U.S. patent application number 13/199469 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-29 for dressing aid.
Invention is credited to Grady L. Whitlaw.
Application Number | 20110315724 13/199469 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45351582 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20110315724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Whitlaw; Grady L. |
December 29, 2011 |
Dressing aid
Abstract
A dressing aid to assist individuals with limited lower back
and/or knee flexibility don under and outer garments.
Inventors: |
Whitlaw; Grady L.; (Jackson,
SC) |
Family ID: |
45351582 |
Appl. No.: |
13/199469 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12002943 |
Dec 19, 2007 |
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13199469 |
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60963770 |
Aug 7, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
223/111 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 25/90 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
223/111 |
International
Class: |
A47G 25/90 20060101
A47G025/90 |
Claims
1. A device to assist physically challenged individuals don under
and outer garments comprising: a length of connective material
comprising a first end, a second end, and a mid-point; at least one
pair of grip devices, wherein the first member of said at least one
pair of grip devices is attached to said first end of said
connective material and wherein the second member of said at least
one pair of grip devices is attached to said second end of said
connective material; and further wherein said device comprises a
spreader element wherein said spreader element comprises a bar, and
wherein said bar comprises a first pair of connector chases and a
second pair of connector chases, and wherein the first end and the
second end of said length of connective material are anchored,
respectively, in the first and second members of the first pair of
connection chases; and further wherein the first end of said first
grip connector is attached to the first member of said at least one
pair of grip devices and the first end of said grip connector is
attached to the second member of said at least one pair of grip
devices; and further wherein the second end of the first and of the
second grip connector are anchored, respectively, in the first and
second members of the second pair of connector chases.
2. A device to assist physically challenged individuals don under
and outer garments comprising: a length of connective material
comprising a first end, a second end, and a mid-point; at least one
pair of grip devices, wherein the first member of said at least one
pair of grip devices is attached to said first end of said
connective material and wherein the second member of said at least
one pair of grip devices is attached to said second end of said
connective material; and further wherein said device comprises a
spreader element, wherein said spreader element comprises a flat,
inverted U-shaped plate wherein said inverted U-shaped plate
comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, and further comprises
a base, a first arm, a second arm, and a first pair of connector
chases; wherein the first end of said length of connective material
is attached to the first member of said first pair of connector
chases and the second end of said length of connective material is
attached to the second member of said first pair of connector
chases, and further wherein, the first member of said at least one
pair of grip devices is firmly anchored on said first arm and the
second member of said at least one pair of grip devices is firmly
anchored on the said second arm.
3. A device to assist physically challenged individuals don under
and outer garments comprising: at length of connective material
comprising a first end, a second end, and a mid-point; a least one
pair of grip devices, wherein the first member of said at least one
pair of grip devices is attached to said first end of said
connective material and wherein the second member of said at least
one pair of grip devices is attached to said second end of said
connective material; and further wherein said device comprises a
fixed spacer unit, wherein said fixed spacer unit comprises a
cylinder, wherein said cylinder comprises a first end and a second
end, and said cylinder further comprises a length and a diameter,
and further wherein said cylinder comprises a first closing flap
attached to said first end of said cylinder and a second closing
flap attached to said second end of said spacer unit further
comprises a rigid spacer unit, wherein said rigid spacer unit
comprises a length and a diameter and wherein said spacer unit is
positioned in said cylinder and held in position by said first and
said second closing flap, and further wherein the first end of said
cylinder is attached near the first end of said length of
connective material and said second end of said cylinder is
attached near the second end of said length of connective material
such that the distance from the bottom of the cylinder to the tip
of the grip device at each end of said length of connective
material is approximately twice the length of the connective
device.
4. the device to assist physically challenged individuals don under
and outer garments of claim 3 wherein said connective material is
web material.
Description
RELATION TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/002,943 filed Dec. 19, 2007 which claims
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/963,770 filed
Aug. 7, 2007, and this application claims benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/002,943 and of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 60/963,770, both of which applications are hereby
incorporated in their entirety, by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention is directed generally to the field of devices
to aid the physically challenged as a result of injury, illness, or
the infirmities of aging to dress. Specifically, it is a simple
device to assist a physically challenged individual in donning
undergarments and outer garments, pants or skirts, when the
individual has restricted movement at the lower back, waist and/or
knees.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] An individual for various reasons may be unable to bend to
insert feet and legs into and through the leg openings of
undergarments and pants or through a skirt, pull the garment into
proper, comfortable position, and fasten the waist band of the
garment. The inability to accomplish this seemingly simple, but
very necessary task may be the result of temporary or permanent,
limited flexibility of the waist, lower back and/or knees.
