U.S. patent application number 10/694620 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for device and method to assist in putting on tubular garments or coverings, for example, socks and condoms and gloves.
Invention is credited to Humphreys, Alan J., Unsworth, John D..
Application Number | 20050087573 10/694620 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34522647 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050087573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Unsworth, John D. ; et
al. |
April 28, 2005 |
Device and method to assist in putting on tubular garments or
coverings, for example, socks and condoms and gloves
Abstract
Device and method to assist in rolling on and off, over parts of
the body, tubular garments or coverings or garments or coverings
that include tubular elements, for example socks, gloves, pants and
condoms, where the device is an integral part of the tubular
garment and not separate from it.
Inventors: |
Unsworth, John D.;
(Flamborough, CA) ; Humphreys, Alan J.; (Toronto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John Unsworth
Suite 107
7 Innovation Drive
Flamborough
ON
L9H 7H9
CA
|
Family ID: |
34522647 |
Appl. No.: |
10/694620 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
223/112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 42/00 20160201;
A61B 42/50 20160201; A47G 25/905 20130101; A61F 2006/049 20130101;
A47G 25/904 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/112 |
International
Class: |
A47G 025/90 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device comprised of a flexible tubular element 1 to which is
attached, connected or incorporated one or more springy elements,
and the springy element(s) are made of metal, plastic, superlastic
nickel-titanium, other springy material, or Shape Memory Allow
(SMA) or other material that exhibits shape recovery, or
compositions thereof, and said springy element(s) are loaded or
further loaded, if preloaded, by being rolled-up with the tubular
element to which they are attached, connected or incorporated, from
the proximal end of the tubular element, in the direction of the
distal end, to form an approximate torus shape, and in the case of
Shape Memory Allow (SMA) or other material that exhibits shape
recovery, the springy element(s) are rolled-up in their martensitic
phase, or in the case of other materials that exhibit shape
recovery, an analogous phase, and restraining means, which may be
composed of detachable attachments on the adjoining surfaces or
extensions of the adjoining surfaces of the rolled tubular element,
preferably near the distal outside end of the tubular element,
which when attached, restrain the loaded rolled-up tubular element
from unloading and unrolling, prior to being detached, and a body
part may be inserted into or immediately adjacent to the inside
distal end of the tubular element, while the tubular element is so
restrained, and when the restraining means are released such as
when the detachable attachments are detached, the loaded and
rolled-up springy elements unload and spring-back, causing the
rolled-up flexible tubular element 1 to unroll, or in the case of
the springy element being composed of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) or
other materials that exhibit shape recovery, before or after the
detachable attachments are detached, the rolled-up part 4 of the
tubular element 1, is heated from the loaded martensitic state to
its unloaded austenitic state, or in the case of other materials
that exhibit shape recovery an analogous change of state, causing
shape recovery of the springy element to spring-back, causing the
rolled-up flexible tubular element 1 to unroll, and the tubular
element unrolls over the inserted body part, covering the said body
part.
2. A device comprised of a flexible tubular element to which is
attached, connected or incorporated one or more springy elements,
and the springy element(s) are made of metal, plastic, superlastic
nickel-titanium, other springy material, or compositions thereof,
and additional springy elements are attached, connected or
incorporated into the said tubular element 1 that are made of Shape
Memory Alloy (SMA) or other material that exhibits shape recovery,
and when the additional springy elements are at ambient
temperature, they are in the martensitic state and are floppy, or
analogous state, for other materials that exhibit shape recovery,
and original springy element(s) are loaded or further loaded, if
preloaded, by being rolled-up with the tubular element to which
they are attached, connected or incorporated, from the proximal end
of the tubular element 1, in the direction of the distal end, to
form an approximate torus shape, and restraining means which may be
composed of detachable attachments on the adjoining or extensions
of the adjoining surfaces of the rolled tubular element 1,
preferably near the distal outside end of the tubular element,
which when attached restrain the loaded rolled-up tubular element
from unloading and unrolling, prior to being detached, and a body
part may be inserted into or be placed immediately adjacent to the
inside distal end of the tubular element while the tubular element
1 is so restrained, and when the restraining means are released
such as when detachable attachments are detached, the loaded and
rolled-up original springy elements unload and spring-back, and
overcome any resistance that the additional springy elements, which
are floppy at ambient temperature, might put up, causing the
rolled-up flexible tubular element to unroll, and the tubular
element unrolls over the inserted or immediately adjacent body
part, covering the said body part, and after the tubular element is
unrolled by the unloading and spring-back of the original springy
elements, and at such time that the wearer wishes to remove the
said tubular element 1 from the body part it covers, the wearer can
apply sufficient heat to the additional springy elements,
sufficient to effect shape recovery of a rolled-up shape, such that
the recovery of such shape is sufficiently energetic that it
overcomes the opposing force of the original springy element(s)
causing the said tubular element to roll-up and off the inserted
body part, thus removing the covering tubular element, and perhaps
after the said restraining means, such as detachable attachments
are attached to restrain the tubular element from unrolling, the
application of heat can be terminated, which causes the additional
springy elements to relax to their martensitic state or analogous
state, for other materials that exhibit shape recovery, and the
original springy elements can again prevail over the additional
springy elements and cause the tubular element to unroll as soon as
the said restraining means are released, such as when the
detachable attachments restraining the coiled tubular element are
detached.
