CHAIR AND BED MOBILITY APPARATUS

Abstract

The disclosed device is a wheelchair that is capable of being converted into a bed and visa versa. The device is also able to transfer patients from it unto another surface, such as a bed or an examination table. The device may be used as a rescue apparatus to lift patients that fell on the ground. The mobility device may additionally have hygienic openings to enable a rider to relieve him or herself without needing to be lifted or transferred off the mobility device. The device is fully motorized, with all functions capable of being performed at the touch of a button.

Claims

1. A mobility device comprising: a pair of first struts, said pair of first struts being in a parallel and set apart association with each other; each strut of said first pair of struts having a main wheel rotatingly attached thereto; wherein said main wheel supporting said strut that it rotatingly connects to on a support surface; a pair of second struts, said pair of second struts being in a parallel and set apart association with each other; each strut of said second pair of struts having a main wheel rotatingly attached thereto; wherein said main wheel supporting said strut that it rotatingly connects to on a support surface: wherein said pair of first struts and said pair of second struts are in a parallel and set apart association with each other; at least two ties; wherein a first of said at least two ties connecting to one strut of said first pair of struts and to one strut of said second pair of struts; and wherein a second of said at least two ties oriented in a parallel and set apart orientation with said first tie of said at least two ties connecting the other strut of said first pair of struts and the other strut of said second pair of struts; wherein said first and said second ties forming a lengthwise side; each strut of said second pair of struts comprised of hollow telescoping components; and wherein said first tie and said second tie of said at least two ties comprised of hollow telescoping components; a support frame; said support frame comprising a first plurality of frame components and a second plurality of frame components; said first plurality of frame components and said second plurality of frame components having a first frame component and at least one forward frame component; wherein each said first frame component and each said at least one forward frame component having a first end and a second end; wherein said first plurality and said second plurality of frame components being in a parallel and spaced apart association with each other; wherein said first end of each first frame component and each at least one forward frame component having a rotatable joint; wherein each said rotatable joint of the first plurality of frame components rotatingly coupling the opposing and parallel rotatable joint of the second plurality of frame components; wherein one of said axles that rotatingly couples with the first end of the first frame component of the first plurality of frame components and with the first end of the first frame component of the second plurality of frame components being a first main axle and wherein the frontmost axle of said axles forming a second main axle; wherein the second end of said first frame component of the first and second plurality of frame components in a slidable and telescoping association with said at least one forward frame components; a rear frame component of said first plurality of frame components and a rear frame component of said second plurality of frame components further comprising secondary frame components; said rear frame component of said first plurality and said second plurality of frame components having a distal end and a proximal end; wherein said distal of each said rear frame component being in slidable and telescoping association with said at least one secondary frame component; and wherein a distal end of a rearmost of said of said secondary frame components of said rear frame component of said first plurality of frame components rotatingly connected via a rearmost axle to said distal end of a rearmost secondary frame component of said second plurality of frame components; and wherein said proximal end of said rear frame component of said first plurality of frame components connected through a rear hinge to said first end of said first frame component of the first plurality of frame components, and wherein said proximal end of said rear frame component of said second plurality of frame components connected through a rear hinge to said first end of said first frame component of the second plurality of frame components; wherein said first main axle connecting said struts of the first pair of struts: said first main axle functioning as a rear pivot for said rear hinge of said first plurality of frame components and said rear hinge of said second plurality of frame components; said rear hinge having a rotary actuator, said rotary actuator connecting to at least one of said rear frame components and at least one of said first frame components; a second main axle connecting struts of said second pair of struts, said second main axle insertedly connecting through said second end of the a forwardmost of said at least one forward frame component of the first and second plurality of frame components; wherein said second main axle forming a front pivot; a belt, said belt wrapping in a closed loop between said secondary axle and said second main axle; and wherein said belt passing beneath a retention bracket adjacently to said rear pivot.

2. The mobility device of claim 1, wherein said first pivot further comprising a first linear actuator and a second linear actuator; wherein said first linear actuator mounted at first frame element of said first plurality of frame components or said second plurality of frame components; a forward actuating arm retractably issuing from said first linear actuator, wherein a forward end of said forward actuating arm connecting to said second pivot; wherein said second linear actuator mounted adjacently to said at least one of said rear components; a rearward actuating arm retractably issuing from said second actuator; wherein a distal end of said rearward actuating arm coupling with said rearward axle.

