GB1594514A

GB1594514A - Aids for disabled persons

Info

Publication number: GB1594514A
Application number: GB2405578A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1977-08-17
Filing date: 1978-05-30
Publication date: 1981-07-30
Also published as: CA1078102A; NZ187492A

Description

(54) AIDS FOR DISABLED PERSONS (71) I, EVELYN MINNIE WILSON, an Australian citizen, of 130 Maclead Street, Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia, do hereby de dare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be par ticuilarly described in and by the following statement: - This invention relates to an aid device for disabled persons and, in particular, an aid device enabling disabled persons to increase their mobility without assistance from an ableCodied person.

In one aspect, the invention provides an aid device for a disabled person's bed, com- prising an elongate member for transverse location beneath the mattress of a bed and, at each end of the elongate member, a respective elongate grip arm which extends upwardly adjacent a respective side of the mlattress of the bed when the elongate memher is located therebeneath; the elongate member having a respective end portion extending laterally of each grip arm, a lever arm portion extending laterally from each end portion from a point on the latter remote from its grip arm, and a connecting portion which interWconnects the lever arm portions at respective locations remote from the end portions.

The device most conveniently is of integral construction. In such case, it may be formed from a single length of a suitable material, such as stiff metal bar or tubing.

The device, particularly when formed of a single length of such material, thus may be formed simply by bending operations.

The angular inter-relationship between the portions of the elongate member most con leniently is such that those portions are para 11gel to a common plane from which the grip arms project. Thus, the elongate member is adapted to lay fiat beneath the mattress of a bed.

The section of the elongate member com- prising its lever anm portions and the connecting portion acts as a force reaction sec tion. Thus, a disabled person in a bed fitted with the device is able to grasp one or both of the grip arms and, by means of these, to turn over, or to pull his or herself into a sitting position. The force applied to the or each grip arm in so doing is reacted by the reaction section bearing against the under side of the mattress (and the weight of the disabled person) or against the bed structure supporting the mattress.

It will be appreciated that the bed struc there for supporting the mattress miay only comprise a spring mesh. As some forms of such mesh distend readily against a localised force such as cold be applied thereto by use of the present device, the device can in some instances move more than is desirable.

This can be disturbing to a disabled person, particularly one whose strength is considerably diminished, and modifications of the device which overcomes such undesired movement are described below.

The present invention extends beyond the provision of a device as described above and also provides more specialised aids for dis abled persons.

Thus, in a further aspect of the invention there is provided an aid device for a disabled person's bed, comprising an anchor means and a support means connected to the anchor means; the anchor means oom- prising an elongate member for transverse location beneath the mattress of a bed and having an intermediate, laterally offset portion and, at each end of the elongate member, an elongate grip arm which extends upwardly adjacent a respective side of the mattress when the elongate member is located therebeneath; the support means comprising a pair of bar members each connected at one end to the anchor means adjacent a respective end of the elongate member thereof and each extending in a common direction laterally of the elongate member and of the grip arms, a frame structure inter-connecting the bar members at the other ends thereof and projecting from the bar members in the same direction as the grip arms, and a pair of arm-rest structures each mounted on the frame structure and extending therefrom toM1ard a respective grip arm.

The anchor means most conveniently is in the form described in relation to the aid device od the first aspect of the invention.

In one form of the support means, the frame structure may comprise a pair of elongate side members, each of which is connected at one end to a respective one of the bar members, and a transverse member interconnecting the side members and, hence, the bar members. In such case, the frame structure may be of inverted Uorm with the transverse member defining the web of that form. Most conveniently, the frame structure is formed from a single length of a suitable material such as stiff metal bar or tubing and, with such construction in parti ocular, the bar members may be formed integrally with the frame structure.

Each arm-reat structure may be separable from the frame structure. In one arrangement, each armerest structure includes an elongate connecting portion one end of which is engaged with an edge or side of the frame structure remote from the bar members so as to be slidable therealong. The engagement may be such that the arm-rest structure can be separated from the frame structure when moved to an end of that edge or side.

With such separable arrangement, each arm-rest structure may be pivotably connected to that edge or side of the frame structure.

In such oase in particular, the arm rest structure preferably is provided with means for adjustably engaging the frame structure remate from that edge or side so as to enable an arrest portion thereof to be secured in one of a plurality of positions.Thus, where for example, the frame structure is of the above-mentioned inverted U-fiorm, each of the side members thereof may be provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures; with each arm rest structure pivotally depending from the transverse member d the frame structure and having a spacer bar which at one end is pivotally connected thereto and is adapted to secure the armrest portion in one of a plurality of positions depending on which of those apertures the other end of the spacer bar is located in.

The bar members may extend across the elongate member ob the anchor means and be secured by means of a connector pin passing through aligned apertures in the bar member and either the elongate member or the grip arm of the anchor means. The bar members preferably have a plurality of apertures spaced therealong such that the spacing between the frame structure and grip arms can be varied.

