FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a multifunctional birthing chair used to assist delivery and childbirth in different stages of labor. [0002]

BACKGROUND

Various kinds of birthing chairs, stools, beds, and frames are known, which do not, however, as the present invention does, provide equally versatile functionality and adjustability. Known solutions may restrict possibilities for finding an optimal birthing position from the female anatomy and the biomechanics of the pelvis point of view, or may restrict changing of the birthing position. Known solutions also are limited in their capacity to enhance the optimal use of the resources and power of the body of the parturient to advance labour. In stool and chair births, the working position of the staff is often uncomfortable because their back may be in a physically overloaded position for a long time. The current innovation enables medical personnel to operate in delivery safely and comfortably, taking into consideration ergonomic working postures as well as sufficient platform and maneuvering room for performing different diagnostic actions, nursing practises and treatment. [0003] In addition, known birthing chair and birthing stool solutions do not sufficiently take into consideration possible emergency situations such as the need to move the parturient to a Trendelenburg position or a rapid transfer of the parturient to the operating theatre.

[0004] Chairs, beds and other apparatuses developed for making childbirth easier and safer and for solving various problems possibly relating to childbirth are described, for example, in following publications:

[0005] W094109740, SE 468 745, GB 2 127 296, PCT/A92 700145, GB 2169500,

JP2006325706, WO 00123027, DE 20010364 Ul, EP 1 782 785, FI U20060202, FR 2 591 887, US 5,129,117, US 4,703.975, US 2,375,907, US 2,975,435, US 3,137,527, US 4,18,062, US 4,221,370, US 4,527,555, US 4,715.592, US 4,940,286, US 5,201,377 and US 9,173,800.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multifunctional birthing chair, comprising a seat, a back rest configured to be adjustable so that at least the angle of the back rest in relation to the seat can be changed, and a set of adjustable foot rests configured to provide countersurface for soles of the feet of a person on the seat so that knees of the person are preferably bent to an angle. The seat comprises a top provided with padding, an U-shaped cutout facing away from the back rest, a first area of padding extending over at least the area on the same sides of the seat with the prongs of the U-shape and having a first degree of compressibility, and a second area of padding extending from the bottom of the U-shape towards the back rest, the second area of padding having a second degree of compressibility that is greater than the first degree of compressibility.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multifunctional birthing chair, wherein the second area of padding extends from the bottom of the U-shape to the opposite edge of the seat facing the back rest. [0009] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a multifunctional birthing chair, wherein the second area of padding extends from the bottom of the U-shape partially to the opposite edge of the seat facing the back rest.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a multifunctional birthing chair, comprising a set of handle bars configured to be adjustable so that the set of handle bars can be set on such a distance from each other that the distance is in minimum the width of the shoulder joints of a person having back against the back rest.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a multifunctional birthing chair, comprising a set of handle bars configured to be adjustable so that the set of handle bars can be set on vertically on the level of the shoulder joints of a person having back against the back rest.

[0012] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a multifunctional birthing chair, comprising a set of foot rest having two separately adjustable pads configured to be adjustable so that a person placed on the seat may set soled of her feet on the pads.

[0013] According to the seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a multifunctional birthing chair, wherein the back rest is configured to be adjustable from vertical 90° angle in relation to the level of the seat to a minimum of -10° angle in from horizontal level in relation to the level of the seat so that the back rest is set below the seat level.

[0014] According to the eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a multifunctional birthing chair, wherein the set of handle bars comprise two handles that are preferably closed loops. [0015] According to the ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a multifunctional birthing chair, comprising two side panels attached by jointed fasteners on the sides of the back rest so that the angular position between the back rest and the side panels can be adjusted.

[0016] According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the seat for a multifunctional birthing chair comprises a top provided with padding, an U-shaped cutout with a bottom and two prongs extending at the sides of the bottom of the cutout, a first area of padding extending over at least the area on the same sides of the seat with the prongs of the U- shape and having a first degree of compressibility, and a second area of padding extending from the bottom of the U-shape towards the opposite edge of the seat, the second area of padding having a second degree of compressibility that is greater than the first degree of compressibility.

