Apparatus for dynamically assisting raising of persons to standing and transport of these persons

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for dynamically assisting a person in order to lift or transport them, comprising a frame (1) which is on multidirectional castors (20, 20', 21, 21') and to which at least one upright (5) is connected, which is provided with means (7) for gripping / lifting the person and means for supporting the person which are connected to the frame (1) or to the upright (5), and comprising at least one non-multidirectional wheel (12) which is situated in a longitudinal vertical plane of the frame (1), the axis of rotation of the wheel (12) being perpendicular to this plane. The apparatus is characterised in that each wheel (12) is connected to the frame (1) or to the upright (5), depending on the location of the support means, by a mechanical connection which transmits, to the wheel (12), a movement of the support means resulting from the weight of the person, said movement being capable of pressing each wheel (12) against the ground.

Description

Dynamic assistance device for verticalization of people, and for transporting these people

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dynamically assisting a person to lift or transport them, which in particular makes it possible to move people between sitting and standing positions, or between positions respectively lying down and supported by the device, and then to ensure the transport of these people over a given route in the company of a caregiver who manages the movement of the device. In other words, the device is firstly intended to carry out, at a given location, the verticalization of a seated person or their support by hammock-type carrying means. The device is finally also designed to assist the person when they sit down again or to lie down again. It therefore provides very complete assistance since it supports assisted movements in opposite directions separated by a route passed over the device, that is to say a horizontal movement, in this case also assisted. [2] This type of device is intended for people who, in addition to problems maintaining a stable standing position, for example due to a lack of balance and / or walking ability, may have difficulty or be unable to mobilize the muscles, particularly those of the legs, when changing position. These movements require muscle mobilization which is far from trivial and is not within everyone's reach, for many reasons: age, current physical condition, reduced use of the legs following an operation or accident, various illnesses, hemiplegia, paraplegia, etc. [3] When the insufficiency of the lower part of the body makes movements aimed at body movements difficult, one of the strategies used is to have the upper part of the body bear almost all of the muscular effort, taken care of by the muscles of the torso and arms, which assumes that these are functional. However, in many cases, for example due to disabilities, old age, injuries and various pathologies, the mobilization of the musculature of the upper body is also not possible or easy to get out of a sitting or lying position or to return to it, and compensation of the weakness of the lower limbs by the upper limbs is in reality not a possible alternative. [4] The invention is actually intended for people whose muscular potential is reduced. It allows people suffering from all kinds of mobility-related disabilities to find a form of assistance in order to restore a certain mobility to them. The principles of assisted verticalization of a person, or lifting of people, which are the basis of the invention, find many applications in medical practice but are not necessarily limited to this type of activity. [5] As mentioned, the device is moved by a caregiver. To facilitate this movement, it is equipped with multidirectional casters, i.e. casters capable of pivoting in all directions around a vertical axis. They allow the assembly to be easily moved from one place to another (for example from the bed to the chair, to the treatment stations, etc.) when the person with reduced mobility is installed on the device. In the device of the invention, the patient does not participate in the propulsion of the device, which is the responsibility of the able-bodied assistant. [6] However, moving the device by the caregiver can be made difficult by the weight of the device / patient assembly and by the fact that all the wheels are steered. During rotation, the movement made by the caregiver to turn the trolley is often accompanied - due to the freedom of rotation of each wheel and their generally non-aligned positions at all times, and due to a certain inertia of the system - by a translation. Maintaining the desired trajectory requires the caregiver to exert sometimes significant muscular effort, particularly in the lumbar region, in order to maintain the planned course. The same phenomenon can also be observed in a supermarket with a loaded trolley. Handling loaded trolleys with a high total weight is indeed made difficult by the fact that the wheels are all steered and - paradoxically - independent of each other.However, the ability to perform complex trajectories combining translations and rotations during movement is also appreciable - not to say necessary - for example in confined spaces, and these multidirectional casters are therefore essential. [7] The apparatus of the invention overcomes the aforementioned difficulties, by proposing a solution which notably resolves this problem of unwanted translations during rotations of the apparatus, making it much easier to handle and drive, whatever the space available and the weight of the patient to be transported. [8] For this purpose, and with a view to other advantages which will appear later, the apparatus for dynamically assisting a person for lifting or transporting them according to the invention, conventionally comprising a chassis on multidirectional rollers to which is connected at least one upright provided with means for gripping / lifting said person, and means for supporting the person connected to the chassis or to the upright, is provided such that it further comprises at least one non-multidirectional wheel situated in a longitudinal vertical plane of the chassis, the axis of rotation of said wheel being perpendicular to this plane. [9] According to the present invention, the wheel is connected to the frame or to the upright, depending on the location of the support means, by a mechanical connection which transmits to the wheel a displacement of the support means resulting from the weight of the person, said displacement being capable of putting the wheel under pressure against the ground. Each wheel is therefore put under pressure by the weight of the patient who is standing on the device or who is transported for example in a hammock suspended from the upright. In such a design, the weight of the patient actually contributes significantly to the pressure of each wheel on the ground.

