AU2018256552A1 - A Personal Lift Assist Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A personal lift assist apparatus includes a harness configured for engagement with a user's torso. Two torso connectors are arranged on the harness in opposed positions with respect to the harness. Two leg engagement members each include a thigh brace that is configured for engagement with a user's thigh. A thigh connector is arranged on the thigh brace. A swivel connector interconnects each torso connector and a respective one of the thigh connectors. Each swivel connector includes a first swivel member arranged on a respective one of the torso connectors, a second swivel member arranged on a respective one of the thigh connectors, and a biasing mechanism engaged with the first and second swivel members and configured so that pivotal movement of the swivel members relative to each other is against a bias of the biasing mechanism in one rotational direction and is assisted by the bias of the biasing mechanism in another rotational direction as the torso and thigh connectors pivot forwards and backwards.

Description

A PERSONAL LIFT ASSIST APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present disclosure relates to a personal lift assist apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] In one aspect, there is provided a personal lift assist apparatus that comprises:

a harness configured for engagement with a user’s torso; and two torso connectors arranged on the harness in opposed positions with respect to the harness;

two leg engagement members, each leg engagement member including: a thigh brace that is configured for engagement with a user’s thigh; and a thigh connector that is arranged on the thigh brace; and a swivel connector that interconnects each torso connector and a respective one of the thigh connectors, each swivel connector comprising:

a first swivel member arranged on a respective one of the torso connectors;

a second swivel member arranged on a respective one of the thigh connectors; and a biasing mechanism engaged with the first and second swivel members and configured so that pivotal movement of the swivel members relative to each other is against a bias of the biasing mechanism in one rotational direction and is assisted by the bias of the biasing mechanism in another rotational direction as the torso and thigh connectors pivot forwards and backwards [0003] The embodiments described herein broadly include the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0004] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view, from the front, of an embodiment of a personal lift assist apparatus.

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 [0005] Figure 2 shows a front view of the personal lift assist apparatus.

[0006] Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view, from the back, of the personal lift assist apparatus.

[0007] Figure 4 shows a side view of the personal lift assist apparatus.

[0008] Figure 5 shows part of the personal lift assist apparatus, with a swivel connector in an exploded view.

[0009] Figure 6 shows a detailed, exploded view of the swivel connector.

[0010] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a leg engagement member of the personal lift apparatus.

[0011] Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a torso connector of the personal lift apparatus.

[0012] Figure 9 shows another side view of the personal lift assist apparatus.

[0013] Figure 10 shows a sectioned view of the personal lift assist apparatus taken through A-A in figure 9.

[0014] Figure 11 shows Detail B in figure 10.

[0015] Figure 12 shows Detail I in figure 10.

[0016] Figure 13 shows Detail J in figure 10.

[0017] Figure 14 shows another front view of the personal lift assist apparatus.

[0018] Figure 15 shows a sectioned view of the personal lift apparatus taken through G-G in figure 14.

[0019] Figure 16 shows Detail H in figure 15.

[0020] Figure 17 shows a swivel connector of the personal lift assist apparatus with a spring release lever in an engaged condition.

[0021] Figure 18 shows a helical spring located in the swivel connector of figure

17.

[0022] Figure 19 shows the swivel connector of figure 17 with the spring release lever in a disengaged condition.

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 [0023] Figure 20 shows a key locator of the swivel connector of figure 17 in a released condition.

[0024] Figure 21 shows an internal view of the key locator of figure 20.

[0025] Figure 22 shows a body of a swivel member of the swivel connector of figure 17.

[0026] Figure 23 shows another view of the key locator of figure 20.

[0027] Figure 24 shows an inner cover of a further swivel member of the swivel connector of figure 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0028] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an embodiment of a personal lift apparatus. In this specification, reference is made to a personal lift apparatus. It is to be understood that the apparatus 10 may find application as a rehabilitation device as well, or as any other device which may be useful. These could include posture correction devices. It follows that such reference to a personal lift apparatus may also be regarded as reference to a rehabilitation device, or any other device in which the apparatus 10 may find application.

[0029] The apparatus 10 includes a harness 12. The harness 12 includes a waist band 16 that can be fastened about a user’s torso. The “torso” is to be understood as a region above a user’s waist and below the user’s ribs.