3. The mobility device of claim 2, wherein at least one of said first pair of struts further comprising a first vertical actuator; and wherein at least one of said second pair of struts further comprising a second vertical actuator; wherein said first vertical actuator coupled with said first main axle; and wherein said first vertical actuator configured to lower and raise the first main axle; and wherein said second vertical actuator coupled with said second main axle; and wherein said second vertical actuator configured to lower and raise said second main axle.

4. The mobility device of claim 2, wherein an extension of said forward actuating arm configured to cause a retraction of said rearward actuating arm; and wherein an extension of said rearward actuating arm configured to cause the retraction of said forward actuating arm.

5. The mobility device of claim 2, wherein said first main axle and said second main axle are further comprised of a first axle component and a second axle component; wherein said first axle component and said second axle component are configured to be obliquely displaceable by at least one side actuator.

6. The mobility device of claim 2, wherein said first main axle and said second main axle are further comprised of a first axle component and a second axle component; wherein said first axle component is configured to be obliquely displaceable by a first side actuator; and wherein a said second axle component is configured to be obliquely displaceable by a second side actuator.

7. The mobility device of claim 4, wherein said secondary axle further comprises at least one drum roller, said at least one drum roller placed between said rear frame components along said secondary axle.

8. The mobility device of claim 3, wherein said first axle component and said second axle component being further encased within a drum roller.

9. The mobility device of claim 6, wherein said first axle component and said second axle component being further encased within a drum roller.

10. The mobility device of claim 3, wherein said second main axle mounted into an innermost one of said hollow telescoping components of said second pair of struts; wherein said second axle is configured to be raised down to said support surface.

11. The mobility device of claim 10, wherein each of said second pair of struts having a lower sliding member: said lower sliding member mounted onto a lower actuator; wherein the bottom point of said lower sliding member further comprising a wheel; and wherein said wheel is configured to come into contact with said support surface when said lower sliding member is lowered downward by said lower actuator; and wherein said lower sliding member further configured to raise off of said support surface said wheel rotatingly connected to said strut of said first pair of struts.

12. The mobility device of claim 10, wherein said second main axle further comprising a wedge; wherein a ridge of said wedge extending forward from said second main axle and wherein said edge rotatingly actuated around said second pivot.

13. The mobility device of claim 12, wherein said secondary axle further comprising a wedge; wherein a ridge of said wedge extending rearward from said second secondary axle and wherein said edge rotatingly actuated around said secondary axle.

14. The mobility device of claim 13, wherein said first frame component of said first plurality of frame components and said first frame component of said second plurality of frame components further comprising collapsible arm rests.

15. The mobility device of claim 14, wherein said wheels of said second pair of struts are configured of full sidelong rotation about their point of attachment to each of said strut of said second pair of struts, and wherein said wheels of said first pair of struts and said wheels of said second pair of struts are connected to an electric motor for motorized linear motion of said mobility device.

16. The mobility device of claim 3, wherein said at least one drum on said secondary axles or said at least one drum on said second axle having rotational actuator said rotational actuator configured to linearly displace said belt.

17. The mobility device of claim 15, wherein said at least one drum on said secondary axles or said at least one drum on said second axle having rotational actuator said rotational actuator configured to linearly displace said belt.

18. Mobility device of claim 17, wherein said first linear actuator further comprises an opening and wherein said belt further comprises at least one opening; wherein said opening on the belt is configured to coincide with said opening in said at first linear actuator and wherein said opening in said first actuator and said opening in said belt configured to afford a user of said mobility device an opportunity to us a toilet while still disposed on said mobility device.

19. The mobility device of claim 17, wherein one of said collapsible armrests further comprises a finger activated control pad said finger activated control pad controlling said first actuator, said second actuator said at least one side actuator, said lower actuator, said rotational actuator said first and second vertical actuator and said linear motion of said mobility device.

