GB2277020A

GB2277020A - Folding and adjustable standing frame

Info

Publication number: GB2277020A
Application number: GB9401260A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frederick Norman Foster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-02-19
Filing date: 1994-01-24
Publication date: 1994-10-19
Anticipated expiration: 2014-01-24
Also published as: GB9401260D0; GB2277020B; GB9303347D0

Abstract

A standing frame which has a horizontal base board connected at rear by bolts and wing nuts to a cross strutted vertical section and at the front to vertical struts all connecting to upper table top. The whole structure made rigid by 2 diagonal struts W. It will be seen that removal of bolts at X and Y allows table top to fold down into rear section which in turn folds into base board - total dimensions folded are approx 3' x 2' 6" x 4". All these components are easily altered to suit different height patients so that the hip support strap at bolt and knee support strap at 'V' bolt suit bodily dimensions of patient (figure A not shown). <IMAGE>

Description

Folding and adjustable standing frame Preamble: Standing frames are useful devices for spinally injured people who have lost use of their legs ie paraplegics and te faplegics. Some other diseases like Parkinsons Disease, Altzheimers, M S & M R often also dictate a constant sitting posture and without excerise can develop deterioation of leg and stomach muscles resulting in constipation which complicates incontinence. Blood circulation lower part of body is impared and this combined with excessive sitting posture can cause pressure sores - very difficult to cure and sometimes fatal. A standing frame used 3 or 4 times a day in say 15 minute spells permits a vertical position and is helpful to unused muscles and blood circulation and bowel function.

To the writers knowledge all standing frames hitherto have been heavy, one piece, expensive, non portable and non adjustable and certainly could not be transported in a car when patient goes on holiday or to nursing home or hospital. There is therefore a need for a portable standing frame which is easily folded into manageable dimensions and yet is easily and quickly re erected into a fully rigid structure.

My claim is based on foldability of a standing frame. The following description should be read in conjuction with enclosed diagrams on sheets A and B also photograph F.

The invention comprises a base board a rear cross strutted verticaL section, a table top and front verticaL struts all made from English beech wood. Carriage/coach bolts with quick release wing nuts connect all components at the indicated pivot points and all components are therefore interchangeable for different height patients.

As indicated in diagram A, it is not necessary to separate base board, rear section and table top so folding and re erection of the frame are easily and quickly accomplished.

Claims

1) A folding and adustable standing frame for paraplegics comprising base board on to which wheelchair and patient is pushed.

2) A table top is connected by vertical struts at front and rear to the base board to give complete rigidity.

3) The patient is lifted or pulls himself into vertical position and strapped into frame with hip strap and knee strap to keep legs straight. If necessary alternative bolt holes permit the table top and straps to be raised or lowered for different height patients.

4) By undoing certain wing nuts shown in diagram 'B' the whole frame is easily folded flat for transfer in the house or transport in a car.