Physical transfer electric assist device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care

Abstract

A physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care. It starts with a long plank that bridges between the start and finish point and then the plank has a movable, rotating disk with an optional back and leg rest. The disk slides from Point A start to Point B finish and is actuated by an electric motor powered with a battery or electricity from a plug-in receptacle. The whole device is portable with a foldable leg structure to securely and safely support the patient. The use and method of the device anticipates transfers such as a patient in a bed or wheel chair transfer to a tub, shower, toilet or other place for some personal or medical need.

Claims

1. A Physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care, the device is made of a durable and lightweight materials and comprised of: a) a top structure comprised of a rotating and sliding disk, the disk with a tapered perimeter on its top surface and with a center post connecting to a support plate; b) the support plate further comprised of a center means for connecting the center post to the rotating and sliding disk and further comprised of roller or wheel mechanism to support which provides a structural means for siding and rolling the support plate across a top plank/board as a gear mechanism is activated; c) the top plank/board further comprised of an upper and lower surface and a disk path/groove; d) a driving mechanism further comprised of a power source connected to a motor with a rotating shaft, a means for transferring rotation force from the rotating shaft to a linear drive mechanism in the disk path/groove, a connection means for transferring rotation force to the seat disk, and a fastening means for securing the driving mechanism to the bottom surface of the plank; and e) a set of front legs and a set of rollable back legs, each set comprised of telescoping legs and supporting struts and each set with a securing means for hingeably/and a securing means for removably connecting front legs or rear legs to lower surface of plank/board wherein the device can assist a patient moving from one flat surface, Point A, to a second flat surface, Point B.

2. The Physical transfer device/board according to claim 1 wherein the durable and lightweight materials is selected from the group consisting of an aluminum, a powder coated sheet metal, a reinforced plastic, a wood, a pressed fiber board, and a composite material.

3. The Physical transfer device/board according to claim 1 further comprising a side shield.

4. The Physical transfer device/board according to claim 1 wherein the top plank/board is further comprised of a second disk path/groove.

5. The Physical transfer device/board according to claim 1 further comprising an adjustable and removable back support.

6. The Physical transfer device/board according to claim 1 further comprising an adjustable and removable foot support.

7. The Physical transfer device/board according to claim 1 wherein the motor power is selected from the group consisting of electric alternating current, a direct current battery, a pneumatic, and a hydraulic power source.

8. The Physical transfer device/board according to claim 1 wherein the securing means for removably connecting front legs or rear legs to lower surface of plank/board is selected from the group consisting of spring detents, cotter clip, and spring clips.

9. The Physical transfer device/board according to claim 1 wherein the therapy or in need of special care is selected from the group consisting of a health care facility, a rehabilitation facility, a hospital, an old age residential area, a facility for youth with disabilities, a public place mandated for disabled accessibility, and a private home.

10. The Physical transfer device/board according to claim 1 wherein the center bearing/bushing is selected from a group consisting of a bushing, a ball bearing, a needle bearing, and a thrust bearings.

11. The Physical transfer device/board according to claim 1 wherein the drive mechanism is a worm gear.

12. A Physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care, the device is made of a durable and lightweight powder coated aluminum and comprised of: a) a top structure comprised of a rotating and sliding disk, the disk with a tapered perimeter on its top surface and with a center post connecting to a support plate; b) the support plate further comprised of a ball bearing for connecting the center post to the rotating and sliding disk and further comprised of roller or wheel mechanism to support which provides a structural means for siding and rolling the support plate across a top plank/board as a gear mechanism is activated; c) the top plank/board further comprised of an upper and lower surface and a disk path/groove; d) a driving mechanism further comprised of a battery power source connected to a motor with a rotating shaft, a worm gear for transferring rotation force from the rotating shaft to a linear drive mechanism in the disk path/groove, a connection means for transferring rotation force to the seat disk, and a fastening means for securing the driving mechanism to the bottom surface of the plank; and e) a set of front legs and a set of rollable back legs, each set comprised of telescoping legs and supporting struts and each set with a securing means for hingeably/and a securing means for removably connecting front legs or rear legs to lower surface of plank/board wherein the device can assist a patient moving from one flat surface, Point A, to a second flat surface, Point B.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the Physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the Physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care. It is understood, however, that the Physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a sketch of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care.

