Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02648040 2015-04-16
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MULTI-PURPOSE SUPPORT FOR A FOLDING PATIENT LIFT DEVICE
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to patient lifting and transferring.
In
particular, the invention relates to a device for lifting a disabled person
from a sitting
to a standing position and permitting the person to be readily moved.
[0003] It is often desirable to assist a disabled person in standing. This is
particularly useful when the disabled person lacks strength or coordination to
lift
himself or herself. To assist these patients, it is common to have a patient
lift, which
can function as a lift or a stand assist device. An attendant may be required
to assist
the patient in using the device.
[0004] A lift typically includes a sling for supporting a patient. The sling
may be
lifted by a movable arm. In a lift, the patient is typically completely
supported from
an overhead position and has no active role in supporting him or herself or
assisting in
being lifted. A lift is commonly used to temporarily raise a patient or
transport the
patient without discomfort.
[0005] A stand assist device is used to lift a patient from a sitting position
to a
generally standing position. The device may include an upright member and an
arm
or support member movable by an actuator. When supported by the device, the
patient may stand at an angle on a foot plate and hold the support member.
With the
support member lowered to a comfortable level to be used as a handle and with
the
foot plate removed, the device may be used to assist the patient in walking.
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[0006] A sling may be used with a stand assist device to assist in supporting
the
patient. The sling may pass behind the patient's back and under the patient's
arms and
be suspended from the support member. With the sling in place, the patient can
be
lifted to a generally erect position.
[0007] A stand assist device may also be used with a sling to lift and suspend
a
patient. Once the patient is suspended, the stand may be moved to transport
the
patient or the patient may remain supported during patient care, such as while
changing the patient's clothes or permitting the patient to use a toilet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This invention relates to a patient lift comprising a base, a mast
assembly
mounted on the base at the lower end, a boom pivotally mounted at one end on
the
mast assembly. An actuator is mounted on the boom and configured to move
between
a retracted position and an extended position to pivot the boom relative to
the mast
assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. A support member
including a sling attachment is pivotally mounted on the outer end of the
boom. A
locking mechanism is configured to fix the support member relative to the boom
when
the locking mechanism is engaged and further configured to allow pivotal
movement
of the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is
released.
[0009] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism is configured to fix the
support
member relative to the boom in one of a plurality of pre-selected angular
positions.
[0010] In another embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a handle
movable in a first direction to release the locking mechanism and movable in a
second
direction, opposite the first direction, to engage the locking mechanism. The
handle is
optionally biased in the second direction.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the support member comprises two curved arms
extending from the locking mechanism. The support member optionally comprises
one element extending from the locking mechanism, the element branching to two
arms. Also, optionally, hand-holds are mounted on the support member.
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[0012] This invention also relates to a patient lift comprising a base
extending in a
forward direction and a mast mounted on the base. The mast assembly includes a
hinge mechanism configured to allow the mast assembly to be moved between an
upright operative position and a folded position, wherein when the mast
assembly is in
the folded position the mast assembly is substantially parallel to the base
and extends
in the forward direction. A knee pad is attached to the mast assembly by a
knee pad
mounting assembly, the knee pad mounting assembly configured to allow the knee
pad to be moved substantially vertically relative to the mast when the mast is
in the
upright operative position through an operating range, the knee pad mounting
assembly further configured to allow the knee pad to be moved to a storage
position,
wherein the knee pad is vertically higher when in the storage position than
when in the
operating range when the mast is in the upright operative position. The base,
mast
assembly, knee pad and knee pad attachment assembly are configured so that the
knee
pad does not interfere with the base when the knee pad is in the storage
position and
the mast is moved into the folded position.
[0013] In one embodiment, the knee pad mounting assembly is configured to
allow
substantially linear movement of the knee pad through the operating range and
to the
storage position. Optionally, the knee pad mounting assembly is configured to
allow
the knee pad to moved substantially vertically relative to the mast when the
mast is in
the upright operative position.
[0014] In another embodiment, the knee pad mounting assembly comprises a
bearing and a guide tube, the guide tube being moveable relative to the
bearing when
the bearing is released, and the guide being fixed relative to the bearing
when the
bearing is engaged.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the mast assembly includes a column mounted
on the base, the column extending in a substantially vertical direction, the
mast
assembly further including a mast attached to the column by the hinge
mechanism.
