WO2016001408A1

WO2016001408A1 - Device for upporting and/or transporting a person

Info

Publication number: WO2016001408A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/065204
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Appleby; Denise APPLEBY
Original assignee: David Appleby; Appleby Denise
Priority date: 2014-07-04
Filing date: 2015-07-03
Publication date: 2016-01-07
Also published as: GB201411954D0

Abstract

A device for supporting and/or transporting a person, for example a toileting and/or showering trolley, comprising a cradle for supporting the person, mounted on a base structure, characterised by means for jacking the cradle translationally relative to the base structure.

Description

DEVICE FOR UPPORTING AND/OR TRANSPORTING A PERSON

This invention relates to a device which is adapted to support, lift, preferably transport, and raise and lower a person with no or restricted mobility, in particular for toileting.

The term 'front' herein means in the direction in which a supported person faces in use of the device

The term 'rear' herein means in the direction opposite to that in which a supported person faces in use of the device,

The meaning of the term 'translationally relative to' when used herein is defined immediately following the statement of invention hereinafter.

In hospital and care home premises, it is often necessary to support a person with no or restricted mobility in a desired position by means of a cradle, configured to support the person, on a base structure. .

Some known devices therefor include such a cradle, on a base structure, of a complementary shape to the body of the person, which may for example wholly or partly support the body, for example the back, buttocks and thighs, lower legs and/or feet of the body in the desired position. Such a position may be upright for sitting or toileting (the latter usually with a cradle aperture opening downwardly), or inclined to some extent or level for showering and/or manually washing.

The cradle may be adjusted between such positions. Ways in which such adjustment may be made include adjusting the length of a lever arm between, and rotatably mounted at each end, for example on axles or spindles, respectively on the cradle and the base structure.

Additionally, there is often a need to support and transport a person with no or restricted mobility to a desired location for various purposes, for example showering and toileting. There are known devices which are designed for such purposes, which have rolling means, frequently at least one pair of wheels directly or indirectly mounted on a base structure. Whilst such devices provide means to transport the person with no or restricted mobility, such devices do not provide means to lower the person at the desired location, for example onto a toilet. These known devices suffer from the disadvantage of a relatively large gap between the cradle and the desired location for the purposes, for example a toilet seat, which may allow excreta from the person to fall outside the toilet bowl. This may be a major problem in the case of urine from a seated male.

A circumferential spacer with an aperture passing through it and opening downwardly above the toilet bowl may to some extent prevent this problem, but the spacer will need to be cleansed in a separate location after use

Additionally, some toilets, particularly in hospital and care home premises for persons with no or restricted mobility, have units retractably mounted in the bowl for water cleansing and/or warm air drying of the person in the cradle, which are adapted to be deployed and/or actuated by sensors which detect the pressure of a person on the toilet seat. The known devices hereinbefore cannot be used with such toilets, since they are not provided with means for lowering the person in the cradle from the raised position in transit to be borne by the seat, and the units retractably mounted in the bowl for water cleansing and/or warm air drying of the person in the cradle, will not be deployed and/or actuated.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device for supporting a person, such as a person with no or restricted mobility, as mentioned above, which is provided with means for jacking the person up and down.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for supporting a person, such as a person with no or restricted mobility, which is provided with two or more jacking means components for jacking the person up and down, the operation of which is synchronised. A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a device for supporting a person, such as a person with no or restricted mobility, which is provided with means to adapt the device for supporting and/or transporting persons of various sizes, shapes and weights.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is mobile, such as a trolley, such that it is safe for easy movement by an individual.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a self-propelled device, that is, one that a person in the cradle, usually in a sitting, upright position may move, normally manually, and optionally operate to raise and lower him-or herself from and onto an object, for example a toilet, and/or to tilt the cradle with respect to a base structure of the device.

Therefore, according to the present invention there is provided a device for supporting and/or transporting a person, comprising a cradle for supporting the person, mounted on a base structure, characterised by means for jacking the cradle translationally relative to the base structure.

When used herein, the term 'translationally' means that the means for jacking the cradle are configured to move the cradle in a single direction relative to the base structure of the device, without imparting any rotation, and changing the orientation of the cradle, relative to the base structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, the device has two or more jacking means components for jacking the cradle up and down in a single direction relative to the base structure of the device, the operation of which is synchronised. A favoured device has three or more jacking means components. Each jacking means component preferably comprises a hydraulic ram, with all the hydraulic rams being fed from a single hydraulic master cylinder.

In a further preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention for supporting a person, such as a person with no or restricted mobility, the device, is provided with means to adapt the device for supporting and/or transporting persons of various sizes, shapes and weights. First components of the cradle in such a device, each of complementary size and shape to the body of a person to be supported, lifted and preferably transported to a facility, are configured to be demountably attached to a second component of the cradle, which is usually of a single size and shape.

The device may be a static device or preferably a mobile device. In the latter case, it will then be configured to not only support but also to transport a person to a desired location. For such purpose it will have rolling means, frequently at least one pair of wheels directly or indirectly mounted on the base structure. Where the device is a static device, then any facility to be used with it, for example a toilet must be configured to be movable to the location of the static device and the person in the cradle, and for such purpose it will have rolling means, frequently at least three wheels

The cradle is preferably of a complementary shape to the body of a person with no or restricted mobility, and may wholly or partly support the body, for example the back, buttocks and thighs, lower legs and/or feet of the body in the desired position. It is usually mounted on a cradle structure.

The position of the cradle may be adjustable with respect to the vertical. Ways in which such adjustment may be made include adjusting the length of a lever arm between, and pivotally mounted at each end, for example on axles or spindles, respectively on the cradle structure and the base structure.

The device of the present invention offers a significant advantage over such devices used hitherto, in that it enables a person to be supported, lifted and preferably transported to a facility to be used with it, for example a toilet, or vice versa if a the device is not movable to the location of the facility, and lowered to be fully supported by the facility.

In one preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, the position of the cradle with respect to the vertical is rotationally adjustable. An advantage of this embodiment is that a person in the cradle may be transported and toileted in a sitting, upright position, and then for example lifted nd transported in a sitting, upright position to a shower, and then the cradle may be inclined or set level for showering and/or manually washing the .person.

In another preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, part of the cradle in direct contact with a person in the cradle in use (a cradle sling, optionally together with a cradle frame, on which it may be mounted, as described hereinafter) is demountable from the rest of the cradle. An advantage of this embodiment is that that part and the person in it may be lifted from the device, and then, for example placed over or in a bathtub, plunge bath or sluice and washed.

In a preferred form of this embodiment of the device of the present invention, a cradle frame, on which a cradle sling is mounted, is demountably mounted directly on a cradle base. Preferably, the cradle frame is mounted directly on the cradle base by means which allows cradle frames of different transverse dimensions to be interchangeably mounted on a cradle base of a single size and shape. This gives rise to advantageous flexibility in use of the device. Preferably, the means for direct fastening of the cradle frame on the cradle base allows the position of the cradle frame generally horizontally and transversely with respect to the cradle base to be adjusted.

Suitable and preferred examples of ways in which such flexibility may be provided include those described hereinafter in respect of the views of the device shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5.

One embodiment of the device of the present invention is a self-propelled device. An advantage of this embodiment is that a person in the cradle, usually in a sitting, upright position may move the device, normally manually, and optionally operate it to raise and lower him-or herself from and onto an object, for example a toilet, and/or to tilt the cradle with respect to a base structure of the device.

The base structure of the device may be a generally flat, generally quadrilateral or rectangular bodywork, preferably a skeleton chassis or scaffold of tubes, bars or rods. It will normally be elongate from front to rear of the device, and will normally comprise at least a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members. These are normally connected by one or more transverse members, which may be attached to or integral with the pair of longitudinal members Together they define one or a series of separate apertures, gaps or openings along the length and between the pair of longitudinal members.

The base structure is usually configured to at least partly receive in a generally horizontal fashion the object on which the supported person is placed in use of the device, for example a toilet.

