HK1251425A1 - A commode chair - Google Patents

Abstract

A commode chair is provided comprising a pair of spaced parallel side walls; at least one cross-member structure joining the pair of spaced parallel side walls in structural support; wherein a central cavity applies between the side walls and the front and rear cross-member structures over which a commode seat can support a user of the commode chair.

Description

Toilet chair

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a commode chair convenient for using a toilet facility or a commode, a shower chair for personal cleaning while sitting according to the needs of disabled elderly or injured or infirm users, and a combined shower toilet for both purposes. The invention may be in the form of a stationary chair or trolley, or in particular a wheeled toilet chair capable of transporting a user.

The invention is primarily intended for use with wheeled shower-chairs and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background

Toilet chairs are known to be used to assist disabled or physically limited persons in using toilet facilities. The toilet chair is mainly a portable toilet with a container, and can be placed at the bedside of a patient with limited activity.

When a patient is too weak to reach the sanitary facility, a commode chair is often used at home, the container receives waste, and the container can be removed and emptied.

Toilet chairs are often fixed, bulky chairs and are therefore not normally used in normal toilet facilities. Some chairs that cover normal toilet facilities are lifted above the toilet and then require the user to ride on a taller toilet chair.

In such a position, the commode chair is very unstable and prone to dislocation. Thus, users require more stable support, typically provided in the form of arm support or backrest support.

In general, this is not a system that gives the user a sense of safety and dignity, and is difficult to install on a toilet.

Further, a toilet that is suitable for use by one person may not be practical or effective for another person with different physical attributes and requirements and physical disabilities. For example, toilet chairs are stable for tall people with healthy limbs and may be unstable when used by amputees. Existing toilets therefore need to be manufactured to meet specific requirements, resulting in a large number of chairs. It would be advantageous to provide a commode chair.

The present invention seeks to provide a commode chair that will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide a viable alternative.

It will be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in australia or in any other country.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a commode chair comprising a pair of spaced parallel side walls; at least one cross-member structure joining the pair of spaced parallel sidewalls in a structural support; wherein a central cavity is applied between the side walls and the front and rear cross-member structures upon which a toilet seat may support a user of the commode chair.

The commode chair also includes spaced apart front and rear cross-member structures that are connected between the opposing side frame sections to form a two-part structure. The rear cross member may be a substantially straight connector structure mounted to the opposite side frame. The position of the straight rear connector may provide a bridge and rear access so that the commode chair may be turned over on normal toilet facilities.

The spaced parallel side walls may be parallel side frames.

The commode chair may further comprise connection means for selectively supporting the parallel side frames in the spaced apart operative condition and releasing to the folded position, the parallel side frames in the folded position being in the reduced spaced apart inoperative condition. In one embodiment, the connection means may be a hinge.

Preferably, the pair of spaced parallel side frames are adapted to be at least partially supported on wheels. In particular, the pair of spaced parallel side frames may be adapted to be supported on front and rear wheels to form a wheelchair capable of transporting a user. The commode chair has at least one of a front cross member structure and a rear cross member structure at approximately seat height, wherein the commode chair is rotatable over a toilet receptacle.

The commode chair may also comprise releasable locking means for allowing the two-part construction to be locked in the operative condition and released to the folded position upon release of the locking means.

Preferably, the front cross member includes: first and second hingedly connected cross-arm members, each cross-arm member further hingedly connected at one end thereof to a fixed portion of an opposing side frame; and wherein the first and second cross arm members are adapted to move between an unfolded position and a folded position.

In one form, the first and second cross-arm members of the front cross-member form a generally X-shaped configuration when the front cross-member is in the deployed position.

Preferably, the locking means is releasable such that the first and second cross arm members forming the generally X-shaped configuration are held in the deployed position by locking the rear cross member and when the locking means is released from the locked condition, the side frames can be brought closer to each other for storage.

