Abstract: An automatic shoe cover dispenser that includes a machine body, a traction and extension mechanism, a separation and hooking mechanism, a turning mechanism, a traction driving mechanism, and a shoe cover box. The body of the shoe cover box is equipped with a shoe cover separating exit. The separation and hooking mechanism extends into the shoe cover separating exit to pull out the shoe cover, and the traction and extension mechanism expands the shoe cover so that one merely has to insert a shoed foot into the stretched shoe cover with the tread of the shoe facing downwards. The advantages of the invention include its simple and rational structure, strong practicability, safety and reliability, and the use of a normal disposable shoe cover without special process and technical requirements, thus greatly reducing the costs of perishable items, and being affordable to a large quantity of consumers.

Abstract: Protective shoe covers have been widely used in health care settings and some manufacturing environments such as semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries. An automatic system that dispenses shoe covers to user's feet is disclosed. The system includes the micro control unit, the embedded software and the control algorithm, the electro-mechanical operational apparatus and physical and biophysical sensors. The methods that perform shoe cover fetching, stretching, extension and deployment are also presented in this application.

Abstract: A bracelet connection tool is disclosed that assists in the installation of a bracelet. The bracelet installation tool includes a base, a support beam, and a clamp. The support beam supports the clamp in a spaced relationship with the base. The clamp is capable of engaging a portion of the bracelet during installation. A method of installing a bracelet with the bracelet connection tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dressing device to aid individuals with the removal and installation of clothing tops, such as sport bras, comprising an elongate shaft including an upper end integral hook, and the shaft including a lower end including an integral hook.

Abstract: Device to change a glove used for manipulation in confined spaces, including a part to receive the hand in a flexible material, and a ring, on a longitudinal axis, around an opening in the glove for insertion of the hand, with said ring also having means for attachment to an enclosure forming a confined space, said attachment means being designed to be locked and unlocked by application of a substantially axial force, the device including a push device that is intended to be placed on the used glove, and a support that is intended to receive the new glove.

Abstract: An aid for pulling on stockings, especially compression stockings, comprising two parallel first struts, which are spaced mutually apart and each have a free upper end, and two parallel second struts, which are spaced mutually apart and whose upper ends are connected by an arcuate hoop, characterised in that the second struts are mounted such as to be pivotable about a pivot axis together with the hoop connected to them, said pivot axis running transversely to a longitudinal direction of said second strut, said second struts being movable into a first position, in which they are disposed adjacent to said first struts, and a second position, in which they are disposed at a V-shaped angle (?) to said first struts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal removal device enabling a footware item having a very short or very long upper from one or two moulds (28) side by side and at different heights with a normal inclination of the foot and a normal heel. The inventive device consists of two vertical belts (1) and (2) which pinch the foot of the item in order to extract it while remaining rotationally fixed with displacement according to the axis A-A? of the foot, in order to subsequently tilt the belt (38) with the aid of fingers (58) and (59). The rotation of the belts (1), (2), (38) and (66) and the simultaneous elevation of the fingers (58) and (59) at the same speed completes the removal of articles of any length without folds or tensing occurring. The inventive removal device is used, in particular, on machines which are used to form socks and tights.

