Assistive device for donning elastic garments

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a manual device or an applicator for donning an elastic garment by a wearer. The device comprises at least one tube including a lengthwise slit to form a penannular cuff. The device further includes at least one strap. Further, when the at least one tube is placed in a leg hole of the elastic garment, said garment applies an inward force on said tube. The device may be operated by a wearer who places his limb in said tube to don the elastic garment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure generally relates to manual devices used to assist people with limited mobility to wear garments. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a manual operable device for people to put on apparel (e.g., lower body garments) by themselves or with minimal assistance.BACKGROUND

[0002] The purpose of the following description of related art is solely to provide background information pertaining to the relevant field of the disclosure. It should be noted that this section is only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the information described in this section qualifies as prior art merely by virtue of their inclusion in this section.

[0003] Nowadays it is observed that many seniors or people with certain injuries, disabilities, or health conditions, find performing daily tasks or even small work very challenging or time-consuming. More particularly, such people face difficulty in bending or getting up to stand or even wearing lower body garments such as pants, skirts, undergarments etc. due to less or no mobility / flexibility of legs, waist, lower back and knees.

[0004] It is quite evident from above that dressing may be a major challenge for people with temporary or permanent restrictions or diseases, and therefore, they would require a helper to assist and provide care. Normally, loved ones are always ready to help their families, however, providing 24 / 7 care might not be possible and reasonable due to many reasons. A professional caregiver is another option for providing care services including dressing, bathing etc. while respecting the client's privacy and dignity. At the same time, people are finding difficulty in finding affordable care services. Also, not everyone prefers these care services (paid or free) due to various reasons.SUMMARY

[0005] This section is intended to introduce certain objectives and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified manner. The disclosure relates to a manual device for donning an elastic garment. Said device comprises at least one tube including a lengthwise slit to form a cuff penannular in shape. In operation the at least one tube is placed in a leg hole of the elastic garment such that the elastic garment applies an inward force on said tube. Further, a wearer of the elastic garment places a limb in the at least one tube and dons the garment. Additionally, in some embodiments, the tube is of resilient material that resists the force from the elastic garment.

[0006] In some embodiments, the device further comprises at least one strap attached to said tube. In another aspect of the disclosure, the device also includes a first void to provide a first handle; a second void to provide a second handle; and a third void to provide a third handle. The voids may also be utilized without handles if the wearer's mobility allows.

[0007] A kit for including said device substantially as shown and described herein. The present disclosure also relates to a kit comprising a first manual device and a second manual device as defined in the disclosure. Additionally, the kit may comprise an elastic garment.

[0008] A kit for including said device and an elastic garment. The device is substantially as shown and described herein. The present disclosure relates to a kit where the elastic garment is a diaper.

[0009] This summary does not necessarily describe the entire scope of all aspects. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Systems, devices, articles, and methods are described in greater detail herein with reference to the following figures in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a device for donning elastic garments, in perspective view.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates, in perspective view, a tube which is a part of the device shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates the tube in an unwrapped state.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates, in perspective view, a part of a strap coupled to the tube in some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates, in perspective view, a part of a strap coupled to the tube in some embodiments.

[0016] In the drawings, the same reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. In the drawings, angle, size, and relative position of elements are not necessarily shown to scale. For example, some of these elements / units may be enlarged or positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the shapes of any elements as drawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape and may have been solely selected for ease of illustration or recognition.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hence, the applicant in considering the above-mentioned problems and challenges, appreciates there is a need for an efficient and easy device or method that can help certain groups of people with changing apparel and especially lower-body garments.

[0018] In the following description, associated drawings, included claims, and other parts of the document, various details are set forth to provide a detailed understanding of the disclosure and embodiments thereof. It will be apparent, however, that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without these details. Several features described hereafter can each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features.

[0019] The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an applicator, manual device, or device for donning an elastic garment. The device comprises at least one tube including a lengthwise slit to form a cuff. In particular, the elastic garment is attached (e.g., slip-fit engagement) to the device for the user or wearer to don the garment. Further, in some embodiments, the device also includes at least one strap attached to the at least one tube. Said tube may include a grip. For example, various voids are defined in said tube to provide handle / s as per various embodiments.

