Putting On Or Removing Garments Patents (Class 223/111)
  • Publication number: 20020050499
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Kurwin J. Binder, Leon E. McCrary, Edward Jordan
  • Patent number: 6293444
    Abstract: A clamp for holding in one hand and assisting in donning a bracelet. The clamp includes a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. The stationary jaw extends along the palm of the one hand on which the bracelet is to be donned and the wrist on which the bracelet is to be donned and is releasably grasped between the palm of the one hand on which the bracelet is to be donned and the fingers of the one hand on which the bracelet is to be donned. The movable jaw is pivotally mounted to, and biased against, the stationary jaw, and together with the stationary jaw releasably hold one end of the bracelet therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Caroline Miller
  • Patent number: 6283342
    Abstract: A footwear donning assistance device is provided. The footwear donning assistance device includes a handle or looped web and an insertion member. The insertion member is made from resilient materials and includes a central element and two wing elements. The central member and wing elements prevent the footwear piece from being folded or rolling inwardly when being donned. An upper portion of the central element is concavely shaped to guide the user's heel into the shoe. The wing elements may be flared to guide the user's foot and to prevent adjacent portions of the shoe from being folded or rolled when being donned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Melvin T. Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 6279792
    Abstract: An apparatus facilitating the removal of a pair of latex gloves from the hands of a wearer as the forearms of the wearer are slid therealong utilizes a support base and a pair of blade-like members which are secured to the base in a stationary relationship therewith and in a side-by-side relationship. Each blade-like member includes an arcuate edge which extends forwardly of the base so that as a wearer of a pair of rubber gloves slides the inside surfaces of his forearms in a rearward direction along the surfaces of the blade-like members, the cuff portions of the glove accept and become hooked upon the arcuate edges of the blade-like members so that continued movement of the forearms rearwardly along the blade-like members backs the hands out of the gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas G. Neal
  • Patent number: 6276578
    Abstract: A sock holding device for aiding a user with putting on socks without bending over. The sock holding device includes a sock holding assembly for holding a sock open for facilitating insertion of a foot into the sock. The sock holding assembly includes a sock holding member which includes a pair of spaced arms. The spaced arms are positioned such that the sock holding member is designed for holding an open end of the sock in an open position. A handle extending from the sock holding member, is elongated such that the handle is designed for minimizing bending of a user while positioning the sock holding member proximate a foot of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Ralph G. Stenger
  • Patent number: 6276576
    Abstract: A tie tucking apparatus for engaging an edge of a segment of a neck tie wrapped around a user shirt collar and for guiding the tie underneath the user shirt collar includes a plate of relatively unyielding material having a tie engaging end including a tie edge engaging slot extending into the plate and defining plate tabs separated by the engaging slot, the plate tabs being spaced apart by the engaging slot. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a collar abutment plate edge, and the collar abutment edge preferably is angled relative to the engaging slot so that the plate narrows at the tie engaging end to fit more easily under a collar. The plate preferably is elongate and has a plate longitudinal axis and two opposing plate longitudinal ends. The engaging slot optionally extends into the plate parallel to the plate longitudinal axis. Each plate longitudinal end preferably is a tie engaging end, so that the plate may be gripped by a user from either plate longitudinal end for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: James B. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20010007329
    Abstract: The present invention provides glove removal and/or retention apparatus and a method of removing and putting on gloves using the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventor: Allan William Stobart
  • Patent number: 6241134
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel apparatus and method for removing gloves including a glove removal member. When a glove wearer inserts the glove removal member between the a glove and the wearer's hand or forearm, and the portions of the apparatus cooperate to remove the glove from the wearer's hand as the wearer's hand moves in a direction away from the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: David Dunkel
  • Patent number: 6234369
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for putting on hosiery, comprising a unit for mounting the hosiery which has two receiving parts which by way of guiding means can be spread in relation to each other between a resting position and at least one stretching position. In said device the positioning means form part of a drive unit embodied as an element which is separate from the mounting unit and said mounting unit can be temporarily and removably connected to the drive unit with a view to moving the receiving parts into the at least one stretching position. The invention also relates to the use of said device for putting on support hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Bort GmbH
