A lift assembly for moving and handling patients

Abstract

A lift assembly for moving and handling patients, the assembly comprising a track / rail with at least one cart / trolley guided therein, the cart / trolley being provided with an attachment member, a winch provided with at strap with an attachment member on its free end, and at least one spreader bar with an attachment member, the attachment members being part of quick release coupling system, the lift assembly being adapted to be: - in a portable configuration, the strap being attached to the cart / trolley by attachment members, allowing the winch hanging from the strap to run up and down along a vertical axis, and allowing the spreader bar to be attached directly onto the winch, or - in a fixed configuration, the winch being attached to the cart / trolley by attachment members, allowing the strap to run up and down along a vertical axis, and allowing the spreader bar to be mounted on the free end of the strap, characterized in that the attachment member provided at the free end of the strap is movable between - a locked position, before attachment to the cart / trolley in the portable configuration or before attachment to the spreader bar in the fixed configuration, and - a free position, after attachment to the cart / trolley in the portable configuration, the winch being free to rotate around the vertical axis, or after attachment to the spreader bar in the fixed configuration, the spreader bar being free to rotate around the vertical axis.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention generally relates to overhead lifting devices for moving and handling patients who are disabled or who otherwise have mobility problems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Overhead transport systems, such as overhead lift systems that include hoist units, may be used in hospitals, health care facilities, and / or home care settings, to assist with moving a subject from one location to another and / or to assist with repositioning the subject from one posture to another.

[0003] Conventional overhead lift systems utilize a sling or other lifting accessory to secure a subject to the overhead lift system and an actuator to lift the subject to a different elevation or lower the subject to a lower elevation.

[0004] The hoist units of these overhead lift systems may be coupled to a track / rail with a transfer assembly. The track / rail is, in turn, affixed to the ceiling or other overhead structure. The transfer assembly facilitates traversing the hoist units along the track / rail manually or with a motor. Segments of the track / rail may include curves and / or changes in elevation that may impede the travel of the transfer assembly along the track / rail.

[0005] In the overhead lift systems of the prior art, various means have been proposed for attaching and detaching a patient lifting bar, see e.g. WO2009155929 (GULDMANN, 2009), WO2013034936 (ARJOHUNTLEIGH MAGOG INC, 20114), US2018344553 (LIKO AB, 2018), US2021236363 (LIKO AB, 2021), US2021077328 (LIKO AB, 2021).

[0006] US7434787 discloses a ceiling lift comprising an overhead track / rail that is mounted adjacent to the ceiling, a carriage with a downward projection being guided in the overhead track / rail. A winch or cassette is ready to be attached to the downward projection at a connection point formed by first female seat. The first female seat and the downward projection form a quick coupling of the bayonet type. In a first configuration of the ceiling lift, the first female seat of the cassette is placed upwards and the cassette is secured to the carriage by rotating the cassette 90 degrees about a vertical axis to engage the bayonet coupling, the cassette being overhead mounted. In this first configuration, a lifting strap projects downwards from an opening of the cassette, the free end of the lifting strap being attached to a spreader bar. In a second configuration of the ceiling lift, the first female seat of the cassette is placed downwards and the cassette is suspended from a strap attached to the track / rail, a spreader bar being directly connected to the cassette at the first female seat. Connecting the spreader bar to the free end of the strap is a matter of inserting the male part into the female seat and turning the seat and the spreader bar 90 degrees relative to one another.

[0007] The quick coupling system of the bayonet type is interchangeable throughout the ceiling lift, i.e. the male parts disposed on the carriage and the spreader bar fit to all female seats disposed in the cassette and the strap. In the bayonet type quick coupling system of this prior art document, the male part provided with two diametrically opposite redial protrusions is placed just in front of the female seat for insertion. The female seat is provided with a slot suited for receiving the male part. To engage the coupling, the male part is fully inserted into the slot and turned 90 degrees relative to the female seat and then released. The female seat is provided with two abutment blocks that allow rotation in only one direction when the male part has just been inserted into the slot. A notch in the female seat for receiving the protrusions extends to both sides of the slot. The protrusions are securely locked into the notch when a load is applied to the male part.

[0008] The device presented in document US7434787 has many advantages, in particular the ability to be used in a fixed over-head configuration or in a portable ceiling hoist configuration. In the fixed over-head configuration, the cassette is coupled to the carriage mounted in the overhead track / rail. In the portable ceiling hoist configuration, the cassette can be coupled to the free end of a strap, the other end of the strap being attached to the carriage mounted in the overhead track / rail. In both configurations, the user may select the appropriate spreader bar. One modular system can thus be used to cover various lifting requirements. The cassette can be attached or detached by one person for maintenance, repair or cleaning.

[0009] The device presented in document US7434787 has however some disadvantages. The cassette may not be correctly mounted on the carriage, or the spreader bar may not be correctly mounted on the cassette. Such risks are taken into account by the provision of a microswitch in the female part of the bayonet type coupling means, the microswitch being connected to an electronical control that controls operation of an electric motor, said motor driving a reel for winding and unwinding the strap. The microswitch is mechanically actuated by the coupling means. If the switch is not actuated, the control unit prevents operation of the electric motor, and thus the winding or unwinding of the strap. This security system is complicated and can be misleading. Indeed, the absence of winding or unwinding of the strap can be due to various causes, such as a malfunction of the battery of the electric motor, or a malfunction of the motor itself, or a fault in the microswitch. Moreover, when the device does not react to up / down command, the user has to check various points to find that the possible cause is that the cassette or the spreader bar is not correctly mounted, this troubleshooting being lengthy.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide overhead lifting devices of the kind referred to initially, which overcomes or at least reduces the above mentioned problems.

