Patent Publication Number: US-11382815-B2

Title: Patient transport device and method

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to wheelchairs and, more particularly, a portable patient transport system configured to transport impaired, non-ambulatory, or physically challenged patients into and out of a wheelchair. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Individuals who are non-ambulatory, impaired, or physically challenged patients require a wheelchair for mobility. Transporting patients using conventional wheelchairs can be inconvenient and uncomfortable for patients. Some patients need substantial assistance to be placed into and out of a bed or vehicle, requiring significant muscular strength or at least two caregivers to lift the patient and place them in seated or lying position. Depending on the head room, ride height, and seating of the vehicle, adjusting the wheelchair or positioning the vehicle to accommodate comfortable transport of a patient can be difficult and very time consuming. Over the years many patient transfer devices have been developed to aid in transferring non-ambulatory patients from conventional wheelchairs. For example, harnesses, belts, slide sheets, and slings allow a caregiver to secure the patient and obtain leverage for lifting, pivoting, and moving patients onto or from a wheelchair. 
     To provide easier transport of patients, manual and hydraulic lift systems were developed to raise and suspend a patient in air for transport. The patient is secured in a slide sheet, sling, or harness and raised using one or more pulleys to a predetermined height above the wheelchair. Once the patient is suspended at a predetermined height, the lift system can be rolled towards a bed or vehicle then lowered to transport the patient. Of particular note, is the Hoyer hydraulic lift system. In a Hoyer lift system, a pad fits under the patient&#39;s body and connects with straps or chains to the lift frame. A hydraulic pump is used to lift the patient off the bed or seat surface. Once the patient is suspended in the air, the Hoyer lift can be maneuvered to a wheelchair or another surface by pushing the lift on its wheels. A wheel mechanism is slowly turned to lower the person into a seated or lying position. The pad will stay under the person, but the chains or straps are disconnected. While the Hoyer hydraulic lift system makes patient transport easier, it requires significant space to maneuver in a home, hospital, or near a vehicle. Moreover, the size of the lift frame together with the pad and straps inhibit caregivers from transferring patients into a small space such as a vehicle cabin to be lowered onto the seat. Thus, there exists a need in the art for a portable patient transport system to enable caregivers to readily and easily transport patients. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosed subject matter relates to a wheelchair for transporting a patient comprising a support frame, the support frame having an upper portion located substantially near a first end of the support frame and a lower portion located substantially near a second end of the support frame, at least one seat extension, the seat extension moveably coupled to the support frame between the lower portion and upper portion of the support frame, at least one leg, a first leg coupled to the lower portion of the support frame, at least two wheels mounted on the support frame, an anti-tip bar, the anti-tip bar being substantially horizontally disposed on the lower portion of the support frame and projecting in the lateral direction for stabilizing the wheelchair in the lateral direction, and an extendable beam positioned on the upper portion of the support frame and moveable coupled to the support frame. 
     It is understood that other configurations of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the present disclosure are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the present disclosure of other different configurations and its several details are capable of modifications in various other respects, all without departing from the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and the detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain features of the present disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. However, for purpose of explanation, several implementations of the present disclosure are set forth in the following figures. 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate side and perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a patient transport device in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate side, plan, and perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the patient transport device of  FIGS. 1A-1D  with moveable booms and masts positioned to support a patient transport in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of the patient transport device of  FIGS. 1A -ID with moveable booms further extended and anti-tip bars extended to support a patient transport in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate plan and side views of an exemplary embodiment of the patient transport device of  FIGS. 1A-1D  with moveable booms, masts, and anti-tip bars positioned to support a patient transport onto a seat or bed in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 5A-5F  illustrate plan and side views of an exemplary embodiment of the patient transport device of  FIGS. 1A-1D  with moveable booms, masts, and anti-tip bars positioned to support a patient transport onto a seat of a vehicle in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate plan and side views of an exemplary embodiment of the patient transport device of  FIGS. 1A -ID with extendable mast segments and a driver for automation of a patient transport onto a seat, bed, or onto a vehicle seat in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like-reference-numerals are used to identify like-elements illustrated in one or more of the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure. 
