US20120223109A1

US20120223109A1 - Dressing Aid

Info

Publication number: US20120223109A1
Application number: US12/899,688
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard O. Wheeler, SR.
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-07
Filing date: 2010-10-07
Publication date: 2012-09-06

Abstract

An apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed comprises a framework including a top member, a bottom member, a left member, a right member, and a horizontal middle member between the top member and the bottom member. A first clip coupled adjacent the left member, the clip is configured to retain and release a section of an article of clothing. A second clip coupled adjacent the right member, the clip is configured to retain and release another section of an article of clothing. A hook having a flat end positionable over a top edge of a door to allow the door to be opened and closed while the framework is hanging from the door, and a second end configured to engage the top member of the framework.

Description

BACKGROUND

There are many situations where a person may need help getting dressed. For example, elderly persons and surgery patients with limited shoulder mobility often find it difficult to put on a shirt or jacket by themselves. While it helps to have someone else standing nearby to hold one side of the garment as the person is pulling his or her arm through the other side, it is common for people to be alone while getting dressed. This may be because the person lives alone, or no one else may be home to help at the time. It is also common for people to want to be able to stand or sit while putting on a shirt, sweater and/or jacket.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed comprises a framework, and a retainer coupled to the framework. The retainer is vertically movable relative to the framework between an upper position corresponding to shoulder height of a person when standing, and a lower position corresponding to shoulder height of a person when seated. An adjuster is configured to hold the retainer in any selected location along the framework between the upper position and the lower position. A first holder on the retainer, the first holder is configured to retain and release a section of an article of clothing. A second holder positioned on the retainer at a predetermined distance from the first holder, the second holder is configured to retain and release another section of the article of clothing.
In other embodiments, an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed comprises a framework including a top member, a bottom member, a left member, a right member, and a horizontal middle member between the top member and the bottom member. A first clip coupled adjacent the left member, the clip is configured to retain and release a section of an article of clothing. A second clip coupled adjacent the right member, the clip is configured to retain and release another section of an article of clothing. A hook having a flat end positionable over a top edge of a door to allow the door to be opened and closed while the framework is hanging from the door, and a second end configured to engage the top member of the framework.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments disclosed herein may be better understood, and their numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