[0011] The present invention is directed to addressing the effects of one or more of the problems set forth above. The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key of critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is discussed later.

[0012] While the invention is susceptible to various modification and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.

[0013] It may of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiments, implementation-specific decisions should be made to achieve the developer's specific goal, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. It will be appreciated that such a development effort might be time consuming but may nevertheless be a routine understanding for those or ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0014] The invention provides a lift assembly for moving and handling patients, the assembly comprising a track / rail with at least one cart / trolley guided therein, the cart / trolley being provided with an attachment member, a hoist comprising a winch provided with at strap with an attachment member on its free end, and at least one spreader bar with an attachment member, the attachment members being part of quick release coupling system, the lift assembly being adapted to be in a portable configuration, the strap being attached to the cart / trolley by attachment members, allowing the winch hanging from the strap to run up and down along a vertical axis, and allowing the spreader bar to be attached directly onto the winch, or in a fixed configuration, the hoist being attached to the cart / trolley by attachment members, allowing the strap to run up and down along a vertical axis, and allowing the spreader bar to be mounted on the free end of the strap, the attachment member provided at the free end of the strap being movable between a locked position, before attachment to the cart / trolley in the portable configuration or before attachment to the spreader bar in the fixed configuration, and a free position, after attachment to the cart / trolley in the portable configuration, the winch being free to rotate around the vertical axis, or after attachment to the spreader bar in the fixed configuration, the spreader bar being free to rotate around the vertical axis.

[0015] Advantageously, the quick release coupling system comprises male attachment members and female attachment members, the attachment member provided with the cart / trolley and the attachment member provided on the spreader bar being of the same type and complementary to the attachment member provided at the free end of the strap and the attachment member provided with the winch.

[0016] In some embodiments quick release coupling system is of the bayonet type.

[0017] Advantageously, the attachment member provided at the free end of the strap is a spring-loaded bayonet, pushing the attachment member into the locked position when the attachment member is not in use.

[0018] Advantageously, the attachment member provided with the cart / trolley has a spring-loaded resistance plate, the bayonet pushing the spring-loaded resistance plate during attachment of the strap to the cart / trolley in the portable configuration.

[0019] Advantageously, the attachment member provided with the spreader bar has a spring-loaded resistance plate, the bayonet pushing the spring-resistance loaded plate during attachment of the spreader bar to bayonet at the strap end in the fixed configuration.

[0020] In some embodiments, the spring-loaded bayonet is movable between the locked position and the free position when pulling the bayonet with a pulling force corresponding to a weight of approximately 500-1500 grams.

[0021] In various embodiments, the spreader bar is a curved two-point spreader bar or a straight two-point spreader bar, or a three-point spreader bar, or a four-point spreader bar.

[0022] In various embodiments, the extremities of the spreader bar comprise means for attaching a sling, a harness or a lifting belt.

[0023] The lift assembly for moving and handling patients can be used to lift a person, for instance from a bed to toilet, or to relief the body-weight of a person.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following disclosure and claims. The following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments is given for the purpose of exemplification only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cart / trolley of an overhead lifting device for moving and handling patients, according to one embodiment; Figure 2 is bottom view of the cart / trolley of figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the cart / trolley of figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a spreader bar, according to one embodiment; Figure 5 is a perceptive view of the free end of a strap provided with quick coupling means of the bayonet type, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Illustrative embodiments of lifting device for use in a mounted track / rail will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] The mounted track / rail is not shown in the drawing. The general structure of such mounted track / rail is known in prior art, the track / rail being e.g. of the hollow-profile type comprising a slit. The track / rail comprises running surface for wheels of a cart / trolley. Examples of ceiling mounted track / rail are disclosed e.g. in documents EP3335685, US2022396455.

[0027] In some embodiments, the track / rail is overhead mounted having an overall square transversal section of for example 75 mm width and height, or an overall rectangular transversal section having for example a width of 75 mm and a height of 140 mm, the slit having for example a width of approximately 20 mm. The overhead track / rail is mounted to a ceiling or mounted on a lift structure.

[0028] In other embodiments, the track / rail is wall mounted, having advantageously a discrete thin section. The lateral slit of the wall mounted profile is advantageously hidden by a click cover plate, the profile being very discrete if not used.

[0029] Advantageously, the track / rail is made of aluminum alloy, allowing production of light section, for straight or curved tracking, as well as turntables and track changers.

[0030] The cart / trolley 1 comprises a cart having a plate element 2 with suspension wheels 3 arranged in rotatable manner to the upper end of the plate element 2.

[0031] Advantageously, two suspension wheels 3 are arranged on a common wheel shaft 4 with one wheel 3 on each side of the upper end of the plate element 2, four suspension wheels 3 being arranged in two sets of suspension wheels.

[0032] In other embodiments, suspension wheels are arranged on only one side of the plate element.

[0033] In other embodiments, more than four wheels are arranged on the plate element, e.g. six or eight wheels, or less than four wheels, e.g. two wheels.

