GB2237735A - Frame - Google Patents

Abstract

A frame for use in conjunction with a seat comprises means to provide support for a person sitting on the seat and the frame is usable in two positions relative to the seat, in a first of which positions the support means provides lateral restraint for the arms of a person sitting on the seat and in the second of which positions, the support means allows greater freedom of movement for the arms of a person sitting on the seat. The seat which is separate from the frame may be the seat of a lavatory or provided as part of the frame itself, e.g. in the form of a commode. The advantages of the frame are that it is versatile and able to provide support when needed, whilst allowing the necessary freedom of movement. <IMAGE>

Description

FRAME This invention relates to a frame for use in conjunction with a seat.

It is known to provide frames which are usable in conjunction with lavatories, e.g. as an aid for elderly or handicapped people. The present invention aims to provide a frame which has greater versatility than such known frames, and in its basic form, the invention provides a frame for use in conjunction with a seat, in which the frame comprises means to provide support for a person sitting on the seat and the frame is usable in two positions relative to the seat, in a first of which positions the support means provides lateral restrd nt for the arms of a person sitting on the seat and in the second of which positions, the support means allows greater freedom of movement for the arms of a person sitting on the seat.

It will be appreciated that the seat referred to here may be a seat which is separate from the frame, e.g. the seat of a lavatory, or it may be provided as nart nf thp from itself, e.g. in the form of a commode.

Some of the advantages of the frame are that it is versatile and that it is able to provide support where it is needed, whilst allowing the necessary freedom of movement.

In another aspect, the invention provides a free-standing support frame for a person such as an invalid, which frame comprises handle portions that are adapted to be gripped by a person, in use, and used as leverage in helping to support the person's weight, and means for adjusting the height of the handle portions above the base on which the frame rests, wherein said weight adjusting means is such that the spread of the points of contact of the frame with said base remains effectively the same throughout the range of adjustment of the frame. One of the main advantages of such a frame is that it enables the possibility of fixing permanent anchorage on the base, into which anchorages the frame can be placed in any adjusted position.

Such a frame may also be used in conjunction with a seat, which seat may be part of the frame itself or separate, e.g. a lavatory seat, and the frame may incorporate any of the other features disclosed herein.

By way of example, embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a frame in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 2 illustrates the frame of FIG. 1 in use in conjunction with a lavatory, FIG. 3 illustrates a frame in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 illustrates the frame of FIG. 3 in use in conjunction with a lavatory, and FIG. 5 illustrates the frame of FIG. 1 adapted as a commode.

A frame, as seen in FIG. 1, comprises opposed side portions 10, 11 which are connected together by means of tie members 12, 13. Both side portions 10, 11 are identical here, as are both tie members 12, 13, so that the frame only uses two shaped elements.

The elements of the frame are conveniently formed from aluminium tubing, to combine strength with lightness and corrosion resistance. The elements are conveniently connected together using bolts and wing nuts for ease of adjustment and assembly. There are preferably several sets of holes for the fixing bolts in the respective elements to allow for adjustment and assembly of the frame in a wide range of different relative positions. Each side portion 10, 11 has a generally horizontally arranged handle portion 14, 15 at its upper end, as seen in FIG. 1, and these preferably have a suitable covering of flexible material.

As is een in FIG. 1, the two side portions 10, 11 of the frame are each in the general form of an inverted U-shape and are asymmetric. One leg lOa, lla of each side portion 10, 11 extends generally vertically downwardly from the respective handle portion 14, 15, whereas the other leg lOb, llb of the side portion lies at an acute angle relative to its respective handle portion. This enables the frame to be L ed in either of two positions relative to a seat. In a first position, with legs 10a, lla forwardmost, the frame is able to provide a degree of lateral support. In a second position, with legs lob, llb forwardmost, the frame allows more freedom of movement. This is seen more clearly in FIG. 2, where the frame is shown in use in conjunction with a lavatory.