[0020] The term “elastic garment” as used herein may refer to sock, hosiery, undergarment, lower body garment, diaper, or other garments with one or more elasticized openings. A person skilled in the art will appreciate the garment may include elastomeric material as a band or incorporated into the web of the garment, e.g., sock, compression hosiery. The garment can be of any material including but not limited to bamboo, cellulose, cotton, nylon, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polyethylene and any such material as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art. Alternatively, the elastic material may be SPANDEX®, LYCRA®, or other polyether-polyurea copolymer. However, the above-mentioned material of the garment should not limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0021] The term “wearer / user” or wearer as used herein may refer to a senior or elder requiring assistance with wearing garments, any person with certain injuries, disabilities, or health conditions or any such person as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0022] The term “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the terms “comprise”, “include”, “comprising”, or “including” in the claims or the specification may mean “one”, “one or more”, “at least one”, and “a plurality” unless the content dictates otherwise. Similarly, the word “another” means “additional” or “at least a second” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] The terms “coupled”, “coupling” or “connected” as used herein can have several different meanings depending on the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled, coupling, or connected can have a mechanical or electrical connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupling, or connected can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via an electrical element, electrical signal or a mechanical element depending on the particular context. The term “and / or” herein when used in association with a list of items means any one or more of the items comprising that list.

[0024] As used herein, terms “sides”, “ends”, and “edges” refer to extreme parts of a body like a web and have similar interpretation and within scope of the disclosure. Terms like up, down, left, right, top, and bottom refer to directions. However, with all these terms are used to provide clarity of description and not limitation so various embodiments may appear inverted, mirrored, flipped, or the like.

[0025] It is to be noted that any variations in material, size, shape of the device and its components are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. As used herein, a reference to “about”, “approximately”, or “near” a number or to being “substantially”equal to a number means being within + / −10% of that number.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a device 100 for donning an elastic garment 120. Device 100 includes at least one tube 110 including a lengthwise slit 104 which forms a penannular cuff. That is when viewed from above the circumference of at least one tube 110 is interrupted. In some embodiments, device 100 includes a pair of tubes-tube 110a and tube 110b. Tube 110a includes a lengthwise slit 104a and tube 110b includes a lengthwise slit 104b which in turn forms a penannular cuff.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one strap 112 is coupled to at least one tube 110. For example, strap 112a is coupled to said tube 110a and strap 112b is coupled to said tube 110b. In some embodiments, at least one grip 114 is coupled to the at least one strap 112. For example, strap 112a couples grip 114a to tube 110a. In some embodiments, strap 112b couples grip 114b to tube 110b. Additionally, device 100 includes at least one strap 112a, 112b attached to the at least one tube 110a, 110b. Device 100 also includes a first void 106a, 106b defined in the grip 114a, 114b to provide a first handle for the wearer to move device 100 and don elastic garment 120.In some embodiments, device 100 further includes a buckle coupled to the at least one strap 112a, 112b. In operation, the buckle adjusts the length of at least one strap 112. Examples of straps and buckles are further illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0028] In some embodiments, the at least one strap 112a, 112b is removable and is detached by the wearer once elastic garment 120 is easily accessible above the knees. In some embodiments, the at least one strap 112a, 112b is of material such as cotton, nylon, polyester, plastic, or metal.

[0029] The at least one tube 110 forms a penannular shape as viewed from above or below. The at least one slit 104 interrupts at least one tube 110. The profile of at least one tube 110 can be of any shape and diameter as may be suitable for the application as judged by a person skilled in the art. In another embodiment, the at least one tube 110 is approximately 9.5″ by 8.5″ in size—height by diameter. In some embodiments, at least one tube 110 has a height between about 8″ and about 12″. In some embodiments, at least one tube 110 has a diameter between about 8″ and about 11″. However, tube's size is not limited and may be varied according to a person skilled in the art.

[0030] At least one tube 110 operates in cooperation with elastic garment 120. When the at least one tube 110a, 110b is placed in a leg hole of elastic garment 120, said elastic garment 120 applies an inward force on said tube 110a, 110b. The at least one tube 110 includes a resilient material to resist the inward force and keep the garment spread open. In some embodiments, the resilient material includes but is not limited to rubber, plastic, spring steel, ABS, ethyl vinyl acetate, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene (low density), polypropylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and reinforced cardboard (kraft) with coatings.