FIG. 1A shows a front view of an embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 1B shows a back view of an embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 1C shows a back view of an embodiment of a retainer that can be used with the apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D shows an exploded front view of an embodiment of the framework for an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 1E shows a side view of a cutaway portion of an embodiment of a retainer and framework used with the apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F shows a front view of another embodiment of a framework for an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 1G shows a front view of another embodiment of the framework for an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 1H shows a front view of the embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1A for aiding a person getting dressed holding an article of clothing.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 3A shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 3B shows an exploded front view of the embodiment of the framework for an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 5A shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 5B shows a top view of a retainer for the embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C shows a side view of a retainer for the embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 6B shows an exploded front view of the embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of an apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed are disclosed that hold an article of clothing, such as a shirt or jacket, in an open position to allow a person to slide their arms through the armholes of the article. The vertical position of the components on the apparatus that retain the clothing can be adjusted (raised or lowered) to allow the person to sit or stand while getting dressed.
Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, front and back views of an embodiment of an apparatus 100 for aiding a person getting dressed includes a framework 102 and a retainer 104 coupled to the framework 100. Framework 102 can include a top member 106, a bottom member 108, a left side member 110, and a right side member 112 that are joined together or formed as one piece in a square, rectangular, oval or other suitable shape. Couplings such as elbow joints or fasteners can be used to join members 106-112 together. The framework 102 can also be fabricated using any suitable material, such as metal or plastic with any suitable cross-section, such as a round or square cross-section. The inner portion of members 106-112 can be hollow or solid.
Framework 102 can be suspended from or attached to a panel such as a door by suitable means such as one or more hooks 114, nails (not shown), screws (not shown), cord (not shown), and/or adhesive (not shown). An example of a hook 114 that can be used is shown in FIG. 1 E with a lower U-shaped portion in which top member 106 can be inserted, and an upper inverted U-shaped portion that can hang over or engage the top edge of a door or other panel and allow at least a portion of the framework to rest against one side of the panel. Hook 114 can be approximately 1 inch wide and approximately 1/16 to ⅛ inch thick so that the portion of the hook 114 over the top of the door fits between the door and the door jamb when the door is closed. Other suitable dimensions, shapes or combinations of dimensions and shapes for hook 114 can be used. Hooks can be attached to framework 102 or separate from framework 102.
The retainer 104 can be vertically movable relative to the framework 102 between an upper position 116 and a lower position 118. For example, when the framework is suspended in place on a door, the upper position 116 can correspond roughly to shoulder height of a person when standing and the lower position 118 can correspond roughly to shoulder height of a person when seated. The retainer 104 can also be positioned anywhere between the upper and lower positions 116, 118, as well as on the top and bottom members 106, 108 of the framework 102.
The embodiment of retainer 104 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C includes a flat panel 120. First and second holders 122, 124 that are configured to retain and release a section of an article of clothing are attached to one side of the panel 120. The second holder 124 is positioned on the retainer 104 at a predetermined distance from the first holder 122 to allow the second holder to retain and release a section of the article of clothing that is some distance from the section of clothing being held by the first holder 122. For example, the first holder 122 can retain and release a section of one shoulder of a shirt and the second holder 124 can retain and release a section of the other shoulder of the shirt. Holders 122, 124 can be configured in the form of a clip with handles that are squeezed toward one another to separate the sides of the clip from one another while a portion of the article of clothing is inserted. The article of clothing can be released by squeezing the handles together or by exerting pressure on the clothing article away from the clip.
Note that two or more articles can be held by the holders 122, 124 at one time. For example, the sleeves of a shirt may be inserted in the sleeves of a jacket, and holders 122, 124 can hold the ends of the necklines, the collars, or the shoulders of both garments. A person can slip one arm into the sleeves on one side, and then slip the other arm into the sleeves on the other side of the garments. Downward pressure can be exerted to release the garments, or the clips may be manually opened to release the garments. Other suitable holders 122, 124 for retaining and releasing one or more articles of clothing can be used on retainer 104, in addition to, or instead of, a clip. Additionally, different size holders 122,124 can be used interchangeably, depending on the number and weight of the garments.