Preferably, the commode chair further comprises a front cross member and a rear cross member for connecting opposing wheeled side frames, wherein the cross members are hingedly interconnected to the respective side frames to provide structural support when the rear cross member is in a locked condition, and folding the front and rear cross members for storage when the rear cross member is unlocked, preferably including a unique "X-shaped configuration" of the front cross member.

The commode chair may also include an "axis reverse amputee" support that supports the axis and allows the axis to be adjusted so that the center of gravity is adjustably positioned 80-90 millimeters behind the normal position. By "inverted amputee" is meant a support that supports an adjustable shaft such that the center of gravity is adjustably positioned 80-90mm behind the normal position to compensate for the different weight load distribution of the amputee as compared to the non-amputee.

In addition, the commode chair may also include a seat frame or side frame with notched portions to allow for cleaning, etc.

The seat frame does not have to be removed in order to fold the commode chair.

In one embodiment, the armrest may be height adjustable.

Preferably, the commode chair further comprises a swinging foot pedal, wherein the foot pedal is for receiving a user's foot and is adjustable to swing to allow the user's foot to contact the ground.

In a particularly preferred form of the invention, there is provided a commode chair comprising:

spaced parallel side frames adapted to carry front and rear wheels;

a front cross-member structure and a rear cross-member structure spaced apart connecting the side frames in the structural support, wherein the rear cross-member comprises a two-part structure hingedly connected to opposing side frame portions, and

releasable locking means for allowing the two-part structure to be locked in the operative condition and released to the folded position when the locking means is released; and

wherein the front cross member includes first and second hingedly connected cross arm members, each cross arm member further hingedly connected at one end to a fixed portion of the opposing side frame; and

wherein the first and second cross arm members are adapted to move between an extended use position and a storage collapsed position.

Preferably, in the deployed use position, the first and second cross-arm members form a generally X-shaped configuration and are retained in the deployed use position when in the use position by locking the rear cross-member between the side frames in their respective spaced apart use positions.

When the locking means is released from the locked state, the side frames may be adapted to move closer to each other for storage.

A commode chair according to any one of the previous claims further comprising the following structural and functional features: an axial reverse amputee (axle reverse amputee) pointed to the brace supporting the adjustable axis so that the center of gravity is adjustably positioned 80-90mm behind the normal position to compensate for the different weight load distribution of the amputee relative to the non-amputee; the seat frame or side frame includes a notched portion to allow for cleaning, etc.; and the seat frame remains connected to the frame from the use position and when the commode chair is folded to the storage folded position.

The commode chair may also include a folding mechanism that includes folding of the seat subframe.

Preferably, the commode chair frame design has three side notches for three-way access to the user.

The leg rest may be adapted to swing away from the front face of the frame so that the front face is open.

The commode chair may comprise an adjustable arm at least in the vertical direction.

The commode chair may further comprise structural and functional features of any one or more of the following:

a) an "axial reverse amputee" is directed to a brace that supports an adjustable axis so that the center of gravity is adjustably positioned 80-90mm behind the normal position.

b) The seat frame or side frame may include a notched portion to allow for cleaning, etc.; and

c) the seat frame does not have to be removed in order to fold the commode chair.

It can be seen that the invention of the commode chair provides the following advantages:

a) in the use configuration, the user is easily assisted in washing from all directions due to the novel and adaptable commode chair structure.

b) Rotatability (Wheelability), where a user can travel from one location to any convenient toilet facility or potty location, or for showering while personal cleaning in a sitting position required by a disabled elderly or injured or infirm user. This is a great improvement due to the construction and location of the wheels and frame, which provides sufficient versatility in narrow confined locations.

c) The dual-purpose toilet chair and the wheelchair not only facilitates the use of toilet facilities or a urinal, but also can be used for showering.

d) Foldability and portability in the folded position to maintain adaptable use of the toilet facility, yet provide a folded structure that is easy to carry and can even rotate on its own wheels in the folded form.

e) Adjustability for different users includes center of gravity change or arm adjustability for a chair placed amputee.

f) The new and inventive open rear frame structure with cross reinforcement allows for quick use over standard toilet facilities in an all-wheel position.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Drawings

