EP4082503B1

EP4082503B1 - Movable support device for people

Info

Publication number: EP4082503B1
Application number: EP22170629.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vincenza Mascali
Original assignee: Mascali Vincenza Ditta Individuale
Current assignee: Mascali Vincenza Ditta Individuale
Priority date: 2021-04-29
Filing date: 2022-04-28
Publication date: 2024-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 2042-04-28
Also published as: EP4082503C0; EP4082503A1; IT202100010868A1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a movable support device for people, in particular disabled people.
The invention also relates to a sanitary apparatus that includes the device, and to a method of public use of the device.

STATE OF THE ART

Some common sanitary apparatus, including toilets and bidets, are provided with surfaces intended for direct contact with the intimate parts of the people who intend to use them.
In the case of toilets, the same surfaces are exposed to contamination due to biological waste evacuated by people. These surfaces are therefore prone to becoming a receptacle for dirt and bacteria, which can even cause infections in the most severe cases.
Therefore, people generally feel the need to use the sanitary apparatus without coming into direct contact with them.
This can be done, for example, by taking up positions that are highly uncomfortable, straining or even dangerous for human joints.
Some people may also possibly use stools or various known supports, but the comfort of using similar devices is nevertheless unsatisfactory.
For example, US2007209111 discloses a movable support device according to the preamble of claim 1.
Therefore, the need is felt to help people use sanitary apparatus comfortably and without coming into direct contact with them. In the case of people with disabilities, the need is even more felt since taking up certain positions becomes practically impossible, as well as the independent use of the known devices.

SUBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aim of the invention is to satisfy at least one of the above-mentioned needs, preferably in a simple and economical manner. According to the invention a movable support device for people is manufactured as defined by claim 1.
Furthermore, a sanitary apparatus and a method of public use of the device are provided as defined by claims 8 and 9 respectively.
The dependent claims set forth particular embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support device according to an embodiment of the invention,
Figure 2 is a top view of the device of Figure 1, and
Figure 3 is a side view of the device of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In Figure 1, the reference numeral 1 indicates a support device for people. In Figure 1, the device 1 is located inside a bathroom, for example, a private bathroom, without any loss of generality. In fact the device 1 is movable or displaceable, namely, it is not fixed to the walls or the floor of the bathroom in which it is illustrated. The device 1 is illustrated in a Cartesian axis system X, Y, Z of mutually orthogonal axes, of which the axis Z is vertical and the X, Y axes are horizontal and lying on the plane of the floor.
The bathroom of Figure 1 is provided with a sanitary apparatus, which in this case comprises a toilet 2, in turn comprising a toilet bowl 3, in particular carried by the floor. More in particular, the toilet 2 also comprises a cistern 4 for containing water for flushing. The toilet 2 is merely an example, but it could be replaced by a bidet or another appliance provided with a toilet bowl or basin.
For example, the device 1 may be part of the sanitary apparatus.
The device 1 comprises a base or base plate 5 arranged on the floor movably or in a repositionable manner. In particular, the plate 5 rests on the floor.
The plate 5 has a thickness along the axis Z, for example a uniform thickness. Specifically, the plate 5 is flat.
The plate 5 comprises a portion or base portion 6, in particular arranged in front of the toilet bowl 3, more precisely in front of or ahead of the base of the toilet bowl 3 in contact with the floor. The portion 6 is delimited along the axis X by two opposite ends 7, 8. The dimension of the portion 6 along the axis X is a dimension of width. Similarly, the portion 6 is delimited along the axis Y by two other opposite ends 9, 10. The dimension of the portion 6 along the axis Y is a dimension of depth.
In the example of Figure 1, the portion 6 has a rectangular shape; however, the portion 6 could also have different shapes, for example trapezoidal or circular, or possibly irregular shapes.
The plate 5 defines an empty volume or seat 11 to accommodate the toilet bowl 3, more precisely its base, or to house the sanitary apparatus. The seat 11 is behind or adjacent to the end 9, along the axis Y. In more detail, optionally, the plate 5 comprises two arm portions or arms 12 extending parallel to the axis Y from the end 9. Preferably, the arms 12 are made in a single piece with the portion 6. The seat 11 is located between the two arms 12; in particular, the arms 12 define the seat 11 together with the end 9.
The seat 11 is suitably shaped to house the toilet bowl 3 or the sanitary apparatus. The plate 5 may be translated along the axis Y so as to insert the toilet bowl 3 into the seat, in particular with the arms 12 on opposite sides of the toilet bowl 3 with respect to the axis X.
The device 1 further comprises a footboard 13 movably carried by the portion 6, more precisely translating, along the axis Z.
The footboard 13 is supported by the portion 6 via elastic means or a plurality of springs 14 (Figure 2), in particular arranged between the footboard 13 and the portion 6. In other words, the springs 14 couple the footboard 13 to the portion 6. The footboard 13 is resilient according to a direction parallel to the axis Z by means of the springs 14 or in parallel to the axis Z by means of the springs 14.
In other words, the springs 14 couple the footboard 13 to the portion 6 resiliently along a direction parallel to the axis Z. The springs 14 react parallel to the axis Z, for example in response to the weight of a person that places his/her feet on the footboard 13. In other words, the springs 14 are configured to deform parallel to the axis Z or along a direction parallel to the axis Z in response to the weight of a person that places his/her feet on the footboard 13. In this manner, the footboard 13 lowers according to the weight. In other words, the height of the footboard 13 is self-adjusting via the springs 14 in response to the weight exerted on the footboard 13 along the axis Z. The springs 14 are in a resting condition when the weight exerted on the footboard 13 is zero. More in particular, the springs 14 are cylindrical springs with respective axes arranged parallel to the axis Z.
Optionally, the device 1 may additionally or alternatively comprise shock absorbers to dampen the relative movement of the footboard 13 with respect to the portion 6 parallel to the axis Z.
The footboard 13 has a surface 15 to allow the person to bring his/her feet onto it. The surface 15 faces upwards. Thus, the surface 15 can receive and possibly support the person's feet. Conveniently, the footboard 13 comprises a non-slip mat, for example made of rubber, which defines the surface 15.
The portion 6 defines a seat 16 (Figure 3) for housing the footboard 13 and for guiding its movement along the axis Z. The footboard 13 translates inside the seat 16 parallel to itself. The translation takes place in response to the weight of the person against the action of the springs 14.
The footboard and the springs 14 are arranged inside the seat 16. Specifically, the surface 15 is arranged flush with a surface of the portion 6 when the weight exerted on the footboard 13 is zero, namely, for example, in a resting condition of the springs 14.
The device 1 further comprises a structural support assembly 17 for supporting the upper limbs of the person in an evacuation position. In other words, the person can support themselves with his/her upper limbs by means of the assembly 17 in the evacuation position and with his/her feet resting on the surface 15 without bringing other parts of the body into contact with the toilet bowl 3 or more generally with the toilet 2. In practice, the upper part of the body remains suspended above the seat 11 and is, at the same time, supported by the assembly 17 by the upper limbs.
The assembly 17 comprises two structures 18, for example identical structures, arranged on opposite sides of the plate 5 with respect to the axis X. The structures 18 are fixed to the ends 7, 8, respectively. Therefore, with the toilet bowl 3 in the seat 11, the structures 18 are arranged on opposite sides of the toilet bowl 3 with respect to the axis X.
The structures 18 extend parallel to the axis Y beyond the end 9. In this manner, the seat 11 is arranged between the structures 18. The structures 18 are made of a rigid material, for example, steel or other metal material suitable to support the weight of the person.
In the present case, the structures 18 extend along respective planes orthogonal to the axis X.