The device of the present invention may be static, for example, if to be used for 'short notice' toileting, installed permanently in one location for use with a mobile toilet facility, but preferably the device of the invention is a mobile structure. In either case, the lower legs of a person supported by the device in a sitting position will be lower that the toilet bowl, and hence the device base structure will be open to the rear, for example between the at least a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members, to allow the device to be positioned over the toilet. The cradle will often comprise

a cradle sling which in use of the device will wholly or partly support the body of a person, and is mounted on

a cradle frame, which is in turn mounted on

a cradle support, in turn mounted on

a cradle base.

The cradle base is mounted on the base structure by means for jacking the cradle translationally relative to the base structure. All the components of the cradle in the device of the present invention will normally be elongate from front to rear of the device, and except for the cradle sling will normally comprise at least a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members, normally connected by one or more transverse members, which may be attached to or integral with the pair of longitudinal members The cradle sling and cradle frame are each typically of a complementary shape to the body of a person supported in use of the device, and will wholly or partly support the body, for example the back, buttocks and thighs, lower legs and/or feet of the body in the desired position.

Such a position may be upright for sitting or toileting, and each of the cradle sling and frame then usually has an S-shaped structure, with the cradle frame having a transverse member, which is preferably integral with, and at the lower end in use of, the cradle to support the feet in use.

The cradle frame may be a generally quadrilateral or rectangular bodywork, preferably a skeleton framework, of tubes, bars or rods, preferably tubes. Where the cradle frame has an S-shaped structure, its projection onto a plane will be generally quadrilateral or rectangular. The cradle frame will in general be elongate from front to rear of the device, and will in general comprise at least a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members. These are in general connected by one or more transverse members, which are preferably integral with the pair of longitudinal members. Together they define one or a series of separate apertures, gaps or openings along the length and between the pair of longitudinal members.

There are often at least two transverse members on the longitudinal members of the framework of the cradle frame. These are often respectively at or near the front and rear of the cradle frame, behind the lower legs and/or feet, and the back and/or shoulders, of the body of the supported person when sitting upright in use of the device. They may be part quadrilateral, part transverse tubular members, of a shallow C-shaped structure made of higher-tensile metal, preferably stainless steel, as round-section tube, extending behind the elongate longitudinal members.

The uppermost and rearmost transverse member on the longitudinal members of the framework of the cradle frame, when the device of the invention is a mobile structure may conveniently be used by a person not in the cradle as a handle for towing, pushing and/or steering the device of the invention. Generally the cradle sling in use is in direct contact with the buttocks and thighs of the person in the cradle in an upright sitting position, for example for toileting. The cradle sling will in general comprise at least one sheet that is elongate from front to rear of the device, and will in general conform essentially to the cradle frame; its perimeter often conforms essentially to, but may extend beyond, the framework of the cradle frame.

The cradle sling may consist essentially of one sheet that is elongate from front to rear of the device. Alternatively, in a variant of the device of the present invention, the cradle sling may comprise at least two sheets, and often three sheets, one to the rear of the device, behind the back and/or shoulders, one below the buttocks and thighs, and one behind the lower legs and/or feet of the body of the supported person when sitting upright in use of the device. Such two or three sheets will often have transversely elongate apertures extending between them. References to the cradle sling in the present invention include a cradle sling which comprises, one, two, three or more sheets.

The cradle sling may be rigid, but is usually of a flexible continuous and/or discontinuous material, attached to the cradle frame. The material may comprise a continuous textile fabric, for example heavy-duty textile material, for instance made of natural materials, such as cotton canvas, or of synthetic materials such as polyamide (nylon); or polyolefin, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, in particular polyethylene. It may additionally or alternatively comprise a discontinuous material, such as netting, or a mesh or web which may be of a material, suitable examples of which are as described for continuous materials immediately above.

Where the flexible material comprises both continuous and/or discontinuous materials, the former material may be disposed about the perimeter of the latter, and may cover and extend beyond, the cradle frame.

The sling may be permanently attached to the frame, but preferably it is demountably attached by releasable fastening means, for example for washing and/or replacement. It may be permanently attached to the frame, for example by adhering, pinning, bolting and/or riveting. It may be permanently or demountably attached for example as follows: One or more flaps or two or more straps, which are attached to or integral with the cradle sling sheet may extend from each edge of the cradle sling far enough to be able to encircle the cradle frame at a corresponding position to effectively form an open ended sleeve or loop around a frame member.

Each flap or strap may be attached permanently at or towards its edge furthest from the perimeter of the sling, around the relevant part of the frame, to the sling at the points where the flap or strap touches the sling, by permanent fastening means, suitably including those listed above in respect of direct permanent fastening to the frame.

Preferably, each flap or strap is demountably attached by releasable fastening means. The latter will usually comprise a pair of co-operating members, one of the pair of members being attached to and at or towards the edge of the flap or strap furthest from the perimeter of the sling, the other to the sling at the points where the flap or strap touches the sling when around the relevant part of the frame. Such releasable fastening means include straps and buckles, buttons and button-holes, toggles and loops, clasps and clips, hook-and-eye fasteners, including areas of plastics micro hook-and-eye fasteners (Velcro); press-studs and sockets, or preferably separable zip-fasteners.

The cradle sling may also favourably be provided with means for stretching the cradle sling more tautly under the supported person in use. Such means include for example one or more (usually) transverse elongate flexible integers, such as straps, attached to or integral at or near one end with the rear or underside and usually to onegof the sling, and attached to it at or near the other end by releasable fastening means. The latter include a buckle through which the strap passes, buttons and button-holes, toggles and loops, clasps and clips, hook-and- eye fasteners, press-studs and sockets, or preferably areas of plastics micro hook-and-eye fasteners (Velcro).

The straps may optionally include a bottom strap behind the ankles, intermediate straps behind the knees and/or the small of the back, and/or a top strap behind the shoulders, of the supported person in use of the device, for example when sitting upright. A conventional securing lap strap and buckle across the cradle frame may also be provided. For toileting, the cradle sling usually has an aperture opening downwardly through it. The aperture in the cradle will typically be in the central section of the typically S-shape cradle sling and usually of a size and shape to be roughly co-extensive with and a complementary shape to a typical toilet seat aperture in use.

Two optional opposed lateral head supports may also be, preferably demountably, mounted on the cradle frame, and locked in the use position, for example by E-rings, each pushed against its own spring bias into an annular groove around a toggle or spigot.

The cradle sling may be coated with an antimicrobial coating, for example silver or an essentially water-insoluble sources of silver ions, such as silver oxides and silver phosphates.

As noted above, the cradle by which a person is supported in use may comprise a cradle support on which the cradle frame is mounted. The cradle support, is mounted in turn on a cradle base, which is in turn movably mounted on the base structure by jacking means.

The cradle support may be a generally quadrilateral or rectangular bodywork, preferably a skeleton framework, of tubes, bars or rods. It will in general be elongate from front to rear of the device, and will in general comprise at least a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members. These are often upwardly slightly concave. They are in general connected by one or more transverse members, which are preferably integral with the pair of longitudinal members to define an upwardly slightly concave quadrilateral framework. Together they define one or a series of separate apertures, gaps or openings along the length and between the pair of longitudinal members.

In use of the device, a person is frequently supported seated upright, for example on an S shape cradle, on a cradle support which is a generally flat, generally quadrilateral or rectangular bodywork. It will be seen that the cradle support must then be mounted on or integral with or welded to the cradle base at an angle to the latter in a vertical direction. If it is intended only to use the device of the present invention and its jacking means to support, lift, optionally transport, and lower a person with no or restricted mobility onto an object, for example a toilet, the cradle support and the cradle base may be integral with or welded to each other or the former may be rigidly mounted on the latter.

In a preferred device, the orientation of the cradle with respect to the base structure can be adjusted as desired or necessary, for example inclined to some extent or set level for showering and/or manually washing the person.

