EP4360606A1 - Movable support device for people - Google Patents
Movable support device for people Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4360606A1 EP4360606A1 EP23203271.4A EP23203271A EP4360606A1 EP 4360606 A1 EP4360606 A1 EP 4360606A1 EP 23203271 A EP23203271 A EP 23203271A EP 4360606 A1 EP4360606 A1 EP 4360606A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- axis
- footboard
- along
- base portion
- person
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 210000001364 upper extremity Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- YACLQRRMGMJLJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N chloroprene Chemical compound ClC(=C)C=C YACLQRRMGMJLJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- 208000031872 Body Remains Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010796 biological waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000474 nursing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
- A61G7/1001—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto specially adapted for specific applications
- A61G7/1007—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto specially adapted for specific applications mounted on or in combination with a toilet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K17/00—Other equipment, e.g. separate apparatus for deodorising, disinfecting or cleaning devices without flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers; Holders for toilet brushes
- A47K17/02—Body supports, other than seats, for closets, e.g. handles, back-rests, foot-rests; Accessories for closets, e.g. reading tables
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K17/00—Other equipment, e.g. separate apparatus for deodorising, disinfecting or cleaning devices without flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers; Holders for toilet brushes
- A47K17/02—Body supports, other than seats, for closets, e.g. handles, back-rests, foot-rests; Accessories for closets, e.g. reading tables
- A47K17/026—Armrests mounted on or around the toilet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K17/00—Other equipment, e.g. separate apparatus for deodorising, disinfecting or cleaning devices without flushing for toilet bowls, seats or covers; Holders for toilet brushes
- A47K17/02—Body supports, other than seats, for closets, e.g. handles, back-rests, foot-rests; Accessories for closets, e.g. reading tables
- A47K17/028—Foot- or knee-rests
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
- A61G7/1038—Manual lifting aids, e.g. frames or racks
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
- A61G7/104—Devices carried or supported by
- A61G7/1046—Mobile bases, e.g. having wheels
- A61G7/1048—Mobile bases, e.g. having wheels having auxiliary drive means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
- A61G7/1073—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G7/1082—Rests specially adapted for
- A61G7/1092—Rests specially adapted for the arms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
- A61G7/1073—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G7/1082—Rests specially adapted for
- A61G7/1098—Ankle or foot
Definitions
- the invention relates to a movable support device for people, in particular disabled people.
- the invention further relates to a sanitary appliance which includes the device, as well as a method for utilizing the device.
- Some common sanitary appliances among which toilets and bidets, are provided with surfaces intended for the direct contact with the intimate parts of the people who are going to use them.
- Some people can also possibly utilize stools or various known supports, but the convenience of use of such devices is anyway unsatisfactory.
- An object of the invention is to satisfy at least one of the above-described needs, preferably in a simple and cost-effective manner.
- a movable support device for people is provided, as defined by claim 1.
- reference numeral 1 indicates a support device for people.
- the device 1 is placed inside a bathroom, for example, of a health-care structure such as, for example, a nursing home or of a commercial activity or of a waiting room for public services or of an infrastructure for the transportation of people such as a railway station, an airport, and the like, without loss of generality.
- the device 1 is movable or displaceable, i.e. is not fixed to the walls or to the floor of the bathroom in which it is illustrated.
- the device 1 is illustrated in a system of Cartesian axes having axes X, Y, Z orthogonal to each other, of which the axis Z is vertical and the axes X, Y are horizontal and lying on the plane of the floor.
- the bathroom of Figure 1 is provided with a sanitary appliance, which in this case comprises a toilet 2, which in turn comprises a toilet bowl 3, in particular carried by the floor. More in particular, the toilet 2 also comprises a tank 4 for containing the water for the flushing.
- a sanitary appliance which in this case comprises a toilet 2, which in turn comprises a toilet bowl 3, in particular carried by the floor. More in particular, the toilet 2 also comprises a tank 4 for containing the water for the flushing.
- the toilet 2 merely constitutes an example, but it could be replaced by a bidet or another appliance provided with a toilet bowl or basin.
- the device 1 can be part of the sanitary appliance.
- the device 1 comprises a base or base plate 5 arranged on the floor in a movable or repositionable manner.
- the plate 5 rests on the floor.
- the plate 5 has a thickness along the axis Z, for example uniform. In this specific case, the plate 5 is flat.
- the plate 5 comprises a portion or base portion 6, in particular arranged facing the toilet bowl 3, more precisely facing or in front 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 has a width dimension.
- the portion 6 is delimited along the axis Y by another two opposite ends 9, 10.