[0023] FIGS. 2 A and 2 B are sketches of the top structures and the top plank/board of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care.

[0024] FIGS. 3 A through 3 C are additional sketches with the components and features shown from generally a top and side views of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care.

[0025] FIGS. 4 A and 4 B are sketches of the wheeled and non-wheeled ends with the components and features shown of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care.

[0026] FIGS. 5 A through 5 B are sketches of the device controller, the built device, a folded device, a carrying case and the components and features of the seat disk all for the Physical transfer electric assist device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care.

[0027] FIGS. 6 A and 6 B are sketches of the removable/adjustable back support and the removable/adjustable foot support of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care.

[0028] FIGS. 7 A through 7 F are sketches of various attachment means for the telescoping components of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care.

[0029] FIGS. 8 A through 8 D are sketches of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board in operation with a patient transferring to and from a hospital bed to a wheel chair.

[0030] FIGS. 9 A through 9 C are sketches of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board in operation with a patient transferring to and from a wheel chair to a toilet or waste device.

[0031] FIG. 10 A through 10 C are sketches of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board in operation with a patient transferring to and from a wheel chair to a tub or shower seat.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference Numerals

[0032] The following list refers to the drawings:

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE B Reference numbers Ref. Description 30 physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 for people in therapy or in need of special care 30A fully detailed physical transfer electric assist device/board 30A 30B folded 30B physical transfer electric assist device/ board 30 31 top structure 31 of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30, 30A 32 top plank/board 32 having an upper and lower surface 32L top plank/board length 32L - approximately 36 inches 32W top plank/board width 32W - approximately 12 inches 33 disk path/groove 33 33A alternative disk path/groove 33A 34 end taper on transfer board - width 34W approximately 1-1/2 inches 35 overlap 35 for transfer board - approximately 3 inches 40 rotating and sliding disk 40 40 rotating and sliding disk diameter 40- inch diameter) 40A side shield 40A for rotating and sliding disk 40 40B top surface 40B of rotating and sliding disk 40 41 center post 41 for rotating disk 40 42 taper 42 (width 42W - approximately 1-1/2 inches) at perimeter of the for rotating disk 40 43 means for connecting 43 the center post 41 to for rotating and sliding disk 40 44 means for connecting 44 optional side shield 40A to rotating and sliding disk 40 45 apertures 45 for mounting adjustable and removable back support 80 46 apertures 46 for mounting adjustable and removable foot support 85 47 drive mechanism 47 such as a worm gear mounted into the disk slots 33, 33A and engaging the disk gear 48 as a means to drive the back and forth travel of the disk gear fixture 48 and hence the support plate 50 and rotating/sliding disk 40 47A motor gear/rotating connection 47A to transfer rotational force of motor 65 to drive mechanism 47 48 disk gear fixture 48 connected to the support plate 50 49 a fastening means 49 to secure and connect disk gear fixture 48 to the support plate 50 50 support plate 50 of the rotating and sliding disk 40 50A roller or wheel mechanism/system 50A to support, to provide a structural means for siding and rolling the support plate 50 across the plank 32 as the gear mechanisms 47, 48 are activated 51 center bearing/bushing 51 in support plate 50 of the rotating and sliding disk 40 or alternatively a means for connecting the motor to the rotating and sliding disk to transmit rotational force from the motor 65 to the disk 40 52 front legs 52 no wheeled as a height adjustable end support 52W width 52W (approximately 12 inches) of adjustable front leg support 52 52H height 52H (approximately 30 inches) of adjustable front leg support 52 53 telescoping top tube structure 53 for front legs 52 53H height 53H (approximately 18 inches) of telescoping top tube structure 53 for front legs 52 54 telescoping lower tube structure 54 for front legs 52 54H height 54H (approximately 12 inches) of telescoping lower tube structure 54 for front legs 52 55 top strut support 55 for front legs 52 55A top strut support 55A for front legs 52 supporting and attached by fasteners to the lower surface of the top plank 32 56 bottom strut support 56 for front legs 52 57 bottom end protectors 57 crutch tips or the like 58 apertures 58 in telescoping tubes 53 and 54 to receive quick fasteners 69 A-H 59 rear legs 59 with wheels as a height adjustable end support 59W width 59W (approximately 12 inches) of adjustable rear leg support 59 59H height 59H (approximately 31-1/2 inches) of adjustable rear leg support 59 60 