Field of the Invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to a commode chair for facilitating use of toilet facilities or chamber pots, a shower chair for use in personal cleaning while in a sitting position as required by disabled aged or injured or infirm users and to a combined shower commode which can be used for both purposes. The present invention can be in the form of a stationary chair or trolley form or in particular to a wheeled commode chair able to transport the user.

[002] The invention has been developed primarily for use as a wheeled shower commode chair and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. Background of the Invention

Commode chairs are known for use as aids for disabled or physically limited persons to use in order to use toilet facilities. Primarily commode chairs are a portable toilet carrying receptacle that can be placed at the bedside of a patient whose activity is limited.

A commode chair is frequently used in the home when a patient is too debilitated to reach a bathroom facility, and the receptacle receives waste, and the receptacle can be removed and emptied.

[003] Commode chairs are usually fixed cumbersome chairs which are therefore not generally intended for use with normal toilet facilities. Some chairs that overlie normal toilet facilities are lifted into position over the toilet, and then require the user to mount the higher commode chair.

[004] In such positions, the commode chair tends to be very unstable and is easily misaligned. A user therefore needs more stable support, often this is provided in the form of arm supports or back rest supports.

[005] Overall this is not a system that gives the user a sense of security and dignity and is quite difficult to mount in position over the toilet.

[006] Even further, a commode adapted for use by one person may not be practical or effective for another person with different physical attributes and requirements, and physical disability. For example, a commode chair which is stable for a tall or large person with all limbs may not be stable when used by an amputee. Existing commodes therefore need to be manufactured to meet particular requirements resulting in a large range of chairs. It would be advantageous to provide a universal commode chair.

[007] The present invention seeks to provide a commode chair, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide a viable alternative.

[008] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a commode chair is provided comprising a pair of spaced parallel side walls; at least one cross-member structure joining the pair of spaced parallel side walls in structural support; wherein a central cavity applies between the side walls and the front and rear cross-member structures over which a commode seat can support a user of the commode chair.

[0010] The commode chair can further comprise spaced apart front and rear cross- member structures being attached between opposite side frame portions, forming a two- part structure. The rear cross-member can be a substantially straight connector structure mounted to opposite side frames. The location of the straight rear connector can provide a bridge and a rear passageway so that the commode chair can be reversed over a normal toiled facility.

[001 1 ] The spaced parallel side walls can be parallel side frames.

[0012] The commode chair can further include a connection means for selectively supporting the parallel side frames in a spaced operating condition, and releasing to a fold down position upon which the parallel side frames are in a reduced spaced non- operating condition. In one embodiment the connection means can be a hinge.

[0013] Preferably the pair of spaced parallel side frames are adapted to be supported at least partially on wheels. In particular the pair of spaced parallel side frames can be adapted to be supported front and rear wheels to form a wheel chair able to transport a user. The commode chair has at least one of the front and rear cross- member structures are substantially at seat level wherein the commode chair can be wheeled over a toilet receptacle. [0014] The commode chair can further comprise a releasable locking means for allowing locking of the two-part structure in an operating condition, and release to a fold down position upon release of the locking means.

[0015] Preferably the front cross-member includes: a first and second hingedly attached cross-arm members, the each cross-arm member being further hingedly attached at one end thereof to a fixed portion of the opposite side frames; and wherein the first and second cross-arm members are adapted to move between a fold out and folded position.

[0016] In one form the first and second cross-arm members of the front cross- member form a substantially X-shaped configuration when the front cross-member is in the fold out position.

[0017] Preferably the releasable locking means is such that the first and second cross-arm members forming a substantially X-shaped configuration are maintained in the fold out position by locking the rear cross-member and when the locking means is released from a locking condition, the side frames can be moved closer to each other for storage.

[0018] Preferably the commode chair further comprises cross-members both front and rear, joining opposite wheeled side frames, wherein the cross-members are hingedly interconnected to respective side frames to provide structural support when the rear cross-member is in a locked condition, and folding of the front and rear cross- members for storage when the rear cross-member is unlocked, preferably comprising a distinctive 'X-configuration' of the front cross-member.

[0019] The commode chair can further comprise an 'axle reverse amputee' bracket, which supports the axle, and allows adjustment of the axle so the centre of gravity is adjustably located 80 - 90 millimetres rearwards of a normal position. By 'axle reverse amputee' it is meant a bracket that supports the axle that can be adjusted so the centre of gravity is adjustably located 80 - 90 mm rearwards of a normal position to compensate for the different spread of weight-load by an amputee comparative to a non-amputee.

[0020] Also the commode chair can further comprise a seat frame or side frame which includes a cut-out section to allow access for cleaning and the like.

