SE2151178A1 - Leg pushing device, raising aid comprisng said leg pushing device and method for using said raising aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a leg pushing device (1), a raising aid (2) comprising the leg pushing device (1) and a method for using the raising aid (2). The leg pushing device (1) comprises a leg contacting portion (11) configured to contact the legs of a patient using the raising aid from a patient side (A), wherein the leg contacting portion (11) is mechanically coupled to a structural element (13), wherein the structural element (13) is configured to be pivotably attached to the raising aid (2) at a pivot point (101) and displace the leg contacting portion (11) towards the patient using the raising aid (2). The leg pushing device further comprises an operating lever (12) configured to be operated from the operator side (B) so as to control the displacement of the leg contacting portion (11) on the patient side (A).

Description

LEG PUSHING DEVICE, RAISING AID COMPRISNG SAID LEG PUSHING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING SAID RAISING AID FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to a leg pushing device, a raising aid comprising said leg pushing device and a method for using said raising aid.

BACKGROUND There exist different forms of standing aids devised to aid for example an elderly person, a paraplegic person or a quadriplegic person to stand up from a seated position or sit down from a standing position. Elderly persons or persons with paraplegia could have trouble raising up to a standing position from a seated position (when e.g. seated in a chair, wheelchair or bed) due to decreased control or strength of the legs, hips, arms or torso.

To this end, various standing aids have been provided to assist persons to stand up. Some solutions involve a base plate which is placed on the ground with an attached support member featuring handles. The standing aid is positioned such that a seated user can place his/her feet on the base plate and grab the handles of the support device to enable the user to pull himself/herself up to a standing position supported by the supported member. ln some cases, the users can manage to reach a standing position by their own locomotion, however, in some cases the user is aided by an assistant or nurse which assists in pulling the upper body of the user to a standing position. Additionally, by holding on to the support member a user can use the standing aid to return to a proper seated position by carefully lowering himself/herself to a seated position from a standing position, either by their own locomotion or with the help from an assistant.

While previous standing aids make it easier for users to reach a proper standing position or seated position it is often a difficult and labor intensive task for assistants to aid users lacking the ability to use the standing aid entirely on their own. For instance, an assistant may have to lift a substantial portion of the weight of the user which may be difficult to do in an ergonomic manner when the user is close to the standing aid.

SUMMARY Despite the solutions discussed in the above, there is a need for an improved raising aid (standing aid) which overcomes at least some of shortcomings described in the above. lt is an object of the present invention to provide such an improved raising aid and a method for using the improved raising aid. The invention is defined by the appended independent claims, with embodiments being set forth in the appended dependent claims, in the following description, and in the drawings.

According to a first aspect of the inventive concept, there is provided a leg pushing device configured to be attached to a raising aid wherein the leg pushing device comprises a leg contacting portion. The leg contacting portion being configured to contact the legs of a patient using the raising aid from a patient side, wherein the leg contacting portion is mechanically coupled to a structural element. The structural element is configured to be pivotably attached to the raising aid at a pivot point and displace the leg contacting portion towards the patient using the raising aid. The leg pushing device further comprises an operating lever mechanically coupled to the structural element, wherein the operating lever is configured to extend on an operator side of the raising aid. The operator side is opposite to the patient side and the operating lever is further configured to be operated from the operator side so as to control the displacement of the leg contacting portion on the patient side.

The raising aid may alternatively be referred to as a standing aid. However, it is understood that while the name of this feature indicates aiding a patient about to raise or stand up from a seated position the leg pushing device and the raising aid of the present invention may be used to aid a patient standing up from a seated position or sitting down from a standing position. Moreover, the raising aid and leg pushing device may be used with a patient transferring from sitting in a patient lift to a seated position (e.g. in a chair) or vice versa.

