U.S. patent application number 11/032624 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for method and apparatus for donning garments.
Invention is credited to Paul Paine Webb.
Application Number | 20080110944 11/032624 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39368250 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080110944 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Webb; Paul Paine |
May 15, 2008 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DONNING GARMENTS
Abstract
Systems, apparatuses and methods of donning garments are
provided wherein an expandable layer is temporarily inserted into a
garment. A source such as a donning chamber is utilized to expand
the temporary expandable layer, thus stretching the garment by an
amount suitable to assist the wearer in donning the garment. Once
donned, the expandable layer is at least partially removed from
underneath the garment. For example, pieces of the expandable layer
may be pulled through a mesh fabric of the garment, or otherwise
slipped out from under the garment. Alternatively, the temporary
expandable layer may be constructed such that, at least portions
are soluble. Once the garment is donned, the soluble portions of
the temporary expandable layer are dissolved using a corresponding
solvent. Still further, a physical treatment such as ultrasound or
ultraviolet radiation, may be used to crumble or disintegrate a
portion or the entire temporary expandable layer.
Inventors: |
Webb; Paul Paine; (Yellow
Springs, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEVENS & SHOWALTER LLP
7019 CORPORATE WAY
DAYTON
OH
45459-4238
US
|
Family ID: |
39368250 |
Appl. No.: |
11/032624 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
223/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 42/00 20160201;
A61B 42/50 20160201; A47G 25/904 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/111 |
International
Class: |
A47G 25/90 20060101
A47G025/90 |
Claims
1. A method of donning a garment comprising: inserting an
expandable layer into a support garment to be donned, said
expandable layer sufficiently gas tight to expand said support
garment; inserting said garment and expandable layer into a donning
chamber having a vacuum source; utilizing said vacuum source to
draw a sufficient vacuum within said donning chamber so as to
expand said expandable layer and said garment so that said garment
pre-stretches by a sufficient amount to assist in the donning of
said garment; donning said expandable layer and said garment after
said garment has been pre-stretched and while said garment remains
expanded by said vacuum source; evacuating the vacuum from said
donning chamber; removing the donned garment from said donning
chamber; and removing at least a portion of said expandable layer
from underneath said garment after said garment has been donned
without removing said garment, wherein said garment applies
intended pressure to a subject.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein removing at least a
portion of said expandable layer comprises pulling at least a
portion of said expandable layer through an opening in said
garment.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: at least a portion of
said garment comprises a mesh; and removing at least a portion of
said expandable layer comprises pulling at least a portion of said
expandable layer through said mesh.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: said expandable layer
comprises at least one cord extending from a portion thereof;
inserting said expandable layer into said garment further comprises
passing at least one cord of said expandable layer through said
mesh in said garment; and removing at least a portion of said
expandable layer comprises pulling each cord so as to remove at
least a portion of said expandable layer through said mesh.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said expandable layer
comprises at least one weakened area and removing at least a
portion of said expandable layer comprises separating said
expandable layer about said weakened area.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein removing at least a
portion of said expandable layer comprises at least one of
dissolving, crumbling or disintegrating at least a portion of said
expandable layer underneath said garment.
7. (canceled)
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: said garment comprises
a glove; and said expandable layer comprises a generally glove
shaped nonporous material.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: said garment comprises
at least one of an arm, leg or foot garment; and said expandable
layer is shaped generally as a blind tube of nonporous
material.
10. A system for donning a garment comprising: a temporary
expandable layer that is insertable into a support garment to be
donned, said expandable layer sufficiently gas tight to expand said
support garment; a donning chamber in which to insert said garment
and expandable layer; a vacuum source coupled to said donning
chamber which is configured such that when said garment and
temporary expandable layer are inserted in said donning chamber and
a vacuum is applied to said donning chamber by said vacuum source,
said temporary expandable layer and said garment pre-stretch so as
to assist a user in donning said temporary expandable layer and
said garment after they have been pre-stretched; and a means for
removing said temporary expandable layer without removing said
garment; wherein said garment applies intended pressure to a
subject that donned the garment.
11. (canceled)
12. The system according to claim 10, wherein: said temporary
expandable layer comprises at least one weakened area; and said
means for removing said temporary expandable layer comprises at
least one cord extending from said temporary expandable layer, each
cord arranged such that pulling thereof causes said expandable
layer to separate into two or more portions about at least one
weakened area.