[0021 ] The seat frame does not have to be taken off for folding the commode chair.

[0022] In one embodiment the arm rest can be height adjustable. [0023] Preferably the commode chair further comprises a swing away foot plate wherein the foot plate is for receiving feet of a user and are adjustable to swing away to allow user's feet to contact with ground.

[0024] In a particularly preferred form of the invention there is provided a commode chair comprising:

spaced parallel side frames adapted to carry front and rear wheels;

spaced apart front and rear cross-member structures joining the side frames in structural support, wherein the rear cross-member includes a two-part structure hingedly attached to opposite side frame portions, and

a releasable locking means for allowing locking of the two-part structure in an operating condition, and release to a fold down position upon release of the locking means; and

wherein the front cross-member includes a first and second hingedly attached cross-arm members, the each cross-arm member being further hingedly attached at one end thereof to a fixed portion of the opposite side frames; and

wherein the first and second cross-arm members are adapted to move between a fold out in use position and a storage folded position.

[0025] Preferably in the fold out in use position, the first and second cross-arm members form a substantially X-shaped configuration, and are maintained in the fold out in use position by locking the rear cross-member between the side frames when in their respective spaced in use positions.

[0026] The side frames can be adapted to be movable closer to each other for storage when the locking means is released from a locking condition.

[0027] A commode chair according to any one of the preceding claims further including the structural and functional features of: axle reverse amputee, which is directed to a bracket that supports the axle that can be adjusted so the centre of gravity is adjustably located 80 - 90 mm rearwards of a normal position to compensate for the different spread of weight-load by an amputee comparative to a non-amputee; the seat frame or side frame includes a cut-out section to allow access for cleaning and the like; and the seat frame remains connected to the frame from in use position and while folding the commode chair to the storage folded position. [0028] The commode chair can further comprise a fold-up mechanism which includes the folding of the seat sub-frame.

[0029] Preferably the seat sub-frame design which has three sided cut out for three way access to the user.

[0030] The leg rest can be adapted to swing away from the front of frame leaving open front.

[0031 ] The commode chair can include adjustable arms in at least the upright direction.

[0032] The commode chair can further include structural and functional features of any one or more of:

a) 'axle reverse amputee', which is directed to a bracket that supports the axle that can be adjusted so the centre of gravity is adjustably located 80 - 90 mm rearwards of a normal position.

b) the seat frame or side frame can include a cut-out section to allow access for cleaning and the like; and

c) the seat frame does not have to be taken off for folding the commode chair.

[0033] It can be seen that the invention of a commode chair provides the benefit of a) In use structure in that the user can be readily assisted in washing from all directions due to novel and adaptive commode chair structure.

b) Wheelability in that the user can proceed from location to either of facilitating use of toilet facilities or chamber pots, or to a shower for use in personal cleaning while in a sitting position as required by disabled aged or injured or infirm users. This is a substantial improvement due to wheel and frame structure and location to provide substantial versatility in awkward confine restricted locations.

c) Dual use as commode chair and wheel chair in both facilitating use of toilet facilities or chamber pots, or to a shower d) Foldability and portability in the folded position in order to maintain adaptable use over a toilet facility but to still provide a folding structure which is readily portable and even possibly wheeled on its own wheels while in folded form.

e) Adjustability for different users including alteration of centre of gravity for amputees with chair placement or with arm adjustability. f) Ready use over standard toilet facilities with full wheel to position access due to novel and inventive open rear frame structure with cross over strengthening.

[0034] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment / preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is front perspective photographic view of a commode chair in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is rear perspective photographic view of a commode chair of Fig. 1 without the commode seat;

Fig. 3 is a lower front detail of the commode chair of Fig. 1 showing the front X- shape front cross member structure and linear rear cross section member structure in expanded in use arrangement between spaced parallel sides;

Figs. 4 and 5 are diagrammatic conceptual drawings of the lower detail of the commode chair of Fig. 1 taken from a rear perspective view and an overhead view;

Figs. 6 to 1 0 are various photographic views of the commode chair of Fig. 1 showing the transformation steps from open in use position to folded stored position;

Fig. 1 1 shows angled and adjustable back rest. Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0036] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. The embodiment of the invention shows a combination of important characteristics including: a) In use structure

b) Wheelability

c) Dual use as commode chair and wheel chair

d) Foldability

e) Portability in the folded position.

f) Adjustability for different users [0037] There is clearly a substantial synergistic effect and resulting benefit in the embodiment described which includes all of these features. However it should be understood that other embodiments can have a combination of one or more of these features and still provide a substantial novel improvement and are included within the scope of this invention.