- the dimension of the portion 6 along the axis Y is a depth dimension.
- 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 for accommodating the toilet bowl 3, more precisely its base, or for accommodating the sanitary appliance.
- the seat 11 is behind or adjacent to the end 9, along the axis Y. More specifically, optionally, the plate 5 comprises two arm-like portions or arms 12 which extend parallel to the axis Y from the end 9. Preferably, the arms 12 are made in one piece with the portion 6.
- the seat 11 is placed 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 for housing the toilet bowl 3 or the sanitary appliance.
- the plate 5 can be translated along the axis Y so as to insert the toilet bowl 3 in the seat, in particular with the arms 12 on the opposite sides of the toilet bowl 3 relative to the axis X.
- the device 1 further comprises a footboard 13 carried by the portion 6 in a movable, more precisely translating manner, along the axis Z.
- the footboard 13 is supported by the portion 6 by means of actuator means, i.e. in particular one or more actuators 14 ( Figure 2 ), in this specific case arranged between the footboard 13 and the portion 6.
- the actuators 14 couple the footboard 13 to the portion 6.
- the footboard 13 is supported in a movable manner by means of the actuators 14, in particular according to a direction substantially parallel to the axis Z or parallel to the axis Z.
- the actuators 14 are configured or controllable to displace the footboard 13 relative to the portion 6, in particular according to a direction substantially parallel to the axis Z.
- the actuators 14 could be configured or controllable to modify an orientation of the footboard 13.
- the actuators 14 can orient the latter reference system relative to the one defined by the axes X, Y, Z, in particular according to a number of degrees of freedom which ranges from one to three angular degrees of freedom.
- the actuators 14, the footboard 13, and the portion 6 could define a parallel kinematic robot.
- the device 1 comprises a control unit ECU (schematically illustrated) configured to control the actuators 14.
- ECU control unit
- control unit ECU could control the actuators 14 on the basis of one or more commands given by the user of the device 1, in particular provided by means of one or more specially provided control members, such as levers, push buttons, knobs, and similar members not illustrated of the device 1.
- the device 1 comprises a transducer T1 configured to detect a quantity indicative of a weight applied on the footboard 13 and to generate a signal associated with or relative to the detected quantity.
- a transducer T1 configured to detect a quantity indicative of a weight applied on the footboard 13 and to generate a signal associated with or relative to the detected quantity.
- the transducer T1 is coupled to the control unit ECU, hence the control unit ECU is configured to receive the signal generated by the transducer T1 and to extract from the signal an item of information indicative of the weight applied on the footboard 13.
- control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 14 for arranging the footboard 13, in particular along the axis Z, relative to the portion 6 as a function of the extracted item of information.
- control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 14 as a function of the item of information when it receives an authorization from the user of the device 1, for example by means of an authorization command (e.g. a push button, a lever, and the like) of the device 1.
- an authorization command e.g. a push button, a lever, and the like
- control unit ECU controls a lowering of the footboard 13 by means of the actuators 14 in a manner increasing with the weight applied on the footboard 13. More in particular, the lowering is proportional to the applied weight.
- the actuators 14 react actively to the weight of a person who arranges his/her feet on the footboard 13 displacing the footboard 13.
- the footboard 13 lowers as a function of the weight.
- the height of the footboard 13 self-adjusts by means of the control unit ECU, the transducer T1, and the actuators 14 in response to the weight exerted on the footboard 13 along the axis Z.
- the actuators 14 can be of various known types.
- the actuators 14 can be actuated hydraulically, pneumatically or more preferably electrically.
- the actuators 14 are of linear type and extend parallel to the axis Z.
- the transducer T1 could be any transducer of known type sensitive to the weight, such as for example a piezoelectric or resistive transducer.
- the device 1 could additionally comprise springs and/or dampers to damp the relative movement of the footboard 13 relative to the portion 6 parallel to the axis Z.
- the footboard 13 has a surface 15 for enabling the person to bring his/her feet on it.
- the surface 15 faces upwards. In this manner, the surface 15 can receive and possibly support the feet of the person.
- the footboard 13 comprises an anti-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 possibly, i.e. optionally, guiding the movement thereof along the axis Z.
- the footboard 13 translates inside the seat 16 parallel to itself. The translation occurs in response to the weight of the person thanks to the actuators 14 and the control unit ECU.
- the footboard 13 and the actuators 14 are preferably arranged inside the seat 16.
- the surface 15 is arranged flush with a surface of the portion 6 when the weight exerted on the footboard 13 is null.
