WO2006134375A1 - Activity apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An activity apparatus (1) which is suitable for and adapted to be used by a person in a substantially supine position, for example a bed-ridden patient in hospital is comprised of a base section (2) and an accessory mounting means (5), the base section (2) and accessory mounting means (5) being connected by a support section (3). Accessory mounting means (5) has a plurality of faces (30), each being adapted to hold, support or mount activity accessories such as play toys, wipe boards book holders, paper holders, keyboards, games, whiteboards, blackboards, computers, touch screen monitors, or laptop holders.

Description

Activity Apparatus

The present invention relates to activity apparatus. In particular this invention relates to activity apparatus suitable for use by an individual who is in a substantially supine position.

It is common for bed-bound persons to become bored or apathetic as it is difficult to provide a stimulating environment and choice of activities when the patient is in a supine position. Being confined to bed is particularly difficult for infants or children who are naturally very active. Coupled to what can often be perceived as unfriendly and frightening surroundings, this can make a stay in hospital traumatic and upsetting.

In many children's wards, where the need for distraction and stimulation is important, nurses spend time interacting with patients to stimulate them and make the experience of staying in hospital less traumatic. However it will be appreciated that given the time and work pressure most nurses and medical staff are under, this is not always possible, or perceived to be a productive use of their time.

To counter this, toys, games and electronic apparatus may be provided. However, many standard toys and electronic equipment are uncomfortable or difficult for the bed ridden patient to use as their freedom of movement is usually restricted. Activities such as drawing, painting or accessing computer facilities, may all be difficult for a bed-bound person to use.

It would therefore be advantageous be desirable to provide apparatus which mitigates the abovementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an activity apparatus suitable for use by an individual who is in a substantially supine position, the activity apparatus providing a means for supporting a plurality of activity accessories above the individual, comprising a support section having at one end a rotatable activity accessory mounting means, said rotatable activity accessory mounting means having two or more accessory mounting faces suitable for supporting an accessory, whereby selection of an activity accessory can be achieved by rotation of the rotatable activity accessory means.

Preferably the activity apparatus is freestanding.

Preferably each of the one or more faces is adapted to receive, hold, support or be comprised of an activity accessory. Said activity accessory may be, for example, a computer, book holder, jigsaw, game, paper holder, book holder, tactile board, Velcro™ board, whiteboard, blackboard, magnetic board, visual stimulation board, mirror or interlocking building apparatus.

Preferably the accessory mounting means has a plurality of faces, with each face receiving, holding, or being comprised of a different activity accessory.

Optionally the accessory mounting means is a modular system, with each module providing one face of the accessory mounting means. In this event each module provides one face of the accessory mounting means in use. An advantage of this is that the modules, and therefore the activity accessories they carry, can be changed easily to suit the preference of the individual.

Preferably the support section has a ground engaging base.

Preferably the support section extends upwards and substantially vertically from the ground engaging base defining a first axis and then curves to define a second axis, said second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Preferably the support section contains a tubular member, distal to the ground engaging base, the accessory mounting means being mountable for rotation about the tubular member. In use this allows the individual to select which of the activity accessories they wish to use. Typically the accessory mounting means is rotatable through 360°. Preferably the accessory mounting means has a channel extending axially through the accessory mounting means and adapted to receive the tubular member.

Optionally the support section may be provided with a bayonet style fixing to which the accessory mounting means can be fixed. The bayonet style fixing may act as the axis around which the accessory mounting means can be rotated.

Preferably the interior of the accessory mounting means is provided with two or more projections adapted to co- operate to two or more recesses located on the tubular member, where co-operation of the two or more projections with the two or more recesses acts to prevent rotation of the accessory mounting means.

Preferably the ground engaging base has one or more wheels to facilitate movement of the apparatus.

Optionally the activity apparatus has brake means to prevent movement of the apparatus in use. The brake means may be adapted to raise the wheels of the ground engaging base from the ground when applied. Preferably, the brake means are provided with weights which counter balance the wheels or castors. On application of said weights this arrangement permits the wheels or castors to be raised such that they are no longer in contact with the floor surface.

Optionally the activity apparatus is adjustable in height. Typically this is permitted by the inclusion of a gas spring activated by a hydraulic release.