In use structure

[0038] Referring to the drawings there is shown a commode chair 1 1 comprising a frame 15 formed with a pair of spaced parallel side frames 21 , 22 that are supported on a pair of outer large wheels 18 extending parallel on an outer side to the parallel side frames 21 , 22 and a pair of smaller front wheels 19 connected to a front portion of the parallel side frames 21 , 22.

[0039] Joining the parallel side frames 21 , 22 are spaced apart front cross-member structure 51 and rear cross-member structure 55 to join the pair of spaced parallel side frames 21 , 22 in a structural support. In an in use open position as shown in Figure 1 and 2 there is a central cavity 31 formed between the side frames 21 , 22 and the front and rear cross-member structures 51 , 55 over which a commode seat 17 with its central opening can support a user of the commode chair 1 1 .

[0040] The chair further has an upright posts 62, 63 at the rear of each of the parallel side frames 21 , 22 which receives a rigid inverted U-shaped frame 61 that mounts over the posts 62, 63. The inverted U-shaped frame 61 include flexible straps between the opposing legs of the inverted U-shape and thereby form a removable backrest 61 . In figure 1 1 , there is shown an angled back rest with adjustable height.

[0041 ] A set of armrests 69 are provided that form an upper part of each of the spaced parallel side frames 21 , 22. The armrests extend from a rear portion of the spaced parallel side frames 21 , 22 and extend forward to support arms in a cantilever manner. This provides the benefit of minimal material and ready cleaning of the commode chair as well as side access to the user by a carer if required.

[0042] The commode chair can proceed from an in use position such as shown in Figure 1 to a storage position such as shown in Figures 9 and 10 by the front and rear cross-member structures being hingedly foldable from an extended position to an overlapping smaller storage position. This first element of the cross-member structures 51 , 55 allows the ready implementation from an in use position to a storage position and vice versa and will be explained further below. [0043] A second element of the cross-member structures 51 , 55 is that at least one of the front and rear cross-member structures 51 , 55 must connect between top portions of the parallel side frames 21 , 22 at either a front end and or a rear end and have minimal suspended structure so as to form a bridge between the parallel side frames 21 , 22 and define a passageway 35 therebelow.

[0044] Referring to the diagrammatic conceptual drawings of Figures 4 and 5 to explain the commode chair 1 1 of Figure 1 , the cross-member structure 55 connects at the rear of the commode 1 1 between the parallel side frames 21 , 22 and forms a bridge therebetween with a passageway 35 below. The passageway 35 leads into the open cavity 31 formed between the side frames 21 , 22 and the front and rear cross-member structures 51 , 55. This is further shown in the overhead view of Figure 6.

[0045] A commode seat 17 can be supported at each side by the parallel side frames 21 , 22 so that a user of the commode chair 1 1 can sit over the open cavity 31 . By locating the commode seat over a toilet receptacle the user of the commode seat 17 can undertake toilet functions. Therefore the bridge structure allows the commode chair to be manually positioned over the toilet in an acceptable front facing chair arrangement.

Wheelability

[0046] The further benefit of the support of the commode seat being on a mobile frame 15 supported by large wheels 18 and smaller front wheels 19 is a first element which allows a simple wheeled location of the commode chair to the required functionally corresponding location of commode seat relative to the toilet. Unlike with the manual location of a non-wheeled version of the commode chair 1 1 , the wheeled structure of the wheeled version of the commode chair 1 1 allows positioning with the user in situ on the commode seat 1 7.

[0047] A particular advantage is that each of the parallel side frames 21 , 22 has a large wheel 18 attached to an outer side and in the same parallel alignment as a respective side frame and a rotatable castor like small front wheel attached to a front portion of the respective side frame. This allows spaced locations of the parallel side frames 21 , 22 which allow positioning on either side of the toilet. Further the configuration of the passageway 35 below the bridge formed by the cross-member structure 55 connecting at the rear of the commode 1 1 between the parallel side frames 21 , 22 allows the wheeled commode seat to be wheeled backwards over the toilet with the user facing in the normal direction away from the wall. [0048] Another particular advantage is that the set of armrests 69 mounted to form an upper part of each of the spaced parallel side frames 21 , 22 also perform a secondary function. The armrests 69 are cantilever mounted and extend forwardly along the spaced parallel sides and end with front handles 64. These handles 64 allow a carer to be positioned in front of the chair with the user seated on the commode seat 17 on the commode chair and allow the carer to wheel the commode chair 1 1 over the toilet by aligning the large rear passageway 35 and the rear cross-member structure 55 acting as a bridge that passes over the toilet.