[0017] According to a eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seat, wherein the second area of padding extends from the bottom of the cutout of the U- shape to the opposite edge of the seat facing the back rest. [0018] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention there is provided a seat for a multifunctional birthing chair, wherein the second area of padding extends from the bottom of the U-shape towards the opposite edge of the seat so that at least the opposite edge is covered by the first area of padding.. [0019] According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, the second area of padding is limited by the first area of padding and the edge of the U-shape.

[0020] According to the fourteenth aspect of the invention, the second area of padding is limited by the first area of padding and the edge of the U-shape and the opposite edge of the seat.

[0021]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIGURE 1 illustrates a multifunctional birthing chair in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] FIGURE 2 illustrates the device of FIGURE 1 in one of its position settings;

[0024] FIGURE 3 illustrates the device of FIGURE 1 from back;

[0025] FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the device of FIGURE 1;

[0026] FIGURE 5 illustrates an example of a seat capable of supporting at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] FIGURE 6 depicts one more position setting of the apparatus;

[0028] FIGURE 7 is another view of the setting of FIGURE 6, and

[0029] FIGURE 8 depicts one further position setting of the apparatus of FIGURE 1.

EMBODIMENTS

[0030] DEFINITIONS [0031] In the present context, the term“compressibility” is a measure of the relative volume change of a fluid or solid as a response to a pressure (or mean stress) change. The compressibility is greater for soft materials than for harder materials.

[0032] The adjustable, multifunctional birthing chair can be used to aid all stages of the labor, namely the opening, pushing and afterbirth stages. The mechanical structure of the device can be realized so that the device is excellent aid for the mother and safe, usable instrument for professionals assisting with the childbirth. The embodiments of the invention enable childbirth in an upright vertical position so that gravity and natural female anatomy and biomechanics of the parturient support the natural childbirth in a best possible way. Birthing in an upright position allows the parturient to have her pelvis in a favourable position. In this position, the superficial pelvic area muscles can be relaxed, increasing the mobility of the pelvis and simultaneously helping to advance labor. The position of the spine and legs and the possibility to change position of the back or the pelvis can furthermore ease the child’s descent, and is therefore advantageous for the birth process.

[0033] FIGURE 1 illustrates a multifunctional birthing chair in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. The device is set on undercarriage 1. The undercarriage 1 is in this embodiment is preferably a four pointed star that has wheels 4 at the ends of each point. The device can be easily moved on the wheels. The wheels 4 are preferably lockable. At the centre of the undercarriage 1 is a chassis 2. The chassis 4 forms a mounting point for some parts of the device and may contain actuators, drivers, batteries and control equipment for providing the movements and adjustments of the apparatus. On the chassis 4 is mounted a seat 3, a back rest 5 and a set of foot rests 6. All these parts are mounted on the top part 7 of the chassis 4. The chassis 4 includes elements for adjusting height of the top part 7 in relation to the undercarriage. As the seat 3, back rest 5 and the set of foot rests 6 are mounted on the top part 7, the elevation of all of these parts can be adjusted by controlling the height of the top part 7. In any situation, for example in the first stage of labour, when the parturient is moving on and off the seat 3, the seat 3 should be set comfortably low. This makes settling on and off the seat easy and comfortable. Also, when the seat is in a low position, the parturient may have her foot soles comfortable resting on a floor. On the other hand, for example during the second stage of labour, the seat 3 and all other supporting structures can be raised to a height where the medical personnel assisting in delivery can operate safely and comfortably. Since all of the parts supporting the parturient and of which she can take hold of are mounted on the top part 7, these supporting parts may be held at the same position all the time when the height is adjusted. This increases safety and the parturient can feel more comfortable as support is all the time available.

[0034] The seat 3 and back rest 5 can be adjusted separately. The seat 3 may be fixed to the top part 7. In this way only the height of the seat 3 can be changed. If more adjustability is needed, the distance of the seat 3 from the back rest 7 and the angle of the seat 3 in horizontal direction can be made adjustable. The main direction of adjustment of the back rest 5 is the angular position in relation to the seat 3. The adjustment positions of the back rest 5 are described in more detail below, but in order to obtain possibility to adjust the back rest from fullyupright position to a Trendelenburg position, the back rest should be adjustable from vertical 90° angle in relation to the seat 3 to a -10° angle from the horizontal level, the horizontal level normally being the level of the seat 3, so that the back rest can be set below the seat level.

