Abstract:
A moving device ( 1 ) capable of being operated easily and safely to move a person between various types of beds and chairs by supporting the femoral region and backbone of a person to be moved instead of by suspending the person to be moved by a belt or supporting the axillas and knees of the person, comprising a body frame ( 4 ) having a pair of right and left front wheels ( 2 ) and rear wheels ( 3 ) and having an open rear side, a column ( 14 ) erected on the body frame, a pair of right and left side seat parts ( 32 ) provided on a pair of right and left side arms ( 31 ) fixed to the column, a handrail frame body ( 46 ) fixed to the column and having an open rear side, a backbone supporting part ( 48 ) disposed at the rear of the seat parts, and a lifting mechanism capable of lifting the seat parts vertically, wherein the arms are formed in a crank-shape and connected pivotally to the column through longitudinal shafts positioned at the front of the knees of the person to be moved, and the seat parts are rotated eccentrically from the outside upper side to the inside lower side so as to insert the seat parts into the lower side of the femoral region while bypassing the knee parts of the person to be moved.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a supportive device for helping handicapped people including the invalid who cannot look after themselves because of illness, old age, or injury (hereinafter, referred to as ‘patient’ or ‘patients’), and more particularly to such a supportive device which easily and safely helps patients shift from one structure such as a bed to other such as a supportive wheeled chair (hereinafter ‘supportive chair’), a toilet, a shower chair, and a sofa, and vice versa, wherein they can continue to stay on the original structure such as a bed and are not required to stand up therefrom. 
   BACKGROUND ART 
   This type of supportive device is known, but a major disadvantage is the uncomfortable feelings felt by the patient and the toil and time experienced by helpers when he or she has to be suspended by a belt or the like. To solve this problem, various solutions are proposed; one example is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Application 1-195857 where a pillar is slantingly and rotatably erected on a disk, the pillar having a receiver plate. Another expedient disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Application 3-218755 teaches that a wheeled base is provided with a pillar, and a column projecting from the pillar, the column being capable of inclining. A body holder is provided in the top of the column. 
   These two known devices employ a pedal for operating the pillar and column but in operating them the patient feels unstable because of frequent unexpected movements. In addition, it is difficult to control the patient&#39;s weight when he or she is shifted one structure to other. The patients sometimes refuse to be shifted because of a strong aversion. 
   Especially when the helpers are powerless such as women or aged people, the known supportive devices are difficult to operate. The patient has to lean his or her upper body against the receiving plate or the body holder but in this position it is difficult to change their angle of inclination, height, and position. This is very inconvenient. 
   The present invention is directed to solve the problems pointed out above, and is to provide a supportive device for helping handicapped people shift from one structure such as a bed or a chair to another in which they are only supported in their thighs and back but without being hung or suspended by a belt or the like or being supported in their underarms and knees. No special skill is required. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a supportive device which can be easily and readily operated by women and aged people with no special skill. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, the supportive device includes a chassis having an open rear end, provided with a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, a pillar erected on the chassis, a pair of arms provided in the pillar, a pair of thigh supports provided in the arms, a handrail whose rear end is open, a back upholstery, and a lifting device for raising and lowering the thigh supports, wherein the arms are eccentrically rotated in accordance with the rotation of shafts axially extending in front of the patient&#39;s knees, in the course of the rotation of the arms the thigh supports being inserted under the patient&#39;s thighs. 
   The supportive device is preferably constructed to be capable of inclining, and can be provided with a displacing device provided in the arms whereby the thigh supports are spaced at an adequate interval in accordance with the patient&#39;s size. 
   The displacing device includes a pair of brackets provided in the pillar, a double bearing unit in which a first bearing having an axial hole and a second bearing having a traverse hole are intersected, a shaft having a axial groove, the shaft being provided in the base portion of each of the arms, wherein the axis of each arm is inserted into the second bearing, the double bearing unit being secured in the grooves, wherein a space is produced at a point where the shafts are mutually intersected, the arms being rotatably from its upper position to its lower position, and when the arms are raised upward, the respective thigh supports are horizontally rotated so as to secure an adequate a space interval therebetween. 
   Preferably, a bag filled with air or gas or liquid is placed behind the thigh supports, the bag being elastically expanded behind the thigh supports when the lowering thigh supports come into contact with a target structure such as a bed, thereby avoiding the risk that the patients are subjected to strong shock and be pinched in their thighs. 