    Inventor: Rudi Bort
  • Patent number: 6234370
    Abstract: Individuals who have difficulties in donning a foot covering such as a sock or stocking are provided with the assistance of a sock starter having a base and two opposing members extending over a toe end of the base. The opposing members are pivotally coupled laterally to the base to form a cavity corresponding to the outline of the forward portion of a foot. A user draws an opening of the foot covering over the opposing members and under a laterally and forwardly open relieved area of the toe end of the base. The user then places the sock starter upon the floor. Then the forward portion of the foot is inserted into the cavity, and longitudinally extended to capture the foot covering onto the forward portion of the foot and withdrawing the foot covering from the sock starter. The exposed opposing members then open when contacted by the foot allowing the foot to be removed from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventors: Werner Kummerle, Kevin K. Kummerle
  • Patent number: 6213360
    Abstract: A system for changing the gloves of a glove box. The system requires the use of a new glove and a glove change ring to form a temporary secondary barrier to the exchange of atmospheres between the inner glove box and the room in which the glove box is operated. The system describes specific means for disengaging a used glove from the glove box port. The means for disengaging the used glove include use of a glove change hook and use of a glove with an attached tab for use in removal. A method for changing the gloves of a glove box is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Alan Aluisi
  • Patent number: 6193117
    Abstract: Glove fitting apparatus including cuff holding means (14) adapted to hold open the cuff opening of a glove, and adapted to release said glove after insertion of a user's hand, and support means (20) for supporting the cuff holding means. The glove may be released directly from the holding means, or alternatively, the glove may be released by way of releasing of the holding means from the support means. The retaining means may include stiffening means wherein the support means releasably holds the stiffening means and the glove supported thereby. It is also preferred that the stiffening means includes a ring assembly (14) comprising two rings which fit closely one inside the other such that when the opening of the glove is fitted over the inner ring, the outer ring may be tightly engaged about the inner ring to clamp the opening of the glove between the two rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Keith Poschelk
  • Patent number: 6135331
    Abstract: A ski boot remover 1 of minimal size that can be attached to a floor or alternately attached to a portable base plate 6. The remover has a horizontal engagement lip 2 and left and right mounting flanges 4. The lip 2 is spaced above the bottom of the flanges by a enough distance to admit the rear binding plate of a ski boot. When the remover is placed on a floor this distance becomes the distance from the floor to the lip. With the flanges attached to a floor, the rear binding plate 11 of a ski boot is slipped under the lip, and the foot is lifted to remove the boot. For portable use, the mounting flanges are attached to a base plate in such a way that the bottom surfaces of the flanges are coplanar with the bottom surface of the base plate. A user holds the base plate against the floor with the ball of one foot 12 while using the engagement lip to remove a ski boot from the other foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Richard Maurice Davis
  • Patent number: 6120068
    Abstract: An improved necktie knot forming apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a main, cylindrical body, means connected to the body for holding the necktie in position while the knot is being formed, and two projecting and divergent elongated elements protruding from one end of the cylindrical body, said elements providing wrap assist elements for knot formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Nino DiPietro
  • Patent number: 6112958
    Abstract: A combination bracelet, button, and zipper fastening device includes an elongated handle having a first end and a second end with a first releasable clamping means coupled to the first end and a removable, reversible end cap on the second end. The first releasable clamping means are operable to releasably hold at least one interlocking member of a releasable clasp of a bracelet. The removable, reversible end cap has a button hook and a chain attached to one end and an interlocking member on the other end. A second releasable clamping means is attached to the end of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventors: Ralph LaMacchia, Barbara Bush
  • Patent number: 6102262
    Abstract: A footwear donning assist assembly for making it easier, less strenuous and more convenient for a user to put on footwear. The footwear donning assist assembly includes an elongate base member, a foot support mount attached to a top side of the base member, a foot support member having a first end hingedly attached to an end of the base member and being supported at a slant upon the foot support mount, a sleeve-like foot receiving member mounted upon the foot support member and being dimensioned to have an article of footwear inserted therein with the open end of the footwear being draped about one end of the sleeve-like foot receiving member, and a flexible line having clip members at the ends thereof for grasping onto an article of footwear to assist pulling up the footwear over the foot and leg of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: William Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6056171
