Self assistance commode support apparatus and methods

Abstract

A support structure is provided that includes a pair of spaced slanted side hand-arm rails, a commode between the slanted side hand-arm rails each of which are securely fastened to a common, portable, non-slip platform. The Self-Assist Rehab Commode Support is designed so the patient could utilize more of their core strength, to help lift, lower and balance their body weight, for the purpose of assisting the caregiver, during transfers, and when using a commode.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A commode support apparatus, comprising a base adapted to have a commode placed in a center region of the base, a first support disposed on the base to one side of the center region, and a second support disposed on the base to the opposite side of the center region, the first and second supports being separated a predetermined distance away from each other whereby the commode is adapted to be centered between the first and second supports, each support including a back leg having a predetermined height, a front leg having a predetermined height less than that of the back leg, and an inclined bar joining the back leg to the front leg. 
     
     
         2 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base has a predetermined area and a predetermined thickness. 
     
     
         3 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the distance between the side supports is between 20 and 40 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the angle of incline of the inclined bar is between 25 and 45 degrees from the horizontal. 
     
     
         5 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the angle of incline of the inclined bar is 37 degrees, from the horizontal. 
     
     
         6 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inclined bars have a predetermined diameter. 
     
     
         7 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inclined bars have a predetermined length. 
     
     
         8 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inclined bars are laterally adjustable. 
     
     
         9 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the adjustment mechanisms are located at connecting points between the inclined bars and the front and back legs. 
     
     
         10 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the inclined bar is surrounded by a soft, cushioning material. 
     
     
         11 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the front and back legs of the side support are configured for telescoping vertical adjustment. 
     
     
         12 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising flanges that connect the first and the second support to the base. 
     
     
         13 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a at least one horizontal bar connected between the first and second supports. 
     
     
         14 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one horizontal bar is disposed at the back legs of the supports. 
     
     
         15 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the horizontal bar is disposed at a height even with the seat of the commode chair. 
     
     
         16 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the commode chair is connected to the horizontal bar for stability. 
     
     
         17 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising wheel assemblies connected to one side of the base, which are configured to bear the weight of the device when the device is tipped to the side with the wheel assemblies. 
     
     
         18 . The commode support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the device is used to assist a person in sitting and standing. 
     
     
         19 . A commode support apparatus, comprising a base adapted to have a commode placed in a center region of the base, a first support disposed on the base to one side of the center region, and a second support disposed on the base to the opposite side of the center region, the first and second supports being separated a predetermined distance away from each other whereby the commode is adapted to be centered between the first and second supports, each support including a back leg having a predetermined height, a front leg having a predetermined height less than that of the back leg, and an inclined bar joining the back leg to the front leg, and wherein the base has a predetermined area and a predetermined thickness, and wherein the inclined bars are configured for lateral adjustment. 
     
     
         20 . A commode support apparatus, comprising a base adapted to have a commode placed in a center region of the base, a first support disposed on the base to one side of the center region, and a second support disposed on the base to the opposite side of the center region, the first and second supports being separated a predetermined distance away from each other whereby the commode is adapted to be centered between the first and second supports, each support including a back leg having a predetermined height, a front leg having a predetermined height less than that of the back leg, and an inclined bar joining the back leg to the front leg, and wherein the base has a predetermined area and a predetermined thickness, and wherein the inclined bars are configured for lateral adjustment, and wherein the inclined bar is surrounded by a soft, cushioning material, and wherein the front and back legs of the side support are configured for telescoping vertical adjustment.