Patent Description:
Caregivers may use a lift system to lift a subject. The lift system may generally include a motorized lift unit operable to lift and lower a sling bar. A hand control device may be communicatively coupled to the motorized lift unit such that a user, using the hand control device, may control the motorized lift unit to raise or lower the sling bar. The user may need to hold the hand control device throughout use, which may be inconvenient. Moreover, existing attachment or mounting points for a hand control device may be off-centered if mounted to the sling bar, which may cause the sling bar to tilt or become unbalanced when the hand control device when attached. This may lead to difficulty in placing slings, or other devices, on the sling bar when the hand control unit is attached.

<CIT> describes a patient lift system having a sling bar with an inductively charged integrated scale. The lift system comprises a lift apparatus, a lift strap connected at a first end to the lift apparatus, a sling bar connected to a second free hanging end of the lift strap, the sling bar having a scale with a tension load cell integrally disposed therein for measuring forces applied thereto and a power source electrically connected to the scale to provide power to the scale and load cell. An accelerometer is disposed within the sling bar to determine a tilt angle of a lift axis of the load cell relative to a vertical direction of gravitational force.

According to the present invention, there is provided a sling bar according to appended claim <NUM>, a kit of parts according to appended claim <NUM>, and a lift assembly according to appended claim <NUM>.

Reference will now be made in detail to various aspects of sling bars for lift assemblies, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

An illustrative sling bar of the present disclosure is depicted in <FIG>. In general, illustrative sling bars include a frame defining a central hub, a first hook extending from the central hub and a second hook extending from the central hub. The central hub generally includes a wall defining an internal hollow region and an external hub surface. The internal hollow region is shaped and sized to receive a ferromagnetic insert therein. One or more niches are formed within the wall and recessed into the wall from the external hub surface. The one or more niches are arranged radially around the internal hollow region and sized and shaped to receive a hand control device. For example, the hand control device may include a mount, such as a magnetic mounting block, which is configured to interface with a niche of the one or more niches, such that the hand control device becomes magnetically coupled to the ferromagnetic insert positioned within the internal hollow region. Accordingly, when not held in the hand of a user, the hand control device may be mounted to the sling bar such that it is secured out of the way (e.g., does not hinder use of the sling bar) but remains accessible to the user and/or operator. Because the hand control device may be removably mounted to the center of the sling bar, the weight of the hand control device may not cause the sling bar to tilt one way or another as the center of gravity of the sling bar with the hand control device mounted thereto will remain concentrated at the central hub. Additionally, in some embodiments a hand control device may operate wirelessly or otherwise untethered via a physical medium to the lift unit. In such embodiments, the one or more niches may aid in preventing the hand control device from being lost, as it will be convenient to place the hand control device back on the central hub versus another location where it may be misplaced. These and additional embodiments are described in further detail below.

As used herein, a "longitudinal direction" may refer to a first longitudinal direction (e.g., in the +X direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>) and/or a second longitudinal direction (e.g., in the -X direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>), a "lateral direction" may refer to a first lateral direction (e.g., in the +Z direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>) and/or a second lateral direction (e.g., in the -Z direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>), where the lateral direction is transverse to the longitudinal direction, and a "vertical direction" may refer to a first vertical direction (e.g., in the +Y direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>, an upward direction) and/or a second vertical direction (e.g., in the -Y direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>, a downward direction), where the vertical direction is transverse to the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction.

<FIG> schematically depicts a perspective view of an illustrative lift assembly <NUM> including an illustrative sling bar <NUM> coupled to a lifting device <NUM>, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The lifting device <NUM> (e.g., an overhead lift) may include a lift mechanism <NUM> (such as a motorized lift unit) coupled to a lift strap <NUM>. A sling bar attachment mechanism <NUM> may be coupled to the lift strap <NUM>. The sling bar <NUM> may be coupled to the sling bar attachment mechanism <NUM> via the lift hook <NUM> that is coupled to a central hub <NUM> via a mounting linkage <NUM>, as will be described in greater detail herein. The lift mechanism <NUM> may wind down (e.g., pay out) the lift strap <NUM> to lower the sling bar <NUM> (e.g., and a subject sling or other subject support device) and/or wind up (e.g., take up) the lift strap <NUM> to raise the sling bar <NUM> (e.g., and the subject sling or other subject support device). A hand control device <NUM> may be communicatively coupled (e.g., wired or wirelessly) to the lift mechanism <NUM> to control operation of the lift mechanism <NUM>. For example, the hand control device <NUM> may include any number of buttons, toggles, switches, touch screen interfaces, or the like to input operational instructions to operate the lift mechanism <NUM> as desired and/or display information regarding the lift mechanism <NUM>, the lift strap <NUM>, the sling bar <NUM>, and/or the like. The hand control device <NUM> may include a mounting block <NUM>, such as a magnetic mounting block, to removably couple the hand control device <NUM> to the sling bar <NUM>, as described herein.