   According to another aspect of the present invention, the supportive device, as shown in  FIG. 17 , includes a chassis whose rear end is open, a pillar erected on the chassis, a pair of arms provided in the pillar through a rotary bearing so as to allow the arms to rotate from their upper position to their lower position, a pair of thigh supports provided in the arms, a handrail having an open rear end being provided above the thigh supports, an engaging means provided midway the handrail, a back upholstery, and a lifting device for raising and lowering the thigh supports and the handrail, and wherein the rotary bearing is made as a rotary boss which includes a shaft vertically provided in the pillar and a cylinder axially provided in the pillar, and the arms being rotatably connected to the rotary boss, thereby ensuring that regardless of the position of the arms upward or downward, the thigh supports are maintained rotatable and the space interval therebetween is adjustable. 
   Preferably, the supportive device is additionally provided with a bearing having a stopper at the front end of the thigh supports, an engager provided integral with the arms thereby to support the thigh supports, wherein the stopper is kept contact with the engager so as to allow the thigh supports to rotate in a predetermined range with respect to the arms. 
   It is also preferred that the rotary bearing is inclined rearward, so that the patient can shift smoothly with his or her knees keeping out of collision or contact with the rotary bearing. 
   In order to enable the arms to operate readily, the supportive device is provided with an automatic locking device for holding the arms  106  at a desired upper position. 
   It is also preferred that a pair of front wheels are provided on the undersurface of a footrest, so that the patients are protected from their feet and fingers being pinched. 
   In order to ensure a ready attachment and removal of the back upholstery the engager is provided inside the handrail. 
   The back upholstery can be provided with a back portion made of such a solid and resilient material that the back upholstery can be inserted between the patient and a structure like a supportive chair, and an engaging portion to be engaged by the engager integral with the arm. 
   Preferably, the back upholstery has a plurality of engaging spots to be selected for engagement with the engager. 
   The back upholstery can be provided with a three-dimensional back portion having a curved surface. 
   It is desired that to prevent slipping-off trouble, the back upholstery is provided with a belt. 
   According to a further aspect of the present invention, the lower framework is provided with an expander, and the lifting device is provided inside a sliding framework vertically slidable along a framework secured to the chassis, and a lever of the lifting device is provided with a mark toward the sliding framework, thereby ensuring that the height of the thigh supports is adjusted by reference to the lever and the mark. 
   According to the supportive device illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 16 , a patient can enjoy various advantages; for example, when he or she shifts from a bed to a supportive chair or from a supportive chair to a toilet, with a helper&#39;s aid in the following procedure:
         (a) When a patient stays on a bed, the first thing to do is to let him or her sit on the edge of the bed. If the patient stays on a supportive chair or a toilet, let him or her continue to stay there;   (b) The back upholstery and the thigh supports are rotated upward until the rear end of the supportive device is open toward the patient, and the supportive device is moved until it is ready for accommodation;   (c) The supportive device is moved until the thigh supports are positioned alongside the patient&#39;s thighs. Some structure like a supportive chair has a frame on each side which seems likely to put an obstacle in the way of the supportive device, but the thigh supports are horizontally rotatable and the space interval therebetween are adjustable, thereby ensuring that the thigh supports are readily inserted between the frame and the patient&#39;s thighs;   (d) The lifting device of the thigh supports is operated to adjust a height of the thigh supports, and causes the thigh supports to rotate from their upper position to their lower position and insert into a triangular space formed between the patient&#39;s thighs and the bed along the patient&#39;s thighs;   (e) The back upholstery is rotated along the patient&#39;s back to support his or her back;   (f) The lifting device of the thigh supports is operated to hold the patient up from the bed or supportive chair, as the case may be. At this stage, the thigh supports are inclined so that they are inclined to conform to the patient&#39;s thighs and absorb his or her weight. The patient will be relieved of stress and feel comfortable on the supportive device. Likewise, the back upholstery can be inclined so that it conforms to the contour of the patient&#39;s back;   (g) The patient is shifted to the target structure, and the lifting device is operated to let the patient sit there. Originally the patient is in danger of his or her thighs being pinched between the thigh supports and the structure but the fluid-filled bag is elastically deformed or expanded rearward when the thigh supports come into contact with the structure so that the patient&#39;s thighs are safely raised;   (h) Subsequently, the thigh supports are rotated upward, and the back upholstery is rotated outward from the patient&#39;s back so that the thigh supports are opened rearward thereby to allow the patient to shift to the target structure.       