    Abstract: A sock donning aid for holding open the ankle opening of a sock for aiding the insertion of a user's foot into the sock. The sock donning aid includes an elongate main member a proximal handle portion, a distal heel portion, and a bend interposed between the proximal handle portion and the distal heel portion. The main member has a finger hook at a proximal end of the main member. The main member has a spaced apart pair of elongate side wing coupled thereto and forwardly extending from the distal end of the main member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Eugene Santamaria
  • Patent number: 6053380
    Abstract: This invention is an electronically sanitized medical glove dispensing machine. Not only does the machine place the warm gloves on your hands, it also takes them off and disposes of them in a sanitary way, such as a biohazard bag. The apparatus works via a compressor and a circuit board, along with sensors, "gripper clips", small air hoses, latex gloves, and a stainless steel housing. The sanitized glove is inflated so the hand can be placed in the glove before usage. A hook grips the gloves after the medical worker is finished with them, removes them, and sanitizes them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Tony D. Sherrod
  • Patent number: 6036065
    Abstract: A jewelry installation device comprising a clamping device for operatively supporting a spring ring for coupling ends of an article of jewelry together, comprises a support and a clamp supported by the support. The support may comprise a handle structured and configured to be grasped between the fingers and the palm of a user's hand so as to orient the clamp proximate the wrist of the user. The clamp is structured and configured to hold the spring ring of a chain bracelet in an open position and proximate the wrist of the user, rendering both hands of the user free to grasp and operate the spring ring and manipulate the jump ring of the chain (opposite the spring ring) to engage the jump ring with the spring ring. Upon opening the clamp, the spring ring is released and upon being released, the spring ring closes upon the jump ring, coupling the spring ring and jump ring together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventors: Barry Wofford, Pamela D. Wofford
  • Patent number: 6032839
    Abstract: Described is an aid for putting on elastic stockings having a closed toe portion, comprising: a substantially flat and flexible body (101) in the form of a single sheet of smooth material having a substantially triangular configuration; continuous closing strips (112, 113) provided along opposite edges (102, 103) of the body and extending along a part of the length of the sides (102, 103) of the triangular body (101); a coupling means (134; 146; 170) for coupling the closing means (112, 113) together, and a grip (105) provided near the top (104) of the triangular body (101) for removing the aid (100) from between a foot (64) and a stocking (63) applied around said foot. The closing means (112, 113) may be based on, e.g., Velcro.RTM., a zipper with a runner or a plastic zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Arion International B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Theodorus Johannes Joosten, Huibert Paul Maria Pollmann
  • Patent number: 6021935
    Abstract: Since surgical gloves contact patients' blood and focuses, there is a possibility of infection, especially the case of Hepatitis B virus and AIDS if hands contact blood on the gloves. Therefore, a glove release apparatus of the present invention is for safely and sanitarily pulling off a glove made of a stretchable material from a hand and comprises a housing having an opening to which the hand wearing the glove is inserted, and an engagement unit for hooking an insertion opening of the glove, please near the opening of the housing. In order to pull off the glove, the hand wearing the glove is inserted into the opening of the housing and the insertion opening of the glove is hooked to the engagement unit. Then, as the hand is moved towards the opening of the housing, the glove is gradually pulled off from the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Narimitsu Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 6000065
    Abstract: Then apparatus for assisting in the removal of a helmet from a wearer thereof, particularly when the wearer is unconscious or injured, comprises: a framework constructed, sized and arranged to fit around a conventional helmet; an engaging mechanism for engaging the inside of a jaw covering portion on each side of the helmet; and an actuating means for causing at least one of the engaging mechanism to be moved laterally outwardly to spread apart the jaw covering portions of the helmet to facilitate removal of the helmet from the head of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: John C. Deagan
  • Patent number: 5974701