<FIG> depicts a perspective view of an illustrative sling bar <NUM>. A sling bar generally refers to any device that includes one or more hooks to which a sling or other subject support device may be attached. For example, a sling bar <NUM> may generally include frame <NUM> defining a central hub <NUM>, a first hook 104a, and a second hook 104b.

In various embodiments, the central hub <NUM> may be defined, concentrically, about a first axis (e.g., axis A-A as depicted in <FIG>) such that a center of gravity of the sling bar <NUM> is located at the central hub <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail herein, the central hub <NUM> may include a wall <NUM> that defines an internal hollow region <NUM> (not depicted in the assembled embodiment of <FIG>) and an external hub surface <NUM>. Each of the wall <NUM>, internal hollow region <NUM>, and the external hub surface <NUM> may be generally cylindrically shaped and extend about the first axis (e.g., axis A-A) between a first horizontal surface <NUM> (e.g., in the +Y direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>) and a second horizontal surface <NUM> (e.g., in the -Y direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>).

The central hub <NUM> of the sling bar <NUM> may define one or more niches <NUM> or recesses formed within the wall <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. As illustrated, the one or more niches <NUM> may be recessed relative to the external hub surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. Briefly referring also to <FIG> and <FIG>, the one or more niches <NUM> may be shaped, sized, and/or configured to receive a mounting block <NUM> of a hand control device <NUM> such that the hand control device <NUM> may be mounted to the sling bar <NUM> at the one or more niches <NUM>. To provide various mounting positions, the one or more niches <NUM> may include a plurality of niches (e.g., two or more) arranged circumferentially around the internal hollow region <NUM> (and/or the first axis). In some embodiments, the one or more niches <NUM> may be arranged along a centerline of the frame <NUM> in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the +/-X directions of the coordinate axes of <FIG>). By arranging the one or more niches <NUM> along a centerline of the frame <NUM> in the longitudinal direction (+/-X), the center of gravity of the sling bar <NUM> may remain substantially centered such that mounting of the hand control device <NUM> does not cause the first hook 104a or the second hook 104b to rotate, raise (e.g., move in the +Y direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>), or lower (e.g., move in the -Y direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>) from the horizontal position. It is noted that in some embodiments, the one or more niches <NUM> may instead be windows or ports, which open into the internal hollow region <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the one or more niches <NUM> may be shaped to inhibit rotation of the hand control device <NUM> about an axis <NUM> extending perpendicularly relative to a back wall <NUM> of the niche <NUM> when the hand control device <NUM> is mounted to the niche <NUM>. By preventing rotation of the hand control device <NUM> within the niche <NUM>, the hand control device <NUM> may retain its positioning relative to the sling bar <NUM> as a sling or other support device is mounted to the sling bar <NUM>. For example, the one or more recessed niches <NUM> may have a polygonal shape or non-polygonal (e.g., oval, egg-shaped, or the like) which substantially corresponds to a shape of a mounting block <NUM> of the hand control device <NUM>, such that when received within a niche <NUM>, the niche <NUM> contacts edges of the mounting block <NUM> to inhibit rotation of the mounting block <NUM>. However, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, rotation of the hand control device <NUM> about an axis extending perpendicular to a the back wall <NUM> of the niche <NUM> may be desirable. For example, the one or more niches <NUM> may be round or sized such that the hand control device <NUM> may freely rotate about the axis extending perpendicular to the back wall <NUM> of the niche <NUM>. In such embodiments, the hand control device <NUM> may be pulled by gravity so as to remain parallel to the vertical axis (+/-Y axis of the depicted coordinate axes).