The present invention is at least in part based on the understanding that it is important to support the legs (especially the lower legs) of a patient performing a motion related to standing up or sitting down while it is preferable that an assistant helping the patient can provide assistance in an ergonomic manner. To this end, a leg pushing device with an operating lever on the operator side is provided enabling control of the displacement of the leg contacting portion on the patient side by an operator on the operator side. Accordingly, the operator may gently push or pull the legs of the patient from the operator side to aid the patient in reaching a proper seated or standing position. Especially when sitting down form a standing position, it is preferable if the legs of the patient is gently pushed towards the patient (away from the raising aid) to reach a proper seated position. ln some implementations, the leg pushing device further comprises a pivoting link arrangement mechanically coupled to the structural element and the operating lever. The pivoting link arrangement is configured to rotate the structural element in a first direction around the pivot point when the operating lever is rotated in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

A pivoting link arrangement may be used to enable a mechanical coupling between the leg contacting portion and the operating lever. For instance, an operator forcing the operating lever downwards on the operator side may cause the leg contacting portion to move against the patient on the patient side. Accordingly, the operator may use his or her weight to step on or otherwise force the operating lever down to push the legs of the patient away from the raising aid. The pivoting link arrangement may comprise one or more rigid elements being pivotably connected to one or more of the structural element, the operating lever, the leg contacting portion and one or more other rigid elements. ln some implementations, to enable the leg pushing device to be controlled with a larger or smaller exerted force passive mechanical elements may be added to the pivoting link arrangement so as to increase or decrease the inertia of the pivoting link arrangement. For instance, the pivoting link arrangement may be provided with one or more dampening cylinders, resilient elements (e.g. springs or rubber elements) to increase or decrease the inertia of controlling the leg contacting portion with the operating lever or biasing the leg pushing device towards a desired state (e.g. a retracted state). ln some implementations, the pivoting link arrangement is configured to be pivotably attached to the raising aid at a second pivoting point, be pivotably connected to the operating lever at a third pivoting point and be pivotably connected to the structural element at a fourth pivoting point.

Accordingly, a compact system is provided enabling the operating lever to control the displacement of the structural element and by extension the leg contacting portion. That is, in some implementations the structural element and the pivoting link arrangement are configured to be attached to a raising at two different pivoting points of the raising aid.

One of the second, third and fourth pivot point may be displaced from an imaginary line connecting the other two of the second, third and fourth pivot point. That is, the second, third and fourth pivot point form a triangular pattern wherein rotation of the pivoting link arrangement around the second pivot point is enabled by many possible positionings of the third and fourth pivot point, enabling a freedom of choice for the positioning of the structural element and the operating lever. ln some implementations, the operating lever is or comprises a pedal, configured to be operated by the foot of an operator located on the operator side of the raising aid. Accordingly, the operator may have both hands free to provide other tasks (such as assisting the patient or operating a reel device) while the operator can remain in a standing position without bending his/her back to support or move the legs of the patient. Alternatively, the operating lever may be provided with a handle to be operated by a hand of the operator. ln some implementations, the leg pushing device is configured to only be manually operated and driven by a human operator. That is, the leg pushing device does not require any internal energy storage and nor does the leg pushing device require to be connected to an external energy source. Consequently, the leg pushing device is not restricted for use in areas with access to electricity and the leg pushing device is kept small and light due to not requiring any motors, batteries or actively driven actuating members.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a raising aid comprising a base plate, a support member connected to the base plate and configured to support the patient using the raising aid, and a leg pushing device according to any of the preceding claims. The leg pushing device may be a separate unit which is attached to a preexisting raising aid comprising a base plate and a support member or the raising aid comprising a base plate, a support member and a leg pushing device is constructed as a single apparatus. ln some implementations of the second aspect of the invention, the raising aid further comprises a pulling means attachable to support means configured to lift the upper body of the patient using the raising aid and a reel device configured to reel in the pulling means, wherein the reel device is operable from the operator side of the raising aid.

With support means it is meant means for supporting or holding the body of the patient, primarily the backside of the body of the patient. The support means may for example be or comprise a belt, net, sling or patient lifting pouch.

Accordingly, the raising aid is provided with means for further supporting the patient performing a motion related to related to standing up or sitting down. While some patients may have the upper body strength to pull themselves up by grabbing the support member of the raising aid some patients require further assistance which may be enabled by a support means (such as a belt) going behind the patient and which is attached to the pulling means. The operator on the operator side may simultaneously or sequentially operate both the reel device (for reeling in or reeling out the pulling means to move the patient against or away from the raising aid respectively) and operating lever to provide support for the patient performing a motion related to standing up or sitting down. ln some implementations of the second aspect of the invention, the raising aid further comprises a pulling means contacting device, wherein the pulling means contacting device comprises at least one wheel wherein the pulling means runs over the wheel. Wherein the pulling means contacting device is adjustable between a first and second position, wherein the position of the wheel relative the support member is different in the first and second position.