[0030] The waist band 16 is in two parts. A rear part 16.1 is of a resilient material, such as a reinforced plastics material, carbon fibre, fibre glass, or any other material that is resiliently flexible. The rear part 16.1 is configured to make up more than half of the length of the waist band 16. Thus, in use, the rear part 16.1 can extend from a position in front of one hip joint, over a lumbar region, and to a position in front of another hip joint. The rear part 16.1 has zones 17 (figure 3) of reduced resiliency to facilitate flexing of the part 16.1 to fit a wearer. A front part 16.2 has a strap 18 of a flexible material, such as material used for harness webbing or any other similar material.

[0031 ] One end of the strap 18 is fixed to one end of the rear part 16.2. A belt coupler 20 can interconnect an opposite end of the strap 18 with an opposite end of the rear part 16.2. The belt coupler 20 can take different forms. In this embodiment, the belt coupler 20 is a quick-coupler with a male component 20.1 attached to the

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 strap 18 and a female component 20.2 attached to the rear part 16.2. The quickcoupler 20 is a conventional quick coupler with the male component 20.1 being clipped into a socket of the female component 20.2. The male component 20.1 has quick-release buttons that are depressed to release the male component 20.1. The male component 20.1 also has adjustment formations 22, such as a buckle, through which the strap 18 is threaded so that a length of the strap 18 can be adjusted.

[0032] As can be seen, the belt coupler 20 is offset to one side to permit the waist band 16 to be worn over belts comfortably.

[0033] The rear part 16.1 has a central portion 26 which is widened to overlie a spine of a wearer in the lumbar region.

[0034] The harness 12 has two shoulder straps 24 that are configured to extend over respective shoulders of the wearer. Each shoulder strap 24 is connected to a respective torso connector, which is described in further detail below. More particularly, a tab 28 is fastened to each torso connector. A releasable quick coupler 30 interconnects each torso connector and a front end of a respective shoulder strap 24. The quick coupler 30 is similar to the quick coupler 20 so that the shoulder straps 24 can be quick-coupled to the torso connector in a quick-release manner. As with the strap 18, a length of each shoulder strap 24 can be adjusted.

[0035] The tab 28 can be connected to the front part 16.2 of the waist band, for comfort or practicality.

[0036] The shoulder straps 24 can be of any suitable material, such as webbing that is usually used for harnesses. The shoulder straps 24 can be of a high-visibility material or can be coated with such material, or have high-visibility material attached thereto.

[0037] Rear or back ends of the shoulder straps 24 are fastened to a back connector 32. An articulated coupling assembly 34 interconnects the back connector 32 and the central portion 26. The articulated coupling assembly 34 includes an upper connector segment 36 and a lower connector segment 38.

[0038] As can be seen in figure 3, the back connector 32 has a male clipping component 40. The upper connector segment 36 is shaped so that the component 40 can be clipped into the upper connector segment 36. More particularly, the male component 40 has a lug 42 that is biased into an opening 44 of the upper connector segment 36 when the component 40 is pushed into a socket of the upper connector

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 segment 36. The opening 44 is accessible so that the lug 42 can be depressed to release the component 40 from the segment 36.

[0039] The segment 36 has a male clipping component 46 that can be pushed into a socket of the segment 38. The component 46 has a lug 48 that is biased into an opening 50 of the segment 38 when the component 46 is pushed into the socket of the segment 38. The opening 50 is accessible so that the lug 48 can be depressed to release the component from the segment 38.

[0040] The segment 38 has a male clipping component 52 that can be pushed into a socket defined by the central portion 26. The component 52 has a lug 54 that is biased into an opening 56 of the central portion 26 when the component 52 is pushed into the socket. The opening 56 is accessible so that the lug 54 can be depressed to release the component 52 from the central portion 26.

[0041] Thus, both shoulder straps 24 can be released from the waist band 16 in a quick release manner to facilitate stowage and transport of the apparatus 10. This also allows the apparatus 10 to be used without the shoulder straps 24.

[0042] Furthermore, more or less connector segments can be provided to suit differently sized wearers.

