WO2006013385A1

WO2006013385A1 - Device for assisting disabled and elderly persons

Info

Publication number: WO2006013385A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/003092
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Fletcher; Simon Christopher Jackson
Original assignee: Mangar International Ltd
Current assignee: Mangar International Ltd
Priority date: 2004-08-05
Filing date: 2005-08-05
Publication date: 2006-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2007-02-05
Also published as: GB0417453D0

Abstract

A device for assisting a person. To transfer from a sitting position on a first support to a sitting position on an adjacent support. The device comprises at least two panels connected together by connection means for movement relative to one another. At least one of said panels is arranged to co operate with the first support upon which a person is sitting and at least one other panel arranged to co operate with an adjacent support to which a person is to be transferred, said panels providing a bridging surface between the two supports and allowing transferal of a person therebetween without necessitating standing.

Description

Device for assisting disabled and elderly persons

This invention relates to devices for assisting persons, particularly

disabled and elderly persons to move from a sitting position on a support to a

sitting position on another adjacent support.

The invention has been devised primarily to overcome or reduce the

difficulties experienced by disabled and elderly persons in moving between a

seat in a motorcar and wheelchair. However, there is no limitation in this

regard as the invention is broadly applicable to the movement of persons

between any combinations of support including domestic chairs, beds, motorcar

seats and wheelchairs.

Various devices have previously been proposed for this purpose with

bevelled or slanting edges and having a low coefficient of friction, such boards

being made of wood or plastics. There are some boards selectively profiled for

assisting persons to transfer between wheelchairs and car seats, however these

boards, having only a single curve, do not always enable the board to fit easily

around door pillars of cars and wheels and armrest structures of wheelchairs,

and as such are not always practical to erect, nor easy to use.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new or improved

device for assisting persons to move from a sitting position on a support to a

sitting position on another, adjacent support. A particular aim of the invention is to provide a device for assisting

persons transferring from a motorcar to a wheelchair, and from a wheelchair to

a motorcar.

A further particular aim is to provide a device for this purpose which can

be conveniently stowed on a wheelchair and is convenient to carry by hand.

According to the invention there is provided a device for assisting a

person to transfer from a sitting position on a first support to a sitting position

on an adjacent support, said device comprising at least two panels, connected

together by a connection means for movement relative to one another, at least

one of said panels arranged to co operate with the support upon which a person

is sitting and at least one other panel arranged to co operate with an adjacent

support to which a person is to be transferred, said panels providing a bridging

surface between the two supports and allowing transferral of a person

therebetween without necessitating standing.

Preferably, the connection means is not located at, or does not

pass through a central point of the device when the device is erected between

said supports.

Preferably, the panels are connected by hinge means.

Preferably, the device comprises a central panel and two side

panels.

Preferably, a portion near the free ends of each of the side panels

is angled downwards in relation to an upper surface of the panels when erected between two supports, said angled portions assisting a secure co operation with

said supports.

Preferably, one panel hinged to another has a protrusion extending over

the hinge means.

A portion of the upper surface of the panels either side of the hinge

means along which a person is transferred is inclined to form a recess for

receiving the protrusion, the protrusion forming a flush surface with the upper

surface of the panels when the device is in the erected position.

Alternatively, the panels have a level or substantially level upper surface

and a recess for receiving the protrusion.

The side panels maybe unfoldable into an erected position, ready for

positioning between two support structures. In this position the panels are in a

co planar or substantially co planar arrangement. The panels provide a rigid

surface which is substantially smooth.

Preferably, a smooth surface across the hinge means is achieved by an

abutment of the protrusion of one panel with the other panel.

In a further arrangement of the invention, the device preferably

comprises at least one latch mechanism. Preferably, the at least one latch

mechanism comprises a release means located in the transfer surface of at least

one of the panels.

The latch mechanism is embedded in the transfer surface of at least one

panel and protrudes over the hinge joint. When the panels are unfolded ready for use a pawl of the latch mechanism locates into a correspondingly located

notch on an adjacent panel. The latch mechanisms therefore ensure that the

panels either side of a hinge joint are held close together to create a smooth

transfer surface, thus avoiding the need for a separate cover, or protrusion over

the hinge joint.

Preferably, the three panels of the device are movable relative to one

another between an erected position for use of the device and a collapsed

position for stowage of the device.

Preferably, one or more of the panels has at least one aperture to enable

the device to be easily carried. More preferably, the at least one aperture is

located on the central panel.

Preferably, the configuration of the device in the erected position is such

that it assists the arranging of the device between two supports around

unmovable obstacles such as a door pillar of a vehicle or armrest of a wheel

chair which may otherwise hinder the co operation of the device with each of

the supports.

More preferably, the device in the erected position is provided with one

or more location sections to assist arrangement between the two supports.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference

to the accompanying drawings in which: -

Figure 1, which includes figures Ia and Ib show two perspective views

of the device embodying the invention in the erected position, Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device embodying the

invention in the position for stowage,

Figure 3 is a cross section view of the hinge means used for connecting

the panels, and

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show an alternative arrangement of the connection

means across the hinge joints of the device, and

Figure 5 shows a plan view of the device erected between a wheel chair

and motor car seat ready for use to transfer a person.

