The present invention relates to a personal transportable seating aid, and in particular to a personal transportable seating aid configured to aid transportation of disabled, immobile or invalid patients. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

People with restricted or limited physical mobility (PRM) encounter a number of difficulties when needing to be transported from a first location to a second location on public transport. These difficulties exacerbate if the person needs to be transferred from their wheelchair to a seat on public transport in order to reach the second location. In effect, the person is transferred multiple times during transportation. For example, in order to board a flight, the person is transferred a first time from the wheelchair onto an aisle chair which is then manoeuvred adjacent to the person's aeroplane chair, the person is then transferred for a second time from the aisle chair onto the aeroplane chair. Once the flight reaches the destination, the person is then transferred for a third time from the aeroplane seat to an aisle chair. The aisle chair is then manoeuvred adjacent the person's wheelchair. The person is then transferred for a further time from the aisle chair back into their wheelchair.

Examples of known transfer devices for transporting a PRM include a sling which is to be connected to a mechanical hoist or a sling which can be transported manually. There are a number of issues associated with both of these transfer devices. A mechanical hoist is heavy, slow and rather cumbersome in size making it difficult to operate where spaced is restricted. Furthermore, mechanical hoists may only be operated by trained personnel and as such this can restrict the locations at which the hoists are available for use. In addition, when not in use the mechanical hoist will need to be stored. Due to the size of the hoist, the location will need to provide a relatively large storage space for the hoist which may not be available or may not be feasible at some locations.

In use, prior to transportation, a sling may be attached to a user within their wheelchair. The user is manoeuvred for a first time onto the sling so that the sling provides sufficient support in order for the user to be transported from their wheelchair. The operators then use the handle portions to carry the user onto the seat provided by the mode of transport, such as for example a plane. Once located on the seat, the user is manoeuvred for a second time so that the sling can be removed. For example, in order to board a plane the operators use the handle portions to transfer the user for a second time from their wheelchair to an aisle chair. The aisle chair is then manoeuvred adjacent the user's aeroplane seat. The operators then use the handle portions to transfer the user for a third time from the aisle chair to the aeroplane seat. The operators then need to manoeuvre the user for a fourth time to remove the sling.

Once transported to the desired location, the sling must once again be attached to the user. The user is therefore manoeuvred for a fifth time onto the sling prior to lifting. The operators then manually transport the user for a sixth time from the aeroplane seat back into the aisle chair. The aisle chair is manoeuvred adjacent the user's wheelchair and the operators then manually transport the user for the seventh time back into their wheelchair. Once positioned within the wheelchair, the sling is removed from the user by manoeuvring the user for the eighth time. The user therefore is subjected to a number of repeated manoeuvring steps which can cause distress and upset to the user. Furthermore, the user is reliant on the final destination also being able to provide a sling to facilitate transportation from the aeroplane seat to their wheelchair. There are however no guarantees that a suitable sling or mechanical hoist will be available at the final destination which can significantly increase the distress experienced by the user and the difficulty associated with being transported from the aeroplane seat to their wheelchair.

There is a long well overdue need for a transport device which provides a safe, comfortable and dignified solution by reducing the amount of manoeuvring and external interference experienced by PRMs during transportation.

The present invention seeks to address one or more of these issues. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a personal transportable seating aid comprising: a back support comprising a first support surface configured to support at least a portion of a back of a user, in which the back support comprises at least one first handle and or strap portion configured to aid lifting of the aid; a seat portion comprising a second support surface configured to provide support to at least a portion of a thigh and buttocks region of a user, in which the seat portion comprises at least one second handle portion and or strap configured to aid lifting of the aid; and a pair of opposed side members extending between the back support and the seat portion, each side member configured in use to support a side of a user's body and at least a portion of an arm,

in which the aid is moveable between:

a first collapsed configuration in which the first support surface of the back support is located adjacent the second support surface of the seat portion; and a second expanded configuration in which the first support surface of the back support extends outwardly away from the second support surface of the seat portion.