3. A method of covering a body part with a covering that includes a
tubular element 1, or is composed of a tubular element 1, and the
tubular element 1 is rolled-up, thereby loading a springy element
attached, connected or incorporated to the said tubular element 1,
and once rolled-up or partly rolled-up, restraining means such as a
detachably attaching restraining element(s) is detachably attached
to prevent the loaded rolled-up or partly rolled-up tubular element
4 from unrolling until it is detached, and the restraining means
such as a detachably attaching restraining element that connect
adjoining surfaces or extensions of the adjoining surfaces, one on
the inside of the tubular element 1, and the other on the outside
of the same tubular element 1, preferably close to the distal
exterior end of the tubular element 1, and the wearer places the
rolled-up 4 tubular element 1 near the body part that he desires to
have covered by the same tubular element 1, and the wearer places
the desired body in the interior of, or immediately adjacent to the
interior distal end of the tubular element 1, the wearer then
releases the restraining means such as when he detaches the
detachably attaching restraining element(s), and the wearer allows
the rolled-up tubular element 4 to unroll onto that body part that
he has placed in or immediately adjacent to the interior distal end
of the tubular element 1.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein heat can be applied by external
means, such as by hair dryers or electric resistive heating of the
springy elements or by the heat from the wearer's feet that are
inserted into the inside distal end of the tubular element 1 to
effect shape recovery.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the restraining means are
composed of detachable attachment(s) on the adjoining surfaces or
extensions of the adjoining surfaces of the rolled tubular element
1, preferably near the distal outside end of the tubular element,
which when attached restrain the loaded rolled-up tubular element
from unloading and unrolling, prior to when desired are comprised
of complementary patches of hooks and loops, clasps, snaps,
releasable adhesives or similar detachable attaching devices.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more rings 10 are attached
to or incorporated in the tubular element 1, that impose a minimum
diameter for the rolled-up tubular element, but allow the said ring
to expand; but may not impose a minimum diameter for that part of
the said tubular element that is not immediately adjacent to the
said location of the ring(s) or is not rolled around it.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the ring(s) 10 is comprised of
beads and one or more connecting element(s), and the connecting
element may be a separate element or part of the tubular element,
and the connecting element(s) may be elastic or slide within the
lumen of the said bead allowing the ring(s) so comprised to expand
a predetermined amount, and when the tubular element shrinks in a
radial direction, at some point the beads butt against one another,
limiting further shrinkage, and limiting the ring so comprised, and
the tubular element to which it is attached, to having a
predetermined minimum diameter, but such that the ring(s) may not
impose a minimum diameter for that part of the said tubular element
that is not immediately adjacent to the said location of the
ring(s), or is not rolled around it.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein one or more rings 10 are attached
to or incorporated in the tubular element 1, is comprised of an
annular spring that impose a minimum diameter for the rolled-up
tubular element, but allow the said ring to expand but may not
impose a minimum diameter for that part of the said tubular element
that is not immediately adjacent to the said location of the
ring(s) or is not rolled around it.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the tubular element is an article
of clothing or body covering including: a sock, foot and or leg
covering, a condom, and a sleeve and or cuff of gloves.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the tubular elements 1 have an
open distal end, and the tubular elements forms the legs of pants,
and the tubular elements are connected to the rest of the pants at
the edge of the distal ends.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the springy element is comprised
of a fully enclosed straight or curved tube, or rib, and the tube
or rib is filled with a gas, such as air, and the gas or air can be
at ambient air pressure or at some other pressure including a
higher preloaded pressure, and the tube or rib is attached to or is
incorporated in the tubular element 1.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the number, shape and location
of the springy elements are located in or on the tubular element,
such that when they spring back, they either roll-up or unroll the
tubular element, depending upon the design of the system.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein a skid patch is attached to or
incorporated into the inside surface of the rolled-up tubular
element to provide a means for detaching the detachable attachment
that constrains the loaded rolled-up tubular element 1 from
unrolling.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein a hook or loop is attached to a
part of the tubular element 1, 1a to assist in putting it on or
taking it off.
