Lower Extremity Dressing Aid

Abstract

A dressing aid for assisting individuals with limited mobility, flexibility, and/or stability to don or remove garments over their lower extremities is disclosed. An embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a dressing aid that comprises a first cross member comprising a first distal end and a second distal end, a first elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, a second elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, a plurality of clips disposed along the lengths of the first cross member, the first elongated member, and/or the second elongated member, wherein the first distal end of the first cross member is attached to the terminal end of the first elongated member, and wherein the second distal end of the first cross member is attached to the terminal end of the second elongated member. A method of dressing is also disclosed comprising attaching a garment to a plurality of clips, at least one of the plurality of clips is attached to a first cross member, pulling a first elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, the terminal end connected to a first distal end of the first cross member, pulling a second elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, the terminal end connected to a second distal end of the first cross member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/665,020, filed on May 1, 2018, and entitled, “Lower Extremity Dressing Aid,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to dressing aids, and more particularly, to dressing aids that assist individuals with limited mobility to don or remove garments.

2. Description of Related Art

For those with limited mobility, including but not limited to individuals experiencing limited reach, bending, dexterity, flexibility, and/or stability, dressing their body presents many challenges. For example, limitations restricting bending at the hip may make the lower extremities impossible to reach. In another example, an individual's instability may increase the risk of falling due to the individual's failed attempts to maintain balance on a foot, or feet, while working the garment on or off the lower extremities. Further, limitations in mobility may force the individual to adopt a specific body posture that renders the dressing of the lower extremities extremely difficult if not impossible. These aforementioned examples are merely brief descriptions of the challenges that are commonly faced by individuals having limited mobility and are not intended to be an exhaustive listing of examples.

Deficient dressing aids exist in the art. A common type of dressing aid is conventionally known as a dressing stick. With this aid, the user grasps one end of the stick. Attached to the other, distal end, is a hook. Starting from a seated position, the individual dons or removes a garment by repeating a cycle of hooking, pulling and/or pushing, and unhooking the garment as it gradually covers, or is removed from, the lower extremities.

Another common type of lower extremity dressing aid is conventionally known as a “reacher,” also based on a stick. With this reacher, the user grasps a trigger handle attached to one end of the stick. The trigger opens and closes a jaw attached to the other, distal end. Starting from a seated position, the user dons or removes a garment by repeating a cycle of grasping, pulling and/or pushing, and ungrasping the garment as it gradually covers, or is removed from, the lower extremities.

The dressing stick and reacher require its users to invest substantial time and effort because such devices require the repeated cycle of attaching, pulling and/or pushing, and releasing the garment during the process of donning or removing the garment. Individuals become fatigued and exhausted from the effort. These aids often require individuals to extend, bend, lift and/or twist multiple body parts, such as the torso, knees, hips, shoulders, back, and arms, to the very limits of, or beyond their ranges of motion. For example, these aids force some individuals to lift their feet more than six inches off the ground or floor, a task that is difficult, if not impossible, for some of some individuals. These aids also do not hold a garment open, which would allow the users to more easily slip in or out of said garment. And these aids do not offer any support that improve the individual's stability.

