WO2005053593A1

WO2005053593A1 - Apparatus and method for displacing persons from a sitting to a standing position

Info

Publication number: WO2005053593A1
Application number: PCT/NL2004/000830
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wilhelmus Petrus Johannes De Kruijf
Original assignee: Indes Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2003-12-01
Filing date: 2004-11-30
Publication date: 2005-06-16
Also published as: NL1024909C2

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing persons from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa, comprising at least one substantially rigid carrying body for exerting a force on a person, wherein at least a part of the carrying body is adapted to engage on the person, and actuable displacing means coupled to the carrying body for displacing the carrying body such that, in the situation where he/she grips on the carrying body, the person undergoes a displacement from a sitting position to a standing position, or vice versa. The invention also relates to a method for displacing persons from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa, using such an apparatus.

Description

Apparatus and method for displacing persons from a sitting to a standing position

The invention relates to an apparatus for displacing persons from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa, comprising at least one at least substantially rigid carrying body for exerting a force on a person, wherein at least a part of the carrying body is adapted to engage on the person, and actuable displacing means coupled to the carrying body for displacing the carrying body such that, in the situation where he/she grips on the carrying body, the person undergoes a displacement from a sitting position to a standing position, or vice versa. The invention also relates to a method for displacing persons from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa, using such an apparatus.

Apparatus for displacing persons from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa, so- called patient lifts, sit-to-stand lifts or transfer aids, help disabled people and the elderly in standing up from, and sitting down on for instance a chair, bed or toilet. Such apparatus serve particularly to assist care staff and to prevent, or at least alleviate, relatively heavy physical strain, in particular back strain, of care staff during displacement of the person.

Simple embodiments of the known patient lift comprise a carrying body which functions as lever and with which the patient is lifted in a convex path or curving trajectory, wherein this path is usually along the periphery of a circle with the fulcrum of the lever as axis of rotation. The drawback of such a path is that it does not follow the natural manner of standing and sitting. The patient is hereby lifted up off balance, whereby the patient him/herself cannot provide cooperative input. With prolonged use the person becomes increasingly more passive, whereby deterioration of the physical condition is hardly prevented.

There is a sit-to-stand lift on the market which can cause a person to follow a natural path of standing up and sitting down, and which prevents a passive posture during sitting and standing. During standing up, the most natural path comprises of carrying the body above the feet by a substantially horizontal movement in forward direction of the person, whereafter the body is brought into a standing position by a substantially vertical movement, wherein the shoulders describe a concave, elliptical path. This path can be followed in reverse direction when sitting down. It is however also possible to bring about seating of the person via a different path. The existing transfer aid makes use of an articulated carrying body which consists of two arms pivotally connected to each other and which moves along the desired path through a compound movement of the two arms of the part of the carrying body adapted to engage on the person (for instance handgrips or a harness). A drawback of this apparatus is that the movements of the two arms must be adjusted very precisely to each other. The apparatus is therefore relatively complex and in general relatively susceptible to malfunction and expensive to produce. The apparatus is also relatively inflexible, since it is usually difficult to modify the set compound movement to for instance the body height of a person.

The present invention has for its object to provide a relatively simple apparatus of the type stated in the preamble, with which persons can be displaced via a natural path from a sitting position to a standing position and vice versa.

The invention provides for this purpose an apparatus of the type stated in the preamble, characterized in that the apparatus also comprises guide means positioned at a distance from the displacing means for sliding co-action with the carrying body during displacement of the carrying body. The guide means provide for guiding of translations and rotations of the carrying body by supporting and stabilizing at least a part of the carrying body. Numerous complex (non-linear) movements of the carrying body can be realized in relatively simple manner through the movement of the displacing means relative to the guide means. It is thus possible by means of the structurally relatively simple apparatus to allow a person to stand up or sit down via a natural path defined by the displacing carrying body. The part of the carrying body adapted for engagement on the person comprises for instance handgrips to be held fast by the person, or a harness or sling for attaching to the body of the person. The movement preferably follows the ergonomically desirable, natural path of the person during standing up or sitting down.

