Patent Grant
11986430
The disclosure relates to portable patient lifting machines. Specifically, the disclosure relates to patient lifting machines used to move a patient from one position to another in many forms and iterations therewith on a hospital bed.
The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,066,842 (Partridge) discloses a lift and move device to be strapped onto a hospital bed in order to lift and move an otherwise incapacitated patient. The lift and transfer and moving device includes a sling having a flat sheet configured with edges to accommodate a side laying person's back, torso, hips and upper legs, etc. The edges of the device allow a system wherein straps may be configured to reposition and secure the side laying person and, thus to enable service personnel to reposition a bedridden person by tugging or pulling on the straps. These straps configure to both secure and rotate the patient so an attending caregiver may roll a laying patient from side-to-side and secure a side laying person on one side or angled side until time for rotation to the other side.
Partridge reference provides an example of a lifting and moving device that is separate and distinguishable from the hospital bed to which it is attached. Thus it may be capable of being detached and attached to a variety of beds.
It is lightweight, portable, attachable and detachable to a bed, capable of lifting, rolling and moving various body parts of a patient, U.S. Pat. No. 9,066,842 performs these functions using an intricate system of belts, straps, slings and buckles.
There exists no present apparatus or system therewith that performs these same functionalities which use a mechanical jack and/or jackscrew as a patient lifting and moving device.
The hospital industry has been confronting an epidemic that plagues many of its staff: Tens of thousands of nursing employees suffering debilitating injuries every year, mainly from doing part of their everyday jobs—moving and lifting patients.
Nursing employees suffer more back and shoulder injuries than just about any other occupation. Workers who are relatively young have to stop working early in many cases. Often times they go home and experience pain in doing simple household endeavors such as lifting children, groceries, etc. These troubles stem from back injuries, arm injuries, and shoulder injuries suffered in the workplace.
Hospitals have reduced the number of injuries by buying special equipment to move patients and conduct intensive training to teach the staff how to use it. These efforts have in many instances dramatically reduced the instances of injury by nurses.
The need to turn from side-to-side and secure a person in positions confined to a bed with temporary or permanent loss of mobility is well known. Patient rotation from side-to-side is necessary for maintaining patient comfort, facilitating examination, and preventing bed sores from forming. Patients once moved might often need to be secured and placed in static positions wherein arms are raised, legs are elevated, backs are propped, etc. Manual lifting and turning of a bedridden patient is physically demanding for nurses, aides and others responsible for the care of the bedridden patient especially with average body weight in the industrialized world increasing annually. Such labor may result in injury to the back and other body parts of the person doing the lifting and/or turning of the patient. These injuries to nurses, aides and others result in time lost from the job, permanent disabilities, increased health care costs and litigation.
At present, the assemblies used to lift and move patients are very heavy, bulky and cumbersome. Elaborate sling systems mounted to overhead railings have been used to solve the problem of lifting and moving patients in hospitals. U.S. Pat. No. 4,117,561 relates to a wheel driven assembly outfitted with a base, and a boom out of which a sling mounts distally on a railing which extends laterally overhead. The machine can then be used to place a patient inside a sling hung by a chain or rope not unlike a child hanging from a swing set. U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,592 relates to a device which hangs stationary from a ceiling mounted swing which is powered to lift and lower by means of an electric hoist. The patient can be hoisted and lowered after being placed on a sling by one or more caregivers. Even more elaborate devices for lifting and moving patients include devices whose support structures extend a four cornered skeleton box-shape, wherein a mount can be placed overhead. Said mount can track in directions North, South, East, and West by means of elaborate wheeled assemblies. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,337,908, and 5,511,256 by way of example describe separate incarnations of a hoist mechanism mounted to a frame which extends towards the four walls of a room. The frame itself is outfitted with various forms of rollers and track beams which allow for each respective hoist and sling to track across the room in various directions.
Moreover, assemblies for moving patients may be outfitted within the patient bed itself. Many patents provide examples of this concept in action. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,568,240, 5,160,010, 5,173,975, 7,568,240, 4,409,695, 4,499,618, 5,105,486, 5,072,840, 5,613,255, 5,636,394, 5,687,437, 7,013,510, 7,237,286, 7,334,277, 7,441,291, 7,461,420, 8,006,332, 8,074,309, 8,104,120, are all examples of beds which are themselves devices which can perform various types of movement of the patient into a myriad of positions by means of moving any one or series of body parts vis-à-vis another body part or series of body parts.
