Patent Abstract:
The present invention relates to various systems that enable users with appreciably limited muscular, body and coordination control to assume ergonomic postures for task seating, standing, ambulation and physical exercise. Particularly, the embodiments of the invention provide secure support and positioning systems to safely aid the user through an entire process involving transfer from a wheel chair to the assemblies. The systems also assist the user to assume a desired posture and provide ergonomic and integral support after the user is situated in the desired posture. More particularly, the use of the present invention does not require the help of a therapist or additional muscle control on the part of the user. The systems of the present invention are advantageously structured and adjustably implemented to enable users, with a broad range of muscular and body coordination disabilities in addition to wide variations in physical size and configurations, to perform the many useful and advantageous activities safely and efficiently made possible by the invention.

Full Description:
CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/108,732, filed Nov. 17, 1998, and entitled “Ergonomic Posture Ambulation and Exercise Apparatus and Method.” The priority provisional patent application is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to devices for the disabled user that enable the disabled user to be raised from a seated position to a supported standing position and, more-particularly, to devices that enable the disabled user to raise himself/herself from a seated position to a supported standing position independently, i.e. without the aid of an intervening party. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Disabled wheel chair users and other individuals with limited trunk or leg control, experience difficulties in moving their limbs and other parts of the body. Further, subjects who maintain prolonged sedentary sleeping or sitting positions, due to muscle and limb limitations or disabilities, experience, inter alia, atrophy of the limbs and muscles. The inability of a person to flex the muscles coupled with a loss of sensation contributes to nerve degeneration and eventually will result in the muscles undergoing atrophy. In the absence of physical therapy, these individuals will suffer not only from progressive muscular weakness but declining health because of poor fluid circulation, and diminishing kidney, lung and cardiac efficiencies. 
     Existing therapeutic methods include a regimen of flexion and extension of various parts of the body performed with the aid of a therapist. Generally, these methods employ various mechanical supports to position the patient in a vertical and/or supine posture. Movements of the trunk or neck, the forearm and the legs in a flexion and extension manner are then performed with the assistance of the therapist. While these methods are useful, they are not conducive to universal applications because of inherent limitations. Primarily, the method employed by current disability management and therapy is labor intensive and requires a continuous attendance and help by the therapist. Further, current methods and devices do not enable a coordinated and repeated multiple muscle movement and do not reform the disabled limb to follow/assume the most clinically desirable motion/orientation to efficiently tone major parts of the body. For example, a person with a paralyzed lower limb extends the stiffly extended limb in a partial arch when walking. A therapist may have to “force” the partial arc into a straight forward motion. However, in the absence of a restraining device, such forced motions may not be precisely repeatable and are frequently laborious. Accordingly, depending on the type of the disability, a sequence of precise, repeatable beneficial movements may not be possible unless the patient is placed in such a position, posture and orientation to enable specific muscular and body movements. 
     More importantly, current therapy methods and devices require maintenance of a patient-therapist interaction. Generally, the patient is required to be physically present at a clinic or hospital to enable the therapist to help in performing the therapeutic exercises. Consequently, patients needing to perform the exercises on an intensive basis are faced with the burdensome prospect of frequently visiting their therapist at a clinic or hospital. These difficulties are particularly burdensome to patients who live in remote areas and who need to be on a permanent therapy program. Further, presently available therapeutic devices are designed for use in hospitals or clinics and are not conducive for individual home use. In spite of the proliferation of exercise and health enhancing equipment designed for use by the average physically fit person, there is a serious lack. of exercise and ergonomic support equipment for home use by disabled and wheel chair bound individuals. Specifically, there is a need for devices which enable a disabled person to independently perform therapeutic exercises on a self-directed basis. Further, there is a serious lack of stand-support devices for wheel chair bound persons to enable them to form into clinically beneficial and ergonomically sound postures. Such devices are most desirable to enhance the health and independence of a disabled person. 
     Some of the most critical factors in the design and implementation of ergonomic apparatus for wheel chair bound and disabled individuals include features such as availability, maintainability and simplicity. For example, to be independently operable by a wheel chair bound person the device must have features which enable ease of transfer mount/ dismount from the wheel chair to the device and vise versa. Further there should, preferably, be no assembly and disassembly involved to change from one posture to the next or from one exercise regimen to the other. Additionally, all pressure surfaces including contact and positioning surfaces should be designed to eliminate shear, torsion and similar stresses to avoid aggravation and injury to limbs and body parts. This is particularly important as it relates to users who have lost sensation in the legs, knees and certain parts of the body. In cases such as these, therapeutic methods which impart shock, impact, stresses and the like to parts of the body where the subject has lost sensation may inflict tissue, muscle and skeletal damage without the user knowing of the injury until a later diagnosis. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for assemblies which help disabled persons to form into ergonomic postures, without outside intervention such as a therapist, for task sitting, standing, ambulating and exercising purposes. Preferably, such assemblies would have features to enable a self-directed easy mount and dismount to and from a bed, wheel chair or any other similar support. More preferably, the assemblies would include features designed to provide full natural movements and support of the limbs and the body at all postures and activity events. 
     While many devices and methods for lifting and orienting disabled individuals in a substantially vertical and/or supine orientation exist, the applicant is unfamiliar with any assembly which disclose the structures and the combinational advantages of the present invention. Applicant is familiar with lift mechanisms and assemblies which are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,054,852; 4,569,094 and 4,725,056. These assemblies do not provide fore, aft and lateral ergonomic supports and are generally complex in structure and operations. 
     Applicant is also aware of disclosures made in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,545,616; 4,456,086 and 4,054,319 which teach seat assemblies that provide for seated and upright postures. Those seat assemblies, however, lack adequate pressure surfaces and lateral structures, and are cumbersome for a user to mount and dismount. Further, applicant is aware of wheelchairs including seat mounted, hydraulic assist cylinders, which facilitate a standing posture for users who have partial use of their lower limbs and which are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,023,048; 4,569,556 and 4,632,455.Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,151 discloses a person support assembly for ambulation. However, none of the references address the problems and issues outlined above. 