[0010] The apparatus may, for example, comprise two non-multidirectional wheels positioned symmetrically about a longitudinal median vertical plane of the chassis. Or, in a single-wheel design, comprise a single non-multidirectional wheel located in a longitudinal median vertical plane of the chassis.

[0011] By multidirectional, we mean that the casters are rotatable around a vertical axis, in addition to their own horizontal axis of rotation, so that they can orient themselves and steer in a multidirectional manner, over 360°. This is therefore not the case for the wheel(s) installed in the configuration of the present invention, which are mobile around a single horizontal axis. Each wheel is therefore mobile "rolling" when it is in contact with the ground in only one direction. In a verticalizing device intended for a patient able to stand there, this wheel is located for example between the patient's feet. Alternatively, if there is more than one wheel, they are placed so as to interfere as little as possible with the patient's feet, for example in the immediate vicinity of said median vertical plane or on either side of the patient's feet or under the patient's feet.

[0012] The wheel(s) may therefore be located in different positions relative to the chassis, for example at or near the vertical passing through the center of gravity of the loaded device, i.e. the mechanical system consisting of the device and the person occupying it. The use of a "central" wheel or several wheels placed on either side of the longitudinal median vertical plane greatly improves the maneuverability of the device, notably significantly limiting the physical effort of caregivers when it comes to moving the device, and thus reducing the risk of accidents linked to this effort.

[0013] In practice, the design must ensure contact between the wheel(s) and the ground with sufficient pressure so that they cannot skid. As they are not multidirectional, the wheels actually act as a "point" of contact for the aircraft in directions other than those of their rotational movement, which, for example, avoids unwanted translations that appear when turning, significantly improving the aircraft's maneuverability.

[0014] According to a possible configuration, adapted to so-called verticalizing devices capable of receiving standing patients, the support means connected to the chassis consist of a platform for receiving the feet comprising an articulated connection to the chassis along a horizontal axis.

[0015] Such a connection allows each wheel to remain in contact with the ground regardless of its flatness (passing over a threshold bar, for example, or, in the other direction, a hollow or recess in the ground), due to the weight of the patient being applied to it. In this case, horizontal means parallel to a ground assumed to be generally flat.

[0016] Alternatively, the articulated connection may be implemented via a connection with elastic deformation along a line similar to the aforementioned articulation axis. The deformability also makes it possible to put each non-directional wheel of the platform under pressure on the ground, under the effect of the weight of the user. The elasticity ensures that the device returns to a predetermined initial position when empty, keeping the wheel away from the ground, for example.