The is attached to the mast, and the knee pad mounting assembly is configured
to
allow the knee pad to be moved substantially vertically relative to the mast
when the
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mast is in the upright operative position. A foot plate is attached to the
base, wherein
the foot plate and knee pad attachment assembly are configured so that the
knee pad
does not interfere with the foot plate when the knee pad is in the storage
position and
the mast is moved into the folded position.
[0016] This invention also relates to a patient lift comprising a base
extending in a
forward direction, a foot plate attached to the base and a mast assembly
mounted on
the base. The mast assembly includes a hinge mechanism configured to allow the
mast assembly to be moved between an upright operative position and a folded
position, wherein when the mast assembly is in the folded position the mast
assembly
is substantially parallel to the base and extends in the forward direction. A
knee pad is
attached to the mast assembly by a knee pad mounting assembly that is
configured to
allow the knee pad to be moved substantially vertically relative to the mast
through an
operating range when the mast is in the upright operative position. The knee
pad
mounting assembly is further configured to allow the knee pad to be moved to a
storage position, wherein the knee pad is vertically higher when in the
storage position
than when in the operating range when the mast is in the upright operative
position.
The base, foot plate, mast assembly, knee pad and knee pad attachment assembly
are
configured so that the knee pad does not interfere with the base and the foot
plate
when the knee pad is in the storage position and the mast is moved into the
folded
position.
[0017] Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled
in
the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment,
when
read in light of the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] Fig. 1 is a perspective view, taken from behind, of a patient stand
assist
device.
[0019] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the support member and a portion of the boom
of
the patient stand assist device of Fig. 1.
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[0020] Fig. 3 is an plan view of an alternative, Y-shaped design of a support
member suitable for the patient stand assist.
[0021] Fig. 4 is side view of the patient stand assist device of Fig. 1,
showing the
knee pad in a low position and the support member in a first position.
[0022] Fig. 5 is a side view of the patient stand assist device of Fig. 1,
showing the
knee pad in an intermediate position and the support member in a second
position.
[0023] Fig. 6 is a side view of the patient stand assist device of Fig. 1,
showing the
knee pad in an intermediate position and the support member in a third
position.
[0024] Fig. 7 is a side view of the patient stand assist device of Fig. 1,
showing the
knee pad in a raised position and the support member in a fourth position.
[0025] Fig. 8 is a side view of the patient stand assist device of Fig. 1,
showing the
mast raised and pivoted toward a folded position.
[0026] Fig. 9 is a side view of the patient stand assist device of Fig. 1, in
the folded
position.
[0027] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the knee pad of the patient stand
assist
device of Fig. 1, including a strap attached to the knee pad.
[0028] Fig. 11 is a perspective view, partially in cross-section, of the
locking
mechanism and a portion of the boom of the patient stand assist device of Fig.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Fig. ,1 one
embodiment
of a patient lift 10. It should be appreciated that the illustrated patient
lift 10 is a
patient stand assist device. The illustrated patient lift 10 includes a base
assembly,
indicated generally at 12 and a mast assembly, indicated generally at 14.
[0030] The illustrated base assembly 12 includes a base 16. The base assembly
12
also includes a pair of legs 18. The legs 18 extend in a forward direction 19.
The
illustrated legs 18 are mounted for pivotal movement relative to the base 16.
The
illustrated legs 18 are configured to rotate about separate hinges having
substantially
vertical axes. This allows an operator to spread the legs 18 apart or move the
legs 18
CA 02648040 2008-12-24
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closer together. The legs 18 can be configured to be moved by foot pedals (not
shown) or any other suitable means.
[0031] The illustrated base assembly 12 includes two front castors 20 and two
rear
castors 22. The illustrated rear castors 22 are braked castors, but it should
be
appreciated that this is not required. The casters 20 and 22 are configured to
support
and allow rolling movement of the patient lift 10.
[0032] The base assembly 12 also includes an optional foot plate 24. The foot
plate 24 includes a step area 26. The step area 26 is configured to support
the feet of a
patient using the patient lift 10. The illustrated foot plate 24 is configured
to be
removable from the patient lift 10. This allows the foot plate 24 to be moved
so that
the patient lift 10 can be used, as a walking device, for instance, without
the patient's
using the foot plate 24 or the step area 26. The foot plate 24 could also be
mounted
for pivotal movement relative to the base 16.