More recently, mechanisms used to move and lift patients have become more portable. U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,761 B1 shows a device which can be wheeled into a room and has no overhead lift and carry sling. Instead it consists of a lifting column which can be lifted and lowered by means of a hand crank mechanism. A seat sling is hung from the lifting column and the patient him or herself or an attendant may place said patient on the seat sling and then move the patient on or off of a bed or wheelchair or car seat as needed. This device collapses into a portable instrument which can be moved, not unlike a piece of wheel-mounted luggage.
Another portable, highly specific patient moving device can be seen in the example of U.S. Pat. No. 8,997,276 B2. Here a boom is attached to a mast on a corner of a patient's bed. Said boom is optionally outfitted with a sling, which like the above mentioned moving devices is capable of hoisting a patient up off of a hospital bed. The configuration of the present example allows for the patient to be rotated and consequently transferred by the boom along the vertical y-axis represented by the mast configuration.
Other mechanisms used in the industry have been proven effective but are highly specified in terms of the type of movement and/or transfer affect. For instance, 8,261,380 B2 describes a modified stretcher that is outfitted as a bed accessory. Said accessory can facilitate a prone to supine or supine to prone patient transfer. The accessory is placed adjacent to a stationary bed and it is capable of providing a flat surface which can be tilted at any angle from 0° to 90°. This has the effect of assisting an attendant to turn a patient from supine to prone or vice versa.
Some more recent devices are mobile, multifunctional, and display modular components which may be used to lift and/or transfer patients. Modularity allows for the use of various types of moving mechanisms to be utilized to satisfy the nuances of a particular assisted movement: slings, chairs, straps, harnesses and/or transfer sheets may optionally be used. U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,133 B2 is an example of a mobile multifunctional patient transfer device wherein a lift cart is outfitted with a host of optional lift components. Once placed adjacent to a patient bed, said device may act in various capacities and be outfitted to fit a host of desired transfer motions based on the needs of the attendant. Lift components may include frontal bars, table tops, bars, hoists, knee blocks and supports, detachable handles, safety cushion(s) and the like. Said components can assist an attendant in performing frontal transfers, lateral seated transfers, lateral bed transfers, and sit-to-stand transitions based on the needs of the attendant.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,498 A provides an example of an elaborate device with a series of boards capable of wedging themselves underneath a patient lying on his or her bed. The device may then tilt and/or lift the patient off of a bed so that the patient may then be placed back on the bed at a different position. Again, like many of the aforementioned mechanisms, the present device needs to be wheeled into a patient's room and subsequently placed adjacent to the bed. Similarly, a four wheeled device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,388 shows a mechanism placed adjacent to a patient's bed where an elaborate means for moving said patient is accomplished by means of sliding an object between a patient and the bed he or she is laying upon. In this instance, the object is a flat, flexible sheet. The device utilizes a lifting assembly, a base supporting said lifting assembly, a vertically adjustable shaft, a horizontal load-bearing boom-like member for attaching said horizontal load-bearing member and a generally flat, flexible sheet upon which the patient is supported.
Still others accomplish moving and/or lifting a bedridden patient by means of inflation-based technologies. U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,330 B2 is one such example. Here, the device comprises inflation bladders configured to be secured between the patient's body and the patient's bed. The bladders are inflated with pressurized fluid. The configurations of surrounding bladders and the choice of which bladders to inflate determine the direction of movement of the bedridden patient, body-part by body-part. Another, less complex example is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,005,498 A. Here the device is a singular inflatable pad having a control pocket formed thereon for receiving a hospital attendant's arm. The pad may be inserted underneath the patient with the control pocket and attendant's arm being positioned above the inflatable pad and in contact with the patient's body. Inflation accomplishes the goal of moving a desired part of the patient's body; such as his or her buttocks, lower back, upper back, upper leg, lower leg, knee(s), arm, head, neck and the like. Still another such example of an inflatable device can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,617,553 B1 wherein an inflatable device is used to specifically lift the rectal region of a bedridden patient.
There exists no ultra-portable, ultralight device for moving patients which utilizes jack and jackscrew-based foundational mechanical technologies.
