Horizontal Movement Is Pivotal Patents (Class 4/562.1)
  • Patent number: 11839577
    Abstract: A mobile lifting system comprising: a base including a plurality of spaced apart legs extending substantially radially relative to a post extending from the base wherein one or more legs of the base are movable between an expanded stabilizing condition and a retracted condition, the post movably supporting a head configured for rotation about the post, the head having a lifting arrangement attached thereto, the lifting arrangement being arranged for effecting upward and downward movement of a body support arrangement to raise and lower a disabled person during use, the body support arrangement being movable between a supporting position and an inoperative position, the body support arrangement being connected to the base through an electro-mechanical linkage combination which moves the base into the stabilizing condition when the body support arrangement is in the supporting position and moves the base into the retracted condition when the body support arrangement is in the inoperative position; the head bein
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: PANO SOLUTIONS PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: Jacobus Hendrik Saayman
  • Patent number: 11654066
    Abstract: A bathtub lift (1) includes a floor plate (2), a seat plate (3) adjustable to vary the distance between the seat plate (3) and the floor plate (2), and a back plate (4) detachably arranged on the seat plate (3). The back plate (4) supports an adjustment device (5) driven by a drive (6) for adjusting the distance between the floor plate and the seat plate. A locking device (7) is configured to release the back plate (4). The back plate (4) is not arranged on the surface (8) of the seat plate (3) facing away from the floor plate (2), and a detaching of the floor plate (4) is only made possible in a floor-plate-side end position of the seat plate (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Drive Medical GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Robert Kempter
  • Patent number: 11160708
    Abstract: The invention provides an electronically control motorized lifting device for transfer of a paraplegic between seated positions. A post extends from a wheeled base and movably supports a head for upwards and downwards movement. A lifting arm arrangement is pivotably secured to the head. The head is also rotatable about the post and the base movable between an expanded stabilizing condition and a retracted condition. The latter condition allows the lifting device to fit through a standard width doorway. Movement of the base between these conditions is effected by pivoting of the lifting arm arrangement into and out of a lateral supporting position. The base preferably includes five legs extending substantially radially from the post with two of the legs foldable towards adjacent legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: PANO SOLUTIONS PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: Jacobus Hendrik Saayman
  • Patent number: 10117799
    Abstract: The invention provides a lifting device (1) for transfer of a paraplegic between seated positions. A post (3) extends from a wheeled base (2) and movably supports a head (5) for upwards and downwards movement. A lifting arm arrangement (7) is pivotably secured to the head (5). The head (5) is also rotatable about the post (3) and the base (2) movable between an expanded stabilizing condition and a retracted condition. The latter condition allows the lifting device (1) to fit through a standard width doorway. Movement of the base (2) between these conditions is effected by pivoting of the lifting arm arrangement (7) into and out of a lateral supporting position. The base (2) preferably includes five legs (4) extending substantially radially from the post (3) with two of the legs (4) foldable towards adjacent legs (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Jacobus Hendrik Saayman
  • Patent number: 9808388
    Abstract: A self or assist-operated lift apparatus is disclosed. In various embodiments, the lift apparatus includes a vertical rail; a linear bearing positioned to be moved along the vertical rail; a drive mechanism coupled to the linear bearing and configured to move the linear bearing at a controlled rate along the vertical bearing between a first position at a lower end of a range of motion and a second position at an upper end of the range of motion; and a seat attached to the linear bearing, the seat being constructed at least in part of a substantially rigid material and having a size and shape suitable to accommodate a seated human occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: IndeeLift Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Jay Powell, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9730848
    Abstract: A powered, personal lifting apparatus, and specifically a lift apparatus, specially adapted for personal use in the entry into and exit from a standard bathtub. The apparatus includes an electric motor powered lifting gantry that slides on a pillar that extends from the floor to ceiling, next to the tub. The gantry raises or lowers an attached chair, or includes a sling. The gantry lowers a user into or out of the bathtub, while rotating automatically to provide for easy entry into or exit from the bathtub, with a locking guide for the gantry that utilizes a square-to round feature of the pillar to allow a 90 degree rotation of the gantry, and then lock it in place as it is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Roger R. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20130318708
