advantage as part of such a system 32 .

[0086] In one embodiment, the system further comprises guiding means 36 (see FIG. 7) for engaging the compression garment 4 with the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b of the device 22, the guiding means 36 comprising a further ring structure 38 having an outer diameter d1 which is smaller compared to the inner diameter d2 of the closed ring structure 8 formed by the set of ring portions 6, 6' of the assembly 2.

[0087] Such a guiding means 36 can be arranged towards the axial end 28 of the device in a direction G in order to push the garment 4 radially outwards towards engagement with the hoop 24a, in particular substantially uniformly in the circumferential direction. It should be noted that the further ring structure 38 of the guiding means 36 does not have to be embodied as a closed ring structure as shown in Figure 7. It is also possible that the further ring structure 38 is not closed, so that the compression garment 4 can be inserted radially into the further ring structure 38. The further ring structure 38 may consist of several ring parts.

[0088] Figures 11-13 show an alternative auxiliary positioning device 48 for initially positioning a compression garment 4 on an apparatus 22 according to the present disclosure. The auxiliary positioning device 48 comprises a ring 50 and a number of fingers 52. In the example shown in Figures 11-13, the fingers 52 are pivotally connected to the ring 50 and are each biased by a spring (not shown) to a radially inwardly displaced position as shown in Figures 11 and 16. When a radially outwardly directed force is exerted on the free ends of the fingers 52, the fingers 52 can be displaced radially outward as shown in Figures 12, 13 and 17.

[0089] Instead of being pivotally connected to the ring 50, the fingers 52 may alternatively be flexible such that they can bend from a radially inwardly displaced position to a radially outwardly displaced position when a radially outwardly directed force is exerted on the tips of the fingers.

[0090] In one embodiment, the number of the fingers 52 may be at least 3. Preferably, the number of the fingers 52 corresponds to the number of the wheels 12a and the number of the worm gears 12b of the device.

[0091] The compression garment 4 may be initially positioned with its free boundary 4a over the free ends of the fingers 52, as shown in FIG. 16, where the compression garment 4 is shown in dashed lines, so that the remainder of the compression garment 4 may extend through the space bounded by the fingers 52 and the ring 50.

[0092] In one embodiment, the auxiliary positioning device 48 may have a mark thereon, which indicates in which rotational position the free boundary 4a of the compression garment 4 should be positioned on the auxiliary positioning device 48, i.e. so that the heel region of the compression garment 4 is aligned with the mark. The ring structure 8 of the assembly 2 may also be provided with a mark, which indicates to the user how the auxiliary positioning device 48 should be rotationally positioned relative to the ring structure 8. By positioning the mark of the auxiliary positioning device 48 next to the mark of the ring structure 8 before transferring the compression garment 4 from the auxiliary positioning device 48 to the ring structure 8, it is achieved that after transferring the compression garment 4 onto the ring structure 8 of the assembly 2, the heel region of the compression garment 4 is correctly positioned relative to the handles 20, 20' of the assembly 2. This correct positioning of the compression garment 4 on the assembly 2 has the advantage that when inserting the leg into the compression garment 4 with the heel area in the correct position relative to the leg, the handles 20, 20' of the assembly 2 will be on each lateral side of the leg, which makes it easier to insert the leg into the compression garment 4 and also easier to open the ring structure 8 after inserting the leg into the compression garment 4.

[0093] In one embodiment of the device 22, examples of which are shown in Figures 14-17 and 21, the garment receiving axial end 28 of the device 22 may be provided with several guide tracks 54. Preferably, the number of guide tracks 54 is the same as the number of fingers 52 of the auxiliary positioning device 48. When a user presses the auxiliary positioning device 48, with the compression garment 4 resting thereon, onto the garment receiving axial end 28 of the device 22 with the finger tips of the fingers 52 in the guide tracks 54, the fingers 52 pivot or bend radially outwardly to assume the position shown in Figure 17.