20. A method of lifting a patient off the floor comprising the steps of; having a mobility device comprised of a first pair of support struts, a second pair of support struts, said first and second support struts in a parallel and spaced apart association from each other and joined by at least one telescoping tie, a support frame comprised of a first plurality of telescoping frame members in a spaced apart and parallel association with a second plurality of telescoping frame members, wherein said first and second plurality of telescoping frame members joined by a plurality of axles; wherein one of said plurality of axles being a first main support axle and is rotatingly coupled to said first pair of support struts and joining said first and second plurality of telescoping frame members; and wherein one of said plurality of axles being a second main support axle and is rotatingly coupled to said second pair of support struts and joining said first and second plurality of telescoping frame members; wherein said first and second pairs of support struts each further comprising a vertical actuator and wherein said first and second axle further comprising a side actuator; and wherein said second main axle further comprising a wedge pivoting about said second main axle with a ridge of said wedge extending in a direction away from said second main axle; a belt in a closed loop covering said second main axle and stretching rearwardly to an at least one axle past said first main axle, wherein said belt rotatingingy motorized to linearly move around said support frame; wherein said vertical actuator of the second pair of struts lowers said second main axle; said mobility device is linearly actuated to drive said wedge beneath a person on a floor; wherein said wedge is configured to pivot about said second main axle to shimmy further beneath a patient laying on a floor; and wherein said belt is displaced rearwardly using rotational force of said front axle and plurality of axles in the back of said front axle; wherein the force of said belt pulling said patient onto said support frame; said vertical actuator of said first pair of struts and said vertical actuator of said second pair of struts to raise said support frame into a substantially horizontal position in support of a patient thereon.

21. A method of claim 20; wherein a belt in a closed loop covering said second main axle and stretching rearwardly to an at least one axle past said first main axle, wherein said belt rotatingingy motorized to linearly move around said support frame; wherein said mobility device is aligned with a foot of a bed; wherein said vertical actuators of said first and second pair of struts raising said support frame above the surface of said bed; said side actuators in said first and said main axles linearly spreading said first and said second support frames apart until wheels of said first and said second pair of struts clear the width of the bed; said mobility device displated linearly over the bed and wherein said vertical actuators aligning said support frame to be directly over the surface of a bed; said belt rotated in the direction of said surface of said bed to discharge a patient from said support frame unto a surface of said bed; and wherein loading a patient onto a bed from a mobility device.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of; wherein said lower telescoping members are lowered to the ground until a wheel connected to said strut on each of said second pair of struts is lifted off the ground; wherein said vertical actuators of said first and second pair of struts raising said support frame above the surface of said bed; said side actuators in said first and said main axles linearly spreading said struts of said first strut pair and said struts of said second pair of struts apart, wherein said wheels of said second support struts are aligned in the direction of the movement and wherein said wheels connected to said lower ends spreading said first pair of struts until wheels of said first and said second pair of struts clear the width of the bed; said mobility device displaced linearly over the bed and wherein said vertical actuators aligning said support frame to be directly over the surface of a bed; said belt rotated in the direction of said surface of said bed to discharge a patient from said support frame unto a surface of said bed; wherein a patient is loaded onto a bed off of a bed and unto a mobility device.

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of the alignment of a patient's excretion openings with a belt opening; and activating the belt to align the openings to form a vertical chute.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the disclosed device shown with a belt.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the disclosed device shown in FIG. 1 converted into a bed.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a view of the device from the rear and having toilet compatibility openings.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a frontal view of the device shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a device shown in FIG. 4, but without a belt.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the front axle of the disclosed device.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a detailed diagram of the first vertical actuator.

[0045] FIG. 8 is the detail diagram of the second vertical actuator.

[0046] FIGS. 9A and 9B are front and back perspective view of the disclosed device in position for retrieving a patient from the ground.

[0047] FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams of raised and lowered support frame.

[0048] FIGS. 11A-11D demonstrate the various contextual uses of the device in transferring a user from another surface onto the disclosed device and from the disclosed device unto a surface.

[0049] FIG. 11E is another demonstration of the mobility device unfolded and having hygienic openings.

[0050] FIG. 12 is another contextual diagram demonstrating the chair being fitted through a doorway.

[0051] FIGS. 13-16 are diagrams describing the disclosed method.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0053] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiment of the present invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the present invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made thereto.

