This invention generally relates to gait belts for use in lifting, transferring, positioning or ambulating patients.
Gait belts are commonly used for lifting or transferring patients from one position to another. A typical gait belt includes a two-inch wide web belt with a simple buckle. Use of a typical gait belt can cause pain in many heavier patients as the belt “cuts into” them upon lifting. Typical gait belts also tend to slide up from the waist area of many “pyramid” or “pear”-shaped patients. The result is that the gait belt slides up under the armpits and becomes reliant upon the structure and muscle tone of the patient's shoulder girdle to accept the force of the lifting effort. Many patients cannot bear the amount of strain and pressure on the shoulder girdle necessary to lift them. Shoulder injuries, age or musculoskeletal illnesses are often the limiting factors with a significant number of the patients and can preclude use of shoulder girdles as an acceptable purchase point for lifting. Additionally, for a care provider, the higher “grip” on the patient often means that the final phase of a “lift to standing position” maneuver ends up with the lifter attempting to lift at a much higher point at or near the shoulder level. This can result in strained neck and shoulder muscles or injuries on the part of the care provider. Accordingly, improvements are sought in both comfort and support for the patient, as well as safety for the care provider during lifting with a gait belt.
While the way that the present invention addresses the disadvantages of the prior art will be discussed in greater detail below, in general, the present invention provides a gait belt having a generally elongated belt body with two free end portions; a belt strap/central webbing to secure the belt body around the waist of the wearer; and a plurality of lifting handles; wherein the said gait belt can be employed in a number of configurations in various methods for lifting a patient.
According to one aspect of the invention features, a gait belt is provided, including a wide elongated belt body having a longitudinal axis, an outer face, an inner face and two opposed free end portions, wherein the wide elongated belt body is configured to at least partially encircle a wearer's waist; a belt strap/central webbing connected to the wide elongated belt body, configured to adjustably secure the wide elongated belt body in relation to the wearer's waist; and a plurality of lifting handles affixed to the belt body in varying circumferentially-spaced relation and orientation to one another to optimize safe care provider positioning and modalities of patient movement.
In an alternative embodiment, the gait belt further comprises a flexible thigh supporting system configured to support the legs/thighs of a wearer. In some embodiments, the thigh supporting system comprises leg slings formed from extensions of the gait belt.
In various embodiments of the present invention, the gait belt further comprises a perimeter webbing, a vertical webbing and a combination of buckle closures provided on the belt strap/central webbing, allowing adjustable securement of the gait belt with respect to patient's body.
In various embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of handles are disposed along the outer face of the wide elongated belt body, with some of the handles positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the belt body and others positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the belt body. Preferably, the parallel positioned handles are affixed to belt strap/central webbing running along the length of the belt body and the perpendicularly positioned handles are affixed to perimeter webbing extending along the margins of the belt body. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, at least one perpendicularly positioned handle is configured to also act as a wrist loop for the care giver, affixed to at least one of the free end portions of the belt body, configured for lifting.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the belt strap/central webbing extends beyond the length of the belt body and includes buckle/closure halves at each end thereof. The buckle/closure halves presented at each end of the central webbing/belt strap and the respective belt strap/central webbing extensions are complementary to one another and allow for formation of an intermediate closed loop or a larger closed loop with the belt body, or smaller loops at respective ends of the central webbing and belt body. The smaller loops can be configured to serve as leg supports, wrist straps, or lifting handles.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the belt strap/central webbing, belt strap/central webbing extensions and plurality of parallel disposed handles are made from a single continuous piece of a flexible material. In some embodiments of the present invention, the belt strap/central webbing, belt strap/central webbing extensions and plurality of handles are made using discrete pieces of a flexible material. In some embodiments, the belt strap/central webbing extensions are discrete constructions while the belt strap/central webbing and the plurality of handles are made using the single continuous piece of flexible material.
According to another aspect of the invention features, a method for lifting and transferring a patient is disclosed, comprising steps of positioning a gait belt around a patient's waist, the gait belt comprising a wide elongated belt body having a longitudinal axis and two opposed free end portions, wherein the belt body is configured to at least partially encircle a wearer's waist; a belt strap/central webbing connected to the elongated belt body, configured to adjustably secure the belt body in relation to the wearer's waist; and, a plurality of lifting handles affixed to the belt body in circumferentially-spaced relation to one another; securing the belt strap in tight but comfortable relation to the patient's waist; and, applying upward force to at least two lifting handles. In some embodiments of the present invention, a modification of the method is disclosed that further comprises a step of supporting the thighs of the patient by forming smaller loops using the belt strap/central webbing extensions with the belt body, thus acting as a wide gait belt with a self-tightening, supporting leg harness. In some embodiments, the gait belt serves as a lifting sling.
