Connection point assembly for a patient lift extension bar having a visual indicator of its latched position

Abstract

A connection point assembly for a patient lift extension bar, the connection point assembly having: a hook member defining a throat having a mouth formed between a distal end of the hook member and an adjacent base portion; a latch assembly operably coupled to the hook member at the mouth and including a latch configurable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the latch does not obstruct the mouth and wherein the latch obstructs the mouth. The connection point assembly includes a visual indicator indicating the open position and the closed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a connection point assembly for a patient lift extension bar and, more particularly, to a connection point assembly having a visual indicator of a latched position thereof. Background Art

[0002] There are various configurations of patient lifting devices, but patient lifting devices generally include a lifting mechanism with a spreading rod at its distal end. A patient sling is connected to the spreading rod to lift the patient in use. The sling can also help partially bear the weight of the person for assisted standing.

[0003] Spreading poles similarly include a variety of configurations, but typically include at least two connection points at their distal ends to which sling straps are connected to retain a spreader from the spreading pole.

[0004] Additionally, there are various configurations of certain deployment rod connection points, some of which are designed to reduce the likelihood of the cuff accidentally becoming detached from the connection point during use.

[0005] Some configurations include an integral upper spring latch that extends generally horizontally across the mouth of the connection point. However, if the cuff is looped over the bend of the connection point, it is possible to cross the latch and pull it open, causing the cuff to fall. Some connection point configurations have a hook that is fully folded back so that the latch extends more vertically across the mouth to reduce this possibility.

[0006] Additionally, the connection points have various latch configurations, including those that incorporate a ring-shaped spring steel clip having legs of varying lengths that engage the hook at an offset point to bias the latch into a closed position.

[0007] However, these types of latches are difficult to use, including requiring a two-handed operation to release the cuff, wherein opposing index fingers of one hand are used to pull the latch open and the other hand is used to pull the cuff away from the connection point.

[0008] Due to this inconvenience, workers reportedly often remove these latches from the hooks to avoid the inconvenience, but this renders the connection point potentially unsafe.

[0009] The present invention seeks to provide a connection point assembly for a patient lift extension bar that will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide an alternative.

[0010] It should be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary of the invention

[0011] A connection point assembly for a patient lift extension bar is provided herein, the connection point assembly comprising a hook member defining a throat having a mouth between a distal end of the hook member and an adjacent portion. The connection point assembly further comprises a latch assembly operably coupled to the hook member at the mouth.

[0012] The latch assembly is configurable between an open position, in which the latch does not obstruct the mouth, and a closed position, in which the latch obstructs the mouth.

[0013] Additionally, the connection point assembly includes a visual indicator indicating the open position and the closed position.

[0014] The latch assembly may include a base that is rotatably engaged to the distal end of the hook member at an axis. The distal end of the hook member may include a fork through which an axle pin is inserted, through the base. The latch may extend tangentially from the base so that the latch contacts the base at the base so that the cuff may enter the throat but not pass through the throat.

[0015] The base may include a radial offset visual indicator, which may have a first visual indication and a second radial offset visual indication, such as different colors, etc. The base may include an arcuate aperture into which a plastic component of a different color is inserted.

[0016] The distal end of the hook may include a reference point at which the radial offset of the base of the latch assembly can be visually measured to determine the latch position. In an embodiment, the distal end of the hook includes a window through which either the first or second visual indication can be seen, depending on the position of the latch assembly.

[0017] For example, a green visual indication may be associated with the window when the latch is securely closed, and a red visual indication may be associated with the window wherein the latch is unsafely open, thereby providing a visual indication of the position of the latch assembly.

[0018] The distal end of the hook member may include windows on either side thereof so that the visual indication is apparent from either side of the connection point assembly.

[0019] The latch assembly may include a biasing member (such as a coil spring, etc.) for biasing the latch assembly to the closed position. The coil spring may be hidden between the forks of the latch assembly to avoid interference.

[0020] The edge of the base of the latch assembly can be accessible to manually open the latch assembly. For example, the edge of the base generally opposite the latch can include a tactical edge extending between the forks of the distal end of the hook member so that the user can let a finger straddle the edge to open the latch assembly.