Briefly described, in an example embodiment, the present apparatus and method to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantage, and meet the recognized need for a body lift, positioning, propping and securing device and methods of use comprising, in general, a configured cushion(s) or series of fitted cushions induced to partially fit in an angle adjustable mount or cradle which itself may be bolted to a modified mechanical screw-type jack configured to attach to a base plate which lays flat on the patient's bed. The mount or cradle may be comprised of carbon fiber, aluminum or similar ultra-light and strong substance known in the field. The internal cradle may be shaped like a rectangular five-sided box that accepts a foundational cushion with a rectangular bottom that hangs over the internal cradle. A plurality of cushion(s) may each be respectively dimensioned to accommodate a person's back, torso, shoulder, hips, legs, and feet wherein at least one curved cushion(s) adjoined to a cradle rests upon a specified and targeted patient body part. A nurse or any patient attendant may reposition and secure the laying person into a series of desired body positions using a system comprised of a modified mechanical jack and the adjoining cradle and interchangeable cushion(s). Service personnel may reposition a bedridden person by using the mechanical jack, adjoining cradle and cushion(s) to reposition, prop and secure the laying patient from a supine or prone laying position into a new position wherein one or more body parts are lifted, raised and secured by the device. The device once set, prevents the patient from moving from side-to-side, rolling or otherwise shifting into a position not in keeping with the attendant's desires.
In an exemplary embodiment, a body lift and positioning device and methods of use, the apparatus including a base, a joint, for example, a radial adjustment head, a mechanical jack, an internal cradle and one or more cushion(s) dimensioned to conform and contour to a particular patient body part thereon. The method including the steps of providing a body lift and positioning apparatus, the apparatus having a base capable of moving, for example, repositioning, on a bed, a mechanical jack capable of being lifted and lowered by means of a rotational device, for example, a socket driver, and contoured cushion(s) configured to fit a particular body part of a person, for example, an immobile or obese patient.
In still a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the cushion(s) is contoured to fit underneath a patient's back. In some embodiments of the invention a plurality of cushions may be fitted onto one another and configured to conform to a patient's torso for tilting sideways. In some scenarios, for the purposes of storage and transport the cushions may seat into each other making it possible to move many body parts yet still fit the cushions in a relatively small duffel bag. In some embodiments of the invention a plurality of cushions may be fitted into one another and configured to conform to the bottom of a patient's legs to aid in circulation by raising the legs above the heart. In yet another embodiment of the invention a cushion(s) may be fitted in order to facilitate propping a patient on their side to aid in changing bed pans.
In a method of assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the device, an attendant may attach the bottom of the mechanical screw-type jack to pegs resting on the top center of a large base plate at 90 degree angles. The jack may be attached to the base plate and the joint or radially adjustable accepter head may be attached to the end of the jack's lever arm via carriage bolts (if it wasn't left on by the last user and therefore already attached to the lift). Next, the cushion mount or cradle may serve as an internal skeleton to give a cushion strength and stability as well as to give the cushion a hard upper platform to be inserted into the lift and an angle may be selected for the cradle by way of the radial adjustment head using a ball lock pin. In some embodiments, the mount's upper platform may include slots or cavities configured to receive protrusions or columns extending from the cushion(s) to secure the cushion(s) to the cradle or mount. For example, the cushion or plurality of cushions may be fitted together and attached to the cushion cradle by way of columns at the bottom of the cushions that fit into the cradle for a snug fit. Last, an attendant may select the appropriate cushion(s) or plurality of cushions. The attendant or attendants may move the device across the bed and place it partially underneath and/or adjacent to the body part that the attendant wishes to lift and prop. The attendant or attendants may manually move the patient using a strap or sling or by means of their hands alone in order to place the lift under the patient. The movement however, will be minimal in that lifting the body part may be necessary to the extent that said body part can be placed upon the lowest setting of the mechanical jack. Once the base, lifting unit, adjustable head, cradle and appropriate cushion(s) are assembled the attendant may place the appropriate patient body part or region into the appropriate cushion(s) (top portion of the assembled device) and then, using a rotational device, for example, a powered socket driver, lift the patient's body part to any desired height within the range of the jack's capabilities.
Accordingly, a feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to enable a single attendant to comfortably maneuver, reposition, roll, lift and/or prop a body part of a large bedridden patient with no other tool needed. In some embodiments, only an accompanying strap is needed to comfortably maneuver, reposition, roll, lift and/or prop a body part of a large bedridden patient. The device itself may be designed for such ease of maneuverability. Moreover, multiple devices may be used to lift and prop more than one patient body part at a time, for example, with a bench accessory that straddles the two lifts.