    Abstract: A shoe donning enabler adapted for use with a dressing stick but which can be used without a dressing stick by some patients. The enabler can be attached to an ordinary pair of shoes and may be supplied as a conversion kit. The enabler has a ring supported at the back of a shoe on a lace, a first end of which is attached to the ring and a second end of which is threaded through a pair of holes provided in the back of the shoe. The second end of the lace passes from the inside of the shoe through one of the holes, passing back through the second hole into the inside of the shoe and is attached to the ring. The lace is long enough that the ring hangs outside the shoe where it can be hooked with a dressing stick or finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Virginia G. Busch
  • Patent number: 5975386
    Abstract: A zipper manipulating tool for opening and closing zippers located on the back of garments comprising an elongated body having a head portion for slidably receiving a cap. The end of the head portion is provided with a hook member adapted to be inserted into an eye formed within a zipper pull-tab and a spring-biased latch pin coupled to a toggle button to open and close the latch. A flexible cord is connected between the tool body at the end opposite to the hook member and the cap. In use, the zipper manipulating tool is attached to a garment zipper before it is worn by inserting the hook member into the eye formed within the zipper pull-tab. The cap attached to the tool body via the flexible cord serves as a handle to pull the zipper open or close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Linda Carol Fernicola
  • Patent number: 5934526
    Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, opposing jaws are biased closed for grasping the clasp of a string type bracelet. Prior to grasping, as the clasp is being inserted between the jaws, a post or boss asserts a reactive force against an operating lever of the clasp causing the clasp to open. While the clasp is held open, the jaws are released to grasp the clasp and keep it open. Preferably the jaws are affixed to a wrist band which when wrapped around a user's wrist holds the grasped clasp in a position to loop the bracelet around the wrist and hook an eyelet at the opposite end of the bracelet onto the clasp. When the jaws are opened to release the clasp, the clasp closes capturing the eyelet. The wrist band is then removed leaving only the bracelet around the wrist. The clip can also be used to hold earring clasps for easy placement on earring studs, and for other kinds of jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: Richard L. Rosenbaum, Virginia L. Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 5927573
    Abstract: A shoe horn apparatus for helping a user insert a foot into a shoe. The shoe horn apparatus has a heel element matched to the heel of the user's foot and in addition the apparatus has a tongue part to hold the tongue of the shoe forward while the user inserts his foot. Portions of the shoe horn part and the tongue part are positioned to fit inside the shoe with the shoe horn being adjacent to the back edge of the shoe and the tongue part being adjacent to the lace part of the shoe, providing a space in between the shoe horn part and the tongue part for the user's foot to slip into the shoe guided by said shoe horn part and said tongue part. A support tab at the bottom of the handle in conjunction with the shoe horn and the tongue parts hold the shoe steady while it is being put on. The device permits the user to pretie his shoes. In a preferred embodiment a spring member permits a shoe to be held in spring compression between the support tab and the shoe horn and tongue parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: Anthony Votino, Louis Votino
  • Patent number: 5924609
    Abstract: A method of taking off an elastic cover (3) for limbs is characterized by applying a wrapping (1) of smooth material around the elastic cover (3) and then stripping the cover (3) from above with interposition of the smooth wrapping (1) between the stripped away portion (3') and the portion (3") still in position on the limb. A take off means for use in this method is characterized by a wrapping (1) of smooth material fitting around the cover (3) on the leg or arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: N.V. Varitex
    Inventors: Robert Stolk, Carolina Maria Wester
  • Patent number: 5924610
    Abstract: Device to facilitate putting on socks, bobby socks, stockings and similar articles of clothing. The device comprises two oblong arms connected together as tongs. The lower end of each arm includes a gripping jaw in the shape of a horseshoe. The two gripping jaws fit one into the other when the two arms are brought together. The sock can be slipped around the first gripping jaw, where it is held owing to a stop. The first gripping jaw keeps the sock open wide enough so that the tip of the foot can be slipped in and then the heel. By bringing the two arms together, the sock is pinched between the two gripping jaws. It is then possible to put on the sock and to pull it up along the calf of the leg without the user having to bend over. One of the gripping jaws has in addition a catch element enabling socks to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Ignace Willemin
  • Patent number: 5909831
    Abstract: The invention is a manually operable device for applying foot coverings including socks, support hose and the like. The device is made of an elongated U-shaped member of flexible material with a horizontal bottom and generally vertical sides. The side portions are adapted to flex toward each other when inserting the toe end into a foot covering and have a concave area for receiving and reversibly maintaining a foot covering when it is inserted over the toe ends. A strap is connected to the U-shaped member at the heel end. The strap is then used to draw the U-shaped member up the foot and leg and out of the open end of the foot covering, thereby positioning the foot covering on the foot and leg of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Bernard L. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5899369