[0054] FIG. 1 demonstrates the first pair of struts 20 comprised. Mounted unto the outer side 25 of each of the struts 20 is the first wheel 26 that supports the first pair of struts 20 on the ground 24 or any other support surface. A second pair of struts 40 is in a parallel and spaced apart association with the first pair of struts 20. The second pair of struts 40 is comprised of struts 42 and 44 and the telescoping components of the struts 44a, 44b and 44c. The second wheels 46 are mounted toward the bottom end 48a of the struts within a pair of rails 48d, which permit the actual mount of the second wheel 46 to be adjustable and to slide upwards to bring the supports struts 40 substantially in connection with the support surface 24. Also shown are the folding foot supports 49a that swing on pivots 49b, the foot supports are mounted onto housings 49, which in turn are mounted within the mounting grooves 49c on the lower strut component 44a.

[0055] Also visible is the first actuator 90 within the support frame 200. The first actuator 90 is shown with two forward actuator arms 92. The second linear actuator 100 with the forward actuator arm 104. The first and second linear actuators 90 and 100, respectively are shown with center apertures to support use of the mobility device 10 with a conventional bathroom.

[0056] Separating the first pair of struts 20 and the second pair of struts is at least two ties 50. The first tie 50a of the at least two ties 50 connects one of the first upright struts 20a with one of the struts 44 of the second pair of struts 40. The other strut 50b of the at least two struts connects the other of the first pair of struts 20b with the other of the second pair of struts 42. The ties 50 are formed with at least one additional telescoping component to extend or reduce the distance between the first and second pair of struts 20 and 40. The first pair of struts 20, the second pair of struts 40 and the ties 50 are shown as hollow semi enclosed members. Alternatively, the members may be fully enclosed.

[0057] Also visible is first wedge 54 pivotedly attached to the second axle 217 and pivoted downward as shown, and the second wedge 56 pivotedly attached at the secondary axle 216. The first and second wedges 54 and 56 pivot around the secondary acle 216 and the second main axle 217 with the ridge 53 pointing in the direction away from the secondary axle 216 or the forwardmost axle 217.

[0058] FIG. 2 demonstrates the support frame 200 comprised of the first plurality of frame components 200a and the second plurality of frame components 200b. The first and second plurality of frame components 200a and 200b respectively, are in a parallel and spaced apart association with each other and jointed together by a plurality of axles, which at the minimum include the first main axle 220, the second main axle 230 and the secondary axle 216. Each of the first and second plurality of frame components 200a and 200b is comprised of the first frame member 202 and at least one forward support member 204 and 204 that are forward of the first frame support component 202, and a rear frame support member 210 that is after of the first frame support member 202. Each rear frame support member 210 is preferably further comprised of at least one secondary support member 212. Each of the first frame support member 202 and at least one forward support members 204 and 208 are comprised of the first end 202i and the second end 202ii. The first end 202i is comprised of an axle, such as the first main axle 220, and the midsection axles 280a and 280b. The second ends 202ii are in a telescoping and slided association with the frame component ahead of it. The second end 202ii of the frontmost frame component 208 is comprised of the second main axle 230 which connects to the axle components 230a and 230b via rotating joints 230b. The second main axle 230 is shown having two side actuators 240a and 240b. Therefore, while the first axle 230 is shown as fully extended in a sidelong direction 240c, the one or both of the axles 230a or 230b may be extended obliquely.

[0059] Still referring to FIG. 2, the proximal end 210 of the rear member 210 is connected to the first end 202i of the first frame member 202 through a hinge 222. The first main axle 220 provides the hinge or pivot that enables the first frame component 202 and the rear component 210 to change the angle 223. The pivot actuator 270 automates the angle 223 and enables it to be varied at a touch of a button. The first linear actuator 90 is mounted to a first frame component 202, with the forward actuating arm 92 extending to the foremost forward frame member 206 and connects in a rotational fashion to the second main axle 230. In this association the forward actuating arm, which may be the stroke arm of the first linear actuator 90, is capable of pulling or pushing on the second main axle 230, without preventing the axle 230 from rotating, if such rotation is required or preferred. Visible above the first frame components 202 are retracted arm rests 140 having one or more joysticks 150 for controlling the linear motion, steering and various linear actuators disclosed in the mobility device 10. Controls for moving the first and second rollers 120 and 110 respectively, are then exposed to the rider at one or both joysticks 150. It should be noted that while controls may be transmitted to toggle and pushbutton switches, control can also be verbal, where a concealed microphone in one of the components of the frame 200 will be interpreted by an onboard control center to execute a relevant command, such as chair forward, steer left or steer right and so forth.

