Abstract:
A compression garment upper extremity donning assist device is designed to assist those individuals who find it very difficult to don a compression garment using only one arm. Users are commonly weakened from a medical condition, lack flexibility or suffer from limited mobility. Due to the design, users of the donning device can easily mount it to the edge of any countertop, table, or level flat surface using the integrated suction cup. The user can then pull any type of upper extremity compression garment over the device, and then, by pushing through the garment stretched over the donning device, roll it up the arm for proper location and medical care compliance.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is based upon and claims priority to a previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/001,736 and filed on Nov. 1, 2007. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Those suffering from lymphatic and/or circulatory disorders are commonly prescribed a compression garment for wear to help in the reduction and management of swelling and circulation in their extremities. For example, compression garments configured to surround one&#39;s arm or leg are typically used to treat lymphedema. Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid resulting from impairment of the lymphatic transport system. Lymphatic fluid can build up in different affected areas of the body, especially in the arms and legs. Lymphedema can cause pain, chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and reduced mobility. In this regard, compression garments are typically placed over the affected extremity in order to counteract fluid build-up. 
     Compression garments, such as compression sleeves, compression gauntlets, and compression stockings, are typically made from an elastic material. The elastic material, for instance, may comprise an elastic knitted woven material. 
     In order for the compression garments to function properly, the garments are typically designed to cover substantially the entire extremity. For example, compression sleeves typically cover the entire arm extending from the wrist to the shoulder of the wearer. Similarly, compression stockings typically extend from the foot to the hip of the wearer although knee-high stockings are also available. Selecting a compression garment with the appropriate amount of compression is critical to successfully treating lymphedema or other circulatory diseases. If the garment provides too little compression, for instance, the garment may be ineffective in preventing fluid build-up. Too much compression exerted by the garment, on the other hand, can damage the tissues. 
     Compression garments are typically not worn while sleeping. If worn while sleeping, for instance, the garment may provide too much compression when the body is inactive. Most compression garments also need to be replaced every four to six months since the elastic properties of the garments tend to degrade. Thus, compression garments normally have to be removed and applied at least once during the day. Unfortunately, most patients prescribed these highly elastic garments find it difficult to don them. While donning the arm sleeve, one arm is rendered useless while the opposite arm is left to pull on the garment. Not only is the individual trying to use one arm for a traditionally two arm event, the patient may be further compromised by skin integrity, immobility, inflexibility, obesity, weakened from a medical condition or suffer from limited mobility or other condition limiting their ability to properly don the extremity compression garment. 
     In order to improve and facilitate the donning of compression garments, in the past, it was recommended to apply a thin layer of cornstarch or powder to the extremity prior to placing the compression garment on the extremity. Some manufacturers also recommend wearing rubber or vinyl gloves while putting on the compression garment to provide a better grip on the fabric and to prevent one&#39;s fingernails from damaging the fabric or one&#39;s skin. 
     In view of the above problems experienced in donning compression garments, however, a need currently exists for a device and a method for facilitating application of a compression garment onto one&#39;s extremities. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, the present disclosure is directed to an extremity garment donning assist device that is designed to assist an individual in donning a compression garment onto an extremity without needing assistance from a caregiver. The garment donning assist device of the present disclosure is particularly well suited to providing assistance to those who may be suffering from a medical condition and lack flexibility or suffer from limited mobility. 
     In one embodiment, for instance, the present disclosure is directed to an extremity garment donning assist device that includes a rigid frame having a top, a bottom and a pair of opposing side walls. The side walls extend outwardly to define an open channel that extends from the top to the bottom of the rigid frame. In one embodiment, for instance, the side walls are curved such that the rigid frame has an arcuate-shaped cross section. In this manner, the rigid frame has an open cylindrical configuration. For instance, the arcuate-shaped cross section can form an open channel that has walls extending from about 120° to about 210°, such as from about 150° to about 175°. 
     At least one mounting member is connected to the rigid frame for mounting the rigid frame against a surface. The rigid frame has a size such that a compression sleeve can be slid over the top of the frame leaving an outstretched opening. The outstretched opening can allow for a person to slide an extremity, such as one&#39;s arm or leg, into the compression sleeve for donning the same. 
