EP1496829A2 - Device for moving handicapped people - Google Patents

Device for moving handicapped people

Info

Publication number
EP1496829A2
EP1496829A2 EP03752871A EP03752871A EP1496829A2 EP 1496829 A2 EP1496829 A2 EP 1496829A2 EP 03752871 A EP03752871 A EP 03752871A EP 03752871 A EP03752871 A EP 03752871A EP 1496829 A2 EP1496829 A2 EP 1496829A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
supporting structure
holding means
axis
mobilizing
mobile
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03752871A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1496829B1 (en
Inventor
Luigi Turina
Roberto Turina
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SITES Srl
Original Assignee
SITES Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SITES Srl filed Critical SITES Srl
Publication of EP1496829A2 publication Critical patent/EP1496829A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1496829B1 publication Critical patent/EP1496829B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/1073—Parts, details or accessories
    • A61G7/1082—Rests specially adapted for
    • A61G7/1096—Knee, upper or lower leg
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/1013—Lifting of patients by
    • A61G7/1019—Vertical extending columns or mechanisms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/104—Devices carried or supported by
    • A61G7/1046—Mobile bases, e.g. having wheels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/1049—Attachment, suspending or supporting means for patients
    • A61G7/1053—Rigid harnesses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2200/00—Information related to the kind of patient or his position
    • A61G2200/30—Specific positions of the patient
    • A61G2200/34—Specific positions of the patient sitting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2200/00—Information related to the kind of patient or his position
    • A61G2200/30—Specific positions of the patient
    • A61G2200/36—Specific positions of the patient standing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G2200/00—Information related to the kind of patient or his position
    • A61G2200/50—Information related to the kind of patient or his position the patient is supported by a specific part of the body
    • A61G2200/52—Underarm
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
    • A61G7/1049—Attachment, suspending or supporting means for patients
    • A61G7/1059—Seats

