FR2739020A1 - Support for person sitting in or standing from chair - Google Patents

Abstract

The support consists of one or more hand grips (15,16) in front of the chair supported by a baseplate (1,2) which may be at least partly situated under the chair. The hand grips are at the upper ends of vertical columns (13,14) attached to either side of the front edge of the baseplate. The attachment of the columns to the baseplate may be temporary, consisting of a pair of vertical sleeves (11,12) on the baseplate which receive the lower ends of the columns, retained by a releasable lock. Each column may be tubular, consisting of a pair of sections arranged telescopically and selectively lockable relative to each other to adjust the column length.

Description

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE DEVICE
OF A PERSON BETWEEN A STANDING POSITION
AND A SITTING POSITION AND REVERSE
The present invention relates to a device for assisting the movement of a person, between a standing position and a sitting position and vice versa.

Elderly, tired, disabled, disabled people find it difficult, when they can, to sit and / or get out of a seat, such as an armchair, chair, bench, or the like taking into account the reduction of the muscular forces at the level of the legs which cannot (or very difficult) carry the person during the passage from the standing position towards the sitting position and vice versa.

The armrests which may be provided, because of their position relative to the seated body, are of little use; in any case, these armrests are only used in the first phase of the movement (when removing the chair) or the last phase (when the person sits down).

The person must then either refrain from sitting down, and somehow lean on another piece of standing furniture which may prove to be painful, or call on a third party to settle in a seat and sit extract it.

This situation is uncomfortable and constitutes an embarrassment.

In this context, the present invention provides a device capable of providing the persons referred to above with precious and effective assistance.

The device of the invention is also advantageous in that it is easy to set up, that it does not damage the seats with which it is associated, that it is simple to manufacture, and that it does not not affect the aesthetic appearance of the seat.

To this end, according to the invention, the device for assisting the movement of a person between a standing position and a sitting position on a seat, and vice versa, is characterized in that it comprises at least one handle element for the person, arranged above the seat cushion, said element being integral with a support base capable of conforming a bearing surface on the surface floor covering at least partially the bearing surface on the floor of said seat .

According to a preferred embodiment, the device comprises two elements forming a grip / handle and arranged on either side of the person, each grip / handle being disposed at one end of a substantially vertical mast fixed, preferably removably , by its other end (close to the ground) on said base.

The base is advantageously formed by two substantially parallel beams, defining a flat carrying surface, and more particularly, the seat is capable of carrying at least partially on said base.

In order to allow the device to be adapted to different types and sizes of seat, the base comprises transverse elements connecting the two longitudinal beams, telescopically and provided with temporary fixing means.

Preferably, in order to reduce the cost and ensure adequate stability of the assembly, the elements of the base are produced from an L-shaped section profile, the vertical uprights being made up of cylindrical tubes.

Other advantages and objects of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, relating to an illustrative but nonlimiting embodiment, with reference to the appended drawing in which - FIG. 1 is a perspective figure of the device placed on the floor, without seat - Figures 2 and 3 are schematic views respectively in longitudinal section and side view of a spacer connecting the vertical masts forming a grip - Figure 4 is a view of the device of Figure 1, associated with an armchair - Figure 5 is a schematic and schematic view of three phases of the movement of a person from the sitting position to the standing position, on a seat associated with the device of the invention; and - Figures 6 and 7 show schematically and partially, respectively from above and from the side, an alternative embodiment.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a perspective view of the device of the invention, the seat with which the device is associated not being shown for reasons of clarity.

The device of the invention consists of a structure forming a base and comprising two longitudinal beams each carrying the general reference 1 and 2, produced in the form of flat metal profiles assembled so as to have the shape of an L in front view .

Each spar comprises on the one hand a rectangular plate (flat iron), respectively 7 and 8, placed flat on the ground, and on the other hand a flat iron 9, 10, parallel, welded along an edge of the corresponding sole.

The two longitudinal members 1 and 2 are arranged parallel or substantially parallel and comprise a front end respectively 3 and 4, and a rear end respectively 5 and 6.

The soles 7 and 8 are laid flat on the ground, to conform to an L whose vertical bar consists of flat iron 9, 10, substantially vertical.

On the side of the respective front ends 3 and 4 of the side members 1 and 2, is fixed, preferably by welding, a cylindrical sleeve 11 and 12 respectively. The axis of each sleeve is orthogonal to the ground, and therefore vertical.

The sleeves are fixed to the corner of the corresponding horizontal sole.

