MOVABLE PERSONNEL SUPPORT DEVICE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a movable support device for people, in particular disabled people.

[0002] The invention further relates to a sanitary appliance which includes the device, as well as a method for utilizing the device.BACKGROUND

[0003] Some common sanitary appliances, among which toilets and bidets, are provided with surfaces intended for the direct contact with the intimate parts of the people who are going to use them.

[0004] In the case of toilets, the same surfaces are exposed to contamination due to the biological waste evacuated by people.

[0005] These surfaces are thus subject to becoming breedingground for dirt and bacteria, which can even cause infections, in the most severe cases.

[0006] Therefore, people generally feel the need to utilize the sanitary appliances without entering in direct contact with them.

[0007] This can occur, for example, by assuming positions which are greatly uncomfortable, straining or even dangerous for human articulations.

[0008] Some people can also possibly utilize stools or various known supports, but the convenience of use of such devices is anyway unsatisfactory.

[0009] For example, US2007209111A1 discloses a support with a footboard and passive springs that support the footboard.

[0010] Therefore, the need is felt to help people utilize sanitary appliances comfortably and without entering into direct contact with them.

[0011] In the case of disabled people, the need is even more felt since it is practically impossible to assume certain positions, as well as use the known devices autonomously.SUMMARY

[0012] An object of the invention is to satisfy at least one of the above-described needs, preferably in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0013] According to the invention, a movable support device for people is provided, as defined by claim 1.

[0014] Furthermore, a sanitary appliance is provided, as defined by claim 9.

[0015] The dependent claims set forth particular embodiments of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a support device according to an embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a top view of the device of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a side view of the device of Figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0017] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates a support device for people. In Figure 1, the device 1 is placed inside a bathroom, for example, of a health-care structure such as, for example, a nursing home or of a commercial activity or of a waiting room for public services or of an infrastructure for the transportation of people such as a railway station, an airport, and the like, without loss of generality. In fact, the device 1 is movable or displaceable, i.e. is not fixed to the walls or to the floor of the bathroom in which it is illustrated. The device 1 is illustrated in a system of Cartesian axes having axes X, Y, Z orthogonal to each other, of which the axis Z is vertical and the axes X, Y are horizontal and lying on the plane of the floor.

[0018] The bathroom of Figure 1 is provided with a sanitary appliance, which in this case comprises a toilet 2, which in turn comprises a toilet bowl 3, in particular carried by the floor. More in particular, the toilet 2 also comprises a tank 4 for containing the water for the flushing. The toilet 2 merely constitutes an example, but it could be replaced by a bidet or another appliance provided with a toilet bowl or basin.

[0019] For example, the device 1 can be part of the sanitary appliance.

[0020] The device 1 comprises a base or base plate 5 arranged on the floor in a movable or repositionable manner. In particular, the plate 5 rests on the floor.

[0021] The plate 5 has a thickness along the axis Z, for example uniform. In this specific case, the plate 5 is flat.

[0022] The plate 5 comprises a portion or base portion 6, in particular arranged facing the toilet bowl 3, more precisely facing or in front of the base of the toilet bowl 3 in contact with the floor. The portion 6 is delimited along the axis X by two opposite ends 7, 8. The dimension of the portion 6 along the axis X has a width dimension. Similarly, the portion 6 is delimited along the axis Y by another two opposite ends 9, 10. The dimension of the portion 6 along the axis Y is a depth dimension.

[0023] In the example of Figure 1, the portion 6 has a rectangular shape; however, the portion 6 could also have different shapes, for example trapezoidal or circular, or possibly irregular shapes.

[0024] The plate 5 defines an empty volume or seat 11 for accommodating the toilet bowl 3, more precisely its base, or for accommodating the sanitary appliance. The seat 11 is behind or adjacent to the end 9, along the axis Y. More specifically, optionally, the plate 5 comprises two arm-like portions or arms 12 which extend parallel to the axis Y from the end 9. Preferably, the arms 12 are made in one piece with the portion 6. The seat 11 is placed between the two arms 12; in particular, the arms 12 define the seat 11 together with the end 9.

