The present invention relates to clothing. In particular, the invention relates to a two- part clothing for a disabled person, who needs assistance in performing daily tasks such as moving, dressing and/ or using toilet/ bath, etc.

Background of invention

A common challenge for persons afflicted with physically disabling conditions is the performance of daily tasks such as dressing oneself. For example, a stroke victim having some degree of paralysis or weakness may experience difficulty in putting on clothing, such as a pair of pants. More specifically, persons such as paraplegics, aged persons, stroke victims and others temporarily incapacitated by, for example, broken legs or damaged ankles, knees, hips or backs or acute care orthopaedic patients, may find it difficult in pulling clothing over their arms, head, feet and legs. Health

personnel(s) or caregiver(s) may also struggle in dressing such disabled person because the caregiver(s) may have to lift the disabled person and/ or accomplish a number of activities, such as holding arms of the person while maintaining a grasp over the clothing and maintaining the hold and grasp while fastening the clothing, almost simultaneously.

Also, it is difficult to move a person from a sitting position in a bed to a wheelchair, commode/ toilet or the like at another location. One attempted solution is for one or more other persons to carry the disable person from the bed to the other desired location. This, of course, is labour intensive and not possible in some circumstances. In addition, the need for dressing and undressing the disabled person regularly for allowing the person to use toilets, baths etc. poses above-mentioned challenges to both the person and the caregiver(s), thereby making the process both cumbersome and time consuming.

Furthermore, it is also challenging to orient the person, wearing presently available clothing, in a particular position. For instance, the time and manpower required to lift and transfer the person or orient the person from lying to seating position or vice versa is very high. This not only makes the process inefficient but also increases the labour cost at health centres or hospitals. Therefore, there exists a need for providing clothing, which facilitates dressing, toileting, bathing, lifting and movement of disabled persons, such that the time taken and the manpower required for any of these steps is reduced substantially.

Furthermore, the two-part clothing is also useful to caregivers who suffer from backstrain and the like due to the burdens of lifting patients that are placed upon them. By making adequate use of the features of the two-part clothing of the present invention, such caregivers can be in a better position to lift and transport such patients and reduce the number of injuries resulting to themselves from such transport.

Summary of invention

According to an embodiment of the invention, a two-part clothing is disclosed. The clothing includes a first part comprising a first fastening means; a second part comprising a second fastening means, wherein the first part and the second part are detachably attached using the first fastening means and the second fastening means; and the first part and the second part are completely detachable.

In another embodiment of the invention a two-part clothing is disclosed. The clothing comprises: a first part comprising a first fastening means; a second part comprising a second fastening means, wherein the first part and the second part are detachably attached using the first fastening means and the second fastening means; the first and/or second part comprising suspension means for engaging with a locking means of a lifting device or cloth engagement means of a hoist to lift or orient the wearer.

In another embodiment of the invention, multi-layered clothing is disclosed. The multi- layered clothing includes an inner two-part clothing and outer clothing. The inner two- part clothing includes a first inner part having a first inner fastening means, a second inner part having a second inner fastening means, wherein the first inner part and the second inner part are detachably attached using the first inner fastening means and the second inner fastening means; and the first inner part and the second inner part are completely detachable; and a suspension means for engaging with a locking means of a lifting device or cloth engagement means of a hoist to lift a wearer. The outer clothing includes lower body clothing and/ or upper body clothing and includes access means such as holes at the side seam of the outer clothing for accessing the suspension means of the inner clothing.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a lifting device is disclosed. The lifting device includes a first member comprising first locking means adapted to engage with suspension means of an upper body clothing; a second member comprising second locking means adapted to engage with suspension means of the lower body clothing, and a pivot around which the first member and the second member are rotatably movable.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a hoist is disclosed. The hoist includes a plurality of lifting cables of different lengths, each of the plurality of lifting cables comprising cloth engagement means such as hooks at its one end, wherein the cloth engagement means when engaged with a suspension means of clothing allows for lifting the wearer or orienting the wearer from one position to another, such as from lying position to seating position or vice versa.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a hoist is disclosed. The hoist includes a plurality of lifting cables of different lengths, each of the plurality of lifting cables comprising lifting device engagement means at its one end, wherein the suspension means of the clothing are engaged with the locking means of the lifting device and wherein the lifting device engagement means when engaged with complementary engagement means of the lifting device allows for lifting the wearer or orienting the wearer from one position to another, such as from lying position to seating position or vice versa.