- the device 1 further comprises a structural support assembly 17 for supporting the upper limbs of the person in evacuation position.
- the person can support himself/herself with his/her upper limbs by means of the assembly 17 in evacuation position and with his/her feet resting on the surface 15 without bringing other parts of the body in contact with the toilet bowl 3 or more in general with the toilet 2.
- the upper part of the body remains suspended above the seat 11 and simultaneously supported by the assembly 17 by means of the upper limbs.
- the assembly 17 comprises two structures 18, for example identical, arranged on the opposite sides of the plate 5 relative to the axis X.
- the structures 18 are respectively fixed to the ends 7, 8. Therefore, with the toilet bowl 3 in the seat 11, the structures 18 are arranged on the opposite sides of the toilet bowl 3 relative 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 metallic material suitable for bearing the weight of the person.
- the structures 18 extend along respective planes orthogonal to the axis X.
- each of the structures 18 comprises a corresponding reticular truss, more in particular tubular.
- the truss is preferably plane and lies on one of the aforementioned planes orthogonal to the axis X.
- 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 fixed position by the uprights 20. In particular, the beam 21 connects in a bridge-like manner the uprights 20. Furthermore, the beam 21 comprises a horizontal portion 22, i.e. parallel to the axis Y. Optionally, the truss comprises a beam 23 fixed to the uprights 20 and extending between them, in particular parallel to the axis Y.
- each of the structures 18 comprises a pipe 24, for example extending parallel to the axis Z.
- the pipe 24 has an open end (upper end) and a closed end (lower end).
- the pipe 24 passes through the beam 21 with its open end and ends at the beam 23 with its closed end.
- the open end projects along the axis Z relative to the beam 21, but it could alternatively also end with an opening obtained directly on the beam 21.
- the assembly 17 further comprises a pair of underarm supports 25.
- the underarm supports 25 are supported by the structures 18, respectively, by means of springs and/or more preferably actuators 26 ( Figure 3 ).
- the actuators 26 couple the underarm supports 26 to the structures 18 in a movable manner along a direction parallel to the axis Z or parallel to the axis Z, similarly to what occurs for the footboard 13.
- the device 1 could also be devoid of the actuators 14, coupling the footboard 13 to the base portion 6 in a movable manner, in this specific case parallel to the axis Z. Therefore, the actuators 14 could be optional.
- the footboard 13 could be fixed relative to the portion 6.
- the footboard 13 could form a single piece with the portion 6, i.e. could be part of the portion 6.
- the entire base plate 5 could even be absent.
- the assembly 17 would anyway be restable movably on the floor; furthermore, the structures 18 would be fixed to each other and arranged so as to define the seat 11 between them, in particular according to the axis X, i.e. in particular a seat or empty volume suitable for housing the sanitary appliance.
- control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 26 for adjusting the position of the underarm supports 25, possibly in a manner independent of each other.
- control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 26 on the basis of commands given by the user of the device 1, in particular provided by means of specially provided control members not illustrated, similarly to what occurs for the actuators 14.
- the device 1 comprises a transducer T2 configured to detect a quantity indicative of a weight applied on the underarm supports 25 and to generate a signal associated with or relative to the detected quantity.
- the transducer T2 is coupled to the control unit ECU, hence the control unit ECU is configured to receive the signal generated by the transducer T2 and to extract from the signal an item of information indicative of the weight applied on the underarm supports 25.
- control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 26 for arranging the underarm supports 26, in particular along the axis Z, as a function of the item of information extracted from the signal generated by the transducer T2 or possibly also or only by the transducer T1.
- control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 26 as a function of the item of information when it receives an authorization from the user of the device 1, for example by means of an authorization command (e.g. a push button, a lever, and the like) of the device 1.
- an authorization command e.g. a push button, a lever, and the like
- control unit ECU controls a lowering of the underarm supports 25 by means of the actuators 26 in a manner increasing with the weight applied on the underarm supports 25 and/or on the footboard 13. More in particular, the lowering is proportional to the applied weight.
- each of the underarm supports 25 comprises an insertion body or element 27 inserted inside the corresponding pipe 24 in a movable manner parallel to the axis Z.
- the insertion element 27 is slidable along the relative pipe 24, hence the latter guides the insertion element 27.
- Each of the actuators 26 is housed in particular in the corresponding pipe 24 between the closed end and the insertion element 27.
- the element 27 is supported by one of the actuators 26 and is thus moved by it inside the pipe 24.
- the underarm supports 25 lower as a function of the weight.
- the height of the underarm supports 25 is adjusted by means of the actuators 26 as a response to the weight exerted on the underarm supports 25 along the axis Z.