Therefore, there is a need for a lower extremity dressing aid that allows its users to don or remove a garment with less effort and time, from multiple positions, utilizing a minimal range of motion, and with improved stability. This need has heretofore remained unsatisfied.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention offers users a variety of options in donning or removing a garment over their lower extremities. These options are not currently available in the art of lower extremity dressing aids, or these options are entirely non-existent in the respective field.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a dressing aid comprises a first cross member comprising a first distal end and a second distal end, a first elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, a second elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, a plurality of clips disposed along the lengths of the first cross member, the first elongated member, and/or the second elongated member, wherein the first distal end of the first cross member is attached to the terminal end of the first elongated member, and wherein the second distal end of the first cross member is attached to the terminal end of the second elongated member. In another embodiment, the dressing aid comprises a second cross member comprising a first distal end and a second distal end, wherein the first distal end of the second cross member is attached to first elongated member; and wherein the second distal end of the second cross member is attached to the second elongated member. In another embodiment, at least one of the plurality of clips is attached to the second cross member. In another embodiment, the first cross member, the first elongated member, or the second elongated member is extendable or retractable. In another embodiment, the dressing aid further comprises a first handle attached to the handle end of the first elongated member and a second handle attached to the handle end of the second elongated member. In another embodiment, the dressing aid of further comprises a clip extension, wherein the clip extension attaches one of the plurality of clips to the first cross member, the first elongated member, and/or the second elongated member. In another embodiment, the plurality of clips is selected from the group consisting of: suspender clips, bulldog clips, alligator clips, spring clamps, locking clamps, cushion-grip spring clamps, adjustable jaw spring clamps, clothes pins, binder clips, buttons, and magnetic clips.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a dressing aid comprises a first cross member comprising a first distal end and a second distal end, a second cross member comprising a first distal end and a second distal end, a first end connector connecting the first distal end of the first cross member to the first distal end of the second cross member, a second end connector connecting the second distal end of the first cross member to the second distal end of the second cross member, a first elongated member connected to the first cross member, the second cross member, the first end connector, or the second end connector, a plurality of clips, wherein the first elongated member is not co-planar with the plane defined by the connection points of the first cross member, the second cross member, the first end connector, and the second end connector. In another embodiment, the dressing aid further comprises a plurality of clip extensions. In another embodiment, the first cross member, the second cross member, the first end connector, or the second end connector is extendable.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for dressing comprises attaching a garment to a plurality of clips, at least one of the plurality of clips is attached to a first cross member, pulling a first elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, the terminal end connected to a first distal end of the first cross member, pulling a second elongated member comprising a handle end and a terminal end, the terminal end connected to a second distal end of the first cross member. In another embodiment, the method for dressing further comprises the step of attaching the garment to a second clip of the plurality of clips disposed on a second cross member, wherein the second cross member comprises a first distal end connected to the first elongated member and a second distal end connected to the second elongated member. In another embodiment, at least one of the plurality of clips is attached to the first cross member via a clip extension.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a dressing aid comprises elongated members. The elongated members allow users to operate within their limitations of mobility, flexibility, and/or stability by providing an extended length of material that the user may grasp at any location along the elongated members. For example, the elongated members allow users to reach the lowest point of an extremity without leaning forward or bending the back. They allow the user to pull the present disclosure straight upwards, allowing the user to don their lower extremities while standing. They allow users to lean back for balance. They allow users to move within their limited range of motion, such as allowing the feet to come off the ground or floor no more than six inches. They further allow multiple positions from which the user may don or remove a garment.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing aid further comprises a cross member with clips. The cross member allows users to attach the front part of the garment's waistline, if applicable, to the device and in a position that opens the entire top opening defined by the waistline, providing users a fixed opening through which the foot, or feet, may more easily insert into the garment. Further, this embodiment allows users to efficiently don or remove a garment, without the need for reattaching clips repeatedly throughout the process, thereby saving users valuable energy and time. The aforementioned clips are components combined with the cross member that work as a single unit in the present device.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing aid further comprises two extension members with clips. These extension members allow users to attach the back part of the garment's waist line, if applicable, to the device, thereby spreading the back of the garment's waist line flat against the ground or floor, creating an opening through which a foot, or feet, may more easily insert into the garment, and allowing the user to raise a foot, or feet, no more than six inches above the ground or floor. The aforementioned clips are components combined with the extension members on the present invention.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing aid further comprises user-extendable elongated members and user-configurable handles that allow the dressing aid to be configured, by its users, for optimum use. They allow users to dress from a sitting or lying position.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing aid is further composed from semi-rigid or rigid material. Such materials include, but are not limited to, any suitable polymer, metal, or composite material, or any combination thereof. The semi-rigidity or rigidity allows for both the donning and removal of lower extremity garments.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing aid further comprises a cross member, which may function as a rest bar. This allows users to balance and rest the present invention on their laps while attaching or detaching garments to or from the device. The rest bar also provides a graspable part that aids in controlling the device while guiding the garment up the lower extremity.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows:

FIG. 1 illustrates an elevated perspective view of a dressing aid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a detail perspective view of lengthened arms for use in a lower extremity dressing aid, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a detail perspective view of a cross bar, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a detail perspective view of a cross bar with clips, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a detail perspective view of clip extensions, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates an elevated perspective view of an assembled dressing aid with garment attached, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an elevated perspective view of a lower extremity dressing aid having retractable and extendable members, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1-7.

