Device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like

Abstract

A device to provide assistance in transferring and standing includes a knee-fixing unit wrapped around and supporting either the knee area or at least the front and sides of the lower leg area from knee to ankle of a care-receiver; a pelvis support wrapped around at least the buttocks or a section from the pelvis to thighs of said care-receiver in a manner that prevents slippage from said pelvis support from slipping off; and left and right pulling bands. Each band having two connecting ends attached to the side of a thigh section and the side of a hip section of said pelvis support respectively so that said bands are positioned above and below the greater trochanter when said care-receiver is being pulled up during transfer/standing assistance and are positioned in front of and behind the greater trochanter when said care-receiver is seated.

Claims

1. A device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like comprising: a knee-fixing unit wrapped around and supporting either the knee area or at least the front and sides of the lower leg area from knee to ankle of a care receiver; a pelvis support formed from fabric or sheet or mesh that is wrapped around at least the buttocks or a section from the pelvis to thighs of said care receiver in a manner that provides curved planar support and prevents slippage from said pelvis support from slipping off; and left and right pulling bands, each band being formed with two connecting ends that are attached to the side of a thigh section and the side of a hip section of said pelvis support respectively so that said bands are configured to be positioned above and below the care receiver's greater trochanter when said care receiver is being pulled up during transfer/standing assistance and are configured to be positioned in front of and behind the care receiver's greater trochanter when said care receiver is seated; wherein, when assistance is being provided, connecting belts extended from said knee-fixing unit are passed through a loop formed by said pelvis support and said pulling bands to the left and right of said pelvis support and are reconnected to said knee fixing section or to said connecting belts themselves, and thus said connecting belts form left and right loops that connect said knee-fixing unit, said pelvis support, and said pulling bands.

2. A device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like according to claim 1, wherein said knee-fixing unit is formed as a band or a fabric that is configured to be wrapped around a section from the care receiver's knees to the care receiver's shins or around the care receiver's lower leg area and configured to be easily unwrapped when assistance is not being provided; and said knee-fixing unit configured to be removed from said pulling bands and said pelvis support by detaching said connecting belt from said loop formed by said pulling bands and said pelvis support.

3. A device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like according to claim 1, wherein said pelvis support is formed as part of a pair of pants or a cushion with said pants or cushion being permanently integrated with said pulling bands, so that pulling belts are exposed at the sides when in a seated state and the attachment positions of said pulling belts in the seated state are such that attachment is configured to be higher toward the care receiver's ilium and lower toward the care receiver's thigh, thus making it easy for said caregiver facing said care receiver to pull up said care receiver diagonally forward.

4. A device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like according to claim 2, wherein a length of said pulling bands can be restricted or adjusted so that when providing pulling up assistance, grasping points of said pulling bands are configured to not go above the care receiver's solar plexus.

5. A device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like according to claim 3, wherein a length of said pulling bands can be restricted or adjusted so that when providing pulling up assistance, grasping points of said pulling bands are configured to not go above the care receiver's solar plexus.

6. A device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like according to claim 2, wherein said pelvis support is formed as part of a pair of pants or a cushion with said pants or cushion being permanently integrated with said pulling bands, so that pulling belts are exposed at the sides when in a seated state and the attachment positions of said pulling belts in the seated state are such that attachment is configured to be higher toward the care receiver's ilium and lower toward the care receiver's thigh, thus making it easy for said caregiver facing said care receiver to pull up said care receiver diagonally forward.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY DRAWINGS

(1) The novel features believed to be characteristic of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a cushion-type device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like in the embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the condition before attaching the knee-fixing unit in a pair-of-pants-type device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like in the embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates the relationship between the pulling band attachment location and the skeleton in the embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a pair-of-pants-type device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like consisting of knee-fixing unit, pulling belts, pelvis support, and seat unit.

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lower leg area when using knee-fixing unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 6 is a front view of a cushion-type pelvis support, a pair-of-pants-type pelvis support, and a separated knee-fixing unit in the embodiment of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the use of the device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like of the present invention.