Another aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a method for maneuvering a patient using a gait belt. The method includes positioning a gait belt around a patient's waist, the gait belt comprising a belt body having a central axis, a generally elongated configuration, and two opposed free end portions, the belt body configured to at least partially encircle a patient's waist; a belt strap connected to the belt body, configured to adjustably secure the belt body in relation to the patient's waist; first and second belt strap extensions with closure halves complementary to the respective closure halves of the belt strap; and, a plurality of lifting handles affixed to the belt body in circumferentially-spaced relation to one another. The method further includes threading first and second belt strap extensions under respective legs/thighs of the patient and then back up to the front of the belt body; lacing each of the said belt strap extensions through its at least one of the respective/same-side handles; bucking together the complementary closure halves of the said first and second belt strap extensions to form leg/thigh support loops, and wherein the maneuvering comprises assisting, lifting and/or transferring the patient.
In some embodiments, the belt strap adjustably securing closure mechanism comprising at least one of the fasteners selected from the group of buckles, latches, hooks, loops, snaps, adhesives, cohesives, magnets, hermaphroditic fasteners, touch fasteners, interlocking projections and receptacles fasteners, or any combination thereof.
Another aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a method for maneuvering a patient using a gait belt. The method includes positioning a gait belt around a patient's waist, the gait belt comprising a belt body having a central axis, a generally elongated configuration, and two opposed free end portions, the belt body configured to at least partially encircle a patient's waist; a belt strap connected to the belt body, configured to adjustably secure the belt body in relation to the patient's waist; first and second belt strap extensions with closure halves complementary to the respective closure halves of the belt strap; and, a plurality of lifting handles affixed to the belt body in circumferentially-spaced relation to one another. The method further includes threading first and second belt strap extensions under respective legs/thighs of the patient and then back up to the front of the belt body; optionally, lacing each of the said belt strap extensions through their respective handles; buckling each of the said belt strap extension complementary closure halves to its respective complementary closure half provided on the belt strap to form two independent leg/thigh support loops, and wherein the maneuvering comprises assisting, lifting and/or transferring the patient.
In some embodiments, the belt strap adjustably securing closure mechanism comprising at least one of the fasteners selected from the group of buckles, latches, hooks, loops, snaps, adhesives, cohesives, magnets, hermaphroditic fasteners, touch fasteners, interlocking projections and receptacles fasteners, or any combination thereof.
Another aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a method for lifting and transferring a patient using a gait belt, including positioning a gait belt around a patient's waist, the gait belt comprising a belt body having a central axis, a generally elongated configuration, and two opposed free end portions, the belt body configured to at least partially encircle a patient's waist; a belt strap connected to the belt body, configured to adjustably secure the belt body in relation to the patient's waist; and, a plurality of lifting handles affixed to the belt body in circumferentially-spaced relation to one another; securing the belt strap in relation to the patient's waist; applying upward force to at least one of the lifting handles; and supporting the thighs of the patient with a flexible extension of the belt strap.
Another aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a method for maneuvering a patient using a gait belt is discussed. The method includes positioning a gait belt around a patient's waist, the gait belt comprising a belt body having a central axis, a generally elongated configuration, and two opposed free end portions; a belt strap connected to the belt body having complementary closure halves; first and second belt strap extensions with closure halves complementary to the respective closure halves of the belt strap; and, a plurality of lifting handles affixed to the belt body in circumferentially-spaced relation to one another; threading first and second belt strap extensions under the respective legs/thighs of the patient and then back up to the front of the belt body; lacing at least one of the said belt strap extensions through at least one of the said handles; bucking together the complementary closure halves of the said first and second belt strap extensions to form leg/thigh support loops, wherein the maneuvering comprises assisting, lifting, ambulating and/or transferring the patient.
In some embodiments, the belt body is configured to at least partially encircle a patient's waist. In some embodiments, the belt strap is configured to adjustably secure the belt body in relation to the patient's waist with complementary halves of a closure.