Another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to provide an efficient, lightweight, highly maneuverable and safe apparatus for the lifting, propping and repositioning of patients, for example, bedridden patients.
Another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is a high friction rubber sheet at the bottom of the front base which enables the lift to grip the sheets. In some examples, a high-friction spray may be applied to the bottom of the front base to allow the lift to grip the sheets.
Another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to aid healing by holding broken bones and muscles, for example, arm muscles, at specified heights and angles securely in a body part contoured cushion attached to the lift.
Still another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to enable a single person to quickly and/or efficiently prop a bedridden patient on either of the patient's sides (e.g. to turn the patient) to maintain patient comfort, facilitate patient examination, and to prevent bed sores from forming.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to provide a compact, disassemble able, light and portable apparatus that is easily stored and transported to the patient's home or hospital room.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to aid in drinking and eating by lifting a patient to prone position without the need to use expensive hospital lift beds.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to assist with bedridden patient rolling, positioning, repositioning, and tilting from side-to-side as well as its ability to position, reposition and tilt a particular body part of a patient at various angles between the horizontal and vertical axis.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to relieve stress on the fingers, hands, arms, back, shoulders and wrists of the caregiver, especially when the patient is heavy.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to accommodate different sized bedridden patients.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to conform to a side laying patient's back, shoulder, torso, hips, and upper legs.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to aid during physical therapy activities by using a rotational motor to flex body parts (e.g. calves) to and fro to provide blood flow and muscle growth.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is the ability to easily disinfect the material used to form the lift and the cushions with over the counter cleaning sprays or liquids. For example, the lift may be formed of a metal or carbon fiber material and the cushions may be formed of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), which may be easily disinfected by users, for example, a nurse or medical assistant. This may prevent the passage of viruses and other diseases from patients to medical personnel such as nurses.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to provide a low-cost alternative to systems for lifting, propping, securing and turning a bedridden patient, such as, mechanical means for lifting and turning, including mechanical rollers supported by a stationary or moveable support structure positioned above a hospital bed.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to provide a support assembly capable of supporting a bedridden patient in an angled position on their side to enable additional positions to rest on their side to reduce bed sores and to increase comfort of the bedridden patient.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to be placed at the foot of the bed on the floor, for example, at a user's home. For example, the device may be placed adjacent to a bed to support the head and/or neck of the user by use of a cushion configured for use with a face down patient, allowing the user's spine to properly align after height adjustment.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to be utilized with existing beds or bed frames.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to be easier, less expensive, smaller, lighter and simpler to use than existing technology.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its independence from attachment to a ceiling, wall or floor thereby making the device capable of being freely transported and used in a wide variety of environments, including, for example, outside, on the ground, to aid a bleeding soldier by elevating the bleeding injury above the soldier's heart.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ease of assembly and disassembly and its ability to fit under a bed, or in a duffel bag for easy transport.
Yet another feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to prevent disease spread by providing medical personnel, for example, nurses, with a means to move and hold a patient without the use of the patient's or their own hands, arms or chests.
These and other features of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following Detailed Description of the Embodiments and Claims when read in light of the accompanying drawing Figures.
The present medical lift and positioning device and methods of use will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:
It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention.
In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a lift and positioning device 100 may include a base 11, a lift 14, a joint or radial adjustment head 41, and a cushion mount 30. In some embodiments, the height of the lift 14 is adjustable. In some embodiments, the lift 14 is formed as a bypass and is configured to maintain a static height. The bottom of the bypass may be configured with attachment points for connection of the bypass to the base 11. For example, the attachment points may be holes or openings configured to receive the pegs 9 disposed on the base 11.
Referring now to
Upon the base plate 11 may lay the lift 14. In some embodiments, the mechanical jack or “lift” 14 may be reversibly coupled to the base plate 11. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the lift 14 may comprise a lower support member 12, a screw 8, a rear base 5, a pivot module 3, a lever arm 17, and one or more bracket members 27. In some embodiments, the lift 14 may include a joint 35 configured to connect to a cushion mount 30.
