Field of the Invention.

The present invention is directed towards a dressing aid. In particular, the present invention is directed towards a dressing aid for assisting a user in putting on a variety of items of clothing.

Background Art.

There are many people for whom dressing themselves is not a simple task. For instance, elderly people, people with limited mobility, pregnant women or people who are sick, carrying an injury (such as a back injury) or recovering from surgery may all find the act of dressing themselves to be difficult, painful or uncomfortable.

Particular difficulty may be experienced when a person attempts to put clothing on the lower half of their body, such as underwear, hosiery, socks, shorts, skirts, trousers and the like. The movement required to, firstly, position the item of clothing correctly so that the wearer's feet are placed through the clothing, and then subsequently pull the item of clothing up to the desired position may prove to be extremely difficult for some people.

Some attempts have been made to overcome these problems through the provision of dressing aids. For instance, US patent no. 7070074 discloses a double-leg hosiery donning aid. However, this device suffers from the drawback that it is bulky, as well as being fiddly and time-consuming to assemble.

Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a dressing aid which was easy to assemble and use, as well as being compact for storage and transportation.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents shall be taken to have an inclusive meaning unless the context of use indicates otherwise.

Summary of the Invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a dressing aid which may overcome at least some of the abovementioned disadvantages, or provide a useful or commercial choice.

In one aspect, the invention resides broadly in a dressing aid comprising a pair of base portions adapted for removable engagement with one another, wherein each of the pair of base portions mounts a clothing applicator.

The base portions may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. Each of the pair of base portions may be the same size as one another, or may be of different sizes. It is envisaged that different size base portions may be provided if a user has legs of different size, for instance due to swelling, injury, disease, muscle wastage or the like.

As stated, the base portions are adapted for removable engagement with one another, enabling the dressing aid to be disassembled to be more compact for storage or transportation. To enable the pair of base portions to engage with one another, one or both of the base portions may be provided with engagement means.

Any suitable engagement means may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more clamps, hooks, clips, loops, ties, zips, hinges or the like, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the engagement means may be in the form of adhesives, adhesive patches, hook and loop connectors (e.g. Velcro) or the like. In other embodiment of the invention, the engagement means may comprise one or more screws, rivets, bolts, nails or the like or corresponding shaped portions on each of the base portions which engage one another such as interlocking crenellations.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one of the pair of base portions is provided with male engagement means adapted to engage with female engagement means located on the other of the pair of base portions. For instance, one of the pair of base portions may be provided with one or more projections (such as clips or the like) adapted to engage with, and be retained by, one or more slots, channels, grooves, recesses or the like in the other of the pair of base portions. The one or more projections may be retained on the one or more slots, channels, grooves or recesses (referred to collectively as "slots" for simplicity) using any suitable technique. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more projections may be provided with retention means adapted to engage with corresponding retention means in the one or more slots.

Preferably, the corresponding retention means are adapted such that, once engaged, the pair of base portions will not accidentally or unintentionally become disengaged from one another. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this may be achieved by providing biasing means to bias the one or more projections into engagement with the one or more slots. For instance, the one or more projections may be hingedly or pivotally mounted to the base portion, or may be provided with biasing devices such as springs, or the like, or a combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more projections are pivotally mounted to the base portion such that, to move the one or more projections from an engaged condition to a disengaged condition (in which the base portions may be disengaged from one another) a force must be applied to overcome the natural bias of the one or more projections and move the one or more projections to the disengaged condition.

In some embodiments of the invention, the force may be applied manually, or by a tool or the like. Preferably, a manual force is sufficient to overcome the natural bias of the one or more projections, so that a user may quickly and easily disengage the one or more projections from the one or more slots.

Normally the base portions will require movement relative to one another to disengage the retention means, prior to separation laterally from one another.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pair of base portions may be provided with access means adapted to ensure that a user may have ready access to the one or more projections so as to apply a force to one or more projections to disengage the pair of base portions from one another with determined movement, but to prevent accidental disengagement. Any suitable access means may be provided, such as an opening, recess, slot, channel, groove or the like, to enable a user to ^' use their fingers, a tool or the like to apply a force to the one or more projections.

