GARMENT DONNING ASSISTANCE DEVICE

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates to the design, manufacture, and assembly of garment donning assistance devices, particularly devices that assist with the donning of pants and/or underpants. However, the invention is not limited to this field of use and may also be applied to other garment donning assistance devices.

BACKGROUND

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

It is well known for ambulant toilets and/or accessible toilets to be provided with a vertical and or horizontal bar (also referred to as a “grab rail”) to assist a user with dressing themselves. The bar is particularly useful for users who may find it difficult to stand upright unassisted, particularly whilst dressing themselves. The bar is designed such that the user can hold onto the bar with one hand to steady themselves, whilst using the other hand to pull up their pants and/or underpants.

The bar is most useful when lifting the pants and/or underpants from around knee level to waist level, as the user at most only needs to tilt their torso slightly to reach the waistband of the pants and/or underpants. However, getting the pants and/or underpants from their ankles to around knee level can be more challenging. If the user attempts to do this whilst standing, then they would need to fully bend over to reach the waistband of the pants and/or underpants, which can be challenging for users who require use of the bar, such as those suffering from a disability.

Alternatively, the user could bring their pants and/or underpants to around knee level whilst seated and then stand up to complete the process. However, this would require using one hand to hold onto their pants and/or underpants whilst standing up to prevent them from falling back down. This can be both difficult as well as dangerous, as the user may end up falling over during the process.

One solution to avoid these problems is for a helper to assist the user with dressing themselves. This comes with further problems however, namely the cost of hiring a helper, as well as a potential sense of lost dignity.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide users, particularly those suffering from a physical disability or the like, with a safe and easy way of bringing their pants and/or underpants from ankle level to around knee level. Doing so would allow users to live more independently, which would have financial benefits due to reduced need for helpers as well as providing the user with greater dignity. Some people who may benefit from this include but are not limited to people who have had strokes, the elderly, people with Parkinson's or other movement disorders, people with physical disabilities, and people who are overweight.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment donning assistance device comprising: a first component extending along a first notional axis, and a second component is configured to hold a garment and is movably connected to the first component so as to move in a direction parallel to the first notional axis between a lowered position and a raised position.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment donning assistance device comprising: a first component extending along a first notional axis, and a second component comprising a front rim, a rear rim, and a horizontal member configured to hold a garment, wherein the horizontal member extends along a second notional axis, the second notional axis being perpendicular to the first notional axis, and the second component is movable in a direction parallel to the first notional axis between a lowered position and a raised position.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, compartments, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, compartments, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of the garment donning assistance device with the second component in the lowered position and with the horizontal member and the front rim and the rear rim in the folded position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the garment donning assistance device shown in FIG. 1 with the horizontal member and the front rim and the rear rim in the rotated position;

FIG. 3 is a partial front view of the garment donning assistance device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an alternative arrangement of the garment donning assistance device; and

FIG. 5 shows an illustration of the garment donning assistance device shown in FIG. 4 in operation.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the FIGS. 1 to 3, the invention provides a garment donning assistance device 1 comprising a first component 100 and a second component 200 (also called as garment holder assembly). The first component 100 extends in a vertical direction along a first notional axis. The second component 200 is movable relative to the first component 100. In some configurations, the garment donning assistance device 1 is portable. In other configurations, the garment donning assistance device 1 is designed to remain fixed in place following installation.

In use, the garment donning assistance device 1 extends from the ground to a bar 2 (also referred to as a grab rail). The garment donning assistance device 1 attaches to the bar 2 via a fastener 102 on the first component 100. Once secured to the bar 2, the second component 200 (i.e., the garment holder assembly) is able to move relative to the first component, in particular in a vertical direction between a lower position 520 and a raised position 510 (see FIG. 5). The purpose of this action is to bring the user's pants and/or underpants from ground level to around knee level. To do this, the user 550 (see FIG. 5) attaches their pants and/or underpants to a feature on the second component (described in detail below). This can be done whilst the second component 200 is in a raised position 510. Following this, the second component 200 can be lowered to the lowered position 520, after which the user may easily step into the leg holes of their pants and/or underpants. By once again raising the second component 200 to the raised position 510, the pants and/or underpants are thereby brought to the around knee level of the user, following which they can pull the pants and/or underpants to their waist without needing to substantially bend over. As will also be described in further detail below, one or more parts of the second component 200 are configured to rotate at this stage to allow the user to easily disengage themselves from the garment donning assistance device 1.

With reference to FIG. 2, one configuration of the second component 200 is shown.

The second component 200 comprises a horizontal member 201, a central member 204, and a front rim 205 and a rear 206 for supporting the pants and/or underpants. The horizontal member 201 extends along a second notional axis, the second notional axis being perpendicular to the first notional axis. The horizontal member 201 comprises a first end 202a connected to the central member 204 and a second end 202b connected to the front rim 205. The rear rim 206 is connected to the horizontal member 201. The lengths and shapes of the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 as well as the distance between the two are configured such that the waistband of the pants and/or underpants are able to be folded over the front rim 205 and rear rim 206. The front rim 205 and rear rim 206 define a left receptacle 207a and a right receptacle 207b for receiving the legs of the user's pants and/or underpants. In some configurations, the position of the rear rim 206 can be adjusted to according to the size of the user's pants and/or underpants.