With reference to <FIG>, the hand control device <NUM> is schematically depicted moving from an un-mounted position to a mounted position engaged with a niche <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting block <NUM> may extend into the niche <NUM> to directly engage a back wall <NUM> of the niche <NUM>. The mounting block <NUM> of the hand control device <NUM> may include a magnet (for example, a permanent magnet, temporary magnet, electromagnet, or any combination thereof). A ferromagnetic material may be positioned within the central hub <NUM>, such that the mounting block <NUM> is magnetically attracted to the ferromagnetic material through the back wall <NUM> of the niche <NUM> and is maintained in place by the magnetic attraction between the mounting block <NUM> and the ferromagnetic material within the central hub <NUM>. As used herein, "ferromagnetic" refers to any material or substance which is capable of being in the presence of a magnetic field or is magnetized. Ferromagnetic materials may include, for example, iron, nickel, cobalt, steel, stainless steel, rare earth metals, alloys thereof, or any combination thereof. It is contemplated that either the mounting block <NUM> or the material positioned within the central hub <NUM> may be magnetized, thereby attracting the other of the mounting block <NUM> or the ferromagnetic material positioned within the central hub <NUM>. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that both the mounting block <NUM> and the material positioned within the central hub <NUM> may be magnetized, and their poles may be arranged to be attracted to another when the mounting block <NUM> is positioned within the niche <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, as noted above, the sling bar <NUM> may include the first hook 104a and the second hook 104b. Illustrative embodiments of the first hook 104a and the second hook 104b are described in <CIT>.

The first hook 104a and the second hook 104b may be configured to have a subject sling, repositioning sheet, or similar subject support mounted thereto. Accordingly, the sling bar <NUM> may be used in conjunction with, for example, a lifting device <NUM> (<FIG>) to support, transport, reposition, and/or move a subject.

Still referring to <FIG>, the first hook 104a may extend from the central hub <NUM> via a first bar portion 105a and the second hook 104b may extend from central hub <NUM> via a second bar portion 105b. The first and second bar portions 105a, 105b form portions of the frame <NUM>. The first bar portion 105a may generally extend from the external hub surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> in a first longitudinal direction (e.g., in the +X direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>) toward a first end <NUM>, and the second bar portion 105b may generally extend from the external hub surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> in a second longitudinal direction (e.g., in the -X direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>) toward a second end <NUM>. It is noted that there may be a greater or fewer number of hooks and/or bar portions extending from the central hub <NUM> without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring still to <FIG>, the first hook 104a may be positioned at or near the first end <NUM>, in the first longitudinal direction (e.g., in the +X direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>), of the first bar portion 105a and the second hook 104b may be positioned at or near the second end <NUM>, in the second longitudinal direction (e.g., in the -X direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG>), of the second bar portion 105b. Each of the first hook 104a and the second hook 104b may selectively couple a subject sling, or other subject supporting device, to the sling bar <NUM>. In particular, each of the first hook 104a and the second hook 104b may be sized and/or dimensioned to couple to one or more than one sling loop of one or more than one subject sling.

Still referring to <FIG>, a lift hook <NUM> may be coupled to the sling bar <NUM> at or near the first horizontal surface <NUM>, via a mounting linkage <NUM>. The lift hook <NUM> may aid in mounting the sling bar <NUM> to a lift, such as the lift mechanism <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the lift hook <NUM> may be coupled to the sling bar <NUM> via a mounting linkage <NUM> positioned within the central hub <NUM>, as will be described in greater detail below.

