Patent Grant
8419124
The present disclosure relates to personal care and assistance products for use in the home. The disclosure includes toileting devices, combination bathing and toileting devices, wheelchair accessible bathing devices, laterally accessible chairs, articulating beds, and a system for transferring an individual from one elevation to a second elevation which includes a personal mobility device.
Improved medical care is resulting in an aging population with a high level of independence. This aging population has minor to moderate need for assistance in caring for themselves. A significant issue in this independence is the lack of facilities within the home to accommodate the reduced mobility of this population. The typical toileting, bathing, and furniture in the home are not suited for persons who have limited strength and mobility. Various products have been developed to address specific mobility and assistance needs, but the integration of the devices is lacking across the continuum of basic life activities experienced by individuals throughout the day. These basic life activities define the independence of individuals. The result is a need for a system for the home which provides independence across all of the basic life activities to provide a sense of independence for mobility challenged individuals.
The present invention comprises one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter:
A system for assisting a person of limited mobility in moving from room to room within a home and for performing essential daily activities includes a personal mobility device. The personal mobility device may include a frame, a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame, a seat supported on the frame, and a transfer driver to provide locomotion for the personal mobility device to navigate up and down stair systems. The transfer driver may engage with a transfer guide which is located adjacent stair treads along a stairway such that the transfer guide guides the movement of the personal mobility device as the device transverses the stairway.
In some embodiments, the transfer driver may have external teeth which intermesh with internal teeth of the transfer guide to facilitate the movement of the personal mobility device along the transfer guide. The personal mobility device may include a motor which provides output to drive the transfer driver. In some embodiments, the personal mobility device may further comprise a battery to provide power to the motor.
The transfer driver may be moveable between a retracted position, wherein the transfer driver is contained within a horizontal perimeter of the seat so as to permit the personal mobility device to move within a home without the transfer driver interfering with surrounding home furnishings and structures, and an extended position wherein the transfer driver is positioned to engage with the transfer guide. The personal mobility device may also include user inputs which control operation of the personal mobility device, including the operation of the transfer driver.
In some embodiments, the seat may include a first portion having an upwardly facing surface for supporting the buttocks of a person supported on the seat and a second portion pivotably coupled to the first portion and positioned to support the back of the person. In some embodiments, the angle between the first portion and the second portion may be adjustable. In embodiments where the angle between the first portion and the second portion is adjustable, the second portion may be lockable in a plurality of positions relative to the first portion.
In some embodiments, the personal mobility device may further include an armrest coupled to the seat. The armrest may be coupled to the first portion or the second portion. In some embodiments, the armrest may be pivotable in a horizontal axis to allow the armrest to move between a use position adjacent the seat and an out-of-the-way position to permit a person occupying the seat to enter or exit the seat from the side. In some embodiments, the armrest may be pivotable in a vertical axis to allow the armrest to move between a use position adjacent the seat and an out-of-the-way position to permit a person occupying the seat to enter or exit the seat from the side. In still other embodiments, the armrest may be pivotable in both the horizontal and vertical axes. The user input devices may be located on the armrests. In some embodiments, user input devices may be located on the side of the seat.
In some embodiments, the armrest may be coupled to the back and may be pivotable about a horizontal axis between a use position and an out-of-the-way position. In still other embodiments, the armrest may be coupled to the back and may be pivotable about a vertical axis between a use position and an out of-the-way position. Further, the armrest may be coupled to the back and pivotable about both a horizontal and a vertical axis between a use position and an out-of-the-way position.
In some embodiments, the personal mobility device may be configured to be mounted by from the rear with a person supported by an integrated support supporting the person in an upright position by providing support under the person's arms. In other embodiments, a person may be supported on the personal mobility device in a sitting position and the personal mobility device may have a combination back and support armrest which transverses the back of the seat from one side to the opposite side.
In some embodiments, user inputs to control the operation of the personal mobility device may be coupled to an armrest of the personal mobility device. In other embodiments, user inputs may be located on the side of a seat of the personal mobility device or on an intermediate frame of the personal mobility device. User input devices may include joysticks, buttons, twist throttle devices, squeeze handles, triggers, or the like. In some embodiments, control of the personal mobility device may be controlled by a combination of inputs such as the operation of multiple joysticks or multiple squeeze handles. A combination input may be received by pushing a left joystick and a right joystick forward to move forward, for example. Pushing only one joystick forward may induce a turn, for example.