    Abstract: A device for attaching or placing on the wrist for the purpose of securely holding one end, the receiving end, of a bracelet while the other bracelet end having a catch or clasp, is fastened to the held end. The device thereby allows the wearer to correctly and securely install the bracelet on his/her own wrist without anyone's aid. The device includes an elastic wrist band and means secured to the band for holding the bracelet end. The bracelet end holding means includes a folded portion having opposing hook and loop matrixes within which the bracelet receiving end is placed before the hook and loop matrixes are pressed together, thereby securing the bracelet receiving end to the folder and to the wrist band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Peter D. Macripo
  • Patent number: 5894970
    Abstract: A device to assist in the application of a sock or stocking onto the foot and ankle of the user. The device includes an elongated shell having first and second ends, a base and side walls wherein the shell is U-shaped in cross-section, the base and each of the side walls being substantially planar. Each of the side walls are characterized as having outwardly turned lips and the shell also includes an upwardly turned tongue element and a cord whose ends are affixed to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: North Coast Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie Belkin, Mark Jackson
  • Patent number: 5868290
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus which will detect small voids in elastomeric gloves and will also provide an efficient means for donning such gloves. The apparatus includes a first chamber and a second chamber. Each chamber will receive and maintain a glove. A first conduit is coupled to the first chamber and a second conduit is coupled to the second chamber. Located within the first conduit is a first check valve and a second check valve is located within the second conduit. A conventional connector connects the first conduit to the second conduit. Coupled to the conventional connector is a third conduit. This third conduit is sandwich between the connector and a vacuum pump. For enabling each chamber to operate independently and separately from each other, a third check valve is utilized and is located within the third conduit. A power source enables the apparatus to operate while a switch provides the user to activate when desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventors: David W. Green, Sr., Ronny Green
  • Patent number: 5826761
    Abstract: A compression garment aid upon which a compressive garment, such as a therapeutic elastic stocking, is disposed in order that the foot of the wearer may be interposed into the aid to begin application of the stocking to the foot and leg of the wearer. As the toe of the foot is inserted into the toe of the stocking, the wearer grasps handles connected to the heel portion of the aid to gradually draw the aid rearwardly over the foot, including the instep, and upwardly over the calf of the wearer's leg. The aid is of a U-shaped channel configuration having a depth in the toe and heel portions whereby the compression garment is extended (stretched) over the form of the aid that it does not bear substantially on the foot and leg during donning so as to impede putting on of the stocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventor: Barbara L. Basaj
  • Patent number: 5799844
    Abstract: A wire frame 1 has an outer covering 2 which is provided with a pulling strap 3. The wire frame 1 has a U-shaped portion 6 leading to a pair of projecting free arms 7 which lead downwardly and forwardly of the portion 6. The outer ends of the arms 7 also splay out to the sides. The material 2 forms a channel member with side walls 8. The open end portion of a sock is draped at least partly about the side walls 8. The user then places his foot in the entry to the heel end 10 and pulls the aid and sock assembly onto his foot by means of the strap 3. The sock aid will flex readily to allow it to pass around the heel of the user to position the sock around the calf of the user and the sock aid can then be pulled free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: The Helping Hand Company (Ledbury) Limited
    Inventor: Gavin Hugh James
  • Patent number: 5785217
    Abstract: A wrist-wear attachment device for attaching wrist-wear to a wrist and a method for its use. The device allows a user to retain one end of an article of wrist-wear firmly against the wrist, whereby the user may use the other hand to connect the free end of the wrist-wear to the one end retained against the wrist. The device comprises a hand receiving member having one or more apertures through which a user may insert one or more of their fingers, respectively; a strap depending from the hand receiving member for retaining one end of the article of wrist-wear; and fasteners for removably connecting the free end of the strap to the hand receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: William E. Gorham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5769289