The pulling means Contacting device may thus be adjusted according to the patient and/or the type of support means. Some patients may require that the additional support provided by the pulling means pulls the patient substantially horizontally against the raising aid whereas other patients may require that the pulling means provide a force acting substantially vertical to pull the patient upwards. With an adjustable pulling means contacting device a wide range of patients may be provided with different types of support provided by the pulling means and support means. ln some implementations, the leg contacting portion is biased towards the support member in a retracted state. Wherein the operating lever is configured to control the displacement of the leg contacting portion by forcing the leg contacting portion away from the retracted state.

With a leg contacting portion which is biased towards a retracted position control of the leg contacting portion is facilitated as the operator can expect the leg contacting portion (and the operating lever) to return to the retracted state (operating lever state related to the retracted state of the leg contacting portion) when no force is applied to the operating lever.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for operating a raising aid. Wherein the raising aid comprises an operator side with an operating lever and a patient side with a leg contacting portion and the method comprises the steps of placing an operator on the operator side, placing the legs of a patient against the leg contacting portion, and operating the operating lever, so as to push the legs of the patient away from the raising aid device.

The invention according to the third aspect features the same or equivalent embodiments and benefits as the invention according to the first and second aspects. Further, any functions described in relation to a method, may have corresponding structural features in a system or device and vice versa. For example, the pulling means contacting device of the raising aid may be adjustable and the method may thereby comprise a step of adjusting the pulling means contacting device. lt is noted that the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing exemplar embodiments of the present invention, wherein: Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a raising aid comprising a leg pushing device according to an embodiment of present invention.

Fig. 2 depicts another perspective view of a raising aid comprising a leg pushing device according to an embodiment of present invention.

Fig. 3a depicts a side view of a raising aid comprising a leg pushing device in a retracted state according to an embodiment of the present invenfion.

Fig. 3b depicts a side view of a raising aid comprising a leg pushing device in an extended state according to an embodiment of the present invenfion.

Fig. 4 illustrates a flow chart describing a method according to an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION ln the following detailed description, some embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. ln other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention.

With reference to Fig. 1 a leg pushing device 1 according to one embodiment is depicted being attached to a raising aid device 2. ln Fig. 1 the leg pushing device 1 attached to the raising aid device 2 is seen substantially from the operator side. The leg pushing device 1 comprises a leg contacting portion 11 configured to contact the legs of patient using the raising aid 2 from the patient side. ln some implementations the leg contacting portion 11 is provided with a soft and/or elastic material such as a textile material of foam material so as comfortably contact the legs of the patient. When in use, the leg contacting portion 11 may contact at least one lower half of a leg of the patient, e.g. at the knee, at the foot or anywhere between the knee and the foot of the patient. The patient using the raising aid may be seated (e.g. in a wheelchair, in a chair, or on a bed), standing (e.g. holding on to the support member 22 and/or being supported with the pulling means reeled over the reel device 24) or being suspended over the ground in a hoist lift (e.g. in a patient lift swing). Accordingly, the leg pushing device 1 may be used to help a patient to sit down, stand up or be properly oriented when being suspended in a patient lift (e.g. when being removed or placed in a chair or similar).

The leg contacting portion 11 of the leg pushing device 1 is mechanically coupled to a structural element 13, e.g. the leg contacting portion 11 is rigidly attached to the structural element 13 or pivotably attached to the structural element 13. The structural element 13 is further configured to be pivotably attached to e.g. the support element 22 at pivot point 101 of the raising aid device 2 so as to enable the leg contacting portion 11 to perform a pivoting motion relative the raising aid device 2.

