Abstract:
Portable lifting and transferring techniques for assisting in the mobility of disabled persons are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a portable lifting and transferring apparatus for assisting disabled persons that is compact, lightweight, and portable for use in different locations. Preferably, such an apparatus would provide multiple pivot points for providing multiple degrees of maneuvering freedom when lifting and transferring disabled persons and/or their mobility devices and for providing compatibility with a wide range of vehicles. The techniques may also be realized in other embodiments as disclosed herein.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/850,684, filed Feb. 21, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present invention relates generally to devices which may be used for lifting and transferring disabled persons and, more particularly, to portable lifting and transferring techniques for assisting in the mobility of disabled persons. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Disabled persons often have trouble in transferring from one location to another. Particularly in the case of wheelchair bound persons, it is often quite difficult to lift and transfer such persons to and from their wheelchair from and to, for example, a car, a bath or shower, or a bed. It can also be quite difficult to lift and transfer mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters after a disabled person has been removed therefrom. One or more persons are usually required to assist the disabled person. 
     There have been some inventive efforts directed at alleviating the problems associated with transferring disabled persons from one location to another. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,924, Brigman et al. disclose a disabled person transfer device for transferring a disabled person from a wheelchair to a vehicle. Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,891, Reeve et al. disclose a hydraulically powered lift and transport apparatus for lifting and transporting wheelchair bound persons. 
     The aforementioned patents disclose devices which allow a disabled person to be lifted from a wheelchair or a bed to another location. However, the devices disclosed in both of these patents, as well as other known devices, have drawbacks in the areas of cost and complexity which could limit the potential mobility of a disabled individual. For instance, the disabled person transfer device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,365,924 requires extensive modifications to a vehicle as well as a modified wheelchair for use with the device. Also, the lift and transport apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,891 requires a remotely located hydraulic pump and 120 VAC current to power the various components of the apparatus. Furthermore, the devices disclosed in both of the aforementioned patents are essentially permanently installed, thus lacking in portability. Similar drawbacks exist for other known lifting and transferring devices. 
     In view of the foregoing, it may be understood that there may be significant problems and shortcomings associated with current lifting and transferring devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Portable lifting and transferring techniques for assisting in the mobility of disabled persons are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a portable lifting and transferring apparatus for assisting disabled persons that is compact, lightweight, and portable for use in different locations. Preferably, such an apparatus would provide multiple pivot points for providing multiple degrees of maneuvering freedom when lifting and transferring disabled persons and/or their mobility devices and for providing compatibility with a wide range of vehicles. The techniques may also be realized in other embodiments as disclosed herein. 
     The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to particular embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure is described below with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments, as well as other fields of use, which are within the scope of the present disclosure as described herein, and with respect to which the present disclosure may be of significant utility. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to facilitate a fuller understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals. These drawings disclose the present invention in four versions. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure, but are intended to be illustrative only. 
         FIG. 1  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a hinge-mounted support assembly version, in conjunction with a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift, with a hinge-mounted support assembly in place on a hinge, and the parallelogram-style personal transfer lift mounted on the hinge-mounted support assembly. 
         FIG. 2  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a hinge-mounted support assembly version, in conjunction with a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift, with a hinge-mounted support assembly in place on a hinge, and the parallelogram-style personal transfer lift detached from the hinge-mounted support assembly. 
         FIG. 3  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a hinge-mounted support assembly version, in conjunction with a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift, with a hinge-mounted support assembly detached from a hinge, and the parallelogram-style personal transfer lift detached from the hinge-mounted support assembly. 
         FIG. 4  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a hinge-mounted support/integrated actuator style personal transfer lift version, with an integrated actuator style personal transfer lift in place on a hinge, and a personal transfer support system mounted on the integrated actuator style personal transfer lift. 
         FIG. 5  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a hinge-mounted support/integrated actuator style personal transfer lift version, with an integrated actuator style personal transfer lift in place on a hinge, and a personal transfer support system detached from the integrated actuator style personal transfer lift. 
