Toilet bed cage support apparatus

Abstract

The cage support apparatus and method is provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device comprising an upper support, a base support and a plurality of vertical supports. The upper support comprises a lengthened side support, a rear support, and a side support. The base support comprises a lengthened side support, a rear support, and a side support, and a plurality of vertical supports. The plurality of vertical supports comprises a first end vertical support, a second end vertical support, a first corner support, a second corner support, and an intermediate vertical support. The upper support and the base support are fixedly connected by the plurality of vertical supports, and particularly, the lengthened side support is held by the first end support, the first corner support and an intermediate vertical support, the rear support is held by the first corner support, the second corner support and the intermediate vertical support. The side support is held by the second corner support and the second end vertical support. The first end support, the first corner support and an intermediate vertical support are buttressed by the lengthened side base member, the first corner support, the second corner support and the intermediate vertical support are buttressed by the rear base member, and the second corner support and the second end vertical support are buttressed by the side base member. The cage support apparatus may further comprise a toilet placed so as to be bounded by the upper support and base support. The cage support apparatus may further comprise a first cross brace secured between the vertical supports and parallel to the lengthened side support and the side support. The cage support apparatus also comprises a second cross brace secured between the vertical supports and parallel to the rear support.

Description

PRIORITY AND CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application and claims the benefit and priority of Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 11/973,454, filed Oct. 9, 2007, entitled “Toilet Bed Cage Support Apparatus,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a toilet or potty bed cage support apparatus for use by people with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device. Specifically, the present invention relates to a toilet or potty bed cage support apparatus that can be attached to a wall, bed or both and will receive a person from the mobile device for using a toilet and returning to the mobile device, or alternately, can be used-by a person in bed that can get to the toilet and return to bed via the potty bed cage support apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

People restricted to bed, disabled or required to be in wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device are confronted with getting to a toilet or potty. Access for the bed ridden or disabled is difficult, if not impossible. A person in bed must get out of bed and walk to the bathroom, which may not be possible. A person in a mobile device must get the mobile device to the toilet, secure herself with respect to the toilet, then lift herself from the mobile device to the toilet, which is very difficult.

Of primary concern in the present invention is to provide mobility and easy access to a toilet by a disabled person from either a bed or a mobile device.

It is, therefore, a feature of the present invention to provide a cage support apparatus that in normal use provides an apparatus to assist a person from a bed to a toilet and then from the toilet back to the bed.

A feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus that can be affixed to a bed for easy access from the bed and easy access back to the bed.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus that can be affixed to a wall for easy access from a bed and easy access back to the bed.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus that can be affixed to a bed for easy access from a mobile device and easy access back to the mobile device.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus that can be affixed to a wall for easy access from a mobile device and easy access back to the mobile device.

Yet another feature of the invention is to provide a cage support apparatus that can fit through doors.

Still another feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus that can irremovably affixed to a bed without any modification to the bed.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus that can be used with any toilet or potty seat.

Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus that can be made of wood, aluminum, stainless steel or any other appropriate material.

Still another feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus that can be covered with rubber, vinyl or any appropriate non-slip material.

Yet still another feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus that can be mounted to internal wall studs through the wallboard.

Yet further, an additional feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus with legs that can fold and snap into recesses using spring slugs.

Yet further, another feature of the present invention is to provide a cage support apparatus with a base plate that can be made of various a sundry materials such as for example wood, plastic or metal.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized by means of the combinations and steps particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing objects, features, and advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a cage support apparatus is provided.

The cage support apparatus is provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device comprising an upper support, a base support and a plurality of vertical supports. The upper support comprises a lengthened side support, a rear support, and a side support. The base support comprises a lengthened side support, a rear support, and a side support, and a plurality of vertical supports. The plurality of vertical supports comprises a first end vertical support, a second end vertical support, a first corner support, a second corner support, and an intermediate vertical support. The upper support and the base support are fixedly connected by the plurality of vertical supports, and particularly, the lengthened side support is held by the first end support, the first corner support and an intermediate vertical support, the rear support is held by the first corner support, the second corner support and the intermediate vertical support. The side support is held by the second corner support and the second end vertical support. The first end support, the first corner support and an intermediate vertical support are buttressed by the lengthened side base member, the first corner support, the second corner support and the intermediate vertical support are buttressed by the rear base member, and the second corner support and the second end vertical support are buttressed by the side base member.

The cage support apparatus may further comprise a toilet placed so as to be bounded by the upper support and base support. The cage support apparatus may further comprise a first cross brace secured between the vertical supports and parallel to the lengthened side support and the side support. The cage support apparatus also comprises a second cross brace secured between the vertical supports and parallel to the rear support.