[0035] Mechanisms and actuators for providing the above described adjustments are well known in the art of mechanism design and a person skilled in the art is capable of designing the required mechanism for these functions. Similar types of adjustment mechanisms can be found, for example, in dentist chairs.

[0036] A set of foot rests 6 are mounted on the top part 7. The main function of the set of foot rests is to provide solid support for the feet of the parturient so that she can push the soles of her feet steadily against the set of foot rests during the pushing stage. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the set of foot rests comprise two independently adjustable pads 8. The pads 8 are formed of a semi-circular grooved frame 9 and a detachable filler 10 that can be placed in the groove. See figure 4. When the filler 10 is set in the grooved frame 9, the surface of the pad 8 is flat and provides solid and steady surface for pushing with a foot. When the filler 10 is removed, the grooved frame forms a support for calf as in gynaecological examining chairs or tables.

[0037] The set of foot rests 6 have to be adjustable so that the parturient can set the soles of her feet flatly against the surface of the pad 8. In order to be able to exert any considerable force against the pads 8, the pads have to be adjustable so that the knees of the parturient can form an angle between the femur and tibia. In this position, when the parturient’s feet are firmly planted on an optimally adjusted surface while pushing, she is able to activate her stomach muscles, helping to direct the pushing in an advantageous way. The adjustment of the set of foot rests 6, in this example, the position of the pads 8 can be accomplished in several ways. In the embodiment of the figures, the pads 8 are set on ends of bars 11 by end joints 12. The opposite ends of the bars are mounted on the top part 7 with connecting joints 13 that have two degrees of freedom so that bars can be tilted in sideways in relation to the top part and vertically. The top part 7 has a groove 13 along which the connecting joint can be moved. This construction enables adjusting the distance of the pad 8 from the seat 3, the height of the pad 8 and the angle of the pad 8 at the end of the bar 11.

[0038] The figures show some positions of the set of foot rests 6. In figure 1 the set foot rests 6 are behind the back rest 5. In this position access to the seat is free and a parturient can settle on the seat easily. In FIGURE 2 the set of foot rests 6 is turned in from the of the seat 3 as in figure 3. In FIGURE 4 the pads are provided with fillers 10. FIGURES 6 and 7 show a gynaecological position, wherein the set of foot rests 6 is risen above the level of the seat 3. In FIGURE 8 is depicted a Trendelenburg position wherein the set of foot rests is on about the same level as the seat 3.

[0039] The design of the set of the foot rests 6 may vary. For example, the set may be mounted on the chassis 2 by a T-shaped bar wherein the pads are at the ends of the T. The positions of the pads should be separately adjustable. However, it can be contemplated that the set of foot rests is formed of a single elongated rail or bar, but in such case some of the adjustability may be compromised.

[0040] The back rest 5 is at least angularly adjustably mounted on the top part 7. The back rest is in this example formed of two panels 14 that are set in a slight angle so that they form a V-shape. Since the back rest is slightly grooved at the centre, the form of the back rest aids the parturient to stay on the back rest especially in positions wherein she is lying down on the back rest. On the sides of the back rest 5 are side panels 15 that extend partially along the sides of the back rest 5 from the seat level. The length and width of the side panels 15 may vary. The side panels 15 are joined with the back rest 5 with jointed fasteners 16 that enable adjusting the angle between the back rest 5 and the side panel 15. This function is described in more detail below.