[0021] Thus, the present connection point assembly enhances safe operation thereof by providing a visual indication of the position of the latch assembly when compared to prior art arrangements.

[0022] Furthermore, in embodiments where the distal end of the hook includes a forked portion, the base of the latch assembly is rotatably engaged between the forked portions and includes a hidden coil spring between the forked portions, the present connection point assembly prevents tampering with the latch assembly as compared to prior art arrangements.

[0023] Furthermore, in embodiments wherein the distal end of the hook member includes bifurcated portions, the base of the latch assembly being rotatably engaged between the bifurcated portions and exposing a tactical edge therebetween, the latch assembly may be opened and the cuff removed therefrom in a single-handed operation.

[0024] According to one aspect, a connection point assembly for a patient lift extension rod is provided, the connection point assembly including a hook member and a latch assembly, the hook member defining a throat having a mouth, the mouth formed between a distal end of the hook member and an adjacent base portion adjacent the distal end of the hook member, the latch assembly being operably coupled to the hook member at the mouth, the latch assembly including a latch, the latch assembly being configurable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the latch does not block the mouth in the open position and blocks the mouth in the closed position, wherein the connection point assembly includes a visual indicator indicating the open position and the closed position, wherein the visual indicator includes a first visual indicator and a second radially offset visual indicator, and wherein the distal end of the hook member includes a window, and wherein the first visual indication is observable through the window in the closed position, and the second visual indication is observable through the window in the open position.

[0025] A latch assembly is rotatably engaged to the distal end of the hook member.

[0026] The latch may include a base from which the latch extends.

[0027] The distal end of the hook member may include a forked portion, and the base may be rotatably engaged between the forked portions via a shaft pin.

[0028] The base may include a circular perimeter.

[0029] The latch may include a base from which the latch extends, and wherein the distal end of the hook member may include a forked portion, the base may be rotatably engageable between the forked portions, and wherein at least one of the forked portions defines a window therethrough.

[0030] The visual indicator is viewable from both sides of the base, and wherein each prong defines a respective window therethrough.

[0031] The window may include a notch formed through an edge of at least one of the bifurcated portions.

[0032] The first visual indication and the second visual indication may have different colors.

[0033] The base may include an arcuate aperture including the first and second visual indication members adjacently inserted therein.

[0034] The first visual indication member and the second visual indication member may be plastic.

[0035] The latch may include a base from which the latch extends, and wherein an edge of the base may be exposed for manually rotating the base to deflect the latch.

[0036] The distal end of the hook member may include a fork, the base may be rotatably engaged between the fork, and wherein the edge may be accessible between the fork.

[0037] The edge may extend accessible from between the bifurcations.

[0038] The edge may include a tactile surface.

[0039] The latch may include a base from which the latch extends, and wherein the latch extends tangentially from the base thereby defining an outer edge and an inner edge, the outer edge being more tangential to the base than the inner edge, and wherein the latch assembly may be connected to the distal end of the hook member in an orientation such that the outer edge faces outward from the entrance and the inner edge faces the throat member, and such that the latch strikes an adjacent base portion at an angle in a closed position.

[0040] The base may be rotatably coupled to the distal end of the hook member about an axis, and wherein the latch assembly may be oriented such that the distal end of the latch may be further toward the throat than the axis.

[0041] The adjacent base portion may include a recess for receiving the distal end of the latch.

[0042] The recess may include a flat inner side that contacts a corresponding outer flat dimension of the distal end of the latch to hinder lateral movement.

[0043] The connection point assembly may further include a biasing coil spring concealed between the bifurcated portion and the base, and wherein the coil spring may be configured to bias the latch to the closed position.

[0044] The biasing coil spring may include a coiled portion and a pair of radial arms extending from the coiled portion.

[0045] The side surface of the base may include a coil spring receiving groove in the base for receiving the biasing coil spring in the coil spring receiving groove.

[0046] The hook member may include a handle portion, a curved portion, and a bayonet portion, and wherein the bayonet portion may include a length such that a distal end of the hook member is positioned proximate to an adjacent base portion.

[0047] A method of using the connection point assembly may include inspecting a visual indicator of the connection point assembly to determine a position of the latch assembly.

[0048] The method may include pushing the edge with a finger to rotate the base to deflect the latch.