In light of <FIG>, various components of the sling bar <NUM> including the central hub <NUM>, the first bar portion 105a, the second bar portion 105b, the first hook 104a, the second hook 104b, the mounting linkage <NUM>, and/or the lift hook <NUM>, may be defined by a material or materials capable of withstanding anticipated static and/or dynamic forces on the sling bar <NUM> without fatigue and/or failure of such various components. According to various aspects, each component may be dimensioned to withstand, alone and/or in combination with other components, the anticipated static and/or dynamic forces. In some aspects, the various components of the sling bar <NUM> including the central hub <NUM>, the first bar portion 105a, the second bar portion 105b, the first hook 104a, the second hook 104b, the mounting linkage <NUM>, and/or the lift hook <NUM>, may be defined by a cast aluminum, steel, a metal alloy, and/or the like. In embodiments, each of the central hub <NUM>, the first bar portion 105a, the second bar portion 105b, the first hook 104a, and/or the second hook 104b may be integrally formed with one another (e.g., integrally formed via casting), or formed separately from one another and coupled together via any coupling technique (e.g., welding, fastening, or the like). In some embodiments, at least the central hub <NUM> may be formed of a material, which is non-magnetic, such that the mounting block <NUM> of the hand control device <NUM> is not attracted to the central hub <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of the sling bar <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. From this perspective, the various contents which may be housed within the internal hollow region <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>, additional detail of which may be seen in <FIG>. For example, housed within the internal hollow region <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> may be a ferromagnetic insert <NUM>, one or more bearings <NUM>, a mounting linkage <NUM>, a cap <NUM>, and a bushing <NUM>. It is noted that a greater or fewer number of internal components may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> may generally have a hollow body <NUM> that defines an upper surface <NUM>, a lower surface <NUM> opposite the upper surface <NUM>, and a sidewall <NUM> extending between the upper surface <NUM> and the lower surface <NUM>. The hollow body <NUM> may generally define a cavity <NUM> that extends through the hollow body <NUM> from the lower surface <NUM> through the upper surface <NUM>. For example, a first opening <NUM> may be formed in the upper surface <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be formed in the lower surface <NUM> opposite from the first opening <NUM>. Each of the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> provide access to the cavity <NUM>. In embodiments, the first opening <NUM> may be narrower than the second opening <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>). It is noted that though the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> are depicted as having a circular shape, other shapes are contemplated and possible (for example, square, rectangular, oval, or any polygonal or non-polygonal shape). As will also be described in greater detail below, the hollow body <NUM> of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> may be sized and shaped to be received by the internal hollow region <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. As will also be described in further detail below, the cavity <NUM> of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> may be configured to receive the mounting linkage <NUM> and the one or more bearings <NUM>, thereby increasing the compactness of the assembly.

Still referring to <FIG>, the one or more bearings <NUM> may be sized and shaped to be positioned within the cavity <NUM> of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). As will be described in more detail herein, the one or more bearings <NUM> may support rotational motion of the of the mounting linkage <NUM>, such that the mounting linkage <NUM> may rotate about the central axis A-A, depicted in <FIG>. For example, the one or more bearings <NUM> may include a plurality of ball bearings (not shown), which may support smooth rotation of the mounting linkage <NUM> relative to the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> or other components of the sling bar <NUM>. In various embodiments, the one or more bearings <NUM> may include any type of bearing such as a roller bearing, a thrust bearing, or the like.

Still referring to <FIG>, the mounting linkage <NUM> is sized, shaped, and arranged to mount the sling bar <NUM> to the lift hook <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Generally, the mounting linkage <NUM> may have an elongate body <NUM> having a diameter and defining a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, the diameter of the elongate body <NUM> may be sized so as to be able to extend through a first opening <NUM> formed in the first horizontal surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> and the first opening <NUM> of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM>. A hole <NUM> may be formed within the elongate body <NUM> of the mounting linkage <NUM> proximate to the first end <NUM> of the elongate body <NUM>. The hole <NUM> may facilitate mounting the lift hook <NUM> to the mounting linkage <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, a pin, bolt, or other fastener of the lift hook <NUM> may be positioned within the hole <NUM> to couple the mounting linkage <NUM> to the lift hook <NUM>. The mounting linkage <NUM> may further include a retention flange <NUM> formed at the second end <NUM> of the elongate body <NUM> and may extend radially about an axis defined by the elongate body <NUM>. The retention flange <NUM> may have an increased diameter relative to the diameter of the elongate body <NUM> and may have a larger diameter than the first opening <NUM> formed in the first surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> and the first opening <NUM> of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the cap <NUM> may be sized and shaped to be coupled to the central hub <NUM> to enclose and/or hold components within the internal hollow region <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. The cap <NUM> may define a base plate <NUM> and a positioning core <NUM> extending from the base plate <NUM>. The cap <NUM> may be made from any material suitable to engage the central hub <NUM> and support rotational motion of the mounting linkage <NUM>. For example, the cap <NUM> may be formed of a polymer which provides a low friction surface (for example phenolics, acetals, Teflon (PTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and nylon) against which the mounting linkage <NUM> may rotate.