     Accordingly there is a need for a rehabilitation and therapeutic system capable of transposing a wheel chair bound and/or disabled person into various preferred and healthy postural configurations, to maintain comfortable ergonomic ranges to a task seating work station and to further enable standing, ambulation and therapeutic exercise to thereby enhance health, independence and productivity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to various assemblies which enable users with appreciably limited muscular, body and coordination control to assume ergonomic postures for task seating, standing, ambulation and physical exercise. Particularly, the invention provides secure support and positioning mechanisms to safely aid the user through an entire process involving transfer from a wheel chair to the assemblies. The mechanisms also assist the user to assume a desired posture and provide ergonomic and integral support after the user is situated in the desired posture. More particularly, the use of the present invention does not require the help of a therapist or additional muscle control on the part of the user. The assemblies of the present invention are advantageously structured and adjustably implemented to enable users, with a broad range of muscular and body coordination disabilities in addition to wide variations in physical size and configurations, to perform the many useful and advantageous activities safely and efficiently made possible by the invention. 
     More particularly, the invention relates to lift systems of various embodiments advantageously structured to lift a wheel chair bound or similarly situated person to a substantially vertical postural orientation for task standing, ambulation and exercise. Specifically some embodiments of the invention relate to a vertical lift device for positioning, a wheel chair bound or similarly situated user, into a substantially standing posture while enabling safe movement and ambulation. Another embodiment provides a self-activated lift system for positioning and securing a wheel chair bound or disabled person in a substantially vertical orientation to enable dynamic leg motion and full body exercise ranging from mild to vigorous workouts. Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a quick and smooth transition from a sitting position to a substantially standing position and is particularly conducive to disabled users who otherwise have good upper body balance and strength. Further, another embodiment relates to a system which enables a wheel chair bound person to transpose into a standing position without transferring to an intermediate structure such as a seat. The system utilizes a flexible slingoidal pressure surface with specialized friction and support patterns structured to provide gluteal and lumbosacral support. 
     One of the many objectives of the embodiments disclosed in the invention is to enable a disabled person to experience a variety of clinically desirable postures while promoting economic self-reliance, safety and health. Specifically, the embodiments provide various features which include ease of adjustments for statistical variance in the users&#39; weight, height, physical configurations and the like. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a user controlled drive system with safety lock mechanisms including a center of gravity stabilization assembly to prevent tipping. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a substantially flexible slingoidal pressure surface, adaptable to a wheel-chair, bed and similar body support structure. The slingoidal pressure surface includes strategically placed attachments which enable the slingoidal pressure surface, in cooperation with uniquely set structural assemblies, to cradle the gluteal and back regions while simultaneously transferring and lifting the user from a wheel chair to a substantially standing position. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a quick and smooth lift of a wheel chair bound person from a sitting position to a standing posture. The assembly is particularly advantageous for users with appreciable upper body strength with disabilities and/or appreciable limited control of the lower limb and muscles. Lift-handles featuring articulating loop geometries are advantageously implemented to provide multifunctions including structural support for the seat, actuation of the lift mechanism and provision of lateral support to the user. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide an exercise machine to enable safe, dynamic and repeatable leg and upper body motion and exercise while the user is standing. The assembly includes adjustable resistance for programmed exercise and workout. One of the many unique innovations of the assembly includes a knee support structure and pressure surface which eliminates vertical shear, friction, torsional and lateral stresses and maintains the knee in preferably orthoangular alignment with the motion of the legs. Further, pressure surfaces are implemented to keep the user in a secure and ergonomically desirable orientation to promote full extension and flexion of the upper body and limbs. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is plan view of a disabled user lift system of the present invention, wherein the disabled user lift system comprises a lift, positioner, and therapeutic exercise system, the system is shown in a seated position. 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the lower half of the system of FIG. 1, the system is shown in an ambulatory position. 
     FIG. 3 is a rear view of the system of FIG. 1, the system is shown in an ambulatory position. 
     FIG. 4 is a plan view of the system of FIG. 1, the system is shown in an ambulatory position. 
     FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the system of FIG. 1, the system is shown in a seated position. 
     FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the lower half of the exercising structure of the system of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7 depicts a user in an ambulatory position within the system of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a disabled user lift system of the present invention, wherein the disabled user lift system comprises an ambulatory system, the system is shown in the ambulatory position. 
     FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 8, the system is shown in a seated position. 
     FIG. 10 is a close-up perspective view of a lift structure of the system of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 11 is a close-up perspective of a propulsion pulley and wheel of the system of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a disabled user lift system of the present invention, wherein the disabled user lift system comprises a work station system, the system is shown in a seated position. 
     FIG. 13 a plan view of the system of FIG. 12, the system is shown in a standing position. 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of a lift structure of the system of FIG. 8, the system is shown in a seated position. 
     FIG. 15 is a close-up, rear perspective view of the lift structure of the system of FIG. 8, the system is shown in a standing position. 
     FIG. 16 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the third embodiment of FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 17 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a disabled user system of the present invention, wherein the disabled user system comprises a sling lift work station system, the system is shown in a seated position. 
     FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 17, the system is shown in a seated position. 
     FIG. 19 is a plan view of the system of FIG. 17, the system is shown in a standing position. 
     FIG. 20 is a close-up, plan view of a lift structure of the system of FIG.  17 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A first embodiment of a disabled user lift system  10  of the present invention comprises lift, positioner, and therapeutic exercise system  100  is depicted in FIGS. 1-7. System  100  is generally comprised of a base structure  102 , which supports a plurality of articulating and adjustable elements, and a plurality of pressure surfaces  104 , e.g. seat, back rest, knee support, torso pad, which operate with base structure  102  to provide ergonomic support and physical exercise options to the user. 