[0004] For many elderly individuals, as well as others suffering
from certain diseases and injuries, including an increasingly young
population of injured Military personnel, except for the physical
challenges associated with lost flexibility in the back and knees
and certain losses of mobility associated with such losses that are
beyond the scope of this invention, a major need for assistance is
in dressing. Devices to respond to this need are recognized as
making a significant contribution to an individual's
independence.
[0005] A wide variety of devices has been developed to assist
physically challenged individuals in their daily lives. Dramatic
improvements in wheel chairs and relted mobility devices are well
known, and beyond the scope of this invention. Devices that are
variously described or otherwise classified as "reachers" certainly
must be considered in view of the current invention.
[0006] Reachers commonly comprise a rigid shaft of varying length
with some type of "jaws" at one end that are operated by a manual
trigger device at the other, handle end. Such devices are used
effectively to retrieve items from the floor, tables, or shelves,
and have been modified to assist an individual in putting on socks
and shoes. Dressing aids, including the modified reachers noted
above, have been developed for a variety of specific uses:
long-handled shoe horns to help those that cannot easily bend from
the waist; plastic sleeves to assist in putting on socks and
stockings, frequently such devices includes a "pull-stick" to move
the sock/stocking into position once it is positioned over the foot
and ankle. Dressing sticks comprising a stiff shaft and soft "hook"
at the opposite end of the grip area are used by some to help
pull-up pants legs. Examples of a comprehensive array of dressing
aids that are commercially available may be viewed by visiting, for
example, www.sampsonspreston.com, or by examining the Sampsons
Preston catalog.
[0007] Certain dressing aids and predecessor technology are the
object of United States patents. Among early art is a "grab-stick,"
a shaft with pull action jaws to pick-up litter and a forerunner to
"reachers" issued as U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,512 to Harold Baughman on
Feb. 10, 1976. Also see U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,889 for a multipurpose
dressing rod and reacher issued Nov. 18, 1997 to Douglas T.
Liden.
[0008] Several patents involve technology specifically focused on
putting socks or stockings on. See for example U.S. Pat. No.
3,604,604 issued Sep. 14, 1971 to Albert D. Ahn and U.S. Pat. No.
3,860,156 issued Jan. 14, 1975 to Ralph Lawrence.
[0009] In some instances, multiple uses are suggested as in the
"shoe horn and cane" apparatus of U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,316 issued to
Curtis L. George and Sandra L. George on Oct. 30, 1990. In other
instances the use is very specific, such as the "body sleeve" of
U.S. Pat. No. 6,044,491 issued to Sylvia N. Emory on Apr. 4, 2004
which is worn around the torso and attaches to undergarments and
helps the individual don the undergarment then is unfastened and
removed from the body.
[0010] Some commercially available technology is seemingly
ultra-simple, such as the pair clip-like devices of used to join
and hold an upper garment to a lower garment when dressing and
fastening buttons and the like.
[0011] There remains room in the art for a device that will assist
an individual with limited flexibility of the waist, lower back
and/or knees to don undergarments, pants or a skirt starting from a
semi-reclining, sitting, or standing position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A first purpose and goal of the invention is a device
adapted to assist individuals with restricted flexibility/mobility
of the lower back and/or knees to don lower body clothing, both
under and outer garments.
[0013] A second purpose and goal of the invention is a device that
can be used by an individual starting in a seated position without
assistance.
[0014] A third purpose and goal of the invention is a device that
holds the waist-line of a garment open to facilitate positioning
the garment over the feet and lower legs from a seated
position.
[0015] A fourth purpose and goal of the invention is a spreader
that facilitates holding the garment open and that provides a body
by which the device can be manipulated to don a lower body
garment.
[0016] A fifth purpose and goal of the invention is a device that
will allow an individual to don lower body under and outer garments
at the same time.
[0017] These and other purposes, goals, features, and benefits are
achieved by a device the basic structure of which comprises a
length of connective material (cord, light rope, or strap material,
or the like) which is divided into two contiguous half lengths to
which a grip device, such as an alligator clamp is connected at he
end of each half length, such that the length of connective
material may be securely attached to an inner or outer, lower body
garment; an alternative configuration is a branch near each end of
the length of connective material such that a member of a second
pair of grip devices is connected to the end of each branch to
allow to garments to be attached to the device; however, the grip
device in the initial example may be adequately large to grip
simultaneously a lower body under and outer garment; in an
additional configuration, the ends of each half length of the
connective material passes through a bar handle to separate the
half lengths and the bar provides a grip by which the device may be
manipulated; and in another configuration, the length of connective
material is connected to a spreader device or fixed spreader unit
such that the grip devices are separated and hold the fly of waist
band open thereby allowing the feet and lower legs to be more
conveniently positioned in the garment to which the device is
attached and facilitate donning the garment starting from a seated
position.