As further shown in
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the screw 8 of the lift 14 may be formed with an external threaded portion adapted to engage with an internal threaded portion within the lower support member 12. For example, the screw 8 may be configured to engage with the internal thread of the hollow internal chamber 26. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the lift may be moved from a first position, wherein the lift is in its collapsed form (as shown in
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the device 100 may include a rear base 5. In some embodiments, the rear base 5 is disposed a distance from the front base 11, and includes a pivot module 3. The rear base 5 may further be coupled to the rear section of the lower support member 12.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the device 100 may include a pivot module 3. In some embodiments, the pivot module 3 may include a pivot axis 29 about which the lever arm 17 may rotate or pivot. The pivot module 3 may comprise a pair of opposing plates 19 configured to flank the lever arm 17. In some embodiments, the lever arm 17 may be disposed between the opposing plates 19, and may be pivotally fastened at the pivot axis 29 to each of the plates 19 of the pivot module 3 by use of a bolt, screw, pin, for example, a ball lock pin, or any other similarly suitable removable fastener. In the depicted example, a bolt 28 and nut 29 are used to pivotally connect the lever arm 17 to the pivot module at the pivot axis 29. In the illustrated example, a lower portion of the lever arm 17 is pivotally connected to the pivot module 3 and an upper portion of the lever arm 17 is operably connected to the mount joint 35. The mount joint 25 may be referred to herein as the radial adjustment head. In any embodiment, any similar pivotable attachment means capable of permitting the lever arm 17 to pivot about the pivot axis 29 may be used to facilitate the pivoting movement of the lever arm 17 about the pivot axis 29.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the lift 14 of the device 100 may include one or more bracket members 33. As shown in
In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the lift 14 may include a joint 35. The joint 35 may be operably connected to a top portion of the lever arm 17. In some embodiments, the joint 35 connects the lever arm 17 to the cushion mount 30. For example, the joint 35 may include an opening or slot 34 which corresponds in shape and size to the protruding portion 31 disposed on a bottom side of the mount 30, the slot 34 and the protruding portion 31 adapted to secure the mount 30 to the joint 35. In some embodiments, the joint 35 is fixed. In some embodiments, the joint 35 is radially adjustable. For example, the angle of the joint 35 may be changed to adjust the angle of the cushion mount 30. The joint may include a pair of opposing side walls 41 which flank the lever arm 17. Each side wall 41 may include one or more slots or holes configured to align with matching slots or holes 18 on the lever arm 17. As shown in
Note that the lift, like the base plate, as well as any of its component parts may be made from any single or combination of sturdy materials, such as carbon fiber, polymer, resin, plastic, Kevlar, forged metals, wood and the like.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the lift and positioning device 100 may include a cushion mount 30. The cushion mount 30 may include a protruding portion 31 corresponding in shape and size to an opening or slot 34 in the joint 35. Connection of the protruding portion 31 with the opening or slot 34 facilitates the secure connection of the mount 30 with the joint 35. In some embodiments, the mount 30 may be configured as an elongate bar. The mount 30 may include one or more cushion connection points adapted to connect a cushion 50 to the mount 30. For example, the mount 30 may include one or more slots or hollow spaces 37, for example, circular hollow slots, adapted to engage with and snugly fit the tubular-shaped protruding components 55 (as shown in
Like the base plate and the lift, the mount may be made from a host of sturdy materials, such as carbon fiber, polymer, resin, and plastic, Kevlar, forged metals, wood and the like.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the lift and positioning device 100 may be configured to couple to one or more cushions 50. In some scenarios, the cushions 50 may be configured to fit over the cushion mount 30. For example, a bottom side of the cushions 50 may be formed with a cavity adapted to house at least a portion of the cushion mount 30. As shown in
As shown in
As further shown in
The cushions 50 used in conjunction with the lift and positioning device may be made from any substance known in the art such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), viscoelastic orthopedic and posturepedic memory foams, spring cushions, Low-resilience polyurethane, Sorbothane, Neoprene and the like.
As shown in
In another exemplary usage scenario, the lift and positioning device 100 may be utilized by placing the front base 11 and rear base 5 of the device 100 on the footboard of a bed so that the device 100 may be used to expand towards a patient's feet.