15. The device of claim 2, wherein heat can be applied by external
means, such as by warm water baths, hair dryers or electric
resistive heating of the springy elements, which may be applied by
a battery 2b and controller 2d and conductors 2c attached to the
tubular element 1 or by the heat from the wearer's feet that are
inserted into the inside distal end of the tubular element.
16. The device of claim 2, wherein detachable attachments on the
adjoining surfaces or extensions of the adjoining surfaces of the
rolled tubular element, preferably near the distal outside end of
the tubular element, which when attached restrain the loaded
rolled-up tubular element from unloading and unrolling, prior to
when desired are comprised of complementary patches of hooks and
loops, clasps, snaps, releasable adhesives or similar detachable
attaching devices.
17. The device of claim 2, wherein one or more rings 10 are
attached to or incorporated in the tubular element 1, that impose a
minimum diameter for the rolled-up tubular element, but allow the
said ring to expand but may not impose a minimum diameter for that
part of the said tubular element that is not immediately adjacent
to the said location of the ring(s) or is not rolled around it.
18. The device of claim 2, wherein the ring(s) 10 is comprised of
beads and one or more connecting element(s), and the connecting
element may be a separate element or part of the tubular element,
and the connecting element(s) may be elastic or slide within the
lumen of the said bead allowing the ring(s) so comprised to expand
a predetermined amount, and when the tubular element shrinks in a
radial direction, at some point the beads butt against one another,
limiting further shrinkage, and limiting the ring(s) so comprised,
and the tubular element to which it is attached, to having a
predetermined minimum diameter, but the ring(s) may not impose a
minimum diameter for that part of the said tubular element that is
not immediately adjacent to the said location of the ring(s) or is
not rolled around it.
19. The device of claim 2, wherein one or more rings 10 are
attached to or incorporated in the tubular element 1, is comprised
of a spring that impose a minimum diameter for the rolled-up
tubular element, but allow the said ring to expand, but may not
impose a minimum diameter for that part of the said tubular element
that is not immediately adjacent to the said location of the
ring(s) or is not rolled around it.
20. the device of claim 2, wherein the tubular element is a sock,
condom, glove, foot or leg covering or pants.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a device and method to assist in
the putting on tubular garments, or garments that include tubular
elements, and more particularly socks, stockings, similar leg
coverings, condoms, gloves, and pants.
INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The prior art with respect to devices to assist in the
donning of socks and similar foot garments, is similar to methods
to don condoms and gloves; both teach methods to don tubular
garments or coverings. This invention teaches methods and devices
that assist in the donning of all such tubular garments or
coverings and is not limited to particular tubular devices. This
invention also discloses devices in which the donning assistance is
incorporated into the tubular garment or covering, rather than
being separate from it.
[0003] Various designs of devices for putting on stockings are
known and devised to help disabled persons suffering from various
handicaps in their ability to move.
[0004] There exist staff-shaped devices which are provided with
hoop or sleeve-like members of varying shape and which usually are
made of metal or other stiff material. This type of device has a
low friction coefficient and therefore a stocking easily slips off
before it has reached the correct position.
[0005] There also exist devices which are made of soft material.
These types of devices are not so common and the pull-on devices of
this kind which now exist require great user mobility.
[0006] Numerous innovations for sock donning assist devices have
been provided in the prior art that will be described. However,
even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific
individual purposes to which they address, they differ from the
present invention in that they are separate form the tubular
garment which is being donned.
[0007] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,066,194 to Leland teaches a
sock donning device that includes a handle member from which
laterally and transversely depend a pair of sock expanding and
gripping members, and a combination frame positioner and sock
release device.
[0008] Still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,083 to Aslin
teaches a pull-on device for stockings that includes a
stocking-foot resembling piece. The sole of the piece is stiff in
the longitudinal direction and resilient at a middle portion. The
middle portion is connected at the heel part with a rearward
protruding plate member.
[0009] Yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,284,216 to Leland
teaches a sock donning assist device that includes a sock donning
device that includes a handle member from which laterally and
transversely depend a pair of sock expanding and holding members,
and a control bar that extends between the wire-like handle members
so as to adjust the space there between.
[0010] Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,516,704 to Hagman
teaches a hosiery donning aid that includes a rigid hoop and a
handle. The handle is telescopic and pivotally secured to the
inside of the hoop.
[0011] Yet still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,932 to Keller
teaches a donning aid that includes a tong-like member having a
pair of elongated arms extending from a handle end to a gripping
end. The arms are integrally joined at the handle end in a U-bend
and extend substantially parallel in close side-by-side
relationship to the gripping end. Resilient protective pads are
provided at the gripping end of each arm.
