Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
  • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
  • A61G7/1013—Lifting of patients by
  • A61G7/1019—Vertical extending columns or mechanisms
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
  • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
  • A61G7/104—Devices carried or supported by
  • A61G7/1046—Mobile bases, e.g. having wheels
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
  • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
  • A61G7/1073—Parts, details or accessories
  • A61G7/1082—Rests specially adapted for
  • A61G7/1086—Upper body
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G2200/00—Information related to the kind of patient or his position
  • A61G2200/30—Specific positions of the patient
  • A61G2200/34—Specific positions of the patient sitting
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G2200/00—Information related to the kind of patient or his position
  • A61G2200/30—Specific positions of the patient
  • A61G2200/36—Specific positions of the patient standing
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
  • A61G2203/10—General characteristics of devices characterised by specific control means, e.g. for adjustment or steering
  • A61G2203/16—Touchpads
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
  • A61G2203/10—General characteristics of devices characterised by specific control means, e.g. for adjustment or steering
  • A61G2203/20—Displays or monitors
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G2203/00—General characteristics of devices
  • A61G2203/30—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means
  • A61G2203/32—General characteristics of devices characterised by sensor means for force
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G2205/00—General identification or selection means
  • A61G2205/60—General identification or selection means using magnetic or electronic identifications, e.g. chips, RFID, electronic tags
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
  • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
  • A61G7/1073—Parts, details or accessories
  • A61G7/1082—Rests specially adapted for
  • A61G7/1092—Rests specially adapted for the arms
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
  • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
  • A61G7/1073—Parts, details or accessories
  • A61G7/1082—Rests specially adapted for
  • A61G7/1096—Knee, upper or lower leg

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an apparatus for disabled, impaired or handicapped persons or patients for moving such persons or for assisting or training such persons with various movements, such as rising from a seated position to a standing position and vice versa.
• Sit-to-stand lifts are designed to help patients with some mobility but who lack the strength or muscle control to rise to a standing position from a bed, wheelchair, chair, or commode.
• Conventional lifts use straps, vests, or belts or slings positioned around the patient's back usually fitting under their arms to make the transition possible.
• EP1772132 discloses an apparatus and procedure for assisting persons in reaching and maintaining an upright position that uses a torso support for engaging the person to be assisted and allows for raising movement in which the torso support moves simultaneously forward and upward.
• an apparatus for moving a person or for assisting or training a person with various movements comprising: a base; a person support configured for supporting the person to be moved, assisted or trained; an actuator arrangement supported by the base; where the actuator arrangement is configured to be able to move the person support up and down over a range of vertical positions and where the actuator arrangement is configured to be able to move the person support back and forth over a range of horizontal positions; wherein the actuator arrangement is configured to move the person support in the vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the person support; and wherein the actuator arrangement is configured to move the person support in the horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the person support; where the apparatus further comprises a processor configured to control movement of the actuator arrangement.
• the actuator arrangement comprises a first linear actuator with an elongated shape, which first linear actuator is supported at a first of its two ends by the base and extending substantially vertically from the base, and a second linear actuator with an elongated shape, which second linear actuator is supported by the second of the two ends of the first linear actuator and where the second linear actuator extends in a substantially horizontal direction; and wherein the person support is supported by the free end of the second linear actuator.
• a user interface is connected to the processor, there the user interface comprises input means for manually adjusting the horizontal position of the person support independently of the vertical position of the person support and where the user interface comprises input means for manually adjusting the vertical position of the actuator arrangement independently of the horizontal position of the person support.
• the user interface further comprises a display screen for displaying information to an operator of the apparatus.
• the user interface further comprises a display screen for displaying information to the person to be supported.
• the user interface further comprises a touch screen.
• the user interface comprises a dedicated input means for adjusting the horizontal position of said person support comprises a key or a button or a slider.
• the person support is a torso support configured for supporting the torso and possibly also the underarms of the person to be a supported with the chest of the person facing the torso support, wherein the torso support has a main engagement surface for engaging the chest of the person to be assisted.
• the torso support is operatively connected to the free end of the second actuator by a rotational actuator that is configured to rotate the torso support around a substantially horizontal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second linear actuator.
• the actuator arrangement comprises first linear actuator and/or said second linear actuator comprise a telescopic column.
• the telescopic column comprises a spindle drive.
• the telescopic column comprises two spindle drives arranged in series.
• the telescopic column comprises a proximate section, a middle section and a distal section, said proximate sections being connected to the extremities of said two spindle drives arranged in series and said middle section being connected where the one spindle drive is connected to the other spindle drive.
• the apparatus comprises a rotational actuator for rotating the person support.
• the rotational actuator is configured to rotate said torso support about a horizontal axis that is substantially parallel with the main engagement surface of the torso support.
• the linear actuator comprises a spindle drive configured for adjusting the length of said telescopic column.
• the linear actuator comprises two spindle drives arranged in series for adjusting the length of said telescopic column.
• the telescopic column is arranged substantially upright with one of its ends supported by said base.
• the telescopic column is pivotally supported by said base and wherein said apparatus comprise and actuator for adjusting the angular position of said telescopic column relative to said base moving said torso support in a substantially horizontal direction.
• the telescopic column comprises a plurality of concentric and telescopically arranged column sections.
• the telescopic column comprises a further actuator for rotating said torso support about a horizontal axis.
• the telescopic column comprises several telescopically arranged sections and at least two spindle drives, wherein the spindle drives are arranged in series.
• each of the spindle drives comprises a spindle and a nut with either the spindle being stationary and the nut being rotatable or the spindle being rotatable and the nut being stationary, whereby the rotatable component of the one spindle drive drives the rotatable part of the other spindle drive.
• one rotatable part drives the other rotatable part via meshing gears.
• the one component is driven by a reversible electric drive motor, either directly or via a reduction gear.
• the nut in one of the spindle drives is a tubular component with tread extending over a substantial axial length and the spindle has a threaded axial length that is much smaller than that of the nut.
• the longitudinal axis of the spindle of the one actuator extends parallel and is displaced over a distance relative to the longitudinal axis of the spindle of the other actuator.
• the spindle actuator is received inside a telescopic column with at least three telescopically arranged column sections.