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for moving handicapped people; more particularly, the invention relates to a device for lifting and transporting people unable to walk.
  • the transport of handicapped people i.e. of people with mobility problems, in hospitals or at home, such as for instance their transport from bed to bathroom to carry out their physiological functions or the usual hygienic activities, as well as moving for example from a wheel-chair into a swimming-pool designed for rehabilitation, is a serious and deeply felt problem because several persons and/or suitable mechanical devices are required.
  • the known devices for moving handicapped people generally include a supporting structure comprising an upright and a fixed arm located, at a given height, transversally with respect to the upright; besides, ropes or cables are provided, suitable to lift or lower a special sling wherein the body of the person to be mobilized is placed. Said ropes or cables are connected to the supporting structure by means of pulleys or similar sliding elements.
  • This type of device is very bulky and for this reason, even if it is mounted on a trolley, it does not allow an easy transport of people with mobility problems, especially in small environments such as, for instance, houses.
  • the sling that encircles the person with mobility problems would not be easily applied to the areas of the limbs and the bust, and its presence is a remarkable obstacle during personal hygienic activity and dressing.
  • Mobilizing devices are also known that have an arm hinged to the supporting upright, so as to allow its upward rotation; a sling is attached to the arm.
  • DE-U-2000 0380 discloses a similar device wherein two padded arms, rotatable around the respective axis, are mounted onto a bracket positioned at the extremity of a piston. In operation of the piston, the arms are rotated in vertical direction lifting or lowering them.
  • Such devices reduce only partially the bulk and do not solve the problems associated with the presence of the sling; besides, a possible oscillation of the person with mobility problems with respect to the anchoring point of the sling on the supporting arm, might cause the rollover of the device.
  • Object of the present invention is to provide a mobilizing system for people with mobility problems, that is reliable, simple to use and economic to manufacture.
  • a mobilizing device for handicapped people comprising a supporting structure having an axis substantially vertical to the ground, means for holding the body of the transported person and means for lifting said holding means, characterized in that said supporting structure comprises a fixed portion and a mobile portion movable along said axis and in that said holding means are rigid means for the engagement and the support of the bust of the transported person, are mounted articulated on said mobile portion of the supporting structure and are translatable therewith.
  • the mobile portion is raised and lowered, along the supporting structure by means of lifting means, preferably composed of a hydraulic piston.
  • the rigid means are rotatable around an axis, which is coincided or parallel to the axis of the supporting structure, and are translatable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the ground.
  • the holding means are at least partially curved and support and engage the armpits and a part of the person's chest.
  • each holding means comprises an articulated arm on the mobile part of the supporting structure and a curved portion mounted- articulately on the arm.
  • the arms comprise at least one rectilinear portion and at least one curved portion connected to each other and to the mobile portion of the supporting structure by means of a hinge having axis substantially parallel to the axis of the supporting structure.
  • the mobilizing device comprises a resting element for the legs of the handicapped person. The resting element is fixed to the mobile portion of the supporting structure and it is movable with said portion and with the holding means of the bust.
  • Such a resting element allows to mobilize the person with mobility problems in a seated posture, without, contrary to what happens with traditional slings, blocking the legs and hindering the access to the groin portion. Personal hygiene and dressing operations are thus made possible. Besides, the presence of a support for the bust in the areas of the armpits and the chest and the presence of a support for the legs in the areas of the knees, allow to easily mobilize the person from a chair to a sanitary fixture and vice-versa, as the rest of the thighs, the buttocks and a major portion of the back remains free.
  • the supporting structure is mounted on a trolley and is movable therewith.
  • the lifting means comprise a piston that can be activated by hand and/or electrically, connected to the cylindrical jacket and translatable in the inside of the structure.
  • a realization of this kind allows to markedly reduce the size of the mobilizing device, as said piston is incorporated in the supporting structure.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the device for moving people with mobility problems according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a view of the mobilizing device according to Fig. 1 with the holding means in open and raised position;
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional and partial view of the lifting device according to the present invention
  • FIG. 4 shows a side view of the device for moving handicapped people during use
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic side views of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention for use in baths and swimming-pools;
  • FIG. 7 is a partial view of the lowest portion of the device according to Figures 5 and 6; and - Figure 8 is a partial top view of the device according to Figures 5 and 6.
  • FIG. 1 shows a mobilizing device 1 for handicapped people, comprising a mobile supporting structure 2, rigid holding means 3 and means 4 for lifting said holding means 3.
  • the supporting structure 2 has an axis A-A substantially vertical to the ground.
  • substantially vertical means that the axis A-A forms an angle of 90° ⁇ 10°, namely an angle comprised within the range from 80° to] 00°.
  • Means 3 engage and support under the armpits the bust of the person with mobility problems, and has a curved portion to engage and support the armpits and a part of the person's chest.
  • the lifting means translate the holding means 3 along the supporting structure 2 in a direction substantially vertical to the ground and parallel to the axis A-A of the supporting structure 2. In this manner, by encircling the person with mobility problems in the areas of bust and armpits, it is possible to put him(her) on his(her) feet, mechanically simulating the lifting action carried out by a person who seizes the person with mobility problems at the height of the bust and lifts said handicapped person by hand.
  • the mobilizing device has also a resting element 5 that during the use is engaged with the back portion of the legs of the person, near the knees, in order to allow the transport of said persons in a seated posture.
  • the resting element 5 protrudes less than the supporting structure 2 of the holding means 3, namely it is not axially aligned with said supporting structure.
  • the resting element is generally formed of a rigid piece 6, covered with flexible material, connected to the supporting structure 2 of the device.
  • the supporting structure 2 is provided with a vertical cylindrical element 8 which is externally coupled to the cylindrical jacket 12 being coaxial to the cylindric element 8.
  • the jacket 12 forms the mobile portion of the supporting structure 2 and is translatable along the axis A-A of structure 2 between two portions, namely a lower one and an upper one.
  • the holding means 3 are mounted articulated, i.e. pivotally on a hinge or pin on the mobile portion 12.