The cradle support should then be pivotally mounted on the cradle base, for example on axles in identical trunnions in register on a pair of longitudinal members of the cradle base.

The cradle may be adjusted between such positions, in ways which include adjusting the length of at least one lever arm, each elongate from front to rear of the device, and, if there is more than one extendible lever arm, each elongate from front to rear of the device, and extending mutually parallel to each other lever arm, and extending between, and rotatably mounted at each end, for example on axles or spindles, in trunnions on one or both of a pair of members respectively of the cradle support and cradle base. This gives rise to advantageous flexibility in use of the device.

This adjustment may be effected by mechanical means, which may then be operated manually or under power. One part of the means may comprise a threaded rotatable rod adapted to be received in and engage with a threaded aperture in a socket in another part. The rod may be rotated manually by means of an integral or removable crank handle. It is preferably rotated by means of an electric motor, optionally driven by a rechargeable battery. More favourably the means may be hydraulic means, for example a hydraulic ram, which may comprise a piston in a hydraulic cylinder or a telescopic hydraulic sleeve, the length of which is adjustable. This may be pumped by means of an electric motor, optionally driven by a rechargeable battery. The jacking means by which the cradle base is movably mounted on the base structure may also be hydraulic, so that the or each lever may comprise a hydraulic ram, each elongate from front to rear of the device. If there is more than one extendible lever arm means, each elongate from front to rear of the device, and extending mutually parallel to each other hydraulic ram.

The jacking means of the device then also comprises a hydraulic master cylinder, which may be pumped by means of an electric motor, optionally driven by a rechargeable battery, and is connected to each ram hydraulically by pipes. In such case, the cradle is raised relative to the base structure by pumping up the hydraulic master cylinder with the electric motor. In such a device, where the jacking means of the device are also hydraulic, the or each hydraulic ram lever arm by which the cradle may be adjusted to tilt the cradle with respect to the base structure of the device may be powered from the same first hydraulic master cylinder as the jacking means under a separate control. The device may however more conveniently be provided with a second master cylinder under a separate control for the or each hydraulic ram lever arm, usually mounted on or within the base structure, for example near the first hydraulic master cylinder for the jacking means.

The means for adjusting the tilt of the cradle with respect to the base structure of the device may be optionally be operated by the person in the cradle, usually in a sitting, upright position.

The cradle base will in general be elongate from front to rear of the device, and will in general comprise at least a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members, on which the cradle support is mounted, The lower legs of a person supported by the device in a sitting position will be lower that the toilet bowl, and hence the cradle base will be open to the rear, for example between the at least a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members, to allow the device to be positioned over the toilet.

Where a cradle support and the cradle base are integral with or welded to each other or the former is rigidly mounted on the latter, the longitudinal members of the cradle base may be connected by one or more transverse members to form a generally quadrilateral or rectangular bodywork, preferably a skeleton framework, of tubes, bars or rods. In a preferred device, the cradle support is pivotally mounted on the cradle base, to allow the cradle support to be inclined to some extent or set level for showering and/or manually washing the person. The cradle support will in general rotate in use between the essentially parallel longitudinal members of the cradle base. The lower legs of a person supported by the device in a sitting position will be lower that the toilet bowl, and hence the cradle base must be open to the front as well as the rear to allow the cradle support to be tilted.

The longitudinal members of the cradle base cannot then be connected by one or more transverse members to form a continuous framework of tubes, bars or rods, and the cradle base may then consist essentially of at least a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members bearing the pivots, for example axles or spindles, in trunnions, about which the cradle support rotates in use.

The cradle base is in turn movably mounted on the base structure, for example on jacking means. The base structure may also be a generally flat, generally quadrilateral or rectangular bodywork, preferably a skeleton framework, of tubes, bars or rods. It will often be elongate from front to rear of the device, and will often comprise at least a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members. These are frequently connected by one or more transverse members, which are preferably integral with or welded to the pair of longitudinal members. Together they define one or more apertures, gaps or openings along and between the pair of longitudinal members. The framework is open to the rear.

It is preferred that the members of the cradle frame, cradle support and cradle base and the base structure are not too dense (commensurate with adequate strength) and may thus be made of higher-tensile metals or alloys, such as high tensile aluminium alloys, such as duralumin, or mild steel, or preferably stainless steel, for example as round or rectangular-section tube, or engineering plastics - carbon fibre composites, as each offer good strength to weight ratios.

For protection of the structure materials, for example against corrosion, they preferably have a protective layer or have a modified surface layer. Suitable layers include powder coatings, anodised surface films, electroplate and galvanised layers, paint, in particular anti-corrosion paint, coats, and relatively thick thermoplastics casings, jackets and sheathing. The members may be coated with an antimicrobial coating, for example silver or water-insoluble sources of silver ions, such as silver oxides and silver phosphates. The cradle base is movably mounted on the base structure, for example on jacking means. The jacking means may take a variety of forms. .One or more jacking means components may be present in the device of the present invention. Each such means usually extends upwardly from the base structure of the device.

A less preferred device has a single jacking means component, a favoured device has three or more jacking means components, mounted on or integral with or welded to the base structure of the device, and a preferred device has two or more pairs of jacking means components, mounted on or integral with or welded to the base structure of the device. If the device has three or more jacking means components, they should preferably be installed sufficiently far apart to increase the stability of the device.

Each of the jacking means components in the device comprises cooperating first and second parts. The first part is mounted on or within the base structure, for example in a round-section tube, which is part of the base frame, and each second part is normally mounted within the cradle base, for example in a round-section tube, which is part of the cradle base frame. The two respective tubes in their respective frameworks are in register in a vertical direction.

The first and second parts may be permanently attached respectively to the base structure or to the cradle base, for example by welding or riveting, but preferably are demountably attached, for example for maintenance or replacement. Each may be demountably attached, for example by bolting.

The translational movement of the cradle base relative to the base structure may be effected by mechanical jacking means, which may then be operated manually or under power. One part of the means component may comprise a threaded rotatable rod adapted to be received in and engage with a threaded aperture in a socket in another part. The rod is preferably rotated by means of an electric motor, optionally driven by a rechargeable battery. The operation of the jacking means components in the device may be synchronised by an electrical or mechanical feedback loop, usually under electronic control in a central control box. The motor together with the rod may be mounted, preferably demountably, on or within the cradle base or the base structure, but preferably on or within the base structure. The motor may favourably have a rounded end furthest from the rod, which is received by a cooperating cup mounted on or within the cradle base or the base structure, but preferably on or within the base structure. More favourably the jacking means may be hydraulic, so that each means component may be, for example a hydraulic ram. The jacking means of the device then also comprises a hydraulic master cylinder. The master cylinder may be pumped by means of an electric motor, optionally driven by a rechargeable battery, for example driving a threaded rotatable rod received in a static threaded matrix and rotatable engage with a piston slidably housed in the master cylinder. The latter is connected to each ram hydraulically by pipes, usually through a manifold, whereby the operation of the jacking means components in the device may be synchronised. A hydraulic ram jacking means component may comprise a piston in a hydraulic cylinder or a telescopic hydraulic sleeve of at least a pair of longitudinal members, one slidingly housed within the other, extending from a housing member at one end to a housed member at the other end of the series of such members.

The hydraulic cylinder or the end members of the sleeve may be mounted, preferably demountably, on or within the cradle base or the base structure, but preferably the cylinder or the (larger or largest) end housing member is so mounted on or within the base structure.