[0031] The grip 114a, 114b is designed to fall outwards and released from the at least one tube 110a, 110b allowing it to fall away from the wearer. For example, fall to the ankles of the wearer. The wearer may grasp elastic garment 120 and if needed position elastic garment 120 in place. At least one strap 112a, 112b is removable and is detached by the wearer once elastic garment 120 is easily accessible above the knees.

[0032] Turning to FIG. 2 which illustrates in perspective view tube 110. Further, in another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, device 100 includes a second void 206 defined in the at least one tube 110 to provide a second handle. The second void may be positioned in various places on at least one tube 110. In the embodiment shown, second void 206 is near the top of at least one tube and nearer the right side.

[0033] Furthermore, FIG. 3 illustrates tube 110 in accordance with at least one embodiment. Tube 110 is shown unfurled or unwrapped and laid out in the plane of the drawing sheet. The tube 110 has a top edge 302, a bottom edge 304, a left end 306, a right end 308 and a first side (interior side) 310. The exterior side is not shown in this plan view of the unfurled or unwrapped tube 110. Device 100 includes a third void 316 defined in the tube 110 to provide a third handle. For example, an edge in at least one tube 110 defines third void 316. Third void 316 is shown opposite second void 206.

[0034] In some embodiments, strap 112 is attached near the proximal end of 110, or top edge 302 of the tube 110. At least one strap 112 may be fixed to tube 110 with welds, rivets, grommets, fasteners, thread, stitching or any such process as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art. At least one strap 112 and at least one tube 110 may be a unitary body. For example, strap 112 may be comprise a thinner and more flexible version of the material included in tube 110.

[0035] One or more of the handles (e.g., first handle, second handle and third handle) are detachable and are coupled to at least one tube 110a, 110b. In some embodiments, said handles are attached to the at least one tube 110a, 110b through clips, hooks, clasps and any such means as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art. In another embodiment, the handles are of material steel, rigid plastic and any such material as may be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a part of the at least one strap 112. In some embodiments, a webbing buckle or tri-glide slide 402 is threaded by strap 112 twice to provide an adjustable strap. Strap 112, in some embodiments, includes a loop 404 that may be threaded through a void in the at least one tube 110 or serve as a handle. Under minimal load tri-glide slide 402 slides to adjust the length of loop 404 or at least one strap 112.

[0037] In some embodiments, strap 112 includes a first part and a second part joined by the buckle which may have a variable position on the first part or the second part of strap 112. In some embodiments, strap 112 is fixed to one of tube 110 or grip 114, and passes through the buckle in a slip fit, loops through a void in a corresponding body (e.g., tube 110 or grip 114) and returns to be affixed to the buckle. Under minimal load the buckle slides to adjust the length of at least one strap 112.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a part of strap 112 fixed to at the least one tube 110. A fastener (e.g., rivet) is attached to each tube 110 on outside edge. End of an electrical tie 502 would slides into the fastener and lock at the desired height.For Clarity, Various Embodiments Are Included in This Description. Each is a numbered example.

[0039] Example 1: A manual device 100 for donning an elastic garment 120, said device 100 comprising of at least one tube 110 including a lengthwise slit 104 to form a cuff. The cuff is penannular in shape, in operation the at least one tube 110 is placed in a leg hole of the elastic garment 120 and the elastic garment 120 applies an inward force on the at least one tube 110, the at least one tube 110 is of resilient material that resists an inward force from the elastic garment 120, and in operation, a wearer of the elastic garment120 places a limb in the least one tube 110 and dons the elastic garment 120.

[0040] Example 2: The device 100 of example 1 further comprises at least one strap 112 attached to the at least one tube 110.

[0041] Example 3: The device 100 of example 1, wherein the at least one tube 110 further comprising a grip 114 coupled at the at least one tube 110.

[0042] Example 4: The device 100 of example 3, further comprising a first void 106 defined in the grip 114 to provide a first handle.

[0043] Example 5: The device 100 in example 1, further comprising a second void 206 defined in the at least one tube 110 to provide a second handle.