[0060] The rear frame component 210 is shown having at least one secondary component 212 and 214 which is in a slided telescoping relationship with each other. The seatback component 100 is connected to the pivot component 270. The pivot component 270 articulates the back component 100, causing the angle 230 to be increased or decreased.

[0061] The second linear actuator 102 is shown mounted onto a seat back component 100. The second linear actuator 102 has a rearwardly extending arm 104, with the rearmost or distal end 105 rotatingly coupling with the secondary axle 216. The rearwardly extending arm 104 is configured to extend and compress the telescoping components rear frame component 210 and at least one secondary frame component 212 and 214 of the first and second plurality of frame components 200a and 200b respectively. While second linear actuator 102 is shown mounted on the seatback 100 is may also be mounted on one or both of the rear frame components 210.

[0062] The secondary axle 216 represents the second end 203 of the support frame 200. The secondary axle 216 is preferably encased within the second roller 110. The second roller 110 may be a single unit or comprised of several interrupted units, as shown in rollers 110 and 110a. The second roller 110 is motorized to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise in parallel with the first roller 120. The motor for rotating the second roller 110 is preferably mounted onto the secondary axle 216, or at the distal end 214. Additionally, the roller 110 may contain a roller wheel 110b on either of its ends the purpose of roller 110 and roller wheel 110b is to enhance the coupling with the belt 300. The first roller 120 encases the second axle 230 and is motorized clockwise or counterclockwise in a synchronized manner with the second roller 110.

[0063] Also visible in FIG. 2 is the first vertical actuator 240 that moves axle joint 220a in the direction 220b, the axle joint 220a rotatingly houses the first main axle 220. The first vertical actuator 240 may be installed in one or both of the struts of the first pair of struts. A second vertical actuator is 242 is preferably deployed within one or both of the struts of the second pair of struts 40. The second vertical actuator 242 is configured to raise and lower the second axle joint 242a that are rotatingly holding the second main axle 230, in the direction 242b. The second vertical actuator 242 may also expand and collapse the telescoping sections of the strats of the second pair of struts 40. Alternatively, a third vertical actuator may be mounted onto a tie 50, with the distal end of the stroke arm 260 mounting on at the distal end 40a located at or near the top of the second pair of support struts 40.

[0064] Each of the first wheels 26 connects to the exterior portion of the second pair of struts 20 through an electric motor 27. There is an electric motor 27 at each of the first wheels 26. The second wheels 46 are preferably coaster wheels and connect through a motor mount 48, which enables the second wheels 46 to be steered in 360 angle. The electric motors 27 to control forward and reverse motion of the mobility device 10 and the motor mount 48 to control the steering of the mobility device 10 would be presented to the rider via a removable joystick 150.

[0065] FIG. 3 demonstrated another embodiment of the disclosed invention. Shown is the backside of the support frame 200. The belt 300 is shown having openings 310. Note that the belt 300 may have a plurality of openings 310 to maximize the ability to match such openings to the openings 160 in the seat actuator 90 (FIG. 1). Also visible in FIG. 3 is the second wedge 56 mounted at the second end 203. The second wedge 56 pivots using the secondary axle 216 (FIG. 2).

[0066] FIG. 3 demonstrates the wheel motor 27 that provides propulsion to the first wheels 26. The wheel motors 27 may also contain a battery pack to power other electronic features of the mobility device, and further comprise utility ports, such as a charging port.

[0067] The first pair of struts 20 is further comprised of the lower actuators 315 that are configured to extend and retract the lower support members 320. Each lower support member 320 contains a support wheel 330 located at its lowest end 321. The support wheels 330 are preferably perpendicularly oriented to the axis of oscillation of the first wheels 26. Alternatively, the support wheels 330 may be connected to a motor at the lower end 321 which would provide power steering of the wheel mount and the linear motion of the support wheels 330.

