Donning Assist Device For Stockings and Other Compression Garments

Abstract

An extremity garment donning assist device, includes a rigid structure that, in one embodiment, contains no handles or other extending members. The device has an open cylindrical configuration that is well suited to placing compression garments on a user or patient. For instance, the device is well suited to placing a stocking on the foot of a wearer. When using the device, a compression garment is turned partially inside out over a top edge of the device forming an outstretched opening. A user then inserts one's foot into the outstretched opening. In a pivoting motion, the foot is then pushed down through the device causing the compression garment to at least partially or entirely release from the device for placement on a person's foot and leg. In order to assist in the pivoting motion, the garment donning assist device can include a flattened area, an indentation and/or an anti-skid member.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/234,462, filed on Aug. 17, 2009.

BACKGROUND

Those suffering from lymphatic and/or circulatory disorders are commonly prescribed a compression garment for wear to help in the reduction and management of swelling and circulation in their extremities. For example, compression garments configured to surround one's arm or leg are typically used to treat lymphedema. Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid resulting from impairment of the lymphatic transport system. Lymphatic fluid can build up in different affected areas of the body, especially in the arms and legs. Lymphedema can cause pain, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and reduced mobility. In this regard, compression garments are typically placed over the affected extremity in order to counteract fluid build-up.

Compression garments, such as compression sleeves, compression gauntlets, and compression stockings, are typically made from an elastic material. The elastic material, for instance, may comprise an elastic knitted woven material.

In order for the compression garments to function properly, the garments are typically designed to cover substantially the entire extremity. For example, compression sleeves typically cover the entire arm extending from the wrist to the shoulder of the wearer. Similarly, compression stockings typically extend from the foot to the hip of the wearer although knee-high stockings are also available. Selecting a compression garment with the appropriate amount of compression is critical to successfully treating lymphedema or other circulatory diseases. If the garment provides too little compression, for instance, the garment may be ineffective in preventing fluid build-up. Too much compression exerted by the garment, on the other hand, can damage the tissues.

Compression garments are typically not worn while sleeping. If worn while sleeping, for instance, the garment may provide too much compression when the body is inactive. Most compression garments also need to be replaced every four to six months since the elastic properties of the garments tend to degrade. Thus, compression garments normally have to be removed and applied at least once during the day. Unfortunately, most patients prescribed these highly elastic garments find it difficult to don them. While donning the arm sleeve, one arm is rendered useless while the opposite arm is left to pull on the garment. Not only is the individual trying to use one arm for a traditionally two arm event, the patient may be further compromised by skin integrity, immobility, inflexibility, obesity, weakened from a medical condition or suffer from limited mobility or other condition limiting their ability to properly don the extremity compression garment.

In order to improve and facilitate the donning of compression garments, in the past, it was recommended to apply a thin layer of cornstarch or powder to the extremity prior to placing the compression garment on the extremity. Some manufacturers also recommend wearing rubber or vinyl gloves while putting on the compression garment to provide a better grip on the fabric and to prevent one's fingernails from damaging the fabric or one's skin.

In view of the above problems experienced in donning compression garments, however, a need currently exists for a device and a method for facilitating application of a compression garment onto one's extremities.

SUMMARY

In general, the present disclosure is directed to an extremity garment donning assist device that is designed to assist an individual in donning a compression garment onto an extremity, especially a stocking or other leg garment. The garment donning assist device of the present disclosure is particularly well suited to providing assistance to those who may be suffering from a medical condition and lack flexibility or suffer from limited mobility.

In one embodiment, for instance, the present disclosure is directed to an extremity garment donning assist device that includes a rigid structure having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of opposing side walls. The side walls extend outwardly to define an open cylindrical configuration that extends from the top to the bottom of the rigid structure. In one embodiment, for instance, the side walls are curved such that the rigid structure has an arcuate-shaped cross section. For instance, the arcuate-shaped cross section can form an open channel that has walls extending from about 120° to about 210°, such as from about 150° to about 175°.