   (i) The thigh supports are spaced at a given interval, and are only applied to the patient&#39;s thighs in which they are open toward the patient&#39;s buttocks, so that the patient can use a toilet with ease after shifting there. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a plan entire view showing a supportive device according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the supportive device; 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the supportive device; 
       FIG. 4  is a plan view showing the chassis used in the supportive device; 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view exemplifying the expanding mechanism used in the supportive device; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view showing the pillar used in the supportive device of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic view exemplifying a part in which the arms are fixed to the supportive device; 
       FIG. 8  is a schematic view exemplifying a manner in which the thigh supports operate; 
       FIG. 9  is a view exemplifying a manner in which the back upholstery operates; 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic view exemplifying a means whereby the back upholstery is inclined; 
       FIG. 11  is a plan entire view showing the supportive device before a patient rides on it; 
       FIG. 12  is a side view showing the supportive device of  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a front view showing the supportive device of  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic view exemplifying a means for preventing a pinching trouble; 
       FIG. 15  is an entire side view showing a state in which the patient is ready for shift; 
       FIG. 16  is a plan view showing the action of the arms wherein the handrail and the back upholstery are omitted for illustration purpose only; 
       FIG. 17  is a plan entire view showing a modified version of the supportive device according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 18  is an entire side view of the supportive device of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 19  is an entire front view of the supportive device of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 20  is a bottom view showing the lower framework; 
       FIG. 21  is a schematic view exemplifying the expanding mechanism used in the support device of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 22  is a side view showing the pillar used in the supportive device of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of the rotary bearing used in the supportive device of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view showing the rotary bearing of  FIG. 23 ; 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing the actions of the arms and thigh supports used in the supportive device of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional side view showing a part where the thigh supports are fixed to the supportive device of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 27  is a front view showing the back upholstery of  FIG. 26 ; 
       FIG. 28  is a side view showing a modified version of the back upholstery; 
       FIG. 29  is a front view showing the back upholstery of  FIG. 28 ; 
       FIG. 30  is an entire front view showing the arms raised to their upper positions; 
       FIG. 31  is an entire side view showing the supportive device of  FIG. 30 ; 
       FIG. 32  is a plan view showing the supportive device of  FIG. 30 ; 
       FIG. 33  is a plan view exemplifying a state in which the patient is shifted from a patient&#39;s supportive chair; 
       FIG. 34  is a side view showing the state shown in  FIG. 33 ; and 
       FIG. 35  is a side view exemplifying the thigh supports lowered adjacent to the sitting patient. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The illustrated supportive device  1  includes a chassis  4  having a pair of front wheels  2  and a pair of rear wheels  3 . As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the chassis  4  is constituted by a base  5  and arms  6  extending rearward with a space S 1  therebetween which opens rearwards. An expanding device (hereinafter ‘expander’)  7  is optionally provided in the chassis  4  whereby the arms  6  are expanded or contracted to adjust the width of the chassis  4 . 
   The base  5  is L-shaped, and is provided with a pair of shafts  5   a  which rotatably carry bearings  8  coupled to the ends of supports  6 . The supports  6  are slightly curved in the form of Letter L in its plan view, and provided with L-shaped caster supports  9  at its front and rear ends. The bearings  8  include a groove in which a key  10  fits, thereby effecting a unitary rotation of the bearings  8  in accordance with the rotation of either of them. One of the bearings  8  is provided with a plate  11  projecting forward. The plate  11  is provided with a hole  11   a  through which a pin  12   a  secured to an operating lever  12  (which will be described below). The operating lever  12  is carried in a sleeve  13 . The lever  12  is provided with a pin  12   a  eccentrically fixed to the lever  12  such that the rotation of the lever  12  causes one of the bearings  8  integral with the plate  11  to rotate. Then the other bearings  8  follow the movement of the key  10 . In this way, the width of the supports  6  of the chassis  4  is adjusted by operating the lever  12 . 
   In the illustrated embodiment the bearings  8  are widened or narrowed by the key  10  but instead of using the key  10 , mutually engaging gears can be employed. 