An operating lever 12 is mechanically (directly or indirectly) coupled to the structural element 13 and thereby enabled to control the displacement of the structural element 13 and the leg contacting portion 11 mechanically coupled thereto. The operating lever 12 extends on an operator side of the raising aid 2 when the leg pushing device 1 is attached to the raising aid 2 thereby enabling an operator to operate the operating lever 12 (e.g. with a hand or foot of the operator) to control the displacement of the structural element 13 and the leg contacting portion 11. ln the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 an operator may step on the operating lever 12 so as to move the leg Contacting portion 11 against an extended state (i.e. away from the raising aid 2 and towards a patient). However, it is understood that the depicted embodiment is merely an example and the leg pushing device 1 may be configured such that an operator stepping on the operating lever 12 moves the leg contacting portion 11 against a retracted state (i.e. away from the patient and towards the raising aid 2). Alternatively or additionally, the leg pushing device 1 may be configured to be operated by the hands of the operator so as to control the displacement of the leg contacting portion 11. For example, the operating lever 12 may be configured to be mounted higher up on the raising aid 2 (e.g. on a top half of the support element (22) or in level with the reel device 24) to allow an operator to control the displacement of the leg contacting portion 11 by operating the operating lever 12 with the hands.

The leg pushing device 1 may comprise a pivoting link arrangement 14 comprising at least one rigid element mechanically (e.g. pivotably) connecting the operating lever 12 and the leg contacting portion 11, wherein the pivoting link arrangement 14 enables the a motion of the operating lever 12 to control the displacement of the leg contacting portion 11. For example, as depicted in Fig. 1 the pivoting link arrangement 14 is configured to translate a rotation of the operating lever 12 in a first rotational direction to a rotation of the structural element 13 (and leg contacting portion 11) in a second rotational direction which is opposite to the first rotational direction. ln this example, pushing the operating lever 12 downwards displaces the leg contacting portion 11 towards the patient. ln alternative embodiments, the pivoting link arrangement 14 is configured to translate a rotation of the operating lever 12 in a first rotational direction to a rotation of the structural element 13 (and leg contacting portion 11) in a second rotational direction wherein the first and second rotational direction are the same. ln one embodiment, the pivoting link arrangement 14 is configured to be pivotably attached to the raising aid 2 at a second pivoting point 102, be pivotably connected to the operating lever 12 at a third pivoting point 103 and be pivotably connected to the structural element 13 at a fourth pivoting point 104. For instance, the pivoting link arrangement 14 is a single rigid element which enables a triangular placement of the second, third and fourth pivoting points 102, 103, 104 so as to enable a Iinkage between the movement of the operating lever 12, the structural element 13 (and leg contacting portion 11) and the raising aid 2. ln other words, one of the second, third and fourth pivot point 102, 103, 104 is displaced from an imaginary straight line extending between and connecting the other two of the second, third and fourth pivot point 102, 103, 104. ln some implementations the operating lever 12 of the leg pushing device 1 is configured to be pivotably attached to a base plate 21 of the raising aid 2 at a fifth pivot point 105. Alternatively, the operating lever 12 of the leg pushing device 1 may be configured to be attached at a fifth pivoting point located on the support element 22 of the raising aid 2. ln one embodiment, the raising aid 2 is further provided with a pulling means attachable to support means configured to lift the upper and/or lower body of a patient using the raising aid 2. The pulling means may be one or more flexible lines, e.g. the pulling means may be one or more cables, chains ropes, belts, cords or wires. The pulling means may be configured to be attached to support means such as belt, net, sling or lift pouch which in turn is configured to contact and support a part of the body of the patient, e.g. one or more of the back of the patient, the backside of the upper part of the legs of the patient and the neck of the patient. ln one implementation, the pulling means comprises two pulling means connected with a belt, net, sling or pouch wherein the patient is placed between the two pulling means with the belt, net, sling or lifting pouch placed substantially behind the patient.

The raising aid 2 may further be provided with a pulling means contacting device 23, wherein the pulling means contacting device 23 comprises at least one wheel 231, 232. The pulling means contacting device 23 is described in more detail in relation to Fig. 2 below.

The raising aid 2 may further comprise a reel device 24 configured to reel in or reel out the pulling means in a controlled fashion. The reel device 24 may be operated using a crank and the reel device may be provided with a locking mechanism for locking the reel device 24 to prohibit the reeling in and/or reeling out of the pulling means. For instance, the reel device 24 may 11 be a ratchet device prohibiting either reeling in or reeling out the pulling means without disengagement of a pawl of the ratchet device. Accordingiy, an operator may operate the ree| device 24 and the operating lever 12 in sequence or simultaneousiy to aid the patient on the patient side to stand, sit down or reach a proper orientation in a patient lift.

