WO2004075805A1

WO2004075805A1 - Physical aid device

Info

Publication number: WO2004075805A1
Application number: PCT/SE2004/000263
Authority: WO
Inventors: Björn ROSS; Kristin Törnkvist; Johan Dahlberg; Hans SJÖHOLM
Original assignee: Ross Medical Equipment, Romedic Ab
Priority date: 2003-02-28
Filing date: 2004-02-27
Publication date: 2004-09-10
Also published as: SE522028C2; SE0300528D0; SE0300528L

Abstract

The invention relates to an aid device for raising, rotation and movement of a user. The aid device comprises a base plate, a supporting device connected to the base plate and comprising rise-to-stand aids and also wheels which are mounted in such a manner that the aid device can be wheeled and rotated. Said wheels comprise three castor wheels which are connected to the base plate, and two carriage wheels which are connected to the base plate and each have an axis of rotation. The axes of rotation are parallel to each other and two castor wheels are placed on one side each of a vertical plane which is parallel to the axes of rotation and in which at least one of the axes of rotation is located.

Description

PHYSICAL AID DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a physical aid device for raising, rotation and transfer of a user, comprising a base plate, a supporting device which is connected to the base plate and which comprises rise- to-stand aids, and wheels which are attached in such a manner that the aid device is wheelable and rotatable.

Background Art A device of the type mentioned by way of introduction is known from a product which is marketed by Arjo Ltd under the trademark "Stedy". It comprises a foot plate which is connected to a wheel -mounted frame structure of metal tubes . The foot plate has two opposite lon- gitudinal short sides, at each of which is mounted a horizontal bottom tube so that the two bottom tubes with both ends project beyond the foot plate. A castor wheel is mounted at the end of each bottom tube. Moreover the bottom tubes are not parallel, which means that the dis- tance between the bottom tubes is smaller between their one ends on a first side of the foot plate than between their other ends on a second side of the foot plate.

Two vertical support tubes are at their lower ends mounted on a bottom tube each, the lower ends being posi- tioned approximately just in front of the foot plate. A rotatable support plate is mounted between the support tubes approximately right between the ends thereof.

Two holding tubes, which are inclined in a vertical plane, are at their upper ends mounted on a vertical sup- port tube each in such a manner that the lower ends of the holding tubes are located on the first side of the foot plate and the upper ends of the holding tubes are located on the second side of the foot plate. The upper ends of the holding tubes consist of driving handles for the operation of the aid. Two inwardly and outwardly foldable supporting plates supporting the user's bottom are mounted at the lower end of a holding tube each. A transverse tube is also arranged between the holding tubes at the upper ends thereof .

The aid can be used in the following way. The user to be moved by means of the aid is sitting, for instance, in a chair. A carer folds the user's bot- tom supporting plates outwards and drives the aid to the user, the bottom tubes on the first side of the foot plate being inserted between the legs of the chair. The user then places his feet on the foot plate and leans his legs against the support plate. Then the user grips the holding tubes or the transverse tube and pulls himself up to a standing position while at the same time the carer provides the necessary assistance. The carer then folds the user's bottom supporting plates inwards so that the user can sit on them. Then the user is transferred to the desired place, for instance a toilet or a bed. There the user is again assisted in standing up, the user's bottom supporting plates are folded outwards and the user can sit down in the new place. A drawback of the this prior-art aid is that it is difficult to operate, especially on uneven or inclined bases, thereby jeopardising the security of the user who is to be transferred.

It is also disadvantageous that it is difficult for the carer to catch firm hold of the user who is to be transferred, especially if the carer himself is to stand in an ergonomically good position, which thus also jeopardises the security of the user.

Another drawback is that the aid does not offer the user to be transferred sufficient possibilities of himself helping in standing up. Summary of the Invention

The object of the invention therefore is to provide a more user-friendly aid with improved safety.

This object is achieved by an aid device of the type mentioned by way of introduction, in which said wheels comprise at least three castor wheels which are connected to the base plate, and two carriage wheels which are connected to the base plate and each have an axis of rotation, the axes of rotation being parallel to each other and two castor wheels being placed on one side each of a vertical plane which is parallel to the axes of rotation and in which at least one of the axes of rotation is located.

In the present application text, the term "castor wheel" relates to a wheel that can rotate not only on its wheel axle but also on an axle which is perpendicular thereto, a so-called castor axle, so that the wheel can be swivelled.

In the present application text, the term "carriage wheel" relates to a wheel which can only rotate on a fixedly mounted wheel axle and thus cannot be swivelled. The aid device is intended as an aid for elderly or disabled people to stand up, turn and move to another place. A carer can assist the user and drive/operate the aid device. During transfer, the user stands on the base plate and holds on to/leans against the supporting device .