[0049] The method may further include removing the cuff from the throat using the same hand.

[0050] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Although there are any other forms that may fall within the scope of protection of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a patient lift extension bar including a pair of connection point assemblies according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 2 An assembled view of the stretcher rod is shown;

[0054] Figure 3 An embodiment of a patient lift extension bar is shown, the patient lift extension bar including four connection point assemblies thereon;

[0055] Figure 4 showing a connection point assembly in a closed configuration according to an embodiment;

[0056] Figure 5 The connection point component is shown in an open configuration.

[0057] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a connection point assembly according to an embodiment;

[0058] Figure 7A latch assembly of a connection point assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0059] Figure 8 Components of a visual indicator of a latch assembly according to an embodiment are shown;

[0060] Fig. 9 A helical bias spring of a latch assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0061] Fig.10 An axle pin of a latch assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0062] Fig.11 Indicative dimensions of a connection point assembly according to an embodiment are given;

[0063] Fig.12 Indicative dimensions of a latch assembly according to an embodiment are given; and

[0064] Fig.13 Shown are indicated dimensions of a helical bias spring of a latch assembly according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1 A patient lift extension bar 100 is shown including at least one connection point assembly 101 . Figure 2 The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows a stretching rod 100 comprising two connection point assemblies 101, and Figure 3 The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows a spreading rod 100 including four connection point assemblies 101. Other configurations are possible.

[0066] The extension bar 100 typically includes an extension bar 102 extending from a central piece 103, which may include a pivot bushing 104 therethrough for pivotal attachment to a patient lift apparatus.

[0067] As shown, the extension rod 102 may extend generally horizontally from the central piece 103 and bend downwardly at approximately 45° toward its distal end.

[0068] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the transverse horizontal rods 105 can be connected to the corresponding distal ends of the extension rods 102 at a central point and extend horizontally on either side thereof to the connection point assembly 101 at the distal end thereof.

[0069] The extension rod 102 and the horizontal rod 105 can be cylindrical, and the connection point assembly 101 can include an insert 106 that is inserted into the distal open ends of the extension rod 102 and the horizontal rod 105. The insert 106 can be sized to be tightly frictionally engaged within each corresponding distal open end and can include a longitudinal channel along it. A locking pin 107 can be inserted through the matching apertures of the extension rod 102 or the horizontal rod 105 and the insert 106 to lock the connection point assembly 101 in place.

[0070] See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the assembly 101 includes a hook member 108 defining a throat 140 having a mouth 109 .

[0071] The hook member 108 may include a handle 113, a curved portion 114, and a bayonet portion 115. The bayonet portion 115 may double the length of the handle 113 rearwardly so that its distal end 110 is closely adjacent to the adjacent base portion 111 of the hook member 108 or adjacent to the extension rod 102. The base portion 111 may transition to the insertion portion 106 at the rim 112 so that the adjacent surfaces of the base portion 111 and the distal end of the extension rod 102 are continuous.

[0072] The base portion 111 can narrow to the handle 113, thereby widening the throat 140. In addition, the handle 113 can be non-coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the insert 106 and can define an inner straight support edge 141.

[0073] The connection point assembly 101 includes a latch assembly 116 coupled to the hook member 108 at the mouth 109 .

[0074] The latch assembly includes a latch 117. The latch assembly 116 can be configured to position the latch 117 in a position such as Figure 5 The open position shown is similar to Figure 4 Between the closed positions shown, Figure 5 In the open position shown, the latch 117 does not block the mouth 109; Figure 4 In the closed position shown, latch 117 blocks mouth 109 .

[0075] The latch assembly 116 can include a base 118 from which the latch 117 extends. The base 118 can be rotatably coupled to the distal end 110 of the hook member 108.

[0076] See also Figure 6 The distal end 110 of the hook member 108 may include a bifurcated portion 120 having a mating aperture 142 through which the axle pin 119 is inserted, through the axial aperture 121 of the base 118 .

[0077] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the base 118 is generally annular, thereby defining a circular perimeter portion.

[0078] The latch 117 may extend partially tangentially from the base, in that the longitudinal axis of the latch 117 does not coincide with the axial aperture 121 of the base. In this embodiment, the latch 170 may define an outer edge 124 to an inner edge 125, the outer edge 124 may be tangential to the edge of the base 118, and the inner edge 125 is not tangential to the edge of the base 118.