Fig. 2 depicts the leg pushing device 1 being attached to a raising aid device 2 as seen substantially from the patient side A, which is opposite to the operator side B of the raising aid 2. When the raising aid 2 is in use a patient, e.g. sitting in wheelchair, may place his or her feet on the base plate 21 and optionally grab the support element 22 so as to pull himself/herself up to a standing position supported by the raising aid 2. Additionally or alternatively, the patient is supported by support means configured to be attached to the optional pulling means of the raising aid 2. To enable the patient to steadily reach a standing position the leg contacting portion 11 may be retracted slowly towards the retracted state allowing the patient to have contact with leg contacting portion when standing up. Similarly, when the patient is to sit down from a standing position the operating lever 12 is operated by an operator on the operator side B to control the leg contacting portion 11 to push the legs of the patient to reach a proper seated position. ln some implementations, the base plate 21 comprises a rotating plate configured to contact the floor and allow the raising aid 2 to rotate relative the floor with or without a patient standing on the baseplate 21. That is, the raising aid 2 may be a so called "turner" or turning raising/standing aid.

Additionally or alternatively, the raising aid 2 may comprise one or more transportation wheels. Preferably, the transportation wheels are attached to the base plate 21 such that the transportation wheels are not in contact with the ground when the baseplate 21 is placed on the ground. The transportation wheel(s) are rather configured to be in contact with the ground when the raising aid 2 is transported with the baseplate 21 tilted away from the ground. ln this way the raising aid 2 remains stationary (and optionally rotatable) when in use while allowing easy transportation by a person e.g. grabbing the top of the support member and dragging the raising aid 2 as a 12 trolley in a tilted position, with the transportation wheels contacting the ground.

The raising aid 2 may be provided with a pulling means contacting device 23. As illustrated the pulling means contacting device 23 comprises at least one wheel 231, 235 such as a first wheel 231 and a second wheel 235 arranged to rotate around a respective parallel substantially horizontal axis. The pulling means is supported by the at least one wheel 231, 235 of the pulling means contacting device 23. The pulling means contacting device 23 is further mechanically adjustable such that the position of the at least one wheel 231, 235 relative the support member 22 and/or the leg pushing device 1 can be adjusted between at least a first and section position. For example, the pulling means contacting device 23 is mechanically coupled to be linearly displaced relative the support element 22. This may be enabled via a hole- and-pin locking arrangement which allows the pulling means contacting device 23 to be displaced between different discrete positions (e.g. towards or away from the patient on the patient side). Additionally or alternatively, the pulling means contacting device 23 is pivotable relative the support element 22 such that the angle between the support element 22 and the pulling means contacting device 23 is adjustable between at least a first and second position. ln some implementations, the pulling means contacting device 23 further comprises two positioning wheels 236, 236 which are arranged side by side and configured to rotate around a respective axis which is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the at least one wheel 231, 235. The positioning wheels 236, 237 are configured to keep the pulling means arranged between the positioning wheels 236, 237. ln embodiments wherein the pulling means is at least two pulling means attached to either side of patient means (such as a belt, net, sling or lifting pouch) both of the pulling means are led between the positing wheels 236, 237. Accordingly, when the pulling means are retracted (e.g. by operating the reel device 24) the loop formed by the pulling means and the patient support means on the patient side will decrease in size forcing the patient towards a centered position on the raising aid 2. While the positioning wheels 236, 237 decreases friction 13 they are not essential for achieving this effect, e.g. any two vertical elements may be provided on the pulling means contacting device 23 so as to confine the two pulling means between the vertical elements. The slit formed between the two vertical elements or positing wheels 236, 237 may be below 0.1 cm, below 0.3 cm, below 0.5 cm, below 1 cm or below 5 cm. For instance, the width of the slit may depend on the width or thickness of the pulling means. lf the pulling means are thin belts a more narrow slit adapted to encompass at least twice the thickness of two belts may be used and if the pulling means are cables with a substantially circular cross section the width of the slit may be at least the diameter of the cable. ln the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 the pulling means contacting device 23 is an elongated hollow element with the first wheel 231 provided at an opening towards the operator side B and the second wheel 235 (and optionally the positioning wheels 236, 237) arranged at the opening towards the patient side wherein the pulling means runs over the wheels 231, 235 and through the hollow pulling means contacting device 23.

