GB2338172A

GB2338172A - Sock fitting and removal appliance

Info

Publication number: GB2338172A
Application number: GB9824514A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Charles Skidmore; Harry Bastable
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-06-09
Filing date: 1998-11-10
Publication date: 1999-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2018-11-10
Also published as: GB9812260D0; GB9824514D0; GB2338172B

Abstract

A Sock and stocking fitting appliance comprises a frame (1,2,3,4,5) upon which a sock or stocking is stretched prior to fitting. The rails (5) guide the foot into the sock. The frame may have non-slip heels (4) to prevent the appliance moving when used in a seated position. The foot of the sock is inserted into the top (1) and the sock is then stretched inside out over the edge of the shaped top (1). A sock removal device (7) may also be included, and comprises a handle with a shaped tongue at one end with a finger (8) which engages the top of the sock. This device may be clipped to the frame, and both may be made of a combination of metal, plastics or wood.

Description

2338172 SOCK FMING & REMOVAL APPLIANCE This invention relates to an

appliance for fitting and removing socks and stockings.

A great number of people who suffer firom some form of physical handicap or who are grossly overweight have difficulty fitting and removing their socks and stockings while dressing, mainly because they find it uncomfortable to bend in order to reach their feet. Usually, where their disability is severe, they have to depend upon other people for assistance in fitting these awkward items of clothing.

According to the present invention there is provided an appliance which enables such people to fit and remove their socks or stockings unaided and consists of a frame upon which the sock or stocking is fitted. The appliance, carrying the sock or stocking which has been stretched inside out over the frame is then placed on the floor in front of the intended user who by inserting the toes and applying slight pressure is able to fit their own socks or stockings. Due to its unique design, the appliance can be used either while seated or when standing, To use the appliance when in the standing position it is placed on the floor in an upright position and the toes of the foot are merely inserted into the exposed neck of the sock and the foot moved downwards and forwards. As the toes reach the corresponding toe section of the sock or stocking and further pressure is applied, the sock or stocking is gradually eased from the top edge of the appliance and automatically fitted to the foot, which then slides free.

The appliance is manufactured with non-slip heels and guide rails which assist in holding it in position when used in the seated position. The user, placing the appliance in front of them, this time with its back to the floor and again inserts their toes into the neck of the sock or stocking and moving their foot in a forward and downward motion, keeping their heel in contact with the two guide rails until the sock or stocking is fitted and slides free from the appliance.

A separate sock or stocking removal device can be clipped to the appliance. When the tongue section of the device is inserted into the top of the sock or stocking at the back or side of the foot and downward pressure is applied, the small finger engages the sock or stocking removing it from the foot. The sock or stocking is retained by the finger until removed by the user.

2 A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:- Figure 1 shows in perspective, the sock and stocking fitting appliance; Figure 2 shows in perspective, the sock and stocking removal device; Figure 3 shows in perspective, a sock fitted into the sock and stocking fitting appliance; Figure 4 shows in perspective, a sock being removed by the removal device.

Referring to Fig 1. A frame comprising a semi-circular and shaped top section 1 supported by shaped side members 2 which are again formed to provide a base 3. At the rear ends of the base 3 are formed two non-slip heels 4. Two rails 5 are attached to the rear of the top section 1 and to a cross piece at the base 3 to form a guide for the foot which when used in conjunction with the two non-slip heels 4 prevent the appliance moving when used in the seated position. The foot of a sock or stocking is inserted into the semi-circular top 1 and is lowered until the top of the leg of the sock or stocking lines up with the top of the appliance. The sock or stocking is then stretched inside out over the edge of the shaped top 1 and is pulled downwards over the shaped sides 2 until the inside of the heel of the sock or stocking becomes visible. Long socks or stockings can be gathered over the sides 2 to accommodate their length. The appliance is manufactured in either metal or plastic or a combination of each.

Referring to Fig 3 shows the sock or stocking 6 fitted over the appliance with the neck or opening visible at the top and the leg section of the sock or stocking gathered at the sides.

Referring to Fig 2 the sock or stocking removal device, which comprises a long handle with a formed and shaped tongue at one end 7, a shaped finger 8 protrudes from the centre of the tongue. When the tongue is inserted in the top of the sock or stocking and pressed in a downward direction the finger engages with the top of the sock or stocking 9 shown at Fig 4 and removes the sock or stocking 9 from the foot. This device is manufactured in either wood, metal or plastic or a combination of each and provision can be made to clip it to the sock fitting appliance as aforementioned.

3

Claims

1. An appliance to assist in fitting socks and stockings and comprises a frame upon which the socks or stockings are stretched prior to fitting on to the feet.

2. An appliance as claimed in Claim 1 where the frame is arranged with two pointed and shaped protrusions at the rear of the base which avoids the appliance moving when in use.

3. An appliance as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 where the frame is supplied with two rails which connect the top serni-circular section to the base and provide a guide to the foot as it is inserted into the appliance.

4. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim where provision is made for it to be used in either the standing or sitting position.

5. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim where provision is made for the foot itself to assist in holding the unit steady while being used by providing guide rails and shaped anti-slide points on its base.

6. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim which includes a sock and stocking removal tool with provision made to clip it to the main appliance.

7. An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim which is made from metal, plastic material or wood, or from a combination of these materials.

8. A sock and stocking fitting and removal appliance as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and manufactured from metal, plastic material or wood or from a combination of these materials.

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8. A sock and stocking fitting and removal appliance as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

4_ Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. An appliance to assist in fitting socks and stockings and comprises a predominantly 'U' shaped, hollow and open fronted rigid frame combining a base and semi- circular top section with shaped side members into which the foot of the socks or stockings are inserted, the leg part then being stretched inside out over the top rim and down the sides of the frame.

2.

An appliance as claimed in Claim 1 where provision is made for it to be used unaided, either when standing or sitting or alternatively by a carer to assist the fitting of hosiery where the user is severely disabled.

An appliance as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 where the frame is manufactured with two shaped, parallel rails at the back which connect the top semi-circular section to the base. These initially provide a guide to the heel of the foot when the appliance is used while seated and the unit is laid on its back.

4. An appliance as claimed in Claims 1,2 and 3 where the frame is manufactured with two shaped and pointed protrusions at the rear of the base which when used in conjunction with the parallel guide rails avoid the unit moving away from the user when seated. These points also act as a pivot, enabling the appliance to adopt an angle following naturally that of the leg as it passes through and clear of the open front of the appliance.

5. An appliance as claimed in Claims 1,2,3 and 4 where provision is made for the foot itself to hold the unit in place when being used. This by providing parallel guide rails together with two shaped anti-slide points on its base.

An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim that includes an integral long handled sock and stocking removal tool with provision made to clip it to the main appliance. This allows the main appliance to be placed in position on the floor prior to fitting the socks or stockings or retrieved after use without the user having to stoop or bend.

1 3 An appliance as claimed in any preceding claim which provides a long handled sock and stocking removal tool shaped at one end to form a tongue with a finger protruding centrally a short way from the leading edge. When the tongue is inserted into the top of the sock or stocking and moved downwards the finger engages the top edge of the sock or stocking and by applying further pressure the sock or stocking is removed from the leg and foot.