In some embodiments, the belt strap adjustably securing closure mechanism comprising at least one of the fasteners selected from the group of buckles, clips, clasps, latches, hooks, loops, snaps, adhesives, cohesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, hermaphroditic fasteners, touch fasteners, interlocking projections and receptacles fasteners, or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, both the first and second extensions are laced through a same handle. In some embodiments, the first and second belt extensions are laced through different handles. In some embodiments, the first and second belt extensions are buckled together in front of the patient's body after lacing each belt strap extension through at least one handle.
Another aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a method for maneuvering a patient using a gait belt is discussed. The method includes positioning a gait belt around a patient's waist, the gait belt comprising a belt body having a central axis, a generally elongated configuration, and two opposed free end portions, the belt body configured to at least partially encircle a patient's waist; a belt strap connected to the belt body, configured to adjustably secure the belt body in relation to the patient's waist; first and second belt strap extensions with closure halves complementary to the respective closure halves of the belt strap; and, a plurality of lifting handles affixed to the belt body in circumferentially-spaced relation to one another; buckling together the complementary closure halves of the said first and second belt strap extensions in front of patient's body to form a loop, wherein the maneuvering comprises assisting, lifting and/or transferring the patient.
In some embodiments, the belt strap adjustably securing closure mechanism comprising at least one of the fasteners selected from the group of buckles, clips, clasps, latches, hooks, loops, snaps, adhesives, cohesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, hermaphroditic fasteners, touch fasteners, interlocking projections and receptacles fasteners, or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the at least one of the said first and second belt strap extensions are laced through at least one of the said handles before buckling them together.
In some embodiments, neither of the first and second belt strap extensions are laced through any of the handles before buckling them together.
Another aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a method for maneuvering a patient using a gait belt is discussed. The method includes positioning a gait belt against a portion of patient's body, the gait belt comprising a belt body having a central axis, a generally elongated configuration, and two opposed free end portions; a belt strap connected to the belt body having complementary closure halves; first and second belt strap extensions with closure halves complementary to the respective closure halves of the belt strap; and, a plurality of lifting handles affixed to the belt body in circumferentially-spaced relation to one another; threading first and second belt strap extensions under or above the respective legs/thighs of the patient; optionally, lacing each of the said belt strap extensions through its at least one of the handles; buckling each of the said belt strap extension complementary closure halves to its respective complementary closure half provided on the belt strap to form two independent leg/thigh support loops, wherein the maneuvering comprises assisting, lifting and/or transferring the patient.
In some embodiments, the gait belt is positioned against the patient's waist. In some embodiments, the belt body is configured to at least partially encircle a patient's waist. In some embodiments, the belt strap is configured to adjustably secure the belt body in relation to the patient's waist with complementary halves of a closure.
In some embodiments, the belt strap adjustably securing closure mechanism comprising at least one of the fasteners selected from the group of buckles, clips, clasps, latches, hooks, loops, snaps, adhesives, cohesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, hermaphroditic fasteners, touch fasteners, interlocking projections and receptacles fasteners, or any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the gait belt is positioned underneath the patient's buttocks. In some embodiments, the gait belt is positioned under the patient's thighs.
In some embodiments, the first and second extensions are laced over the patient's thighs and through a same handle to form a leg harness. In some embodiments, the first and second belt extensions are laced over the patient's thighs and through different handles to form a leg harness. In some embodiments, the first and second belt extensions are buckled together in front of the patient's body after lacing each belt strap extension through at least one handle.
The present invention contemplates various mechanisms for lifting and transferring patients, described hereinafter.
In some embodiments, the gait belt is positioned around the patient's waist, hips or chest with one opposed free end of the device passed through the handle of the other opposed free end to form a girth hitch around the patient's body to form a drag assist device. The method further includes lacing the belt strap extension through the opposing handle; and buckling the belt strap extension to its respective complementary closure half provided on the belt strap. In this configuration, a loop is formed by passing the belt around the girth of a patient and through a handle at the end of the belt to form a girth hitch. In this configuration, the gait belt may serve as a drag assist device by providing both a girth hitch and substantive, long belt body for one or multiple emergency responders to grasp handles along the belt length to drag the patient to safety. This configuration may provide a safer alternative to carrying an incapacitated patient.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout the Figures, and
The following description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth herein. It should be appreciated that the description herein may be adapted to be employed with alternatively configured devices having different shapes, components, mechanisms and the like and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. Also, same reference numbers will be used to refer to the same or similar parts throughout the drawings.
