APPARATUS FOR ASSISTING A PERSON BETWEEN A SUBSTANTIALLY STANDING POSTURE AND A SEATED POSTURE

摘要

Apparatus (1) for assisting a person from a substantially standing posture to a seated posture is suitable for assisting a person onto and off of a toilet bowl (3), and comprises a main framework (5), which embraces the toilet bowl (3). A carrier frame (14), having a seat (12) secured thereto, is coupled to the main framework (5) by a pair of first linkage mechanisms (18). First and second link members (24, 25) of each first linkage mechanism (18) are pivotally coupled to a corresponding support member (10) of the main framework (5) and to the carrier frame (14). A pair of linear motors (19) coupled between the main framework (5) and the respective first linkage mechanisms (18) urge the carrier frame (14) between a first orientation and a second orientation for lowering a person onto and raising the person from the toilet bowl (3). A back rest may be coupled to the carrier frame (14) and to the main framework (5) to be moveable with the carrier frame (14) as the carrier frame (14) is being urged between the first and second orientations.