The personal mobility device may further include a leg pivotably coupled to the lower frame and configured to pivot about a vertical axis to change the position of the leg relative to a person sitting on the seat. The leg may pivot between a first position wherein the leg extends generally laterally relative to a person sitting on the seat and a second position wherein the leg extends generally longitudinally relative to the person sitting on the seat. In the second position, the operative width of the personal mobility device may be narrowed to allow the personal mobility device to navigate through a narrow passage in a home without interfering with home furnishings.
The personal mobility device may include a drive wheel coupled to the leg and operable to move the personal mobility device across a floor or other surface. In some embodiments, the personal mobility device may include additional non-driven wheels. In still other embodiments, the personal mobility device may include a plurality of driven wheels.
In some embodiments, the personal mobility device may further include an intermediate frame supported on the lower frame and the seat may be supported on the intermediate frame. The intermediate frame may be extended to raise the seat and thereby change the vertical position of the seat relative to the lower frame. The personal mobility device may further include a footrest pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame and pivotable about a horizontal axis. The footrest may be adjustable to adjust the angle of relationship between footrest and the intermediate frame. In embodiments where the angle between the footrest and the intermediate frame is adjustable, the footrest may be lockable in a plurality of positions.
The transfer guide may include a first horizontal portion configured to receive or release the transfer driver, an elevation portion coupled to the first horizontal portion and oriented to direct the personal mobility device to a second horizontal portion coupled to the elevation portion and at a different elevation from the first horizontal portion, the second horizontal portion configured to receive or release the transfer driver. In some embodiments, the transfer driver may comprise a plurality of vertically spaced transfer drivers and the transfer guide may comprise a plurality of transfer guides configured to receive or release the vertically spaced transfer drivers to maintain the personal mobility device at a substantially constant orientation with respect to horizontal during the transfer between a first elevation and a second elevation.
In some embodiments, a personal mobility device may include a drive ball driven in a first direction by a first drive wheel driven by a first motor and driven in a second direction by a second drive wheel driven by a second motor. The first and second drive wheels may operate simultaneously such that the drive ball is driven in a direction that is a resultant direction based on the direction and speed of the first and second drive wheels. A personal mobility device may include multiple drive balls coupled to the lower frame of the personal mobility device and engaged with the floor.
In other embodiments, a personal mobility device may be driven by a drive system having a plurality of drive wheels which rotate independently. The axis of rotation of each of the drive wheels may be parallel. Each drive wheel may be operated at a different speed and/or a different direction to drive the personal mobility device in a resulting direction. In some embodiments, the axis of rotation of the drive wheels may be common among all of the drive wheels and intersect the central vertical axis of the personal mobility device. In other embodiments, the axis of rotation of the drive wheels may be common and may be distal to a central vertical axis of the personal mobility device. In some embodiments, the personal mobility device may further comprise stability wheels spaced horizontally from the drive wheels to provide reduce the potential for tipping the personal mobility device. In embodiments where the drive wheels are distal to the centeral vertical axis of the personal mobility device, a stability wheel may be positioned opposite the central vertical axis from the drive wheels to trail motion of the drive wheels and vertically stabilize the personal mobility device.
In some embodiments, the seat or the back may be temperature controlled. Either the seat or the back or both the seat and the back may be heated by a heater or cooled by a cooler. In other embodiments, the seat or back of the personal mobility device may provide massage to a person supported on the device. In some embodiments, the seat or the back may comprise an air bladder for support of the person supported on the device.
The system for assisting a person of limited mobility in moving from room to room within a home and performing essential daily activities also includes a powered walker comprising a frame, a plurality of drive wheels coupled to the frame, to support handles coupled to the frame and positioned to be gripped by a person using the power walker, and a plurality of support rollers. The drive wheels may be powered by a motor coupled to the drive wheels through a drive linkage and responsive to control inputs from a user of the powered walker. A person using the powered walker may control the speed and direction of the powered walker through inputs on the handles utilized by the person for support.
In a first configuration, the powered walker may operate as a standard walker with power assist to provide assistance to a mobile person and thereby reduce the amount of exertion in walking. In a second configuration, the powered walker may be converted to a personal mobility device which permits a person to mount an articulable seat on the powered walker and utilize the powered wheels as locomotion for the person. The articulable seat may be pivotable about a horizontal axis from a stowed position wherein the articulable seat is contained within the confines of the frame of the powered walker to a use position wherein the articulable seat is in a horizontal orientation. The articulable seat may further comprise a trailing wheel to provide additional support for the weight of the persons seated on the articulable seat while the powered walker is being used in the second configuration.