Although any other form which may fall within the scope of the invention is possible, the preferred embodiment/embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective photographic view of a commode chair according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective photograph of the commode chair of FIG. 1 without the toilet seat;

FIG. 3 is a front lower detail view of the commode chair of FIG. 1 showing the front X-shaped cross member structure and the linear rear cross member structure in an extended use arrangement between spaced parallel sides;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic conceptual views of a lower detail of the commode chair of FIG. 1, as seen from a rear perspective view and a top view;

FIGS. 6-10 are various photographic views of the commode chair of FIG. 1 showing the transition steps from the open use position to the folded storage position;

fig. 11 shows an angled and adjustable backrest.

Detailed Description

It should be noted in the following description that similar or identical reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. Embodiments of the present invention show a combination of important features including:

a) use structure

b) Rotatability

c) Dual use as toilet chair and wheelchair

d) Foldability

e) Portability in the folded position.

f) Adjustability for different users

It is clear that there are significant synergistic effects and benefits derived from the described embodiments that include all of these features. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may have combinations of one or more of these features and still provide substantial novel improvements and are included within the scope of the present invention.

Use structure

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a commode chair 11 comprising a frame 15 formed by a pair of spaced parallel side frames 21, 22, the pair of parallel side frames 21, 22 being supported on a pair of outer large wheels 18 extending in parallel outboard of the parallel side frames 21, 22 and a pair of smaller front wheels 19 connected to the front of the parallel side frames 21, 22.

Connecting the parallel side frames 21, 22 are spaced apart front 51 and rear 55 cross member structures to integrate the pair of spaced apart parallel side frames 21, 22 in the structural support. In the use open position as shown in fig. 1 and 2, a central cavity 31 is formed between the side frames 21, 22 and the front and rear cross-member structures 51, 55, on which a toilet seat 17 with a central opening can support a user of the commode chair 11.

The commode chair is also provided with uprights 62, 63 at the rear of each parallel side frame 21, 22, the uprights 62, 63 receiving a rigid inverted U-shaped frame 61 mounted on the uprights 62, 63. The inverted U-shaped frame 61 includes a flexible strip between the opposing legs of the inverted U-shape to form a removable back 61. In fig. 11, an angled backrest with adjustable height is shown.

A set of armrests 69 are provided which form the upper portion of each of the spaced parallel side frames 21, 22. The armrests extend from the rear of the spaced parallel side frames 21, 22 and extend forward in a cantilevered fashion to the support arms. This provides the benefits of minimal material and ease of cleaning of the commode chair, and if desired, side access to the user by the caregiver.

As shown in FIG. 1, the commode chair may be advanced from a use position to a storage position as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 by a front cross member structure and a rear cross member structure, wherein the front cross member structure and the rear cross member structure may be hingedly folded from an extended position to an overlapping smaller storage position. The first element in the cross members 51, 55 allows a quick implementation from the use position to the storage position and vice versa, and will be explained further below.

The second element of the cross-member structures 51, 55, i.e. at least one of the front and rear cross-member structures 51, 55, must be connected at the front and/or rear ends between the tops of the parallel side frames 21, 22, with minimal suspension structure, so as to form a bridge between the parallel side frames 21, 22 and define a channel 35 thereunder.

Referring to the schematic views of fig. 4 and 5 to illustrate the commode chair 11 of fig. 1, a cross-member structure 55 is connected at the rear of the commode chair 11 between the parallel side frames 21, 22 and forms a bridge therebetween with a channel 35 thereunder. The channel 35 opens into the open cavity 31 formed between the side frames 21, 22 and the front and rear cross-member structures 51, 55. This is further illustrated in the top view of fig. 6.

The toilet seat 17 may be supported on each side by parallel side frames 21, 22 so that a user of the commode chair 11 may sit in the open cavity 31. By placing the toilet seat on the toilet bowl, the user of the toilet seat 17 can perform a toilet function. Thus, the bridge structure allows the toilet seat to be manually positioned over the toilet in an acceptable front-seat arrangement.

