Patent Grant
9662252
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a stand assist apparatus. More particularly, the present invention concerns a stand assist apparatus for facilitating the standing up from a seated position or, alternatively, sitting down from a standing position. Even more particularly, the present invention concerns a stand assist apparatus positionable around an armless seat, such as a toilet or chair.
2. Description of Related Art
While the act of standing up and/or sitting down may not be difficult for most, elderly people or other non-fully ambulatory people, such as those recovering from an injury or surgery find standing and sitting to be a painful task. The danger of standing and sitting down for these people may result in either falling or incurring further injury from excess strain on their back and/or legs, thereby delaying recovery or further aggravating an existing injury.
Those experiencing difficulty in standing or sitting find it even more problematic where the seat fails to include armrests to support oneself. These seats commonly include smaller chairs, stools, toilets, and the like. Without the use of armrests, the person has nothing to support his or her weight on and must rely exclusively on leg strength.
The related art has addressed this situation by proposing a number of solutions including standard walkers and other devices that can be situated around an armless seat. While walkers are not specifically designed to assist one in standing up or being seated, they, therefore, cannot be properly adjusted based on the size of the chair with which the walker is being used with or the size of the person using the walker.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,354 to Alexander teaches an orthopedic walker having a rear crossbar interconnecting a pair of side frames. This is the standard construction of most walkers. This construction, having only a single crossbar, allows one to extend his or her legs between the side frames while walking. Although each of the side frames in Alexander has an adjustable height, the length of the crossbar is not adjustable and, therefore, the width of the walker cannot be adjusted for those requiring a smaller or larger width based on the size of the chair or the user.
Other walkers, or similarly structured devices are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,607,926, 2,773,542, 2,796,916, 3,011,179, 5,347,666, 5,950,258, and 6,170,501.
Each of the above devices are directed toward either assisting one in standing up from a seated position or, once in a standing position, walking about with ease. Nonetheless, the devices fail to include an adjustable crossbar providing the ability to adjust the width based on the size of the seat and/or the person using the device. Because of this deficiency, a user attempting to stand or sit is forced to position his or her hands either further apart from or closer to one another at a distance that may not be ideal for his or her specific body type. Additionally, because the width is not adjustable, these devices are limited to only being used on seats that fit between the side frames and no wider.
While the related art does disclose stand assist devices providing an adjustable width, as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,995,412 and 7,373,942, and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2011/0232665 and 2015/0224004, these devices are severely limited in the manner in which they fold, if at all.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,412 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0224004 fail to teach a device that folds at all. Due to their widths being adjustable and having varying dimensions, the devices only fold once completely dismantled.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 7,373,942 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0232665 each teach a device having an adjustable width that does not prevent the device from folding. While each of the devices taught therein includes at least one lockable crossbar interconnecting a pair of side frames on one side of the device, in order to fold the devices, the side frames are rotated inwardly toward the crossbar to provide a trifold and create a substantially flattened device. The downfall in these devices is that, despite the side frames being locked in place with the at least one crossbar prior to folding, pressure applied to the side frames while standing up or being seated may cause inadvertent rotation since there is no crossbar at the opposite end of the side frames.
Therefore, while each of the devices disclosed in the above references are suitable for the uses and problems they intend to solve, there is an ongoing need for improvements in a stand assist apparatus, such as one that includes an adjustable width to be situated around various sized seats and provides sufficient support without limiting the ability of the device to be folded.
It is to this to which the present invention is directed.
The above references are identified herein in recognition of a duty of disclosure of known related subject matter, which may be relevant under 37 CFR 1.56, and specifically incorporated, herein by reference as regards to the conventional approaches and constructions taught therein.
