GB2431596A

GB2431596A - A standing frame for a disabled person

Info

Publication number: GB2431596A
Application number: GB0619844A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Benjamin Richard James Spencer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-28
Filing date: 2006-10-06
Publication date: 2007-05-02
Also published as: GB0619844D0; GB0522055D0

Abstract

A standing frame 2 for a disabled person, which standing frame comprises a pair of sides 4, 6 which are spaced apart by a distance for accommodating the person, and cross members 8 which connect the sides 4, 6 together, the standing frame being such that it is collapsible for transportation and storage. The frame may be collapsible by the removal of cross members 8 and the folding in half of the sides.

Description

A STANDING FRAME FOR A DISABLED PERSON

This invention relates to a standing frame for a disabled person.

Standing frames for disabled persons are known. The standing frames are designed for disabled persons with little or no use of their legs.

The standing frames are particularly useful for paraplegics and tetraplegics who cannot stand without support. For disabled persons with little or no use of their legs, standing is essential in order to stabilise blood pressure and improve blood flow, thereby reducing the propensity for sores and also reducing calcium loss from bones.

Known standing frames are very heavy, bulky and cumbersome.

They are usually made of solid wood or solid steel. Because the known standing frames are so heavy, bulky and cumbersome, they cannot easily be transported by car, aeroplane, train or ship. There are many professional persons that use standing frames, but are unable to take their standing frames with them when they are travelling and they are away from home.

The weight, bulk and cumbersome nature of the known standing frames also makes them difficult to use in many places due to their size. For example, many homes of disabled persons do not have the required space far a standing frame. Similarly, many gymnasiums, therapy centres or treatment rooms where disabled persons may wish to train do not have the required space for a fixed structure standing frame.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a standing frame for a disabled person, which standing frame comprises a pair of sides which are spaced apart by a distance for accommodating the person, and cross members which connect the sides together, the standing frame being such that it is collapsible for transportation and storage.

The ability of the standing frame of the present invention to be collapsible for transportation and storage enables the standing frame to be taken by a disabled person if they are travelling and are likely to be away from home. If the disabled person has a home in which space is at a premium, then the standing frame can be collapsed and stored after use. It can then easily be assembled when it is to be used again. Also, if a person should wish to go to a gymnasium, therapy centre or treatment room that does not have a standing frame, then the person can take their own standing frame with them if they should wish. Thus the standing frame of the present invention helps to overcome the considerable disadvantages of known standing frames which present themselves to disabled persons with little or no use of their legs.

The standing frame may be one in which the standing frame is collapsible by removing the cross members from the sides.

The standing frame may then be one in which the sides have lugs, in which each lug locates in an opening in one of the cross members, and in which each lug is retained in its opening by a retaining member. The retaining member is preferably a quick release fastener. Other types of retaining member may however be employed.

The cross members are preferably hollow tubes. Hollow tubes are lighter than solid tubes. The standing frame of the present invention is advantageously produced to be as light as possible for facilitating its transportation and also for facilitating its ability to be collapsed and re-assembled. Where the cross members are hollow tubes, then the above mentioned opening in one of the cross members may be formed by the open end of the one of the hollow tubes.

The hollow tubes may be of square, circular or any other suitable and desired cross sectional shape.

The standing frame may be one in which the sides are open frame sides formed of interconnected members.

The interconnected members are preferably hollow tubes in order to enable the standing frame to be light, easily collapsed and easily re-assembled as mentioned above. The hollow tubes for the interconnected members may be of square, circular or any other suitable and appropriate cross sectional shape.

The sides may be non4olding sides.

Alternatively, the sides may be folding sides. Where the sides are folding sides, then the sides may fold about hinges. Preferably, the sides fold about a central section into half their original size. If desired however the sides may fold more than once so that, for example, there may be three folding sections to one side.

Preferably, the folding sides include locking members for locking the folding sides rigidly together.

Preferably, the locking members are channel-shaped members which are retained in position by locking pins. Locking members other than channel-shaped members may be employed if desired.