In particular, each of the structures 18 comprises a corresponding truss, more in particular tubular truss. The truss is preferably flat and lies in one of the aforementioned planes orthogonal to the axis X.
With reference to Figure 3, the truss comprises two uprights 20 substantially extending parallel to the axis Z and fixed to the plate 5, more precisely to the portion 6 and to one of the arms 12, respectively. Furthermore, the truss comprises a beam 21 arranged at the end of the truss according to the axis Z and carried in a fixed position by the uprights 20. In particular, the beam 21 bridges the uprights 20. Furthermore, the beam 21 comprises a portion 22 that is horizontal, namely, parallel to the axis Y. Optionally, the truss comprises a beam 23 fixed to the uprights 20 and extending therebetween, in particular parallel to the axis Y.
In addition, preferably, each of the structures 18 comprises a tube 24, for example extending parallel to the axis Z. The tube 24 has an open end (upper end) and a closed end (lower end). In the example illustrated, the tube 24 passes through the beam 21 with its open end and terminates at the beam 23 with its closed end. In particular, the open end protrudes along the axis Z with respect to the beam 21, but could alternatively also terminate with an opening formed directly on the beam 21.
Advantageously, the assembly 17 further comprises a pair of axillary or underarm supports 25. The underarm supports 25 are respectively supported by the structures 18 via springs 26 (Figure 3). In other words, the springs 26 couple the underarm supports 25 to the structures 18 resiliently parallel to the axis Z, similar to what takes place for the footboard 13.
In more detail, each of the underarm supports 25 comprises a body or insertion element 27 movably inserted inside the corresponding tube 24 parallel to the axis Z. The insertion element 27 is slidable along the relative tube 24, whereby the latter guides the insertion element 27.
Each of the springs 26 is housed in the corresponding tube 24 between the closed end and the insertion element 27. The element 27 is supported by one of the springs 26 and is therefore guided or assisted by them in its movement inside the tube 24.
The springs 26 react parallel to the axis Z, for example, in response to the weight of a person supporting themselves with their armpits on the underarm supports 25. In this manner, the underarm supports 25 lower as a function of the weight. In other words, the height of the underarm supports 25 is self-adjusting via the springs 26 in response to the weight exerted on the underarm supports 25 along the axis Z. The springs 26 are in a resting condition when the weight exerted on the underarm supports 25 is zero. More in particular, the springs 26 are cylindrical springs with respective axes arranged parallel to the axis Z.
Therefore, the underarm supports 25 translate parallel to the axis Z in response to the weight of the person against the action of the springs 26.
Alternatively, the springs 26 could also react according to axes inclined with respect to the axis Z. Clearly, in this case, the tube 24 would also be inclined, where present.
Optionally, the device 1 could additionally or alternatively comprise shock absorbers to dampen the relative movement of the underarm supports 25 with respect to the structures 18.
Conveniently, the underarm supports 25 comprise respective end bodies 28. In other words, the underarm supports 25 terminate on the opposite side of the structures 18 with the bodies 28. In particular, the bodies 28 are padded bodies, more in particular saddle-shaped bodies.
The material of the bodies 28 is preferably softer than that of the structures 18 and, for example, comprises rubber, specifically chloroprene in polymeric form.
The underarm supports 25 are rotatable about axes parallel to the axis Z; more precisely, each underarm support 25 is rotatable about the axis of the relative tube 24, in which the element 27 is inserted. The element 27 may have a portion 30 that extends radially with respect to the axis of the tube 24.
Advantageously, the device 1 comprises a backrest 31 fixed to the assembly 17, specifically to the structures 18. In particular, the backrest 31 is cantilevered to the assembly 17 according to the axis Y, more precisely backwardly and/or protruding to the structures 18.
The seat 11 is arranged according to the axis Y between the portion 6 and the backrest 31.
Preferably, the backrest 31 comprises a cushion 32 made of a material softer than that of the structures 18, for example, comprising rubber and more precisely chloroprene in polymeric form.
The backrest 31 is arranged above the toilet bowl 3 and, where applicable, in front of the cistern 4. More precisely, the backrest 31 protrudes (forward, namely, toward the portion 6) from the cistern 4 according to the axis Y.
In the following, the use of the device 1 according to the invention will be set forth.
The person that intends to make use of the toilet 2 arranges the device 1 so that the toilet bowl 3 is accommodated in the seat 11. This takes place, for example, by sliding the plate 5 with respect to the floor. Likewise, the plate 5 could be movable on the floor via rollers.
At this point, the person arranges the feet on the surface 15, in particular in an upright position. Therefore, in this manner, the person exerts his/her weight on the footboard 13 causing it to move according to the stiffness of the springs 14.
Then, the person takes up an evacuation position by supporting the upper limbs via the assembly 17 while the feet are still arranged on the surface 15. This takes place without coming into contact with the toilet 2.
In particular, the person lays the armpits on the underarm supports 25. The height of the latter is adjusted against the action of the springs 26, according to the weight of the person. The same happens with the footboard 13, the height of which is adjusted against the action of the springs 14.
In this manner, the person comfortably reaches the evacuation position and completes the use of the device 1.
In the meantime, the person may rest his/her back on the backrest 31.
From the foregoing, the advantages of the device 1 according to the invention are clear.
The person can serenely use the toilet 2 without coming into contact therewith by taking up a relatively comfortable position and without exerting excessive effort. Possibly, the device 1 is also usable by disabled people.
The position of the footboard 13 and, if necessary, of the underarm supports 25 is self-adjusting, allowing the taking up of a comfortable, stable and relaxed posture, according to the height of the person. In fact, height is normally corelated to the weight.
The device 1 is movable and adaptable to any sanitary apparatus. The device 1 can be dedicated for public use.
The device 1 is relatively light and easy to handle. Furthermore, it is non-polluting and easy to wash.
It is also clear from the foregoing that modifications and variations may be made to the device 1 described above, without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims.
In particular, shapes, materials and arrangements of the components may be different from those described and illustrated.