[0068] The front of the mobility device is further demonstrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Shown are a plurality of openings 310 in the belt 300. Notably the belt 300 is a continuous belt that is capable of moving in the direction 312 of the areas comprising a seatback 100a and the seat 161. Alternatively, both the seatback 100a and the seat section 161 would each comprise an additional roller (not shown). These rollers would be housed adjacently to the first main axle 220 (FIG. 2).

[0069] The retractable armrest 150 are supported by folding supports 142. The top end of the supports 142a is in a slided association with the armrest 150 while the bottom ends 142b engage a channel 143. The channel 143 is preferably comprised of a plurality of notches 144 for immobilizing the bottom ends 142b. To fold the armrest 150 one would raise pull upward on the armrest 150, inducing the bottom ends 142b to be dislodged from the notices 144. One would then press downward on the armrest 150 with some alacrity until the armrest is lowered sufficiently or stowed in a on top of the first frame member 202. Alternatively, the notches 144 may be motorized lower and raise the armrests 50 as desired via the joysticks 150. It is preferred that the folding supports 142 can be fully stowed within the channel 143.

[0070] Also visible in FIG. 5 is the first linear actuator 90, the second linear actuator 102, the vertical actuator 240 and the second vertical actuator 242. Also visible is the third vertical actuator 262, the lower support member 320 with the support wheels 330.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a closeup diagram of the first end 201. Shown is the closeup of the second main axle 230. Shown are a first side actuator 240a and a second side actuator 240b. The first and second side actuators exerting an oblique pressure or pull force onto the axle mounting socket 242a. The first wedge 54 having a leading edge 53 and a base 57. The base 57 being adjacent to the second main axle 230 and being mounted attached to it with motorized loops 55. The motorized loops are designed to raise, lower and shimmy the wedge 54. A second wedge 56, is similarly enable at second end 203 (FIG. 2).

[0072] In the embodiment shown the first linear actuator 90 is comprised of two actuators 90a and 90b mounted onto the seat section 161. The power to the actuators in the disclosed mobility device is battery driven. Battery packs may be concealed within the motor case of the first wheels, or within the seat section 161 or seatback component 100 (FIG. 2). The first linear actuator 90 is shown having a motor case 90a a drivetrain case 93b a stroke tube 93a and a socket front end 93 connecting to the second main axle 230. The drivetrain of the linear actuator may be belt driven or gear driven against a captive or non-captive drive screw acting on a stroke arm. Another type of an actuator used in the disclosed device is the rotary actuator. Rotary actuators power the belt wheels 241a, motorized loops 55 of the wedge 54 and 56, the first and second drums 120 and 110, the first wheels 26, the steering of the second wheels 46 and the support wheels 330.

[0073] Clearly visible in FIG. 6 is the armrest channel 143, having a plurality of notches 144, engaged by the bottom end 142 of the arm rest support arms 140. Also visible are the mounting channel 49c for the foot housings 49, telescoping strut components 44 and 42 of the second pair of struts 40 and a top end 40a for the third vertical actuator. A plurality of axles 286 serve as rotary actuators for the belt wheels 241a. Alternatively, belt wheels 241a may rotate on motors mounted within the frame components the belt wheels connect to. The plurality of axles 286 further serves to hold together the first and second plurality of frame components 200a and 200b forming the support frame 200.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a further close up diagram, this time showing the first vertical actuator 240. The motor of the first vertical actuator 240 drives a non-captive screw, causing the axle socket 220 to move up or down along the first pair of struts 20. Notably, if the first vertical actuator 240 is only in one of the two struts of the first pari of struts 20, the axle socket 220 not engaged by the actuator screw simply glides along the inner channel of the strut.

[0075] Similarly, FIG. 8 demonstrates one embodiment of the second vertical actuator 242, leadscrew 243 and axle socket 242a, which doubles as the screw nut. It should be noted that the description of actuators provided in in this figure and in the foregoing figures is merely an example and other different actuator configuration are possible, including screw rollers, gear driven screws, bearing nuts, belt driven actuators, etc.