In another embodiment of the invention, instead of the standing frame being collapsible by removing the cross members from the sides, the entire standing frame may be collapsible by folding about hinges. The hinges may be located as and where appropriate, depending upon the type of folding required.

In all embodiments of the invention, the standing frame may include a positioning member for positioning the person's feet.

The positioning member is preferably an adjustable positioning member. A non-adjustable positioning member may however be employed if desired.

Preferably, the adjustable positioning member is adjustable by being located at a desired position along lines of apertures in bottom portions of the side members.

The adjustable or non-adjustable positioning member may include a foot plate.

The standing frame may include securing means for securing parts of the person to the standing frame so that the person can stand in the standing frame without falling. The securing means may be securing straps and/or securing belts. Other types of securing means may be employed.

The standing frame is advantageously one which fits into a carry case when the standing frame is in the collapsed condition.

The standing frame may be such that it is adjustable in height and/or width and/or length. The standing frame may be made of tubes which are able to extend, for example by being telescopic. Such extendable tubes allow for the frame to be adjustable in height and/orwidth and/or length, thereby allowing the frame to be made for individuals of different heights and/or sizes and/or requirements. The frame may be a one-piece frame that does not come apart. Alternatively, the frame may be one in which it is separable into parts. Thus, for example, the sides of the frame may come apart.

The footplate may be a fixed footplate. Preferably, the footplate is adjustable. The adjustment is preferably via front and bottom cross members to which the footplate may clip. There may be a top tray, with the top tray having a top X-member.

The present invention extends to the combination of the standing frame of the invention and the carry case.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first standing frame for a disabled person; Figure 2 is a detail of a corner part of the standing frame as shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 and 4 show parts of a first positioning member for being fixed to the standing frame as shown in Figure 1 and for positioning the person's feet; Figure 5 is a view like Figure 1 but shows a second standing frame for a disabled person; Figure 6 is a front view of an alternative side to the standing frame to the side shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a locking member for the folding side shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows the folding side of Figure 6 being folded; and Figure 9 shows a second positioning member for positioning the person's feet.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a first standing frame 2 for a disabled person (not shown). The standing frame 2 comprises a pair of sides 4, 6 which are spaced apart by a distance for accommodating the person. The standing frame 2 also comprises cross members 8 which connect the sides 4, 6 together. The standing frame 2 is such that it is collapsible for transportation and storage. More specifically, the standing frame 2 is collapsible by removing the cross members 8 from the sides 4, 6.

As will be appreciated from Figure 2, the sides 4, 6 have lugs 10.

Each lug 10 locates in an opening 12 in one of the cross members 8. Each lug 10 is retained in its opening 12 by a retaining member 14. The retaining member 14 is a quick release fastener device. The lugs 10 are solid lugs as shown. The lugs 10 may alternatively be hollow, and the lugs 10 may be of other cross sectional shapes if desired. The lugs 10 may be welded or glued in position and drilled. Once the cross member 8 is secured to its lug by the retaining member 14, then a solid and secure connection is made.

When the lugs 10 are glued in position, then this is preferably effected using adhesives that are used in the aircraft industry for permanently gluing parts together.

As best appreciated from Figure 2, the cross members 8 are hollow tubes. The opening 12 is the open end of one of the hollow tubes. The cross members 8 are of square cross sectional shape. This square cross sectional shape together with the square cross sectional shape of the lugs makes for a good secure fithng. The cross members 8 may be of other cross sectional shapes if desired.

As shown in Figure 1, the sides 4, 6 are open frame sides formed of interconnected members 16. The interconnected members 16 are hollow tubes of square cross sectional shape as shown. The sides 4, 6 are non-folding sides.

