EP1550427B1 - Device for posture changing and/or transport of a handicapped person, specially for care at home - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a supporting frame with a perpendicular base, in which a foot rest, chest seat-back, lower shank rest and height adjustable head support are arranged for admission of a patient. A swingable support pair is arranged at an end of a base frame that is attached with the base. Another end of the base frame serves as a grip for handling the device. The chest seat is placed in an upper end of a stretcher rack.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of auxiliary means for assisting the movement and / or the change of posture for handicapped persons and relates to a device for the change of posture and / or the transport of such a person, especially for care home.

Mobility assistance for persons with permanent or temporary disabilities who have difficulty in changing position and mobility is usually achieved by means of devices specific to each need, such as portal lifts for lifting and transferring. said persons from one support to another or to a specific device and means of transfer of the wheelchair type.

Gantry lifting means, also called patient lifts, generally comprise a frame mounted on rollers and a lifting arm provided with a hooking device for straps of a transfer seat. These known lifting means have led to the care facilities adaptations care facilities or rest, such as beds, baths and the like, to allow, during the operation of said lifting means with patients, a displacement of the lower part of the frame provided with rollers under said installations.

Such a means is in particular known by DE-U-202 19,389 and is especially adapted to healthcare facilities, so that domestic use is possible only at the cost of costly adaptations. In addition, the implementation of these means generally requires proven professional skills and their storage after use requires significant space. It follows that the use of known maneuvering means is very limited in the field of home care.

GB 2,290,757 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

In addition, these known means generally solicit the spine of the nursing staff in the sense of a load, leading in the long term health problem for said staff, especially back pain. In addition, it poses for the patients a problem of maintenance in bed, which causes a disruption of the biological rhythms, so that there can be confusion between day and night, the patient sleeping the day and not finding sleep anymore the night.

The nursing staff may be tempted, for this purpose, to intervene by prescription drugs facilitating nighttime sleep, with, however, the consequence of the risk of side effects. In fact, it is important to keep the patient out of bed, while seated, to read, to eat or to watch TV shows, even while standing or walking, to perform exercises to promote mineralization of the body. skeleton, as well as to prevent muscle atrophy.

The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by providing a device for the change of posture and / or the transport of a disabled person, including home care, allowing easy and simple use and storage in a restricted volume .

For this purpose, the device for the change of posture and / or the transport of a disabled person, in particular for home care, is characterized by the technical elements of the characterizing part of claim 1.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention, et
• les figures 2 à 12 sont des vues en élévation latérale représentant le dispositif dans différentes positions de service, ainsi qu'en position de repliement.

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which refers to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention, and
• the Figures 2 to 12 are side elevational views showing the device in different service positions, as well as in the folding position.

The figure 1 appended drawings represents a device for the change of posture and / or the transport of a disabled person, especially for home care, which is intended to lift a patient from a given position, for example to a bed ( figure 2 ), and to transport to a place of care or to provide travel assistance to a person with reduced mobility ( figure 9 ) or to constitute a provisional support awaiting treatment.

According to the invention and as shown in figure 1 appended drawings, this device is essentially constituted by a frame vertical support and tilting wheel A and a horizontal support assembly B can be folded on the vertical support rolling chassis in the non-use position of the device.

The vertical support and tilting frame A is constituted by a vertical support frame 1 mounted on two wheels 2 and provided with a front anti-tilt stop 3 provided on the vertical support frame 1, by a device 4 of FIG. front support for the legs, by a headrest 5 adjustable in height, by a stop 6 of support of the chest, and by a device 7 of articulation of the horizontal support assembly B. The latter is constituted by a frame 8 articulated on the vertical support frame 1 of the vertical support and tilting frame A, extending behind the abutment 6 support of the chest, by a seat 9 mounted at least partially removable or pivotable on the frame 8 behind the abutment 6 support of the chest, by a means 10 of posture change maneuver mounted on the frame 8, the opposite side to the seat 9, and by a retractable backrest 11 mounted on the frame 8 at its opposite end to the means 10 d e postural change maneuver.

The anti-tilt stop before 3 is mounted on the vertical support frame 1 at the axle of the wheels 2 which are provided with a reversible locking means operable via a pedal 12 (FIG. figure 1 ). This stop 3 is intended to maintain the device in certain positions against an accidental tilting forward and simultaneously forms, at its end remote from the vertical support frame 1, a support element for a voluntary tilting of the assembly of the device, via the posture change maneuvering means 10 ( figure 5 ).

The support device 4 for the legs is intended to allow a patient, sitting on the seat 9 of the device and whose feet rest on the lower crossbar of the frame 1 forming the wheel axle 2, to support by its legs against said device 4 which thus forms, simultaneously, a stop against a sliding forward.