telescoping top tube structure 60 for rear legs 59 61 telescoping lower tube structure 61 for rear legs 59 62 top strut support 62 for rear legs 59 62A top strut support 62A for rear legs 59 supporting and attached by fasteners to the lower surface of the top plank 32 63 bottom strut support 63 for rear legs 59 64 bottom lockable wheels 64 or (approximately 1-1/2 to 3 inches) the like 64A height 64A (approximately 1-1/2 inches) above floor of bottom wheel pivot axis 64B support strut 64B for mounting wheels 64 to bottom strut 63 and telescoping lower tube structure 61 for rear legs 59 65 electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor 65 or the like 66 connection 66/cord/hose to power source 67 power source 67 electric AC (electrical line current and power)/DC (battery or equal) or pneumatic or hydraulic 68 means 68 for removably connecting motor 65 to lower surface of plank/board 32 such as an angle and components or means to secure - fasteners, adhesives and the like 69 quick connect/disconnect fasteners 69 A through F A-F such as quick spring detents, cotter clip, spring clips and the like as shown in drawings FIGS. 7 A through 7 F for removably fastening telescoping legs 53, 54 for front legs 52 and 60, 61 for rear legs 59 through apertures 58, 76; similarly used with adjustable back support 80 and foot support 85 in apertures 84, 89 70 controller 70 71 cord or connection 71 from controller 70 to motor 65 and power source 67 72 on/off switch 72 73 back/forth switch 73 74 optional rotate switch 74 76 apertures 76 in telescoping tubes 60 and 61 to receive quick fasteners 69 A-H 77 means 77 for hingeably/pivotally/foldably and removably connecting front legs 52 or rear legs 59 to lower surface of plank/board 32 such as an plates and a hinge with components or means to secure - fasteners, adhesives and the like 80 adjustable and removable back support 80 80W width 80W (approximately 18 inches) of adjustable and removable back support 80 80H height 80H (approximately 12 inches) of adjustable and removable back support 80 80E Extension 80E (approximately 21 inches) of adjustable and removable back support 80 from slidable disk 40 81 back plate or plane 81 of the adjustable and removable back support 80 - durable material (plastic, metal, composite or the like) with or without padding 82 strut 82 to support and reinforce the tubular structure 83 of the adjustable and removable back support 80 83 tubular structure 83 of the adjustable and removable back support 80 84 mounting apertures 84 in the tubular structure 83 of the adjustable and removable back support 80 used to removably connect with the rotating disk 40 85 adjustable and removable foot support 85 85W width 85W (approximately 18 inches) of adjustable and removable foot support 85 85H height 85H (approximately 6 inches) of adjustable and removable foot support 85 85E Extension 85E (approximately 27 inches) of adjustable and removable foot support 85 from slidable disk 40 86 foot plate or plane 87 of the adjustable and removable foot support 85 - durable material (plastic, metal, composite or the like) 87 strut 87 to support and reinforce the tubular structure 88 of the adjustable and removable foot support 85 88 tubular structure 88 of the adjustable and removable foot support 85 89 mounting apertures 89 in the tubular structure 88 of the adjustable and removable foot support 85 used to removably connect with the rotating disk 40 90 carrying case 90 Physical transfer electric assist device/board 30/30A 100 patient 100 105 wheelchair 105 110 hospital bed 110 112 toilet or waste device 112 115 tub/shower 115 120 tub/shower stool 120 125 a patient 100 transferring 125 A-D to and from a A-D hospital bed 110 to a wheel chair 105 130 a patient 100 transferring 130 A-C to and from a wheel A-C chair 105 to a toilet or waste device 112 135 a patient 100 transferring 135 A-C to and from a wheel A-C chair 105 to a tub or shower 115 seat/stool 120

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] The present development is the Physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care. Particularly this invention relates to a Physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care. Also it relates to medical devices, and more particularly to a device for transferring a patient in a bed or wheel chair to a tub, shower, toilet or other place the patient need to be transferred to for some personal or medical need. This invention relates to a device for transferring a patient from one location to another. More specifically, the invention relates to a portable sliding and rotating device for transferring a patient between two proximate locations such as a bed and a wheelchair. Further, this invention relates to the field of transferring patients from one surface to another, and more particularly to a system for aiding in the transfer of a patient from one support surface to another such as from a wheelchair to a hospital bed and vice versa. The present invention relates to the general art of supports, and to the particular field of devices used to move patients. The present invention relates generally to devices for transporting medical patients. More specifically, the invention relates to devices for transforming patients into and out of a bed.