In one embodiment, the seat portion configured comprises a second support surface configured to provide cushioned support to at least a portion of a thigh and buttocks region of a user. The personal transportable seating aid of the present invention may threfore provide an individual aid with cushioned support. The term "cushioned support" is used herein to refer to support provided to the body parts of the user which also helps to relieve pressure on the body parts of the user and thereby reducing the risks, such as for example pressure sores, associated with the user being placed in a seated position for a significant amount of time. The personal transportable seating aid of the present invention provides simultaneous support to a user's back and legs, and in particular provides cushioned support to at least the thigh and buttocks, and preferably in addition to the lower back, region of a user. The personal transportable seating aid of the present invention allows patients to be easily lifted from a first location and transported to a second location. The personal transportable seating aid of the present invention provides sturdy and cushioned support and is able to be in continuous contact with portions of a user from the moment the user is placed on the seat portion of the aid located within their wheelchair at a first location, as an aid during lifting of the user from the wheelchair, and continues to provide cushioned support to at least the thighs and buttocks of a user when positioned at or on for example a seat at a second location, such as for example on a seat on a plane. The aid is advantageously placed within the wheelchair prior to the user being positioned within the wheelchair. The aid remains in continuous contact with portions of the body of the user during transportation. The aid therefore ensures that the user does not need to be manoeuvred within the wheelchair in order to attach the aid to the user. Furthermore, the aid also advantageously does not need to be removed from the user after the lifting process is complete. As such the aid advantageously reduces the number of times the user is required to be lifted or manoeuvred during transportation therefore reducing the level of distress caused to the user. The aid also advantageously provides a continuous cushioned support to the thigh and buttocks region of a user and as such helps to reduce potential pressure problems associated with users who are generally confined to a sitting position.

The back support, seat portion and side portions may be composed of any suitable material. In one embodiment, the side portions are preferably collapsible and/or composed of flexible material to aid ease of movement of the aid between the first collapsed configuration and the second expanded configuration.

In one embodiment, the back support comprises a first support surface configured to support a back and the neck region and/or back of head of a user. The aid may further comprise one or more releasably engageable securement members configured to maintain the aid in the first collapsed configuration. The securement members may be any suitable means for securing the seat portion in position relative to the back support in the first collapsed configuration. The securement members may for example comprises one or more fasteners positioned for releasable engagement. Examples of suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, poppers, hook and loop fasteners, cooperative male and female fasteners or any combination thereof. The fasteners may for example be provided on surfaces of the aid which are positioned adjacent to each other in the first collapsed position, such as for example on adjacent portions of the seat portion and back support. The fasteners may for example be provided on one or more straps which are configured to extend across the aid in the first collapsed configuration to secure the seat portion and back support in position. The length of the strap(s), and/or the position of the fasteners on the strap(s), may be adjustable. In one embodiment, the aid may be resiliently biased towards the second expanded configuration. In use, the aid may be positioned in a first collapsed configuration on a contact surface provided by for example a seat. If present, the securement members may then be released. The aid may then open automatically without requiring a user to position and/or move the aid to the second expanded configuration making installing the aid onto the seat simpler for the user.

The back support may provide cushioned support to a portion of the back of a user. The back support may for example comprise or be configured to provide one or more cushioned regions for providing cushioned support to one or more portions of the back of a user. The back support may comprise an outer cover substantially surrounding a cavity located therein. The back support may further comprise an opening, preferably a resealable opening, in communication with the cavity through which one or more cushions or cushioning material may be inserted into the cavity. The resealable opening preferably comprises one or more fasteners configured for mutual releasable engagement, such as for example zips, press studs, buttons and corresponding button holes, and/or hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro™. The back support may comprise a first end configured to be located in the second expanded configuration adjacent a head or shoulder region of a user, a second opposed end located in the second expanded configuration adjacent the seat portion, and a pair of opposed side portions extending therebetween.

The seat portion may comprise a first end located at or adjacent the second end of the back support, an opposed second free end, and a pair of opposed side portions extending therebetween.

Each side member is preferably configured to extend between a side portion of the back support and an adjacent side portion of the seat portion. Each side member is preferably configured to extend from or adjacent the first end of the back support to or adjacent the second end of the seat portion. Each side member is preferably configured to extend from or adjacent each of the first and second ends of the back support to or adjacent each of the first and second ends of the seat portion. The first support surface of the back support preferably extends from the first end to the second end and between the opposing side portions of the back support.