   The supportive device  1  includes a pillar  14  on which a lifting device is provided; in the illustrated embodiment the pillar is rectangular in cross-section. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the pillar  14  includes an inner framework  15  erected on the base plate  5 , and an outer frame  17  slidably provided on the inner framework  15  through linings  16 , the inner framework  15  and the outer framework  17  carry the lifting device, the lifting device being more particularly described below: 
   The pillar  14  includes a screw bar  18  threadable with an engager  20  secured to a cylindrical sleeve  19  provided inside the inner framework  15 . The upper end of the sleeve  19  is journaled to a metal  22  through a bearing  23 , the metal being fixed to the outer framework  17  through a bracket  21 . The engager  20  is prevented from deviation by a collar  24  secured to the screw bar  18 . The metal  20  is provided with a pawl  22   a  in its periphery. The reference numerals  25  and  26  denote a lever pinned to an upper end of the screw bar  18 , and denotes an operating handle  26  which is secured to a metal  28  journaled to the lever  25  by a pin  27 , respectively. The reference numeral  29  denotes an engager provided in the metal  28 . The reference numeral  30  denotes a spring interposed between the metal  28  and the lever  25 , designed to bias the metal  28  upward. When the operating handle  26  is lowered against the spring  30 , the pawl  22   a  is disengaged from the engager  29 , thereby making the screw bar  18  ready for rotation. 
   The outer framework  17  is provided with a pair of crank-like arms  31  circling a patient (M)&#39;s leg portion, each arm  31  including a thigh support  32 . The outer frame  17  is provided with brackets  33  and  34  at its front and back, respectively. The arms  31  are rotatably supported by a shaft  36  through a bearing unit  35  secured thereto. The reference numeral  37  denotes a flange secured to the front end of the bearing unit  35 . The flange  37  is provided with recesses  37   a  and  37   b  with which the lever  38  is engaged. 
   The arms  31  can be held upward and downward as desired. More particularly, the arms  31  are moved in a circular course passing the patient&#39;s knees around the shaft  35 , and are inserted into a triangular space S 2  formed between the patient&#39;s thighs and the target structure such as a bed on which the patient sits, the space S 2  taking the form of Letter C with is open rearward. The bearing unit  35  is located between the brackets  33  and  34  such that it is rotatable around the shafts  36 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , each of the shafts is provided with a flange  37  having a recess  37   a . The recess  37   a  is adapted for engagement with a pawl  38   a  of a lever  38  engaged by a pair of shafts  33   a , thereby limiting the opening angle of the arms  31 . The lever  38  is prevented from slipping off by a plate  33   b.    
     FIG. 8  shows another example of the displacing device, in which like reference numerals denote like components and elements. A first bearing unit  40  is axially provided, and a second bearing unit  41  is provided traversely both between the brackets  33  and  34  such that shafts  36  and  42  carried in the respective bearings can intersect. The brackets  33  and  34  have the same structure as those referred to above. The traverse bearing unit  41  is passed by a shaft  42  secured to the base of the arm  31 , and the axial bearing unit  40  is pivoted by a shaft  36  between the brackets  33  and  34 . The shaft  42  is provided with a groove  42   a  at which it intersects with the shaft  36 . A gap S 3  is provided between the shafts  36  and  42 , thereby ensuring that the arms  31  are horizontally rotatable when they are positioned upward. As a result, the thigh supports  32  are spaced at an adequate interval. 
   The thigh supports  32  are supported by a supporter  43  at the rear ends of the arms  31 . The supporter  43  includes a plate  43   a  projecting from the arm  31 , a bearing  43   b  at the end of the plate  43   a , and an angular limiter  43   c  secured to the bearing  43   b . The bearing  43   b  and the thigh supports  32  are provided with a bearing  44  such that the bearing can rotate about a pin  45 . In this way, the thigh support can be adequately adjusted to the patient (M)&#39;s sitting position, and can recline as desired, with his or her thigh portions being supported by the supports  32 . No local application of load is avoided to the patient&#39;s thigh portion. The bearing  43   b  is located at a central part of each of the thigh supports  32 . 
   A C-shaped handrail  46  is secured to the outer framework  17  above the arms  31  the trail  46  having a pair of arm rests  47 . 