Rotatability

A further benefit of the support of the toilet seat on the moving frame 15 supported by the large wheels 18 and the smaller front wheels 19 is the first element which allows a simple wheeled position of the toilet seat to a desired functional correspondence of the toilet seat relative to the toilet. Unlike the manual position of the non-wheeled version of the commode chair 11, the wheeled configuration of the wheeled commode chair 11 allows the user to be positioned on-site on the commode seat 17.

A particular advantage is that each parallel side frame 21, 22 has a large wheel 18, which large wheel 18 is connected to the outside of the respective side frame and is connected in the same parallel alignment, and a rotatable caster wheel like a small front wheel, which is connected to the front of the respective side frame. This allows the location of the spaced positions of the parallel side frames 21, 22 on either side of the toilet. Furthermore, the configuration of the channel 35 under the bridge formed by the cross-member structure 55 connected at the rear of the toilet 11 between the parallel side frames 21, 22 allows the wheeled commode chair to be rotated backwards on the toilet, with the user facing in the normal direction away from the wall.

Another particular advantage is that the set of armrests 69 mounted to form the upper portion of each of the spaced parallel side frames 21, 22 also performs an auxiliary function. The armrest 69 is cantilevered and extends forwardly along spaced parallel sides and terminates in a front handle 64. These handles 64 allow the caregiver to be positioned in front of the commode chair while the user is sitting on the commode seat 17 on the commode chair and allow the caregiver to rotate the commode chair 11 over the commode by aligning the large rear channel 35 and the rear cross member structure 55 which acts as a bridge through the commode.

Dual use as toilet chair and wheelchair

The heavy part of one embodiment of the invention is that it is also a wheelchair when it is a toilet chair.

Another element that assists in this process is a set of handles 69 that extend from the frame 15 including the seat back 61 toward the front of the commode seat 64. Thus, the user may assist in pushing the commode chair onto the toilet bowl from the front of the commode chair by the assistant. These handles 64 may serve as dual armrests for other uses of the wheelchair.

The use of large support wheels and front wheelchair casters allows for convenient steering and use as a wheelchair.

Use as a toilet seat is very advantageous because the caregiver can access the user at any time from various angles of the toilet seat. Furthermore, the clean lines and the reduced structure create a convenience for the user's cleanliness and hygiene, while maintaining functionality and giving the user a feeling of dignity.

Foldability and portability in a folded position

The structure of the commode chair 11 has been shown to have significant structural benefits to the user in the deployed use form. However, the folding nature of the commode chair 11 has other benefits.

The two side frames 21, 22 are mounted on respective large side wheels 18 and front small balance and steering castors 19, respectively, and are supported in a folded form in a similar manner as shown in figures 9 and 10. This means that the commode chair is easy to transport.

Even if the commode chair is not a wheelchair, the side frames 21, 22 will be supported by the same legs to support the side frames in the deployed use configuration.

Figures 7 and 8 show how the wheeled commode chair can be converted from the unfolded use form of figures 1, 2 and 3 to the folded form of figure 10. In particular, fig. 7 shows the removal of the locking backrest 61, which is fitted on the respective upright 62, 63 on the respective side frame 21, 22. In use, the backrest provides the user with the services of the backrest, as well as a means for the caregiver to assist the user by pushing the chair from behind. However, the backrest has a rigid inverted U-shaped frame, the length of which is fixed, and is implemented by comfortable flexible slats extending across the frame. When rigid fixed length frames are inserted into the respective uprights 62, 63, the respective side frames 21, 22 are maintained at a fixed distance from each other.

With the backrest 61 removed, the respective side frames are held apart by the hingedly connected first and second cross arm members 51, 55. These cross-arm members have support rods extending therebetween in the Y and Z directions, while the second, vertically extending cross-arm member 51, when held in the deployed position, forms a generally X-shaped configuration providing rigidity in the X and Y directions. Thus, when in the locked position, the structure is three-dimensionally rigid.