[0018] These and other purposes, features, and benefits of the
invention will be better understood and appreciated by examination
of the following descriptions, examples, and figures as well as
examination of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates the simplest configuration of the claimed
dressing aid.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates the addition of a second pair of gripe
devices to the dressing aid of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a modification of the dressing aid with
the addition of a hand piece or tube element.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates the details alligator type of grip
device.
[0023] FIG. 5A illustrates simplest configuration of claimed
dressing aid connected to a pair of pants.
[0024] FIG. 5B illustrates an individual in a sitting position,
with dressing aid in initial position to aid in donning pants.
[0025] FIG. 6A illustrates the configuration of the dressing aid
when a bar element is attached as a spacer.
[0026] FIG. 6B illustrates an alternate attachment of the bar
element devices for the dressing aid of FIG. 6A.
[0027] FIG. 6C illustrates the dressing aid attached to a pair of
pants with the spacer bar properly positioned and attached.
[0028] FIG. 7A illustrates the configuration of the dressing aid in
which the spreader element is an inverted U shaped plate
element.
[0029] FIG. 7B illustrates an alternate attachment of the grip
devices for the dressing aid of FIG. 7A.
[0030] FIG. 7C illustrates the dressing aid of FIG. 7A or 7B
properly attached to a pair of pants.
[0031] FIG. 8A provides an overview of a dressing aid with a fixed
spreader unit.
[0032] FIG. 8B provides details of the fixed spreader unit.
[0033] FIG. 8C illustrates one example of attachment of a grip
device to web material.
EXAMPLES
Introduction
[0034] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate variations of the basic
dressing aid 101. A variety of devices may be adapted to connect an
article of clothing to the dressing aid as has been discussed in
detail previously (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/002,943).
FIG. 4 illustrates the common alligator clamp device 401 by way of
example, not limitation. Thus grip device 401 refers specifically
to the alligator jaws clamp of FIG. 4 and to any clamp that may
otherwise be used.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the grip device 401, represented
by an alligator clamp comprises a first (upper) half 402 and a
second (lower) half 403. Each half comprises a grip end 404A and
404B and an operator arm 405A and 405B. Sides of each half have
complimentary axle supports 407A and 407B (and 408A and 408B, not
visible as illustrated in FIG. 4). An axle 409 supported by the
complimentary axle supports 407A/B and 408A/B extends across the
width of the device and mechanically connects the first 402 and
second 403 halves. A compression spring is wound around the axle
409 and extends to the under surfaces of each operator arm 405A and
405B, separating, or holding the operator arms apart and forcing
the grip ends 404A and 404B together and in physical contact with
each other. Inward pressure on the operator arms (arrows 412)
forces the arms to close and the grip ends to open; releasing the
pressure causes the reverse action with the grip ends closing and
securing material placed between them.
[0036] The strength of the gripe device is directly related to the
strength of the spring (or force required to close the operator
arms); this may vary, by way of example, not limitation, from less
than 3 to 10 PSI adequately to secure a garment as it is drawn up
during dressing by pulling on the length of connective material
115. The overall length 410 of the grip, by way of example, not
limitation, varies from 1.0 to 3 inches, preferably 1.0 to 2.5
inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm, preferably 2.5 to 6.4 cm). The length 411 of
the control arms 405A/B is normally half or more of the overall
length of the grip device. Length of the control arm 411 as
measured from its end to the axle 409 determines the force required
to operate (open/close) the grip device and is a consideration in
selecting an appropriate device. A wide variety of sizes and types
of gripe devices is readily available through retail and wholesale
hardware outlets known to one skilled in the art.
Example 1
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates the simplest configuration of the
invention. The dressing aid 101 of FIG. 1 comprises a length of
connective material (cord, light rope, or strap material) 115 with
a first end 103, a second end 105, and a mid-point 107. The
mid-point 107 divides the length of connective material 115 into
first half-length 109 and a second half-length 111. The length 117
of each half-length 109 and 111 is equal. The length 117 varies
from 3 feet (1 m) to over 5 feet (2 m), or the overall length of
the connective material 115 varies from less than 6 feet (2 m) to
about 8 feet (2.4 m), although these values are reasonable
examples, they do not constitute minimum or maximum values and are
not limitations on the invention.
[0038] The dressing aid further comprises a first member of a first
of a pair of grips 401A and a second member of a first pair of
grips 401B. The first member of the first pair of grips 401A is
firmly attached to the first end 103 of the length of connective
material 115, and the second member of the first pair of grip
devices 401B is similarly attached to the second end 105 of the
length of connective material 115 at points 119A and 119B,
respectively.
[0039] One arm of each member of the first pair of grip devices
401A/B may be secured to an end 103/105 of the length of connective
material 115 in any of a variety of ways, for example, by using any
of a variety of small clamp devices known to those skilled in the
art, or with any of a variety of adhesives, depending on the
materials from which both the grip device and connective material
are made.