In a preferred embodiment; the application of a force to the one or more projections moves the one or more projections from the engaged condition to the disengaged condition in which the retention means on the one or more projections disengages from the retention means on the one or more slots, thereby allowing the base portions to be disengaged from one another.

The base portions may be fabricated from any suitable material. In one form, the applicator can be made of plastic and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) may be an example of such a plastic. Of course, the base portions may be made of other plastic materials or other non-plastic materials such as fibreglass, wood, metal, glazed materials and the like.

In a particularly preferred, embodiment of the invention, each of the base portions may have a substantially U-shaped opening therein. This U-shaped opening may be adapted to substantially align with the clothing applicators which are preferably substantially U-shaped.

The clothing applicators may be formed integrally with the respective base portions or may be formed separately therefrom and adapted for fixed or removable attachment thereto. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the clothing applicators is adapted for removable attachment to the respective base portions. In this way, clothing applicators of different size or shape may be used in the dressing aid as required, for instance, if a different user wishes to use the dressing aid, if a user's leg has changed size (due to swelling or the like) or if different items of clothing are to be used in connection with the dressing aid. By allowing a user to use different size clothing applicators with the dressing aid, the versatility and flexibility of the dressing aid may be significantly increased. In embodiments of the invention in which the clothing applicators are adapted for removable attachment to the base portions, one or both of the base portions may be provided with applicator engagement means.

Any suitable applicator engagement means may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more clamps, hooks, clips, loops, ties, zips, hinges or the like, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the applicator engagement means may be in the form of adhesives, adhesive patches, hook and loop connectors (e.g. Velcro) or the like. In other embodiment of the invention, -the applicator engagement means may comprise one or more screws, rivets, bolts, nails or the like.

In some embodiments of the invention, the clothing applicators may be provided with engagement means adapted to engage with the base portions, or, specifically, the applicator engagement means of the base portions. Alternatively, the applicator engagement means may be adapted for engage with a portion of the clothing applicator, for instance a lower edge of the clothing applicator.

In this embodiment of the invention, the clothing applicators may be located and/or retained in one or more slots, channels, grooves or recesses (referred to collectively as "slots" for simplicity) in the base portions. Preferably, the one or more slots are located in an upper portion of the base portions and, in particular, in an upper surface of the base portions. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the clothing applicators may be attached to the base portions by inserting a portion of the clothing applicators (such as a lower portion, or lower edge portion) into the one or more slots.

Preferably, once attached, the clothing applicators will not accidentally or unintentionally become disengaged from the respective, base portions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this may be achieved by providing retention means to retain the clothing applicators in the one or more slots. Any suitable retention means may be provided, such as, but not limited to, one or more clamps, hooks, clips, loops, ties, zips, hinges or the like, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the retention means may be in the form of adhesives, adhesive patches, hook and loop connectors (e.g. Velcro) or the like. In other embodiment of the invention, the retention means may comprise one or more screws, rivets, bolts, nails or the like.

Preferably, the retention means comprises one or more biased clips, wherein the insertion of the clothing applicators into the one or more slots causes the one or more clips to bias into an engaged condition, thereby retaining the clothing applicators within the one or more slots. Preferably, a force may be applied to the retention means in order to bias the one or more clips into a disengaged condition such that the clothing applicators may be removed from the base portions.

In some embodiments of the invention, the force may be applied manually, or by a tool or the like. Preferably, a manual force is sufficient to overcome the natural bias of the retention means, so that a user may quickly and easily disengage the clothing applicators from the respective base portions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the pair of base portions may be provided with access means adapted to ensure that a user may have ready access to the retentions so as to apply a force to disengage the clothing applicators. Any suitable access means may be provided, such as an opening, recess, slot, channel, groove or the like, to enable a user to use their fingers, a tool or the like to apply a force to the retention means.

In some embodiments of the invention, a plurality of slots of differing shapes and/or sizes may be provided in at least one of the base portions so that clothing applicators of different types, sizes and shapes may be attached to the base portion.