[0033] In the illustrated patient lift 10, the mast assembly 14 is attached to
the base
16. As can be best seen in Fig. 8, the mast assembly 14 includes a column 28
that is
mounted on the base 16. The illustrated column 28 is disposed with a
substantially
vertical orientation. It should be appreciated that the column 28 could have a
different
orientation than that illustrated. A mast 30 is mounted on the column 28: The
mast
30 is a substantially hollow piece, and the inner diameter of the mast 30 is
large
enough to accommodate the outer diameter of the column 28. A sliding hinge 32
attaches the mast 30 to the column 28. The sliding hinge 32 has a
substantially
horizontal axis, and allows the mast 30 to pivot relative to the column 28 for
folding.
The sliding hinge 32 is also able to move in a substantially vertical channel
34 defined
in the column 28 to raise the mast 30 relative to the column 28 prior to
folding. The
mast 30 is shown in its seated position in Fig. 1. The mast 30 can be moved
upwards
to a raised position, with the sliding hinge 32 moving in the channel 34. The
mast 30
can then be pivoted about the sliding hinge 32, into a folded position. When
the mast
30 is moved into the folded position, the patient lift 10 takes up less space,
and is
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easier to transport and store. The mast 30 is illustrated in its folded
position in Fig. 9,
and is shown in an intermediate position in Fig. 8.
[0034] The patient lift 10 includes a knee pad 36. The knee pad 36 provides
support for the patient using the patient lift 10. The illustrated knee pad 36
includes
optional resilient padding as a cushion for the patient's comfort. As is best
shown in
Fig. 10, the illustrated knee pad 36 includes two recesses 38. Each recess 38
is a
support surface configured to accommodate one leg of the patient using the
patient lift
10. The recesses 38 are configured to provide secure and comfortable
engagement
between the patient and the patient lift 10. The knee pad 36 also includes an
optional
strap 40. The strap 40 allows the patient's legs to be held in position when
using the
patient lift 10: The illustrated strap 40 includes a buckle tongue 42 on each
end (only
one is visible in Fig. 10), and a central loop 44 in the middle. As can be
best seen in
Fig. 1, the knee pad 36 includes two buckles 46 on the side of the knee pad 36
opposite from the recesses 38. It should be appreciated that only one buckle
46 is
shown in Fig. 1. The second buckle 46 is not visible in Fig. 1 because it is
behind the
mast 30 in this perspective view. The buckles 46 are configured to engage the
buckle
tongues 42 on the strap 40. The illustrated knee pad 36 also includes a horn
48
located between the two recesses 38. The horn 48 and the central loop 44 are
configured so that the central loop 44 can be secured to the horn 48. The
illustrated
central loop 44 is secured to the horn 48 by sliding the central loop 44 over
the upper
end of the horn 48.
[0035] The combination of the buckles 46 and the horn 48 allow the strap 40 to
be
used to secure the patient's legs to the knee pad 36 in a number of positions
based on
the individual patient requirements. For instance, when each buckle tongue 42
is
attached to a buckle 46 and the central loop 44 is attached to the horn 48,
the most
secure engagement with the patient is provided as each of the patient's legs
is
individually secured. When each buckle tongue 42 is attached to a buckle 46
but the
central loop 44 is not attached to the horn 48, the patient is held in
engagement with
the knee pad 36, but the patient can be released by releasing either buckle
46. This
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provides greater convenience to an attendant using the patient lift 10. The
central loop
44 is attached to the horn 48 and only one of the buckle tongues 42 is
attached to a
buckle 46 when only one leg is secured to the knee pad 36. This is useful when
the
patient is missing the lower part of one leg. The central loop 44 is attached
to the horn
48 and neither buckle tongue 42 is attached to the buckles 46 for storage of
the strap
40. The strap 40 does not secure the patient to the knee pad 36 when the strap
40 is
stored like this, but the strap 40 remains secured to the patient lift 10 and
is less likely
to be misplaced.