Good driving properties are achieved by and connected to a stable construction which is both reliable and user-friendly.

According to the invention, precisely such necessary, good driving properties are achieved when the base plate is provided with both castor wheels and carriage wheels . The axes of rotation of the carriage wheels need not coincide but can be offset relative to each other. The axes of rotation of the carriage wheels must, however, be parallel to each other for the aid device to be able be driven straight in the desired direction, without any great resistance. The carriage wheels give the aid device good directional stability also when subjected to uneven load, for instance when the transported person stands somewhat obliquely, or when the device is driven over an inclined base, such as the floor in a bathroom, or when the device is driven over an obstacle, such as a threshold. This cannot be achieved by the above described prior-art device with castor wheels only, which tends to move laterally in an uncontrolled manner. The directional stability is also an important safety aspect and a direc- tionally stable aid device provides a sense of security both to the person to be transported and to the carer driving the aid device. Moreover, owing to the directional stability the carer has to make less efforts to keep the desired direction, which is ergonomically advantageous .

With a view to facilitating the description of the invention, a vertical plane is defined in the present application text. This vertical plane intersects the base plate, and at least one of the axes of rotation of the carriage wheels is positioned in said vertical plane. The aid device has portions on a first side of said vertical plane, which portions are located in a first driving direction of the carriage wheels, for instance backwards. The aid device also has portions on a second side of said vertical plane, which portions are located in a second driving direction of the carriage wheels, for instance forwards.

The carriage wheels and the castor wheels are directed to a common base which in use is located under the base plate. Moreover the castor wheels are connected to the base plate in such a manner that there is at least one castor wheel on each side of at least one of the axes of rotation of the carriage wheels. Thus there is at least one castor wheel on the first side of said vertical plane and at least another castor wheel on the second side of said vertical plane. This ensures that there is always at least one castor wheel in front at least in one of the two driving directions of the carriage wheels, forwards or backwards. This makes the aid device easy to steer and turn with a very small turning radius. This can be advantageous, for example, if the device is used in cramped spaces or in a flat with much furniture. Due to the castor wheels, the aid device can also be rotated in an easy and controlled manner essentially about its own axis, which is advantageous when it has been driven up to a user and then is to be turned to an optimal position for maximum support when the user rises to stand or when a user is to be turned only through 90° in order to be transferred, for instance, from a bed to a wheelchair. All in all, the combination of castor wheels and carriage wheels according to the invention thus provides an aid device which is directionally stable and easy to turn/rotate. This is favourable in respect of safety and user-friendliness both to the user and the carer.

According to one embodiment of the aid device according to the invention, the castor wheels are positioned so that they have at least one position where, seen in the plane of the base plate, they do not project beyond the outer edge of the base plate. It is advantageous for the wheels to be at least partly concealed under the plate since this reduces the risk of the user, or rather the carer, stumbling over them in use. This also reduces the risk that the wheels get caught on an obstacle while the aid device is being driven.

According to one embodiment, the aid device has an active state and a passive state, the active state being a loaded state, for instance when the user stands on the base plate, and the passive state is an unloaded state, for instance when the aid device is not in use standing on a base, or is driven up to the user by the carer. According to one embodiment of the aid device, the castor wheels are positioned so that in the passive state at least one of them does not contact the base when the aid device is standing on a flat horizontal base. Then the aid device certainly tilts in one direction, but the wheels are positioned in such a manner that this is merely a very small and hardly noticeable movement. The castor wheels are further arranged so that, if the aid device is balanced on the carriage wheels in a certain position, they lie on a geometric horizontal plane which is parallel to said horizontal base. When the aid device is subjected to a load, the castor wheels are pressed down against the base, so that, provided that the base is flat, all wheels lie on the same plane. This can be provided, for example, by the carriage wheels being radial-elastically compressible, but it is also conceivable to have movable attachments of the carriage wheels and/or the castor wheels. With such a design, the aid device will be particularly easy to rotate and drive in its passive state while at the same time it achieves an increased directional stability in its active state.

According to one embodiment, the aid device comprises four castor wheels and two carriage wheels. This gives a combination of good stability and good driving properties.

According to one embodiment, the carriage wheels are arranged with a common axis of rotation.

The castor wheels each have a castor axle on which they can swivel. As a result, the axis of rotation of the castor wheels is made to change direction in a plane. The castor axle is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the castor wheels.

According to one embodiment of the aid device, two castor wheels are positioned on the first side of said vertical plane and two second castor wheels on the second side of said vertical plane. According to one embodiment, the two first castor wheels are interconnected by a first axis through their castor axles in the same way as the two second castor wheels are interconnected by a second axis through their castor axles.