     Specifically, base structure  102  includes a central support bar  110  that is slidably connected to a forward stabilizing cross member  112  and to a rearward stabilizing cross member  114 . The slidable connection between central support bar  110  and cross members  112  and  114 , allow for maximum flexibility in achieving the most stable position of system  100 ; cross members  112  and  114  are then fixed in position. Further, each cross member  112  and  114  is provided with a pair of adjustable stablizing feet  115  to accommodate various surface configurations upon which system  100  is set. Casters  113  are also provided on cross member  112  to allow system  100  to more easily be moved to a desired location. 
     Referring specifically to FIGS. 1-3, base structure  102  operates to support a lift structure  116  of system  100  that provides for user seat and back support. Specifically, lift structure  116  includes a base structure  117 , a seat structure  118 , and a back support structure  119 . Base structure  117  is preferably comprised of an adjustable, telescoping support column  122  whose lower portion  124  is preferably fixedly secured to central support bar  110  and whose upper portion  125  is vertically adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin  127 . Support member  126  adds structural rigidity to support column  122 . Further defining base structure  117  is a first rigid linkage  128  and a second rigid linkage  130 . A first end of each rigid linkage  128  and  130  is preferably secured by one or more pins  132 , or other appropriate fastener, to opposing sides of support column  122 . A third rigid linkage  134  is preferably fixedly secured at a first end between first and second rigid linkage  128  and  130  utilizing at least one of pins  132  for securement purposes. 
     Seat structure  118  of the lift structure  116  of system  100  preferably includes a first seat linkage  140  and a second seat linkage  142 . A first end of each of first seat linkage  140  and second seat linkage  142  are preferably pivotally secured to a second end of third rigid linkage  134 . The second ends of first and second seat linkages  140  and  142  are preferably fixedly secured to a fixed end  144  of an adjustable, telescoping seat support  146 . An adjustable end  148  of seat support  146  is preferably adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin (not shown). Fixed end  144  is preferably secured to the underside of a padded seat  150  with a pair of brackets  153 . The adjustable, telescoping nature of seat support  146  allows a user to move seat  150  more forward or rearward as desired and/or necessary for suitable user positioning. 
     Pivotally secured between the forward portion of fixed end  144  of seat support  146 , and, first and second rigid linkage  128 ,  130  is an air spring  152 . Air spring  152  is operably connected to a pressure handle  154 , which the user may motion back and forth to increase pressure within air spring  152 . Adjustable end  148  of seat support is preferably rigidly secured, e.g. by welding, to an arm support cross bar  155 . At either end of arm support cross bar  155  is preferably mounted an L-shaped arm support  156 . L-shaped arm support  156  is fixedly mounted to arm support cross bar  155  by virtue of a bracket  158  extending from the underside of arm support cross bar  155  and fixedly bolted to L-shaped arm support. L-shaped arm support  156  operates as more than an arm support. Specifically, L-shaped arm support  156  provides the user with lateral movement protection, keeping the user within system  100  while sitting and while ambulatory. 
     Back support structure  119  of the lift structure  116  of system  100  preferably includes a u-shaped support bar  160 , the open end of which is preferably fixedly secured to the underside of a padded back rest  162 . The closed end of support bar  160  is preferably pivotally secured to a first end of an adjustable, telescoping height adjustment bar  164 . The second end of height adjustment bar  164  is preferably pivotally secured to the exterior of one of first or second rigid linkages  128 ,  130 . Adjustable, telescoping height adjustment bar  164  is preferably adjustable by virtue of a contained, depressible locking pin  166 . To provide additional support and structural rigidity to back rest  162 , u-shaped support bar  160  is preferably secured to arm support cross bar  155 . Specifically, a bracket  168  extends rearward from arm support cross bar  155  and is preferably bolted to the interior of u-shaped support bar  160 . Referring specifically to FIGS.  1  and  4 - 7 , the exercise/stabilizer structure  180  of system  100  operates in conjunction with lift structure  116  and base structure  102  to stabilize the user in an ambulatory position and to enable the user to exercise via a walking motion. Exerciser/stabilizer structure  180  includes a user stabilizing structure  182  and a user exercising structure  184 . The user stabilizing structure  182  generally includes an adjustable, telescoping central support column  190 . The lower portion of support column  190  is fixedly secured to central support bar  110 . The upper portion of support column  190  is preferably vertically adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin  192 . A substantially horizontal handle bar  194  is preferably fixedly secured to a perpendicular extender bar  196 , whose end opposite handle bar  194  is fixedly secured, e.g. by welding, to the upper portion of support column  190 . Handle bar  194  is preferably provided with a padded gripping surface  198 . Handle bar  194  is provided to aid the user in positioning himself/herself in seat structure  118 . An adjustable, telescoping torso position bar  200  is provided at the top of upper portion of support column  190  and is preferably fixedly secured thereto, e.g. by welding. 
     Torso position bar  200  is substantially horizontal and is adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin  202 . The telescoping portion of torso position bar  200  is preferably fixedly secured through use of brackets (not shown) to a cushioned torso pad  204 . Torso pad  204  is preferably positioned to align with the user&#39;s lower chest and abdominal area when the user is in an ambulatory position to provide maximum support. 
     The user exercising structure  184  generally comprises a pair of articulating exercise arms  210 , a pair of foot supports  212 , and a pair of knee supports  214 , all of which work in combination to provide the user with ambulatory exercise. Each articulating exercise arm  210  is elongate in nature incorporating an adjustable, telescoping upper portion and a pivoting lower portion. The upper portion is vertically adjustable relative the lower portion of the exercise arm  210  by virtue of a removable locking pin  216 , best seen in FIG. 7. A sidewise u-shaped handle  218  is preferably fixedly secured, e.g. by welding, to the top of the upper portion of exercise arm  210  and is provided with a padded gripping surface  220 . The sidewise u-shape of handle  218  allows the user to grab exercise arm  210  at either the upper or lower of the u-shape legs and, if grabbing at the lower of the u-shape legs, prevents the user&#39;s hand from sliding out to the side. 