[0036] . A knee pad mounting assembly, indicated generally at 50, attaches the
illustrated knee pad 36 to the mast 30. The illustrated knee pad mounting
assembly 50
is adjustable to allow the position of the knee pad 36 to be changed for the
convenience and comfort of the patient. The knee pad mounting assembly 50
includes
a mounting bracket 52. The mounting bracket 52 is attached to a fixed position
on the
mast 30. The mounting bracket 52 releasably grips a guide tube 54 of the knee
pad
mounting assembly 50. The height of the knee pad 36 can be adjusted by
releasing
the mounting bracket 52, sliding the guide tube 54 up or down relative to the
mounting bracket 52, then engaging the mounting bracket 52 in order to grip
the guide
tube 54. The knee pad 36 is shown in a low position in Fig. 4 while it is
shown in its
most raised position in Fig. 7. The knee pad 36 and knee pad mounting assembly
50
are configured to allow the knee pad 36 to be positioned in a variety of
positions
throughout an operating range. The operating range is range of positions in
which the
knee pad 36 is positioned to act as a fulcrum for the patient's knees or legs,
and the
operating range is selected to accommodate the physiology of anticipated
patients. As
can be best seen in reference to Fig. 9, the knee pad mounting assembly 50 is
configured so that when the knee pad 36 is moved into its most raised position
before
folding, the knee pad 36 is high enough that it will not interfere with the
base
assembly 12, particularly the base 16, when the mast 30 is moved into the
folded
position. That is, as seen in Fig. 9, the knee pad 36 is far enough to the
right that it
does not interfere with the base 16 or the foot plate 24 when the mast 30 is
moved to
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the folded position. This allows the patient lift 10 to be put into its folded
position for
storage or transportation without having to remove the foot plate 24, the knee
pad 36,
or other components. It should be understood that the illustrated knee pad 36
is
between the legs 18 when the mast 30 is in the folded position. The described
configuration of the knee pad mounting assembly 50 makes it easier for an
operator or
attendant to fold and unfold the patient lift 10. Since there are no parts to
be removed
or replaced from the patient lift 10, there are fewer steps involved in
folding or
unfolding the patient lift 10. Also, this makes it less likely for components
of the
patient lift 10 to be lost. Since no parts need to be removed when the patient
lift 10 is
folded, there are no separately stored parts to misplace.
[0037] The illustrated knee pad mounting assembly 50 is configured to provide
substantially linear movement of the knee pad 36 through the operating range
and to
the most raised position. It should be appreciated that this is not necessary,
and the
knee pad 36 could be configured for some other type of movement. Additionally,
the
most raised position of the illustrated knee pad 36 is outside the operating
range. It
should be appreciated that this is not necessary. Movement of the knee pad 36
could
be limited to the operating range, for instance.
[0038] The illustrated patient lift 10 includes an optional steering handle
56. The
illustrated steering handle 56 is mounted on the mast 30. The steering handle
56 is
provided to assist the attendant in moving and maneuvering the patient lift
10.
[0039] The patient lift 10 includes a boom 58. An inner end of the boom 58 is
pivotally attached to the upper end of the mast 30 by a boom hinge 60. The
illustrated
boom hinge 60 has a substantially horizontal axis. The boom 58 also includes
an
actuator pivot 62. The illustrated actuator pivot 62 is attached to the upper
end of an
arm or actuator 64. The actuator 64 may be an electronic ball screw actuator
or other
suitable actuator. The illustrated actuator 64 is attached to a motor 66. The
illustrated
motor 66 is also mounted to the mast 30. The motor 66 is configured to extend
or
retract the actuator 64. By driving the actuator 64, the motor is able to
cause the boom
58 to pivot about the boom hinge 60. Pivoting the boom 58 about the boom hinge
60
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will either raise or lower an outer end 68 of the boom 58. The illustrated
motor 66 is
an electric motor, and is powered by a power supply 70. The illustrated power
supply
70 is attached to the mast 30. It should be appreciated that any other
suitable
mechanism may be used to move the boom 58.
