Patient seat support

Abstract

Seating aid (1) for supporting the sitting position of a patient (11) sitting in a bed (10), wherein the seating aid (1) is constructed from at least the following components: - a support element (12) which serves to support the seat aid (1) on the bed (11), - a support element (13) against which the patient (11) can lean his back, - a hinged connection (14) between the support element (12) and the support element (13), so that the support element (13) is hingedly connected to the support element (12), characterized in that - at least one foot element (15) is arranged on the support element (12) at the end opposite the articulated connection (14) and is designed for support against a wall, against a bed frame or against an adjacent mattress, in that the foot element (15) has a planar extension (E) which runs transversely to the plane of extension of the support element (12) and in that - a telescopic unit (17) is provided, via which the foot element (15) is arranged on the support element (12) and so that the foot element (15) can be extended against a rear wall or edge of the bed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seating aid for supporting the sitting position of a patient sitting in a bed, wherein the seating aid is constructed from at least the following components: a support element which serves to support the seating aid on the bed, a support element against which the patient can lean his back, an articulated connection between the support element and the support element, so that the support element is articulated to the support element. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] If patients or people with limited mobility, who are usually bedridden, need to be raised in bed and placed in a sitting position, for example, to dress or wash, two caregivers are often required, one of whom must hold the person in place. Therefore, it is helpful to use a seating aid to support the patient in a sitting position, allowing them to remain in the sitting position alone with the aid of the seating aid.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2011 052 839 B4 discloses a seating aid for patient beds that is attached to the bed frame and has a support axis. The support axis extends along the entire length of the patient bed, namely from the head end to the foot end. Two armrests are provided on the support axis, between which a backrest is located. The backrest and the armrests are intended to be independently positionable along the main axis of the support axis in order to adapt the position of the seating aid to the patient's sitting position.

[0004] DE 356 637 A1 discloses a collapsible backrest for patients, comprising a support element, a support element, and a locking device with which the support element, against which the patient can lean, can be positioned upright on the support element. A disadvantage, however, is the lack of attachment of the seat aid in or on the bed; the seat aid is simply placed on the bed, in particular on the mattress, with the support element. Such a seat aid generally slips away when the patient leans back against the support element, especially while sitting upright.

[0005] Another seat aid is known from DE 65 127 A1, which allows for a fixed positioning on a bed frame by attaching the seat aid to the bed frame. However, this seat aid is not very flexible in handling and requires a bed frame at the rear to allow the seat aid to be attached.

[0006] Another patient support is known from DE 10 2015 118 955 A1. For attaching a support element to the bed, the support element has longitudinal beams and tensioning devices, allowing the support element to be attached and tensioned to the edges of the bed's mattress with a wraparound strap. The support elements have longitudinal beams, and the tensioning devices are marked with their positions and have straps.

[0007] The support aid from US Pat. No. 3,343,185 A also features a tubular system with a wraparound edge of the mattress. Armrests are provided at the front, which rest on the top of the mattress. The attachment is also achieved by wrapping around the mattress with front-facing attachment sections of the steel tubular system.

[0008] From DE 101 39 982 A1 a support aid is known which can only be placed on a bed, without any fastening or support of the seat aid to the bed, on or at the mattress being shown. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the invention is to further simplify a seating aid for patients in order to support them in a sitting position, whereby the seating aid should be as simple as possible in construction and flexible in handling.

[0010] This object is achieved by a seating aid according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with the characterizing features. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] To achieve the object preceding the invention, it is proposed according to the invention that the seating aid is equipped with a foot element which is arranged on the support element at the end opposite the articulated connection and is designed for support against a wall, against a bed frame or against an adjacent mattress, in that the foot element has a flat extension which runs transversely to the plane of extension of the support element and that a telescopic unit is set up, via which the foot element is arranged on the support element and so that the foot element can be extended against a rear wall or bed edge.

