Anti-embolism stocking applicator (ASA)

Description

APPLICATION FOR NON-PROVISIONAL PATENT

(Subsequent to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/479,959 of Jun. 6, 2003)

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is medical: surgical/orthopedic. The background is from personal experience of trying to apply the stockings while assisting an extremely obese friend. She was instructed by her doctor to wear the stockings every day. She could not get them on and, because of the worsening symptoms of fibromyalia, I could no long help her. The technician at her doctor's office indicated there was nothing to assist patients in getting the stockings on.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In researching the need for my invention, I found a few other applicators, but they do not offer the ease of application offered by the ASA. Upon interviewing orthopedic technicians, nurses and other hospital personnel, and patients requiring the stockings, they indicated a desire for assistance in applying anti-embolism stockings as there currently is nothing available that successfully satisfies the need.

CLAIM

I claim that the ASA will assist patients and caregivers with applying anti-embolism stockings through the use of air pressure instead of excessive manpower.

EXHIBIT B Page 1 of 2

The Anti-Embolism Stocking Applicator (ASA) is intended to help patients who need assistance in applying anti-embolism stockings. This type of stocking is particularly hard (if not impossible) to apply in the heel area. Elderly and obese patients, who need to wear the stockings and do not have caregivers readily available, will benefit greatly from using this applicator. Caregivers will also benefit, because of the less exertive method of applying the stockings.

Once the ASA is fastened and inserted into the stocking (FIG. 2), it is inflated (FIG. 3). In a sitting position, the patient uses the tug straps to lower the ASA downward to the floor. The patient inserts his/her foot into the center of the ASA, pushing downward past the heel area of the stocking while pulling upward on the ASA tug straps (FIG. 4). Once applied, the patient can deflate the ASA by releasing the manual air pump relief valve. The patient then removes the ASA by pulling upward and unfastening it until it is completely removed. (FIG. 5)