    Abstract: An aiding device for donning garments having a base and two stands mounted to the base. The stands are spatially positionable relative to each other to allow for a variety of garments to be mounted upon the stands. Additionally, at least one of the stands is rotatably mounted to the base to provide sufficient space for different size appendages to be inserted into the garment mounted upon the stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Robert A. Lusk
  • Patent number: 5741569
    Abstract: A sock and shoe donning device to facilitate a user inserting his foot in a sock and a shoe simultaneously. A C-shaped structure preferably is about as tall as the distance between the bottom of the heel of a typical sock and the top edge of the sock. It is comprised of an approximately rectangular shaped sheet of thin semirigid flexible material molded into a shape with approximately vertical sides and a C-shaped horizontal cross section. A lower portion comprises: two lower support parts preferably separated from each other by about 6 inches which when compressed toward each other to fit inside the shoe react by applying force against the inside of the shoe to hold the structure firmly in place and two tongue parts separated from each other by about 51/2 inches which when compressed toward each other to fit inside the shoe react by forcing the tongue (and laces if any) of the shoe forward out the way while the user inserts his foot in the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Anthony Votino, Louis Votino
  • Patent number: 5709327
    Abstract: A bracelet fastening device to assist a person in quickly and easily fastening a bracelet around his or her own wrist. The device overcomes the problems associated with fastening a bracelet around one's own wrist without the assistance of another person and particularly by a person with impaired fine motor skills. The device generally includes a handle and releasable clamping means operably attached to the handle. The clamping means is operable to releasably hold at least one interlocking member of a releasable clasp of a bracelet. The handle is sized and configured to be held in a hand of a person so that the clamping means is positioned to rest on a wrist adjoining the hand holding the handle. A person using the bracelet fastening device can hold and position with one hand at least one interlocking member of the releasable clasp on the adjoining wrist while using the other free hand to fasten the other interlocking member of the clasp therewith to securely retain the bracelet around the wrist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventors: Ralph LaMacchia, Barbara Bush
  • Patent number: 5706988
    Abstract: A stocking aid device (1) comprises a pair of rigid handles (6) for ease of manipulation and a U-shaped member which is connected pivotally to the rods about a generally transverse axis with a sufficient degree of freedom to allow the U-shaped member to pivot freely about the axis and slide over the user's heel and up the back of the leg when applying the stocking. The U-shaped member thus follows a curving path under the sole of the foot around the heel and up the back of the leg whilst applying the stocking. This is facilitated by a slight twisting of the rods which provide handles, so as to impede rotation of the U-shaped member. One edge is flared outwardly to form a flange (2) comprising a series of indentations (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Patrick Augustine Moore
  • Patent number: 5687889
    Abstract: A manually operable combination device to help a user who cannot bend at the back, waist, or knees with applying socks, shoes, pants, tightening and loosening shoe laces, removing socks and picking things up off the ground. The device includes components to provide a reacher function with a pivoting closeable jaw operated by a trigger mechanism, a flexible or rigid plastic shovel, and a longitudinally sliding hook operated by a lever. The plastic shovel is used to apply socks and as a shoe horn. The reacher is used to apply shoes and remove socks and to pick articles up from floor. A sliding hook is used in conjunction with cord clamps on shoelaces to tighten laces. The hook is also used for application of pants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Douglas T. Liden
  • Patent number: 5673826
    Abstract: A mechanism for putting on therapeutic elastic stockings. The mechanism includes a wrapping for wrapping the foot. The wrapping has relatively slidable inner and outer parts of smooth material and a pulling member adapted to protrude from the stocking. Both the inner and outer parts of the wrapping may be pulled away from under the stocking in a manner sliding along each other and stripping along the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: N.V. Varitex
    Inventor: Robert Stolk
  • Patent number: 5658353
    Abstract: A method for donning or doffing a suction suspension prosthesis is disclosed. The air pressure between a residual limb and the distal end of a suction socket is electromechanically influenced to assist the donning or doffing of the suction socket. The air pressure is decreased to draw the residual limb into the suction socket and is increased to expel the residual limb from the suction socket. The method includes the use of a modified suction socket valve body, a low pressure vacuum pump, flexible tubing, and a non-greasy hypoallergenic lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Harry W. Layton
  • Patent number: 5636774