[0017] Preferably, the articulation axis of the articulable connection between the chassis and the platform may be provided parallel to the axis of rotation of each non-multidirectional wheel. In this case, the weight of a user tends to bring the axis of the wheel, and therefore the wheel itself, closer to the ground. More precisely, according to one possibility, the articulation between the chassis and the platform may be achieved by means of at least one hinge placed at the base of the upright. A pivoting of the platform relative to the rest of the chassis, along the axis of the hinge, then occurs as soon as a user is placed on it.

[0018] It should be noted that additional pressure on the wheel using a spring system is not necessary because the pressure that the wheel - acted upon by this spring system - can exert on the ground (always in order to avoid lateral skidding of the non-multidirectional central wheel during rotations of the device) is in any case limited by the weight of the empty device, which is not very high. Using a spring of sufficient stiffness to guarantee adequate pressure would result in raising the empty device, which is not desired.

[0019] More preferably, the apparatus of the invention may comprise means for limiting the amplitude of the articulation of the platform to the chassis above and below a horizontal positioning of the platform. More precisely, according to a possible configuration, the platform or the chassis may be provided with lugs located at the level of lateral edges of the platform, the chassis or the platform then comprising lights acting as guide slides allowing the lugs to move.

[0020] Depending on their respective positioning, we can envisage, for example, a range of movement of 20 mm upwards, i.e. above the aforementioned horizontal plane, and 10 mm downwards, to cover all the cases that the device could have to face during its use, for example passing through a door threshold.

[0021] In order to allow easy movement of the device when it is not in use, and is therefore empty, the non-directional wheel can advantageously be raised so as not to be in contact with the ground and thus facilitate translations lateral of the device, in particular during the parking phases after use. Thus, according to one possibility, return means can be provided between the platform and the chassis so that each wheel is not in contact with the ground when the platform is empty.

[0022] Furthermore, each wheel may have a transverse profile in the form of a curved arc, to limit the contact surface with the ground. This aims to facilitate a form of pivot around a fixed point, constituted in this case as a point of rotation, materialized by the contact of the wheel equipping the platform with the ground.

[0023] In order to facilitate the movement of the device, each wheel can be motorized. The motorization can be carried out conventionally using an electric motor powered by a battery, similar to what is done on electric scooters. The motor is chosen so that the rolling speed is reduced (for example 0.4 m / s), the torque of the wheel being also high to allow the movement of the loaded assembly. Using the weight of the patient to press the motorized wheel(s) on the ground allows the entire torque generated by the motor to be used to move the device without slipping and therefore without leaving marks on the ground. The motorized wheel(s) is / are left free, that is to say that it / they do not perform any braking when it / they are not in use, which allows the device to be able to move forward and backward freely, in particular when lifting or setting down the patient.

[0024] Each motorized wheel may be driven by motor means controlled by electronic control means. These control means may be provided in a housing placed on the device, for example on the upright, and having control members. A remote control is preferably also provided. Said electronic control means may be provided with means for inhibiting the wheel motor means, to prevent unwanted use, such as for example an untimely starting of the device, forwards or backwards. The use of a suitable motorization and electronic control means also allows for a smooth start and a gradual stop in order to avoid jolts.

[0025] The control means, including the remote control, can preferably also control other motors applied to the apparatus of the invention. Thus, in the frequent cases where verticalization or lifting is also carried out via a motorized device allowing the movement of the gripping arm on which the patient is held or of the pendulum post equipped with the hammock, the control of the movements of the device on the ground can be combined with that which allows the lifting of the patient. The same battery can also be used for driving the wheel, powering the elements of the electronic control system, and the means of moving the patient relative to the device. In order to reduce the risk of accidents, it can then be provided that the lifting of the patient and the electrically assisted movement cannot be carried out at the same time.

[0026] Thus, a holder may be provided for the remote control on the device, equipped with means to ensure that movements of the device are only possible when the remote control is placed in said holder.

