PORTABLE MEDICAL LIFT AND POSITIONING DEVICE

Abstract

A lift and position device and methods of use therewith designed to aid attendants in moving and propping the various selected body parts of a patient from atop a support surface, for example, a mattress. The device utilizes a base for stability, a separately powered screw jack, radial adjustment head, a cushion cradle and a single or plurality of fitted cushion(s) configured to optimally raise and lower a particular body part of a patient such as his or her arms, torso, legs, back and the like. All elements of the device are ultralight and ultra-strong, some or all of the components of the device being composed of Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, injection molded plastic, and Titanium. The device utilizes advantageous mechanics of jack technology modified to suit the specific needs of an attendant wishing to the lift, position or prop and secure a particular body part of a patient, for example, an immobile, obese or otherwise incapacitated patient. In addition, the device will aid in daily turning of patients, pulmonary relief via leg elevation and enhanced healing by securely holding appendages still and securely at various angles and heights for an unlimited amount of time.

Claims

1. A portable medical lift and positioning device comprising: a front base having one or more lift attachment points; a lift configured to connect to the front base at the one or more lift attachment points and support a cushion, the lift comprising a support component and a joint component; and a cushion mount attachable to the lift at the joint component and having one or more cushion connection points.

2. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 1, wherein the support component is a mechanical jack.

3. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 1, wherein the support component is a bypass.

4. A portable medical lift and positioning device comprising: a front base having one or more lift attachment points; a lift comprising: a lower support member attachable to the front base at the one or more lift attachment points and comprising one or more selectively adjustable telescoping components; a rear base disposed a distance from the front base, having a pivot module and coupled to the rear section of the lower support member; a lever arm having a lower portion pivotally connected to the pivot module and an upper portion operably connected to a mount joint; and one or more bracket members connecting the lever arm to the lower support member; and a cushion mount attachable to the lift at the mount joint and having one or more cushion connection points.

5. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 4, wherein a cushion connects to the cushion mount at the one or more cushion connection points.

6. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 5, wherein the cushion is contoured to receive one or more human body parts.

7. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 4, wherein the cushion connector points are slots formed in the cushion mount.

8. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 4, wherein the cushion includes one or more protruding connectors configured to releasably connect to the slots formed in the cushion mount.

9. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 8, wherein the protruding connectors are tubular.

10. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 4, wherein the mount joint is adjustable and permits the adjustment of the angle of the cushion mount.

11. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 10, wherein the mount joint includes one or more pairs of locking notches defining one or more preset cushion mount positions or angles.

12. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 11, wherein a ball lock pin is used to releasably lock the mount joint in one of the preset cushion mount positions or angles.

13. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 4, wherein the front base includes a plurality of perforations.

14. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 13, wherein spike members connect to the perforations to assist in securing the front base to a support surface.

15. The portable medical lift and positioning device of claim 4, wherein the lower support member is T-shaped.

16. A portable medical lift and positioning device comprising: a front base having one or more lift attachment points; a lift comprising: a lower support member comprising: one or more telescoping components with a hollow internal chamber disposed within at least one of the telescoping components, the hollow chamber having an internal threaded portion; a front section releasably connected to the front base at the one or more lift attachment points; and a rear section formed with an opening extending towards the hollow internal chamber; a screw formed with an external threaded portion adapted to engage with the internal threaded portion of the internal chamber; a rear base disposed a distance from the front base, having a pivot module and coupled to the rear section of the lower support member; a lever arm having a lower portion pivotally connected to the pivot module and an upper portion operably connected to a mount joint; and one or more bracket members connecting a middle section of the lever arm to the front section of the lower support member; a cushion mount attachable to the lift at the mount joint and having one or more cushion connection points configured to releasably secure one or more cushions of varying shapes and orientations; wherein engaging the screw with the internal hollow channel of the lower support member directs the movement of the pivot module of the rear base relative to the front base, directing the bracket members of the lift from a first position to a second position; and wherein in the first position the lift is collapsed and in the second position the lift is expanded.

17. The portable lift and positioning device of claim 16, wherein a power drill is used to move the lift from the first position to the second position.