In another embodiment, each jacking means component is provided with safety locking means to lock it in any given position. For example an upright elongate track on one part of the device may be provided at intervals with locating means, such as transverse indentations, for example notches or grooves serrations, adapted to engage a spring-biased tongue on the counterpart. Such a locking means may be provided with a quick release mechanism to unlock it quickly in use. The device of the present invention may be static, for example, if to be used for 'short notice' toileting, installed permanently in one location for use with a mobile toilet facility. Preferably, the device of the invention is a mobile structure. In such case, the device may have a towable/pushable mobile base structure that has at least three rolling means, such as rollers or wheels. These are rotatably mounted on the base structure, for example on horizontal axles or spindles, or preferably in castors, mounted on it on upright pivots. The rolling means preferably then consist of two pairs of rollers or wheels. In such case, the rolling means should be installed sufficiently far apart to increase the stability of the device, but preferred that any such rolling means do not extend beyond the device at its widest point by much. Where the device has three or more jacking means components, it may be preferred that the rolling means may have points of attachment further apart than those of the components. However, it is convenient, if the device has the same number of jacking means components as rolling means that each of the latter is mounted directly below each of the former.

Preferably, where the device of the invention is a mobile structure, the rolling means have safety locking means to lock it in any given position. For example, it is convenient, if each rolling means is provided with a snap-down-snap-up safety locking brake, of a complementary shape to, and cooperating with, the rolling surface of the rolling means, and operated by foot by a person not in the cradle, to lock it in any given position.

Where the rolling means are wheels mounted on the base structure, for example in castors, mounted on it on upright pivots, such a locking brake, cooperating with the rolling surface of a wheel, may be permanently attached, for example by welding or riveting, or demountably attached, for example by bolting to the exterior of the pivot. .

The cradle sling, jacking means components and rolling means in the device should be so distributed and strong enough in normal operation to bear, for example up to a 150 kg adult, and in bariatric use, for example up to a 300 kg adult. The device of the invention may have means by which the cradle frame may be mounted directly on the cradle base and which allows cradle frames of different transverse dimensions to be interchangeably mounted on a cradle base of a single size and shape with advantageous flexibility in use of the device. Examples of ways in which such flexibility may be provided include those described hereinafter in respect of the views of the device shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. In such case, the means should also be so distributed and strong enough in normal operation to meet the above criteria.

Preferably, the device of the invention is a mobile structure. In such case, the device may have a towable/pushable base structure that has at least three rolling means, such as rollers or wheels. These are rotatably mounted on the base structure, for example on horizontal axles or spindles, or preferably in castors, mounted on it on upright pivots. The device base structure will be open to the rear, for example between the at least a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members.

In use of such a device in normal operation for toileting, a person with no or restricted mobility is placed on the cradle. If the latter is not in an upright position for sitting and is inclined to some extent or level for showering and/or manual washing, the cradle is adjusted to an upright position, for example with a lever arm as described hereinbefore. Then in either order,

the cradle is raised with respect to the base structure by the jacking means (by moving the first and second parts of the jacking means components apart), and the device is moved to a toilet,

and the device is positioned with the aperture in the cradle roughly co-extensive with the toilet seat aperture.

The cradle is then lowered with respect to the base structure by the jacking means (by moving the first and second parts of the jacking means components together to place the person on the toilet. In many facilities for persons with no or restricted mobility, the toilet is configured to cleanse the person in the cradle, and for such purpose it will normally have washing and drying means. In such case, the cradle is raised relative to the base structure, and the rest of the initial part of the procedure is reversed.

Otherwise, the cradle is raised relative to the base structure, and the device is then moved from the toilet to a cleansing area. Then in either order,

the cradle is tilted backwards with respect to the base structure, for example with a lever arm as described hereinbefore to allow access to the aperture in the cradle for washing and drying and

the cradle is lowered relative to the base structure by the jacking means (by moving the first and second parts of the jacking means components together.

The cradle is then tilted forwards with respect to the base structure to an upright position, for example with a lever arm as described hereinbefore.

One embodiment of the device of the present invention is a self-propelled device. In this embodiment, a person in the cradle, usually in a sitting, upright position may move the device, normally manually, and optionally operate it to raise and lower him-or herself from and onto an object, for example a toilet.

In a preferred form of this embodiment of the device of the present invention, the position of the cradle with respect to the vertical is adjustable, and a person in the cradle may optionally operate it to tilt the cradle with respect to the base structure of the device to some extent or level, for example for showering and/or manually washing.

In this embodiment of the device of the present invention, the

cradle sling which in use of the device will wholly or partly support the body of a person, and is mounted on

the cradle frame, which is in turn mounted on

the cradle support, in turn mounted on

the cradle base, which is in turn mounted on

the base structure, and

the means for jacking the cradle translationally relative to the base structure will normally be similar to the respective components of the device of the present invention, as described hereinbefore.

This self-propelled embodiment of the device of the present invention will however be provided with means for the person in the cradle to propel the device, usually a pair of identical driving wheels, which are preferably operable independently of each other.

These may be additional to the rolling means, such as rollers or wheels, rotatably mounted on the base structure, for example on horizontal axles or spindles, or preferably in castors, mounted on it on upright pivots, in particular where the means consist of two pairs of rollers or wheels in castors.

In such case, the pair of driving wheels are usually installed on the base structure, for example on horizontal axles that are mutually in register, between the front and rear pairs of rollers or wheels in castors, often on a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members of the base structure of the device.

Alternatively, the pair of driving wheels may replace a pair of the rolling means, such as rollers or wheels, rotatably mounted on the base structure, for example on horizontal axles or spindles, or preferably in castors, mounted on it on upright pivots, in particular the rear pair of two pairs of rollers or wheels in castors.

In such case, the pair of driving wheels are usually installed on the base structure, for example on horizontal axles that are mutually in register, at the position where the rear pair of rollers or wheels in castors would otherwise be, often on a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members of the base structure of the device. In both cases, the pair of driving wheels, which are preferably operable independently of each other, may be operated manually by a person in the cradle, usually in a sitting, upright position to move the device. In such case, the pair of driving wheels will each be mounted outboard of the base structure, and will each be provided with a concentric driving hoop. The pair of driving wheels and hoops must each have a diameter such that the hoops may be conveniently grasped and rotated by a person in the cradle, usually in a sitting, upright position. Consequently, the pair of driving wheels are usually installed on the base structure at a position significantly higher than that at which the front pair of rollers or wheels in castors are mounted, often on horizontal axles that are mutually in register in trunnions mutually in register which extend generally upwardly from and are welded to the top side of the elongate longitudinal members of the base structure of the device.

It may be seen from Figures 3 to 5 below, that elongate arm members at the sides of the cradle base are often each in the form of an arch which effectively forms an armrest or a side support member.

Where the device is to be operated manually by a person in the cradle using a pair of driving wheels with concentric driving hoops, each usually installed on the base structure at a position significantly higher than usual, and with a diameter such that the hoops may be conveniently grasped and rotated by a person in the cradle, the usual elongate arm members at the sides of the cradle base in the form of an arch may effectively hamper access to the hoops by a person in the cradle for them to be conveniently grasped and rotated.

Consequently, it may be desirable that the pair of elongate arms at the sides of the cradle base are configured often each in the form of a slope, arc, bow, sigmoid curve or step, falling from the front of the device towards the rear. If there is a lower pair of longitudinal members in the cradle base, the upper pair of elongate arm members at the sides of the cradle base may fall towards the rear to the level of the lower pair of longitudinal arm members or just above it. The gap or opening above and along the length of the upper pair of elongate arm members at the sides of the cradle base provides access to each driving hoop on the pair of driving wheels on the device towards the rear.

Where the jacking means is hydraulic, each means component is for example a hydraulic ram, comprising a hydraulic ram piston usually housed and demountably mounted in most of the length of the upright parts of the arm members. These may have to be stand-alone upright tubes to the rear of the above gap or opening. Each of the upper pair of elongate arm members at the sides of the cradle base may fall towards the rear to the level of the lower part of, and be attached to one of these upright tubes. If desired or necessary, a flap-up or flap-down armrest or side support member extension may demountably attached to each elongate arm member at the sides of the cradle base to extend generally horizontally from each elongate arm over, or to span, the gap which provides access to each driving hoop.

Alternatively the pair of driving wheels may each be driven, for example by an electric motor, optionally driven by a rechargeable battery. The motors in the device are preferably operable independently of each other, but are usually under electronic control from a central control box, which may be operated by the person in the cradle, usually in a sitting, upright position.