     The lower portion of each articulating exercise arm  210  is preferably pivotally secured to one corner of a four-bar support  230 . Four-bar support  230  comprises two parallel support bars  232  that are fixedly secured to the lower portion of support column  190  and two parallel cross-support bars  234  that extend perpendicularly to support bars  232 . Support bars  232  are preferably fixedly secured to the interior of cross-support bars  234  such that each cross-support bar  234  extends beyond the width created by support column  190  and the two support bars  232  to provide four corners for affixation. The lowermost end of the lower portion of each articulating exercise arm  210  is preferably pivotally secured to the distal end of a foot support extender  236 . 
     The two corners of four-bar support  230  that are not secured to articulating exercise arm  210  are each preferably pivotally secured to an exercise arm linkage  240 . The opposite end of exercise arm linkage  240  is preferably secured to the proximal end of foot support extender  236 . Extending diagonally between each articulating exercise arm  210  and exercise arm linkage  240 , is an adjustable damper  242  that provides resistance to the articulating motion of exercise arm  210 . The ends of damper  242  are preferably fixedly secured, one to the lower portion of articulating exercise arm  210  and one to exercise arm linkage  240 . 
     A directional mechanism  243  is additionally secured to both of exercise arm linkages  240 . Directional mechanism  243  comprises a pair of directional bars  244  and a pivoting link  246 . Each directional bar  244  is preferably vertically, pivotally connected at a first end to the inner side of exercise arm linkage  240 . The second end of each directional bar  244  is preferably horizontally pivotally connected to one end of pivoting link  246 . Pivoting link  246  is preferably provided with a centrally-positioned horizontal pivotal connection to the lower portion of support column  190 . This horizontal pivotal connection is preferably achieved by use of a bracket  248  whose back is fixedly secured to support column  190  and whose legs extend one above and one below pivoting link  246 ; legs and pivoting link  246  are preferably joined by a pin  250 . Direction mechanism  243  maintains the sequencing of the exercise. In other words, direction mechanism  243  operates from to prevent both feet/arms from moving forward/aft simultaneously. Rather, direction mechanism  243  ensures that as one foot support  212  moves aft the other foot support  212  moves forward and likewise with articulating exercise arms  210 . 
     Each foot support  212  generally comprises a foot rest portion  260 , having upward extending side walls  262 , and foot support extender  236 . Foot rest portion  260 , side walls  262  and foot support extender  236  are preferably unitary in nature and, as such, are preferably fabricated from single mold. Upward extending side walls  262  help to prevent the slipping of the user&#39;s foot from foot support  212  while foot support extender  236  allows for connection of foot support  212  to articulating exercise arm  210  and exercise arm linkage  240 , as described above. Each side of the rear of each foot support  212 , i.e. the heel portion, is pivotally secured to one end of a foot support linkage  264 . The opposite end of each foot support linkage  264  is preferably fixedly secured to one end of a knee support connector rod  266 . The opposite end of knee support connector rod  266  is fixedly secured to a plate  268  that is affixed to the back side of knee support  214 . 
     Each suspended foot support  212  responsively interacts with articulating exercise arms  210  under the influence of the resistance provided by dampers  242 . Each foot support  212  is designed to swing linearly, substantially friction-free, in coordination with and opposite to the direction of motion of the corresponding articulating exercise arm  210 . The connection of elements within system  100  enable near  100  percent transfer of adjustable resistance to articulating exercise arms  210 . This means that the user is set to simulate a linear motion pivoted at the hip. This arrangement promotes maximum extension and flexion of the upper limbs and torso while maintaining the knees stabilized in a vertical orientation with no shear, flexure, torsion or lateral stresses. 
     Plate  268  of knee support  214  is preferably provided with a bracket  270  that is permanently affixed thereto. The legs of bracket  270  are each pivotally connected to a knee support linkage  272 . The opposite end of knee support linkage is preferably pivotally secured to exercise arm linkage  240 . Plate  268  is additionally fixedly secured to a knee support bracket  274 . Each knee support bracket  274  is provided with two legs which support the contoured padding  276  of knee support  214 . Contoured padding  276  is preferably provided with a strip  278  of hook and loop fabric so that the user&#39;s knee/lower leg may be secured to knee support  214  to help prevent slippage and possible injury. 
     Knee support  214  is preferably geometrically shaped and sized to fit a statistically broad segment of both the adult and youth group population. Specifically, each knee support  214  is preferably provided with geometric shapes (as shown) that are formed to hold the knee in a stable stress-free state such that vertical shear, torsional, and flexural stresses are eliminated. Further, each knee support  214  acts as a brace to provide support and structural integrity to the knees so that a disabled person with limited control of the legs does not experience dangerous buckling and/or instability at the knees. The elimination of stress at the knees is a clinically desirably feature to help avoid injury to the knees and legs. 
     In use, system  100  is presented to the user in the seated position. Seat structure  118  is approximately at wheelchair height allowing for a user to transfer from their wheel chair to a seated position in system  100 . Once seated, the user may then swing their legs around and position each foot in one of foot supports  212 . The user then preferably secures each of their knees to knee support  214  with hook and loop strip  278 . With their body appropriately positioned within system, the user may, at any desired time, motion pressure handle  154  back and forth to increase pressure in air spring  152  thereby causing the raising of back rest  162 , the raising of the rear of seat  150  and the lowering of the front of seat  150 . Eventually, the user is completely raised to an ambulatory position, as shown in FIG.  7 . 
     As can be seen, the user is completely supported and contained within system  100 ; seat  150  and torso pad  204  act as a clamp about the torso of the user while arm supports  156  prevent excessive lateral motion of the user and prevent the user from falling out of either side of system  100 . Further, the user is secured at the knees by frictionless knee supports  214  with feet set in independently operable secure foot supports  212 . 
