GB2379869A - Seat slidable in two directions - Google Patents

Abstract

A seat useful for surgeons is mounted on independent slides to move in two directions towards and away from the operating site, as shown. Electric linear actuators may be used, controlled by a foot switch or acoustically, and safety movement interlocks may provide correct sequencing. The seat may be powered by batteries in the base.

Description

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A MECHANICALLY CONTROLLED SEAT It is well known that, in many instances, there is a requirement for a person to stand in one position for long periods of time with occasional small momentary movement away from that position to allow access of other equipment.

The physical fatigue induced by standing in a single place is in addition to the stress occasioned by the work being performed and can become a significant factor in the total stress suffered.

It is essential that the operator retains a firm base at a precise position relative to the point of work, a factor not achievable by the use of a stool mounted on wheels.

For better illustration, consider the problem of a surgeon engaged in a key hole operation where the scope for movement is very small and there is the need to stand in one position for long periods.

According to the present invention a means is provided whereby the surgeon is supported on a seat which is rigidly attached to sliding members in turn connected to a fixed stable base. The sliding members are supported on castors so that in all degrees of extension there is a stable support for the seat. Precise positioning of the seat relative to the site of operation is essential and is achieved by the use of accurately mechanical slides and guides.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

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FIGURE 1 shows the unit fully retracted to allow clear access under the operating table at the site of the operation.

FIGURE 2 shows the unit extended into a position local to the site of the operation.

FIGURE 3 shows the unit extended under the operating table to bring the seat and surgeon into the exact position required by the surgeon relative to the site of the operation Referring to the drawings, the unit is positioned close to the operating table (Figure 1) but clear of the area under the site of the operation so that access is available for other equipment that may be required from time to time during the operation When the surgeon wishes to move to the operating position, the appropriate foot switch is pressed, or command given, if acoustic control is installed. The platform on which the seat is fixed is then moved into the extended position by means of an electric linear actuator acting on the platform which is mounted on precision machined slides and guides.

When the desired position is reached along this axis, the surgeon stops further movement and activates a similar extension along an alternative axis so positioned that the seat platform moves under the operating table and thus brings the seat as close to the operating table as desired.

This movement also utilises an electric linear actuator and precision guides and slides.

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Power for the actuators is obtained from an integral low voltage battery to avoid the use of a high voltage electrical supply.

Each moveable platform is fitted with anti-static castors so that in all positions it is firmly supported and stable.

When it is desired to give access to the area under the table at the site of the operation, the surgeon operates the appropriate switches or commands to reverse the extending procedure.

In all movements, interlocks are provided to avoid inadvertent operation out of sequence.

Claims (9)

1. CLAIMS 1. A seat providing relief of physical fatigue during sustained standing throughout an activity
2. 2. A seat, as in Claim 1, mounted on a fixed base to give the required stability
3. 3. A seat, as in Claim 1, in which movement is confined to pre-determined axes as required by the operation techniques.
4. 4 A seat, as in Claim 3, in which such movement is under the control of the user as to degree and direction
5. 5. A seat, as in Claim 4, in which control of all movement is exercised by foot operated switches.
6. 6. A seat, as in Claim 4, in which control of all movement is acoustically operated by the user.
7. 7. A fixed base unit carrying a seat capable of movement according to the range and direction required dependant on the operating procedure.
8. 8. A seat, as in Claim 3, in which the operating power source is supplied by integral batteries.
9. 9. A seat substantially as described herein and with reference to Figures 1-3 of the accompanying drawings.