The support handles of the powered walker may pivot about a horizontal axis from a support position when the powered walker is in the first configuration to a nonsupport position when the powered walker is in the second configuration. In the nonsupport position, the support handles may be positioned to such that a person supported on the articulable seat may access the controls of the powered walker in the seated position. The support rollers may be positioned to act as foot supports for a person utilizing the powered walker in the second configuration.
The system for assisting a person of limited mobility in moving from room to room within a home and performing essential daily activities further includes a toilet adapted for the mobility challenged. The toilet may comprise a bowl, a seat pivotably coupled to the bowl, and a lid pivotably coupled to the bowl. In some embodiments, the bowl may be vertically adjustable to change a height of the toilet. In other embodiments, the seat may be vertically adjustable to provide an appropriate height for a person of limited mobility. The seat and/or the bowl may be powered to assist with the vertical adjustment of the seat and/or the bowl.
In some embodiments, the bowl and or the seat may be configured to provide for mounting of the seat and/or the bowl from a straddled position wherein a person utilizing the toilet mounds the toilet in a forward facing orientation. In other embodiments, the seat and/or bowl may be raised such that a person may utilize the toilet in a semi-standing position. The bowl and/or seat may be angled such that a person utilizing the toilet in a semi-standing position may lean against the toilet seat during toileting.
In some embodiments the seat may be heated. Further, the bowl may comprise a spray nozzle within the bowl oriented to spray water onto a person utilizing the toilet. Also, the bowl may comprise a blower within the bowl, the blower oriented to blow air onto a person utilizing the toilet. In some embodiments, the air and/or water may be temperature controlled by a heater and/or a cooler, for example.
In some embodiments, the toilet may be positioned in a toileting area, the toileting area having support and assist devices positioned and configured to assist a person of limited mobility with mounting and dismounting the toilet. For example, the toilet area may include an assist arm coupled to a wall behind the toilet or coupled to a wall beside the toilet. In some embodiments an assist arm may be pivotable from a use position to an out-of-the-way position so that person of limited mobility may pivot the assist arm between the use and out-of-the-way positions. Further, and assist arm may be coupled to a ceiling and pivotable between a use position and an out-of-the-way position. In some embodiments, an assist arm may be powered such that a person utilizing the assist arm may be lifted from a seated position to a standing position during articulation of the assist arm.
The system for assisting a person of limited mobility in moving from room to room within a home and performing essential daily activities still further includes a shower which may comprise an enclosure, a spray head, and a floor drain. The shower may further comprise a powered assist mounted in an overhead configuration and operable to move an assist handle vertically to assist a person in transitioning between sitting and standing positions within the shower enclosure. In other embodiments, and assist arm may be coupled to a side of the enclosure and may be pivotable between a use position and an out-of-the-way position. In some embodiments, the assist arm may be powered and configured to assist a person in moving between the outside of the enclosure and the inside of the enclosure. Further, the assist arm may be coupled to the ceiling and pivotable between an out-of-the-way position and a use position.
In some embodiments the shower may include a light within the enclosure. In still other embodiments the shower may include an integrated seat for supporting a person during showering. In some embodiments the seat may be pivotable between a stowed position and a use position. The shower may further comprise a moveable spray head mounted overhead within the enclosure and movable to a plurality of positions within the enclosure.
The system for assisting a person of limited mobility in moving from room to room within a home and performing essential daily activities may also include a combination the shower and toilet which includes features as both the toilet discussed above and the shower discussed above. Further, the combination shower and toilet may also comprise an enclosure having a closeable top. When the shower and toilet are utilized in combination, the toileting area may comprise the enclosure for the shower. The combination toilet and shower may be configured such that a person may perform toileting activities within the combination shower and toilet while simultaneously showering. In some embodiments, the combination shower and toilet may include multiple shower heads and/or jets positioned on the walls of the enclosure to assist with showering.
The combination shower and toilet may comprise privacy doors which permit visual contact between an assistant assisting a person utilizing the combination shower and toilet while maintaining privacy for the person during toileting and/or showering activities. The privacy doors may comprise swing-out doors which cover a portion of an opening of the enclosure. The combination shower and toilet may also comprise a tambour door which may be lowered by a person utilizing the combination shower and toilet for privacy. Still further, the combination shower and toilet may comprise a shower curtain to prevent spray from the shower from exiting the combination shower and toilet.
The combination shower and toilet may comprise an assist arm moveable from between a use position and an out-of-the-way position. The assist arm may be coupled to a wall, to a ceiling, or within the enclosure. In some embodiments, the assist arm may be floor-mounted within the shower enclosure and articulable between a support position within the enclosure and an egress position wherein a person is supported by the assist arm outside of the enclosure. The assist arm may provide support to the person by supporting the arms of the person or supporting the person under the arms. The assist arm may be powered to provide assistance to an individual in transitioning between seated and standing positions.