An embodiment of the invention also discloses a method for lifting and transporting a wearer of the two-part clothing. The method includes placing one of the parts of a two- part clothing around a wearer's body, the clothing comprising a first part having a first fastening means and a second part having a second fastening means. Thereafter, the other part of the two-part clothing is overlaid/ underlaid over/ under the placed part and the first part and the second part of the clothing are then attached using the first fastening means and the second fastening means. Then, suspension means of the clothing are engaged with a locking means of a lifting device or cloth engagement means of a hoist; and the wearer is lifted/ oriented and transported using the lifting device and/ or the hoist.

Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings

The embodiments of the invention, together with its advantages, may be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which

Figure 1 illustrates a two part clothing according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figures 1 a and 1 b illustrate the two part upper body clothing and Figures 1 c and 1 d illustrate the two-part lower body clothing;

Figure 2 illustrate a one part clothing according to another aspect of the invention, wherein Figure 2a illustrates a variation of the upper body clothing, Figure 2b illustrates a variation of the lower body clothing, and Figure 2c illustrates an improved variation of an upper body clothing in the shape of a vest, undershirt or waistcoat;

Figure 3 illustrates a releasable cloth piece according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a two part clothing as suspenders according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 4a illustrates the suspenders from front of the wearer and Figure 4b illustrates the suspenders from rear view of the wearer; Figure 5 illustrate a two part clothing having mesh according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 5a illustrates the two part upper body clothing having the mesh and Figure 5b illustrates the two part lower body clothing having the mesh;

Figure 6 illustrate detachable suspension means according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 6a illustrates the detachable suspension means for an upper body clothing and Figure 6b illustrates the detachable suspension means for a lower body clothing;

Figure 7 illustrates uniting means according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 illustrates the upper body clothing and the lower body clothing after the two- part clothing is worn by the wearer according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 illustrates a lifting device according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 9a illustrates detailed view of one section of the lifting device, which is illustrated in Figure 9b in combination with a hoist;

Figure 10 illustrates lifting a wearer using the lifting device and hoist according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 1 1 illustrates lifting a person using the lifting device and hoist according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 illustrates operation of a sliding locking means according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 12a illustrates position of the slideable locking means when the slideable locking means is not in use, Figure 12b illustrates when the slideable locking means is moved and Figure 12c illustrates when the slideable locking means has already been used to complete an operation; Figure 13 illustrates a scenario for using the hoist, lifting device and the suspension means according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 14 illustrates multi-layered clothing according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 14a illustrates an inner two part upper body clothing and an outer clothing, Figure 14b illustrates a inner two part upper body clothing having a mesh and an outer clothing, Figure 14c illustrates an inner two part lower body clothing and an outer clothing and Figure 14d illustrates a inner two part lower body clothing having a mesh and an outer clothing. Detailed description of the invention

The invention is generally described with specific embodiments, such as loops as suspension means, hook-and-loop type fastening means, etc. However, the person skilled in the art would appreciate that the invention may be practised using alternative embodiments of this invention. Furthermore, same elements of the device, in different figures, are identified with same numeral. Disabled Person

The invention relates to a two-part clothing for a disabled person. The disabled persons include persons, who find it difficult and require assistance in performing daily tasks such as moving, dressing and/ or using toilet/ bath. Such disabled person may include persons such as paraplegics, aged persons, stroke victims and others temporarily incapacitated by, for example, broken legs or damaged ankles, knees, hips or backs or acute care orthopaedic patients and find it difficult for example to pull clothing over their arms, head, feet and legs. In addition, such disabled persons may also include overweight persons such as having Body Mass index of at least 25.

The use of wearer throughout the text is in relation to a disabled person, who is using/ wearing the two-part clothing of the present invention.

Two-Part Clothing

Figure 1 illustrates a two part clothing according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figures 1 a and 1 b illustrate the two part upper body clothing and Figures 1 c and 1 d illustrate the two-part lower body clothing.