[0043] The back connector 32, the segments 36, 38 and the central portion 26 can be configured so that a certain amount of resilient resistance to forward bending of the articulated coupling assembly 34 is provided. The segments can be of any suitable material, such as reinforced plastics material, carbon fibre, fibre glass and aluminium.

[0044] As can be seen in the drawings, the coupling assembly 34 curves inwardly. This can provide lumbar support to the wearer.

[0045] The back connector 32 and the segments 36, 38 can be of a material that enhances comfort. Alternatively, those components can have pads of such material attached thereto. Such material can be of an expanded plastics material. The segments of the back connector can be of various suitable materials, including reinforced plastics materials, carbon fibre, glass fibre, and aluminium.

[0046] Instead of the coupling assembly 34, the apparatus 10 can include a single length of a resiliently flexible material.

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 [0047] The apparatus 10 includes two torso connectors 58 that are arranged on opposite end portions of the rear part 16.1 so that they generally overlie, or are positioned above, respective hip joints of the wearer.

[0048] The apparatus 10 includes two leg engagement members 60. Each leg engagement member 60 includes a thigh brace 62 that is configured for engagement with a user’s thigh. The “thigh” is to be regarded as that part of the wearer’s leg that extends from the hip to the knee. Each leg engagement member 60 also includes a thigh connector 64 that is arranged on the thigh brace.

[0049] The apparatus 10 includes two swivel connectors 66. Each swivel connector 66 interconnects each torso connector 58 and a respective one of the thigh connectors 64.

[0050] Each swivel connector 66 has a first swivel member 68 arranged on a respective one of the torso connectors 58 and a second swivel member 70 arranged on a respective one of the thigh connectors 64.

[0051] A biasing mechanism 72 is engaged with the first and second swivel members 68, 70 and is configured so that pivotal movement of the swivel members 68, 70 relative to each other is against a bias of the biasing mechanism 72 in one rotational direction and is assisted by the bias of the biasing mechanism 72 in another rotational direction as the torso and thigh connectors 58, 64 pivot forwards and backwards.

[0052] Each torso connector 58 depends from the harness 12.

[0053] Each torso connector 58 is shown in detail in figures 8 and 16.

[0054] Each torso connector 58 has connector body 74. The connector body 74 includes a housing 76. The housing 76 is configured to receive an elongate male connector 78. The housing 76 defines a socket 77 (figure 12) into which the connector 78 can slide. A spring-mounted push-button 80 is arranged on the connector 78 and can be depressed into the connector 78.

[0055] The housing 76 defines a series of openings 82. Each opening 82 is dimensioned to receive the push-button 80. Thus, the push-button 80 can be depressed and the connector 78 can slide into the socket 77. An effective length of the connector 78 can be selected by selecting any of the openings 82 into which the

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 push-button 80 is released. In this way, an effective length of the leg engagement members 60 can be adjusted to suit different wearers.

[0056] Furthermore, the male connector 78 can be quickly released from the connector 78 to detach the leg engagement members 60 for stowage and transport of the apparatus.

[0057] Each torso connector 58 is adjustably positioned on the rear part 16.1 of the waist band. Each torso connector 58 includes a fastening mechanism 83 (figure 8) for releasably fastening the torso connector 58 to the rear part 16.1. The rear part 16.1 can be received through the connector body 74 so that the connector body 74 can slide relative to the rear part 16.1 when the fastening mechanism 83 is released, but is locked to the rear part 16.1 when the fastening mechanism 83 is operative.

[0058] The connector body 74 includes two guide members 84 that extend from opposite sides of the housing 76. The guide members 84 and the housing 76 define two aligned openings 86. An end portion 88 of the rear part 16.1 of the waist band is received through the openings 86. The end portion 88 defines a series of serrations, teeth or ribs 90 that extend transversely and form part of the fastening mechanism 83. The guide members 84 are each recessed, with a floor 92, over which an inner surface of the end portions 88 can slide, extending between opposite walls 94.

[0059] The fastening mechanism 83 includes a clamping mechanism 96 that serves to clamp the connector body 74 to the rear part 16.1 in a releasable manner.