[0040] The length of connective material 115 may be natural,
synthetic or any blend of materials commercially available and well
known to those skilled in the art. Strength is not limiting, but
minimum test should be approximately about 10 pounds (22 kg) with
an upper limit for convenience of material of 25 pounds (55 kg).
The connective material, if cord or rope, for convenience in
handling, should be at least 0.25 inches in diameter (0.8 cm) to
about 0.75 inch (1.9 cm), as a practical limit, but not a
restriction on the invention, and if strap material should have
similar strength limits and range from about 0.50 to 1.0 inches
(1.3 to 2.5 cm) in width.
[0041] The function of the dressing aid 101 is simply illustrated
in reference to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. First the dressing aid 101 is
attached by the grip devices 401A/B to the waistband 506 of the
garment 501. Attachment should be near the fly 502 or front opening
of the garment. As seen in FIG. 5A, the garment 501 (pants as
illustrated) is viewed face-up. The first member of the first pair
of grip devices 401A is attached to the right side 503A of the
waist band 506, near the fly 502, and the second member of the
first pair of grip devices 401B is attached to the left side 503B
of the pants near the fly 502 on the waist band 506. (Designation
of which gripe device is attached to the left or right side of the
garment is arbitrary and can be reversed without changing the scope
or intent of the invention). The length of connective material 115
extends upward with the center point somewhat centered on the
garment.
[0042] As illustrated, the seated individual 504 has attached the
device 101 to the garment and positioned the garment on the floor,
face up. With feet 505 positioned appropriately at the top of the
left and right leg and the length of connective material 115
grasped in both hands with the mid-point 107 generally centered,
the length of connective material 115 is pulled upward, and the
pants are pulled up over the lower legs and thighs, by raising
slightly, and continuing the upward pull, the pants are moved to
the hips where they can be adjusted and fastened. Donning the
garment requires only minimal bending of the back or knees.
[0043] A hook (or clip) device 120 may be positioned at the
mid-point 107 of the length of connective material 115. The hook
(or clamp) 120 device may be attached to a shirt of blouse pocket
or button hole to hold the connective material and attached garment
in position and free one or both hands of the individual to fasten
the waistband and disconnect the two gripe devices from the
garment. The hook (or clip) is attached such that it will pull free
of the garment in the event of a moderate tug or jerk to minimize
the risk of entanglement with the dressing aid.
Example 2
[0044] The dressing aid 101 of FIG. 1 is modified in this second
example as illustrated in FIG. 2. The members of a second pair of
grip devices 401C and 401D are connected respectively to the first
half length 109 and the second half length ill of the length of
connective material 115 by the first and second segments of the
connecting material 201A and 201B, respectively. the first end of
each segment of connecting material is attached to an arm of one of
the members of the second pair of gripe devices 401C and 401D, and
the second end of each segment of connecting material is attached
to the first 109 or second 111 half length of the length of
connecting material 115 at a point such that the members of the
first pair of grip devices 401A/B extend about the length 202 of
the grip device below the members of the second pair of grip
devices.
[0045] Functionally, the device is comparable to the function of
the device as described for FIG. 1, except as the first step the
first and second members of the second pair of grips are attached
to or near the waist band of an undergarment generally as described
for FIG. 1, and the first and second members of the first pair of
grips are attached to the outer garment as previously described. In
this manner, the undergarment is positioned inside in relation to
the garment attached to the members of the first pair of grips.
[0046] Following the method described in the first figure, as the
length of connective material 115 is pulled upward, the
undergarment moves upward and can be positioned and the first and
second members of the second grips released and removed from the
undergarment and then the pants also positioned as desired and
previously described.
[0047] The device described in Example 1 employing only a single
pair of gripe devices is also adapted to donning inner and outer
lower garments simultaneously. Unless one garment is unusually
heavy or cumbersome, position the inner garment in the outer
garment with the waist bands aligned along their top lines and the
fly or other opening aligned. Grasp the left and the right side of
each garment as with only a single garment, and before placing them
on the floor to be donned, straighten the inner and outer garment
legs to ensure that they are aligned and don the garment as
previously described. The optional hook (or clamp) device 120 may
be used as previously described.
Example 3
[0048] Note in the following, reference numbers indicating pieces,
parts, and elements described in FIGS. 1,2 and 4 are retained in
all other figures when the piece, part, element, or function is
identical to that previously described and indicated on one of the
above referenced figures. This includes the positioning and use of
the optional hook (or clamp 120) device as previously
described.
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative hand piece 301 basic
dressing aid 101 previously described. The hand piece 301 comprises
a single tube element 303. The single tube element 303 has a length
305, a diameter 307, and an open longitudinal chase 331 defined and
limited by the tube wall 313.