(9) Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in the figures nor the shapes, relative sizes or proportions shown in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

(10) The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of the present disclosure is shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) set forth herein. Rather, such non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the relevant art(s). Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the figures.

(11) The illustrations of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the present disclosure. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of the structures, systems and/or methods described herein. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the disclosure. Other non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may be utilized and derived from the disclosure such that structural, logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

(12) One or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the true spirit and scope of this application to any particular non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiment(s) have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of other embodiment(s). Combinations of the above embodiment(s), and other embodiment(s) not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the relevant art(s) upon reviewing the description.

(13) References in the specification to one embodiment(s), an embodiment(s), a preferred embodiment(s), an alternative embodiment(s) and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) is included in at least an embodiment(s) of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). The appearances of the phrase non-limiting exemplary embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment(s).

(14) Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiment(s) and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

(15) If used herein, about means approximately or nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means15% of the numerical.

(16) If used herein, substantially means largely if not wholly that which is specified but so close that the difference is insignificant.

(17) The non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) is/are referred to generally in FIGS. 1-7. Now, an explanation will be given of a device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like with reference to figures.

(18) As shown in FIG. 1, a device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like A includes a knee-fixing unit 1, a cushion 2 as the knee-fixing unit 1 and a pelvis support, and pulling bands 3 connected to the cushion.

(19) The part of the pulling bands and pelvis support shown in FIG. 1 can be formed by a pair-of-pants-type part 4 and pulling bands 3 as shown in FIG. 2. On the other hand, by using a fabric or a belt connecting the belly area and the back side as in a pair-of-pants-type, the cushion-type can achieve better adhesion of the aid to the care-receiver, thus enhancing stability.

(20) In both cases shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ends of each pulling band 3 on either side of the pelvis region are securely connected to a cushion-type part 2 or a pair-of-pants-type part 4. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper end 5 is attached to a position near the ilium above the femoral neck and the lower end 6 is attached near the center of the femur. The lower end 6 may be connected near the femoral neck.

(21) If the grasping point of each pulling band 3 is too high, it becomes difficult for a caregiver to apply his or her weight backward to pull up a care-receiver. Therefore, it should be designed in such a way that the grasping points of each pulling band is at a position lower than the solar plexus of the care-receiver 8, for example, at an appropriate position near the femoral neck as shown FIG. 3, by which it becomes possible for a caregiver to apply his or her weight backward to pull up a care-receiver while grasping the pulling band of the stand aid A.

(22) As described above, a cushion or a pair of pants can be worn at all times, thus saving time and effort for suiting-up.

(23) FIG. 4 illustrates the knee-fixing unit having been wrapped around the legs in a seated state. The knee-fixing unit is combined and integrated with the pulling belts of the pelvis support by a connecting belt 7.

(24) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the legs of a caregiver and a care receiver when the knee-fixing unit 1 is wrapped around the lower leg area 8 of the care receiver. The knees are fixed by pushing the caregiver's knee 9 against the knee-fixing unit.

(25) FIG. 6 illustrates when the knee-fixing unit has been removed. Easy installation/detachment of the knee-fixing unit enables fixing of knees only during assistance and is not restrictive in other cases.

(26) Hereinafter, detailed requirement components of the stand aid seat of the present invention are disclosed.

(27) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cushion-type or pair-of-pants-type pelvis support has a shape to be used or worn on a daily basis as a cushion or clothing. The pelvis supports are composed of durable material such as denim and canvas, making it possible to support the bodyweight of a care-receiver safely in transfer/stand assistance.

(28) The shape and structure of the cushion-type or pair-of-pants-type pelvis support can be selected as appropriate. For example, it is possible to increase the thickness of the cushion for prevention of decubitus ulcers, or to introduce a mesh fabric in parts for breathability. The present invention can be applied to shower assistance etc. by utilizing waterproof or water repellent treated materials.

(29) The pulling bands have handles which are grasped by the caregiver when assisting a care-receiver to stand, and are formed by strong band made of denim, canvas, nylon or other synthetic fiber, resin, or leather, etc. that would not be easily torn during pulling-up motion.