Reference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “preferred embodiment”, “another embodiment” or “alternative embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “preferred embodiment”, “another embodiment” or “alternative embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
As a general overview, a gait belt is provided, comprising an elongated belt body with two free end portions. The elongated belt body further includes a belt strap/central webbing, a perimeter webbing and a plurality of handles. The gait belt may be used by a care provider to assist in lifting a patient to a standing position.
In accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gait belt is provided, comprising a wide elongated belt body with two free end portions. The elongated belt body further includes a belt strap/central webbing, a perimeter webbing and a plurality of handles. The elongated belt body further includes at least one belt strap/central webbing extension extending outwardly along the central axis/longitudinal axis from any of the sides of the belt strap/central webbing, Preferably, the elongated belt body includes two belt strap/central webbing extensions extending outwardly along the central axis/longitudinal axis, one from each side of the belt strap/central webbing.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a gait belt is provided. The gait belt may be used by a care provider to assist in lifting a patient to a standing position. The gait belt comprises an elongated belt body with two free end portions. The elongated belt body further includes a belt strap/central webbing with two distal ends, configured to adjustably secure the elongated belt body in relation to the wearer's waist; a flexible thigh support system, a perimeter webbing and a plurality of handles. The flexible thigh support system includes two dedicated leg/thigh loops, one for each leg/thigh, configured to support the legs/thighs of a wearer during a lifting process. The dedicated leg/thigh loops may be configured to hang independent of each other and are sewn into the elongated belt body at the distal ends of the belt strap/central webbing. It is also possible, however, for the thigh support system to be adjustably attached to the belt body.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the figures.
The overall length of the gait belt 10 is of at least 140 inches. Preferably, the gait belt 10 is 150 inches in length, more preferably 160 inches in length. The gait belt 10 of the present invention has been designed to be longer than a typical gait belt in order to accommodate larger than average patients, i.e., those exceeding 72 inches waistline.
Preferably, the gait belt 10 of the present invention is designed to easily fit a 100-inch waistline and can lift weights up to 1200 lbs. or more.
The elongated belt body 11 of the gait belt 10 is adapted to be placed against a portion of a patient, particularly against the lower back region, under the thighs/legs, and/or beneath the buttocks of the patient. The length of the elongated belt body 11 is at least 72 inches. Preferably, the elongated belt body 11 is 82 inches, preferably 92 inches and more preferably 100 inches in length. The overall width of the elongated belt body 11 is at least of 4 inches, preferably 6 inches or more, more preferably at least of 7 inches. This extra wide belt body 11 is advantageous as it does not “cut into” the skin of a patient during a lifting process, spreads the lifting force over a larger body surface area and reduces any discomfort to the patient during a lift process. The wide belt body width increases the contact area with the patient thereby reducing the likelihood of the belt sliding up or out of position on the patient during the lifting process.
In another embodiment, above mentioned dimensions may be modified to fit patients having a waistline 72 inches or below. In this particular embodiment, the elongated belt body 11 having a length of 72 inches or less, 64 inches or less, 56 inches or less and more preferably of 48 inches or less, is contemplated. Also, the overall width of the elongated belt body 11 is at least 4 inches to 7 inches. All individual values and sub-ranges from 4 inches to 7 inches are contemplated herein. Preferably, the width of the elongated belt body 11 is 4 inches.
Any suitable material may be used to form the elongated belt body 11. The suitable materials include durable, flexible materials, for example, but not limited to nylon, polypropylene, canvas, cotton webbing, elastic webbing etc.
In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the belt strap 12, belt strap extensions 16a and 16b and plurality of handles 15a-c are made using a single continuous piece of flexible material, described hereinafter. Preferably, the single continuous piece of flexible material can have different widths depending upon the use of the gait belt 10. For example, it can be made 2 or more inches wide, 4 or more inches wide, 6 or more inches wide. Preferably, the width of 2 inches is found to be enough to allow proper and safe use of the gait belt 10.