     Various features of the present disclosure will now be described and is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein. Modifications to these features and embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In Other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings. 
       FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate an exemplary transport device  100  in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1A , lower portion of the exemplary transport device  100  may include a support frame  101 , support brace  102 , at least two wheels  103  attached to the support frame  101 , anti-tip support frames  104 , anti-tip bars  105   a ,  105   b  (hereafter “anti-tip bars  105 ”), wheel locks  160   a ,  160   b , legs  106 , and at least two seat extensions  108 . 
     To the support frame  101  may be attached a sheet  107 . The sheet  107  may extend laterally along the support frame  101  to provide back support for a patient  180 . The sheet  107  may extend outwardly from support frame  101  and along seat extensions  108  to provide seating support for a patient. The sheet  107  may be composed of a single fabric or multiple fabrics. The sheet  107  may comprise of one piece, or a plurality of interconnecting pieces to independently provide the desired seating support and back support, for example, a seat cushion and padded back rest. 
     The seat extensions  108  may be retractable, foldable, telescopic, or otherwise collapsible to allow the transport device  100  to be folded or collapsed into a portable size. The seat extensions  108 , support frame  101 , support brace  102 , anti-tip support frames  104 , anti-tip bars  105 , and legs  106  may be solid, hollow, substantially solid, or substantially hollow and composed of any suitable material, for example metals, plastics, reinforced materials, composites, and the like to ensure safe transport of human body weight. 
     The seat extensions  108  together with sheet  107  may be selectively configured for transferring a patient into and out of the transport device  100  by folding or collapsing towards the support frame  101  to enable a caregiver to raise or move the patient away from the transport device  100 . Moreover, the seat extensions  108  and sheet  107  may include a detachable seat back, head rest, and cushioning to enable an upright and comfortable seating position for patient  180 . 
     An extendable beam  111  may be fixed to the support frame  101  or removably attached to the support frame  101 . As shown in  FIG. 2A-2C , the extendable beam  111  may slide, retract, or otherwise move vertically away from the support frame  101  using masts  223   a ,  223   b . The extendable beam  111  may be configured, for example, such that the top, bottom, and side surfaces align with the outer surfaces of the support frame  101 . The extendable beam  111  may slide, retract, or otherwise move in a direction substantially perpendicular to seat extensions  108 . Moreover, the extendable beam  111  may be securely fixed to the support frame  101  at a predetermined distance away from seat extensions  108  using one or more screws, bolts, levers, handles, knobs, or other easily turnable fittings (not shown) on support frame  101 . Thus, extendable beam  111  may be extended away from support frame  101  and fixed at a predetermined height to provide, for example, better back support for the patient. 
     To provide for a compact design and easy assembly, the extendable beam  111  may be a detachable component of transport device  100 . Moreover, the extendable beam  111  may be detachable to allow for repairs or replacement with one or more improved components. The extendable beam  111  may comprise of one or more slidable or retractable structures that extend out from support frame  101  or extend telescopically away from seat extensions  108 . The extendable beam  111  may comprise of one or more bendable, foldable, or rotatable pieces or sections attached together at one or more hinges, connectors, or pivot points (not shown) to extend, rotate, or fold out to a predetermined height from the seat extensions  108 . 
     The seat extensions  108  may be made of fabric, leather, plastic web, willow, bamboo or other material. The frame and components of the frame  101  may be made of aircraft aluminum (6061-T6) which makes it extremely strong yet lightweight. 
     Similar to the exemplary extendable beam  111 , anti-tip bars  105  may extend away from legs  106  and brace  102  to provide better leverage and stability for safely transporting patient  180  from transport device  100 . The anti-tip bars  105  may slide, retract, or otherwise move laterally away from the support frame  101 . The exemplary transport device  100  may include locking mechanism, for example, locks  164   a ,  164   b  for securing anti-tip bars  105  at a fully extended position (e.g.  FIGS. 3A-3D ), partially extended position, or fully retracted position (e.g.  FIGS. 1A-1D ) within anti-tip support frame  104 . 