The two-part clothing 100, 100' includes a first part 105, 105' comprising a first fastening means 1 15, 1 15' and a second part 1 10, 1 10' comprising a second fastening means 120, 120'. The first part 105, 105' and the second part 1 10, 1 10' are detachably attached using the first fastening means 1 15, 1 15' and the second fastening means 120, 120' and the first part 105, 105' and the second part 1 10, 1 10' are completely detachable.

The term "detachably attached" means that the first part and the second part are attachable to each other using the fastening means for defining upper body clothing and a lower body clothing. However, the attachment may be detached by applying detachment force, such as pulling force on the first fastening means and the second fastening means in opposite directions respectively, such that the first part and the second part become completely separated or detached from each other.

The first part 105, 105' of the clothing covers at least a part of the front body of the wearer whereas the second part 1 10, 1 10' covers at least a part of the rear body of the wearer. The two part clothing also includes suspension means 125, 125' (described later) and may also include a securing means 130' (described later).

In the above description, it is understandable that two part clothing 100 includes the upper body clothing 100 comprising the first part 105 interacting with the second part 1 10 through the first fastening means 1 15 and the second fastening means 120.

Whereas, the two part clothing 100' includes the lower body clothing 100' comprising the first part 105' interacting with the second part 1 10' through the first fastening means 1 15' and the second fastening means 120'. Further, the suspension means 125 relate to upper body clothing and the suspension means 125' relate to lower body clothing. In various embodiments, the upper body clothing 100 includes vests, shirts, dresses, smocks, nightshirts, coats, jackets, pullovers and the like, and the lower body clothing 100' includes a pair of shorts, trousers, briefs, other underwear and the like. According to various embodiments, the upper body clothing 100 is sleeveless or includes sleeves extending over a predetermined arm/ forearm length. Similarly, various embodiments of the invention include the lower body clothing 100' having a length over a predetermined length such as until around the thigh region, until the knee, or until the entire leg. However, it is preferred that the suspension means 125' of the lower body clothing 100' is only until the knee.

The two part clothing 100, 100' of Figure 1 includes the first part 105, 105' and second part 1 10, 1 10', which are completely detachable from each other. This is illustrated in Figure 1 a where the two parts 105 and 1 10 are in detached form, whereas in Figure 1 b the two parts 105 and 1 10 are attached to each other using the interlocking fastening means 1 15 and 120. Similarly, Figure 1 c illustrates two parts 105' and 1 10' in detached form, whereas in Figure 1 d the two part 105' and 1 10' are attached to each other using the fastening means 1 15' and 120'. In another embodiment, Figure 2 illustrates a variation of a two part clothing of Figure 1 , wherein Figure 2a illustrates a variation of the two part upper body clothing, Figure 2b illustrates a variation of the two part lower body clothing, and Figure 2c illustrates an improved variation of an upper body clothing in the shape of a vest or waistcoat. This embodiment is a variation but for simplicity and understanding purposes, same reference numerals as indicated in Figure 1 are used. The upper body clothing 100 and the lower body clothing 100' include a first part 105, 105' having a first fastening means 1 15, 1 15' and a second part 1 10, 1 10' having a second fastening means 120, 120'. Furthermore, the upper body clothing and the lower body clothing include suspension means 125, 125' as well. However, in this embodiment, the first part 105 and the second part 1 10 of the upper body clothing are not completely detachable but are joined together around the shoulder region S. Similarly, the first part 105' and the second part 1 10' of the lower body clothing are also not completely detachable but are joined together around the inseam region I. In Figure 2C is illustrated an upper body clothing in the shape of a vest or undershirt or waistcoat. The vest can be worn by a disable person alone without assistance from healthcare staff. The vest is put over the head and the two sides of the second part, 1 10, are assembled in front of the wearer using fastening means, 120 and 1 15, in the same way as for the two part clothing of the present invention. Suspension means, 125, are located on the piece of cloth so that the wearer can be lifted as described elsewhere. The lower part of the vest clothing may additionally include uniting means for uniting the upper body clothing to a lower body clothing.