The second support surface of the seat portion preferably extends from the first end to the second end and between the opposing side portions of the seat portion.

In one embodiment, at least one opening or slit configured to enable passage of a harness such as for example a seat belt restraint to extend therethrough is preferably provided by each side member or between each side member and one or more of the corresponding portion of the back support and/or seat portion.

The seat portion is preferably a cushioned seat portion. The seat portion preferably comprises an outer cover defining an internal cavity shaped and dimensioned to receive a cushion filler. The cushioned seat portion or the cushion filler preferably comprises one or more of: air, gel, foam, polystyrene beads, memory foam, or any combination thereof.

The back support and/or seat portion, and in particular the first and/or second support surfaces, may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions depending on the requirements of the aid. In one embodiment, at least one of the back support and/or the seat portion provides a substantially square or rectangular support surface.

The seat portion preferably comprises a second support surface and an opposed rear surface. The rear surface may be configured to contact a contact surface, such as for example a contact surface provided by a seat. The rear surface preferably comprises at least one gripping member located on or adjacent the rear surface configured to improve grip between the seat portion and the adjacent contact surface.

The gripping member preferably extends between one or more of the first end and/or second end and/or one or more side portions of the rear surface of the seat portion. The gripping member preferably extends substantially across the rear surface between the first and second ends and between opposing side portions of the seat portion. The gripping member may be provided by one of more strips of gripping material arranged to extend across at least a portion of the rear surface of the seat portion.

The aid may further comprise at least one leg strap extending from the seat portion and configured to secure one or more thighs of a user in position relative to the second support surface of the seat portion. In one embodiment, the at least one leg strap is configured to extend between opposed side portions of the seat portion. The leg strap(s) preferably comprises an attachment member configured for attachment to a hoist.

The aid, and in particular one or more of the back support and/or seat portion, may be composed of any suitable material. Preferably, the aid, and in particular one or more of the back support and/or seat portion, is composed of one or more polymer materials. Suitable polymer materials include one or more of: nylon, polyester, and/or nylon/polyester material.

The aid may further comprise at least one fastener configured for engaging the aid to a seat. The fastener may be any suitable fastener for releasably securing the aid to a contact surface of a seat such as for example hook and loop fasteners, poppers, suction cups, or any combination thereof.

The aid may further comprise one or more pockets or pouches located to receive one or more strap(s) forming part of the aid and/or to be accessible by the user to store personal items therein. For example, the aid may comprise a pocket or pouch located on or adjacent the seat portion, preferably on or adjacent the second end and/or side portion(s) of the seat portion. In one embodiment, the aid may comprise one or more pockets or pouches located on or adjacent the second end, preferably located substantially centrally between the opposed side portions, of the seat portion and configured to be accessible by the user. Preferably, in one embodiment, each side portion provides one or more pouches configured to store one or more straps of the aid when not in use.

In one embodiment, the aid further comprises one or more leg straps configured to secure the users legs in position during transportation thereby reducing pressure on the hips/legs of a user. For example, the aid further comprises at least one first leg strap extending from or adjacent a first side portion of the seat portion, and at least one second leg strap extending from or adjacent a second side portion of the seat portion. The first leg strap(s) preferably comprises a fastener configured to be releasably engaged to a fastener provided by the second leg strap(s). In one embodiment, the aid may further comprise at least one third leg strap extending from the second end of the seat portion, in which the third leg strap(s) provides a free end comprising a fastener configured to releasably engage each fastener provided by each of the first and second leg straps. The fastener(s) may be any suitable fastener, such as for example by a clip or buckle.

One or more strap portions provided by the aid may further comprise a fastener configured to be compatible with and to releasably engage attachment features present on conventional mechanical hoists.

The aid may further comprise an additional strap/s configured to extend across the torso of a user and to extend around at least a portion of the adjacent seat, such as for example the back of a seat on which the aid is positioned. The strap is preferably adjustable to ensure that the torso of a user is held securely in place relative to the aid and the seat on which the aid is positioned.