• the telescopic column comprises a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section, the proximate sections being connected to the extremities of the two spindle drives arranged in series and the middle section being connected where the one spindle drive is connected to the other spindle drive.
• the telescopic sections comprise a proximal section at one longitudinal end of the telescopic column, a middle section in the middle of the telescopic column and a distal section the other longitudinal end of the telescopic column, where the proximal section is connected to one end of the one spindle drive, the middle section being secured to the other end of the one spindle drive and to said first end of the other spindle drive and the distal section is connected to the other end of the other spindle drive.
• the actuator arrangement and the patient support attachment are configured to have the patient support attachment releasably attached to the free and movable end of the other spindle drive.
• the apparatus comprises at least two different patient support attachments that are each suitable for releasable attachment to the free end of the actuator arrangement.
• one of the attachments is a torso support configured for supporting the torso and possibly also the underarms of the person to be a supported with the chest of the person facing the torso support.
• the apparatus comprises a person identification system coupled to the processor and configured for identifying a person to be assisted.
• the person identification system comprises a reader connected to the processor and an identification device associated with the person to be assisted, the identification device being readable by the reader.
• the apparatus comprises a chip card reader connected to the processor and a chip card associated with the person to be assisted, or a RFID reader and an RFID tag associated with the person to be assisted, or a keyboard connected to the processor and a code associated with the person to be assisted, or a short range wireless adaptor connected to the processor and a short range wireless adaptor connected to a device associated with the person to be assisted.
• the identification device associated with the person to be assisted holds data specific for the person to be assisted informing the processor how to operate the apparatus when assisting the person to assisted with the apparatus.
• the processor is configured to operate the actuator arrangement on the basis of information associated with an identified person to be assisted.
• the processor is configured to move the torso support from a start position corresponding to a seated position of the identified person to an end position that corresponds to a standing position of the identified person along a path that is specific for the identified person and with a velocity profile that is specific for the identified person.
• the apparatus is provided with a user interface connected to the processor, the user interface being configured for use by an operator of the apparatus, and the person identification system is configured to identify the person to be assisted via the user interface.
• the apparatus comprises a person specific movement profile that is associated with a person to be assisted and stored on a memory that is accessible to the processor; and wherein the processor being configured to move the actuator arrangement in accordance with the person specific movement profile.
• the person specific movement profile includes information for the path to be followed and the speed profile to be used in a moving operation.
• the apparatus comprises a plurality or range of default movement profiles stored in a memory coupled to the processor.
• the processor is configured to create an initial profile for using the first time that a person to ne assisted uses the apparatus, the initial profile being created by the processor on the basis of characteristics and/or traits of the person to be moved or assisted, such as anthropometric data and/or degree of disability.
• the processor is configured to select the initial profile from the plurality of default profiles, According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the processor is configured to move the torso support in accordance with the personal movement profile from a start position corresponding to a seated position of the identified person to an end position that corresponds to a standing position of the identified person along a path that is specific for the person to be person to be assisted and with a velocity profile that is specific for the person to be assisted.
• the default profiles are obtained from measurements on a plurality of test persons of different height and the patient profile at least comprises patient height and the processor is configured to select the default profile that is associate with a height that is closest to the identified person height.
• the plurality of default movement profiles are stored in a memory associated with the processor as a plurality of default person types, the plurality of person types being distributed over and covering a range of person characteristics and/or traits, such as anthropometric data and degree of disability.
• the processor is configured to receiving an input from an operator for selecting an appropriate default/initial profile for a person that is to use the apparatus for the first time.
• the apparatus comprising one or more sensors connected to said processor and the one or more sensors being configured for sensing the load on the torso support and/or on the footplate.
• the apparatus further comprises a knee support and a sensor configured to sense the load on the knee support.
• the apparatus further comprises a display connected to the processor, the processor being configured to determine to which extent the person participates with his own effort during a movement and wherein the processor preferably displays the results of the determination of the extent that the person participates with his own effort to move on said display.
• a memory is connected to the processor, the memory being configured for storing movement profiles associated with a specific person, the movement profiles including information for the path to be followed and the speed profile to be used in a moving operation,
• the processor is configured to reduce the movement speed in the person profile for parts of the movement where the load on the torso support exceeds a general or patient-specific threshold.
• the processor is configured to monitoring the load on the torso support and/or on the footplate and the processor is configured to using the load information to determining the self-effort in the movement of the person to be assisted.
• the processor is configured to storing the self-effort in a person journal and/or to provide the person to be assisted with visual or audio feedback on his/her self-effort.
• the main engagement surface is formed by a chest pillow that is configured to has a pliable state in which the chest pillow can adapt its shape to the shape of the chest of a person to be supported; and wherein the chest pillow is configured to have a state wherein the shape of the pillow is unpliable so that the chest pillow can maintain its shape for supporting the person to be supported.
• the apparatus comprises a processor and the processor is operatively connected to chest pillow and the processor is configured to control the state of the chest pillow.
• the chest pillow comprises a bladder filled with a large number of small spheres, wherein the bladder is connected to a vacuum pump that is controlled by the processor.
• the processor is configured to allow atmospheric pressure in the bladder when a person to be supported engages the chest pillow, and thereafter to apply and maintain a below atmospheric -pressure in the bladder during a movement of the apparatus.
• the torso support comprises arm rests for supporting the underarm and/or elbow of the person to be supported, each of the armrests being provided with an underarm engagement pillow that is configured to has a pliable state in which the underarm pillow can adapt its shape to the shape of the underarm a person to be supported, and each of the underarm pillows is configured to have a state wherein the shape of the underarm pillow is unpliable so that the underarm pillow can maintain its shape for supporting the person to be supported during a movement.
• the underarm pillows each have a bladder filled with a large number of small spheres, and the bladders in the underarm pillows and in the chest pillow are connected to a vacuum pump.
• the actuator is configured to move the torso support in the vertical range of positions independently of the horizontal position of the torso support; and the actuator is configured to move the torso support in the horizontal range of positions independently of the vertical position of the torso support.
• a rotational actuator is operatively connected to the torso support for rotating the torso support about a substantially horizontal pivot axis.
• the pivot axis is substantially parallel to the main engagement surface.
• the actuator arrangement including the rotational actuator is connected to a processor and operated under command of the processor.