In general, the two-part clothing where the first part and the second part are completely detachable is preferred and are more effective in performing the tasks because depending upon the circumstances and condition of the person, the two detached parts may be manufactured individually and adjusted in a more flexible and controlled way. The advantage of modular design of earlier embodiment of Figure 1 , where the clothing is sub-divided into detachably separable parts includes independently creating and using the parts in different situations, thereby offering reduction in cost because of lesser customization and flexibility in design.

As a further embodiment, Figure 3 illustrates a releasable cloth piece. The second part 1 10' of the lower body clothing 100' includes a releasable cloth piece 305' covering posterior of the pelvic region of a wearer. The releasable cloth piece is attached to the second part 1 10' using detachable means 310', wherein one part of the detachable means 310' is included in the releasable cloth 305' and complementary interlocking part of the detachable means 310' is included in the second part 1 10'. Any

conventional means such as press studs, hook-and-loops etc. may be used as detachable means. The releasable cloth piece 305' is released when the wearer needs to use the toilet and later attached again to the lower body clothing 100' after the use. Now referring to Figure 4, which illustrates a two-part clothing as suspenders according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 4a illustrates the suspenders from front of the wearer and Figure 4b illustrates the suspenders from rear view of the wearer. In this embodiment, the first part 105, 105' and the second part 1 10, 1 10' include suspenders, the suspenders being defined by a pattern of interconnected straps for accommodating wearer's body. The interconnected straps are strapped around wearer's body from the shoulder area to at most until the knee, thereby providing support to the wearer's lower body and upper body. The suspenders further include suspension means 125, 125' on the outward facing side straps and on the shoulder strap. Not explicitly shown in the Figure, but the straps of the suspenders, on which suspension means 125, 125' are attached, also include first fastening means and second fastening means to attach the first part 105, 105' with the second part 1 10, 1 10' respectively. The suspenders cover at least a part of the front body and a part of the rear body of the wearer.

Figure 5 illustrate a two part clothing having mesh according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 5a illustrates the two part upper body clothing having the mesh and Figure 5b illustrates the two part lower body clothing having the mesh.

According to this embodiment, at least one of the first part 105, 105' or the second part 1 10, 1 10' is meshed, preferably only one of the parts (105, 105' or 1 10, 1 10') is meshed, and more preferably only the second part 1 10, 1 10' is meshed. The meshed second part is represented by 505 and 505' in Figures 5a and 5b respectively. It is comprehensible that either upper body clothing or lower body clothing or both are meshed. The mesh includes an intertwined framework of knitted threads, such as loosely woven fabric that has a large number of closely-spaced holes or gaps. The intertwined framework in various implementations may include transversely extending threads, vertical extending threads, horizontal extending threads or a combination thereof. The mesh is defined by mesh gap that is in the range of approximately 0.3 cm to 2 cm, preferably approximately 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm, more preferably approximately

0.75 cm to 1 .25 cm. Inclusion of mesh provides flexibility in choosing whether the lifting or transporting of the wearer is provided using the suspension means or by using the mesh gaps. The clothing is made up of material selected from a group consisting of polyester and nylon and a combination thereof. The clothing is strong enough to withstand the stress it is subjected to while lifting the person. However, it will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that other materials, providing desired effect such as for bathing purpose, enough strength may also be used. The clothing may also include different tensile strength at different sections of the clothing to ensure that sections of clothing, under higher stress, have higher tensile strength. For example, section of the second part, which is just below the posterior of the pelvic region, commonly known as buttocks, of the wearer has higher tensile strength. Similarly, the section of second part close to the suspension means may also have higher tensile strength because while lifting, the suspension means and the section close to the suspension means are under higher stress. The clothing may also be made up of material that is quick drying, non- absorbent and non-swelling. Such clothing is useful when the two-part clothing is still worn by the wearer during activities such as bathing.

The first fastening means 1 15, 1 15' and the second fastening means 120, 120' are complementary parts of a fastening means, which include buttons, zippers, press studs, magnetic strips and hooks-and-loops, etc. Other fastening means that provide the same effect as the one disclosed in the application may also be used.