18. The portable lift and positioning device of claim 16, wherein the device is configured to rest on a support surface and raises a user from below.

19. The portable lift and positioning device of claim 16, wherein a cushion connects to the cushion mount at the one or more cushion connection points formed as circular slots in the cushion mount and adapted to receive one or more protruding tubular connectors disposed on the cushion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] 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:

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device assembly in its expanded position, showing the base attached to a lift or mechanical jack.

[0048] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an example embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device assembly.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a tilting torso medical lift and positioning device assembly in its collapsed position, showing a tilted torso cushion seated inside an upper back cushion coupled to the lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device assembly in its collapsed position, showing an arm cushion seated inside an upper back cushion coupled to the lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device assembly in its collapsed position, showing a leg cushion seated inside an upper back cushion coupled to the lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device assembly in its collapsed position, showing an upper back cushion coupled to the lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device assembly in its collapsed position, showing a horizontal turning cushion coupled to the lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device assembly in its collapsed position, showing an ankle and calf flex cushion coupled to the lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device assembly in its collapsed position, showing a therapy wedge cushion coupled to the lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device assembly in its collapsed position, showing a “face down” spine aligning cushion coupled to the lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a bypass for a medical lift and positioning device assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 12a is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a ground spike for a medical lift and positioning device assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIG. 12b is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a ground spike for a medical lift and positioning device assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 12c is a side view of a third exemplary embodiment of a ground spike for a medical lift and positioning device assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary “face down” spine aligning cushion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary disassembled “face down” aligning cushion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 15 depicts an example embodiment of a medical lift and positioning device assembly in use, wherein an exemplary arm cushion is seated inside an exemplary upper back cushion which may be coupled to the lift to prop up or support an arm of a user in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 16 depicts an example embodiment of a tilting torso medical lift and positioning device assembly in use, wherein an exemplary a tilted torso cushion is seated inside an upper back cushion which may be coupled to the lift and used to support a user back in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 17 depicts an example embodiment of a medical lift and positioning device assembly in use, wherein an exemplary therapy wedge cushion is coupled to the lift to support user legs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 18 depicts an example embodiment of a medical lift and positioning device assembly in use, wherein an exemplary horizontal turning cushion is coupled to the lift to position or support a user back in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] 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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-14 specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 1, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an exemplary embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical lift and positioning device 100 may include a front base or base plate 11. The front base 11 may be rectangular in shape and horizontally configured to lay at rest upon a bed (not shown here). In any embodiment, the base or base plate 11 may be formed in any suitable shape including, for example, circular, oval, square, diamond or hexagonal. In an exemplary embodiment, the base plate 11 may be thin and configured to approximate 6 inches wide and 16 inches in length. The configuration is subject to change within a range reasonable to one skilled in the art. The base plate 11 may be made from any single or combination of sturdy materials, such as carbon fiber, polymer, resin, and plastic, Kevlar, forged metals, wood and the like. In some embodiments, the base 11 may be permanently attached to the lift 14. In some embodiments, the base 11 may be releasably attached to the lift 14. In some embodiments, the lift 14 may be configured to swivel or rotate relative to the base 11. In some embodiments, the base 11 may include one or more lift attachment points. In some embodiments, the lift attachment points may be configured as pegs 9. In some embodiments, the pegs 9 may be bullet shaped. In some embodiments, the base plate 11 may be formed with a plurality of perforations 10. In some examples, the perforations 10 may be configured to receive spike members 44 (shown in FIGS. 12a-12c) adapted to secure the base 11 to a support surface, for example, a field, while the device 100 is in use. The spike members 44 may be formed with a sharp end and an attachment end. The sharp end may be configured to be inserted into the support surface, for example, a field or section of the ground, and the attachment section may be inserted into a perforation 10 to connect the spike member 44 to the bottom of the base 11. In some embodiments, the attachment section of the spike members 44 includes a pair of tabs configured to pinch a perforation side wall in order to reversibly secure a spike member 44 to the perforation 10. As shown in FIGS. 12a-12c, the spike members 44 may be configured in a plurality of configurations wherein the top end of the spike member 44 is formed with an attachment component and the bottom end is formed with a sharp component.

[0071] 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.

