Adjustable support apparatus

SWEDEN (12) PATENT (13) C2 (11) 522 389 (19) SE (si)

International class ⁷

A61G 7/053

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(21)

PATENT AND REGISTRATION (45) (41) (22) (24) (62) (86) (86) (83)

Patent filed Application widely available The patent application was submitted on expiration date

Stamansäkans number

2004-02-03

2000-10-02

2000-03-31

2000-03-31

Patent Application Number 0001152-8

Application received as:

International filing day Filing date for European patent application Deposit of microorganism Swedish patent application completed international patent application with number □ converted European patent application with number (30) Priority information

1999-04-01 US 283935 (73) (72) (74) (54)

Assignee

INVENTOR

AGENT

NAME

Bel-Art Products Inc, Pequannock Industrial Road NJ 07440 US Kurt Landsberger, Verona NJ US, Paul Thom, Montclair NJ US Albihns Gothenburg AB

Adjustable support device, which allows a person to (56) (57) rise from and lower to a sitting or lying position

CALLED PUBLICATIONS: - - SUMMARY:

An adjustable auxiliary device for facilitating the movement of a person from one position to another, comprising one or more upright support units and an adjustable frame device for connecting or mounting the support unit (s) to a structure. Each unit includes a compartment with a hollow interior and a handle connected to the compartment. A pocket with an opening is formed in the compartment to provide access to the hollow interior. The handle comprises an elongated bar separated from the compartment and sized to be grasped by a person's hand. Two or more upright frame parts can be arranged in tandem or opposite each other.

The distance between the support units is adjustable via the frame device.

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The numbers in brackets indicate international identification code, INID code. Letters in clamps indicate international document code.

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SUMMARY

An adjustable auxiliary device for facilitating movement of a person from one position to another, comprising one or more upright support units and an adjustable frame device for connecting or mounting the support unit (s) to a structure. Each unit includes a compartment with a hollow interior and a handle connected to the compartment. A pocket with an opening is formed in the compartment to provide access to the hollow interior. The handle comprises an elongated bar separated from the compartment and sized to be grasped by a person's hand. Two or more upright frame parts can be arranged in tandem or opposite each other. The distance between the support units is adjustable via the frame device.

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TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates mainly to devices for assisting and supporting persons, and more specifically to rail-type devices which enable a person to rise from and lower himself to a sitting or lying position.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNIQUES

Normal simple tasks such as getting up or lowering a bed or chair or moving between a bed and a wheelchair can be extremely difficult for some elderly, disabled or other persons with physical disabilities. This task can be especially daunting when a caregiver or other person is not present to provide the desired help. Even when persons such as family members are present, it may be possible that these are not physically capable of providing sufficient help. The lack of function or strength or even pain in the lower body, hips, knees, ankles, legs, etc., can significantly affect an individual's ability to perform such tasks.

In view of these problems, various devices have been proposed to help an individual to get up from or settle into a bed or chair or move between a bed and a wheelchair. For example, US Pat. No. 5,435,028, issued to Frala, and U.S. Patent No. 3,739,793, issued to Wilson, comprises auxiliary devices having a base frame resting on the floor and a rail device or handle extending vertically upward from the base frame to be gripped by a user. The auxiliary device can be placed next to a bed or chair with part of the support frame placed under the bed.

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US patent no. 5,471,689 issued to Shaw et al. and U.S. Pat. 5,787,530 issued to Brix, comprises auxiliary devices having a base positioned between a box spring and a bed mattress, with a handle extending vertically upward from the base to be gripped by a person

Some auxiliary devices of the prior art are generally bulky and / or difficult to install, while other auxiliary devices of the prior art provide insufficient assistance to a user. Furthermore, none of the auxiliary devices discussed above are designed with compartments or pockets on the bed side, which are used for convenient storage of necessary items such as medicine, books and documents. Nevertheless, it is often important or critical for a weak or disabled person to reach such necessary things while lying or sitting in a bed. Furthermore, a combination of an auxiliary device with a storage pocket or compartment often provides significant space savings, which is important in the limited environment of a residential area or hospital.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described together with the accompanying figures, wherein the same designation designates the same element, and;