Suspension Means

As illustrated earlier in Figures 1 through 5, the clothing 100, 100' includes the suspension means 125, 125'. The suspension means is used for engaging with a locking means (refer Figure 9, 915) of a lifting device (refer Figure 9, 900) or cloth engagement means of a hoist to lift/ orient a wearer. The suspension means 125, 125' is selected from a group consisting of loops, rings, and mesh gaps of the clothing and the like.

The suspension means 125, 125' is usually positioned on the clothing such that during lifting, no or substantially insignificant pulling force to detach the first fastening means 1 15, 1 15' from the second fastening means 120, 120' is applied. For example, the suspension means 125, 125' are provided adjacent to, but below, the second fastening means on the second part 1 10, 1 10' (see Figures 1 , 2, and 5). Because, the

suspension means 125, 125' are provided below the second fastening means 120, 120', no pulling detachment force is applied on the fastening means. The pulling detachment force is defined by the force that is applied on the first and second fastening means when the first and second fastening means are pulled away from each other. This is also applicable in embodiments (refer Figure 4), where suspenders are used as the first part and the second part.

In an embodiment of the invention, the suspension means are provided adjacent to outward facing fastening means of the clothing (see Figures 1 , 2, and 5). For upper body clothing, the suspension means is provided at the shoulder region S of the upper body clothing according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 illustrate detachable suspension means according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 6a illustrates the detachable suspension means 125 for an upper body clothing 100 and Figure 6b illustrates the detachable suspension means 125' for a lower body clothing 100'. The suspension means 125, 125' are detachable from the clothing 100, 100' respectively. The detachable suspension 125, 125' means are adapted to be attached with the outward facing side seam area SS of the clothing using an attaching means 605 with 610 and 605' with 610' of the detachable suspension means 125, 125', the attaching means being complementary to the one provided at the side seam area SS of the clothing. In one implementation of this embodiment, the suspension means 125, 125' includes a strip of material M having means 125, 125' selected from a group consisting of loops, rings, and mesh gaps and the like for engaging with the locking means (refer Figure 9, 915) of a lifting device (refer Figure 9, 900) or cloth engagement means of a hoist to lift/ orient a wearer. The suspension means further includes a lumen 615, 615' for inserting a stiffening rod 620, 620', thereby allowing stability while lifting.

The suspension means and the clothing has a lifting capacity of approximately at least 200 kgs, preferably at least 300 kgs. The suspension means and the clothing is also suitable for fitting and lifting a wearer having Body Mass Index of at least 25, preferably at least 30, more preferably at least 35 and even more preferably 40. It is

comprehensible that the two-part clothing will work even for people having weight lesser than 200 kgs and/ or Body Mass Index of less than 25.

In an embodiment, the suspension means at the lower body clothing is at most until wearer's knee and according to another embodiment; the suspension means includes a plurality of suspension means at a predetermined distance from one another (refer Figures 1 -8).

Securing Means

A securing means (refer Figure 1 d, 130') may also be provided for limiting movement of limbs of the wearer within an acceptable range. The securing means 130' includes at least one lower connector 130' such as a cloth piece, between inseam areas of the lower body clothing 100'. Similarly, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that at least one upper connector (not shown) such as a cloth piece, between inseam area of arm/ forearm clothing and side seam area of torso clothing of the upper body clothing 100 may also be provided as a securing means for limiting movement of arms within the acceptable range.

Limiting the movement of the limbs within the acceptable range ensures safety while lifting or moving the patient. For example, in absence of such securing means, there is a possibility that the limbs may drift and move away from each other or from torso to an extent that the wearer suffers muscle fibre tear or an injury to a muscle as a result of overstretching. Uniting Means

Figure 7 illustrates uniting means according to an embodiment of the invention.

According to the embodiment, a uniting means 705, 710' is provided close to lower end L of the upper body clothing 100 and close to upper end U of the lower body clothing 100' for uniting the upper body clothing and the lower body clothing into one piece clothing. Such uniting means may be selected from complementary parts of means selected from a group consisting of a zipper, buttons, press studs, magnetic strips, hooks-and-loops, etc.