  • the holding means 3 are comprising two articulated arms hinged in 13, through a bolt-coupling known per se, to the upper end of the cylindrical jacket 12.
  • the holding means are identical, namely they comprise rectilinear arms 14 and curved arms 15; in this embodiment the arms are mounted onto an extension or prolongation 25 of the mobile portion constituted by the jacket 12.
  • the extension 25 is shaped to a reversed "L" form and its function is clarified hereinafter.
  • the holding means 3 are mounted (directly or indirectly) onto the mobile portion 12.
  • the rotation axis of the articulated arms, with respect to the external jacket 12, is substantially vertical to the ground and parallel to the axis A-A of structure 2.
  • Each articulated arm is made up by a rectilinear portion 14 and an arched portion 15, hinged together in 13', with a rotation axis, which is substantially vertical with respect to the ground and substantially parallel to the axis in 13.
  • Both arched portions 15 have a conformation suitable io encircle the body of the person with mobility problems in the areas of the bust, and the presence of hinges or pins 13' between the straight 14 and arched 15 portions (besides the hinges 13) allows the adjustment of the holding means 3 to different persons, independently on the build, imparting the mobilizing device 1 a great flexibility in use.
  • the arched portions 15 have closing means 16, such as Velcro strips or buckled strips, to block in a closed position, i.e., around the bust of the person, both arched portions 15 that are thereby tied with one another.
  • closing means 16 such as Velcro strips or buckled strips
  • the arched portions 15 of the holding means 3 and the resting element 5 are padded with a flexible material known per se and used for such purposes.
  • the curved portions 15 may be formed by a plurality of parts 15a, each linked to the other by means of hinges 26 (Fig. 2) for a better adjustment to the user's body.
  • the hinges 26 have axis substantially parallel to that of the hinges 13 and 13'.
  • the Velcro strips 16a are much longer than that shown on Fig.l .
  • the lifting means are a single effect hydraulic cylinder. As can be seen in Figure 3, they comprise a piston 17 connected in the upper part to a cylindrical jacket 12 and a plunger 18 mobile within the cylindrical element 8 which, for this reason, is hermetically sealed.
  • a manual lever 20 activates pump 19.
  • the lifting means are provided with an air valve (not shown), that allows the discharge of the fluid from the cylindrical element 8 and, thereby, the lowering of the cylindrical jacket 12.
  • the air valve is activated by hand with a push-button 21 that, according to the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, is located in the areas of the upper end of the jacket 12.
  • lifting means 4 markedly reduces the overall dimensions, but obviously any lifting means may be used to lift the cylindrical jacket 12, for instance an actuator, a worm or a chain system, without falling outside the protection scope of the present invention.
  • piston 17 is connected to the base of the cylindrical element 8 and plunger 18 is upwards oriented and translates in a special expansion chamber located in the inside of the cylindrical jacket 12.
  • Figures 1 , 2 and 4 show an embodiment wherein the supporting structure 2, which supports at different heights the holding means and the resting means, is mounted on a trolley provided with four wheels 10, 1 1 for moving the device.
  • the two front wheels 10 are fixed, while the two rear wheels 1 1 are pivotable and confer manageability to the device.
  • the distance between the front wheels 10 and their encumbrance in height are such to allow the insertion of the front portion of the carriage 9 internally between the legs of any wheel-chair for persons with mobility problems and externally to the normal sanitary devices.
  • a handlebar 22 is also present for the movement of device 1 ; for this purpose, device 1 might be provided with ⁇ small motor, such as an electric motor allowing the self-propelled movement of device 1.
  • a resting element 5 is included, such as a padded crossbar 6, whereon the rear part of the thighs of the person with mobility problems can rest (Fig. 4), allowing a more comfortable transport of said person in a seated posture.
  • resting element 5 is not shown on Fig. 2.
  • the adjustment of the resting element 5 with respect to the supporting structure 2 is obtained by known means, such as a collar 23 placed on the cylindrical jacket 12, that allows the vertical translation of the resting element 5, and a support 24 of a telescopic type located between the crosspiece and the collar, to allow the adaptation of the various "builds" or "sizes" of the transported persons.
  • the collar also allows the rotation of the resting device around the cylindrical jacket 12 in a plane parallel to the ground. In this way, without possible obstructions caused by the presence in a front position of the resting element, it is possible to utilize the mobilizing device to lift the person with mobility problems in a substantially erect position.
  • the mobilizing device subject matter of the present invention shows also a great easiness of use and is suitable to be employed in small environments such as, for instance, houses.
  • the mobilizing device is used for lifting people with mobility problems from the bed to any other resting surfaces where they may rest in a seated posture, and to transport them, in substantially the same posture, wherever it is necessary.
  • the mobilizing device subject matter of the present invention is positioned frontally with respect to the person with mobility problems, seated in such a manner that the bust, in the areas of the armpits, can be encircled, when closed, by the arched portions 15 of the articulated arms, and that it is possible to lean his (her) legs, in the areas of the knees, on the resting element 5. Now, by activating the piston, it is possible to slightly lift the person with mobility problems, and to transport him (her) in a seated posture wherever it is necessary.
  • Figures 5-8 refer to an embodiment of the invention, which is used to transfer persons from transporting means, such as wheel-chair 29, into a swimming-pool 28 for example during rehabilitation therapies.
  • the same reference numbers above mentioned are used in Figures 5-8 to indicate the same elements of the device according to the invention.
  • This fixed embodiment comprises a jacket 12 (longer than that shown in Figures 1 and 2) which constitutes the mobile part of the supporting structure 2 and comprises a prolongation or extension 25 having a reversed "L" form and extending downwards with its longer arm 27.
  • the holding means 3 is similar to that disclosed hereinbefore and comprises rectilinear portions 14 and curved portions 15 with hinges or pins 13 and 13' (and eventually 26); the means 3 is mounted on arm 27, holding means 24 is mounted on arm 27, too.
  • the jacket 12 or at least a part thereof, in the areas of extension 25, is pivotable around axis A-A with an angle sufficient to move the user from the chair 29 into the pool or tank 28 ( Figures 5 and 6).
  • the cylinder 8, or the fixed portion of the supporting structure, is integral with a base 30 that is fastened in a known way, for example with baits 31 , to the edge of the bath 28.
  • the device works in a similar manner to that disclosed for embodiment according to Figures 1 , 2 and 4.
  • the user is positioned on holding means 24 with the bust kept by means 3 and his legs are placed on support 26; then mobile part 12 is moved upwards, for example thanks to the above disclosed piston ( Figure 3), actuated of lever 20.
  • extension 25 is rotated to a position above tank or pool 28; the jacket 12 (and therewith also extension 25) is lowered for example, by means of above cited air valve.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
  • Traffic Control Systems (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Amplifiers (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Processing Of Meat And Fish (AREA)