In one embodiment, the top edge of the rigid structure can be rounded in order to facilitate application of the compression garment. The bottom edge, however, can be flat for maintaining the rigid structure in an upright configuration when used on an adjacent surface. In addition, the rigid structure can include an interior surface that is relatively smooth in comparison to an exterior surface. The rougher exterior surface, for instance, may facilitate holding a compression garment in place, while the smooth interior surface may facilitate application of the garment to an extremity, such as one's leg or foot. Overall, the rigid structure has a size such that a compression garment can be slid over the top edge leaving an outstretched opening. The outstretched opening is for receiving a users' extremity for donning the compression garment.

In one embodiment, the rigid structure can include a flattened area located adjacent the bottom edge. For instance, the flattened area can be located in between the two side walls. The flattened area can extend the entire length of the rigid structure, can have a length that is less than ½ the length of the rigid structure, or can have a length that is less than ¼ the length of the rigid structure. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the flattened area can have a width of from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches and can have a length of from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches. In one embodiment, an anti-skid member can be located on the flattened area on the exterior surface of the rigid structure. The anti-skid member, for instance, can be made from a compressible material, such as an elastomeric material. The anti-skid member can prevent the device from slipping on a surface, such as a floor, when an extremity such as a foot, is being inserted into a compression garment.

In one embodiment, the rigid structure can also define an indentation opposite the flattened area. The indentation can project outwardly from the interior surface of the rigid structure. The indentation can form part of the bottom edge of the rigid structure and can have a size so as to allow the rigid structure to stand upright when placed on a flat surface.

The present disclosure is also directed to a process for donning a compression garment. The process includes the steps of placing a compression garment over the extremity garment donning assist device as described above. The compression garment is placed over the top edge of the rigid structure, turned partially inside-out, and pulled down onto the device so as to form an outstretched opening. The device is then placed on a flat surface such that the outstretched opening is perpendicular to the surface.

An extremity, such as a foot, is inserted into the outstretched opening of the compression garment. With a forward and downward motion, the foot can be used to pivot the extremity garment donning assist device into an upright configuration. During this motion, the compression garment is caused to slide up and over the foot of the user. If any part of the compression garment is remaining on the extremity garment donning assist device, the remainder can be slid off the device and onto the calf or leg of the user.

Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an extremity garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the donning assist device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the donning assist device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the donning assist device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the donning assist device illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of a garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure illustrating a compression garment loaded on the device;

FIGS. 7 through 9 are side views of one embodiment of an extremity garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure showing one embodiment of a process for donning a garment using the device; and

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an extremity garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to a garment donning assist device that is particularly well suited for applying compression garments, such as compression sleeves, compression gauntlets, and compression stockings onto the extremities of a wearer. Such compression garments are typically prescribed to those suffering from lymphedema or circulatory disorders. The compression garments are intended to provide compression to an extremity, such as an arm or leg, for preventing fluids from accumulating within the treated region. Compression garments, in order to provide the needed therapy, are highly elastic and somewhat difficult to place over one's arm or leg without the assistance of a caregiver. Further, since many individuals using compression garments suffer from lymphedema or circulatory diseases, the problems associated with donning the garments become exacerbated due to the health state of the wearer. For instance, individuals suffering from the above conditions are often in pain and suffer from chronic inflammation, reduced mobility and may also even suffer from skin ailments.

In this regard, the present disclosure is directed to a garment donning assist device that not only assists an individual in placing a compression garment on an extremity, such as an arm or leg, but also serves to ensure that the garment is properly located and positioned on the extremity to be treated. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, one embodiment of a compression garment donning assist device 10 is shown. As illustrated, the garment donning assist device 10 includes a rigid structure 12.

The rigid structure 12 includes a top edge 16, a bottom edge 18, a pair of extending side walls 20 and 22 and a back wall 21. The side walls 20 and 22 extend in a manner that forms a cylindrical configuration, such as an open channel 24 as shown in FIG. 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the side walls 20 and 22 are curved such that the rigid structure 12 has an arcuate-shaped cross section. It should be understood, however, that the open channel 24 can have various other shapes and configurations. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the side walls 20 and 22 may extend along a more linear path. In this embodiment, for instance, the rigid structure 12 may have more of a polygon-like cross sectional shape. For example, in one embodiment, the rigid structure 12 may have an open rectangular cross sectional shape.