[0027] Other aims and advantages of the present invention will become apparent during the following description, relating to a single-wheel embodiment which is given only as an indicative example, configurations with more than one wheel being included in the invention. The configuration shown is a verticalizer, intended for patients able to stand. The invention applies, however, to other similar devices, for example of the patient lifting type. Understanding of this description will be facilitated in particular by reference to the figures attached in the appendix, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention, showing the top of the platform;

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention, from below;

[0030] Figure 3 shows a partial sectional view in a median plane of the apparatus, at platform level;

[0031] Figure 4 shows, in side view, the lower part of the device in the three possible positions of the non-multidirectional wheel of the invention.

[0032] With reference to figure 1, the chassis (1) comprises a U-shaped base (2) made up of two lateral side members (3, 3') connected by a cross member (4) located at the front of the apparatus of the invention. A mast (5) is connected to this crosspiece (4), carrying near its upper end a gripping arm (6) whose free end is equipped with a handlebar (7) for use by the patient. A system for attaching a strap intended to hold the person is present at the free end of the gripping arm (6), in this case in the form of hooks. The arm (6) is connected to the mast (5) by a pivot connection with a horizontal axis, and actuated by a jack-type system (8) articulated at its two ends on the one hand to said arm (6) and on the other hand to a lower portion of the mast (5). A control board (9) for the control electronics also equips the mast (5), provided with control members for the apparatus and possibly means of connection (with and without wires) to external devices, such as a power supply or remote control means.A remote control (50) is also provided, placed on a support on the handlebar (70) for use by the caregiver.

[0033] A vertical and padded kneecap support (10) ensures the blocking of the kneecap part of the legs when the person is standing, strapped in such a way that his legs are in contact with said support (10). The base (2) also comprises a plurality of multidirectional casters (20, 20', 21, 21') which allow the navigation of the device as described above. Four casters (20, 20') of the same dimensions are placed respectively at the rear end of the side members (3, 3') and laterally slightly offset from the latter, and two casters (21, 21') of larger diameter are arranged at the front of the side members (3, 3'). The latter are equipped with brakes to block the device when it is stored. Together, they allow the device to be moved in all directions.

[0034] The base (2) of the chassis (1) also comprises two non-slip locations (11, 11') for receiving the feet, between which is arranged a non-multidirectional wheel (12) surmounted by an upper protective cover (13). Preferably, the wheel is in fact protected by this cover (13) protruding in the upper part of the platform between the locations for receiving the feet. This cover (13) makes it possible to avoid any contact between the user and the wheel (12), which could injure a user who has, for example, incorrectly positioned his foot. This wheel (12) is rotatable around a single horizontal axis, so that when resting on the ground, it only rolls freely in one direction.

[0035] The locations (11, 11'), as well as the wheel (12) and its cover (13), are part of a platform (14) placed between the side members (3, 3') and adjoining the cross member (4). This platform (14) is mounted articulated on said side members (3, 3'), along a horizontal axis of rotation materialized by an articulation (A) parallel to the cross member (4), as is more particularly shown in Figure 3. The platform (14) of the configuration shown is for example made of sheet metal, each lateral edge (15) of which has an oblong orifice (16) acting as a slide for a lug (17) protruding from the side member (3, 3') which faces it and which has the function of limiting the amplitude of the pivoting. This covers a reduced angular sector, allowing the wheel (12) to move a few cm in a direction of generally vertical appearance. The articulation connection (A) also takes place in the side edge (15), near the crosspiece (4).The joint (A) therefore has two distinct lateral links.

[0036] The articulated platform (14), on which the patient's weight is exerted, tilts downwards under the effect of this weight, putting the wheel (12) under pressure on the ground. In a very similar variant, constituted as a patient lifting device and also provided with a chassis on casters and an upright or mast, ending in this case in a suspension bracket for a hammock supporting the patient, the mast may have a degree of freedom at its base allowing movement, for example limited flexion or rotation at its connection to the chassis. The wheel may be mounted on an arm secured to said base, and the wheel is then put under pressure on the ground because a slight flexion / rotation of the mast / arm assembly occurs when the hammock is loaded.