A displaceable cage support apparatus is provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device comprising an upper support, at least one vertical support and a securing member. The upper support comprises a rear portion, a first and second side portions, a first and second arcuate portions, and a first and second vertical receptor. The vertical support comprises an elongate member and a pivot mechanism. The upper support and the vertical support are pivotly connected by engaging the pivot member of the vertical support with the vertical receptor of the upper support, and the upper support is rotatably secured to a wall by the securing member such that when a toilet is bounded by the upper support the displaceable cage support apparatus can be lifted to rotate about the securing mechanism to lift out of the way of a person to provide complete access to the toilet, and when the person accesses the toilet, the displaceable cage support apparatus can be lowered about the person on the toilet so as to stabilize the person on the toilet and provide support therefore. The displaceable cage support apparatus further comprises a toilet placed in so as to be bounded by the upper support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the cage support apparatus encompassed by the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevation, front view the preferred embodiment of the cage support apparatus encompassed by the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevation, side view the preferred embodiment of the cage support apparatus encompassed by the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the cage support apparatus encompassed by the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the another preferred embodiment of the cage support apparatus encompassed by the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 4 with the upper support member in a raised position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cage support apparatus including a bed

The above general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative of the generic invention, and additional modes, advantages, and particulars of this invention will be readily suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention as described in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the cage support apparatus 100 encompassed by the present invention. The cage support apparatus 100 comprises an upper support 110, a base support 120 and a plurality of vertical supports 130, 132, 134, 136, 138. The upper support 110 comprises a lengthened side support 112, a rear support 114 and a side support 116. The base support 120 comprises a lengthened side support 122, a rear support 124 and a side support 126. The plurality of vertical supports comprise a first end vertical support 130, a second end vertical support 132, intermediate vertical supports 134A, 134B, first corner support 136 and second corner support 138. Optionally, the cage support apparatus 100 comprises a first cross brace 140 and a second cross brace 150. The first cross brace 140 is parallel to the side supports 112, 116 and the base supports 122, 126. The second cross brace 150 is parallel to the rear support 114 and the rear base member 124. A toilet 10 can be placed central to the cage support apparatus 100 for easy access by a person in a wheel chair, scooter, power chair or any similar mobile device, or alternately, by a person from a bed. Further, a base plate may be secured to the base support for supporting and stabilizing the wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device. Also, a base plate 160 is engaged with the base support 120 including the lengthened side support 122, the rear support 124 and the side support 126. The base plate 160 provides that the apparatus 100 is a unitary structure having rigidity, and also provides additional ease of use. The base plate 160 provides for level footing during the use of the cage support apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 is an elevation, front view the preferred embodiment of the cage support apparatus 100 encompassed by the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 1. The cage support apparatus 100 has the lengthened side support 122, the rear support 124 and the side support 126 along the upper portion. The first end vertical support 130, the second end vertical support 132 and the intermediate vertical supports 134B are shown supporting the lengthened side support 122, the rear support 124 and the side support 126. The rear base member 124 is illustrated below the first end vertical support 130, the second end vertical support 132 and the intermediate vertical supports 134B.

FIG. 3 is an elevation, side view the preferred embodiment of the cage support apparatus 100 encompassed by the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 1. The first end vertical support 130, the second end vertical support 132 and the second corner support 134B are shown supporting the side support 116 and the lengthened side support 112. The first cross brace is perpendicular to the first end vertical support 130. The base support 120 is carries the first end vertical support 130, the second end vertical support 132 and the second corner support 134B.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the displaceable cage support apparatus 200 encompassed by the present invention. The displaceable cage support apparatus 200 comprises an upper support 210, a first vertical support 222 and a second vertical support 224. The upper support 210 comprises a rear portion 212 with a first side portion 214A and a second side portion 214B at an angled relationship. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the angled relationship is 90°.