The present invention provides a stand assist apparatus comprising: (a) a first frame and a second frame, the first and second frames each including: (i) a front leg and a back leg; (ii) a support bar having a first end and a second end, the support bar interconnecting the front leg and the back leg, the support bar including a handle portion connected to the first end of the support bar and extending opposite the second end of the support bar, the handle portion being disposed directly above the front leg; (b) an upper adjustable member and a lower adjustable member for adjusting the distance between the first and second frames, the upper adjustable member interconnecting the back legs and the lower adjustable member interconnecting the front legs, the upper and lower adjustable members each being coupled to the frames at opposing ends of each of the adjustable members; (c) means for pivoting disposed at each end of the upper and lower adjustable members; (d) means for locking disposed at at least one end of each of the upper and lower adjustable members; and wherein the stand assist apparatus is foldable by releasing the means for locking and allowing the frames to fold together vertically as the upper and lower adjustable members simultaneously pivot about the means for pivoting.
In use, the stand assist apparatus is placed over an armless seat, such as a toilet. The user is assisted in standing up or being seated by gripping the handle portion of each frame and applying pressure to raise or lower the user, respectively.
Where the user desires the width of the stand assist apparatus to be adjusted, the adjustable members may be adjusted to either increase or decrease the distance between the frames.
When each of the adjustable members is unlocked, either the first or second frame may be repositioned and brought closer to the other frame as the adjustable members pivot therein, thus causing the frames to abut against one another in a vertical fashion.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawing and detailed description. In the drawing, like reference numerals refer to like parts through the several views, in which:
Now, and in accordance with the present invention and with reference to
As shown in
The front leg 20 may be a substantially linear element or, alternatively, may include, as shown, an angular portion 27 proximate the first end 22 of the front leg 20, which extends toward the back leg 26. The angular portion 27 provides a clearance 29 for one to position his or her hand during use in front of the angular portion 27, as noted below.
A pair of stoppers 32, 34 are disposed on the second ends 24, 30 of the front and back legs 20, 26, respectively. The stoppers 32, 34 are preferably formed from rubber or other suitable friction material in order to provide optimal traction when the stand assist apparatus 10 is in use.
An elongated support bar 36, having a first end 38 and a second end 40, interconnects the front and back legs 20, 26. The support bar 36 further includes a handle portion 42 extending laterally and outwardly from the first end 38 of the support bar 36 opposite the second end 40 of the support bar 36. The handle portion 42, having an exterior surface 43, is preferably an extension 44 of the first end 38 of the support bar 36 and comprise a cushion material 46 wrapped around the exterior surface thereof. The handle portion 42 is disposed directly above and substantially perpendicular to the front leg 20 in order to ensure optimal weight distribution above the stand assist device 10 when the user stands up or sits down. When either standing or sitting, the user's hand enters the clearance 29 in front of the angular portion 27 in order to quickly find and grasp the handle portion 42 without being obstructed by the front leg 20.
The first end 22 of the front leg 20 is connected to the support bar 36 proximate the first end 38 of the support bar 36 and the first end 28 of the back leg 26 is connected to the second end 40 of the support bar 36. Where desired, the back leg 26 and support bar 36 may be integrally formed to provide improved structural durability.
Preferably, an elongated stabilization bar 48, having a first end 50 and a second end 52, is employed below and parallel to the support bar 36 to provide improved stability to the stand assist apparatus 10. The stabilization bar 48 interconnects the front and back legs 20, 26 proximate the second ends 24, 30 thereof.
As noted above, the second frame 14 is identical in structure to the first frame 12. Therefore, the second frame 14, similarly, includes a front leg 20′, having a first end 22′ and a second end 24′, and a back leg 26′, having a first end 28′ and a second end 30′. As described with regards to the first frame 12, a pair of stoppers 32′, 34′ are disposed on the second ends 24′, 30′ of the front and back legs 20′, 28′, respectively.
The second frame 14 further includes a support bar 36′ having a first end 38′, a second end 40′, and a handle portion 42′ identical in structure to the support bar 36 of the first frame 12.
Where the stabilization bar 48 is utilized on the first frame 12, an identical stabilization bar 48′, having a first end 50′ and a second end 52′, is preferably employed on the second frame 14 as well, which interconnects the front leg 20′ and the back leg 26′.
Preferably, each of the frames 12, 14 is integrally formed from any suitable material such as tubular aluminum or the like, but, alternatively, the individual components that comprise the frames 12, 14 may be separable from one another for repair or transportation purposes.