At least one face of the activity accessory mounting means may support an electronic activity accessory. In this embodiment the interior of the activity accessory mounting means may be configured to retain the electronic components of the electronic activity accessory. In addition the interior of the support section may be adapted to contain an electrical supply. The electronic activity accessory may be a computer or the like.

In order to provide better understanding of the present invention we will now describe embodiments of the invention by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings in which;

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the activity apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

Figure is an exploded view of the attachment means of the activity apparatus;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the base of the activity apparatus;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the support section of the activity apparatus;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an interlocking holding system appropriate for storage of the activity modules; Figure 6 is a schematic view of a cam lock fastening which can be used to fix the face panels to the module;

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of an alternative view of one embodiment of the activity apparatus;

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the inner support pole with mounted modules, and;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the activity station.

Referring first to Figure 1 and Figure 7 there is provided an activity apparatus 1 which is suitable for and adapted to be used by a person in a substantially supine position, for example a bed-ridden patient in hospital. The activity apparatus 1 is comprised of a base section 2 and an accessory mounting means 5, the base section 2 and accessory mounting means 5 being connected by a support section 3. The support section is substantially elongate. Elongate support section 3 has a handle 11. Base section 2 is provided with one or more wheels or castors 19 (as shown in Figure 3) to allow the apparatus to be manoeuvred. A number of fixed position and swivel castors are arranged to prevent sideways movement in use thereby holding the apparatus in position. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 base section 2 has a brake 12 which is further used to stabilise and hold the apparatus 1 in position, when in use. The brake may be removed in an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 7. Accessory mounting means 5 has a plurality of faces 30, each being adapted to hold, support or mount an activity accessory. As shown in Figure 1 the accessory mounting means is a triangular prism having three faces 30. The accessory mounting means 5 has a channel which extends axially therethrough, terminating at one end 35 in aperture 36. The support section 3 has tube 37 at end distal to the base 2, which is typically made of a lightweight metal, and which corresponds with the aperture 35 of accessory mounting means 5. The channel and aperture 36 of the accessory mounting means 5 are sized such that tube 37 can be slid within. In this respect tube 37 acts as an arm that connects the accessory mounting means 5 to the support section. Accessory mounting means 5 is rotatably mounted with respect to tube 37 as will be appreciated with reference to Figure 8 and is described in further detail below.

The substantially elongate support section 3 is configured such that in use, the accessory mounting means 5 is positioned and supported above the user in a position where the activity accessories, which are held, supported or mounted on the accessory mounting means 5, can be reached. In use, base 2 sits on the ground and substantially elongate support section 3 extends upwards and substantially vertically from the base 2, defining a first axis A as indicated in Figure 1. The substantially elongate support section has a mounting end 31, distal to the base 2 formed as support section 3 curves in a substantially horizontal direction from axis A, defining a second axis B, substantially perpendicular to axis A. By virtue of the shape of the support section when the activity apparatus 1, is positioned next to, for example, a hospital bed, the accessory mounting means 5 will be suspended above the user and within reach. The elongate support section 3 is provided with cover 4 which fits over the bayonet fitting which is used to secure the accessory mounting means to the support section and is described below. The support section 3 may be a rigid construction. For example the support section 3 may comprise a central pole, formed of aluminium, around which plastic is rotationally moulded to form a single piece component. Alternatively the support section 3 may contain a degree of flexibility. In the latter embodiment the support section 3 will be adapted such that upon application of force its position can be adjusted. Once force is removed the support section will be held in position until further force is applied.