Retainer 104 can also include a bar 126 coupled to a back side of the retainer 104 in a manner that allows some space between the back side of the retainer 104 and the bar 126. For example, bar 126 can be positioned through two or more U-bolts 128 fastened to the back side of panel 120, as best shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D. The U-bolts 128 can be positioned some distance from one another, for instance, one U-bolt 128 near the left side edge of panel 120 and another U-bolt 128 near the right side edge of panel 120.
As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D, an embodiment of an adjuster 130 is included with framework 102 to hold the retainer 104 in any selected location along the framework 102 between the upper position 116 and the lower positions 118. In the embodiment shown, adjuster 130 can include a horizontal member 132 between right and left edge pieces 134. The right and left edge pieces 134 can include hollow circular portions that engage respective left and right side members 110, 112 of the framework 102. The right and left edge pieces 134 can be moved vertically along respective left and right side members 110, 112 of the framework 102 to raise and lower the retainer 104. The adjuster 130 can be held in the desired vertical position by one or more of several different means such as friction between edge pieces 134 and side members 110, 112, by rubber gaskets 202 (shown in FIG. 2) that can be moved vertically on members 110, 112 and positioned below edge pieces 134, by a clutch mechanism (not shown) formed by notches or grooves in side members 110, 112 and a retractable tab inside edge pieces 134 that engage the grooves, and/or by placing a pin through holes (not shown) in edge pieces 134 that are aligned with holes in side members 110, 112. Other suitable mechanism(s) for holding adjuster 130 in the desired vertical position can be used.
Referring to FIG. 1D, the edge pieces 134 can include an opening in which one end of the horizontal member 132 may be inserted and retained. In some embodiments, framework 102 can be formed with polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes and fittings. For example, the top member 106, bottom member 108, side members 110, 112 can be one (1) inch diameter PVC pipe coupled together with elbow joints 136 at the corners. The adjuster 130 can be formed with one (1) inch diameter PVC pipe coupled to edge pieces 134 that are hollow T-shaped fittings. When assembled, the overall dimensions of framework 102 can be approximately 2 feet wide by 3 feet high. Such a structure allows apparatus 100 to be easily assembled and disassembled for shipping and storage. Other suitable materials and dimensions can be used. Alternatively, framework 102 can be formed as a unitary structure using a suitable plastic, metal, wood working process, or other suitable material and process.
U-shaped bolts 128 are sized to fasten to panel 120 while leaving enough space between the bar 126 and the back of the panel 120 to allow a hook 114 to fully engage the bar 126 as the retainer 104 is positioned on the framework 102, as shown in FIG. 5. The other end of the hook 114 engages horizontal member 132 on adjuster 130. Two or more hooks 114 are typically used to couple the retainer 104 to the adjuster 130. The retainer 104 can thus be raised or lowered by changing the vertical position of the adjuster 130. As shown in FIGS. 1F and 1G, the retainer can alternatively be positioned on top member 106 or bottom member 108 by placing hooks on the top member 106 or the bottom member 108 instead of the adjuster 130.
FIG. 1H shows a front view of the embodiment of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1A holding a shirt 136. Retainer 104 is positioned near the bottom of framework 102 to allow a person to sit on a stool 138 while putting their arms through the armholes of the shirt 136. Holders 122, 124 can grasp the shirt 136 at either end of the collar to expose the armholes and hold the rest of the fabric out of the way of the person getting dressed. The holder 122, 124 can be used to hold sections of any type of garment such as shirt 136 to make it easier for the person getting dressed to put their arms through the garment. Apparatus 100 can thus take the place of another person in helping someone to get dressed.
FIG. 2 shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus 200 for aiding a person getting dressed that includes framework 102 and adjuster 130. The holders 122, 124 are suspended from the hooks 114 on movable member 132. Movable stops 202 are positioned under end pieces 134 on left and right members 110, 112 to prevent adjuster 130 from sliding down vertical members 110, 112. Movable stops 204 are also positioned on horizontal member 132 to prevent the hooks 114 from sliding across the horizontal member 132 as a person is getting dressed. Note that the holders 122, 124 can also be suspended directly from horizontal member 132 to eliminate the hooks 114 on horizontal member 132. The material used to suspend the holders 122, 124 can be made from non-slip material to help prevent the holders 122, 124 from sliding across the horizontal member 132 as a person is getting dressed. Movable stops 202, 204 can be configured by one or more of several different means such as by rubber gaskets that can be manually moved to a desired position on members 110, 112, and 132, by a clutch mechanism (not shown) formed by notches or grooves in members 110, 112, 132 and a retractable tab inside edge pieces 134 and hooks 114 that engage the grooves, and/or by placing a pin through holes (not shown) in edge pieces 134 and hooks 114 that are aligned with holes in members 110, 112, and 132. Other suitable mechanism(s) for holding adjuster 130 and holders 122, 124 in the desired vertical and horizontal positions can be used.