[0034] The cart with the suspension wheels 3 is introduced in the hollow profile of the track / rail, part of the cart extending through the slit and below the track / rail.

[0035] The suspension wheels 3 are arranged in the interior of the hollow profile of the mounted track / rail and are supported by running surface formed by the track / rail. Thus, the cart / trolley 1 can be moved along the track / rail.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cart / trolley 1 moves freely along the track / rail, this allowing for an assisting person to manually push or pull the hoist along the track / rail whereby the person in the hoist can be moved.

[0037] Advantageously, the cart / trolley is linked to a drive cart connected to a power supply, and the hoist is moved using the drive cart, manual pushing or pulling of the cart being allowed when the motor of the drive cart is inactive, e.g. because of low battery power of the drive cart.

[0038] In some embodiments, the drive cart has motion wheels which engage a friction surface of the track / rail, the motion wheels being powered by a motor, such as an electric motor, driven by a battery of being connected to a power source. The motion wheels may be pressed against the track / rail by means of a spring. Advantageously, means are provided to release one of more drive wheels from contact with the running surface of the track / rail, whereby the suspension wheels are able to rotate freely along the track / rail, allowing a person to push or pull the hoist along the track / rail and moving a person present in the hoist in the event of a power shortage or in the case a battery runs out of power.

[0039] The hoist comprises a winch suspended under the cart / trolley, the winch comprising a strap 5 which can be lowered and raised to lift a physically impaired person.

[0040] Quick coupling means are fixed to the strap 5. Advantageously, the quick coupling means are permanently fixed to the strap 5.

[0041] In the represented embodiment, the quick coupling means are of the bayonet type, a male part 6 of the coupling means being fixed at a first end of a strap 5.

[0042] Advantageously, the other end of the strap 5 is fixed to a cassette forming a winch, allowing winding or unwinding of the strap 5.

[0043] The general structure of the cassette is known in the art. The cassette generally comprises an electric motor, gears and batteries, so as to wind and unwind the strap 5.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cassette has an ellipsoid external shape, the housing of the cassette being formed by interconnecting two convex sides by a rim. Advantageously, two recesses are formed between the convex sides and the rim, allowing two opposite parts of the rim serve as handles. The strap project from one opening of the cassette, this opening being disposed on one of the convex sides and / or in the rim.

[0045] The quick coupling means can be attached to a spreader bar 7, or to the cart / trolley 1 or to the cassette. To this end, female part 8 of bayonet type coupling means is arranged on lower part of the cart / trolley 1, and female part 8 of bayonet type coupling means is arranged on the upper side of the spreader bar 7. Female part 8 of bayonet type coupling means is also arranged on the cassette. In the following description, female part 8 of the bayonet type coupling means is also named base or bayonet base.

[0046] Advantageously, the spreader bar 7 is suspended in the middle on top by the strap 5.

[0047] In the represented embodiment, the spreader bar 7 is a curved two-point spreader bar. In other embodiments, the spreader bar is a straight two-point spreader bar, or a three-point spreader bar, or a four-point spreader bar. The general structure of such spreader bars is known in the art.

[0048] The hooks 9 on the extremities of the spreader bar 7 are used for attaching a sling, a harness or a lifting belt to the spreader bar. The hoist device can be used to lift a person, for example from a bed to the toilet. The hoist device can also be used for body-weight rehabilitation (gait training, motor function and the strengthening of the muscular system), a walking sling being fitted to the spreader bar. When used in conjunction with a treadmill it is possible for patients with impaired walking ability to train the correct physiological gait.

[0049] In some embodiments, to reduce the risk of unintentional release of the sling, harness or lifting belt, measures such as double hooks creating a labyrinth, corkscrew hooks, or resilient clips (snap finger) or other resilient means close the opening of a simple hook.

[0050] Advantageously, the spreader bar 7 comprise a safety hook mounted at each extremity of the spreader bar, of the type disclosed in document WO2004069126.

[0051] Advantageously, the safety hook comprises a base member, a load-bearing hook member extending in a first plane and having a first end and a second free end, the first end being pivotally suspended from the base member at a pivot axis to allow the hook member to move in the first plane between an open position and a closed position in which the free end of the hook member engages the base member at an engagement point, the hook member extending from the pivot axis to one side of a second plane which falls together with the pivot axis and the engagement point, the hook member extending further through the second plane to its free end.

[0052] Thus, the hook member is shaped such that it is urged to the closed position when a downward load is applied to it, and urged to the open position when an upward load is applied to it. Under normal circumstances the safety hook closes automatically under the weight of the load. Unintentional opening of the safety hook is excluded as there cannot be an upward load under normal circumstances. To releasing a sling or lifting belt from the safety hook, the operator pulls the attachment loop of the sling or lifting belt upwards to open the safety hook and the attachment loop can be released.

[0053] The male part 6 of the bayonet type quick coupling means is provided with two diametrically opposite radial protrusions 10.

[0054] For the operation of the bayonet coupling means, the female part 8 is provided with a slot 11 suited for receiving the male part 6. To engage the coupling, the male part 6 is inserted into the slot 11 and turned 90 degrees relative to the female seat. The female part 8 is provided with abutment that allow rotation of the male part 6 in only one direction when the male part 6 has been inserted into the slot 11.