Two embodiments of ,the present invention will now be described, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings; in which Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aid according to the first aspect of the invention; Figures 2 to 4 show a perspective, plane and side view respectively of an aid acoord- ing to the second aspect of the invention; and Figure 5 shows a detailed yiew on line V-V of Figure 3.

With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of a bed aid 10, in rela tion to a bed structure 12 of a conventional form and part of which is shown in broken outline.

The device 10 includes an elongate member 14 having a laterally offset intermediate portion 16. The member 14 has longitudinally spaced end portions 18 which are joined at their inner ends by portion 16; the end portions 18 preferably being aligned as illustrated. The portion 16 is defined by a pair of lever arm portions 20, each of which extends laterally from the inner end of a res pective end portion 18, and a connecting portion 22 which inter-connects the ends of arm portions 20 remote from end portions 18; the portion 16 thus ;being of Ueection in the form illustrated.

At the outer end od each end portion 18, the device further includes a respective grip arm 24. The latter projects laterally of the end portions 1.8 so as to project from a plane parallel to the end portions 18 and the intermediate portion therebetween. At its end remote from merubef 14, each arm 24 has a grip cover 26, for example of rubber, to facilitate it being grasped by a user.

The device is arranged in relation to a bed with the elongate member 14 disposed transversely below the mattress 28 of the bed, with each end portion 18 extending across and being supported on a respective side rail 30 of the bed frame. The intermediate portion 16 d member 14 thus is located between the mattress and mattress supporting mesh 32 (or other mattress support) so as to be disposed substantially horizontally therebetween. With the elongate member so arranged, a respective grip arm 24 projects upwardly on each side of the mattress so as to be graspable Iby a person in the bed.

The arrangement is such that a disabled person, when in the Ibed, may grasp one or both of the grip arms 24 and use these for leverage in moving relative to the bed. Thus, a disabled person may use the device to roll over, or to swing their legs off or onto the bed when moving to or from a wheelchair.

During such relative movement, the elongate member is held in position by the weight of the person and of the mattress, while rotation about a line through the longitudinal extent of end portions 18 largely is prevented by reaction forces exerted on the remote ends of lever arm portions 20 and on connecting portion 22 by these combined weights or by reaction forces from mattress support 32 against portions 20, 22.

Where the mattress support 32 is of metal or spring mesh the reaction forces may be insufficient and substantial deformation of the mesh and movement of the grip arms 24 may result. As movement od arms 24 may be disquieting to a severely handioapped person, the device may be modified by incorporating one or both of the variants shown in broken outline in Figure 1.

In the first modification, a second laterally offset portion 40 is provided; this extending oppositely to but being co-planar with portion 16. Thus, when a force is applied to one or both of the grip arms 24 by a user such as to rotate the device about the line of portions 18, one or the other ob the portions 16, 40 is held by the weight of the mattress and the user and rotation in either direction is prevented.

In the second modification, a aontinuation 42 of connecting portion 22 projects beyond at least one lever arm portion 20 so as to extend over a side rail 30 of the bed frame.

Thus, when a force is applied to one or both of the grip arms 24 by a user such as to rotate the device about the line of portions 18, either the portion 116 is held by the weight of the mattress and user to prevent rotation in one direction or the or each oon tinuation 42 prevents rotation in the other direction by bearing against the adjacent side rall 30.

The device 10 may be formed of any mat- erial having the necessary, readily apparent strength and stiffness requirements; metal tubing or nod being preferred. This may be provided with any suitable finish, such as chrome plating, enamelling or coating with a plastics or rubberised material.

Where the device is as shown in solid outline in Figure 1, it may be formed by simple bending operations. Most conveniently, the angles between adjacent portions are substantially 900, although this may be varied.

The modifications shown in broken outline may be added such as by welding. However, where the device 10 is of tubing, portion 40 may Ibe a U~srhaped bracket of lesser diameter rod or tubing; the ends of which are located through apertures in device 10 at locations A and secured in lever arm portions 20 by crimping of the latter or by retaining pins therethrough. Similarly, continuation(s) 42 may be of lesser diameter rod or tubing passing through an aperture at one of both locations B and secured in connecting portion 22 by crimping of the latter or by retaining pins therethrough.

With reference to Figures 2 to 5, there is shown a further device 50. This includes an anchor means 52, which corresponds to device 10 of Figure 1 and therefore will not be described in detail, and a support means 54.

The support means 54 includes a laterally spaced pair of bar members 56 which are interconnected by a frame structure 58. In the form illustrated, structure 58 is of inverted U4orm defined by a laterally spaced pair of side members 60, each having one end connected to an end of a respective bar member 56, and a transverse member 62 inter-connecting the ends of the side members 60 remote from members 56. Most conveniently, the bar members 56 and frame structure 58 are formed by a simple bending operation from material such as described in relation bo the device of Figure 1.

