Patient assistance and rehabilitation device and method of use

Abstract

A patient assistance and rehabilitation device or more specifically a patient mechanical lift device that can be utilized as patient walker, a seat, a seated transporter, a toilet, a table and a rehabilitation device. The patient assistance and rehabilitation device including a power band or tension motor to help a patient move from a sitting to a standing position and to supplement an exercise or rehabilitation program.

Claims

1. A patient assistance and rehabilitation device comprising: a rolling base assembly, the rolling base assembly having a u-shaped configuration including, a front cross member, two elongate side members having, a mid-point, a free end and an end attached to the opposing ends of the front cross member, a patient lift table assembly, the patient lift table assembly having a u-shaped configuration including, a front cross member, two elongate side members having, a fulcrum point, a free end and an end attached to the opposing ends of the front cross member, two directional ratchet assemblies, two upright support members, a first end of each of the upright support members attached to one of the base assembly side members at the mid-point of the side member, one of the directional ratchet assemblies attached at a second end of each of the upright support members, the fulcrum point of the of the two elongate side members of the patient lift table connected to the directional ratchet assemblies forming a pivotal junction between the upright support members and the patient lift table, the base assembly front cross member and the patient lift table front cross member having the same orientation, the patient lift table front cross member above the base assembly front cross member, and, a plurality of elastomeric power bands attached under tension between the base assembly front cross member and the patient lift table front cross member biasing the front of the patient table down and providing a lifting force at the free ends of the patient lift table elongate side members.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein each directional ratchet assembly comprising; an inner plate, a central slip plate, an outer plate, the three plates having an interconnected central pivot at the top portion and a lower perimeter formed as a radius, the inner plate having; a direction handle formed tangential to the lower perimeter and extending below the lower perimeter, a plurality of circular recesses formed in a radial pattern near the lower perimeter, a plurality of holes formed in a radial pattern between the central pivot and the plurality of circular recesses, the central slip plate having; a plurality of elongate holes formed in a radial pattern near the lower perimeter, a plurality of holes formed in a radial pattern between the central pivot and the plurality of elongate holes, the outer plate having; a plurality of elongate holes formed in a radial pattern near the lower perimeter, a plurality of elongate limit slots formed in a radial pattern between the central pivot and the plurality of elongate holes, the inner plate, the central slip plate and the outer plate placed in a stacked configuration, a plurality of sleeve nuts installed through the limit slots of the outer plate and the plurality of holes between the central pivot and the plurality of elongate holes of the central slip plate and the plurality of holes between the central pivot and plurality of recesses formed in the inner plate, and, a spring loaded plunger configured to insert through the elongate holes near the lower perimeter of the outer plate and the central slip plate and engage the recesses formed in the inner plate.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the directional handle has a first position which allows the spring loaded plunger to index forward through the plurality of elongate holes formed near the lower perimeter of the outer plate and the spring loaded plunger is restricted from indexing backward.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the directional handle has a second position which allows the spring loaded plunger to index backward through the plurality of elongate holes formed near the lower perimeter of the outer plate and the spring loaded plunger is restricted from indexing forward.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein the directional handles of each of the directional ratchet assemblies can be moved into opposite positions restricting the spring loaded plunger from indexing forward and backward.

6. The device of claim 2 including a detent that aligns the directional handle in the first position and the second position.

7. The device of claim 2 wherein the spring loaded plunger can be locked in an open position.

8. The device of claim 1 including a supplemental lift handle attached to the front cross member of the patient lift table.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the supplemental lift handle includes a plurality of radial slots and a releasable locking cog allowing the supplemental lift handle to be incrementally locked.

10. The device of the claim 1 including a releasable power band rack attached to the front cross bar of the rolling base assembly.

11. The device of claim 10 including a locking latch which is configured to be released by depressing the rack and actuating a hand lever.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the upright support members are foldable.

13. The device of claim 1 including a sling seat assembly configured to be attached to patient lift table on seat attachment knobs.

14. The device of claim 1 including a toilet seat assembly comprising; a pair of support brackets attached to the upright support members, the support brackets in hinged configuration, a toilet seat fixedly attached to at least one of the pair of support brackets, and, the toilet seat supported by the pair of support brackets.