The pair of driving wheels do not then need to be significantly larger than the front pair of rollers or wheels in castors, or installed on the base structure at a position higher than that of the front pair of rollers or wheels in castors.

They may be of a similar size to those components of the device, and thus may be mounted at a similar height, for example on horizontal axles that are mutually in register, often on a pair of identical trunnions mutually in register which extend generally downwardly from and are welded to the underside of the elongate longitudinal members of the base structure of the device.

In all cases, the driving wheels may be installed between the front and rear pairs of rollers or wheels in castors, or at the position where the rear pair of rollers or wheels in castors would otherwise be, as appropriate, often on a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members of the base structure of the device.

In either case, the pair of driving wheels, which are preferably operable independently of each other, may be two pairs of rollers or wheels.

A device in accordance with this invention is described and illustrated below with reference to the drawings, showing embodiments by way of example only.

Figures 1 a and 1 b show respectively a front view of a device in a use position around a toilet and a cross-section along the line A - A in Figure 1 a. Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the device of Figure 1 .

Figures 3a and 3b show respectively a front view of a device in a use position around a toilet. Figure 3b shows integers hidden in Figure 3a with dotted lines. .

Figures 4a and 4b show respectively a side view of a device in a use position around a toilet with the cradle lowered (Figure 4a) and raised (Figure 4b) relative to the base structure by the jacking means (3). Figure 4b corresponds to Figure 4a with some hidden integers shown exposed. .

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the device of Figures 3 and 4.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the device for supporting and/or transporting a person, comprises a cradle for supporting a person, mounted on a base structure (2), with means (3) for jacking the cradle translationally relative to the base structure (2).

The cradle comprises a removable cradle sling (1 ) on a cradle frame (24) on a cradle support (17), by which a person is supported in use of the device. The cradle sling (1 ) is omitted from the Figures for clarity.

The device depicted is a mobile structure, here a trolley, raised off the ground by two pairs of castors (4a, 4b) mounted on upright pivots in two pairs of identical upright tubes (5a, 5b) at opposing ends of a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (6a, 6b). in the base structure (2).

In more detail, the base structure (2) in the device comprises the pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (6a, 6b), made of higher-tensile metal, here mild steel, or preferably stainless steel, as round-section tube. These are connected by a part quadrilateral, part transverse tubular member (7), and tubular stays (8, 8), all welded to the pair of longitudinal members (6a, 6b), to define a framework of tubes. The framework is open to the rear and is of a complementary shape to a toilet base (9) in use, thereby allowing the base structure to be backed onto and around the toilet base (9). A cradle base (10) is mounted on the base structure (2) via two pairs of identical elongate jacking means components (1 1 a, 1 1 b) (not indicated in the Figures, but comprising a first part (33) comprising an electric motor (16), and a second part

(15) , as depicted in Figure 1 b).

Referring to Figure 1 b of the drawings, the elongate arm members (12a, 12b) are each in the form of a skewed Tudor arch with a shallow inverted V at its apex. Immediately in front of the inverted V's, a pair of essentially parallel triangular trunnions (13) extend generally downwardly from and are welded to the underside of the elongate arm members (12a, 12b).

Each jacking means component (1 1 a, 1 1 b) (not indicated in the Figures) is mounted in, and extends between, the upper ends of the upright tubes (5a, 5b) in the base structure (2) and the lower ends of a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal tubular arm members (12a, 12b) also made of higher-tensile metal, here mild steel, or preferably stainless steel, such that the upper and lower ends are in register in a vertical direction. The elongate jacking means components (1 1 a, 1 1 b) each consist essentially of a first part (33), which comprises an electric motor (16), driven by a rechargeable battery (not shown), which has a rounded end received and demountably mounted within a co-operating cup in the upper end of the upright tube (5a or 5b) in the base structure (2), and

a cooperating second part (15), mounted in the lower end of the arm members (12a, 12b).

The motor (16), can drive a threaded rotatable rod adapted to be received in and engage with a threaded aperture in a socket (neither shown) in the second part (15), which is in register in a vertical direction with the rod, attached to the motor

(16) within the first part (33). Rotation of the rod in one sense forces the two parts (33, 15) apart; rotation in the opposite sense draws them together, so that the cradle base (10) is respectively raised and lowered relative to the base structure (2) by the jacking means (3). The operation of the jacking means components (1 1 a, 1 1 b) in the device may be synchronised by an electrical or mechanical feedback loop, usually under electronic control in a central control box (36), here mounted on one of the of a pair of longitudinal members (6a). in the base structure (2).

More favourably the means (3) may be hydraulic, so that each means component (1 1 a, 1 1 b) may be, for example a hydraulic ram. The jacking means (3) of the device then also comprises a hydraulic master cylinder, which may be pumped by means of an electric motor, optionally driven by a rechargeable battery (neither shown). The first part (33) then comprises a hydraulic cylinder, attached within the upper end of the upright tube (5a or 5b) in the base structure (2). It can drive a piston rod attached at its end farthest from the hydraulic cylinder (neither shown) to the second part (15). A hydraulic master cylinder is connected to each ram hydraulically by pipes, usually through a manifold, whereby the operation of the jacking means components in the device may be synchronised.

Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder from the hydraulic master cylinder in one sense forces the two parts (33, 15) apart or further apart; and in in the opposite sense draws them together, so that the cradle base (10) is respectively raised and lowered relative to the base structure (2) by the jacking means (3).

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, a cradle support (17) is pivotally mounted on the cradle base (10) between the pair of longitudinal members (12a, 12b) of the cradle base (10), on stub axles (18) in the trunnions (13).

The cradle support (17) comprises a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (19a, 19b), made of higher-tensile metal, here mild steel, or preferably stainless steel, as round-section tube. These each have a shallow upward V point of inflection to the front and rear of triangular trunnions (13) extending downwardly from the elongate members (12a, 12b). The longitudinal members (18a, 18b), are connected by a transverse tubular member (20) at their front ends, and by two transverse tubular members (21 ) and (22) at and near their rear ends, all welded to the pair of longitudinal members (19a, 19b), to define an upwardly slightly concave quadrilateral framework. As noted above, the cradle comprises a removable cradle sling (1 ) on a cradle frame (24) on a cradle support (17), by which a person is supported in use of the device. The cradle sling (1 ) is omitted from the Figures for clarity. In Figure 2, the cradle support (17) is pivotally mounted on stub axles (18) in the trunnions (13) at an angle to the vertical direction, which corresponds to an S shape cradle sling (1 ) on the cradle support (17), here shown in a position in which in use a person would be supported seated upright. It is held in this position by a reversibly extendible lever arm (23), which is elongate from front to rear of the device, and extends between, and is pivotally mounted on stub spindles (34, 35).

These are respectively mounted on the cradle support (17) near the position of the upward V inflection therein to the rear of triangular trunnion (13), and an upright lug on a generally horizontal transverse bracket (26) extending from, and welded to, a spacer (33) extending below the lower ends of the arm member (1 12b) in the cradle base (10).

In a variant of the device in the Figures, the drawings, the cradle support (17) is also adjustably held in the position shown by a second identical reversibly extendible lever arm means, also elongate from front to rear of the device, and extending mutually parallel to the first lever arm (23) between, and pivotally mounted on stub spindles which are mounted on the cradle support (17) and base structure in positions and by means which are a mirror image of those for the means (23).

The position of rotation relative to the base structure (2) of the cradle support (17) may be adjusted to and from an upright position with the or both lever arms as described hereinbefore. A person in the cradle may optionally operate it or them to tilt the cradle with respect to the cradle base (2).

Here the lever arm (23) comprises a threaded rotatable rod in one part adapted to be received in and engage with a threaded aperture in a socket in another part. The rod is rotated by means of an electric motor, driven by a rechargeable battery. In a favoured variant, the or each lever arm is a hydraulic means, for example a hydraulic ram, and a hydraulic master cylinder is connected to each ram hydraulically by pipes, usually through a manifold, whereby the operation of these components in the device may be synchronised.