• the rotational angle of the torso support can be adjusted independently of the horizontal position of the torso support and independently of the vertical position of the torso support.
• the rotational actuator comprises an electric drive motor.
• the actuator arrangement comprises two linear actuators with an electric drive motor each, the apparatus further comprising a processor operatively coupled to all of the electric drive motors and the processor being configured to control the activation of the drive motors simultaneously.
• a method for operating a person lift that is provided with a processor and with an arrangement for engaging, moving, supporting or lifting a person to be moved or assisted, the lift being provided with an actuator arrangement, which actuator arrangement is configured to carry out a movement with a person specific movement profile under the command from the processor, and a person identification module coupled to the processor, where the method comprises: identifying the person to be moved, lifted or assisted with the person identification module, retrieving the desired person specific movement profile for the identified person to be assisted, and performing a movement with the actuator arrangement in accordance with the retrieved desired person specific movement profile under command of the processor.
• identifying the person to be assisted comprises reading information from an identification device associated with the person to be assisted
• the processor retrieves the desired person specific movement profile from an internal- or external memory or from database or from an identification device associated with the person to be assisted.
• the method comprising retrieving or determining the desired person specific movement profile for the person to be assisted, and performing a movement with the actuator arrangement in accordance with the retrieved desired person specific movement profile under command of the processor.
• the person specific profile is transferred to a memory coupled to the processor form an identification device associated with the person to be assisted.
• the processor receives the person specific profile from: a chip card that is entered in a slot and chip card reader of the apparatus and connected to the processor, or from a user interface connected to the processor, or from a remote computer or server via a network connection.
• the method further comprises choosing a suitable profile from a plurality of stored default profiles.
• the method further comprises the processor calculating a suitable profile by using the data relating to the person to be assisted, preferably by using an equation that approximates an optimal movement profile.
• the method further comprises obtaining data relating to the person to be assisted using a person identification system connected to the processor.
• the method further comprises obtaining the person's specifics data via a user interface connected to the processor.
• the default profiles are obtained from measurements on a plurality of test persons of different height and/or stature and the patient profile comprises patient height and the processor is configured to select the default profile that is associated with a height that is closest to the identified person's height.
• the test person's movement profiles are established by measuring the movement path of their shoulder from a seated position to a fully or partly raised position.
• the method further comprises giving an operator an opportunity to make amendments to the person specific profile before the processor carries out the movement.
• the lift further comprises one or more sensors connected to the processor and the one or more sensors are configured for sensing the load on the torso support and/or on the footplate, the actuator arrangement being configured to carry out a movement for assisting the person to be assisted under the command from the processor, the method comprising performing a movement with the actuator arrangement with the person supported by the lift under command of the processor, and monitoring the load on the arrangement for engaging, supporting or lifting a person to be assisted.
• the method further comprises determining the self-participation of the person to be assisted in the moment using the load information. According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method further comprises communicating the self-participation to the person or to an operator of the apparatus, preferably using audio/visual feedback.
• the method further comprises determining storing and/or transmitting data representing the self-participation.
• a person support may also comprise means that allow movement by means of the described apparatus of a person supported by other means than those actually described in the detailed description.
• Fig. 1 is a side view of an example embodiment of an apparatus for assisting persons
• Fig. 2 is a from the view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1
• Fig. 3 is an elevated view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,
• Fig. 4 is a top view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,
• Fig. 5 is an elevated view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of an upper actuation column in detail
• Fig. 6 is another elevated view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of the upper actuation column in detail
• Fig. 7 is another elevated view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of a base of the apparatus in detail
• Fig. 8 is another elevated view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of a torso support of the apparatus in detail
• Fig. 9 is another elevated view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the operation of armrests of the apparatus in detail
• Figs. 10 to 13 illustrate the operation of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in a sequence of movements for assisting a person from a seated to a raised or standing position
• Fig. 14 is a side view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 showing a horizontally movable knee support
• Figs. 15a and 15b schematically illustrate the movement of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 in relation to Figs. 10 to 13,
• Figs. 16 to 18 illustrate the operation of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 and a sequence of movements and including an operator of the apparatus
• Fig. 19 illustrates the interaction between an operator, the apparatus according to Fig. 1 and a user of the apparatus,
• Fig. 20a is an elevated view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 illustrating the user interface and a person identification system
• Figs. 20b and 20c are elevated views of a portion of the user interface of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,
• Fig. 21 a is a sectional view of the top column actuator and torso support of the apparatus according to Fig. 1
• Fig. 21b is a front view of the top column actuator, torso support and armrests of the apparatus according to Fig. 1
• Fig. 21 a is a sectional view of the top column actuator and torso support of the apparatus according to Fig. 1
• Fig. 21b is a front view of the top column actuator, torso support and armrests of the apparatus according to Fig. 1
• Fig. 21c is a top view of another embodiment of the top column actuator of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,
• Fig. 21 d is a section view of the top column actuator, shown in Fig. 21c
• Fig. 22 is a side view of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 illustrating the horizontal and vertical range of the torso support
• Fig. 23 is a detailed front view of the torso support and the armrests of the apparatus according to Fig. 1,
• Fig. 24 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the torso support of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 , with a torso support pillow in a default configuration,
• Fig. 25 is a detailed cross-sectional side view of the door support of the apparatus according to Fig. 1 , with the torso support pillow in a configuration that is adapted to the shape of the chest of the person to be assisted,
• Fig. 26 is a side view of the construction of a telescopic column actuator of the apparatus of Fig. 1,
• Fig. 27 is a top view of the construction of a telescopic column actuator of the apparatus of Fig. 1,
• Fig. 28 is a sectional side view of the construction of a telescopic column actuator of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ,
• Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view through the telescopic column actuator along the line C-C in Fig. 26,
• Fig. 30 is an end view on the telescopic column actuator of the apparatus of Fig. 1 ,
• Fig. 31 is a longitudinal-sectional view of another embodiment of the a telescopic column actuator for the apparatus of Fig. 1 in a retracted position
• Fig. 32 is the same view as Fig. 31 with the telescopic column actuator in an extended position
• Fig. 33 is a another elevated sectional view through the telescopic column actuator for an apparatus of Fig. 1
• Fig. 34 is a block diagram of the electronic control system of the apparatus of Fig. 1
• Fig. 35a is a flowchart illustrating the apparatus of Fig. 1
• Fig. 35b is a detail of the flowchart of Fig. 35a
• Fig. 35c is an operational diagram
• Fig. 35d is another operational diagram
• Fig. 35b shows a detail of the flowchart of Fig. 35a
• Figs. 36 to 38 illustrate natural movement curves for persons with different heights as used by the apparatus of Fig. 1,
• Figs. 39 and 40 illustrate the operation of an apparatus according to Fig. 1 with a different type of torso support in which the user claims around the torso support,
• Figs. 41 and 42 show another embodiment of the apparatus for assisting a person
• Fig. 43 shows another embodiment of the apparatus according to Fig. 1, wherein the torso support is swapped with a stretcher that can assume a seat like configuration with the stretcher in a seat like configuration,
• Fig. 44 shows the apparatus and the stretcher of Fig 43 with the stretcher in a stretched position
• Fig. 44 is another embodiment of the apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the torso support is swapped with a toilet seat.