Abstract: A device, method and system for facilitating placement of a sock, stocking, or other footwear are disclosed herein. An exemplary device may have a lower member, a handle, and a spreader. The lower member may have a first side and a second side. The first side and second side are sized to fit within footwear when the lower member is in a retracted position. The handle may be coupled to the lower member and allows a user to position the lower member. The spreader means moves the first side and the second side from a retracted position to an extended position. In the extended position, the first side and second side are sized to receive a foot of the user.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods of donning garments are provided wherein an expandable layer is temporarily inserted into a garment. A source such as a donning chamber is utilized to expand the temporary expandable layer, thus stretching the garment by an amount suitable to assist the wearer in donning the garment. Once donned, the expandable layer is at least partially removed from underneath the garment. For example, pieces of the expandable layer may be pulled through a mesh fabric of the garment, or otherwise slipped out from under the garment. Alternatively, the temporary expandable layer may be constructed such that, at least portions are soluble. Once the garment is donned, the soluble portions of the temporary expandable layer are dissolved using a corresponding solvent. Still further, a physical treatment such as ultrasound or ultraviolet radiation, may be used to crumble or disintegrate a portion or the entire temporary expandable layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in the donning of a foot covering is provided. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a base supported by the floor with a surface oriented at an angle to the floor so that it is not parallel to the floor. The surface has an area sufficient for contact with at least a portion of the bottom of a foot of a user. A foot covering retaining member is provided and is carried by the base. The foot covering retaining member is configured for receiving a foot covering and holding open an opening of the foot covering.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods of donning garments are provided wherein an expandable layer is temporarily inserted into a garment. A source such as a donning chamber is utilized to expand the temporary expandable layer, thus stretching the garment by an amount suitable to assist the wearer in donning the garment. Once donned, the expandable layer is at least partially removed from underneath the garment. For example, pieces of the expandable layer may be pulled through a mesh fabric of the garment, or otherwise slipped out from under the garment. Alternatively, the temporary expandable layer may be constructed such that, at least portions are soluble. Once the garment is donned, the soluble portions of the temporary expandable layer are dissolved using a corresponding solvent. Still further, a physical treatment such as ultrasound or ultraviolet radiation, may be used to crumble or disintegrate a portion or the entire temporary expandable layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in wearing on a sock is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a base having proximate and distal ends; an elongated caddy having a U-shape cross-section, a first end of said caddy being connected to the base at a location close to its distal end; a connecting pivot for pivotally connecting said first end of the elongated U-shape caddy with said base at a location close to the base distal end, allowing rotation of said elongated caddy about said pivot; and connecting means for affixing said base to a fixed or heavy article, such as a furniture article.

Abstract: An expanded glove has its palm and back portions brought into contact with the palm and back contacting portions, respectively, of an expansion restricting member so that the palm portion of the glove may be drawn through vent holes formed in the palm contacting portion and engaged with an inclined engaging part on the palm contacting portion.

Abstract: A device and method to aid in the donning and doffing of prosthetic liners. A vacuum is created between the device and the prosthetic liner in order to expand the prosthetic liner. The device and the liner can then be placed in position on a residual limb and the vacuum released to aid in donning the liner. To doff a liner, the device is placed in position over a residual limb carrying a prosthetic liner. A vacuum is created between the device and the liner to expand the liner in order to aid doffing.

Abstract: A reacher has a near end with a handle and a trigger. A reacher has a far end. An intermediate extent is provided between the near end and the far end. A sock aide is removably coupled to the reacher adjacent to the far end. A shoe horn is slidably supported on the reacher adjacent to the far end.

Abstract: A bracelet attachment assistance device has a frame member, a clamp member and a slider arm. The clamp member has a connection segment coupled to the frame member, a first jaw member, a second jaw member movable between an opened-clamp position and a closed-clamp position, and a clamping region along the first and second jaw members. The slider arm member is seated on the frame member, and has a biased distal end, and is movable between a closed position whereat the distal end is positioned adjacent the clamping region of the clamp member and an opened position whereat the distal end is positioned spaced apart from the clamping region of the clamp member. This bracelet assistant is used by gripping the spring ring of the bracelet between the thumb and the finger of either the target hand or the non-target hand with the tab of the spring ring, and then inserting the distal end of the spring ring into the clamp and positioning the spring ring with the tab close to or abutting the forward side of the slider arm.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that facilitate doffing of protective apparel. The systems and methods employ handwear worn under a glove, such as a disposable fingered glove. The handwear is designed or configured such that when a user doffs the handwear and outer glove, the handwear restrains the glove. When a user pulls the handwear and outer glove inside-out, the inside-out handwear may contain and capture portions of the glove, which reduces exposure by the person to the previously outer (and contaminated) surfaces of the glove.

