Patent Publication Number: US-10758443-B1

Title: Patient lifting apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     Not applicable. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to devices for assisting elderly, injured, or physically disabled individuals move from a floor position to a seated or standing position. More specifically, the present invention relates to a manually operated lifting device for assisting an individual rise from the floor to a chair, bed, or standing position. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The most common types of injuries suffered by healthcare workers and care givers are back strains and sprains due to lifting patients improperly. Lifting and transferring disabled and elderly patients is a leading cause of industry in the healthcare industry where nurses have the highest risk and incident of injury. This may be due to the weight of the individual, the position of the individual, or the strength of the healthcare worker or caregiver. Despite the cause of the injury, several methods, devices, and apparatuses have been promoted to reduce the risk of injury when lifting or moving a disabled, injured, or elderly patient, the risk of injury and incident of injury continues to increase. 
     Various attempts have been made, although unsuccessfully, to solve this problem. One illustrative attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,057, which generally discloses a patient support and lifting device. While this disclosure does involve a device that aids in lifting and moving an individual from one location to another, it fails to provide for a means to lift and move an individual with out added strain or stress to the user&#39;s back. 
     Another example can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,947, which generally discloses a machine for assisting a partially ambulatory user to rise and move about. While this disclosure does involve a device that aids in the movement of an individual, the device is self-operated and does not provide for a means for a second party to lift and move an immobile or partially ambulatory individual. 
     As can be seen, various attempts have been made to solve the problems which may be found in the related art but have been unsuccessful. A need exists for a new patient lifting device to avoid the challenges and problems with the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is to be understood that in the present disclosure, all embodiments are provided as illustrative and non-limiting representatives of many possible embodiments. In addition, the terms “is,” “can,” “will,” and the like are herein used as synonyms for and interchangeable with terms such as “may,” “may provide for,” and “it is contemplated that the present invention may” and so forth. 
     Furthermore, all elements listed by name, such as a platform, crank, and so forth are herein meant to include or encompass all equivalents for such elements. For example, in addition to a “platform,” any item sufficiently equipped to raise of lift a human being is also contemplated by the present invention. Such equivalents are contemplated for each element named in its particular herein. 
     For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention are provided herein. It is to be understood that not all such aspects, advantages, or novel features may be provided in any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one aspect, advantage, or novel feature or group of features without achieving all aspects, advantages, or novel features as may be taught or suggested. 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known art, the present invention relates to patient lifting apparatus that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. The general purpose of the present invention, which shall be described subsequently in greater detail, is to reduce the risk of injury when lifting or moving a disabled, injured, or elderly patient. 
     The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. By way of non-limiting example, the present invention provides a novel solution for reducing the risk of injury when lifting or moving a disabled, injured, or elderly patient. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     The present invention comprises an apparatus for moving and lifting individuals, particularly disabled and/or disabled persons. The apparatus of the present invention provides a system for conveniently moving or lifting an individual from a floor position to a seated or elevated position with minimal strain or stress to the user&#39;s back or body. The present invention provides for a patient lifting apparatus comprising a base frame with a front end and a rear end. The rear base frame has a T-shape, with the top of the T-shaped rear frame faces the user. In some embodiments, the T-shaped rear frame has an off-step to assist with stabilizing the apparatus when it is in use. In some embodiments, the T-shaped rear base frame can be detached from the front end of the base frame. The front end of the base frame is Y-shaped with at least a 165-degree angle opening. 
     In other embodiments, the spine of the invention extends vertically from where the T-shaped rear frame and Y-shaped front frame intersect. The spine also extends back towards the T-shaped rear frame at an angle that is at least 22 degrees. A detachable platform seat is detachably secured to the front of the frontward facing edge of the spine and can move up and down along the axis of the spine by means of a cable pulley system that runs the length of the spine. In some embodiments, the cable pulley system is controlled by a winch which is located on the upper back portion of the spine. Above the winch, and on the top rear of the spine, a handle extends towards the user to assist with stabilizing the movement of the invention. The cable pulley system effectively reduces the amount of force required operate the present invention. 
     To operate the present invention, a user must place the platform seat in the lowest position required to move or lift a person. If the individual who is in need of assistance is on the floor, then the user must position the platform seat flush with the surface floor. Next, the platform seat must be moved into position under the hips or buttocks of the person in need of assistance. Once positioned under the person in need of assistance, the winch must be cranked to activate the cable pulley, thereby raising the platform seat to the desired level. 
     The present invention may be portable and may provide for one or more ways to fold the patient lifting apparatus in a nearly flat and vertical or horizontal position for easy storage. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in terms of the components and configurations, it is understood to that the invention is not intended to be limited to those specific dimensions or configurations but is to be accorded the full breadth and scope of the spirit of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where: 
         FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of a patient lifting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of a patient lifting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a front view of a patient lifting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a front perspective view of a patient lifting device in accordance with an alternative configuration of the invention. 
         FIG. 5A  shows an engaged front perspective view of a patient lifting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5B  shows an engaged front perspective view of a patient lifting device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a front perspective view of a patient lifting device while the elements of the device are detached. 
         FIG. 7  shows a patient lifting device in a disengaged and in a folded position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a new and more effective patient lifting device. 
     All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any embodiment or element of an embodiment disclosed in this disclosure will be determined by its intended use. 
     It is to be understood that the drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate potential embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, the first digit of each reference number indicates the figure where the element first appears. 