Claims

A movable support device (1) for a person, in particular a disabled person, for use with a sanitary apparatus, the movable support device (1) comprising
- a base plate (5) adapted to be arranged movably on a floor, the plate (5) having a thickness along a first axis (Z) and at least a base portion (6) delimited by first opposite ends (7, 8) along a second axis (X) orthogonal to the first axis (Z) and by second opposite ends (9, 10) along a third axis (Y) orthogonal to the first and to the second axes (Z, X);

- a structural support assembly (17) for supporting the upper limbs of the person in an evacuation position, the assembly comprising a first structure and a second structure (18) respectively fixed to the first ends (7, 8) and extending along the third axis (Y) beyond one of the second ends (9); and

- a footboard (13) comprising at least a support surface (15) for supporting the feet of the person, further comprising

- first elastic means (14) that couple the footboard (13) to the base portion (6) resiliently parallel to the first axis (Z); wherein the base plate (5) defines an empty volume (11) to house the sanitary apparatus, the empty volume (11) being adjacent to the base portion (6) along the third axis (Y) between the first and the second structures (18), characterized in that
the base portion (6) defines a seat (16) in which the footboard (13) is housed and guided so that the footboard (13) translates parallel to itself along the first axis (Z) in response to a weight of the person against the action of the first elastic means (14).
The device according to claim 1, wherein the structural assembly (17) further comprises
- a pair of underarm supports (25), and

- second elastic means (26) that couple the underarm supports (25) respectively to the first and to the second structures (18) resiliently parallel to the first axis (Z).
The device according to claim 2, wherein the first and the second structures (18) comprise respective tubular elements (24) extending parallel to the first axis (Z) and each having a closed end and an open end; the underarm supports (25) comprising corresponding insertion elements (27) supported and guided respectively inside the tubular elements (24) by means of the second elastic means (26) movably parallel to the first axis (Z) .
The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the underarm supports (25) comprise respective saddle-shaped padded end bodies (28).
The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a backrest (31) fixed to the structural assembly (17); wherein the empty volume (11) is located between the backrest (31) and the base portion (6).
The device according to claim 5, wherein the backrest (31) is fixed in a cantilever fashion to the structural assembly (17) according to the third axis (Y).
The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (5) comprises two arms (12) that extend projecting from the base portion (6) parallel to the third axis (Y); the empty volume (11) being defined between the arms (12) and the base portion (6).
A sanitary apparatus comprising
- a sanitary member (2) comprising a toilet bowl or basin (3) for containing water, and

- a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the sanitary member (2) is housed in said empty volume (11) .
A method of public use of a device according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:
- arranging the device (1) so that a sanitary member (2) comprising a toilet bowl or basin (3) is housed in said empty volume (11),

- arranging the feet on the support surface (15) in an upright position, and

- taking up an evacuation position, supporting the upper limbs by means of the structural assembly (17) while the feet are arranged on the support surface (15), without coming into contact with the sanitary member (2).