Abstract

A mobilizing device for handicapped people comprises a supporting structure (2) having a fixed portion (8) and a mobile portion (12), means for holding (3) the user's body and means for lifting the holding means. The holding means are rigid means for the engagement and the support of the user's bust, and are translatable along the supporting structure with its mobile portion (12).

Description

Title: "Device for moving handicapped people"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for moving handicapped people; more particularly, the invention relates to a device for lifting and transporting people unable to walk. The transport of handicapped people, i.e. of people with mobility problems, in hospitals or at home, such as for instance their transport from bed to bathroom to carry out their physiological functions or the usual hygienic activities, as well as moving for example from a wheel-chair into a swimming-pool designed for rehabilitation, is a serious and deeply felt problem because several persons and/or suitable mechanical devices are required. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND The known devices for moving handicapped people generally include a supporting structure comprising an upright and a fixed arm located, at a given height, transversally with respect to the upright; besides, ropes or cables are provided, suitable to lift or lower a special sling wherein the body of the person to be mobilized is placed. Said ropes or cables are connected to the supporting structure by means of pulleys or similar sliding elements. This type of device is very bulky and for this reason, even if it is mounted on a trolley, it does not allow an easy transport of people with mobility problems, especially in small environments such as, for instance, houses. Besides, the sling that encircles the person with mobility problems would not be easily applied to the areas of the limbs and the bust, and its presence is a remarkable obstacle during personal hygienic activity and dressing.
Mobilizing devices are also known that have an arm hinged to the supporting upright, so as to allow its upward rotation; a sling is attached to the arm.
Such a device is described for example in WO 96/1 1658. DE-U-2000 0380 discloses a similar device wherein two padded arms, rotatable around the respective axis, are mounted onto a bracket positioned at the extremity of a piston. In operation of the piston, the arms are rotated in vertical direction lifting or lowering them. Such devices reduce only partially the bulk and do not solve the problems associated with the presence of the sling; besides, a possible oscillation of the person with mobility problems with respect to the anchoring point of the sling on the supporting arm, might cause the rollover of the device. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Object of the present invention is to provide a mobilizing system for people with mobility problems, that is reliable, simple to use and economic to manufacture.
Another object of the present invention is to solve the problems addressed by the known technical background by means of providing a device for moving handicapped people, i.e. people with mobility problems, that is compact, light and easy to move. Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobilizing device for handicapped people, wherein the system for holding the body of the handicapped person does not prevent the carrying out of personal hygiene and dressing operations. These and other objects are achieved by the present invention that concerns a mobilizing device for handicapped people comprising a supporting structure having an axis substantially vertical to the ground, means for holding the body of the transported person and means for lifting said holding means, characterized in that said supporting structure comprises a fixed portion and a mobile portion movable along said axis and in that said holding means are rigid means for the engagement and the support of the bust of the transported person, are mounted articulated on said mobile portion of the supporting structure and are translatable therewith. The mobile portion is raised and lowered, along the supporting structure by means of lifting means, preferably composed of a hydraulic piston. In particular, the rigid means are rotatable around an axis, which is coincided or parallel to the axis of the supporting structure, and are translatable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the ground. The holding means are at least partially curved and support and engage the armpits and a part of the person's chest.
Preferably, each holding means comprises an articulated arm on the mobile part of the supporting structure and a curved portion mounted- articulately on the arm. The arms comprise at least one rectilinear portion and at least one curved portion connected to each other and to the mobile portion of the supporting structure by means of a hinge having axis substantially parallel to the axis of the supporting structure. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the mobilizing device comprises a resting element for the legs of the handicapped person. The resting element is fixed to the mobile portion of the supporting structure and it is movable with said portion and with the holding means of the bust.
Such a resting element allows to mobilize the person with mobility problems in a seated posture, without, contrary to what happens with traditional slings, blocking the legs and hindering the access to the groin portion. Personal hygiene and dressing operations are thus made possible. Besides, the presence of a support for the bust in the areas of the armpits and the chest and the presence of a support for the legs in the areas of the knees, allow to easily mobilize the person from a chair to a sanitary fixture and vice-versa, as the rest of the thighs, the buttocks and a major portion of the back remains free.
According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the supporting structure is mounted on a trolley and is movable therewith. According to a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the lifting means comprise a piston that can be activated by hand and/or electrically, connected to the cylindrical jacket and translatable in the inside of the structure.