[0025] The seat 11 is suitably shaped for housing the toilet bowl 3 or the sanitary appliance. The plate 5 can be translated along the axis Y so as to insert the toilet bowl 3 in the seat, in particular with the arms 12 on the opposite sides of the toilet bowl 3 relative to the axis X.

[0026] The device 1 further comprises a footboard 13 carried by the portion 6 in a movable, more precisely translating manner, along the axis Z.

[0027] The footboard 13 is supported by the portion 6 by means of actuator means, i.e. in particular one or more actuators 14 (Figure 2), in this specific case arranged between the footboard 13 and the portion 6. In other words, the actuators 14 couple the footboard 13 to the portion 6. The footboard 13 is supported in a movable manner by means of the actuators 14, in particular according to a direction substantially parallel to the axis Z or parallel to the axis Z.

[0028] In other words, the actuators 14 are configured or controllable to displace the footboard 13 relative to the portion 6, in particular according to a direction substantially parallel to the axis Z.

[0029] More in general, the actuators 14 could be configured or controllable to modify an orientation of the footboard 13. In other words, given a fixed Cartesian reference system relative to the footboard 13, the actuators 14 can orient the latter reference system relative to the one defined by the axes X, Y, Z, in particular according to a number of degrees of freedom which ranges from one to three angular degrees of freedom. Practically, the actuators 14, the footboard 13, and the portion 6 could define a parallel kinematic robot.

[0030] Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a control unit ECU (schematically illustrated) configured to control the actuators 14.

[0031] For example, the control unit ECU could control the actuators 14 on the basis of one or more commands given by the user of the device 1, in particular provided by means of one or more specially provided control members, such as levers, push buttons, knobs, and similar members not illustrated of the device 1.

[0032] The device 1 comprises a transducer T1 configured to detect a quantity indicative of a weight applied on the footboard 13 and to generate a signal associated with or relative to the detected quantity.

[0033] The transducer T1 is coupled to the control unit ECU, hence the control unit ECU is configured to receive the signal generated by the transducer T1 and to extract from the signal an item of information indicative of the weight applied on the footboard 13.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 14 for arranging the footboard 13, in particular along the axis Z, relative to the portion 6 as a function of the extracted item of information.

[0035] For example, the control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 14 as a function of the item of information when it receives an authorization from the user of the device 1, for example by means of an authorization command (e.g. a push button, a lever, and the like) of the device 1.

[0036] In particular, the control unit ECU controls a lowering of the footboard 13 by means of the actuators 14 in a manner increasing with the weight applied on the footboard 13. More in particular, the lowering is proportional to the applied weight.

[0037] Then, the actuators 14 react actively to the weight of a person who arranges his / her feet on the footboard 13 displacing the footboard 13.

[0038] In this manner, the footboard 13 lowers as a function of the weight. In other words, the height of the footboard 13 self-adjusts by means of the control unit ECU, the transducer T1, and the actuators 14 in response to the weight exerted on the footboard 13 along the axis Z. The actuators 14 can be of various known types. For example, the actuators 14 can be actuated hydraulically, pneumatically or more preferably electrically. Preferably, the actuators 14 are of linear type and extend parallel to the axis Z.

[0039] The transducer T1 could be any transducer of known type sensitive to the weight, such as for example a piezoelectric or resistive transducer.

[0040] Optionally, the device 1 could additionally comprise springs and / or dampers to damp the relative movement of the footboard 13 relative to the portion 6 parallel to the axis Z.

[0041] The footboard 13 has a surface 15 for enabling the person to bring his / her feet on it. The surface 15 faces upwards. In this manner, the surface 15 can receive and possibly support the feet of the person. Conveniently, the footboard 13 comprises an anti-slip mat, for example made of rubber, which defines the surface 15.

[0042] Preferably, the portion 6 defines a seat 16 (Figure 3) for housing the footboard 13 and possibly, i.e. optionally, guiding the movement thereof along the axis Z. The footboard 13 translates inside the seat 16 parallel to itself. The translation occurs in response to the weight of the person thanks to the actuators 14 and the control unit ECU.