In one embodiment, the aid may further comprises one or more leg supports configured to provide support during use one or both legs of a user, for example to one or more of: a or each calf and/or a foot or feet of a user. The one or more leg supports may be located at or adjacent and extend from the seat portion, for example from the free end of the seat portion. For example, the leg support(s) may comprise a first end located adjacent the seat portion and a second opposed end located in use adjacent the calf and/or feet of a user. The leg support(s) may be moveable between a first stowed configuration in which the leg support is positioned adjacent a surface of the seat portion and/or back portion of the aid, and a second open configuration in which the leg support provides an upper surface configured to be in contact with the calf(s) and/or feet of a user. For example, the leg support(s) may be rolled or folded in the first stowed configuration and be positioned adjacent a surface of the seat portion and/or back portion of the aid.

The leg support(s) may be provided as a panel of for example flexible material. The leg support(s) may further comprise one or more cushioned portions to provide additional comfort to the user. The aid may further comprise one or more additional handle portions in the form of straps, handles or openings located on or adjacent or extending from the leg support(s) to facilitate lifting of the leg support(s) during use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a personal transportable seating aid as herein described, the method comprising: a. producing a back support providing a first support surface configured to support at least a portion of a back of a user;

b. producing a seat portion providing a second support surface configured to support a thigh and a buttocks region of a user;

c. producing a pair of opposed side members;

d. adjoining the back support to the seat portion;

e. adjoining each side member to opposed side portions of the back support and seat portion; and

f. securing at least one handle or strap portion to the back support and at least one handle or strap portion to the seat portion.

The method may optionally further comprises securing at least one pouch or pocket portion to one or more of the seat cushion and/or back support.

The back support is preferably joined to the seat portion by stitching. The at least one handle portion may be provided by a strap which is preferably attached to the corresponding back support or seat portion by stitching. The side members may be adjoined to the back support and seat portion by stitching.

The handle portion may be provided by a strap extending from an adjacent portion of the aid and providing an opening shaped and dimensioned to receive a hand of a user. The handle portion may however be provided by an opening, slit or recess in a portion of the aid, in which the opening, slit or recess is shaped and dimensioned to receive a hand of a user. Reinforcing material may be provided adjacent the periphery of the opening, slit or recess in order to provide reinforcement to the aid during the lifting process. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there if provided a seat system comprising: a personal transportable seating aid as herein described; and a seat providing a contact surface for supporting the personal transportable seating aid thereon.

The seat is preferably provided by one of: a wheelchair, a mobility scooter, a mode of transport or an item of furniture.

Embodiment of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 is a photograph of the personal transportable seating aid according to one embodiment of the present invention in the first collapsed configuration;

Figure 2 is a photograph from above of the personal transportable seating aid of Figure 1 in the first collapsed configuration; Figure 3 is a photograph from the side of the personal transportable seating aid of Figure 1 in the first collapsed configuration;

Figure 4 is a photograph of a side view of the personal transportable seating aid of Figure 1 in the second expanded configuration prior to lifting;

Figure 5 is a photograph of a front view of the personal transportable seating aid of Figure 1 in the second expanded configuration arranged for lifting;

Figure 6 is a photograph of a front view of the seat portion of the personal transportable seating aid of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a photograph of a perspective view of the seat portion of the personal transportable seating aid of Figure 1; and Figure 8 is a photograph of a side view of the seat portion of the personal transportable seating aid of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

With reference to the Figures, the personal transportable seating aid 2 comprises a back support 4, a seat portion 6, and a pair of opposed side members 8, 8'.

The back support 4 comprises a first support surface 10 configured to support at least a portion of a back of a user. The back support 4 and the first support surface 10 are substantially square in shape. It is to be understood that the back support 4 and the first support surface 10 may have any suitable shape.

The back support 4 comprises a first end 12 configured to be located in the second expanded configuration adjacent a head or shoulder region of a user, a second opposed end 14 located in the second expanded configuration adjacent the seat portion 6, and a pair of opposed side portions 16, 16' extending therebetween. The back support 4 comprises two pairs of spaced apart handle portions 17, 17', 19, 19' shaped and dimensioned to provide an opening to receive a hand of a user during lifting of the aid 2. The first pair of handle portions 17, 17' are located at the first end 12 of the back support 4. The second pair of handle portions 19, 19' are located on opposing side members 8,8'. The handle portions 17, 17' are in the form of loops which are configured to be attachable to a mechanical hoist.

