Support apparatus

Abstract

A support apparatus for use with an appliance, the apparatus having a substantially rigid support member adapted to be engaged by a human being for access to the appliance; an assembly mounting the support member on the appliance for movement through a range of positions between a primary position and a secondary position elevated from the primary position; and a mechanism for moving the support member between the primary position and the secondary position to move the human being engaged therewith between the primary position and the secondary position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not Applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003](1) Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates to a support apparatus and, more particularly, to a support apparatus which is adapted for use with respect to a work object, such as a human being, to assist in moving the work object relative to a fixture.[0005](2) Description of the Prior Art[0006]Access to a particular location, or area, for a given purpose is frequently difficult, or impossible, due to the conditions which exist. It may be, for example, difficult for a human being to achieve access to a fixture, or appliance, under certain conditions. In the case of a human beings, this may be a circumstance in which is compromised in one or more respects. Injury or another physical condition, whether temporary or permanent, can interfere with access to the fixture. The elderly frequently have...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved support apparatus having particular utility in providing access to an apparatus, device, or fixture which otherwise would not be accessible, or accessible only with great effort.

[0014]Another object is to provide such a support apparatus which is operable to assist in moving a person from an erect, or standing, attitude to a seated attitude for use of the fixture and to assist in moving a person from a seated attitude to an erect or standing attitude.

[0019]Further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is dependable, economical, durable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

Problems solved by technology

Access to a particular location, or area, for a given purpose is frequently difficult, or impossible, due to the conditions which exist.

It may be, for example, difficult for a human being to achieve access to a fixture, or appliance, under certain conditions.

Injury or another physical condition, whether temporary or permanent, can interfere with access to the fixture.

Heretofore, such access has been assisted only by methods which in most instances, are entirely inadequate.

Characteristically, provision for assistance is limited to such accommodations as wide ramps and paths of travel, enlarged stalls, grasping rails and the like.

This is particularly the case where the invalid, or disabled person, is able to walk, albeit with difficulty, but is unable, or incapacitated to the extent, that moving from an erect, standing attitude to a seated attitude is difficult or impossible.

People confined to wheelchairs are also frequently presented with these same difficulties; that is, for example, moving back and forth between the wheelchair and the toilet.

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