[0055] Advantageously, information is available on the coupling means as regards movements for attaching and detaching the male part 6 and the female part 8 of the quick coupling means. For instance, as shown in the drawings, pictograms are used.

[0056] The bayonet base 6 is spring loaded pushing the coupling means into a locked position when not in use. When pulling the bayonet (advantageously approx. 500-1500 grams pull), it comes free of the lock and can rotate freely. When letting go of the bayonet it is pushed back into the locked position. The locked position prevents the bayonet from turning allowing attachment to either cart / trolley 1 or spreader bar 7.

[0057] Bayonet can only be attached / connected to either cart / trolley 1 or spreader bar 7 when in the locked position.

[0058] The attachment member in both cart / trolley 1 and spreader bar 7 has a spring-loaded resistance plate 12 that keeps the bayonet, when attached, in a safe-lock position.

[0059] When attaching, the bayonet base 8 is placed in the attachment point opening (on the spreader bar 7 or on the cart / trolley 1) and turn clockwise 90°. The turn will automatically guide the bayonet up and in while pushing the spring-loaded plate 12 until the bayonet drops into the safe-lock.

[0060] To detach, the bayonet is pushed towards the cart / trolley 1 or the spreader bar 7 and turned counterclockwise 90°.

[0061] The multi-purpose bayonet serves two hoist solutions, named below portable solution and fixed solution.

[0062] In the portable solution, the strap 5 is attached to the cart / trolley 1 in the track, allowing the cassette hanging from the strap 5 to run up and down. This operating position gives a maximum lifting height, but the cassette is close to the head of the patient which could be experienced as an inconvenience.

[0063] Spreader bar 7 is attached directly onto the cassette. Before attaching the bayonet to the cart / trolley 1 in the track, the bayonet will be in a locked position since there is no weight load pulling the bayonet. When the bayonet has been attached and the cassette is left hanging, the weight of the cassette will release the bayonet from locked position in the base, allowing free rotation of the cassette hanging in the strap 5.

[0064] In the fixed solution, the cassette is attached to the cart / trolley 1 in the track above allowing the strap 5 with the spreader bar 7 attached, to run up and down. This operating position gives a maximum lifting height, and the cassette is always far away from the head of the patient.

[0065] Before attaching the bayonet to the spreader bar 7, the bayonet will be in a locked position since there is no weight load pulling the bayonet. This allows for easy attachment. When the spreader bar 7 is attached and left hanging from the bayonet, the bayonet will release from locked position in the base allowing free rotation of the spreader bar 7.

[0066] Advantageously, the attachment in the spreader bar 7 has a function that allows sideways tilt of the spreader bar.

[0067] The female part 8 of the quick coupling means is advantageously placed inside a housing, a cover 20 being placed over the housing. The cover 20 is for example made of polymer, and supports the pictograms (open padlock, close padlock, arrows). The cover protects the coupling means from the environment, such as dust or mist. The cover is preferably removable, facilitating cleaning and maintenance.

[0068] The slot of the bayonet coupling means is made by the assembly of two parts, e.g. two polymer parts made by injection. Each part of the housing 21 is for instance screwed on the plate element 2, using assembly axis 22, 23. When the housing 21 is fixed to the plate element 2, a compression spring 24 (or any equivalent elastic means) permanently urged the spring-loaded resistance plate 12 on an internal abutment of the housing 21.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0070] Thus, while the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the inventions. Other embodiments and configurations may be devised without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0025]Illustrative embodiments of lifting device for use in a mounted track / rail will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026]The mounted track / rail is not shown in the drawing. The general structure of such mounted track / rail is known in prior art, the track / rail being e.g. of the hollow-profile type comprising a slit. The track / rail comprises running surface for wheels of a cart / trolley. Examples of ceiling mounted track / rail are disclosed e.g. in documents EP3335685, US2022396455.

[0027]In some embodiments, the track / rail is overhead mounted having an overall square transversal section of for example 75 mm width and height, or an overall rectangular transversal section having for example a width of 75 mm and a height of 140 mm, the slit having for example a width of approximately 20 mm. The overhead track / rail is mounted to a ceiling or mounted on a lift structure.

[0028]In other embodiments, the track / rail is wall mounted, having advantageously a discrete thin ...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention generally relates to overhead lifting devices for moving and handling patients who are disabled or who otherwise have mobility problems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Overhead transport systems, such as overhead lift systems that include hoist units, may be used in hospitals, health care facilities, and / or home care settings, to assist with moving a subject from one location to another and / or to assist with repositioning the subject from one posture to another.

[0003] Conventional overhead lift systems utilize a sling or other lifting accessory to secure a subject to the overhead lift system and an actuator to lift the subject to a different elevation or lower the subject to a lower elevation.

[0004] The hoist units of these overhead lift systems may be coupled to a track / rail with a transfer assembly. The track / rail is, in turn, affixed to the ceiling or other overhead structure. The transfer assembly facilitates traversing the hoist units along the track / rail manually or with a motor. Segments of the track / rail may include curves and / or changes in elevation that may impede the travel of the transfer assembly along the track / rail.

[0005] In the overhead lift systems of the prior art, various means have been proposed for attaching and detaching a patient lifting bar, see e.g. WO2009155929 (GULDMANN, 2009), WO2013034936 (ARJOHUNTLEIGH MAGOG INC, 20114), US2018344553 (LIKO AB, 2018), US2021236363 (LIKO AB, 2021), US2021077328 (LIKO AB, 2021).