The accessory mounting means 5 is adapted to receive, hold, mount, or otherwise support one or more accessory items such as mirrors and vision boards (to help develop a baby's eyesight), tactile play toys, Lego™, stickle bricks™, magnetic wipe boards (for pens, jigsaws etc), book holders, paper holders, Velcro™ (which can be used to attach keyboards, toys etc) book holders, jigsaws, games, paper holders, whiteboards, blackboards, magnetic boards, interlocking building apparatus or a computer, touch screen monitor, or laptop holder. In the latter embodiment the inside of the module is hollow and adapted to retain the electronic components of the computer. In addition in this embodiment the support section may be configured to have the electricity supply fed through the support section with a connector/socket available at the bottom the base 2. Each face 30 of the accessory mounting means 5 can hold an accessory item. Therefore in the apparatus of Figure 1 three accessory items may be held on the accessory mounting means 5. The accessory mounting means 5 is a triangular prism component which may be hollow or solid. Each face 30 of the accessory mounting means 5 is provided with means for different accessory items to be mounted. These accessory items may be fixed to the face 30 of the accessory mounting means 5 by suitable attachment means. This may include, but are not limited to Velcro™, stud fastenings, cam lock fastenings, screws or other clipping means. The accessory item will therefore be held on the face of the accessory mounting means, the face providing resistance and support to the item in use. It will be appreciated that this will be particularly advantageous where the accessory item is, for example, a keyboard, or whiteboard, blackboard etc and the user must apply pressure to the item during use. A suitable cam lock fastening suitable for fixing an accessory item to a face of the accessory mounting means is illustrated in Figure β.

In a further alternative the accessory mounting means 5 and accessory item may be configured such that that there is a groove or channel on one of the accessory item or mounting means 5 and a corresponding protrusion or ridge on the other of the accessory item or mounting means 5 which can be engaged in use to hold the accessory item in place.

An accessory item may be permanently fixed to one of the faces 30 of the accessory mounting means 5 (for example using screws) or may be removably and temporarily fixed to the face 30 (for example using Vecro™) . In a further alternative one or more faces 30 of the accessory mounting means 5 may be replaced by an accessory item, for example a whiteboard or computer screen.

In an alternative embodiment the accessory mounting means 5 is made up from a number of modular components, each of which, when connected, provides a face 30 of the triangular prism of the accessory mounting means 5. An advantage of this embodiment is that the modular system allows the type of activity accessory on the each of the faces to be changed to suit the patient' s requirements and preferences. Typically a modular component of the accessory mounting means 5 can be easily removed and replaced with a different modular component carrying or capable of holding a different accessory item.

The modules of the activity mounting means may be rotationally moulded, made from vacuum formed plastic or made from expandable polystyrene (EPS) which is low density and lightweight but also has excellent shock absorbing qualities and strength.

The main body of the modules of the activity mounting mean are formed in two stages, a pre-expansion of the particles followed by a moulding stage. Protective neoprene can be used as a hard wearing cover for the edges of the activity module acting to both protect the module from damage but also to protect users from sharp edges. In addition and optionally a cover may be supplied which can be pulled over the main body and secured in place using adhesive. The faces of the activity module are made from a variety of materials and can be screwed into place. The faces can easily be removed for repair.

The modules of the accessory mounting means can be stored separately to the rest of the activity apparatus 1. The modules 31 can be stored in interlocking holders 21 as shown in figure 5. In the preferred embodiment the holders are made of recycled hdpe . Each holder 21 is shaped to receive an activity module 31. The holder 21 is also provided with a groove 22 on one side a protruding section 23 on another surface. Typically each of the holders 21 is the same shape and can be interlocked together. The interlocking occurs by the protruding section 23 on a first holder 21 fitting into the groove 22 of the second holder 21b. Each module 31 of the accessory mounting means can be connected to the elongated support 3 by way of attachment means 4.

As the modules can be changed depending on the patients needs, the activity apparatus can be used for a variety of persons of different ages and abilities.

Once attached, the accessory mounting means 5 can be rotated relative to the elongate support section such that one of faces 30 of the accessory mounting means 5 is presented to the user. As shown in Figure 8 the accessory mounting means 5 is provided with bearings which allows it to rotate through 360°. There are three ball push springs 38 located at 120° apart on the bearing material and these co-operate with indents 39 provided at 120° separation on tube 37 on which the accessory mounting means 5 is mounted. Thus the accessory mounting means 5 can be rotated relative to the tube 37 through 120° until ball push spring 38 co-operates with indent 39. This arrangement permits the accessory mounting means 5 to "click" into the correct position to hold the accessory mounting means 5 in position, i.e. to hold a particular face 30 presenting to the user. When an alternative face is required the accessory mounting means can be rotated, by applying slight force, through another 120° until ball push spring 38 co-operates with indent 39 and "clicks" the accessory mounting means in the next position.