13. The system according to claim 10, wherein said system comprises
a system for donning gloves, wherein: said temporary expandable
layer comprises: a palm portion; a plurality of finger portions; a
weakened area generally between each of said finger portions and
said palm portion; and said means for removing said temporary
expandable layer comprises a cord extending from each finger
portion, each cord arranged such that pulling thereon causes said
temporary expandable layer to separate about a corresponding
weakened area.
14. The system according to claim 10, wherein: said expandable
layer comprises at least one portion comprising a soluble material
that is dissolvable from underneath said garment; and said means
for removing said temporary expandable layer comprises a
corresponding solvent that is applied to at least a portion of said
soluble material.
15. The system according to claim 10, wherein: said expandable
layer comprises at least one portion comprising a material that may
be at least partially crumbled or disintegrated from underneath
said garment; and said means for removing said temporary expandable
layer comprises a corresponding physical treatment for crumbling or
disintegrating said material.
16. The system according to claim 10, wherein: said garment
comprises a glove; and said expandable layer comprises a generally
glove shaped nonporous material.
17. The system according to claim 10, wherein: said garment
comprises at least one of an arm, leg or foot garment; and said
expandable layer is shaped generally as a blind tube of nonporous
material.
18. An expandable layer for donning a garment comprising: an
expandable layer that is sufficiently gas tight to expand a
corresponding support garment having: a first portion; a second
portion; a weakened area between said first and second portions;
and at least one cord extending from said second portion; wherein
said garment may be slipped over said expandable layer and said
expandable layer may be expanded in a donning chamber by drawing a
vacuum at least for a period of time sufficient to pre-stretch said
expandable layer and said garment before a subject dons said
garment; wherein said cord may be pulled after said garment has
been donned by a sufficient amount to separate said first portion
of said expandable layer from said second portion of said
expandable layer such that at least a portion of said expandable
layer is removed from underneath the donned garment.
19. The expandable layer according to claim 18, wherein: said
expandable layer comprises a glove, said first portion comprises a
palm portion; said second portion comprises a plurality of finger
portions; said weakened areas comprise a perforation that divides
each finger portion from said palm portion; and said at least one
cord comprises a cord extending from each finger portion.
20. The expandable layer according to claim 18, wherein: said
garment comprises at least one of an arm, leg or foot garment; and
said expandable layer is shaped generally as a blind tube of
nonporous material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to donning
garments, and more particularly to methods, apparatuses and systems
for donning compression, pressure and other forms of support
garments including for example, mechanical counter pressure
garments.
[0002] A mechanical counter pressure suit (MCP suit) comprises a
carefully tailored set of elastic mesh garments including a full
body leotard that covers the torso, arms, hands, legs and feet.
Developed for use during extra-vehicular activity in the manned
space flight programs of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA), the MCP suit is worn with a gas pressurized
helmet and is designed to permit free circulation of blood in
environments having very small or no ambient gas pressure, such as
at high altitudes or the vacuum of space.
[0003] Gas must be delivered to the lungs at a pressure sufficient
to ensure diffusion of oxygen into the blood to prevent the onset
of hypoxia. In environments having very small or no ambient gas
pressure, the gas-pressurized helmet of the MCP suit provides
oxygen at a positive pressure, for example, at a pressure of
approximately 4.3 pounds per square inch, or 222 millimeters of
mercury (mmHg). However, blood pressure will rise correspondingly
with a rise in the pressure of the breathing gas. If tissue
pressure is not substantially matched to the increased blood
pressure, then soft tissue can swell and blood can pool in low
pressure areas resulting in edema and decreased circulating volume
of blood. To compensate for the effects of positive pressure
breathing, the MCP suit provides a mechanical counter pressure to
the body that is intended to match the increased blood pressure
caused by the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and
the positive breathing pressure provided by the gas-pressurized
helmet.
[0004] To perform the mechanical counter pressure function, the MCP
suit is typically provided as a multi-piece, form fitted, full body
restraint suit that takes into consideration the geometrical
irregularities of the wearer. The MCP suit thus includes uniquely
customized garments that cover the torso, arms, legs, hands and
feet of the wearer. The torso portion comprises a leotard that is
constructed of an elastic cloth, but may also include breathing
bladders, non-elastic cloth, and one or more closure structures.
The addition of closure structures, e.g., zippers, allows the torso
component of the elastic leotard to be donned without significant
impediment. However, no closure structure is typically provided for
the MCP garments that are worn over the hands, arms, feet and legs.