[0034] The advantages for the physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care vice 30 are above listed above in the application. Succinctly the benefits are that the device: [0035] A. facilitates and/or promotes independence with transfers. As stated, certain individuals can be trained to use the device independently. [0036] B. minimizes the incidents of accidental injuries, such as injuries to patients or staff. Injuries that can be caused by improper lifting of patients or improper transfer techniques by staff. [0037] C. is economically useful in terms of saving time and labor involved in transferring disabled individuals. Also money saved in minimizing injuries can be caused by improper transfers. [0038] D. preserves a patient's dignity by allowing them to provide maximum level of participation in transfers. As well as by eliminating discomfort that can be caused by improper handling and/or touch of patients. [0039] E. can be used as a marketing tool. An effective/efficient, economical device that enhances independence and brings dignity in the way disabled population is being cared for, will attract clientele into the facilities where it is being used.

[0040] The preferred embodiment of a Physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care the device is made of durable and lightweight materials and comprised of: (a) a top structure comprised of a rotating and sliding disk, the disk with a tapered perimeter on its top surface and with a center post connecting to a support plate; (b) the support plate further comprised of a center means for connecting the center post to the rotating and sliding disk and further comprised of roller or wheel mechanism to support which provides a structural means for siding and rolling the support plate across a top plank/board as a gear mechanism is activated; (c) the top plank/board further comprised of an upper and lower surface and a disk path/groove; (d) a driving mechanism further comprised of a power source connected to a motor with a rotating shaft, a means for transferring rotation force from the rotating shaft to a linear drive mechanism in the disk path/groove, a connection means for transferring rotation force to the seat disk, and a fastening means for securing the driving mechanism to the bottom surface of the plank; and (e) a set of front legs and a set of rollable back legs, each set comprised of telescoping legs and supporting struts and each set with a securing means for hingeably/and a securing means for removably connecting front legs or rear legs to lower surface of plank/board wherein the device can assist a patient moving from one flat surface, Point A, to a second flat surface, Point B.

[0041] There is shown in FIGS. 1-10 a complete description and operative embodiment of the physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care. In the drawings and illustrations, one notes well that the FIGS. 1-10 demonstrate the general configuration and use of this product. The various example uses are in the operation and use section, below.

[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care 30 that is preferred. The drawings together with the summary description given above and a detailed description given below serve to explain the principles of the physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care 30. It is understood, however, that the physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care 30 is not limited to only the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. Other examples of patient assist devices to move from one surface to another are still understood by one skilled in the art of patient assist devices to be within the scope and spirit shown here.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a sketch of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 for people in therapy or in need of special care. Shown and demonstrated in this sketch are: the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 for people in therapy or in need of special care; the top plank/board 32 having an upper and lower surface; the overlap 35 for transfer boardapproximately 3 inches; the rotating and sliding disk 40; front legs 52 no wheeled as a height adjustable end support; bottom end protectors 57 crutch tips or the like; apertures 58 in telescoping tubes 53 and 54 to receive quick fasteners 69 A-H; rear legs 59 with wheels as a height adjustable end support; bottom lockable wheels 64 or (approximately 1 to 3 inches) the like; electric or pneumatic motor 65 or hydraulic or the like; power source 67 electric AC (electrical line current and power)/DC (battery or equal) or pneumatic; controller 70; cord or connection 71 from controller 70 to motor 65 and power source 67; apertures 76 in telescoping tubes 60 and 61 to receive quick fasteners 69 A-H; means 77 for hingeably/pivotally/foldably and removably connecting front legs 52 or rear legs 59 to lower surface of plank/board 32 such as an plates and a hinge with components or means to securefasteners (bolts, pins, screws), adhesives, and the like; adjustable and removable back support 80; and an adjustable and removable foot support 85. The Physical transfer electric assist device is anticipated to be made from durable and lightweight materials such as aluminum, powder coated sheet metal, reinforced plastic, wood, pressed fiber board, composite materials and the like.