In some embodiments, such as depicted in <FIG>, the cap <NUM> may define one or more retention legs <NUM>. The one or more retention legs <NUM> may be extend from the base plate <NUM> and may be able to flex relative to the base plate <NUM>. One or more hooking portions <NUM> may extend from an end of each of the one or more retention legs <NUM>. As will be described below, when assembly, the one or more retention legs <NUM> may flex and engage a retention ring <NUM> (depicted in <FIG>) formed within the wall <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> within the internal hollow region <NUM> with the hooking portion <NUM>. The one or more retention legs <NUM> may include a single retention leg that extends circumferentially from the base plate <NUM> around the positioning core <NUM>. In other embodiments, the one or more retention legs <NUM> may include a plurality of retention legs <NUM>, such as illustrated in <FIG>, circumferentially spaced from one another around the positioning core <NUM>. For example, the one or more retention legs <NUM> may include two or more retention legs, three or more retention legs, four or more retention legs, or the like. The multiple retention legs <NUM> may be equally spaced around an axis extending through the central hub <NUM>. In other embodiments, the multiple retention legs <NUM> may be unevenly spaced around the axis extending through the central hub <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, and as noted above, the sling bar <NUM> may further include a bushing <NUM> that facilitates rotation of the mounting linkage <NUM>. For example, the bushing <NUM> may be a polymer bushing, which provides a low friction surface against which the mounting linkage <NUM> may rotate. Example materials may include, but are not limited to, phenolics, acetals, Teflon (PTFE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and nylon. In embodiments, and as will be described below, the bushing <NUM> is configured to be inserted between an inner surface <NUM> of central hub <NUM> at the first opening <NUM> and the mounting linkage <NUM>. To hold the bushing <NUM> in place, formed along one end of the bushing <NUM> may be a lip <NUM>, configured to fit with a lip recess <NUM> formed in the first surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> around the first opening <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a cross-section of the central hub <NUM> of the assembled sling bar <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> taken along the central axis A-A through the Z/Y plane of the coordinate axes. From such perspective, various orientations of the various components relative to one another are depicted. In particular, <FIG> illustrates exemplary internal contours of the internal hollow region <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. As depicted, the first opening <NUM> may be formed in the first horizontal surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>, which may provide access to the internal hollow region <NUM>. A second opening <NUM> may be formed within the second horizontal surface <NUM> opposite to the first opening <NUM>. The openings <NUM>, <NUM> may provide access for insertion and/or removable of components into and out of the internal hollow region <NUM>. The internal hollow region <NUM> may accordingly extend between the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> may have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second opening <NUM>, and may act as a stop to prevent components (for example, the ferromagnetic insert <NUM>, the bearing <NUM>, and/or the mounting linkage <NUM>) within the internal hollow region <NUM> from being pulled through the first opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, and as noted above, a retention ring <NUM> may be formed within the wall <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> and may be recessed from the inner surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. The retention ring <NUM> may circumscribe the internal diameter of the wall <NUM>, or only a portion thereof. The retention ring <NUM> may be formed adjacent to the second opening <NUM> such that it is positioned to be engaged by the one or more retention legs <NUM> of the cap <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, and as noted herein, the one or more niches <NUM> may include a plurality of niches <NUM>. For example, the one or more niches <NUM> may include a first niche 106a and a second niche 106b opposite the first niche 106a, though a greater number of niches <NUM> are contemplated and possible. As noted above, the one or more niches <NUM> may be outward facing and recessed into the wall <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the wall <NUM> may have a reduced thickness t at the back wall <NUM> of the one or more niches <NUM> relative to other positions along the wall <NUM>, such as those spaced from the one or more niches <NUM>. The reduced thickness t of the wall <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> may allow for stronger attraction between the mounting block <NUM> of the hand control device <NUM>, for example where the mounting block <NUM> is magnetic, and the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> positioned within the internal hollow region <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, when assembled within the internal hollow region <NUM>, the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> may sit within the internal hollow region <NUM> so as to be in contact with the wall <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> and adjacent to the one or more niches <NUM>. As noted above, the reduced thickness t of the wall <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> at the one or more niches <NUM> may allow for stronger attraction between the mounting block <NUM> of the hand control device <NUM> and the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> positioned within the internal hollow region <NUM>. For example, the reduced thickness t of the wall <NUM>, may provide reduced interference between the magnetic attraction between the mounting block <NUM> of the hand control device <NUM> and the ferromagnetic insert <NUM>, than at other positions where the wall <NUM> has a greater thickness. In some embodiments, the central hub <NUM> and/or portions thereof may be formed of non-magnetic materials such as, but not limited to aluminum, copper, lead, tin, titanium, zinc, brass, bronze, gold silver, or the like.