Abstract: A hosiery donning aid apparatus comprises a body formed as a channel having interior and exterior surfaces and two outer edges extending along a longitudinal axis of the body. A frictional arrangement is provided consisting of a multiplicity of spaced from each other frictional ribs extending outwardly from the exterior surface in such a manner that a substantial gap separates each end of each frictional rib from the respective outer edges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fitting an extendible support stocking on a person, optionally oneself, comprising a fixed part supporting a first upper plate (1) having a first upper tongue (2) secured thereto, a movable part slidably mounted on a guide system of said fixed part and supporting a second lower plate (3) having a second lower tongue (4) secured thereto, lever means to move said movable part with respect to said fixed part by making it slide along said guide system from an initial position wherein said first tongue (2) and said second tongue (4) are close to each other and thereby cooperate to form a sleeve that can be fitted inside said stocking, to an operating position wherein said first tongue (2) and said second tongue (4) are progressively moved apart from each other thereby extending said stocking fitted onto said sleeve, then to a releasing position wherein said lower plate (3) is removed separate from said upper plate (1).

Abstract: The present invention is a device that provides a trouble free method to invert glove appendages expeditiously; especially but not exclusively, industrial, heavy duty, lined, rubber gloves; to facilitate efficient cleaning and subsequent rapid drying of the lining, which consists of a base that has an opening and a pushrod that fits into the opening in the base to be securely mounted therein, wherein the exposed concave tip of the pushrod engages the tip of the glove appendage and insures continuous engagement thereof while the glove is peeled down over the pushrod, thereby accomplishing complete inversion of the glove appendage further providing means to promote and maintain healthy morbidity free hands.

Abstract: A testing apparatus to test electrical insulating gloves is disclosed. The apparatus is a cylindrically shaped, grooved housing unit with an air outlet and an air valve that attaches to a glove inflator, such as the G-I Glove Inflator, to allow testing of various sizes of electrical insulating gloves of varying voltage ratings. The electrical insulating glove is stretched over a groove and held in place by a stretchable o-ring, thereby allowing the glove inflator to inflate the glove to a sufficient size to enable to electrical worker to inspect the glove for damage and leakage, which, if present, would decrease or eliminate the effectiveness of the glove's insulating characteristics.

Abstract: A hosiery donning aid consists of a base, at least one hosiery support and at least one handle support. The hosiery support has a support element carried by the base. The handle support has a handle outwardly extending from the base in adjacent relationship to the hosiery support.

Abstract: A Velcro closure comprising at least one set of a first and a second surface each having a front side, in which the front sides, when placed against each other, stick to close the closure, in which the closure can be opened by pulling apart the front sides placed against each other, in which at least the first surface is of bendable design and is provided with a first longitudinal edge connected to a pulling part, in which the first surface is provided with a second longitudinal edge of fixed design located substantially opposite the first longitudinal edge, while the pulling part and the first surface are included in a hem provided with at least one recess for being able to place the first surface therein; and a first open end, while the pulling part projects outside the first open end and the second longitudinal edge is fixedly connected to the inside of the hem.

Abstract: The device is made from low friction factor fabric, has the shape of a plane figure with a catch element (1) at its one end beneficially in the form of a pocket, and at its other end there is a fastening element (2) in the form of a tape, press stud or some other well-known fasteners.

Abstract: An automatic gloving apparatus includes a glove storage portion in which a plurality of gloves are stored. A glove conveying mechanism takes out one of the gloves stored in the glove storage portion and conveys the glove to a hand insertion position where a hand can be inserted into the glove, and a glove holding mechanism opens the mouth of the glove in the hand insertion position so that the hand can be inserted into the glove through the mouth. Air is intermittently blown into the glove held by the glove holding mechanism through an air-blow port provided in the glove holding mechanism.

