Assistive devices

Abstract

To facilitate rotational movement and maintaining an upright position for the user. [Solution] The assistance device 10 comprises a tension-type handrail 20 (post handrail) installed in the vertical direction of the building on a base member installed in the building, a rod-shaped member 30 that extends forward from the tension-type handrail 20, and a support member 40 provided on the front side of the rod-shaped member 30, on which the upper body 16A of the user 16 can lean. The support member 40 has a support surface 41 that is convex on the front side and curved or double-bent around the tension-type handrail 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assisting device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a toilet, disabled or elderly people (hereinafter referred to as "users") using a sitting toilet enter the front space of the sitting toilet while sitting in a wheelchair. In this case, the user sitting in the wheelchair stands up in the above-mentioned front space, then turns around so that the back side (buttocks side) faces the sitting toilet, and then sits on the sitting toilet. When moving from the sitting toilet to the wheelchair, conversely, after standing up from the sitting toilet, turn around so that the back side faces the wheelchair, and then sit on the wheelchair.

[0003] By the way, there is disclosed a structure having a tension-type bar member that is installed in front of a bed, whose lower end abuts on the floor surface and upper end abuts on the ceiling and stands vertically, and a handrail member connected to the bar member (see Patent Document 1). This handrail is said to be easily used when a person with weak grip strength performs an action of standing up from a sitting state in a bedroom or toilet where there is a bed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As mentioned above, when a user moves, for example, between a seated toilet and a wheelchair, they need to rotate in a standing position in the space in front of the seated toilet. Some users have difficulty maintaining a standing position on their own, some have difficulty rotating, and some have difficulty raising or lowering their clothes or underwear. In particular, when a user has difficulty maintaining a standing position on their own, it is difficult for one caregiver to support the user in a standing position while assisting with rotation and dressing / undressing. For this reason, one caregiver supports the user in a standing position while another caregiver assists with rotation and raises or lowers the user's clothes or underwear, which places a heavy burden on the caregivers.

[0006] In addition to the cases mentioned above, there are various other situations in which an assistant's care (assistance) is necessary to maintain the user's standing posture. For example, this may occur when the user moves between the bed and the wheelchair, or when the user's clothes are being put on or taken off in the dressing room while they are standing.

[0007] However, while the conventional handrails described above can assist a seated user in standing up, they do not specifically address assisting a standing user in rotating movements.

[0008] The present invention aims to facilitate rotational movement and maintaining an upright position for the user while standing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The first type of assistance device comprises a support column handrail provided on a base member installed in a building in the vertical direction of the building, a rod-shaped member provided extending forward from the support column handrail, and a support member provided on the front side of the rod-shaped member, on which the user's upper body can lean, wherein the support member has a support surface that is convex on the front side and curved or double-bent around the support column handrail.

[0010] This assistive device allows a user in a standing position to lean their upper body against the support surface of the support member. This support surface is convex towards the user (towards the user) and curved or double-bent around the support column handrail, so it does not hinder the user's rotational movement.

[0011] The second embodiment is an assistive device according to the first embodiment, wherein the upper part of the rod-shaped member is covered by the support member, and the lower part of the rod-shaped member is not covered by the support member and is exposed on the front side.

[0012] This assistive device allows the user to stabilize their posture by gripping a rod-shaped member when rotating or maintaining an upright position while standing.

[0013] The third embodiment is an assistive device relating to any one of the first to second embodiments, wherein the support member has a chin rest portion that extends from above the support surface toward the rear.

[0014] This assistive device allows the user to lean their upper body against the support surface of the support member and rest their chin on the chin rest.

[0015] The fourth embodiment is an assistive device relating to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the rod-shaped member has a plurality of vertical rod sections, and the support member is attached across the plurality of vertical rod sections.

[0016] In this assistive device, the rod-shaped member has multiple vertical sections, allowing the user to select a section according to their position and posture. For example, by grasping the vertical section closest to themselves, they can perform actions such as standing up or sitting down stably. Furthermore, since the support member is attached across multiple vertical sections, the attachment strength of the support member is high.

[0017] The fifth aspect is an assisting device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the base member includes a lower base member that contacts the floor surface and an upper base member that contacts the ceiling, and the support handrail is a tension-type handrail erected vertically between the lower base member and the upper base member.