The components of an exemplary dressing aid, including without limitation, the elongated members, the first cross member, the second cross member, the clips 12, the extension members, and the handles, may be constructed from any rigid or semi-rigid material. For example, the dressing aid's components may be made from any suitable polymer, metal, or composite material, or any combination thereof. For example, the cross members, along with the handles and the elongated members may be constructed from tubing comprising any rigid or semi-rigid material. Further, such tubing may have any enclosed or unenclosed cross-section, for example, round tubing, square tubing, semi-circular tubing, or channel tubing.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing aid is further composed from a material suitable for inflatables. Such materials include, but are not limited to, any suitable rubber, nylon fabric, polyvinyl chloride and thermoplastic polyurethane. The inflatable nature of this embodiment promotes portability.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and with reference to FIG. 1, a lower extremity dressing aid 100 comprises a plurality of clips 102. The clips 102 comprise any device suitable for releasably attaching to, and holding, an article of clothing. For example, the clips 102 may be embodied as a suspender clip, a bulldog clip, an alligator clip, a spring clamp, a locking clamp, a cushion-grip spring clamp, an adjustable-jaw spring clamp, a clothes pin, or a binder clip. Further, the clips 102 may comprise a device that does not use spring-loaded and/or applied mechanical force to hold a garment. For example, the clips 102 may comprise magnets that attach to another magnet attached to an article of clothing, or buttons that attach to the garment. Moreover, such non-mechanical iterations may be used in conjunction with mechanical embodiments. For example, a single attachment clip 102 may comprise both a magnet and a spring clamp. It is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art to use various types of clips and/or other means for attaching and holding a garment in using the lower extremity dressing aid 100. Although FIG. 1 shows four clips 102 being used with the lower extremity dressing aid 100, any number of clips 102 may be used without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein.

In another exemplary embodiment, the dressing aid 100 may comprise a first cross member 103. The first cross member 103 may have a plurality of clips 102 attached thereto. The clips 102 may be attached permanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or any combination thereof, at any point along the first cross member 103 without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. Although the first cross member 103 is shown as having two clips 102, any number of clips 102, including zero, may be used without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. The clips 102 may be attached directly to the first cross member 103 or utilize extension members 104. Further, the first cross member 103 may be configured such that the clips 102 may be installed at any location along the first cross member 103. Further, the first cross member 103 and/or the second cross member 105 may be a fixed length or, alternatively, configured such that they are adjustable in length. In such an embodiment, the second cross member 105 and the first cross member 103 may be adjustable such that the overall width of the dressing aid 100 is user configurable. The second cross member 105 may further comprise a grip material 106. The second cross member 105 and the first cross member 103 may be substantially parallel to each other. The second cross member 105 and/or the first cross member 103 may be configured such that the perpendicular distance between the two is fixed or is adjustable. For example, the elongated members 101 may be attached to the first cross member 103 at its distal ends, and the second cross member 105 may be releasably attached to the elongated members 101 at the second cross member's 105 distal ends such that a user can release the second cross member 105 and slide it along a desired length along the axis of the elongated members 101. In such an embodiment, a user can adjust the distance between the second cross member 105 and the first cross member 103. Although the first cross member 103 and the second cross member 105 are shown as substantially straight, the first cross member 103 and/or the second cross member 105 may comprise other shapes. For example, the first cross member 103 and/or the second cross member 105 may be curved, or otherwise comprise a non-liner shape.

In another exemplary embodiment, the lower extremity dressing aid 100 comprises a second cross member 105. The second cross member 105 may be optionally wrapped in a grip material 106. The grip material 106 may comprise any material that promotes the user's ability to grasp and manipulate the dressing aid 100. For example, the grip material 106 may comprise of materials such as, but not limited to foam, cork, or grip tape material. The grip material 106 may be configured such that it is easily removed, replaced, and/or cleaned. A plurality of clips 102 may be attached to the second cross member 105. The clips 102 may be attached permanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or any combination thereof, without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. Although two clips 102 are shown as being used in combination with the second member 105, any number, including zero, may be utilized without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. Clip extensions 104 may be attached to the first cross member 103 and/or the second cross member 105. The extension members 104 may be a fixed length or may be configured such that they are extendable and/or retractable by a user. For example, the extension members may be telescopic, extendable, and/or retractable. Although the clip extensions 104 are shown as being attached to the distal ends of the second cross member 105, the extension members 104 may be attached to any position along the length of the first cross member 103 and/or second cross member 105. Additionally, the clip extensions 104 and/or the second cross member 105 may be configured such that the extension members 104 may be released and repositioned at any point along the second cross member 105 to facilitate the dressing aid's 100 use. The extension members 104 may further be configured such that their spatial position and orientation may be configured, by the user, in any orientation relative to the second cross member 105. For example, the clip extensions 104 may utilize a ball joint such that the extension members' 104 orientation may be user-configurable. The clips 102 may be attached to the extension members 104 such that the clips' 102 orientation may be configured, by the user, to reorient its spatial orientation relative to the clip 104 on which it is attached. The dressing aid 100 may optionally configured such that the clips 102 are attached directly to the second cross member 105, without using the extension members 104.