In such a device, where the jacking means of the device are also hydraulic, the or each hydraulic ram lever arm by which the cradle may be adjusted to tilt the cradle with respect to the base structure of the device may be powered from the same first hydraulic master cylinder as the jacking means under a separate control. The device may however more conveniently be provided with a second master cylinder under a separate control for the or each hydraulic ram lever arm, usually mounted on or within the base structure, for example near the first hydraulic master cylinder for the jacking means.

In Figure 2, a cradle frame (24) is an S-shaped structure made of higher-tensile metal, here mild steel, or preferably stainless steel, as round-section tube, elongate from front to rear of the device, which comprises a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal S-shaped members (25a, 25b), connected

by a C-shaped transverse member (26) at the front ends,

by a transverse member (27) which is integral with the members (25a, 25b) at the rear ends, and

by a part quadrilateral, part transverse tubular member (28), near the top ends to define a framework of tubes.

The members (26) and (28) are welded to the pair of longitudinal members (25a, 25b).

The cradle frame (24) is a removably mounted at or near each end on the cradle support (17), respectively by

the part quadrilateral, part transverse tubular member (28) near the rear being a push or snap fit in a complementary-shape flexible cooperating first channel (29) mounted on the transverse tubular member (22) near the rear of the framework of the cradle support (17), and by the C-shaped transverse member (26) at the front being a push or snap fit in a complementary-shape flexible cooperating second channel (30), mounted on the transverse tubular member (20) at the front of the framework of the cradle support (17).

The cradle sling (1 ) is omitted from the Figures for clarity, but is here a flexible sheet or mesh made of polyethylene. The sling may optionally comprise a continuous part of the same material, which is disposed about the perimeter of the mesh. The sling is elongate from front to rear of the device and its perimeter of which conforms essentially to, but extends beyond, the cradle frame (24).

The sling (1 ) is removably mounted on the cradle frame (24) by releasable fastening means, here by flaps which extend from each edge of the cradle sling (1 ), and encircle the cradle frame (1 ) at corresponding positions to form an open ended sleeve around the S-shaped members (25a, 25b), transverse member (26) and transverse member (27). Each flap is demountably attached by releasable fastening means, here the two co-operating parts of a separable zip-fastener, one of the parts being attached to and at the edge of the flap furthest from the perimeter of the sling (1 ), the other to the sling (1 ) where the flap touches the sling when around the relevant part of the frame (24).

The cradle sling (1 ) is also provided with means for stretching the cradle sling more tautly under the supported person in use, here three transverse elongate straps, each attached at one end to the rear of the sling (1 ), towards one side, the other end passing through a buckle attached towards the opposing side.

The device shown in the Figures is designed for toileting, and the cradle sling has an aperture opening downwardly when the person in the cradle is in an upright sitting position for toileting. The aperture is in the central section of the S-shape cradle sling, and the aperture in the cradle sling is of a size and shape to be roughly co-extensive with and a complementary shape to a typical toilet seat aperture in use.

The device shown in the Figures 1 and 2 is also designed for showering and/or manually washing. Thus the cradle support (17) is thus pivotally mounted on the cradle base (10) on stub axles (18) in the trunnions (13) on the cradle base (2). The cradle may be adjusted between positions for toileting and showering and/or manually washing by adjusting the length of the lever arm (23) between the cradle support (17) and the cradle base (10).

Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings, the device for supporting and/or transporting a person, comprises a cradle for supporting a person, mounted on a base structure (102), with means (103) for jacking the cradle translationally relative to the base structure (102).

The cradle comprises a removable three-part cradle sling (101 ), parts (101 a, 101 b, 101 c) on a cradle frame (124), by which a person is supported in use of the device. The device depicted is a mobile structure, here a trolley, raised off the ground by two pairs of castors (104a, 104b) mounted on upright pivots in two pairs of identical upright tubes (105a, 105b) at opposing ends of a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (106a, 106b). in the base structure (102).

Each wheel in the castors (104a, 104b) mounted on upright pivots is provided with a snap-down-snap-up safety locking brake (120a, 120b) of a complementary shape to, and cooperating with, the rolling surface of each wheel in the castors (104a, 104b), and operated by foot by a person not in the cradle, to lock it in any given position. Each locking brake is permanently attached, for example by welding or riveting to the castor pivot.

In more detail, the base structure (102) in the device comprises the pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (106a, 106b), made of higher-tensile metal, here mild steel, or preferably stainless steel, as round-section tube. These are connected by a part quadrilateral, part transverse tubular member (107), and tubular stays (108, 108), all welded to the pair of longitudinal members (106a, 106b), to define a framework of tubes, which is open to the rear and is of a complementary shape to a toilet base (109) in use, thereby allowing the base structure to be backed onto and around the toilet base (109). Referring to Figures 4b and 5 of the drawings, the cradle base (1 10) comprises a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal elongate arm members (1 12a, 1 12b), each in the form of a flat-topped arch. A generally horizontal bracer bar (152a, 152b), elongate from front to rear of the device, extends essentially parallel to the flat top of each arch, between, and welded to, the two upright sections of each arch. A cradle base (1 10) is mounted on the base structure (102) via two pairs of identical elongate jacking means components (1 1 1 a, 1 1 1 b) (indicated in Figures 3b and 4b), is here a slave hydraulic ram,

Each ram comprises a first part (133) comprising a slave hydraulic ram cylinder (1 16) (neither shown), which has a lower end received and demountably mounted within the upper end of the upright tube (105a or 105b) in the base structure (102), and a second part (134) comprising a hydraulic ram piston (1 17) slidably housed in the cylinder (1 16) (neither shown), demountably mounted in the arm members (1 12a, 1 12b). The upper ends of the upright tubes (105a, 105b) in the base structure (102) and the pair of essentially parallel lower ends of longitudinal tubular arm members (1 12a, 1 12b) are in register in a vertical direction. .

The jacking means (103) of the device also comprises a hydraulic master cylinder (not shown), which is here pumpable by means of an electric motor (not shown), both of which are demountably mounted within a box (135). The box (135) is elongate from front to rear of the device, and is in turn mounted on the cradle base (1 10) below, and extends essentially parallel to, one of the longitudinal bracer bars (152a). The electric motor is here driven by a rechargeable battery (not shown), which is demountably mounted in a central control box (136), which is elongate from front to rear of the device, and is in turn mounted on the cradle base (1 10).

The hydraulic master cylinder is connected to each hydraulic slave ram cylinder (150) by flexible pipes through a manifold (none shown). The pipes by which the manifold is connected to each slave ram cylinder run from the manifold in an appropriate direction

in one of the pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (106a, 106b) of the base structure (102) of the device to the upright tubes (105a or 105b) in each of which a hydraulic slave ram cylinder (150) has a lower end received and demountably mounted; or though the transverse tubular member ( ) near the front of the device, and then the other of the pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (106a, 106b) of the base structure (102) of the device to the upright tubes (105a or 105b) in each of which a hydraulic slave ram cylinder (150) has a lower end received and demountably mounted.

The pipes by which the manifold is connected to each slave ram cylinder run from the manifold in an appropriate direction

in one of the pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (106a, 106b) of the base structure (102) of the device to the upright tubes (105a or 105b) in each of which a hydraulic slave ram cylinder (150) has a lower end received and demountably mounted; or

though the transverse tubular member (107) near the front of the device, and then the other of the pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (106a, 106b) of the base structure (102) of the device to the upright tubes (105a or 105b) in each of which a hydraulic slave ram cylinder (150) has a lower end received and demountably mounted.

They are of a polyolefin, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, here of polyethylene; other synthetic materials such as polyamide (nylon) may be used.

Actuation of each slave hydraulic ram from the hydraulic master cylinder in one sense forces apart or further apart the first part (133) and the second part (134), so that the cradle base (1 10) is raised relative to the base structure (102) by the jacking means (103), as depicted in Figures 4a and 4b. .