The longitudinal beams 1 and 2 are made so that the vertical flat iron respectively 9 and 10 is interrupted on the side of the front end 3 respectively 4, of the beams 1 and 2. In other words, the sole respectively 7 and 8 resting on the ground, protrudes in length with respect to the vertical flat iron 9, respectively 10.

The sleeves 11 and 12 are arranged on the front ends of the soles 7 and 8.

The sleeves 11 and 12 are each capable of receiving a tube, produced in the form of a metal profile, and bearing the respective references 13 and 14. The tubes 13 and 14 form vertical masts, the upper free end of which is provided of a gripping element forming a handle, or the like, and produced in this case in the form of a sphere respectively 15 and 16, of diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the cylindrical masts 13 and 14.

The vertical cylindrical masts 13 and 14 are connected to each other by a transverse spacer bar 17, shown in more detail in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The spacer bar 17 has the general shape of a tube, at each end of which is welded a sleeve, respectively 18 and 19, of cylindrical shape. The axes of the sleeves 18 and 19 are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spacer bar 17. The sleeves 18 and 19 are, moreover, of shape and dimension complementary to the vertical masts 13 and 14, so that they can slide relative to these. The space bar 17 is substantially horizontal and parallel to the ground.

The space bar 17 consists of two hollow cylindrical tubes, collinear and referenced 24 and 25.

Each hollow tube 24, 25 is fixed by one of its ends by welding, to the sleeves 18 and 19 respectively. Inside the tubes 24 and 25 (FIG. 2) is disposed a third tube 26 of diameter slightly smaller than the tubes 24 and 25 and slide relative to the latter.

Thus, by pulling laterally on one of the masts 13, 14 to which the tube 24 is fixed, the sleeves 18 and 19 are separated from one another, by sliding the third inner tube 26 relative to the tubes 24 and 25 This modifies the length of the spacer bar 17, and therefore the spacing of the vertical masts 13 and 14, and consequently the spacing of the side members 1 and 2.

Means for blocking, in a temporary position, the tubes 24 and 25 relative to the inner tube 26 are provided, in the form for example of threaded parts 27A and 27B fixed to each tube 24 and 25. Each part 27A and 27B is associated a screw (not shown) capable of passing through the tube 24 (respectively 25) to block the inner tube 26 relative to the tubes 24 and 25.

Likewise, means for blocking in a temporary position the sleeves 18 and 19 are provided to maintain the latter relative to the vertical masts, at a desired height. These means consist, for example, of a tapping 28 29 fixed by welding to the respective sleeves 18 and 19, and capable of being associated with a locking screw (not shown) and capable of coming into abutment on the vertical mast, thus blocking the sleeves 18 and 19, and therefore the space bar 17, relative to the vertical masts 13 and 14.

Reference is made again below to FIG. 1.

The longitudinal members 1 and 2 each have a sole respectively 7 and 8, placed flat on the ground, and a transverse (vertical) tab respectively 9 and 10.

The vertical legs 9 and 10 are associated with spacers 20 and 21 each consisting of a metal tube, preferably hollow. The spacers 20 and 21 are arranged transversely with respect to the side rails 1 and 2, the rear spacer 21 being arranged near the respective rear ends 5 and 6 of the side rails 1 and 2, while the second spacer, or front spacer 21, is disposed on the side of the front ends 3 and 4 of the side members 1 and 2, that is to say on the side of the vertical masts 13 and 14.

The rear spacers 20 and front 21 are capable of passing through complementary shaped lights (with circular section) provided in the vertical flat bars 9 and 10. The spacers 20 and 21 protrude on each side of the flat bars, outside the quadrilateral delimited by these.

In order to lock the spacers 20 and 21 in position relative to the vertical flat bars 9 and 10, keys are provided on each side of the latter. Thus, for each spacer, two keys are provided for the flat iron 9 and two keys for the flat iron 10.

The spacers 20 and 21 each consist of two collinear hollow tubes inside which a third solid tube is arranged. The latter is held relative to the two hollow tubes by screws passing through threads 20A, 20B and 21A and 21B provided on said hollow tubes.

This makes it possible to adjust the distance separating the flat irons 9 and 10 from one another, and therefore the spacing of the latter, in order to adapt the device of the invention to different types of armchairs, seats, or the like.

Advantageously, the front spacer 21 is longer than the rear spacer, which gives the side members 1 and 2 a general shape of open V. It is possible to reverse the position of the beams 20 and 21 to have the longest at the rear and the shortest at the front, according to the standards of certain armchairs.