[0006] US7434787 discloses a ceiling lift comprising an overhead track / rail that is mounted adjacent to the ceiling, a carriage with a downward projection being guided in the overhead track / rail. A winch or cassette is ready to be attached to the downward projection at a connection point formed by first female seat. The first female seat and the downward projection form a quick coupling of the bayonet type. In a first configuration of the ceiling lift, the first female seat of the cassette is placed upwards and the cassette is secured to the carriage by rotating the cassette 90 degrees about a vertical axis to engage the bayonet coupling, the cassette being overhead mounted. In this first configuration, a lifting strap projects downwards from an opening of the cassette, the free end of the lifting strap being attached to a spreader bar. In a second configuration of the ceiling lift, the first female seat of the cassette is placed downwards and the cassette is suspended from a strap attached to the track / rail, a spreader bar being directly connected to the cassette at the first female seat. Connecting the spreader bar to the free end of the strap is a matter of inserting the male part into the female seat and turning the seat and the spreader bar 90 degrees relative to one another.

[0007] The quick coupling system of the bayonet type is interchangeable throughout the ceiling lift, i.e. the male parts disposed on the carriage and the spreader bar fit to all female seats disposed in the cassette and the strap. In the bayonet type quick coupling system of this prior art document, the male part provided with two diametrically opposite redial protrusions is placed just in front of the female seat for insertion. The female seat is provided with a slot suited for receiving the male part. To engage the coupling, the male part is fully inserted into the slot and turned 90 degrees relative to the female seat and then released. The female seat is provided with two abutment blocks that allow rotation in only one direction when the male part has just been inserted into the slot. A notch in the female seat for receiving the protrusions extends to both sides of the slot. The protrusions are securely locked into the notch when a load is applied to the male part.

[0008] The device presented in document US7434787 has many advantages, in particular the ability to be used in a fixed over-head configuration or in a portable ceiling hoist configuration. In the fixed over-head configuration, the cassette is coupled to the carriage mounted in the overhead track / rail. In the portable ceiling hoist configuration, the cassette can be coupled to the free end of a strap, the other end of the strap being attached to the carriage mounted in the overhead track / rail. In both configurations, the user may select the appropriate spreader bar. One modular system can thus be used to cover various lifting requirements. The cassette can be attached or detached by one person for maintenance, repair or cleaning.

[0009] The device presented in document US7434787 has however some disadvantages. The cassette may not be correctly mounted on the carriage, or the spreader bar may not be correctly mounted on the cassette. Such risks are taken into account by the provision of a microswitch in the female part of the bayonet type coupling means, the microswitch being connected to an electronical control that controls operation of an electric motor, said motor driving a reel for winding and unwinding the strap. The microswitch is mechanically actuated by the coupling means. If the switch is not actuated, the control unit prevents operation of the electric motor, and thus the winding or unwinding of the strap. This security system is complicated and can be misleading. Indeed, the absence of winding or unwinding of the strap can be due to various causes, such as a malfunction of the battery of the electric motor, or a malfunction of the motor itself, or a fault in the microswitch. Moreover, when the device does not react to up / down command, the user has to check various points to find that the possible cause is that the cassette or the spreader bar is not correctly mounted, this troubleshooting being lengthy.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide overhead lifting devices of the kind referred to initially, which overcomes or at least reduces the above mentioned problems.

[0011] The present invention is directed to addressing the effects of one or more of the problems set forth above. The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key of critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is discussed later.

[0012] While the invention is susceptible to various modification and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.

[0013] It may of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiments, implementation-specific decisions should be made to achieve the developer's specific goal, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. It will be appreciated that such a development effort might be time consuming but may nevertheless be a routine understanding for those or ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0014] The invention provides a lift assembly for moving and handling patients, the assembly comprising a track / rail with at least one cart / trolley guided therein, the cart / trolley being provided with an attachment member, a hoist comprising a winch provided with at strap with an attachment member on its free end, and at least one spreader bar with an attachment member, the attachment members being part of quick release coupling system, the lift assembly being adapted to be in a portable configuration, the strap being attached to the cart / trolley by attachment members, allowing the winch hanging from the strap to run up and down along a vertical axis, and allowing the spreader bar to be attached directly onto the winch, or in a fixed configuration, the hoist being attached to the cart / trolley by attachment members, allowing the strap to run up and down along a vertical axis, and allowing the spreader bar to be mounted on the free end of the strap, the attachment member provided at the free end of the strap being movable between a locked position, before attachment to the cart / trolley in the portable configuration or before attachment to the spreader bar in the fixed configuration, and a free position, after attachment to the cart / trolley in the portable configuration, the winch being free to rotate around the vertical axis, or after attachment to the spreader bar in the fixed configuration, the spreader bar being free to rotate around the vertical axis.

[0015] Advantageously, the quick release coupling system comprises male attachment members and female attachment members, the attachment member provided with the cart / trolley and the attachment member provided on the spreader bar being of the same type and complementary to the attachment member provided at the free end of the strap and the attachment member provided with the winch.

[0016] In some embodiments quick release coupling system is of the bayonet type.