- the actuators 26 could also displace the underarm supports 25 along axes inclined relative to the axis Z.
- the pipe 24 would also be inclined, if present.
- the device 1 could additionally comprise springs and/or dampers to damp the relative movement of the underarm supports 25 relative to the structures 18.
- the underarm supports 25 comprise respective end bodies 28.
- the underarm supports 25 end on the opposite side of the structures 18 with the bodies 28.
- the bodies 28 are padded bodies, more in particular saddle-shaped.
- the material of the bodies 28 is preferably softer than that of the structures 18 and for example comprises rubber, in this specific case chloroprene in polymeric form.
- the underarm supports 25 are rotatable around axes parallel to the axis Z; more precisely, each underarm support 25 is rotatable around the axis of the relative pipe 24, in which the element 27 is inserted.
- the element 27 can have a portion 30 which extends radially relative to the axis of the pipe 24.
- the device 1 comprises a backrest 31 fixed to the assembly 17, in this specific case to the structures 18.
- the backrest 31 is fixed cantilevered to the assembly 17 according to the axis Y, more precisely in a manner behind and/or projecting from the structures 18.
- the seat 11 is arranged according to the axis Y between the portion 6 and the backrest 31.
- the backrest 31 comprises a pad 32 made of a softer material 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, if applicable, facing the tank 4. More precisely, the backrest 31 projects (forwards, i.e. towards the portion 6) relative to the tank 4 according to the axis Y.
- the person who intends to make use of the toilet 2 arranges the device 1 so that the toilet bowl 3 is housed in the seat 11. This, for example, occurs making the plate 5 slide relative to the floor. Likewise, the plate 5 could be movable on the floor by means of wheels.
- the person arranges his/her feet on the surface 15, in particular in a standing position. Therefore, in this manner, the person exerts his/her weight on the footboard 13 causing a displacement thereof by means of the actuators 14 and the control unit ECU.
- the person rests his/her armpits on the underarm supports 25.
- the height of the latter adjusts thanks to the actuators 26 and to the control unit ECU, as a function of the weight of the person.
- the person can serenely utilize the toilet 2 without entering into contact with it assuming a relatively comfortable position and without excessive effort.
- the device 1 can also be utilized by disabled people.
- the position of the footboard 13 and possibly of the underarm supports 25 self-adjusts allowing assuming a comfortable, stable and relaxed position, as a function of the height of the person. In fact, the height is normally related to the weight.
- the device 1 is movable and adaptable to any sanitary appliance.
- the device 1 is relatively light and handy. Furthermore, it does not pollute and is simple to wash.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Toilet Supplies (AREA)
Abstract
A movable support device (1) for a person includes a base plate (5) adapted to be arranged movably on a floor, the plate (5) having 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), a footboard (13) comprising at least a support surface (15) for supporting the feet of the person, first elastic means (14) that couple the footboard (13) to the base portion (6) yieldingly parallel to the first axis (Z), wherein the base plate (5) defines an empty volume (11) adjacent to the base portion (6) along the third axis (Y) between the first and the second structures (18).
Description
- This patent application claims priority from
Italian patent application no. 102022000022320 filed on October 28, 2022 - The invention relates to a movable support device for people, in particular disabled people.
- The invention further relates to a sanitary appliance which includes the device, as well as a method for utilizing the device.
- Some common sanitary appliances, among which toilets and bidets, are provided with surfaces intended for the direct contact with the intimate parts of the people who are going to use them.
- In the case of toilets, the same surfaces are exposed to contamination due to the biological waste evacuated by people.
- These surfaces are thus subject to becoming breeding-ground for dirt and bacteria, which can even cause infections, in the most severe cases.
- Therefore, people generally feel the need to utilize the sanitary appliances without entering in direct contact with them.
- This can occur, for example, by assuming positions which are greatly uncomfortable, straining or even dangerous for human articulations.
- Some people can also possibly utilize stools or various known supports, but the convenience of use of such devices is anyway unsatisfactory.
- Therefore, the need is felt to help people utilize sanitary appliances comfortably and without entering into direct contact with them.
- In the case of disabled people, the need is even more felt since it is practically impossible to assume certain positions, as well as use the known devices autonomously.
- An object of the invention is to satisfy at least one of the above-described needs, preferably in a simple and cost-effective manner.
- According to the invention, a movable support device for people is provided, as defined by
claim 1. - Furthermore, a sanitary appliance and a method for utilizing the device are provided, as defined by
claims - The dependent claims set forth particular embodiments of the invention.