The clothing applicators may be of any suitable type. For instance, the clothing applicators may be formed in substantially a U-shape so that the shape of the clothing applicators approximately conforms to the shape of the user's legs.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the clothing applicators comprises an elongate member which is substantially U-shaped and is open at each end, the elongate member comprising a heel opening between the ends of the elongate member, said heel opening extending entirely through the elongate member, the heel opening adapted to support a person's heel during application of an item of clothing.

Suitably, a raised surface is provided at least partially about at least one end of the clothing applicator. The raised surface can function as a clothing stop and/or a grip enhancing surface.

Suitably, the clothing applicator has a length of between 10-50 cm. The clothing applicator may be made from smooth material to facilitate application of the clothing. In one form, the applicator can be made of smooth plastic and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) may be an example of a smooth plastic. Of course, the clothing applicator may be made of other smooth plastic materials or other smooth non-plastic materials such as fibreglass, wood, metal, glazed materials and the like.

A first end of the clothing applicator may be provided with means for assisting in retaining the clothing applicator in the one or more slots. For instance, the clothing applicators may be provided with a thickened edge portion at their lower edge adapted to be retained in the slots, such as by frictional engagement or engagement with suitable retention means. Alternatively, the lower edge of the clothing applicator may not require any additional retention means. Suitably, the other "upper" end of the applicator is angled downwardly.

The clothing applicator may be typically shaped such that it may have a pair of opposed sides and an interconnecting portion. In practice, the clothing applicator will typically comprise a unitary structure. The interconnecting portion may be rounded or may have another configuration.

It is envisaged that the opposed sides will be substantially parallel to each other although the sides may also converge or diverge relative to each other.

The heel opening is preferably positioned in the interconnecting portion of the elongate member. If desired, more than one heel opening may be provided.

The heel opening may comprise an oval shape, a circular shape, or another shape which can function as a heel opening and also function to facilitate application of an item of clothing.

It is envisaged that the heel opening will have a length or diameter of between 20-100 mm and typically between 40-80 mm. It is envisaged that the heel opening will have a width of between 20- 100 mm and typically between 20-60 mm.

If desired, the clothing applicator may be provided with some form of "closure" to cover the heel opening when not required and where the closure can be removed. However, it is considered practical to simply have the heel opening open at all times.

The clothing applicator may have any suitable length. It is considered that a suitable length will be between 10-50 cm, although there may be some circumstances where the clothing applicator is larger or smaller than these dimensions (for instance for use on infants).

It is envisaged that the clothing applicator will be relatively rigid during use. However, the clothing applicator may have a degree of flex if desired.

It is envisaged that the clothing applicator may be manufactured in such a manner that it can be "flat stacked" for storage and transportation and then "erected" for use. For instance, the clothing applicator may be made in two or more removable parts which can be assembled prior to use. Alternatively, some form of hinge or flex arrangement may be provided. In some further embodiments of the invention, an inner surface of the elongate member may be provided with one or more raised portions. The raised portions may comprise any suitable form, although in some embodiments of the invention, the raised portions comprise one or more ribs. The ribs may be located at any point on the inner surface of the elongate member. In one embodiment of the present invention, the ribs are located on the inner surface of the interconnecting wall. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ribs are located adjacent the heel opening in the elongate member. The number and placement of these ribs serves to allow the thickness of the elongate member at the heel opening to be reduced while still retaining sufficient rigidity to load and apply an item of clothing.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the dressing aid may further comprise means for assisting in the application of an item of clothing. These means may be of any suitable form, although in some preferred embodiments of the invention, the means may comprise one or more handles. The handles may be of any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, handles with rigid or flexible connectors interconnecting the handles and the dressing aid. Alternatively, the handles may be provided on telescopic, folding or hinged connectors interconnecting the handles and the dressing aid. The handles may be permanently or removably attached to the dressing aid (for instance, on at least one of the pair of base portions, on the clothing applicators, or on a combination thereof) and may be constructed from any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, rubber and the like. In embodiments of the invention in which the handles are adapted for removable attachment to the base portions, the handles may be provided with connection means adapted to retain the handles on the base portions.