[0079] Reference Figure 4 In the closed position, the distal end of the latch 117 may strike the adjacent surface 122 of the base portion 111 at an angle. Figure 5 , the adjacent surface 122 may include a recess 123 in which the distal end of the latch 117 rests in the closed position. The recess 123 may include an inner flat edge that bears on corresponding outer and inner surfaces of the distal end of the latch 117 to prevent lateral movement.

[0080] The tangential latch 117 striking the adjacent surface 122 at an angle may thereby prevent it from moving further. In addition, the distal end of the latch 117 may be further toward the throat 140 than the axis 143 of the latch member so that the cuff may bear against the outer edge 124 of the latch 117 to allow the latch 117 to be released from the mouth 109 (i.e., where the base 118 is at Figure 4 The strap is not able to deflect the latch 117 (in a clockwise rotation in a given orientation) when bearing against the inner edge 125 of the latch 117. Figure 4 counterclockwise) deflection at a given orientation.

[0081] The latch assembly 116 may be biased toward the closed position. Fig. 9 The latch assembly may include a biasing coil spring 126 including a coil portion 127 from which radial arms 128 extend. Each radial arm 128 may include an insertion end 129.

[0082] See also Figure 7 , the side surface of the base 118 may include a coil spring receiving groove 130 therein, which may include a radial arm channel leading toward an aperture into which one of the insertion ends 129 is inserted. Figure 6 , the edge of one of the forked portions 120 may include a channel 150 for the other insertion end 129. Thus, the radial arms 128 act in opposition to the torsion of the helical portion 127 to bias the latch assembly 116 to Figure 4 The closed position is shown in FIG.

[0083] A tactile edge 133 may be exposed between the forks 120, the tactile edge 133 generally opposite the location of the latch 117, and the tactile edge 133 may include a gripping protrusion 134 thereon. Figure 4 Slide your finger across the tactile edge 133 from left to right in the orientation of to open the latch 117.

[0084] The connection point assembly 101 includes a visual indicator that indicates the position of the latch 117 .

[0085] See also Figure 6 , the latch assembly may include a radial offset indicator 135, which includes a first visual indication and a second radial offset visual indication. In addition, the distal end of the hook member 108 may include a window, and depending on the position of the latch assembly 116, either the first visual indication or the second visual indication can be seen in the window.

[0086] See also Figure 8 , the radial offset indicator 135 may include a first component 136 and a second component 137, which are adjacently inserted through the arc-shaped aperture 139 of the base 118 of the latch assembly 116. The first component 136 and the second component 137 may be made of plastic and may include different colors, such as red and green, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the first component 136 and the second component 137 may include different text descriptions, such as "locked" or "unlocked", etc.

[0087] One or both adjacent prongs 120 may include a window 138 across which the visual indicator 135 translates as the base 118 rotates. The window 138 may take the form of a notch or outer edge of the prong 120.

[0088] Therefore, see Figure 4 In the closed position, the first component 136 is adjacent to a window 138 that visually indicates that the latch 117 is in the closed position. For example, the first component 136 can be green to indicate that the latch 117 is securely closed.

[0089] However, when the latch 117 is in a Figure 5 , the second component 137 is positioned adjacent to the window 138 to provide a visual indication that the latch 117 is open. For example, the second component 137 can be red to indicate that the latch is unsafely opened.

[0090] The first and second visual indications may be visible from either side of the base 118 , and the bifurcated portions 120 may each include a corresponding window 138 such that the visual indications are visible from both sides of the connection point assembly 101 .

[0091] For the purpose of explanation, the above description uses specific terms to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to implement the present invention. Therefore, the above description of specific embodiments of the present invention is presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, because in view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are obviously possible. These embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, so that other technical personnel in the field can best utilize the present invention and various embodiments through various modifications suitable for the intended specific use. The presented claims and their equivalents are intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0092] Unless otherwise stated, the term "about" or the like as used herein should be interpreted as within 10% of the stated value.