The seat portion 6 comprises a second support surface 18 configured to provide cushioned support to at least a portion of a thigh and buttocks region of a user. The seat portion 6 is a cushioned seat portion. In one embodiment, the seat portion 6 comprises an outer cover defining an internal cavity shaped and dimensioned to receive a cushion filler. The seat portion 6 provides an opening (not shown) extending into the cavity. A closure mechanism, such as for example a zip, hook and loop fastener, buttons, press studs, or any suitable closure mechanism is preferably in communication with the opening to releasably seal the cavity from the external environment. The cushioned seat portion or the cushion filler is preferably selected from one or more of: air, gel, foam, polystyrene beads, memory foam, or any combination thereof.

The seat portion 6 and the second support surface 18 are substantially square in shape. It is however to be understood that the seat portion 6 and the second support surface 18 may have any suitable shape. The seat portion 6 comprises a first end 20 located at or adjacent the second end 14 of the back support 4, an opposed second free end 22, and a pair of opposed side portions 24, 24' extending therebetween. The seat portion 6 comprises a handle portion 25, 25' located adjacent each side portion 24, 24'. Each handle portion 25, 25' is shaped and dimensioned to provide an opening for receiving a hand of a user during lifting of the aid 2.

Handle portions 17, 17', 19, 19', 25, 25' are formed of strap material having a width of approximately 5 inches. It is however to be understood that the handle portions may be formed of any suitable material having any suitable dimensions.

The aid further comprises two leg straps 27, 27' extending from or adjacent each side portion 24, 24' of the seat portion 6. The aid further comprises a central strap 30 located substantially centrally on and extending from or adjacent the second free end 22 of the seat portion 6. The central strap 30 comprises a first end attached to the second free end 22 and a second opposed free end. The second opposed free end of the central strap 30 is configured to engage with the two leg straps 27, 27' to provide ensure that the legs of a user are secured in place during transportation. In the illustrated embodiment, the second free end provides a loop configured to receive each of the two leg straps 27, 27'.

Each side member 8, 8' extends between a side portion 16, 16' of the back support 4 and an adjacent side portion 24, 24' of the seat portion 6. Each side member 8, 8' is configured in use to support a side of a user's body and at least a portion of an arm of a user. Each side member 8, 8' is formed of collapsible material.

Each side member 8, 8' extends from or adjacent each of the first and second ends 12, 14 of the back support to the first and second ends 20, 22 of the seat portion 6.

The back support 4, seat portion 6 and side members 8,8' are formed from polymer material such as for example nylon or polyester, or fabric, or mesh, or any combination thereof. An opening (not shown) is provided between each side member 8, 8' and one or more of the corresponding portion of the back support 4 and/or seat portion 6. The opening is shaped and dimensioned to enable passage of a seat belt restraint therethrough.

In some embodiments, the seat portion 6 comprises a second support surface 18 and an opposed rear surface 28. The seat portion 6 further comprises a gripping member (not shown) located on the rear surface 28 to improve grip between the seat portion 6 and an adjacent contact surface. The gripping member may extend between one or more of the first end and/or second end and/or one or more side portions of the rear surface 28 of the seat portion 6. In some embodiments, the seat portion 6 may provide one or more fasteners configured to secure the seat portion 6 to a contact surface.

The aid 2 is moveable between a first collapsed configuration (as shown in Figures 1 to 3) and a second expanded configuration (as shown in Figures 4 to 8). The aid 2 may be manually moved between the first and second configurations. Alternatively, the aid 2 may be resiliently biased towards the second expanded configuration.

In the first collapsed configuration, it can be seen that the first support surface 10 of the back support 4 is located adjacent the second support surface 18 of the seat portion 6. In the second expanded configuration, the first support surface of the back support extends outwardly away from the second support surface of the seat portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the first support surface 10 extends at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the second support surface 18. It is however to be understood that the first and second support surfaces 10, 18 may extend at any angle relative to each other. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the angle formed between the first and second support surfaces 10, 18 in the second expanded configuration may be adjustable. The aid 2 may be manufactured by producing each of the back support 4 providing a first support surface 10, the seat portion 6 providing a second support surface 18, and a pair of opposed side members 8, 8'. The back support 4 is adjoined to the seat portion 6, each side member is adjoined to each of the back support and seat member, and each handle portion is attached to one of the seat portion and back support by stitching. The aid 2 may further comprise reinforcing strips located along a join line formed between components of the aid in order to ensure secure attachment.