[0041] On the top part of the back rest 5 is mounted a set of handle bars 16 via a rotatable joint 17. The set of handle bars 16 can be turned to the front of the back rest 5 or away from the sides of the back rest 5 as can be seen from FIGURES 2 and 7, for example. The set of handle bars comprise two handle bars that each have an arm 18 that is attached to the rotatable joint 17, a length adjustment unit 19 and a handle loop 20. The angular position of the handle bars can be adjusted by rotating the handle bar on the rotatable joint 17. The length of the handle bar is adjusted by the length adjustment unit 19. This can be a worm screw or a telescopic tube, for example. Various alternatives can be contemplated. The handles are herein handle loops 20. The loop is preferably a closed loop and has slightly triangular form for providing straight sections for alternate gripping positions. This type of handle has several benefits. The loop is structurally very strong and solid, providing a secure grip. The loop also enables several gripping positions. The pressure point can be set on the palm, on the root of the thumb or the handle can be gripped firmly by the fingers and palm for a friction grip. The parturient can choose a grip that feels most comfortable and she can change the grip during the childbirth as she wishes. Two separate handles are preferred, but a single handle bar with suitable handles can be contemplated.

[0042] Other types of handles may be used, for example such as used in bicycles and exercise apparatuses. For example, the handles may be formed as open loops. However, the set of handles should be adjustable so that the handles can be positioned on the height of the shoulders (shoulder joints) and slightly wider than the width of the chest of the parturient so that the handles are in front of the shoulder joints. The distance of the handles from the back rest should be adjustable so that the parturients arms can be bent. This gives a position wherein the highest force can be exerted on the handles and best support for pushing stage can be achieved. Of course, other adjustment positions are possible if the parturient feels such position more comfortable.

[0043] The figures show some positions on which the device can be set. In FIGURES 1 - 4 the device is set on upright birthing position for childbirth in sitting position. FIGURES 6 and 7 depict a gynaecological lying position, wherein the parturient is lying down on the back rest 5. The side panels 15 can be turned on the side on the same level as the back rest and the set of handle bars 16 can be turned away. In this setup a medical professional may give anastaesia or perform diagnostic actions, nursing practises and treatment without hindrance of the handle bars, and with the side panels providing extra surface and support. Figure 8 depicts a setup for Trendelenburg position. In this position the back rest is lowered in an angle below the level of the seat 3. [0044] FIGURE 4 illustrates in more detail a seat 3 capable of supporting at least some embodiments of the present invention. The seat has a seat body with an attachment 21 for mounting the seat 3 on the device. The attachment 21 can be positioned to the back of the seat body or below the seat body on the side of the seat that is set towards the back rest 5. On the opposite edge of the attachment 21 is a U-shaped cut-out 22 that has prongs 23 on each side of the cut-out 22. On the top of the seat 3 is padding that comprises at least two areas of padding, a first area of padding 24 extending over at least the area on the same sides of the seat 3 with the prongs 23 of the U-shape and having a first degree of compressibility, and a second area of padding 25 extending from the bottom of the U- shape 22 towards the attachment 21 and back rest 5, the second area of padding 25 having a second degree of compressibility that is greater than the first degree of compressibility.

[0045] The second area of padding 25 extends in this embodiment from the bottom of the U-shape 22 to the opposite edge of the seat 3 facing the back rest 5. Alternatively, the second area of padding may extend only partially towards the opposite edge of the seat. The dimensions of the second area of padding 25 can be contemplated by the dimensions of the bone structure of the pelvis. This structure is composed of iliac bone that has two branches that are joined by sacrum through sacroiliac joints. Sacrum connects to the backbone and at the opposite side of the sacrum is coccyx. The weight of a sitting person is set mainly on ischial tuberosities. The width of the second area of padding is determined so that ischial tuberosities should rest on the first area of padding and the area between them should consist of the second area of padding. As the parturient moves on the seat during the childbirth, the dimensioning is hard to pinpoint exactly. However, the distance of female ischial tuberosities is statistically most likely between 100 - 160 mm. Therefore, the minimum width of the second area of padding can be contemplated to be at minimum 90 mm, preferably 100 mm and in maximum 150 mm. In the embodiment of FIGURE 4, the second area of padding is wedge shaped and narrow from the bottom of the U-shape towards the opposite edge of the seat. This provides better support for the ischial tuberosities and more freedom of movement for sacrum and coccyx. The second area of padding forms a soft support for the sacrum.

[0046] The padding can be manufactured as one part of single material having variable compressibility. Such a seat may be made by casting from a suitable polymer, the compressibility of which is adjusted by controlling foaming or by additives, for example. One other possibility is to use two or more separate parts having the prescribed compressibility rate or degree.