According to one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the carriage wheels, the first axis and the second axis are parallel to each other.

Especially in one embodiment, the perpendicular dis- tance from the first axis to the common axis of rotation of the carriage wheels is smaller than the perpendicular distance from the second axis to the common axis of rotation of the carriage wheels.

Especially in one embodiment, the distance between the carriage wheels is greater than the distance between the castor wheels in the first pair, and the distance between the castor wheels in the first pair is greater than the distance between the castor wheels in the second pair. In one embodiment, both the castor wheels and the carriage wheels are thus symmetrically arranged over the longitudinal axis of the base plate, which is an axis in the plane of the base plate, which is perpendicular to the common axis of rotation of the carriage wheels. In such embodiments, particularly good stability in combination with particularly good driving properties are achieved.

According to one embodiment, the carriage wheels have a greater diameter than the castor wheels, which means that they can be made larger so as to withstand a greater load, thus making the entire aid device more robust. This also makes it easier to drive the aid device over an obstacle.

A further advantage of large wheels is that they can more easily be provided with a brake.

According to one embodiment, the carriage wheels are arranged on the outside of the base plate, which means that the size of the carriage wheels does not prevent the low-level arrangement of the base plate as close as possible to the base. As a result, the centre of gravity of the device can be kept far down, which is advantageous from the viewpoint of stability. It is also easier and safer for the user who is to be transferred to use the aid device if the base plate is arranged on a low level, while at the same time it is easier for the carer to help the user to get up on a low base plate. According to one embodiment, the base plate has a central portion with the common axis of rotation of the carriage wheels. In this central portion, the base plate has its greatest width. If the carriage wheels are arranged on the outside of such a base plate, the aid device thus has it maximum width from carriage wheel to carriage wheel. Since the carriage wheels are adapted to absorb the greatest load, it is advantageous for stability that the carriage wheels are arranged at a great distance from each other, but not greater than to allow the aid device to be driven through narrow passages, such as doorways .

In one embodiment, the base plate further has a first portion on the first side of said vertical plane, which extends through the central portion, with a width that is smaller than the greatest width of the base plate in the central portion. This portion can have a constant width but can also taper away from said vertical plane. This width is preferably such that the aid device can be inserted between the wheels of a wheelchair or between the legs of a chair.

In one embodiment, the first portion has an edge portion facing away from said vertical plane and having such a recess that the aid device can be driven close to the rounded side of the floor portion of a toilet. Such embodiments have an increased user-friendliness for the user that is to be transferred using the aid device and thus also make it easier for the carer who needs to make less efforts.

According to one embodiment of the aid device, the supporting device comprises a supporting post which at one end is detachably connected to the base plate. Consequently, the supporting post and the base plate can be disassembled and transported in a flat package. This makes it easier for a carer to carry the aid device and the aid device requires less space during transport, which is ergonomically and economically advantageous.

According to one embodiment, the supporting post is mounted centrally on the base plate, for instance over the longitudinal axis of the base plate. In operation, the user is standing with one foot on each side of the supporting post and holds on to the supporting post or the rise-to-stand aids. Such a central support forces the user to place his feet slightly apart and parallel to each other, which ensures a good and safe position as the user stands up. Owing to the good stability of the aid device, it also functions for injured people who are lacking a foot or a leg or who have prostheses or the like. It has also been found that a central supporting post provides a sense of security for the user. The central post also enables the carer to easily come close to the user. This is a problem in prior-art devices where there is a support close to the outer edges of the foot plate which is in the carer's way and forces him to stand in ergonomically unfavourable positions. Some prior-art devices also have supports which for increased safety partly surround the user and make it still more difficult for the carer to reach the user. With a construction according to the invention, such supports are not necessary, which makes it user-friendly also for the carer and prevents strain injuries in the carer. According to one embodiment, the supporting post has such a location and inclination relative to said vertical plane that the centre of gravity is positioned essential- ly vertically over the common axis of rotation of the carriage wheels with the user standing on the aid device. This can be provided, for example, by the supporting post being connected to the base plate on the first side of said vertical plane and leaning towards the second side of said vertical plane.

Such embodiments make the aid device particularly stable especially if also the greatest width of the aid device is over the carriage wheels and if the carriage wheels have a greater diameter than the castor wheels so that they can absorb great forces. Moreover, the high load on the carriage wheels results in excellent directional stability and a smaller load on the castor wheels makes the device easier to steer. According to one embodiment, the rise-to-stand aids comprise rising handles which are mounted on the supporting post .

The rising handles are preferably turned towards the first side of said vertical plane, that is to say the side of the supporting post at which the user is positioned.