15. The device of claim 14 including a removable waste pan.

16. The device of claim 14 including a supplemental toilet sling seat having patient thigh straps.

17. A method of using a patient assistance and rehabilitation device comprising: providing a patient assistance and rehabilitation device having; a u-shaped rolling base assembly having, a pair of elongate side members, a front cross member, a u-shaped patient lift table assembly having, a pair of elongate side members, a front cross member, a first end of a pair of upright support members attached at the mid-point of the pair of elongate side members of the rolling base assembly, a directional ratchet assembly attached to a second end of the upright support members, the directional ratchet assemblies having, a ratchet forward configuration, a ratchet backward configuration, a locked position, a fulcrum point of the elongate side members of the patient lift table assembly attached to the directional ratchet assembly, the patient lift table allowed to pivot front to back, a spring loaded plunger configured to incrementally engage a plurality of elongate slots formed in the directional ratchet assembly, a supplemental lift handle, a plurality of elastomeric power bands attached under tension between a releasable power band rack attached to the cross member of the rolling base assembly and the cross member of the patient lift table, a seat assembly configured to attach to the patient lift table, seating a patient on the side of a bed; positioning the patient assistance and rehabilitation device toward the patient with the open portion of the u-shape under the bed; positioning the lift table so the open portion of the u-shape is angled downward; positioning the patient so the arms are on the elongate side members of the patient lift table with the torso leaning forward beyond the fulcrum point; positioning the seat assembly under the patient's thighs; attaching the seat assembly to the patient lift table; moving the directional ratchet assembly to the ratchet forward position; applying force to the forward portion of the patient lift table to cause the spring loaded plunger to index forward to the next elongate slot formed in the directional ratchet assembly and cause the patient to be lifted by the arms and thighs; the applying force may be one or more of; the patient applying downward force to the forward portion of the patient lift table, tension applied by the elastomeric power bands, and, an aide applying force to the supplemental lift handle, moving the patient into a desired position, and; moving the directional ratchet assemblies to the locked position.

18. The method of claim 17 including releasing the power band rack by, stepping on the power band rack, and, actuating a release lever.

19. The method of claim 17 including adding to or removing from the plurality of elastomeric power bands to change the tension.

20. A method of using a patient assistance and rehabilitation device comprising: providing a patient assistance and rehabilitation device having; a u-shaped rolling base assembly having, a pair of elongate side members, a front cross member, a u-shaped patient lift table assembly having, a pair of elongate side members, a front cross member, a pair of handles, a first end of a pair of upright support members attached at the mid-point of the pair of elongate side members of the rolling base assembly, a directional ratchet assembly attached to a second end of the upright support members, the directional ratchet assembly having, a ratchet forward configuration, a ratchet backward configuration, a locked position, a fulcrum point of the elongate side members of the patient lift table assembly attached to the directional ratchet assembly, the patient lift table allowed to pivot front to back, a spring loaded plunger configured to incrementally engage a plurality of elongate slots formed in the directional ratchet assembly, the spring loaded plunger having a locked open position, a plurality of elastomeric power bands attached under tension between the cross member of the rolling base assembly and the cross member of the patient lift table, a seat assembly configured to attach to the patient lift table, positioning a patient in the patient assistance and rehabilitation device in a seated position; moving the spring loaded plunger in the locked open position; the patient applying force to the patient lift table handles to pivot the patient lift table back against the tension of the power bands, and; adding or subtracting power bands to change tension.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The following description of the embodiments can be understood in light of the Figures, which illustrate specific aspects of the embodiments and are part of the specification. Together with the following description, the Figures demonstrate and explain the principles of the embodiments. In the Figures the physical dimensions of the embodiment may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the same element, and thus their descriptions may be omitted.

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention or patient assistance and rehabilitation device with a seated patient;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the present invention or patient assistance and rehabilitation device;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the present invention or patient assistance and rehabilitation device;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention or patient assistance and rehabilitation device;

(6) FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a table top and a side view of one embodiment of the present invention or patient assistance and rehabilitation device;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a locking D-plate assembly;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a locking D-plate assembly;

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a locking D-plate assembly in a forward locked position;

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a sling seat and backrest assembly;

(11) FIG. 10A illustrates a toilet assist sling seat in a first position, and;

(12) FIG. 10B illustrates a toilet assist sling seat in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure.

(14) As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In describing and claiming the present disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with definitions set out below. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and the grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method processes.

