Abstract: A sanitary apparatus for assisting infirm persons, in particular for aiding in performing physiological functions. The apparatus includes a support structure, an anatomic support element defining a support area, and a moving mechanism for translating at least the anatomic support element between at least two positions, a first lowered or stand-by position and a second raised position suitable for performing physiological functions. The apparatus further includes a cleansing system and a ventilation system that act in correspondence with the support area to deliver a cleansing liquid and circulating air in the area, respectively. The apparatus is fitted with a container support system for supporting a container destined to collect the residues of the physiological functions and/or of the cleansing liquid. A mechanism is provided for closing and sealing the container to isolate its contents.

Abstract: An improved system that allows a disabled person in a wheelchair to automatically empty the contents of a bodily waste collection receptacle, such as a leg bag, without the aid of an attendant. The system comprises a pump mounted on the wheelchair, with the pump having an inlet port and a discharge port. The inlet port is connectable to the drain tube of the collection receptacle, and a discharge line is connected to the discharge port of the pump. The discharge line is mounted on the wheelchair, and a valve is provided which controls flow through the discharge line. The valve is selectively positionable between an open position in which flow is permitted through the discharge line and a closed position in which flow is prevented through the discharge line.

Abstract: A chair for washing disabled individuals has wheels as well as a pair of handles for guiding the chair. The wheels are provided with locking mechanisms, and shields which prevent dirt and scum from depositing on the wheels. The chair is equipped with a rotatable seat which allows a caregiver to swivel a disabled individual, and with a retractable seat belt for restraining a disabled individual. The seat can be locked in any of a multiplicity of positions. The chair is further equipped with two armrests and a footrest which can be pivoted out of the way of a caregiver.

Abstract: The assist device comprises a gate rotatable about a horizontal axis and attached to a vertical frame, which forms a protective enclosure around an infirm person when wishing to sit down or rise from a seat. The vertical frame is connected to a base which holds securely the seating accommodation. The base further incorporates structure to anchor the assist device to a heavier piece of furniture. The device can be operated by an infirm person with no or little assistance by another.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with a toilet bowl that keeps the user dry from moisture or other dirt found on conventional toilet seats. The apparatus includes two thigh support pads for contacting and supporting part of the backs of the thighs of a user, and two support members. Each of the support members has a top portion being rigidly coupled to a bottom side of one of the two thigh support pads. The apparatus also includes a seat frame, connectable to a back end of the toilet bowl, that connects to each of the bottom portions of the two support members. Each of the two thigh support pads has a front and a back, with the back being angled at least 25 degrees from the front, so that the two thigh support pads facilitate the user maintaining a semi-squatting position over the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A portable toilet that can be simply used by wheelchair users such as impaired people without raising their buttocks. An evacuation opening with a cover that can be removed frontways is formed in the center of a stool having its fixture on the seat surface of a wheelchair. A slidable mounting plate to which an evacuation bag is attached engages the bottom surface of the stool.

Abstract: A wheelchair seat is formed with an aperture around which a toilet seat and lid are mounted. A bed pan support and removable bed pan are positioned directly below the aperture. The bed pan may be easily installed and removed from the support from the rear of the wheel chair seat without disturbing the occupant of the wheelchair.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing waste from patient care, maintenance, and/or treatment includes an inflatable bladder member disposed to support at least a first portion of the body of the patient. A flexible basin member is fitted over the bladder and receives waste materials, and a filter sheet is disposed atop the basin member. The basin member is connected to a liquid/gas separator and a vacuum blower. A liquid waste pump is connected to the separator to transfer liquid waste to a holding jug. A vacuum wand provides both suction and rinsing liquid via an on-demand pumping supply configuration that enables the rinsing liquid supplied from a rinse jug to be heated. Liquid levels in the rinse liquid jug, the holding jug, and the separator's holding reservoir are sensed by capacitive level sensing devices which supply signals to a microprocessor which controls various functions of the apparatus. Special inflatable sacks are provided to assist turning the patient to facilitate cleansing of the patient.