The single continuous piece of flexible material is configured to form a closed loop. The said closed loop is configured in such a manner it has two distal ends, a top elongate segment and a bottom elongate segment, wherein the said segments are stacked one over the other. The said closed loop is configured to be affixed onto the belt body 11 along its central/longitudinal axis, using multiple points of attachment, preferably using at least four points of attachment. This particular configuration yields at least 5 intermediate loops, wherein among the formed intermediate loops,
In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the belt strap 12 only covers a portion of the belt body 11. Particularly, as shown in
In the various embodiments of the present invention, belt strap fastening mechanisms 17a and 17b are provided, wherein the said fastening mechanisms 17a and 17b form a complementary pair. Alternatively, the fastening mechanisms 17a and 17b may not be in the form of a complementary pair. Any suitable fastening mechanisms may be used, for example but not limited to, clips, clasps, buckles, latches, hooks, loops, snaps, adhesives, cohesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, hermaphroditic fasteners, touch fasteners, interlocking projections and receptacles fasteners, or any combination of any of these or other fasteners. Preferably, the belt strap fastening mechanisms 17a and 17b are a pair of complementary buckles, i.e., one of the buckles is a male buckle and the other a female buckle. The belt strap buckles 17a and 17b used in the present invention are of conventional type rated at minimum of 200 lbs. load. Preferably, the belt strap buckles 17a and 17b are rated for lifting a weight of 260 lbs. or more, 320 lbs. or more, and more preferably, 380 lbs. or more.
A perimeter webbing 13 is provided on the elongated belt body 11, sewn on both inner and outer faces, along the outer edges of the elongated belt body 11 such that the width of the perimeter webbing 13 on each face of the elongated belt body 11 is at least 0.5 to 1 inch. Preferably the width is of 1 inch on each face of the elongated belt body 11.
The elongated belt body 11 includes reinforcing vertical webbing 19, sewn at distal ends of the belt strap 12, as shown in
Any suitable material may be used to form belt strap 12, perimeter webbing 13 and vertical webbing 19. Suitable materials include durable, flexible materials, for example but not limited to nylon, polypropylene, canvas, cotton webbing, elastic webbing etc. In accordance with preferred embodiment, the belt strap 12, perimeter webbing 13 and vertical webbing 19, can be made using the same or different materials.
The plurality of handles 14a-f and 15a-c provided on the elongated belt body 11 are adapted to be grasped by a care provider during a lifting process. The handles provided in the present invention have large enough handle loops such that the said loops can easily accommodate a care provider's forearm. Particularly, the handles provided at the free ends of the elongated belt body 11 are configured to accommodate care provider's forearm and also act as wrist loops. The plurality of handles allows handling of a patient by multiple care providers at once, i.e., the provision of multiple handles enables a lifting process to be executed by 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more care providers at once. The present invention is advantageous in a particular sense that it provides various possibilities for the placement of the lifting handles. This enables a multitude of lifting scenarios without the need to have the gait belt placed precisely for handle access. Additionally, the placement of multiple handles on the gait belt provides a care provider with an increased range of lifting height, thereby decreasing the strain applied to the neck, back and shoulders during the final lifting phase.
The handles can be arranged in multiple configurations on the gait belt 10, for example in a parallel and/or a perpendicular configuration and, at multiple locations along the length of the elongated belt body 11. As shown in
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the handles 15a, 15b and 15c are a continuous piece of the belt strap 12 as shown in
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the belt strap, belt strap extensions and plurality of parallel handles are made using discrete pieces of a flexible material. In another alternate embodiment, the belt strap extensions are discrete constructions whilst the belt strap and the plurality of parallel handles are made using the single continuous piece of flexible material. In this method of attachment, a single continuous piece of flexible material, preferably 2 inches wide, is affixed to the belt body and is configured to form a closed loop over itself having two opposed distal ends, wherein the so formed closed loop with two opposed distal ends comprises a bottom elongate segment and a top elongate segment. The distal ends of the so formed closed loop are provided with fastening mechanisms. The bottom elongate segment is affixed on the belt body and forms the 2-inch-wide belt strap. The top elongate segment is configured to form the plurality of handles at regular intervals along the central axis. The top elongate segment is folded over itself in such a manner that the 2-inch-wide belt strap folds into 1-inch handle straps, to form parallel disposed handles, sewn across the back of the belt strap with “X” boxes sewn between them.
Any suitable material may be used to form the handles. The suitable materials include durable, rigid or flexible materials, for example, but not limited to, rubberized material, polyethylene, nylon, polypropylene, canvas, cotton webbing, elastic webbing etc. In an embodiment, the handles, particularly handles 15a-c can rubberized luggage handles. In another embodiment, the handles 14a-f and/or handles 15a-c may be formed from same material that is used for belt strap 12.