As best shown with reference to Figure 2 the means for attaching the accessory mounting means to the support section takes the form of a bayonet connection. There is a female connector portion 7 positioned at the end of the elongate support section 3 and a male connector to portion 6 positioned on the accessory mounting means 5. Figure 2 shows an exploded version of the preferred embodiment of the attachment means. As is shown, the female connector portion 7 comprises a tubular element into which a shaped channel 10 has been machined, the male connector 6 has a prong 9 on the inside of the tubular section (this positioning on the inner surface is safer in use) . The prong 9 fits into the channel 10 and the channel 10 is shaped such that the male section can be rotated slightly and the prong locked into position. In order to separate the male and female sections (6 and 7) the male section 6 must be rotated back to disengage the prong 9. The prong 9 cannot disengage with the channel 10 without being twisted back. The female connector portion 7 is also provided with a decorative outer casing 4 which protects the female connector portion. In an alternative embodiment the outer casing for the bayonet is formed as a single piece from dip moulded flexible plastic which will slide over the connection area to protect the join.

As shown in Figure 8 the apparatus 1 is designed in modular fashion. The base 2 is provided with an indent into which mounting pole from the support section is positioned. A hole, through which sand, concrete or a similar weighting material can be inserted to provide weight to the base 2 is provided and also acts as a locating guide as it corresponds with a protrusion which extends from the base of the support section. By aligning these it is ensured that the support section is fitted to the base 2 in the correct orientation so that the fixed and free, moving castors act to prevent sideways movement.

The activity apparatus can be adapted for use with a number of different bed types of different sizes. As shown in figure 4 the elongate support 3 can be provided with a means for raising or lowering the height of the accessory mounting means 5 to an appropriate level above the user. This may be removed and is not present in the embodiment shown in Figure 7. The elongate support 3 is provided with an internal frame 24 which is made of steel. There is also provided a gas spring 25 which can be extended or lowered by use of a hydraulic release 26. The gas spring 25 is positioned as part of the frame 24 such that when it extends the frame 24 is lengthened. The hydraulic release 26 is provided is a handle inside an upper elongate support cover 27. When hydraulic release 26 is activated this causes the raising or lowering of the gas spring 25. In the depicted embodiment the gas spring 25 allows for 150mm adjustment and the gas spring 25 is a IOON locking gas spring. The hydraulic release 26 is attached to the gas spring 25 by means of tubing 29. As the elongate support 3 is capable of extending or retracting, it is produced in two sections comprising an upper elongate support cover 27 and lower elongate support cover 28, the upper elongate support cover 27 has a slightly larger circumference that the lower elongate support cover such that it is able to slide over the lower elongate support cover when the gas spring 25 is its retracted position. As the gas spring 25 extends the upper elongate support cover is moved upwards revealing a larger section of the lower elongate support cover 28 (see figure 4) . In this embodiment the minimum height will be 1.2m and the maximum height 1.35m. The weight of the base and elongate support 3 is 34kg and the maximum activity module weight is 6.5kg.

In order to hold the activity apparatus in position, an additional brake 12 may optionally be used with the combination of castors described above. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the base 2 of the activity apparatus 1. When the activity station 1 is being moved, the castors 19 contact the floor surface. Once the activity apparatus 1 is in position near the patient' s bed a handle on the base is depressed thereby holding the activity apparatus 1 in position. The handle 11 extends through the cover of the base 13 and attaches to a locking arm 16. The locking arm joins to an arrangement of locking cams 15 and braking weights 14 such that when the locking arm and handle 11 are depressed by external pressure, such as from the foot of a person, the braking weights 14 are dropped. The braking weights 14 are aligned with apertures 20 on the lower base section 17 such that when the braking weights 14 are dropped they extend partially through the base 17 and make contact with the floor surface. This is turn raises the lower base section 17 and therefore the castors 19 such that the castors 19 are no longer in contact with the floor. As the braking weights 14 have a substantially flat lower surface this prevents further movement of the activity station 1 thus locking it into position. The braking weights 14 also provide stability to the activity station 1 such that the elongate support 3 extending out from the central base support 18 within the base unit does not off-balance the activity station 1. This gives the activity station 1 as a whole a very low centre of gravity to prevent the possibility of toppling.

