RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/234,462, filed on Aug. 17, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    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. 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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. 
         [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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 
       [0008]    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, especially a stocking or other leg garment. 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. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, for instance, the present disclosure is directed to an extremity garment donning assist device that includes a rigid structure having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of opposing side walls. The side walls extend outwardly to define an open cylindrical configuration that extends from the top to the bottom of the rigid structure. In one embodiment, for instance, the side walls are curved such that the rigid structure has an arcuate-shaped cross section. 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°. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment, the top edge of the rigid structure can be rounded in order to facilitate application of the compression garment. The bottom edge, however, can be flat for maintaining the rigid structure in an upright configuration when used on an adjacent surface. In addition, the rigid structure can include an interior surface that is relatively smooth in comparison to an exterior surface. The rougher exterior surface, for instance, may facilitate holding a compression garment in place, while the smooth interior surface may facilitate application of the garment to an extremity, such as one&#39;s leg or foot. Overall, the rigid structure has a size such that a compression garment can be slid over the top edge leaving an outstretched opening. The outstretched opening is for receiving a users&#39; extremity for donning the compression garment. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the rigid structure can include a flattened area located adjacent the bottom edge. For instance, the flattened area can be located in between the two side walls. The flattened area can extend the entire length of the rigid structure, can have a length that is less than ½ the length of the rigid structure, or can have a length that is less than ¼ the length of the rigid structure. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the flattened area can have a width of from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches and can have a length of from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches. In one embodiment, an anti-skid member can be located on the flattened area on the exterior surface of the rigid structure. The anti-skid member, for instance, can be made from a compressible material, such as an elastomeric material. The anti-skid member can prevent the device from slipping on a surface, such as a floor, when an extremity such as a foot, is being inserted into a compression garment. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the rigid structure can also define an indentation opposite the flattened area. The indentation can project outwardly from the interior surface of the rigid structure. The indentation can form part of the bottom edge of the rigid structure and can have a size so as to allow the rigid structure to stand upright when placed on a flat surface. 
         [0013]    The present disclosure is also directed to a process for donning a compression garment. The process includes the steps of placing a compression garment over the extremity garment donning assist device as described above. The compression garment is placed over the top edge of the rigid structure, turned partially inside-out, and pulled down onto the device so as to form an outstretched opening. The device is then placed on a flat surface such that the outstretched opening is perpendicular to the surface. 
         [0014]    An extremity, such as a foot, is inserted into the outstretched opening of the compression garment. With a forward and downward motion, the foot can be used to pivot the extremity garment donning assist device into an upright configuration. During this motion, the compression garment is caused to slide up and over the foot of the user. If any part of the compression garment is remaining on the extremity garment donning assist device, the remainder can be slid off the device and onto the calf or leg of the user. 
         [0015]    Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    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: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an extremity garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of the donning assist device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the donning assist device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a back perspective view of the donning assist device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the donning assist device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a side view of one embodiment of a garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure illustrating a compression garment loaded on the device; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 7 through 9  are side views of one embodiment of an extremity garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure showing one embodiment of a process for donning a garment using the device; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an extremity garment donning assist device made in accordance with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
       [0025]    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 
       [0026]    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. 
         [0027]    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 onto 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. 
         [0028]    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 through 5 , one embodiment of a compression garment donning assist device  10  is shown. As illustrated, the garment donning assist device  10  includes a rigid structure  12 . 
         [0029]    The rigid structure  12  includes a top edge  16 , a bottom edge  18 , a pair of extending side walls  20  and  22  and a back wall  21 . The side walls  20  and  22  extend in a manner that forms a cylindrical configuration, such as an open channel  24  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0030]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the side walls  20  and  22  are curved such that the rigid structure  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 rigid structure  12  may have more of a polygon-like cross sectional shape. For example, in one embodiment, the rigid structure  12  may have an open rectangular cross sectional shape. 
         [0031]    In general, the cross sectional shape of the rigid structure  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. 
         [0032]    The amount the side walls  20  and  22  of the rigid structure  12  are extended may vary depending upon the particular application and various factors. When the rigid structure  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  FIG. 1 , for instance, the rigid structure  12  forms a substantially open half cylindrical configuration. 
