Patent ID: 8117695
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
1. Supporting apparatus for supporting a user in one of a plurality of positions, and for moving the user from one position to another, comprising: a frame structure including a base for supporting the apparatus on a horizontal surface; a body support carried by the frame structure and including a back support, a seat pivotally mounted at one end to the back support, and a leg support pivotally mounted to the opposite end of the seat, all having outer surfaces for engaging the user; and drive means for driving the body support from one of the positions to another; characterized in that the body support further includes a feet support movable with respect to the leg support to an intermediate location thereon for engaging and supporting the user's feet in a selected position, a motor drive for driving said feet support with respect to said leg support to engage the user's feet in said selected position, and a pressure sensor carried by said feet support so as to be moved therewith for sensing the pressure applied thereto by the user's feet, and for controlling the motor drive in response to said pressure to prevent shifting in position of the user's body when the body support moves from one of said positions to another.