A realization of this kind allows to markedly reduce the size of the mobilizing device, as said piston is incorporated in the supporting structure.
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be clearer from the following description, made for illustrative purposes without limiting the scope of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings wherein:
- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the device for moving people with mobility problems according to the present invention; - Figure 2 shows a view of the mobilizing device according to Fig. 1 with the holding means in open and raised position;
- Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional and partial view of the lifting device according to the present invention;
- Figure 4 shows a side view of the device for moving handicapped people during use,
- Figures 5 and 6 are schematic side views of another embodiment of the device according to the present invention for use in baths and swimming-pools;
- Figure 7 is a partial view of the lowest portion of the device according to Figures 5 and 6; and - Figure 8 is a partial top view of the device according to Figures 5 and 6. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a mobilizing device 1 for handicapped people, comprising a mobile supporting structure 2, rigid holding means 3 and means 4 for lifting said holding means 3. The supporting structure 2 has an axis A-A substantially vertical to the ground. The term "substantially vertical" means that the axis A-A forms an angle of 90° ± 10°, namely an angle comprised within the range from 80° to] 00°. Means 3 engage and support under the armpits the bust of the person with mobility problems, and has a curved portion to engage and support the armpits and a part of the person's chest. The lifting means translate the holding means 3 along the supporting structure 2 in a direction substantially vertical to the ground and parallel to the axis A-A of the supporting structure 2. In this manner, by encircling the person with mobility problems in the areas of bust and armpits, it is possible to put him(her) on his(her) feet, mechanically simulating the lifting action carried out by a person who seizes the person with mobility problems at the height of the bust and lifts said handicapped person by hand.
The mobilizing device has also a resting element 5 that during the use is engaged with the back portion of the legs of the person, near the knees, in order to allow the transport of said persons in a seated posture. To this end, the resting element 5 protrudes less than the supporting structure 2 of the holding means 3, namely it is not axially aligned with said supporting structure.
The resting element is generally formed of a rigid piece 6, covered with flexible material, connected to the supporting structure 2 of the device.
As can be better seen in Figures 2, 3, the supporting structure 2 is provided with a vertical cylindrical element 8 which is externally coupled to the cylindrical jacket 12 being coaxial to the cylindric element 8.
The jacket 12 forms the mobile portion of the supporting structure 2 and is translatable along the axis A-A of structure 2 between two portions, namely a lower one and an upper one. The holding means 3 are mounted articulated, i.e. pivotally on a hinge or pin on the mobile portion 12.
In particular, according to the embodiment of Figures 1 , 2 and 4, the holding means 3 are comprising two articulated arms hinged in 13, through a bolt-coupling known per se, to the upper end of the cylindrical jacket 12. According to the embodiment of Figures 5-8, the holding means are identical, namely they comprise rectilinear arms 14 and curved arms 15; in this embodiment the arms are mounted onto an extension or prolongation 25 of the mobile portion constituted by the jacket 12. The extension 25 is shaped to a reversed "L" form and its function is clarified hereinafter. In all embodiments, therefore, the holding means 3 are mounted (directly or indirectly) onto the mobile portion 12.
The rotation axis of the articulated arms, with respect to the external jacket 12, is substantially vertical to the ground and parallel to the axis A-A of structure 2. Each articulated arm is made up by a rectilinear portion 14 and an arched portion 15, hinged together in 13', with a rotation axis, which is substantially vertical with respect to the ground and substantially parallel to the axis in 13. Both arched portions 15 have a conformation suitable io encircle the body of the person with mobility problems in the areas of the bust, and the presence of hinges or pins 13' between the straight 14 and arched 15 portions (besides the hinges 13) allows the adjustment of the holding means 3 to different persons, independently on the build, imparting the mobilizing device 1 a great flexibility in use.
In the areas of the untied ends, the arched portions 15 have closing means 16, such as Velcro strips or buckled strips, to block in a closed position, i.e., around the bust of the person, both arched portions 15 that are thereby tied with one another. In order to give a greater comfort, the arched portions 15 of the holding means 3 and the resting element 5 are padded with a flexible material known per se and used for such purposes.
In their turn, the curved portions 15 may be formed by a plurality of parts 15a, each linked to the other by means of hinges 26 (Fig. 2) for a better adjustment to the user's body. The hinges 26 have axis substantially parallel to that of the hinges 13 and 13'. In order to maintain the portions 15a in a close-fitting position to the user's body, the Velcro strips 16a are much longer than that shown on Fig.l . Preferably, the lifting means are a single effect hydraulic cylinder. As can be seen in Figure 3, they comprise a piston 17 connected in the upper part to a cylindrical jacket 12 and a plunger 18 mobile within the cylindrical element 8 which, for this reason, is hermetically sealed. A pump 19, located at the base of the cylindrical element 8, feeds a fluid, for instance oil, into the cylindrical element 8, causing the expansion of plunger 18 of piston 17 and lifts consequently jacket 12 and the holding 3 and supporting 24 means tied thereto. A manual lever 20 activates pump 19. In order to lower the holding means 3, the lifting means are provided with an air valve (not shown), that allows the discharge of the fluid from the cylindrical element 8 and, thereby, the lowering of the cylindrical jacket 12. The air valve is activated by hand with a push-button 21 that, according to the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, is located in the areas of the upper end of the jacket 12.