Abstract: A wheel chair with a removable toilet bowl and seat, comprising a frame which has two forward vertical rails and two rearward vertical rails with horizontal rails coupled therebetween to form a wheel chair with a push handle at the upper extent of the rearward vertical rails and wheels rotatably secured to the lower extent of the frame. A pair of upper slide rails in a horizontal orientation and spaced parallel with respect to each other are coupled at their forward ends to the forward vertical rail and coupled at their rearward ends to the rearward vertical rail. A pair of lower slide rails in a horizontal orientation and spaced parallel with respect to each other are coupled at their forward ends to the forward vertical rail and coupled at their rearward ends to the rearward vertical rail. A pair of upper channels are formed in the upper slide rails facing each other and are laterally spaced by a first predetermined distance.

Abstract: An incontinence seat for a wheelchair includes a seat insert attached to a wheelchair frame, the seat insert has a hole in the center. A cushion is attached to the seat insert, the cushion has a hole in the center aligned with the seat insert hole. A support bag is attached to the wheelchair frame below the seat insert. A collection bag, configured to fit through the seat insert hole and cushion hole, has a drawstring provided at a mouth of the collection bag, the bottom of the collection bag is nested inside the support bag, the inner surface of the mouth is inverted and wrapped around and under the cushion. A seat cover is affixed to the inner surface of the mouth of the collection bag, the seat cover includes a gutter flap and a seat cover hole aligned with the cushion and seat insert holes, the gutter flap is hinged to the seat cover, a deodorant pack may be affixed to the gutter flap.

Abstract: A combined commode and shower chair apparatus, comprising: a base section; a seat section adapted to rest on the base section; and an outrigger section removably attachable to the base section. The seat section is slidable from the base section onto the outrigger section for transferring a person in the seat section over a standard bathtub for taking a shower.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing waste from patient care, maintenance, and/or treatment includes an inflatable bladder member disposed to support at least a first portion of the body of the patient. A flexible basin member is fitted over the bladder and receives waste materials, and a filter sheet is disposed atop the basin member. The basin member is connected to a liquid/gas separator and a vacuum blower. A liquid waste pump is connected to the separator to transfer liquid waste to a holding jug. A vacuum wand provides both suction and rinsing liquid via an on-demand pumping supply configuration that enables the rinsing liquid supplied from a rinse jug to be heated. Liquid levels in the rinse liquid jug, the holding jug, and the separator's holding reservoir are sensed by capacitive level sensing devices which supply signals to a microprocessor which controls various functions of the apparatus. Special inflatable sacks are provided to assist turning the patient to facilitate cleansing of the patient.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a facility that permits invalids and other movement-restricted persons to independently attend to the business of the elimination of body wastes and without the necessity of being removed from the vehicle of confinement, be it a bed, wheelchair or other structure. The facility has a waste receptacle (48) that may be moved into registry with an annular aperture (20) in a mattress (12) so as to receive body wastes in the receptacle. The facility also has a plug (14) that may be moved into position into said annular aperture for the comfort of the user. Both the mattress and the plug are provided with cleanable, removable covers (15) and (202).

Abstract: A commode chair of unitary molded plastic construction having chair legs, a seat and a chair back. The seat comprises an upper and a lower seat section, at least one of which comprises a toilet seat with a central opening. The toilet seat has a seating surface sculpted and configured in molded form to accommodate and support the posterior of the human anatomy in the seating position. A commode bucket is provided which is supported by the lower seat section and depends downwardly through the central opening therein.

Abstract: A seat cushion for prolonged sitting, having a thigh cushion coupled to and spaced apart from a back cushion. A seat well is defined between the thigh cushion and the back cushion to remove pressure from the buttocks region. Coupling members couple the thigh cushion and the back cushion, and extend there between on either side of the seat well.

Abstract: A collapsible wheelchair assembly is provided that may be folded for storage with attached toilet seat. A waste pan is interlocked with wheelchair braces to sit under a flexible plastic seat, having a toilet opening, that hinges when the wheelchair is folded. Thus, a portable collapsible toilet facility is afforded incontinent patients for use in transit whenever necessary.