[0012] The core concept of the invention is an easy-to-use, stable seating aid for supporting the sitting position of a patient sitting in bed. This is achieved by placing the support element on the bed, preferably on the mattress, while at the same time the foot element attached to the rear can be supported against a wall, the bed frame, or an adjacent mattress and is flexible in its adjustment using the telescopic unit. This makes it possible to position the support element approximately vertically, so that, for example, an almost vertical angle is established between the support element and the support element, and horizontal forces can be absorbed.If the patient now leans their back against the support element, the foot element prevents the seat from slipping, as only the foot element secures the support element in the desired position on the bed or mattress. However, assembly in the sense of attaching the seat to the bed itself is not necessary. The seat aid can be easily removed and repositioned.

[0013] The telescopic unit allows the foot element to be positioned at different depths on the support element, allowing the foot element to be extended against a rear wall or edge of the bed. Thus, the seating aid according to the invention can be installed in beds of different widths by extending the telescopic unit, allowing the foot element to rest against, for example, a more distant rear wall without the patient having to move too far toward the center of the bed. The telescopic unit can, for example, comprise two interlocking tubes with locking knobs, similar to a forearm walking aid.

[0014] Because the support element is attached to the support element via a hinged connection, the support element can be folded against the support element, requiring only minimal storage space for the seat, for example, under the bed. A particular advantage, however, is simplified patient treatment, for example, for washing or dressing, since bedridden patients can often remain in a sitting position alone with the use of a seat aid, allowing a caregiver, for example, to concentrate fully on their work. In particular, the need for a second caregiver can be eliminated.

[0015] With further advantage, the support element can form a substantially flat frame body, wherein the frame body extends substantially in one plane. Similarly, the support element can also form a frame body with an upper backrest part, wherein the frame body extends substantially in one plane. The two frame bodies can be made, for example, from wooden boards, which preferably have a central cutout to reduce weight, but otherwise have a rectangular structure, for example.

[0016] The foot element has a flat extension, which can also be elongated and runs transversely to the plane of extension of the support element. For example, the foot element can rest against a rear wall, while the support element rests on the mattress. It is also conceivable to provide two foot elements, which are attached to the rear corners of the frame-shaped support element at a distance from one another, for example with mounting brackets. The foot element can have a foam pad, rubber feet, or, for example, a textile covering on the underside to prevent damage to the wall on which the foot element is supported. In order to design the seating aid with as minimal weight as possible, two foot elements are arranged on the support element. These foot elements are attached to the corners of the rear edge of the frame-shaped support element at a distance from one another and are designed approximately like skids.

[0017] A further advantage is provided with a locking means which extends between the support element and the support element and with which the support element can be fixed relative to the support element in an active position in which the patient can lean their back against the support element while sitting on the bed. The locking means can, for example, form a rod or a strut which is arranged on the support element and the support element in such a way that it can absorb a compressive force and a tensile force. The ability to also absorb tensile forces improves the handling of the seating aid, since a caregiver, for example, can grip the seating aid on top of the support element without the locking means becoming detached from the support element or the support element and the seating aid folding out.

[0018] Thus, the rod-like or strut-like locking means can be articulated to the support element or to the support element and, opposite the articulated fastening, a locking means can be arranged on the support element or the support element, to which the free end of the locking means, which is located opposite the articulated fastening, can be locked.

[0019] In the active position, i.e., with a raised support element, the plane of extension of the frame body of the support element can extend at an angle of more than 70°, preferably more than 80°, and in particular approximately perpendicular to the plane of extension of the frame body of the support element. In particular, because the support element must extend approximately vertically to support the patient in an upright sitting position, the foot element is necessary, as the support element absorbs only a small amount of weight and is not sufficiently pressed against the mattress. Rather, due to the patient's upright sitting position, the foot element must absorb the significant horizontal force, as the patient essentially presses their back against the foot element.

[0020] Particularly advantageously, the support element and / or the support element and / or the base element can be made of wood or aluminum. A construction made of bent tubing is also generally conceivable, but it is advantageous if at least the support element and the support element consist of a single sheet with a central recess for further weight reduction. Wood has proven particularly suitable for this purpose.

[0021] Furthermore, it is also conceivable for the backrest to have a curve that mimics the curvature of the patient's back. The backrest can also be designed as a separate component that is attached to the top of the support element. For example, a standard component from a folding chair can be used, which is attached to the frame of the support element.