[0040] The outer end 68 of the boom 58 supports a pivotally attached support
member 72. As best seen in Fig. 2, the illustrated support member 72 is a
substantially U-shaped component. The support member 72 is attached to the
boom
58 by a locking mechanism 74. The support member 72 includes a pair of
optional
hand-holds 76. The support member 72 also includes a pair of sling hooks or
attachment points 78. One attachment point 78 is located at each end of the
support
member 72. The attachment points 78 on support member 72 are used to suspend a
sling (not shown) used to lift the patient. It should be appreciated that Fig.
2 depicts
only one possible configuration of the support member 72. The illustrated
support
member 72 includes two curved arms 90. Each arm 90 extends from an opposite
side
of the locking mechanism 74. An alternative configuration of support member 72
is
illustrated in Fig. 3. The alternative configuration comprises a single
element
extending from the locking mechanism 74. The single element branches into two
individual arms at a distance separated from the locking mechanism 74.
[0041] The locking mechanism 74 releasably grips the support member 72. When
the locking member 74 is released, the support member 72 is able to rotate
around a
substantially horizontal axis. When the locking member 74 is engaged, the
support
member 72 is fixed relative to the boom 58. The illustrated locking mechanism
74
includes a release handle 80. The release handle 80 is configured to be moved
by the
attendant in a first direction, as indicated by the arrow 82. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the first direction 82 is the rearward direction. When the release
handle
80 is moved in the first direction, the support member 72 is released for
rotation
relative to the boom 58. The release handle 80 is spring biased in a second
direction,
toward the support member 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the second
direction is
the forward direction 19. When the release handle 80 is moved in the second
CA 02648040 2008-12-24
direction, the support member 72 is no longer able to rotate relative to the
boom 58
and the support member 72 is fixed in its current angular position. It should
be
appreciated that while the illustrated release handle 80 moves in the forward
direction
19 in order to lock the support member 72, the locking mechanism 74 can be
configured so that the release handle 80 moves in other directions.
[0042] Referring to Fig. 11, a cross-section of the boom 58 and the locking
mechanism 74 is shown. In the illustrated patient lift, the outer end 68 of
the boom 58
includes an outer cylinder 84. The outer cylinder 84 is centered on a
substantially
horizontal centerline 86. An inner cylinder 88 is disposed inside the outer
cylinder 84.
The inner cylinder 88 is able to rotate about the centerline 86. As shown,
support
member 72 includes two arms 90 (one of which is visible in Fig. 11). The arms
90 are
mounted on the inner cylinder 88, and are able to rotate about the centerline
86. The
inner cylinder 88 defines a number of radial openings 92. The illustrated
inner
cylinder 88 includes four radial openings 92, situated with approximately 40
degrees
separating adjacent openings. The outer cylinder 84 includes a radial bolt
opening 94.
In Fig. 11, a bolt 96 is disposed within the bolt opening 94. The bolt 96 is
configured
to pass through the bolt opening 94, one of the radial openings 92, and a bolt
guide 98.
As shown, the bolt 96 is attached to a plate 100. The plate 100 is attached to
the
release handle 80 by a pin 102. The locking mechanism 74 includes also
includes a
spring 104. The spring 104 is configured to provide a force biasing the plate
100 in
the forward direction 19.
[0043] When the bolt 96 is disposed through the bolt opening 94 and one of the
radial openings 92, the bolt 96 prevents rotation of the inner cylinder 88
about the
centerline 86. Thus, the bolt 96 locks the position Of the inner cylinder 88
relative to
the outer cylinder 84 and the bolt 96 also locks the position of the support
member 72
relative to the boom 58. Both the bolt 96 and the plate 100 are configured for
sliding
movement within the boom 58. The release handle 80 can be moved in the first
direction (indicated by the arrow 82) by an attendant overcoming the biasing
force of
the spring 104. When the release handle is moved in the first direction 82,
the plate
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100 and the bolt 96 are also moved in the first direction 82. The locking
mechanism is
configured to move the bolt 96 a sufficient distance in the first direction to
withdraw
the bolt 96 from the radial opening 92. This allows the inner cylinder 88 to
rotate
about the centerline 86.
[0044] It should be appreciated that the weight of the support member 72 will
tend
to cause rotation of the inner cylinder 88 relative to the outer cylinder 84.