   A back upholstery  48  is provided in opposition to the thigh supports  32 , the back upholstery being connected to a rotary device  49  provided in an end of the handrail  46 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the rotary device  49  includes a hollow cylinder  50  fitted with an engaging pawl  50   a  at one end, and a shaft  52  having a shaft  51  fitted with an engaging pawl  51   a  passable through the cylinder  50 . When the shaft  52  is inserted into the cylinder  50  with the engagement of the pawl  50   a  with the pawl  51   a , the overlapping part is covered with a ring  53 . The shaft  52  is connected to an L-shaped pipe  54  for connection of the back upholstery  48 . The shaft  51  is provided with a groove  51   b , and after being passed through the cylinder, it is fixed by a screw  55 . In this way, the pipe  54  can be rotated in the angular range in which the pawls  50   a  and  51   a  come into contact with each other (in the illustrated embodiment it is set to 180°). 
   The pipe  54  is connected to a hollow cylinder  56  at the other end, the cylinder  56  including a pawl  51   a . A back upholstery frame  57  is secured to a hollow cylinder  58 , and a shaft  59  having a pawl  59   b  at its periphery of the shaft  59   a . The cylinder  58  is provided with a locking member  61  through a pin  62  in a rotatable manner, the locking member  61  being fixed to the lever  60 , and the shaft  59  being pivotally connected to the cylinder  56 . In this way, the locking member  61  is rotatable from a point where it is engaged with the pawl  56   a  up to a point where the pawl  56   a  comes into contact with the pawl  59   b  as a result of the rotation of the locking member  61 . The reference numeral  63  denotes an enforcement. The back upholstery frame  57  includes a cover (not shown) which contains a cushion at its periphery. 
   In the illustrated embodiment the back upholstery  48  is provided at one end of the handrail  46  but it can be provided at both ends thereof such that the paired one is independently rotatable. 
     FIG. 14  shows a further preferred embodiment, characterized by the provision of a balloon-like bag  64  fixed on the undersurface of the thigh support  32 . The bag  64  contains a fluid material such as liquid or gas, thereby preventing the patient&#39;s thigh from being pinched between the support  32  and a structure such as a bed by allowing the bag  64  to become elastically deformed or expanded. 
   To carry the handicapped patient (M) away from a bed (B), let him or her sit on the edge of the bed (B). If the patient (M) stays at a toilet or a supportive chair, he or she need not move or stand up. 
   Then, the supportive device of the invention is drawn as near the patient (M) as possible, by expanding the thigh supports  32  upwards until the patient (M) can enter the space S 1 . The width of the chassis  4  can be adjusted according to the circumstances by operating the lever  12 . 
   The supportive device  1  is moved to a point where the thigh supports  32  is positioned alongside the patient&#39;s thigh. The thigh supports  32  can be spaced at an adequate interval so as to allow a relatively large supportive chair to anchor therein. 
   The height of the thigh supports  32  can be adjusted by the lever  26  according to the height of the patient (M). After the adjustment is finished, the thigh supports  32  are rotated from its upper position to its lower position, and as shown in  FIG. 15 , they are inserted into a triangular space S 2  formed between the patient&#39;s thigh and the bed (B) (or a chair). The thigh supports  32  are rotatably inserted along the patient&#39;s thighs because of the structure in which the shaft  36  as a pivot is situated in the extension of the patient&#39;s thighs. 
   Then, the back upholstery  48  is rotated along the back of the patient (M) to enable him or her to lean against it. 
   To raise the thigh supports  32 , the lever  26  is rotated, thereby taking the patient (M) away from the bed (B) by his or her body. In this case, a reclining device mounted in the thigh supports  32  makes the thigh supports  32  decline in accordance with the patient&#39;s position, bearing the whole weight of the patient (M). The patient can feel comfortable in shifting from one structure such as a bed to other such as a supportive chair. The back upholstery  48  is also provided with a reclining device whereby the back upholstery  48  is ready to conform to the contour of the patient&#39;s back. 
   Then, the patient is shifted from the supportive device to the bed (B), and let him or her sit thereon by operating the lever  26 . In this case, the bag  64  protects the patient from his or her thigh being pinched between the bed and the thigh supports  32  by expanding rearward. 
   After the patient has sat down on the bed, the thigh supports  32  are rotated upward, and the back upholstery  48  is also rotated outward from the patient&#39;s back. Finally, the supportive device  1  is pulled away from the bed. 
   The patient can use a toilet while staying in the supportive device  1  owing to the open structure of the below the patient&#39;s buttocks. 