The height-adjustable headrest 5 is mounted on the vertical support frame 1 by means of a telescopic tube 5 'sliding in the vertical support frame 1 and can be fixed in position by means of a screw. knurled head or the like 14. Thus, the headrest 5 can be adjusted exactly according to the size of the patient, so as to ensure the latter an optimal comfort in a position, for example, sitting in progress transfer ( figure 3 ), sitting in the normal position of occupancy ( figure 4 ) or switching to a change of position ( figures 5 , 7 and 11 ). This adjustable headrest 5 has, preferably, two lateral elements 5 '' forming facial supports These elements 5 '' can be made of synthetic material with a flexible coating and can be connected to a central element fixed to the telescopic tube 5 ', by elastically deformable connections allowing ergonomic adaptation.

In its different positions, the support abutment 6 of the chest may advantageously provide additional support to the patient to ensure better comfort and is preferably formed as a concave plate, synthetic material or other.

The device 7 for articulating the patient support assembly B preferably consists of a sleeve, a U-shaped profile or the like, extending perpendicularly with respect to the vertical axis of the vertical support frame 1, this sleeve forming a fixing bearing for a hinge axis 8 'of the frame 8 and being fixed thereto. The hinge axis 8 'of the frame 8 is connected to said frame 8 by means of an intermediate frame 8 ", inserted into said frame 8 and further provided parallel to the hinge axis 8', a stiffening section 8 "'and a locking means in position 15 consisting of self-locking latches operable at the opening, independently or by means of a common operating lever. Thus, the locking in position of the frame 8 on the vertical support frame 1 is perfectly ensured.

The seat 9 is mounted on the frame 8 by means of eyelets 9 'in the form of straps, removable cut plates or removable folded tubes or the like, said eyelets 9' cooperating, on at least one side of the frame 8 with a 9 "hooking means, such as a hook or the like This embodiment of the seat 9 makes it possible to very easily dismount it to favor the placement of a patient on the device or its transfer to a station 9 'or 9' eyelets for a pendular function of the seat 9 and thus different seat angle settings, and the seat 9 is advantageously provided in its rear edge with a recess 9 ". 'intended to allow access to a toilet bowl.

The postural change maneuvering means 10 is pivotably mounted on the frame 8, on the opposite side to the seat 9 and is preferably in the form of a U-shaped frame hinged to the corresponding end of the frame 8 via an axis 10 'and can be maintained in the operating position relative to the frame 8 by means of knurled screw clamping screws 16. Due to this hinge assembly of the 10 on the frame 8, the latter can be folded over the frame 8 in the non-use position of the device according to the invention, as shown in FIG. figure 12 attached drawings.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown in the accompanying drawings, the postural change maneuvering means 10 can also be mounted on the frame 8 by means of plug-in devices provided at the end of its arms and cooperating with corresponding devices provided on the frame 8, maintaining the service position of the means 10 relative to the frame 8 being provided by means of knurled screw head screws or the like. It is also possible to make the connection between the posture change maneuvering means 10 and the frame 8 by simply bolting or screwing the ends of the means 10 onto the frame 8.

The retractable backrest 11 is advantageously constituted by two identical elements, symmetrical with respect to a median plane to the device and each connected to a lever 11 'hinged in vertical pivot about an axis provided on one side of the end of the opposite frame 8 by means of posture change maneuver, said vertical pivoting being limited, for each lever, in the operating position and in the pivoted release position, by means of stops provided on the pivot axis and / or by means of a latch device connecting the free ends of the elements in the service position. Such a pivoting means, the stops and the lock device are of known type and do not require further description.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the frame 8 of the patient support assembly B, articulated on the vertical support frame 1 of the vertical support and tilting frame A, is further provided with retractable supports 17 in the form of articulated feet at the end of said frame 8, near the articulation of the retractable backrests 11, these supports 17 each cooperating with a link 18 articulated at one end on the support 17 and having at its other end a lug guided in a slider 19 extending along the lower part of the frame 8, this lug being lockable in the operating position or in the folding position of the supports 17 along the frame 8 via a device cam-type locking device 20 making a stop in the lock position by deformation of its guidance. Such deformation may in particular be carried out by predicting, inside the slide guide of a deformable element under the action of a cam or the like. In addition, the locking device 20 is perfectly manoeuvrable by a person in front of the posture change maneuvering means 10.

Finally, the device according to the invention can also be equipped, between the vertical support frame 1 with the sleeve 7 for the pivot axis 8 'of the frame 8 and the axis 10' of the pivoting means 10 of maneuvering. change of posture, a platform 21 simultaneously forming table and rest element for the forearms.

According to another embodiment of the invention and as shown by the Figures 10 and 11 In the accompanying drawings, the vertical support frame 1 may be provided with a complementary rear anti-tilt means 22 consisting essentially of two levers 22 'fixed on said frame 1 at one of their ends and fixed at their other end to a It is possible, during relatively long displacements, to raise the retractable supports 17 against the frame 8 and to provide stability against accidental tipping by means of the means 22. also ensure a transfer to a supine position, the cross 22 "then serving as support points to perform the rotation of the device.