According to one embodiment, the rise-to-stand aids comprise lower-leg supports which are mounted on the supporting post. The user can, when pulling himself up by the supporting post or the rising handles, brace his lower legs against the lower-leg supports.

In one embodiment, the rising handles and/or the lower-leg supports are movable on the supporting post, in which case their locking levers can be arranged on the second side of said vertical plane, that is to say the side of the supporting post where the carer is positioned.

In one embodiment of the aid device, moving handles are mounted on the supporting post. The moving handles are preferably turned towards the second side of said vertical plane, that is to say the side of the supporting post where the carer is positioned. By means of these handles, the carer can drive and operate the aid device. According to the invention, the aid device can thus have separate handles for the user and the carer, which means that the user and the carer are not in each other's way.

According to one embodiment, the supporting post has a rectangular cross-section with two long sides and two short sides, and is oriented so that the long sides are perpendicular to said vertical plane and, thus, also to the common axis of the carriage wheels. As a result, the supporting post efficiently absorbs the forces from a user pulling himself up by means of the supporting post or leaning against the supporting post, and the torque exerted by the carer on the supporting post, when he wants to rotate or steer the aid device, is efficiently transferred to the base plate and the wheels.

However, it is within the scope of the invention to use other types of supporting devices, for instance a supporting post of circular cross-section, or a supporting device comprising a plurality of supporting posts which are each, at one end, connected to the base plate and possibly also connected to each other.

In one embodiment of the aid device, it is possible to adjust the distance seen parallel to said vertical plane between the carriage wheels. This can be provided, for example, by the axes of rotation of the carriage wheels being displaceable in their axial directions, or by the portions of the base plate where the carriage wheels are arranged being extendable, for instance tele- scopically. Consequently, it is possible to make the aid device compact while at the same time it can be given increased stability, when required.

According to one embodiment of the aid device, it is possible to adjust the distance between two castor wheels which are placed one on each side of said vertical plane in the normal direction to said vertical plane. This can be achieved, for example, by the castor wheels being dis- placeably attached to the base plate or by the base plate comprising telescoping parts. This allows the aid device to be made compact while at the same time it can be given increased stability, when required. It is conceivable to have embodiments where the castor wheels have positions in which they project in their entirety beyond the outer edge of the base plate although this involves a risk of stumbling over them.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to accompanying drawings in which

Fig. 1 is a perspective view, seen obliquely from above, of a first embodiment of the aid device according to the invention

Fig. 2 is a perspective view, seen obliquely from below, of a first embodiment of the aid device according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a view, straight from below, of a first embodiment of the aid device according to the invention;

Fig. 4 is a side view showing the base plate and part of the supporting device according to a first embodiment of the aid device according to the invention rela- tive to a horizontal flat base;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view, seen obliquely from above, of a second embodiment of the aid device according to the invention;

Fig. 6 is a view, straight from below, of a third embodiment of the aid device according to the invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the aid device according to the invention; and

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the aid device according to the invention. Description of Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a currently preferred embodiment of the aid device according to the invention in two different perspective views. The aid device com- prises a base plate 1 and a supporting device 2 which is connected to the base plate 1. Fig. 1 also shows a reference plane in the form of a vertical plane 3. The aid device has portions on a first side of the vertical plane 3, which side in Fig. 1 is marked A, and portions on a second side of the vertical plane 3, which side in Fig. 1 is marked B. It is on the first side the user is positioned, who is to stand up and be transferred using the aid device. The user places his feet on the base plate. On the second side the carer is positioned when he ope- rates or drives the aid device. The aid device has a passive state in which it is not subjected to the load of the user, and an active state in which it is subjected to the load of the user, for instance by the user standing on the base plate. Further the aid device is symmetrical over a central longitudinal axis 15, cf. Fig. 3.

The base plate 1 is provided with four castor wheels

4 and two carriage wheels 5.

The carriage wheels 5 have a greater diameter than the castor wheels 4 and are positioned on the outside of the base plate 1. As a result, the larger carriage wheels

5 do not prevent the low arrangement of the base plate 1, which gives the base plate 1 low clearance so that it can be inserted under low edges of seating furniture. A base plate 1 arranged low also gives a low centre of gravity in the active state of the aid device. The diameter of the carriage wheels 5 can be, for example, 125 mm. The carriage wheels have a common axis of rotation 10 which is extended in the vertical plane 3. The carriage wheels 5 further have a radial-elastic surface layer, for instance a rubber mixture or a TPU. The surface layer also produces some friction which is favourable when the wheels are to roll over a smooth base.

