Hybrid mobility and transfer assistance device
The present disclosure relates to an improved mobility and transfer assistance device designed act as a stability device for the user, as well as, an improved transfer apparatus for assisting in the transfer of the user or patient from one location or position to another location or position. The present mobility and transfer assistance device can be used as both a mobility device, such as a walker or wheelchair, but is also designed to provide more stability and guidance to the user, thereby encouraging the user to perform many daily tasks independently with minimal assistance.
1. A hybrid mobility and transfer device comprising:
a frame comprising a horizontal bottom front bar connected to two opposing side bars, wherein each side bar further includes a vertical bar opposite to the front bar, the vertical bars defining an interior space of the device;
a support structure connected to the frame, the support structure comprising a first support bar connected at a first end to a front of the frame and at a second end to a first base supported by a first vertical bar and an opposing second support bar connected at a first end to a front of the frame and at a second end to a second base supported by a second vertical bar, the second support bar positioned parallel to and spaced apart from the first support bar;
a vertical backrest attached to each of the first support bar and the second support bar, the vertical backrest spanning between the first support bar and the second support bar; and,
a seating element having a first cantilevered section and a second cantilevered section, each section connected along an opposing edge to the first base and the second base, respectively, the seating element providing unobstructed access beneath the seating element to the interior space when the first cantilevered section and second cantilevered section are in a horizontal seating position.
2. The hybrid mobility and transfer device of claim 1 wherein the first support bar and the second support bar each define a continuous shape from the first end to the second end.
3. The hybrid mobility and transfer device of claim 1 wherein the backrest comprises a first section and a second section wherein the first section is spaced apart from the second section forming a center opening between the sections.
4. The hybrid mobility and transfer device of claim 3 wherein the first section of the backrest is pivotally attached along an edge to the first support bar and the second section of the backrest is pivotally attached along an edge to the second support bar.
5. The hybrid mobility and transfer device of claim 3 wherein the first section of the backrest is moveable independently from the second section of the backrest.
6. The hybrid mobility and transfer device of claim 1 , wherein the first cantilevered section is spaced apart from the second cantilevered section forming a center opening between the sections.
7. The hybrid mobility and transfer device of claim 1 wherein the first cantilevered section of the seating element is independently moveable from the second cantilevered section of the seating element.
8. The hybrid mobility and transfer device of claim 1 wherein the first cantilevered section and second cantilevered section of the seating element are moveable between an upward vertical position and the horizontal seating position.
9. The hybrid mobility and transfer device of claim 1 wherein the first cantilevered section of the seating element is pivotally attached along the opposing edge to the first base.
10. The hybrid mobility and transfer device of claim 1 wherein the second cantilevered section of the seating element is pivotally attached along the opposing edge to the second base opposite the first section.