Fig. 3a depicts a leg pushing device 1a in a retracted state. ln the retracted state the leg contacting portion 11 of the leg pushing device 1a may rest against the support element 22 of the raising aid 2. That is, the leg contacting device 11 is not displaced on the patient side A.

For instance, the leg pushing device 1a and/or the support element 22 of the raising aid 2 may be configured to fall back against the retracted position when the raising aid 2 is standing on a substantially flat surface and the operating lever 12 is not operated by an operator. The pivoting link arrangement 14, and the pivoting point (not shown) as well as the second, third, fourth and fifth pivoting points 102, 103, 104, 105 may be placed such that the leg pushing device 1b is biased towards the retracted position by the weight and arrangement of the components. Additionally or alternatively, the leg contacting element 11 of the leg pushing device 1a is biased towards the retracted position by a resilient element such as a spring or elastic element.

Similarly, the leg contacting element 11 of the leg pushing device 1a may be biased towards an extended state which is described in the below with reference to Fig. 3b. 14 The embodiment depicted in Fig. 3a further illustrates that the support member 22 may be substantially vertical and/or inclined a from a plane orthogonal to the baseplate. The support element 22 may e.g. be adjustable by being pivotable relative the baseplate and Iockable to a desired angle relative the baseplate.

Fig. 3b depicts a leg pushing device 1b in an extended state. ln the extended state the leg contacting portion 11 of the leg pushing device 1a may extend towards the patient on the patient side A. The leg pushing device 1b may enter the extended state in response to an operator on the operator side operating the operating lever 12. Comparing Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b it is seen how the structural element 13 and the leg contacting portion 11 is displaced towards the patient by a pivoting action occurring around the first pivoting point (not shown) and the second, third, fourth and fifth pivoting points 102, 103, 104, 105 of the pivoting link arrangement 14.

The leg pushing device 1b may be configured to be biased towards a retracted position, wherein the leg pushing device 1b in Fig. 3b would return to the retracted state shown in Fig. 3a if not external force acting on the operating lever is present. Alternatively, the leg pushing device 1b may be configured to be biased towards the extended position shown in Fig. 3b and require an external force acting on the operating elver 12 to revert to the retracted state shown in Fig. 3a. ln some embodiments, the leg pushing device 1b is configured to be operated only by a force supplied entirely by a human operator. To this end, the leg pushing device 1b does not comprise any energy storage device, engine, motor or other active actuating device for driving the displacement of the leg contacting portion 11. Besides an optional resilient member used for biasing the leg contacting portion 11 against a predetermined position the leg pushing device 1b may be driven entirely by a force supplied by the human operator to the operating lever 12 in at least one of the motions related to: displacing the leg contacting portion 11 against the patient and displacing the leg contact portion 11 away from the patient.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to an aspect of the invention. At step S1 an operator is placed on the operator side of a raising aid comprising a leg pushing device according to embodiments of the present invention. The method may further comprise optional steps S2 involving placing support means around the back of the patient. Wherein the support means is e.g. a belt, net, sling or lifting pouch attached to at least one pu||ing means which is ree|ed to the ree| device. At step S3 the legs of the patient are p|aced against the leg contacting portion of the leg pushing device. For instance, the patient is standing up or sitting in a wheelchair and moves into a position wherein the patient's leg(s) contact the leg contacting portion or the raising aid is moved (e.g. by the operator) to a position wherein the leg contacting portion contacts the leg(s) of the patient. lt is noted that steps S1, S3 and optional step S2 may be done simultaneously or in any order. For instance, for some patients it may be beneficial to first perform step S3, followed by step S2 which in turn is followed by step S1.