         [0033]    The rigid structure  12  can be made from various different materials as long as the structure has sufficient rigidity to hold a compression garment. For instance, the rigid structure  12  can be made from a solid material. For example, the rigid structure can be made from a single piece of metal or from a structural plastic material. When formed from a plastic material, the rigid structure can be made from any suitable polymer. For instance, the rigid structure 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 rigid structure  12  can be made from a single continuous piece of plastic comprised of a copolyester, such as PETG. 
         [0034]    Alternatively, the rigid structure  12 , instead of being made from a continuous solid piece of material, may have a grid-like structure or apertured structure. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the rigid structure  12  can include a first, interior surface that defines the open channel and a second, exterior 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 rigid structure  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. 
         [0036]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the open channel  24  formed by the rigid structure  12  generally has the same dimensions or size from the top edge  16  of the structure to the bottom edge  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 edge  16  to the bottom edge  18 . The dimensions of the rigid structure  12  can vary dramatically depending upon the size of the user and the type of compression garment being donned. For exemplary purposes, when designed to don stockings, for instance, the rigid structure can have a length of from about 6 inches to about 10 inches, such as from about 7 inches to about 7.5 inches. The diameter of the open channel  24 , on the other hand, can generally be from about 3 inches to about 6 inches. For instance, in one embodiment, the diameter of the open channel can be from about 3.75 inches to about 4.25 inches. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , in one embodiment, the top edge  16  can have a different shape than the bottom edge  18 . For instance, the top edge  16  can have a rounded shape. Having a rounded shape allows for a compression garment to slide over the device without being snagged on any sharp edges. The bottom edge  18 , on the other hand, can be flat to provide stability. For instance, as will be described in greater detail below, the garment donning assist device  10  during use is typically placed upright on a flat surface, such as a table or floor. Having a flat bottom edge  18  makes the device more stable when placed upright on an adjacent surface, especially when pressure is applied to the device. 
         [0038]    As shown particularly in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4  and  5 , the garment donning assist device  10  can further include a flattened area  30 . When present, the flattened area  30  can serve several functions. The flattened area  30 , for instance, provides stability to the garment donning assist device  10  when either placed in a vertical position as shown in  FIG. 1  on a surface or when placed in a horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 7  on a surface. The flattened area  30  can also receive an anti-skid member  34  as shown in particularly in  FIGS. 2 and 4  that prevents the donning assist device  10  from slipping or sliding on a surface when pressure is applied to the device and the device is pivoted as will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0039]    In the embodiment illustrated, the flattened area projects outwardly from the exterior surface of the rigid structure  12 . In an alternative embodiment, however, the flattened area may be flush with the exterior surface of the side walls. In this embodiment, the side walls would extend from the flattened area  30 . 
         [0040]    When the flattened area  30  extends outwardly out from the exterior surface of the rigid structure  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an indentation  32  can also be formed along the interior surface of the rigid structure. As shown in the figures, the indentation  32  corresponds in size and shape to the flattened area  30 . Having an indentation as shown creates a tab along the bottom edge  18  that maintains the garment donning assist device  10  in an upright configuration when placed on a surface, such as a floor. The indentation  32  can also have a size and shape so as to facilitate a foot or arm during donning of a garment as the foot or arm is brought down through the open channel  21 . For instance, when inserting a foot through the open channel of the garment donning assist device, the foot will generally descend vertically through the channel and then begin to horizontally emerge from the channel. During this transition from vertical to horizontal motion, the indentation may provide extra space for the heel. 
         [0041]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the flattened area  30  is located adjacent to the bottom edge  18  and only extends over a portion of the length of the rigid structure  12 . It should be understood, however, that the flattened area  30  (and corresponding indentation  32 ) may extend along the entire length of the rigid structure  12 . In other embodiments, the flattened area  30  may have a length that is less than about ½ the length of the rigid structure, such as by having a length that is less than ¼ length of the rigid structure. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the flattened area  30  and the corresponding indentation  32  may have a width of from about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches and have a length from about 0.75 inches to about 1.75 inches. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the anti-skid member  34  is attached to the flattened area  30 . The anti-skid member may cover the entire flattened area  30  or only a portion of the flattened area  30 . in addition, the anti-skid member may terminate at the bottom edge  18  of the rigid structure or may wrap around the bottom edge of the rigid structure. 