The lower end L is defined by a section of upper body clothing 100, closer to the lower body clothing 100'. The upper end U is defined by the section of lower body clothing section 100', closer to the upper body clothing 100. The one piece clothing is defined by combination of the upper body clothing 100 and lower body clothing 100', wherein the upper body clothing 100 and the lower body clothing 100' are joined together using the uniting means 705 and 710' into one body clothing, which may be detached by disengaging the uniting means. In the one-piece clothing, the corresponding first part and second part of the upper body clothing and the lower body clothing may also be attached to each other using the corresponding fastening means;

Figure 8 illustrates the upper body clothing and the lower body clothing after the two- part clothing is worn by the wearer according to an embodiment of the invention. The upper body clothing 100 and the lower body clothing 100' may be united together using the uniting means (refer Figure 7, 705, 710'). Usually, one pair of suspension means 805 of the upper body clothing 100 and one pair of suspension means 810' of the lower body clothing 100' are immediately adjacent to each other, when both the upper body clothing 100 and the lower body clothing 100' are worn by the wearer.

Lifting Device

According to an embodiment of the invention, a lifting device is disclosed and illustrated in Figure 9, wherein Figure 9a illustrates detailed view of one section of the lifting device, which is illustrated in Figure 9b in combination with a hoist. The lifting device 900 includes a first member 905 comprising a first locking means 915 adapted to engage with suspension means 125 of the upper body clothing 100, a second member 910 comprising second locking means 915' adapted to engage with suspension means 125' of the lower body clothing 100', and a pivot 940 around which the first member 905 and the second member 910 are rotatably movable.

Figure 9b illustrates the lifting device, wherein the lifting device 935 is engaged, using its complementary lifting device engagement means 925 and 925', with a hoist 935. The hoist is described later in the description.

Figure 10 illustrates lifting a wearer using the lifting device and hoist according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the hoist 935 having lifting device engagement means (not shown) is engaged with the complementary lifting device engagement means 925, 925' of the lifting device 900. The first member (refer Figure 9, 905) comprising a first locking means 915 is engaged with the suspension means

125 of the upper body clothing 100, a second member (refer Figure 9, 910) comprising second locking means 915' is engaged with the suspension means 125' of the lower body clothing 100'. Figure 1 1 illustrates lifting a person using the lifting device and hoist according to another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the one described in Figure 10. However, in this embodiment, the immediately adjacent pairs of suspension means 805 and 810' of the upper body clothing 100 and the lower body clothing 100' are engaged with same pair of locking means 915 of the lifting device or cloth engagement means of the hoist respectively. It is noticeable that, in another implementation, the immediately adjacent pairs of suspension means 805, 810' are engaged with same pair of locking means 915' of the second member 910 of the lifting device. Engaging the immediately adjacent pairs of suspension means with same pair of locking means or cloth engagement means ensures that the upper body clothing and the lower body clothing are close enough and not moving apart from each other when the wearer is being lifted. This also ensures uniform distribution of lifting stress along the clothing and to the wearer. The lifting device 900 may also include a complementary engagement means 925, 925' adapted to engage with engagement means (not shown) of a hoist for lifting the wearer or orienting the wearer from one position to another, such as from laying position to seating position or vice versa. Figure 13 illustrates a scenario for using the hoist, lifting device and the suspension means according to an embodiment of the invention. The suspension means 125, 125' of the two-part clothing 100, 100' are engaged with the locking means 915, 915' of the lifting device respectively, with the wearer lying flat on a bed. The lifting device engagement means, available at one end of the lifting cables 930, are engaged with complementary lifting device engagement means 925, 925' of the lifting device 900. The lifting cable engaged with the second member 910 of the lifting device 900 is longer than the lifting cable engaged with the first member 905 of the lifting device. Therefore, when the lifting device 900, engaged with the hoist 935, is lifted using the hoist, the first member 905 and the second member 910 of the lifting device rotate around the pivot 940 to orient the wearer from the lying position to a seating position. The pivot 940 may also include pivot locking positions by use of a means such as delinkable snap locks, which may be based on slam locking mechanism, to secure first member and second member in different angular positions with respect to each other. In order to orient the wearer from seating to lying positions, the wearer is made to sit on the bed. Thereafter, the means such as delinkable snap locks may be delinked and the lifting force applied on the lifting cable is released, preferably gradually, to let the wearer lie on the bed.