     The user may now simulate a normal walking motion by grasping handles  218  and motioning back and forth with the arms. This back and forth motion not only exercises the user&#39;s lower body, by moving the feet back and forth, but also exercises the upper body by flexing and extending the arms. The elements of system  100 , as described above, cooperate to optimize the user&#39;s physical movements by providing ergonomically efficient linear motions which are coordinated and repeatable for a symmetrically comprehensive workout of the upper and lower body. 
     Note that numerous height, distance, and resistance adjustments are provided within system  100  so that it may be particularly configured for a certain user. To reiterate that stated above, those adjustments include: (1) the height of seat  150  by adjusting telescoping support column  122 ; (2) the forward/aft position of seat  150  by adjusting telescoping seat support  146 ; (3) the height of back rest  162  by adjusting telescoping height adjustment bar  164 ; (4) the height of torso pad  204  by adjusting telescoping central support column  190 ; (5) the forward/aft position of torso pad  204  by adjusting telescoping torso position bar  200 ; (6) the height of sidewise unshaped handle  218  by adjusting telescoping articulating exercise arms  210 ; and (7) the tension in dampers  242 . 
     System  100  may additionally be provided with a monitor  280  to track calories burned, distance, time and speed if desired. 
     Referring to FIGS. 8-11, a second embodiment of a disabled user lift system  10  generally comprises ambulatory system  400 . System  400  is generally comprised of a base structure  402 , which supports a plurality of articulating and adjustable elements, and a plurality of pressure surfaces  403 , e.g. seat, back rest, knee support, torso pad, etc., which operate with base structure  402  to provide ergonomic support and mobility to the disabled user. 
     Specifically, base structure  402  includes a central, adjustable telescoping support column  404 , having a vertically adjustable upper portion  406 , by virtue of a removable locking pin (not shown), and a fixedly positioned lower portion  408 . Base structure  402  further includes a pair of rear support arms  410  and a pair of forward support arms  412 . Rear support arms  410  extend outward from support column  404  in a v-configuration having a first end of each support arm  410  fixedly secured to lower portion  408  of support column  404 . The second end of each support arm is directed downward where it is preferably fixedly secured to a swiveling caster  414 . Forward support arms  412  extend outward from the lowermost end of support column  404  in a v-configuration having a first end of each forward support arm  412  fixedly secured, e.g. by welding, to lower portion  408  of support column  404 . Forward support arms  412  serve to support a pair of foot rests  413  and ambulatory structure  415 . The second end of forward support arms  412  are left free but are provided with a downward angle and rubberized tip  411  to help in stabilizing and preventing forward tipping of system  400 . 
     A lift structure  416  of system  400  provides for user seat and back support. Specifically, lift structure  416  includes a base structure  417 , a seat structure  418 , and a back support structure  419 . Base structure  417  utilizes support column  404  to which is attached the upper portion of a first rigid linkage  428  and a second rigid linkage  430 . The upper portion of rigid linkages  428  and  430  are preferably secured by one or more pins  432 , or other appropriate fastener, to opposing sides of support column  404 . A third rigid linkage  434  is preferably fixedly secured at a first end between first and second rigid linkage  428  and  430  utilizing at least one of pins  432  for securement purposes. 
     Seat structure  418  of the lift structure  416  of system  400  preferably includes a first seat linkage  440  and a second seat linkage  442 . A first end of each of first seat linkage  440  and second seat linkage  442  are preferably pivotally secured to a second end of third rigid linkage  434 . The second ends of first seat linkage  440  and second seat linkage  442  are preferably fixedly secured to a fixed end  444  of an adjustable, telescoping seat support  446 . An adjustable end  448  of seat support  446  is preferably adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin (not shown). Fixed end  444  is preferably secured to the underside of a padded seat  450  with a pair of brackets  452 . The adjustable, telescoping nature of seat support  146  allows a user to move seat  450  more forward or rearward as desired and/or necessary for suitable user positioning. 
     Pivotally secured between the forward portion of fixed end  444  of seat support  446 , and, first and second rigid linkages  428 ,  430  is an air spring  453 . Air spring  453  is operably connected to a pressure handle  454 , which the user may motion back and forth to increase the pressure within air spring  453 . Adjustable end  448  of seat support  446  is preferably rigidly secured, e.g. by welding, to an arm support cross bar  455 . At either end of arm support cross bar  155  is preferably mounted an L-shaped arm support  456 . L-shaped arm support  456  is fixedly mounted to arm support cross bar  455  by virtue of a bracket  458  extending from the underside of arm support cross bar  455  and fixedly bolted to L-shaped arm support  456 . L-shaped arm support  456  operates as more than an arm support. Specifically, L-shaped arm support  456  provides the user with lateral movement protection, keeping the user within system  400  while and sitting and ambulatory. 
     Back support structure  419  of the lift structure of system  400  preferably includes a u-shaped support bar  460 , the open end of which is preferably fixedly secured to the underside of a padded back rest  462 . The closed end of support bar  460  is preferably pivotally secured to a first end of an adjustable, telescoping height adjustment bar  464 . The second end of height adjustment bar  464  is preferably pivotally secured to the exterior of one of first or second rigid linkages  428 ,  430 . Adjustable, telescoping height adjustment bar  464  is preferably adjustable by virtue of a contained, spring-return, depressible locking pin  466 . To provide additional support and structural rigidity to back rest  462 , u-shaped support bar  460  is preferably secured to arm support cross bar  455 . Specifically, a bracket  468  extends rearward from arm support cross bar  454  and is preferably bolted to the interior of u-shaped support bar  460 . 
     Ambulatory structure  415  operates in combination with lift structure  416  and base structure  402  to stabilize the user in an ambulatory position and to enable the user to propel himself/herself directionally as desired. Ambulatory structure  415  includes a pair of adjustable, telescoping side supports  470 . Each of side supports  470  is preferably adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin  472 . Each of a fixed position, lower portion  474  of side support  470  is preferably fixedly secured at a first end to one of forward support arms  412 . Each of an adjustable position, upper portion  476  of side support  470  is preferably fixedly secured to the legs of a u-shaped handle  478 . 