The shape of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> may substantially correspond to a shape of the internal hollow region <NUM>, such that the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> is in contact with an inner surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> along the upper surface <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM>. The ferromagnetic insert <NUM> may be arranged entirely within the internal hollow region <NUM>, such that no portion of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> extends outside of the internal hollow region <NUM>. However, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, one or more portions of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> may extend outside of the confines of the internal hollow region <NUM>. In yet further embodiments, it is contemplated that the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> may be accessible through the one or more niches <NUM> such as where the one or more niches <NUM> define a port or window into the internal hollow region <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, when assembled, the mounting linkage <NUM> may be inserted into the internal hollow region <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> such that the mounting linkage <NUM> extends through the first opening <NUM> of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> and extends in the +Y direction of the coordinate axes of <FIG> a distance beyond the first surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>, such that the first end <NUM> including the hole <NUM> is positioned externally of the central hub <NUM> when the mounting linkage <NUM> is assembled to the central hub <NUM>. When assembled, the retention flange <NUM> may be positioned within the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> may restrict motion of the mounting linkage <NUM> through the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> and the internal hollow region <NUM>.

As described above, when assembled within the lift assembly <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, the mounting linkage <NUM> may allow the frame <NUM> of the sling bar <NUM> to pivot around the mounting linkage <NUM>. To facilitate smooth rotation of the mounting linkage <NUM>, the one or more bearings <NUM> may be positioned within the ferromagnetic insert <NUM>, between the upper surface <NUM> of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> and the retention flange <NUM> of the mounting linkage <NUM>, so as to provide reduced friction or resistance to rotation. Accordingly, the bearing <NUM> may be sandwiched along the +/-Y axis of the coordinate axes depicted in <FIG>, between the upper surface <NUM> of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> and the retention flange <NUM> of the mounting linkage <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG> and as noted above, the cap <NUM> may be coupled to the central hub <NUM> to enclose and/or hold components within the hollow portion of the central hub <NUM>. When engaged with the central hub <NUM>, the positioning core <NUM> may extend to into the internal hollow region <NUM> to contact the retention flange <NUM> of the mounting linkage <NUM>. This may cause the bearing <NUM>, the retention flange <NUM>, and the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> to be sandwiched between the positioning core <NUM> and first surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. The cap <NUM> may be made from any material suitable to engage the central hub <NUM> and support rotational motion of the mounting linkage <NUM>. For example, the cap <NUM> may be formed of a polymer, such as noted hereinabove, which provides a low friction surface against which the mounting linkage <NUM> may rotate.

In some embodiments, the cap <NUM> may engage the central hub <NUM>, for example, via a press fit between central hub <NUM> and the base plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, such as depicted in <FIG>, the one or more retention legs <NUM> flex and snap the hooking portion <NUM> into the retention ring <NUM>, thereby securing the cap <NUM> to the central hub <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the bushing <NUM> may be inserted into the first opening <NUM> so as to circumscribe the mounting linkage <NUM>. In embodiments, when assembled the lip <NUM> may sit within the lip recess <NUM>. As noted above, the bushing <NUM> may be a polymer bushing, which provides a low friction surface against which the mounting linkage <NUM> may rotate. The bushing <NUM> may interact with the mounting linkage <NUM> maintain a centered position of the mounting linkage <NUM> within the center hub <NUM> and substantially prevent wobbling or off-axis movement of the mounting linkage <NUM> within the center hub <NUM>. In some embodiments, the bushing <NUM> may additionally provide fluid resistance, for preventing fluid entry into the internal hollow region <NUM> or egress of fluid (e.g., lubricating fluid for supporting pivoting motion of the mounting linkage) from the internal hollow region <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> through the outlet <NUM>.

In some embodiments, sling bar <NUM> may be provided as a kit of parts, which may include instructions for, for example, assembling the sling bar <NUM>, assembling the sling bar <NUM> to the lift mechanism <NUM>, and/or care instructions for cleaning and/or sterilization. In some embodiments, the instructions may be available to user via a digital or internet based platform.