The absence of a closure structure combined with the pressure
exerted on the body by a properly fitted mechanical counter
pressure garment, makes the MCP suit, and in particular, the arm,
leg, foot and hand garments difficult to don. Moreover, excessive
and sustained tugging of the MCP garments may result in fatigue to
the material, which may affect their mechanical counter pressure
capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides systems and methods of
donning garments and is suitable for use in donning compression,
pressure and other forms of support garments. A temporary
expandable layer is inserted into a garment, such as mechanical
counter pressure glove. A source such as a donning chamber is then
utilized to expand or otherwise inflate the temporary expandable
layer, thus expanding the garment by an amount suitable to assist
the wearer in donning the garment. Once donned, the temporary
expandable layer is at least partially removed from underneath the
garment.
[0006] One exemplary approach to removing the temporary expandable
layer is to provide cords extending from the temporary expandable
layer that pass through the garment. The cords may be pulled,
causing the temporary expandable layer to tear or otherwise
separate into pieces that can be removed through the garment, or
otherwise slipped out from under the garment. Alternatively, the
temporary expandable layer may be constructed such that, at least
portions are soluble. Once the garment is donned, the soluble
portions of the temporary expandable layer are dissolved using a
corresponding solvent. Still further, a physical treatment such as
ultrasound or ultraviolet radiation, may be used to crumble or
disintegrate at least a portion of the temporary expandable
layer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The following description of the preferred embodiments of
the present invention can be best understood when read in
conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is
indicated with like reference numerals, and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary mechanical counter pressure
glove;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a comfort layer, a temporary expandable
layer and a power layer of a mechanical counter pressure glove and
a temporary expandable layer shaped as a blind tube and a
corresponding power layer, which may comprise an arm, leg, foot or
similar garment;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates the temporary expandable layer inserted
into the power layer of FIG. 2 such that cords of the temporary
expandable layer pass through mesh finger tip portions of the power
layer;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary cuff and corresponding
expanding device, e.g., a donning chamber, that may be used to
expand the temporary expandable layer for donning the mechanical
counter pressure glove of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a donning chamber where the cuff has been
inserted into the chamber;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates the donning chamber of FIG. 5, where the
temporary expandable layer is expanded, and a user has donned the
mechanical counter pressure glove;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a user removing the temporary expandable
layer from underneath the power layer;
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative exemplary donning chamber
wherein the cords of the temporary expandable layer are connected
to the a holder within the chamber for automatic removal of
portions of the temporary expandable layer, e.g., when a hand of
the wearer is withdrawn from the donning chamber; and
[0016] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an expandable layer
that comprises soluble or otherwise disintegratable sections.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In the following description of the preferred embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part
hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, and not by
way of limitation, specific preferred embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0018] It is difficult to don mechanical counter pressure garments,
especially mechanical counter pressure gloves, due to the pressure
(222 mmHg) that the mechanical counter pressure garment typically
exerts on the wearer. Thus, for sake of clarity, the donning of
mechanical counter pressure gloves, arm, feet and leg garments will
be discussed herein. However, the systems, apparatuses and methods
of the present invention are broadly applicable to donning
pressure, compression and other forms of support garments,
including for example, mechanical counter pressure garments,
medical garments such as post surgery garments and anti-embolism
garments, and generally, a wide variety of support garments.
[0019] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, a
mechanical counter pressure glove 10 includes an innermost garment,
which is referred to herein as a comfort layer 12, and an outermost
garment, which is referred to herein as a power layer 14. The
mechanical counter pressure glove 10 is typically worn as a
component of a mechanical pressure suit, which also comprises a
full body leotard that further covers the torso, arms, legs and
feet of the wearer (complete suit not shown). The comfort layer 12
typically comprises a stretchable layer constructed from knitted
nylon, polyester, or other suitable yarn that is woven with an
elastomeric yarn so as to substantially conform to the shape of the
hand. The comfort layer 12 applies little pressure and is provided
as an intermediate layer between the soft tissue of the hand and
the power layer 14. As such, the comfort layer 12 is donned with
relative ease.