[0043] The footboard 13 and the actuators 14 are preferably arranged inside the seat 16. In this specific case, the surface 15 is arranged flush with a surface of the portion 6 when the weight exerted on the footboard 13 is null.

[0044] The device 1 further comprises a structural support assembly 17 for supporting the upper limbs of the person in evacuation position. In other words, the person can support himself / herself with his / her upper limbs by means of the assembly 17 in evacuation position and with his / her feet resting on the surface 15 without bringing other parts of the body in contact with the toilet bowl 3 or more in general with the toilet 2. Practically, the upper part of the body remains suspended above the seat 11 and simultaneously supported by the assembly 17 by means of the upper limbs.

[0045] The assembly 17 comprises two structures 18, for example identical, arranged on the opposite sides of the plate 5 relative to the axis X. The structures 18 are respectively fixed to the ends 7, 8. Therefore, with the toilet bowl 3 in the seat 11, the structures 18 are arranged on the opposite sides of the toilet bowl 3 relative to the axis X.

[0046] The structures 18 extend parallel to the axis Y beyond the end 9. In this manner, the seat 11 is arranged between the structures 18. The structures 18 are made of a rigid material, for example steel or other metallic material suitable for bearing the weight of the person.

[0047] In this case, the structures 18 extend along respective planes orthogonal to the axis X.

[0048] In particular, each of the structures 18 comprises a corresponding reticular truss, more in particular tubular. The truss is preferably plane and lies on one of the aforementioned planes orthogonal to the axis X.

[0049] With reference to Figure 3, the truss comprises two uprights 20 substantially extending parallel to the axis Z and fixed to the plate 5, more precisely to the portion 6 and to one of the arms 12, respectively. Furthermore, the truss comprises a beam 21 arranged at the end of the truss according to the axis Z and carried in fixed position by the uprights 20. In particular, the beam 21 connects in a bridgelike manner the uprights 20. Furthermore, the beam 21 comprises a horizontal portion 22, i.e. parallel to the axis Y. Optionally, the truss comprises a beam 23 fixed to the uprights 20 and extending between them, in particular parallel to the axis Y.

[0050] Additionally, preferably, each of the structures 18 comprises a pipe 24, for example extending parallel to the axis Z. The pipe 24 has an open end (upper end) and a closed end (lower end). In the illustrated example, the pipe 24 passes through the beam 21 with its open end and ends at the beam 23 with its closed end. In particular, the open end projects along the axis Z relative to the beam 21, but it could alternatively also end with an opening obtained directly on the beam 21.

[0051] Advantageously, the assembly 17 further comprises a pair of underarm supports 25. The underarm supports 25 are supported by the structures 18, respectively, by means of springs and / or more preferably actuators 26 (Figure 3). In other words, the actuators 26 couple the underarm supports 26 to the structures 18 in a movable manner along a direction parallel to the axis Z or parallel to the axis Z, similarly to what occurs for the footboard 13.

[0052] For this reason, the device 1 could also be devoid of the actuators 14, coupling the footboard 13 to the base portion 6 in a movable manner, in this specific case parallel to the axis Z. Therefore, the actuators 14 could be optional.

[0053] In other words, the footboard 13 could be fixed relative to the portion 6.

[0054] In particular, the footboard 13 could form a single piece with the portion 6, i.e. could be part of the portion 6.

[0055] Possibly, the entire base plate 5 could even be absent. In this case, the assembly 17 would anyway be restable movably on the floor; furthermore, the structures 18 would be fixed to each other and arranged so as to define the seat 11 between them, in particular according to the axis X, i.e. in particular a seat or empty volume suitable for housing the sanitary appliance.

[0056] As it is with the actuators 14, the control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 26 for adjusting the position of the underarm supports 25, possibly in a manner independent of each other. For example, the control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 26 on the basis of commands given by the user of the device 1, in particular provided by means of specially provided control members not illustrated, similarly to what occurs for the actuators 14.

