Patent Publication Number: US-2021161743-A1

Title: Platform for Lifting an Individual from a Fallen Position

Description:
The current application is a 371 of international Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application PCT/IB2019/054597 filed on Jun. 6, 2019. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an emergency assistance device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mechanized platform that is used to raise an individual from a prone position into a seated position. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are many situations where an individual who has fallen is unable to lift themselves and requires outside assistance. If an obese individual must be moved by emergency personnel, it may be difficult to lift the obese person without assistance. In both of these situations, a lift-assist device for individuals would significantly improve the quality of life for all parties involved. 
     An alternative use case would involve an individual who is alone, not injured but needs minimal assistance to get up from the floor. Similarly, the present invention can be used by others to quickly assist an individual in any situation where the invention would serve as a sure method for a quick recovery. Further, the present invention is intended to be used as an everyday tool that does not necessitate an emergency to be deployed. 
     Falling in America 
     We know that the rate of falls in America increases as the population ages. There are yet many more individuals who fall as a result of a disability at any age. Falls often result in catastrophic injuries. Because of this, there are numerous services that are designed to get help to an individual who has fallen. These services primarily follow a similar process:
         A. Person falls and is alone or with an individual who cannot get them up.   B. Pushes the alert.   C. Remote operator responds to confirm the need.   D. Contacts are then alerted.   E. Help is dispatched.   F. EMS in route.   G. Enters location.   H. Assistance is provided.       

     However, there are also many times when falls, which while traumatic, do not incapacitate the person. These may occur in the home and the individual figures out a way to get up. 
     A different scenario with the aid of the invention would be as follows:
         A. Person falls and is alone or with an individual who cannot get them up.   B. Runs through a checklist and ensures that nothing is broken.   C. Slides to nearest device.   D. Rolls onto device   E. Lifts to a seated height.   F. Transfers to a chair       

     The value-added by the invention is the individual&#39;s ability to recover on their own in a shorter amount of time. Further, the individual does not incur any additional discomfort while waiting for assistance to come. 
     The present invention provides such a lift-assist device. Specifically, the present invention provides a lift-assist device that makes use of a spring-based strut assembly to lift the body of a user off of the floor. Further, the present invention is designed to maintain the body of the user in a seated position. The present invention further facilitates lifting the user by providing a wedge system that can be slid under the user&#39;s body while the user is on the floor. As the present invention lifts the user into the seated position, the wedge becomes flattened. Thus, easing the legs of the user into the seated position. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a portable system that can be easily accessed by the user who has fallen. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a right perspective view of the present invention in an extended configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a left perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a right-side view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a right perspective view of the present invention showing the backrest in an upright configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a right perspective view of the present invention in a collapsed configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a right perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in an extended configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 7 , the present invention, the platform for lifting an individual from a fallen position, is a device that is used to lift a user who has fallen over. Specifically, the present invention is a lift that can be inserted beneath the user while the user is lying on the ground. Once inserted beneath the user, the lift is activated, and the user is raised to a seated position. Specifically, the present invention transitions between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the present invention is designed to be slid beneath the body of the user while the user is positioned on the ground. In the extended configuration, the present invention is designed to lift the user into the seated position. Further, the user is able to adjust the height to which the present invention extends. Thus, enabling the present invention to be used with users of varying shape and size. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , as described above, the present invention is designed to be a user-controlled lift. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a base platform  1 , a lifting platform  2 , a folding wedge  3 , a plurality of collapsible supports  4 , and a lift-control assembly  5 . The base platform  1  is a rigid platform that forms the structural foundation for the remaining components of the present invention. The lifting platform  2  is a rigid panel that supports the weight of the user when the present invention is placed beneath the user. That is, the lifting platform  2  forms a seat on which the user rests when the present invention lifts the user into the seated position. The folding wedge  3  is an articulated member that can transition between a ramp and a planar surface. Additionally, the folding wedge  3  is laterally and hingedly connected to the base platform  1 . Further, the folding wedge  3  is laterally and hingedly connected to the lifting platform  2 . As a result, the folding wedge  3  forms a ramp while the present invention is in the collapsed configuration. Further, the folding wedge  3  forms a planar sidewall while the present invention is in the extended configuration. Preferably, the present invention is designed such that a person who is alone will be able to slide onto the invention and then be safely transferred to a chair or to a standing position from the seated position. Thus, facilitating assisting the user who has fallen. As the present invention transitions into the extended configuration, the folding wedge  3  forms a lateral surface that facilitates maintaining the user in the seated position. Preferably, the folding wedge  3  comprises a first panel  31  and a second panel  32 . The first panel  31  is hingedly connected to the base platform  1 . Additionally, the second panel  32  is hingedly connected to the first panel  31 , opposite to the base platform  1 . Further, the second panel  32  is hingedly connected to a first widthwise edge  21  of the lifting platform  2 , opposite to the first panel  31 . Consequently, the folding wedge  3  is able to be slid beneath the body of the user while the present invention is in the collapsed configuration. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , the plurality of collapsible supports  4  is a collection of support structures that can extend or contract as the present invention is transitioned between the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration. Specifically, the plurality of collapsible supports  4  is mounted in between the base platform  1  and the lifting platform  2 . Accordingly, the plurality of collapsible struts limits the distance the lifting platform  2  can be displaced relative to the base platform  1 . Further, the plurality of collapsible supports  4  provides the rigidity required to support a user who may be squirming or awkwardly seated. The present invention is designed with a system that enables the user to control the distance and the rate at which the lifting platform  2  is moved. To accomplish this, the lift-control assembly  5  is an actuation system that governs the distance which the lifting platform  2  is displaced. Specifically, the lift-control assembly  5  is operatively coupled between the base platform  1  and the lifting platform  2 . Further, the lift-control assembly  5  generates the force required to modify the vertical distance between the base platform  1  and the lifting platform  2 . Accordingly, the lift-control assembly  5  is a mechanical system that provides the requisite forces for transitioning the present invention between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration. Additionally, the lift-control assembly  5  is positioned offset from the plurality of collapsible supports  4 . Thus positioned, the components of the lift control assembly do not hinder the collapsible functionality of the plurality of collapsible supports  4 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 3 , in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the lift-control assembly  5  works in concert with the plurality of collapsible supports  4  to provide the lifting force required to transition the present invention between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration. To that end, the plurality of collapsible supports  4  comprises at least one first cross-protracting strut  41  and at least one second cross-protracting strut  42 . The first cross-protracting strut  41  and the second cross-protracting strut  42  are actuation members that provide the requisite force for transitioning the present invention from the collapsed configuration to the extended configuration. Preferably, the first cross-protracting strut  41  and the second cross-protracting strut  42  are each made of two gas springs that provide the force required to transition the present invention into the extended configuration, by extending. Alternatively, the first cross-protracting strut  41  and the second cross-protracting strut  42  are designed using linear actuators including, but not limited to, pistons and hydraulic cylinders. The first cross-protracting strut  41  is positioned offset from the second cross-protracting across the lifting platform  2 . Specifically, the first cross-protracting strut  41  is positioned along a first lengthwise edge  23  of the lifting platform  2 . The second cross-protracting strut  42  is positioned along a second lengthwise edge  24  of the lifting platform  2 , opposite to the first lengthwise edge  23 . Additionally, the lift-control assembly  5  is positioned in between the first cross-protracting strut  41  and the second cross-protracting strut  42 . Thus positioned, the lift assembly, is able to provide an evenly distributed counterforce to the first cross-protracting strut  41  and the second cross-protracting strut  42 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lift-control assembly  5  provides a counterforce that compresses the first cross-protracting strut  41  and the second cross-protracting strut  42  when transitioning the present invention from the extended configuration into the collapsed configuration. To achieve this functionality, the lift-control assembly  5  comprises a winch  51 , at least one tensioning cable  52 , and at least one pulley  53 . The winch  51  is mounted onto the base platform  1 . Additionally, the tensioning cable  52  is tethered in between the winch  51  and the lifting platform  2 . As a result, the winch  51  is able to control the amount of the tensioning cable  52  that is payed out or reeled in. Thus, controlling the distance the present invention is extended or collapsed. Additionally, the winch  51  is preferably a crank-operated device that can be controlled by the user rotating a crankshaft. When the user wants to transition the present invention from the collapsed configuration to the extended configuration, the user disengages the winch  51 . When the user disengages the winch  51 , the plurality of cross-protracting struts moves the lifting panel away from the base platform  1 . The user can reengage the winch  51  at any time to limit the amount of the tensioning cable  52  that is payed out. Thus, limiting the distance the lifting platform  2  is able to travel. To transition the present invention from the extended configuration into the collapsed configuration, the user actuates the winch  51  by rotating the crankshaft and reeling in the tensioning cable  52 . As the tensioning cable  52  is reeled in, the lifting platform  2  is drawn toward the base platform  1 . Preferably, the present invention further comprises a lever  54  and a lever actuator  541 . The lever  54  is operatively coupled to the winch  51 , wherein actuating the lever  54  causes the winch  51  to pay out or reel in the tensioning cable  52 . Consequently, the user is able to actuate the winch  51  by rotating the lever  54 . The lever  54  is preferably coupled to the winch  51  via a ratcheting system that enables the user to lock the winch  51  in a desired position, such that the lifting platform  2  is retained at a desired height, relative to the base platform  1 . The lever actuator  541  is a mechanical