• the apparatus 1 includes a base 3 that supports a substantially vertical column 5.
• the base 3 is formed by a pair of spaced parallel bars 4.
• the spaced bars 4 are at their ends provided with wheels, such as caster wheels for rendering the apparatus movable.
• the spaced parallel bars 4 are connected by a telescopic transverse rod 13,14.
• the telescopic transverse rod includes two sections 14 that are rigidly connected to the spaced parallel bars 4.
• the sections 14 are slidably received in a central section 13.
• a substantially upright column 5 is rigidly connected to and supported by section 13.
• a footplate 6 for supporting the defeat of a person to be assisted is supported by section 13.
• a knee support 11 is supported by the upper right column 5.
• the knee support 5 extends substantially horizontally and includes a pad for each knee of the person to be supported.
• the knee abutment surface can be contoured to prevent and sideward moment of the knees.
• the term "knee support” as used herein includes any support it provides abutment surface for the higher shins and/or for the knees.
• the knee support 11 (adjustable in height) can be a movable or adjustable support that is either motorized or spring biased to be able to move in the directions traverse to the surface of the pads.
• the substantially upright column 5 is extendable in length due to an inbuilt actuator. This actuator is described in greater detail further below.
• a substantially horizontal column 7 is supported by and connected to the upper end of the upright column 5 i.e. the substantially horizontal column 7 is supported by the extendable portion of the upright column 5.
• the substantially horizontal column 7 is extendable in length due to an inbuilt actuator (this actuator is described in greater detail further below).
• a torso support 8 is operatively connected to the free end of the horizontal column 7, i.e. the extendable end of the horizontal column 7.
• the torso support 8 includes a main engagement surface formed by a pad or pillow 9 for engaging the chest of the person to be assisted. At least the main support surface of the torso support is upholstered, i.e. covered with a soft resilient layer under a skin or textile lining, to create a comfortable pillow-like structure.
• this pad or pillow 9 is configured for adapting its shape to the form of the chest of the person that is capable of locking such a shape.
• the details of the pad or pillow 9 and its operation are described in further detail below.
• the torso support 8 also includes two armrests 15, one at each side of the pillow 9, for supporting the underarms the person to be assisted.
• Each of the armrests 15 also includes a forwardly protruding handle 16 for grasping by the hands of the person to be assisted.
• the distance between the main support surface and of the torso support the handles 16 corresponds to the average length of the human underarm and can be adjusted to match individual variations.
• the torso support 8 also includes a back strap 17 for going around the back of the person to be assisted and ensuring that the person to be assisted does not loose contact from the torso support.
• the torso support is rotatable around a horizontal axis that is located at the connection between the horizontal column 7 and the torso support 8.
• the apparatus 1 is also provided with two handles 19 for manipulation by an operator of the apparatus 1.
• Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate the operation of the horizontal column 7 in greater detail.
• the arrow X shows the direction of movement of the extendable horizontal column 7.
• the extendable horizontal column 7 is in an extended position and in Fig. 6 the extendable horizontal column 7 is in a retracted position.
• the handle 19 for manipulation by an operator is in the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6 formed from one piece of tubing material, whereas the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 4 had to separate handles made of tubing material.
• the back strap 17 can be detached at one or both of its ends so as to allow the torso of a person to be supported to engage the engagement surface 9 of the torso support 8.
• the adaption of the spacing indicated by the arrow Z can be motorized or manual and is enabled by the telescopic action of the rods 14 in the rod section 13.
• the adaption of the distance between the parallel bars is especially useful for being able to maneuver through narrow passages or doors.
• Fig. 8 illustrates how the torso support can be rotated about a substantially horizontal axis A by movement in the direction of the arrow X.
• Respective actuators for movement in the direction of the arrow X and for rotation about axis A are built into the column 7 and illustrated in greater detail further below.
• the actuators in the vertical column 5, the horizontal column 7 and the rotational actuator formed together and actuator arrangement of the apparatus or one that is suited for torso support 8 over range of vertical positions and horizontal positions independently from one another. Also the rotational position is independent from the horizontal and vertical position.
• straps 16 for securing the arm of the person to be assisted are disclosed.
• the straps 16 cover the armrests 15 and ensure that the underarm of the person to be assisted will not inadvertently disengage the armrest.
• At least one end of the strap 16 is engageable and disengageable with the armrest in order to be securely locked to the armrest 15.
• the strap 16 is disengageable from the armrest 15 at both of its ends so that the apparatus 1 can be operated without the security measure.
• Figs. 10 to 13 illustrate the procedure of assisting a person 30 to be assisted from a sitting position on a chair 25 to a substantially raised position.
• the chair 25 is an example of a possible starting position.
• the apparatus 1 is rolled towards the person to be assisted 30 with the torso support 8 directed towards the person to be supported 30.
• the engagement surface of the torso support is brought into contact with the person to be supported and in an embodiment the engagement surface is formed by a pillow 9 that can adapt its shape to the object that it engages and thereafter be locked in that shape. The details of the construction of this pillow 9 are described further below.
• the person to be assisted 30 places his or her underarms in the armrests 15 and engages the grip 16 with his hands.