[0012] Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,789,087 to
Doorenbos teaches a device for assisting in putting on elastic
hosiery that includes an expandable tip consisting of a division in
the portion over which the stocking is placed, means for biasing
the two split parts to a normally closed position, and a latch to
hold the device in an open position.
[0013] Yet still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,803 to
Wilkens teaches an aid for putting on stockings that includes a
frame-like construction with at least four substantially
equidistantly spaced substantially parallel-extending support rods
having first ends and second ends. The first ends are
interconnected by means of a first clip and the second ends are
interconnected by means of a second clip.
[0014] Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,988 to
Doorenbos teaches a device to aid in putting on elastic hose that
includes two looped ends to be inserted into the stocking. The
loops are hinged together and movable between a closed position and
a spread position. The hinge includes a slide.
[0015] Yet still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,720 to White
teaches a tool for applying support stockings that includes a
tongue positioned between side rails which are connected to
handles. The tongue includes an extension which is engaged by the
handles to cause centering of the tongue between the side
rails.
[0016] Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,856 to
Weatherholt, Sr. teaches a sock donning apparatus that includes a
support post arranged to slidably mount a guide tube having a
platform secured thereon. The platform includes a support arm with
a generally U-shaped support plated that is oriented at an obtuse
angle relative to the platform.
[0017] Yet still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,199 to White
teaches an apparatus for assisting a person in putting on a
stocking that includes an arcuate hollow form is releasibly
attached to the upper edge of a stocking by clamp elements located
at spaced points on the hollow form. Elongated straps extend from
the clamping points.
[0018] Finally, an example of devices that assist in the donning of
condoms is U.S. Pat. No. 4,840,187 to Brazier which includes a
tubular device that holds the condom open and guides it over the
penis.
[0019] It is apparent that all these dressing aids are separate
devices from the tubular garment or covering. The purpose of this
invention is to avoid having to use a device separate from the sock
or condom to assist in the donning of the said tubular devices.
[0020] It is the purpose of the invention to incorporate the means
for donning tubular garments or coverings, into the articles
themselves, so that the user need not take a separate device with
him to ensure that he is able to put these articles on.
[0021] It is also the purpose of this invention to make self
donning tubular garments or coverings, unobtrusive.
[0022] The present invention has as its main feature the
incorporation of springy elements that run approximately parallel
to the longitudinal axis of a relatively flexible tubular element
1, which can be made of any flexible material and which can be
straight, as in the case of a condom or heel-less socks, or curved
as in the case of socks with heels, The Purpose of the springy
elements is to provide a motive force that acts to unroll a
rolled-up tubular element and cause it to unroll or roll-back and
cover the wearer's foot or other body part without further
assistance of the wearer. The springy elements are loaded by the
rolling-up of the tubular element. When the loaded springy elements
are allowed to unload, they spring back, rolling back the rolled-up
tubular element to which they are attached or of which they are a
part.
[0023] It is important to note that the springy elements act in a
direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular
element 1. This means that they can be used in combination with
elastic socks, such as those used to prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis
(DVT), that have elasticity principally in a direction at right
angles to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element 1. This
makes this invention applicable to the very type of sock that is so
difficult to put on and off.
[0024] These springy elements can be attached to the exterior and
or interior of the said tubular elements by various means well
known to the art. This would include adhesives, or flexible
pockets, similar to those that accommodate battens in sails. These
pockets can be formed by attaching various layers of a
multi-layered tubular element, or by separate flexible strips
attached to the said tubular element. The means for attachment of
the said layers or pockets can be effected by means well known to
the art, which would include stitching, adhesives, cross-linking
polymers by chemical or thermal means to name a few examples. The
springy elements themselves can be made of any springy material,
such as steel, or plastic. Some preferred embodiments use only
enclosed elongated pockets or ribs formed or molded in the material
from which the tubular element is made, or attached to it, or a
combination of the two, and containing air or some other suitable
gas that can be at ambient pressure or some other pressure and that
becomes or is further compressed in the loaded state and expands as
it unloads and springs back. These balloon type springy elements
are most suitable for condoms, but can of course be used for other
tubular garments or covering elements. In a condom, these elongated
pockets or rigs can be formed from the proximal end of the tubular
element by adding fingers to the mold along side the tubular dip
mold. These fingers will form pockets in the wall of the condom,
with open proximal ends which, after inflating the pockets, can be
then sealed by various methods well known to the art. The springy
elements in the condoms can be located where they will have the
least effect on sensitivity and can be straight or curved to
enhance the sensory experience.
[0025] Other preferred embodiments incorporate the springy elements
into the material from which the tubular element is formed. An
example of these preferred embodiments is a sock that is woven from
springy wires that are interwoven with the threads or other
elements that form the sock, and run in an approximately parallel
direction with the longitudinal axis of the tubular element. These
wires, like the other springy elements of other preferred
embodiment, can be made of various materials such as steel, plastic
or gas ribs or tube. They may also be made from superlastic
materials such as nickel-titanium. The springy elements can be of
various cross-sections, including round and rectangular.