[0044] FIGS. 2 A and 2 B are sketches of the top structures 31 and the top plank/board 32 of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 for people/patients 100 in therapy or in need of special care. In these sketches are shown: top structure 31 of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30, 30A; top plank/board 32 having an upper and lower surface; top plank/board length 32Lapproximately 36 inches; top plank/board width 32Wapproximately 12 inches; disk path/groove 33; alternative disk path/groove 33A; end taper on transfer boardwidth 34W approximately 1 inches; overlap 35 for transfer boardapproximately 3 inches; and center bearing/bushing 51 (a bushing, ball bearing, needle bearings, thrust bearings and the like) in support plate 50 of the rotating and sliding disk 40 or alternatively a means for connecting the motor to the rotating and sliding disk to transmit rotational force from the motor 65 to the disk 40.

[0045] FIGS. 3 A through 3 C are additional sketches with the components and features shown from generally a top and side views of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 for people in therapy or in need of special care. These sketches show many components such as: top structure 31 of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30, 30A; top plank/board 32 having an upper and lower surface; disk path/groove 33; alternative disk path/groove 33A; rotating and sliding disk 40; rotating and sliding disk diameter 404)inch diameter); optional side shield 40A for rotating and sliding disk 40; top surface 40B of rotating and sliding disk 40; taper 42 (width 42Wapproximately 1 inches) at perimeter of the for rotating disk 40; means for connecting 44 optional side shield 40A to rotating and sliding disk 40; apertures 45 for mounting adjustable and removable back support 80; apertures 46 for mounting adjustable and removable foot support 85; drive mechanism 47 such as a worm gear mounted into the disk slots 33, 33A and engaging the disk gear 48 as a means to drive the back and forth travel of the disk gear fixture 48 and hence the support plate 50 and rotating/sliding disk 40; motor gear/rotating connection 47A to transfer rotational force of motor 65 to drive mechanism 47; disk gear fixture 48 connected to the support plate 50; means 49 to secure and connect disk gear fixture 48 to the support plate 50; support plate 50 of the rotating and sliding disk 40; roller or wheel mechanism/system 50A to support, to provide a structural means for siding and rolling the support plate 50 across the plank 32 as the gear mechanisms 47, 48 are activated; center bearing/bushing 51 (a bushing, ball bearing, needle bearings, thrust bearings and the like) in support plate 50 of the rotating and sliding disk 40 or alternatively a means for connecting the motor to the rotating and sliding disk to transmit rotational force from the motor 65 to the disk 40; electric or pneumatic or hydraulic motor 65 or the like; connection 66/cord/hose to power source; power source 67 electric AC (electrical line current and power)/DC (battery or equal) or pneumatic; means 68 for removably connecting motor 65 to lower surface of plank/board 32 such as an angle and components or means to securefasteners, adhesives and the like controller 70; and cord or connection 71 from controller 70 to motor 65 and power source 67.

[0046] FIGS. 4 A and 4 B are sketches of the rear wheeled 59 and front non-wheeled 52 end structures with the components and features shown of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 for people in therapy or in need of special care. Demonstrated in these sketches include: the front legs 52 no wheeled as a height adjustable end support; the width 52W (approximately 12 inches) of adjustable front leg support 52; the height 52H (approximately 30 inches) of adjustable front leg support 52; the telescoping top tube structure 53 for front legs 52; the height 53H (approximately 18 inches) of telescoping top tube structure 53 for front legs 52; the telescoping lower tube structure 54 for front legs 52; the height 54H (approximately 12 inches) of telescoping lower tube structure 54 for front legs 52; the top strut support 55 for front legs 52; the top strut support 55A for front legs 52 supporting and attached by fasteners to the lower surface of the top plank 32; the bottom strut support 56 for front legs 52; the bottom end protectors 57 crutch tips or the like; the apertures 58 in telescoping tubes 53 and 54 to receive quick fasteners 69 A-H; the rear legs 59 with wheels as a height adjustable end support; the width 59W (approximately 12 inches) of adjustable rear leg support 59; the height 59H (approximately 31- inches) of adjustable rear leg support 59; the telescoping top tube structure 60 for rear legs 59 telescoping lower tube structure 61 for rear legs 59; the top strut support 62 for rear legs 59; the top strut support 62A for rear legs 59 supporting and attached by fasteners to the lower surface of the top plank 32; the bottom strut support 63 for rear legs 59; the bottom lockable wheels 64 or (approximately 1 to 3 inches) the like; the height 64A (approximately 1 inches) above floor of bottom wheel pivot axis; the support strut 64B for mounting wheels 64 to bottom strut 63 and telescoping lower tube structure 61 for rear legs 59; and the apertures 76 in telescoping tubes 60 and 61 to receive quick fasteners 69 A-H means 77 for hingeably/pivotally/foldably and removably connecting front legs 52 or rear legs 59 to lower surface of plank/board 32 such as an plates and a hinge with components or means to securefasteners, adhesives and the like

