Revolvable Device For Aiding The Movement Of A Partially Disabled Person

Abstract

A revolvable device for aiding the movement of a partially disabled person including a main support, a revolvable member, means rotatably mounting the revolvable member on the main support, and means for varying the resistance to rotation of said revolvable member on said main support.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an improvement in a device for aiding the movement of a partially disabled person, particularly a person who has difficulty in moving about due to impairment of legs, hips or feet, and more particularly to a device having a main support on which a revolvable member is mounted. As an example of use of the device the same may be placed adjacent a wheelchair, bed or the like on which a partially disabled person is sitting. The person is raised to a position with his feet upon the device and then rotated by means of the device to a position whereby the person may be transferred to and placed on another device. The device is particularly desirable for a person who can stand up but cannot rotate his feet and body. The main support of the device includes lift members for varying the height of the device with a lift member having roller means whereby the device may be moved across the floor with the patient thereon. The main support also includes a top member having an area which is greater than the main support and which accommodates a chair, stool or the like on which a patient sits and may be rotated, moved and transported when the lift with the roller means is used.

In the drawings forming part of this application:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a revolvable device for partially disabled patient embodying the invention with one lift member attached.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device, portions thereof being in section other portions broken away.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the device on the line 3--3 of FIG. 2.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the device A includes the circular main support 10 which includes the annular wall 12 and the flat top wall 14 connected thereto which forms the circular cavity 16. The under surface 18 of the wall 12 is made with the non-skid surface as at 20. The under surface 18 of the wall 12 has extended thereinto the spaced sockets 22.

The numeral 24 designates a circular revolvable member which includes the circular wall 26 the inside diameter of which is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the annular wall 12 which it overlaps. Connected to the top of and forming part of the wall 26 is the circular flat platform 28. The top surface of the platform 28 is formed with the non-skid surface as at 30. The non-skid surface of the member 24 may be molded integral with the platform 28. The platform 28 is formed with the spaced sockets 32 and the oblique hole 34 used for hanging the device when not in use.

Extending downwardly and axially from the underside of the platform 28 is the threaded extension 36. The flat top wall 14 of the main support 10 is formed with a central opening 38 through which the extension 36 snugly extends.

The numeral 40 designates a nut formed with threads complementary with the threads of the extension 36. A bearing 42 is mounted between the top surface of the nut 40 and the under surface of the top wall 14 of the main support 10. A bearing 44 is mounted between the top surface of the top wall 14 of the main support 10 and the underside of the platform 28. The revolvable member 24 is operatively mounted on the main support 10 by tightening up the nut 40 upon the extension 36. With the threaded extension 36 and the nut the frictional rotational engagement of the member 24 upon the support 10 through the bearings 42 and 44 may be varied by the degree to which the nut is tightened on the extension. The nut may be tightened to the point where any rotational movement may be prohibited if such be desired.

Further provided is the auxiliary circular flat top member 46 which has secured to the underside thereof the spaced pegs 48 which are received in the sockets 32 to thereby position the auxiliary top 46 on the platform 28. The diameter of the auxiliary top is greater than the platform 28 and can be such that a chair may be positioned upon the auxiliary top for use by a patient. The auxiliary top 46 rotates with and is part of the revolvable member 24 when used therewith.

The numeral 50 designates a lift which includes the ring formation 52 which has the top surface thereof formed with the upstanding pegs 56. The pegs 56 are received in the sockets 22 whereby the height of the device may be selectively increased by use of the lift 50. The ring 50 is also formed with the sockets 57 and the non-skid under surface 59. With the lift 50 in position as shown, the same is part of the support 10. Similarly with the support 58 in position with or without the lift 50 the same is part of the support 10.

Further provided is the support 58 which provides mobility for the device with or without the lift 50. The support 58 includes the annular ring 60. The ring 60 has formed on the top thereof the pegs 64 which are positioned in the sockets 57 of the lift 50 or selectively in the sockets 22 of the wall 12 of the support 10.

The ring 60 has formed on the underside thereof the roller members 66 whereby the device may be easily moved over a floor. Further, the ring 60 may be positioned on the support 10 when the additional height is not needed. Alternatively, the wall 12 of the support 10 may be placed directly upon the floor.

Claims

I claim:

1. A revolvable device for aiding the movement of a partially disabled person comprising:

a. a main support,

b. a revolvable member,

c. means rotatably mounting said revolvable member on said main support,

d. means for varying the resistance to rotation of said revolvable member on said main support,

e. said mean support including an annular wall having

f. a flat top wall,

g. said means rotatably mounting said revolvable member including an extension formed on said revolvable member and extending through

h. an opening formed in said top wall and

i. adjustable means carried by said extension for drawing up upon said top wall,

j. said rotatable mounting means including a first bearing mounted between said main support and said revolvable member, and

k. a second bearing mounted between said adjustable means and said top wall.

2. The device of claim 1 in which said main support includes

a. a lift member and

b. means for releasably mounting said lift thereon.

3. The device of claim 2 in which said main support includes

a. a support having

b. roller means mounted thereon, and

c. means for releasably mounting said support on said main support.