[0026] Some preferred embodiments include springy elements that are
made of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or other memory materials that
exhibit shape recovery. These springy elements can be attached to
or form a part of the tubular element or both. These materials have
the advantage of unloading, or recovering a memorized shape, in
response to temperature change, which can be supplied by the heat
of the foot, or heat applied by separate means such as a bath, a
hair dryer or be effected by resistive electrical heating of the
SMA springy element, which exhibits good resistive electrical
properties. For example, using these materials the tubular element
can be rolled-up to load the "springy element" while in the
martensitic state, which is relatively unspringy or floppy. It can
then be unloaded by heating it above the Austenitic start
temperature and to fully unload them at the austenitic finish
temperature. This unloading causes the SMA or other similar
material to recover the shape that has been previously imparted
into it, usually at very high temperature, which in this case would
be approximately straight, with perhaps a slight curve for the
heal. This recovered shape acts to unroll the rolled sock over the
wear's foot and thus put itself on the wearer's foot. The heating
necessary to cause this martensite to austenite transformation and
thus the recovery of the imparted shape, can be supplied by the
elevated temperature of the wearer's foot, or by some external
temperature source, such as a hair blower or by electrically
heating (resistive) the SMA material that comprises the springy
element. Once the sock is on the wearer's foot, the springy element
can return by cooling to it martensitic form and the sock will
remain on the wear's foot. Removal of the sock can be then effected
by normal means, assisted by a hook or loop attached to the top or
near the top of the sock cuff.
[0027] Other preferred embodiments incorporate both conventional
springy materials, for example, steel, plastic or superlastic
material which would be loaded up by rolling-up 4 the tubular
elements 1; in combination with unconventional springy materials
such as Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or other materials exhibiting
shape recovery properties, that unload in the opposite direction.
For example the conventional springy materials attached to or
incorporated with the sock would be loaded by rolling-up the sock
to form a closed end torus. This conventional springy material
would act when unrestrained, to completely unroll the sock, as when
it is normally worn on the foot. If the toes of the wearer were
placed in the open end of the torus, when unloaded, the sock would
roll-back onto the wearer's foot and the sock would thus put itself
on the wearer. The SMA or similar material, forming the other
springy material in the sock would have a shape imparted to it,
usually at high temperature, which would have the shape of
approximately that which would conform to the shape of the
rolled-up sock. However, at ambient temperature the material would
be in its martensitic state and relatively floppy, and would not
significantly restrain the unloading of the conventional springy
material while the sock is unrolling to its fully extended wearable
form. However when the SMA or similar material is heated, it would
recover its coiled or rolled-up, memorized shape, which could be
set strong enough to overcome the oppositely acting conventional
springy element. The springy element made of the SMA or other
similar material would then cause the sock to roll-up and off the
wearer's foot. The rolled-up sock can then be temporarily
constrained, by means described bellow, to maintain its torus like
shape, even after the SMA returns, by cooling, to its floppy
martensitic form, at which point the conventional springy material
prevails, acting to otherwise un-roll the sock in the opposite
direction, but for the temporarily imposed constraint. As mentioned
the heating of the SMA or other similar material, could be effected
by a number of different means, including a warm water bath or
electrical resistive heating. This resistive heating can be
effected by a battery and controller 2b attached to the sock 8,
with power delivered to the springy elements 2a by conductors 2c,
all as illustrated in FIG. 6. The power supplied by it to the SMA
material can be turned on and off by a switch 2d actuated by the
wearers other foot or by pressing it against another object or by
remote control means or other means well known to the art. This
arrangement might of course be reversed so that the convention
springy material would act to roll out the socks and the SMA or
other similar material would act in the opposite direction to
roll-back the socks.
[0028] Some preferred embodiments can contain springy elements of
various types in combination.
[0029] The preferred embodiments include restraining means to
temporarily restrain the sock, gloves or covering element to
maintain its approximately torus shape when the attached or
incorporated springy elements are in their loaded mode, which would
otherwise cause the sock to unroll. These restraining means are
typically comprised of one or more detachable attachments, of any
suitable area, such as complementary patches of hooks and loops,
such as Velcro, or adhesives but of course could be effected by any
of the many detachable attachments that are well known to the art.
These restraints may in certain preferred embodiments be unlatched,
released or separated by the wearer exerting a pushing motion into
the distal end of the enclosed torus with his foot or other body
part, in some cases, the torus itself being constrained by its
contact with the ground, which is perhaps enhanced with a
relatively high friction skid patch, such as rubber attached to the
rolled-up tubular element at that point of contact. Once this
detachable attachment is removed, the rolled-up tubular element
will unroll, powered by the connected unloading springy elements.