     The rigid frame of the garment donning assist device can be made from different materials. For example, in one embodiment, the rigid frame may comprise an open frame having a cage-like design made from metal rods, metal bars, plastic members or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the rigid frame may be made from a solid plastic or metal member. The solid plastic member can be made from any rigid polymeric material, such as a polyester polymer or copolymer. In one embodiment, when the rigid frame is made from a solid plastic member, the plastic member may include a first side that defines the open channel and has a smooth surface for allowing one&#39;s arm or leg to slide through the device. The second side of the plastic member, on the other hand, can have a textured surface that maintains the compression sleeve in position as the compression sleeve is being donned. 
     The mounting member connected to the rigid frame can vary depending upon the particular application and various factors. In one embodiment, for instance, the mounting member may comprise a suction cup. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting member may comprise a clamp, such as a C-clamp. In still another embodiment, the garment donning assist device may include a pair of mounting members that comprise legs. The legs, for instance, may extend from the rigid frame for holding the frame above the floor. When the mounting members comprise legs, in one embodiment, the garment donning assist device may further include a pair of opposing handles that extend from the legs. The handles may be used, for instance, in order to support oneself and insert a leg into a compression garment, such as a stocking, that has been placed over the rigid frame. 
     The mounting member can be connected to the rigid frame so as to only have a single fixed position. For instance, in one embodiment, an extension member may be used to connect a suction cup to the rigid frame for releasably affixing the garment donning assist device to a horizontal surface, such as a table or counter. Alternatively, the mounting member may be movable in relation to the rigid frame for mounting the device on a horizontal surface or a vertical surface depending upon the particular environment. In this embodiment, for instance, the mounting member may pivot in relation to the rigid frame for assuming a horizontal position or a vertical position. 
     As described above, the rigid frame includes side walls that define an open channel that extends from the top of the frame towards the bottom of the frame. In one embodiment, the channel can have substantially the same size from the top of the frame to the bottom. Alternatively, the rigid frame can be configured so that the channel tapers from the top to the bottom. For instance, in one embodiment, the channel may have a narrower dimension towards the bottom of the rigid frame. 
     In one particular embodiment, the garment donning assist device may be particularly well suited to assist users in donning upper extremity compression sleeves on their arms. A rigid material is formed in a half cylindrical shape attached to a suction cup for mounting on smooth, flat surfaces to assist with donning. Utilizing the suction cup allows the design to be portable and able to be used in more than one location. With the device suctioned to a flat surface, the user is able to slide the upper extremity compression garment over the rigid form of the device leaving an outstretched opening into which they can put their arm to easily don the upper extremity compression garment. The stretching of the material allows the user to slide their arm into the garment and properly place the garment before releasing the compression. By pushing down through the garment, it is easily rolled off the device and up the arm for optimum body placement. 
     Advantages of the invention are to provide users with a device that is simple to use in order to don an upper extremity compression garment. The device allows one to overcome any individual weaknesses, inflexibility or limited mobility. 
     The present disclosure is also directed to a process for donning a compression sleeve. The process includes the steps of placing a compression sleeve over the garment donning assist device as described above. The compression sleeve is placed over the top of the rigid frame and pulled down the device so as to form an outstretched opening. An extremity, such as an arm or a leg, is then inserted into the outstretched opening of the compression sleeve. The extremity is used to push down through the compression sleeve thereby causing the compression sleeve to slide up and off the rigid frame and over the extremity. 
     Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of one embodiment of an extremity garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the donning assist device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure illustrating a compression sleeve being placed on the device; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure showing a compression sleeve positioned on the device and ready for receiving an extremity of a patient, such as an arm; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure illustrating an arm being inserted into a compression sleeve positioned on the device; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure. 
     In general, the present disclosure is directed to a garment donning assist device that is particularly well suited for applying compression garments, such as compression sleeves, compression gauntlets, and compression stockings on to the extremities of a wearer. Such compression garments are typically prescribed to those suffering from lymphedema or circulatory disorders. The compression garments are intended to provide compression to an extremity, such as an arm or leg, for preventing fluids from accumulating within the treated region. Compression garments, in order to provide the needed therapy, are highly elastic and somewhat difficult to place over one&#39;s arm or leg without the assistance of a caregiver. Further, since many individuals using compression garments suffer from lymphedema or circulatory diseases, the problems associated with donning the garments become exacerbated due to the health state of the wearer. For instance, individuals suffering from the above conditions are often in pain and suffer from chronic inflammation, reduced mobility and may also even suffer from skin ailments. 