[0094] In one embodiment, an example of which is shown in Figures 11-13, 16 and 17, the end region of each finger 52 is bent inwardly relative to the remainder of each respective finger 52, preferably so that the end region of each finger 52 extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the auxiliary positioning device 48 when moved to the radially outwardly displaced position as shown in Figures 12 and 17. At that point, the free end region of the fingers 52 is preferably aligned with the circumferential wall 10 of the assembly 2 positioned on the device 22, as can be clearly seen in Figure 17. When the rings 24a of the device 22 are rotating, they engage the compression garment 4 and pull / push the compression garment 4 on the circumferential wall 10 of the assembly 2. Thus, the auxiliary positioning device 48 provides a very useful and easy-to-use aid for placing the garment 4 on the circumferential wall 10 of the assembly 2 using the device 22. The free ends of the fingers 52 are aligned with the circumferential wall 10 of the assembly 2 when the auxiliary positioning device 48 is pressed downwardly on the apparatus 22 as shown in FIG. 17, so that it may be easy to transfer the compression garment 4 from the fingers 52 onto the circumferential wall 10.

[0095] In fact, the auxiliary positioning device 48 may be used with embodiments of the device 22 that do not have spring-loaded hooks 44. Examples of such embodiments are shown in Figures 14-17 and 21.

[0096] In Fig. 14, the device 22 is shown in the extended position without the assembly 2 being positioned on the device 22. Fig. 14 clearly shows that the housing of the device has a recess 86 whose shape corresponds to the shape of the ring structure 8 carrying the handles 20, 20' of the assembly 2, so that it is immediately apparent to the user how the assembly 2 should be positioned on the device 22.

[0097] 15 shows a similar view of the device 22 with the assembly 2 positioned thereon. The wheel 24a and the worm gear 24b can be clearly seen protruding through the first passage 12a and the second passage 12b, respectively.

[0098] In one embodiment, the device 22 may have a sensor, e.g. a switch, that is activated by placing the assembly 2 on the device 22. The device may be configured such that the motor 30 can only be turned on when the sensor is in an activated state. When no assembly 2 is placed on the device 22, the sensor is not activated and if a user attempts to turn on the motor 30 of the device 22, it has no effect. This avoids a compression garment 4 being unintentionally placed on the device 22 instead of the ring structure 8 of the assembly 2 as required.

[0099] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 14-17 and 21, the device 22 comprises six compartments 56 of the type shown in Figures 18-20. Figure 18 shows a radially inwardly facing side of such a compartment 56, and Figure 19 shows a radially outwardly facing side of the compartment 56. Figure 20 shows a view similar to Figure 19, with the outer housing wall of the compartment 56 removed to show the interior of the compartment 56. Each compartment 56 has a pivot axis 58 visible in Figure 18, by which the compartment 56 is pivotally connected to the base of the device 22, as shown in Figure 21. Thus, pivoting about the pivot axis 58 is possible in a similar manner as described above with reference to Figures 4a and 4b and the extension axis E shown therein. A spring 60 of each compartment 56 abuts a base plate 62 of the device 22, biasing each compartment 56 to the radially retracted position. Using the operating handle 64 (see FIG. 15), a hub 66 having a screw thread 68 is rotated. The screw thread 68 of the hub 66 engages with the screw thread 71 of a tapered operating bush 70. When the hub 66 rotates, the tapered operating bush 70 moves upwards and downwards. FIG. 21 shows the operating bush 70 in an upwardly moved position, where it can be clearly seen that the tapered upper end 70a of the operating bush 70 presses against the inner edge 72 of each section 56, moving the sections 56 to the radially extended position. When the operating bush 70 is in a downwardly moved position, a part of the tapered portion 70a, which has a smaller diameter, engages with the inner edge 72 of the section 56, and thus the spring 60 has biased the section 56 to a more radially retracted position in which the ring structure 8 of the assembly 2 can be positioned on or removed from the device 22.

[0100] Figure 20 clearly shows how the wheel 24a and the worm gear 24b are each driven via respective shafts 74, 76. At the lower ends of these shafts 74, 76 are provided gears 78, 80, which in this example engage with each other. As shown in Figure 22, one of these gears 78 is driven by a central gear 82 mounted on a central shaft 84 of the device 22 (see Figures 21 and 22). This central shaft 84 is also driven by the motor 30 via another set of gears 88, 90, 92.