[0018] In this assisting device, since the support handrail is a tension-type handrail, it can be installed without changing the structure of the building.

[0019] The sixth aspect is an assisting device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the base member includes a floor base plate installed on the floor surface, and the support handrail is a standing-type handrail erected on the floor base plate.

[0020] In this assisting device, since the support handrail is a standing-type handrail, it can be installed even in a place where a tension-type handrail cannot be installed, such as where the ceiling strength is low.

[0021] The seventh aspect is an assisting device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the ends of the rod-shaped members on the same side are fixed to the support handrail by one bracket.

[0022] In this assisting device, it is possible to integrate the bracket, the rod-shaped member, and the support member, and the installation to the support handrail becomes easy.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to facilitate the rotational movement and standing posture maintenance of the user in the standing position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a front view showing a state where the assisting device according to the present embodiment is installed on a tension-type handrail. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing a state where the assisting device according to the present embodiment is viewed from the front side. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a state where the assisting device according to the present embodiment is viewed from the back side. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A arrow in FIG. 2 showing the assisting device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view showing a bracket. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view showing a clamp portion of the bracket. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing a state where a user leans on a support member with the upper body. [Figure 8] It is a rear view showing a state where a user leans on a support member with the upper body as viewed from the back side. [Figure 9] It is a plan view showing a toilet where the assisting device according to this embodiment is installed and an entrance is on the side of the front space of a sitting-type toilet, and a user who has come to the entrance on a wheelchair. [Figure 10] It is a plan view showing a state where a user has transferred from a wheelchair to a sitting-type toilet. [Figure 11] It is a plan view showing a toilet where the assisting device according to this embodiment is installed and an entrance is in front of a sitting-type toilet, and a user who has come to the entrance on a wheelchair. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing a state where the assisting device according to this embodiment is installed on a fixed handrail.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] [[ID=

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[34] The following describes embodiments for carrying out the present invention based on the drawings. Components denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing mean the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, redundant descriptions and reference numerals may be omitted. Also, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships of each element shown in the drawings, the ratios of each element, etc. do not necessarily match the actual ones. Also, the dimensional relationships of each element and the ratios of each element do not necessarily match even among multiple drawings.

[0026] In Figures 1 to 4, the assistance device 10 according to this embodiment includes a tension-type handrail 20 as an example of a support-post handrail, a rod-shaped member 30, and a support member 40.

[0027] The tension-type handrail 20 is installed on a base member that is attached to the building, in the vertical direction of the building. In other words, the vertical direction of the building is the longitudinal direction of the tension-type handrail 20. The base member has, for example, a lower base member 21 that abuts against the floor surface 11 and an upper base member 22 that abuts against the ceiling 12. The tension-type handrail 20 is erected vertically between, for example, the lower base member 21 and the upper base member 22.

[0028] The tension-type handrail 20 comprises a lower pipe 23, an upper pipe 24, and a clamp 25. The lower end of the lower pipe 23 is connected to the lower base member 21. The upper end of the upper pipe 24 is connected to the upper base member 22. The outer diameter of the upper pipe 24 is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower pipe 23. The upper pipe 24 is inserted into the upper end of the lower pipe 23. The clamp 25 is a device that adjusts the length of the tension-type handrail 20 by fixing and releasing the upper pipe 24 to the lower pipe 23 by operating, for example, a cam (not shown) with a lever 26.

[0029] Figures 9 and 10 show a toilet 100 in which the entrance 101 is located to the side of the space in front of the seated toilet 102. In this example, the tension-type handrail 20 is installed diagonally in front of the seated toilet 102 and on the side furthest from the entrance 101. Figure 11 shows a toilet 200 in which the entrance 201 is located in front of the seated toilet 202. In this example, the tension-type handrail 20 is installed diagonally in front of the seated toilet 202 and on the left side when viewed from the entrance 201. In all examples, the user 16 can enter the toilets 100 and 200 to some extent from the entrances 101 and 201 while in a wheelchair 15.