Dual use as commode chair and wheel chair

[0049] An important element of an embodiment of the invention is when the commode chair is also a wheel chair.

[0050] Another element which aids in this process are a set of handles 69 extending from the frame 15 including the seat back 61 towards the front of the commode chair 64. Therefore the user can be assisted by a helper in pushing the commode chair from in front of the chair over a toilet. These handles 64 can double as arm rests for the user in other uses of the wheeled chair.

[0051 ] The use of large support wheels and front wheeled castor wheels allow for easy steering and use as a wheelchair.

[0052] It is a substantial advantage for use as a commode chair that there is ready access to the user by the carer from all angles of the chair. Further the clean lines and minimalist structure forms a readily clean and hygienic aid to the user whilst remaining functional and giving the user a sense of dignity.

Foldabilitv and Portability in the folded position.

[0053] The structure of the commode chair 1 1 has been shown to have substantial structural benefits for the user in an in use expanded form. However the chair 1 1 has a further benefit in its foldability.

[0054] The two side frames 21 , 22 each are mounted on respective large side wheels 18 and front small balancing and steering castor wheels 19 and is similarly supported in the folded form as shown in Figures 9 and 10. This means that the chair is readily transportable. [0055] Even if the commode chair was not a wheeled chair the side frames 21 , 22 would be supported by the same legs as support the side frame in the expanded in use form.

[0056] Figures 7 and 8 show how the wheeled commode chair can transform from the expanded in use form of Figures 1 , 2 and 3 to the folded form of Figure 10. In particular Figure 7 shows the removal of the locking backrest 61 that fits into respective upright pillars 62, 63 on respective side frames 21 , 22. In use the backrest provides the service of a backrest to the user and a means for a carer to help the user of the chair by pushing the chair from behind. However the backrest has a rigid inverted U-shaped frame which is fixed in length and the backrest is completed with comfort flexible slats extending across the frame. This rigid fixed length frame when inserted in the respective upright pillars 62, 63 keeps the respective side frames 21 , 22 the fixed distance apart from each other.

[0057] With the removal of the backrest 61 , the respective side frames are held apart by the first and second hingedly attached cross-arm members 51 , 55. These cross members have support bars extending between them to Y and Z directions while the vertically extending second cross-arm member 51 forming a substantially X-shaped configuration when maintained in the fold out position provides the X and Y directional rigidity. Therefore the structure is rigid in three dimensions when in locked position.

[0058] As shown in Figure 8, by simultaneously unlocking the vertically extending front X-shaped cross-arm member 51 and the rear straight hinged rear cross-member 55 so as to be released from a locking condition, the side frames 21 , 22 can be moved closer to each other for storage. The arm rests 69 with the front extending handles 64 can be used to wheel the folded chair around.

Adjustability for different users

[0059] It is clear that the commode chair is versatile and useable by a range of users. In particular the commode chair can be modified for amputees. This is important in a wheeled version as the bulk of the weight of the user is over the large side supporting wheels 18. However there needs to be a balancing so that the centre of gravity of the user is slightly forward of the diameter of the main wheels 18 and leaning slightly towards the smaller front directional castor wheels 19. This will prevent tipping backwards of the chair while allowing ready steering of the chair as the front castor wheels are not subjected to too much weight. [0060] However with amputees the leg weight of the user is not there and therefore an amputee sitting in the chair will have a centre of gravity further backwards, as the chair further comprising an 'axle reverse amputee', which is directed to a bracket that supports the axle that can be adjusted so the centre of gravity is adjustably located 80 - 90 ml rearwards of a normal position.

[0061 ] Other adjustabilities for different users apply from one or more of the following:

• the seat frame or side frame can include a cut-out section to allow access for cleaning and the like. · the seat frame does not have to be taken off for folding the commode chair.

• the arm rest is height adjustable.

• a swing away foot plate wherein the foot plate is for receiving feet of a user and are adjustable to swing away to allow user's feet to contact with ground.

[0062] Other variations are possible.

Interpretation

Meaning of "Commode Chair"

[0063] As used herein in the description and the claims, unless otherwise specified the use of the term "commode chair" refers to

a) a commode chair for facilitating use of toilet facilities or chamber pots, or b) to a shower chair for use in personal cleaning while in a sitting position as required by disabled aged or injured or infirm users or

c) to a combined shower commode which can be used for both purposes.

d) The "commode chair" can be in the form of a stationary chair or trolley form or in particular to a wheeled commode chair able to transport the user.

Embodiments:

[0064] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0065] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [0066] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[0067] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

[0068] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology

[0069] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Comprising and Including

[0070] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0071 ] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[0072] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0073] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[0074] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the commode and shower chair industries.