Further in an exemplary usage scenario, the device 100 may be expanded to lift, prop, or otherwise re-position a patient by rotating or tightening the screw 8 disposed at the rear section of the lower support member 12. For example, rotating the screw 8 engages the internal threads of the internal chamber 26, to draw the screw 8 towards the front section of the lower support member 12, such that the internal shaft 24 is likewise drawn towards the external shaft 21 to decrease the distance between the rear base 5 and the front base 11. In some embodiments, drawing the rear base 5 towards the front base 11 in this manner directs the lever arm 17 upwards as a result of its pivotable connection to the pivot module 3 and the bracket members 27. In some scenarios, the height of the device 100 directly correlates to the extent the screw 8 is inserted into the internal chamber 26 of the second leg 21. The device 100 is in an expanded position (as shown in
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the angle of the cushion mount 30 may be radially adjusted by adjusting the angle of the mount joint 35. To radially adjust the joint 35, a user may remove the lock pin 49 inserted into the side walls 41 of the mount 35 and the top portion of the lever arm 17 and rotating the mount 35 to a selected or desired position and inserting the lock pin 49 into the holes in the side walls 41 and the lever 17 which correspond to the desired new position.
In some embodiments, a cushion 50 may be installed upon the mount 30 by pressing the cushion 50 onto the mount 30, for example, by pressing or pushing on the cushion 50 to direct the one or more protrusions disposed on the bottom of the cushion 50 into the slots or hollow spaces 37 disposed on the mount 30. This configuration aids in the easy attachment and securement of a cushion or cushions 50 to the mount 30 without the need for bolts, pins, snaps or ties that make assembly complex and time consuming.
As shown in the exemplary usage scenarios depicted in
In an exemplary embodiment, a body lift and positioning device 100 and methods of use, the apparatus including a base 11, a joint 35, for example, a radial adjustment head, a mechanical jack or “lift” 14, a mount 30 and one or more cushion(s) 50 dimensioned to conform and contour to a particular patient body part thereon. The method including the steps of providing a body lift and positioning apparatus 100, the apparatus having a base 11 capable of moving, for example, sliding, on a bed, a mechanical jack 14 capable of being lifted and lowered by means of a rotational device, for example, a socket driver, and contoured cushion(s) 50 configured to fit a particular body part of a person, for example, an immobile or obese patient.
In still a further exemplary embodiment of the invention the cushion(s) 50 may be contoured to fit underneath a patient's back. In some embodiments of the invention a plurality of cushions 50 may be fitted onto one another and configured to conform to a patient's torso to enable the patient to tilt sideways.
In some examples, for purposes of easy and convenient storage and transport the cushions 50 may seat into each other making it possible to move many body parts yet still fit the cushions 50 in a duffel bag. In some embodiments of the invention a plurality of cushions 50 may be fitted into one another and configured to conform to the bottom of a patient's legs to aid in circulation by raising the legs above the heart. In yet another embodiment of the invention one or more cushions 50 may be fitted in order to facilitate propping a patient on their side to aid in changing bed pans.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the cushions 50 may be approximately twenty to twenty six inches in width.
In a method of assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the device 100, an attendant may attach the bottom of the lift 14 to pegs 9 resting on the top portion of a base plate 11 at 90 degree angles. The lift 14 may be attached to the base plate 11 and the joint or radially adjustable accepter head 35 may be attached to the end of the lift's lever arm by the use of pins or carriage bolts 49. The cushion mount or cradle 30 may give a cushion 50 strength and stability in addition to a hard upper platform to be inserted into the lift 14 and an angle may be selected for the cradle by way of the joint 35 using a pin 49. In some embodiments, the upper platform of the mount or cradle 30 may include slots or cavities 37 configured to receive protrusions or columns extending from the cushions 50 to secure the cushions 50 to the cradle or mount. For example, the cushion or plurality of cushions 50 may be fitted together and attached to the cushion cradle 30 by way of columns at the bottom of the cushions that fit into the slots or cavities 37 in the cradle 30 for a snug fit. In some scenarios, an attendant may select the appropriate cushion or plurality of cushions 50 for use. The attendant or attendants may reposition the device 100 across the support surface, for example, a bed, and place it partially underneath and/or adjacent to the body part that the attendant wishes to lift and prop. The attendant or attendants may then manually move the patient or patient body part using a strap or sling or by means of their hands alone. The movement required however, will be minimal since the body part may be placed upon the lowest setting of the lift 14. Once the base 11, lift 14, joint 35, mount 30 and appropriate cushion(s) 50 are assembled, the attendant may place the appropriate patient body part or parts into the appropriate cushion(s) 50 and then, using a rotational device, for example, a powered socket driver, lift the patient's body part to any desired height within the range of the lift's capabilities.