         FIG. 6  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a hinge-mounted support/integrated actuator style personal transfer lift version, with an integrated actuator style personal transfer lift detached from a hinge, and a personal transfer support system detached from the integrated actuator style personal transfer lift. 
         FIG. 7  shows a hinge-mounted support assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in conjunction with a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift. 
         FIG. 8  shows a hinge-mounted support assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in conjunction with a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift, with integrated battery. 
         FIG. 9  shows a hinge-mounted support assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in conjunction with a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift, with integrated battery, and safety cutoff switch. 
         FIG. 10  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a hinge-mounted support/integrated actuator style personal transfer lift version, with a personal transfer support system mounted on the integrated actuator style personal transfer lift. 
         FIG. 11  shows a personal transfer support assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in conjunction with an integrated actuator style personal transfer lift. 
         FIG. 12  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a “B”-pillar-mounted support assembly version, in conjunction with a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift, with a “B”-pillar-mounted support assembly in place on a “B”-pillar, and the parallelogram-style personal transfer lift mounted on the “B”-pillar-mounted support assembly. 
         FIG. 13  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a “B”-pillar-mounted integrated actuator style personal transfer lift version, with an integrated actuator style personal transfer lift in place on a “B”-pillar, and a personal transfer support system mounted on the integrated actuator style personal transfer lift. 
         FIG. 14  shows a “B”-pillar-mounted support assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in conjunction with a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift. 
         FIG. 15  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift version, in conjunction with a sling system. 
         FIG. 16  shows a power lift and transfer system and attachment method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure in a “B”-pillar-mounted integrated actuator style personal transfer lift version, with a personal transfer support system mounted on the integrated actuator style personal transfer lift. 
         FIG. 17  shows a “B”-pillar-mounted support assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, for use in conjunction with an integrated actuator style personal transfer lift. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  7 , there is shown a system  300  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure comprising a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100  as detailed in  FIG. 15 , used in conjunction with a hinge mounted hook support assembly  101 . Beginning from the left of system  300 , moving upward and rightward, the system  300  includes hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101 , which includes a hinge hook  3 , shaped and designed to hook over or under upper hinge  4 . A wide variety of hinges and hinge configurations, as well as available space are determining factors in whether hinge hook  3  must be inserted under upper hinge  4  or in the more traditional configuration on top of upper hinge  4 . Hinge hook  3  is securely connected to horizontal support  5 , which in turn is securely connected to vertical support  6 , which is in turn securely connected to stabilization flanges  7  and pin support tabs  8 . Pin supports  9  are, securely inserted in pin support tabs  8 .  FIGS. 3 and 7  show detail views of the construction of the hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101 , including lower hinge capture  10  designed to encapsulate lower hinge  4   a . Hinge capture  10  provides additional security for users of the system  300  in that its channel design captures lower hinge  4   a , preventing the possibility of hinge hook  3  becoming dislodged from upper hinge  4  due to improper placement of hinge support assembly  101 , resulting in dislodging of system  300  and potential user injury. 
     Stabilization flanges  7  provide additional lateral stabilization for hinge support assembly  101  by pressing on door  1  and vehicle  2 . This is especially important as the system  300  is designed to transport a user from outside of the vehicle  2  to inside of the vehicle  2 , thus necessitating a significant shift in the load center the system  300  is designed to bear, and the resulting torsional force on hinge support assembly  101 . Pin support tabs  8  are firmly attached to vertical support  6 , and in turn provide support for pins  9  which are designed to be inserted in pin receiver  11  of parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100  in such a manner as to allow rotation about a substantially vertical axis, thus facilitating horizontal motion during lifting and transferring operations of system  300 . 