The support means further includes a laterally spaced pair of arm rest ructures 64.

Each of these includes an arm-rest portion 66 od substantially rectangular form and an elongate connecting portion 68. Additionally, a soft grip or rest pad 70 is provided along the upper edge of each portion 66.

Each structure 64 is supported on the support means by a C4aped coupling 72 at the upper end of its connecting portion 68 engaging on the transverse member 62. By this means the structure 64 is pivotable around the line of member 62 or may be moved along the latter, as required. The structure 64 may be removed by sliding along member 62 so as to disengage the coupling 72 from the end of the latter.

As shown, each arm rest portion 66 may be formed of tubing or rod, the ends of which are drawn together and terminate in a boss 74 through which connecting portion 68 extends. The bosses 74 are slidable on portion 68 so tbat each arm rest portion 66 can be moved upwardly on portion 68 and swung laterally to one side when not required.

A further collar 78 is fixed on portion 68. From this projects a pivotable spacer bar or rod 80; the remote end of bar or rod 80 being locatable in one of a number of apertures 82 spaced along the adjacent side member 60. By selecting between apertures 82, the angle of the connecting portion of each structure 64 can be varied.

As indicated, the end of each bar member 56 remote from frame structure 58 extends over a respective end portion 18 of the anchor means and is secured by means oE a bolt 84 passing through aligned apertures in the member 56 and the adjacent grip arm 24. A plurality of apertures 86 are provided along that end of members 56 so that the relative position of anchor means 52 and support means 54 can be varied by or for a user as required. Additionally, it will be noted that the members 56 are stepped inwardly at 88 adjacent the anchor means so that for their major, rearward portion rest on bed frame rails 30 which carry the support means; retaining means on the rails being provided to prevent lateral displace- ment of means 54, if required.

As shown, the forward end of each rest portion 66, i.e. the portion remote from structure 58, extends adjacent a respective grip arm 24. As the portions 66 are pivotable on portions 68, a spacer arm 90 is pivotally mounted on each portion 66. The arm 90 has an enlarged ball end 92 and is engageable in a slot 94 in grip arm 24 (or, if necessary due to a change in angle of portions 68, one of two or more slots 94 spaced along arm 24). The slots are elongate, with an enlarged end so as to be of key hole form, to allow insertion of ball 92 and releasable securement of rest portion 66 via arm 90.

Spacer bar 80 may have a similar ball end, in which case apertures 82 would be of similar releasably securing key-hole form.

Between the arm rest connecting portions 68, there is mounted a back support 96. This preferably is detachable and may be of flexible material such as canvas, or of rigid sheet material having a soft hoovering. In there former case, the support 96 may be in the form of a band around both portions 68 and having its end secured by press-studs or a zipper.

In the latter case, it may be releasably secured by spring clips engaging releasably each portion 68.

It will be appreciated that use of the anchor means 52 may be as described in relation to Figure 1. Additionally, the means 52 serves to secure the support means 54 due to the weight of the user and mattress on the former. A user additionally has the benefit of a secure rest provided by means 54; the security of the latter enabling a disabled person to raise him or herself to a sitting position and be supported in such position by the back support 96. To assume such position, a disabled person is able to grasp both grip or rest pads 70 (or one pad 70 if assistance is provided by an able Ibodied person) and use the device to naise themselves.

The stability of the structure even will enable a disabled person (;alone or with minimal heLp) to raise him or herself above the mattress to enable positioning or removal of a bedpan; the disabled person also being able to utilize such pan in a more convenient sitting, rather than prone, position.

WHAT I CLAIM IS: 1. An aid device for a disabled person's bed, comprising an elongate member for transverse location beneath the mattress of a bed and, at each end of the elongate member, a respective elongate grip arm which extends upwardly adjacent a respective side of the mattress of the bed when the elongate member is located therebeneath; the elongate member having a respective end portion extending laterally of each grip arm, a lever arm portion extending laterally from each end portion from a point on the latter remote from its grip arm, and a connecting portion which inter-connects the lever arm portions at respective locations remote from the end portions.

2. An aid device according to alaim 1, wherein said device is of integral construction.

3. An aid device according to claim 2, wherein said device is formed of metal bar or tubing.

4. An aid device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the portions of the elongate member are in an angular relation- ship such that they are parallel to a common plane from which the grip arms project.