Slideable Locking Means

Figure 12 illustrates operation of a sliding locking means according to an embodiment of the invention. The operation of slideable locking means allows removal/ undressing, i.e. sliding down of the lower body clothing from original position of waist area to around the knee of the wearer and thereafter, bringing the lower body clothing in the original position once the wearer has used toilet. The second member 910 includes a pair of slideable locking means 920, the pair of slideable locking means 920 being positioned at the second member 910 and adjacent to the pivot 940. The pair of slideable locking means 920 is adapted to engage with at least a pair of suspension means 1205', adjacent to the pivot 940, of the lower body clothing 100'. The position of the slideable locking means is illustrated in Figure 12a when slideable locking means is not in operation.

The pair of slideable locking means 920 is activated and controlled by an actuation system (not shown). The movement of the pair of slideable locking means 920 is along the length of the second member 910 and allows for removal/ undressing and dressing of at least the second part 1 10' of the lower body clothing 100'. The actuation system may be selected from a manual system or automatic drive controlled actuation system for moving the slideable locking means along the second member 910, for example along a slide guide 1205. When the actuation system is activated, the slideable locking mechanism, engaged with suspension means 1205', slides along the second member and thus, pulling the lower body clothing from a position illustrated in Figure 12a to a position illustrated in Figure 12b. Once, the wearer has used the toilet, the actuation system activates the slideable locking means 920 and pulls the lower body clothing 100' from position shown in Figure 12 b to original position of Figure 12a, as shown in Figure 12c. In some embodiments, the lifting device may be provided with additional support such as hand support such that the wearer may lift himself temporarily, during the operation of slideable locking means, using his arm and/ or shoulder strength. This allows the actuation system to work more effectively because the actuation system does not need to counter the entire weight of the wearer, while sliding the slideable locking means along the second member.

In one embodiment, the slideable locking means 920 may also be used for pulling the lower body clothing up from around knee area to the waist area of the person, when the person is in lying position, as shown in Figure 13. The pulling force applied by the actuation system is usually enough to overcome the body weight of the thigh and buttock section of the person. However, in a preferred implementation, the thigh and buttock section is lifted just enough to let the lower body clothing slide below the thigh and buttock area of the person. The pulling force required to pull the lower body clothing up to the waist area of the person is therefore substantially reduced. The skilled person would appreciate that using the slideable locking means for a person in lying position overcomes the problem of lifting the person for prolonged period of time in order to make him wear the lower body clothing.

Hoist

According to an embodiment, a hoist for lifting and transporting a wearer is disclosed. The hoist 935 includes a plurality of lifting cables 930 of different lengths. The plurality of lifting cables includes cloth engagement means such as hooks at its one end. The cloth engagement means may be engaged with the suspension means of clothing directly and allows for lifting the wearer or orienting the wearer from one position to another, such as from lying position to seating position or vice versa. Each of the plurality of lifting cables is connected to the hoist at its other end. In another embodiment, the hoist includes the plurality of lifting cables of different lengths, each of the plurality of lifting cables comprising lifting device engagement means at its one end, wherein the suspension means of the clothing are engaged with the locking means of the lifting device; wherein the lifting device engagement means of the hoist when engaged with complementary engagement means of the lifting device allows for lifting the wearer or orienting the wearer from one position to another, such as from lying position to seating position or vice versa. This operation is already described earlier in reference to Figure 13.

Multi-Layered Clothing Figure 14 illustrates multi-layered clothing according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein Figure 14a illustrates an inner two part upper body clothing and an outer clothing, Figure 14b illustrates a inner two part upper body clothing having a mesh and an outer clothing, Figure 14c illustrates an inner two part lower body clothing and an outer clothing and Figure 14d illustrates a inner two part lower body clothing having a mesh and an outer clothing.