One carriage wheel 5, or both carriage wheels 5, can be provided with a brake, which is not shown. Two of the castor wheels 4 are arranged on the first side of the vertical plane 3, and two of the castor wheels 4 are arranged on the second side of the vertical plane 3. Each castor wheel has a castor axle. The castor axle 6 of each castor wheel 4 is perpendicular to its axis of rotation, and this axis of rotation can pivot on the castor axle 6 so that the castor wheel 4 can change its direction of driving. The castor wheels 4 can have, for example, a diameter of 50 mm. Also the castor wheels 4 have a friction-producing surface layer, for example, of a rubber mixture or TPU, so that there is sufficient friction between the castor wheels 4 and the base to allow the castor wheels 4 to roll. Moreover, the castor wheels 4 have an overhang 7, i.e. a distance from the centre or axis of rotation of the castor wheels 4 to the castor axle 6. This, in combination with sufficient friction between the castor wheels 4 and the base, makes the castor wheels adjust easily when the aid device is rotated or steered in different directions during driving. The overhang of the castor wheels 4 can be, for example, 25 mm.

Fig. 3 illustrates the aid device from below and the location of the wheels 4, 5 at the base plate. The two castor wheels 4 on the first side of the vertical plane 3 are positioned at one end each of a first axis 8 through their castor axles 6, and the two castor wheels 4 on the second side of the vertical plane 3 are positioned at one end each of a second axis 9 through their castor axles 6. For the purpose of making the aid device as compact as possible, with great stability requirements, the distance from the second axis to the common axis of rotation 10 of the carriage wheels 5 is greater than the distance from the first axis 8 to said axis of rotation 10 while at the same time the distance between the castor wheels 4 in the pair of castor wheels on the second side of the vertical plane 3 is smaller than the distance between the castor wheels 4 in the pair of castor wheels on the first side of the vertical plane 3. The distance from the first axis 8 to the common axis of rotation 10 of the carriage wheels 5 can be, for example, 272 mm, the distance from the second axis 9 to the common axis of rotation 10 of the carriage wheels 5 can be, for example, 315 mm, the distance between the castor wheels 4 in the first pair can be, for example, 331 mm, and the distance between the castor wheels 4 in the second pair can be, for example, 220 mm.

The base plate 1 has its maximum width in a portion adjacent to the carriage wheels 5, which means that the aid device has its maximum width from the outside of the carriage wheel 5 to the outside of the carriage wheel 5. This maximum width should be adjusted so that the device can be driven through a standard doorway; said width can be, for example, 650 mm.

On the first side of the vertical plane 3, that is to say the side which in normal use faces the user, the base plate has a portion with a constant width which is adjusted so that the aid device can be inserted between the wheels of a wheelchair or between the legs of an ordinary chair. This width can be, for example, 280 mm. This portion also has a concave rounded edge portion 11, which has such a radius that the aid device can be driven with the base plate quite close to the rounding of the floor portion of a standard type toilet.

On the second side of the vertical plane 3, the base plate 1 has a portion with a width tapering from the carriage wheels 5 towards the castor wheels. The edge portion 12 of the base plate 1 between the castor wheels has a slightly convex curve. This shape of the base plate on the second side of the vertical plane 3 makes the edge portions function as guide surfaces to help the aid device round an obstacle into which it may bump, such as furniture, or through narrow passages.

The edge portion of the entire base plate on the second side of the vertical plane has a bevelled edge making an angle of 47° with a horizontal plane. This bevelled edge adds to the guide surface function of said edge portion. However, it also constitutes a support on which the carer can place his foot in order to temporarily lock the aid device or as abutment when helping the user to stand up. The bevelled edge also reduces the risk that the carer will run against the base plate during driving.

The castor wheels 4 are arranged in the four corner areas of the base plate as close as possible to the outer edge. The two castor wheels 4 on the first side of the vertical plane 3 are entirely concealed under the base plate 1 in all their positions, so that the carer will not risk stumbling over them. However, the two castor wheels 4 on the base plate's 1 first side of the vertical plane 3 have some positions where they project slightly beyond the edge of the base plate. Such a location has been selected to ensure that the castor wheels between them form as large a quadrangle as possible, which gives high stability on the available surface. This is also a reason why the distance between the wheels 4 , 5 as stated above has been selected. The user who is to get up on the base plate 1 does not run the same risk of stumbling over projecting castor wheels 4 as does the carer, and besides said castor wheels project only slightly and only in some positions.