Figures 1 to 5 show a device according to the invention having three

panels. The same numerals have been used to represent the same features in

each of figures 1 to 5.

Figure 1 shows the device with side panels 2 unfolded in the erected

position ready for arrangement between two supports between which a person

is to be transferred. The device 3 comprises three rigid panels, a central panel 1

and two side panels 2. The panels may be made of any rigid material, such as a

plastics material. The panels have a smooth transfer surface 11 having a low co

efficient of friction. Alternatively, the transfer surfaces may contain grooves

parallel to the direction of transfer of the person across the device. The central

panel has a back edge 4, a front edge 5 and two side edges 6. In the

accompanying figures, the central panel 1 is shown as having a rectangular or

substantially rectangular shape, however it must be appreciated that other

shaped central panels would suffice. For example, a central panel having a "V" shaped configuration such that the two side edges 6 are positioned in a

convergent relationship relative to the front edge 5 such that the distance

between the side edges is greater nearer to the front edge 5 with respect to the

back edge 4. The side panels 2 are releasably connected to the central panel 5

by hinge means 8. In the accompanying figures the hinge means are parallel or

substantially parallel to one another, however the hinge means attached to a

"V" shaped panel may lie in a convergent relationship along the side edges 6 of

the central panel as previously described.

The hinge means are not located at, or pass through a central point of the

device 3 in the erected position. This is important, since when the device is

erected between two supports and carrying a load at a central position of the

device, the point of maximum stress is at a central area of the device. By

having an arrangement of panels, whereby the connection means is, or are

located away from the area of maximum stress, the hinge means and their

attachment means maybe of a lighter construction than if they were to be used

to connect panels at a central location of the device. The overall weight of the

device is therefore reduced enhancing the portability of the device.

In figure 1 two location sections 14 are shown located on an edge of the

device 3 enabling the device to be arranged around unmovable obstacles, such

as a door pillar of a motorcar or an armrest of a wheelchair, which would

otherwise hinder the co operation of the device 3 between two supports. It

must be understood that the shape of the panels and orientation of the side panels relative to the central panel may also assist in providing a configuration

of the device suitable for arranging around unmovable obstacles. Depending

on the dimensions of the device one or more location sections maybe located

along an edge or edges of the device in the erected position to assist

arrangement of the device around unmovable obstacles. The side panels 2 have

narrower end portions A which are angled downwards relative to the plane of

the panels of the device 3 when in the erected position to aid co operation of the

side panels with support structures, between which the device is to be erected.

The term angled downwards includes curvature of the side panels 2 downwards

relative to the plane of the device in the erected position. An aperture 10 is

located on the central panel 1 close to the front edge 5 to provide a means for

carrying the device and manoeuvring it into position between two supports.

Figure 2 shows the device 3 with the side panels 2 folded across the

central panel 1 in the collapsed position. In this position, the device can be

easily stowed, for example on a wheelchair, or carried by a person.

Figure 3 is cross-section of the central panel 1 and a side panel 2 either

side of a stiff hinge joint 13. The transfer surface 11 of each panel has an

inclined portion 20 which in cross section gradually increases in height towards

the hinge joint and terminates at its highest end by way of a face 23

perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the transfer surface 11.

Portion 20 forms a recess 28 with transfer surface 11. Alternatively, instead of the transfer surface having an inclined portion

20, the transfer surface of each panel maybe raised uniformly to the height of

the face 23 of the recess 28 such that the transfer surface is level, as shown by

the broken lines 30. The protrusion 18 runs along an edge 6 of the panel 1 and

is mounted such that it extends over the edge 6 of the panel. The protrusion

maybe made of an elastomeric material, for example rubber. The inclined

portions 20 are located along the length of each panel. On central panel 1 the

stiff rubber protrusion 18 is affixed in abutment with an unraised portion of the

transfer surface 11 and in abutment with the face 23 of the inclined portion 20

and extending over the edge 6 of the panel. The protrusion is substantially the

same thickness as the height of the faces 23 and therefore forms a flush joint on

the surface of the device when in abutment with the faces. The panels can be

moved into an erected position until the faces of panel edges 21 and 22 acting

as stopping means abut. The panels in this position are in a co-planar or

substantially co planar arrangement. When the panels are moved into the erect

position a portion of the protrusion extending over the edge 6 can abut with the

inclined surface 11 and/or the face 23 of the raised portion of the other panel 2.

In this manner the protrusion covers the joint means preventing skin and/ or

clothing of the user transferring between two adjacent panels becoming trapped

in the hinge joint.

It can be appreciated that even if the protrusion is not in abutment with

the face 23 of the other panel 2 as may occur when there is movement between the panels of the device when in use, the protrusion will still provide cover over

the hinge joint.

It must be appreciated that the protrusion 18 maybe attached to the side

panel 2 of the device instead of the central panel 1.

Although not shown in figure 3, the other hinge joint of the device

which connects the other side of the central panel to the other side panel is also

covered by a protrusion which may be attached to the central panel or the other

side panel. The surfaces of the central panel and the other side panel are

inclined in the manner previously described.