5. An aid device for a disabled person's bed, comprising an anchor means and a support means connected to the anchor means; the anchor means comprising an elongate member for transverse Location beneath the mattress of a bed and having an intermediate, laterally offset portion and, at each end of the elongate member, an elongate grip arm which extends upwardly adjacent a respective side of the mattress when the elongate member is located therebeneath; the support means comprising a pair d bar members each connected at one end to the anchor means adjacent a respective end d the elon- gate member thereof and each extending in a common direction laterally of the elongate member and od the grip arms, a frame structure inter-connecting the bar members at the other ends thereof and projecting from the bar members in the same direction as the grip arms, and a pair of armerest structures each mounted on the frame structure and extending therefrom toward a respective grip arm.

6. An aid device according to claim 5, wherein the elongate member has longitudinally spaced end portions from each of which a respective said grip arm projects laterally, said laterally off-set portion comprising a respective lever arm portion extending laterally from each end portion from a point on the latter remote from its grip arm, and a connecting portion which inter-connects the lever arm portions at respective locations remote from the end portions.

7. An aid device according to claim 6, wherein the portions of the elongate member are in an angriar relationship such that they are substantially parallel to a common plane from which the grip arms project.

8. An aid device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said frame structure comprises a pair of elongate side members, each of which is connected at one end to a respective said bar member, and a transverse member inter-connecting the side members and, hence, the bar members.

9. An aid member according to claim 8,

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. support means; retaining means on the rails being provided to prevent lateral displace- ment of means 54, if required. As shown, the forward end of each rest portion 66, i.e. the portion remote from structure 58, extends adjacent a respective grip arm 24. As the portions 66 are pivotable on portions 68, a spacer arm 90 is pivotally mounted on each portion 66. The arm 90 has an enlarged ball end 92 and is engageable in a slot 94 in grip arm 24 (or, if necessary due to a change in angle of portions 68, one of two or more slots 94 spaced along arm 24). The slots are elongate, with an enlarged end so as to be of key hole form, to allow insertion of ball 92 and releasable securement of rest portion 66 via arm 90. Spacer bar 80 may have a similar ball end, in which case apertures 82 would be of similar releasably securing key-hole form. Between the arm rest connecting portions 68, there is mounted a back support 96. This preferably is detachable and may be of flexible material such as canvas, or of rigid sheet material having a soft hoovering. In there former case, the support 96 may be in the form of a band around both portions 68 and having its end secured by press-studs or a zipper. In the latter case, it may be releasably secured by spring clips engaging releasably each portion 68. It will be appreciated that use of the anchor means 52 may be as described in relation to Figure 1. Additionally, the means 52 serves to secure the support means 54 due to the weight of the user and mattress on the former. A user additionally has the benefit of a secure rest provided by means 54; the security of the latter enabling a disabled person to raise him or herself to a sitting position and be supported in such position by the back support 96. To assume such position, a disabled person is able to grasp both grip or rest pads 70 (or one pad 70 if assistance is provided by an able Ibodied person) and use the device to naise themselves. The stability of the structure even will enable a disabled person (;alone or with minimal heLp) to raise him or herself above the mattress to enable positioning or removal of a bedpan; the disabled person also being able to utilize such pan in a more convenient sitting, rather than prone, position. WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. An aid device for a disabled person's bed, comprising an elongate member for transverse location beneath the mattress of a bed and, at each end of the elongate member, a respective elongate grip arm which extends upwardly adjacent a respective side of the mattress of the bed when the elongate member is located therebeneath; the elongate member having a respective end portion extending laterally of each grip arm, a lever arm portion extending laterally from each end portion from a point on the latter remote from its grip arm, and a connecting portion which inter-connects the lever arm portions at respective locations remote from the end portions.

9. An aid member according to claim 8,

wherein the frame structure is of inverted U4onm, the transverse member defining a web of that form.

10. An aid device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein said frame structure is fonmed integrally from a single length of metal bar or tubing.

11. An aid device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein each arm rest structure includes an arm rest portion and an elongate connecting portion projecting from the rest portion, the structure being mounted on the frame structure by means of an end of the connecting portion remote from the rest portion being engaged with an edge or side of the frame structure remote from the bar members.

12. An aid device according to claim 11, wherein said end of each connecting portion has a C-shaped coupling by which it is. engaged with said edge or side whereby each arm rest structure is adapted to slide along, and to pivot around the longitudinal extent of, said edge or side.

1.3. An aid device according to claim 11 or 12 when appended to claim 8, including a respective spacer rod pivotally mounted at one end on the connecting portion of each arm structure, each spacer rod being adapted for releasable engagement of its other end in one of a plurality of apertures splaced longi tudinally od the adjacent said side member of the frame structure.

14. An aid device according to claim 11 or 12, when appended to claim 8, or according to claim 13, including a respective spacer rod pivotally mounted at one end on each said arm rest portion, at a location remote from its connecting portion, each said spacer rod being adapted for releasable engagement of its other end with the adjacent said grip arm.

15. An aid device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, including a back rest memher extending between said arm rest structures.

16. An aid device for a disabled person's bed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 1 or Figures 2 to 5 of the accompanying drawings.