In reference
to Fig. 11, the support member will attempt to rotate the inner cylinder 88 in
the
clockwise direction. The inner cylinder 88 can be provided with rotational
resistance
relative to the outer cylinder 84 in order to resist the weight of the support
member 72
and help prevent the inner cylinder 88 from freely rotating when the handle 80
is
moved in the first direction 82. When the attendant decreases the force
applied in the
first direction 82 to the release handle 80, the spring 104 will bias the
plate 100, the
release handle 80 and the pin 96, rearward, toward the right as viewed in Fig.
11. It
should be appreciated that if the inner cylinder 88 has been pivoted relative
to the
outer cylinder 84, the bolt 96 may strike the surface 106 of the inner
cylinder 88. In
that case, the inner cylinder 88 will still be able to rotate. However, when
the inner
cylinder has rotated sufficiently to radially align one of the radial openings
92 with the
bolt opening 94, the bolt 96 will be pushed into the radial opening 92 by the
force of
the spring 104.
[0045] It should be appreciated that one, non-limiting embodiment of a locking
mechanism 74 has been described in detail. However, any suitable locking
mechanism 74 can be used with the patient lift 10.
[0046] The ability to adjust the support member 72 to various angular
positions
permits the patient lift 10 to accommodate a greater variety of patients. That
is, the
shape of the patient lift 10 can be changed, and the attachment points 78 can
be
repositioned to meet the patient's needs. This also allows more compact
folding of the
patient lift 10. The support member 72 is shown in a variety of positions in
Figs. 4
through 7. The previously-described locking mechanism 74 is configured so that
the
support member 72 can be locked into specific, pre-selected angular positions
relative
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to the boom 58. The locking mechanism 74 could be configured so that the
support
member 72 can be locked into any angular position relative to the boom 58,
such as by
the use of a set screw, wing nut or friction plates, for example. It should
further be
appreciated that the locking mechanism could be configured to use pre-selected
angular positions that the attendant can select and set prior to using the
patient lift 10
to lift the patient.
[0047] It should be appreciated that when a load is placed on the support
member
72, such as when the patient lift 10 is being used to lift a patient, the
force of that load
will generate a moment that tends to rotate the inner cylinder 88 about the
centerline
86. The bolt 96 will prevent rotation of the inner cylinder 88, and the bolt
96 will be
pinched between the inner cylinder 88 and the outer cylinder 84. This will
increase
the amount of force necessary to move the release handle 80 in the first
direction 82.
That is, when there is a load on the support member 72, it is more difficult
to release
the locking mechanism 72 for rotational adjustment of the support member 72.
However, the locking mechanism could be configured to prevent release of the
locking mechanism 72 when a load above a set amount is placed on the support
member 72.
[0048] When used as a stand assist, the patient lift 10 is positioned in front
of a
patient. The legs 18 may be adjusted in width to provide a stable base
arrangement.
The patient's feet may be situated on the foot plate 24. A sling (not shown)
may be
suspended from the attachment points 78. The sling is passed behind the
patient's
back and under the patient's arms. The motor 66 is driven to extend the
actuator 64.
As the actuator 64 is extended, it pivots the boom 58 about the boom hinge 60,
and
raises the outer end 68 of the boom 58. This also raises the support member
72, and
the attached sling. The support member 72 can be raised until the patient is
supported
by the foot plate 24 and the support member 72 and the desired height is
reached.
[0049] When used as a patient lift, the patient lift 10 may be positioned
adjacent
the patient and stabilized by adjustment in width of the legs 18. A sling (not
shown)
may be placed under the patient and suspended from the attachment points 78.
The
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motor 66 then drives the actuator 64 to raise the support member 72 in order
to lift the
patient. The patient may be completely supported by the sling. That is, the
patient's
weight is supported entirely by the patient lift 10 through the sling. When
used as a
patient lift, the patient's feet are not supported by the foot plate 24, and
the foot plate
24 can be removed from the patient lift 10.
[0050] The patient lift 10 may be used as a walking device for the patient.
When
used as a walking device, the support member 72 is generally lowered to make
it
comfortable for the patient to use the hand-holds 76 and the foot plate 24 is
removed.
This helps the patient to comfortably hold either the hand-holds 76 or the
support
member 72 while walking.
[0051] The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been
explained
and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood
that this
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and
illustrated
without departing from its spirit or scope.
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