The base plate 1 has a plane upper side which, except the attachment of the supporting device 2, is completely free from any upright components. Thus there is nothing to obstruct the user's feet and the base plate 1 will be easy to clean. The base plate 1 also has an anti- slip surface. Preferably the base plate 1 is made of a material with inherent anti-slip properties. Fig. 4 shows how the castor wheels 4 and the carriage wheels 5 are positioned relative to a flat horizontal base 13. The castor wheels 4 are positioned relative to the base 13 in such a manner that the aid device in its passive state can be balanced on the carriage wheels 5, all said castor wheels 4 lying on a common plane 14 which is parallel to the base 13. The distance between the base 13 and the plane 14 is, for example, 3.5 mm. Owing to the radial-elastic surface layer of the carriage wheels 5, they can be compressed in the active state of the aid device so that also the castor wheels 4 contact the base 13. As a result, the aid device will be very simple and easy to turn and steer in its passive state while at the same time it achieves greater stability and will be more directionally stable in its active state. To give the construction the required strength and rigidity, all the wheels 4, 5 are mounted on a chassis 17 which in turn is connected to the base plate 1.

The aid device has a supporting device 2 in the form of a supporting post 16 arranged centrally over the longitudinal axis 15. The supporting post is a rectangular aluminium sectional element whose one end is detachably mounted on the base plate 1 and the chassis 17.

The supporting post 16 is attached on the first side of the vertical plane 3 and is inclined towards the second side. More specifically, it has an inclination of 16° to the vertical plane 3. It has been found that this inclination is ergonomically advantageous when a user is to pull himself up from a sitting to a standing position. Moreover, as a result of this inclination the user's centre of gravity is positioned above the carriage wheels 5 and the longitudinal axis 15 when he is standing on the base plate 1 and holding on to or leaning against the supporting post 16. The angle of inclination of the supporting post is selected depending on where on the base plate 1 the supporting post 16 is positioned. The angle of inclination can be selected to be greater if the supporting post 16 is positioned closer to the base plate's 1 edge 11 facing away from the vertical plane 3, on the first side of the vertical plane 3. Said angle can also be selected to be smaller if the supporting post 16 is positioned closer to the vertical plane 3. In the described embodiment, the distance from the edge 11 to the centre of the supporting post 16 along the longitudinal axis 15 is 190 mm. In this embodiment, the supporting post serves as a lever for the user when pulling himself up to standing.

The supporting post 16 is provided with rise-to- stand aids in the form of rising handles 18. The rising handles 18 are displaceably mounted on the supporting post 16 one on each side of the longitudinal axis 15. The rising handles 18 extend from the supporting post 16 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15.

The supporting post is further provided with rise- to-stand aids in the form of cupped lower-leg supports 19. The lower-leg supports 19 are rotatably and displace- ably mounted on the supporting post 16 one on each side of the longitudinal axis 15. The lower-leg supports 19 are intended as abutments against which the user can brace his lower legs when rising to stand. It is then advantageous that they can change their inclination so as to be in contact with the user's lower legs all the time. The lower-leg supports 19 also have raised outer anti-slip edges 20 so that the user's lower legs will not slide out, away from the supporting post 16 during or after rising. The rising handles 18 and the lower-leg supports are provided with locking levers 21 which are positioned on the second side of the vertical plane 3, that is the side where the carer is usually located. The rising handles 18 and the lower-leg supports 19 can be locked by means of the locking levers in positions which are adjusted to precisely the user who is to be transferred by means of the aid device. To this end, the supporting post 16 can be provided with marks (not shown) . These marks can be placed on the long sides of the supporting post which have a retracted portion against which the attachment of the rising handles 18 and the lower-leg supports 19 does not abut when they are being displaced along the post . Consequently the marks will not be damaged by the displacement of the rising handles 18 or the lower-leg supports 19.

Finally, the supporting post 16 is provided with moving handles 22 turned towards the second side of the vertical plane 3, that is to say the carer's side. The moving handles 12 are intended to be gripped by the carer when driving the aid device.

Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of the aid device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the base plate 1 is provided with six castor wheels 4 and carriage wheels 5 which do not have a common axis of rotation. Such a construction results in a particularly stable aid device and is also specifically adjusted to a user who for some reason puts an uneven load on the aid device. Fig. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of the aid device according to the invention, with an alternative design of the supporting post 16. The supporting post 16 comprises two tubular posts 23 which at their one end are connected to the base plate and the chassis 17. The supporting posts are, at their ends facing away from the base plate 1, connected to each other by means of a curved tubular portion. The rising handles 18 and the lower-leg supports 19 are displaceably mounted round the two tubular posts 23 by means of fittings. In this embodiment, also the moving handle 22 is displaceably mounted on the supporting post 16. The rising handles 18, the lower-leg supports 19 and the moving handle 22 have locking levers 21 which are positioned on the second side of the vertical plane 3, that is to say the side where the carer is usually located. Fig. 7 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the aid device according to the invention with adjustable carriage wheels 5. Each carriage wheel 5 is arranged on an extension bar 24. The extension bars 24 are arranged to be displaceable in the base plate 1 in a direction parallel to the vertical plane 3, that is to say along the axis of rotation 10 of the carriage wheels 5. The extension bars 24 can constitute a telescoping part of the chassis 17 of the aid device. In this embodiment it is possible to adjust the distance between the carriage wheels 5.