In another exemplary embodiment, the lower extremity dressing aid 100 comprises a plurality of elongated members 101. The elongated members' 101 first distal end may be attached to second cross member 105. The elongated members' 101 second distal end may comprise a handle 107. The elongated members 101 may be configured as fixed in length or as extendable, telescopic, and/or retractable. Further, the elongated members 101 and/or the handles 107 may comprise a grip material 106. The grip material 106 utilized on the second cross member 105, the arms 101, and/or the handles 107 may be the same material or, alternatively, may be differing materials. The handles 107 may be attached to the elongated members 101 in a fixed configuration. Alternatively, one or more of the handles 107 may be removably attached to an elongated member 101. The handle 107 may further be configured such that its orientation relative to the elongated member 101 may be adjustable. While not shown in a figure, one of more of the clips found in the plurality of clips 102 may be attached to any point on the elongated members 101. The clips 102 may be attached permanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or any combination thereof, at any point along the length of the elongated members 101 without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. Additionally, the elongated members need not be identical in length. one of more of the elongated members 101 may be substantially shorter than any other elongated member 101.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 2, the elongated members 200 may comprise handles 202 at one of the distal ends. The elongated members 200 may be configured such that their lengths may be independently adjusted by the user to accommodate a variety of different physical limitations and/or garments. Such adjustability may include, but is not limited to, elongated members 200 that are retractable, telescopic, and/or foldable. The handles 202 may be fixed or user-configurable to allow differing angles relative to the elongated members 200. Further, the elongated members 200 may comprise trigger handles (not shown) at one of the distal ends of the elongated members 200. The trigger handles may be attached remotely, mechanically, electronically or otherwise, to one or more clips 102, 501, 603, thereby allowing the user to manipulate one or more of the clips via the trigger handle. The trigger handles may be fixed or user-configurable to allow differing angles relative to the elongated members 200. Further, the elongated members 200 may comprise a grip material that promotes handling (not shown). The elongated members 200 may be modified in shape, length, size, features, angles, positioning, material, ability and the like, without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 3, the second cross member assembly 300 may have crossbar connectors 302 at each of the distal ends of the elongated portion 301 of the second cross member assembly 300. The connectors 302 may be configured such that the second cross member 300 is fixed on the dressing aid. Alternatively, the connectors 302 may be configured such that the second cross member assembly 300 is attached permanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or any combination thereof, to the dressing aid. Additionally, the second cross member 301 may comprise a grip material. The first cross member may be modified in shape, length, size, features, angles, positioning, material, ability and the like, without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. Additionally, the cross member assembly 300 may be configured such that its overall length is adjustable. In such an embodiment, for example, the elongated portion 301 may be configured to be retractable and/or telescopic. Alternative embodiments may be configured such that one or more of the connectors 302 are configured to extend the overall length of the assembly 300.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 4, the first cross member assembly 400 comprises a plurality of clips 402 disposed and attached along the length of the elongated portion 401 of the first cross member assembly 400. Some or all of the first cross member assembly 400 may further comprise grip material (not shown). The first cross member assembly 400 may be modified in shape, length, size, features, angles, positioning, material, ability and the like without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. For example, the elongated portion 401 may be configured to be telescopic.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 5, clip extensions 500 may be utilized in connection with the dressing aid. The clip extensions 500 may be attached permanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or any combination thereof, to any member of the dressing aid without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. The clip extensions 500 may be attached to the dressing aid such that they are fixed in position and/or orientation. Additionally, the extension members 500 may be attached to the dressing aid such that they are user-configurable in shape, length, and/or orientation, thereby allowing the user to alter the dressing aid to fit the garment and/or user being dressed. Even though two clip extensions 500 are shown, any number of clip extensions 500, including zero, may be attached to the dressing aid without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. The clip extensions 500 may comprise clips 501 that can be modified in shape, length, size, features, angles, positioning, material, ability, and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the clips 501 comprise an additional lever extension 502 that aids in the opening of the clip. Another example of a clip variation includes motorized clips that may be opened and closed remotely and/or electronically (not shown).