   In this way the patients can be shifted from the bed to the supportive device, and vice versa, without the necessity of standing up in the supportive device  1  or being suspended by a belt or the like. In this situation the patients will have to feel stable and comfortable. 
   The thigh supports  32  can be easily inserted under the patient&#39;s thighs through the triangular space S 2  formed between the bed and the thighs. 
   The thigh supports  32  and the back upholstery  48  can recline such that they conform to the back of the patient sitting on the supportive device and keep him or her at an agreeable angle. 
   The supportive device can be applied to patients of any physique by raising the thigh supports upward. 
   As the patients are shifted from the bed to the supportive device, and vice versa, while sitting on the supportive device  1 , which means that they need not stand up or be suspended by a belt or the like. The patients shift from the supportive device to a bed or a supportive chair and vice versa with ease. 
   Referring to  FIG. 17  and thereafter, an alternative embodiment will be described: 
   The illustrated supportive device  100  includes a chassis  104  having a pair of front wheels  102  and a pair of rear wheels  103 , a pillar  105  having a pair of arms  106 , thigh supports  107 , and handrails  108  above the thigh supports  107 . 
   The chassis  104  is mainly composed of a base  110 , a pair of supporting frames  109 , and an expanding device (hereinafter ‘expander’)  111 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , each supporting frame  109  carries one end of a front frame  109   c  forward a traverse beam  109   b  integral with a fixing member  109   a  of the rear wheels  103 , and the front frame  109   c  has a bearing unit  109   d  at the other end. The bearing unit  109   d  is provided with a toothed member  109   e , and a footrest  109   f  secured thereto. 
   The base  110  is composed mainly of an L-shaped plate  110   a , a pair of vertical shafts  110   b  extending from the undersurface of the plate  110   a , and a vertical cylinder  110   c  secured in a hole formed in its front part. 
   The expander  111  carries the bearing units  109   d  pivoted to the shafts  110   b  of the base  110  in a state where the toothed members  109   e  are mutually engaged. One of the bearing units  109   d  is provided with a plate  112  having a hole  112   a  in which a shank  114   a  of an eccentric cam  114  secured to a lower end of a lever  113  passed through the cylinder  110   c . The lever  113  is provided with a hole  113   a  in its upper part, and carries an L-shaped lever  115 . 
   More particularly, the chassis  104  is rotatable in accordance with the rotation of the lever  115 , and allows one of the supporting frames  109  to rotate around the shaft  110   b . The other supporting frame  109  rotates in association with the engagement of toothed members  109   e , thereby allowing it to open and close. A space S 1  is formed behind the supporting frame  109 , so that the chassis  104  (i.e. the supportive device) can be inserted into a target structure such as a supportive chair (K) and a toilet by expanding or contracting or retreating the chassis  104 . Footrests  109   f  are provided with wheels  102  on their undersurface. Owing to the presence of the wheels  102 , the patients are protected from their feet or fingers being pinched while the wheels are rotated. 
   The pillar  105  is rectangular in cross-section in this embodiment, and provided with a lifting device. The pillar  105  is additionally provided with an L-shaped plate  117  fixed to the base  110 , and with a sliding framework  120  through linings  119  around a framework erected on the L-shaped plate  117 . The lifting device is mounted on the framework  118  and the sliding framework  120 , the lifting device being more particularly described below: 
   The reference numeral  121  denotes a screw bar in mesh with a screw  123  secured to the upper part of the cylidner  122  housed in the framework  118 . Its upper end is received in a metal  125  through a bearing  126 , the metal being secured to the sliding framework  120  through a bracket  124 . The reference numeral  127  denotes a stop collar fixed to a lower end of the screw  123 . 
   The reference numeral  125   a  denotes a pawl secured to an upper end periphery of the metal  125 . There is provided a lever  128  pinned to an upper end of the screw  121 . There is also provided a rotary lever  129  which is secured to the metal  131  pivoted to the lever  128  by a pin  130 . The reference numeral  132  denotes an engager secured to the metal  131 . 
   A spring  133  is provided between the metal  131  and the lever  128 , so as to bias the metal  131  upward. When the lever  129  is lowered against the spring  133 , the pawls  125   a  and  132  are disengaged from each other, thereby allowing the screw  121  to rotate. 