The length of the stand assist apparatus 10 is specifically defined by the length of the stabilization bars 48, 48′, if used, and positioning of the support bars 36, 36′ relative to the front and back legs 20, 26, 20′, 26′, of the first and second frames 12, 14, respectively.
As shown in
As noted above, the stand assist apparatus 10 includes an upper adjustable member 16 and a lower adjustable member 18 for adjusting the width of the stand assist apparatus 10 and the distance between the first and second frames 12, 14. While the upper adjustable member 16 interconnects the back legs 26, 26′ proximate the first ends 28, 28′, the lower adjustable member 18 interconnects the front legs 20, 20′ proximate the second ends 24, 24′. As the adjustable members 16, 18 are identical in structure, the following detailed description will be made with reference to only the upper adjustable member 16.
As shown in
The outer tube 58 comprises a plurality of openings 70 spaced apart from one another and formed along the length of the outer tube 58. Preferably, the plurality of openings 70 are formed proximate the first end 60 of the outer tube 58. The outer tube 58 further comprises means for locking 72 provided proximate the second end 62, which locks the outer tube 58 in a substantially horizontal position. The means for locking 72 includes a spring-loaded button 74 disposed within and extending outwardly from and normal to the outer tube 58. Pressure applied to the spring-loaded button 74 causes it to compress within the outer tube 58. The spring-loaded button 74 cooperates with a first mounting bracket 76, described below, which couples the outer tube 58 to the back leg 26′ of the second frame 14. Additionally, an interior pivot hole 78 is formed in the outer tube 58 proximate the second end 62 to facilitate means for pivoting 80, described below, which cooperates with the first mounting bracket 76.
Regarding the inner tube 64, the diameter of the inner tube 64 is smaller than the diameter of the outer tube 58 to allow the inner tube 64 to be slidably insertable into the open first end 60 of the outer tube 58. The inner tube 64 further comprises a spring-loaded button 82 disposed within and proximate the first end 66 of the inner tube 64. The spring-loaded button 82 protrudes outwardly from and normal to the inner tube 64, thereby being accessible from the exterior thereof. Similar to the spring-loaded button 74 in the outer tube, the spring-loaded button 82 here also compresses within the inner tube 74 when depressed. The spring-loaded button 82 is in registry with a corresponding one of the plurality of openings 70 on the outer tube 58 based on the length of the inner tube 64 that is inserted into the outer tube 58.
An interior pivot hole 84 is formed in the inner tube 64 proximate the second end 68 to facilitate means for pivoting 80′, similar to means for pivoting 80, which cooperates with a second mounting bracket 86, described below.
As noted above, the first mounting bracket 76 is disposed proximate the second end 62 of the outer tube 58 for coupling the outer tube 58 to the second frame 14. The first mounting bracket 76 includes a first end 88 and a second end 90. The first mounting bracket 76 is mounted to the back leg 26′ of the second frame 14 by any suitable means such as a fastener at 92. An exterior pivot hole 91, in registry with the interior pivot hole 78 in the outer tube 58, is formed in the first mounting bracket 76 to accommodate the means for pivoting 80. The means for pivoting 80 comprises any suitable pivot, such as a rivet or the like, and pivotally secures the outer tube 58 to the first mounting bracket 76. The first mounting bracket 76 further includes a recess 94 formed therein proximate the first end 88. A recess opening 96 is formed within the center of the recess 94 and is in registry with the spring-loaded button 74 when the outer tube 58 is in a substantially horizontal position. The recess 94 makes it easier for a user to access and press the spring-loaded button 74, thereby releasing the means for locking 72 and allowing the outer tube 58 to pivot about the means for pivoting 80.
The second mounting bracket 86 is disposed proximate the second end 68 of the inner tube 64 for coupling the inner tube 64 to the first frame 12. The second mounting bracket 86 includes a first end 88 and a second end 90. The second mounting bracket 86 is mounted to the back leg 26 of the first frame 12 by any suitable means such as a fastener at 102. Similar to the first mounting bracket 76, an exterior pivot hole 104, in registry with the interior pivot hole 84 in the inner tube 64, is formed in the second mounting bracket 86 to accommodate the means for pivoting 80′. The means for pivoting 80′, like the means for pivoting 80, comprises any suitable pivot, such as a rivet or the like, and pivotally secures the inner tube 64 to the second mounting bracket 86.