Fig. 8 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the aid device according to the invention with adjustable castor wheels 4. In this embodiment, the base plate 1 comprises two telescoping partial plates 25, 26. In this embodiment, the supporting post 16 is attached to the outer partial plate 25 only, that is to say the partial plate 25 which is essentially positioned on the second side of the vertical plane 3. The supporting post 16 rests loose- ly against the inner partial plate 26, that is to say the partial plate 26 which is essentially positioned on the first side of the vertical plane 3. In this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the distance between the castor wheels 5 along the longitudinal axis 15. The aid device according to the invention can be used in the following manner when a disabled person is lying in a bed and needs assistance to go to the toilet. The carer helps the person to sit up on the edge of the bed. Then the carer grasps the moving handles 22 and drives the aid device to the person. If the rising handles 18 or the lower-leg supports 19 are not correctly positioned, the carer adjusts them by means of the locking levers 21 so as to fit the person. Subsequently the person grasps the rising handles 18 and turns and pulls the aid device exactly to the desired position. The person then places his feet on the base plate 1 one on each side of the supporting post 16. Then the person grasps the rising handles 18 and pulls himself up to standing. The carer can either prevent the aid device from moving by putting his own foot on the bevelled convex edge portion 12 of the base plate 1 or stand beside the person and help to lift him up on the base plate. If both or one of the carriage wheels 5 have a brake, the carer can use this to lock the aid device in the desired position. Here it is possible for the carer to stand in an ergonomically correct position since the aid device does not have any components between the person and the carer. Once the person is standing, he can lean against and/or hold on to the rising handles 18 or a central portion of the moving handles 22 or even the supporting post 16. When the person is steady, the carer grasps the moving handles 22 and drives the aid device with the person to the toilet. As a rule, the aid device is driven with the first side of the vertical plane directed forwards so that the person is driven with his back to the driving direction. When the toilet has been reached, the carer can assist the person in undressing while the person is holding on to the aid device. Owing to the rounded edge portion 11, the aid device can then be moved close to the toilet. The good driving properties of the aid device allow it to be safely driven over thresholds and a slippery inclined bathroom floor and also to be finely adjusted close to the toilet. Finally, the carer helps the person to sit down and the person can again help by holding on to the rising handles 18.

The same procedure can be used to transfer a person from a bed to a wheelchair, in which case the aid device can be inserted between the wheels of the wheelchair, with its narrow portion on the first side of the vertical plane 3. If the wheelchair is positioned close to the bed, the aid device can be used so that the person is essentially rotated only through 90° and the aid device does not have to be actually driven. Within the scope of the invention, the aid device can be used in many other situations, such as in transfer to/from an armchair or in transfer to/from a dining area.

Claims

1. An aid device for raising, rotation and transfer of a user, comprising a base plate (1) , a supporting device (2) which is connected to the base plate (1) and which comprises rise-to-stand aids (18, 19, 22) and wheels (4, 5) which are attached in such a manner that the aid device is wheelable and rotatable, c h a r a c - t e r i s e d in that said wheels (4, 5) comprise at least three castor wheels (4) which are connected to the base plate (1) , and two carriage wheels (5) which are connected to the base plate (1) and each have an axis of rotation (10) , the axes of rotation (10) being parallel to each other and two castor wheels (4) being placed on one side each of a vertical plane (3) which is parallel to the axes of rotation (10) and in which at least one of the axes of rotation (10) is located.

2. An aid device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the castor wheels (4) are positioned so as to have at least one position where they do not project beyond the periphery of the base plate (1) .

3. An aid device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein the aid device has a passive state and an active state, in which passive state the castor wheels (4) lie on one and the same first plane and the carriage wheels (5) lie on one and the same second plane which is spaced from the first plane, and in which active state the castor wheels (4) and the carriage wheels (5) lie on one and the same third plane.

4. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the number of said castor wheels (4) is four and the number of said carriage wheels (5) is two.

5. An aid device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the castor wheels (4) each have a castor axle (6) and are positioned so that a first pair of the castor wheels (4) is located on a first side (A) of said vertical plane (3) at one end each of a first axis (8) through their castor axles (6) , that a second pair of the castor wheels (4) is located on a second side (B) of said vertical plane (3) at one end each of a second axis (9) through their castor axles (6) , that the axes of rotation (10) of the carriage wheels (5) coincide so as to form an axis of rotation (10) which is common to the carriage wheels, and that the axes (8, 9) are parallel to the common axis of rotation (10) of the carriage wheels (5) .