In other preferred embodiments the restraining means may be
comprised of or include a package, in which the tubular element is
rolled-up, such as a condom, that has a tear-away end, that when
torn-away, releases the springy element to unload and unroll the
rolled-up tubular element over the abutting penis.
[0030] Some preferred embodiments include a ring that holds-open
the tubular element at a minimum diameter so the wearer can place
the distal end of the foot, hand or other body part into the
orifice of the tubular element, while it is rolled-up into its
approximate torus shape; but allow for radial enlargement of the
tubular element to accommodate larger parts of the body, over which
the rolled-up tubular element unrolls. In those cases where the
tubular element is radially elastic, this ring also allows the
tubular element to assume a diameter less than the said minimum
ring diameter when that part of the tubular element has been
rolled-off of the ring. In the case of elastic stockings, or other
elastic coverings, the ring also reduces the collective inward
radial compression of the sock or other covering against the body
part where the sock is rolled-up, when it is rolled-on to the body
part, making the donning more comfortable.
[0031] This ring can be made of a coiled tension spring, formed by
attaching both ends together and having its coil turns pulled
together when at rest and while assuming its minimum diameter. The
spring and hence the ring can be enlarged beyond its minimum
diameter by the force of a body part entering the orifice of the
ring, that has a diameter larger than that of the ring at its
minimum diameter, causing the turns of the spring to separate. The
ring can also be made like a bracelet, with an elastic element
connecting a series of beads or separate sliding and connecting
elements attaching the beads. The beads, acting like the turns of
the said tension spring, impose a minimum diameter of the ring,
when they butt together, but allow the ring to expand beyond the
minimum diameter. The ring, of whatever composition, can be
attached to or form part of the cuff, at the proximal end or close
to the proximal end of the tubular element.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description, appended claims and accompanying
drawings where:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tubular garment or
covering with an enclosed proximal end, and an open distal end,
incorporating springy elements.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the same
tubular garment or covering, illustrated in FIG. 1, partly
rolled-up from its proximal end to its distal end
[0035] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the same
tubular garment or covering, illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,
which has been fully rolled-up to form a closed-center torus and
also a penis entering the inside distal end of the rolled-up
tubular element.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the lower
section detail of the same tubular garment or covering, illustrated
in FIG. 3.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a tubular
garment or covering, in this case a sock in its latched mode, about
to be released by the forward kicking action of the foot into the
inside distal end of the rolled-up tubular sock.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a sock that
includes springy elements at the top and bottom of the sock and
means for resistive heating of the springy elements to recover
memorized shapes imparted into Shape Memory Alloys (SMA's) or
similar materials that exhibit shape recovery by similar means.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fully deployed sock.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a partly
rolled-up tubular garment or covering that has attached to it, or
incorporated into it a ring 10 that holds the tubular section open
to a predetermined minimum diameter to facilitate the deployment of
the said tubular garment or covering over the foot or other body
part.
[0041] FIGS. 9a and 9b are perspective views of a ring 10 which is
comprised of a connecting element 1b, which may be elastic, which
runs through beads or solid elements 10a and forms a ring that has
a minimum diameter, but can be stretched outwardly to form a ring
having a greater diameter.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fully deployed sock,
including the ring 10, in this case expanded by the size of the
wearer's calf to a diameter greater than its minimum diameter.
[0043] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the tubular
garment or covering that is latched by a single element that is
permanently attached to the distal outside end of the tubular
element 1 and detachably attached at 5a and 5b, to the rolled-up
portions 4 of the tubular element 1.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the invention which is a glove 11, the sleeve of
which rolls-up and unrolls to approximately the base of the fingers
of the hand.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates two springy elements 2 connected to a
tubular element 1 having a closed distal end and an open proximal
end. Preferred embodiments of this invention also can have open
distal ends and distal ends that can be opened and closed, which
are often used in medical settings where access to the toes is
required. Other example of open ended tubular elements 1 would be
pant legs and shirt sleeves that are attached at their distal ends
to the trunk of the pants and the trunk of shirts or coats. Another
example of variations of tubular elements 1 is the sleeve and/or
cuff of gloves 11, FIG. 12. However, most preferred embodiments
have closed distal ends, and some such as condoms, require it. The
tubular element 1 is illustrated as a straight tube, but it is to
be understood that the tubular element can be any shape and come
within the ambit of this invention. Socks 8, for example can be
curved to accommodate the wearer's heal, or be straight as in
heal-less socks. Both come within the ambit of this invention.