(15) Illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 is of one embodiment of the present invention or patient assistance and rehabilitation device 100, some of the figures include a seated patient 500. Patient assistance and rehabilitation device 100 includes as major components, the rolling base assembly 110, upright support members 120 and the patient lift table 130. The rolling base assembly 110 is generally a U-shaped frame assembly having two base side rails 114 and a front cross brace 115; the rear rolling base assembly 110 is open to allow patient access and to allow the patient to stride or move their feet. The rolling base assembly includes a rear caster 111, a central wheel 112 and front caster 113. In this configuration the patient assistance and rehabilitation device 100 is a stable platform that can be easily turned and maneuvered, when a side pressure or rotational force is applied, both the rear caster 111 and front caster 113 will move into a trailing position perpendicular to the central wheel 112 and allow the device 100 to pivot or turn in a radius approximately the same as the wheel base between the opposing central wheels 112. In one embodiment of the present invention a brake assembly (not shown) is configured to engage at least one of the central wheels 112. It is contemplated that the brake is biased into a closed or locked position where the user must first engage a hand lever 133 before the patient assistance device 100 can be moved.

(16) Upright support members 120 are pivotally connected to the rolling base assembly 110 having a locking pin 123 to maintain support members 120 in an upright position. The patient lift table assembly 130 it pivotally attached to the upper end of the upright support members 120. The upright support members 120 are also extendable to adjust the patient lift table height; this is accomplished by releasing the height locking pin 122 and extending an inner support tube 121, the inner support tube 121 having a plurality of the height adjustment holes (not shown) configured to engage the shaft of height locking pin 122. The attachment point between the upright support members 120 and patient lift table 130 includes a releasable incremental locking mechanism or a D-plate assembly 150. Additionally, the attachment point between the upright support members 120 and patient lift table 130 creates a fulcrum 139 and is configured to multiply force that is applied to the front portion of the lift table 130 and patient handles 132, using the principle of simple levers, to the back portion of the lift table 130 and use that force to help a patient move from a seated to a standing position by supporting and lifting the patient by the forearms and thighs. The pressure to the forearms is evenly distributed by armrest pads 134, the patient may also steady themselves using the patient handles 132. The D-plate assembly 150 allows a patient to incrementally move into a standing position, as the patient raises, the D-plate will index forward and lock backwards against pivot pin assembly 151. The D-plate 150 indexing mechanism allows the patient to rest in a partially standing position and prevents the patient from falling back fully to the original seated position.

(17) If a patient has further diminished physical capacity additional force from a one or more power bands 170 that extend from essentially the front cross bar 115 to the patient lift table cross bar 131, can be used. The power bands apply additional downward force against the front portion of the lift table 130 to help a patient move into a standing position. In one embodiment, the power bands 170 are connected to the rolling base 110 using a releasable power band rack 175, the power band rack 175 is configured to remove the tension from the power bands 170, to preserve the elasticity of the bands 170, to provide easier installation of individual power bands 170 on connection loops 171 and reduce the risk associated with tensioned elastic materials. Rack 175 is configured to be released by having an assistant first depress the top portion of rack 175 with a foot to relieve pressure from locking mechanism 176 and then pulling lever or handle (not shown) located on top of the patient lift table to disengage the latch mechanism 176 from cross bar 115.

(18) In one embodiment of the present invention a supplemental lift handle 140 is provided, the supplemental lift handle 140 includes a lift assistance handle 141 which is attached to the lift table cross bar 131 with a ratchet assembly 143. The ratchet assembly 143 is comprised of a metal ring having a plurality of the radial slots that is attached concentric with the lift table cross bar 131 and is engaged in by a dog or pawl that is actuated by a spring biased release knob 142. When knob 142 is pulled, the patient lift assistance handle 141 can be moved incrementally in relationship to the patient lift table cross bar 131. When handle 141 is extended away from the lift table 130 in a plane parallel to the lift table 130 an assistant is afforded the maximum leverage when lifting a patient by pushing down on handle 141. An assistant or aide may choose a variety of angles or positions for the patient lift assistance handle 141 depending on the size of the assistant, the perceived comfort of using each position, and the amount force necessary to lift the patient.

(19) In another embodiment of the present invention the patient lift table 130 is extendable both at the front and in the rear. If a larger patient or a patient with longer arms is using the device, the front portion of the lift table 130 can be extended by releasing lock pin 135 and extending out an inner patient lift table tube section 1301. The rear portion of the lift table can be extended by releasing a similar knob and extending the rear patient lift table inner tube sections 1361.