[0101] It is clear that this is only one example of many means for driving the wheel 24a and the worm gear 24b. Instead of the planetary gear type arrangement shown in the example of Fig. 22, it is also feasible to use separate motors for the wheel 24a and the worm gear 24b. A separate motor or a set of separate motors per section 56 is also a feasible solution for driving the wheel 24a and the worm gear 24b. The example of the drive assembly shown in Figs. 19-22 is robust and advantageous from a cost point of view, since only one motor is needed to drive all the engagement members 24a, 24b of the device 22.

[0102] With reference to the above description of the system 32, an exemplary method of wearing a compression garment includes providing the system 32, receiving the closed ring structure 8 formed by the set of ring portions 6, 6' of the assembly 2 onto the device 22, engaging at least a portion of the compression garment 4 with the at least one engaging member 24a, 24b of the device 22, and stretching at least a portion of the compression garment 4 radially outwardly relative to the main ring axis R by the device 22.

[0103] In one embodiment, the method further comprises transporting the stretched portion of the compression garment 4 axially along the circumferential wall 10 of the ring structure 8 by means of the device 22 .

[0104] In one embodiment, the method further comprises releasing the ring structure 8 with the stretched compression garment 4 resting thereon from the device 22, moving the body part BP axially through the ring structure 8 (see FIG. 5 for an illustration) thereby transferring the compression garment 4 at least partially from the ring structure 8 onto the body part BP, and moving the ring portions 6, 6' relative to each other to open the ring structure 8 and release it from the body part BP.

[0105] In an advantageous elaboration, releasing the ring structure 8 with the stretched garment 4 on it from the device 22 comprises driving the wheel 24a in a drive direction such that a wheel surface portion at the circumferential wall 10 is moved towards the axial end 28 of the device, which is preferably in the opposite direction compared to the wheel drive direction for positioning the garment 4 on the wall 10. It has been found that in this way releasing the ring structure 8 can be facilitated.

[0106] In one embodiment, the method further comprises hinging at least two of the plurality of ring portions 6, 6' of the ring structure 8 to one another (see FIG. 2c) prior to opening the ring structure 8, thereby making the ring structure 8 more tapered along the main ring axis R, thereby axially releasing at least a portion of the compression garment 4 from the ring structure 8.

[0107] In one embodiment, releasing the ring structure 8 from the device 22 comprises retracting the at least one engagement member 24a, 24b of the device 22 radially inward.

[0108] In one embodiment, the method further comprises assembling the closed ring structure 8 from the set of ring portions 6, 6'.

[0109] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments and drawings, it will be understood that they do not limit the scope of the invention as provided by the claims. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, many variations, combinations, and extensions are possible, examples of which are provided throughout the description of this disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 2. Assembly 4. Compression garments 4a. The free boundary of the compression garment 6,6'. Ring section 8. Ring structure 10. Circumferential wall 12a. First Passage 12b. Second Passage 14. Axial edge of circumferential wall 16,16'. Hinge 18,18'. Cam 20,20'. Handle 22. Equipment 24a. Ring 24b. Worm gear 26. Driving Means 28. Axial end of device 30. Motor 32. System 34. Support structure 36. Guidance means 38. Further ring structures 40. Narrow opening 42. Separation structure 44. Spring Hook 46. ​​Flanges 48. Auxiliary positioning device 50. Ring body 52. Finger

Claims

1. An assembly (2) for wearing a compression garment (4), comprising a set of a plurality of ring portions (6, 6') which together form an openable closed ring structure (8) extending around a main ring axis (R), said ring structure (8) comprising a circumferential wall (10) on which the stretched compression garment (4) is received, the ring structure (8) being configured to resist radial compression of the circumferential wall (10) by the received compression garment (4); At least two of the plurality of ring portions (6, 6') are movable relative to one another to open the ring structure (8); At least one passage (12a, 12b) is provided in the circumferential wall (10) of the closed ring structure (8), the assembly (2) is adapted for use with a device (22) for stretching and positioning a compression garment (4), the device (22) being adapted to receive the ring structure (8) thereon and to release the ring structure (8) from the device (22) axially relative to a major ring axis (R) of the ring structure (8); the device (22) comprises at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) configured to engage at least a portion of the compression garment (4) and to move at least the engaged portion of the compression garment (4) relative to the circumferential wall (10) of the assembly (2); the at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) being movable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position; At least one passage (12a, 12b) is provided in the circumferential wall (10) of the closed ring structure (8), such that in the extended position, the engagement members (24a, 24b) extend at least partially radially outward through the at least one passage (12a, 12b) of the circumferential wall (10), and in the retracted position, the engagement members (24a, 24b) extend a little or do not extend through said passage (12a, 12b). The assembly.

2. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one passage (12a, 12b) includes at least one first passage (12a) defined by an axial recess in an axial edge (14) of the circumferential wall (10).

3. 3. An assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one passage (12a, 12b) includes at least one second passage (12b) defined by an opening through the circumferential wall (10).

4. 4. An assembly according to claim 3 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the at least one first passage (12a) is spaced apart from the at least one second passage (12b) and the at least one first passage (12a) at least partially overlaps with the at least one second passage (12b) in an axial direction.

5. Assembly according to claim 3 when dependent on claim 2 or claim 4, wherein the at least one first passage (12a) comprises a plurality of first passages (12a) and the at least one second passage (12b) comprises a plurality of second passages (12b), the first passages and the second passages (12a, 12b) being arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the ring structure (8).

6. the ring structure (8) includes one or more hinges (16, 16') for hinging two or more of the plurality of ring portions (6, 6') relative to one another; the two or more ring portions (6, 6') are separable from one another at the hinges (16, 16') to open the ring structure (8); Assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the one or more hinges (16, 16') define at least one hinge axis (H) extending obliquely relative to the main ring axis (R), whereby the ring structure (8) can be changed between a first shape and a second shape by hinging the two or more ring portions (6, 6') about the at least one hinge axis (H), the second shape being more tapered along the main ring axis (R) compared to the first shape.

8. 8. An assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of ring portions (6, 6') comprises one or more connectors for connecting with other of the plurality of ring portions (6, 6') to resist relative movement of the plurality of ring portions (6, 6') in at least one of a radial direction and an axial direction.

9. 9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the ring portions (6, 6') each have their own handle (20, 20') for moving the ring portions (6, 6') relative to each other, the handles (20, 20') being radially and axially spaced apart from the circumferential wall (10).

10. A device (22) for stretching and positioning a compression garment (4) on a circumferential wall (10) of a ring structure (8) of an assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: the device (22) is configured to receive the ring structure (8) on the device (22) and to release the ring structure (8) from the device (22) in an axial direction relative to a main ring axis (R) of the ring structure (8); the device (22) comprises at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) configured to engage at least a portion of the compression garment (4) and to move at least the engaged portion of the compression garment (4) relative to the circumferential wall (10); the at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) being movable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position, in which the engagement members (24a, 24b) extend at least partially radially outward through the at least one passage (12a, 12b) in the circumferential wall (10), and in which the engagement members (24a, 24b) extend slightly or do not extend through said passage (12a, 12b).

11. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) is rotatably drivable about a respective engagement member axis (A), said axis (A) being radially movable relative to the main ring axis (R) between a first position in which each engagement member (24a, 24b) is in the retracted position, and a second position in which each engagement member (24a, 24b) is in the extended position.

12. 12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) comprises one or more rings (24a) for engaging at least a part of the compression garment (4) at a respective ring surface, said one or more rings (24a) each being rotatably drivable about a respective ring axis (W) extending obliquely relative to the main ring axis (R).

13. 13. Apparatus according to claim 12, configured to cooperate with an assembly (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the one or more rings (24a) are arranged to extend through the at least one first passageway (12a) when the at least one ring (24a) is in the extended position.

14. 14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) comprises one or more worm gears (24b) for engagement with at least a part of the compression garment (4) at a respective worm gear surface, said one or more worm gears (24b) each being rotatably drivable about a respective worm gear axis (G) extending at least axially relative to the main ring axis (R).