Abstract: A footrest for use by a person seated in a wheel-chair facing a toilet facility includes an upper surface capable of accepting a foot thereon and slanting downwardly generally towards the front of the toilet facility. The footrest also includes a lip attached to the upper surface for retaining the foot on the upper surface at a fixed location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing waste from patient care, maintenance, and/or treatment includes an inflatable bladder member disposed to support at least a first portion of the body of the patient. A flexible basin member is fitted over the bladder and receives waste materials, and a filter sheet is disposed atop the basin member. The basin member is connected to a holding reservoir and a vacuum blower. A liquid waste pump is connected to the holding reservoir to transfer liquid waste to a waste jug. A vacuum wand provides rinsing liquid from a rinse liquid jug via a rinse liquid pump and provides suction via the vacuum blower. Liquid levels in each of the rinse liquid jug, the waste jug, and the holding reservoir, are monitored by liquid level sensing devices which supply signals to a microprocessor which controls various functions of the apparatus. Special inflatable sacks are provided to assist turning the patient to facilitate cleansing of the patient.

Abstract: A wheelchair including a wheeled base assembly provided with an upright assembly thereon, the latter including a pair of vertical post arrangements which are provided adjacent front corners of the wheelchair and are vertically extendible and retractable. The upright assembly includes a pair of generally parallel and approximately horizontal arms which are mounted adjacent upper ends of the upright post arrangements. A seat assembly is removably attached to and positioned between the arms. The seat assembly includes a seat portion defined by normally vertically superimposed upper and lower seat subassemblies. The upper subassembly has an enlarged opening formed centrally therethrough. The lower subassembly can be detached and moved from beneath the upper subassembly to permit the seat portion of the wheelchair to be positioned directly over and utilized in conjunction with a conventional toilet so as to not require removal of the occupant from the seat assembly.

Abstract: A commode chair of unitary molded plastic construction having chair legs, a seat and a chair back. The seat comprises an upper and a lower seat section, at least one of which comprises a toilet seat with a central opening. The toilet seat has a seating surface sculpted and configured in molded form to accommodate and support the posterior of the human anatomy in the seating position. A commode bucket is provided which is supported by the lower seat section and depends downwardly through the central opening therein.

Abstract: A system is provided for the collection, storage and disposal of human wastes. An externally positionable patient interface directs wastes to a storage container. Accumulated wastes are sealed within the storage container to prevent cross-contamination. The patient interface is extendible through an aperture formed within a seat portion of a support structure which can be converted between bed and chair configurations. A mattress includes a permeable core and an air-impermeable covering bonded to the core. The mattress is inflatable to provide the desired supporting pressure for the patient and also to assist in positioning the patient in relation to the aperture and the patient interface.

Abstract: A bed pan mounted into a bracket which bracket is in turn mounted onto a walker frame so that the user may use the walker rails to walk himself between the rails to alleviate the need for the user to walk to the bathroom or move backward to a bathroom seat.

Abstract: A replacement seat is disclosed for a commode chair for immobile or substantially immobile persons. The replacement seat is a rigid, integrally molded combination seat and backrest sized to retrofit existing chair frames. The seat is attached to the frame either by means of lips on the seat which frictionally grasp the frame, or by a manually releasable locking mechanism.

Abstract: The bedside toilet includes an elongated platform including a posterior section, a back section, and a leg section, which are hinged together so that the platform can be moved from a horizontal position to an operable position in which the back section extends upwardly from the posterior section and the leg section extends downwardly. The posterior section includes a toilet. The posterior section is supported in cantilevered fashion from a supporting structure which is carried by a trolley that rides on an overhead track. The supporting structure is composed of two sections that can be moved relative to each other to vary the distance between the track and the platform. A power mounted mechanism, such as a fluid cylinder, interconnects the posterior section with the back section and the leg section, respectively, and individual operation of the cylinders can permit the back section and leg section to pivot with respect to the posterior section.

