SOCK DONNING AID

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the design of a sock donning aid as a compensatory aid for individuals with physical disability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compensatory aids serve individuals with limited mobility by facilitating the dressing of individual parts of clothing for both the upper and lower part of the body. A sock donning aid for putting on and pulling up socks and stockings, especially those made of thicker knit fabrics, by individuals with limited mobility and ability to bend forward also belongs to compensatory aids. These compensatory aids share a common feature—they consist of a body for fastening the stocking, which most often has a circular or semicircular shape to which the sock or stocking is put onto and attached, and during application to the leg, the foot is inserted into the sock held by the aid and the sock is then released from the compensatory aid. Individual s olutions differ in the shape of the donning part of the compensatory aid, the method of fastening the sock, and the way the aid is handled. In most cases, the aids are relatively complicated, bulky, and expensive to manufacture. The method of using known compensatory aids is complicated and requires at least partial bending forward and the assistance of at least one hand.

Some devices, such as those described in patent documents FR 2712162 or U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,171, are based on a traditional shoehorn, which combines the function of the body of the compensatory aid with its handle. The aid, in the form of a shoehorn, widens into an oval shape at the bottom, onto which the sock is fastened. The shoehorn is held manually, and the sock is put onto the foot. Even though a milder forward bend is required, the user still cannot avoid it.

In other cases, such as patent documents JP 2004105292, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,626,269, 6,598,769, WO 9514414, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,988, the body of the aid consists of a hoop adapted for fastening the sock, to which a long handle or string is attached. Various body designs equipped with a string are also described in other documents, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,894,970 and 5,799,844. The actual donning of the sock or stocking is performed by pulling with at least one hand. Although the length of the string or handle may ensure that no forward bending is required to put on the socks, a considerable amount of skill and coordination is still necessary to successfully put the sock or stocking on.

For putting on long stockings, variously sized devices are used that can stand alone and do not require a handle or string, as described in patent documents U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,534, US 20,041,04254, and GB 2338172.

Another design of a compensatory aid is presented in the Czech utility model CZ 15345 (PUV 2005-16241). The compensatory aid according to this design has the form of a trough, which is equipped with a retaining segment for fastening the stocking to the body of the aid, a non-slip segment that stabilizes the position of the compensatory aid while inserting the foot into the stocking, and a rotating handle for holding the aid.

The compensatory aid according to the technical solution to the utility model UV 21284 describes a sock donning aid body with a “U”-shaped profile with a heel opening, anchored to a support pad with the ability to tilt the body relative to the support pad for easier donning, without the need for bending forward or using hands.

However, when using the compensatory aid according to the utility model UV 21284, a problem arose with donning compression socks and stockings, which are made of very strong material to provide high compression on the limbs for medical reasons which requires the application of force and effect of pressure on the profile of the sock donning aid body, which has limited strength.

Another problem is that the difference between men's and women's foot size requires a change in the width of the sock donning aid body profile according to the specified numerical parameters of the foot and the “U” profile of the sock donning aid body always had to be adjusted operatively by heating and reshaping the plastic material of the “U” profile to either a wider or narrower women's size, which was arduous and time-consuming.

Disclosure of the Invention

The above-mentioned shortcomings are addressed by a sock donning aid with a “U”-shaped body profile, equipped with a profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, which simultaneously reinforces it and allows for easy donning of both compression socks and compression knee-high stockings.

The subject of the invention is a sock donning aid consisting of a body shaped into a “U”-shaped profile, where one end of the sock donning aid body is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, its other end is beveled at an angle of 45° to 80° relative to the longitudinal axis of the profile, sloping towards the opposite end. The sock donning aid body is connected to a support pad via a base whereas the body tilts relative to the support pad at an angle α<90°, where the perpendicular end of the sock donning aid body is closer to the support pad when inclined. The sock donning aid body may be provided with a longitudinal opening near the beveled end. The inclination of the body relative to the support pad is preferably adjustable using a joint connection between the sock donning aid body and the base.

The support pad is provided on its upper surface with at least one hook or another means for anchoring the sock donning aid to a fixed object, and the bottom surface of the support pad is equipped with a non-slip surface. The sock donning aid body is surrounded by at least one closed or open profile that defines the width of the sock donning aid body, connected to the sock donning aid body or the base by a connecting segment whereas the profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body is equipped with symmetrical stops, in which the longitudinal edges of the sock donning aid body are seated.

In one preferred embodiment, the profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body is closed, stops are formed on the inner side of the profile, into which the longitudinal edges of the sock donning aid body are seated. The inner diameter of the profile may be larger above the stops than the inner diameter of the profile below the stops.

In another preferred embodiment, the sock donning aid has a closed profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, which surrounds the outer surface of the sock donning aid body and separates its longitudinal edges, pressing against them, whereas the longitudinal edges are seated in the inner corners of the profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body.

In another preferred embodiment, the sock donning aid has an open profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, which surrounds the outer surface of the sock donning aid body and is equipped with stops at both ends, in which the longitudinal edges of the sock donning aid body are seated.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the sock donning aid has an open profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, which surrounds the inner surface of the sock donningaid body and is equipped with stops at both ends, in which the longitudinal edges of the sock donning aid body are seated.