• the person to be assisted 30 also places his or her feet onto the foot plate 6.
• the knee support 11 is arranged movable, so as to accommodate movements in the horizontal direction of the knee as will be present in the knees of a person that rises from a seated position without the aids of a lift.
• the knee movement is allowed by a resilient element, such as a gas spring or a helical wire spring.
• the characteristic of the spring is adjustable so as to accommodate the need of the person to be assisted.
• Fig. 15a shows diagrammatically (not an actual curve of a movement profile to be used for a person) illustrating a movement that ends with a partially raised person, end position 3 of Fig. 15b corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 12.
• Fig. 15b shows diagrammatically (not an actual curve of a movement profile to be used for a person) illustrating a movement that ends with a fully raised person, end position 4 of Fig. 15b corresponding to the position shown in Fig. 13.
• the apparatus 1 is configured so as to identify the person 30 to be assisted.
• the upper is one is also configured to retrieve and store data associated with this person for various reasons.
• One of the reasons is to obtain the person's anthropometric data and degree of disability in order to determine the appropriate movement profile.
• the raising procedures are performed in accordance with the movement profile that is optimal for the person concerned. The determination of the optimal movement profile is described in further detail below.
• the actuator in the upright column 5, the actuator in the horizontal column 7 and the actuator for rotation of the torso support can be operated independently from one another. Therefore, the torso support can perform a movement along a path and with the rotational angle of the torso support that is freely selectable within the maximum range of the respective actuators. Further, the speed of the respective actuators is also independently selectable.
• An appropriate profile is a movement profile that resembles closely the natural movement of a person. As can be seen in Fig. 11 , movement of the torso support starts with a retraction of the horizontal column 7 and an anticlockwise rotation (anticlockwise as in Fig. 11) of the torso support 8.
• FIG. 19 With reference to Fig. 19 the upright position of the person to be assisted 30 is shown together with an operator.
• a chip card reader 53 is provided at the end of the horizontal column 7 and a chip card 55 is also shown.
• the chip card reader is connected to a processor in the apparatus 1.
• the chip card 55 also called smart card or integrated circuit card (ICC) is a pocket-sized card with embedded integrated circuits.
• the smart card 55 contains information for identifying the person to be assisted.
• the smartcard may also have stored thereon other data relating to the person to be assisted, such as the desired movement profiles and/or anthropometric data and degree of disability.
• the desired movement profile may have been stored on the card before the chip card 55 has ever been used with the apparatus 1.
• a desired profile can be generated by the apparatus 1 or selected from a plurality of profiles stored in the apparatus 1 and transferred to the chip card 55.
• the chip card 55 can be used with more than one apparatus 1, so a profile stored on the chip card 55 can be used the first time that a person uses one of the apparatuses 1 that has not yet stored the person's profile in its memory. Also when the profile has changed, the changed profile stored on the chip card 55 is transferred to any apparatus 1 that is not aware of the changed profile.
• the electronic system of the apparatus 1 includes a short range wireless adaptor (e.g. Bluetooth) and/or a near field sensor (RFID) for communication with a device holding data of the person to be assisted such as a smartcard or mobile telephone or other suitable device provided with a chip or a near field tag.
• a short range wireless adaptor e.g. Bluetooth
• RFID near field sensor
• the apparatus 1 is also provided with a separate keyboard 62 that is provided with a plurality of buttons or another input means, such as a touchpad.
• the keyboard also includes a display 61 for data feedback to the operator 40.
• the keyboard 62 and the display 61 are connected to the processor.
• identification of the person to be assisted is effect via a code or password assisted with the person to be assisted using the keyboard 62.
• the apparatus 1 is provided with a display that is placed such that it is in sight of the person to be assisted 30.
• Fig. 21b is an end view of the horizontal column 7 and the torso support 8 showing in greater detail the configuration of the armrests 15 and the construction suspending the armrests from the torso support.
• the distance between the torso support 8 and the armrest 15 can be adjusted through a mechanism that involves teeth in the rods 23 that project from the frame behind pillow 9 and allow the armrests 15 to engage in various positions with various distances to the pillow 9.
• the armrests 15 can also be adjusted in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the horizontal column 7 by a mechanism such as e.g. using concentric rods.
• Fig. 21a is a sectional view that illustrates the rotational actuator for rotating the torso support 8 about a pivot pin 29.
• the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin 29 coincides with the axis A in Fig. 8.
• the rotational actuator for rotating the torso support 8 is arranged inside the horizontal column 7 and includes a drive motor 23 that includes a reduction gear, a chain 25 and a sprocket 26.
• the drive motor 23 is connected to a sprocket (not shown) that engages the chain 25 and chain 25 drives the sprocket 26.
• Sprocket 26 is connected to another gear that drives an arm 27.
• the arm 27 is pivotally connected to an extremity of a link 28 and the other extremity of the link 28 is connected pivotally to the torso support 8.
• the torso support 8 When the drive motor 23 is activated in one of its operating directions the torso support 8 is rotated in an anticlockwise movement as seen in Fig. 21a and when the drive motor 23 is operated in the opposite direction the torso support is rotated a clockwise movement in as seen in Fig. 21a.
• Fig. 21c is a top view of another embodiment of the top column actuator 7.
• Fig. 21 d is a section view of the top column actuator, shown in Fig. 21c.
• This embodiment of the top column actuator 7 is essentially identical to the embodiment shown with reference to Figs. 21a and 21b with identical reference numerals denoting identical components or elements, except that the rotational actuator is has a spindle actuator 25' that is driven by the electric drive motor 23 (including reduction gear) and the free end of the spindle of the spindle drive 25' is connected to the frame via a connection rod 28 that is hingeably attached at its ends to the free end of the spindle of the spindle drive and the frame 36 respectively.
• the linear actuator arrangement for changing the length of column 7 is described in detail with the same reference numerals further below in the detailed description for Figs. 26-36.
• a rechargeable battery 50/control unit is mounted under the horizontal column 7.
• Fig. 22 is a side view of the apparatus 1 and the hatched area illustrates the range in the X and Y direction (horizontal and vertical position, respectively) of the torso support 8. Due to the independency of the actuator in the upright column 5 and the actuator in the horizontal column 7, the torso support 8 can take any position within the hatched area and can be moved along any path that can be described within the hatched area under control of the control unit 50 that is operatively connected to the actuators in the respective columns.