     In this regard, the present disclosure is directed to a garment donning assist device that not only assists an individual in placing a compression garment on an extremity, such as an arm or leg, but also serves to ensure that the garment is properly located and positioned on the extremity to be treated. For example, referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one embodiment of a compression garment donning assist device  10  is shown. As illustrated, the garment donning assist device  10  includes a rigid frame  12  connected to a mounting member  14 . 
     The frame  12  includes a top  16 , a bottom  18 , a pair of extending side walls  20  and  22  and a back stabilizing member or wall  21 . The side walls  20  and  22  extend in a manner that forms an open channel  24  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the side walls  20  and  22  are curved such that the frame  12  has an arcuate-shaped cross section. It should be understood, however, that the open channel  24  can have various other shapes and configurations. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the side walls  20  and  22  may extend along a more linear path. In this embodiment, for instance, the frame  12  may have more of a polygon-like cross sectional shape. For example, in one embodiment, the frame  12  may have an open rectangular cross sectional shape. 
     In general, the cross sectional shape of the frame  12  is intended to partially encircle an individual&#39;s extremity, such as an arm or leg. As will be described in greater detail below, the shape is also used to form an opening in a compression garment for insertion of an extremity. 
     The amount the side walls  20  and  22  of the frame  12  are extended may vary depending upon the particular application and various factors. When the frame  12  has an arcuate-shaped cross section, for instance, the side walls may extend from about 120° to about 210°, such as from about 150° to about 175°. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for instance, the frame  12  forms a substantially open half cylindrical configuration. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame  12  can also include a back member  21 . The back member  21  not only stabilizes the frame but can prevent an extremity, such as an arm or a leg, from swinging behind the frame during the donning of a compression garment. 
     The frame  12  can be made from various different materials as long as the frame has sufficient rigidity to hold a compression garment. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame  12  is made from metal rods and metal bars. In one embodiment, for instance, stainless steel may be used to form the frame. When forming the frame from rods and bars, the frame generally has an open structure as shown in the figures. 
     Alternatively, the frame  12  can be made from a solid material. For example, the frame can also be made from a single piece of metal or from a structural plastic material. When formed from a plastic material, the frame can be made from any suitable polymer. For instance, the frame can be made from a polyolefin, a polyester, a polyamide, a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a copolymer thereof, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, for instance, the frame  12  can be made from a single continuous piece of plastic comprised of a copolyester, such as PETG. 
     In one embodiment, the frame  12  can be made from a single piece of solid material that includes a first surface that defines the open channel and a second and opposite surface. In one configuration, the first surface can be relatively smooth, while the opposite second surface can be textured. The second surface can be textured so as to better hold a compression garment in place while the garment is being donned by a user. The second side of the frame  12  can be textured using any suitable technique. For instance, the mold used to form the plastic material may include undulations that create a textured surface on the second side. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the open channel  24  formed by the frame  12  generally has the same dimensions or size from the top  16  of the frame to the bottom  18 . In other embodiments, however, the open channel  24  may taper in one direction. For instance, the open channel  24  may decrease in size from the top  16  to the bottom  18 . 
     In order to hold the frame  12  in place while a compression garment is placed over the frame and donned by a user, the garment donning assist device includes the mounting member  14 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for instance, the mounting member  14  is connected to the frame  12  by an extension member  26 . In this embodiment, the extension member  26  connects the frame  12  to the mounting member  14  so that the mounting member can be attached to a horizontal surface for holding the frame  12  in place during use. In an alternative embodiment, however, the mounting member may be rotated 90° such that the mounting member is configured to attach the frame  12  to a vertical surface as opposed to a horizontal surface. In still another embodiment, the mounting member  14  may pivot with respect to the frame for mounting the frame either to a horizontal surface or to a vertical surface. For example, in this embodiment, the mounting member may pivot between a horizontal position and a vertical position and locked into place depending upon the particular configuration. 
     In general, any suitable mounting member may be used to hold the frame  12  in place during use. In one embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for instance, the mounting member  14  may comprise a suction holder or suction cup that is capable of attaching to any flat surface. Various suction cups are available commercially. For instance, in one embodiment, the suction cup  14  may comprise a VERIBOR suction holder commercially available from the Bohl Corporation. 
     The use of a suction cup as the mounting member  14  provides advantages in that the suction cup can be easily secured to a surface and released from the surface. Thus, the use of a suction cup allows for the device to be portable. 