     The transport device  100  may include a plurality of wheels  103 . A wheel  103  may be positioned at each end of the legs  106 , and at least one wheel  103  may be positioned at an end of each anti-tip bar  105 . Further, each wheel  103  may include a wheel lock  160   a ,  160   b  configured to lock the transport device  100  and anti-tip bars  105  in place while a caregiver transports patient  180 . A wheel lock  160   a ,  160   b  may be positioned at an end of each leg  106  and at an end of each anti-tip bar  105 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1C  and  FIGS. 2A-2B , the upper portion of the exemplary transport device  100  may include booms  121   a ,  121   b , boom hinge points  121   c ,  121   d , clearance  113 , masts  223   a ,  223   b , boom arms  131   a ,  131   b  (hereafter “boom arms  131 ”), cradle hinge points  133   a ,  133   b  (hereafter “hinge points  133 ”), and cradle assembly  270  attachment points  135   a ,  135   b  (hereafter “attachment point  135 ”). The booms  121   a ,  121   b  may be moveably fixed to the beam  113  using boom hinge points  121   c ,  121   d . As shown in  FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 1D , the upper portion of the exemplary transport device  100  provides a pair of arm rests for the patient  180  through booms  121   a ,  121   b , boom arms  131   a ,  131   b  and cradle hinge points  133   a ,  133   b . Also, the upper portion of the exemplary transport device  100  may provide upper back support for patient  180  through adjustments in the heights of masts  223   a  and  223   b . The masts  223   a  and  223   b  may be adjusted to accommodate larger sheets  107 , a detachable seat back, head rest, and cushioning to enable an upright and comfortable seating position for patient  180 . Moreover, the masts  223   a ,  223   b  may slide, retract, or otherwise move vertically away from the support frame  101  and securely fixed at a predetermined height using one or more screws, bolts, levers, handles, knobs, or other easily turnable fittings (not shown) on support frame  101 . 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate an upper portion of the exemplary transport device  200  in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 2A , beam  211  and booms  221   a ,  221   b  are raised to a predetermined height above the head of the patient  280  using masts  223   a ,  223   b  and may then be held in place mechanically, electrically, hydraulic, pneumatically, or any combination thereof. For example, using one or more screws, bolts, levers, handles, knobs, other easily turnable fittings (not shown), motors, gears, battery, springs, hydraulic or pneumatic lifts, shocks, and the like on support frame  201 . The beam  211  includes clearance  213  for booms  221   a ,  221   b  to rotate inwards to form a leverage point, or fulcrum, for the pulley at attachment point  235  as shown in  FIG. 2B . 
     In some aspects, clearance  213  may not be formed on beam  211  and booms  221   a ,  221   b  may be mounted and rotatably fixed to beam  211  to improve stability of booms  221   a ,  221   b  by restricting motion and improving the durability of beam  211 . Alternatively, clearance  213  may be formed at the left and right sides of booms  221   a ,  221   b  to restrict the booms  221   a ,  221   b  from rotating freely during patient transport and to reduce shaking or swaying of booms  221   a ,  221   b  with patient  280  as a load at attachment points  235 . Each of the attachment points  235  may be formed on each of the boom arms  231 . As shown in  FIG. 2D , booms  221   a ,  221   b  may freely rotate between clearance  213  so the patient  280  may be extended telescopically away from frame  201  to be safely and comfortably transported to another location or positioned on a bed, vehicle, seat, or chair. 