In the position of non-use of the device according to the invention, it is in a folded form around the vertical support and tilting frame A, as it appears in FIG. figure 12 attached drawings. For the implementation of the device, the horizontal support assembly B is unfolded by pivoting the frame 8 about its axis 8 ', after having previously disassembled the headrest 5 of the vertical support frame 1. Then the retractable supports 17 are brought into their position shown in figure 1 by unlocking the lug equipping each link 18 by means of the locking device 20.

Then, the posture change maneuvering means 10 is rotated about the axis 10 ', also in the position shown in FIG. figure 1 annexed drawings and is locked in this position by means of the knurled head clamping screws 16, the eyelets 9 'on one side of the seat 9 are unhooked from the corresponding attachment means 9 "and the elements of the retractable backrest 11 are rotated into a vertical position clearing the entire rear part of the frame 8. Thus, the device according to the invention is ready to be implemented for the care of a patient.

For this purpose, for example, if a patient is sitting on the edge of a bed ( figure 2 ), the device is approached from said patient in such a way that it can be entirely surrounded by the arms of the frame 8, the retractable supports 17 being raised along said arms of the frame 8.

On arrival in this position, the patient is installed in the device, after prior locking of the wheels 2, so as to prevent any displacement of the latter, by positioning his feet on the axle of the wheels 2 and support of his legs against the support device 4. During these maneuvers, the patient is moved on the edge of the bed, so that the seat 9 can be passed under her thighs and that these eyelets 9 'can be hung in the means of In this position, the patient is already held on the device and it is sufficient to return the retractable backrest in its service position against the patient's lumbar by rotating the levers 11 '.

The patient can then be lifted from his support on the bed by pivoting the device on the anti-tilt stop 3, after pressing on the posture change maneuvering means 10. This results in a release of the patient from the bed and, for security, the retractable supports 17 are advantageously placed in the service position ( figure 5 ) to allow the device to be returned to normal position as shown in figure 3 attached drawings.

The figure 4 represents the device in a position in which the patient is held in a seated position, for example to take a meal.

To bring a patient to a horizontal position, as shown on the figure 6 appended drawings, it is first of all carried out a partial folding of the retractable supports 17 promoting a tilting rearward of the device, as shown in FIG. figure 7 attached drawings. In this position, the elements of the backrest 11 are pivoted upwards so as to clear the space in the back of the patient, then said device can be tilted into the position shown in FIG. figure 6 annexed drawings, after unhooking of the seat 9.

To perform standing and walking exercises, the patient can either, as shown in figure 8 , perform his exercises by simply standing in front of the seat 9 which remains maintained by its eyelets 9 'on the frame 8, therefore without any modification of the device, or, as shown in FIG. figure 9 , perform his exercises by leaning on the back of the frame 8 and standing and / or walking behind the latter, the retractable supports 17 then forming a security element against excessive tilting of the device. In the first case, when the patient is inside the frame 8, total security is provided by all the components of the device and in case of fatigue, the patient can very quickly find themselves in a sitting position, such as that represented in the figure 3 .

Finally, in the forward tilting position shown in FIG. figure 5 it is possible, by supporting the device on the anti-tilt stop before 3 and on the front end of the means 10 to provide the patient with specific care of the lower back and in particular to the anal area, especially after passage to the toilet .

Thanks to the invention, it is possible to provide a device for the change of posture and / or the transport of a disabled person allowing a good patient maintenance against the risk of falls during his periods of stay out of bed and this in providing a large number of position possibilities.

In addition, this device allows a return of the solidification of the spine and relaxation of the spine, so that the caregiver can perform the function of turning. This is particularly interesting to perform, for example, a transfer of a patient in a bathtub from a bed and vice versa, while promoting the release of the edge of the bath or the bed.

As a result, the working conditions of health care workers are very much improved, especially in home care. Indeed, in such a case, the persons performing the care are not always professionals and themselves incur risks that may affect their skeleton, due to false maneuvers. The device according to the invention makes it possible to very substantially reduce these risks, or even to eliminate them, because it causes on the skeleton of the caregiver a spinal discharge effect, due to maneuvering by the means 10. to make the most of the weight of the patient.