• the rotational actuator for the torso support 8 can be operated individually and independently from the horizontal and vertical actuators and therefore the torso support 8 can take any angular position within its range angular positions whilst being in any of the X or Y positions within the hatched area. Also the speed of the horizontal, vertical and rotational actuator can be controlled individually and independently under command from the processor/control unit 50.
• Fig. 23 is an end view on the torso support 8, illustrating the vacuum pump 60 and tubes 63 that connect the vacuum pump to bladders that are arranged under the lining in the armrests 15.
• Figs. 23 to 25 show the pad or pillow 9 that forms the chest engagement surface of the torso support 8 in greater detail with Figs. 24 and 25 being cross sectional views along the line A-A in Fig. 24.
• the pad or pillow 9 is secured at its rear side to a frame 36 with its front side arranged to face the chest of the person to be assisted.
• the pad or pillow 9 has an outer surface material or lining of fabric or leather material that surrounds a bladder 32 that has a filling 34 consisting of a very large number of very small spheres, preferably plastic foam spheres.
• the bladder 32 is connected to a vacuum pump that is connected to the controller 50.
• the bladder 32 shrinks and presses the small plastic foam spheres together and thereby freezes the shape of the pillow 9 at the moment of applying vacuum since the spheres are not freely movable when they are pressed together.
• the vacuum pump 60 is deactivated the pressure inside the bladder 32 returns to atmospheric and the pillow 9 becomes pliable again because the small plastic foam bubbles are no longer pressed together.
• the person to be assisted 30 engages the pillow 9 with his/her chest while the vacuum pump is not active and the shape of the pillow easily adapts to the shape of the chest of the person to be assisted 30.
• the vacuum pump is activated in the shape of the pillow 9 is frozen, so that its shape cannot be easily changed any longer and thus the person to be assisted 30 is comfortably but also securely engaged by the torso support 8 and ensures that the person to be supported is not likely to move relative to the torso support 8 whilst the vacuum is applied to the pillow 9.
• the vacuum in the bladder 32 is maintained during the assisting operation and atmospheric pressure is only allowed after the assisting operation is ended.
• a pillow 9 is provided that is configured to have a pliable state in which the pillow 9 can adapt its shape to the shape of the chest of a person to be supported and a state wherein the shape of the pillow 9 is unpliable so that the pillow can maintain its shape for supporting the person to be supported.
• the interior lining of the armrests 15 is also provided with a pillow that can be frozen in a given shape caused by the parson to be assisted applying pressure when it is in the pliable state.
• a bladder filled with a large number of small spheres (not shown) is provided under the lining of each armrest 15. These bladders are connected to the vacuum pump 60 via tubes 63.
• the operation of the bladders in the armrests 15 is essentially identical to the operation of the bladder 32, with vacuum being applied after the person to be supported has engaged the armrest in order to lock/freeze (render non-pliable) the padding in the armrest in a comfortable shape that supports the arms of the person to be supported.
• a switch valve (not shown) arranged between the vacuum pump 60 and the bladders so that vacuum can be applied to the respective bladders independently from one another.
• the knee support 11 may in an embodiment be provided with pillows/engagement surfaces with the same characteristics as the chest pillow 9, i.e. with a capacity to assume a pliable state in which the person to be assisted engages the knee support and shapes it and a non- pliable or frozen state that is applied thereafter during a movement.
• Figs. 26 to 30 the construction of the columns 5 and 7 and the linear actuator arranged therein is described.
• Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal extend of the column 5,7 and Fig. 29 being a classic cross-sectional view.
• the column is constructed from 3 telescopically arranged sections 71,72,73 with section 71 in this embodiment being concentrically the innermost and longitudinally the distal section, with section 72 being concentrically and longitudinally the middle section and section 73 being concentrically the outermost and longitudinally the proximal section.
• the sections 71,72,73 are tubular with a tapered oval sectional outline.
• the sections 71,72,73 are in an embodiment made from a metal material, preferably an aluminum alloy.
• An electric drive motor 75 that is formed as one unit with a reduction gear 76 is arranged at the free end of section 73. The output of the reduction gear 76 is connected to a spindle 77 of a first spindle drive.
• the nut of the first spindle drive is formed by a tube 78 that is secured to a proximate end wall 89 of section 72.
• a gearwheel 84 that is concentric with the spindle 77 is rotationally secured to spindle 77 by a groove and nut or other suitable arrangement but the gearwheel 84 is axially secured to the end wall 89 and not axially secured to the spindle 77 so that the gearwheel 84 rotates in unison with the spindle 77 but is axially static.
• the gearwheel 84 meshes with another gearwheel 85 that is rotationally suspended from the end wall 89.
• Gearwheel 85 is rigidly connected to a spindle 81 of a second spindle drive, so that the gearwheel 85 and the spindle 81 rotate in unison and are both axially non-displaceable relative to the end wall 89.
• Spindle 81 is in treaded engagement with a nut 83 that is secured in a proximate end wall 88 in section 71.
• Tube 78 is slidably received in a hole in end wall 88.
• Figs. 31 to 33 show another example embodiment of the construction of the column 5,7.
• This embodiment is similar to the embodiment described here above, and includes the same three sections 71,72,73 that are arranged concentrically and telescopically.
• the electric drive motor 75 and reduction gear 76 are secured to section 71 and the drive motor rotates a tube 87 around a static spindle 77 that is secured to a distal end wall 89 of section 72.
• the distal end wall 89 is also the substrate to which a gear arrangement 79 is secured.
• the tube 78 is in threaded engagement with the stationary spindle 77 of a first spindle drive.
• the gear arrangement 79 transmits rotation of tube 78 to a spindle 81 of the second spindle drive.
• Fig. 34 shows a block diagram of the electronic system of the apparatus 1.
• the heart of the electronic system is a processor.
• the poser supply of the electronic system is a rechargeable battery.
• a power converter is connected to the rechargeable battery and the power converter is controlled by the processor.
• the electric drive motor of the rotational actuator, the electric drive motor of the horizontal actuator and the electric drive motor of the rotational actuator are connected to the power converter and can be individually controlled by the processor.