[0076] As described above, the mobility device 10 is enabled to be lowered to the ground surface 24 or raised higher than a standard hospital bed. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second pair of struts is collapsed completely. With motorized mount 48 for the second wheels 46, mounted within rails 48c (see FIG. 1 for a detailed diagram) is displaced substantially toward the top point of the strut 40a. In so doing the bottom surface 54b is laying on or adjacent to the support surface 24, and the top surface 54a is capable for sliding beneath a rider. At the same time, the first main axle 220 is driven downward along the first pair of struts, until it is adjacent to or in contact with the lower support members 320. Furthermore, the foot rest housing 49 would also be shifted upwards within the grooves 49c.

[0077] In FIG. 10A the support frame 200 is lifted to the upper maximum extensions of the first and second pairs of struts 20 and 40. Notably, while the first pair of struts is shown having a one non-telescoping rail 21a, with actuators and support members moving linearly within the rail 21a, additional telescoping components may be provide to raise the support frame even further. Similarly, the support frame can be lowered to be even lower than tie members 50 to be substantially level with the ground surface 24, especially when the motor mounts 48 are raised along the second pair of struts and the lower support members 320 are lowered.

[0078] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the process of lifting a patient off a floor surface. Shown is a person 400 in a supine position. The person may also be on his or her side or in a prone position. If possible, the person 400 may reach back to remove one of the joysticks 150 to control the mobility device 10. The joysticks 150 may each control separate functions or configured to be redundant or both. With redundant joysticks, on can always be removably mounted on the support frame 200 and the other joystick 150 may be near the patient 400. The joysticks 150 would then communicate wirelessly with a radio receiver on the mobility device 10. Additionally, the mobility device 10 may be configured with a microphone and voice recognition software being attuned to a particular voice or command within a certain proximity 410, which may be immediate vicinity or a certain immediate radius around the device 10.

[0079] The person 400 uses voice or joystick 150 to drive the mobility device in direction 27a, steering with second wheels 46 as necessary. Once the device 10 is sufficiently close by, the person, or the person's assistant, lowers the support frame 200, bringing the first wedge 54 in contact with the floor surface 24. The footrests 49a are then directed folded out of the way. In an embodiment where pivots 49b are electronically actuated, this step can also be done at the push of a button. The device is then propelled further in the direction 27a until the wedge 54 is beneath the patient 400 some part of the person's body is in contact with the belt 300. The belt 300 can then be activated in the direction 312 to pull electronically, until the patient is safely on the support frame 200. The entire motor enabled process may be programmed into the joystick and be activated with a single action. Then unless there is an interference or an aberrational event necessitating an override, the process can automatically continue until completion.

[0080] FIGS. 11C and 11D demonstrate the use of the mobility device 10. In FIG. 11C, the patient 400 is on the support frame 200. At the push of a button, the first and second sides 201c and 201d expand in the direction 240c to be wider than the sides 510 of the bed 500. At that point, the first and second main axles, 220 and 230, respectively, are raised to be oriented above the mattress surface 520. The device 10 is then driven in the direction 27a to overlap with the mattress surface 520. Notably this operation may be performed from the first end 201 or the second end 203. Once the support frame 200 is over the bed 500, the belt is activated in the direction 312a with the user 400 is shifted unto the mattress surface 520 over the second wedge 56 (or the first edge 54). The device 10 is then reversed in the direction 27b, with the belt 300 still rotating in the direction 312a, causing any part of the patients body not already on the bed surface 520, to now slide over said surface.

[0081] FIG. 11D may also illustrate the lifting of the patient 400 off the surface 520. The device 10 is driven in the direction of 27a until the support fame 200 overlaps with the bed 500. The leading wedge, 54 or 56 is driven under a person 400 and then the belt is activated in the direction 312 (or 312a, whatever the case may be) until the user is on the support frame 200. The device 10 is then driven in the direction of 27b, with the support frame 200 lowered and the sides 201c and 201d narrowed until they reach a desired width, which may be the width sufficient to drive the device through a door frame 410 as demonstrated in FIG. 12, with a standard doorframes ranging between 82 cm and 92 cm.