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show an alternative hinge arrangement comprising

a latch mechanism which may be used with the device 3. Figure 4a is a plan

view of the underside of the device with the side panels 2 unfolded and ready

for use. Figure 4b is an end view of the device in the collapsed position taken

in the direction of arrow z of figure 4a. Figure 4c is a plan view of the transfer

surface 11 of the device.

Referring to figure 4a, the hinge means 8 are mounted on wedge shaped

mounting means 50 attached by screws located either side of the hinge joint 13.

The wedge shaped mounting means assist the connection of the hinge means to

the panels 1,2 and provides support for the side panels 2 when the device is

collapsed and panels 2 are folded inwards.

In figure 4b both the side panels 2 are folded over the central panel 1.

An end portion A of one side panel 2 rests between the mounting means 50 of the hinge joint 13 of the other panel. The end portion A of the other panel lies

substantially parallel to panel 1 resting on top of the one side panel. The

mounting means 50 prevents the hinges moving further open thus preventing

unnecessary stress on the hinge means. The figure shows latch devices 55

located within a recess of the sliding surface 11. The latch device 55

comprises a spring assisted pawl. On the other side of the hinge joint 13 there

are provided notches 57 for receiving and abutting with the pawl.

Figure 4c shows four latch devices 55. The latch devices are embedded

within the transfer surface 11 of the device so that they are not protruding from

the transfer surface. Upon opening the panels from the collapsed position into

the erect position, the pawl 56 locates and abuts with notch 57 (not shown) of

an adjacent panel holding the panels 1 and 2 close together thus preventing the

panels opening whilst the device is in use. The latch device 55 is released by

pressing down on the pawl 56 at 56a.

Figure 5 shows the device in the erected position ready for use. Portions

A of side panels 2 are arranged to co operate with a motor car seat S and a

wheelchair W positioned adjacent to the seat S. The device is arranged so that

obstacles such as an armrest of the wheelchair 40 or a door pillar of a motorcar

41 do not hinder the erection of the device. The device is erected for use by

unfolding the side panels and co operating portions A of the side panels with

the seat S and wheelchair W. A person seated in the motorcar can therefore transfer to the wheelchair

by shuffling along one side panel 2, across the central panel 1 and across the

other side panel 2 to the wheelchair in a sitting position without the need to

stand. Likewise, a person could transfer from the wheelchair to the motor car

by a similar action. Once transferred, the device can either be removed from

between the person and the support transferred to. Alternatively, panels can be

detached leaving part of the device (a panel) resting on the support under a

person. The device can be stowed in part or whole by folding one or more side

panels across the central panel. The device can then be carried or stowed in the

car or on a wheelchair.

The device illustrated in the drawings is not limited in its use to assisting

persons to transfer to and from a motorcar. It could be used for assisting

persons to move between any support, such as a bed or chair and another chair

or wheel chair.

The device according to the invention has advantages in that it is

lightweight, foldable, compactable and easy to carry or stow on a wheelchair.

It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be limited

by the embodiment shown in the drawings. In particular, the apparatus may be

made in a wide range of sizes to suit different uses. Moreover, the invention

includes any novel and inventive features disclosed herein either alone or in

combination with any one or more other such features.

Claims

1. A device for assisting a person to transfer from a sitting position on a first support to a sitting position on an adjacent support, said device comprising at least two panels connected together by connection means for movement relative to one another, at least one of said panels arranged to co operate with the first support upon which a person is sitting and at least one other panel arranged to co operate with an adjacent support to which a person is to be transferred, said panels providing a bridging surface between the two supports and allowing transferral of a person there between without necessitating standing.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the connection means is not located at, or does not pass through a central point of the device when the device is erected between the two supports.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the connection means of the panels comprises hinge means.

4. The device according to any preceding claim comprising a central panel and two side panels.

5. The device according to any preceding claim wherein a free end portion of at least one panel is angled downwards in relation to the plane of the panels when erected between two supports, said angled portion(s) assisting co operation of the device with said supports.

6. The device according to any preceding claim comprising at least one latch mechanism.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the at least one latch mechanism comprises a release means located in the transfer surface of at least one of the panels.

8. The device according to any preceding claim wherein at least one panel is provided with a protrusion for co operation with an adjacent panel.

9. The device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the protrusion provides means for covering the connection means between two panels when in the erected position.

10. The device as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the material of the protrusion comprises an elastomeric material.

11. The device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein a portion of the surface of at least one panel forms a recess for receiving the protrusion of an adjacent panel.

12. The device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the protrusion has substantially the same thickness as the depth of the recess.

13. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the transfer surfaces of the panels have a low coefficient of friction.

14. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the panels are movable relative to one another between an erected position for use of the device and a collapsed position for storage of the device.

15. The device according to any proceeding claim wherein one or more of the panels has at least one aperture for carrying the device.

16. The device according to claim 15 wherein the at least one aperture is located on a central panel.

17. The device according to any previous claim wherein the device, when in the erected position, provides at least one location section to assist arrangement of the device between two supports.

18. The device as substantially described herein with the reference to the drawings in figures 1 to 5.