Apparatus and method for removing a flexible sleeve from or applying a flexible sleeve to a body part

Abstract

 The invention comprises an apparatus for removing a flexible sleeve from a body part or applying a flexible sleeve to a body part, the flexible sleeve bearing tightly around the body part, in particular for pulling off therapeutic stockings. The device comprises a first flexible element, a reel for rolling up the first flexible element and connecting means for releasably connecting the first flexible element to the sleeve which is to be removed or applied.
The apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the connecting means comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element, which second connecting element is connected to the first flexible element, and which second connecting element can move freely with respect to the first connecting element. The first connecting element is to be placed on the inside of the sleeve, at a distance from its edge. The second connecting element is to be placed on the outside of the sleeve, with the result that the sleeve is locally enclosed between the first and second connecting elements.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing a flexible sleeve from a body part or applying a flexible sleeve to a body part, which sleeve bears tightly around the body part, in particular for pulling off therapeutic stockings.

[0002] NL 1015400 has disclosed an apparatus for moving a sleeve which surrounds a body part, in particular a therapeutic stocking, along the body part. This apparatus comprises two belts, each with a clip at their end. The clips are secured to the top edge of the sleeve which is to be moved. Rolling up the belts simultaneously causes a force to be exerted on the sleeve, with the result that it moves along the body part. The known apparatus also comprises a freewheeling coupling, so that the belts can easily be unrolled in order for the apparatus to be reused.

[0003] US 5,069,374 shows an apparatus for removing therapeutic stockings. In this known apparatus too, two clips are attached to the top edge of the stocking. These clips are connected to a flexible element which can be rolled up. This flexible element exerts a force on the therapeutic stocking, so that it is pulled off the leg. There are various embodiments of the known apparatus, in which the tensile force is applied in various ways. One variant which is shown is the manual and/or automatic rolling-up of the flexible element.

[0004] The known apparatuses have a number of drawbacks. Some of these drawbacks are associated with the clips which have to be secured to the top edge of the stocking.

[0005] On account of the fact that the clips have to be able to transmit a considerable force to the stocking, it is necessary to use clips with a considerable clamping force. Clips of this type are often very difficult for the wearers of therapeutic stockings to open.

[0006] In addition, the known clips have the tendency to press into the leg when the stockings are being pulled off. This is unpleasant for the wearer of the stockings and, moreover, causes damage to the stockings.

[0007] In addition to the clips, the known apparatuses also have further drawbacks. For example, for the stockings to be pulled off using the known apparatuses, it is necessary for the leg to be held in a position in which it is substantially pointing towards the apparatus. This often means the patient having to adopt a difficult posture, which consequently he cannot hold for long.

[0008] Therapeutic stockings are generally worn on both legs. This means that the apparatus has to be used twice in succession, with the result that the flexible element has to be unrolled again after it has been rolled up. This means that after the first stocking has been pulled off, the user has to stand up and possibly even walk over to the apparatus in order to take hold of the flexible element and unroll it, yet it is often undesirable for patients to walk without the stockings. This means that the assistance of another person will still be required in many cases.

[0009] It is an object of the invention to propose measures to eliminate one or more of the above drawbacks.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus as described in claim 1.

[0011] The clips which are known from the prior art are replaced, in the apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, by a connecting means which comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element. These connecting elements interact in order to form a releasable connection between the first flexible element and the sleeve by locally enclosing the sleeve between them.

[0012] The second connecting element can move freely with respect to the first connecting element. The second connecting element may be completely separate from the first connecting element, but it is preferable for the two connecting elements to be connected by, for example, a cord of sufficient length. This has the advantage that the second connecting element cannot be lost and that the second connecting element will remain within reach of the user if he drops it.

[0013] The connecting means is preferably designed in such a manner that the sleeve is enclosed more tightly between the connecting elements as the first flexible element is rolled up onto the reel. This can be achieved, for example, by creating a wedge effect between the two connecting elements when the first flexible element is being rolled up.

[0014] The second connecting element is connected to the first flexible element, which is preferably designed as a belt with a free end. The advantage of using a belt is that, unlike when a cord is used, there is no likelihood of problems with the first flexible element becoming knotted or snagged in some other way, which would impede operation of the apparatus. The second connecting element is preferably secured to or in the vicinity of the free end of the belt.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the second connecting element has an eyelet with a wide part and a narrow part. The wide part of the eyelet is located on that side of the second connecting element which faces the first flexible element, and the narrow part of the eyelet is located on the side which faces away from the first flexible element.