     The boom arms  231  may slide outwards from frame  201  while being secured by hinge points  233 . In some exemplary embodiments, the hinge points  233  may be formed over booms  221   a ,  221   b  and completely cover booms  221   a ,  221   b . The boom arms  231  may then retract or slide out of hinge points  233  using attachment points  235 . Once the boom arms  231  are coupled to one another through the attachment points  235 , the cradle assembly  270  may be attached to the attachment points  235 . The cradle assembly  270  comprises of a pulley strap  240  and a harness  250 . The pulley strap  240  may be any one of a belt, strap, chain, or cable suitable for holding a patient  280 . The harness  250  may be any of a pad, a sling, a blanket, or any fabric for cradling or holding a patient  280 . In some exemplary embodiments, the sheet  207  may serve as a harness  250 . The pulley strap  240  may couple to a plurality of grommets positioned along the edges on sheet  207 . In some exemplary embodiments, harness  250  may be a sling or pad having a plurality or straps, bands, cables, or chains, for attaching directly to attachment points  235 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3D , the harness  350  may couple to a hanger, hoist, or hook attached to the attachment points  335 . Referring to  FIG. 2B , the boom arms  231   a ,  231   b  may be extended slightly away from hinge points  233  to allow the harness  250  and pulley strap  240  to easily secured and attached to the attachment points  235  by a caregiver. 
     The cradle assembly  270 , pulley straps  240 , and harness  250  may be positioned, connected to, secured, or attached anywhere along the torso of patient  280 . For example, the cradle assembly  270  may comprise of a harness  250  and pulley straps  240  that, in part or in whole, wrap around or attach to the torso of the patient  280  similar to a back brace, girdle, sling, and the like. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate usage of the lower and upper portions of the exemplary transport device  300  in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , once a location for unloading patient  380  has been determined, anti-tip bars  305   a ,  305   b  may be extended to provide better leverage for transporting patient  380  to another location or positioned on a bed, vehicle, seat, or chair. The booms  321   a ,  321   b  may be rotated inwards, attachment points  335   a ,  335   b  may be coupled together to form the fulcrum of the pulley at attachment points  335   a ,  335   b , and the boom arms  331   a ,  331   b  may be extended away from frame  301  to facilitate connection of the cradle assembly  370  to the attachment points  335   a ,  335   b . Referring to  FIGS. 3B-3D , the patient  380  may be extended further away from hinge points  333  using boom arms  331   a ,  331   b . The harness  350  and pulley strap  340  being secured to attachment points  335 . The boom arms  331   a ,  331   b  may be extended further to place patient  380  directly on a seat, in a vehicle, or on a bed. Thus, allowing a caregiver to raise a patient  380  to the desired height using masts  323   a ,  323   b  then horizontally extend patient  380  at, or just above, the desired seating position on a bed or in a vehicle. Moreover, the seat extensions  308  may be folded back as shown in  FIGS. 3C-3D , for example, to improve the freedom of motion of patient  380 , to allow the caregiver to position transport device  300  and patient  380  closer to a vehicle seat or bed without over extending boom arms  331   a ,  331   b , or to allow a caregiver to move or roll into place, a chair, wheelchair, or other vehicle or seat directly beneath the patient  380 . The cradle assembly  370  may include one or more brackets  342 , one or more pulley straps  340 , and one or more harnesses  350  together coupled to attachment points  335 . The bracket  342  may hold pulley straps  340  at a predetermined distance away from patient  380  spreading out harness  350  to reduce strain and compression on patient  380 . The bracket  342  may include a ball and joint connection to rotate or pivot to allow easier transport of patient  380 . 