[0017] Advantageously, the attachment member provided at the free end of the strap is a spring-loaded bayonet, pushing the attachment member into the locked position when the attachment member is not in use.

[0018] Advantageously, the attachment member provided with the cart / trolley has a spring-loaded resistance plate, the bayonet pushing the spring-loaded resistance plate during attachment of the strap to the cart / trolley in the portable configuration.

[0019] Advantageously, the attachment member provided with the spreader bar has a spring-loaded resistance plate, the bayonet pushing the spring-resistance loaded plate during attachment of the spreader bar to bayonet at the strap end in the fixed configuration.

[0020] In some embodiments, the spring-loaded bayonet is movable between the locked position and the free position when pulling the bayonet with a pulling force corresponding to a weight of approximately 500-1500 grams.

[0021] In various embodiments, the spreader bar is a curved two-point spreader bar or a straight two-point spreader bar, or a three-point spreader bar, or a four-point spreader bar.

[0022] In various embodiments, the extremities of the spreader bar comprise means for attaching a sling, a harness or a lifting belt.

[0023] The lift assembly for moving and handling patients can be used to lift a person, for instance from a bed to toilet, or to relief the body-weight of a person.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following disclosure and claims. The following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments is given for the purpose of exemplification only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cart / trolley of an overhead lifting device for moving and handling patients, according to one embodiment; Figure 2 is bottom view of the cart / trolley of figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the cart / trolley of figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a spreader bar, according to one embodiment; Figure 5 is a perceptive view of the free end of a strap provided with quick coupling means of the bayonet type, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Illustrative embodiments of lifting device for use in a mounted track / rail will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] The mounted track / rail is not shown in the drawing. The general structure of such mounted track / rail is known in prior art, the track / rail being e.g. of the hollow-profile type comprising a slit. The track / rail comprises running surface for wheels of a cart / trolley. Examples of ceiling mounted track / rail are disclosed e.g. in documents EP3335685, US2022396455.

[0027] In some embodiments, the track / rail is overhead mounted having an overall square transversal section of for example 75 mm width and height, or an overall rectangular transversal section having for example a width of 75 mm and a height of 140 mm, the slit having for example a width of approximately 20 mm. The overhead track / rail is mounted to a ceiling or mounted on a lift structure.

[0028] In other embodiments, the track / rail is wall mounted, having advantageously a discrete thin section. The lateral slit of the wall mounted profile is advantageously hidden by a click cover plate, the profile being very discrete if not used.

[0029] Advantageously, the track / rail is made of aluminum alloy, allowing production of light section, for straight or curved tracking, as well as turntables and track changers.

[0030] The cart / trolley 1 comprises a cart having a plate element 2 with suspension wheels 3 arranged in rotatable manner to the upper end of the plate element 2.

[0031] Advantageously, two suspension wheels 3 are arranged on a common wheel shaft 4 with one wheel 3 on each side of the upper end of the plate element 2, four suspension wheels 3 being arranged in two sets of suspension wheels.

[0032] In other embodiments, suspension wheels are arranged on only one side of the plate element.

[0033] In other embodiments, more than four wheels are arranged on the plate element, e.g. six or eight wheels, or less than four wheels, e.g. two wheels.

[0034] The cart with the suspension wheels 3 is introduced in the hollow profile of the track / rail, part of the cart extending through the slit and below the track / rail.

[0035] The suspension wheels 3 are arranged in the interior of the hollow profile of the mounted track / rail and are supported by running surface formed by the track / rail. Thus, the cart / trolley 1 can be moved along the track / rail.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cart / trolley 1 moves freely along the track / rail, this allowing for an assisting person to manually push or pull the hoist along the track / rail whereby the person in the hoist can be moved.

[0037] Advantageously, the cart / trolley is linked to a drive cart connected to a power supply, and the hoist is moved using the drive cart, manual pushing or pulling of the cart being allowed when the motor of the drive cart is inactive, e.g. because of low battery power of the drive cart.

[0038] In some embodiments, the drive cart has motion wheels which engage a friction surface of the track / rail, the motion wheels being powered by a motor, such as an electric motor, driven by a battery of being connected to a power source. The motion wheels may be pressed against the track / rail by means of a spring. Advantageously, means are provided to release one of more drive wheels from contact with the running surface of the track / rail, whereby the suspension wheels are able to rotate freely along the track / rail, allowing a person to push or pull the hoist along the track / rail and moving a person present in the hoist in the event of a power shortage or in the case a battery runs out of power.

[0039] The hoist comprises a winch suspended under the cart / trolley, the winch comprising a strap 5 which can be lowered and raised to lift a physically impaired person.

[0040] Quick coupling means are fixed to the strap 5. Advantageously, the quick coupling means are permanently fixed to the strap 5.

[0041] In the represented embodiment, the quick coupling means are of the bayonet type, a male part 6 of the coupling means being fixed at a first end of a strap 5.

[0042] Advantageously, the other end of the strap 5 is fixed to a cassette forming a winch, allowing winding or unwinding of the strap 5.

[0043] The general structure of the cassette is known in the art. The cassette generally comprises an electric motor, gears and batteries, so as to wind and unwind the strap 5.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cassette has an ellipsoid external shape, the housing of the cassette being formed by interconnecting two convex sides by a rim. Advantageously, two recesses are formed between the convex sides and the rim, allowing two opposite parts of the rim serve as handles. The strap project from one opening of the cassette, this opening being disposed on one of the convex sides and / or in the rim.