At step S4 the operating lever is operated by the operator on the operator side so as to displace the leg contacting portion and aid the patient in performing a motion related to sitting down or standing up. Optionally, step S5 is performed simultaneously, before or after step S4 involving the operator operating the ree| device to ree| in or ree| out the pu||ing means to carefully provide further assistance to the patient performing a motion related to sitting down or standing up. A step of placing the support means behind the patient may also precede step S5 of operating the ree| device.

Optionally, the steps depicted in Fig. 4 may be preceded by additional steps such as a step of providing a raising aid comprising a base plate and a support member connected to the base plate, the step of providing a leg pushing device according to an embodiment of the present invention and the step of attaching the leg pushing device to the raising aid.

Similarly, the method may comprise the step of adjusting the pu||ing means contacting device so as move the at least one wheel from the first position to the second position prior to operating the ree| device to assist the patient performing a motion related to sitting down or standing up.

The skilled person in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the embodiments described above. The features of the 16 described embodiments may be combined in different ways, and many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the operating lever may configured to be operated with a hand of the operator while the reel device is operated by another hand of the operator. ln the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in the presence of a plurality of such elements.

Claims (11)

1. A leg pushing device (1) configured to be attached to a raising aid (2), wherein said leg pushing device (1) comprises: a leg contacting portion (11) configured to contact the legs of a patient using the raising aid from a patient side (A), wherein said leg contacting portion (11) is mechanically coupled to a structural element (13), wherein said structural element (13) is configured to be pivotably attached to the raising aid (2) at a pivot point (101) and displace the leg contacting portion (11) towards the patient using the raising aid (2), and an operating lever (12) mechanically coupled to said structural element (13) and configured to extend on an operator side (B) of the raising aid, said operator side (B) being opposite to said patient side (A), wherein said operating lever (12) is configured to be operated from the operator side (B) so as to control the displacement of the leg contacting portion (11) on the patient side (A).

2. The leg pushing device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a pivoting link arrangement (14) mechanically coupled to the structural element (13) and the operating lever (12), wherein the pivoting link arrangement (14) is configured to rotate the structural element (13) in a first direction around the pivot point (101) when said operating lever (12) is rotated in a second direction, opposite to said first direction.

3. The leg pushing device (1) according to claim 2, wherein said pivoting link arrangement (14) is configured to be pivotably attached to the raising aid (2) at a second pivoting point (102), be pivotably connected to the operating lever (12) at a third pivoting point (103) and be pivotably connected to the structural element (13) at a fourth pivoting point (104).

4. The leg pushing device (1) according to claim 3, wherein one of said second, third and fourth pivot point (102, 103, 104) is displaced from animaginary line connecting the other two of said second, third and fourth pivot point (102, 103, 104).

5. The leg pushing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said operating lever (12) comprises a pedal, configured to be operated by the foot of an operator located on the operator side (B) of the raising aid (2).

6. The leg pushing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said leg pushing device (1) is configured to only be manually operated and driven by a human operator.

7. A raising aid (2) comprising: a base plate (21), a support member (22) connected to the base plate and configured to support the patient using the raising aid (2), and a leg pushing device (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

8. The raising aid (2) according to claim 7, wherein the raising aid (2) further comprises: a pulling means attachable to patient support means configured to lift the upper body of the patient using the raising aid (2), and a reel device (24) configured to reel in the pulling means, wherein said reel device (24) is operable from the operator side (B) of the raising aid (2).

9. The raising aid (2) according to claim 8, further comprising: a pulling means contacting device (23), wherein said pulling means contacting device (23) comprises at least one wheel (231, 232) wherein said pulling means runs over said wheel (231, 232), and wherein said pulling means contacting device (23) is adjustable between a first and second position, wherein the position of the wheel (231,232) relative the support member (22) is different in said first and second position.

10. The raising aid (2) according to any of claims 7-9, wherein said leg contacting portion (11) is biased towards the support member (22) in a retracted state and wherein said operating lever (12) is configured to control the displacement of the leg contacting portion (11) by forcing said leg contacting portion (11) away from said retracted state.

11. A method for operating a raising aid, wherein said raising aid comprises an operator side with an operating lever and a patient side with a leg contacting portion, the method comprising the steps of: placing an operator on the operator side; place the legs of a patient against the leg contacting portion; and operating the operating lever, so as to push the legs of the patient away from the raising aid device.