It is advantageous if the guide means comprise at least one rotatable element. The rotatable element can be for instance a roller, a wheel, a toothed wheel or a ball bearing. It is advantageous if at least a part of the carrying body is provided with for instance a smooth or profiled surface, or a gear rack for co-action with the guide means. It is also possible to apply a plurality of rotatable elements, thereby enabling a better stabilization and guiding of the carrying body. The rotatable element can co-act with other guide means, such as smooth surfaces, guide rings, rails or other suitable guide means which can engage sildingly on the carrying body. A plurality of rotatable elements and other guide means can also be positioned relative to each other and the displacing means such that they only engage on the carrying body in determined orientations of the carrying body. With a favourable relative orientation of rotatable elements and/or other guide means, the carrying body can be moved in relatively simple manner along a complex (non-linear) path by the displacing means, wherein the displacing means can themselves take a relatively simple form.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one part of the displacing means coupled to the carrying body is adapted to pass through a predefined path. This path can be defined for instance by a slot, rails, a gear rack, a shaft, or a combination thereof. The path is positioned relative to the guide means such that, as the part of the displacing means coupled to the carrying body passes through the defined path, a person gripping on the carrying body is displaced via a natural, partly concave path.

It is advantageous if at least a part of the displacing means is adapted for rotation on a rotation axis, wherein the mutual coupling between the displacing means and the carrying body is adapted for rotation on the rotation axis at a distance from the rotation axis. The rotation axis can be a physical shaft to which the carrying body is coupled at a distance from the rotation axis, but the rotation axis can also be defined by for instance a slot, rails or a gear rack. A desired route of the carrying body can be realized in relatively simple manner by rotation about the rotation axis in co-action with the guide means. It is advantageous if the mutual coupling between the displacing means and the carrying body is formed at least partially by a crankshaft. The crankshaft is a relatively simple device for transmitting the force to the carrying body. The crankshaft can be coupled to the carrying body at multiple positions, and can comprise a plurality of cranks. The cranks can be suspended on one side or on two sides. In another preferred embodiment, the mutual coupling between the displacing means and the carrying body is formed at least partially by a plate-like element rotatable about the rotation axis. A plate-like element generally provides additional stability of the coupling to the carrying body. In a particular preferred embodiment, the plate-like element is formed by a disclike element. The disc-like element has the advantage that it can be driven from its own shaft as well as from the circular peripheral edge of the disc. For driving from the peripheral edge the periphery can for instance be embodied with teeth onto which a toothed wheel can engage for driving the disc.

In a preferred embodiment the guide means engage on the carrying body at a position between the displacing means and the part of the carrying body adapted for engaging on the person. In this configuration the displacing means exert force with leverage on the part of the carrying body adapted for engaging on the person, wherein the guide means function as fulcrum for the lever. By positioning the guide means close to the displacing means and relatively remotely from the part of the carrying body adapted for engaging on the person, a relatively large displacement of the part of the carrying body adapted for engaging on the person is realized by a relatively small displacement of the displacing means.

In another preferred embodiment, the displacing means engage on the carrying body at a position between the guide means and the part of the carrying body adapted for engaging on the person. In similar manner as described above, a leverage of the carrying body is herein achieved, wherein however the displacing means act as fulcrum.

It is advantageous if the relative orientation of the guide means and the displacing means can be changed. The change can take place in both horizontal and vertical direction. The apparatus can hereby be further adapted to the situation of use, in particular to the height of the person for displacing. A more effective displacement and greater comfort for the person can hereby be achieved in relatively simple manner. In addition, by varying the guide means relative to the displacing means a greater flexibility is provided in respect of the progression of the path to be followed by the person.

In a preferred embodiment, the displacing means comprise a motor, preferably an electric motor. Motors are relatively advantageous and simple to use for displacing means, wherein the force required to displace the person can be provided relatively simply. The motor can for instance drive a rotation shaft, the force of which can be transmitted to the carrying body in the above stated manner. In another preferred embodiment, the displacing means comprise at least one pneumatic element. Pneumatic elements are relatively compact and powerful. The pneumatic element can for instance push or pull a part of the carrying body coupled to the displacing means through a slot, rails or a gear rack, or rotate a plate-like element or a crankshaft. When a pneumatic or hydraulic element is used, it is relatively simple to perform such a movement in stepwise manner, which provides greater comfort for the person.

It is advantageous if the apparatus is provided with at least one support element for stabilizing the person during displacement of the person from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa. Support elements are for instance understood to mean a footrest or knee support on which the person can support during displacement. The support element may also be useful for simple positioning of the apparatus in relation to the person. The use of one or more support elements generally enhances the safety and comfort of the person.