As shown in fig. 8, the side frames 21, 22 can be moved closer to each other for storage by simultaneously unlocking the vertically extending front X-shaped cross arm member 51 and the rear straight hinged rear cross member 55 to be released from the locked state. An armrest 69 having a forward extending handle 64 may be used to rotate the folded chair thereabout.

Adjustability for different users

Obviously, the toilet chair is multifunctional and can be used by a wide range of users. Particularly toilet chairs, may be modified for use by amputees. This is important in wheeled versions since most of the weight of the user exceeds the large side support wheels 18. However, balancing is required so that the user's centre of gravity is slightly offset to the diameter of the main wheel 18 and the castor wheel 19 is oriented slightly inclined towards the smaller front. This will prevent the commode chair from tipping over backwards, while allowing quick steering of the commode chair, since the front castors do not bear much weight.

However, for amputees, the user's leg weight is not there, so the center of gravity of an amputee sitting on a commode chair will be further rearward, since the commode chair also includes an "axle reverse amputee" (axle reverse amputee) pointing towards the stand supporting the axle that can be adjusted so that the center of gravity is adjustably located 80-90mm behind the normal position.

Other adjustability for different users applies to one or more of:

the seat frame or side frame may include notched portions for cleaning, etc.

The seat frame does not have to be removed in order to fold the commode chair.

The height of the armrest is adjustable.

A swinging foot pedal, wherein the foot pedal is adapted to receive a user's foot and is adjustable to swing to allow the user's foot to contact the ground.

Other variations are possible.

Explanation of the invention

Meaning of "toilet seat chair

As used herein in the specification and claims, unless otherwise indicated, the use of the term "commode chair" means

a) Commode chair for facilitating use of toilet facilities or urinals, or

b) Shower chairs for personal cleaning in seats, as required by disabled or disabled persons or infirm, or

c) A combined shower toilet that can be used for both purposes.

d) "commode chair" may be in the form of a stationary chair or trolley, or in particular a wheeled commode chair capable of transporting a user.

The implementation scheme is as follows:

reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects of the invention. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description of specific embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Moreover, although some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

Different instances of an object

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Details of

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Term(s) for

In describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radial", "peripheral", "upward", "downward", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprises and includes

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any of the terms "including" or "it includes" as used herein is also an open-ended term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding other elements/features. Thus, the inclusion is intended to have the same meaning as inclusion.

Scope of the invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any of the formulas given above are merely representative of programs that may be used. Functions may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be exchanged between function blocks.

Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

From the above it is apparent that the described device is suitable for use in the toilet and shower chair industry.

Claims (30)

1. A commode chair comprising:

a pair of spaced apart parallel sidewalls;

at least one cross-member structure joining the pair of spaced parallel sidewalls in a structural support;

wherein a central cavity is imposed between the pair of spaced parallel side walls and the front and rear cross member structures over which a toilet seat is capable of supporting a user of the toilet seat.

2. A commode chair according to claim 1 wherein the pair of spaced parallel side walls are formed by parallel side frames.

3. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising a connection means for selectively supporting the parallel side frames in a spaced apart operative condition and releasing the parallel side frames to a folded position in a reduced spaced apart inoperative condition.

4. A commode chair according to claim 3 wherein the connection means is a hinge.

5. A commode chair according to claim 3 further comprising spaced apart front and rear cross-member structures connected between the opposed parallel side frame sections, the front and rear cross-member structures forming a two-part structure.

6. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising the front and rear cross-member structures connected between the opposed parallel side frame sections and including hinge means for selectively supporting the parallel side frames in a spaced apart operative condition and releasing the parallel side frames to a folded position in a reduced spaced apart inoperative condition.

7. A commode chair according to claim 2 wherein a pair of spaced apart parallel side frames are adapted to be at least partially supported on wheels.

8. A commode chair according to claim 2 wherein a pair of spaced apart parallel side frames are adapted to be supported by front and rear wheels to form a wheelchair capable of transporting a user.

9. A commode chair according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least one of the front cross member structure and the rear cross member structure is substantially at seat height, wherein the commode chair is rotatable over a toilet receptacle.