[0050] The tube element varies in length from about approximately 4
inches to 18 inches (10 cm to 46 cm) preferably from 6 to 10 inches
(15 to 25 cm). The diameter of the tube varies from 1 to 3 inches
(2.5 to 7.5 cm). Note, the above length and diameter dimension are
exemplary and do not constitute limitations on the invention. The
tube may be fabricated from any rigid, light weight material
including metals. plastics, and composite materials.
[0051] A top opening 315 traverses the tube wall 313 at the
mid-point of the upper longitudinal line 309 of the single tube
303. The first bottom opening 317 and the second bottom opening 319
traverse the wall 313 at a distance respectively from the first end
of the single tube 327 and the second end of the single tube 329 on
the lower longitudinal line 311. The lower longitudinal line 311 is
diametrically opposite the upper longitudinal line 309 on the outer
surface of the single tube 303. Both lines are for reference only
with respect to positioning or locating the top opening 315 and the
first and second bottom openings 317 and 319, respectively. The
diameter of the top opening and of the first and second bottom
openings is variable. The top opening must be large enough to allow
free simultaneous passage of both the first half 109 and the second
half 111 of the cord material, and the first and second bottom
openings must allow free passage respectively of the first half 109
or the second half 111 of the cord material.
[0052] A length of the length of connective material 115 is
positioned within the open chase 331 of the single tube 303 such
that the end 333 of the first half-length extends downward through
the first bottom opening 317, and the end of the second half-length
335 extends downward through the second bottom opening 319. The
midpoint 107 extends upward through the top opening 315. The first
half-length 109 and the second half-length 111 are joined for a
short distance at a point below the midpoint 107 to form a loop
323. A hook element 120 may be threaded onto the cord material 115
inside the loop 323. A mechanical stop device 350 allows the
passage of the cord material to be controlled as previously
described.
[0053] Members of the first pair of grip devices 401A and 401B are
positioned as previously illustrated and discussed with respect to
FIG. 1. Members of a second pair of grip devices may be attached to
the first and second half lengths 109 and 111 respectively of the
length of connective material as described in FIG. 2 without
changing the scope or intent of the invention. In terms of
application, the single tube is used in a manner slightly different
from that described for Example 1 and Example 2. The device is
connected to the garment as described and the garment attached as
in Example 1 and Example 2. The single tube 303 is held by one hand
at about hip height, or otherwise on the lap. The garment is pulled
(drawn) up, over the feet and lower legs by pulling the length of
material 115 upward, through the single tube 303. When the garment
reaches mid-leg, it is grasped as previously described, and
dressing is completed as described.
[0054] The cord material and grip device can be folded into the
open chase or core of the single tube and caps positioned of the
first end 327 and second end 329 of the single tube for convenient
storage.
Example 4
[0055] In additional configurations and modes, the dressing aid
comprises a spreader element 601 and a length of connective
material 115. In one alternative configuration, the first and
second ends 103 and 105, respectively, of the length of connective
material 115 are connected to and contiguous with a first 617A and
a second 617B grip connectors. The free end of the first 617A and
second 617B grip connectors is attached respectively to the first
401A and second 401B grip devices. In an alternate configuration,
the first 617A and second 617B grip connectors are separate from
(not contiguous with) the first 103 and second 105 ends of the
length of connective material 115. The first and second ends of the
length of connective material are connected directly to the
spreader device. Each members of a pair of grip devices 401A and
401B is attached to one end of either the first 617A or second 617B
grip connectors, and the opposite end of each of the grip
connectors is connected directly to the spreader element. In one
configuration, the members of the pair of grip devices 401A and
401B are attached directly to the spreader element and no grip
connectors are required.
[0056] In one specific mode, FIG. 6A, the spreader element 601
comprises a spreader bar body 602 with a length 603 that varies, by
way of illustration, not limitation, from 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40
cm), with a height 604 varying, but not limited to about 0.5 to 1.5
inches (1.25 to 3.75 cm) and a width 605 varying by way of example
but not limitation from 1 to 2.5 inches (2.5 to 6.3 cm) and further
comprising a top face 606, a bottom face 607, a front face 608, and
a back face 609. The cross section configuration of the spreader
bar as illustrated is a rectangle 610; one skilled in the art
recognizes that the cross section configuration could be a variety
of shapes from a square or other rectangle with rounded edges to an
oval to a circle, in which case the bar might better be described
as a rod, tube, or cylinder. Such variations in configuration are
anticipated by the invention and included by reference. In
practice, even the rod, tube, or cylinder configuration may be
described as having a top bottom, and first and second side faces,
although they are not precisely defined, they can be described in
simple geometric terms not here included.