- 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 ofFigure 1 , and -
Figure 3 is a side view of the device ofFigure 1 . - In
Figure 1 ,reference numeral 1 indicates a support device for people. InFigure 1 , thedevice 1 is placed inside a bathroom, for example, of a health-care structure such as, for example, a nursing home or of a commercial activity or of a waiting room for public services or of an infrastructure for the transportation of people such as a railway station, an airport, and the like, without loss of generality. In fact, thedevice 1 is movable or displaceable, i.e. is not fixed to the walls or to the floor of the bathroom in which it is illustrated. Thedevice 1 is illustrated in a system of Cartesian axes having axes X, Y, Z orthogonal to each other, of which the axis Z is vertical and the axes X, Y are horizontal and lying on the plane of the floor. - The bathroom of
Figure 1 is provided with a sanitary appliance, which in this case comprises atoilet 2, which in turn comprises atoilet bowl 3, in particular carried by the floor. More in particular, thetoilet 2 also comprises atank 4 for containing the water for the flushing. Thetoilet 2 merely constitutes 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 can be part of the sanitary appliance. - The
device 1 comprises a base orbase plate 5 arranged on the floor in a movable or repositionable manner. In particular, theplate 5 rests on the floor. - The
plate 5 has a thickness along the axis Z, for example uniform. In this specific case, theplate 5 is flat. - The
plate 5 comprises a portion orbase portion 6, in particular arranged facing thetoilet bowl 3, more precisely facing or in front of the base of thetoilet bowl 3 in contact with the floor. Theportion 6 is delimited along the axis X by twoopposite ends portion 6 along the axis X has a width dimension. Similarly, theportion 6 is delimited along the axis Y by another twoopposite ends portion 6 along the axis Y is a depth dimension. - In the example of
Figure 1 , theportion 6 has a rectangular shape; however, theportion 6 could also have different shapes, for example trapezoidal or circular, or possibly irregular shapes. - The
plate 5 defines an empty volume orseat 11 for accommodating thetoilet bowl 3, more precisely its base, or for accommodating the sanitary appliance. Theseat 11 is behind or adjacent to theend 9, along the axis Y. More specifically, optionally, theplate 5 comprises two arm-like portions orarms 12 which extend parallel to the axis Y from theend 9. Preferably, thearms 12 are made in one piece with theportion 6. Theseat 11 is placed between the twoarms 12; in particular, thearms 12 define theseat 11 together with theend 9. - The
seat 11 is suitably shaped for housing thetoilet bowl 3 or the sanitary appliance. Theplate 5 can be translated along the axis Y so as to insert thetoilet bowl 3 in the seat, in particular with thearms 12 on the opposite sides of thetoilet bowl 3 relative to the axis X. - The
device 1 further comprises afootboard 13 carried by theportion 6 in a movable, more precisely translating manner, along the axis Z. - The
footboard 13 is supported by theportion 6 by means of actuator means, i.e. in particular one or more actuators 14 (Figure 2 ), in this specific case arranged between thefootboard 13 and theportion 6. In other words, theactuators 14 couple thefootboard 13 to theportion 6. Thefootboard 13 is supported in a movable manner by means of theactuators 14, in particular according to a direction substantially parallel to the axis Z or parallel to the axis Z. - In other words, the
actuators 14 are configured or controllable to displace thefootboard 13 relative to theportion 6, in particular according to a direction substantially parallel to the axis Z. - More in general, the
actuators 14 could be configured or controllable to modify an orientation of thefootboard 13. In other words, given a fixed Cartesian reference system relative to thefootboard 13, theactuators 14 can orient the latter reference system relative to the one defined by the axes X, Y, Z, in particular according to a number of degrees of freedom which ranges from one to three angular degrees of freedom. Practically, theactuators 14, thefootboard 13, and theportion 6 could define a parallel kinematic robot. - Furthermore, the
device 1 comprises a control unit ECU (schematically illustrated) configured to control theactuators 14. - For example, the control unit ECU could control the
actuators 14 on the basis of one or more commands given by the user of thedevice 1, in particular provided by means of one or more specially provided control members, such as levers, push buttons, knobs, and similar members not illustrated of thedevice 1. - Preferably, the
device 1 comprises a transducer T1 configured to detect a quantity indicative of a weight applied on thefootboard 13 and to generate a signal associated with or relative to the detected quantity. - The transducer T1 is coupled to the control unit ECU, hence the control unit ECU is configured to receive the signal generated by the transducer T1 and to extract from the signal an item of information indicative of the weight applied on the
footboard 13. - Furthermore, the control unit ECU is configured to control the
actuators 14 for arranging thefootboard 13, in particular along the axis Z, relative to theportion 6 as a function of the extracted item of information. - For example, the control unit ECU is configured to control the
actuators 14 as a function of the item of information when it receives an authorization from the user of thedevice 1, for example by means of an authorization command (e.g. a push button, a lever, and the like) of thedevice 1. - In particular, the control unit ECU controls a lowering of the
footboard 13 by means of theactuators 14 in a manner increasing with the weight applied on thefootboard 13. More in particular, the lowering is proportional to the applied weight. - Then, the
actuators 14 react actively to the weight of a person who arranges his/her feet on thefootboard 13 displacing thefootboard 13. - In this manner, the
footboard 13 lowers as a function of the weight. In other words, the height of thefootboard 13 self-adjusts by means of the control unit ECU, the transducer T1, and theactuators 14 in response to the weight exerted on thefootboard 13 along the axis Z. Theactuators 14 can be of various known types. For example, theactuators 14 can be actuated hydraulically, pneumatically or more preferably electrically. Preferably, theactuators 14 are of linear type and extend parallel to the axis Z. - The transducer T1 could be any transducer of known type sensitive to the weight, such as for example a piezoelectric or resistive transducer.