system that assists the user when rotating the lever  54  to pay out or reel in the tensioning cable  52 . In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the lift-control assembly  5  is a motorized system that uses a motor to control the transition between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration. In this embodiment, a remote controller is communicably coupled to the lift-control assembly  5 . As a result, the user is able to electronically control the displacement of the lifting platform  2  relative to the base platform  1 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 3 , the pulley  53  is mounted onto the base platform  1  and positioned offset from the winch  51 . Additionally, the pulley  53  is positioned in between the winch  51  and the lifting platform  2  along the tensioning cable  52 . Consequently, the tensioning cable  52  is routed through the pulley  53 , such that the pulley  53  is positioned along the length of the tensioning cable  52 , in between the winch  51  and lifting platform  2 . Accordingly, the pulley  53  provides a mechanical advantage that decreases the amount of force the winch  51  is required to provide. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one pulley  53  comprises a plurality of base pulleys  531  and a plurality of lift pulleys  533 . Additionally, the at least one tensioning cable  52  comprises a plurality of cables  52 . The plurality of base pulleys  531  is mounted onto the base platform  1 . Likewise, the plurality of lift pulleys  533  is mounted onto the lifting platform  2 . Additionally, the plurality of base pulleys  531  and the plurality of lift pulleys  533  are positioned in between the base platform  1  and the lifting platform  2 . Further, each of the plurality of cables  52  is routed through at least one corresponding base pulley  532  from the plurality of base pulleys  531 . Similarly, each of the plurality of cables  52  is routed through at least one corresponding lift pulley  534  from the plurality of lift pulleys  533 . Accordingly, the plurality of lift pulleys  533  and the plurality of base pulleys  531  work in concert to reduce the amount of force the winch  51  must exert when transitioning the present invention from the extended configuration to the collapsed configuration. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 6 , and  FIG. 7 , in a separate alternative embodiment, the lift-control assembly  5  makes use of an active lift system to generate the force required to transition the present invention between the extended configuration and the collapsed configuration. To achieve this functionality, the lift-control assembly  5  comprises a pump  55  and an inflatable bladder  56 . The pump  55  is mounted onto the base platform  1  so that the pump  55  remains in a fixed position while the lifting platform  2  transitions between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration. Additionally, the pump  55  is in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder  56 . As a result, the pump  55  is used to inflate the inflatable bladder  56 . Some embodiments of the present invention replace the pump  55  with a compressor to inflate the inflatable bladder  56 . The inflatable bladder  56  is mounted in between the base platform  1  and the lifting platform  2 . Accordingly, the inflatable bladder  56  vertically displaces the lifting platform  2 , relative to the base platform  1 , when inflated or deflated. That is, the pump  55  and the inflatable bladder  56  work in concert to transition the present invention between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration. When the pump  55  inflates the inflatable bladder  56  the lifting platform  2  is moved away from the base platform  1 . As the inflatable bladder  56  deflates the lifting platform  2  is moved closer to the base platform  1 . Thus, the position of the lifting platform  2 , relative to the base platform  1 , is directly proportional to the amount of air that is retained within the inflatable bladder  56 . In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder is an accordion-type structure that collapses onto itself when deflated. Embodiments of the present invention are designed with an electronic control system and an onboard power supply that enable the present invention to be used in a variety of conditions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 6 , the present invention is designed to act as a potentially life-saving device that increases the quality of life for the user. To that end, the present invention further comprises a backrest  25 , a cushion  26 , and a plurality of handles  27 . The backrest  25  is hingedly connected to a second widthwise edge  22  of the lifting platform  2 , opposite to the folding wedge  3 . As a result, the user may unfold the backrest  25  to facilitate the establishment of a comfortable seat. Additionally, the backrest  25  further supports the user when being moved into a seated position by the present invention. The backrest  25  is designed to be folded away for storing and transporting the present invention. The cushion  26  is connected adjacent to the lifting platform  2 , opposite to the plurality of collapsible supports  4 . Thus positioned, the cushion  26  provides a comfortable seat for the user resting on the lifting platform  2 . The plurality of handles  27  is connected adjacent to the lifting platform  2 , opposite to the plurality of collapsible supports  4 . Additionally, the plurality of handles  27  is positioned offset from the cushion  26 . Consequently, the plurality of handles  27  function as supports that enable the user to remain seated, securely, while the present invention is transitioned between the collapsed configuration and the extended configuration. Some embodiments of the present invention are equipped with a seatbelt that further secures the user that is seated on the lifting platform  2 . Further embodiments are designed with detachable handles  27  that can be removed or swiveled out of position to accommodate various mounting and dismounting strategies, or transfer points. Additional embodiments are designed with wireless communication systems that enable the present invention to be controlled by a remote server or user. Further embodiments of the present invention are designed with a mobility system and electronic control system. These embodiments act as semi-autonomous drones that are capable of moving toward, and lifting, the fallen individual without external intervention. Alternatively, the autonomous drone can be controlled by a remotely positioned individual. 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.