[0060] The fastening mechanism 83 includes a locking member 98 that is pivotally mounted between each pair of opposite walls 94. The locking members 98 have serrations, teeth or ribs 100 on an inner surface that correspond with the ribs 90. The locking members 98 are pivotal between an operative position in which the ribs 100 engage the ribs 90 and an inoperative position in which the ribs 100 are disengaged from the ribs 90.

[0061] The clamping mechanism 96 includes two over-centre mechanisms that are arranged to engage an outer surface of the locking members 98 to urge the ribs 100 into engagement with the ribs 90.

[0062] Each locking member 98 is pivotally mounted to the walls 94 at a position adjacent the housing 76 with opposite pivot members 102 at one end of the locking member 98. The ribs 100 are positioned at or near an opposite end of the locking member 98.

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 [0063] Each over-centre mechanism includes a flap 104 that is configured to be operable by hand. Each flap 104 is pivotally mounted to the walls 94 with pivot members 106 at a position spaced from the housing 76 and overlying the ribs 100 when the associated locking member 98 is in an operative position. Each flap 104 defines a camming formation 108 that extends between the pivot members 106. The pivot members 106 are rotatable with respect to the walls 94 at a position in which, when the flaps 104 are pivoted towards the locking members 98, in their operative positions, the camming formations 108 bear against the locking member 98 and rotate into an over-centre position to retain the locking members 98 in their operative positions. Free end portions of the flaps 104 are upturned to facilitate purchase so that the flaps 104 can be rotated back through the over-centre position to release the locking members 98 so that the locking members can be rotated into their inoperative positions.

[0064] As can be seen in some detail in figures 5 and 6, each first swivel member 66 and the associated male connector 78 are laterally pivotally connected to each other to define a lateral pivot assembly. A lateral pivot coupling member 112 is arranged on the male connector 78 and a complementary lateral pivot coupling member 114 is arranged on the first swivel member 66. The coupling members 112, 114 define pivot passages 116, 118 that are in register with each other. A lateral pivot pin 120 is secured in the passages 116, 118, with a threaded fastener and washer arrangement 122.

[0065] This arrangement allows for a sideways, inward/outward movement of the wearer’s legs, which provides both comfort and convenience. Furthermore, the combination of this arrangement and the swivel connectors 66 provides an effective joint with two degrees of rotation or freedom. It will be appreciated that it is generally not natural for a person to bend knees and back in an exact, vertical plane. Thus, this effective joint can accommodate a large variety of wearers allowing for comfortable use.

[0066] Each second swivel member 70 includes a housing assembly 124. The housing assembly 124 includes an inner cover 126 and an outer cover 128 that are fastened together to define a volume for housing a pivot pin 130 and the biasing mechanism 72 in the form of a spiral or clock spring 132. The covers 126, 128 are fastened together with a fastener 133 received through an opening 137 (figure 24) in the inner cover 126. The fastener 133 can be released to disengage the inner cover 126 to replace the spring 132.

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 [0067] Reference to “inner” means reference to an inward orientation towards the wearer. “Outer” then has an opposite meaning.

[0068] Each first swivel member 66 has a swivel body 134. The coupling member 114 extends from the swivel body 134.

[0069] The outer cover 128 has an outwardly projecting bearing tube 136 that defines a passage 138. The swivel body 134 has an outwardly projecting sleeve 140 that accommodates the bearing tube 136.

[0070] The pivot pin 130 includes a generally cylindrical body 142. A radial bearing formation 144 extends from the body 142. The bearing tube 136 defines an inwardly projecting lip 146. A bearing washer 148 is interposed between the lip 146 and the formation 144 so that the pin is retained in the housing assembly 124 while being able to rotate relative to the housing assembly 124.

[0071] A locking formation 150 extends longitudinally from the body 142 and outwardly from the formation 144 to be received in the passage 138. The locking formation 150 has a square cross-section.

[0072] A key locator 152 is fastened to the locking formation 144. Further detail of the key locator 152 can be seen in figures 19, 20 and 23 The key locator 152 has a shank 154 extending from a head 156. The shank 154 defines a socket 155 (figure 21) in which the locking formation 150 can nest to inhibit relative rotation of the key locator 152 and the pin 130. The key locator 152 and the bearing tube 136 have complementary engagement formations so that the key locator 152 is rotatably mounted on the swivel body 134. The engagement formations can take various forms. For example, the engagement formations can be bayonet formations (figures 21 and 22) to allow the key locator 152 to be detached from the body 134, if necessary.