[0072] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an example embodiment of the medical lift and positioning device assembly. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower support member 12 part of the lift 14 may reversibly couple to the base plate 11. The lower support member 12 may comprise one or more legs or bars. A first leg 15 may have one or more holes (not shown) on its bottom wherein one or more pegs 9 of the base 11 may be fitted in the first leg 15. As shown in the depicted example, the support section may be “T” shaped. For example, protruding from a middle section of the first leg 15 may be a second leg 21. In any embodiment, the support section may be formed in any other configuration suitable of supporting the lift 14.

[0073] As further shown in FIG. 2, the second leg 21 of the lower support member 12 is configured as a shaft having one or more telescoping components. For example, the second leg 21 may be formed as an external shaft and may house an internal shaft 24 which may be extended or shortened as it protrudes from the second leg 21. In some embodiments, the internal shaft 24 may include a hollow internal component 26, for example, a hollow internal chamber having an internal threaded portion.

[0074] 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 FIGS. 3-10, for example), to a second position, wherein the lift is in its partially to fully expanded position (as shown in FIG. 1, for example), by threadably engaging the screw 8 with the internal chamber 26 of the lower support member 12, for example, by rotating or tightening the screw 8, to draw the internal shaft 24 towards the external shaft 21 and direct the rear base 5, which is disposed a distance away from the front base 11, closer towards the front base 11. In any embodiment, the screw 8 may be replaced with a similarly suitable adjustment member similarly capable of adjusting the length of the telescoping components of the lower support member 12 to draw the rear base 5 towards the front base 11.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 FIGS. 1-10, a pair of bracket members 27 may flank the second leg 21. The pair of bracket members 27 may each pivotally attach at a first point to a front section of the second leg 21 and at a second point to a middle section of the lever arm 17. In some embodiments, connector members connect the bracket members 27 to the second leg 21 and the lever arm 17. In some embodiments, the connector members may be bolts 33a and nuts 33b. In any embodiment, other suitable connector members, including screws, pins, for example, ball lock pins, and similar connectors may be used to pivotally connect the bracket members 27 to the second leg 21. In some embodiments, the bracket members 27 define a movement boundary for the lever arm 17. For example, the bracket members 27 may permit the lever arm 17 to pivot about the pivot axis 29 of the pivot module 3 within the range delineated by the bracket members 27.

[0078] 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 FIG. 2, a first pair of slots 42 in each of the side walls 41 may be configured as a pivot point for the lever arm 17, while the remaining slots 43 may be configured as angle adjustment points for the joint 35. Pins 49, for example, ball lock pins, may be inserted into the holes 42 and 43 in the side walls 41 of the joint 35, as well as the holes in the lever arm 17 disposed between the side walls 41 in order to reversibly lock joint 35 in a selected position. For example, a first ball lock pin 49 may be configured as a pivot pin, around which the joint 35 may be configured to pivot. A second ball lock pin 49 may be configured as an angle locking pin, which may be used to lock the joint 30 in a selected position or angle relative to the lever arm 17. To change the angle of the joint 35, the angle locking pin 49 may be removed to enable free movement of the joint 35, and the angle locking pin 49 may be inserted into the holes 42 in the joint side walls 41 and the holes 18 in the lever arm 17 which correspond to a second or new joint angle.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 FIG. 13) formed on a bottom side of the cushions 50.