[0030] In Figures 1 to 4, the rod-shaped member 30 is provided extending forward from the tension-type handrail 20. "Forward side" refers to the side in front of the user 16 of the assistance device 10, and can also be rephrased as the user 16 side. The rod-shaped member 30 has, for example, multiple vertical bar sections 31. In this embodiment, two rod-shaped members 30 are provided. Each rod-shaped member 30 has one vertical bar section 31. In other words, in this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 30 is synonymous with the vertical bar section 31. Note that multiple vertical bar sections 31 may be provided on a single rod-shaped member 30 by bending or joining materials.

[0031] The vertical bar portion 31 is curved convexly on the side opposite to the tension-type handrail 20. The vertical bar portion 31 is curved in an arc shape, for example. The vertical bar portions 31 are also arranged radially when viewed from the axial direction of the tension-type handrail 20. In the toilet 100 shown in Figures 9 and 10, and the toilet 200 shown in Figure 11, the assistance device 10 is attached to the tension-type handrail 20 such that the right vertical bar portion 31R (rod-shaped member 30R) is located closer to the seated toilet bowl 102, and the left vertical bar portion 31L (rod-shaped member 30L) is located closer to the entrance 101. The rod-shaped member 30 is constructed, for example, by covering the outer surface of a metal pipe with a semi-rigid synthetic resin. The gaps between the vertical bar portions 31 and the gap between the vertical bar portions 31 and the lower pipe 23 (tension-type handrail 20) are set so that the user's head cannot fit through.

[0032] The ends of the rod-shaped members 30 on the same side are fixed to the tension-type handrail 20 by a single bracket 50. The rod-shaped members 30 are vertically symmetrical with respect to the vertical center of the vertical bar portion 31 (in other words, the vertex of the convex shape). The upper and lower brackets 50 have, for example, the same structure, so the lower bracket 50 will be described here.

[0033] In Figures 4 to 6, the bracket 50 includes, for example, a bracket body 51 and a clamp portion 52. The bracket body 51 has a pair of insertion portions 53. The bracket body 51 also has a closed bottom shape with an opening 51A on the insertion side of the rod-shaped member 30. The insertion portion 53 is configured as a gap between an inner cylinder portion 53A and an outer cylinder portion 53B. The inside of the bracket body 51 is reinforced, for example, with a rib 51R. The rib 51R connects the wall portion 51B of the bracket body 51 and the outer cylinder portion 53B of the insertion portion 53. The opening 51A is closed by a cover 55. The cover 55 is provided with a plurality of claw portions 55A. The wall portion 51B of the bracket body 51 has engagement holes 51C formed therein that engage with these claw portions 55A.

[0034] The ends of two rod-shaped members 30 are inserted into a pair of insertion parts 53. The ends of the rod-shaped members 30 are fixed to the insertion parts 53, for example, by screws 54. The outer cylinder part 53B is provided with insertion holes 53C for the screws 54.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the rod-shaped member 30 extends from the end face of the insertion portion 53, for example, in the direction normal to the end face. The bottom surface 51D of the bracket body 51 is positioned horizontally, for example. In other words, the bottom surface is perpendicular to the lower pipe 23 (tension-type handrail 20).

[0036] In Figures 4 to 6, the clamp portion 52 has a fixed portion 52A integrated with the bracket body 51 and a movable portion 52B rotatably supported by a pin 56 relative to the fixed portion 52A. The fixed portion 52A and the movable portion 52B each have a substantially semi-cylindrical concave receiving portion 57. The radius of curvature of the receiving portion 57 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of, for example, the lower pipe 23 of the tension-type handrail 20. The clamp portion 52 is fixed to the lower pipe 23 by sandwiching the lower pipe 23 between the pair of receiving portions 57A and fastening the fixed portion 52A and the movable portion 52B with, for example, a bolt 58, a washer 59, and a nut 60. In this way, the bracket 50 is fixed to the lower pipe 23.

[0037] Furthermore, in order to suppress unintended vertical movement of the clamp portion 52 relative to the lower pipe 23 (tension-type handrail 20), for example, a projection 61 may be provided on the receiving portion 57 (Figure 5), such that the projection 61 bites into the semi-rigid synthetic resin on the outer surface of the lower pipe 23, or the projection 61 may engage vertically with a hole, notch, or other engaging portion (not shown) formed in the lower pipe 23.