In some configurations, the first end 202a of the horizontal member 201 has an unfixed connection with the central member 204. The unfixed connection allows the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 to rotate relative the central member 204. The unfixed connection may allow the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 to rotate about the second notional axis. Additionally, or alternatively, the unfixed connection may allow the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 to rotate about a third notional axis, the third notional axis being perpendicular to both the first notional axis and the second notional axis.

As described above, the second component 200 is moveable relative to the first component 100. The second component 200 is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered position, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 are at or substantially close to the ground. For example, in the lowered position, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 may be less than 10 cm above the ground. In the raised position, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 are at knee height. For example, in the raised position, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 may be between 45 cm and 70 cm above the ground. The garment donning assistance device 1 may be configured such that the height of the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 in the lowered position and/or the raised position can be adjusted. For example, the first end 202a may be detachable from the central member 204 and able to be reattached at different locations. In some configurations, the second component 200 is detachable from the first component 100.

As described above, the first component 100 extends in a vertical direction along a first notional axis. An upper end 101a of the first component 100 is configured to attach to a bar 2 using a suitable fastener 102, such as a clamp. The fastener 102 is detachable from the bar 2 such that the garmenting donning assistance device 1 can be repositioned. A lower end 101b of the first component 100 is configured to contact the ground when the garment donning assistance device 1 is set up. A lower end 101b of the first component 100 comprises a foot made of rubber or another material to inhibit movement of the first component 100 once the garment donning assistance device 1 is set up.

The first component 100 comprises an inner lumen in which the central member 204 is located. The central member 204 moves telescopically within the first component. In some configurations, the first component 100 comprises a slot through which the horizontal member 201 extends. In some configurations, the first component 100 comprises an outer shaft and an inner shaft. In these configurations, the central member 204 is located within the outer shaft whilst encompassing the inner shaft.

As described previously, the second component 200 is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. In some configurations, the second component 200 is moved between the lowered position and the raised position by a motor. The motor is activated by the user pushing a button, pulling a lever, or the like (not shown). Additionally, as described previously, the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 are rotatable relative to the central member 204. In some configurations, this rotation is generated by an additional motor, which is activated by the user pushing an additional button, pulling an additional lever, or the like. The horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 rotate between a flat position and a rotated position. The flat position and the rotated position are offset from each other by 90°. In the flat position, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 extend horizontally. In the rotated position, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 extend vertically.

A method of using the garment donning assistance device 1 of the above configuration is now described. Initially, the garment donning assistance device 1 is set up with the second component 200 in the raised position, and with the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 in the flat position. The user begins by attaching their garment, such as their pants and/or underpants, to the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206. To do this, the user places the left and right legs of the garment in the left receptacle 207a and the right receptacle 207b respectively, with the crotch of the garment resting on the horizontal member 201. The user then folds the waistband of the garment over the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206. The user can perform these actions whilst seated.

Following this, the user presses the corresponding button or pulls the corresponding lever to move the second component 200 to the lowered position. Whilst now standing, the user then places their feet through the legs of their garment, and then presses the corresponding button or pulls the corresponding lever to move the second component 200 back to the raised position. Whilst steadying themselves by holding onto the bar 2 if required, the user can then remove the garment from the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 and pull it up to their waist, thereby completing the garment donning process.

Whilst the garment donning process is now complete, the user is still required to disentangle themselves from the garment donning assistance device 1, as their legs are still located between the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206. To do this, the user rotates the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 to the flat position by pressing the corresponding button or pulling the corresponding lever. Once the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 are in the flat position, the user can step away from the garment donning assistance device 1.

In an alternative configuration, the garment donning assistance device 1 is constructed without the ability for the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 to rotate about the second notional axis. Instead, after completing the garment donning process, the user would once again lower the second component 200, and then step out of the receptacles 207a, 207b.

As described previously, in some configurations the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 can rotate about the third notional axis. After using the garment donning assistance device 1, the user can fold the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 by 90° such that the horizontal member 201 is parallel to the first component 100 in a folded position, thereby making the garment donning assistance device 1 more compact when not in use. In some configurations, the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 are retained in the folded position by the front rim 205 clipping into a clip 209, thereby preventing the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 from falling back into an unfolded position by accident.

In some configurations, the second component 200 is provided without electrical means, and the second component 200 is moved mechanically. For example, in some configurations the second component 200 is provided with a handle 208 extending from the central component 204. The handle 208 extends from the at or near the top of the central component 204, such that the user can reach the handle 208 when standing without substantially bending over, even when the second component 200 is in the lowered position.

In these configurations, the central component 204 may lock into place when the second component 200 is in the raised position. To then lower the second component 200, the user would first need to release the lock, such as by actuating a button.