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show respective front and back views of another embodiment of an apparatus 300 for aiding a person getting dressed that includes a framework 302 having a top member 306, a bottom member 308, a left member 310, a right member 312, and at least one horizontal middle member 314 between the top member 306 and the bottom member 308. The framework 302 can include a plurality of horizontal middle members 332 spaced vertically and positioned between first and second side members 310, 312 of the framework 302 to add strength and stiffness to the apparatus 300 as well as to enable the apparatus 300 to be easily disassemble and assembled for shipping and storage. The framework 302 can be formed with polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes and fittings. For example, the top member 306, bottom member 308, side members 310, 312 can be one (1) inch diameter PVC pipe coupled together with elbow joints 336 at the corners of the framework 302. The side members 310, 312 can be formed with one (1) inch diameter PVC pipe coupled to hollow T-shaped fittings 334 that have internal stops or shoulders to prevent the fittings 334 from sliding up or down side members 310, 312. When assembled, the overall dimensions of framework 302 can be approximately 2 feet wide by 3 feet high. Such a structure allows apparatus 300 to be easily assembled and disassembled for shipping and storage. Other suitable materials and dimensions can be used. Alternatively, framework 302 can be formed as a unitary structure using a suitable plastic, metal, or wood working process, or other suitable material and process.
A first clip 316 is coupled adjacent the left member 310 and is configured to retain and release a section of an article of clothing. A second clip 316 is coupled adjacent the right member 312 and is configured to retain and release another section of an article of clothing. The framework 302 can be suspended from at least one hook 114 having a flat end positionable over a top edge of a door to allow the door to be opened and closed while the framework 302 is hanging from the door. A second end of the hook 114 can be configured to engage the top member 306 of the framework 302. A flexible extender 314 can be coupled between an eye screw or other suitable fastener and the clips 316, 318.
The first and second clips 316, 318 are coupled to a retainer 104 that is movable between the bottom member 308 and the top member 306 using a pulley 320 that is attached to the framework 302. One or more cords 322 are coupled to the retainer 104 and wrapped around the pulley 320 to enable the retainer to be raised and lowered. The cords 322 may, for example, be tied to the bar 126. Alternatively, other suitable structure such as an eye screw can be included on the retainer 104 to provide an anchor for fastening the cords 322 to the retainer 104. The pulley 320 can hang from a ring 324 engaged in a hook 114 that is coupled to the framework 302. A cleat 326 can be positioned in a convenient location on the apparatus 300, such as side member 310 to hold the retainer 104 in position when the cord 322 is engaged in the cleat 326.
Referring to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of an apparatus 400 for aiding a person getting dressed that includes a rectangular framework 402 having a top member 406. The framework 402 can be suspended from at least one hook 114 having a flat end positionable over a top edge of a door to allow the door to be opened and closed while the framework 402 is hanging from the door. A second end of the hook 114 can be configured to engage the top member 406 of the framework 402. A first clip 316 is coupled adjacent the left member 310 and is configured to retain and release a section of an article of clothing. A second clip 316 is coupled adjacent the right member 312 and is configured to retain and release another section of an article of clothing. Two or more cords 408 can be attached to the retainer 104 and threaded through a hollow rail 410 and cord lock 412 attached to the top member 406 of the framework 402. Examples of commercially available cord locks 412 that can be used in apparatus 400 include model numbers LOCK-53. LOCK-55, and LOCK-57 available from Fix My Blinds, Inc., 5863 Terminal Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colo. The cords 408, rail 410, and cord lock 412 assembly provides means for raising, lowering, and holding the retainer 104 in place when the cords 408 are engaged by the cord lock 412.
Other devices for raising, lowering, and holding the retainer 104 in place can be used in addition to or instead of the pulley 320 and cleat 326, and the cord lock 412.
FIGS. 5A-5C show respective front, top, and side views of another embodiment of an apparatus 500 for aiding a person getting dressed including a framework 102 and hooks 114 as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-1H and FIG. 2. A retainer 504 includes curved sections 506 on either end that curve in a horizontal plane away from the framework 102. Holders 122 are positioned at or near the end of the curved sections 506 of the retainer 504. The holders 122 are configured to retain and release different sections of an article of clothing. When a person stands in front of the retainer 504 and sections of the collar or shoulders and back of a garment are retained in holders 122, the curvature of the retainer 504 can wrap the garment at least partially around the shoulders of the person, making it easier for the person to slide their arms through the armholes of the garment. A hook 508 or other device can be attached to the horizontal center of the retainer 504 to hang the retainer 504 from the top, bottom, or middle members 106, 108, 132 of the framework 102.