[0044] Example 6: The device 100 of example 1, wherein the at least one tube 110 has dimensions selected from the group consisting of a height of 9.5″, a diameter of 8.5″, a height between 8″ and 12″, and a diameter between 8″ and 11″.

[0045] Example 7: The device 100 of example 2 further comprises a buckle coupled to the at least one strap 112 which in response to the movement along the at least one strap 112 adjusts length of the at least one strap 112.

[0046] Example 8: The device 100 of example 2, wherein the at least one strap 112 is removable and is detached by the wearer once the garment 120 is easily accessible above the knees.

[0047] Example 9: The device 100 of examples 1, wherein the resilient material is rubber, plastic, spring steel, ABS, ethyl vinyl acetate, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene (low density), polypropylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and cardboard with coatings.

[0048] Example 10: The device 100 of example 2, wherein the at least one strap 112 is of material cotton, nylon, polyester, plastic or metal.

[0049] Example 11: The device 100 of examples 2, 7, 8 and 10, wherein the at least one strap 112 is attached near the proximal end of the at least one tube 110.

[0050] Example 12: The device 100 of examples 1 and 3, wherein the handle is coupled to the at least one tube 110 by weld, glue, mold, fastener, rivets, or grommets.

[0051] Example 13: The device 100 of example 3, wherein the grip 114 is designed to fall outwards and released from the at least one tube 110 allowing the at least one tube 110 to fall to the ankles of the wearer and the garment 120 to be grasped and positioned in place.

[0052] Example 14: The device 100 in example 1 further comprising a third void 316 defined in the at least one tube 110 to provide a third handle.

[0053] Example 15: The device 100 of examples 1 and 3, wherein the grip 114 is of material steel and rigid plastic.

[0054] Example 16: A kit comprising a first manual device of example 1, and a second manual device of example 1.

[0055] Example 17: The kit of example 16 further comprises an elastic garment 120.

[0056] While the disclosure has been described in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and that alterations, modifications, and variations of these embodiments may be carried out by the skilled person without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0057] It is furthermore contemplated that any part of any aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented or combined with any part of any other aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification.

Claims

1. A manual device for donning an elastic garment, said device comprising of:at least one tube including a lengthwise slit to form a cuff;wherein:the cuff is penannular in shape, in operation the at least one tube is placed in a leg hole of the elastic garment and the elastic garment applies an inward force on the at least one tube, the at least one tube is of resilient material that resists an inward force from the elastic garment, and in operation, a wearer of the elastic garment places a limb in the least one tube and dons the elastic garment.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one strap attached to the at least one tube.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one tube further comprising a grip coupled at the at least one tube.

4. The device of claim 3 further comprising a first void defined in the grip to provide a first handle.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising a second void defined in the at least one tube to provide a second handle.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one tube has dimensions selected from the group consisting of a height of 9.5″, a diameter of 8.5″, a height between 8″and 12″, and a diameter between 8″ and 11″.

7. The device of claim 2 further comprising a buckle coupled to the at least one strap which in response to the movement along the at least one strap adjusts length of the at least one strap.

8. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least one strap is removable and is detached by the wearer once the garment is easily accessible above the knees.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the resilient material is rubber, plastic, spring steel, ABS, ethyl vinyl acetate, nylon, polycarbonate, polyethylene (low density), polypropylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and cardboard with coatings.

10. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least one strap is of material cotton, nylon, polyester, plastic or metal.

11. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least one strap is attached near the proximal end of the at least one tube.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle is coupled to the at least one tube by weld, glue, mold, fastener, rivets, or grommets.

13. The device of claim 3, wherein the grip is designed to fall outwards and released from the at least one tube allowing the at least one tube to fall to the ankles of the wearer and the garment to be grasped and positioned in place.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a third void defined in the at least one tube to provide a third handle.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the grip is of material steel and rigid plastic.

16. A kit comprising a first manual device of claim 1, and a second manual device of claim 1.

17. The kit of claim 16 further comprising an elastic garment.

18. A kit comprising a manual device of claim 1, and an elastic garment.

19. The kit of claim 18 wherein the elastic garment is a diaper.

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