In some embodiments, the shower may comprise a moveable shower head with a hose so that water may be directed by a person using the shower or shower and toilet combination as necessary to bathe.
The system for assisting a person of limited mobility in moving from room to room within a home and performing essential daily activities may still further include a bathing apparatus. The bathing apparatus may comprise a tub having a closeable door configured to permit easy entry and exiting by a person of limited mobility. In some embodiments, the tub may include a semicircular tub door configured to permit a person to enter the tub on a personal mobility device such as a wheelchair, for example. The tub may include a main portion and a wheelchair accessible portion. In some embodiments, the door may pivot about a substantially vertical axis between an open position and a substantially watertight closed position. In other embodiments, the door may pivot about a substantially horizontal axis between a lowered position wherein the door is useable as a ramp for a wheelchair or a person utilizing a walker and a substantially watertight closed position.
The bathing apparatus may further comprise a seat located within the tub. In some embodiments the seat may be pivotable between a use position and a stowed position. In other embodiments, the seat may be formed as a permanent structure within the tub. The seat may further include jets to spray water on portions of the body of a person occupying the seat which are not exposed and available for showering or bathing with a standard shower head. The tub may further comprise non-skid material within the tub to prevent a person of reduced mobility from slipping.
The bathing apparatus may further comprise an assist arm movable to assist a person from transitioning between a standing position and a seated position. In some embodiments, the assist arm may be powered. The bathing apparatus may also comprise a seat positioned outside of the bathing area of a tub for an assistant to set while assisting a person occupying the tub during bathing. In some embodiments the seat may be slideable between a plurality of positions. The seat may also be pivotable between a use position wherein an assistant may be seated on the seat and an out-of-the-way position wherein the seat is stowed.
The system for assisting a person of limited mobility in moving from room to room within a home and performing essential daily activities may yet still further include an articulating chair configured to provide for easy ingress and egress by a person of limited mobility. The chair may comprise a frame, a seat supported on the frame, a back supported on the frame and pivotable relative to the seat, and a leg support on the frame and pivotable relative to the seat. The back may be powered and the leg support may be powered independently of the back. In some embodiments, the back and the leg may articulate in unison between a sitting position and a reclined position.
In some embodiments the chair may further comprise articulable armrests which move between a use position and an out-of-the-way position. In the out-of-the-way position, the armrests may be positioned to provide clearance for a person to enter or exit the chair laterally. In some embodiments the armrest may form a support surface to support the lateral transfer.
The chair may further comprise an attached table adjacent the seat of the chair and articulable between an out-of-the-way position and a use position. Still further, the chair may comprise a storage module adjacent the chair, the storage module including a storage area, a cover for the storage area, and an armrest supported on the cover. The armrest may be pivotable to an out-of-the-way position such that the cover serves as a support for lateral transfer. The storage area may be temperature controlled.
The system for assisting a person of limited mobility in moving from room to room within a home and performing essential daily activities may include a personal relaxation system. The relaxation system may comprise an articulating bed with multiple articulating sections. The bed may comprise multiple bed portions, each portion including multiple articulating sections such that more than one person may occupy the relaxation system and adjust the bed portion of the system to a particular configuration. The bed portions may comprise a massage system to provide massage to a person supported on the bed portion. The bed portion may also comprise a system of air cells to support a person positioned on the bed portion. The air cells may be configured to be selectively and alternately rapidly inflated and deflated to provide massage to a person positioned on the bed portion. The bed portions may also be heated to provide temperature input to a person occupying the personal relaxation system.
The relaxation system may further comprise a canopy articulable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the canopy may substantially filter noise from outside the canopy so as to provide an occupant of the relaxation system a generally quiet environment. In the closed position, the canopy may form a projection screen for the projection of various images.
The relaxation system may also comprise a video projection system configured to project video images on the closed canopy. Also, the relaxation system may comprise a speaker, a CD player, a radio tuner, an aromatherapy device, or a temperature control device. The various components of the relaxation system may provide traditional entertainment in the form of music, movies, and television. Additionally, the relaxation system may be programmed to operate in conjunction with the massage, articulation, and heating of the bed portions to provide a relaxation therapy to a person or to persons occupying the relaxation system.
Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
For example, the star 44 represents a transition from a seat of a car 48 to standing position. The star 52 represents a transition between a floor and a system of stairs 14. The star 56 represents a transition between s standing position and a reclining position in a bath tub 58. The star 62 represents a transition from or to the shower and toilet combination system 34. All of these transitions require utilization of motor faculties and can be especially difficult for mobility challenged individuals. In an aging population, these transitions become more difficult and a typical home is not suited to ease the strength and dexterity required to make these transitions.
The present disclosure provides a system of devices and apparatus which may be used in a typical home to ease the stress of these transitions on those persons who may not be as strong or agile as the typical population. The home is also designed to be friendly to mobility challenged individuals. For example, the sink area 66 and the washing area 70 are designed to be personal mobility device assessable.
The back 112 further includes a grip 144, which may be used by a person to move the personal mobility device 100 by pushing or pulling the personal mobility device 100. The two armrests 116 and 120 are pivotably coupled to the frame 136 of the back 112 in and pivotable in two axes. Axis 113 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the back 112 and axis 115 is horizontal relative to seat 108. The pivoting of the armrests 116 and 120 allows the armrests 116 and 120 to be pivoted between a use position as shown in solid in
The control input 124 is a combination of joystick 148 and a multi-directional push button 152. The control input 124 is electrically connected to a controller (not shown). The control input 124 is located on the end of armrest 116 and is configured to be easily gripped by the hands of an occupant of the personal mobility device 100. The direction of and force exerted on the joystick 148 or the direction of and the force on the multi-directional push button 152, both controlled by the occupant, adjust the direction and the speed of the personal mobility device 100.
The upper portion 102 is mounted on the lower portion 104 where the bottom of the seat frame 128 interfaces with a frame 158 of the lower portion 104. The lower portion 104 includes a foot rest 156, a foot rest bracket 157, a frame 158, a controller (not shown), a drive system (not shown), a lift mechanism (not shown), multiple legs 159, drive rollers 160, and transfer drivers 164. The foot rest bracket 157 is pivotably coupled to the frame 158 and pivotable about a horizontal axis 155. The foot rest 156 has multiple patterns of anti-slip surface treatment 168 on the surface of the foot rest 156. The foot rest 156 extends forwardly from the foot rest bracket 157. The extension of the foot rest 156 from foot rest bracket 157 and the relative angle of the foot rest 156 to the frame 158 are adjustable to a plurality of positions and the foot rest 156 may be locked in position. The mounting of the foot rest 156 and the foot rest bracket 157 correspond to the location of the feet of a person seating in the seat 108 of the personal mobility device 100.
The transfer drivers 164 extend laterally from the personal mobility device 100 and engage a guide adjacent a stairway as described more fully in the illustrative embodiment of
The legs 159 extend outwardly from the frame 158. The legs are adjustably spaced around the bottom perimeter of the frame 158. The drive system responds to any change in forces experienced by the legs 159 and alters the spacing of the legs 159 around the perimeter of the frame 158 to compensate for changes in the horizontal location of the center of gravity of the person occupying the personal mobility device 100. The adjustment is accomplished by an active control system (not shown) which receives inputs from sensors (not shown) coupled to the legs 158. These sensors provide independent force readings responsive to the force being supported by a leg. These readings are utilized by a controller (not shown) to resolve the various forces in the legs 158 to determine the horizontal location of the resulting downward force. Once this location is known, the legs 158 are moved to compensate and provide support for the load on the personal mobility device 100.
Drive rollers 160 are located in legs 159 and provide locomotion of the personal mobility device 100. Referring to
Referring now to
Referring now to
The lower portion 1706 has the base 1720, first and second drive wheels 1722, 1726, two trailing casters 1728, a lift mechanism 1732, and transfer drivers 164. A first motor (not shown) drives wheel 1722 and a second motor (not shown) drives wheel 1726. Drive wheels 1722 and 1726 operate independently so that the personal mobility device 1700 can achieve a zero turn radius and reverse direction. The base 1720 is formed to receive trailing casters 1728 which are located rearwardly from the drive wheels 1722, 1726. The trailing casters 1728 are un-powered and free to swivel on the wheel stems (not shown). The drive wheels 1722, 1726 and the trailing casters 1728 provide four points of rolling contact with the floor.