• a memory that may be formed by several different types of memory devices is also connected to the processor and contains software and programs for the operation of the processor and data for use by the processor.
• the electronic system also includes a network adaptor, preferably a wireless network adaptor for communication with a remote server or operator.
• the electronic system may also include a short range wireless adaptor (e.g. Bluetooth) or a near field sensor (RFID) for communication with a device holding data of the person to be assisted such as a smartcard or mobile telephone.
• a short range wireless adaptor e.g. Bluetooth
• RFID near field sensor
• the user interface is formed by a speaker, a touchpad or touchscreen or keypad and conventional display screen and a smartcard reader that are all connected to the processor for input of instructions or data to the processor.
• X,Y (horizontal and vertical position) sensors and a rotation angle sensor are also connected to the processor.
• sensors for registering the force that the person to be supported exercises onto the torso support 8 in both X and Y direction are connected to the processor too.
• the lifting movement is individually tailored to the person to be supported and mimics the natural movement pattern. People get up by moving the center of gravity of the body over a pivot position formed by the ankle joint. This has been the way to stand up since man stood up on two legs.
• the knee support is movable and follows the knee movement in the horizontal plane.
• This individual movement is to be stored on a personal Smart Card, so as to achieve the same movement pattern and speed for each support movement/transfer.
• a software program is designed to fulfill the initial need to create a profile of the person to be supported, to create an initial profile.
• the software Based on the data of to the person to be supported and an "experience algorithm", the software creates a custom profile that is encoded in the person to be supported's Smart Card. This movement profile is to be tested and adjusted accordingly until it is deemed to match perfectly to the person to be supported's movement pattern.
• the Smart Card collects information for this first transfer which could be used for an initial assessment on whether the movement is optimal for the person to be supported. An algorithm exists to achieve optimal transfer, based on the different measurements.
• the software suggests a movement and speed that can be described in terms of a set of data parameters, which is stored in memory on the smart card.
• the operator can also select the algorithm in a common experience base formed by voluntary reports from other users of the system.
• the "Experience Database” will be able to contribute experience where users can comment and "rate” the movement patterns available in the database.
• the software includes code for storing data and comparing data:
• the software includes also code for collecting data from the lift to the Smart Card:
• the measurements can for example be, weight distribution foot / arm at the start, half standing and full standing position.
• Time stamp for daily transfers This software in the memory comprises program code for the processor to carry out a support movement.
• the block diagram in Fig. 35a represents an example embodiment of program code for controlling the assisting procedure, i.e. a movement such as a movement from a sitting position to a standing position of a person to be assisted, or vice versa.
• the program code instructs the processor to verify that the identity of the person to be assisted is known and if the identity of the person to be assisted is not known the program code instructs the processor to check if a smart card 55 is inserted into the smartcard reader 53. If no smartcard 55 is inserted into the smartcard reader 53 the program code will instruct the processor to await the insertion of a smart card 55.
• the program code instructs to processor to read to the data on the smart card 55 and to retrieve the information related to the identified person. If the identity of the person to be assisted was known at the start of the procedure, the program code instructs the processor to move directly to the step of selecting an appropriate movement profile. The program code also instructs the processor to select the appropriate movement profile after the identity of the person has been retrieved from the smart card 55. In an embodiment, the appropriate movement profile is stored on the smart card.
• the details of the initial profile selection when an appropriate profile is not yet available for the person to be assisted are illustrated in Fig. 35b and include selecting the an initial profile from a set of default profiles or determining calculating and initial profile, in both cases based on the characteristics of the person to be assisted.
• the processor awaits a signal from the operator to move the torso support 8 to a start position.
• the programming code gives the operator an opportunity to make manual adjustments to the start position of the torso support 8 by using the buttons 58 on the handlebars 19, for e.g. adapting to a lower chair or bench that the person to be assisted is sitting on.
• the programming code awaits the signal from the operator (inputted via the user-interface) and upon receipt of this signal the processor commences the assisting movement in accordance with the selected movement profile.
• the program code instructs the processor to monitor the load sensors and to display patient participation level and stops the operation if critical values measured by the load sensors are exceeded.
• the participation by the person to be supported is displayed as positive when the ratio between the load on the footplate and the load on the torso support is higher than a threshold.
• the thresholds are variable in relation to the position of the torso support, i.e. the threshold varies with the position of the torso support.
• Fig. 35c is an example embodiment of a system diagram showing the functionalities associated with the various elements of the system associate with the apparatus 1,101.
• the following information is associated with a nursing assistant: name, ID no., time: day, evening or night and patients in therapy.
• the nursing assistant is allowed to add patient data, to make a transfer, to burn a smartcard and to change patient data.
• a physiotherapist has associate with him/her: a name, an ID no. and a district.
• the physiotherapist is allowed to create a patient, to analyze data and to edit a smartcard.
• the administrator of the system is allowed to create user names, reset passwords, access login data and to change data stored in the system. Records are associated with the system and e.g. stored on a drive other type data storage of a server. Records are enabled to have added elements, delete elements, show element and count elements.
• the history of transfers (movements) is stored in the records, including first transfer date, no. of daily transfers, total no. of transfers, lift weight step, lift weight step 2, lift weight step 3 and contingency table.
• the history can be added, changed or shown.
• the smartcard has stored thereon civil reg. no., weight, height, crotch height: gut circumference: standing capacity: Rating (1-5), velocity (1-5): h/v degrees, f/b degrees, bed height, chair height, wheelchair height, and shower chair height.
• the data can be read, save and shown.
• the patient (person to be supported) has associated with him/her: name, age and condition.
• Fig. 35d is a simplified diagram of an example embodiment for the operation of the apparatus.
• the nursing assistant inserts the smartcard into the smartcard reader of the apparatus.
• the load preferences (movement profile) are then transferred from the Smart card to the apparatus.
• the nursing assistant chooses where the transfer starts from, for example from a chair or from a toilet.
• the apparatus lowers the torso support to the start position.
• the nursing assistant chooses the "up" command and the apparatus moves the torso support up to the desired height for the standing position as indicated in the movement profile associated with the person to be assisted.
• the apparatus saves the data associated with the performed transfer to the smartcard.