     The components of the upper and lower portions of the transport device  300 , for example, support frame  301 , support brace  102 , at least two wheels  103 , anti-tip bars  305   a ,  305   b , booms  321   a ,  321   b , masts  323   a ,  323   b , boom arms  331   a ,  331   b , attachment points  335   a ,  335   b , cradle assembly  370 , hinge points  333 , harness  350 , pulley strap  340 , brackets  342 , and attachment points  335  may be made of an elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastics or similar rubber, neoprene, silicone, and polyurethane. Other suitable materials for the components of the upper and lower portions of the transport device  300  may further comprise of a low friction material selected from the group consisting of plastics, molded or extruded medical grade, plastic, materials plastic reinforced with fiber, metal, rolled steel, stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum, impact resistant plastics material reinforced by carbon reinforced fiber material such as steel or metal rolled, stainless steel, aluminum or preferably titanium. For an even lower friction, the surfaces may be smooth, glazed, polished or polished. Still, other suitable materials for the components of the upper and lower portions of the transport device  300  may contain or be made of, in part or in whole, square or rectangular tubing formed from a suitable material such as, for example, steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, or composite providing the desired combination of stiffness, light weight, and ruggedness. 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate one exemplary embodiment of incorporating the exemplary transport device  400  in an existing wheelchair chassis in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The transport device  400  may be positioned near bed  490  anti-tip bars  405  may be extended outwards anytime during the transport of patient  480 . Masts  423  may be raised to a predetermined height suitable to laterally moving the patient  480  to be positioned directly above bed  490 . Boom arms  431  may be extended out in front of and above patient  480  at a first position for securing the patient  480  to a cradle assembly  370 . The patient  480  may be secured to attachment points  435  using cradle assembly  370 , seat extensions  408  may be folded back, then boom arms  431  may be further extended, as needed, to a second position placing patient  480  directly above bed  490 . 
       FIGS. 1A-4B  illustrate exemplary embodiments of the transport device  400 . The transport device  400  may be incorporated into the chassis or frame of any existing wheelchair chassis in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D , the transport device frame  101  may be, in part or in whole, a wheelchair chassis having anti-tip support frames  104  and anti-tip bars  105  built into the base of a wheelchair chassis. The seat extensions  208  may provide a seating support for patient  280 , the masts  223  may be extended to form at least part of the back support for the patient  280  as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C . The upper portion of the exemplary transport device  300  may be folded, collapsed, or retracted into the frame  301  to provide arm rest of a wheelchair chassis as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D . Moreover, when incorporated in a wheelchair chassis, anti-tip support frame  104  and support brace  102  may further improve the structural rigidity of the frame  101  to better support the extendable beam  111  and retractable anti-tip bars  105 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5F  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of using the transport device  500  to transport patient  580  onto a seat  590  of a vehicle  594 . The transport device  500  comprises of anti-tip bars  505  that may be extended outwards anytime during the transport of patient  580 . The transport device  500  may include masts  523  for raising patient  580  to a predetermined height above seat  590  suitable for laterally moving patient  580  to be positioned just above seat  590 . Masts  523  and boom arms  531  may be extended out from frame  501  to position patient  580  within vehicle  594 . As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B , the boom arms  531  may be extended in front of and above patient  580  at a first position for securing the patient  580  to a cradle assembly  370 . The patient  580  and cradle assembly may be secured to attachment points  535  of the transport device  500 . The seat extensions  508  may be folded back, then boom arms  531  may be further extended, as needed, to a second position placing patient  580  directly above seat  590 . As shown in  FIGS. 5C-5F , the transport device  500  may be wheeled into the second position with legs  506  positioned closer to seat  590 . The anti-tip bars  505  may be extended to stabilize the transport device  500  and allow patient  580  to be positioned inside the vehicle  594 . The patient  580  may be rotated while inside the vehicle  594  using the cradle assembly  370  and attachment points  535 . The patient  580  may be lowered onto seat  590  by lowering masts  523  to a predetermined height or by reducing the tautness or tension in the cradle assembly  370 , the one or more pulley straps  340 , the one or more harnesses  350 , or by reducing the tension or height of the one or more brackets  342 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6D  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the upper and lower portions of the transport device  600 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , masts  623   a ,  623   b  Truly include one or more extensions or retractable segments  623   a   2 ,  623   b   2  for raising patient  680  to a predetermined height. Moreover, to provide easier access for a caregiver to extend the patient  680  outwards towards a seat or bed, boom arms  631   a ,  631   b  may be positioned on the side or below booms  621   a ,  621   b . Similarly, hinge points  633   a ,  633   b  may be positioned on the side or below booms  621   a ,  621   b  to provide easier access for a caregiver to extend patient outwards using the boom arms  631   a ,  631   b  and/or rotate the patient using booms  621   a ,  621   b.    