In general, the cross sectional shape of the rigid structure 12 is intended to partially encircle an individual's extremity, such as an arm or leg. As will be described in greater detail below, the shape is also used to form an opening in a compression garment for insertion of an extremity.

The amount the side walls 20 and 22 of the rigid structure 12 are extended may vary depending upon the particular application and various factors. When the rigid structure 12 has an arcuate-shaped cross section, for instance, the side walls may extend from about 120° to about 210°, such as from about 150° to about 175°. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, for instance, the rigid structure 12 forms a substantially open half cylindrical configuration.

The rigid structure 12 can be made from various different materials as long as the structure has sufficient rigidity to hold a compression garment. For instance, the rigid structure 12 can be made from a solid material. For example, the rigid structure can be made from a single piece of metal or from a structural plastic material. When formed from a plastic material, the rigid structure can be made from any suitable polymer. For instance, the rigid structure can be made from a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyamide, a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a copolymer thereof, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, for instance, the rigid structure 12 can be made from a single continuous piece of plastic comprised of a copolyester, such as PETG.

Alternatively, the rigid structure 12, instead of being made from a continuous solid piece of material, may have a grid-like structure or apertured structure.

In one embodiment, the rigid structure 12 can include a first, interior surface that defines the open channel and a second, exterior and opposite surface. In one configuration, the first surface can be relatively smooth, while the opposite second surface can be textured. The second surface can be textured so as to better hold a compression garment in place while the garment is being donned by a user. The second side of the rigid structure 12 can be textured using any suitable technique. For instance, the mold used to form the plastic material may include undulations that create a textured surface on the second side.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the open channel 24 formed by the rigid structure 12 generally has the same dimensions or size from the top edge 16 of the structure to the bottom edge 18. In other embodiments, however, the open channel 24 may taper in one direction. For instance, the open channel 24 may decrease in size from the top edge 16 to the bottom edge 18. The dimensions of the rigid structure 12 can vary dramatically depending upon the size of the user and the type of compression garment being donned. For exemplary purposes, when designed to don stockings, for instance, the rigid structure can have a length of from about 6 inches to about 10 inches, such as from about 7 inches to about 7.5 inches. The diameter of the open channel 24, on the other hand, can generally be from about 3 inches to about 6 inches. For instance, in one embodiment, the diameter of the open channel can be from about 3.75 inches to about 4.25 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the top edge 16 can have a different shape than the bottom edge 18. For instance, the top edge 16 can have a rounded shape. Having a rounded shape allows for a compression garment to slide over the device without being snagged on any sharp edges. The bottom edge 18, on the other hand, can be flat to provide stability. For instance, as will be described in greater detail below, the garment donning assist device 10 during use is typically placed upright on a flat surface, such as a table or floor. Having a flat bottom edge 18 makes the device more stable when placed upright on an adjacent surface, especially when pressure is applied to the device.

As shown particularly in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, the garment donning assist device 10 can further include a flattened area 30. When present, the flattened area 30 can serve several functions. The flattened area 30, for instance, provides stability to the garment donning assist device 10 when either placed in a vertical position as shown in FIG. 1 on a surface or when placed in a horizontal position as shown in FIG. 7 on a surface. The flattened area 30 can also receive an anti-skid member 34 as shown in particularly in FIGS. 2 and 4 that prevents the donning assist device 10 from slipping or sliding on a surface when pressure is applied to the device and the device is pivoted as will be described in greater detail below.

In the embodiment illustrated, the flattened area projects outwardly from the exterior surface of the rigid structure 12. In an alternative embodiment, however, the flattened area may be flush with the exterior surface of the side walls. In this embodiment, the side walls would extend from the flattened area 30.