[0081] 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.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a bypass for a medical lift and positioning device assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the bypass 60 may be configured to maintain a static height. In some embodiments, the bottom of the bypass 60 may be configured with attachment points for connection of the bypass 60 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 (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0083] 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 FIG. 13, in some embodiments, one or more protruding connectors, for example, one or more tubular-shaped protruding components 55, on the bottom side of the cushions 50 may fit snuggly into one or more slots or hollow spaces 37, for example, circular hollow slots, in the mount 30. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, this configuration of the tubular-shaped protruding components 55 in the cushions which correspond to the slots or hollow spaces 37 in the mount 30 facilitates 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. In some embodiments, one or more side walls of the cushions 50 may be formed with a hollow cavity, within which the one or more protruding connectors, for example, one or more tubular-shaped protruding components 55, may be disposed. In some scenarios, the hollow cavity creates internal walls which are adapted to frame the one or more external walls of the mount 30 when the cushion or cushions 50 are installed upon the mount 30.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 3-10, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a cushion 50 may be comprised of one or more cushion members. For example, a cushion 50 may be comprised of a top cushion member 50a and a bottom cushion member 50b. As shown in FIGS. 13-14, in some embodiments, a bottom side of the bottom cushion member 50b includes a gap 51 adapted to connect with the cushion mount 30 or the joint 35 in order to secure the cushion 50 to the mount 30 or the lift 35, respectively. As further shown in FIGS. 13-14, in some examples, a top side of the bottom cushion member 50b may include one or more block slots 38 which correspond to, and are configured to secure to, protruding blocks 39 disposed on the bottom side of the top cushion member 50a. In some examples, the connection of the protruding blocks 39 to the block slots 38 assists in securing the top cushion member 50a to the bottom cushion member 50b.

[0085] As further shown in FIGS. 3-10, the cushions 50 may be configured in a plurality of suitable shapes in order to support various patient body parts in various patient positions. For example, a top side of the cushion may be configured with one or more undulations configured to receive, position, or lift a patient arm. Any portion of cushion may be formed with one or more undulations configured to receive, position or lift a patient head, hip, neck, foot, or any other patient body part.

[0086] 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.

[0087] FIGS. 15-18 demonstrate various exemplary usage scenarios of the lift and positioning device 100. Specifically, FIG. 15 depicts an example embodiment of a medical lift and positioning device assembly 100 in use, wherein an exemplary arm cushion 50a is seated inside an upper back cushion 50b which may be coupled to the lift 14 to support a user arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 depicts an example embodiment of a tilting torso medical lift and positioning device assembly 100 in use, wherein an exemplary tilted torso cushion 50a is seated inside an upper back cushion 50b which may be coupled to the lift 14 and used to support a user back, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 depicts an example embodiment of a medical lift and positioning device assembly 100 in use, wherein an exemplary therapy wedge cushion 50 is coupled to the lift 14 for use in supporting user legs in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 depicts an example embodiment of a medical lift and positioning device assembly 100 in use, wherein an exemplary horizontal turning cushion 50 is coupled to the lift 14 to support a user back in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 15-18, in some exemplary usage scenarios, the lift and positioning device 100 may be utilized by placing the device 100 on a support surface, for example, a bed. In some scenarios, the device may be placed on the support surface in its first position, for example, in its collapsed form (as shown in FIGS. 3-10). In its collapsed form, the device 100 may easily be placed under the patient, for example, under a selected patient body part, for example, a patient leg. Once positioned in a selected location, the device 100 may be selectively expanded by a medical professional, for example, a nurse, doctor, or medical assistant.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 FIG. 1) when the screw 8 is inserted into the lower support member 12 and the lever arm 17 is elevated and angled away from the front base 11.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] As shown in the exemplary usage scenarios depicted in FIGS. 15-18, a plurality of cushion(s) 50 may each be respectively dimensioned to accommodate a side laying or back laying person's back, torso, shoulder, hips and legs, and feet wherein at least one curved cushion(s) adjoined to a mount 30 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 lift or modified mechanical jack 14 and the adjoining mount 30 and interchangeable cushion(s) 50. An attendant may reposition a patient, for example, a bedridden person, by using the lift 14, adjoining mount 30 and cushion(s) 50 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 100. Once set, the device 100 may prevent a patient from moving from side-to-side, rolling or otherwise shifting into an undesired position.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the cushions 50 may be approximately twenty to twenty six inches in width.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] In some embodiments, multiple devices 100 may be used to lift and prop more than one patient body part at a time.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] In some embodiments, the device 100 accommodates different sized bedridden patients, for example, by use of different sized cushions.

[0107] 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.

[0108] In some embodiments, the device 100 conform to a side laying patient's back, shoulder, torso, hips, and upper legs.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] In some embodiments, the device 100 may be utilized with existing beds or bed frames.

[0112] In some embodiments, the device 100 may be easier, less expensive, smaller, more expandable, lighter and simpler to use than existing technology.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.