In a preferred embodiment, a handle may be provided on each of the base portions. In this embodiment of the invention, and particularly when connectors fabricated from a flexible material are present, the dressing aid may be further provided with guide means adapted to retain the connectors in an appropriate location. The guide means may be of any suitable form, such as, but not limited to, one or more members interconnecting the connecting means associated with each of the pair of handles. The elongate members may be fabricated from a flexible or rigid material, such as plastic, metal, rubber or the like and may be adapted to ensure that the handles are maintained substantially within the reach of a user at all times. In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a dressing aid comprising a pair of base portions adapted for removable engagement with one another, wherein each of the pair of base portions mounts a clothing applicator comprising an elongate member which comprises a pair of opposed sidewalls and an interconnecting wall and therefore may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section, the elongate member having a heel opening between opposed ends of the elongate member, said heel opening extending entirely through the elongate member, the heel opening adapted to support a person's heel during application of clothing. In yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a method for donning clothing comprising providing a dressing aid which comprises a pair of base portions adapted for removable engagement with one another, wherein each of the pair of base portions mounts a clothing applicator, positioning an item of clothing over one end of each of the clothing applicators, placing a person's feet through openings in the dressing aid such that the person's feet are also placed through openings in the item of clothing, pulling the dressing aid along the person's leg until such time as the item of clothing has been donned, and then removing the dressing aid from the person's leg.

In a further aspect, the invention resides broadly in a dressing aid comprising a base portion and a pair of clothing applicators extending from the base portion, each of the pair of clothing applicators comprising an elongate member which comprises a pair of opposed sidewalls and an interconnecting wall and therefore may be substantially U- shaped in cross-section, the elongate member having a heel opening between opposed ends of the elongate member, said heel opening extending entirely through the elongate member, the heel opening adapted to support a person's heel during application of clothing. It is envisaged that the pair of clothing applicators may be formed integrally with the base portion, or may be formed separately therefrom and adapted for fixed or temporary engagement therewith.

It is envisaged that the dressing aid of the present invention may be used to assist in the donning of a variety of items of clothing, including socks, pantyhose, stockings, medical or compression stockings and pantyhose, shorts, boxer shorts, bicycle pants, underwear, pyjamas, trousers, skirts or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figs 1A-1C illustrate perspective views of a pair of base portions according to an - embodiment of the present invention;

Fig 2 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of base portions and a pair of clothing applicators according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs 3A-3B illustrate perspective views of a dressing aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs 4A-4B illustrate perspective views of a dressing aid according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig 5 illustrates a perspective view of a dressing aid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings.

It will be appreciated that the drawings have been provided for the purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention and that the invention should not be considered to be limited solely to the features as shown in the drawings.

In Figures 1A to 1C there is illustrated perspective views of a pair of base portions 10, 1 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each of the base portions 10, 11 has a substantially U-shaped opening 12 therein adapted to substantially align with a corresponding U-shaped opening in a clothing applicator (not shown).

The upper surface of each of the base portions 10, 11 are provided with channels 13 into which a lower edge of a clothing applicator (not shown) may be inserted in preparation for use. The base portions 10, 11 are provided with clips 14 which engage the lower edge of the clothing applicator (not shown) and retain it in place. One of the base portions 10 is provided with additional clips 15 adapted to engage with slots 16 in the other of the base portions 1 1. The engagement of the clips 15 in the slots 16 ensures that the base portions 10, 1 1 are removable engaged with one another during use as shown in Figure 1 C.

The second base portion 1 1 is provided with recesses 17 adjacent the slots 16 such that a user may insert part of their finger into the recess 17 to gain access to the slips 15. In this way, a user may readily and quickly disengage the clips 15 from the slots 16 and thereby disengage the base portions 10, 11 from one another for transportation or storage.