[0037] Returning to the configuration which is the subject of the figures, Figure 4 shows the wheel (12) in three different positions permitted by the configuration of the invention, illustrating the amplitude of the vertical displacement of said wheel (12). Thus, at the top of Figure 4, the wheel (12) is shown in its nominal rolling position, while in the two representations located below, it is respectively the high position and the low position which are shown. The positions close to the nominal position and the low position reflect contact of the wheel (12) with the ground which requires the presence of a person standing on the platform (14), according to the invention. The pressurization of the wheel (12) in contact with the ground is in fact necessarily done, in the design described, under the effect of the weight of a patient which forces the platform (14) to deflect / rotate downwards. The nominal position corresponds to a substantially flat floor, whereas in the case of hollows, holes or recesses, the wheel descends below the level of the casters (20) and sinks to maintain contact, locally lowered, with the floor.

[0038] Conversely, when the apparatus (1) of the invention is empty, it may be provided, within the framework of the invention, that the wheel (12) rises, for example under the effect of elastic means applied at the hinge materializing the articulation (A) of the platform (14) relative to the chassis (1). These may for example be torsion springs interposed between the axis and the platform (14), at the articulation (A) in each lateral edge (15). This is what is shown in the representation of the middle, in figure 4. In this case, the drive of the apparatus (1) is done without a central pivot, and allows the conventional rotations / translations of the trolley without imposing excessive physical effort on the caregiver, the apparatus (1) being empty. These lateral translations of the apparatus (1) are particularly useful during the parking phases after use.

[0039] In the case of a motorized wheel (12), the controls for lifting a patient and moving the device can preferably be controlled via a remote control and, as already mentioned, the risks of accidents can in this case be avoided if the motorized operations of lifting the patient and electrically assisted movement of the device (1) are never carried out simultaneously. To do this, a system (for example a magnetic contact located in the remote control) makes it possible to activate the motorization of the wheel only if this remote control (50) is placed on its support on the handlebar (70) located on the assistant's side, which is then provided with a magnet.

[0040] The figures show an example of a possible embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, which is not exhaustive of the invention, the invention on the contrary encompassing variants of shape and constitution, in particular applicable to apparatus for lifting people whose upright surmounting the chassis is extended by a pendulum system comprising a gallows from which a hammock supporting the patient is suspended.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for dynamically assisting a person for lifting or transporting them, comprising a chassis (1) on multidirectional casters (20, 20', 21, 21') to which is connected at least one upright (5) provided with means (7) for gripping / lifting said person, and means for supporting the person connected to the chassis (1) or to the upright (5), and comprising at least one non-multidirectional wheel (12) located in a longitudinal vertical plane of the chassis (1), the axis of rotation of said wheel (12) being perpendicular to this plane, characterized in that each wheel (12) is connected to the chassis (1) or to the upright (5), depending on the location of the support means, by a mechanical connection which transmits to the wheel (12) a movement of the support means resulting from the weight of the person, said movement being capable of putting each wheel (12) under pressure against the ground.

2. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises two non-multidirectional wheels (12) placed symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal median vertical plane of the chassis (1).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a single non-multidirectional wheel (12) located in a longitudinal median vertical plane of the chassis (1).

4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support means connected to the chassis (1) consist of a platform (14) for receiving the feet comprising an articulated connection to the chassis (1) along a horizontal axis.

5. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the articulable connection is a connection with elastic deformation along a line which is similar to the articulation axis.

6. Apparatus according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that it comprises means for limiting the amplitude of the articulable movement of the platform (14) above and below a horizontal positioning of the platform (14).

7. Apparatus according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that return means are provided between the platform (14) and the chassis (1) so that each wheel (12) is not in contact with the ground when the platform (14) is empty.

8. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each wheel (12) has a transverse profile in the form of a curved arc.

9. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each wheel (12) is driven by motor means controlled by electronic control means.

10. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electronic control means are provided with means for inhibiting the motor means of the wheel (12).

Images