[0046] The method: to make the tubular element 1 autonomously and
easily cover a body part, it must be first rolled-up to form a
torus like shape, as illustrated in FIG. 3, by turning the proximal
ends of the tubular element 1 in direction 3 as illustrated on
FIGS. 1 and 2. This can be done by the wearer or by a care-giver in
advance of their use. Alternatively this can be done by thermal
control of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA's) or similar materials,
forming all or some of the springy elements 2 as described above.
For one use items, such as a condom, the tubular element may come
roll-up and preloaded, ready to be released, when placed over the
end of the penis.
[0047] For most preferred embodiments, this rolling-up of the
tubular element 1 also loads the connected springy element 2, such
that when the rolled-up or partly roll-up tubular element 1 is
released, it unloads by springing back, unrolling the tubular
element 1. It should be noted that in some preferred embodiments,
even when the tubular element 1 is filly unwound onto the wearer's
foot or other body part, the springy element may be designed to not
fully unload; this is done in order to provide sufficient force for
a complete unwinding of the tubular device 1. In such cases the
springy element has been preloaded, prior to being rolled.
[0048] While FIG. 1 illustrates only two springy elements 2, it is
to be understood that any number of springy elements may be
utilized. The location as well as the number and composition of
these springy elements 2 will vary depending upon the
circumstances, but generally these will be located with their
longitudinal axes approximately parallel to the longitudinal axes
of the tubular element 1 to which they attach or into which they
are incorporated. However, the springy element 2, for some
preferred embodiments of the invention might include a helical
spring element or several interleaved, or opposite handed helical
spring elements, that coils helically around the tubular element
such that the longitudinal axis of the gross coil is parallel with
the longitudinal axis of the tubular element 1, even thought the
turns of the coil, are between normal and parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the tubular element 1.
[0049] Once the tubular element 1 has been loaded by rolling-up, in
most cases it is convenient to restrain it so that it doesn't
immediately unroll. FIGS. 3, 4 and 11 illustrate means 5a, 5b for
restraining the unrolling of the rolled-up tubular element. These
may take any convenient form, well known to the art, such as
complementary hook and loop patches, snaps and similar detachable
attachments 5a, 5b which prevent spring back in direction 3c. The
location of these will vary, but will in general hold together
facing turns of the coil 4 formed by the rolling-up of the tubular
element 1. While the illustrations show separate patches 5a, 5b for
these points of connections, for some preferred embodiments, only
one connecting point may be used and the connecting point or points
may be radially continuous, forming a circle running normal to the
longitudinal axis of the tubular element. Other preferred
embodiments may have restraints 5a, 5b that run approximately
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element 1. The
strength of the attachment may vary from point to point. For
example, in the case of the detachable attachments that run
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element, the
attachment force, may initially be relatively high, to constrain
the rolled-up tubular element from unrolling, but the more
proximate portions may have relatively low attachment force, to
that the attachment acts like a zipper, allowing detachment in
response to the unloading springing element, but sufficient
attachment so that the rolled-up tubular element does not simply
expand radially immediately upon initial detatchment, without
unwinding. Points of attachment can also be effected with the use
of releasable adhesives. Condoms, for example might have releasable
adhesives located at locations of contact between contacting
surfaces of the coiled 4 tubular element 1 to restrain the coils 4
from unwinding, but release as soon as the wearer pulls the turns
of the coil 4 in direction 3b with sufficient force, while his body
part to be covered, in this illustration a penis, is pressed
against the internal distal end of the tubular element 1 in
direction 3d, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Once released, the coiled
tubular element 1 is free to unwind and cover the body part,
without further intervention by the wearer.
[0050] The method by which the restrains 5a, 5b are released will
vary depending upon the circumstances, but in one preferred
embodiment of the invention, illustrated on FIGS. 4, and 5 the foot
8 to be covered, may push against the interior distal end of the
tubular element 1 in direction 3d, while at the same time a skid
patch 6 attached to the sock, contacts the ground 7, and by
maintaining a relatively stationary contact with the ground, causes
a relative radial motion 3b that is transmitted by the coiled
tubular element 4, causing the restraining patches 5a, 5b to move
in directions 3c, and causing them to separate. Once 5a, 5b
separate, the springy elements 2, not shown on FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 for
diagrammatical clarity, but which are attached to or form a part of
the coiled 4 tubular element, spring back, cause the coil to
unwind. When the coil 4 unwinds, it rolls up the foot 8 in
direction 3e, covering the foot, without further intervention by
the wearer. Skid patch 6 can be a single patch or a radial band
encircling the tubular element 1, depending upon the
circumstances.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates one possible way in which the springy
elements 2a may be attached to the sock, but other preferred
embodiments of the invention may have any number of elements,
located in different orientations, depending upon various factors,
including the fabric chosen and the shape of the wearer's foot.