FIGS. 6A-6C show respective front, exploded front, and top views of another embodiment of an apparatus 600 for aiding a person getting dressed including a retainer 604 that hangs from a door 602 or other suitable vertical panel. Retainer 604 includes curved sections 606 on either end that curve in a horizontal plane away from the door 602. Holders 122 are positioned at or near the end of the curved sections 606 of the retainer 604. The holders 122 are configured to retain and release different sections of an article of clothing. When a person stands in front of the retainer 604 and sections of the collar or shoulders and back of a garment are retained in holders 122, the curvature of the retainer 604 can wrap the garment at least partially around the shoulders of the person, making it easier for the person to slide their arms through the armholes of the garment.
A hook 608 or other device is included with the retainer 604 to hang the retainer 604 from the door 602. The hook 608 can include two or more telescopic pole sections 608′, 608″ to vertically shorten and lengthen the apparatus 600 as required. A twist lock 610 or other suitable locking device can be included on the telescopic pole sections 608′, 608″ to prevent the length of the hook 608 from changing after it has been adjusted to the desired height. An example of a commercially available twist lock 610 that can be used is the Twist Lock Collar available from Class 1, a unit of IDEX Corporation in Ocala, Fla. The length of the telescopic pole sections 608′, 608″ can be such that the overall length of the apparatus 600 suspended from the door holds a garment at shoulder height for the person getting dressed while standing. If the person is seated while getting dressed, then the length of the apparatus 600 can be adjusted so that the garment is held at should height while the person is seated. Note that apparatus 600 may be adjusted while a person is seated or standing.
The width of the retainer 604 on the apparatus 600 may also be configured with telescoping linear section(s) 612′, 612″ that are adjustable in width between approximately 1 foot and 2 feet. A twist lock 610 or other suitable locking device may also be used on telescoping sections 612′, 612″. Other suitable locking devices may include, for example, rubber gaskets, a clutch mechanism, and/or by placing a pin through aligned holes in retainer 604.
FIG. 7 shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus 700 for aiding a person getting dressed that includes the retainer 504 coupled to a telescopic pole comprised of one or more telescopic pole sections 608′, 608″ (collectively 608) that are height adjustable between approximately 2 feet and 6 feet or other suitable measurements. A twist lock 610 or other suitable locking device can be included so that the height of the apparatus 700 does not change after being adjusted. Telescopic pole 608 can be held upright by being inserted in a stable floor base or mount 704 that is heavy enough to prevent apparatus 700 from easily tipping over while a person is putting their arms through a garment held by retainer 504.
FIG. 8 shows a front view of another embodiment of an apparatus 800 for aiding a person getting dressed that includes a retainer 504 coupled to a telescopic pole comprised of one or more telescopic pole sections 608′, 608″ (collectively 608) that are height adjustable between approximately 2 feet and 6 feet or other suitable measurements. A twist lock 610 or other suitable locking device can be included so that the height of the apparatus 800 does not change after being adjusted. Telescopic pole 608 can be held upright by being inserted in a stool or seat 802 that is configured to support the telescopic pole in a vertical orientation and to allow a person to be seated adjacent to an article of clothing held by the retainer 504.
The retainer 504 can be coupled to telescopic pole 608 in any suitable manner, such as welding, one or more clips, a hook, or other formed as a unitary piece with pole section 608′.
In light of the principles and embodiments described and illustrated herein, it will be recognized that the illustrated embodiments can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. For instance, alternative embodiments may use approaches like those described above to create assemblies with other types and sizes of frameworks, retainers, holders, other types of components, etc.
Also, the foregoing discussion has focused on particular embodiments, but other configurations are contemplated. In particular, even though expressions such as “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” or the like are used herein, these phrases are meant to generally reference embodiment possibilities, and are not intended to limit the invention to particular embodiment configurations. As used herein, these terms may reference the same or different embodiments that are combinable into other embodiments.
In view of the wide variety of useful permutations that may be readily derived from the example embodiments described herein, this detailed description is intended to be illustrative only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. What is claimed as the invention, therefore, are all implementations that come within the scope of the following claims and all equivalents to such implementations.