Where desired, an additional means for locking (not shown) including a spring-loaded button and recess opening may be formed on the inner tube 64 and the second mounting bracket 86, respectively.
In use, where the stand assist apparatus 10 is in the open or unfolded position, the user initially adjusts the distance between frames 12, 14 by pressing the spring-loaded button 82 on the inner tube 64 of both the upper and lower adjustable members 16, 18 and repositioning the inner tube 64 within the outer tube 58 accordingly. The spring-loaded button 82 is then positioned within any corresponding one of the plurality of openings 70 in the outer tube 58. Once the width of the stand assist apparatus 10 is appropriately sized, it is placed over the top of an armless seat or toilet. The stand assist apparatus 10 may remain in this position to avoid repeated positioning or, alternatively, may be folded and stored when not in use.
Where the user desires to fold the stand assist apparatus 10, the user releases the means for locking 72 on each of the adjustable members 16, 18 by pressing the spring-loaded button 74 on the outer tube 58, which is accessible through the recess opening 96 of the first mounting bracket 76.
Thereafter, as shown in
Referring now to
Additionally, means for locking 178 is disposed proximate the second end 166 of the outer tube 162 and, preferably, an additional means for locking 180 is disposed proximate the second end 172 of the inner tube 168. Each means for locking 178, 180 includes an elongated channel 182, 184 formed in the outer and inner tubes 162, 168, respectively, and a slidable lock 186, 188 movably disposed within each channel 182, 184.
A first mounting bracket 190, having a first end 192 and a second end 194, and a second mounting bracket 196, having a first end 198 and a second end 200, are disposed at opposing ends 166, 172 of the adjustable member 160.
The first mounting bracket 190 is secured to the back leg 26′ of the second frame 14 by any suitable fastener at 206.
The second mounting bracket 196 is similarly secured to the back leg 26 of the first frame 12 by any suitable fastener at 208.
Each mounting bracket 190, 196 includes an inwardly directed cavity 202, 204 formed therein which extends from respective first ends 192, 198 of the first and second mounting brackets 190, 196. Each cavity 202, 204 is in alignment with an associated channel 182, 184 when the adjustable member 160 is in a substantially horizontal position. Thus, the slidable locks 186, 188 may be slid into and out of position within each cavity 202, 204 in order to lock or unlock the adjustable member 160 in its horizontal position.
Means for pivoting 210, 212, similar to the means for pivoting 80, 80′, pivotally secure the outer and inner tubes 162, 168 to the first and second mounting brackets 190, 196, respectively. The means for pivoting 210, 212 include any suitable fastener such as a rivet or the like.
Utilizing the second embodiment of the adjustable member 160, the user folds the stand assist apparatus 10 by individually sliding each of the slidable locks 186, 188 through their respective channel 182, 184, thereby sliding out of an associated cavity 202, 204 in the first and second mounting bracket, 190, 196, respectively. Once the slidable locks 186, 188 are removed from the associated cavity 202, 204, the adjustable member 160 is free to pivot about the means for pivoting 210, 212. This pivoting motion of the adjustable member 160, illustrated by dashed lines in
Where the second embodiment of the adjustable member 160 is substituted for the first embodiment of the upper and lower adjustable members 16, 18 and means for locking 178, 180 are disposed at opposing ends 166, 172, a total of four means for locking are employed in the stand assist apparatus 10. The means for locking 178, 180 here do not require simultaneous operation and can be individually locked and unlocked. Further, including means for locking 178, 180 at each end 166, 172 of the adjustable member 160 further stabilizes the stand assist apparatus 10 and prevents unintentional folding.
From the above, it is to be appreciated that defined herein is a new and unique stand assist apparatus providing improved stability utilizing both an upper and lower adjustable member, having an adjustable length to accommodate various sized seats and toilets. The use of both upper and lower adjustable members being pivotally attached to the frames allow the assist apparatus to fold vertically.
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|---|---|---|
| 11047038 | Feb 1999 | JP |
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