When the flattened area 30 extends outwardly out from the exterior surface of the rigid structure 12, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an indentation 32 can also be formed along the interior surface of the rigid structure. As shown in the figures, the indentation 32 corresponds in size and shape to the flattened area 30. Having an indentation as shown creates a tab along the bottom edge 18 that maintains the garment donning assist device 10 in an upright configuration when placed on a surface, such as a floor. The indentation 32 can also have a size and shape so as to facilitate a foot or arm during donning of a garment as the foot or arm is brought down through the open channel 21. For instance, when inserting a foot through the open channel of the garment donning assist device, the foot will generally descend vertically through the channel and then begin to horizontally emerge from the channel. During this transition from vertical to horizontal motion, the indentation may provide extra space for the heel.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flattened area 30 is located adjacent to the bottom edge 18 and only extends over a portion of the length of the rigid structure 12. It should be understood, however, that the flattened area 30 (and corresponding indentation 32) may extend along the entire length of the rigid structure 12. In other embodiments, the flattened area 30 may have a length that is less than about ½ the length of the rigid structure, such as by having a length that is less than ¼ length of the rigid structure. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the flattened area 30 and the corresponding indentation 32 may have a width of from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches and have a length from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the anti-skid member 34 is attached to the flattened area 30. The anti-skid member may cover the entire flattened area 30 or only a portion of the flattened area 30. in addition, the anti-skid member may terminate at the bottom edge 18 of the rigid structure or may wrap around the bottom edge of the rigid structure.

The anti-skid member 34 can be made from any suitable material that will increase the friction of the rigid structure against an adjacent surface. In one embodiment, for instance, the anti-skid member 34 may be made from a compressible material, such as an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material, for instance, may be a natural rubber or may be formed from a synthetic polymer.

In operation, the garment donning assist device 10 can be used to don a compression garment to an upper or lower extremity. The device aides in donning compression garments where strength or medical conditions inhibit the compliance of donning because of the difficulty in pulling the garment completely up one's arm or over one's leg. One method of using the garment donning assist device 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 9. In FIGS. 6 through 9, a compression garment or stocking is shown being positioned over a user's foot and calf.

In one embodiment, in order to use the garment donning assist device 10, as shown in FIG. 6, the device is first placed vertically on a surface, such as a floor. A compression garment 50 is then prepared for application to the device. As shown in FIG. 6, for instance, the compression garment 50 is draped through the inside open channel of the device. The outer edge of the garment 50 is then draped over the top edge of the rigid structure 12. In particular, the garment 50 is partially folded inside out and folded over the top of the rigid structure. Depending upon the size of the compression garment 50, the garment 50 can be pulled over the entire length of the rigid structure 12 or only over a portion of the rigid structure. As shown, once the compression garment 50 is positioned on the donning assist device 10, an outstretched opening 52 is formed at the top that is then ready to receive a user's foot.

Compression sleeves, for instance, can be formed from various materials. Desirably, the compression sleeve stretches in at least two different directions. Materials that may be used to form the compression sleeve include, for instance, elastic foam materials, woven materials, knitted materials, films, and combinations thereof. For example, in one embodiment, the compression sleeve comprises a knitted fabric containing elastic threads, yarns or filaments. Alternatively, the compression sleeve may comprise a woven fabric containing elastic yarns. In still another embodiment, the compression sleeve may comprise an elastic film alone or in combination with various woven and nonwoven materials. For example, in one embodiment, the compression sleeve may comprise an elastic film bonded to a stretchable fabric.

As shown in FIG. 7, once the compression garment 50 is properly loaded onto the donning assist device 10, the device can be placed horizontally on a surface, such as on the floor. A user's foot is then inserted into the outstretched opening 52. The open channel formed by the rigid structure 12 can have a shape and size designed to produce an outstretched opening having dimensions that facilitate insertion of the foot.