Claims

1. A connection point assembly for a patient lift extension bar, the connection point assembly comprising a hook member and a latch assembly, the hook member defining a throat having a mouth, the mouth formed between a distal end of the hook member and an adjacent base portion adjacent to the distal end of the hook member; the latch assembly being operably coupled to the hook member at the mouth, the latch assembly comprising a latch, the latch assembly being configurable between an open position in which the latch does not obstruct the mouth and a closed position in which the latch obstructs the mouth, in, The connection point assembly includes a visual indicator indicating the open position and the closed position, wherein the visual indicator includes a first visual indicator and a second radially offset visual indicator, wherein the distal end of the hook member includes a window, and wherein in the closed position the first visual indicator is observable through the window, and in the open position the second visual indicator is observable through the window, and wherein the latch comprises a base from which the latch extends, and wherein the distal end of the hook member comprises a forked portion between which the base is rotatably engaged, and wherein at least one of the forked portions defines the window passing through the at least one forked portion.

2. The connection point assembly according to claim 1, in, The latch assembly is rotatably engaged to the distal end of the hook member.

3. The connection point assembly according to claim 2, in, The distal end of the hook member includes a forked portion, and the base portion is rotatably engaged between the forked portions via a shaft pin.

4. The connection point assembly according to claim 3, in, The base includes a circular perimeter.

5. The connection point assembly according to claim 1, in, The visual indicator is viewable from both sides of the base, and wherein each prong defines a respective window therethrough.

6. The connection point assembly according to claim 1, in, The window comprises a notch formed through an edge of at least one of the bifurcated portions.

7. The connection point assembly according to claim 1, in, The first visual indication and the second visual indication have different colors.

8. The connection point assembly according to claim 1, in, The base includes an arcuate aperture including a first visual indication member and a second visual indication member adjacently inserted into the arcuate aperture.

9. The connection point assembly according to claim 8, in, The first visual indication component and the second visual indication component are plastic.

10. The connection point assembly according to claim 1, in, The latch includes a base from which the latch extends, and wherein an edge of the base is exposed for manually rotating the base to deflect the latch.

11. The connection point assembly according to claim 10, in, The distal end of the hook member includes a fork, the base is rotatably engaged between the forks, and wherein an edge of the base is accessible between the forks.

12. The connection point assembly according to claim 11, in, An edge of the base portion extends proximally from between the bifurcated portions.

13. The connection point assembly according to claim 10, in, The edge of the base includes a tactile surface.

14. The connection point assembly of claim 1, in, The latch includes a base from which the latch extends, and wherein the latch extends tangentially from the base thereby defining an outer edge and an inner edge, the outer edge being more tangential to the base than the inner edge, and wherein the latch assembly is connected to the distal end of the hook member in a certain orientation so that the outer edge faces outward from the entrance and the inner edge faces the throat member, and so that the latch strikes the adjacent base portion at an angle in the closed position.

15. The connection point assembly according to claim 14, in, The base is rotatably coupled to a distal end of the hook member about an axis, and wherein the latch assembly is oriented such that the distal end of the latch is further toward the throat than the axis.

16. The connection point assembly according to claim 7, in, The adjacent base portion includes a recess for receiving a distal end of the latch.

17. The connection point assembly according to claim 16, in, The recess includes a flat inner side that contacts a corresponding outer flat dimension of the distal end of the latch to resist lateral movement.

18. The connection point assembly of claim 3, further comprising a biasing coil spring concealed between the bifurcated portion and the base portion, and in, The coil spring is configured to bias the latch to the closed position.

19. The connection point assembly according to claim 18, in, The biasing coil spring includes a coil portion and a pair of radial arms extending from the coil portion.

20. The connection point assembly of claim 18, in, The side surface of the base includes a coil spring receiving groove in the base for receiving the biasing coil spring in the coil spring receiving groove.

21. The connection point assembly of claim 1, in, The hook member includes a handle portion, a curved portion, and a bayonet portion, and wherein the bayonet portion includes a length such that a distal end of the hook member is positioned proximate to the adjacent base portion.

22. A method of using the connection point assembly of claim 1, the method comprising inspecting the visual indicator of the connection point assembly to determine the position of the latch assembly.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the connection point assembly of claim 10, the method comprising pushing an edge of the base with a finger to rotate the base to deflect the latch.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising removing the cuff from the throat using the same hand.

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