- Optionally, the
device 1 could additionally comprise springs and/or dampers to damp the relative movement of thefootboard 13 relative to theportion 6 parallel to the axis Z. - The
footboard 13 has asurface 15 for enabling the person to bring his/her feet on it. Thesurface 15 faces upwards. In this manner, thesurface 15 can receive and possibly support the feet of the person. Conveniently, thefootboard 13 comprises an anti-slip mat, for example made of rubber, which defines thesurface 15. - Preferably, the
portion 6 defines a seat 16 (Figure 3 ) for housing thefootboard 13 and possibly, i.e. optionally, guiding the movement thereof along the axis Z. Thefootboard 13 translates inside theseat 16 parallel to itself. The translation occurs in response to the weight of the person thanks to theactuators 14 and the control unit ECU. - The
footboard 13 and theactuators 14 are preferably arranged inside theseat 16. In this specific case, thesurface 15 is arranged flush with a surface of theportion 6 when the weight exerted on thefootboard 13 is null. - The
device 1 further comprises astructural support assembly 17 for supporting the upper limbs of the person in evacuation position. In other words, the person can support himself/herself with his/her upper limbs by means of theassembly 17 in evacuation position and with his/her feet resting on thesurface 15 without bringing other parts of the body in contact with thetoilet bowl 3 or more in general with thetoilet 2. Practically, the upper part of the body remains suspended above theseat 11 and simultaneously supported by theassembly 17 by means of the upper limbs. - The
assembly 17 comprises twostructures 18, for example identical, arranged on the opposite sides of theplate 5 relative to the axis X. Thestructures 18 are respectively fixed to theends toilet bowl 3 in theseat 11, thestructures 18 are arranged on the opposite sides of thetoilet bowl 3 relative to the axis X. - The
structures 18 extend parallel to the axis Y beyond theend 9. In this manner, theseat 11 is arranged between thestructures 18. Thestructures 18 are made of a rigid material, for example steel or other metallic material suitable for bearing the weight of the person. - In this case, the
structures 18 extend along respective planes orthogonal to the axis X. - In particular, each of the
structures 18 comprises a corresponding reticular truss, more in particular tubular. The truss is preferably plane and lies on one of the aforementioned planes orthogonal to the axis X. - With reference to
Figure 3 , the truss comprises twouprights 20 substantially extending parallel to the axis Z and fixed to theplate 5, more precisely to theportion 6 and to one of thearms 12, respectively. Furthermore, the truss comprises abeam 21 arranged at the end of the truss according to the axis Z and carried in fixed position by the uprights 20. In particular, thebeam 21 connects in a bridge-like manner the uprights 20. Furthermore, thebeam 21 comprises ahorizontal portion 22, i.e. parallel to the axis Y. Optionally, the truss comprises abeam 23 fixed to theuprights 20 and extending between them, in particular parallel to the axis Y. - Additionally, preferably, each of the
structures 18 comprises apipe 24, for example extending parallel to the axis Z. Thepipe 24 has an open end (upper end) and a closed end (lower end). In the illustrated example, thepipe 24 passes through thebeam 21 with its open end and ends at thebeam 23 with its closed end. In particular, the open end projects along the axis Z relative to thebeam 21, but it could alternatively also end with an opening obtained directly on thebeam 21. - Advantageously, the
assembly 17 further comprises a pair of underarm supports 25. The underarm supports 25 are supported by thestructures 18, respectively, by means of springs and/or more preferably actuators 26 (Figure 3 ). In other words, theactuators 26 couple the underarm supports 26 to thestructures 18 in a movable manner along a direction parallel to the axis Z or parallel to the axis Z, similarly to what occurs for thefootboard 13. - For this reason, the
device 1 could also be devoid of theactuators 14, coupling thefootboard 13 to thebase portion 6 in a movable manner, in this specific case parallel to the axis Z. Therefore, theactuators 14 could be optional. - In other words, the
footboard 13 could be fixed relative to theportion 6. - In particular, the
footboard 13 could form a single piece with theportion 6, i.e. could be part of theportion 6. - Possibly, the
entire base plate 5 could even be absent. In this case, theassembly 17 would anyway be restable movably on the floor; furthermore, thestructures 18 would be fixed to each other and arranged so as to define theseat 11 between them, in particular according to the axis X, i.e. in particular a seat or empty volume suitable for housing the sanitary appliance. - As it is with the