The lift mechanism 1732 includes a drive motor (not shown), a lift linkage (not shown), and a cover 1736. The motor is electrically connected to a battery and the controller. A control panel 1709 includes a raise activation button 1711 and a lower activation button 1713 which are configured to control the height of the personal mobility device 1700. A user raises the seat 1708 of personal mobility device 1700 by activating button 1711 and lowers the seat 1708 by activating a button 1713. The height adjustment of personal mobility device 1700 is also operable to serve as a lift assist mechanism to assist a person to egress from the personal mobility device 1700 by lifting their body while their feet are stationary on the floor. The lift mechanism 1732 is configured so that as the seat 1708 is lifted to its highest position, the back 1705 of seat 1708 is elevated more than the front 1707 of the seat 1708 during a final portion of the articulation to thereby ease the exit and entry of the seat 1708 by a person. The elevated position of the personal mobility device 1700 is shown in phantom in
Yet another embodiment of a personal mobility device 1800, shown in
The lower portion 1806 has a base 1828, a lift 1830, a drive motor (not shown) and multiple stability casters 1836. The base 1828 is generally hemispherical in shape with an open bottom. The drive motor (not shown) is coupled to the base 1828 and is electrically connected to a controller (not shown) and a battery (not shown). The controller and the battery are both coupled to the base 1828 and are hidden from view within the base 1828. The stability casters 1836 are coupled to the perimeter of the bottom edge of the base 1828. The stability casters 1836 are free to swivel about their stem and free to rotate about their axes. Lower portion 1806 also includes transfer drivers 164 coupled to base 1828 in a manner similar to that described above in the discussion of other embodiments of personal mobility devices 40, 100, and 1700.
The lift 1830 is coupled to the base 1828 and the seat 1808 is coupled to the top of the lift 1830. Lift 1830 includes a drive motor (not shown), a lift mechanism (not shown), a height adjuster 1840 and a cover 1842. The motor is electrically connected to the battery, the controller, and the height adjuster 1840. The height adjuster 1840 is configured to control the height of the personal mobility device 1800.
A tubular handlebar 2020 is coupled to the base 2008. Attached to the two ends of handlebar 2020 are a pair of controls 2022, 2026, that control the speed and direction of the personal mobility device 2000.
The stability casters 2102 are coupled to lower portion 2100 and position about the perimeter of the bottom of the housing 2108. Stability casters 2102 are free to swivel about their stem (not shown) and are free to rotate and provide multiple points of contact with the floor to provide additional stability for a personal mobility device.
A person using personal mobility device 40, 100 has the ability to utilize the personal mobility device 40, 100 to move throughout a single level of the home 10. However, movement between floors is limited. The exemplary embodiment of the personal mobility device 40, 100 is configured to assist in the transfer of the person occupying the device 40, 100 from a first elevation to a second elevation.
Referring to
Personal mobility device 100 of
The transfer drivers 164 are configured such that they cannot be retracted from the tracks 220, 222, 226 and 230 while the transfer drivers 164 have not passed the safety point 232 on track 220, safety point 236 on track 222, safety point 240 on track 226, and safety point 242 on track 230, when the personal mobility device 100 moves from the elevated level 206 to the floor level 202. Similarly, the transfer drivers 164 cannot be retracted from the tracks 220, 222, 226 and 230 while the transfer drivers 164 have not passed the safety point 246 on track 220, safety point 250 on track 222, safety point 252 on track 226, and safety point 256 on track 230, when the personal mobility device 100 moves from the floor level 202 to the elevated level 206. This provides a safety feature so that a person using the device 100 cannot accidentally retract the transfer drivers 164 and cause the person to fall.
In some cases, a person may have a higher level of mobility and does not need a full-time personal mobility device such as the personal mobility devices 40 or 100. In some instances, a mobility assist device may be more appropriate and provide the person with a higher sense of independence. For example, a powered walker 472 having a drive system 475, drive wheels 474, 476, a frame 478, a control handle 480, a seat 482, and a stability wheel 484 is shown in
If the person 486 becomes fatigued, the powered walker 472 is convertible to allow the person to operate the powered walker 472 as a personal mobility device. Seat 482 rotates about a substantially horizontal axis 488 between an out-of-the-way position shown in solid and a use position as shown in phantom. The stability wheel 484 is stowed in a cavity inside the frame 478 when the stability wheel 484 and the seat 482 are in the out-of-the-way position as shown in solid in
An additional issue associated with mobility and independence is the need for a person to transfer from the personal mobility device 40, 100 to other furniture within the home. As described above, the personal mobility device 100 has pivotable armrests 116, 120 which move to an out-of-the-way position to facilitate a lateral transfer onto and off of the personal mobility device 100. This approach facilitates the lateral transfer to other furniture in the home.