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 6, the dressing aid 600 comprises a second cross member 601, a first cross member 602, two elongated members 605, and two extension members 606. The second cross member 601 may be attached, at one of its distal ends 610 to one of the elongated members 605, and at the second cross member's 601 other distal end 610 to the other elongated member 605. The second cross member 601 may be configured such that its position along the elongated members 605 is user configurable. In an embodiment, a clip extension 606 may be attached to one of the second cross member's distal ends. Another clip extension 606 may also be attached to the other elongated member 605. Further, the extension members 606 may be configured such that their position along the length of one or more of the elongated members 605 is user configurable. The first cross member 602 may be attached, at one of its distal ends 611, to the first end 612 of one elongated member 605, and the first cross member's other distal end 611 may be attached to the first end 612 of the other elongated member 605. Clips 603 may be attached to the clip extensions 606. The first cross member 602 may have a plurality of clips 603 attached along its length. The clips 603 may be attached permanently, detachably, slideably, movably, hingably, or any combination thereof, without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein. Further, the second cross member 601 may comprise a plurality of clips 603 disposed thereon, in lieu of or in addition to, the clips 603 attached to the second cross member 601 and/or the first cross member 602. One or more of the clips 603 may be releasably attached to a garment 604. The dressing aid 600 may be modified in shape, length, size, features, angles, positioning, material, ability and the like, without departing from the embodiments contemplated herein.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first cross member 602, the second cross member 601, and/or the extension members 606, or any combination thereof, is slideably attached to the elongated members 605. A manually-operated, or motorized, pulley or spring, not shown, is placed on a substantially solid surface or mounted anywhere on the dressing aid 600. The pulley or spring is connected to the first cross member 602, the second cross member 601, and/or the elongated members 605, or any combination thereof, and the pulley or spring pulls the connected first cross member, second cross member, and/or extension members, or applicable combination thereof, up along a length of the elongated members.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure and with reference to FIG. 7, the dressing aid 700 comprises a first cross member 702 and a second cross member 701, each connected to elongated members 705. The dressing aid further comprises a plurality of clips 703 attached to the dressing aid 700 and are configured to hold a garment 704. One or more of the clips 703 may also be attached to the dressing aid 700 using clip extensions 705. In some embodiments, the clip extensions 703 are extendable. In such an embodiment, the clip extensions 705 may, for example, further comprise a button clip extension member 706, comprising a depressible button capable of locking into hole of a plurality of holes. In another embodiment, the first cross member 702 may also comprise a telescopic member 708. In such an embodiment, the telescopic member 708 may comprise a button clip extension. In another embodiment, the second cross member 701 may also comprise a telescopic member 707. In another embodiment, the elongated members 705 may also comprise telescopic member 709 that allows the length between the handles and the first cross member 702 to be user-configurable. In such an embodiment, the telescopic member may comprise, for example, a twist-lock design. Although the first cross member 702, the second cross member 701 and the elongated members 705 are shown as having a push button locks and twist locks, respectively, any type of telescopic member may be used without departing from the contemplated embodiments. For example, telescoping strut channel, telescoping slides, cam-locks, twist-locks, quick release ball locking pins, and tapering wall clamps may be utilized.