     The seat extensions  608  and sheet  607  may comprise of one or more handles  607   a  positioned near the top edges of the sheet  607  such that when the sheet  607  is folded back the handles  607   a  may be used to position the transport device  600  closer to a vehicle, seat, or bed. 
     The patient  680  may be lowered by lowering masts  523   a ,  523   b  or segments  623   a   2 ,  623   b   2  to a predetermined height or by reducing the tautness or tension in the cradle assembly  670 , the one or more pulley straps  640 , the one or more harnesses  650 , or by reducing the tension or height of the one or more brackets  642 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6C-6D , the transport device  600  may include a driver  691  that may include a mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic device, or any combination thereof for moving and holding in place any part or component of transport device  600 . For example, the driver  691  may be used for raising or lowering masts  623   a ,  623   b  and segments  623   a   2 ,  623   b   2 , rotating or moving booms  621   a ,  621   b , sliding, retracting, or extending boom arms  631   a ,  631   b  and anti-tip bars  605   a ,  605   b , and folding or retracting sheet  607  and handles  607   a . Once a location for unloading patient  680  has been determined, anti-tip bars  605   a ,  605   b  may be extended to provide better leverage for transporting patient  680  to another location or positioned on a bed, vehicle, seat, or chair. 
     The driver  591  may include levers, handles, knobs, other easily turnable or pressable fittings (not shown), motors, gears, battery, springs, hydraulic or pneumatic lifts, shocks, and the like positioned on support frame  601 . 
     In some exemplary embodiments, upper portion, lower portion, or both of the exemplary transport device  400  may be manually extended outwards to improve leverage and stability of a wheelchair for safely transporting patient  480  from transport device  400 . In some exemplary embodiments, the upper portion or lower portion may include an automated or semi-automated lifting mechanism, for example, a scissors jack, a pneumatic or hydraulic jack or any number of alternative devices used to give a caregiver mechanical advantage in transporting patient  480 . The lifting mechanism may be configured for raising patient  480  to first predetermined height, extending patient  480  outwards to first predetermined length, then positioning patient  480  onto bed  490 . 
     The term “within a proximity”, “a vicinity”, “within a vicinity”, “within a predetermined distance”, “predetermined width”, “predetermined height”, “predetermined length” and the like may be defined between about 0.1 meters and about 3 meters. The term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The connection may be such that the objects are permanently connected or releasably connected. The term “substantially” is defined to be essentially conforming to the particular dimension, shape, or other feature that the term modifies, such that the component need not be exact. For example, “substantially cylindrical” means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. The term “comprising,” when utilized, means “including, but not necessarily limited to”; it specifically indicates open-ended inclusion or membership in the so-described combination, group, series and the like. 
     The term “a predefined” or “a predetermined” when referring to length, width, height, or distances may be defined as between about 0.1 meter and about 3 meters. 
     The booms (e.g. booms  321 ) and seat extensions (e.g. seat extensions  308 ) may be defined by a percentage of openness of between about 1-99%. For example, partially opening the booms  321  to about 99% means the booms  321  are about completely open or folded out and substantially perpendicular to the beam  311 , and partially opening the booms  321  to about 1% means the booms  321  are about completely closed or folded in and substantially parallel to the beam  311 . Similarly, partially opening the seat extensions  308  to about 99% means the seat extensions  308  are about completely open or folded out and substantially perpendicular to the frame  301 , and partially opening the seat extensions  308  to about 1% means the seat extensions  308  are about completely closed or folded in and substantially parallel to the frame  301 . 
     Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the present disclosure, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the present disclosure or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the present disclosure. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. 
     The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include”, “have”, or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 
     All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” 
     The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosed embodiments. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope possible consistent with the principles and novel features as defined by the following claims. 
     The embodiments shown and described above are only examples. Many details are often found in the art such as the other features of an image device. Therefore, many such details are neither shown nor described. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present technology have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the present disclosure, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in the detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the present disclosure, up to and including the full extent established by the broad general meaning of the terms used in the claims. It will therefore be appreciated that the embodiments described above may be modified within the scope of the claims.