   The sliding framework  120  is provided with a rotary bearing unit  134  in its middle portion, the bearing unit supporting arms  106  that they come down in rotation from their upper positions. The rotary bearing unit  134  includes a cylinder  136  secured to a bracket  135  fixed to the pillar  105 , and a rotary boss  137  which consists of a cylinder  137   b  secured to an upper part of the shaft  137   a  pivoted to the cylinder  136 . The cylinder  137   b  is provided with a pawl  137   c  at its front end. 
   The sleeve  136  or the sleeve  137   b  of the rotary boss  137  can be declined rearward, thereby bringing the bearing unit  107   a  of the thigh supports  107  to below the rotary bearing unit  134 . This is effective to prevent the rotary bearing unit  134  from hitting the patient (M)&#39;s knees, thereby eliminating the necessity of making the arms  106  short. As a result, the supportive device  1  can be compact. 
   As shown in  FIG. 24 , the arm  106  is substantially C-shaped, and includes an engager  106   a  for limiting the rotation of the thigh support  107 , and a shaft  106   b  rotatably integral with the sleeve  137 . The shaft  106   b  is provided with a stopper  138  having pawls  138   a  and  138   b . In this way the arms  106  is rotatable in a range in which the pawl  137   a  can come into contact with the pawl  138   a  of the stopper  138 . The sleeve  137   b  stands away from the side of the pillar  105 , thereby allowing the arms  106  to come into contact and out of contact with their rear ends around the shaft  137   a.    
   There is provided an adjuster  139  secured to the bracket  135 , having a lengthy hole through which the adjuster is slidable. The adjuster  139  is provided with a pair of pawls  139   b  with which the pawls  138   b  of the stopper come into contact, thereby limiting a range of rotation of the rotary boss  137  around the shaft  137   a . This means that an adequate space interval between the thigh supports  107  is maintained. 
   As shown in  FIG. 23 , the arms  106  is held upward by an automatic locking device  140 . The automatic locking device  140  is designed to adjust the pressing strength of a presser  141  through male threads  143 , under the structure in which the shaft  137   a  of the rotary boss  137  is provided with a hole  137   d  and female threads  137   e  through which the presser  141  and a spring  142  are inserted. The presser  141  is held when it is engaged with a hole  106   c  formed in the shaft  106   b  secured to the end of each arm  106 . In the illustrated embodiment the presser  141  is a bar having a spherical tip but it may be made of a ball. 
   The thigh support  107  is arch-shaped to support the patient&#39;s thighs, and the bearing unit  107   a  is pivoted to the arm  106 . As shown in  FIG. 26 , the bearing unit  107   a  is provided with a stopper  107   b  designed to come into contact with an engager  106   a  secured to the arm  106 . The thigh support  107  is kept rotatable so long as the stopper  107   b  is engaged with the engager  106   a . More specifically, it is kept rotatable from an angular position where the arms are easily inserted up to an angular position where the weight of the patient is dispersed when they support his or her thighs; in  FIG. 18 , from 0° to 25° in an anti-clockwise direction. As shown in  FIG. 34 , a triangular space S 2  is formed between the backs of the patient&#39;s thighs and the thigh supports. The same space S 2  is formed towards a side frame of a supportive chair (K), thereby allowing the use of the bearing unit  107   a  having a relatively large diameter. 
   A handrail  144  is provided above the thigh supports  107 . It is secured to a frame  108  secured to the pillar  105 , the frame  108  having an open end. Because of the open end whichever C-shape, U-shape or any other it takes. The handrail  108  is provided with an engager  145  in its middle portion. Owing to this engager  145  provided inside the handrail  108 , a back upholstery  146  can be easily removed and attached. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 27 to 29 , the back upholstery  146  is composed mainly of a back section  146   a  and engaging sections  146   b , the former being made of a solid but flexible material, so that the upholstery can be inserted between the back of the supportive chair (K) and the patient (M)&#39;s back while conforming to the contour of the patient&#39;s back, and the engaging sections  146   b  are engaged with the engagers  145 . The engaging sections  146   b  can be provided with several engaging spots shaped as shown in  FIGS. 27 to 29 . Preferably, as shown in  FIG. 28 , the back upholstery is provided with a slit in its back section  146   a , so that the back section  146   a  can have such a curved portion due to the slips as to conform to the contour of the patient&#39;s back. 