Actuation of each slave hydraulic ram from the hydraulic master cylinder in the opposite sense draws them together, so that the cradle base (1 10) is respectively lowered relative to the base structure (102) by the jacking means (103), as depicted in Figures 4a and 4b. .

Referring to Figures 4b and 5 of the drawings, the operation of the jacking means (103) in the device, in particular of the electric motor (not shown) by the hydraulic master cylinder (not shown) is pumpable, are under electrical controls (not shown). The controls are demountably mounted within a central control box (136), which extends essentially parallel to, one of the longitudinal bracer bars (152a), such that it may be conveniently operated by the person in the cradle, usually in a sitting, upright position.

The electric motor is connected to the electrical controls (not shown), which are demountably mounted within the central control box (136) by electrical wiring (not shown), which runs from the control box (106) in an appropriate direction in one of the pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (106a, 106b) of the base structure (102) of the device, though the transverse tubular member (107) near the front of the device, and then the other of the pair of essentially parallel longitudinal members (106a, 106b) of the base structure (102) of the device to the electric motor. In another form of this embodiment of the device of the present invention, the rechargeable battery (not shown) is demountably mounted in the central control box (136). It is connected to the electric motor, which is demountably mounted within the box (135) by electrical wiring (not shown), which runs from the control box in the same direction and through the same longitudinal and transverse members of the base structure (102) of the device as that by which the electric motor is connected to the electrical controls, which are also mounted in the control box

In Figure 5, a cradle frame (124) is an S-shaped structure made of higher-tensile metal, here mild steel, or preferably stainless steel, as round-section tube, elongate from front to rear of the device, which comprises a pair of essentially parallel longitudinal S-shaped members (125a, 125b), connected by a C-shaped transverse member (126) at the front ends and by a shallow C-shaped tubular member (128), near the top ends to define a framework of tubes. The members (126) and (128) are welded to the pair of longitudinal members (125a, 125b). The shallow C-shaped tubular member (128), near the top ends of the longitudinal members (125a, 125b), may conveniently be used by a person not in the cradle as a handle for towing, pushing and/or steering the device of the invention. The S-shape cradle frame (124) is of a size and shape such that it may be conveniently be removably mounted on the cradle base (1 10) between, and with the central section of the cradle frame (124) extending essentially parallel to, the longitudinal bracer bars (152a, 153b).

Referring to Figures 3 and 5 of the drawings, two pairs of first transverse plate members (153a, 154a, 153b and 154b) made of higher-tensile metal, here mild steel, or preferably stainless steel, are welded to and extend inwardly and generally horizontally from each bracer bar (152a, 152b), at points of attachment between the front and a rear of each bracer bar (152a, 152b), the mid-point between each pair of points of attachment on each bracer bar (152a, 152b) being closer to the front than the rear of the bracer bar (152a, 152b). Each plate member (153a, 154a, 153b and 154b) has a series of identical apertures (not shown) along its length, each aperture passing through it, and the series extending inwardly and generally horizontally from its point of attachment to the bracer bar (152a, 152b). Each aperture here is of circular cross-section, although each may be a slot aligned along the series of identical apertures with rounded ends.

Two pairs of second transverse plate members (not shown), also made of higher- tensile metal, here mild steel, or preferably stainless steel, are welded to and extend outwardly and generally horizontally from the central section of each longitudinal S-shaped member (125a, 125b) of the cradle frame (124).

They are configured such that the cradle frame (124) may be demountably attached, for example for maintenance, replacement or exchange on the longitudinal bracer bars (152a, 153b). Thus, each pair of second transverse plate members (not shown) has points of attachment between the front and rear of the central section of each longitudinal S-shaped member (125a, 125b) of the cradle frame (124) such that a face of each can abut a face of the transverse plate members (1 1 a, 1 2a, 1 1 b and 1 2b) welded to and extend inwardly and generally horizontally from each bracer bar (152a, 152b), Each plate member has a series of identical apertures (not shown) along its length, each aperture passing through it, and the series extending outwardly and generally horizontally from its point of attachment to the cradle frame (124). Each aperture here is of circular cross-section, although each may be a slot with rounded ends aligned along the series of identical apertures.

They are so configured that when the cradle frame (124) is to be demountably mounted on the cradle base (1 10) between, and with the central section of the cradle frame (124) extending essentially parallel to, the longitudinal bracer bars (152a, 153b), each second transverse plate member (not shown) abuts a first transverse plate member (153a, 154a, 153b or 154b)) on the longitudinal bracer bars (152a, 153b) and at least a pair of apertures, the first in the second transverse plate member (not shown) mounted on the central section of a longitudinal S-shaped member (125a, 125b) of the cradle frame (124) and the second in the first transverse plate member (153a, 154a, 153b or 154b) on the longitudinal bracer bars (152a, 152b), are in register.

Each pair of abutting transverse plate members are held in the position shown here by a stainless steel threaded rotatable stub bolt, extending in one of two possible directions with respect to the cradle frame (124) and cradle base (102). It extends through and is closely received by a pair of apertures that are in register and a locking washer to be received in and engage with a threaded aperture in a nut, this assembly being tightened up to mount the cradle frame (124) on the cradle base (102). Alternatively, in a variant of this embodiment of the device of the present invention, the nut may be a locking nut which comprises a friction-locking material.

In a variant of this embodiment of the device of the present invention, the nut, the threaded aperture of which receives and engages with the bolt, may be a captive nut permanently attached, for example by welding, to a non-abutting face of one of a pair of transverse plate members (153a, 154a, 153b or 154b) mounted on the cradle base (102), and may be a locking nut which comprises a friction- locking material. Alternatively, a locking washer may be trapped under the head of the bolt, on this assembly being tightened up to mount the cradle frame (124) on the cradle base (102). The bolt may extend in either of two possible directions with respect to the cradle frame (124). In another variant of this embodiment of the device of the present invention, the bolt may be a captive bolt permanently attached, for example by welding the head of the bolt to a non-abutting face of one of a pair of transverse plate members such that its threaded shank extends in one of two possible directions with respect to the cradle frame (124) through and is closely received by an aperture in the other transverse plate member which is in register with it and a locking washer to be received in and engage with a threaded aperture in a nut, this assembly being tightened up to mount the cradle frame (124) on the cradle base (102). Alternatively, the nut may be a locking nut which comprises a friction-locking material.

It will be seen that a relevant aperture in one transverse plate member that is in register with an aperture in, or a captive bolt permanently attached, for the other transverse plate member in the pair, and is a slot with rounded ends aligned along its series of identical apertures, allows the position of the cradle frame (124) generally horizontally and transversely with respect to the cradle base (102) to be adjusted.

It is preferred that in the device of the present invention for supporting, lifting and transporting a person, the cradle sling (101 ) in the cradle frame (124). in the device are configured to conform essentially to, but extends beyond, the body of a person to be supported, which may be of various sizes, shapes and weights, but also desirable that these components of the cradle of various sizes and shapes are configured to be demountably attached to a cradle base (102) of a single size and shape. It will be seen that the series of identical apertures allows cradle frames (124) of different transverse dimensions to be interchangeably mounted on a cradle base (102) of a single size and shape.

In all the above forms of the device of the present invention, one or more pairs of first transverse plate members (153a, 154a, 153b and 154b) extend inwardly and generally horizontally from each bracer bar (152a, 152b) and are configured to cooperate with one or more pairs of second transverse plate members (not shown), which extend outwardly and generally horizontally from the central section of each longitudinal S-shaped member (125a, 125b) of the cradle frame (124), when the latter is demountably mounted on the cradle base (102). The means should be so distributed and strong enough in normal operation to meet the criteria of being able in normal operation to bear, for example up to a 150 kg adult, and in bariatric use, for example up to a 300 kg adult. In general, for normal operation, in all forms of the device of the present invention, the cradle frame (124) and the cradle base (102) should each have at least two pairs of their respective transverse plate members on the longitudinal members of their respective frameworks. Within two pairs of the respective transverse plate members, the means should be distributed along the longitudinal members of their respective frameworks with one pair towards the rear of the device, and the other pair towards the front of the device.