[0073] The shank 154 is received through a bearing washer 158 that bears against an outwardly facing bearing surface 160 of the bearing tube 136.

[0074] An end of the pin 130 defines a threaded opening 162. The head 156 defines an opening 164. A threaded fastener 166 fastens the pin 130 to the key locator 152 via the opening 164.

[0075] The key locator 152 defines a keyway 168.

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 [0076] A spring engagement member or flap 172 is pivotally mounted to the swivel body 134 with a pivot pin and socket arrangement 171. A key formation 163 extends from an inner surface of the flap 172 as can be seen in figure 19. The key formation 163 includes an arcuate portion 173 that fits in an arcuate guide channel 175 arranged on an internal surface of the body 134 when the flap 172 is pivoted towards the body 134 into an engaged position. The key formation 163 also includes a key 177 that is received in the keyway 168 when the flap 172 is in the engaged position to lock the key locator 152 against rotation relative to the flap 172 and thus the body 134.

[0077] The clock spring 132 is formed from a length of spring steel. Some detail of the clock spring 132 can be seen in figure 18. The length has an internal tab 174 that extends radially inwardly to terminate at an inner end of the length. The cylindrical body 142 of the pin 130 has a longitudinal slot 176 in which the tab 174 is received. The spring 132 includes an outer tab 178. The outer tab 178 has a radial portion 178.1. As can be seen in figure 18, the radial portion 178.1 is received between two retaining formations 179 arranged on an inner surface of the outer cover 128. The outer tab 178 also has an end portion 178.2 that extends orthogonally with respect to the radial portion 178.1 further to locate the spring 132. Thus, as the pivot pin 130 rotates relative to the outer cover 128, the spring 132 is restrained from rotation and can be tensioned. Various other mechanisms are envisaged for retaining the spring 132 against rotation.

[0078] With the fastener 133 released and the inner cover 126 removed, the spring 132 can be slid out of the slot 176 and out between the retaining formations 179, for replacement with another spring 132 having different characteristics.

[0079] It is envisaged that springs providing an assist force of between approximately 5 kg and 30 kg can be provided.

[0080] As can be seen in the drawings, the spring 132 spirals anti-clockwise from the inner tab 174 to the outer tab 178. Thus, clockwise rotation of the first swivel member 66 relative to the second swivel member 68 results in tensioning of the spring 132.

[0081] The swivel connectors 66 are oriented so that relative rotation of the swivel members 68, 70 when the wearer bends his/her knees and bends forward from the lumbar region sets up a tension in the spring 132. The energy thus stored by the spring 132 assists the wearer in resuming an upright position.

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 [0082] When the flap 172 is lifted into the disengaged position, the key 177 moves out of the keyway 168 and the key locator 152 is thus capable of rotating freely with respect to the body 134. Thus, in use, a wearer can easily disengage the spring 132 by lifting the flap. This allows the wearer to move normally, for example when seated or otherwise having a break from a lifting task. It follows that it is thus not necessary for the wearer to remove the apparatus 10 during work breaks or task changes.

[0083] Other spring disengagement mechanisms are envisaged that are operable by a wearer to provide free movement when not lifting.

[0084] The body 134 has a two side walls 181. The side walls 181 are dimensioned so that the flap 172 can be received between the side walls 181 to shield the flap 172 from snagging on environmental articles both in the engaged and disengaged positions.

[0085] As can be seen in figure 7, each thigh connector 64 includes a male connector 188 that is fastened between the covers 126, 128, which have profiles to accommodate the male connector 188. The male connector 188 has a springmounted push-button 190.

[0086] Also, as shown in figure 7, each thigh connector 64 includes a sleeve body 192. The male connector 188 can be received in an upper end portion of the sleeve body 192. The upper end portion has an opening 193 to accommodate the push-button 190 so that the sleeve body 192 can be clipped on and off the male connector 188.