The pair of belt strap extensions 16a and 16b provided on the elongated belt body 11 act as extension members, extending beyond the distal ends of the belt strap 12 and also substantially extending beyond the free end portions of the elongated belt body 11. As seen in the
In some embodiments of the present invention, the belt strap buckle 17a and belt strap extension buckle 18a form a complementary male/female pair. Similarly, the belt strap buckle 17b and belt strap extension buckle 18b form a complementary male/female pair. In some embodiments, it is also contemplated that the belt strap buckles 17a and 17b and belt strap extension buckles 18a and 18b form complementary male/female pairs among themselves. This kind of complementary pairing among the buckles allows to achieve a number of configurations which can be used to perform various lifting processes. It allows for formation of an intermediate closed loop or a larger closed loop with the elongated belt body 11, or smaller loops by clasping buckles at the respective ends of the belt strap 12 and belt strap extensions 16a and 16b. The smaller loops can serve as leg supports, wrist straps or lifting handles.
Hereinafter, in accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the methods of use of the gait belt 10 and/or various configurations of the gait belt 10 that can be used with various techniques for lifting a patient are described in detail with reference to the figures. It may be noted that the belt strap extensions 16a and 16b of the gait belt 10 comprise top and bottom elongate segments in accordance with the preferred embodiments, however, only one of the segments is depicted in the
In another embodiment, the above described configuration may be modified so as to accommodate patients with a waistline larger than that of typical patients. In this particular configuration, after looping the belt strap extensions 16a and 16b through and around their respective oppositely located distally exposed handles as described in above embodiment, the belt strap extension buckles 18a and 18b are clasped together in front of the patient, instead of clasping them to their respective belt strap buckles 17a and 17b, to form a larger closed circular enclosure around the waist of the patient.
In another embodiment, a modified configuration of gait belt 10, as illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, another configuration of gait belt 10 for performing a standard lift is discussed. This configuration is particularly helpful for use on seated patients to provide assistance in standing when rising from a seated position. Similar to the configuration mentioned in the previous embodiment, the elongated belt body 11 is first placed around and behind the patient's waist at the lower back region. The care provider may then fold back the excess belt body 11 material such that an open circular enclosure is formed around the waist of the patient and the handles of choice are exposed at the distal ends of the open circular enclosure so formed. The choice of handles will depend upon the waist size of the patient on whom the lifting process is to be performed. After choosing and exposing appropriate handles at the distal ends of the open circular enclosure, the care provider shall place himself/herself in front of the patient and grab the exposed handles. Preferably, the care provider should grab the exposed handles using a single hand to ensure a tight closure around the waist of the patient and then perform a standard lift maneuver. More preferably, the care provider should firstly pass his/her hand and a portion of his/her forearm through one of the distally exposed handles and grab neighboring/opposite distally exposed handle with his/her hand, and then rotate his/her forearm across the patient's body, camming over the handle. This maneuver will cause the former distally exposed handle to rest on his/her wrist and thus tightening of the belt around the patient. This type of grip is called a “cam over grip”. Then the care provider shall apply a pulling force to perform standard lift maneuver. The care provider may grab one of the parallel handles with his free hand during the lifting process in order to enhance stability of the maneuver.
In another embodiment, the above described configuration may be modified to provide a better weight distribution across various components of the gait belt 10. In this modified configuration, after the belt strap extensions 16a and 16b are threaded under the relevant legs and back up to the front of the elongated belt body 11, the belt strap extensions 16a and 16b are laced through the respective/relevant handles, then each belt strap extension is laced through and around its oppositely located relevant distal handle and bucked together in front of patient's abdomen/pelvic region to form leg/thigh support loops. The top segment of each belt strap extension 16a and 16b can be pulled by the care provider to form a closed closure around the torso/pelvic region of the patient with a sufficient tightness. This modified configuration is illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, another configuration of gait belt 10 as a lifting sling is discussed in reference to
In another embodiment, a modified lifting sling configuration of gait belt 10 is disclosed. This configuration is illustrated in
While the present invention has been described above with reference to various exemplary embodiments, many changes, combinations and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the various components may be implemented in alternative ways. These alternatives can be suitably selected depending upon the particular application or in consideration of any number of factors associated with the operation of the device. In addition, the techniques described herein may be extended or modified for use with other types of devices. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.
This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 16/010,257 filed Jun. 15, 2018 which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/520,016 filed Jun. 15, 2017, which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62520016 | Jun 2017 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 16010257 | Jun 2018 | US |
Child | 17322628 | US |