(20) Another embodiment of the present invention or patient assistance and rehabilitation device 100 a plurality of other assemblies or accessories which allows a patient to sit are included. In a first embodiment a sling seat 183 and backrest 182 is included as shown in detail FIG. 9. The sling seat is attached to the seat attachment knobs 136 at attachment loops 1836 and the sling seat 183 can be extended under the patient while the patient is in a sitting position on the edge or a bed or chair and used to raise the patient into a sitting or standing position within the patient assistance and rehabilitation device 100. A padded front support strap 1831 can be pulled between the patients legs and secured to attachment knobs 136 at front strap attachment loops 1834. The front support strap 1831 in combination with a padded connection support 1832 secures the patient in sling seat 183 and prevents the patient from sliding or slumping forward. Spreader rods 1835 are incorporated to prevent the fabric or material of sling seat 183 from bunching and to keep the sling seat 183 in a flat configuration. In another embodiment an additional back support strap 182 with back strap connection loops 1821 is provided to give the patient additional back support when remaining seated in the device for an extended period of time.

(21) In yet another embodiment a toilet seat 181 can be provided to allow a diminished patient to eliminate waste without getting out of the device 100. The toilet seat 181 can be fitted with a removable waste pan 185. It is also contemplated that the toilet seat 181 can be used in accompaniment with a secondary toilet sling seat 192 as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The toilet sling seat 192 is configured to be placed under a patient's thighs and suspended from attachment knobs 136 using the toilet sling seat attachment loops 1933. The leg straps 1931 are wrapped around the inside of patent's thighs (see folded sling strap 1931 in FIG. 10B) before they are also connected to knobs 136 at one of a plurality of connection slots 1932. The toilet sling 192 is beneficial when moving a patient onto the toilet seat 181 and positioning the patient's thighs in an open position for cleaning and patient hygiene.

(22) In another embodiment, a split conventional seat is provided (not shown), the conventional seat may be attached to seat support brackets 180 which rotate on hinge pins 186.

(23) In another embodiment of the present invention a table top 138 (FIG. 5A) can be fitted to the patient lift table 130.

(24) FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment of the locking and indexing assembly for the patient lift table 130 or more specifically an embodiment of the D-plate assembly 150. The D-plate assembly 150 is primarily comprised of the three interacting plates with each plate having substantially the same semi-circular shape or profile and each plate rotates around a central axis having a pivot hole 1512 configured to receive the shaft of a connecting pin or bolt that joins the upright support members 120 and patient lift table 130. The innermost plate 152 comprises a semi-circular shape having a lock control handle 1525 extending perpendicular to one edge. The innermost plate 152 includes a plurality of index recesses 1553 formed on the inside surface proximate the outer edge of the semicircular portion. The central plate 153 is formed using a material such as nylon or high density polyethylene to primarily provide a slip plane between the innermost plate 152 and the outermost plate 154. The central plate 153 includes a plurality of elongated index holes 1552 having a center point which correspond to the index recesses 1553 of the innermost plate 152. The outermost plate includes a plurality of elongated index holes 155 which again correspond to the recesses 1553 of the innermost plate. The index holes 155 of the outermost plate 154 include a chamfered outside edge 156. The outermost plate also includes a plurality rotation limit slots 1571 which are formed in an arc between the pivot hole 1512 and the elongated index holes 155. Each of the innermost plate and the central plate having drilled holes 1572 and 1573 that correspond with the limit slots 1571. Also included between plates is a centering spring and ball detent 159 configured to bias toward or indicate the forward and backward positions of the indexed plates. When assembled the innermost plate 152 will have the central slip plate 153 stacked on and then the outermost plate 154 and then a plurality of sleeve bolts 157 that extend through the limit slots 1571 and the drilled holes 1572 and 1573. As shown in FIG. 8 when the handle 1525 is pulled back, this causes the innermost plate 152 and the central plate 153 to move a limited number of degrees in relationship to the outermost plate 154 in this position the front portion of the elongate holes 155 will form a shoulder that retains the spring loaded plunger rod 158 of the plunger assembly 151. However, rear portion will create a ramp that allows a chamfered end of the plunger rod 158 to ride up out of the recess 1153, over central plate 153 and out of the elongated slot 155 and then fall into the next corresponding elongated slot 155. This operation is reversed if handle 1525 is pushed forward away from the patient and moves the blocking shoulder to the back portion of the elongate holes 155. Plunger assembly 151 includes a locked open position that allows the patient lift table to rock or “sea saw” back and forth unrestricted.