Although the embodiments are shown and described wherein the plane defined by the distal ends of the elongated members is substantially co-planer with the plane defined by the first and second cross members, these two planes can have other orientations without departing from the contemplated embodiments. For example, the plane defined by the first and second cross members can be approximately perpendicular to the plane defined by the elongated members. In such an embodiment, a user could arrange the dressing aid such that their feet are disposed within the area bounded by the first and second cross members. The user could then, in the standing position, pull their pants up using the elongated members while remaining upright.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the dressing aid comprises one or more cross members, wherein each of the cross members are comprised two distal end portions, and one or more elongated members, wherein each of the one or more elongated members are comprised of two distal end portions, one being the first end portion, and the other being the second end portion. A single cross member of the one or more cross members is attached to the first distal end portion of a single elongated member of the one or more elongated members at any location along the single cross member. The single cross member, and/or any other cross member may be straight, curved and/or any non-linear shape, or any combination thereof. Further, the dressing aid may comprise a plurality of clips, wherein one of the clips is attached to the single cross member, and the remainder of the clips are attached to any of the one or more cross members and/or any of the one or more elongated members, or any combination thereof. The one or more cross members, the one or more elongated members, and the plurality of clips may be attached permanently, detachably, movably, slideably, hingably, or some combination thereof. Further, the dressing aid may comprise one or more extension members, wherein each of the extension members are comprised of two distal end portions, and wherein one of the distal end portions of each of the extension members are attached to the single cross member at the distal end portions of the single cross member. The extension members may be attached permanently, detachably, movably, slideably, hingably or some combination thereof. At least one of the clips may be attached permanently, detachably, movably, slideably, hingably or some combination thereof, to the extension member. Any one or more of the cross members, elongated members and/or extension members may be retractable, telescoping, foldable, some combination thereof, or otherwise configured to have adjustable lengths.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims.

Claims

1. A dressing aid comprising:

a first cross member comprising a first distal end and a second distal end;

a first elongated member comprising a terminal end;

a second elongated member comprising a terminal end; and

at least one clip disposed along the lengths of the first cross member, the first elongated member, or the second elongated member;

wherein the first distal end of the first cross member is attached to the terminal end of the first elongated member; and

wherein the second distal end of the first cross member is attached to the terminal end of the second elongated member.

2. The dressing aid of claim 1 further comprising:

a second cross member comprising a first distal end and a second distal end;

wherein the first distal end of the second cross member is attached to first elongated member; and wherein the second distal end of the second cross member is attached to the second elongated member.

3. The dressing aid of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of clips is attached to the second cross member,

4. The dressing aid of claim 1, wherein the first cross member, the first elongated member, or the second elongated member is extendable or retractable.

5. The dressing aid of claim 1 further comprising:

a first handle attached to a handle end of the first elongated member opposite the terminal end; and

a second handle attached to a handle end of the second elongated member opposite the terminal end.

6. The dressing aid of claim 1 further comprising a clip extension;

wherein the clip extension attaches one of the plurality of clips to the first cross member, the first elongated member, and/or the second elongated member,

7. The dressing aid of claim 1, wherein the clip is a suspender clip, bulldog clip, alligator clip, spring clamp, locking clamp, cushion-grip spring clamp, adjustable jaw spring clamp, clothes pin, binder clip, button, magnetic clip, or a combination thereof.

8. A dressing aid comprising:

a first cross member comprising a first distal end and a second distal end;

a second cross member comprising a first distal end and a second distal end;

a first end connector connecting the first distal end of the first cross member to the first distal end of the second cross member;

a second end connector connecting the second distal end of the first cross member the second distal end of the second cross member;

a first elongated member connected to the first cross member, the second cross member, the first end connector, or the second end connector; and

a clip disposed along the length of the first cross member, the second cross member, the first end connector, or the second end connector;

wherein the first elongated member is not co-planar with the plane defined by the connection points of the first cross member, the second cross member, the first end connector, and the second end connector.

9. The dressing aid of claim 9 further comprising a clip extension.

10. The dressing aid of claim 9, wherein the first cross member, the second cross member, the first end connector, or the second end connector is extendable.

11. A method for dressing comprising:

attaching a garment to a plurality of clips, at least one of the plurality of clips is attached to a first cross member;

pulling a handle end of a first elongated member opposite a terminal end, the terminal end connected to a first distal end of the first cross member; and

pulling a handle end of a second elongated member opposite a terminal end, the terminal end connected to a second distal end of the first cross member;

12. The method for dressing of claim 11 further comprising the step of

attaching the garment to a second clip disposed on a second cross member;

wherein the second cross member comprises a first distal end connected to the first elongated member and a second distal end connected to the second elongated member.

13. The method for dressing of claim 11, wherein the clip is attached to the first cross member via a clip extension.