In addition, in order to increase the possibilities of adaptation of the device of the invention to different types of armchairs, whatever their shape and size, there is provided for each spacer and on each flat iron, not a single light through, but at least two, even three. Thus, the flat iron 9 comprises lights 34A and 34B associated, in the form shown, with the respective rear spacers 20 and front 21, and the flat iron 9 also comprises another set of lights 35A and 35B. Likewise, for the flat iron 10, the latter comprises a first set of lights 36A and 36B, associated in the form shown in the spacers 20 and 21, and also a second set of lights 37A and 37B.

The respective lights 35A and 37A are arranged on the respective flat bars 9 and 10, facing one another, so as to be associated with the rear spacer 20 the front lights 35B and 37B of the respective flat bars 9 and 10 are arranged opposite one another to allow the front spacer 21 to pass through them.

FIG. 4 shows the device of the invention associated with an armchair.

More particularly, the device of the invention is arranged relative to the seat, in this case a chair so that the legs of the chair bear on the side rails, and more precisely on the sole respectively 7 and 8 thereof. Thus, the seat of the chair, corresponding to the surface defined by its four feet, projected onto the floor, is covered and included in the surface of the device supporting the floor, and corresponding to the surface corresponding to the seat of the device. on the ground, that is to say the surface corresponding to the quadrilateral defined by the ends 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the longitudinal members.

In addition, the fact that two of the legs of the chair, and preferably the four, bear on the side rails themselves, makes it possible to increase the stability of the assembly.

Referring to Figure 5, we understand the interest and operation of the device of the invention.

The representation of FIG. 5 is extremely diagrammatic but makes it possible to show the successive phases of the passage from the standing and sitting positions respectively of a person on a seat 40, associated with the device of the invention.

The chair 40 thus has four legs, the legs 41 and 42 of which are only visible in the side representation of FIG. 5, an armrest 43 and a backrest 44.

As for the device of the invention, it includes the side members, of which only the side member 2 is visible, and the vertical masts 13 and 14, of which only the mast 14 is visible.

A person represented in an extremely schematic manner is shown in three successive positions when switching from the standing position to the sitting position and vice versa.

The sitting position is shown in solid lines, an intermediate position is shown in broken lines, while a near or almost standing position is shown in dotted lines.

It can be seen that the person, starting for example from the sitting position (in solid lines), has a handle or a grip at the end of the masts 13 and 14 situated at a distance forward and a height compared to the ground, optimal. More specifically, the free end of the masts is offset forward and upward relative to the seat base. By pulling the arms, pressing the handle / taken at the top of the vertical uprights 13 and 14, the person lifts his body (the trunk) due to the rotation of his thighs relative to the knees, the shins performing a slight movement of rotation relative to the feet (intermediate position in broken lines). The transition from the intermediate position (in broken lines) to the almost final position (in dotted lines) is continued by the movement of the arms which continue to pull, pushing '' the uprights backwards which therefore cause the movement of the body forwards and upwards, taking into account the rotational movement of the thighs relative to the knees. The thighs, in fact, from the sitting position to the standing position, perform a kind of rotation in an arc of a circle, around the axis of articulation formed by the knees.

It is noted that the reverse movement, from the passage from the standing position to the sitting position, takes place in the same way, the arms "retaining" the body subjected to gravity, backwards and downwards.

Thus, the person uses the force of the arms almost completely to make the downward or upward movements (sitting towards standing and vice versa), the legs participating very little in the movement.

It is also understood from Figure 5 that the seat and the stability of the device of the invention is very large, since the tensile movement of the arms on the uprights, is counterbalanced by the side members.

There is shown in Figures 6 and 7, schematic and partial views, respectively in plan and side, of an alternative embodiment of the device, where we find the elements of Figures 1 to 5, and bearing the same references.

The embodiment described in FIGS. 6 and 7 makes it possible to ensure an even more effective blocking of the legs of the armchair, or of the sofa or of the chair, on the soles 1 and 2, and in particular by maintaining the legs to avoid any untimely translation of the latter relative to the soles, in the longitudinal direction.

To this end, a flat iron 50 is provided, so as to bear against the lower end respectively the rear legs 51 and front 52 of the seat. The auxiliary flat iron 50 is substantially parallel to the flat iron 9 welded to the sole 7, as far as the spar 1 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is concerned.

The feet 51 and 52 are held between the two main flat irons 9 and auxiliary 50, by means of a threaded rod 53 capable of passing through the two respective flat irons and associated with two nuts 54 and 55 arranged on the threaded rod 53 on the outside with respect to the two respective flat bars 9 and 50.