[0045] The quick coupling means can be attached to a spreader bar 7, or to the cart / trolley 1 or to the cassette. To this end, female part 8 of bayonet type coupling means is arranged on lower part of the cart / trolley 1, and female part 8 of bayonet type coupling means is arranged on the upper side of the spreader bar 7. Female part 8 of bayonet type coupling means is also arranged on the cassette. In the following description, female part 8 of the bayonet type coupling means is also named base or bayonet base.

[0046] Advantageously, the spreader bar 7 is suspended in the middle on top by the strap 5.

[0047] In the represented embodiment, the spreader bar 7 is a curved two-point spreader bar. In other embodiments, the spreader bar is a straight two-point spreader bar, or a three-point spreader bar, or a four-point spreader bar. The general structure of such spreader bars is known in the art.

[0048] The hooks 9 on the extremities of the spreader bar 7 are used for attaching a sling, a harness or a lifting belt to the spreader bar. The hoist device can be used to lift a person, for example from a bed to the toilet. The hoist device can also be used for body-weight rehabilitation (gait training, motor function and the strengthening of the muscular system), a walking sling being fitted to the spreader bar. When used in conjunction with a treadmill it is possible for patients with impaired walking ability to train the correct physiological gait.

[0049] In some embodiments, to reduce the risk of unintentional release of the sling, harness or lifting belt, measures such as double hooks creating a labyrinth, corkscrew hooks, or resilient clips (snap finger) or other resilient means close the opening of a simple hook.

[0050] Advantageously, the spreader bar 7 comprise a safety hook mounted at each extremity of the spreader bar, of the type disclosed in document WO2004069126.

[0051] Advantageously, the safety hook comprises a base member, a load-bearing hook member extending in a first plane and having a first end and a second free end, the first end being pivotally suspended from the base member at a pivot axis to allow the hook member to move in the first plane between an open position and a closed position in which the free end of the hook member engages the base member at an engagement point, the hook member extending from the pivot axis to one side of a second plane which falls together with the pivot axis and the engagement point, the hook member extending further through the second plane to its free end.

[0052] Thus, the hook member is shaped such that it is urged to the closed position when a downward load is applied to it, and urged to the open position when an upward load is applied to it. Under normal circumstances the safety hook closes automatically under the weight of the load. Unintentional opening of the safety hook is excluded as there cannot be an upward load under normal circumstances. To releasing a sling or lifting belt from the safety hook, the operator pulls the attachment loop of the sling or lifting belt upwards to open the safety hook and the attachment loop can be released.

[0053] The male part 6 of the bayonet type quick coupling means is provided with two diametrically opposite radial protrusions 10.

[0054] For the operation of the bayonet coupling means, the female part 8 is provided with a slot 11 suited for receiving the male part 6. To engage the coupling, the male part 6 is inserted into the slot 11 and turned 90 degrees relative to the female seat. The female part 8 is provided with abutment that allow rotation of the male part 6 in only one direction when the male part 6 has been inserted into the slot 11.

[0055] Advantageously, information is available on the coupling means as regards movements for attaching and detaching the male part 6 and the female part 8 of the quick coupling means. For instance, as shown in the drawings, pictograms are used.

[0056] The bayonet base 6 is spring loaded pushing the coupling means into a locked position when not in use. When pulling the bayonet (advantageously approx. 500-1500 grams pull), it comes free of the lock and can rotate freely. When letting go of the bayonet it is pushed back into the locked position. The locked position prevents the bayonet from turning allowing attachment to either cart / trolley 1 or spreader bar 7.

[0057] Bayonet can only be attached / connected to either cart / trolley 1 or spreader bar 7 when in the locked position.

[0058] The attachment member in both cart / trolley 1 and spreader bar 7 has a spring-loaded resistance plate 12 that keeps the bayonet, when attached, in a safe-lock position.

[0059] When attaching, the bayonet base 8 is placed in the attachment point opening (on the spreader bar 7 or on the cart / trolley 1) and turn clockwise 90°. The turn will automatically guide the bayonet up and in while pushing the spring-loaded plate 12 until the bayonet drops into the safe-lock.

[0060] To detach, the bayonet is pushed towards the cart / trolley 1 or the spreader bar 7 and turned counterclockwise 90°.

[0061] The multi-purpose bayonet serves two hoist solutions, named below portable solution and fixed solution.

[0062] In the portable solution, the strap 5 is attached to the cart / trolley 1 in the track, allowing the cassette hanging from the strap 5 to run up and down. This operating position gives a maximum lifting height, but the cassette is close to the head of the patient which could be experienced as an inconvenience.

[0063] Spreader bar 7 is attached directly onto the cassette. Before attaching the bayonet to the cart / trolley 1 in the track, the bayonet will be in a locked position since there is no weight load pulling the bayonet. When the bayonet has been attached and the cassette is left hanging, the weight of the cassette will release the bayonet from locked position in the base, allowing free rotation of the cassette hanging in the strap 5.

[0064] In the fixed solution, the cassette is attached to the cart / trolley 1 in the track above allowing the strap 5 with the spreader bar 7 attached, to run up and down. This operating position gives a maximum lifting height, and the cassette is always far away from the head of the patient.