Accordingly, at least one feature of the medical lift and positioning device and methods of use is its ability to enable a single attendant to comfortably maneuver, reposition, roll, lift and/or prop a body part of a large bedridden patient with no other tool needed. In some embodiments, only a strap, for example, a dual clamp locking strap attached to a footboard to form a loop, may be needed to comfortably maneuver, reposition, roll, lift and/or prop a body part of a large bedridden patient. The device itself may be designed for such ease of maneuverability.
In some embodiments, multiple devices 100 may be used to lift and prop more than one patient body part at a time.
In some embodiments, the device 100 provides an efficient, lightweight, highly maneuverable and safe apparatus for the lifting, propping and repositioning of patients, for example, bedridden patients.
In some embodiments, the device 100 enables a single person to quickly and/or efficiently prop a person, for example, a bedridden patient, on either of the patient's sides to maintain patient comfort, facilitate patient examination, and to prevent bed sores from forming.
In some embodiments, the device 100 provides a compact, disassemble able, light and portable apparatus that may be easily stored and transported to a patient's home or hospital room.
In some embodiments, the device 100 assists with bedridden patient rolling, positioning, repositioning, and tilting a bedridden patient from side-to-side and may position, reposition and tilt a particular body part of a patient at various angles between the horizontal and vertical axis.
In some embodiments, the device 100 relieves stress on the fingers, hands, arms, back, shoulders and wrists of the caregiver, especially when the patient is heavy.
In some embodiments, the device 100 accommodates different sized bedridden patients, for example, by use of different sized cushions.
In some embodiments, device 100 and/or the cushions 50 may include one or more limb fastening straps, for example Velcro® straps. In some situations, the limb fastening straps may be utilized to hold a limb, for example, an arm, in place on the cushion 50.
In some embodiments, the device 100 conform to a side laying patient's back, shoulder, torso, hips, and upper legs.
In some embodiments, the device 100 provides a low-cost alternative to systems for lifting, propping, securing and turning a bedridden patient, such as, mechanical means for lifting and turning, including mechanical rollers supported by a stationary or moveable support structure, for example, a heavy steel stationary or moveable support structure, positioned above a hospital bed.
In some embodiments, the device 100 provides a support assembly capable of supporting a patient, for example, a bedridden patient, in an angled position on their side to enable additional positions so that the patient may rest on his or her side to reduce bed sores and to increase comfort of the bedridden patient.
In some embodiments, the device 100 may be utilized with existing beds or bed frames.
In some embodiments, the device 100 may be easier, less expensive, smaller, more expandable, lighter and simpler to use than existing technology.
In some embodiments, the device 100 may be independent of attachment to a ceiling, wall or floor thereby making the device capable of being freely transported and capable of being used in a wide variety of environments, including, for example, on the ground to aid a bleeding soldier by elevating the bleeding injury above the soldier's heart.
In some embodiments, the device 100 is configured to be easy to assemble and disassemble and may fit under a bed, or in a duffel bag for easy transport.
While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the inventor to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to specific sizes, details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or the scope of the inventor's general inventive concept. The scope of the invention itself should only be defined by the following claims.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1748954 | Herrmann | Mar 1930 | A |
| 3159371 | Weissenberg | Dec 1964 | A |
| 3384384 | Diehl | May 1968 | A |
| 3522925 | Buchtel | Aug 1970 | A |
| 3931653 | Bien | Jan 1976 | A |
| 4185342 | Young | Jan 1980 | A |
| 4555121 | Lockard et al. | Nov 1985 | A |
| 5425567 | Albecker, III | Jun 1995 | A |
| 5489258 | Wohnsen et al. | Feb 1996 | A |
| 5491855 | Charles | Feb 1996 | A |
| 5774915 | Scott et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
| 7836890 | Waterman | Nov 2010 | B2 |
| 20010037525 | Visser | Nov 2001 | A1 |
| 20040059268 | Polonchek | Mar 2004 | A1 |
| 20060290195 | Roleder | Dec 2006 | A1 |
| 20110016627 | Blevins et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
| 20110280700 | Uttech et al. | Nov 2011 | A1 |
| 20110302712 | Patterson | Dec 2011 | A1 |
| 20140228185 | Meier | Aug 2014 | A1 |
| 20140243716 | Diot | Aug 2014 | A1 |
| 20160228317 | Carn | Aug 2016 | A1 |
| 20160286967 | Burch | Oct 2016 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220087886 A1 | Mar 2022 | US |