FIG. 6 also illustrates means for resistively heating Shape Memory
Alloy (SMA) springy elements to recover memorized shapes, using a
portable controller 2d, battery 2b to supply the power, and
conductors 2c to deliver the electrical energy to opposite ends of
the SMA springy elements, to be resistively heated.
[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates possible locations of the restraining
patches 5a and 5b and the skid patch 6, although, as mentioned the
location, size, shape and number of these will vary for each
preferred embodiment, depending upon factors such as material type
and use to which the device is put. In the case of a condom, a skid
patch 6 would in most cases be unnecessary and the restraint 5a and
5b would in some preferred embodiments take the form of detachable
adhesive. FIG. 7 also illustrates a loop 9 attached to top or cuff
of the sock 8. This is included in some preferred embodiments to
assist in the removal of the sock. This can be quite large to allow
a toe from the other foot to pass within the loop 9 to push the
sock off. While a loop is illustrated, other preferred embodiments
have hooks and other means to assist in removing the socks.
[0053] FIGS. 8, 9a, 9b, and 10 illustrate the ring device 10,
described above to hold open the tubular element 1, so as to permit
the entry of the initial part of the body part to be covered by the
said tubular element 1. As mentioned above, this ring 10 can take
the form of a spring, or bracelet. In the case of a bracelet type
ring 10, it can be comprised of beads 10a and a continuous and
preferably elastic connecting element 10b. Instead of a continuous
connecting element 10b, some preferred embodiments utilize separate
connecting elements that directly connect adjoining beads 10a
through their lumens. FIG. 9a illustrates how this preferred
embodiment maintains a minimum diameter, when the beads 10a butt
together. This minimum diameter is set so as to permit the entry of
the appropriate body part into the orifice of the torus or coil 4
of the tubular element 1, to initiate the rolling on of the sock 1a
or other covering tubular element 1. FIG. 10 illustrates how the
ring 10 can expand to accommodate the size of a larger part of the
covered body part and maintain comfort. FIG. 10 also illustrates
how the elastic property of the tubular element 1 for some
preferred embodiments of the invention, allows the distal portion
of the sock 1a, adjacent to the toes, to contract radially to a
smaller diameter than the minimum diameter of the ring 10, once
that portion of the said tubular element 1 has rolled off the ring
10. Thus the minimum radius of the ring 10, does not by itself,
impose a minimum diameter on the covering tubular element 1, except
immediately adjacent to it, or that portion rolled around it. The
location of the ring 10 with respect to the tubular element can
vary. It 10 can be at the proximal edge or cuff of the tubular
element 1, as illustrated in FIG. 8, but can be closer to the
distal end of the tubular element 1, depending upon the
circumstances. In some preferred embodiments, the elastic
connecting element 10b of the ring 10, can be part of the tubular
element 1, and the beads 10a may simply be connected, attached or
incorporated into the elastic material from which the tubular
element 1 is constructed. This arrangement is particularly suitable
for condoms, where such beads may also increase stimulation. It is
to be understood that beads are not limited to those having lumens,
but those without as well. The ring(s) can be used for all tubular
elements: gloves, socks, pants as well.
[0054] While FIGS. 8 and 10 illustrate a single ring 10, some
preferred embodiments might include any number of rings, at various
locations along the tubular element 1.
[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention
in the form of a glove 11 in which the sleeve and cuff roll-up and
unroll to approximately the base of the fingers, easing there
donning and taking off. The springy element(s) are not shown on
FIG. 12, for diagrammatical clarity, but springy elements are
either attached or incorporated in the cuff and/or sleeve in
appropriate locations, dimensions and numbers, to effect the
purpose as described above for rolling-up and unrolling the tubular
element 1. This preferred embodiment of the invention is especially
helpful for the donning and taking off of surgical and rubber
gloves.
[0056] While in the present invention, reference is made to socks,
gloves, pants and condoms, it should be understood that these are
only examples of a much larger class of tubular elements which are
the subject matter of this invention. It should also be understood
that examples of particular covering devices, such as sock, should
apply in most cases to condoms, and other tubular articles of
covering, and visa versa. It should also be understood that many
objects include tubular elements, whether open or closed at either
or both ends, such as gloves and pants, and this invention applies
to these tubular parts, and should be considered preferred
embodiments of this invention.
[0057] While the present invention describes various preferred
embodiments having certain specific features, it is to be
understood that any preferred embodiment may have any combination,
set or subset of features described in other preferred embodiments
herein described.
[0058] While the present invention has been described in
conjunction with preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that
modifications and variations may be resorted to without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as those skilled in the
art will readily understand. Such modifications and variations are
considered to be within the purview and scope of the inventions and
appended claims.
* * * * *