[0038] In Figures 1 to 4, 7, and 8, the support member 40 is provided on the front side of the rod-shaped member 30 and constitutes a portion on which the upper body 16A of the user 16 can lean. The support member 40 is made of a sponge such as polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), or polyurethane, but it may also be made of a sponge covered with a skin. The support member 40 may have a support surface 41 that is convex on the front side and curved around the tension-type handrail 20. This support surface 41 may be curved along the vertical rod portion 31 of the rod-shaped member 30. In this embodiment, the support surface 41 has a surface shape that approximates, for example, a part of an ellipsoid.

[0039] The upper part of the rod-shaped member 30 is covered by the support member 40, while the lower part of the rod-shaped member 30 is not covered by the support member 40 and is exposed on the front side. The support member 40 may be attached across multiple vertical bar sections 31. In this embodiment, the support member 40 is attached across two vertical bar sections 31. As an example, two retainers 42 are embedded inside the support member 40. The retainer 42 is, for example, a metal plate having a curved portion 42A along the vertical bar section 31 of the rod-shaped member 30 and a flat portion 42B along the bottom surface 51D of the upper bracket 50. The retainer 42 is provided with a female threaded portion (not shown), and the support member 40 is fixed to the vertical bar section 31 by fastening a bolt 43 through the female threaded portion from the back side of the vertical bar section 31. The insertion holes for the bolts 43 provided in the vertical bar section 31 are covered by caps 44.

[0040] The support member 40 may have a chin rest portion 45 that extends from above the support surface 41 toward the back. The chin rest portion 45 may be a horizontal surface, or it may be formed as an inclined or concave surface to conform to the chin. Here, "above the support surface 41" includes the upper end of the support surface 41. In other words, the chin rest portion 45 may be connected to the support surface 41, or it may be provided separately from the support surface 41. In other words, a non-supported area may be provided between the support surface 41 and the chin rest portion 45. The user 16 can rest their chin on the chin rest portion 45 while their upper body 16A is leaning against the support surface 41.

[0041] Although the support member 40 covers the upper part of the rod-shaped member 30 from the front, it is possible to reach the back of the rod-shaped member 30 from the side of the support member 40, making it possible to grasp the side of the support member 40 or the upper part of the rod-shaped member 30, or to hold the support member 40 in one's arms.

[0042] An example of how to use this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 9, a user 16 in a wheelchair 15 enters the toilet 100 from the entrance 101 and stands up by grasping the left vertical bar 31L with their hands. Next, the user 16 rotates towards the seated toilet 102 while grasping the left and right vertical bars 31L, 31R and the tension-type handrail 20, and moves to the front of the seated toilet 102.

[0043] Then, with the upper body leaning against the support member 40, the user 16 removes their lower body clothing and sits on the seated toilet 102 while gripping the vertical bar 31R. Next, as shown in Figure 10, the user 16, who is sitting on the seated toilet 102, stands up while gripping the right vertical bar 31R. Next, with the upper body leaning against the support member 40, the user 16 puts on their lower body clothing. Then, the user 16 turns towards the wheelchair 15 while gripping the left and right vertical bars 31L, 31R and the tension-type handrail 20. Having moved to the front of the wheelchair 15, the user 16 sits on the wheelchair while gripping the left vertical bar 31L with their hand.

[0044] (action) This embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be explained below. In the assistance device 10 according to this embodiment, for example, in a toilet 100, 200, a user 16 in a standing position can lean their upper body against the support surface 41 of the support member 40. This support surface 41 is convex on the front side (towards the user 16) and curved around the support column handrail, so it does not hinder the rotational movement of the user 16.

[0045] The bracket 50 allows the installation height and orientation of the assistance device 10 relative to the lower pipe 23 (tension-type handrail 20) to be arbitrarily changed. Specifically, the orientation of the assistance device 10 can be adjusted to an intermediate angle between the entrances 101, 201 of the toilets 100, 200 and the seated toilets 102, 202. In addition, the installation height of the assistance device 10 can be adjusted according to the physical condition of the user 16. Furthermore, the user 16 can grip the lower pipe 23 (tension-type handrail 20) to stabilize their posture when rotating or maintaining a standing position.