In one embodiment of the invention, the profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body may be open, connecting the longitudinal edges of the sock donning aid body from above using stops at both ends of the profile defining the width of the sock aid body, connected to the sock donning aid body by a connecting segment.

The stops of the profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body may form grooves, in which the longitudinal edges of the sock donning aid body are seated.

The profiles defining the width of the sock donning aid body may have various diameters and widths. The profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body may be closed in the form of a ring or open, of any shape, where in one part, it preferably follows the shape of the sock donning aid body profile, and in the other part, if closed, it may be for example oval, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, or another polygonal shape, or any other decorative shape, with varying heights above the longitudinal edges of the sock donning aid body profile.

Handling with the profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body is simple. The lower part is put onto the “U” profile of the sock donning aid body from the beveled end, onto which the sock will be put on, and is fastened to the sock donning aid body or the base using a connecting segment. The sock donning aid body may optionally be pivotally attached to the base using a joint. The joint allows the angle of inclination of the sock donning aid body to be adjusted according to the user's needs.

When in use, the base with the compensatory aid, onto the body of which the stocking is put on, is placed with the non-slip surface on the floor, preferably on a carpet, for example, while sitting. Compression socks are tight, the material is poorly flexible, and the pressure on the support pad with the non-slip surface is enormous. The support pad often shifts, and it needs to be secured, for example, by stepping on it, which, however, can be difficult for the user themselves. Therefore, the hook or another means on the support pad serves to anchor the sock donning aid to a fixed object, preventing the sock donning aid from shifting during the donning of the sock and ensuring that the non-slip layer on the support pad does not bunch up under the pressure of the sock donning aid on the floor. The longitudinal opening in the profile of the sock donning aid body facilitates the putting on and handling of the compression sock in donning, as the heel fits into the opening, thereby easing the overcoming of the pressure from the tight stocking (sock) during donning, both at the front and instep areas. The stocking is put onto the sock donning aid body from the side of the raised beveled end of the sock donning aid body so that the entire shin section of the stocking is placed onto its body by pulling the outer side of the sock over the end of the sock donning aid body profile. If the stocking or compression sock is longer, its length must first be reduced by folding it, and then it should be put onto the sock donning aid body so that only the foot section of the stocking remains loose. The donning process is comfortably performed while seated, without the need for the user to bend forward. The sock donning aid is placed on the ground, the tip of the foot is inserted into the sock, the heel can be positioned in the longitudinal opening if necessary and by moving the leg in the direction of the sock donning aid body the sock or stocking is pulled onto the foot, and with a slight upward movement of the foot it is removed from the sock donning aid and can be adjusted on the shin if needed.

The sock donning aid body, along with the profile defining its width, must have sufficient clearance to accommodate the passage of both narrow and wide feet, as well as feet that are broader in the ankle area or swollen. The profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body adjusts its width for different foot sizes, and its use depends on the stretchability of men's or women's sock.

The profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body has multiple functions, it also reinforces the entire circumference of the sock aid body during its widening or narrowing and handling compression socks. If the profile were not fitted onto the sock donning aid body, the compression sock would break and deform the heel section due to its pressure on the “U” profile of the sock donning aid body.

A single sock donning aid body profile can accommodate multiple different profiles defining the width of the sock aid body depending on the initial size and width of the sock donning aid body profile within the material's elastic limits and user's requirement for narrowing or widening a specific size of the sock donning aid body profile.

The advantage of this solution is primarily the physically effortless use of this type of sock donning aid, which enables independent donning of stockings even for elderly individuals and those with musculoskeletal limitations that prevent them from bending forward. Donning with the use of this sock donning aid is easy, does not require special coordination skills, hand assistance, or physical effort, and also allows for the effortless donning of compression socks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES:

FIG. 1: A perspective view of the sock donning aid with the sock donning aid body seated in the stops of the closed profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body

FIG. 2: A top view of the sock donning aid with the closed profile fitted onto it with the visible opening in the sock donning aid body

FIG. 3: A front view of the lower part of the sock donning aid with the visible connection of the sock donning aid body with the profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body using a screw on the base.

FIG. 4a: A front view of the sock donning aid in a position where the sock donning aid body is parallel to the support pad and seated in the stops of the open profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, with the open profile surrounding the sock donning aid body from the outside

FIG. 4b: A front view of the sock donning aid in a position where the sock donning aid body is parallel to the support pad and seated in the stops of the open profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, with the open profile surrounding the sock donning aid body from the inside

FIG. 5a-d: Possible shape designs of closed profiles defining the width of the sock donning aid body

FIG. 6: A front view of the sock donning aid in a position where the sock donning aid body is parallel to the support pad and seated in the stops of the open profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, with the open profile connecting the longitudinal edges of the sock donning aid body from above

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Example 1

The widening of the sock donning aid body with a closed profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, placed on the outer side of the sock donning aid body for a men's compression stocking