10. A commode chair according to claim 1 wherein the rear cross member structure comprises two hinged parts and a releasable locking arm holding the two hinged parts in a locked position, the two hinged parts being adapted to hingedly fold when the locking arm is released, bringing the parallel side frames together.

11. A commode chair according to claim 1 wherein the rear cross member structure extends across the rear of the parallel side frames and is located to form a rear channel to allow the commode chair to be tumbled over a toilet facility and wherein the rear cross member structure acts as a bridge to assist in aligning the commode chair with the toilet facility.

12. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising a releasable locking means for allowing locking of the two-part structure in the operative condition and releasing the two-part structure to the folded position upon release of the locking means.

13. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising: the front cross member includes:

a. first and second hingedly connected cross arm members, each further hingedly connected at one end thereof to a fixed portion of an opposing said parallel side frame; and is

Wherein the first and second cross-arm members are adapted to move between an unfolded position and a folded position.

14. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising: in the deployed position, the first and second cross-arm members form a generally X-shaped configuration.

15. A commode chair according to claim 13 further comprising a locking means such that the first and second cross-arm members forming a generally X-shaped configuration are retained in the deployed position by locking the rear cross-member structure and when the locking means is released from a locked condition the parallel side frames can be moved closer to each other for storage.

16. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising a front cross member and a rear cross member connecting opposing wheeled side frames, wherein the front cross member and the rear cross member are hingedly interconnected to the respective side frames to provide structural support when the rear cross member is in a locked condition and to fold the front cross member and the rear cross member for storage when the rear cross member is unlocked.

17. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising: a unique "X configuration" of the front cross member.

18. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising an "axis-reverse amputee" pointing towards a support supporting the axis, the axis being adjustable so that the centre of gravity is adjustably located 80-90mm behind the normal position.

19. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising: the seat frame or parallel side frames include notched portions to allow for cleaning, etc.

20. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising: the seat frame does not have to be removed in order to fold the commode chair.

21. A commode chair according to claim 1 wherein the armrests are height adjustable.

22. A commode chair according to claim 1 further comprising a swinging foot pedal for receiving a user's foot and adjustable to swing to allow the user's foot to contact the ground.

23. A commode chair comprising:

a. spaced parallel side frames adapted to carry front and rear wheels;

b. spaced apart front and rear cross-member structures connecting the side frames in a structural support,

wherein the rear cross-member structure comprises a two-part structure hingedly connected to the opposite side frame parts and releasable locking means for allowing the two-part structure to be locked in an operative condition and released to a folded position when the locking means are released;

and wherein the front cross-member structure comprises:

c. first and second hingedly connected cross arm members, each further hingedly connected at one end thereof to a fixed portion of an opposite said side frame; and

wherein the first and second cross arm members are adapted to move between an extended use position and a stowed folded position.

24. A commode chair according to claim 23 wherein in the deployed use position the first and second cross-arm members form a generally X-shaped configuration and are retained in the deployed use position by locking the rear cross-member structure between the side frames when in the respective spaced apart use positions.

25. A commode chair according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the side frames are adapted to move closer to each other for storage when the locking means is released from the locked condition.

26. A commode chair according to any one of the previous claims further comprising the following structural and functional features:

i. an axial reverse amputee, pointed at the support supporting the adjustable shaft, such that the center of gravity is adjustably positioned 80-90mm behind the normal position to compensate for the different weight load distribution of the amputee as compared to the non-amputee;

the seat frame or the side frame includes a notched portion to allow cleaning or the like; and

the seat frame remains connected to the frame from the use position while the commode chair is folded to the storage folded position.

27. A commode chair according to claim 26 further comprising a folding mechanism including folding of the seat sub-frame.

28. A commode chair according to any one of claims 26 or 27 wherein the seat sub-frame is designed with three sides for three way access to the user.

29. A commode chair according to any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein the leg rest is adapted to swing away from the front of the frame leaving the front open.

30. A commode chair according to any one of claims 26 to 29 comprising an adjustable arm in at least a vertical direction.