Abstract: The device to allow physically limited persons to put on or remove socks includes an elongate U-shaped sock caddy and two rigid elongate pivotal handles. The sock caddy has a rounded base with a projecting heel portion and rounded sidewalls with vertical steps in each along its upper edge. The steps in the sidewalls and heel are located such that a sock is held open to be put on and maintained on the caddy while the sock is positioned on the foot. Each handle is pivotally attached and rotates in relation to the caddy with an adjustable resistance. Each handle has a contoured grip with a deep V-shaped notch in the extreme end that leads to a slot so that either handle may be used as a utensil to remove and retrieve socks and as a shoehorn.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a handle; a clasp holder mechanically coupled to the handle and adapted for holding a jewelry clasp; an eyelet holder mechanically coupled to the handle and adapted for holding a jewelry eyelet; and a clasp operator mechanically coupled to the handle and adapted for operating an operating lever of the jewelry clasp, the handle being adapted for being deformed so as to operate the operating lever and to couple the jewelry clasp with the jewelry eyelet.

Abstract: A button fastening device includes a button holding section formed with a button guide opening and a gripper section. The button guide opening 6 is formed so as to extend in one direction and the gripper section is formed so as to extend in a direction obliquely intersecting the above-mentioned one direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a glove from a hand and retaining it in position includes a housing and a pair of self-facing arcuate members disposed on the inside thereof of opposite side walls of the housing. A plurality of downward facing bristles are attached to a lower portion of each of the arcuate members that are disposed in close proximity to each other. When a gloved hand is inserted into the device in a downward directions the arcuate members flex in toward the side walls to accommodate the gloved hand and the bristles allow for easy downward passage. When the hand is then withdrawn in an upward direction, the arcuate members force the bristles to bear into the glove preventing the glove from being extracted in an upward direction. Accordingly, the glove is retained in the device as the hand is pulled upward out from the device. Foam spacers provide additional force to urge the arcuate members toward the glove.

Abstract: A glove donning system and method, the arrangement having typically a vacuum wand for grasping the outer skin of the cuff portion of a glove, after which the wand together with the glove is suitably transported to a vacuum chamber, where the cuff portion is aligned with the rim of the opening of the vacuum chamber. By grasping only the outer skin of the glove, the cuff portion is gently opened sufficiently to enable a deflated inflatable ring to be inserted into the cuff portion. The ring is then inflated while positioned inside the cuff portion, which is thereby expanded until it touches the rim of the vacuum chamber. The rim is provided with a suction ring capable of generating sufficient suction to keep the cuff of the glove pressed against the rim, at which point the inflatable ring may be deflated and removed. A vacuum may then be applied to the chamber, inflating the glove and thus enabling a hand to be inserted thereinto.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a handle; a clasp holder mechanically coupled to the handle and adapted for holding a jewelry clasp; an eyelet holder mechanically coupled to the handle and adapted for holding a jewelry eyelet; and a clasp operator mechanically coupled to the handle and adapted for operating an operating lever of the jewelry clasp, the handle being adapted for being deformed so as to operate the operating lever and to couple the jewelry clasp with the jewelry eyelet.

Abstract: A prosthesis dressing aid for allowing a user to easily slip an article of clothing about the artificial limb. The prosthesis dressing aid includes a prosthesis being adapted to be attached to a user's limb; and also includes a sleeve being removably disposed about the prosthesis to facilitating dressing of the prosthesis with an article of clothing.

Abstract: The device is made from low friction factor fabric, has the shape of a plane figure with a catch element (1) at its one end beneficially in the form of a pocket, and at its other end there is a fastening element (2) in the form of a tape, press stud or some other well-known fasteners.

Abstract: Ultra low friction sheath for facilitating donning and wearing of a prosthesis on a residual limb. The sheath is configured to remain between the residual limb and the prosthesis during normal use of the prosthesis for its intended purpose. A low friction sheath can also be used to help don a shoe on a prosthetic foot.

Abstract: An automatic gloving apparatus includes a glove storage portion in which a plurality of gloves are stored. A glove conveying mechanism takes out one of the gloves stored in the glove storage portion and conveys the glove to a hand insertion position where a hand can be inserted into the glove, and a glove holding mechanism opens the mouth of the glove in the hand insertion position so that the hand can be inserted into the glove through the mouth. Air is intermittently blown into the glove held by the glove holding mechanism through an air-blow port provided in the glove holding mechanism.