[0065] Before attaching the bayonet to the spreader bar 7, the bayonet will be in a locked position since there is no weight load pulling the bayonet. This allows for easy attachment. When the spreader bar 7 is attached and left hanging from the bayonet, the bayonet will release from locked position in the base allowing free rotation of the spreader bar 7.

[0066] Advantageously, the attachment in the spreader bar 7 has a function that allows sideways tilt of the spreader bar.

[0067] The female part 8 of the quick coupling means is advantageously placed inside a housing, a cover 20 being placed over the housing. The cover 20 is for example made of polymer, and supports the pictograms (open padlock, close padlock, arrows). The cover protects the coupling means from the environment, such as dust or mist. The cover is preferably removable, facilitating cleaning and maintenance.

[0068] The slot of the bayonet coupling means is made by the assembly of two parts, e.g. two polymer parts made by injection. Each part of the housing 21 is for instance screwed on the plate element 2, using assembly axis 22, 23. When the housing 21 is fixed to the plate element 2, a compression spring 24 (or any equivalent elastic means) permanently urged the spring-loaded resistance plate 12 on an internal abutment of the housing 21.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described in detail for purpose of illustration, it is understood that such detail is solely for that purpose, and variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0070] Thus, while the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the inventions. Other embodiments and configurations may be devised without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0025]Illustrative embodiments of lifting device for use in a mounted track / rail will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026]The mounted track / rail is not shown in the drawing. The general structure of such mounted track / rail is known in prior art, the track / rail being e.g. of the hollow-profile type comprising a slit. The track / rail comprises running surface for wheels of a cart / trolley. Examples of ceiling mounted track / rail are disclosed e.g. in documents EP3335685, US2022396455.

[0027]In some embodiments, the track / rail is overhead mounted having an overall square transversal section of for example 75 mm width and height, or an overall rectangular transversal section having for example a width of 75 mm and a height of 140 mm, the slit having for example a width of approximately 20 mm. The overhead track / rail is mounted to a ceiling or mounted on a lift structure.

[0028]In other embodiments, the track / rail is wall mounted, having advantageously a discrete thin ...

Claims

1. A lift assembly for moving and handling patients, the assembly comprising a track / rail with at least one cart / trolley (1) guided therein, the cart / trolley (1) being provided with an attachment member, a hoist comprising a winch provided with at strap (5) with an attachment member on its free end, and at least one spreader bar (7) with an attachment member, the attachment members being part of quick release coupling system, the lift assembly being adapted to be - in a portable configuration, the strap (5) being attached to the cart / trolley (1) by attachment members, allowing the winch hanging from the strap (5) to run up and down along a vertical axis, and allowing the spreader bar (7) to be attached directly onto the winch, or - in a fixed configuration, the hoist being attached to the cart / trolley (1) by attachment members, allowing the strap (5) to run up and down along a vertical axis, and allowing the spreader bar (7) to be mounted on the free end of the strap (5), characterized in that the attachment member (6) provided at the free end of the strap (5) is movable between - a locked position, before attachment to the cart / trolley (1) in the portable configuration or before attachment to the spreader bar (7) in the fixed configuration, and - a free position, after attachment to the cart / trolley (1) in the portable configuration, the winch being free to rotate around the vertical axis, or after attachment to the spreader bar (7) in the fixed configuration, the spreader bar (7) being free to rotate around the vertical axis.

2. A lift assembly for moving and handling patients according to claim 1, characterized in that the quick release coupling system comprises male attachment members and female attachment members, the attachment member provided with the cart / trolley (1) and the attachment member provided on the spreader bar (7) being of the same type and complementary to the attachment member provided at the free end of the strap (5) and the attachment member provided with the winch.

3. A lift assembly for moving and handling patients according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the quick release coupling system is of the bayonet type.

4. A lift assembly for moving and handling patients according to claim 3, characterized in that the attachment member provided at the free end of the strap (5) is a spring-loaded bayonet (6), pushing the attachment member into the locked position when the attachment member is not in use.

5. A lift assembly for moving and handling patients according to claim 4, characterized in that the attachment member provided with the cart / trolley (1) has a spring-loaded resistance plate (12), the bayonet (6) pushing the spring-loaded resistance plate (12) during attachment of the strap (5) to the cart / trolley (1) in the portable configuration.

6. A lift assembly for moving and handling patients according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the attachment member provided with the spreader bar (7) has a spring-loaded resistance plate, the bayonet (6) pushing the spring-resistance loaded plate during attachment of the spreader bar (7) to the strap (5) in the fixed configuration.

7. A lift assembly for moving and handling patients according to anyone of claim 4 to 6, characterized in that the spring-loaded bayonet (6) is movable between the locked position and the free position when pulling the bayonet (6) with a pulling force corresponding to a weight of approximately 500-1500 grams.

8. A lift assembly for moving and handling patients according to anyone of claim 1 to 7, characterized in that spreader bar (7) is a curved two-point spreader bar or a straight two-point spreader bar, or a three-point spreader bar, or a four-point spreader bar.

9. A lift assembly for moving and handling patients according to anyone of claim 1 to 8, characterized in that the extremities of the spreader bar (7) comprise means for attaching a sling, a harness or a lifting belt.

10. Use of a lift assembly for moving and handling patients according to anyone of claim 1 to 9, to lift a person, or to relief the body-weight of a person.

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