Fig. 1 is an orthographic view of an adjustable auxiliary device according to the invention for mounting on a bed;

Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing an elevated side view of the adjustable support apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an elevated front view of the adjustable support apparatus along line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is an elevated rear view of the adjustable support apparatus along line 4-4 of Fig. 2 with a portion of the apparatus shown in cross-section;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the bottom of the adjustable support apparatus;

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Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figs. 3 and 4 showing a preferred way in which a frame device is connected to an upright support portion of the adjustable support apparatus;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Figs. 3 and 4;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a locking portion of a mounting arrangement of the base frame assembly along line 9-9 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 10 is an orthographic view of an adjustable auxiliary device for mounting on a bed according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 11 is an exploded view showing an elevated side view of the adjustable support apparatus of Fig. 10;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the bottom of the adjustable support apparatus of FIG.

10;

Fig. 13 is an orthographic view of an adjustable auxiliary device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 14 is an orthographic view of an adjustable auxiliary device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 15 is an orthographic view of an adjustable auxiliary device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 16 is an orthographic view of an adjustable auxiliary device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 17 is an orthographic view of an adjustable auxiliary device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 18 is an elevated side view of the adjustable auxiliary device according to an eighth embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 19 is an orthographic view of the adjustable auxiliary device of Fig. 18.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now mainly to the drawings, in particular Figures 1 and 2, an adjustable auxiliary device 10 according to the present invention includes a frame device 12 and an upright support part 14 connected to the frame device.

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A substantially horizontally extending portion of the frame device 12 is adapted to fit between a box spring 16 and a mattress 18 of a bed 20 (shown in broken line), while a substantially vertically extending portion 24 of the frame device 12 is connected to the upright support portion 14 and which extending substantially vertically from the horizontal portion 22.

The frame assembly 12 comprises a substantially U-shaped extension member 26 and two substantially L-shaped angular brackets 28, 30. The U-shaped extension member 26 has a pair of separated tubular legs 32, 34 and a cross member 36 extending between the two tubular legs. Preferably, the legs 32, 34 and the transverse beam 36 are formed by bending a piece of conduit to the substantially U-shaped configuration. The angle brackets 28 and 30 comprise a substantially horizontally extending leg 38 and a substantially vertically extending leg 40. Preferably, each angle bracket's legs 38 and 40 are formed into the substantially L-shaped configuration by bending a bit of tubing. The leg 40 is telescopically received in the upright support portion 14. An assembly arrangement in one embodiment of the invention comprises pairs of aligned openings 41 and 43 for adjustable mounting of the angular bracket to the support member, which will be further described in greater detail below with respect to Figs. 6 and 7. The raised support member 14 and the brackets 28 comprise a support unit 25 which can be used in conjunction with other support units, which is further described below.

With reference to Figs. 2, 5 and 9, each of the angular bracket legs 38 is preferably telescopically received in one of the legs 32, 34. of the extension member 26. Similarly, a pair of aligned apertures 46, 48 are formed in the legs 32, 34 adjacent their respective free outer ends 52. A spring clip 54 is installed in each leg 38 and comprises a substantially V-shaped plate spring 56 with a flange 58

522 389 formed at one end thereof and a knob 60 mounted at its other end. The flange 58 is received in the opening 44 of the leg 38 while the knob 60 extends through the opening 42 so that it projects radially externally from the leg 38 (see Fig. 9). During mounting of the angular brackets 28, 30 on the U-shaped extension portion 26, the knob 60 is pressed inwardly against a diagonal force from the plate spring 56 when the leg 38 is telescopically received in one of the legs 32 or 34. The legs are pushed together until the aperture 46 is in line with the aperture 42 when the knob 60 is pushed into the aperture 46 thus locking the extension portion 26 in the angular bracket. To disassemble the extension portion 26 from the angle bracket, the knob 60 is pressed inward until the opening 46 is free, after which the legs are pulled apart. Although only one knob is shown, it is to be understood that the flange 58 can be replaced by another knob which would extend through the openings 44 and 48 when aligned. In this alternative embodiment, both buds would be pressed inward during assembly and disassembly of the legs.