In some configurations, the handle 208 is rotatable, wherein rotating the handle 208 in turn rotates the horizontal member 201, the front rim 205 and the rear rim 206 about the third notional axis.

For the configurations above in which the electrical means of moving and rotating the second component 200 are replaced with mechanical means, the method of use would be substantially similar to that described above, with the process of pressing buttons and/or pulling levers being replaced with lifting the handle 208 and rotating the handle 208.

FIG. 4 shows a garment donning assistance device 400, which is an alternative arrangement to the garment donning assistance device 1 (discussed hereinbefore). The device 400 includes a first component 430, an actuator assembly 415, and a second component 440.

The first component 430 is configured to attach to the bar 2 using a suitable fastener 417. In one arrangement, the fastener 417 is detachable from the bar 2 such that the garment donning assistance device 400 can be repositioned. The fastener 417 connects to the upper end of the first component 430 such that the first component 430 extends in a vertical direction along a first notional axis from the bar 2 toward the ground. The first component 430 includes an inner lumen in which moving means (such as a drive belt mechanism (not shown)) is disposed. The drive belt mechanism includes a driving pulley, a driven pulley, and a belt. The driving pulley is disposed at the upper end of the first component 430, while the driven pulley is disposed at the lower end (i.e., the end proximal to the ground) of the first component 430. The belt then loops around both the driving and driven pulleys. The fastener 417 includes fastening means (not shown) which fixedly connect the fastener 417 to the belt through slots 419 of the first component 430. When the belt moves, the first component 430 moves along the first notional axis as the fastener 417 is fixedly connected to the bar 2 (which is fixed to the wall). The slots 419 have fixed lengths that provide the range of movement of the first component 430 along the first notional axis. The driving pulley of the drive belt mechanism is disposed within the actuator assembly 415, which is disposed at the upper end of the first component 430. The driving pulley is then connected to either a drive motor or a crank of the actuator assembly 415.

The actuator assembly 415 includes a first actuator 416, a housing 410, and a second actuator 412. The first actuator 416 includes the crank which is connected to the driving pulley of the drive belt mechanism. The crank is disposed within the first actuator 416 as shown in FIG. 4 and is fixedly connected to the housing. To operate the crank, a user rotates 530 (see FIG. 5) the housing that, in turn, moves the crank and the driving pulley, so that the first component 430 moves along the first notional axis. The movement provided by the first component 430 along the first notional axis allows a tall user 550 to bring the pants and/or underpants higher so that the pants and/or underpants reach their knee level.

The housing 410 contains a drive motor (not shown) that is operable by the second actuator 412. The second actuator 412 is a dual switch where one end of the second actuator 412 operates the drive motor in a first direction and the other end of the second actuator 412 operates the drive motor in a second direction (which is opposite to the first direction). The drive motor is connected a driving pulley of a drive belt mechanism that moves the second component 440 (which is described hereinafter).

As a person skilled in the art would appreciate, the drive motor mechanism or the crank mechanism can be used to control either the movement of the first component 430 or the second component 440. Other arrangements to move the first component 430 or the second component 440 may be utilized.

The second component 440 is movably connected to the lower end of the first component 430. As described hereinbefore, the garment holder assembly (i.e., the second component 440) moves in relation to the first component 430, in particular in a vertical direction 428 in parallel to the first notional axis between a lowered position 520 and a raised position 510 (as shown in FIG. 5). The movement of the second component 440 is performed by moving means such as another belt drive mechanism contained within the inner lumen of the first component 430.

The second component 440 includes a first member 418 and a pair of second members 422. The first member 418 is fixedly connected, via a fastener 421, to the drive belt mechanism that is being controlled by the second actuator 412 and the drive motor. When the belt moves, the first member 418 moves along the first component 430, enabling the first member 418 to move between the lower position 520 and the raised position 510. The first member 418 is disposed perpendicularly to the first component 430 and in parallel to the bar 2. Each of the second members 422 is then connected to either ends of the first member 418 via connecting means 431. The connecting means 431 is able to move along the first member 418 in a direction 426 to adjust the width between the pair of second members 422. The second member 422 is also able to pivot around the connecting means 431, so that, for storage, the second members 422 can be pivoted to be parallel with the first member 418 and do not protrude out so as not to create a trip hazard.

Each of the second members 422 includes a finger member 424 that is movably connected to the second member 422 via a rail 423. The finger member 424 moves along the rail 423 to adjust the width between the finger member 423 and the distal end (i.e., the end away from the connecting means 431) of the second member 422. The garment (e.g., pants, underpants) is attachable to the ends of the finger members 424 and the distal ends of the second member 422. In one arrangement, the waistband of the garment is held by the finger members 424 and the distal ends of the second members 422. Further, the width between the second members 422 and the width between the finger member 424 and the end of the second member 422 provide an area in which the garment can fit. Accordingly, a user 550 adjusts the width between the second members 422 and the width between the finger members 424 and the distal end of the second members 422 to attach garments (e.g., pants, underpants) of different sizes.