    Abstract: A device for turning over and transferring the patient comprises a base, a lifting mechanism, an extension arm, a cantilever beam, and a turn driving device. The lifting mechanism comprises a lifting post and a lift driving device. The lifting post is fixed to the base; the lift driving device is fixed to the lifting post. The extension arm has a first end and a second end. The lift driving device is operatively connected to the first end for driving the extension arm to move up and down along the lifting post. The cantilever beam is connected to the second end and extending away from the lifting post. The turn driving device comprises a motor reducer, a revolutionary shaft, and two turning shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: YI-LONG WANG
  • Patent number: 8556347
    Abstract: A sit/stand assistance includes a seat, a frame, a lifting device, and a driving device. This lifting device has a fixed portion connected to the frame and a movable portion pivoted with the seat so as to move the seat up or down. The driving device includes a link, a power portion, and a working rod. One of the power portion and the working rod is pivoted with the link. The other one is pivoted with the frame. When the power portion pushes the working rod, the working rod extends out so as to make said seat moving up or tilting. Hence, it can assist a user from a seated position to a standing position. So, it matches a user's continuous sit-to-stand motion. Plus, it can be directly applied on an existing flush toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fu Burg Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Chen Lin, Wen-Yi Huang, Chia-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 8405353
    Abstract: A controller 10 suitable for controlling a bath lift. The controller 10 includes a rechargeable unit 12 and a first protection unit 14 which measures the voltage and current provided by the rechargeable unit 12. The first protection unit 14 prevents connection to the bath lift when the voltage of the rechargeable unit falls below a lower predetermined limit. A second protection unit 20 is also provided which measures the voltage from the rechargeable unit 12 and detects whether the voltage has fallen below an upper predetermined voltage, and if the voltage has dropped below this level downward movement of the bath lift is not permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Care-Knight Limited
    Inventor: Annette Elvina Greenwood
  • Patent number: 8332971
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a person in a bathtub or shower. The apparatus comprising: an elongated base, comprising a tapered yoke operably coupled to a first end of the elongated base and a stabilizer operably coupled to a second end of the elongated base. The apparatus comprising a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein the rotatable and/or slidable chair is operably coupled to the same end of the elongated base as the tapered yolk. The method comprising: providing an apparatus having a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein some of the components may be foldable, such as a foldable seat, a foldable back, foldable legs, and a plurality of arms. Folding the foldable components of the slidable and/or rotatable chair make transporting easier and safer because the apparatus is more compact when the foldable components are in the folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Roderick Bennett, Christopher W. Callahan
  • Patent number: 7735162
    Abstract: Apparatus for moving a toilet between a position where it is accessible to a person of restricted mobility and a storage position when not in use. The apparatus comprises two cooperating platforms, a first platform which rests on the floor of a room which houses the apparatus and a second platform. The first platform has a guide along an edge, and the second platform has an edge that is slidably received in the guide, and is supported so that it is capable of limited translational movement without rotation relative to the first platform. A physically impaired person can occupy a chair on the first platform, and can slide the second platform relative to the first to move a portable toilet on the second platform between a position in which it can be used and a storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: James P. Ringholz
  • Patent number: 7661154
    Abstract: A bathing chair with a fixing device comprises a front frame and a rear frame, shaped like the inverted letter U, reaching across a bathtub and having horizontal rods which pass over an edge of the bathtub at a distance, the front and rear frames being connected by right and left connecting rods, a seat, having a fixed base mounted on the horizontal rods, an axis mounted on the fixed base in a central position thereof, and a rotatable base, which is rotatable around the axis, a bearing assembly, comprising several gliding blocks connected with the seat and allowing the seat to glide along the horizontal rods, and a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Yu-Wen Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080010740