[0022] With even further advantage, the foot element or the foot elements can be arranged in an articulated manner on the support element, so that this, as well as the support element, can be folded down to rest on the support element, in particular in order to fold the seat aid into a flat component when not in use and to be able to store it, for example, with little space required. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures. It shows: Fig. 1 a side view of the seating aid, Fig. 2 a side view of the seat aid in use, Fig. 3 an alternative embodiment of the seating aid and Fig. 4a a side view of the seat aid in a folded state and Fig. 4b a side view of the seat aid in an unfolded state.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a perspective side view of a seating aid 1 with the essential structural features of the invention. The seating aid 1 has several components, which are listed below: Firstly, the seating aid 1 is formed by a support element 12, which serves to support the seating aid 1 on a bed. A support element 13 is attached to this support element 12, against which the patient can lean his or her back. In order to be able to fold the support element 13 open and closed on the support element 12, an articulated connection 14 is provided between the support element 12 and the support element 13, so that the support element 13 is articulated to the support element 12 and can be folded open and closed against the support element 12.

[0025] On the rear side of the support element 12 opposite the articulated connection 14, a foot element 15 is attached, which can serve to support the seating aid 1 against a rear wall, against a bed frame or against an adjacent mattress.

[0026] Between the support element 12 and the support element 13, in an approximately diagonal arrangement, there is a locking means 16 which, according to this exemplary embodiment, is attached in an articulated manner to the lower support element 12 and is locked on the upper side in a latching means 18 which is attached to the inside of the support element 13. The seating aid 1 can thus be constructed as shown by attaching the rod-like or strut-like locking means 16 diagonally between the support element 12 and the support element 13 after the support element 13 has been folded up. The latching means 18 serves for this attachment and is designed such that both compressive forces and tensile forces can be transmitted via the rod-like locking means 16 in order to be able to support the seating aid 13 on the support element 13 without the support element 13 folding out.The embodiment shows a bracket-like locking means 16, which forms two struts between the support element 13 and the support element 12.

[0027] Both the support element 12 and the support element 13 have an inner recess 19 and 20, which allows for further weight savings for the seating aid 1. The basic structure of the seating aid 1, formed by the support element 12 and the support element 13, is formed by frame bodies made, for example, from wooden panels, which now form a frame structure through the recesses 19, 20. Furthermore, the foot element 15 is also made of a wooden panel and also has a recess 22, forming a frame structure in the same way.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the foot element 15 is fastened to the rear side of the support element 12 by means of mounting brackets 21, but it is also conceivable that instead of the mounting brackets 21, a further joint is provided so that the foot element 15 can also be folded down in order to be able to fold the seat aid 1 as flat as possible and to store it in a space-saving manner when it is not in use.

[0029] The upper region of the support element 13 is designed as a backrest part 13a, which can have a concave curvature so that the patient can comfortably lean his back against the support element 13.

[0030] Fig. Figure 2 shows the seating aid 1 in use, and the patient 11 can lean his or her back against the support element 13 while sitting on the bed 10. The angle between the support element 13 and the support element 12 is slightly less than 90°, creating a comfortable sitting position. The foot element 15 is supported against a rear wall, preventing the seating aid 1 from sliding backward.

[0031] Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the seating aid 1 made of aluminum profiles, wherein the basic structure with the support element 12, the support element 13 and the locking means 16 remains the same. The upper part of the support element 13 is formed by a backrest part 13a, which is slightly adapted to the contour of a patient's back. Such a backrest part 13a can also be used in the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are used, in which the support element 12 and the support element 13 as well as the foot element 15 are made of wooden frame bodies.

[0032] By using aluminum profiles, a seating aid 1 with a similarly low weight can be produced, and the foot elements 15 are arranged at a distance from one another on the rear side of the support element 12. The exemplary embodiment shows the bracket-like locking means 16, which is arranged in an articulated manner on the support element 13 and is locked in a locking means 18 arranged on the support element 12.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4a shows the seating aid 1 with a folded or collapsed support element 13 and a folded foot element 15, so that the respective planar extensions of the elements 13 and 15 are parallel to the planar extension of the frame body of the support element 12. The locking means 16 is folded in. This allows the seating aid 1 to be easily stored in a space-saving manner.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4b shows the seating aid 1 with a folded-out support element 13 and a folded-out foot element 15, so that the respective planar extensions of the elements 13 and 15 are at an angle to the planar extension of the frame body of the support element 12. The locking means 16 is folded out and locked in the locking element 18.