[0087] Each thigh connector 64 includes a slide bar 194 that is received in the sleeve body 192 and can slide within the body 192. This allows for a natural adjustment in the length of the thigh connector 64. Thus, the wearer can select a comfortable position for the thigh brace 62 without being constrained by the length of the thigh connector 64. The slide bar 194 can also move to accommodate movement of the wearer. A lateral pivot coupling member 196 is arranged on a lower end of the slide bar 194. A slide connector 232 is arranged on the slide bar 194 to allow the slide bar 194 to be connected, in a sliding manner, with the sleeve body 192.

[0088] The thigh brace 62 includes two brace members 198, in the form of a front brace member 198.1 and a rear brace member 198.2.

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 [0089] The front brace member 198.1 has an annular bearing formation 200 that extends outwardly and defines a bearing face 202 at an outer end portion. A hook

204 is arranged at an inner end portion.

[0090] The front brace member 198.1 has a moulded upper portion 199 to fit against the wearer’s thigh. The upper portion 199 is also moulded to form a support for the bearing formation 200. A skirt portion 201 depends from the upper portion.

[0091] The rear brace member 198.2 has a clip member 206 arranged at an outer end portion. A complementary clip member 208 is arranged on the outer end portion of the front brace member 198.1 so that the members 206 and 208 can be clipped together.

[0092] The inner end portion of the rear brace member 198.2 has a complementary hooked formation 210 to engage the hook 204 to secure the thigh brace 62 to the wearer.

[0093] The hooked formation 210 forms part of a buckle 212 that is arranged on the inner end portion of the rear brace member 198.2. A strap 214 interconnects the buckle 212 and the rear brace member 198.2 so that a position of the buckle 212 relative to the rear brace member 198.2 can be adjusted. A hand grip 216 is attached to the buckle 212 to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the hook 204 and the formation 210.

[0094] A complementary lateral pivot coupling member 218 is pivotally connected to the coupling member 196. The coupling members 196, 218 have pivot passages 220, 221 that are in register with each other. A pivot pin 222 is mounted in the passages 220, 221 via bushes 224 and a fastener 226. The passages 220, 221 are oriented so that the coupling members can pivot inwardly and outwardly with respect to each other.

[0095] The coupling member 218 has a base 227. A bearing formation 228 extends from the base 227 and defines a bearing shoulder 230 that engages the bearing formation 200. This allows the coupling member 218 to rotate forwards and backward. The formation 228 is received within the formation 200 to rotate relative thereto. The formation 200 defines a radially inwardly directed lip 238 (figure 13). A pivot plate 234 is fastened to the formation 228 with a fastener 236 to secure the lip 238 between the pivot plate 234 and the bearing shoulder 230, while still allowing a degree of rotation. Thus, a joint defined by the coupling members 196, 218 has two

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 degrees of movement or freedom. Together with the slide bar 194, there is provided an assembly that allows for two rotational degrees of movement and a linear degree of movement of the thigh brace 62 relative to the thigh connector 62. This provides an arrangement that can accommodate a wide variety of wearers.

[0096] As referenced above, the apparatus 10 can have a wide variety of applications. As a lift assist device, it can be used by any person who lifts articles regularly. With the selection of an appropriate spring 132, the apparatus 10 can provide a lift assist of up to 30 kg. The spring 132 can readily be replaced with other springs of different strengths to suit different applications.

[0097] The apparatus 10 can be worn by a person to correct a posture. This could be achieved at least partly by the articulated coupling assembly 34. For example, as set out above, the leg engagement members can be decoupled from the torso connectors 58 quickly, to allow the remaining part of the apparatus to be used to correct posture.

[0098] As is clear, the apparatus 10 is modular. Thus, it can be used with, or without, certain components. For example, the apparatus 10 could still function as a lift assist device, to some extent, without the shoulder straps 24.

[0099] When worn, the apparatus 10 can provide spinal protection in the case of a fall.

[0100] Furthermore, the configuration of the apparatus 10 is such that the wearer is restrained from twisting while lifting, which is a common cause of injury. At the same time the wearer can splay their hips or to perform adduction or abduction movement of their legs for comfort when lifting or lowering.

[0101] The appended claims are to be considered as incorporated into the above description.

[0102] Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term “comprising” and variants thereof such as “comprise” or “comprises” are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers.