     In addition to suction cups, however, the mounting member may comprise various other devices. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the mounting member  14  may comprise a clamp, such as a C-clamp. In still another alternative embodiment, the mounting member may comprise one or more legs, such as a weighted base that provides sufficient stability to don the compression garment. In still another embodiment, the mounting member  14  may comprise a base that is affixedly secured to a surface such as through the use of screws or bolts. 
     In operation, the garment donning assist device  10  can be used to don a compression garment to an upper or lower extremity. The device aids in donning compression garments where strength or medical conditions inhibit the compliance of donning because of the difficulty in pulling the garment completely up one&#39;s arm or leg. One method of using the garment donning assist device  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 3 through 5 . In  FIGS. 3 through 5 , a compression garment or sleeve  30  is shown being positioned over a user&#39;s arm. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in order to use the garment donning assist device  10 , the mounting member is first secured to the edge of a smooth flat surface, such as a table. The compression sleeve  30  is then prepared for application to the device. In general, the device can be used with any compression sleeve. The compression sleeve, for instance, generally comprises an elastic tubular garment. 
     Compression sleeves, for instance, can be formed from various materials. Desirably, the compression sleeve stretches in at least two different directions. Materials that may be used to form the compression sleeve include, for instance, elastic foam materials, woven materials, knitted materials, films, and combinations thereof. For example, in one embodiment, the compression sleeve comprises a knitted fabric containing elastic threads, yarns or filaments. Alternatively, the compression sleeve  30  may comprise a woven fabric containing elastic yarns. In still another embodiment, the compression sleeve  30  may comprise an elastic film alone or in combination with various woven and nonwoven materials. For example, in one embodiment, the compression sleeve may comprise an elastic film bonded to a stretchable fabric. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , once the garment donning assist device  10  is secured to a surface, the compression sleeve  30  is partially folded inside out and folded over the top of the frame  12 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the compression garment  30  can then be pulled over the entire length of the frame  12  of the garment donning assist device  10  if desired. In this manner, a significant portion of the compression sleeve  30  remains inside out while mounted on the frame  12 . Having a portion of the compression sleeve inside out produces an outstretched opening  32  that is for receiving the arm of a user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a user can then insert his or her arm into the outstretched opening  32 . The open channel formed by the frame  12  can be designed so as to produce the opening  32  having dimensions that facilitate insertion of the arm. Specifically, the arm slides into the compression sleeve  30 . The arm is then pushed down through the compression sleeve which causes the compression sleeve  30  to slide off of the frame  12  and onto the arm of the user. More particularly, as the arm is pushed down through the garment donning assist device  10 , the compression sleeve  30  slides up the device and over the arm. As the user pushes through the garment donning assist device, the compression sleeve  30  is ultimately rolled up just below the shoulder. Because the frame  12  forms an open channel, the arm can then easily disengage from the garment donning assist device as the compression sleeve also disengages from the device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , an alternative embodiment of a garment donning assist device  110  is shown. The garment donning assist device illustrated in  FIG. 6  is particularly well suited for donning compression stockings to be placed over an individual&#39;s leg. 
     As shown, the garment donning assist device  110  includes a rigid frame  112  having a top  116  and a bottom  118 . In this embodiment, the frame  112  is made from a solid piece of material, such as a polymer. The frame  112  defines an open channel  124  for receiving an extremity, such as a leg. 
     The frame  112  is connected to mounting members  114  and  115  which, in this embodiment, comprise legs. The mounting member  114 , for instance, is attached to a first base  140 , while the second mounting member  115  is attached to a second base  142 . The mounting members  114  and  115  maintain the frame at a desired height and position and mount the frame against the floor. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , each mounting member  114  and  115  is further attached to a corresponding handle  150  and  152  respectively. The handles  150  and  152  are positioned on opposite sides of the frame  112 . In the embodiment shown, each mounting member or leg extends downwardly from the frame and is attached to a base which provides expanded footing. Each leg then curves in an upwards direction and attaches to the handles  150  and  152 . In this embodiment, for instance, each of the mounting members  114  and  115  may be made from a bent flat metal bar. The handles  150  and  152  are positioned so that an individual can grasp the handles and place one&#39;s foot through the open channel formed by the frame and into a compression garment that has been placed over the top of the frame as described above with respect to  FIG. 3 . 
     When in use, one can insert a leg into a compression garment properly placed on the frame. By pushing one&#39;s leg down through the garment, the garment releases from the frame and remains properly positioned on the leg. 
     These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention so further described in such appended claims.