Such composition and arrangement of the lifting means 4 markedly reduces the overall dimensions, but obviously any lifting means may be used to lift the cylindrical jacket 12, for instance an actuator, a worm or a chain system, without falling outside the protection scope of the present invention.
Besides, it would be also possible, always for this purpose, to provide the piston with an electric drive system or to differently arrange the elements. In an alternative version, for instance, piston 17 is connected to the base of the cylindrical element 8 and plunger 18 is upwards oriented and translates in a special expansion chamber located in the inside of the cylindrical jacket 12.
Figures 1 , 2 and 4 show an embodiment wherein the supporting structure 2, which supports at different heights the holding means and the resting means, is mounted on a trolley provided with four wheels 10, 1 1 for moving the device.
In details, the two front wheels 10 are fixed, while the two rear wheels 1 1 are pivotable and confer manageability to the device. The distance between the front wheels 10 and their encumbrance in height are such to allow the insertion of the front portion of the carriage 9 internally between the legs of any wheel-chair for persons with mobility problems and externally to the normal sanitary devices. In the areas of the upper end of the supporting structure, a handlebar 22 is also present for the movement of device 1 ; for this purpose, device 1 might be provided with α small motor, such as an electric motor allowing the self-propelled movement of device 1. Anchored in an adjustable manner to the supporting jacket, or mobile portion 12, as already mentioned, a resting element 5 is included, such as a padded crossbar 6, whereon the rear part of the thighs of the person with mobility problems can rest (Fig. 4), allowing a more comfortable transport of said person in a seated posture. In order to render clearer the Figure, resting element 5 is not shown on Fig. 2. The adjustment of the resting element 5 with respect to the supporting structure 2 is obtained by known means, such as a collar 23 placed on the cylindrical jacket 12, that allows the vertical translation of the resting element 5, and a support 24 of a telescopic type located between the crosspiece and the collar, to allow the adaptation of the various "builds" or "sizes" of the transported persons.
The collar also allows the rotation of the resting device around the cylindrical jacket 12 in a plane parallel to the ground. In this way, without possible obstructions caused by the presence in a front position of the resting element, it is possible to utilize the mobilizing device to lift the person with mobility problems in a substantially erect position.
Thanks to its limited size and mobilizing easiness, the mobilizing device subject matter of the present invention shows also a great easiness of use and is suitable to be employed in small environments such as, for instance, houses.
In particular, the mobilizing device is used for lifting people with mobility problems from the bed to any other resting surfaces where they may rest in a seated posture, and to transport them, in substantially the same posture, wherever it is necessary. For this purpose, the mobilizing device subject matter of the present invention is positioned frontally with respect to the person with mobility problems, seated in such a manner that the bust, in the areas of the armpits, can be encircled, when closed, by the arched portions 15 of the articulated arms, and that it is possible to lean his (her) legs, in the areas of the knees, on the resting element 5. Now, by activating the piston, it is possible to slightly lift the person with mobility problems, and to transport him (her) in a seated posture wherever it is necessary. Figures 5-8 refer to an embodiment of the invention, which is used to transfer persons from transporting means, such as wheel-chair 29, into a swimming-pool 28 for example during rehabilitation therapies. The same reference numbers above mentioned are used in Figures 5-8 to indicate the same elements of the device according to the invention. This fixed embodiment comprises a jacket 12 (longer than that shown in Figures 1 and 2) which constitutes the mobile part of the supporting structure 2 and comprises a prolongation or extension 25 having a reversed "L" form and extending downwards with its longer arm 27. The holding means 3 is similar to that disclosed hereinbefore and comprises rectilinear portions 14 and curved portions 15 with hinges or pins 13 and 13' (and eventually 26); the means 3 is mounted on arm 27, holding means 24 is mounted on arm 27, too. The jacket 12 or at least a part thereof, in the areas of extension 25, is pivotable around axis A-A with an angle sufficient to move the user from the chair 29 into the pool or tank 28 (Figures 5 and 6). The cylinder 8, or the fixed portion of the supporting structure, is integral with a base 30 that is fastened in a known way, for example with baits 31 , to the edge of the bath 28.
The device works in a similar manner to that disclosed for embodiment according to Figures 1 , 2 and 4. The user is positioned on holding means 24 with the bust kept by means 3 and his legs are placed on support 26; then mobile part 12 is moved upwards, for example thanks to the above disclosed piston (Figure 3), actuated of lever 20. Thereafter, extension 25 is rotated to a position above tank or pool 28; the jacket 12 (and therewith also extension 25) is lowered for example, by means of above cited air valve.
It is to be noted that in this embodiment the jacket or the mobile part 12 is normally in lifted position (Figure 5) and that the lowered position is the "working" one (Figure 6).