It is to be understood that the aid 2 may have any suitable dimensions depending on the particular requirements, and in particular on the size of the user to be accommodated within the aid. For example, the aid 2 may comprise a seat portion 6 having a length (as measured between the first and second ends 20, 22 thereof) of 17.5 inches, a width (as measured between opposing side portions 24, 24') of 17.5 inches, and a height (as measured between the second support surface 18 and the rear surface 28) of 3 inches. The aid 2 may comprise a back support 4 having a height (as measured between the first and second ends 12, 14 thereof) of 24 inches, a width (as measured between opposing side portions 16, 16') of 17.5 inches, and a depth (as measured between the first support surface 10 and an opposed rear surface) of 3 inches.

The aid 2 may further comprise a removable cover attachable to one or more of the back support 4, seat portion 6 and side members 8,8'.

In use, the aid 2 is placed in the wheelchair such that the rear surface 28 of the seat portion 6 is placed adjacent and makes contact with the seat of the wheelchair. The back support 4 is positioned adjacent and makes contact with the back rest of the wheelchair. The aid 2 is placed within the wheelchair in the second expanded configuration as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The user is then transferred, either manually or by hoist, into the aid 2 and positioned on the seat portion 6. The back of the user is supported on the first support surface 10 of the back support 4. The thigh and buttocks region of the user is support on the second support surface 18 of the seat portion 6 providing cushioned support. The cushioned support reduces the risk of pressure associated problems experienced by users who are placed in a seated position for a significant time period.

The legs of the user may be secured in position relative to the aid 2, and in particular relative to the seat portion 6 by leg straps 27, 27' and central strap 30. When not in use, the leg strap may be stored in a pouch or pocket 34. After arriving at the airport, the aid 2 may be lifted out of the wheelchair either manually or by use of a hoist. When being lifted manually, operators may lift the aid 2 using handles 17, 17', 19, 19', 25, 25' provided. When being lifted by a hoist, the leg portions 27, 27' are looped through the central strap 30. The leg portion 27, 27' and the handle portions 17, 17' are then attached to the hoist. The user is lifted and transferred on the cushioned aid to the desired seat on the plane. The aid 2 is lowered such that the rear surface 28 of the aid contacts the seat on the plane. The user remains in the aid 2 for the length of the journey.

Once arrived at the airport destination, the lifting procedure as described over is repeated, either manually or with a hoist, to transfer the user within the aid 2 from the seat of the plane to their wheelchair. The user remains within the aid 2 within the wheelchair.

When not in use, the aid 2 is positioned in the first collapsed configuration, requiring very little storage capacity and as such can be stowed away easily.

The present invention therefore provides a personal transportable seating aid which a user can occupy for the entire transportation route providing the user with a degree of reassurance. The aid provides cushioning to at least the buttocks and thigh region, and preferably in addition the lower back of a user and as such reduces the risk of pressure sores which may arise when a user has maintained a sitting position for a significant period of time. The aid helps to reduce the stress experienced by the user as a result of using public transport. The aid helps to ensure that the user can be transported securely, safely and in comfort with dignity in a variety of different scenarios. The aid also ensures that the user does not need to rely on the availability of third party slings or hoists at transport hubs such as airports.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in relation to airport transportation it is to be understood that the aid may be used for any form of transportation, including for example transportation involving any form of transport as well as for example on to a seat provided by any form of apparatus. The present invention may be used in any circumstance where a user is to be moved from a seated position on a first surface to a seated position on a separate second surface. For example, the aid may be used to provide comfortable movement of a disabled or elderly person within a residential or care home environment. The illustrated embodiment illustrates that the aid has straps for handle portions. It is to be understood that in some embodiment, the handle portions may be provided by openings provided in the neighbouring portions of the aid.