Finally, the device according to the invention allows patients with a certain mobility to practice standing exercises and walking under surveillance and therefore some form of rehabilitation, while being fully insured against any risk of accidental fall.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims (15)

1. Device for posture changing and/or transport of a handicapped person, especially for care at home, principally comprising a wheeled chassis for vertical support and tilting (A) and a horizontal support assembly (B), the wheeled chassis (A) for vertical support and tilting being formed by a vertical support structure (1), mounted on two wheels (2) and provided with a front anti-tilting stop (3) formed on the vertical support structure (1), by a front supporting device (4) for the legs, by a vertically adjustable head support (5) and by a chest support stop (6), characterized in that the wheeled chassis for vertical support and tilting (A) additionally comprises an articulation device (7) for articulating the horizontal support assembly (B) so as to fold it back on the wheeled chassis for vertical support and tilting (A) in the non-operating position of the device, and in that the horizontal support assembly (B) is formed by a frame (8), which is articulated on the vertical support structure (1) of the wheeled chassis for vertical support and tilting (A) and which extends rearward of the chest support stop (6) in the form of a seat (9) mounted in an at least partially removable or pivotable manner on the frame (8) behind the chest support stop (6), by a posture-changing means (10) mounted on the frame (8) at the end opposite the seat (9), and by a retractable backrest (11) mounted on the frame (8) at its end opposite the posture-changing means (10).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the front anti-tilting stop (3) is mounted on the vertical support structure (1) in the area of the axle of the wheels (2), which are provided with a reversible locking means that can be actuated by way of a pedal (12).
3. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the vertically adjustable head support (5) is mounted on the vertical support structure (1) by way of a telescopic tube (5') which slides in the vertical support structure (1) and which can be fixed in position by means of a screw with knurled head or similar (14).
4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the adjustable head support (5) has two lateral elements (5'') which form face rests and which are connected to a central element, fixed on the telescopic tube (5'), by elastically deformable connections that permit ergonomic adjustment.
5. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the articulation device (7) of the patient support assembly (B) consists of a sleeve, a U-shaped profile or the like, extending perpendicularly with respect to the vertical axis of the vertical support structure (1), this sleeve forming a fixation bearing for an articulating shaft (8') of the frame (8) and being fixed to the latter.
6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the articulating shaft (8') of the frame (8) is connected to said frame (8) by means of an intermediate frame (8'') inserted in said frame (8) and additionally provided, parallel to the articulating shaft (8'), with a stiffening profile (8''') and with a position-locking means (15) composed of automatically snap-fitting locks that can be manoeuvred so as to open independently or by means of a common manoeuvring lever.
7. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the seat (9) is mounted on the frame (8) by means of lugs (9') in the form of straps, removable plates or removable folded tubes or the like, these said lugs (9') cooperating, on at least one side of the frame (8), with a fastening means (9'') such as a hook or the like.
8. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the seat (9) is provided, in its rear edge, with a recess (9''') intended to permit access to a toilet bowl.
9. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the posture-changing means (10) is mounted pivotably on the frame (8), on the side opposite the seat (9), and is in the form of a U-shaped frame which is articulated on the corresponding end of the frame (8) by way of a shaft (10') and which is held in the position of use with respect to this frame (8) by means of tightening screws with knurled head (16).
10. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the posture-changing means (10) is mounted on the frame (8) by way of plug-in devices which are provided at the end of its arms and which cooperate with corresponding devices provided on the frame (8), the means (10) being held in the position of use with respect to the frame (8) by means of tightening screws with knurled head or the like.
11. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connection between the posture-changing means (10) and the frame (8) is made by simple bolting or screwing of the ends of the means (10) onto the frame (8).
12. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the retractable backrest (11) is composed of two identical elements which are symmetrical with respect to a median plane of the device and are each connected to an articulated lever (11') for vertical pivoting about a shaft provided on one side of the end of the frame (8) opposite the posture-changing means (10), said vertical pivoting being limited, for each lever, in the position of use and in the position of pivoted clearance, by way of stops provided on the pivoting shaft and/or by means of a locking device that connects the free ends of the elements in the position of use.
13. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the frame (8) of the patient support assembly (B), articulated on the vertical support structure (1) of the wheeled chassis for vertical support and tilting (A), is additionally provided with extendable rests (17) in the form of legs articulated at the end of said frame (8) near the articulation of the retractable backrests (11), these rests (17) each cooperating with a connecting rod (18) which is articulated at one end on the rest (17) and which has at its other end a stud guided in a slide (19) extending along the lower part of the frame (8), this stud being able to be locked, in the position of use or in the retracted position of the rests (17), along the frame (8) by way of a locking device (20) of the cam type allowing the lock to be arrested in position by deformation of its guide.
14. Device according to one of Claims 1 and 6, characterized in that, between the vertical support structure (1) with the sleeve (7) for the pivoting shaft (8') of the frame (8) and the pivoting shaft (10') of the posture-changing means (10), it comprises a platform (21) simultaneously forming a table and a rest element for the forearms.
15. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the vertical support structure (1) is provided with a complementary rear anti-tilting means (22) composed principally of two levers (22') which are fixed on said structure (1) at one of their ends and are fixed at their other end on a crosspiece (22") bearing on the floor.

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