Although in the abovedescribed Figures the accessory mounting means is in the shape of a triangular prism it will be appreciated that the shape of the accessory mounting means is not limited and could take other forms such as a cylinders, prisms, or cuboids. In these alternative embodiments the number of faces provided for holding accessory items will therefore vary. For example ^• where an accessory mounting means of a cuboid shape is used, 4 faces will be available. In these alternative embodiments the number and position of the ball push springs 38 on the bearing material and indents 39 on the tube 37 will be altered to facilitate rotation of the accessory mounting means. For example where an accessory mounting means of a cuboid shape is used, 4 ball push springs 38 and indents 39 may be provided located at 90° apart. The above described apparatus allows a bed ridden person, positioned in a substantially supine position, to carry out activities which are otherwise difficult or uncomfortable for him or her to use. The support section is of a shape which allows the accessory mounting means to be positioned close to and above the user's bed and held in position such that the accessory mounting means, and therefore the activity items held on the accessory mounting means, is suspended above, but within reach of that person. The accessory mounting means typically has a plurality of faces with each face being adapted to hold, retain or support a different activity accessory. As the accessory mounting means can be rotated, the user can select which activity accessory he or she would like to use. Advantageously as in one embodiment the activity items can be easily attached and removed from the faces of the accessory mounting means, or alternatively as the accessory mounting means are provided as a modular system, the activity items can easily be changed to suit the age or abilities or preference of the user.

Further modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention herein intended.

Claims

1. An activity apparatus suitable for use by an individual who is in a substantially supine position, the activity apparatus providing a means for supporting a plurality of activity accessories above the individual, comprising a support section having at one end a rotatable activity accessory mounting means, said rotatable activity accessory mounting means having two or more accessory mounting faces suitable for supporting an accessory, whereby selection of an activity accessory can be achieved by rotation of the rotatable activity accessory means.

2. An activity apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 which is freestanding.

3. An activity apparatus as claimed in the preceding Claims, where one or more of the accessory mounting faces is adapted to hold an activity accessory.

4. An activity apparatus as claimed in the preceding Claims, where one or more of the accessory mounting faces is made of an activity accessory.

5. An activity apparatus as claimed in the preceding Claims, where the accessory mounting means is a modular system, with each module providing one face of the accessory mounting means.

6. An activity apparatus as claimed in the preceding Claims, wherein the support section has a ground engaging base.

7. An activity apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 where the support section extends upwards and substantially vertically from the ground engaging base defining a first axis and then curves to define a second axis, said second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

8. An activity apparatus as claimed in Claims 6 to 7, where the support section comprises a tubular member, distal to the ground engaging base, the accessory mounting means being mountable for rotation about the tubular member.-

9. An activity apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 where the accessory mounting means has a channel extending axially therethrough adapted to receive the tubular member.

10. An activity apparatus as claimed in Claims 8 to 9 where the accessory mounting means and tubular member are attached by a bayonet connection.

11. An activity apparatus as claimed in Claims 8 to 10 where the interior of the accessory mounting means is provided with two or more projections adapted to co-operate to two or more recesses located on the tubular member, where co-operation of the two or more projections with the two or more recesses acts to prevent rotation of the accessory mounting means.

12. An activity apparatus as claimed in Claims 6 to 11 where the ground engaging base has one or more wheels to facilitate movement of the apparatus.

13. An activity apparatus as claimed in the preceding Claims, having brake means to prevent movement of the apparatus in use.

14. An activity apparatus as claimed in Claim 13 where the brake means is adapted to raise the wheels of the ground engaging base from the ground when applied.

15. An activity apparatus as claimed in the preceding Claims being adjustable in height.

16. An activity apparatus as claimed in the preceding Claims where at least one face of the activity accessory mounting means supports an electronic activity accessory and the interior of the activity accessory mounting means is configured to retain the electronic components of the electronic activity accessory.

17. An activity apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 where the interior of the support section is adapted to contain an electrical supply. ^f 18. An activity apparatus as claimed in Claims 16 to 17 where the electronic activity accessory is a computer.