Once the foot is inserted into the outstretched opening, with a forward and downward motion, the foot is pivoted until the device is in a vertical upright position as shown in FIGS. 7 through 9. As also shown in the figures, during this motion, the entire foot is inserted into the compression garment 50. Thus, in one motion, the foot is inserted into the compression garment while the donning assist device pivots from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

Once the donning assist device 10 is in a vertical position as shown in FIG. 9, the remainder of the compression garment 50 can then be pulled up the leg of the wearer and off the donning assist device 10. The open channel formed by the rigid structure 12 allows the foot and leg of the wearer to be released from the donning assist device once the garment is properly positioned on the wearer.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of a donning assist device 110 made in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the donning assist device 110 includes a rigid structure 112 comprising a pair of curved side walls 120 and 122. The side walls 120 and 122 form an open cylindrical configuration defining an open channel 124 extending along the length of the rigid structure. The rigid structure further includes a top edge 116 and a bottom edge 118. As shown, the top edge 116 can have a rounded configuration, while the bottom edge 118 can be generally flat.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the donning assist device 110 does not include any indentation or flattened area on the interior or exterior surface of the rigid structure. Depending upon the material used to form the rigid structure, the other features described above with respect to FIG. 1 may be eliminated while still attaining a very functional product.

These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

1. An extremity garment donning assist device comprising:

a rigid structure having a pair of side walls that extend outwardly to define an open cylindrical configuration, the rigid structure having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a length therebetween, the side walls extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, the rigid structure being comprised of a material comprising a polymer, the top edge having a rounded profile while the bottom edge having a flat profile, the rigid structure having a size such that a compression garment can be slid over the top edge leaving an outstretched opening, the opening for receiving a user's extremity for donning the compression garment.

2. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 1, wherein the interior surface is relatively smooth and the exterior surface is relatively rough in relation to each other.

3. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a flattened area adjacent the bottom edge, the flattened area being located in between the side walls.

4. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 3, wherein the flattened area extends substantially the entire length of the rigid structure.

5. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 3, wherein the flattened area extends less than about ½ the length of the rigid structure.

6. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 3, wherein the flattened area extends less than about ¼ the length of the rigid structure.

7. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 1, further comprising an indentation that projects outwardly from the interior surface, the indentation being positioned adjacent the bottom edge.

8. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 3, wherein the flattened area has a width from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches and has a length from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches.

9. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 1, further comprising an anti-skid member comprised of a compressible material, the anti-skid member being located on the exterior surface adjacent to the bottom edge.

10. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 9, wherein the anti-skid member is positioned between the pair of side walls, the anti-skid member being comprised of an elastomeric material.

11. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 1, wherein the side walls of the rigid structure are curved such that the rigid structure has an arcuate-shaped cross section, the arcuate-shaped cross section of the rigid structure extending from about 120° to about 210° in defining the open cylindrical configuration.

12. An extremity garment donning assist device comprising:

a rigid structure having a pair of side walls that extend outwardly to define an open cylindrical configuration, the rigid structure having a top edge, a bottom edge and a length therebetween, the side walls extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, the rigid structure having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

an anti-skid member comprised of a compressible material located on the exterior surface of the rigid structure, the anti-skid member being positioned adjacent to the bottom edge; and

wherein the rigid structure has a size such that a compression garment can be slid over the top edge leaving an outstretched opening, the opening for receiving a user's extremity for donning the compression garment.

13. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 12, further including a flattened area positioned adjacent the bottom edge of the rigid structure, the anti-skid member being located on the flattened area.

14. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 13, wherein the rigid structure further includes an indentation that projects outwardly from the interior surface, the indentation being located opposite the flattened area.

15. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 14, wherein the flattened area has a width of from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches and a length from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches.

16. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 12, wherein the anti-skid member is comprised of an elastomer.

17. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 12, wherein the top edge of the rigid structure is rounded.

18. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 12, wherein the bottom edge of the rigid structure is flat.

19. An extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 12, wherein the device does not include any handles that extend from the rigid structure.

20. A process for donning a compression garment comprising:

placing a compression garment over the top edge of the extremity garment donning assist device as defined in claim 12, the compression garment being placed over the top edge of the garment donning assist device and pulled down on the rigid structure so as to form an outstretched opening;

placing the extremity garment donning assist device on a flat surface such that the outstretched opening is perpendicular to the surface;

inserting a foot into the outstretched opening; and

pivoting the extremity garment donning assist device into a vertical position while inserting the foot into the compression garment.