In FIG. 2, the seat of the lavatory is designated 21. The position of the tie members 12, 13 of the frame are adjusted to be just above and behind the lavatory seat hinge 22 and just below and in front of the lavatory bowl 23, respectively, as seen in FIG. 2. In this way, the frame is effectively located relative to the lavatory, although with sufficient clearance for its easy removal and replacement. The frame is removed by tilting it forwards on its front legs and lifting it clear, and vice versa for its replacement.

The frame is shown in full lines in FIG. 2 in its first position and it will be seen that the side portions 10, 11 of the frame are able to provide lateral support for a person sitting on the seat 21 by restraint of the person's arms. In its second position, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2, the side portions 10, 11 are able to allow greater freedom of movement for the arms of a person sitting on the seat 21. Thus, for elderly or frail people, for example, the frame can be used in its first position to help prevent the person toppling sideways off the seat 21. Or, the frame can be used in its second position where there is less restriction on the freedom of movement of the arms of the person sitting on the seat. In either position, the handle portions 14, 15 are conveniently placed to be gripped and used as leverage for a person rising from or lowering onto the seat.

The overall height of the frame is adjustable here by means of telescopic extensions 16, 17, 18, 19 which are mounted on the lower ends of the legs 10a, lOb, gila, llb of the side portions 10, 11. The telescopic extensions 16, 17, 18, 19 are quickly and easily adjustable here using spring-biased pins engaging in holes (in per se known manner). It will be noted that the lower ends of the legs lOa, lOb, Ila, llb of the side portions all extend parallel to each other. The advantage of this is that the spread of the legs on the base on which the frame is mounted will remain the same whatever height the frame is adjusted to. This allows the possibility of providing permanent fixings for the legs on the base, enabling the frame itself to be removed from or replaced in the fixings as desired, and in either of its two positions.The permanent fixings may conveniently comprise ferrules 20 which may be fixed in position simply by screwing into the base.

There is seen in FIG. 3 an alternative frame constrction. As in the FIG. 1 frame construction, the frame here comprises opposed side portions 110, 111 which are connected together by means of tie members 112, 113. Both side portions 110, 111 are again identical, as are both the tie members 112, 113 so that the frame uses only two shaped elements. The elements are again conveniently formed from aluminium tubing connected together using bolts and wing nuts.

Again provision is made for enabling the elements to be connected together in a multiplicity of different relative positions.

The side portions 110, 111 in this frame construction are formed with the general shape of a numeral 6, as is seen in FIG. 3 of the drawings.

This is achieved by the information of four bends in the element. One end of the element abuts the intermediate section of the element and at this joint a connection is made, conveniently by means of a screw, saddle washer and umbrella washers fitting in the end of the element.

In this frame construction, two handle portions 114a, 114b and 115a, 115b are formed on each side portion 110, 111, preferably with a suitable covering material over the tubing.

The advantage of this particular design of side portion 110, 111 is that it is able to take up manufacturing tolerances in the cut length of the tubing without adversely affecting the balance of the finished article. That is, any variation in cut length will simply result in a slightly longer or shorter handle portion 114a, 115a. Using conventional frame designs, variations due to manufacturing tolerances can lead to uneven or unstable finished articles.

The frame construction of FIG. 3 is seen in use in FIG. 4 in conjunction with a lavatory.

The relative positions of the tie members 112, 113 are adjusted in the same way as for the frame of Figures 1 and 2 and the frame is similarly positionable, removable and replacable relative to the lavatory.

There ain may be provided permanent fixings for the frame on the base on which it is supported, and these may take the form of simple conduit clips 120, preferably of the closed latch type, which are screwed into the base. This allows the frame to be easily removed and replaced as desired and in either of its two positions.

The frame is shown in full lines in FIG. 4 in its first position, that is, with its closed formation forward and in dotted lines in its second position, that is, with its open formation forward.

It will be seen that, like the frame, of Figures 1 and 2, the frame of Figures 3 and 4 serves to provide, in its first and second positions respectively, a degree of lateral restraint for the arms of a person sitting on the seat or allows sufficient forward room for freedom of movement of the arms. In either position, the two handle portions 114a, 114b and 115a, 115b of the side portions 110, 111 provide a useful support "ladder" which can be gripped and used as leverage by a person in getting up from the seat or lowering onto the seat. This gradual rising two stage ladder effect is an important feature fdr the infirm and disabled.