In Figure 2 there is shown a pair of base portions 10, 11 and a pair of clothing applicators 18 adapted for connection to the base portions 10, 11 to form a dressing aid. In the embodiment illustrated the lowed edges 19 of the clothing applicators 18 are adapted for insertion and retention in the U-shaped channels 13 in the upper surface of each of the base portions 10, 11. The clothing applicators 18 comprises an elongate member which comprises a pair of opposed sidewalls 20 and an interconnecting wall 21 and therefore may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section, the elongate member having a heel 22 opening between opposed ends of the elongate member , said heel opening extending 22 entirely through the elongate member, the heel opening adapted to support a person's heel during application of clothing (not shown).

An internal surface of the clothing applicators 18 is provided with a series of ribs 23 adapted to reduce the thickness of material required in the region of the heel opening 22 while still providing the clothing applicators 18 with sufficient strength and rigidity to allow the loading of a clothing item, including items such as high compression stockings. It may be more clearly seen in this Figure that each of the clips 15 is provided with retention means in the form of a projection 24 which, after the clip 15 is inserted into the slot 16 and moves into the engaged condition, is retained by a bar 25 in the slot 16. By biasing the clip 15 into the disengaged condition, the retention of he projection 24 on the bar 24 is overcome, and the base portions 10, 11 may be disengaged from one another.

In Figures 3A and 3B a dressing aid 26 according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The dressing aid 26 comprises a pair of base portions 10, 11 removably engaged with one another, each of the base portions 10, 11 being provided with a clothing applicator 18 removably attached thereto.

The lower edge 19 of the clothing applicators 18 is inserted into the U-shaped channels 13 in the base portions 10, 11 and the clothing applicators 18 are retained in place by clips 14.

In Figures 4A and 4B, the dressing aid of Figures 3 A and 3B is shown when the base portions 10, 11 have been disengaged from one another. Stacking the base portions 10, 11 (with clothing applicators 18 still attached) in the manner illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B means that the dressing aid takes up relatively little space when being stored or transported.

In Figure 5, the dressing aid 26 of Figures 3A and 3B is shown with handles 27 fitted to the dressing aid 26. Each of the handles 27 are provided with a flexible elongate member 28 such a nylon rope or similar connected to the base portions 10, 11 via connection means 29.

The dressing aid 16 is provided with guide means 30 associated with both of the flexible elongate members 28 and adapted to ensure that the handles 27 are maintained within relatively easy reach of the user.

In use, an item of clothing such as a pair of underwear (not shown) is fitted to the dressing aid 26 such that a first leg opening is placed over a first clothing applicator 18 and a second leg opening is placed over a second clothing applicator 18. The item of clothing should be fitted to the dressing aid 26 such that the front of the item of clothing is positioned adjacent the open side of the clothing applicators 18. A user then passes their feet through the leg openings such that the back of the user's leg is placed adjacent the heel openings 22 in the clothing applicators 18.

The user may then grip the handles 27 and pull the dressing aid 26 upwardly along their legs. Once the dressing aid 26 has been pulled up the user's legs a sufficient distance (for instance, to about the knee), the user may then remove the underwear (not shown) from the dressing aid 26 by simply pulling the underwear up using their hands. The dressing aid 26 may then be removed from the user's legs.

Although the invention has been described in this embodiment with reference to underwear, a skilled addressee will understand that any suitable item of clothing could be donned using the same technique. For some items of clothing (such as socks, trousers and hosiery) a slight alteration of the method may be required. Specifically, an upper portion of the item of clothing may be rolled over the upper edge of the clothing applicators 18 such that the item of clothing hangs down inside the U-shaped body of the clothing applicator 18. A user may place their feet into the item of clothing and then pull the dressing aid upwardly until the upper part of the item of clothing rolls off the upper edge of the clothing applicators 18. ^■

In this way, many items of clothing may be. donned from a sitting position, which reduces the pain or discomfort that may be cause during dressing if a person is ill, has reduced mobility or is carrying an injury. Further, the risk of falls (particular with elderly users) is reduced due to the ability to don clothing from the sitting position.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It will be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.