Abstract: A hosiery removal and retrieval tool with a notch for shoe removal and a shoehorn, for use by individuals with limited mobility. The tool has a substantially cylindrical elongated shank having a first end and a second end. The first end of the shank terminates in a rounded portion, having a substantially cylindrical prong which extends from the shank at an angle, and also having a notch. The prong is used for pushing socks or stockings off the foot of the user. The notch is used for pushing a shoe off the foot of the user. The prong additionally has a rough strip located on a portion of its surface for aiding a user in retrieving hosiery once it has been removed by use of the prong. The second end of the shank has a shoehorn, for aiding a user in putting the shoe onto the foot.

Abstract: A device suitable for use in donning a ski boot and a method of using the device to don a ski boot. According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a wheel mounting bracket, the wheel mounting bracket comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinally-extending slot disposed therebetween. A wheel is rotatably mounted within the longitudinally-extending slot and is shaped to include a proximal extension and a distal extension. A first handle is fixed to the distal end of the wheel mounting bracket, and a second handle is fixed to the distal extension of the wheel. A first spreader is fixed to the proximal extension of the wheel, and a second spreader is fixed to the proximal end of the wheel mounting bracket. The wheel is provided with a plurality of teeth along its periphery. A pawl, which is pivotally mounted on the wheel mounting bracket, is engageable with the teeth and is biased towards the teeth by a spring clip.

Abstract: Device and method for taking off a therapeutic elastic sock. A device 1 for taking off a therapeutic elastic sock has a strip 3 and a handle 5 which is connected to the strip. The strip 3 is put between the leg 13 of a person wearing the sock and the sock 7 and then pushed downwards pushing the sock 7 off. In order to make it easier to push the sock off, the strip 3 is made of a flexible material. Because of this, the strip 3 bends round the heel 11 of the person wearing the sock and the force 17 on the sock 7 is exerted more in the direction the sock is taken off 19 than in the direction of the leg.

Abstract: A button fastening device includes a button holding section formed with a button guide opening and a gripper section. The button guide opening 6 is formed so as to extend in one direction and the gripper section is formed so as to extend in a direction obliquely intersecting the above-mentioned one direction.

Abstract: A surface neuroprosthetic device for functional electrical stimulation (FES) having a locating system for locating the device on to a limb segment of a user, and a method therefor, the device including: (a) an at least semi-rigid exoskeleton shell for encompassing at least a portion of the limb segment; (b) at least one electrical stimulation electrode operatively connected with the shell, for making electrical contact with a surface of the limb segment, so as to effect FES of at least one muscle of the limb segment; and (c) a locator, operatively connected with the shell, for determining a positioning of the shell relative to the limb segment, such that the electrode is positioned near an activating point, the locator including: (i) means for determining rotational positioning of the exoskeleton shell on the limb segment, and (ii) means for determining longitudinal positioning of the exoskeleton shell on the limb segment.

Abstract: A glove donning system and method, the arrangement having typically a vacuum wand for grasping the outer skin of the cuff portion of a glove, after which the wand together with the glove is suitably transported to a vacuum chamber, where the cuff portion is aligned with the rim of the opening of the vacuum chamber. By grasping only the outer skin of the glove, the cuff portion is gently opened sufficiently to enable a deflated inflatable ring to be inserted into the cuff portion. The ring is then inflated while positioned inside the cuff portion, which is thereby expanded until it touches the rim of the vacuum chamber. The rim is provided with a suction ring capable of generating sufficient suction to keep the cuff of the glove pressed against the rim, at which point the inflatable ring may be deflated and removed. A vacuum may then be applied to the chamber, inflating the glove and thus enabling a hand to be inserted thereinto.