     As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. 
     In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Well-known features, elements or techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments. 
     Turning attention to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of a patient lifting apparatus  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive a rear frame member  101 , a front frame member  102 , resting on four wheels  103 . A viewer may also perceive that the rear frame member  101  is T-shaped and the front frame member  102  is Y-shaped. The rear frame member  101  and the front frame member  102  are detachably connected with a pin  104  or other securing mechanism. 
     The patient lifting apparatus  100  also comprises a spine member  105  extending vertically from the front frame member  102 . A platform seat  106  is detachably affixed to the spine member  105  and can be raised and lowered vertically along the spine by means of a two-wheel cable pulley system having a first wheel  107   a  and a second wheel  107   b  with circumferential groves (not shown) in which the rope  108  engages. The cable pulley system is operated by engaging the winch  109  which is controlled by a manual crank  110 . As may be appreciated by those of skill in the art, while a two-wheel cable pulley system is shown in  FIG. 1 , embodiments with a one-wheel  107 , three or more wheels  107 , or no wheel  107  are also contemplated. The rope  108  or line may be comprised of any material known in the art such as, but not limited to, nylon, polypropylene, manila, Kevlar®, or polyester. 
     The present invention may also provide means for user stabilization while it is in use by means of a gripping handle  111  at the top of the spine member  105  and a foot stabilizer  112  at the back end of the rear frame member  101 . Although the foot stabilizer  112  shown in  FIG. 1  is rectangular shaped, other shape configurations are also contemplated such as a square, triangle, or circular shaped configurations. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the platform seat  106  has a support frame  113  and a gate belt  114 . The platform seat  106  may be of any material with sufficient strength to withstand the weight of a heavy object, such as but not limited to metal, wood, or plastic. Moreover, in some embodiments, the platform seat  106  may provide for one or more raised traction elements, or surface ornamentation such as elastomer portions that enable an individual to stay put on top of the platform seat  106 . In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for two or more platforms  102 , which may be connected or operating independently. In other embodiments, the gate belt  114  may be used to secure an individual to the platform seat  106  by looping a belt (not shown) through the gate belt  114  and around the individual&#39;s waist. 
     With respect to  FIG. 2 , a side view of a patient lifting apparatus  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive the platform seat  106 , the winch  109  and crank  110 , and the stabilizing handle  111 . 
       FIG. 2  serves to show generally the relationship between the base frame  101  and  102 , the spine  105 , and the platform seat  106 . The spine  105  extends upward from the front frame member  102  at an angle that is at least 22 degrees  203 . The first wheel  107   a  is encased in a supporting frame  202  with arms that extend around the spine member  105  and are suitably spaced to allow for the first wheel  107   a  and frame  201  to move freely along the spine member  105 . The platform seat  106  is detachably secured to the spine  105  with a securing pin  201  having at least ½ inches in diameter and length (not shown). 
       FIG. 2  also serves to illustrate the relationship between the cable pulley system wheels  107  and the spine  105 . The first wheel  107   a  is encased in a supporting frame  202  with arms that extend around the spine member  105  and are suitably spaced to allow for the first wheel  107   a  and frame  201  to move freely along the spine member  105 . In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive a storage post  204  extending from the front frame member  102  at an angle of at least 22 degrees. 
     With regards to  FIG. 3 , a front view of a patient lifting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown.  FIG. 3  serves to show generally the relationship between the spine  105  and the securing pins of the cable pulley system. A viewer may perceive a plurality of engaging fasteners to secure the second wheel of the pulley system  301 , the crank  302 , the first wheel of the pulley system  303 , and the supporting frame  304 . 
     Turning attention to  FIG. 4 , a front perspective view of patient lifting apparatus in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown.  FIG. 4  serves to generally show an alternative configuration of the spine  105  and cable pulley system. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive that the spine may be encased in a covering  401 . To allow the cable pully system to work effectively, the covering  401  has a rectangular shaped opening  402  of sufficient width and length to allow the cable pulley rope  108  to raise and lower the platform seat  106  to the user&#39;s desired height. The covering  401  may be comprised of any material known in the art such as, but not limited to metal, plastic, or wood. 
     Turing attention to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , perspective views of the patient lifting apparatus in use in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown.  FIG. 5A  serves to generally show that rotating the crank  501  in a clockwise direction lowers the platform seat  502  to the ground.  FIG. 5B  serves to generally show that rotating the crank  503  in a counter-clockwise direction raises the platform seat  502  up the spine. 
     With regards to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of the patient lifting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive the patient lifting apparatus  100  in a detached configuration. The rear frame member  101  is detachably connected to the front frame member  102  and is secured by a securing pin  601  or other securing mechanism. The base male end of the Y-shaped front frame member  102  inserts into the base female end of the T-shaped rear frame member  101 . 
     The platform seat  106  is detachably connected to the encasing frame  603  of the first wheel  107   a  and is secured by a pin or other securing mechanism (not shown). The male member  605  of the platform seat  604  inserts into female member (not shown) of the encasing frame  603  of the first wheel  107   a.    
       FIG. 7  shows a side view of the patient lifting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive that the rear base frame  101  detachably connected to the storage post and secured by a pin or other securing mechanism (not shown). 
     CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
     Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that other versions are possible. As various changes could be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be illustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained in this disclosure. 
     All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 
     Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112. 
     While the present invention generally described herein has been disclosed in connection with a number of embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.