     Fixedly secured to the closed, underside of u-shaped handle  478  is an adjustable, telescoping torso position bar  480 . As shown, torso position bar  480  is substantially horizontal and is adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin  482 . The telescoping portion of torso position bar  480  is preferably fixedly secured through use of brackets (not shown) to a cushioned torso pad  484 . Torso pad  484  is preferably positioned to align with the user&#39;s lower chest and abdominal area, when the user is in an ambulatory position, to provide maximum support. 
     A knee support pad  490  is preferably secured to a backing plate  492  which in turn is preferably fixed secured to a pad support bar  494 . Each end of pad support bar  494  extends beyond the overall length of knee support pad  490  such that the extended ends of pad support bar  494  may be fixedly secured at an intermediate position along each fixed position, lower portion  474  of side support  470 . 
     A pair of drive wheels  500 , each operably coupled to a belt drive pulley  502 , are connected by a shaft  504  to one of side supports  470 . Drive wheels  500  are positioned along side supports  470  such that casters  414  and drive wheels  500  provide system  400  with substantially level support. Each belt drive pulley  502 , and its corresponding drive wheel  500 , is connected via a drive belt  506  to a propulsion pulley  508 , and a corresponding propulsion wheel  510  to which propulsion pulley  508  is operably coupled. Each propulsion wheel  510  and pulley  508  are preferably connected via a shaft at a second end of each fixed position, lower portion  474  of side support  470 . Propulsion pulley  508  is preferably provided with an adjustable tensioning device  512 , best seen in FIG.  11 . Tensioning device  512  provides for increasing or decreasing the tension placed by propulsion pulley  508  on drive belt  506  by providing for adjustment, e.g. raising and lowering, of the position of propulsion pulley  508  and corresponding propulsion wheel  510  by loosening/tightening a position key  513 . Propulsion wheel  510  is preferably provided with a plurality of raised surface areas  514  to enable easier user propulsion of wheels  510 . Additional information regarding drive wheel/propulsion wheel drive systems may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,151 which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     In use, system  400  is presented to the user in the seated position. Seat structure  418  is approximately at wheelchair height allowing for a user to transfer from their wheel chair to a seated position in system  400 . Once seated, the user may then swing their legs around and position each foot in one of foot rests  413 . With their body appropriately positioned within system  400 , the user may, at any desired time, motion pressure handle  454  back and forth to increase pressure in air spring  452  thereby causing the raising of back rest  462 , the raising of the rear of seat  450  and the lowering of the front of seat  450 . Eventually, the user is completely raised to an ambulatory position, similar to that of system  100  of FIG.  7 . 
     The user is completely supported and contained within system  400 ; seat  450  and torso pad  484  act as a clamp about the torso of the user while arm supports  456  prevent excessive lateral motion of the user and prevent the user from falling out of either side of system  400 . Further, the user is stabilized at the knees by frictionless knee support pad  490  with feet set in foot rests  413 . 
     The user may now propel himself/herself directionally as desired by rotating propulsion wheels  510  in a forward or aft direction, simultaneously or independently. 
     Note that numerous height, distance, and resistance adjustments are provided within system  400  so that it may be particularly configured for a certain user. To reiterate that stated above, those adjustments include: (1) the height of seat  450  by adjusting telescoping support column  404 ; (2) the forward/aft position of seat  450  by adjusting telescoping seat support  446 ; (3) the height of back rest  462  by adjusting telescoping height adjustment bar  464 ; (4) the height of torso pad  484  by adjusting telescoping side supports  470 ; (5) the forward/aft position of torso pad  484  by adjusting telescoping torso position bar  480 ; (6) the height of u-shaped handle  478  by adjusting telescoping side supports  470 ; and (7) the tension in drive belt  506  by adjusting the vertical position of propulsion pulley  508 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 12-15, a third embodiment of a disabled user lift system  10  generally comprises a work station system  600 . System  600  is generally comprised of a base structure  602 , which supports a plurality of articulating and adjustable elements, and a plurality of pressure surfaces  604 , e.g. seat, knee support, torso pad, etc., which operate with base structure  602  to provide ergonomic support in a standing position to a disabled user. 
     Specifically base structure  602  includes a central support bar  610  that is slidaby connected to a forward stabilizing cross member  612  and to a rearward stabilizing cross member  614 . The slidable connection between central support bar  610  and cross members  612  and  614  allow for maximum flexibility in achieving the most stable position of system  600  whereby cross members  612  and  614  are then secured in position. Further, each cross member  612  and  614  is provided with a pair of adjustable stabilizing feet  615  to accommodate various surface configurations upon which system  600  is set. Base structure  602  is additionally provided with a pair of foot rests  606 , each of which are provided with a vertical wall  608  to prevent slippage of the user&#39;s foot. Each foot rest  606  is preferably fixedly secured to central support bar  610 . 
     Base structure  602  operates to support a lift structure  616  which provides rear support to the disabled user. Specifically, lift structure  616  includes a base structure  617 , a seat structure  618 , a lift handle support structure  619 . Base structure  617  is preferably comprised of an adjustable telescoping support column  622  whose lower portion  624  is preferably fixedly secured to central support bar  610  and whose upper portion  625  is vertically adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin  627 . Further defining base structure  617  is a lift handle extender  628  that protrudes perpendiculary from, and has a first end fixedly secured to, upper portion  625  of support column  622 . Additionally, a rigid linkage  630  has a first end pivotally secured to the top of upper portion  625  of support column  622 . 
     Seat structure  618  of lift structure  616  of system  600  preferably includes a first seat linkage  640  and a second seat linkage  642 . A first end of each of first seat linkage  640  and second seat linkage  642  are preferably pivotally secured to a second end of rigid linkage  630 . The second ends of first and second seat linkages  640  and  642  are preferably fixedly secured a seat support  646 . Seat support  646  is preferably affixed to a plate supporting the underside of a padded seat  650  with a pair of brackets  652 . 