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, configured to cooperate with the assembly (2) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the one or more worm gears (24b) are arranged to extend through the at least one second passage (12b) when the at least one worm gear (24b) is in the extended position.

16. 16. Apparatus according to claim 15 when dependent on claim 13, wherein in the axial direction, the one or more rings (24a) at least partially overlap the one or more worm gears (24b) to axially transfer at least a part of the compression garment (4) from the one or more rings (24a) to the one or more worm gears (24b).

17. 17. Apparatus according to claim 16, comprising drive means (26) for driving the one or more wheels (24a) and the one or more worm gears (24b) such that, during operation, a circumferential wheel speed of the one or more wheels (24a) exceeds an axial transport speed of the one or more worm gears (24b).

18. 18. Apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, adapted to cooperate with an assembly (2) according to claim 5 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the one or more rings (24a) comprise a plurality of rings (24a) and the one or more worm gears (24b) comprise a plurality of worm gears (24b), the rings (24a) and the worm gears (24b) being arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the ring structure (8).

19. 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the number of rings (24a) of the plurality of rings (24a) is in the range of 4 to 8, and the number of worm gears (24b) of the plurality of worm gears (24b) is the same as, or one more or one less than, the said number of rings (24a).

20. A device according to any one of claims 10 to 19, comprising a tapered shape towards a garment receiving axial end (28) of the device for guiding the compression garment (4) towards the at least one engagement member (24a, 24b).

21. 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the garment receiving axial end (28) comprises a circumferential array of a plurality of spring-loaded hooks (44) for at least selectively resisting movement of the garment away from the at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) toward the axial end (28).

22. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 21, comprising one or more motors (30) for driving the at least one engagement member (24a, 24b).

23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 22, wherein the at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) is lockable in its extended position and subsequently unlockable therefrom.

24. A system (32) for wearing a compression garment, comprising an assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a device (22) according to any one of claims 10 to 23.

25. 25. The system according to claim 24, further comprising a support structure (34) for positioning the ring structure (8) with the received compression garment (4) in an initial wearing position, the support structure (34) being configured to lock at least a portion of the compression garment (4) onto the circumferential wall (10) of the ring structure (8) to resist, at least initially, relative axial movement between at least a portion of the compression garment (4) and the circumferential wall (10).

26. 26. The system according to claim 24 or 25, further comprising the compression garment (4), the compression garment (4) being capable of being stretched from a less stretched perimeter, smaller compared to the perimeter of each of the circumferential walls (10) of the ring structure (8), to a more stretched perimeter, at least equal to said perimeter of the circumferential walls (10).

27. 1. A method of donning a compression garment, comprising: Providing a system (32) according to any one of claims 24 to 26, receiving a closed ring structure (8) formed by a set of the ring portions (6, 6') of the assembly (2) onto a device (22); engaging at least a portion of the compression garment (4) with at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) of the device (22); and stretching at least a portion of the compression garment (4) radially outwardly with respect to a main ring axis (R) by means of said device (22); The method comprising:

28. 28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising transporting the stretched portion of the compression garment (4) axially along the circumferential wall (10) of the ring structure (8) by means of the device (22).

29. Releasing the ring structure (8) carrying the stretched compression garment (4) from the device (22); moving a body part (BP) axially through said ring structure (8) thereby transferring said compression garment (4) at least partially from said ring structure (8) onto said body part (BP); and moving the ring portions (6, 6') relative to one another to open the ring structure (8) and release the ring structure (8) from the body part (BP); 29. The method of claim 27 or 28, further comprising:

30. 30. The method according to claim 29, further comprising, before opening the ring structure (8), hinging at least two of the ring portions (6, 6') of the ring structure (8) to one another, thereby making the ring structure (8) more tapered along the main ring axis (R), thereby axially releasing at least a portion of the compression garment (4) from the ring structure (8).

31. 31. The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein releasing the ring structure (8) from the device (22) comprises retracting the at least one engagement member (24a, 24b) of the device (22) radially inwardly.

32. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 31, further comprising assembling the closed ring structure (8) from a set of the plurality of ring portions (6, 6').

Images