     At this point, it should be noted that although hinge support assembly  101  as shown in  FIG. 7  is comprised of several component parts  3 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 , a variety of manufacturing techniques could allow the system to be cast or molded and made from a wide variety of materials which could allow support assembly  101  to be made from fewer subcomponents, or even as a single unit. It should also be noted that the interlocking design of the hinge-mounted-hook support assembly  101  presents significant advantages for users of a lifting and transferring system, as it obviates the need for drilling, modifying, or any installation whatsoever. Users can use virtually any car, even a rental car, and install or uninstall the lift on a moment&#39;s notice without special skills or tools. The narrow profile of the hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101  maximizes the space available to the user and to the parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100  by placing it in the closest possible proximity to upper hinge  4  and lower hinge  4   a . In view of the significant dual constraints of the size of the user or load to be transferred, and the limited space of the door  1  opening of the vehicle  2 , this presents obvious advantages. Since the initial stages of the insertion of hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101  involve the insertion of a relatively small hinge hook  3  over or under a relatively larger upper hinge  4 , followed by a small rotation of vertical support  6  to ensure full engagement of optional lower hinge capture  10 , the entire process is relatively easy for even the least mechanically-orientated of users. 
     The parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  15  could be a lifting and transferring device such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,330, naming the same inventor as in the present application. The parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100  used in conjunction with sling  19   b  provides a proven and effective method of transferring a user or load into and out of vehicle  2 , due to multiple pivot points about a substantially vertical axis associated with pins  9 , and the rotating motion of swingarm  17  in swingarm pivot barrel  16  as well as spreader bar  18  as it pivots with swingarm  17 . These multiple pivot points as well as the lifting motion of actuator  15 , activated by control switch  14 , provide complete three-dimensional movement commensurate with the spatial requirements of a wide variety of shapes and sizes of vehicles available on today&#39;s market. 
       FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  15  show pin receiver tab  11  designed to receive pin  9  of hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101 . Pin receiver tab  11  is in turn firmly connected to lift assembly vertical support  12 , which is in turn connected by means of bolts  12   a  to parallel arms  13 , and drive actuator  15 . The extension and retraction of drive actuator  15 , connected to parallel arms  13 , creates an upward and downward motion of swingarm pivot barrel  16 , swingarm  17 , spreader bar  18 , sling  19   b , and thus the user. Parallel arms  13  are connected through bolts  12   a  to lift assembly vertical support  12  and swingarm pivot barrel  16  in such a manner that the ends of parallel arms  13  pivot in a substantially horizontal axis about bolts  12   a . Sling  19   b  can be freely connected and disconnected from pins  19  on spreader bar  18  so as to facilitate placement of the sling in preparation for lifting and transferring, or stowage. Thus, in the course of normal usage, door  1  is opened, hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101  is placed over upper hinge  4  and rotated to lock against lower hinge  4   a , then parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100  is placed on hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101  such that pins  9  are inserted into pin receiver tabs  11 , swingarm  17  is inserted into swingarm pivot barrel  16 , spreader bar  18  is inserted into swingarm  17 , sling  19   b  is inserted around the user, sling  19   b  is connected via sling belts  19   a  onto pins  19 . At this point, using a combination of up-and-down motion of parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100 , controlled by control switch  14 , and pivoting motions between spreader bar  18 , swingarm  17 , and pins  9 , the user can easily be transferred into and out of vehicle  2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , there is shown a hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101  with the added feature of a battery  23 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , and a battery  23  with safety interlock switch  25 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Battery  23  is shown mounted to horizontal support  5 , however can be mounted anywhere where space is available on hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101 . Battery  23  provides power to parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100 , and may optionally be connected electrically via power wires  24  to pins  9  for the purpose of providing power to parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100 , without the need for any action on the part of the user to provide an electrical connection. This feature provides a clear advantage for the user by eliminating the need for the extra step of an external power connection for the parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100 , or any other type of powered lift. The safety interlock switch  25  is electrically connected to battery  23  through safety interlock switch wires  26  in such a manner that when safety interlock switch  25  is not activated by contact with upper hinge  4 , battery  23  will no longer supply power, and no lifting or transferring may be done. Safety interlock switch  25  thus avoids the possibility that an improperly or incompletely placed hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101  could become detached during the lifting and transferring process, thus resulting in injury to the user or assistant or damage to the vehicle from the impact of a falling load. 
       FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  10 , and  11  refer to an integrated hook support/actuator style lift  200  used in conjunction with a hinge-mounted hook support assembly  201 , referred to collectively as system  400 . Beginning from the left of system  400 , moving upward and rightward, the system  400  includes hinge-mounted hook support assembly  201 , which includes a hinge hook  3 , shaped and designed to hook over or under upper hinge  4 . A wide variety of hinges and hinge configurations, as well as available space are determining factors in whether hinge hook  3  must be inserted under upper hinge  4  or in the more traditional configuration on top of upper hinge  4 . Hinge hook  3  is securely connected to horizontal support  5 , which is in turn firmly connected to drive assembly housing  20 , which contains drive. actuator assembly  21 , which drives drive trolley  27  up and down in a substantially vertical direction. Drive trolley stabilization flanges  22  provide lateral stability for drive trolley  27  so as to avoid a shaking motion in the mechanism which would be disconcerting to the user, and potentially cause undue wear. Drive trolley pins  28  are firmly connected to drive trolley  27  in a substantially vertical orientation so as to facilitate the rotation of pivot support assembly  203  through pins  28  and pin receiver tabs  29 , allowing for horizontal maneuvering much as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  15 . 
     Continuing rightward, pin receiver tabs  29  are firmly connected to lift assembly vertical support  30 , which is in turn pivotally connected to horizontal arm  31  and diagonal support outer tube  32  by means of bolts  34  and  33 . Diagonal support outer tube  32  is connected to diagonal support inner tube  35  by means of diagonal support stowage button  36 , whose purpose is to facilitate release and downward rotation of horizontal arm  31  for purposes of stowage. It should be noted that diagonal support inner tube  35 , diagonal support outer tube  32 , and diagonal support stowage button  36  may be combined into a single solid component to reduce cost and complexity. Horizontal arm  31  and diagonal support inner tube  35  are connected to swingarm pivot barrel  37  which provides a pivotal joint for swingarm  17  to rotate about a substantially vertical axis. Swingarm  17 , spreader bar  18 , sling securement pins  19 , sling  19   b , and sling belts  19   a  all function as described above with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  15 . Up and down motion is accomplished by means of activation of control switch  14 , thus activating drive actuator assembly  21  and moving the drive trolley  27  vertically, which in turn raises and lowers pivot support assembly  203 , and thus the user. Bolts  38  secure swingarm pivot barrel  37  to lift assembly horizontal arm  31  and lift assembly diagonal support inner tube  35 . 
     From a user and functional perspective, the system  400  comprising integrated hook support/actuator style lift  200  with hinge-mounted hook support assembly  201  as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  10 , and  11  operates nearly identically to system  300 . The operation, components, and features of hinge-mounted hook support assembly  201  of system  400  are analogous to hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101  of system  300 . Functional aspects, operational description, safety features, and advantages of stabilization flanges  7 , lower hinge capture  10 , sling  19   b , sling belts  19   a , spreader bar  18 , optional battery  23 , and safety interlock switch  25 , as well as overall operation as described with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  15 , again apply unchanged to integrated hook support/actuator style lift system  400  as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  10 , and  11 . 
     In addition to sharing the advantages of the parallelogram-style personal transfer lift system  300 , the integrated hook support/actuator style lift with hinge-mounted hook support assembly  400  presents notable advantages from a functional and practical perspective. With hinge-mounted hook support assembly  400 , the user avoids the step of placing a relatively clumsy and unbalanced lifting mechanism with a compact, lighter and more balanced unit, the integrated hook support/actuator style lift  200 . This elimination also reduces overall weight since major moving components are reduced from 5 to 4. In the parallelogram-style personal transfer lift system  300 , there may be significant torsion exerted on major structural components, thus the torsional qualities of aluminum or other lightweight material may not be optimal for this design, however in the integrated hook support/actuator style lift  200 , there are no such constraints, thus aluminum or other lightweight construction materials may be used in many if not most structural components, thus significantly reducing weight. For users and assistants with or without disabilities, reducing weight can be of significant practical benefit and a notable market advantage for manufacturers of such products. 