In a preferred embodiment, the part of the carrying body adapted for engaging on the person is coupled releasably to a part of the carrying body coupled to the displacing means. Here can be envisaged for instance a releasable harness, or releasable handgrips, which can if desired be replaced by another model adapted for use with for instance children or particularly heavy people. In a particular preferred embodiment, the carrying body is adapted for coupling at different positions to the part of the carrying body coupled to the displacing means, whereby the apparatus can be adjusted for a determined situation of use. The apparatus according to the invention can thus be applied in a relatively flexible manner.

It is advantageous if the apparatus takes a mobile form. The apparatus can for instance be equipped with wheels, castors or rollers for horizontal displacement over a surface. It is also possible to envisage mounting the apparatus for displacement on the ceiling . using for instance rails. The mobile embodiment of the apparatus generally increases the flexibility in respect of application. It is also possible here to envisage transporting the person standing or sitting in the apparatus. The apparatus is preferably given a fold-away form. By collapsing or folding away the apparatus it becomes more compact, whereby it is simpler to displace and stow away. Collapsibility can for instance be achieved through the use in the construction of connections which can be fixed in telescopic or pivotable manner.

The present invention also provides a method of the type stated in the preamble, comprising the following steps of: causing the part of the carrying body adapted for engaging on the person to engage on the person, and activating the displacing means in order to displace the carrying body. Through use of an apparatus according to the present invention it becomes simpler to assist persons in sitting or standing in relatively comfortable and advantageous manner, wherein a natural path between these two positions is readily realized. Further advantages have already been described in the above embodiment.

The invention will now be further elucidated with reference to several non-limitative preferred embodiments.

Figures la-c show a preferred embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, wherein the displacing means comprise a rotatable disc. Figures 2a-c show different combinations of displacing means and guide means for use in an apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a collapsible apparatus in the situation of use, wherein a person is shown in standing position.

Figure 4 shows an apparatus according to the invention in a folded-away, vertical situation placed against a wall.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the apparatus shown in figure 3.

Figure 1 shows in side view a preferred embodiment 1 of an apparatus according to the present invention. A person 2 in sitting position grips the carrying body 3 by means of two handgrips 4 and a harness 5 connected to carrying body 3. The length of carrying body 3 is adjustable by means of adjusting means 6, and harness 5 is releasable and can be connected at different heights to carrying body 3 at three fastening points 7, the lowest of which is being used in the figure. The apparatus can hereby be adapted in flexible manner to the height of the person 2. Carrying body 3 is connected to a rotatable disc 8 which is partially provided on the periphery with teeth 9 onto which engages a second, smaller toothed wheel 10. The shaft of toothed wheel 10 is driven by means of a drive belt 11 which is moved by an electric motor 12, which can be controlled by control unit 13 which is connected to the motor and which is mounted releasably on a push bar 14. The rotatable disc 8 is moved as according to arrow 15 when motor 12 is switched on. Through co-action with roller element 16 the part of the carrying body 3 connected to person 2 is moved in a path with a concave shape as indicated with arrow 17. For extra stability the apparatus 1 is equipped with a leg support 18 and a footrest 19 provided with an anti-slip layer. Apparatus 1 is displaceable by four wheels 21 which can be blocked by means of a foot pedal 20. Using push bar 14 the apparatus 1 can be positioned easily by a carer. In order to modify the path of the part of the carrying body 3 connected to person 2, the height of roller 16 can be modified by means of a pneumatic adjusting mechanism 22.

Figure lb shows a preferred embodiment of an apparatus 30 according to the present invention, comparable to that shown in figure la, wherein the person 31 has been carried into a standing position. The rotatable disc 32 has rotated compared to figure la, whereby carrying body 33 is brought into a position corresponding to a standing position of person 31. Carrying body 33 here rests on roller 34.