<FIG> depicts a method <NUM> of assembling the sling bar <NUM> according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. The method <NUM> includes a plurality of steps depicted as blocks <NUM>-<NUM>. Such steps may be performed in any order and may include a greater or fewer number of steps without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, at block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes providing the frame <NUM> of sling bar <NUM> such that the frame <NUM> defines the central hub <NUM>, the first hook 104a, and the second hook 104b. In some embodiments, providing the frame <NUM> of the sling bar <NUM> may include forming the frame <NUM> of the sling bar <NUM>. For example, and as noted above, the frame <NUM> may be integrally formed via casting or various components of the frame <NUM> may be coupled to one another via welding, fasteners, brazing, or the like. In embodiments, forming the central hub <NUM> may include forming the wall <NUM> defining the internal hollow region <NUM> and an external hub surface <NUM>. As noted above, the internal hollow region <NUM> may be shaped and sized to receive a ferromagnetic insert <NUM> therein. Forming the central hub <NUM> may further include forming the one or more niches <NUM> within the wall <NUM>. As described above, the one or more niches <NUM> may be recessed into the wall <NUM> from the external hub surface <NUM>. Additionally, and as described above, the one or more niches <NUM> arranged radially around the internal hollow region <NUM> and sized and shaped to receive a hand control device <NUM>.

Block <NUM> of the method <NUM> may include inserting the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> within the hollow portion of the central hub <NUM>, such that the one or more niches <NUM> are positioned adjacent to the ferromagnetic insert <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the bearing <NUM> may be placed within the hollow portion of the central hub <NUM> and/or within the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes inserting the mounting linkage <NUM> within the cavity <NUM> of the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> such that the mounting linkage <NUM> extends externally from the central hub <NUM>. For example, the mounting linkage <NUM> may be inserted through the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> and/or the bearing <NUM> within the internal hollow region <NUM> and extend through first opening <NUM> formed in the first surface <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. The mounting linkage <NUM> may be inserted through the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> unit the retention flange <NUM> of the mounting linkage <NUM> contacts the one or more bearings <NUM> positioned within the ferromagnetic insert <NUM>. At block <NUM>, the bushing <NUM> may be positioned between the wall <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> and the elongate body <NUM> of the mounting linkage <NUM>. When mounted, the lip <NUM> of the bushing <NUM> may be positioned within the lip recess <NUM>, described above. At block <NUM>, the cap <NUM> may be coupled to the central hub <NUM> to thereby enclose the ferromagnetic insert <NUM> one/or other components within the internal hollow region <NUM> of the central hub <NUM>. For example, the cap <NUM> may be positioned within the second opening <NUM> of the central hub <NUM> and may be coupled to the central hub <NUM> via a press-fit within the internal hollow region <NUM>. In some embodiments, and as noted above, the cap <NUM> may include one or more retention legs <NUM> that may flex during insertion and snap into the retention ring <NUM> formed within the internal hollow region <NUM>.

It should now be understood that embodiments described herein include sling bars include a frame defining a central hub, a first hook extending from the central hub and a second hook extending from the central hub. The central hub generally includes a wall defining an internal hollow region and an external hub surface. The internal hollow region is shaped and sized to receive a ferromagnetic insert therein. One or more niches are formed within the wall and recessed into the wall from the external hub surface. The one or more niches are arranged radially around the internal hollow region and sized and shaped to receive a hand control device. For example, the hand control device may include a mount, such as a magnetic mounting block, which is configured to interface with a niche of the one or more niches, such that the hand control device becomes magnetically coupled to the ferromagnetic insert positioned within the internal hollow region. Accordingly, when not held in the hand of a user, the hand control device may be mounted to the sling bar such that it secured out of the way but remains accessible to the user and/or operator. Because the hand control device may be removably mounted to the center of the sling bar, the weight of the hand control device may not cause the sling bar to tilt one way or another as the center of gravity of the sling bar with the hand control device mounted thereto will remain concentrated at the central hub. Additionally, in some embodiments a hand control device may operate wirelessly or otherwise untethered via a physical medium to the lift unit. In such embodiments, the one or more niches may aid in preventing the hand control device from being lost as it will be convenient to place the hand control device back on the central hub versus another location where it may be misplaced.

Claim 1:
A sling bar (<NUM>), comprising:
a frame (<NUM>) defining a central hub (<NUM>), a first hook (104a) extending from the central hub (<NUM>), and a second hook (104b) extending from the central hub (<NUM>), the central hub (<NUM>) comprising:
a wall (<NUM>) defining an internal hollow region (<NUM>) and an external hub surface (<NUM>); and
one or more niches (<NUM>) formed within the wall (<NUM>) and recessed into the wall (<NUM>) from the external hub surface (<NUM>), the one or more niches (<NUM>) arranged radially around the internal hollow region (<NUM>) and sized and shaped to receive a hand control device (<NUM>); and
a ferromagnetic insert (<NUM>) positioned within the internal hollow region (<NUM>) and configured to magnetically mount the hand control device (<NUM>) at the one or more niches (<NUM>).