Further, the upper support 210 comprises a first arcuate portion 216A and a second arcuate portion 216B attached to the first side portion 214A and the second side portion 214B, respectively. The first arcuate portion 216A and the second arcuate portion 216B are attached to a first receptor 218A and a second receptor 218B, respectively. The receptors 218A, 218B are provided for accepting the first vertical support 222 and the second vertical support 224 in a pivoting relationship. The upper support 210 and the first and second vertical support 222, 224 are rotatably affixed to a wall 12. The upper support 210 and the first and second vertical support 222, 224 are rotatably affixed to a wall 12 by a securing member 232 and a fastener 236. Thus, when the rear portion 212 rotates about an axis along its central axis, the displaceable cage support apparatus 200 can be rotated upward toward the wall 12. A toilet 10 can be placed central to the displaceable cage support apparatus 200 for easy access by a person in a wheel chair, scooter, power chair or any similar mobile device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the another preferred embodiment of the cage support apparatus 200 encompassed by the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 4 with the upper support member 210 in a raised position. The displaceable cage support apparatus 200 comprises the upper support 210, the first vertical support 222 and the second vertical support 224. The upper support 210 comprises the rear portion 212 with the first side portion 214A and the second side portion 214B at an angled relationship. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the angled relationship is 90°. Further, the upper support 210 comprises the first arcuate portion 216A and the second arcuate portion 216B attached to the first side portion 214A and the second side portion 214B, respectively. The first arcuate portion 216A and the second arcuate portion 216B are attached to the first receptor 218A and the second receptor 218B, respectively. The receptors 218A, 218B are provided for accepting the first vertical support 222 and the second vertical support 224 in a pivoting relationship. The upper support 210 and the first and second vertical support 222, 224 are rotatably affixed to a wall 12. The upper support 210 and the first and second vertical support 222, 224 are rotatably affixed to a wall 12 by a securing member 232 and a fastener 236. Thus, when the rear portion 212 rotates about an axis along its central axis, the displaceable cage support apparatus 200 is illustrated rotated upward to be adjacent to the wall 12. A toilet 10 can be placed central to the displaceable cage support apparatus 200 for easy access by a person in a wheel chair, scooter, power chair or any similar mobile device. Also, shown are brackets 232, 234, and alignment members 242, 244.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the cage support apparatus 300 encompassed by the present invention. The cage support apparatus 300 comprises an upper support 310, a base support 320 and a plurality of vertical supports 330, 332, 334, 336, 338. The upper support 310 comprises a lengthened side support 312, a rear support 114 and a side support 316. The base support 320 comprises a lengthened side support 322, a rear support 324 and a side support 326. The plurality of vertical supports comprise a first end vertical support 330, a second end vertical support 332, intermediate vertical supports 334A, 334B, first corner support 336 and second corner support 338. Optionally, the cage support apparatus 300 comprises a first cross brace 340 and a second cross brace 350. The first cross brace 340 is parallel to the side supports 312, 316 and the base supports 322, 326. The second cross brace 350 is parallel to the rear support 314 and the rear base member 324. A toilet 10 can be placed central to the cage support apparatus 300 for easy access by a person in a wheel chair, scooter, power chair or any similar mobile device, or alternately, by a person from a bed. Further, a base plate may be secured to the base support for supporting and stabilizing the wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device.

Also, a base plate 360 is engaged with the base support 320 including the lengthened side support 322, the rear support 324 and the side support 326. The base plate 360 provides that the apparatus 300 is a unitary structure having rigidity, and also provides additional ease of use. The base plate 360 provides for level footing during the use of the cage support apparatus 300. The unitary structure provided by the cage support apparatus 100, 300 results in enhanced effectiveness that is not possible by other known devices. It is critical to have a secure structure to avoid fall and slips by a person using the cage support apparatus 100, 300 of the present disclosure.

Further, FIG. 6 illustrates the use the cage support apparatus 300 in association with a bed 20. The cage support apparatus 300 and the bed 20 can be rigidly affixed on to the other using an L-bracket 376. However, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cage support apparatus 300 and the bed 20 can be removably affixed one to the other using any disengagement-engagement device or method, such as by way of exemple, a latch, cam lock, crossbar, compression latch or the like.

FIG. 6 also illustrates the use of a privacy curtain 370. The privacy curtain 370 may include a plurality of supports 372A, 272B, 372C for extending a curtain 376 a full length, or may extend a curtain 378 at an intermediate length. The curtain 376, 378 can be hung from a securing member 374. The plurality of supports 372A, 272B, 372C for extending the curtain 376, 378 may also be telescoping to adapt to any length of curtain 376, 378 for any height of person using the cage support apparatus 300.

Still further, the cage support apparatus 300 of the present disclosure may include a radio 392 attached to the support rail 310. Also, a toilet paper holder 396 may be adapted for use with the cage support apparatus 300 of the present disclosure.

Yet still further, the cage support apparatus 300 may be equipped with a wireless intercom 394 or combination intercom-motion sensor 394. Thus, when a person is using the cage support apparatus 300 s/he can be remotely monitored for enhanced safety and efficiency.

And still further, the cage support apparatus 300 of the present disclosure can be adapted with an intravenous (IV) stand 380 that can be secured to the cage support apparatus 300, such as by way of example by clamp 384. An IV bag or other equipment can be held by the holder 382.