Claims

1. An apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed comprising:

a framework;

a retainer coupled to the framework, the retainer is vertically movable relative to the framework between an upper position corresponding to shoulder height of a person when standing, and a lower position corresponding to shoulder height of a person when seated;

an adjuster configured to hold the retainer in any selected location along the framework between the upper position and the lower position;

a first holder on the retainer, the first holder is configured to retain and release a section of an article of clothing; and

a second holder positioned on the retainer at a predetermined distance from the first holder, the second holder is configured to retain and release another section of the article of clothing.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

hook portions configured on the framework to engage a top edge of a panel and allow at least a portion of the framework to rest against one side of the panel.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

the framework includes a horizontal member between a first edge piece and a second edge piece, the first and second edge pieces engage respective first and second side members of the framework.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising:

the first and second edge piece and a second edge piece are movable along respective first and second side members of the framework to raise and lower the retainer.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a first pulley attached to the framework; and

a cord coupled to the retainer and wrapped around the first pulley to enable the retainer to be raised and lowered.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising:

the pulley is configured to hang from a hook coupled to the framework.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5 further comprising:

a cleat positioned on the apparatus and configured to hold the retainer in position when the cord is engaged in the cleat.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a cord lock positioned on the apparatus; and

a cord coupled to the retainer and threaded through the cord lock to enable the retainer to be raised and lowered, and to hold the retainer in position when the cord in engaged by the cord lock.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

a first flexible extender coupled to the first holder.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

the framework includes a plurality of horizontal members spaced vertically and positioned between first and second side members of the framework.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

the retainer is a flat panel.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11 further comprising:

a bar coupled to a back side of the retainer to allow some space between the back side of the retainer and the bar;

the first and second holders are coupled to the front side of the retainer; and

hook portions positionable on one of the horizontal members to engage the bar on the back side of the retainer, the hooks are movable among the horizontal members to adjust the vertical position of the retainer portion.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:

the first and second holders are clips.

14. An apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed comprising:

a telescopic pole that is height adjustable;

a retainer positionable on the pole, the retainer includes curved sections on either end that curve in a horizontal plane away from the pole;

a first holder positioned on a curved section of the retainer, the first holder is configured to retain a section of an article of clothing and to release the section of the article of clothing; and

a second holder positioned on another curved section of the retainer at a predetermined distance from the first holder, the second holder is configured to retain another section of the article of clothing and to release the other section of the article of clothing.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising:

the retainer includes a telescopic linear section that is adjustable in width between approximately 1 foot and 2 feet.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising:

a mounting stand configured to support the telescopic pole in a vertical orientation.

17. The apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising:

a stool configured to support the telescopic pole in a vertical orientation and to allow a person to be seated adjacent to the article of clothing.

18. The apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising:

a locking device on the telescoping pole operable to maintain the vertical height of the pole.

19. An apparatus for aiding a person getting dressed comprising:

a framework including a top member, a bottom member, a left member, a right member, and a horizontal middle member between the top member and the bottom member;

a first clip coupled adjacent the left member, the clip is configured to retain and release a section of an article of clothing;

a second clip coupled adjacent the right member, the clip is configured to retain and release another section of an article of clothing; and

a hook having a flat end positionable over a top edge of a door to allow the door to be opened and closed while the framework is hanging from the door, and a second end configured to engage the top member of the framework.

20. The apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising:

the first and second clips are movable between the bottom member and the horizontal middle member.