[0047] The embodiments of the invention comprise three main elements that can be combined to various setups. These three elements are the set of handle bars, set of foot rests and the combination of back rest and seat. These elements facilitate the possibility to use the whole body, lower limbs and hands for enhancing the pushing action and aid for directing the pushing power and proving pushing leverage in a most efficient way. The set of handle bars and set of foot rest are adjustable according to the measures of the parturient’s body, which helps to activate the stomach muscles and at the same time facilitates targeting the pushing, hence making the pushing more effective. The structure of the seat enables the parturient to adjust her pelvis to an advantageous pushing position and helps relax the tensed and overactive muscles of the pelvic area by tilting the pelvis backwards. Soft support provided for the sacrum guides the parturient to round up her lower back and enables alteration of the position so that it propagates the birth.

[0048] Optimal pushing position is achieved when the set of handle bars is adjusted according to the dimensions of the parturient body and designed and positioned so that they enable setting the hands and pushing direction directly forwards in relation to the back rest and the chest of the parturient. The set of foot rests are adjusted accordingly on basis of the dimensions of the parturients body on a correct height and distance so that she can rest the soles of her feet on the pads of the set of foot rests regardless of the tilting angle of the back rest. During the pushing phase the angle of the pads can be adjusted so that the pads in relation to the angle of the pelvis form a support against which the parturient can push so that the pressure in the pushing movement is spread evenly over the whole area of the sole. The seat comprises a softened area of padding (second area of padding 25) that is dimensioned to comply with the dimensions of the female pelvis. The softened area is positioned and dimensioned so that it is set between the ischial tuberosities of the iliac bones. This design enables greatest possible freedom of movement of the position of the parturient, her pelvis, sacrum and coccyx regardless of the angle of the back rest and the angle of the parturients pelvis. Because of this design, the sacrum and coccyx have more space to move. There is also less loading for the sacroiliac joints, reducing the pressure for the area. The soft support provided also enables the parturient to round up her lower back and enables alteration of the position so that it propagates the birth. [0049] For example, the seat may comprise a top provided with padding, an U- shaped cutout with a bottom and two prongs extending at the sides of the bottom of the cutout , a first area of padding extending over at least the area on the same sides of the seat with the prongs of the U-shape and having a first degree of compressibility, and a second area of padding extending from the bottom of the U-shape towards the opposite edge of the seat, the second area of padding having a second degree of compressibility that is greater than the first degree of compressibility. There may be provided a second area of padding that extends from the bottom of the cutout of the U-shape to the opposite edge of the seat facing the back rest. The second area of padding may extend from the bottom of the U-shape towards the opposite edge of the seat so that at least the opposite edge is covered by the first area of padding. It can be contemplated, that the the second area of padding is limited by the first area of padding and the edge of the U-shape or the second area of padding is limited by the first area of padding the edge of the U-shape and the opposite edge of the seat.

[0050] In addition to the actual childbirth, the embodiments of the invention enable various action related to childbirth, such as anaesthesia. For example during the second stage of labor, a medical professional assisting the delivery can adjust the device optimally for birth. By adjusting the height of the device the medical professional may aid the parturient and the child more easily. After the birth the device can be used for afterbirth procedures such a removal of placenta and sewing.

[0051] In order to guarantee as comfortable position as possible and for enablement of various procedures the back rest of the device is adjustable preferably form at least to 90° angle in relation to the level of the seat (completely straight sitting position) to -10° below the seat level (or full lying down position) to so called Trendelenburg position. The device can be set to a so called lithotomy position by the adjustable set of foot rests.

[0052] The device can be moved easily on wheels. The wheels should be lockable.

[0053] In the following, some details and variations of different embodiments of the invention are discussed. These embodiments and features can be combined to obtain a desired combination of features for the multifunctional birthing chair within the definitions of the claims. [0054] Seat: may be constructed as one or two pieces enabling use in different stages of childbirth. One, fork shaped or having a shape of opening U is formed so that the assisting personnel has a good view of and unrestricted access to the perineum and emerging child. Another part may be set on top of the U-shaped part so that an even flat surface is obtained. One or more parts of the seat can be overlaid or covered or an auxiliary padding may be provided to increase comfort. The inner edge of the U-shape is made deeper or angled in relation to the rest of the seat surface. The second area of padding is softer that rest of the surface area of the seat. This softer area is intented to enable enhanced mobility for sacrum and coccyx, which from the biomechanics and female anatomy point of view has several advantages. This reduces the loading on the sacro-iliaca (SI) joints and helps descent of the child in a birth canal, and finally birth.