(30) The pair-of-pants-type part and the pulling bands must be connected tightly to each other for supporting the weight of the care-receiver with strong stitching with strong yarn.

(31) It is possible to appropriately select the shape and material of the pulling bands, but it is preferable that the position grasped by a caregiver during stand assistance is designed near the femoral neck area lower than the solar plexus of the care-receiver.

(32) The knee-fixing unit suppresses the bending of a care-receiver's knees by wrapping the knees as shown in FIG. 4. In order to attach/detach the knee-fixing unit easily, connecting using a hook-and-loop fastener 10 as shown in FIG. 6 is preferable. Buckles 11 can be used to facilitate attaching/detaching of the pulling belts and pelvis support to/from the knee-fixing unit as shown in FIG. 6. Of course, it is possible to use various methods such as zippers, buttons, or carabiners for the attachment/detachment.

(33) Also, in FIGS. 1 and 4, the knee-fixing unit and the pulling belts are connected, but the present invention is not limited to this connecting method. It is also possible to connect the pelvis support and the knee-fixing unit not at the pulling belts, but by using different structures such as connector rings or belt loops provided on the pelvis support or buckles attached on the pelvis support.

(34) The pulling band length with appropriate grasping point as described above enables, as shown in FIG. 7, natural motion of a caregiver 12 in pulling up a care-receiver by shifting the center of his/her gravity backward without bending too far forward or backward. Attaching pulling bands at the side of the thigh area as in the present invention is effective for effectively shifting the center of gravity. In an inventor's consideration, attaching handles at the buttocks is not as effective for transfer of weight as attaching them to the sides.

(35) Use examples for a stand aid in the first embodiment of the present invention described above are explained below.

(36) First, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), a caregiver 12, in front of a care-receiver 13 wearing a stand aid of the present invention, grasps the left and right pulling bands with outstretched arms. Then, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, it is preferable for the caregiver's pivot foot to be pressed against the part wrapped around the care-receiver's lower leg area and the care-receiver's arm to be brought around the back of the caregiver.

(37) Then the caregiver draws back the foot away from the care-receiver while keeping arms appropriately outstretched and shifts the center of gravity backward with the pivot foot as the fulcrum as shown in FIG. 7 (b). When changing direction, the caregiver further turns on the pivot foot, and guides the care-receiver to a seated state.

(38) During standing and seating, the caregiver assists the care-receiver by principle of leverage, where the grasping point of pulling band is the point of load, the center of gravity moved by the caregiver is the point of effort, and the knee-fixing unit is the fulcrum. By this transition of gravity, a care-receiver can be naturally pulled up to stand and guided to a seated state, reducing the load on the arms and lower back of the caregiver.

(39) Further, compared to conventional stand aids, the stand aid of the present invention does not require troublesome procedures of suiting-up the care-receiver because of being in daily use, except for the knee-fixing unit, thereby improving work efficiency, and enables steady standing since the contact area to a care-receiver is large. The present invention can be applied to slippery shower assistance etc. by utilizing waterproof or water repellent treated materials.

(40) It should be understood that the foregoing relates only to illustrative embodiments of the present invention, and that restructuring, variation, and modification is possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

(41) A Main body of a device to provide assistance in transferring, standing, and the like is disclosed in the figures with the following reference numbers. 1 Knee-fixing unit 2 Cushion-type pelvis support 3 Pulling band 4 Pair-of-pants-type pelvis support 5 Pulling band upper end attachment position 6 Pulling band lower end attachment position 7 Connecting belt 8 Cross-sectional view of lower leg area of a care-receiver 9 Cross sectional view of lower leg area of a care-receiver 10 Hook-and-loop fastener 11 Buckle 12 Caregiver 13 Care-receiver

(42) While non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) has/have been described with respect to certain specific embodiment(s), it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) may include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation.

(43) The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above Detailed Description, various features may have been grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiment(s) require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s). Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

(44) The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiment(s) which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the above detailed description.