Referring to
The pivotable tray 242 is pivotably coupled to a vertical support rod 270 which is couple to the top of the temperature controlled storage unit 242. The tray 242 can pivot over arm 236 into a use position as shown in phantom or out-of-the-way position as shown in solid in
Referring now to
Another embodiment of a chair 350 having a pivotable tray 352, armrests 356, 360, transfer plates 362, 366, and temperature controlled storage units 370, 372 is shown in
While chairs 230, 280, 310 and 350 provide amenities to facilitate a long-term occupation of the chair 230, 280, 310 or 350, at times it will be necessary or preferable for a person to spend an extended period of time in bed due to illness or injury. These extended periods of convalescence tend to reduce the perception of independence. Addressing the extended periods of convalescence through comfort devices assists in providing a sense of independence by eliminating the need for convalescence in a clinical setting.
A personal relaxation system 420 is shown in
The powered canopy 422 has a top 426, sides 438, 440, a stationary frame 442, a moving frame 444, a power unit 446, and guides 448, 450. The top 426 and sides 438, 440 are flexible and foldable. Stationary frame 442 is coupled to the wall 452 at the head end of the bed 424. The end of the top 426 and the end of sides 438, 440 are attached to the stationary frame 442. Moving frame 444 has telescoping members 454. As moving frame 444 is articulated from the out-of-the-way position to the use position, telescoping members 454 extend in an arc and support the upper edge of sides 438, 440 and the adjoining edges of top 426. The power unit 446 has a motor which is operable to articulate the moving frame 444 between a use position as shown in
The bed 424 of the personal relaxation system is separated into individual sections 428, 430 which are independently articulable so that a person on either section 428, 430 may adjust the section to a desired position. The sections 428, 430 have multiple portions 432, 434, 436 in each section. Head portion 432, thigh portion 434, and leg portion 436 are independently articulable to multiple positions to allow a person on sections 428, 430 to adjust the section to a desired position. Each portion has independently operable temperature control and massage therapy so that a person can selectively choose to massage and provide temperature control to the appropriate portions of their sections. Additionally, each portion of each section has independently adjustable mattress firmness adjustment so as to allow a person to tailor the sleep surface portion's firmness to achieve relaxation. The operation of the personal relaxation system 420 is controlled by user inputs 483 located on which is configured to control all aspects of the personal relaxation system 420 including the power canopy, bed articulation, mattress portion firmness, massage control, bed temperature control, air temperature control, aromatherapy, air purification, sound, and video. Including the programming of a specific therapy profile for a particular time or particular user.
Maintaining personal hygiene and toileting independence are important aspects of maintaining a sense of independence for the mobility challenged individual. The ability to access a bathing or toileting apparatus with little or no intervention provides a high sense of independence as well assists making transitions comfortable for the mobility challenged. The present disclosure includes several embodiments of toileting and bathing systems which provide improved access for mobility challenged individuals.
Referring now to
Another embodiment of a toilet 600 wherein the toilet has a narrow bowl 602, a water tank 604, and seat 606 and is adjacent to an assist system 610 is shown in
The assist handle 622 is coupled to the track 630 and is moveable vertically to adjust to a desired position. The narrow bowl 602 is coupled to the track 630 and the height of the bowl 620 is adjustable vertically as shown in phantom, thus an elderly, incapacitated or mobility challenged person can easily slide from, such as a personal mobility device to the toilet bowl 602. The proper height of the bowl 602 allows the person sitting on the toilet to be in a comfortable knee position without having to bend their knees when the toilet is too low. While the illustrative embodiment of
In some instances, it may be appropriate to provide an area which provides for both toileting and bathing so as to reduce the need for multiple transfers for a person who is mobility challenged. One embodiment of a combination shower and toilet 700 is shown in
The floor drain 716 comprises the entire area in the bottom of the shower/toilet 700. The floor drain 716 is slightly concave so that the water is directed to the drainage hole 762. The entire floor drain 716 has a non-skid surface to reduce the potential for slipping on the floor drain 716 when it is wet. The tambour door 742 has a handle 766. When the tambour door handle 766 is pulled downwardly or pushed upwardly, the tambour door 742 glides through the door guides 746, 750 to close or open. When a person uses toilet 702, privacy doors 710, 712 may be closed by the person, if desired. When a person showers, privacy doors 710, 712 are closed and tambour door 742 is pulled downwardly so that a lower portion of door 742 is adjacent to privacy doors 710, 712 to form a tight water seal.
Another embodiment of a combination shower and toilet 800 is shown in
Bathing is an essential daily life task and is of prime concern to persons of limited mobility in maintaining their independence. Various assistance devices and adaptations to bathing apparatuses are described herein which provide persons of limited mobility a sense of independence in the process of bathing.