[0057] More preferably, the device 1 comprises a transducer T2 configured to detect a quantity indicative of a weight applied on the underarm supports 25 and to generate a signal associated with or relative to the detected quantity.

[0058] The transducer T2 is coupled to the control unit ECU, hence the control unit ECU is configured to receive the signal generated by the transducer T2 and to extract from the signal an item of information indicative of the weight applied on the underarm supports 25.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 26 for arranging the underarm supports 26, in particular along the axis Z, as a function of the item of information extracted from the signal generated by the transducer T2 or possibly also or only by the transducer T1.

[0060] For example, the control unit ECU is configured to control the actuators 26 as a function of the item of information when it receives an authorization from the user of the device 1, for example by means of an authorization command (e.g. a push button, a lever, and the like) of the device 1.

[0061] In particular, the control unit ECU controls a lowering of the underarm supports 25 by means of the actuators 26 in a manner increasing with the weight applied on the underarm supports 25 and / or on the footboard 13. More in particular, the lowering is proportional to the applied weight.

[0062] More specifically, each of the underarm supports 25 comprises an insertion body or element 27 inserted inside the corresponding pipe 24 in a movable manner parallel to the axis Z. The insertion element 27 is slidable along the relative pipe 24, hence the latter guides the insertion element 27.

[0063] Each of the actuators 26 is housed in particular in the corresponding pipe 24 between the closed end and the insertion element 27. The element 27 is supported by one of the actuators 26 and is thus moved by it inside the pipe 24.

[0064] In this manner, the underarm supports 25 lower as a function of the weight. In other words, the height of the underarm supports 25 is adjusted by means of the actuators 26 as a response to the weight exerted on the underarm supports 25 along the axis Z.

[0065] Alternatively, the actuators 26 could also displace the underarm supports 25 along axes inclined relative to the axis Z. Clearly, in this case, the pipe 24 would also be inclined, if present.

[0066] Optionally, the device 1 could additionally comprise springs and / or dampers to damp the relative movement of the underarm supports 25 relative to the structures 18.

[0067] Conveniently, the underarm supports 25 comprise respective end bodies 28. In other words, the underarm supports 25 end on the opposite side of the structures 18 with the bodies 28. In particular, the bodies 28 are padded bodies, more in particular saddle-shaped.

[0068] The material of the bodies 28 is preferably softer than that of the structures 18 and for example comprises rubber, in this specific case chloroprene in polymeric form.

[0069] Preferably, the underarm supports 25 are rotatable around axes parallel to the axis Z; more precisely, each underarm support 25 is rotatable around the axis of the relative pipe 24, in which the element 27 is inserted. The element 27 can have a portion 30 which extends radially relative to the axis of the pipe 24.

[0070] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises a backrest 31 fixed to the assembly 17, in this specific case to the structures 18. In particular, the backrest 31 is fixed cantilevered to the assembly 17 according to the axis Y, more precisely in a manner behind and / or projecting from the structures 18.

[0071] The seat 11 is arranged according to the axis Y between the portion 6 and the backrest 31.

[0072] Preferably, the backrest 31 comprises a pad 32 made of a softer material than that of the structures 18, for example comprising rubber and more precisely chloroprene in polymeric form.

[0073] The backrest 31 is arranged above the toilet bowl 3 and, if applicable, facing the tank 4. More precisely, the backrest 31 projects (forwards, i.e. towards the portion 6) relative to the tank 4 according to the axis Y.

[0074] In the following, the use of the device 1 will be described, according to the invention.

[0075] The person who intends to make use of the toilet 2 arranges the device 1 so that the toilet bowl 3 is housed in the seat 11. This, for example, occurs making the plate 5 slide relative to the floor. Likewise, the plate 5 could be movable on the floor by means of wheels.

[0076] At this point, the person arranges his / her feet on the surface 15, in particular in a standing position. Therefore, in this manner, the person exerts his / her weight on the footboard 13 causing a displacement thereof by means of the actuators 14 and the control unit ECU.