[0020] The power layer 14 is a main component in providing
mechanical counter pressure to the hand. For example, depending
upon the application, the power layer 14 may be required to apply
pressure in the range of 200-220 mmHg against the hand when
properly donned. In order to exert the necessary mechanical counter
pressure, the power layer 14 is comprised of a strong, elastic
material such as 1600 or greater denier elastomeric yarn that may
be woven or knitted into a fabric matrix that includes cross fibers
of non-elastic yarn. The need for a tight fit, which is required to
exert the appropriate pressure, made donning the power layer 14
over the comfort layer 12 a tedious task prior to the present
invention.
[0021] Depending upon the application, there may be additional
layers between the comfort layer 12 and the power layer 14. For
example, a slip layer (not shown) may be donned over the comfort
layer 12 prior to donning the power layer 14. The slip layer may be
constructed from, or treated with a friction reducing substance or
material to assist the wearer in donning the power layer 14. For
example, the slip layer may be constructed from
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber and yarn. However, even with
the aid of friction reducing intermediate layers, the power layer
14 may still be difficult to don. Further, bladders, springs and
other pressure devices (not shown) may be provided between the
comfort layer 12 and the power layer 14 to assist in providing
mechanical counter pressure to the hand.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, a temporary expandable layer 18 is
provided to assist the wearer in donning the power layer 14. The
temporary expandable layer 18 comprises for example, a stretchable
nonporous or gas-tight material such as a plastic material, and is
utilized to briefly expand the corresponding power layer 14 during
at least a portion of the donning process. That is, the wearer dons
the comfort layer 12 and any necessary intermediate layers and uses
the temporary expandable layer 18 to briefly stretch the power
layer 14 for donning. The temporary expandable layer 18 is not part
of the mechanical counter pressure suit. As such, once the power
layer 14 has been donned, the temporary expandable layer 18 is
relaxed to a non-expanded state and is removed, at least partially,
from underneath the power layer 14 as will be described in greater
detail herein.
[0023] The temporary expandable layer 18 comprises generally, a
palm portion 20 and a plurality of finger portions 22. As the
temporary expandable layer 18 will be discarded after donning the
power layer 14, the palm portion 20 and finger portions 22 need not
be carefully shaped. The temporary expandable layer 18 may
additionally include one or more cords 24 extending from each
finger portion 22. The cords 24 can be made integral with the
material of the temporary expandable layer 18, or may be otherwise
attached to the finger portions 22 of the temporary expandable
layer 18. Further, weakened areas 26 may be provided about the
temporary expandable layer 18. As shown, weakened areas 26 are
schematically represented by the dashed lines proximate to the area
between a palm portion 20 and corresponding finger portions 22. The
weakened areas 26 may comprise stretched, thinned, or otherwise
weakened areas, cut lines or perforations, or other features that
allow the finger portions 22 to separate from the palm portion 20
of the temporary expandable layer 18, e.g., by applying a
sufficient force.
[0024] As noted in greater detail herein, the power layer 14 of the
mechanical counter pressure glove 10 comprises a mesh of elastic
cloth. The elastic cloth is formed from a network of threads that
define variable sized openings between threads of the elastic
fabric. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the temporary expandable layer
18 is inserted into the power layer 14 and the cords 24 that attach
to each finger portion 22 of the temporary expandable layer 18 are
passed through the network of threads of the power layer 14. FIG. 3
further shows an exploded view of a portion of the thumb tip to
illustrate that the fine mesh structure of the power layer 14 is
locally distorted by the much larger cord 24, which passes through
only one gap in the mesh of the power layer 14.
[0025] Referring back to FIG. 2, the techniques and concepts
described herein for donning a glove e.g., the mechanical counter
pressure glove 10, are readily adapted to donning arm, leg, foot
and other components of the mechanical counter pressure suit.
Moreover, the techniques and concepts herein are readily adapted or
directly applicable to donning other types of tight fitting,
stretchable garments. For example, a garment to be donned may be
shaped into a form such as a sleeve, leg, or sock garment 15. Under
this arrangement, a temporary expandable layer 19 is used to
temporarily expand the garment 15. The temporary expandable layer
19 is similar in material and construction to the temporary
expandable layer 18, except that the shape of the temporary
expandable layer 19, for such applications, may resemble a simple
blind tube, e.g., a generally tube shaped layer that is
substantially sealed or closed at one end.