[0082] The present invention further demonstrates a method of lifting a patient off the floor or any support surface. Method requires the mobility device 10 of having a mobility device having a first pair of support struts 20 and a second pair of support struts 10 in a parallel and spaced apart association from each other and joined by at least one telescoping tie 50; housing a support frame 200 comprised of a first plurality of telescoping frame members 201a in a spaced apart and parallel association with a second plurality of telescoping frame members 201b joined together by a plurality of axles 286. One of the plurality of axles 286 being a first main support axle 220 and a second main support axle 230. The first and second pairs of support struts each further comprising a vertical actuator 240 and 242 and wherein said first and second axle further comprising a side actuator 240a and 222. Where the second main axle 230 further comprising a first wedge 54 pivoting about said second main axle with a ridge of said wedge extending in a direction away from said second main axle 230, a belt 300 in a closed loop covering said second main axle 230 and stretching rearwardly to an at least one axle past said first main axle, wherein said belt rotatingingy motorized to linearly move around said support frame 200. The second vertical actuator 242 of the second pair of struts 40 is configured to lower the second main axle 230. The mobility device 10 is linearly actuated to drive said wedge beneath a person 400 on a floor. There is preferably a wedge on both ends 201 and 203 of the support frame 200, that are configured to pivot about said second main axle 230 or the secondary axle 216, to shimmy further beneath a patient 400 laying on the ground 24. The belt 300 is displaced rearwardly using rotational force of said second main axle 230 and plurality of axles in the back of the second mail axle 230. Where the force of said belt pulling said patient onto said support frame 200. The vertical actuator 240 of said first pair of struts 20 and the second vertical actuator 242 of the second pair of struts 40 configured to raise the support frame 200 into a substantially horizontal position in support of a patient 400.

[0083] The method therefore comprises the step of summoning the mobility device 10 to a location of the fall 600. Aligning the mobility device 10 to be in line with the person on the floor 610. Carefully driving the mobility device 10 such that the first or second wedge, whatever the case may be, is driven beneath the patient 620. Activating the belt to pull the patient onto the mobility device 640 and raising the mobility device off the ground with the person securely on it 650. The method may be further comprised of the steps of converting the mobility device 10 from a chair to a flat device to lift the patient, and back to a chair once the patient has been lifted. An additional step may be the folding of foot supports and collapsing of the second pair of struts 660.

[0084] A second method enabled with the disclosed invention is to transfer a user of the mobility device 10 from the device unto a bed. The steps of this method include converting the mobility device 10 into a flat surface 670. Aligning the mobility device 10 to be in the same line as a bed 680. Expanding the first and second sides of the mobility device 201c and 201d to be slightly wider than a bed 690. Raising the support frame 200 to be slightly above the surface of the bed 700. Positioning the first or second ends, 201 or 213, of the support frame 200 of the mobility device over the bed 710. Activating the belt shift a person from the belt 300 onto the surface of the bed 720.

[0085] A third method enabled with the disclosed invention is to transfer a user of the mobility device 10 from the bed and unto the device. The steps of this method include converting the mobility device 10 into a flat surface 670. Aligning the mobility device 10 to be in the same line as a bed 680. Expanding the first and second sides of the mobility device 201c and 201d to be slightly wider than a bed 690. Raising the support frame 200 to be slightly above the surface of the bed 700. Positioning the first or second ends, 201 or 213, of the support frame 200 of the mobility device over the bed with the wedge facing beneath the patient 720. Driving the wedge slightly further beneath the patient 730. Activating the belt to shift a person the bed onto the surface of the bed 740. Backing the mobility device away from the bed 750 and returning the mobility device back to ordinary dimensions 760.

[0086] FIG. 16 further demonstrates a method of using the mobility device 10 in a way that permits a patient thereon to urinate or defecate by utilizing vertically aligned openings 310. The method begins with alignment of a patient's excretion openings with a belt opening 310 in step 780. Activating the belt 300 to align the openings 310 to form a vertical chute in step 790. If necessary, directing the support wheels 46 and 26 to shift the mobility device over a plumbing facility, such as a toilet or a container positioned below the vertical chute in step 800.

[0087] Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and, sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventionssuch as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so onmay be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Parameters identified as approximate or about a specified value are intended to include both the specified value and values within 10% of the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims, as currently written or as amended or added in the future. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.