Further, the present disclosure provides for a method of using a cage support apparatus 100, 300 of the present disclosure. The method of using the cage support apparatus 100, 300 of the present disclosure comprises the following steps. Affixing a cage support apparatus 100, 300 to a bed such that an entrance to the cage support apparatus 100, 300 is orthogonal to a side of the bed. If the cage support apparatus 100, 300 is along the end of the bed, then an elongated side of the cage support apparatus 100, 300 is adjacent to the bed. If the cage support apparatus 100, 300 is along the side of the bed, then a shortened side of the cage support apparatus 100, 300 is adjacent to the bed. Thus, the person exiting from the side of the bed can directly enter the cage support apparatus 100, 300 with an elongated side in front and the toilet to a side. Alternately, the method would include a person exiting the bed on a side, rotating around a corner of the bed and into the the cage support apparatus 100, 300.

Still further, a method includes exiting the bed for a wheel chair, engaging the wheel chair to have an elongated handle of the cage support apparatus 100, 300 overlapping an arm of the wheelchair for providing enhanced stability, and rotating from the wheel chair into the cage support apparatus 100, 300 with a short support providing for greater entrance space.

Additional advantages and modification will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, and the illustrative examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, the departures may be made from the details without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A cage support apparatus is provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device comprising:

(a) an upper support, the upper support comprises: (1) a lengthened side support, (2) a rear support, and (3) a side support,

(b) a base support, the base support comprises: (1) a lengthened side support, (2) a rear support, and (3) a side support, and

(c) a plurality of vertical supports, plurality of vertical supports comprises: (1) a first end vertical support, (2) a second end vertical support, (3) a first corner support, (4) a second corner support, and (5) an intermediate vertical support,

(d) a base member for engaging the base support and for fixing the relationship of the vertical supports and the upper supports for providing a unitary structure that is sufficiently rigid to prevent the movement of the cage support apparatus by the weight of the user thereof, such that the upper support and the base support are fixedly connected by the plurality of vertical supports, and particularly, the lengthened side support is held by the first end support, the first corner support and an intermediate vertical support, the rear support is held by the first corner support, the second corner support and the intermediate vertical support, and the side support is held by the second corner support and the second end vertical support, whereby the first end support, the first corner support and an intermediate vertical support are buttressed by the lengthened side base member, the first corner support, the second corner support and the intermediate vertical support are buttressed by the rear base member, and the second corner support and the second end vertical support are buttressed by the side base member.

2. The cage support apparatus provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a toilet bounded by the upper support and base support.

3. The cage support apparatus provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a first cross brace secured between the vertical supports and parallel to the lengthened side support and the side support.

4. The cage support apparatus provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a second cross brace secured between the vertical supports and parallel to the rear support.

5. The cage support apparatus provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a base plate secured to the base support for supporting and stabilizing the wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device.

6. A displaceable cage support apparatus is provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device comprising:

(a) an upper support, the upper support comprises: (1) a rear portion, (2) a first and second side portions, (3) a first and second arcuate portions, (4) a first and second vertical receptor, and

(b) at least one vertical support, the vertical support comprises: (1) an elongate member, (2) a pivot mechanism,

(c) a securing member, and

(d) a base member for engaging the base support and for fixing the relationship of the vertical supports and the upper supports for providing a unitary structure that is sufficiently rigid to prevent the movement of the cage support apparatus by the weight of the user thereof, such that the upper support and the vertical support are pivotly connected by engaging the pivot member of the vertical support with the with the vertical receptor of the upper support, and the upper support is rotatably secured to a wall by the securing member such that when a toilet is bounded by the upper support the displaceable cage support apparatus can be lifted to rotate about the securing mechanism to lift out of the way a person to provide complete access to the toilet, and when the person accesses the toilet, the displaceable cage support apparatus can be lowered about the person on the toilet so as to stabilize the person on the toilet and provide support therefore.

7. The displaceable cage support apparatus provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a toilet so as to be bounded by the upper support.

8. The displaceable cage support apparatus provided for use by people bedridden or with wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a base plate secured beneath the displaceable cage support apparatus for supporting and stabilizing the wheel chairs, scooters, power chairs or any similar mobile device.

9. A method of using a cage apparatus with a bed comprising the steps of exiting the bed for a wheel chair, engaging the wheel chair to have an elongated handle of the cage support apparatus overlapping an arm of the wheelchair for providing enhanced stability, and rotating from the wheel chair into the cage support apparatus with a short support providing for greater entrance space.