6. An aid device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the perpendicular distance from the first axis (9) to the common axis of rotation (10) of the carriage wheels (5) is smaller than the perpendicular distance from the second axis (9) to the common axis of rotation (10) of the carriage wheels (5) .

7. An aid device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the distance between the carriage wheels (5) is greater than the distance between the castor wheels (4) in the first pair, and wherein the distance between the castor wheels (4) in the first pair is greater than the distance between the castor wheels (4) in the second pair.

8. An aid device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the carriage wheels (5) are arranged on the outside of the base plate (1) , the castor wheels (4) in the first pair are arranged so that only in some positions they project beyond the periphery of the base plate (1) and the castor wheels (4) in the second pair are arranged so that they do not in any position project beyond the periphery of the base plate (1) .

9. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims

5-8, wherein the base plate (1) has a central portion containing said vertical plane (3) and the common axis of rotation (10) of the carriage wheels (5) , in which central portion the base plate (1) has its greatest width.

10. An aid device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the base plate has a first portion with the first axis (8) on the first side (A) of said vertical plane (3) connecting to the central portion, in which first portion the base plate (1) has a constant width which is smaller than the width of the central portion.

11. An aid device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first portion has an edge portion facing away from said vertical plane, said edge portion comprising a concave engaging portion (11) .

12. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 9-11, wherein the base plate (1) has a second portion with the second axis (9) on the second side (B) of said vertical plane (3) connecting to the central portion, in which second portion the base plate (1) has a width that decreases away from said vertical plane (3) .

13. An aid device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second portion has a bevelled edge.

14. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the supporting device (2) comprises a supporting post (16) which at one end is detachably connect- ed to the base plate (1) .

15. An aid device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the base plate has a central longitudinal axis (15) over which the supporting post (16) is placed in a central area of the base plate (1) .

16. An aid device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the aid device has one passive and one active state, the carriage wheels (5) have a common axis of rotation (10) and the supporting post (16) is located and inclined relative to said vertical plane (3) in such a manner that in the active state the centre of gravity is positioned essentially vertically above the axis of rotation (10) of the carriage wheels.

17. An aid device as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein the supporting post (16) is connected to the base plate (1) on a first side (A) of said vertical plane (3) and is inclined towards a second side (B) of said vertical plane (3) .

18. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 14-17, wherein rising handles (18) are mounted on the supporting post (16) .

19. An aid device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the rising handles (18) are turned towards a first side

(A) of said vertical plane (3) and positioned on one side each of the central longitudinal axis (15) of the base plate .

20. An aid device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the rising handles (18) are displaceable along the supporting post (16) and comprise a locking lever (21) .

21. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 14-20, wherein lower-leg supports (19) are mounted on the supporting post (16) .

22. An aid device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the lower-leg supports (19) are mounted on the supporting post (16) to be rotatable about a horizontal axis which is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis (15) of the base plate, and wherein the lower-leg supports (19) are positioned on one side each of the central longitudinal axis (15) of the base plate (1) .

23. An aid device as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the lower-leg supports (19) are displaceable along the supporting post (16) and comprise a locking lever (21) .

24. An aid device as claimed in claim 20 or 23, wherein said locking lever/levers (21) is/are turned towards a second side (B) of said vertical plane (3) .

25. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 14-15, wherein moving handles (22) are mounted on the supporting post (16) .

26. An aid device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the moving handles (22) are turned towards a second side

(B) of said vertical plane (3) and positioned on one side each of the central longitudinal axis (15) of the base plate (1) .

27. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 14-26, wherein the supporting post (16) has a substantially rectangular, hollow cross-section and is oriented with the long sides of the cross-section perpendicular to said vertical plane (3) .

28. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 1-27, wherein the carriage wheels (5) and the castor wheels (4) comprise a surface layer which produces friction and is radial-elastic.

29. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims

1-28, wherein the carriage wheels (5) have a greater diameter than the castor wheels (4) .

30. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 1-29, wherein at least one of the carriage wheels (5) is provided with a brake.

31. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 1-30, wherein the wheels (4, 5) are mounted on a force- absorbing chassis (17) which is connected to the base plate (1) .

32. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 1-31, wherein the base plate (1) has a side facing away from the wheels (4, 5), which is plane and provided with an anti-slip surface.

33. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 1-32, wherein the carriage wheels (5) rotate in a plane of rotation each and the distance between the planes of rotation of the carriage wheels (5) is adjustable.

34. An aid device as claimed in any one of claims 1-33, wherein the distance between two castor wheels (4), which are placed one on each side of said vertical plane (3) , is adjustable in the normal direction to said vertical plane (3) .