[0016] In this preferred embodiment, the first connecting element has a round cross section, with a diameter which varies over the height of the first connecting element. In the centre is a region with a relatively small diameter. On either side of this centre region, the diameter of the cross section is greater. The transition between the diameters is preferably gradual, so that substantially a diabolo shape is formed.

[0017] The first connecting element is applied between the body part and the sleeve, i.e. for example between the therapeutic stocking and the leg, preferably a few centimetres from an edge of the sleeve. Then, the first connecting element, together with the part of the sleeve which is covering the first element, is fitted through the wide part of the eyelet in the second connecting element. The large diameter of the first connecting element and the width of the wide part of the eyelet in the second connecting element are preferably matched to one another in such a way that this can take place without any significant effort.

[0018] If the first flexible element is then rolled up around the reel, the first flexible element and the second connecting element connected to it then move along the body part, towards the foot in the situation where therapeutic stockings are being pulled off. The first connecting element in the first instance substantially remains in place on account of the friction. As a result of the relative movement between the second connecting element and the first connecting element, the small diameter of the first connecting element moves into the narrow part of the eyelet in the second connecting element. In this way, the sleeve is locally securely enclosed between the first connecting element and the second connecting element. From that moment, the sleeve will be moved along the body part by the first flexible element.

[0019] It is preferable for the two connecting elements to be designed in such a manner that they are easy to handle even for the physically handicapped.

[0020] A second aspect of the invention provides an apparatus as described in claim 11.

[0021] To prevent the user of the apparatus from having to stand up and possibly even walk over to the apparatus in order to unroll the first flexible element before a second sleeve can be pulled on or off, a second flexible element is applied, preferably to or in the vicinity of the free end of the first flexible element. It is preferable for this second flexible element to be a belt with a free end. A cord is also possible, but this has the drawback that it is more likely to become knotted than a (flat) belt.

[0022] As a result of the free end of the second flexible element being held in the hand while the first flexible element is being rolled up, it is easy for the first flexible element to be unrolled after the operation of pulling a first sleeve on or off has been completed, by the second flexible element being pulled. It is preferable for the free end of the second flexible element to be connected to a remote control means for actuating the rolling-up of the flexible element. This means that the second flexible element is already in the user's hand for actuation of the apparatus, so that he cannot forget to hold onto the free end of the second flexible element.

[0023] A third aspect of the invention provides an apparatus in accordance with claim 15.

[0024] It is advantageous if the freewheeling coupling between the drive and the reel is designed in such a manner that there is no mechanical coupling between the drive and the reel while the flexible element is being unrolled. As a result, the resistance against unrolling, and therefore the force which is required for unrolling, is reduced. The mechanical coupling is only brought about when the drive is energized, and is broken as soon as the drive stops.

[0025] According to the third aspect of the invention, this is realized by means of a coupling with two coupling elements, of which the first coupling element is connected to the drive and the second coupling element is connected to the reel.

[0026] At least one of the coupling elements is arranged displaceably. Displacement of the said coupling element is preferably realized by a solenoid which is energized as soon as the drive is energized. The displaceable coupling element is then moved onto the other coupling element. If both coupling elements are arranged displaceably, they are moved onto one another. In the process, the coupling elements engage with one another, so that a mechanical coupling is formed between drive and reel. As soon as the drive is no longer energized, the solenoid is likewise no longer energized and the displaceable coupling element moves back (or the two displaceable coupling elements move back), so that the mechanical coupling between drive and reel is broken.

[0027] It is preferable for the coupling elements each to be provided with at least one inclined side, which ensures that the coupling elements automatically move away from one another when the first flexible element is being unrolled even if the mechanical coupling, for whatever reason, is not broken after the drive has stopped.

[0028] In an apparatus according to claim 15, it is preferable for the drive for the reel to be designed in such a manner that the rolling-up of the first flexible element during removal of the sleeve stops as soon as the sleeve has been completely removed from the body part. It is also preferable to fit a torque limiter, so that the tensile force acting on the first flexible element is limited to a predetermined, safe maximum.