[0026] For example, where the garment 15 is intended for the arm or
leg, the temporary expandable layer is simply slipped into the
garment 15. Under this arrangement, the open end of the temporary
expandable layer 19 may protrude from one end of the garment 15,
and the closed end of the temporary expandable layer 19 may
protrude from the opposite end of the garment 15. Where the garment
15 comprises a foot garment, e.g., a sock, the temporary expandable
layer 19 may include one or more cords 24, which may be positioned
for example, about the closed end of the tube shape, and weakened
areas 26, which may be provided for example, between the cord(s) 24
and the open end of the tube shape. Under this arrangement, each
cord 24 passes through a network of threads, for example, in the
toe area of the sock in a manner similar to that illustrated for
the case of the glove seen in detail in FIG. 3.
[0027] One aspect of the present invention is to ease the donning
process by providing an apparatus that pre-stretches the garment to
be donned. Once the garment is properly donned, the stretching
force is released. The mechanical counter pressure glove 10 is one
of the more difficult components of a mechanical pressure suit to
don. As such, the donning of the glove 10 will be described in
greater detail below. However, the techniques and methods are
equally applicable to donning other garments including the garments
15 schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 4, the
power layer 14 may be expanded by the aid of an expanding device 25
and optionally, a corresponding cuff 26. As shown, the cuff 26
includes a flanged portion 28 and an extension portion 30. The
power layer 14 and the temporary expandable layer 18 are passed
through the cuff 26 and the temporary expandable layer is sealed
about the flanged portion 28. The extension portion 30 is further
inserted into or is otherwise attached to the expanding device 25
so as to form a seal therewith. Alternatively, the cuff 26 may be
fixed to or integral with the expanding device 25.
[0028] The cuff 26 may also optionally include an expansion
limiting device 32 that extends from the extension portion 30
opposite the flanged portion 28. For donning gloves, the expansion
limiting device 32 may comprise a substantially non-stretchable
structure that generally resembles an oversized palm portion that
includes a plurality of apertures 34 for receiving the fingers of
the power layer 14 therethrough. While optional, the expansion
limiting device 32 may be used to prevent excessive expansion of
one portion of the temporary expandable layer 18 relative to
another portion. For example, the palm portion of the temporary
expandable layer 18 may tend to over-expand relative to the
associated finger portions. Thus the expansion limiting device 32
may be used to bound or limit an amount of expansion at least a
portion of the temporary expandable layer 18.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, a donning chamber 40 illustrates one
exemplary manner of implementing the expanding device 25. The
donning chamber 40 includes a first end 42 that is closed and a
second end 44 opposite the first end 42, which includes an aperture
46 therethrough. The aperture 46 provides a port through which a
hand may be inserted into the chamber to don the power layer 14. As
will be seen, the cuff 26, or other sealing structure, preferably
forms a tight seal about the periphery of the aperture 46 and holds
the power layer 14 in place during the donning process.
[0030] Overall, the donning chamber 40 may be constructed in any
reasonable manner so long as the donning chamber 40 is operable to
briefly expand the temporary expandable layer 18 by an amount
sufficient to assist the a user in donning an appropriate garment.
For example, the donning chamber 40 may use negative pressure
derived by forming at least a partial vacuum. In this regard, the
donning chamber 40 may also include a valve connection 48 that is
provided to a vacuum source (not shown), a pressure gauge 50 for
displaying negative pressure, and an optional equalizer/relief
valve 52.
[0031] The assembly discussed with reference to FIG. 4, which
includes the power layer 14, the temporary expandable layer 18, the
cuff 26, and optionally the expansion limiting device 32, are
inserted into the aperture 46 of the donning chamber 40 and a seal
is formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the extension portion
30 of the cuff 26 forms a seal with the periphery of the aperture
46. The flanged portion 28 of the cuff is thus positioned proximate
to the outer wall of the second end 44 of the donning chamber 40. A
wrist portion of the temporary expandable layer 18, and optionally
a wrist portion of the power layer 14, is folded over the flanged
portion 28 of the cuff 26 and a retaining device 54 is used to seal
the temporary expandable layer 18 to the cuff 26.
[0032] However it is contemplated that other sealing arrangements
and methods may be utilized to form a seal with the donning chamber
40. For example, the cuff 26 may be integral with the donning
chamber 40, or installed through the aperture 46 prior to inserting
the power layer 14 through the expansion limiting device 32.