Claims

1. A mobilizing device for handicapped people, comprising a mobile supporting structure (2) having an axis (A-A) substantially vertical to the ground, means for holding (3) the body of the transported person and means for lifting said holding means, characterized in that said supporting structure (2) comprises a fixed portion (8) and a mobile portion (12) that is movable along said axis (A-A) and in that said holding means are rigid means for engaging and supporting the bust of the transported person, are mounted articulated on said mobile portion (12) of said supporting structure
(2) and are translatable with said mobile portion (12).
2. The mobilizing device according to claim 1 , wherein said holding means are pivotable around at least one axis coincident or substantially parallel to said axis (A-A) of the supporting structure (2) .
3. The mobilizing device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a resting element (24) for the user's legs, which is fixed to said mobile portion (12) of the supporting structure (2).
4. The mobilizing device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said holding means (3) comprise two articulated arms, each arm being provided with at least one rectilinear portion (14) and at least one arched portion (15, 15a), said rectilinear and arched portions being connected to each other and to said mobile portion (12) of the supporting structure (2) by means of hinges (13, 13', 26) having axis substantially parallel to said axis (A-A) of the supporting structure.
5. The mobilizing device according to claim 4, wherein said holding means (3) comprise fastening means (16) to fasten said arched portions around the user's bust.
6. The mobilizing device according to any previous claim, wherein in that said supporting structure is vertically mounted on a trolley.
7. The mobilizing device according to any previous claim, wherein said holding means comprise a piston, said piston being connected to the mobile portion (12) and translatable within said fixed portion of the bearing structure (2).
8. The mobilizing device according to any previous claim, wherein said mobile portion (12) of the supporting structure (2) comprises an extension (25) to which said holding means (3) are fixed.
9. The mobilizing device according to any previous claim, wherein said resting element comprises adjusting means to adjust its position with respect to the holding means.
EP03752871A 2002-04-24 2003-04-24 Device for moving handicapped people Expired - Lifetime EP1496829B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
WOPCT/IT02/00269 2002-04-24
PCT/IT2002/000269 WO2003090658A1 (en) 2002-04-24 2002-04-24 Device for moving handicapped people
PCT/IB2003/001533 WO2003096952A2 (en) 2002-04-24 2003-04-24 Device for moving handicapped people

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1496829A2 true EP1496829A2 (en) 2005-01-19
EP1496829B1 EP1496829B1 (en) 2008-06-18

Family

ID=29266784

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03752871A Expired - Lifetime EP1496829B1 (en) 2002-04-24 2003-04-24 Device for moving handicapped people