actuators 14, the control unit ECU is configured to control theactuators 26 for adjusting the position of the underarm supports 25, possibly in a manner independent of each other. For example, the control unit ECU is configured to control theactuators 26 on the basis of commands given by the user of thedevice 1, in particular provided by means of specially provided control members not illustrated, similarly to what occurs for theactuators 14. - More preferably, the
device 1 comprises a transducer T2 configured to detect a quantity indicative of a weight applied on the underarm supports 25 and to generate a signal associated with or relative to the detected quantity. - The transducer T2 is coupled to the control unit ECU, hence the control unit ECU is configured to receive the signal generated by the transducer T2 and to extract from the signal an item of information indicative of the weight applied on the underarm supports 25.
- Furthermore, the control unit ECU is configured to control the
actuators 26 for arranging the underarm supports 26, in particular along the axis Z, as a function of the item of information extracted from the signal generated by the transducer T2 or possibly also or only by the transducer T1. - For example, the control unit ECU is configured to control the
actuators 26 as a function of the item of information when it receives an authorization from the user of thedevice 1, for example by means of an authorization command (e.g. a push button, a lever, and the like) of thedevice 1. - In particular, the control unit ECU controls a lowering of the underarm supports 25 by means of the
actuators 26 in a manner increasing with the weight applied on the underarm supports 25 and/or on thefootboard 13. More in particular, the lowering is proportional to the applied weight. - More specifically, each of the underarm supports 25 comprises an insertion body or
element 27 inserted inside the correspondingpipe 24 in a movable manner parallel to the axis Z. Theinsertion element 27 is slidable along therelative pipe 24, hence the latter guides theinsertion element 27. - Each of the
actuators 26 is housed in particular in the correspondingpipe 24 between the closed end and theinsertion element 27. Theelement 27 is supported by one of theactuators 26 and is thus moved by it inside thepipe 24. - 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 adjusted by means of the
actuators 26 as a response to the weight exerted on the underarm supports 25 along the axis Z. - Alternatively, the
actuators 26 could also displace the underarm supports 25 along axes inclined relative to the axis Z. Clearly, in this case, thepipe 24 would also be inclined, if present. - Optionally, the
device 1 could additionally comprise springs and/or dampers to damp the relative movement of the underarm supports 25 relative to thestructures 18. - Conveniently, the underarm supports 25 comprise
respective end bodies 28. In other words, the underarm supports 25 end on the opposite side of thestructures 18 with thebodies 28. In particular, thebodies 28 are padded bodies, more in particular saddle-shaped. - The material of the
bodies 28 is preferably softer than that of thestructures 18 and for example comprises rubber, in this specific case chloroprene in polymeric form. - Preferably, the underarm supports 25 are rotatable around axes parallel to the axis Z; more precisely, each
underarm support 25 is rotatable around the axis of therelative pipe 24, in which theelement 27 is inserted. Theelement 27 can have aportion 30 which extends radially relative to the axis of thepipe 24. - Advantageously, the
device 1 comprises abackrest 31 fixed to theassembly 17, in this specific case to thestructures 18. In particular, thebackrest 31 is fixed cantilevered to theassembly 17 according to the axis Y, more precisely in a manner behind and/or projecting from thestructures 18. - The
seat 11 is arranged according to the axis Y between theportion 6 and thebackrest 31. - Preferably, the
backrest 31 comprises apad 32 made of a softer material than that of thestructures 18, for example comprising rubber and more precisely chloroprene in polymeric form. - The
backrest 31 is arranged above thetoilet bowl 3 and, if applicable, facing thetank 4. More precisely, thebackrest 31 projects (forwards, i.e. towards the portion 6) relative to thetank 4 according to the axis Y. - In the following, the use of the
device 1 will be described, according to the invention. - The person who intends to make use of the
toilet 2 arranges thedevice 1 so that thetoilet bowl 3 is housed in theseat 11. This, for example, occurs making theplate 5 slide relative to the floor. Likewise, theplate 5 could be movable on the floor by means of wheels. - At this point, the person arranges his/her feet on the
surface 15, in particular in a standing position. Therefore, in this manner, the person exerts his/her weight on thefootboard 13 causing a displacement thereof by means of theactuators 14 and the control unit ECU. - Then, the person assumes an evacuation position supporting the upper limbs by means of the