   In  FIG. 29 , the back upholstery  146  can be provided with a pair of belts  147   a  and  147   b , one being at one end and the other at the other end, which are extended around the patient&#39;s waist until they meet each other at the front of the patient&#39;s body. In this way the back upholstery is kept in tight contact with the patient&#39;s back. 
   The pillar  105  slides up and down in accordance with the vertical movement of the thigh supports  107 . The sliding framework  120  can be provided with a mark  148  at a point where the thigh supports  107  and the seat of the patient&#39;s supportive chair (K), and a mark  149  where the heights of the bed and the thigh supports  107  are equal. These marks are helpful in adjusting the height of the thigh supports  107  when the arms  106  are raised. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 30 to 35 , the operation of the supportive device  100  will be described: 
   The arms  106  are rotated outward to open rearward. At this stage, the arms are automatically locked by the automatic locking device  140 , thereby relieving the patient of a manual toil of holding the arms  106 . In addition, the automatic locking device eliminates the necessity of releasing the lever or the like. This facilitates the shifting of the patient from and to the supportive device  100  and to and from the bed. 
   Then, the lever  129  is operated to ensure that the thigh supports  107  rises high enough to be equal to the height of the patient (M)&#39;s thighs. In this case, either the marks  148  or  1149  can be used as a visual standard, thereby ensuring that the heights of the thigh supports  107  and the bed are matched. 
   If the supportive chair (K) is wider than the space S 1 , the lever  115  is operated to widen the supporting frame  109 . As shown in  FIG. 34 , the supportive chair is inserted into the depth of the back of the patient&#39;s knees where the bearing unit  107   a  of the thigh supports  107  are present. The thigh supports  107  can be separated or approached, thereby allowing the chair to advance into between the patient (M)&#39;s thighs and the side of the chair (K). 
   After the thigh supports have been inserted, the arms  106  are rotated downward. The automatic locking devices  106  are automatically released. Owing to the presence of space S 2 , the bearing units  107   a  of the thigh supports  107  are readily inserted without conflicting with the patient&#39;s knees or the supportive chair (K). 
   After the patient&#39;s thighs stay on the thigh supports  107 , the back upholstery  146  is inserted between the back of the supportive chair and the patient&#39;s back. Because of the solidity and resiliency of the back upholstery  146 , it can be easily inserted along the patient&#39;s back. Then, the engaging sections  146   b  are engaged with the mating engagers  145 , wherein the patient&#39;s waist can be adequately tightened by selecting an appropriate engaging position in accordance with his or her size. The back upholstery conforms to the contour of the patient&#39;s back. The belts  147   a  and  147   b  prevent the back upholstery from slipping off. 
   Then, the lever  129  is rotated to raise the thigh supports  107 , which will incline at a predetermined angle, thereby avoiding the local application of the patient&#39;s weight to the thigh supports. Thus the thigh supports  107  evenly support the patient&#39;s thighs. By further raising the thigh supports, the patient (M) is made ready to shift from the supportive chair to the supportive device  100 . In addition, the patient is shifted onto a bed, wherein the reverse procedure follows. 
   The patient can use a toilet while staying in the supportive device owing to the open structure of the supportive device  1  below the patient&#39;s buttocks. 
   The supportive device of the invention includes the space S 2  formed between the patient&#39;s thighs and the supportive chair, adapted for insertion of the thigh supports  107 , wherein the thigh supports support the patient&#39;s thighs, and the back upholstery supports the patient&#39;s back. As a result, the patient M is allowed to shift from the supportive chair to the supportive device while taking his or her normal sitting posture. This relieves the patient of an unstable feeling as if he or she is suspended. 
   Since the space interval between the thigh supports  107 , and the position of the back upholstery can be variously adjusted in accordance with the patient&#39;s size. The supportive device is so compact in size and easy to operate that the aged people and women can easily help the patient shift from one structure such as a bed to the supportive device, and vice versa. 
   INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
   The supportive device of the present invention requires no special skill to use, and is simple in structure which includes a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels, a framework having an open end, a pillar erected on the framework, a pair of arms provided in the pillar, a pair of thigh supports provided in the arms, a handrail framework secured to the pillar, the handrail framework having an open end, a back upholstery placed behind the thigh supports, and a lifting device. As a result, the supportive device can be mass produced, and used widely not only in hospitals but also in private use in homes.