[0103] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[0104] When any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate subrange defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0105] Words indicating direction or orientation, such as “front”, “rear”, “back”, etc, are used for convenience. The inventor(s) envisages that various embodiments can be used in a non-operative configuration, such as when presented for sale. Thus, such words are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

[0106] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[0107] It will be appreciated that any reference herein to “preferred” or “preferably” is intended as exemplary only.

[0108] Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (16)

1. A personal lift assist apparatus that comprises:

a harness configured for engagement with a user’s torso; and two torso connectors arranged on the harness in opposed positions with respect to the harness;

two leg engagement members, each leg engagement member including: a thigh brace that is configured for engagement with a user’s thigh; and a thigh connector that is arranged on the thigh brace; and a swivel connector that interconnects each torso connector and a respective one of the thigh connectors, each swivel connector comprising:

a first swivel member arranged on a respective one of the torso connectors;

a second swivel member arranged on a respective one of the thigh connectors; and a biasing mechanism engaged with the first and second swivel members and configured so that pivotal movement of the swivel members relative to each other is against a bias of the biasing mechanism in one rotational direction and is assisted by the bias of the biasing mechanism in another rotational direction as the torso and thigh connectors pivot forwards and backwards.

2. The personal lift assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the harness includes a waist band that can be fastened about the user’s torso.

3. The personal lift assist apparatus as claimed in claim 2, which includes two shoulder straps that are fastened to the waist band.

4. The personal lift assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which each torso connector is adjustably mounted on the waist band so that a position of each torso connector on the waist band can be adjusted.

5. The personal lift assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the swivel connectors are connected to the respective torso connectors with an elongate connector and a releasable quick-coupling mechanism.

2018256552 31 Oct 2018

6. The personal lift assist apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the quick-coupling mechanism is configured to facilitate coupling at various positions to adjust an effective length of the elongate connector.

7. The personal lift assist device as claimed in claim 1, in which each swivel connector includes a pivot pin that interconnects the first and second swivel members, one of the swivel members being fixed to the pivot pin and the other swivel member being rotatable with respect to the pivot pin, the biasing mechanism interconnecting the pivot pin and the rotatable swivel member.

8. The personal lift assist apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which each biasing mechanism includes a spiral or clock spring, the pivot pin being fastened to an inner end of the spiral spring and the rotatable swivel member being connected to an outer end of the spiral spring.

9. The personal lift assist apparatus as claimed in claim 7, in which the first swivel members are fixed to the pivot pin.

10. The personal lift assist apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the second swivel member includes a housing assembly to house the biasing mechanism.

11. The personal lift assist apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which a lateral pivot assembly interconnects each swivel connector and a respective one of the torso connectors and thigh connectors to permit lateral pivotal movement of the thigh connectors with respect to the carrier.

12. The personal lift assist apparatus as claimed in claim 11, in which each lateral pivot assembly is provided by a lateral pivot coupling member arranged on the torso connector and a complementary lateral pivot coupling member arranged on the first swivel member, the lateral pivot coupling members defining pivot passages that are in register with each other along a line that extends from front to back, and a lateral pivot pin that is received through the pivot passages.

13. The personal lift assist device as claimed in claim 1, in which each torso connector includes a length adjustment mechanism for adjusting an effective length of the torso connector.

14. The personal lift assist device as claimed in claim 13, in which the torso connector includes a mounting member that is arranged on the harness and an arm

2018256552 31 Oct 2018 that extends into a passage defined by the mounting member, the length adjustment mechanism including a selective engagement mechanism arranged on the mounting member and the arm and configured so that an engagement location between the mounting member and the arm can be selected to select an effective length of the arm.

15. The personal lift assist device as claimed in claim 4, in which each thigh connector is elongate and extends from the thigh brace.

15. The personal lift assist device as claimed in claim 1, in which a lateral pivot assembly interconnects each thigh brace and the associated thigh connector, the lateral pivot assembly being provided by a lateral pivot coupling member arranged on the thigh connector and a complementary lateral pivot coupling member arranged on the thigh brace, the lateral pivot coupling members defining pivot passages that are in register with each other along a line that extends from front to back, and a lateral pivot pin that is received through the pivot passages.

16. The personal lift assist device as claimed in claim 5, in which each thigh connector is extendable and retractable.