[0057] In one mode illustrated in FIG. 6A, the first 613A and
second 613B ends of the length of connective material 115 traverse
the bar through its body 602, from its front 608 to its back 609
face. Connection chases 612A and 612B are positioned approximately
1 inch (2.5 cm) respectively from the first end 614A and second end
614B of the bar body 602. The ends of the first 613A and second
613B grip connectors are attached to the corresponding grip devices
401A and 401B. The grip connectors are contiguous with the
corresponding ends of the length of connective material 115, and
traverse the bar 602 through connector chases 612A and 612B. The
length of the grip connector 615 varies, by way of example, not
limitation, from 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm, preferably from 1.5
to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm). In addition to prevent the length of
connection material from being pulled back, through the bar body
602, the length of connection material is secured with an adhesive
in each connection chase 612A and 612B.
[0058] In an alternative mode illustrated in FIG. 6B, the first
613A and second 613B ends of the length of connective material are
secured and anchored in the corresponding connector chases 612A and
612B at anchor points 619A and 619B by an adhesive material. The
length of connective material does not traverse the spreader bar,
but passed through its front face 608. The grip devices 401A and
401B are connected to the corresponding grip connectors 617A and
617B at one end as previously described. The opposite end of each
grip connector 617A and 617B is positioned at and secured to a
connection point receptacle 620A and 620B, respectively. Distances,
dimensions and materials are comparable for those described for
FIG. 6A.
[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cross section shape
610 of the spreader is rectangular. One of average skill in the art
recognizes that the spreader bar may assume any of a variety of
cross section shapes, such as, but not limited to any rectangular
configuration with rounded edges, a round, or an oval shape,
without altering or expanding the scope, intent, or purpose of the
invention, and the faces and dimensions described in the above
example are readily modified to fit such shapes all of which are
anticipated by the claimed invention. In one preferred, practical
mode, the spreader bar is a tube, cylinder, or rod in cross section
configuration.
[0060] The spreader bar body 602 may be fabricated from a variety
of natural or synthetic materials, including wood, plastics, light
metals, and alloys. Preference may be giver to light weight
materials that are readily sterilized. Regardless of cross section
shape, the material may be solid or hollow. If it is hollow, open
ends are generally secured with an appropriate cap or plug.
Preferred embodiments are fabricated from non-porous materials that
may readily be sanitized.
[0061] Use of the dressing aid with a spreader bar is similar to
that described for the basic aid described in FIG. 1, but the
device and its function are markedly different from the basic
dressing aid in simplicity and ease of use. As illustrated in FIG.
6C, the garment 501 (pants as illustrated) is positioned with the
waist on the lap of the user with the fly 502 open. The first
member 401A of the pair of grip devices is attached to the right
side 503A of the waistband 506 of the garment 501, and the second
member 401B is attached to the left side 503B. The connection of
the grip devices 401A and 401B to the garment 501 and to the bar
body 602 by the first and second grip connectors 617A and 617B
holds the fly 502 open and prevents it from folding over and
closing. The garment is placed fly up on the floor in front of the
user. By pulling the length of connective material 115 slightly
upward and inward, the feet can be positioned under the spreader
bar and in the waist area of the garment oriented to the legs. The
spreader bar holds the fly and waist open and pulling the spreader
over the feet helps orient the garment to complete dressing. When
the spreader bar has been drawn up, over the knees, the use may
grasp the spreader bar and pull the garment to the waist, stand
disconnect the grip device, grasp the garment, stand and complete
donning the garment.
[0062] As illustrated and described above, the spreader bar
dressing aid is adapted to donning a single garment; however, it is
anticipated that a second pair of grip devices (not illustrated)
may be connected to the spreader bar as described for FIG. 9C with
respect to the basic dressing aid as illustrated in FIG. 1, such
that both under and outer garments may be donned simultaneously and
conveniently with the spreader bar dressing aid.
Example 5
[0063] In an additional best mode, FIG. 7A, the spreader element
601 comprises a flat plate 702, somewhat in the shape of an
inverted block letter U with a base 703, a first arm 704A and a
second arm 704B, a top surface 705A, and a bottom surface 705B. The
width of the base 706A varies from 1 to 4, preferably 1.5 to 2.5
inches (2.5 to 10, preferably 2.50 to 3.75 cm), by way of
illustration, not limitation, and the overall length of the base
706B varies from 12 to 16 inches (33 to 40 cm), preferably from 9
to 15 inches (22 to 38 cm). The length of the arms 707 ranges by
way of illustration, not limitation from 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25
cm), and the width of the arms 718 varies from 1 to 3 inches (2.5
to 7.5 cm) for example. The thickness of the plate 708 varies from
approximately 0.5 inch to 1.0 inch (1.25 to 2.50 cm), primarily
based on the material from which the plate 702 is fabricated.
Suitable materials include, but are not limited to wood, plastics,
light metals and alloys, and stainless steel. As for the bar
spreader, ease of sanitation may be a consideration in selecting an
appropriate material.