Abstract: A collection, storage and disposal system for human wastes. An externally positionable patient interface directs wastes through a conduit to a storage container. Accumulated wastes are sealed within the storage container to prevent cross-contamination. The patient interface is extendable through an aperture formed within a seat portion of a support structure which can be converted between bed and chair configurations. A mattress has a foam insert which may be selectively inflated to maintain desired supporting pressure for the patient and to provide a resilient support surface should deflation of the mattress occur.

Abstract: A bed with an integrated commode includes a mattress (70) and a secondary support surface (72). The secondary surface (72) has a hole (26) disposed therein. The hole (26) is operable to receive the outer peripheral edge of the commode seat (14). A sanitary insert (12) is provided which has an upper surface (24) that is disposed over the mattress (10) or moisture-proof mattress cover and attached thereto by a VELCRO Hook and Loop Material attachment device (28). The sanitary insert (12) extends downward into the interior of the bowl with a downward extending portion (30). A commode seat (14) is operable to be disposed on the upper surface of the rim (22) and hold the sanitary insert (12) therein. The seat (14) has a splash guard (16) that extends from the interior surface thereof downward into the bowl. The secondary surface (72) has a portion (74) and a portion (76) that are disposed on opposite sides of the hole (26).

Abstract: The invention provides for a toileting module which can be used in a standard wheelchair and consists of straps and a tensioning mechanism therefor attached to a support structure. The straps run under the wheelchair-bound person and, when tightened, raise the person above the seat cushion permitting its removal and the insertion of a waste receptacle for toileting.

Abstract: A height adjustable toilet for a handicapped person is provided and consists of a mechanism connected to a toilet bowl for selectively raising and lowering the height of its rim portions with respect to the floor, thereby causing an accordion pedestal portion and an extendable flush pipe to lengthen and shorten accordingly so that the handicapped person can conveniently sit upon and get off of a toilet seat on the rim portion of the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A bedside commode station includes a bedside commode (10) and a handrail device (36), each of which is securely fastened to a common platform (54). The commode comprises a frame (25) which supports a waste container (26). The commode and the handrail are secured to the platform so as to enable an invalid patient to walk or maneuver safely to and from the patient's bed and the bedside commode without the aid of an attendant. The commode station is particularly useful in assisting an invalid patient who is no longer able to rise unaided to a standing position and who is incapable of safely maneuvering a portable walking device.

Abstract: A portable commode comprises legs which support a tubular frame. The frame defines a chair-like configuration that includes an arm support and front and rear parallel horizontal cross bar members. A seat has an integrally molded seat clamp that projects from a rear portion thereof. The seat clamp has a groove that is situated away from a bottom plane of the seat and configured for locking receipt on, and pivotal movement about, the rear cross bar member. The commode also includes a lid which has an integrally molded lid clamp that projects from a rear portion thereof. The lid clamp has a groove that is situated diametrically away from a bottom plane of the lid and is configured for pivotal receipt on the rear cross bar member.

Abstract: A urine-collecting apparatus for a wheel-chair is detachably incorporated in a wheel-chair or special-purpose chair at a portion under a seat part thereof. The central portion of the front part of a seat of the wheel-chair or special-purpose chair is cut in a U shape. A tube is passed through the cut part in the seat. The tube provides a communication between a urine-receiving part previously attached to the genital part of special-purpose underpants or drawers worn by a user of the wheel-chair or special-purpose chair and a urinal-tank. Moreover, a urinal-case is installed on the underside of a seat-plate at the cut part. Thus, the user can readily urinate while taking a seated posture.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate the use of bed pans for patients comfined to a bed comprising an inflatable compartment between a base and a removable seat support. The apparatus lifts the patient allowing replacement and retrieval of a bed pan within.

Abstract: A toilet and seat construction to provide for use by a person, to resiliently assist in raising and lowering the person from sitting to standing position, and vice versa, including a framework to guide the movement of a seat support member and provide means to grasp at each side to facilitate such movement.