Figure lc shows a top view of a preferred embodiment of apparatus 40 according to the present invention, comparable to the apparatus shown in figure lb. Here the person and support elements are omitted for the sake of clarity. In the figure can be distinguished the carrying body 41 provided with handgrips 42 and adjustable harness 43. Carrying body 41 is connected by means of a fork construction 44 to both sides of rotatable disc 45. When rotatable disc 45 is turned, a part of carrying body 41 is moved over roller 46. The support frame 47 of apparatus 40 is provided with wheels 48 and has a U-shape. The recess 49 in this shape can be positioned partly around for instance a chair, toilet bowl or other seat location of a person. A carer can effect this easily by making use of push bar 50 on which is also arranged a control panel 51 for activating the carrier arm and adjusting the height of roller 46 and the length of carrier arm 41.

Figures 2a-c are schematic representations of several different possible combinations of displacing means and guide means for use in an apparatus according to the present invention. A earner structure in which the elements are arranged is omitted here for the sake of clarity.

Figure 2a shows a preferred embodiment wherein the guide means 66, 67 engage on carrying body 60 at a position between the displacing means and the part of carrying body 60 adapted for engaging on the person P. Carrying body 60 is provided with a transverse shaft 61 which is moved through a guide slot 62 by means of a telescopic pneumatic element 63 which is mounted pivotally in the apparatus by a hinge 64. The carrying body is provided with two gear racks 65 on which engage guiding toothed wheels 66, 67. Toothed wheel 67 is anchored resiliently in the apparatus to stabilize the movement of carrying body 60 in vertical direction. Through retraction or extension the shaft 61 is moved along the path defined by slot 62, whereby the part of carrying body 60 adapted for engaging the person P is moved along the desired path.

Figure 2b shows a preferred embodiment wherein displacing means 71 engage on carrying body 70 at a position between the guide means and the part of carrying body 70 adapted for engaging on the person P. Carrying body 70 is displaced by a rotatable crankshaft 71. The drive of crankshaft 71 is not shown, but could comprise for instance a hand-driven lever, a pneumatically or hydraulically driven rotating disc, or an electric motor. An outer end of carrying body 70 is stabilized by two smooth guide rods 72. The outer end of carrying body 70 is provided with a blocking hook 73 for blocking carrying body 70 at an extreme rotation position of crankshaft 71. The position of guide rods 72 relative to crankshaft 71 can be changed, in vertical direction by pneumatic elements 74, in horizontal direction by displacement over rails 75. The path described by the part of carrying body 70 adapted for engaging on the person P can be modified by positioning the guide rods 72.

Figure 2c shows a preferred embodiment wherein the displacing means comprise a circular gear rack 80 along which a first toothed wheel 82 coupled to carrying body 81 is advanced, stabilized by a second rotatable toothed wheel 83 positioned opposite gear rack 80. The first toothed wheel 82 is driven by an electric motor 84 mounted on carrying body 81 by means of a drive belt 85. Carrying body 81 is suspended from a rail 86 on which engages a guide wheel 87. Through movement of the first toothed wheel . 82 along gear rack 82, the part of carrying body 81 adapted for engaging on the person P is moved along the path defined by the relative orientation of gear rack 82 and guide wheel 87.

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a collapsible apparatus 90 in the situation of use, wherein a person 91 is shown in standing position. The invention comprises a wheel 92 which is suspended on one side and which is mounted on a mobile support frame 93. Wheel 92 is mounted low to the ground on support frame 93, whereby in collapsed state the apparatus 90 is very compact and space-saving. Mounted on wheel 92 is a carrying body 94 which is also supported by a tiltable guide element 95 arranged around carrying body 94. Guide element 95 is height-adjustable by an adjustable support beam 96. When apparatus 90 is folded away, support beam 96 can be uncoupled from support frame 93. Carrying body 94 is provided with a hand-grip 97, an armrest 98 and a knee support 99 for engaging on the person 91. The relative orientation of wheel 92 on the one hand and support frame 93 and support beam 96 on the other can be changed.