         [0043]    The anti-skid member  34  can be made from any suitable material that will increase the friction of the rigid structure against an adjacent surface. In one embodiment, for instance, the anti-skid member  34  may be made from a compressible material, such as an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material, for instance, may be a natural rubber or may be formed from a synthetic polymer. 
         [0044]    In operation, the garment donning assist device  10  can be used to don a compression garment to an upper or lower extremity. The device aides 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 over one&#39;s leg. One method of using the garment donning assist device  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 6 through 9 . In  FIGS. 6 through 9 , a compression garment or stocking is shown being positioned over a user&#39;s foot and calf. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, in order to use the garment donning assist device  10 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , the device is first placed vertically on a surface, such as a floor. A compression garment  50  is then prepared for application to the device. As shown in  FIG. 6 , for instance, the compression garment  50  is draped through the inside open channel of the device. The outer edge of the garment  50  is then draped over the top edge of the rigid structure  12 . In particular, the garment  50  is partially folded inside out and folded over the top of the rigid structure. Depending upon the size of the compression garment  50 , the garment  50  can be pulled over the entire length of the rigid structure  12  or only over a portion of the rigid structure. As shown, once the compression garment  50  is positioned on the donning assist device  10 , an outstretched opening  52  is formed at the top that is then ready to receive a user&#39;s foot. 
         [0046]    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 may comprise a woven fabric containing elastic yarns. In still another embodiment, the compression sleeve 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. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , once the compression garment  50  is properly loaded onto the donning assist device  10 , the device can be placed horizontally on a surface, such as on the floor. A user&#39;s foot is then inserted into the outstretched opening  52 . The open channel formed by the rigid structure  12  can have a shape and size designed to produce an outstretched opening having dimensions that facilitate insertion of the foot. 
         [0048]    Once the foot is inserted into the outstretched opening, with a forward and downward motion, the foot is pivoted until the device is in a vertical upright position as shown in  FIGS. 7 through 9 . As also shown in the figures, during this motion, the entire foot is inserted into the compression garment  50 . Thus, in one motion, the foot is inserted into the compression garment while the donning assist device pivots from a horizontal position to a vertical position. 
         [0049]    Once the donning assist device  10  is in a vertical position as shown in  FIG. 9 , the remainder of the compression garment  50  can then be pulled up the leg of the wearer and off the donning assist device  10 . The open channel formed by the rigid structure  12  allows the foot and leg of the wearer to be released from the donning assist device once the garment is properly positioned on the wearer. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an alternative embodiment of a donning assist device  110  made in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the donning assist device  110  includes a rigid structure  112  comprising a pair of curved side walls  120  and  122 . The side walls  120  and  122  form an open cylindrical configuration defining an open channel  124  extending along the length of the rigid structure. The rigid structure further includes a top edge  116  and a bottom edge  118 . As shown, the top edge  116  can have a rounded configuration, while the bottom edge  118  can be generally flat. 
         [0051]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the donning assist device  110  does not include any indentation or flattened area on the interior or exterior surface of the rigid structure. Depending upon the material used to form the rigid structure, the other features described above with respect to  FIG. 1  may be eliminated while still attaining a very functional product. 
         [0052]    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.
An extremity garment donning assist device, includes a rigid structure that, in one embodiment, contains no handles or other extending members. The device has an open cylindrical configuration that is well suited to placing compression garments on a user or patient. For instance, the device is well suited to placing a stocking on the foot of a wearer. When using the device, a compression garment is turned partially inside out over a top edge of the device forming an outstretched opening. A user then inserts one's foot into the outstretched opening. In a pivoting motion, the foot is then pushed down through the device causing the compression garment to at least partially or entirely release from the device for placement on a person's foot and leg. In order to assist in the pivoting motion, the garment donning assist device can include a flattened area, an indentation and/or an anti-skid member.