     As an option for hinge-mounted hook support assembly  400 , the integrated hook support/actuator style lift  200  may be integrated with the pivot support assembly  203 , such that the pivot support assembly  203  and drive trolley pins  28  are fully integrated in drive trolley  27 . With this option, the number of major components of system  400  is reduced from four components in the parallelogram-style personal transfer lift with hinge mounted hook support assembly system  300  to three components, or even one if swingarm pivot barrel  37  is permanently connected to swingarm  17 , and spreader bar  18  is permanently connected to swingarm  17 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 ,  14 , and  15 , there is shown a system  301  comprising parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100  as detailed in  FIG. 15  used with a “B”-pillar mounted hook support assembly  102  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Beginning from the left of system  301 , moving upward and rightward, the system  301  includes “B”-pillar mounted hook support assembly  102 , which includes an upper hook  39 , shaped and designed to capture a portion of the “B”-pillar of vehicle  2 , thus stabilizing hinge-mounted hook support assembly  102 , and supporting it to counter rearward, outward, and inward forces.  FIG. 14  shows a “B”-pillar-mounted hook support assembly  102  in detail, including stabilization flange  41 , whose purpose is to counter the remaining forward rotation motion that upper hook  39  is unable to accomplish. Locking pin  42  has as its purpose to engage in striker  43 , often but not necessarily a factory-included feature of the vehicle  2  in such a manner that the lower portion “B”-pillar-mounted hook support assembly  102  cannot move substantially in any direction under load when used in conjunction with parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100 . Vertical support  40  provides the basic structure of the assembly  102  to which upper hook  39 , stabilization flange  41 , locking pin  42 , and support tabs  45 , and pins  46  are firmly connected. 
     Upon substantial rotation of “B”-pillar-mounted hook support assembly  102  in a clockwise direction from a perspective facing into vehicle  2 , it is possible to capture the “B”-pillar  2   a  in between the opening of upper hook  39 , and stabilization flange  41 , then rotating the “B”-pillar-mounted hook support assembly  102  in a counterclockwise direction, sliding the assembly downward until locking pin  42  fully engages in striker  43 . At this point, it should be noted that various orientations and mirror images could be made of “B”-pillar-mounted hook support assembly  102  and its subcomponents to accomplish the same functionality. 
     The direction of hook  39 , flange  41 , and the location of support tabs  45  and pins  46  are not materially important and can be combined in any manner which allows the assembly  102  to capture “B”-pillar  2   a  and secure locking pin  42  into striker  43 . Once “B”-pillar-mounted hook support assembly  202  is in place, parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100  can be placed such that pins  46  pass-through pin receiver tabs  11  of a parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100 , at which point the entire system  301  functions as described above in the discussion of the parallelogram-style personal transfer lift  100  used in combination with hinge-mounted hook support assembly  101  in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  15 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 ,  17 , and  16 , there is shown system  401  comprising an integrated hook support/actuator style lift  200  used with a “B”-pillar mounted hook support assembly  202  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, horizontal support  40  of “B”-pillar-mounted hook support assembly  202  as shown in  FIG. 17  is firmly connected to an integrated hook support/actuator style lift  200 , which combine with pivot support assembly  203  to form system  401 . The integrated hook support/actuator style lift  200  of system  401  operates and is constructed as described above with reference to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  10 , and  11 , and, with the exception of the aforementioned minor differentiation, the “B”-pillar mounted hook support assembly  202  operates, shares the functionality, and is constructed as described above with reference to  FIGS. 12 ,  14 , and  15 . 
     The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, other various embodiments of and modifications to the present disclosure, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Thus, such other embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although the present disclosure has been described herein in the context of at least one particular implementation in at least one particular environment for at least one particular purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the present disclosure may be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the present disclosure as described herein.