According to an embodiment, the clothing includes multi-layer clothing. The multi- layered clothing includes:

an inner two-part clothing 105 with 1 10 and 105' with 1 10' comprising

a first inner part 105, 105' having a first inner fastening means 1 15, 1 15', a second inner part 1 10, 1 10' having a second inner fastening means 120, 120', wherein the first inner part 105, 105' and the second inner part 1 10, 1 10' are detachably attached using the first inner fastening means 1 15, 1 15' and the second inner fastening means 120, 120'; and the first inner part 105, 105' and the second inner part 1 10, 1 10' are completely detachable; and a suspension means 125, 125' for engaging with a locking means (refer Figure 9, 915, 915') of a lifting device to lift a wearer; and

an outer clothing 1400, 1400' comprising a lower body clothing 1400' and/ or upper body clothing 1400 and having access means 1415, 1415' such as holes at the side seam of the outer clothing for accessing the suspension means 125, 125' of the inner clothing.

According to various embodiments, the inner two-part clothing includes features disclosed in earlier sections of this application.

In an embodiment, the outer clothing 1400, 1400' includes a two part clothing comprising a first outer part 1405, 1405' having a first outer fastening means, a second outer part 1410, 1410' having a second outer fastening means, wherein the first outer part 1405, 1405' and the second outer part 1410, 1410' are detachably attached using the first outer fastening means and the second outer fastening means; and the first outer part and the second outer part are essentially completely detachable.

The first outer fastening means and the second outer fastening means are usually similar in type and positioning on the outer clothing to the first fastening means and second fastening means of the two part clothing, as described earlier and in various embodiments is selected from a group consisting of fastening means selected from a group consisting of buttons, zippers, press studs, magnetic strips and hooks-and-loops, etc. Method for lifting and transporting

According to an embodiment, a method for lifting and transporting a wearer of a two part clothing is disclosed. The method includes:

placing one of the parts of a two-part clothing around a wearer's body, the clothing comprising a first part comprising a first fastening means and a second part comprising a second fastening means;

overlaying/ underlaying the other part of the two-part clothing over/ under the placed part;

attaching the first part and the second part of the clothing using the first fastening means and the second fastening means;

engaging suspension means of the clothing with a locking means of a lifting device or cloth engagement means of a hoist; and

lifting/ orienting and transporting the wearer using the lifting device and/ or the hoist.

The clothing is selected from a group consisting of an upper body clothing such as vests, shirts, dresses, smocks, nightshirts, coats, jackets, pullovers and the like, and a lower body clothing such as a pair of shorts, trousers, briefs, other underwear and the like. The first part covers the front body of the wearer and the second part covers the rear body of the wearer. In an embodiment, prior to placing one of the parts of a two-part clothing around a wearer's body, the lifting device is placed level on a flat surface such as a bed and the wearer is laid down in a lying position within the edges of the lifting device.

The suspension means may be selected from a group consisting of loops, rings, and mesh gaps and the like; or detachable suspension means that are adapted to be attached with the outward facing side seam area of the clothing using an attaching means of the detachable suspension means, the attaching means being

complementary to the one provided at the side seam of the clothing. The detachable suspension means may include a strip of material having means selected from a group consisting of loops, rings, and mesh gaps and the like.

In an embodiment, the upper body clothing and a lower body clothing is united into one piece clothing using a uniting means such as complementary parts of a zipper, buttons, press studs, magnetic strips, hooks-and-loops, etc., the uniting means being provided close to lower end of the upper body clothing and close to the upper end of the lower body clothing. Engaging suspension means of the clothing with the locking means of the lifting device comprises engaging a first member of the lifting device with the suspension means of the upper body clothing and a second member of the lifting device with the suspension means of the lower body clothing, the first member and the second member being rotatabe movable around a pivot.

In an embodiment, the second member comprises a pair of slideable locking means, the pair of slideable locking means being positioned at the second member and adjacent to the pivot. The pair of slideable locking means is engaged with the suspension means, adjacent to the pivot, of the lower body clothing. The sliding locking means may be actuated and its movement controlled using an actuation system, the movement of the pair of slideable locking means is along the length of the second member and allows for dressing and undressing of at least the second part of the lower body clothing. In another embodiment, immediately adjacent pairs of suspension means of the upper body clothing and the lower body clothing are engaged with same pair of locking means of the lifting device or with same pair of cloth engagement means of the hoist.

It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to "one

embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it is emphasized and should be appreciated that two or more references to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" or "an alternative embodiment" in various portions of this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as suitable in one or more embodiments of the invention.

Throughout the foregoing description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details were set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be judged in terms of the claims which follow.