For example, an assistance device 1100 to provide support for a person in a shower is shown in
The support 1110 is a j-shape with the long leg of the j telescoping from the mount 1106 and the shorter leg of the j coupled to the assist portion 1116 at the bracket 1130 (not shown). The telescoping of the support 1110 within the mount 1106 is accomplished by a linear actuator (not shown) which may be operated by the person utilizing the assistance device 1100 or by another person who is to help the person using the assistance device 1100 inside the shower stall 1102. The linear actuator is an electromechanical device connected between the mount 1106 and the support 1110. Other devices for linear actuation may be employed such as hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or the like. The controls of the actuation are not shown, but may be located on one of the arms 1120, 1122 of the assist portion 1116, or may be located on the wall next to the assistance device 1100. The assist device 1100 may be utilized to assist a person to transition between standing and sitting positions or may be used as a support for a person in a standing position such as in the shower stall 1102. The assistance device 1100 is substantially waterproof and electrically isolated for safety. The assistance device 1100 of the illustrative embodiment of
Yet another embodiment of a bathing apparatus 1200 is shown in
The door 1206 is coupled to the side 1230 of main body 1202 so as to pivot at a substantially vertical axis 1258 from an open position shown in
Fill spout 1210 is located on a wall 1235 and oriented to fill the main body of the bathing apparatus 1200 near the feet of a person occupying the bathing apparatus 1200. The flow selector 1212 is a typical mixing selector permitting a person to infinitely adjust the mix of hot and cold water. There is a selector (not shown) which allows the person to select the outlet for flow (i.e. fill spout 1210, fixed spray head 1216, or flexible moveable spray head 1220). Fixed spray head 1216 is located above main body 1202 and is directed at the integrated seat 1240 area. The fixed spray head 1216 is directable in various directions. The fixed spray head 1216 has an adjustable head portion 1266 which permits a user to vary the intensity of the flow from the fixed spray head 1216. The head portion 1266 is coupled to an extension 1268 which is coupled to plumbing behind wall 1270. The flexible moveable spray head 1220 has a head portion 1272, a body 1276, and a hose 1278. The head portion 1272 is adjustable to allow a user to vary the intensity of flow from the flexible moveable spray head 1220. The body 1276 is ergonomically shaped to facilitate ease of use. The hose 1278 is coupled to the extension 1268 of fixed spray head 1216 at a bypass valve (not shown) which permits flow through extension 1268 to be directed to either fixed spray head 1216 or moveable spray head 1220.
Yet still another embodiment of a bathing apparatus 1300 is shown in
Referring now to
The frame portion 1506 has four legs 1550, 1552, 1556, 1558 (not shown), an upper frame 1560, and two tracks 1562, 1566. The legs 1550, 1552, 1556, 1558, are all located outside of the tub portion 1502 and all are fixed to the floor. The upper frame 1560 is coupled to all four legs 1550, 1552, 1556, and 1558. In addition two tracks 1562, 1566, the upper frame has four members 1570. 1572, 1576, 1578. Members 1570 and 1576 are parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal length of the tub portion 1502. The members 1572 and 1578 are parallel to each other and connect to members 1570 and 1576 at each end. The bathing apparatus 1500 has two walls 1580, 1582, 1580 being adjacent to side 1514 and 1582 being adjacent to side 1510. The two walls 1580 and 1582 provide partial enclosure of the bathing apparatus 1500. The curtain 1588 slides along a curtain rod 1586. The curtain rod 1586 is curved and extends around the open portion of the bathing apparatus 1500. The two walls 1580, 1582, and the curtain 1588 provide a complete enclosure for the bathing apparatus 1500.
The shower portion 1508 has a handle 1590, a lift 1592, rollers 1596, a body 1598, and shower head (not shown). The rollers 1596 are coupled to the body 1598 and roll along tracks 1562 and 1566 so as to allow the shower portion 1508 to move longitudinally over the tub portion 1502. The lift 1592 is operable to change the elevation of the handle 1590 and provide lift assistance to a person in the bathing apparatus 1500. The person can grip the handle 1590 and be lifted by the lift 1592 to assist him in standing or to assist him in and moving from a standing position to a seated position.
Although certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail above, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of this disclosure as described and as defined in the following claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/472,220, filed May 26, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,306, issued Mar. 15, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/204,633, filed Aug. 16, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,069, issued May 26, 2009, which claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/601,924, filed Aug. 16, 2004 and 60/611,407, filed Sep. 20, 2004, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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