[0064] As in the spreader bar example, this mode anticipates two
configurations. Both configurations comprise a length of connective
material 115 with a first end 613A and a second end 613B. Members
of a pair of grip devices 401A and 401B are secured to the first
and to the second 613A and 613B end of the length of connective
material 115. The total length of the length of connector material
varies from less than 6 to 9 feet (less than 2 to 3 m) with a
functional length 709 of one half the total length.
[0065] In one configuration, FIG. 7A, a first pair of connector
chases 710A and 710B is formed through the U-base 703 approximately
0.5 to 1.0 inch (1.25 to 2.50 cm) from the corresponding edge 711A
and 711B of the U-base 703. A second pair of connector chases 712A
and 712B is similarly formed 3 or more inches (7.5 or more cm) from
the corresponding tip 713A and 713B of each arm 704A and 7048.
[0066] In this configuration, the first end of the length of
connective material 613A is passed from the top 705A of the U-base
703 through the first member of the first pair of connector chase
710A, traverses the bottom 705B of the first arm 704A and passes
upward through the first member of the second pair of connector
chase 712A. The length of connective material 613A extends from the
second connector chase 712A and comprises the first grip connector
714A to which the first member of a pair of grip devises 401A is
securely attached. In the same manner, the second end 613B of the
length of connective material 115 and a the second member 401B of a
pair of grip devices is positioned on the second arm 704B. The
length of the grip connector 715A and 715B varies from about 1 to 2
inches (about 2.5 to 5.0 cm) and, when connected to a grip device,
the distal tip 716A and 716B of that grip device is a minimum of 1
inch (2.5 cm), preferably 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) from the tip 713A of
the first arm 704A. The length of connective material is secured in
the in the first 710A and 710B and second 712A and 712B connector
chases with an adhesive appropriate for the material from which the
plate 702 is fabricated as such adhesives are commonly know to
those skilled in the art and readily available in commercial
channels.
[0067] FIG. 7B illustrates a second configuration with a flat plate
702 spreader with gripe devices 401A and 401B secured directly at
their corresponding second connector chase 712A and 712B, and the
first and second ends 613A and 613B of the length of connective
material 115, respectively, are secured directly in the
corresponding first connector chases 710A and 710B.
[0068] The first and second grip devises 401A and 401B are attached
directly to the top 705 of the first and second arms 704A and 704B
respectively, at a point approximately 1.5 to 3.0 inches (3.75 to
7.50 cm) from the ends 713A and 713B from the first 704A and second
704B arm.
[0069] The use of the arm spreader dressing aid is similar to the
use of the previously described bar spreader dressing aid. With the
user seated, the garment is placed face up, with the fly open 622,
on the user's lap. With the plate top surface 705A facing up, the
arms 704A and 704B are positioned in the waist/upper leg openings
of the garment, oriented with the first arm 704A positioned towards
the left leg and the second arm 704B towards the right leg of the
garment. The first member of the pair of grip devices 401A is
connected to the left side 503A of the waist, and the second member
of the pair to the right side 503B. The base 702 of the U spreader
holds the fly 622 open and the arms separate the legs of the
garment. With the garment attached to the two members of the pair
of grip devices, the garment is pulled slightly upward and inward
(towards he user). This uniformly lifts the waist of the garment
and separates the legs (or left and right sides of the garment.
Each foot is positioned under the spreader element 701 and the
spreader element 701 is lifted slightly and pulled over the feet
and pulled innards and upwards over the calves and thighs. The
length of connector material may be held in one hand, or connected
by the attached hook to a shirt, and the spreader element is
disconnected with the length of connector material placed safely
away from the feet and legs to avoid tripping. As described for
other examples of dressing aids, the user grasps the spreader
element or length of connection material and pulls the garment over
the hips and closes the fly (or other opening in the waist to
complete dressing.
[0070] As illustrated, the device has a single pair of grip
devices. The U spreader device is adapted to two pairs of grip
devices so that under and outer garments can be donned
simultaneously, as with other modes herein described.
[0071] One skilled in the art recognizes that reference to the left
and right side with respect to the parts of the device and garment
are for convenience of explanation and illustration and that the
sides may be reversed without changing the scope or intent of the
invention.
Example 6
[0072] FIGS. 8A,8B, and 8C illustrate an additional best mode of
the dressing aid 801 in which the body of the devise 801 comprises
a single length 802 of web material from 0.5 to 1.25 inches (1.3 to
3.8 cm) wide 802A with contiguous, equal half lengths 805A and 805B
each approximately 4 feet (1.2 m) in length 805C (total length
approximately 2.4 m).
[0073] The first member 804A of a pair of grip devices is attached
to the first end 806A of the single length of web material 802, and
the second member 804B of the pair of grip devices is attached to
the second end 806B of the single length of web material 802.