[0077] Then, the person assumes an evacuation position supporting the upper limbs by means of the assembly 17 while the feet are still arranged on the surface 15. This occurs without entering into contact with the toilet 2.

[0078] In particular, the person rests his / her armpits on the underarm supports 25. The height of the latter adjusts thanks to the actuators 26 and to the control unit ECU, as a function of the weight of the person.

[0079] In this manner, the person comfortably reaches the evacuation position and completes the use of the device 1.

[0080] In the meantime, the person can rest his / her back on the backrest 31.

[0081] Based on the foregoing, the advantages of the device 1 according to the invention are evident.

[0082] The person can serenely utilize the toilet 2 without entering into contact with it assuming a relatively comfortable position and without excessive effort. Possibly, the device 1 can also be utilized by disabled people.

[0083] The position of the footboard 13 and possibly of the underarm supports 25 self-adjusts allowing assuming a comfortable, stable and relaxed position, as a function of the height of the person. In fact, the height is normally related to the weight.

[0084] The device 1 is movable and adaptable to any sanitary appliance. The device 1 is relatively light and handy. Furthermore, it does not pollute and is simple to wash.

[0085] Based on the foregoing, it is further evident that modifications and variations can be made to the above-described device 1, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention defined by the claims.

[0086] In particular, shapes, materials and arrangements of the components can be different from those described and illustrated.

Claims

1. A movable support device (1) for a person, in particular a disabled person, comprising - a base plate (5) adapted to be arranged movably on a floor, the plate (5) having a thickness along a first axis (Z) and at least a base portion (6) delimited by first opposite ends (7, 8) along a second axis (X) orthogonal to the first axis (Z) and by second opposite ends (9, 10) along a third axis (Y) orthogonal to the first and to the second axes (Z, X); - a structural support assembly (17) for supporting the upper limbs of the person in an evacuation position, the assembly comprising a first structure and a second structure (18) respectively fixed to the first ends (7, 8) and extending along the third axis (Y) beyond one of the second ends (9); - a footboard (13) comprising at least a support surface (15) for supporting the feet of the person; - first actuator means (14) that support the footboard (13) relative to the base portion (6) and are controllable to displace the footboard (13) relative to the base portion (6); wherein the base plate (5) defines an empty volume (11) adjacent to the base portion (6) along the third axis (Y) between the first and the second structures (18), characterized by further comprising a control unit (ECU) and a transducer (T1) configured to detect a quantity indicative of a weight applied on the footboard (13) and to generate a relative signal, the control unit (ECU) being configured to receive the signal from the transducer (T1), extract from the signal an item of information indicative of the weight applied, and control the first actuator means (14) to arrange the footboard (13) as a function of the extracted item of information.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the structural assembly (17) further comprises - a pair of underarm supports (25), and - second actuator means (26) that support the underarm supports (25) relative to the first and to the second structures (18) respectively and are controllable to displace the underarm supports (25) relative to the first and to the second structures (18) respectively.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first and the second structures (18) comprise respective tubular elements (24) extending parallel to the first axis (Z) and each having a closed end and an open end; the underarm supports (25) comprising corresponding insertion elements (27) supported and guided respectively inside the tubular elements (24) by means of the second actuator means (26) movably parallel to the first axis (Z).

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the underarm supports (25) comprise respective saddle-shaped padded end bodies (28).

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first actuator means (14) are controllable to displace the footboard (13) along a direction parallel to the first axis (Z).

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (ECU) is configured to control a lowering of the footboard (13) by means of the first actuator means (14) in a manner increasing with the weight applied.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion (6) defines a seat (16) in which the footboard (13) is housed and guided so that the footboard (13) translates parallel to itself along the first axis (Z) under the action of the first actuator means (14).

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate (5) comprises two arms (12) that extend projecting from the base portion (6) parallel to the third axis (Y); the empty volume (11) being defined between the arms (12) and the base portion (6).

9. A sanitary appliance comprising - a sanitary member (2) comprising a toilet bowl or basin (3) for containing water, and - a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sanitary member (2) is housed in said empty volume (11)