    Abstract: A motorized bathtub seat apparatus is supported by a floor adjacent to a bathtub and includes a base that is connected to the floor. A bearing assembly is connected to the base. A tubular housing has a lower housing end supported by the bearing assembly and extends upward from the bearing assembly. An externally threaded shaft has a bottom shaft end fitted into the bearing assembly. The externally threaded shaft is supported by the bearing assembly. A lift/lower reversible motor is connected to the externally threaded shaft and is supported by the tubular housing. A lift/lower guide slot is contained in the tubular housing. A swingable seat assembly is connected to and is supported by the externally threaded shaft and is guided in up and down motion by the lift/lower guide slot. The subject motorized bathtub seat apparatus permits a person to be seated in the swingable seat assembly, lifted, and swung into and out from the bathtub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Neil W. Tenan
  • Patent number: 7197775
    Abstract: A bath lift apparatus locatable near a bath to raise or lower a person sitting thereon. The lift apparatus features a support for positioning on the floor and a canopy mounted above the bathtub. Extending from the support is an arm capable of both translation and rotation, from which, a chair is attached. Located within the canopy is a prime mover that is connected to the arm and provides lifting force for the chair and occupant when the lift is assembled and in use to elevate a user from and into the bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: William Steadman
  • Patent number: 7178181
    Abstract: A hoist and associated method for erecting the hoist for assisting movements of disabled persons. The hoist has a fixed-length stanchion that is supportable at opposing longitudinal ends thereof by first and second support members that are, in turn, fixed to a facility structural framework. The stanchion is removable from the support members without detaching any of the support members from the facility structural framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Lester L. Fulmer
  • Patent number: 6643860
    Abstract: A bath lifting system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially covering the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The guiding assembly guides the seat from a lowered position to a raised position facilitates ingress and egress to a bather. A composite bath embodiment and a retrofit embodiment, both with either straight up or laterally offset lifting, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Freedom Bath, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary F. Sherlock, Rainer Kuenzel
  • Patent number: 6427258
    Abstract: A device, comprising an extendable object having a retracted position and an extended position with respect to a fixture; and a motive power system adapted for moving the object between the retracted and extended positions. The extendable object is preferably a water fixture amenity, such as a concealable compartment or a raisable seat. Preferably, the motive power system is a hydraulic system and includes a cylinder, a power source, and controls. The cylinder has a piston adapted for moving the compartment with respect to the fixture. The power source is connected to the cylinder and is adapted to extend the piston and move the compartment. The power source includes a water line in fluid communication with a cylinder volume. The controls are adapted for regulating movement of the piston by the power source. A method of moving a water fixture amenity, including the concealable compartment and the raisable seat, generally comprises two steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Wayzata Innovative Technologies
    Inventor: James C. Gooley
  • Patent number: 6397409
    Abstract: A bath lift system comprises a seat which is raised and lowered inside of a bath by a lifting device positioned inside the bath. The lifting device provides an aesthetically appealing system with the seat substantially concealing the lifting device, thus obscuring its view. The lifting device reduces leakage while providing straight line movement positioning of the seat from a central position to a position along side of the top rim of the bath. Also, an alternative internal lifting device that eliminates the need for openings through the wall of the bath is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Freedom Bath, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary F. Sherlock, Rainer Kuenzel, John R. Schubert
  • Patent number: 6256807
    Abstract: A bath lift for assisting a person into and out of a bath tub is disclosed. The lift includes a tower mounted adjacent or atop a bath tub. The tower includes structure for attachment of the tower to a wall adjacent the tub or to the tub when the lift is in use. The tower defines a spaced pair of tracks, reciprocatably mounting a carriage by rollers engaged with the tracks. An elongate threaded member is rotatably mounted in the tower and operably engaging the carriage. A drive is connected to the member to effect member rotation thereby causing longitudinal movement of the carriage relative to the tower as coaction of the tracks and rollers guides movement when the lift is in use. An occupant chair including a seat and a back is supported by the carriage. The chair as also mounted on the support for rotation about a horizontal axis when the lift is in use to enable adjustment of the chair back for occupant comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Silver Crown Associates Limited
    Inventor: William David Steadman