[0074] The grip device may be attached to the ends 806A/B of web
material 802 in a variety of manners, all of which are anticipated
by the invention. Commonly, the grip device includes a connective
structure or means. In a preferred configuration illustrated in
FIGS. 8B and 8C, the proximal end 824 of the grip devices 804A/B is
a loop, ring, or mechanical clamp 807 designed to engage the end
806A/B of the single length of web material 802. As shown in FIG.
8B and FIG. 8C, by way of illustration, not limitation, a short
section near each end 806A/B of each half length 805A/B is folded
back on corresponding half section to form a short loop 808 that
engages the ring (or other structure) 807. The end may be attached
by sewing, mechanical connectors (rivets or the like), or
adhesives.
[0075] A fixed spacer unit 809 (FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B) separates
holds the first 806A and second 806B ends of the single length of
web material apart to facilitate use of the dressing aid. The fixed
spacer unit 809 comprises a cylinder 810 with a length 812A and
diameter 812B and a first end 813A and a second end 813B. The
length of the cylinder 812A varies from approximately 10 to 15
inches, preferably 12 inches (25 to 38, preferably 30 cm). The
diameter varies from 0.5 to 1.5 inches, preferably 1.0 inches (1.3
to 3.9 cm, preferably 2.5 cm). The first 813A and second 813B ends
are closed with corresponding first 814A and second 814B closure
flaps. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 8B shows the first closing
flap 814A in position closing the first end 806A, and the second
closing flap 814B attached at one point and with the second end
813B open. The flaps can be secured by adhesive straps (velcro) or
sewn, as well as zippers or similar means understood by those
skilled in the art.
[0076] A spacer element 818 is positioned in the cylinder 810. FIG.
8B shows the spacer element 818 partially inserted into the
cylinder 810 through the second end 813B of the cylinder, with the
first end 813A closed. The length 819 of the spacer element and
diameter 820 of the spacer element are nominally equal to the
corresponding length and diameter of the cylinder, reduced so that
the spacer element may readily be positioned in the cylinder unit
810.
[0077] The spacer element may be manufactured from a variety of
rigid, light weight tubular materials. PVC pipe is preferred
because of its availability and range of diameters available; light
metal and even wood is acceptable, noting that wood is more
difficult to sterilize and therefore not preferred. One skilled in
the art recognizes that the cross section configuration of the
spacer element may be oval, rectangular or square, so long as
corners are smoothed to avoid injuries in using the device.
[0078] The spacer unit is attached to the first 803A and the second
half 803B of the single length of web material 802 such that the
space 821 between bottom edge 817A of the cylinder and the tip of
the corresponding grip device 817B is 1.5 to 2.5, preferably 2.0
inches (3.8 to 6.3, preferably 2.5 cm). This distance is preferably
no more than twice the length of the grip device. See FIG. 8C.
[0079] FIG. 8B shows the fixed space unit 809 with the space
element 818 partially inserted into the cylinder 809 as sen in the
cut-away sections 821, with the cylinder 810 connected to the first
803A and second half 803B of the single length of web material 802
respectively near the first 813A and second 813B ends of the
cylinder 810. The first closing flap 814A is closed, and the second
closing flap 814B is attached at one point 822 and open to allow
insertion of the spacer element 818.
[0080] The dressing aid 801 of this Example 6 is attached to and
used in a manner similar to attachment and use illustrated, for
example, by FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0081] For convenience, the garment is assumed to be pants; one of
average skill recognizes the same steps apply to other garments
without amplification. With the user seated, the garment is placed
face up with the fly open on the users lap. One member of the pair
of grip devices is attached to the waist band of the first side of
the fly and the second member of the pair of grip devices is
similarly attached to the waist band on the second side of the fly
such that the spacer separates the two grip devices by a distance
of essentially the length of the spacer element 812A. The garment
and attached dressing device are placed flat on the floor, face up
in front of the seated user.
[0082] Slightly raising both halves of the single length of web
lifts and the garment, with the spacer element holding the fly
open. The feet are positioned in the garment and the spacer element
is pulled upward, pulling the garment up to or above the knees. At
this point, the user can grasp the spacer element with one hand (or
continue to hold the device by the web material) and stand to pull
the garment to the hips/waist line. The generally, grips are
disconnected while the user is seated and the fly is ready to
closed. Prior to complete adjusting the garment in complete
dressing, the user should gather and store the device, with care
exercised to ensure that the single length of web material has been
stored safely and does not present tripping or otherwise injuring
the user. To ensure that the feet are extended through the
garment's legs, each cuff may be folded upward until dressing is
completed. Also, prior to disconnecting the dressing aid from the
garment, a soft hook connected to the spacer may be loosely
connected to a shirt to secure the garment in place until the fly
is closed and secured.
[0083] The preceding examples may be divided and recombined to
yield additional combinations all of which are anticipated by the
invention, and as a result, the following claims should be accorded
the broadest construction and not be restricted or limited by any
single example.
* * * * *
References