Thus, by tightening the nuts 54 and 55 on the threaded rod 53, we tend to bring the flat bars closer to one another and therefore the feet 51 and 52 are blocked.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous for seats of the sofa type.

Another advantage of the device of the invention lies in its ability to be disassembled into different parts.

More particularly, it is noted that the side members 1 and 2, the vertical uprights 13 and 24, the spacer bar 17 and the front and rear spacers 20, 21, are removable. These elements also have a common characteristic, namely that they are elongated and have a transverse dimension much smaller than their longitudinal dimension. These elements can thus be placed against each other, and pack them in a packaging in a resistant plastic sheet, or in a plastic shell, known in English as 'blister', under very economical conditions. In addition, the assembly has a relatively moderate weight, without sacrificing solidity and reliability which are very important elements, in particular with regard to users who must imperatively be reassured when using the device.

The device of the invention also has components that are relatively simple to manufacture since they are produced from inexpensive metal profiles in themselves, and requiring a minimum of weld assemblies.

Finally, the assembly of the various elements to constitute the device is carried out in an extremely simple manner by fitting into each other and sliding, tightening a few locking screws and engaging keys.

The different settings make it possible to adapt the device of the invention to the different types and sizes of seats, whatever their shapes, functions, or types (armchairs, chairs, benches, or the like).

It should also be noted that the device of the invention may be produced using metallic elements of more sophisticated shapes and having decorative elements, or having particular shapes making it possible to constitute an aesthetic whole, in harmony with and corresponding to the seat with which it is associated.

The relative arrangement of the device of the invention and of the seat makes it possible to obtain a certain discretion of the device which is thus not too visible, thus respecting the concern of the users.

By removing the masts 13 and 14, and the space bar 17 connecting the latter, it is possible, by a simple gesture, to remove the visible part of the device relative to a chair with which it is associated, so that the latter can be used by other people who do not need to use the mobility aid. The removability of the various elements with respect to each other, of the device of the invention, makes it possible to leave the soles 1 and 2 in place, while eliminating the visible side of the device. By replacing by fitting the tubes 13 and 14 in the sleeves 11 and 12 of the side members 1 and 2, and the blocking of the latter, the associated chair is capable of being used by a person requiring a movement assistance device .

The invention is of course not limited to the embodiment described but encompasses all variants included in the spirit thereof.

Claims (13)

1 - Device for assisting the movement of a person between a standing position and a sitting position on a seat, and vice versa, characterized in that it comprises at least one element forming a grip / handle (15, 16) for the person, disposed above the seat cushion, said element being secured to a support base (1, 2) capable of conforming a bearing surface on the ground covering at least partially the bearing surface on the ground of said seat. 2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two elements forming grip / handle (15, 16), arranged on either side of the seat. 3 - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip / handle element (15, 16) corresponds to the end of a substantially vertical mast (13, 14) fixed by its other end, close from the ground, on said base (1, 2). 4 - Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the grip / handle member (15, 16) is fixed to said base (1, 2) using temporary fixing means (11, 12). 5 - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (1, 2) comprises at least two beams (1, 2) substantially parallel to each other on the one hand, and in the sense of displacement of the person, on the other hand. 6 - Device according to claims 2 and 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one transverse spacing bar (17), perpendicular to the two beams (1, 2), and disposed between the masts (13, 14) at below the seat seating plan. 7 - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (1, 2) is of such a shape that the seat is able to rest at least partially on said base (1, 2). 8 - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises. two vertical tubes (13, 14). two sleeves (11, 12), each sleeve being able to  receive the lower end of each tube, each  sleeve being associated with removable locking means. a transverse space bar (17) disposed between  the tubes (13, 14), comprising at least two elements  (24, 25, 26) cooperating in a telescopic manner,  temporary blocking means (27A, 27B) of an element  compared to each other being provided. 9 - Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (1, 2) consists of two beams (1, 2), each beam including on the one hand a sole (7, 8) capable of resting on the ground, and on the other hand a vertical flat iron (9, 10), fixed to each other. 10- Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises an auxiliary tab (50) for locking the legs of the seat, associated with clamping means of the foot (52) between said auxiliary tab (50) and said flat iron (9, 10). 11- Device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that it comprises at least one spacer (20, 21) associated with fixing means (30, 31, 32, 33) relative to the side members (1 , 2). 12- Device according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises two spacers (20, 21) parallel to each other, arranged transversely relative to the beams (1, 2), each beam comprising positioning means (20A, 20B) adjustable spacers. 13- Device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is made from metal profiles, assembled by welding.