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1496829B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE398436T1 (en)
AU (2) AU2002302965A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60321673D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2307968T3 (en)
WO (2) WO2003090658A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU2009238448A1 (en) * 2008-04-04 2009-10-29 Huntleigh Technology Limited Multi-functional patient transfer device
DE102011009899A1 (en) 2011-01-31 2012-08-02 Andrè Röck Movable device for transfer of persons in need of care and for therapeutic purposes, has role-mounted chassis, on which vertical support is arranged, and support is arranged on chassis in rotatable manner
US11446192B2 (en) 2019-04-19 2022-09-20 Liko Research & Development Ab Two piece subject support apparatuses
WO2022198563A1 (en) * 2021-03-25 2022-09-29 湖北工业大学 Dressing and undressing device for person having double disabled arms

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1174894A (en) * 1966-01-11 1969-12-17 Mecanaids Ltd Improvements in or relating to apparatus for Handling Disabled Persons
DK131603C (en) * 1971-07-08 1976-01-12 Johansson Hans Arne Valentin CEILING AND TRANSPORT APPLIANCE FOR MOVEMENTS
NL7806787A (en) * 1978-06-23 1979-12-28 Rijmefa B V Hydraulic lift for personnel - has rod resting freely on ram piston raised by water pressure
DE2915715C2 (en) * 1979-04-19 1982-02-11 Lothar 5802 Wetter Dötsch Additional device for a severely handicapped lifter
US4704749A (en) * 1986-05-23 1987-11-10 Aubert Benjamin A Body lift and walker for paralytics
CA2052169C (en) * 1991-09-24 1995-02-07 Joseph Elphege Blain Invalid lift
WO1996011658A1 (en) * 1994-10-14 1996-04-25 Ikedamohando Co., Ltd. Posture change system and posture change method
JP2000024040A (en) * 1998-07-07 2000-01-25 Takaaki Ishii Chest holder of human body moving device
EP1208830B1 (en) * 1999-02-12 2005-01-12 Borringia Industrie AG A lifting and/or transporting device for humans
DE20000380U1 (en) * 2000-01-11 2000-03-02 Erlau Ag Eisen Drahtwerk Transfer device for wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility and the like.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO03096952A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE398436T1 (en) 2008-07-15
WO2003090658A1 (en) 2003-11-06
WO2003096952A3 (en) 2004-03-11
EP1496829B1 (en) 2008-06-18
WO2003096952A2 (en) 2003-11-27
DE60321673D1 (en) 2008-07-31
AU2002302965A1 (en) 2003-11-10
ES2307968T3 (en) 2008-12-01
AU2003226588A8 (en) 2003-12-02
AU2003226588A1 (en) 2003-12-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5117516A (en) Patient sling
US5411044A (en) Patient transfer walker
US4644595A (en) Portable motorized bed lift apparatus
US5526893A (en) Physical therapy apparatus
FI94834C (en) hospital bed
EP1029524B1 (en) An invalid lifting device
US4456086A (en) Integrated wheelchair and ambulator
US5001789A (en) Invalid lift and transport apparatus
US4390076A (en) Integrated wheelchair and ambulator
US4682377A (en) Device for transferring immobile persons
EP1036552A1 (en) Lift with pelvic support
US20100219668A1 (en) Devices and Methods for Lift Assistance
US6880186B2 (en) Arrangement in a bed for a disabled person, and a bed provided with the said arrangement
JPH03121027A (en) Power-assisted toilet seat
KR20160149679A (en) Motor driven wheelchair have upper limb and pelvic limb rehabilitation exercise function
KR102209833B1 (en) MOBILE and TRANSFERRING ROBOT FOR HANDICAPED PERSON
US7354382B1 (en) Wheeled ambulation and lifting apparatus
KR101177709B1 (en) Patient lifting device
WO2001021128A1 (en) A mobility aid
US20160143795A1 (en) Ergonomic lifting and lowering mechanism for apparatuses for assisting a handicapped person
KR20030016902A (en) medical exercise device for a patient
WO1995018592A1 (en) A hoist for handling a patient and a feet-supporting plate assembly to be used in connection with a hoist for handling a patient
EP1496829B1 (en) Device for moving handicapped people
US9925105B1 (en) Patient transfer device
CA2170959A1 (en) Invalid chair with pivotal foot rest

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20041020

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60321673

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20080731

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2307968

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080918

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081118

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080918

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20090319

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20090428

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20090403

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20090330

Year of fee payment: 7

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20090410

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20090416

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090424

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080919

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20100424

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20101230

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101103

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100424

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100424

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090424

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081219

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20110711

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20110629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100425

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080618

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100430