[0029] It is preferable for the first, second and third aspects of the invention to be combined in a single apparatus.

[0030] A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method according to claim 22.

[0031] In the method for pulling off therapeutic stockings in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention, the first connecting element is placed on the calf side of the leg, so that the tensile force exerted by the first flexible element acts on the stocking on the back of the leg. Securing the first flexible element to the rear side of the stocking while the apparatus is in front of the user has the advantage that the first flexible element is guided by the user's leg. This means that it is no longer necessary for the user to point his leg towards the apparatus. This means that the user can remain sitting or lying in a comfortable position while the stockings are being pulled off.

[0032] While the therapeutic stockings are being pulled off, the apparatus is preferably positioned in front of the wearer of the sleeve, and more preferably at a certain distance, for example two metres, from this person.

[0033] The apparatuses and the method according to the various aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of the appended drawing, which shows non-limiting exemplary embodiments and in which:

Fig. 1 shows an example of an apparatus for pulling off therapeutic stockings in accordance with at least the first and second aspects of the invention,

Fig. 2 shows an example of a securing means in accordance with the first aspect of the invention,

Fig. 3 shows an example of an apparatus in accordance with the third aspect of the invention,

Fig. 4 shows a cross section through the device shown in Fig. 3,

Fig. 5 shows a method in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0034] Figure 1 shows an example of an apparatus 1 for pulling off therapeutic stockings, in accordance with at least the first and second aspects of the invention.

[0035] The apparatus 1 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprises a first flexible element 3, a connecting means 2, a second flexible element 4, a remote control means 5 and a housing for shielding mechanical and electrical components, such as a reel for rolling up the first flexible element 3.

[0036] The apparatus 1 is secured to a wall, in this case, more specifically, to a skirting board.

[0037] The overall operation of the apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 is as follows. First of all, the first flexible element 3 is unrolled from the reel. Then, the user makes a connection between the stocking which is to be pulled off and the apparatus 1 by means of connecting means 2. A drive is energized by means of a remote control means 5 and rolls up the first flexible element 3 around the reel. As a result, a force is exerted on the stocking, so that it is pulled off the leg.

[0038] When the stocking is off, the drive stops automatically. The first flexible element 3 can be unrolled again from the reel by pulling the second flexible element 4. However, less force is required for the unrolling operation, since the mechanical coupling between the reel and the drive is broken during unrolling.

[0039] Connecting the second flexible element 4 to the remote control means 5 ensures that the user has the free end of the second flexible element 4 within reach of his hand when he is using the apparatus 1. The second flexible element 4 is preferably designed as a belt.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a connecting means 2 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0041] The connecting means 2 comprises a first connecting element 21 and a second connecting element 22 and a cord 29. The two connecting elements 21, 22 are connected to one another by this cord 29 but can still move freely with respect to one another.

[0042] The second connecting element 22 is connected to the free end of the first flexible element 3, which in the example shown is designed as a belt.

[0043] The first connecting element 21 is to be placed on the inside of the stocking, at a distance from an edge of the stocking. In the situation where therapeutic stockings are being pulled off, the first connecting element 21 is preferably applied a few centimetres below the top edge of the stocking, between the stocking and the leg. The second connecting element 22 is to be placed on the outside of the stocking, with the result that the stocking is locally enclosed between the first and second connecting elements 21, 22.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 2, the first and second connecting elements 21, 22 are designed in such a manner that the stocking is enclosed more tightly between the connecting elements 21, 22 while the first flexible element 3 is being rolled up onto the reel. This is realized by virtue of the fact that a wedge effect occurs between the first and second flexible elements 21, 22 when the first flexible element 3 is being rolled up, with the result that the sleeve is enclosed tightly between the first and second connecting elements 21, 22.

[0045] It can be seen from Figure 2 that the second connecting element 22 has an eyelet with a wide part 24 and a narrow part 25. The wide part 24 receives the first connecting element 21 together with that part of the stocking which covers it. Then, the first connecting element 21, together with that part of the stocking which covers it, is pulled into the narrow part 25 of the eyelet, with the result that the stocking is locally tightly enclosed between the first and second connecting elements 21, 22 in that position.