Moreover, any reasonable chamber construction and sealing
arrangement may be implemented so long as at least a partial vacuum
or other source can be created that is sufficient to expand the
temporary expandable layer 18 enough to assist in donning the power
layer 14. The exact arrangement of the donning chamber 40 and any
corresponding sealing arrangements will likely vary depending upon
factors such as the garment to be donned, and the manner in which
the expanding device is operated and/or powered. For example, to
don a garment 15, e.g., for the leg or arm, the donning chamber 15
will likely need to be physically larger in size than that required
to don the power layer 14 of the mechanical counter pressure glove
10.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 6, once the cuff 26 is suitably sealed
with respect to the aperture 46 in the donning chamber 40, and the
temporary expandable layer 18 is suitably sealed with respect to
the cuff 26, the donning chamber 40 is evacuated, e.g., to 220 to
240 mmHg below ambient, so that the temporary expandable layer 18
expands and pushes against the power layer 14, thereby expanding
the power layer 14. The wearer, who has previously donned the
comfort layer 12, inserts the appropriate hand into the donning
chamber 40 through the cuff 26 and into the power layer 14. Once
the hand is fitted in the power layer 14, the vacuum source is
turned off and air is allowed to once again fill the donning
chamber 40. As the donning chamber 40 fills with air, the power
layer 14 will begin to press against the hand as it is intended to
do.
[0034] The temporary expandable layer 18 may be undesirable except
for the donning process. For example, the construction of the MCP
suit allows natural thermoregulation as sweat may be evaporated by
the vacuum of space through the mesh knitting of the comfort and
power layers 12, 14 without the requirement of external cooling
equipment. Thus, when working in space, over garments that may be
worn for micrometeorite protection and for control of thermal
radiation can be worn loose and unsealed to allow sweat to
evaporate. However, the thermoregulation capability of the MCP suit
may be inhibited by the nonporous nature of the temporary
expandable layer 18 if left between the comfort layer 12 and the
power layer 14.
[0035] As such, it may be desirable to alter or remove the
temporary expandable layer 18, at least partially, after donning
the power layer 14. Referring to FIG. 7, to remove the temporary
expandable layer 18 without removing the power layer 14, the cords
24 of the temporary expandable layer 18 are tugged. When pulled
with sufficient force, the temporary expandable layer 18 is
separated into two or more sections. For example, where the
temporary expandable layer 18 is constructed as is shown in FIG. 2,
the finger portions 22 may tear from the palm portion 20 about the
weakened areas 26. Because of the porous nature of the mesh
construction of the power layer 14, the finger portions 22 of the
temporary expandable layer 18 pull through the power layer 14 from
the inside out. Once the finger portions 22 are removed from
underneath the power layer 14, the palm portion 20 of the temporary
expandable layer 18 may be slipped over the wrist, up the arm and
pulled out over the power layer 14.
[0036] Another exemplary technique to remove the temporary
expandable layer 18 is described below with reference to FIG. 8.
The donning chamber 60 is capable of forming a vacuum, and as such,
the donning chamber includes many of the same features as the
donning chamber 40 schematically illustrated in FIGS. 5-6. For
example, the chamber 60 includes a suitable valve connection 48
that is provided to a vacuum source (not shown), a pressure gauge
50 for displaying negative pressure, and an optional
equalizer/relief valve 52. The donning chamber 60 is however,
provided as a first chamber portion 62 and a second chamber portion
64.
[0037] As shown, the first chamber portion 62 comprises
approximately one half the length of the chamber 60, and the second
chamber portion 64 comprises approximately the other half of the
length of the chamber 60. However, other apportionments may easily
be implemented. Also, the first and second chamber portions 62, 64
may be shaped differently from one another. For example, the first
chamber portion 62 may take on a taper with respect to the second
chamber portion 64. Under this arrangement, a cuff such as that
discussed with reference to FIGS. 4-7 may be unnecessary where an
outer periphery of the tapered portion of the first chamber portion
62 is used to retain the temporary expandable layer 18, such as by
using a suitable retaining device to seal the temporary expandable
layer 18 to the chamber 60 during donning of the power layer 14.
The break between the first and second chamber portions 62, 64 may
be sealed, such as with O-rings or other suitable sealing
arrangements 65 when the chamber 60 is evacuated, or where the
temporary expandable layer 18 is otherwise expanded. Further, the
chamber 60 in FIG. 8 is illustrated without the expansion limiting
device 32 to illustrate the optional nature of this component.
[0038] As noted above, the temporary expandable layer 18 is
constructed of a nonporous layer, e.g., of a plastic film, and may
include weakened areas 26, such as break lines, that are scored
around the base of the finger portions 22, e.g., across the finger
webs. The break lines are designed so as to not break while
inserting a hand into the donning chamber 60, and thus the scores
may be just strong enough to survive the entry of the subject's
hand. The cords 24 of the temporary expandable layer 18 extend from
each finger portion 22 of the temporary expandable layer 18,
through the power layer 14, and connect to a suitable support
structure 68 within the donning chamber 60.