• the nursing assistant may choose to lower the apparatus and selects the "down" command. Thereupon, the apparatus lowers the torso support to return it to the start position. When this transfer is complete the apparatus transfers the data associated with the performed transfer to the smartcard.
• the program code instructs the processor to stop the operation when the torso support has arrived at the end position, where after the programming code inserts to processor to store the sensor data captured during the support movement in the person record of the supported person.
• the sensor data include in an embodiment the person participation level.
• the program code instructs the processor to analyze the need to adapt or improve the person profile and if necessary the processor will inform the operator of the need to adjust the person profile. Then, the assisting movement is completed and the program ends.
• Figs. 36, 37 and 38 show movement profiles that have been established by assuming that the person to be assisted has his knee joint fixed during the support operation and rotates his upper leg around the knee joint and with the upper leg forming one link of a link mechanism and the upper body of the person to be supported forming another link of a link mechanism with the hip of the person to be supported forming the pivot between the two links.
• the curves are established by assuming that the center of gravity of the person to be supportive remains above the ankle joint during the movement form sitting to standing and vice versa.
• the three curves represent persons of 1,7m and 1,9 height respectively. Curves for persons in between these two values and above and under these two values can be calculated by the processor using tables or equations.
• the different curves are calculated for persons of different height assuming a similar distribution of the length of the links formed by the upper leg and by the upper body. Although only three curves for three persons with different heights are shown in Fig. 36, it should be noted that in an embodiment the memory associated with the processor has a much larger number of default movement profiles stored therein for persons of different heights, preferably at evenly spaced increments.
• the plurality of default movement profiles are stored in a memory associated with the processor as a plurality of default person types.
• the plurality of person types being distributed over and covering a range of person characteristics and/or traits, such as anthropometric data and degree of disability.
• the range of person characteristics and/or traits represents the group of persons that are typically using the apparatus for assisting them to move from a seated position to a raised position.
• the default profiles can be used for selecting an initial profile for a person to be supported that has not yet used the apparatus.
• the operator or the processor selects a default profile that is closest to the height of the person to be supported. In an embodiment this is achieved by the process of using the person data from e.g. from the smartcard and selecting a default profile that matches the height as stored in the person profile best.
• Fig. 37 shows two default profiles for achieving a completely standing position
• Fig. 38 shows two profiles for persons with different heights for going from a seated position to a half upright position.
• Figs. 39 and 40 show another example embodiment of the apparatus 101, that is essentially identical to the apparatus 1 shown with reference to Figs. 1 to 38, except that the torso support 39 is constructed differently, namely as an object that has to be embraced by the person to be supported, i.e. the person to be supported places his/her arms around the torso support 39.
• the pillow of the torso support 39 that forms the surface for engaging the chest of the person to be supported can also be provided with a pillow that can be frozen in shape after the person has engaged the pillow, using the technique described above with reference to pillow 9.
• the torso support 39 according to this embodiment preferably also includes armrests as shown.
• the operation and construction of the parts of the apparatus 101 other than the torso support are in this embodiment identical to the embodiments described above.
• Figs. 41 and 42 illustrate yet another example embodiment of the apparatus 101 that is largely identical to the embodiment of Figs. 1-39.
• the vertical column 105 is pivotally supported from the base 103 that comprises parallel spaced bars 10.
• a rotational actuator such as an actuator including an electric drive motor and a reduction gear controls the angular position of the vertical column 105.
• the torso support 115 is rotationally connected to a top section 116 that is attached to the upper end of the vertical column 105.
• the top section 116 includes a rotational actuator for rotating the torso support 115 relative to the top section 116.
• vertical adjustments i.e. height adjustments of the position of the torso support are achieved in the same way as in the embodiments according to Figs. 1-39, by activation of the linear actuator in the vertical column 105.
• Adjustments in the horizontal position of the torso support are achieved by rotation of the vertical column 105 about its pivot point at the base 103 as obtained by the rotational actuator.
• Fig. 43 shows another embodiment of the apparatus 1, wherein the torso support is swapped with a stretcher 80 that can assume a seat like configuration with the stretcher in a seat like configuration.
• the stretcher 80 is releasably attached to the free end of the horizontal column 7.
• the stretcher 80 can be moved by the apparatus 1 using the actuators in the vertical column 5 and the horizontal column 7 is in the embodiments described above.
• the rotational actuator can also tilt the stretcher 80 if needed.
• the apparatus 1 can be used to transport the patient that needs full support of the stretcher, i.e. a patient that cannot stand even with the assistance of the torso support.
• the apparatus can be used to transport such patients/persons 30.
• Fig. 44 shows the apparatus 1 and the stretcher 80 a stretcher in a stretched position, and the person 30 to be transported laying on his/her back on the stretcher 80.
• Fig. 45 shows the apparatus 1, with a seat 90, preferably the toilet seat 90 with an opening in the central portion of the seat releasably attached to the free end of the horizontal column 7.
• the apparatus one can be used to lower end raise the toilet seat with or without the person patient 30 on the toilet seat, using the actuator in the vertical column 5 and the rotational actuator can be used to tilt the toilet seat 90, with or without the person/patient 30 on the toilet seat 90.
• the actuator in the vertical column 7 can also be used to make adjustments of the position of the toilet seat 90 in the horizontal direction. Because the apparatus 1 in an embodiment can be wheeled, it is possible to transport a patient/person 32 and from a toilet with the aid of the apparatus 1.
• the torso support 8, the stretcher 80 and the toilet seat 90 are releasably attached to the free end of the horizontal column 7 at the rotational actuator, e.g. to the frame 36 with a quick coupling or snap fit coupling that it is easy for operating personnel to change the patient support attachment 8,80,90.
• the actuator arrangement is configured to have one of the patient support attachments releasably attached thereto.
• the apparatus one is provided with at least two different patient support attachments that can be releasably attached to the free end of the actuator arrangement of the apparatus 1.
• the apparatus has been shown as a movable lift, it can be adapted to be either floor-, wall- or toilet mounted by suitable fastening means well-known in the art and therefore not illustrated here.

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• 2014
  • 2014-03-25 WO PCT/EP2014/055956 patent/WO2014154687A2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2014-03-25 JP JP2016504635A patent/JP2016519599A/ja active Pending

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