     Pivotally secured to the distal end of seat support  646  is a first end of a pair of parallel linkages  660 . A second end of parallel linkages  660  is preferably pivotally secured to a first end of a stabilizer bar  662 . A second end of stabilizer bar  662  is preferably pivotally secured to a first end of a pair of parallel linkages  664 . Parallel linkages  664  straddle lift handle extender  628  and their second end is fixedly secured to a first end of a pair of parallel air springs  666 . The second ends of parallel air springs  666  are preferably fixedly secured to either side of seat support  646 . 
     Lift handle support structure  619  preferably comprises a substantially u-shaped lift handle support  670 . The closed portion of unshaped lift handle support  670  is preferably rotatably coupled to lift handle extender  628  through use of a bracket  672  and frictionless coupling  674 . The legs of unshaped lift handle support  670  are each preferably, fixedly secured to a center support  676  of each loop lift handle  678 . A connector bar  680  connects center support  676  of one loop lift handle  678  to center support  676  of the second loop lift handle  678  to ensure simultaneous motion of loop lift handles  678 . 
     Work station structure  680  operates in combination with lift structure  616  and base structure  602  to stabilize the user in a standing position and, then, provide the standing user with usable work surface. Work station structure  680  includes a telescoping support column  682  having a lower fixed portion  684 , that is fixedly secured to central support bar  610 , an adjustable intermediate portion  686 , that is adjustable relative lower fixed portion by virtue of a removable locking pin  687 , and an adjustable upper portion  688 , that is adjustable relative intermediate portion  686  by virtue of a removable locking pin  689 . 
     Fixedly secured to adjustable upper portion  688  is a telescoping torso position bar  690 . As shown, torso position bar is substantially horizontal and is adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin  692 . The telescoping portion of torso position bar  690  is preferably fixedly secured through use of brackets (not shown) to a cushioned torso pad  694 . Torso pad  694  is preferably positioned to align with the user&#39;s lower chest and abdominal area, when the user is in the standing position, to provide maximum support. 
     A knee support pad  696  is preferably secured to a backing plate  698 , which in turn is secured to a bracket  700  that is fixedly secured to a first end of a knee support pad extender  702 . Knee support pad extender  702  is preferably telescopically adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin (not shown). The opposite end of knee support extender is preferably fixedly secured to adjustable intermediate portion  686  of support column  682 . 
     Adjustable upper portion  688  of support column  682  is preferably provided with a stationary work surface  704  that is fixedly secured to adjustable upper portion  688 . Stationary work surface  704  may be configured with storage compartments, troughs, trays, etc., as desired. Alternatively, work surface  704  may be provided with a telescoping connection to support column  682  allowing the horizontal distance between work surface  704  and the user to be adjustable. 
     In use, system  600  is especially suited to a user having good upper body balance and strength as lift structure  616  does not provide back support. As such, system  600  is presented to the user in a seated position. Seat structure  618  is approximately at wheelchair height allowing for a user to transfer from their wheelchair to a seated position in system  600 , loop lift handles  678  may be used by the user to aid in transfer. Once seated, the user may then swing their legs around and position each foot in one of foot rests  606 . The user then preferably presses their knees against knee pad  696 . With the user&#39;s body appropriately positioned within system  600 , the user may, at any desired time, grasp each loop lift handle  678  and push, or pull, loop lift handle  678  forward thereby raising the rear and lowering the front of seat pad  650  through actuation of air springs  666 . Quickly and efficiently, the user is raised to a standing position. Loop lift handles  678  provide continuous dynamic support as the user translates through various postures. 
     When in a standing position within system  600 , the user is supported and contained therein. Specifically, seat  650  and torso pad  694  act as a clamp about the torso of the user while the configuration of loop lift handles  678  provide lateral support to position and cradle the user. Further, foot rests  606  are strategically placed at central support bar  610  to enable the user to be positioned in an ergonomically compatible orientation during the transition from a sitting position to a quick upright/standing posture. 
     FIG. 16 depicts an alternative embodiment of system  600 . In this embodiment, lift structure  616  is provided with a back rest  710 , similar to systems  100  and  400 , and is further provided with lift handles  712  that allow an assistant to raise lift structure  616 . Additional, precautionary safeguards are provided with this embodiment as well. Specifically, a waist restraint strap  714  and hip stabilizers  716 . Further note that the torso pad has been secured to the work surface rather than existing as a separate and distinct component. All and/or any of these variations may be incorporated into the various systems described herein. 
     Referring to FIGS. 17-20, a fourth embodiment of a disabled user lift system  10  generally comprises a sling lift work station system  800 . System  800  is generally comprised of a base structure  802 , which supports a plurality of articulating and adjustable elements, and a plurality of pressures surfaces  804 , e.g. sling seat, knee support, torso pad, etc., which operate with base structure  802  to provide ergonomic support in a standing position to a disable user. 
     Specifically base structure  802  includes a pair of elongate, substantially unshaped side supports  806 . Side supports  806  are preferably not in parallel configuration but rather the distance between side supports  806  widens as towards the rear of base structure  802  to provide additional stability. Each leg of side support  806  is preferably provided with an adjustable stabilizing foot  808 . A cross bar  810  extending between the opposite legs of each side support  806  adds structural strength and rigidity to each side support  806 ; the ends of cross bar  810  are preferably fixedly secured to the legs of side support  806 . Additional support is provided to a lift structure  816  of system  800  through support bar  812 . Support bar  812  extends between the forward leg of side support  806  and the closed end of side support  806 , as indicated in the figures, and is fixedly secured thereto. 