[0039] The donning chamber 60 is evacuated, e.g., to 220 to 240
mmHg below ambient, so that the temporary expandable layer 18
expands and pushes against the power layer 14, thereby expanding
the power layer 14. The subject dons the comfort layer 12 and
inserts the hand into the pre-expanded power layer 14. Once the
power layer 14 is sufficiently donned, the vacuum source is turned
off and air is allowed to once again fill the donning chamber 60.
As the donning chamber fills with air, the power layer 14 will
begin to press against the subject as it is intended to do.
Further, the equalization of pressure in the donning chamber 60
allows the first and second chamber portions 62, 64 of the donning
chamber 60 to separate easily about the sealing o-rings 65.
[0040] After the power layer 14 is donned and after air has
reentered the donning chamber 60, a backwards pull of the hand
releases the first chamber portion 62 from the second chamber
portion 64 about the sealing arrangement 65. As the hand is
withdrawn from the chamber 60, the weakened areas 26 of the
temporary expandable layer 18 tear or otherwise separate. However,
the finger portions 22 of the temporary expandable layer 18 are
secured to the chamber 60 by their associated cords 24 and the
corresponding support structure 68. As such, the finger portions 22
of the temporary expandable layer 18 will pull through the mesh of
the power layer 14 in a manner analogous to that described with
reference to FIG. 7, and will be left behind with the donning
chamber 60. The palm portion 20 of the temporary expandable layer
18 may then be pulled free at the wrist and discarded as described
with reference to FIG. 7.
[0041] As an alternative to pulling the temporary expandable layer
18 through the mesh of the power layer 14, the temporary expandable
layer may be otherwise slipped out from under the garment or a
chemical or physical treatment may be used to crumble, dissolve or
disintegrate at least a portion of the temporary expandable layer
18. For example, referring to FIG. 9, the temporary expandable
layer 18 may be constructed such that the finger tips 74 and finger
webs 76 are constructed from a water-soluble material and the
remainder of the temporary expandable layer 18 comprises a heavy
plastic material. Under this arrangement, any reasonable donning
chamber construction may be used to first expand the temporary
expandable layer 18 by an amount sufficient to assist donning the
power layer 14 as described in greater detail herein. To remove, at
least partially, the temporary expandable layer 18 from underneath
the power layer 14, the water-soluble portions of the temporary
expandable layer 18 are wetted, e.g., using a sponge, and the
remaining insoluble portions are extracted, e.g., from the wrist.
Other solvent-based techniques may alternatively be used. Further,
physical means, e.g., ultrasound or ultraviolet radiation, may be
used to crumble or disintegrate a portion or the entire temporary
expandable layer 18, leaving a residue of granules that will be
discarded after the glove is doffed. This residue will permit the
evaporation of sweat through the mesh of the power layer as
previously mentioned herein.
[0042] The donning chambers 40, 60 may also be used to don other
garments including for example, the garment 15, e.g., an arm, leg
or foot garment schematically illustrated in FIG. 2. Under this
arrangement, the temporary expandable layer 19 is inserted into the
garment 15 and both are passed through the cuff 26. The open end of
the temporary expandable layer 19 is sealed about the flange 28 of
the cuff 26 using the retaining device 54, and a vacuum is drawn in
the donning chamber 40, 60 as described in greater detail herein.
After the temporary expandable layer 19 has stretched the garment
15 and the garment has been at least substantially donned, air
replaces the vacuum so that the garment 15 presses on the
corresponding body part. The temporary expandable layer 19 is
removed from underneath the garment 15, e.g., by pulling on the
protruding blind end of the temporary expandable layer 19 in the
case of an arm or leg garment, or by pulling the cord 24 in the
case of a sock or other similar garment for the foot. Further, the
temporary expandable layer 19 may be crumbled, dissolved or
otherwise disintegrated in a manner analogous to that described
more fully herein.
[0043] Moreover, although described with reference to a mechanical
counter pressure garment, the systems, apparatuses and methods
herein may be applied to donning other garments including pressure,
compression and support garments.
[0044] Having described the invention in detail and by reference to
preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that
modifications and variations are possible without departing from
the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.
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