The standing frame 2 can be used by a person to stand in a safe and controlled environment, The person is able to put weight through their hips, knees and ankle joints in the same way as an able bodied person does when standing. The standing frame 2 can thus be used by a person for standing in order to help stabilise blood pressure and improve blood flow, thereby reducing the propensity for sores and also reducing calcium loss from bones. The standing frame 2 is light weight and compact. The standing frame 2 can easily be collapsed into its component pieces for transportation and storage. Thus the standing frame 2 can easily be taken by a person when travelling and when the person is likely to be away from home for a prolonged period. Equally, the standing frame 2 can be taken by a person to a gymnasium, therapy centre or treatment room. If the standing frame is to be used in a home where space is at a premium, then it can easily be collapsed after use, and re-assembled when required for use again.

The standing frame 2 is able to isolate and lock the legs and hips of the person in place in order to put the person into a standing position. This is achieved by a series of belts and/or straps (not shown). The height of the belts and straps can be adjusted by securing them to an appropriate one of a series of vertical apertures 18. Pads (not shown) are used on the belts or straps to spread the body weight of the person across a larger area. This helps to reduce the impact on the person's body and thereby to reduce the chance of skin damage and/or sores. Preferably the apertures 18 are provided at one inch intervals but other spacings between the apertures 18 may be employed. The apertures 18 extend completely through their members 16.

The standing frame 2 may be provided with a positioning member 20 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The positioning member 20 is for positioning the person's feet. The positioning member 20 is an adjustable positioning member 20 which is adjustable by being located in an appropriate one of a series of horizontal apertures 22 in the members 16. The apertures 22 are preferably spaced apart at one inch intervals but they may be provided with other spacings if desired. As best shown in Figure 4, the positioning member 22 has two cut out portions 24 which receive the members 16, and allow pegs 26 on the positioning member 20 to fit in chosen horizontal apertures 22 in the members 16.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a second standing frame 28. The standing frame 28 is similar to the standing frame 2 and similar parts have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The standing frame 28 may or may not have the vertical apertures 18, the horizontal apertures 22 and the positioning member 20 shown in the standing frame 2. Preferably, the standing frame 28 has all of these component parts.

As can be seen from Figure 5, the standing frame 28 is such that the sides 4, 6 are stepped. The stepped sides 4, 6 thus providing a first grip portion 30 at a first height, and a second grip portion 32 at a second height.

This is in contrast to the standing frame 2 wherein the sides 4, 6 each provide a grip portion 34 but only of one height.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 show a side 36 for a standing frame which may be standing frame 2, the standing frame 28, or a standing frame of a completely different design. The side 36 is a folding side 36 which folds about hinges 38. Similar parts as in the sides 4, 6 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. As can be seen from lO Figure 6 and 8, the side 36 folds in half so that it is formed of two equal sections 40, 42.

The side 36 includes locking member 44 for locking the folding side 36 rigidly in the position shown in Figure 6. The locking members 44 are each a channel shaped member as best shown in Figure 7. The locking members 44 are retained in position by locking pins 46 as shown in Figure 6. The locking pins 46 pass through apertures 48 in the locking members 44, and also through apertures in the horizontal membecs 16.

Figure 9 shows a second positioning member 50. The positioning member 50 is like the positioning member 20 but it includes a footplate 52.

The footplate 52 has a horizontal portion 54 and a vertical portion 56 as shown. The vertical portion 56 abuts against the part 20 of the positioning member 50 as shown in Figure 9.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the standing frame 2 may be made to different sizes to meet the individual needs of different persons with regard to the height and the width of the frame, The apertures 22 are preferably only drilled in the top of the box-section member 16 but they may be drilled completely through if desired. The standing frame of the present invention is preferably constructed of welded light weight one inch aluminium box section material.

Other sizes and shapes of materials may be employed. The standing frame may also be produced in rigid plastics materials providing the rigid plastics

II

materials are sufficiently rigid and robust. Other types of quick release fastenings may be employed to the retaining member 14 shown in Figure 2.