[0055] Back rest: The back rest can be made of one piece or several pieces. It can be adjusted to a sitting position, to a half sitting position, to a lying position and to a Trendelenburg position wherein the head of the person is +ffr lower than the pelvis. The back rest may be covered, overlaid or provided with a removable cover for extra comfort.

[0056] Side panels: side panels offer protection and comfort and a possibility to relax in various positions. They can be used as sideboards or transferred to a same level with the back rest so that they function as extensions of the back rest and can be used as a worktop for anastaesia or performing diagnostic actions, nursing practises and treatment. Also these parts can be may be covered, overlaid, or provided with removable extra padding.

[0057] Seat and back rest in combination: These enable as natural as possible birthing position regarding the biomechanics of the pelvis. Enable via adjustment mechanism a slightly backwards tilted sitting position wherein the angle of the pelvis is maintained in a vertical position that is optimal for birth keeping simultaneously the muscles of the pelvis as relaxed as possible. This aids descent of the child in the birthing canal. The combination also enables position changes according to the parturients preferences.

[0058] Seat in combination with the side panels: These form a seat frame that is highly adjustable and changeable during different phases of the childbirth. They are adjustable in height in combination enabling ergonomic posture and good working height for assisting personnel. Usable in various positions as described above. Set of handle bars: The handles enable pushing action in direction to forwards from the parturients chest helping to activate stomach muscles, and at the same time helping the parturient to target her pushing power to advance the childbirth. The set of handle bars is adjustable in multiple directions whereby ergonomic adaptation to the parturients bodily dimensions is assured. The set of handle bars can be turned away when not needed. The set of handle bars are configured to be adjustable so that the set of handle bars can be set on such a distance from each other that the distance is in minimum the width of the shoulder joints of a person having back against the back rest. On the other hand, the set of handle bars is configured to be adjustable so that the set of handle bars can be set on vertically on the level of the shoulder joints of a person having back against the back rest.

[0059] Set of foot rests: The set of foot rests is adjustable in multiple directions whereby ergonomic adaptation to the parturients bodily dimensions is assured. The set of foot rests can be turned aside when not needed or when it is desired to rest the feet on the floor. The rests may function as resting supports or pushing supports or rests in a litotomy position. The pads of the rests may be adapted to different used by using or removing fillers.

[0060] The set of handle bars, back rest, seat and set of foot rest together provide an embodiment wherein use of pelvis, lower limbs and hands is active enhancing pushing and directing the pushing force. When the foot rests are configured to provide countersurface for soles of the feet while pushing, and the set of handle bars are configured to provide possibility to push forward against them, the stomach muscles are activated as well. The combination aids to direct the pushing force in a natural and advantageous way.

[0061] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0062] 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.

[0063] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0064] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0065] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

[0066] The verbs“to comprise” and“to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0067] The invention can be used for providing birthing chairs or other type of apparatuses for aiding childbirth.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 undercarriage

2 chassis

3 seat

4 wheels

5 back rest

6 set of foot rests

7 top part

8 pad

9 grooved frame

10 filler

11 bar

12 end joint

13 groove

14 panel

15 side panel

16 set of handle bars

17 rotating joint

18 arm

19 adjustment unit

20 handle loop 21 attachment

22 U-shaped cutout

23 prong

24 first area of padding

25 second area of padding

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

[0005] W094109740, SE 468 745, GB 2 127 296, PCT/A92 700145, GB 2169500, JP2006325706, WO 00123027, DE 20010364 Ul, EP 1 782 785, FI U20060202, FR 2 591

887, US 5,129,117, US 4,703.975, US 2,375,907, US 2,975,435, US 3,137,527, US 4,18,062, US 4,221,370, US 4,527,555, US 4,715.592, US 4,940,286, US 5,201,377 and US 9,173,800