Abstract: A bedside toilet apparatus including an elongated platform to support a patient. The platform includes a posterior section, a back section and a leg section which are hinged together so that the platform can be moved from a generally horizontal condition to an operable position in which the back section extends upwardly from the posterior section and the leg section extends downwardly. The posterior section includes a toilet. The platform is supported in cantilevered relation by a pair of arms each of which extends outwardly from a housing. A first drive mechanism in the housing operates to raise and lower the arms to thereby move the platform vertically, while a second drive mechanism moves the housings in unison to position the platform over a bed. After the patient is on the platform and the platform is moved away from the bed, a third drive mechanism operates to move the platform from the horizontal to the operating position where the patient is in a normal position for bowel movement.

Abstract: The present invention is an orthopedic chair which may be used to assist an invalid to easily sit therein or to rise therefrom. The orthopedic chair includes a frame and a seat which is pivotally coupled to the frame at the front thereof, a back which is mechanically coupled to the frame, a right arm-rest and a left arm-rest both of which are mechanically coupled to the frame. The orthopedic chair also includes a spring tensioning mechanism which resiliently biases the seat, when it is in its first position, toward its second position and a releasing mechanism which releases the seat so that the spring tensioning mechanism moves the seat from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: This invention provides a cart for positioning an individual's body on a toilet. It is particularly advantageous for transporting a handicapped person to such toilet and automatically aligning the handicapped person's body above the toilet. The cart has castors for easy rolling and also has guiding rollers that center the individual's body over the toilet when the cart is rolled backwardly over the toilet. The invention also incorporates a pneumatic system for raising the individual's body above the height of the toilet's seat when the body is pushed over the toilet and for, subsequently, lowering the individual's body onto the toilet seat in a position that enables use of the toilet by the individual.

Abstract: The present invention is an orthopedic chair which may be used to assist an invalid to easily sit therein or to rise thereform. The orthopedic chair includes a frame and a seat which is pivotally coupled to the frame at the front thereof, a back which is mechanically coupled to the frame, a right arm-rest and a left arm-rest both of which are mechanically coupled to the frame. The orthopedic chair also includes a spring tensioning mechanism which resiliently biases the seat, when it is in its first position, toward its second position and a releasing mechanism which releases the seat so that the spring tensioning mechanism moves the seat from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: A toilet apparatus for use with bed ridden patients comprises a frame which provides an upper horizontal patient support so that the patient can be transferred from a lying condition in a bed onto the support. A back portion of the support then pivots about a point on a line with the waist of the occupant to define a back portion move to a vertical position and a seat portion rolls along a cam track to a lowered position together with a leg rest portion which pivots downwardly. The occupant therefore takes up the seated condition and can make use of toilet facilities attached to the seat portion. The pivot point retains the center of gravity of the patient at the level of the frame so that little lifting or lowering force is required.

Abstract: A commode device for invalid patients is disclosed comprising a framemember having a plurality of legs with a toilet seat portion horizontally supported on the frame. A commode receptacle having a bottom, sidewalls, and an open top is detachably mounted on the frame directly below the toilet seat portion. An access port is provided in the sidewall of the commode receptacle to permit manual access into the interior of the receptacle to permit cleaning of a patient seated above the open top thereof. A closure means is provided on the access port to permit selective opening and closing thereof.

Abstract: A wheelchair seat for placement in a foldable wheelchair frame in which a rigid, substantially flat seat base operable to be received by a wheelchair frame has an elongated opening coaxial with the major axis of the perineum of a person when normally seated on the seat base and of such minimal dimensions as to permit the normally free passage of excretions through the opening without detracting from the support provided by the seat base; an elongated arm member pivotably mounted on the underside of the seat base for rotation about an axis perpendicular to its major plane; an elongated gate of a length and a width sufficient to occlude the opening, a gate stop disposed on the bottom of the seat base; and a removable waste receptacle support disposed on the seat base beneath the opening.

Abstract: A portable enema seat is provided, comprising a base, foldable support secured at one end of the base, and a foldable seat supported by the base and positioned from the foldable support to create a space in which the user can easily access or egress the seat. The seat has a downwardly directed opening therethrough, said seat being discontinuous at a central rearward position remote the pivotable support. The foldable support secures the user of the enema seat when the user is leaning on or against it. A waste receptacle support is also provided to sustain a waste receptacle below the downwardly directed opening.