The sock donning aid consists of a body 1, which is made of flat plastic shaped into a “U” profile with a length of 222 mm with a semi-arched profile with a diameter of 110 mm. The sock donning aid body 1 is mounted on a support pad 3 using a base 2 (FIG. 1). The profile of the body 1 is beveled at one end relative to the longitudinal axis at an angle of 60° sloping towards the other end and at this beveled end the lower part of the profile is provided with a longitudinal opening 2 with a diameter of 25 mm at one end of the opening 9 and 50 mm at the other end of the opening 9; the length of the opening is 90 mm (FIG. 2). The body 1 is inserted into the lower part of the closed profile 6 (FIG. 5a), which defines the width of the sock donning aid in the shape of an oval ring with which the body 1 is connected on its outer side using a connecting segment 7 in the form of a groove in the sock donning aid body 1, into which the profile 6 defining the width of the sock donning aid fits. The profile 6 is provided on its inner circumference with oppositely positioned stops 8 in the form of protrusions creating a groove, whereas the body 1 fits into the grooves of the profile 6 with its longitudinal edges. By positioning the longitudinal edges of the body 1 into the grooves in the profile 6, the diameter of the semi-arched profile of the body 1 widens from 110 mm to 114 mm. The body 1 is pivotally connected to the support pad 3 via a joint on the base 2, allowing the longitudinal axis of the sock donning aid body 1 to be tilted relative to the support pad 3 up to an angle of α=60°. The support pad 3 is provided on its upper surface with a securing means 5 in the form of a hook for attachment to a fixed object using a string and on its bottom side it is equipped with a non-slip surface 4 made of ribbed rubber.

Example 2

The widening of the sock donning aid body with a closed profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, featuring an increased inner diameter of the ring above the grooves for a compression sock for a person with a larger ankle circumference

The diameter of the closed profile 6 from Example 1 is widened above the oppositely positioned stops 8 in the form of protrusions creating a groove, wherein the body 1 fits into the grooves of the means 6 defining the width of the sock donning aid body 1 with its longitudinal edges. The diameter of the semi-arched profile of the sock aid body 1 widens from 110 mm to 114 mm, wherein the inner diameter of the profile 6 defining the width of the sock donning aid body 1 above the stops 8 is 116 mm (FIG. 5b). After inserting the foot into the compression sock without using their hands, the user moves the foot in the direction of the profile of the sock donning aid body 1, slightly lifts it upwards, and slides the foot with the donned sock out through the opening of the profile 6 above the stops 8.

Example 3

The narrowing of the sock donning aid body width with an open profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, placed on the outer side of the sock donning aid body, for a women's sock.

The sock donning aid consists of a body 1, which is made of flat material shaped into a “U” shape profile with a length of 200 mm with a semi-arched profile with a diameter of 90 mm. The sock donning aid body 1 is connected to a support pad 3 via a base 2, with the longitudinal axis of the sock donning aid body 1 inclined relative to the support pad 3 at an angle of α=50°. The support pad 3 is provided on its bottom side with a non-slip surface 4 made of ribbed rubber. The profile of the body 1 is beveled at one end relative to the longitudinal axis at an angle of 45° towards the other end and at this end. The sock donning aid body 1 is inserted into the open profile 6 defining the width of the sock donning aid body 1, wherein this profile 6 surrounds the outer surface of the sock donning aid body 1 and is equipped with stops 8 at both ends, formed by bending the ends of the profile 6 toward its inner surface, creating grooves in which the longitudinal edges of the sock donning aid body 1 are seated. (FIG. 4a). The profile 6 is connected to the base 2 using a connecting segment 7 in the form of a screw (FIG. 3). By positioning the longitudinal edges of the body 1 into the grooves in the profile 6, the diameter of the semi-arched profile of the body 1 is narrowed from 90 mm to 87 mm. The support pad 3 is provided on its upper side with a means 5 for securing to a fixed object in the form of a hook and on its bottom side equipped with a non-slip surface 4 made of ribbed rubber.

Example 4

The narrowing of the sock donning aid body width with a profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body, placed on the inner part of the sock donning aid body, for a women's compression stocking.

The profile 6 defining the width of the sock donning aid body 1, according to Example 3, is open, whereas adhering to the inner surface of the sock donning aid body 1 and is equipped with stops 8 at both ends, formed by bending the ends of the profile 6 toward its outer surface, creating grooves in which the longitudinal edges of the sock donning aid body 1 are seated (FIG. 4b). By positioning the longitudinal edges of the body 1 into the grooves in the profile 6, the diameter of the semi-arched profile of the body is narrowed from 100 mm to 96 mm.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention is applicable for individuals with limited mobility to facilitate the donning of socks or stockings, particularly compression. The advantage of this solution is primarily the physically effortless use of this type of sock donning aid, which enables independent donning of stockings even for elderly individuals and those with musculoskeletal limitations that prevent them from bending forward. The design according to the invention is structurally simple and low-cost to manufacture.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• • 1—sock donning aid body
  • 2—base
  • 3—support pad
  • 4—non-slip surface
  • 5—means for fastening the sock donning aid to a fixed object
  • 6—profile defining the width of the sock donning aid body
  • 7—connecting segment
  • 8—stop
  • 9—longitudinal opening