[0035] The foot element 15 is arranged on the support element 12 via a telescopic unit 17, so that the foot element can be extended by means of the telescopic unit 17, for example, against a wall. As shown in the graphic, the telescopic unit 17 can have locking points like a forearm crutch, so that the extension that the telescopic unit 17 forms for the foot element 15 can be adjusted to several discrete locking points. A collet with a union nut, such as those commonly found on walking sticks, can also be used for the telescopic unit 17.

[0036] The invention is not limited in its implementation to the preferred embodiment described above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable, which utilize the presented solution even in fundamentally different embodiments. All features and / or advantages apparent from the claims, the description, or the drawings, including structural details or spatial arrangements, may be essential to the invention both individually and in a wide variety of combinations. List of reference symbols: 1 seating aid 10 beds 11 patients 12 support element 13 Support element 13a Backrest part 14 Articulated connection 15 Foot element 16 locking devices 17 Telescopic unit 18 rest stops 19 Recess 20 recess 21 mounting brackets 22 recess QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2011 052 839 B4

[0003] DE 356 637 A1

[0004] DE 10 2015 118 955 A1

[0006] US 3,343,185 A

[0007] DE 101 39 982 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Seating aid (1) for supporting the sitting position of a patient (11) sitting in a bed (10), wherein the seating aid (1) is constructed from at least the following components: - a support element (12) which serves to support the seat aid (1) on the bed (11), - a support element (13) against which the patient (11) can lean his back, - a hinged connection (14) between the support element (12) and the support element (13), so that the support element (13) is hingedly connected to the support element (12), characterized by , that - at least one foot element (15) is arranged on the support element (12) at the end opposite the articulated connection (14) and is designed for support against a wall, against a bed frame or against an adjacent mattress, in that the foot element (15) has a planar extension (E) which runs transversely to the plane of extension of the support element (12) and in that - a telescopic unit (17) is provided, via which the foot element (15) is arranged on the support element (12) and so that the foot element (15) can be extended against a rear wall or edge of the bed. [2] Seat aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the support element (12) forms a substantially flat frame body, wherein the frame body extends substantially in one plane. [3] Seat aid (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the support element (13) forms a frame body with an upper backrest part (13a), wherein the frame body extends substantially in one plane. [4] Seat aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that two foot elements (15) are arranged on the support element (12), which are attached at a distance from one another to the corners of the rear edge of the frame-shaped support element (12). [5] Seat aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a locking means (16) is provided which extends between the support element (12) and the support element (13) and with which the support element (13) can be fixed relative to the support element (12) in an active position in which the patient (11) can lean his back against the support element (13) while sitting on the bed (10). [6] Seat aid (1) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the locking means (16) has at least one rod or strut which is arranged on the support element (12) and on the support element (13) in such a way that it can absorb a compressive force and a tensile force. [7] Seat aid (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the rod-like or strut-like locking means (16) is articulatedly attached to the support element (12) or to the support element (13) and, opposite the articulated attachment, a locking means (18) is arranged on the support element (12) or on the support element (13), to which the free end of the locking means (16) can be locked. [8] Seat aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plane of extension of the frame body of the support element (13) in the active position runs at an angle of more than 70°, preferably more than 80° and in particular approximately perpendicular to the plane of extension of the frame body of the support element (12). [9] Seat aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the support element (12) and / or the supporting element (13) and / or the foot element (15) are made of wood or aluminum. [10] Seat aid (1) according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized by that the backrest part (13a) has a curvature which is modeled on the curvature of the back of the patient (11). [11] Seat aid (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the foot element (15) is arranged in an articulated manner on the support element (12) so that this, as well as the support element (13), can be folded down to rest on the support element (12).

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