Figure 4 shows an apparatus 100 according to the invention in a folded-away, vertical situation placed against a wall 101. The apparatus 100 shown here is similar to the apparatus 90 of figure 3. Clearly shown is a support beam 103 which is uncoupled from support frame 102 and which, in the situation of use (see figure 3), supports guide element 104. Because disc 105 is mounted close to support frame 102, apparatus 100 is particularly compact in the collapsed state. The support surface 106 runs parallel to floor 107 and provides apparatus 100 with good stability in the folded-away situation shown here. It is also possible to envisage storing apparatus 100 in horizontal orientation after folding-away, for instance under a bed.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment 110 of the apparatus 90 according to the present invention shown in figure 3, wherein carrying body 111 is equipped with an armrest 112 and a handgrip 113 to be grasped by a person. An example of use by a person is shown in figure 3. The surfaces of armrest 112 adapted for engaging on the arms of the person are of slightly concave form such that a good grip is achieved on the arms of the person. Handgrip 113 connects onto armrest 112, wherein the angle between the surface of armrest 112 and handgrip 113 is chosen so as to be anatomically favourable. Apparatus 110 is also provided with a footrest 114 on which the person can stand, wherein footrest 114 is covered with an anti-slip layer, for instance rubber. The mobile support frame

115 is provided with a support beam 116 on which a movable guide element 117 is mounted for guiding carrying body 111. Wheel 118 grips on the ground surface on which the apparatus 110 stands by means of a profiled surface 119. Carrying body 111 moves as apparatus 110 travels, and the profiled surface 119 in fact forms the drive here. In order to enable the grip of the profiled surface 119 on the floor to be deactivated as desired, a supporting wheel 120 located close to wheel 118 takes a height-adjustable form. Supporting wheels 121 are provided with a brake mechanism 122 in order to retain stability.

Figure 6 shows an apparatus 130 according to the present invention provided with a rotatable disc 131 manufactured from plate material and suspended from a shaft 132, wherein the position of shaft 132 is adjustable in horizontal direction by means of adjusting means 133, in this case a pin-hole system. The guide element 134 that engages on carrying body 135 is further adjustable in vertical direction by means of a telescopic support beam 136, in this case provided with a clamping system for fixing two telescopic parts of support beam 136 relative to each other. Owing to the relative positioning of shaft 132 and guide element 134, the path which carrying body 135 describes when rotatable disc 130 rotates can be adjusted as required by the user 137. In order facilitate standing-up for user 137, carrying body 135 is provided with a set of handgrips 138 with a mounting angle 139 to carrying body 135 which is adjustable, and a releasable harness 140 covered with an anti-slip material (for instance profiled textile) formed for fitting round user 137. The drive of the apparatus, which is not shown in this figure, can be for instance a hand-driven or motor-driven toothed wheel with which the power of the drive is transmitted by means of a gear transmission onto shaft 132 or onto a peripheral side of rotatable disc 131.

It will be apparent that many other variations and combinations are possible for a skilled person in the field.

Claims

1. Apparatus for displacing persons from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa, comprising: - at least one at least substantially rigid carrying body for exerting a force on a person, wherein at least a part of the carrying body is adapted to engage on the person, and - actuable displacing means coupled to the carrying body for displacing the carrying body such that, in the situation where he/she grips on the carrying body, the person undergoes a displacement from a sitting position to a standing position, or vice versa, characterized in that the apparatus also comprises guide means positioned at a distance from the displacing means for sliding co-action with the carrying body during displacement of the carrying body.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the guide means comprise at least one rotatable element.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one part of the displacing means coupled to the carrying body is adapted to pass through a predefined path.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least a part of the displacing means is adapted for rotation on a rotation axis, wherein the mutual coupling between the displacing means and the carrying body is adapted for rotation on the rotation axis at a distance from the rotation axis.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the mutual coupling between the displacing means and the carrying body is formed at least partially by a crankshaft.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the mutual coupling between the displacing means and the carrying body is formed at least partially by a plate-like element rotatable about the rotation axis.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the guide means engage on the carrying body at a position between the displacing means and the part of the carrying body adapted for engaging on the person.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any of the claims 1-6, characterized in that the displacing means engage on the carrying body at a position between the guide means and the part of the carrying body adapted for engaging on the person.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the relative orientation of the guide means and the displacing means can be changed.

10. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the displacing means comprise a motor, preferably an electric motor.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the displacing means comprise at least one pneumatic element.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the apparatus is provided with at least one support element for stabilizing the person during displacement of the person from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the part of the canying body adapted for engaging on the person is coupled releasably to a part of the carrying body coupled to the displacing means.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the apparatus takes a mobile form.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the apparatus is given a fold-away form.

16. Method for displacing persons from a sitting to a standing position, or vice versa, using an apparatus as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising the following steps of: A) causing the part of the carrying body adapted for engaging on the person to engage on the person, and

B) activating the displacing means in order to displace the carrying body.