[0047] FIGS. 5 A through 5 B are sketches of the device controller 70, the built device 30A, a folded device 30B, a carrying case 90 and the components and features of the seat disk 40 all for the Physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 for people in therapy or in need of special care. For the controller 70 are shown: the controller 70; a cord or connection 71 from controller 70 to motor 65 and power source 67; an on/off switch 72; a back/forth switch 73; and an optional rotate switch 74. For the rotating and sliding disk 40 are demonstrated the rotating and sliding disk diameter 404)inch diameter); optional side shield 40A for rotating and sliding disk 40; top surface 40B of rotating and sliding disk 40; center post 41 for rotating disk 40; taper 42 (width 42Wapproximately 1 inches) at perimeter of the for rotating disk 40; means for connecting 43 center post 41 to the rotating and sliding disk 40; means for connecting 44 optional side shield 40A to rotating and sliding disk 40; apertures 45 for mounting adjustable and removable back support 80; and apertures 46 for mounting adjustable and removable foot support 85.

[0048] FIGS. 6 A and 6 B are sketches of the removable/adjustable back support 80 and the removable/adjustable foot support 85 of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 for people in therapy or in need of special care. Here are shown sketches that demonstrate: the adjustable and removable back support 80; width 80W (approximately 18 inches) of adjustable and removable back support 80; height 80H (approximately 12 inches) of adjustable and removable back support 80; extension 80E (approximately 21 inches) of adjustable and removable back support 80 from slidable disk 40; back plate or plane 81 of the adjustable and removable back support 80durable material (plastic, metal, composite or the like) with or without padding; strut 82 to support and reinforce the tubular structure 83 of the adjustable and removable back support 80; tubular structure 83 of the adjustable and removable back support 80; the mounting apertures 84 in the tubular structure 83 of the adjustable and removable back support 80 used to removably connect with the rotating disk 40; the adjustable and removable foot support 85; width 85W (approximately 18 inches) of adjustable and removable foot support 85; height 85H (approximately 6 inches) of adjustable and removable foot support 85; extension 85E (approximately 27 inches) of adjustable and removable foot support 85 from slidable disk 40; foot plate or plane 87 of the adjustable and removable foot support 85durable material (plastic, metal, composite or the like); strut 87 to support and reinforce the tubular structure 88 of the adjustable and removable foot support 85; the tubular structure 88 of the adjustable and removable foot support 85; and mounting apertures 89 in the tubular structure 88 of the adjustable and removable foot support 85 used to removably connect with the rotating disk 40.

[0049] FIGS. 7 A through 7 F are sketches of various attachment means for the telescoping components of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 for people in therapy or in need of special care. These are common fasteners used in a new and unique combination with the device 30. Here are shown: quick connect/disconnect fasteners 69 A through F such as quick spring detents, cotter clip, spring clips and the like as shown in drawings FIGS. 7 A through 7 F for removably fastening telescoping legs 53, 54 for front legs 52 and 60, 61 for rear legs 59 through apertures 58, 76; similarly used with adjustable back support 80 and foot support 85 in apertures 84, 89.

[0050] FIGS. 8 A through 8 D are sketches of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board in operation with a patient transferring to and from a hospital bed to a wheel chair. FIGS. 9 A through 9 C are sketches of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board in operation with a patient transferring to and from a wheel chair to a toilet or waste device. FIG. 10 A through 10 C are sketches of the Physical transfer electric assist device/board in operation with a patient transferring to and from a wheel chair to a tub or shower seat. These address the method of use and operation and are discussed in the below sections and paragraphs.

[0051] The details mentioned here are exemplary and not limiting. Other specific components and manners specific to describing the physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care 30 may be added as a person having ordinary skill in the field of patient assist devices and their uses can well appreciate.