Abstract: A boosting device is disclosed for a toilet seat. The boosting device includes a stationary frame having handrails. A seat frame assembly is pivotally coupled to the stationary frame by pivot pins. A single, ball screw motor and a lift arm are provided for pivotally moving the seat frame assembly relative to the stationary frame.

Abstract: A cushion unit with an opening section is placed atop a bed frame. Rails are laid under the bed frame, and a truck reciprocated by a drive mechanism is placed on the rails for traveling. The truck carries movable units on which an elastic pad and a urinal are mounted. Each of the units is provided with guide rollers for vertical movement within guide members extending under the bed frame, facing the opening section. The guide rollers associated with the elastic pad or the urinal engage with the guide members according to the direction of travel of the truck, thus raising either the elastic pad or the urinal from the truck to fit the same into the opening section of the bed cushion unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a standup toilet which can be directly incorporated into or attached to a conventional walker. The walker provides good stability both for the standup toilet and the person who is using it. The toilet structure has a frame with a support arm which can preferably be pivoted between a horizontal support position and a vertical position. The toilet frame can advantageously have a hook end and an attachment means to facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the frame from the walker.

Abstract: A receptacle adapted to be disposed for receiving, by gravity, waste discharges from a person is an elongated container having an elongated aperture defined at the top thereof for receiving waste into the container. The container has side and end surfaces specially formed with concave surfaces to direct laterally-moving fluid waste in the container, the motion being caused by movement of the receptacle, in a generally upward direction, and the container has a portion for thereafter directing the fluid downward, back on itself to dampen sloshing or wave motion to prevent spillage and splashing. In another aspect, the receptacle is disposed in waste-receiving relationship to a person on a chair for an incontinent disabled person, the chair having an apertured cushion disposed over the receptacle which is mounted to be removed from the chair.

Abstract: A seat construction for a wheel chair includes a pivoted central panel and a handle and linkage for pivoting the panel from an occupant supporting position to an open position which enables the wheel chair to be wheeled over a conventional toilet for use thereof without transfer of the occupant from the wheel chair. The seat is clamped to the side frames of a conventional wheel chair. The linkage includes an over center action to lock the central panel in the closed position.

Abstract: A portable commode includes a pair of stabilizing legs which engage the floor when the commode is in use and further includes a connecting device to secure the commode to a bed or other structure in order to provide stability as the user moves from the bed to the commode. A restraining bar spans the seat area to maintain the user in position.

Abstract: A chair for immobile patients. The chair has a high back portion, a seat portion that provides a toilet function, and a foot rest portion. The chair is specifically designed so that it is easily maneuvered from its reclined position to its upright position even when a patient is strapped therein. A pair of detachable auxiliary legs are provided that can be added to convert the chair into a wheel chair. The auxiliary legs can also be employed to stabilize the chair against lateral tipping when the chair is in its upright position on the edge of a bed. The seat portion is removable so that a portable toilet is thereby provided independently of the balance of the structural features of the chair. A pair of vertically spaced roller members, interconnected by a continuous belt, are provided to permit easy maneuvering of the chair relative to the surface of a bed when the chair is in its reclined position.

Abstract: A urine collection and storage device adapted to be fitted to wheelchairs for non-ambulatory patients comprising means to collect the urine in one of two collection pans immediately below the sitting patient where the collection arms direct the collected urine to a rear storage facility. The urine may be collected at either end of the wheelchair seat, or preferably near the central portion of the seat. Collection near the central portion is permitted if the seat is an open weave material, or by puncturing the seat to allow passage of the urine from the patient to the collection means immediately below.

Abstract: A bedside commode carried on a mobile frame including a ramp for bridging the space between the bed and the commode, and a peripheral railing mounted to extend above the commode platform for providing a protective barrier as well as a gripping bar for the patient. A front railing with a raised lateral portion is mounted in a fixed position on the forward edge of the commode platform. At least one side railing is manually movable from an upright locked position to an unlocked lower position below the upper surface of the commode platform, and the preferred embodiment also includes a rigidly mounted side railing opposite the manually movable side railing.