The frame constructions described above may be used in conjunction with seats other than those of lavatories and of course the frames may themselves be provided with seats.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of one of the frames (here the frame of Figures 1 and 2) which has been adapted to have its own seat. The two tie members 12, 13 are adjusted to be at the same height so as to be able to support a platten 50. The platten 50 conveniently attaches to the tie members 12, 13 by means of releasable connections, so that it is easily removable and replacable. The platten may be arranged to pivot about its rear connection which forms a hinge. Here, the platten 50 is in the form of a lavatory seat. This enables the frame to be used in conjunction with a lavatory, effectively providing a raised seat position over the lavatory, e.g. for elderly people who are unable to bend low enough for a conventional lavatory. Alternatively, means may be provided for releasably mounting a lavatory pan 51 beneath the platten 50 so that the frame can function as a commode. A cover 52 may be provided for the seat which is movably mounted on the frame. In one position, the cover 52 simply lies over the platten. The cover 52 may be movable to another position, by means of link hinges, where it folds up to a generally upright position behind the platten 50 where it thus provides a splashback. The cover may of ccurse, simply be removable from the frame. The frame may further incorporate a back rest 53 for a person sitting on the seat. The above additional fitments for the frame are conveniently formed or moulded plastics material, provided in a so-called "leather effect" finish for improved comfort. The fitments can be attached to the elements of the frame using known snap-fitting connectors such as conduit clips.

Claims (21)

1. A frame for use in conjunction with a seat, in which the frame comprises means to provide support for a person sitting on the seat and the frame is usable in two positions relative to the seat, in a first of which positions the support means provides lateral restraint for the arms of a person sitting on the seat and in the second of which positions, the support means allows greater freedom of movement for the arms of a person sitting on the seat.

2. A frame as claimed in claim 1 wherein the support means comprises opposed side portions which extend upwardly to a level above the level of the seat, in use, and to either side of the seat.

3. A frame as claimed in claim 2 and further including means for releasably connecting together the two side portions of he frame in a plurality of different positions.

4. A frame as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 and further comprising means for adjusting the separation between the two side portions.

5. A frame as claimed in claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4 and further comprising means for adjusting the height of the seat and/or frame.

6. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein each side portion is asymmetric.

7. A frame as claimed in claim 6 wherein the seat is provided with the frame and means is provided for removably mounting the seat on the frame.

8. A frame as claimed in claim 7 wherein the seat is in the form of a lavatory seat.

9. A frame as claimed in claim 8 and further comprising a cover for the lavatory seat, and means for movably mounting the cover on the frame.

10. A frame as claimed in claim 9 wherein said mounting means enables the cover to be moved between a first position covering the seat and a second position generally upright behind the seat, providing a splashback.

11. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 8,9 or 10 and further comprising means for removably mounting a lavatory pan beneath the seat.

12. A frame as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the support means further comprises a back rest for a person sitting on the seat.

13. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12 wherein each side portion is in the general form of an inverted U-shape.

14. A frame as claimed in claim 13 wherein one of the legs of each U-shaped side portion extends generally vertically downwardly from a handle portion whereas the other of the legs extends from tne handle portion at an acute angle relative thereto.

15. A frame as claimed in claim 14 wherein said means for adjusting the height of the seat and/or frame is provided at the end sections of the legs of each side portion, which end sections are arranged extending parallel to each other.

16. A frame as claimed in claim 15 and further comprising means fastenable to the base on which the frame is supported for mounting the legs thereon, the frame being mountable in said means in either of its two positions.

17. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 12 wherein each side portion comprises an element which is formed into the general shape of a figure 6, the side portions together providing with their closed formation forward said first position of the frame and providing said second position of the frame with their open formation forward.

18. A frame as claimed in claim 17 wherein the end of the element which abuts the intermediate section of the element is connected thereto.

19. A frame as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein both ends of the element are provided with handle portions.

20. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 17,18 or 19 and comprising means fastenable to the base on which the frame is supported for mounting each side portion thereon, the frame being mountable on said means in ither of its two positions.

21. A frame substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.