The configuration described above provides a quick assembly and disassembly of the adjustable auxiliary device 10. Although a solitary opening pair 46, 48 is shown formed in the legs 32 and 34, a number of opening pairs may be formed longitudinally in the legs 32 and 34 to adjust the length of the horizontal portion. 22 with respect to the upright support portion

14th This feature allows the auxiliary device 10 to be adjusted for beds of different widths. Although a specific mounting arrangement is discussed above, it is to be understood that any conventional structure which provides a desired adjustment of a position of the angular brackets relative to the extension member and the upright support member is within the scope of the invention.

Referring again to Fig. 1, a flexible strap 62 can be attached to the cross beam 36 to adjust the adjustable auxiliary device 10 to a suitable position with respect to the bed and to secure the adjustable auxiliary device to the bed. The strap 62 may comprise securing means such as hook / loop fastener, snaps, buckles and the like. The strap may be wrapped around a carrying handle (not shown) of the mattress 18 or

522 389 around the bed frame (not shown) and then secured by itself. The belt 62 may alternatively be directly attached to the bed structure such as the mattress 18, the box spring 16 or the bed frame by cooperation between hook and loop or other well known fastening means on the belt and / or bed structure. With the auxiliary device 10 secured to the bed by the strap 62, an additional safety means is provided for persons using the auxiliary device 10, especially when the upright support member 14 is pulled or pushed in a direction that otherwise tends to remove the device from the bed.

Now with reference to Figs. 3, 4 and 8, the upright support portion 14 includes an inverted U-shaped handle 70 extending upwardly from a compartment 72. Preferably, the handle and compartment are constructed of a plastic material and are integrally formed as a unitary structure during blow molding or other molding operation to form a substantially hollow interior 78 of the compartment 72. The handle 70 can also be formed with a hollow interior 76 which in some embodiments of the invention is able to communicate with the compartment 72. At least the material of the handle 70 is preferably electrically insulated to thereby prevent the transmission of static electricity between a person and the upright supporting part. .

Handle 70 includes an extension bar 80 adapted to be gripped by a user's hand. In one embodiment of the invention, the bar 80 is separated from the compartment 72 by a pair of substantially hollow supports 82 formed at opposite ends of the bar 80. The supports 82 form a space 84 between the bar and the compartment. Bar 80 comprises relatively soft upper and lower walls, 86 and 88, respectively, with a front wall 90 and a rear wall 92 extending between the upper and lower walls to thereby form the persistent interior 76. An elongated groove 94 is formed in the front wall and the rear wall to give extra strength and stiffness as well as an aesthetically pleasing look on the handle 70.

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The compartment 72 comprises a rear wall section 96 connected to a front wall section 98 via an upper wall section 100, a lower wall section 102, and side wall sections 104, 106 thus forming the hollow interior wall 78. A pocket 108 extends outwardly from the front wall section 98 and is substantially triangular in cross-section, which is clearly shown in Fig. 8. The pocket 108 comprises an upper wall 110 which preferably extends at an acute angle with respect to the upper wall section 100, and a front wall 112 which preferably extends at an acute angle with respect to the rear wall section 98. An extended opening 114 is formed in the upper wall 110 of the pocket 108 and a flange 116 is formed around the periphery of the opening. The flange 116 is suitable for increasing the strength and stiffness of the material surrounding the opening 114. The pocket 108 can be used to comfortably store items at the bedside, e.g. medicines, books, napkins, remote controls, etc. A lid (not shown) can be arranged to cover the opening 114.

Elevated tabs 118 may be formed in the front wall section 98 of the compartment. Each tab 118 includes a recess 119 for receiving a lock nut 124, and an opening for receiving a shaft 125 associated with a fastener 122.