Abstract: The present invention provides glove removal and/or retention apparatus and a method of removing and putting on gloves using the apparatus. The apparatus comprises housing means having a respective opening to receive, in use, a respective left and right gloved hand. The housing means comprises a hollow tube whose interior is contactable with the exterior of each glove in a light gripping or frictional manner which offers a resistance to removal of the glove on withdrawal of a hand from the glove. The housing provides abutment means for limiting the distance that the glove can be inserted into the housing. The abutment means is positioned to contact the gloved hand between the thumb and index finger and in a preferred embodiment consists apertures into which a thumb of each gloved hand is inserted. The apertures are positioned so that the gloved thumb of one hand can be contacted by the gloved thumb of the other hand.

Abstract: A support hose applicator and method for applying and removing elastic tubular material from a limb of a patient comprises a resiliently expandable support ring having rotatable sidewalls, and a mandrel with elongated sidewalls on which the support ring fits. The hose or tubular material is applied to a patient by first pulling an open end of the hose over the mandrel. The support ring is then placed over the hose and mandrel. The hose is then rolled onto the support ring as the support ring is rolled along the mandrel. The hose is applied to a patient by rolling the support ring along the limb of the patient while holding a free end of the hose in place. The support ring comprises a plurality of ring segments rotatably mounted on a resiliently expandable band that is expandable to make the ring larger.

Abstract: A device for securing a ring to a person's finger. The device comprises an elongated loop connected at one end to a wristband. The loop has a free end away from the wristband that can be threaded through the ring, after which the wristband is threaded though the loop between the free end and the ring and pulled until the loop is wrapped snugly around the ring. The ring is then placed on the person finger and the wristband is placed in the person's wrist, thereby securing the ring.

Abstract: A bracelet fastening tool comprising a band which fits around the wrist of a user and a resilient, bracelet-securing bracket coupled to the band. The resilient, bracelet-securing bracket comprises a bracelet docking pad having a width which is wider than the width of the band wherein one side of the bracelet docking pad radiates from the band and tapers and arcs to form a hooking implement. Holes are formed in the other side of said bracelet docking pad. A resilient strapping member is tied to the holes and is adapted to hook onto the hooking implement across the bracelet docking pad to secure the bracelet. The band may be elastic or an open-ended or C-shaped spring band made of a flexible metal.

Abstract: A latex glove removal and disposal device including a container having an open upper end, a closed lower end, a front wall, a back wall, and opposed side walls. A cover member is dimensioned for positioning over the open upper end of the container. The cover member has a closed upper end, an open lower end, a front wall, a back wall, and opposed side walls. The front wall of the cover member has an opening therethrough. A glove removal apparatus is secured to the container and is positionable between a person's wrist and an opening of a latex glove to facilitate removal of the latex glove from the person's hand.

Abstract: The invention provides a footwear donning device. The device includes a carriage for holding the footwear, a flexible fore handle coupled to the carriage and a handle coupled to the fore handle for donning the footwear.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to glove inflation apparatuses and methods for donning sterile gloves. The apparatuses includes at least one vacuum chamber that has an opening sized and shaped for receiving a glove and for establishing a fluid-tight seal between the glove and the vacuum chamber. The apparatuses further includes a vacuum pump which is connected to the chamber and a source of compressed gas which is in fluid communication with the glove. The apparatuses further includes a switch that is connected to the pump and the source of compressed gas. The switch has two states. In the first state, the switch permits the pump to evacuate the chamber. In the second state, the switch permits the source of compressed gas to expel the glove from the opening of the chamber.

Abstract: A glove donning and doffing arrangement includes at least a glove, at least a glove station for supporting the glove in a hand-down position, a first attaching element provided on a non-operating area of the glove, and a second attaching element provided on the glove station in such a manner the glove is adapted to detachably attach on the glove station in a hand-down position by attaching the first attaching element to the second attaching element. Therefore, in the hand-down position, a wearer is capable of donning and doffing the glove easily while the wearer's hand is in naturally hang-down manner without contacting the exterior surface of the glove.

Abstract: A glove donning apparatus for donning a glove with a single hand, which comprises a pair of upstanding elongated bars supported by rods from a stationary member, wherein the bars are shaped and sized so that the glove may be trained over the bars at the open or cuff end of the glove to thereafter hold the glove in position for insertion of the hand.