In general, for bariatric use, in all forms of the device of the present invention, the cradle frame (124) and the cradle base (102) should each have at least three pairs of their respective transverse plate members on the longitudinal members of their respective frameworks. Within three pairs of the respective transverse plate members, the means should be distributed along the longitudinal members of their respective frameworks with two pairs towards the rear of the device, and the other pair towards the front of the device.

A cradle sling (101 ) is here a flexible sheet or mesh made of polyethylene. The sling (101 ) comprises a continuous part of the same material, which is disposed about the perimeter of the mesh. The sling is elongate from front to rear of the device and its perimeter which conforms essentially to, but extends beyond, the cradle frame (124).

The cradle sling (101 ) here consists essentially of three sheets, one (101 a) to the rear of the device behind the back and/or shoulders, one (101 b) below the buttocks and thighs, and one (101 c) behind the lower legs and/or feet of the body of the supported person when sitting upright in use of the device. The three sheets have transversely elongate apertures extending between them.

The sling (101 ) is removably mounted on the cradle frame (124) by releasable fastening means, here by flaps which extend from each edge of the cradle sling (101 ), and encircle the cradle frame (101 ) at corresponding positions to form an open ended sleeve around the S-shaped members (125a, 125b). Each flap is demountably attached by releasable fastening means, here the two co-operating parts of a separable zip-fastener, one of the parts being attached to and at the edge of the flap furthest from the perimeter of the sling (101 ), the other to the sling (101 ) where the flap touches the sling when around the relevant part of the frame (124).

The cradle sling (101 ) may be provided with means for stretching it more tautly under the supported person in use, here three transverse elongate straps, each attached at one end to the rear of the sling (101 ), towards one side, the other end passing through a buckle attached towards the opposing side.

The device shown in the Figures is designed for toileting, and the cradle sling has an aperture opening downwardly when the person in the cradle is in an upright sitting position for toileting. The aperture is omitted for clarity. The aperture is in the central section (101 b) of the cradle sling (101 ), and is of a size and shape to be roughly co-extensive with and a complementary shape to a typical toilet seat aperture in use.

Claims

1 . A device for supporting and/or transporting a person, comprising a cradle for supporting the person, mounted on a base structure, characterised by means for jacking the cradle translationally relative to the base structure in a single direction relative to the base structure of the device, without imparting any rotation or changing the orientation of the cradle, relative to the base structure.

2. A device according to claim 1 which is a static device.

3. A device according to claim 1 which is a mobile device.

4. A device according to claim 3 which has rolling means comprising at least one pair of wheels directly or indirectly mounted on the base structure.

5. A device according to claim 1 in which the cradle comprises a cradle sling mounted on a cradle frame.

6. A device according to claim 1 in which the cradle sling has an aperture opening downwardly through it.

7. A device according to claim 1 in which the cradle sling is coated with an antimicrobial coating.

8. A device according to claim 5 in which the cradle comprises a cradle base on which the cradle frame is mounted, optionally via a cradle support, and the cradle base is mounted on the base structure to be translationally movable on jacking means.

9. A device according to claim 8 in which the translational movement of the cradle base relative to the base structure is effected by mechanical jacking means, comprising jacking means components, operated manually or under power.

10. A device according to claim 9 in which one part of each jacking means component mounted on the cradle base comprise a threaded rotatable rod adapted to be received in and engage with a threaded aperture in a socket in another part mounted on the base structure.

1 1 . A device according to claim 10 in which the rod is rotatable by means of an electric motor, optionally driven by a rechargeable battery, and the operation of the jacking means components in the device is optionally synchronised by an electrical or mechanical feedback loop.

12. A device according to claim 8 in which the translational movement of the cradle base relative to the base structure is effected by hydraulic jacking means, comprising jacking means components.

13. A device according to claim 12 in which each means component comprises a hydraulic ram, comprising a piston in a hydraulic cylinder or a telescopic hydraulic sleeve of at least a pair of longitudinal members, one slidingly housed within the other, extending between and mounted at one end on the cradle base and at the other on the base structure, and the jacking means also comprises a hydraulic master cylinder connected to each ram hydraulically by pipes through a manifold.

14. A device according to claim 13 in which the hydraulic master cylinder is pumped by means of an electric motor, optionally driven by a rechargeable battery.

15. A device according to claim 8 in which each jacking means component is provided with safety locking means to lock it in any given position, optionally provided with a quick release mechanism to unlock it quickly in use.

16. A device according to claim 4 which has a towable/pushable mobile base structure that has at least three rolling rollers or wheels, rotatably mounted on the base structure on horizontal axles or spindles, optionally in castors, mounted on it on upright pivots.

17. A device according to claim 16 in which each roller or wheel is rotatably mounted on the base structure directly below a jacking means component.

18. A device according to claim 1 which is a self-propelled device in which in use a person in the cradle may move the device, manually or mechanically, and optionally operate it to raise and lower him or herself from and onto an object.

19. A device according to claim 8 in which the position of the cradle frame with respect to the vertical is adjustable rotationally to tilt the cradle frame with respect to the base structure of the device.

20. A device according to claim 19 in which the base structure is open to the rear.

21 . A device according to claim 8 in which the cradle frame is demountably mounted directly on the cradle base.

22. A device according to claim 8 in which the cradle frame is mounted directly on the cradle base by means which allows cradle frames of different dimensions to be interchangeably mounted on a cradle base of a single size and shape.

23. A device according to claim 22 in which the means which allows cradle frames of different dimensions to be interchangeably mounted on a framework of a cradle base of a single size and shape comprises

one or more pairs of laterally matched first transverse plate members attached to the cradle base, which extend inwardly and generally horizontally from the cradle base framework;.

each first plate member has a series of apertures along its length, each aperture passing through it, and the series extending inwardly and generally horizontally from its point of attachment to the cradle base;

an equal number of pairs of second transverse plate members attached to the cradle frame, and extend outwardly and generally horizontally from the cradle frame such that a face of each can abut a face of the transverse plate members which are permanently attached to and extend inwardly and generally horizontally from the cradle base.

each second plate member has a series of apertures along its length, each aperture passing through it, and the series extending outwardly and generally horizontally from its point of attachment to the cradle frame; the second plate members being so configured that when the cradle frame is to be demountably mounted on the cradle base, a face of each second transverse plate member on the cradle frame abuts a face of a first transverse plate member which mounted on the a cradle base, and at least a pair of apertures, the first in the second transverse plate member mounted on the cradle frame and the second in the first transverse plate member on the cradle base are in register; and

the first and second plate members are held together with fastening means which pass through two apertured in register. .

24. A device according to claim 23 in which

the first transverse plate members permanently attached to the framework of the cradle base, as described hereinbefore, which extend inwardly and generally horizontally from the cradle base, and

the equal number of second transverse plate members permanently attached to the cradle frame, and which extend outwardly and generally horizontally from the cradle frame

each have an L or T cross-section, to furnish a generally horizontal face on each of the transverse plate members;

the second plate members being so configured that when the cradle frame is to be demountably mounted on the cradle base, a generally horizontal face of each second transverse plate member on the cradle frame abuts a generally horizontal face of a first transverse plate member which is mounted on the a cradle base, and at least a pair of apertures, the first in the second transverse plate member mounted on the cradle frame and the second in the first transverse plate member on the cradle base are in register.

25. A device according to claim 24 in which the generally horizontal face on each of the transverse plate members on the cradle frame faces downwardly, and the abutting face of one the transverse plate members on the cradle base faces upwardly.

26. A device according to claim 23 in which all the plate members permanently attached respectively to the cradle frame and cradle base are longitudinal members on the cradle base and cradle frame.

27. A device according to claim 23 in which at least one aperture in each first and/or second transverse plate member is a slot aligned along its series of apertures.