A pair of elongated semicylindrical recesses 126 are formed in the rear wall section 96. The recesses are preferably spaced from the side wall sections 104, 106 and extend substantially parallel thereto. Each recess 126 extends into the pocket 108 and serves as a guide for the leg 40, associated with each angle bracket 28, during insertion of the leg into the compartment 72 and which during insertion prevents lateral movements of the respective legs within the compartment. The recesses 126 also strengthen and strengthen the compartment in the vicinity of the leg 40. A rectangular recess 128 is formed in the rear wall 96, which serves to strengthen the rear wall and give a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. If desired, an instruction sheet or advertisement can be placed inside the recess. An elevated knob 130 is formed in the rear wall 96 between each recess 126 and the side walls 104, 106 of the compartment. Each bud 130 includes a recess 132 for

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receiving a fastener head 134 associated with the fastener 122 and an opening 136 for receiving the fastener shaft.

A tubular projection 138 is integrally formed in the lower wall 102 adjacent each side wall 104, 106. Each tubular projection 138 extends downward from the lower wall 102 and is adapted to slidably receive the leg 40 associated with one of the angular brackets 28.

With particular reference to Figs. 6 and 7, the angular brackets 28 are connected to the upright support portion 14 by inserting the leg, associated with each angular bracket, into one of the tubular projections 138 until one of the pair of openings 41, 43 of the leg is aligned with the openings. 120 and 136. The shaft 125 associated with the fastener 122 is then inserted through the openings 136, 41, 43 and 120, and a lock nut 124 is installed in the fastener. Although two pairs of aligned openings 41, 43 are shown in FIG. 2 It is to be understood that more or less opening pairs may be provided, depending on the desired height of the upper handle portion 70 with respect to the horizontal portion 22, and thus the bottom of the mattress 18, especially since the height of the mattress 18 may vary widely. As previously noted, the extended semicylindrical depressions 126 serve as a guide for the legs 40 during installation in the upright portion 14. In addition, the respective tabs 118 and knobs 130 have thicker internal portions 140 and 142, to guide and support the legs 40 and to provide additional structural support for the walls 98 and 96. As Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the specific connection arrangement between the legs of the associated angular bracket and the support member, any conventional means for securing these members together within the scope of the invention.

Now with reference to Figs. 10 and 12, an adjustable auxiliary device 150 according to a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated, wherein like parts in the previous embodiment are represented by the same number. The adjustable auxiliary device 150 is similar in structure to the apparatus 10, with the difference that the U-shaped extension 26 is replaced with a further

522 389 support unit 25 (comprising an upright support member 14 and angle brackets 28) and a pair of connecting sleeves 152. Each connecting sleeve 152 receives telescopically opposed legs 38 associated with opposing angle brackets 28, 30, thereby connecting the support units 25 together in a uniform structure. Pairs of aligned openings 154, 156 are formed along each connecting sleeve 152. A spring clamp 54 is installed in each leg 38, as in the previous embodiment.

During assembly of each angle bracket 28, 30 to the connecting sleeves 152, the knob 60 of the spring clip 54 is pressed inwardly against a diagonal force while the leg 38 is telescopically received at one end by one of the sleeves 152. The leg 38 and sleeve 152 are pushed together until one of the openings 154 of the sleeve is in line with the opening 42 of the leg 38 and then the knob 60 is pushed into the opening 154 to then lock the sleeve at the angular bracket. The configuration described above provides for quick assembly, adjustment and disassembly of the auxiliary device 150. The plurality of holes 154 and 156 formed in the sleeves 152 allow the auxiliary device 150 to be adjusted to beds and mattresses of different widths. Obviously, any other conventional means for adjusting and fastening the legs relative to the sleeves 152 is within the scope of the invention.