     Base structure  802  operates to support lift structure  816  which provides rear support to the disabled user. Specifically, lift structure  816  includes a base structure  817  and a sling seat support structure  818 . Base structure  817  is preferably comprised of an adjustable, telescoping central support column  822 , the lower fixed portion  824  of which is fixedly secured to a cross support  826 . The upper portion  828  of central support column  822  is vertically adjustable, relative lower portion, by virtue of a removable locking pin  830 . Cross support  826  is preferably fixedly secured at both ends to opposite support bars  812 . An L-shaped extension  832  is preferably fixedly secured to the lowermost end of lower fixed portion  824  of support column  822 . The long leg of extension  832  extends substantially perpendicularly to support column  822  and supports a pair of foot rests  834 , which are preferably fixedly secured thereto. Foot rests  834  are preferably provided with rear walls  836  to prevent the user&#39;s foot from sliding from foot rests  834 . 
     Sling seat support structure  818  generally comprises a pair of parallel. sling seat supports  840 . A first end of each sling seat support  840  is preferably fixedly secured to a cross support  842 . The center of cross support  842  is preferably secured to the first ends of a pair of parallel linkages  844 . The second ends of the pair of parallel linkages  844  are preferably pivotally secured to lower portion  824  of support column  822 . An air spring  846  extends angularly between cross support  842 , to which one end of air spring  846  is fixedly secured, and a lower end housing  848 , which supports the second end of air spring  846 . Lower end housing  848  is preferably fixedly secured to lower portion  824  of support column  822  by a pair of parallel brackets  850 . Lower end housing  848  and brackets  850  accommodate an operable connection between air spring  846  and a pressure handle  852 . The forward and back motion of pressure handle  852  operates to increase/decrease pressure in air spring  846  causing air spring to raise/lower, respectively. 
     Each sling seat support  840  of sling seat support structure  818  preferably incorporates a plurality of support pegs  860 . Support pegs  860  support corresponding, adjustable seat straps  862  that are fixedly secured to a fabric sling seat  864 . Each seat strap  862  is provided with a loop connector  866  that may easily be slid over one of support pegs  860 . 
     A work station structure  880  operates in combination with lift structure  816  and base structure  802  to stabilize the user in a standing position and, then, provide the standing user with a usable work surface. Work station structure  880  utilizes adjustable, telescoping central support column  822 . Fixedly secured to upper portion  828  of support column  822  is an adjustable, telescoping torso position bar  890 . As shown, torso position bar  890  is substantially horizontal and is adjustable by virtue of a removable locking pin  892 . The telescoping portion of torso position bar  890  is preferably fixedly secured at one end, through use of brackets (not shown), to a cushioned torso pad  894 . Torso pad  894  is preferably positioned to align with the user&#39;s lower chest and abdominal area, when the user is in the standing position, to provide maximum support. 
     A knee support  896  is preferably fixedly secured to a backing plate  898 , which in turn is secured to a bracket (not shown) that is fixedly secured to the first ends of a pair of parallel, knee support pad extenders  902 . The second end of knee support pad extenders  902  are preferably fixedly secured to lower portion  824  of support column  822  just below linkages  844 . Knee support pad extenders  902  are preferably of sufficient length to present knee support pad  896  in front of, but below, cross support  842  so that no interference occurs between cross support  842  and knee support pad extenders  902 . Knee support pad  696  is preferably of sufficient de minimis width so as not to interfere with the motion of sling seat supports  840 . Additionally, knee support pad extenders  902  straddle air spring  846 , so as not to interfere with the operation of air spring  846 . 
     Upper portion  828  of support column  822  is preferably provided with a stationary work surface  904  that is fixedly secured to upper portion  828 . Stationary work surface  904  may be configured with storage compartments, troughs, trays, etc., as desired. Alternatively, work surface may be provided with a telescoping connection to support column  822  allowing the horizontal distance between work surface  904  and the user to be adjustable. 
     In use, system  800  is especially suitable to those individuals desiring to go to a standing position directly from a wheelchair. As such, system  800  is presented to the user in a seated position, as depicted in FIG.  18 . The user may then remove one side or both sides of seat straps  862  from pegs  860  and position sling seat  864  beneath them while still remaining substantially seated in their wheelchair. With sling seat  864  positioned, seat straps  862  are once again secured, via loop connectors  866 , pegs  860 . The user may then motion pressure handle  852  back and forth to increase the pressure within air spring  846  thereby raising sling seat supports  840  and sling seat  864  to a standing position, see FIG.  19 . 
     Sling seat  864  may be termed a slingoidal support. The slingoidal support enables secure gluteal and lumbosacral support to the user during and after the transition from a wheelchair to an upright position. Slingoidal support has a shape wherein the widest segment is preferably located at the center and a plurality of adjustable supports, i.e. seat straps  862 , are provided at the extremities. The central portion of slingoidal support forms a flattened bucketal shape to scoop and support the user at the gluteal and lumbrosacral regions of the body. The extremities of slingoidal support are securely attached to articulating sling seat supports  840  to promote full support and secure translation from a sitting position to a standing position without roll, tipping, or lateral sway of the user. Slingoidal support is preferably plied with reinforcing stitches and geometries to provide the user a non-skid surface. These stitching geometries preferably additionally provide structural integrity to slingoidal support and provide the user with additional cushion and comfort. In a standing posture, slingoidal support provides gluteal and lumbrosacral support and cooperates with knee support pad  896  and torso support pad  894  to keep the user in a secure standing position. 
     The above description describes a number of different embodiments of disabled user system  10 . Each embodiment of system  10  incorporates a slightly different lift structure, e.g.,. lift structure  116 ,  416 ,  616 ,  816 , however, it should be noted that each of the different lift structures may be interchanged with any of the lift structures of the various embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Likewise, any of the accessory structures, e.g., exercise/stabilizer structure  180 , ambulatory structure  415 , work station structure  680 , work station structure  880 , may be interchanged with any of the other accessory structures without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
     With reference to the above description it should noted that any adjustable element may use any suitable adjustment device, e.g. removable locking pin, spring-return pin, screw tension device, etc., without departing from the spirit of scope of the invention. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the essential attributes thereof; therefore, the illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0