assembly 17 while the feet are still arranged on thesurface 15. This occurs without entering into contact with thetoilet 2. - In particular, the person rests his/her armpits on the underarm supports 25. The height of the latter adjusts thanks to the
actuators 26 and to the control unit ECU, as a function of the weight of the person. - In this manner, the person comfortably reaches the evacuation position and completes the use of the
device 1. - In the meantime, the person can rest his/her back on the
backrest 31. - Based on the foregoing, the advantages of the
device 1 according to the invention are evident. - The person can serenely utilize the
toilet 2 without entering into contact with it assuming a relatively comfortable position and without excessive effort. Possibly, thedevice 1 can also be utilized by disabled people. - The position of the
footboard 13 and possibly of the underarm supports 25 self-adjusts allowing assuming a comfortable, stable and relaxed position, as a function of the height of the person. In fact, the height is normally related to the weight. - The
device 1 is movable and adaptable to any sanitary appliance. Thedevice 1 is relatively light and handy. Furthermore, it does not pollute and is simple to wash. - Based on the foregoing, it is further evident that modifications and variations can be made to the above-described
device 1, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention defined by the claims. - In particular, shapes, materials and arrangements of the components can be different from those described and illustrated.
Claims (10)
- A movable support device (1) for a person, in particular a disabled person, 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);- a footboard (13) comprising at least a support surface (15) for supporting the feet of the person;- first actuator means (14) that support the footboard (13) relative to the base portion (6) and are controllable to displace the footboard (13) relative to the base portion (6);wherein the base plate (5) defines an empty volume (11) adjacent to the base portion (6) along the third axis (Y) between the first and the second structures (18).
- The device according to claim 1, wherein the structural assembly (17) further comprises- a pair of underarm supports (25), and- second actuator means (26) that support the underarm supports (25) relative to the first and to the second structures (18) respectively and are controllable to displace the underarm supports (25) relative to the first and to the second structures (18) respectively.
- 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 actuator 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, wherein the first actuator means (14) are controllable to displace the footboard (13) along a direction parallel to the first axis (Z).
- The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control unit (ECU) and a transducer (T1) configured to detect a quantity indicative of a weight applied on the footboard (13) and to generate a relative signal, the control unit (ECU) being configured to receive the signal from the transducer (T1), extract from the signal an item of information indicative of the weight applied, and control the first actuator means (14) to arrange the footboard (13) as a function of the extracted item of information.
- The device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit (ECU) is configured to control a lowering of the footboard (13) by means of the first actuator means (14) in a manner increasing with the weight applied.
- The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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) under the action of the first actuator means (14).
- 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 appliance 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).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT202200022320 | 2022-10-28 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4360606A1 true EP4360606A1 (en) | 2024-05-01 |
Family
ID=84943059
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP23203271.4A Pending EP4360606A1 (en) | 2022-10-28 | 2023-10-12 | Movable support device for people |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP4360606A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4894871A (en) * | 1989-02-01 | 1990-01-23 | Joseph Schmerler | Transfer aid |
US20070209111A1 (en) * | 2006-03-13 | 2007-09-13 | Boger Bobby E | Portable lift |
US20200029755A1 (en) * | 2018-07-24 | 2020-01-30 | Roger R. Roff | Advanced Hygienic Excreta System |
-
2023
- 2023-10-12 EP EP23203271.4A patent/EP4360606A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4894871A (en) * | 1989-02-01 | 1990-01-23 | Joseph Schmerler | Transfer aid |
US20070209111A1 (en) * | 2006-03-13 | 2007-09-13 | Boger Bobby E | Portable lift |
US20200029755A1 (en) * | 2018-07-24 | 2020-01-30 | Roger R. Roff | Advanced Hygienic Excreta System |
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