[0046] To achieve this, the first connecting element 21 has a circular cross section, the diameter of which varies over the height. A part of the first connecting element 21 which has a relatively small diameter is located substantially in the centre and is delimited on either side by parts with a larger diameter. It is advantageous if the transition between the small diameter and the large diameter is gradual, so that substantially a diabolo shape is formed.

[0047] When the first connecting element 21 is moving from the wide part 24 of the eyelet to the narrow part 25 of the eyelet, the part with the small diameter moves into the narrow part 25 of the eyelet, so that the freedom of movement of the first connecting element 21 in its axial direction is limited.

[0048] Figures 3 and 4 show an example of an apparatus in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

[0049] This apparatus comprises a first flexible element 103, a reel 111 for rolling up the first flexible element 103, a drive for rotating the reel 111, and a freewheeling coupling 112 between drive and reel 111. The freewheeling coupling 112 produces a mechanical coupling between drive and reel 111 when the first flexible element 103 is being rolled up around the reel 111. This mechanical coupling is eliminated when the first flexible element 103 is being unrolled from the reel 111.

[0050] The freewheeling coupling 112 comprises two coupling elements 115, 116 which are in engagement with one another when the first flexible element 103 is being rolled up onto the reel 111 and are not in engagement with one another when the first flexible element 103 is being unrolled. A solenoid 114 actuates at least one of the two coupling elements 115, 116 during switching between the coupled state and the uncoupled state.

[0051] The drive comprises an electric motor 110. The solenoid 114 is energized by the current which also energizes the motor 110. As a result, the mechanical coupling between drive and reel 111 is only present while the first flexible element 103 is being rolled up. This mechanical coupling is not present during unrolling, and consequently the resistance to unrolling is limited.

[0052] The two coupling elements 115, 116 each have at least one inclined surface 117. These inclined surfaces 117 ensure that if the coupling elements 115, 116 are in engagement at the start of the operation of unrolling the first flexible element 103 from the reel 111, the coupling elements 115, 116 move apart, with the result that the mechanical coupling between the coupling elements 115, 116 is broken.

[0053] It is preferable for the drive to stop driving the reel 111 as soon as the sleeve which is to be removed comes off the object or body part.

[0054] Figure 5 shows an example of the method for pulling off therapeutic stockings in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0055] The person who is wearing the therapeutic stocking sits down at a certain distance from an apparatus 1 in accordance with the first, second and third aspects of the invention (cf. Fig. 5a). The distance between the wearer of the stocking and the apparatus is preferably approximately two metres.

[0056] Then, the first flexible element 3 is unrolled from the reel until the second connecting element 22 can be taken hold of by the person who is wearing the therapeutic stocking.

[0057] The first connecting element 21 is applied between the therapeutic stocking and the leg, on the calf side, at a certain distance from the top edge of the stocking (cf. Figs. 5b and 5c).

[0058] It can be seen from Figure 5d that the first and second connecting elements 21, 22 are brought together in such a manner that the stocking is located between the first and second connecting elements 21, 22. If a connecting means 2 as shown in Figure 2 is used, the first connecting element 21 together with the part of the stocking which covers it is fitted into the wide part of the eyelet in the second connecting element 22 (cf. Fig. 5e).

[0059] Then, the drive is energized. The first flexible element 3 is rolled up around the reel, with the result that a force is exerted on the second connecting element 22. The first connecting element 21 initially remains in place under the influence of friction, so that the first connecting element 21, together with that part of the sleeve which covers it, is pulled into the narrow part of the eyelet, with the result that the stocking is locally tightly enclosed between the first and second connecting elements 22 in that location.

[0060] The first flexible element 3 then moves the stocking with it and the stocking is removed from the leg (cf. Fig. 5f).

Claims

1. Apparatus for removing a flexible sleeve from a body part or applying a flexible sleeve to a body part, the flexible sleeve bearing tightly around the body part, in particular for pulling off therapeutic stockings, which device comprises a first flexible element, a reel for rolling up the first flexible element and connecting means for releasably connecting the first flexible element to the sleeve which is to be removed or applied, characterized in that the connecting means comprises a first connecting element and a second connecting element, which second connecting element is connected to the first flexible element and which second connecting element can move freely with respect to the first connecting element, wherein the first connecting element is to be placed on the inside of the sleeve, at a distance from an edge of the sleeve, and the second connecting element is to be placed on the outside of the sleeve, with the result that the sleeve is locally enclosed between the first and second connecting elements.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second connecting elements are designed in such a manner that the sleeve is enclosed more tightly between the connecting elements as the first flexible element is rolled up onto the reel.

3. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second connecting elements are designed in such a manner that a wedge effect occurs when the first flexible element is being rolled up, with the result that that the sleeve is enclosed tightly between the first and second connecting elements.

4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second connecting element has an eyelet with a wide part for receiving the first connecting element together with the sleeve part which covers it, and a narrow part, in which the enclosing action is implemented.

5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting element has a circular cross section, the diameter of which varies over the height.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that a part of the first connecting element which has a relatively small diameter is delimited on either side by parts with a larger diameter.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the first connecting element is substantially in the shape of a diabolo.

8. Apparatus according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the narrow part of the eyelet in the second connecting element receives that part of the first connecting element which has a relatively small diameter and is delimited on either side by parts with a larger diameter.

9. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flexible element is a belt with a free end.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the second connecting element is secured to or in the vicinity of the free end of the belt.

11. Apparatus for removing a flexible sleeve from a body part or applying a flexible sleeve to a body part, which sleeve bears tightly around the body part, in particular for pulling off therapeutic stockings, which device comprises a first flexible element, a reel for rolling up the first flexible element and connecting means for releasably connecting the first flexible element to the sleeve which is to be removed or applied, characterized in that a second flexible element, which is designed to unroll the first flexible element from the reel, is secured to the first flexible element.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the second flexible element is a belt.

13. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus also comprises a remote control means for actuating the operation of rolling up the first flexible element around the reel.

14. Apparatus according to claims 11 and 13, characterized in that the second flexible element is connected to the first flexible element and to the remote control means.

15. Apparatus for removing a flexible sleeve from a body part or applying a flexible sleeve to a body part, which sleeve bears tightly around the body part, in particular for pulling off therapeutic stockings, which comprises:

- a first flexible element,

- a reel for rolling up the first flexible element,

- a drive for rotating the reel,

- a freewheeling coupling between drive and reel, which produces a mechanical coupling between drive and reel when the first flexible element is being rolled up around the reel and eliminates this mechanical coupling between drive and reel when the first flexible element is being unrolled from the reel,

characterized in that the freewheeling coupling comprises two coupling elements which are in engagement with one another when the first flexible element is being rolled up on the reel and are not in engagement with one another when the first flexible element is being unrolled.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a solenoid which actuates at least one of the two coupling elements in the event of switching between the coupled state and the uncoupled state.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the drive comprises an electric motor, and in that the solenoid is energized by the current which powers the motor.

18. Apparatus according to one of claims 15-17, characterized in that the two coupling elements each comprise at least one inclined surface, which inclined surfaces ensure that if the coupling elements are in engagement at the start of unrolling of the first flexible element from the reel, the coupling elements move apart, with the result that the mechanical coupling between the coupling elements is broken.

19. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the drive no longer drives the reel as soon as the sleeve comes off the object or body part.

20. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a housing which surrounds at least the drive, the coupling and the reel.

21. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a securing means for securing the apparatus to a part of a building or to a heavy object.

22. Method for pulling off therapeutic stockings, which comprises the following steps:

- positioning the person who is wearing the therapeutic stocking at a certain distance from the apparatus according to one of the preceding claims,

- unrolling the first flexible element from the reel, until the second connecting element can be taken hold of by the person wearing the therapeutic stocking,

- applying the first connecting element between the therapeutic stocking and the leg, on the side of the calf, at a certain distance from the top edge of the stocking,

- bringing together the first and second connecting elements, in such a manner that the stocking is located between the first and second connecting elements,

- rolling up the first flexible element around the reel, preferably by energizing a drive, with the connection between the stocking and the first flexible element tightening automatically during the first part of this rolling-up operation.

23. Method according to claim 22, in which use is made of an apparatus which comprises a drive for the reel, characterized in that the energization of the drive stops automatically when the stocking comes off the leg.

24. Method according to claim 22, in which use is made of a device according to claim 11, and in which the first flexible element is unrolled from the reel by the second flexible element being pulled.

Drawing