If a person in a wheelchair approaches the standing frame of the present invention, there will usually be straps and/or belts (not shown) to first secure the wheelchair to the standing frame. This prevents the standing frame and the wheelchair being pushed apart when the person attempts to access the standing frame. Once the access has been achieved, then the straps or belts are used to secure the person in position. The straps or belts usually first secure the feet into the desired position using the adjustable positioning member 20. An appropriate strap or belt is then secured around the person's buttocks. The knees are then locked into position using appropriate straps or belts. The person is then securely and safely held in the standing frame. Once the person is standing, final adjustments can be made to the straps for maximum comfort and stability.

The standing frame may be provided with a detachable table top portion which can be used for various purposes. When the standing frame is collapsed, it may be stored in a carry case (not shown) for easy transportation and storage. The carry case can be of any suitable and appropriate size and shape, and it may be rigid-sided in the form of a case or made of material in the form of a bag.

The standing frame of the present invention may be provided with fixtures and fittings which are available in different colours. The carry case may also be provided in appropriate colours.

The standing frame of the present invention may be provided with add-on devices such for example as one or more of apparatus for playing games, an artist's easel, a drawing board, a reading frame, and computer accessories for enabling a computer to be secured to the standing frame.

The standing frame may be provided with hand bars which can be moved to a preferential height for easier access and exit purposes. The standing frame may be provided with hand grip portions for enabling comfort of gripping the standing frame. The standing frame may be provided with devices for enabling a person in the standing frame to carry out upper body exercises. A mechanism may be employed for providing extra stability. The positioning member, for example a footplate, may be made of a plastics material, and it may have straps for securing the feet and stopping them turning outward. Hand grips may be of wrap-around foam material instead of being in a fixed position. Surfaces may be anodised to give different colours and/or a tougher surface than that of paint. Memory foam material may be used on the straps for extra comfort.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A standing frame for a disabled person, which standing frame comprises a pair of sides which are spaced apart by a distance for accommodating the person, and cross members which connect the sides together, the standing frame being such that it is collapsible for transportation and storage.

2. A standing frame according to claim 1 in which the standing frame is collapsible by removing the cross members from the sides.

3. A standing frame according to claim 2 in which the sides have lugs, in which each lug locates in an opening in one of the cross members, and in which each lug is retained in its opening by a retaining member.

4. A standing frame according to claim 3 in which the retaining member is a quick release fastener.

5. A standing frame according to any one of the preceding members in which the cross members are hollow tubes.

6. A standing frame according to claim 3 and 5 or to claim 4 and 5 in which the opening is in an open end of one of the hollow tubes.

7. A standing frame according to any one of the preceding claims in which the sides are open frame sides formed of interconnected members.

8. A standing frame according to claim 7 in which the interconnected members are hollow tubes.

9. A standing frame according to any one of the preceding claims in which the sides are non-folding sides.

10. A standing frame according to any one of claims I -8 in which the sides are folding sides.

11. A standing frame according to claim 10 in which the sides fold about hinges.

12. A standing frame according to claim 11 in which the sides fold in half.

13. A standing frame according to claim 11 or claim 12 in which the folding sides include locking members for locking the folding sides rigidly together.

14. A standing frame according to claim 13 in which the locking members are channel-shaped members which are retained in position by locking pins.

15. A standing frame according to claim 1 in which the standing frame is collapsible by folding about hinges.

16. A standing frame according to any one of the preceding claims and including a positioning member for positioning the person's feet.

17. A standing frame according to claim 16 in which the positioning member is an adjustable positioning member.

18. A standing frame according to claim 17 in which the adjustable positioning member is adjustable by being located at a desired position along lines of apertures in bottom portions of the side members.

19. A standing frame according to any one of claims 16 -18 in which the positioning member includes a footplate.

20. A standing frame according to any one of the preceding claims and including securing means for securing parts of the person to the standing fame so that the person can stand in the standing frame without falling.

21. A standing frame according to claim 20 in which the securing means are securing straps and/or securing belts.

22. A standing frame according to any one of the preceding claims and which fits into a carry case when the standing frame is in the collapsed condition.

23. A standing frame for a disabled person, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. The combination of a standing frame according to any one of the preceding claims and the carry case.