[0046] Furthermore, if the upper part of the vertical bar portion 31 (rod-shaped member 30) is covered by the support member 40, and the lower part of the vertical bar portion 31 (rod-shaped member 30) is not covered by the support member 40 and is exposed on the front side, the user 16 can grasp the vertical bar portion 31 (rod-shaped member 30) to stabilize their posture when rotating or maintaining an upright position. Also, the user 16 can stand up or sit down stably by grasping the vertical bar portion 31 (rod-shaped member 30).

[0047] Furthermore, if the support member 40 has a chin rest portion 45, the user 16 can rest their chin on the chin rest portion 45 while leaning their upper body 16A against the support surface 41 of the support member 40. This further stabilizes the posture of the user 16 leaning against the support member 40.

[0048] Furthermore, if the rod-shaped member 30 has multiple vertical bar sections 31, the user 16 can select a vertical bar section 31 according to their position and posture. For example, by gripping a vertical bar section 31 close to themselves, they can perform actions such as standing up or sitting down stably. Also, if the support member 40 is attached across multiple vertical bar sections 31, the attachment strength of the support member 40 is high.

[0049] Furthermore, if the support handrail is a tension-type handrail 20, the support handrail and assistance device 10 can be installed in a toilet 100 in a typical house where space is limited, without changing the building structure. The support handrail and assistance device 10 can be installed in either a toilet 100 where the entrance 101 is located to the side of the space in front of the seated toilet 102 (Figures 9 and 10), or a toilet 200 where the entrance 201 is located in front of the seated toilet 202 (Figure 11).

[0050] Furthermore, by supporting and fixing the same end of the vertical bar portion 31 of the rod-shaped member 30 with a single bracket 50, and integrating the bracket 50, the rod-shaped member 30, and the support member 40, installation on a support column handrail becomes easier.

[0051] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to facilitate rotational movement while the user 16 is standing.

[0052] [Other embodiments] Although an example of an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0053] In the above-described embodiment, the support member 40 has a support surface 41 that is convex on the front side and curved around the support column handrail (tension-type handrail 20). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the support surface may be convex on the front side and double-bent around the support column handrail (tension-type handrail 20).

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 12, the base member includes a floor base plate 121 installed on the floor surface 11. The support handrail is a freestanding handrail 120 erected on the floor base plate 121. The floor base plate 121 is provided with a support pipe 123 reinforced with ribs 122. A pipe 124, which will serve as the handrail, is inserted into and fixed to the support pipe 123.

[0055] In relatively spacious areas, this type of freestanding handrail 120 can be installed, and the assistance device 10 can be attached to it for use. By using the freestanding handrail 120, it can be installed even in places where a tension-type handrail 20 cannot be installed, such as when the ceiling strength is low. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 10 Assistive Devices 11 Floor surface 12 Ceiling 16 User 16A upper body 20. Tension-type handrail (post handrail) 21 Lower base member (foundation member) 22 Upper base member (foundation member) 30 Rod-shaped member 30L rod-shaped member 30R rod-shaped member 31 Vertical bar section 31L Vertical bar section 31R Vertical bar section 40 Support members 41 Support surface 45 Chin rest 50 brackets 120 Freestanding handrail (post handrail) 121 Lower base member (foundation member)

Claims

1. A support railing is provided on the base member installed on the building, and the support railing is provided in the vertical direction of the building. A rod-shaped member is provided extending forward from the aforementioned support railing, A support member provided on the front side of the aforementioned rod-shaped member, on which the user's upper body can lean, Equipped with, The support member is an assistive device having a support surface that is convex on the front side and curved or double-bent around the support column handrail.

2. The assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the upper part of the rod-shaped member is covered by the support member, and the lower part of the rod-shaped member is not covered by the support member and is exposed on the front side.

3. The assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the support member has a jaw rest portion that extends from above the support surface toward the rear.

4. The aforementioned rod-shaped member has a plurality of vertical rod portions, The assistance device according to claim 1, wherein the support member is attached across the plurality of vertical bar portions.

5. The base member comprises a lower base member that contacts the floor surface and an upper base member that contacts the ceiling. The assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support handrail is a tension-type handrail erected vertically between the lower base member and the upper base member.

6. The aforementioned base member has a floor base plate that is installed on the floor surface, The assistance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support column handrail is a freestanding handrail erected on the floor base plate.

7. The assistance device according to claim 4, wherein the same end of the rod-shaped member is fixed to the support handrail by a single bracket.

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