The opposite configuration of the support units 25, including the upright support portion 14, allows a person to rise from the bed or move between the bed and a wheelchair or other device from either side of the bed. The support units 25, when properly installed, also serve as side rails to prevent a person from falling out of bed. Although not shown, a belt similar to belt 62 in the previous embodiment can be connected to one or both support units for operating and securing the auxiliary device 150 at the bed or bed frame.

Referring now to Fig. 13, where an adjustable auxiliary device 180 according to a third embodiment of the invention is illustrated, wherein

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embodiment is represented by the same number. The adjustable auxiliary device 180 comprises two adjustable support structures 10 arranged in series connected to each other via an extended connecting rod 182. The rod 182 is preferably made of tubular material, but may alternatively be constructed of a solid rod. The connecting rod 182 extends transversely to the legs 38 and is connected thereto by suitable fasteners which extend through the legs 38 and the rod 182. An additional rod (not shown) can also extend between and can be connected to the cross member 36. The tandem arrangement of the two adjustable auxiliary devices provides a longer grip surface with two handles 70 available to the user. In addition, the tandem arrangement further helps prevent longer parts of the user's body from falling out of bed.

If desired, the U-shaped extension 26 of each auxiliary device 10 can be removed and replaced with a support unit 25, such as in the embodiment of Figs. 10 and 11, thereby providing dual tandem support units on both sides of the bed.

Referring now to Fig. 14, an adjustable auxiliary device 200 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is illustrated, wherein like parts of the previous embodiment are represented by the same number. The adjustable auxiliary device 200 is similar in construction to the adjustable auxiliary device 180 of Fig. 13, except that the rod 182 is replaced by a telescopic rod device 202. The telescopic rod assembly 202 comprises a first tubular portion 204 which is telescopically received in a second tubular portion 206. A spring clip 54 is disposed adjacent an end 208 of the first tubular portion 204, preferably in the same manner as previously described with respect to FIG. 9. When the first tubular member 204 is received in the second tubular member 206, the spring clip 54 may be optionally placed in one of a plurality of openings 210 extending along the second tubular member. The tubular members 204 and 206 preferably extend transversely to the legs 38 of the angular brackets 28 and

522 389 are secured there via suitable fasteners 212 and locking nuts 214. In this way, the distance between the adjustable tandem auxiliary device 10 can be adjusted so as to be able to adapt to the size and strength of a user, especially during raising from the bed or transfer between the bed and a wheelchair or other device.

As in the third embodiment (see Figs. 10 and 11), the U-shaped extension 26 of each auxiliary device 10 can be removed and replaced with a support unit 25 to thereby provide dual tandem support units on both sides of the bed. The additional support units would also be interconnected via an additional telescopic rod assembly 202.

Now with reference to Fig. 15, an adjustable auxiliary device 220 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in which equal parts in the previous embodiment are represented by the same number. The adjustable auxiliary device 220 is similar in construction to the adjustable auxiliary device 180 of FIG. 13, except that the adjacent inner angular bracket 38 of each support unit 25 is replaced by a U-shaped bracket 222 and the separate U-shaped extension members 26 are replaced by a U-shaped extension part 224. The bracket 222 comprises a pair of upright legs 226 which extends from the opposite ends of a cross beam 228. Preferably, the legs and cross beam are formed of one piece tubular material. The legs 226 extend telescopically into the compartment 72 in the same manner as the legs 40, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The U-shaped extension member 224 comprises legs 32 and 34 connected to the opposite ends of an extended cross beam 230. The distance between legs 32 and 34, set by cross member 230, are such that each leg telescopically receives one of the outer angular brackets 28 of the upright support unit 25 in a manner similar to the embodiment of Fig. 2. The legs 226 and 40 are preferably of the same length so that the U-shaped extension member 224 and the cross member 228 lie in the same plane.