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0052] The physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care 30 has been described in the above embodiment. The manner of how the device operates is described below. One notes well that the description above and the operation described here must be taken together to fully illustrate the concept of the physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care 30. The preferred embodiment of a Physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care is comprised of: (a) a top structure comprised of rotating and sliding disk with a tapered perimeter on its top surface and a center post connecting to a support plate; (b) the support plate further comprised of a center means for connecting the center post to the rotating and sliding disk and further comprised of roller or wheel mechanism/system to support, to provide a structural means for siding and rolling the support plate across the plank as the gear mechanisms are activated; (c) a top plank/board comprising an upper and lower surface and a disk path/groove; (d) a driving mechanism comprised of a power source connected to a motor with a rotating shaft, a means for transferring rotation force from the rotating shaft to a linear drive mechanism in the disk path/groove, a means for transferring rotation force to the seat disk, and a means for securing the driving mechanism to the bottom surface of the plank; and (e) a set of front legs and a set of rollable back legs, each set comprised of telescoping legs and supporting struts and each set with a securing means for hingeably/and a securing means for removably connecting front legs or rear legs to lower surface of plank/board wherein the device can assist a patient moving from one flat surface, Point A, to a second flat surface, Point B.

[0053] The physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care 30 operates as follows: The device 30 is to be positioned as a bridge between point A and point B (point A: being a surface transferring from and point B: being a surface transferring to). The individual/patient 100 being transferred is positioned on one end of the device 30, sitting on top of the rotating/sliding disk 40. The disk 40 can then be rotated to a desired position, and then the individual/patient 100 to slide through to point B, and complete the process as stated in point A.

[0054] FIGS. 8 A through 8 D are sketches of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 in operation with a patient 100 transferring to and from a hospital bed 110 to a wheel chair 105. Shown here are the devices and items patient 100; wheelchair 105; overlap 35 for transfer board (approximately 3 inches); controller 70; seat 40; and hospital bed 110. The transfer steps are: a patient 100 transferring 125 A through D to and from a hospital bed 110 to a wheel chair 105.

[0055] FIGS. 9 A through 9 C are sketches of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 in operation with a patient 100 transferring to and from a wheel chair 105 to a toilet or waste device 112. Shown here are the devices and items patient 100; wheelchair 105; overlap 35 for transfer board (approximately 3 inches); toilet/waste device 112; controller 70; and seat 40. The transfer steps are: a patient 100 transferring 130 A through C to and from a toilet 112 to a wheel chair 105.

[0056] FIG. 10 A through 10 C are sketches of the physical transfer electric assist device/board 30 in operation with a patient 100 transferring to and from a wheel chair 105 to a tub or shower 115 seat/stool 120. Shown here are the devices and items patient 100; wheelchair 105; tub and shower 115; safety seat/stool 120; overlap 35 for transfer board (approximately 3 inches); controller 70; and seat 40. The transfer steps are: a patient 100 transferring 135 A through C to and from a stool 120 to a wheel chair 105.

[0057] Many uses are anticipated for the physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care 30. Some examples, and not limitations, are shown in the following Table.

TABLE-US-00003 ITEM DESCRIPTION 1 mostly in health care 2 rehabilitation facilities 3 hospitals 4 old age residential areas 5 facilities for youth with disabilities 6 public places mandated for disabled accessibility 7 private homes/places

[0058] With this description it is to be understood that the physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care 30 is not to be limited to only the disclosed embodiment of product. The features of the physical transfer device/board for people in therapy or in need of special care 30 are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the description.

[0059] While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

[0060] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these inventions belong. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present inventions, the preferred methods and materials are now described above in the foregoing paragraphs.

[0061] Other embodiments of the invention are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

[0062] The terms recited in the claims should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to relevant entries (e.g., definition of plane as a carpenter's tool would not be relevant to the use of the term plane when used to refer to an airplane, etc.) in dictionaries (e.g., widely used general reference dictionaries and/or relevant technical dictionaries), commonly understood meanings by those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following exceptions: (a) if a term is used herein in a manner more expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the phrase as used herein shall mean or similar language (e.g., herein this term means, as defined herein, for the purposes of this disclosure [the term] shall mean, etc.). References to specific examples, use of i.e., use of the word invention, etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope. Accordingly, the subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be read to be given their broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the ordinary meaning of the claim terms.

[0063] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified in all instances by the term approximately. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the term approximately should at least be construed in light of the number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.