    Abstract: The device according to the present invention consists of a means (1) having wings that may be outwardly projected and that may be inserted into a sock or similar, overcoming its resistance and keeping it wide enough to allow to insert a foot so that, following to the manual traction or of an electric motor (9), performed by means of a small rod (7) linked with said means (1), the unable person obtains the complete wearing of the cloth without folding his limbs nor himself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: Giuseppe Moscato
  • Patent number: 5632424
    Abstract: A sock donning assist device that allows a caretaker to put a sock on a disabled person who can not put the sock on themselves. The sock donning assist device includes a hollow rigid substantially L-shaped frame. The hollow rigid substantially L-shaped frame consists of a plurality of different sized and shaped slender members. The plurality of different sized and shaped slender members form a substantially vertically-oriented portion for retaining a sock during donning wherein the sock has an upper portion and a lower portion, and a horizontally-oriented portion extending forwardly from the substantially vertically-oriented portion of the hollow rigid substantially L-shaped frame for gripping by a user during donning the sock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventors: Manfred Maier, H. Millicent MacCannell
  • Patent number: 5630534
    Abstract: A multiple leg covering donning assist device that includes a hollow horizontally-oriented and substantially opened-front base frame, a pair of hollow substantially vertically-oriented side frames, and a pair of hollow tandemly-positioned and substantially vertically-oriented intermediate frames. The hollow horizontally-oriented and substantially opened-front base frame has ends. The pair of hollow substantially vertically-oriented side frames are gripped by a user and extend vertically upwardly and slightly rearwardly from the ends of the hollow horizontally-oriented and substantially opened-front base frame and have a height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventors: Manfred Maier, H. Millicent MacCannell
  • Patent number: 5601220
    Abstract: A device and method for putting on therapeutic elastic stockings in which the device includes inner and outer slipper members which are connected to one another at one of their ends, with the other ends of such members being free from connection with one another. During use, the inner slipper is turned into the outer slipper so that the walls are adjacent to one another and then slipped over the user's foot. After a stocking is placed on the foot over the device, the device is removed by pulling on the outer slipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Arion International B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes G. H. M. Vossen
  • Patent number: 5601318
    Abstract: A necktie knot tying tool having an elongate body with a handle at one end and a tie finishing portion at the other end. A raised projection extends outwardly from the tool between the two ends for placement beneath the final loop formed when tying a necktie. The projection has a textured surface as does the tie finishing portion to limit slippage of the tie over those portions of the tool. An indent in the top of the raised projection aids in the formation of a crease in the tie below the knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Robert M. Rusing
  • Patent number: 5593071
    Abstract: An aiding device for donning garments having a base and two stands mounted to the base. The stands are spatially positionable relative to each other to allow for a variety of garments to be mounted upon the stands. Additionally, at least one of the stands is rotatably mounted to the base to provide sufficient space for different size appendages to be inserted into the garment mounted upon the stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Robert A. Lusk
  • Patent number: 5590764
    Abstract: A package dispenser for garments, such as latex surgical gloves is provided with an inner glove shape, which constricts the palms of a plurality of expandable, elastic gloves placed within each other, and forces the fingers of the gloves to expand and conform to a proper expanded position for insertion therein of the hand of a user into the innermost exposed glove of the plurality of gloves. The package sequentially dispenses one or more elastic expandable gloves, such as latex gloves. When a vacuum is drawn, the gloves are maintained in an open, expanded state, wherein the user loosely inserts a hand into the innermost glove of the plurality of gloves, breaks an air seal by pulling a tab, thus allowing air to leak in around the innermost glove, so that the glove snaps over the hand of the user in a tight fitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Frederick Wood
  • Patent number: 5584390
    Abstract: A package dispenser for garments, such as latex surgical gloves is provided with an inner glove shape, which constricts the palms of a plurality of expandable, elastic gloves placed within each other, and forces the fingers of the gloves to expand and conform to a proper expanded position for insertion therein of the hand of a user into the innermost exposed glove of the plurality of gloves. The package sequentially dispenses one or more elastic expandable gloves, such as latex gloves. When a vacuum is drawn, the gloves are maintained in an open, expanded state, wherein the user loosely inserts a hand into the innermost glove of the plurality of gloves, breaks an air seal by pulling a tab, thus allowing air to leak in around the innermost glove, so that the glove snaps over the hand of the user in a tight fitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Frederick Wood