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Now with reference to Fig. 16, an adjustable auxiliary device 240 according to a sixth embodiment of the invention is illustrated in which equal parts in the previous embodiment are represented by the same number. The adjustable auxiliary device 240 is similar in structure to the adjustable auxiliary device 220 of Fig. 15, except that the U-shaped bracket 222 is replaced with a U-shaped angle bracket 242. The bracket 242 includes a pair of upright legs 244, each connected to a pair of legs 246 extending substantially horizontally. The legs 246 are themselves connected to opposite ends of a cross beam 248. The legs 244, 246 and the cross beam 248 are formed from one piece tubular material. The legs 244 extend telescopically into the compartment 72 in the same way as the legs 40, the fold shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The U-shaped part 224, the legs 246 and the cross-beam 248 of the U-shaped angle bracket 242 are received between the box spring 16 and the mattress 18 when installed on a bed, in the same way as illustrated in Fig. 1.

Now with reference to Fig. 17, an adjustable auxiliary device 260 according to a seventh embodiment of the invention is illustrated in which equal parts in the previous embodiment are represented by the same number. The adjustable auxiliary device 260 is similar in construction to the adjustable auxiliary device 240 of FIG. 16, except that the distance between the upright support unit 25 is adjustable and often greater, and the legs 246 of the Unformed Angle Bracket 242 and the crossbeam 230 of the U-shaped extension member 224 are replaced with telescopic legs 262 and a telescopic cross beam 264. Each telescopic leg comprises an inner leg 38 of an inner angular bracket 28 and a leg 268 of a U-shaped extension member 266. The inner legs 38 are preferably telescopically received in the legs 268 in a manner as shown in Fig. 9. The legs 268 of the extension member 266 are connected to opposite ends of an extended cross beam 270. The legs 268 and the cross beam are constructed of one-piece pipe. The transverse beam 264 comprises a rod or tube 272 which is telescopically received in a first leg 276 of L-shaped tubes 274. A second leg 278 of each L-shaped tube 274 preferably telescopically receives the leg 38 of an outer angular bracket 28.

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Referring now to Figs. 18 and 19, an adjustable auxiliary device 300 according to an eighth embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The adjustable auxiliary device 300 is similar in construction to the adjustable auxiliary device 10 of Figs. 1 and 2, except that the compartment 372 with the pocket 308 faces the user lying on a mattress 317 located on top of a box spring 319. The handle 370 and the compartment 372 are positioned at an angle to the leg 340, 328, adjustably received in the U-shaped extension portion 326. The compartment 372 and the pocket 308 are thus positioned closer to the user's feet. In the apparatus of Figs. 18 and 19, the leg 340 is typically higher than the corresponding portion of the apparatus of Fig. 2 to substantially raise the handle 370 and the compartment 372 over the top of the mattress 317. A blanket 310 is in use placed over the user's feet and above the handle 370 and the compartment 372. A free end of the blanket is preferably placed between the mattress 317 and the box spring 319. A hot liquid container 321 is placed inside the pocket 308 near the user's feet. The blanket 310 is thus raised to avoid direct contact with the user's feet. This arrangement additionally forms a semi-enclosed room 325 which captures radiant heat from the hot liquid in the container 321, which heats the feet of a user for a long time.

It is understood that the terms horizontal, vertical, front, rear, upper, lower, upright, inner and outer and their corresponding derivatives used herein refer to relative rather than absolute positions.

While the invention has been shown with particular references to the above-described embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and spirit of the invention. For example, the angular brackets and extension members may be square, oval, triangular, or another cross-sectional shape, although shown with circular cross-sections. In addition, although the upright support member 14 and similar frame devices have been shown

522 389 and described for particular use in beds, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto since the support members can also be adapted for use in walking chairs, wheelchairs, bath aids, chair aids and the like. In addition to the fact that specific means of connecting between the support members 14 and frame devices as well as the specific means for adjusting and securing parts of the frame relative to each other have been shown above, it is obvious that any conventional means for adjusting and securing such elements is within the scope of invention. The described embodiments are thus in all ways to be regarded as illustrative only and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore given by the appended claims rather than by the preceding description. All changes that fall within the corresponding meaning and scope of the requirements shall be understood within the scope of their scope.

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