Personal hoist apparatus

Abstract

A personal hoist apparatus (100) has a mast (102) configured to be upright in use, a boom (104) pivotably connected to the upright, a head (108) formed at a free end of the boom for lifting a person or animal, wherein at least one of the mast and boom is constructed as a monocoque.

Description

Personal hoist apparatusTechnical Field

[0001] The present application is concerned with a hoist apparatus, more specifically the present invention is concerned with a hoist for the lifting and displacements of people and animals from one location to another. Even more specifically the present invention is concerned with a pool joist for assisting individuals with limited mobility into, and out of, a body of water such as a swimming pool.Background Art

[0002] Water provides a highly advantageous environment for exercise, treatment and other physical therapy of people with limited mobility. Due to the natural buoyancy of the human body, immersion in water can provide a supportive environment for such people.

[0003] A problem with water-based therapy is how to assist people with limited mobility in their entry to and egress from a body of water (hereinafter referred to as a pool). In order to overcome this problem, personal hoists (or pool hoists) are known in the art. Such devices may be portable / mobile or stationary ("pool-side") in which they are anchored to the floor. Such devices may be manual (in which case an operator is required to manipulate the lift) or powered (typically by electricity.

[0004] One such device is the Oxford Dipper (TM) by Joerns Healthcare (TM). This product has an upright anchored to the ground adjacent the pool, and a dipper arm pivotably mounted to an upper, free, end thereof. Atthe free end of the dipper arm, there is provided a spreader with associated sling, or a chair.

[0005] A gas strut extends from a position on the upright to a position on the dipper to support the dipper.

[0006] The lower end of the upright is slotted into a preformed socket adjacent the pool, or a socket formed in a bracket bolted to the floor surface.

[0007] In use, a chair or sling is provided as described above. The hoist is rotated towards the occupant, who may be sat in e.g. a wheelchair. The occupant moves into the sling / chair such that their mass is supported by the hoist. The hoist can then be raised, rotated suchthat the occupant is over the water surface and gently lowered into the water where they can move out of the chair or sling.

[0008] Anothertype of lift, which operates in the same way as the Oxford Dipper (TM) is the Handimove Pool Lift (TM)

[0009] A problem with prior art devices such as those mentioned above is that they tend to be constructed from constant cross-section (prismatic) metal tube sections, typically square section or circular section tubes.

[0010] This makes them heavy, cumbersome and unattractive. Occupants may feel self- conscious and discriminated in such devices, and their industrial 'crane-like' appearance is problematic from this point of view.

[0011] Another problem is that the use of primarily metal components in a humid, wet environment can lead to corrosion. The aforementioned Dipper (TM) has 7-year lifespan due to potential corrosion on the inside of the tubular metal members.

[0012] Prior art device can also be limited to certain prohibitive loads- in the case of the Dipper a 140kg load, whereas a higher load capacity would be useful in certain applications / circumstances.

[0013] It is an aim of the present invention to provide a personal hoist apparatus that overcomes or at least mitigates the aforementioned problems.Summary of Invention

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a personal hoist apparatus comprising: a mast configured to be upright in use; a boom, pivotably connected to the mast; a head formed at a free end of the boom for lifting a person or animal; wherein at least one of the mast and boom is constructed as a monocoque.

[0015] Advantageously use of a monocoque structure allows for the device to be made stronger / more stable due to the increased second moment of area, and from materials that are more corrosion resistant. Furthermore profiles which are more visually appealingare possible, and mechanical components can be concealed within the monocoque volumes to improve safety and aesthetic appeal.

[0016] Preferably both the mast and boom are constructed as monocoques.

[0017] Preferably the monocoque or monocoques are constructed from two half-shells joined to form a monocoque having a closed section.

[0018] Preferably the half-shells are connected via lap joints.

[0019] Preferably the monocoque or monocoques have a varying cross-sectional shape and / or area along its length or lengths. Preferably the mast is constructed as a monocoque having a curved profile. Preferably the curved profile of the mast is an S-shape.

[0020] Preferably a foot is attached to the mast. Preferably the foot comprises a pivot pin for engagement with a floor socket. Preferably there is a foot insert, a part of the monocoque being sandwiched between the foot and the foot insert. Preferably the foot is attached to the monocoque so as to be replaceable. Preferably the foot insert comprises at least one threaded bore for receiving a fastener securing the foot.

[0021] Preferably the boom is constructed as a monocoque having a curved profile. Preferably the curved profile of the boom is a C-shape.

[0022] Preferably there is a control arm extending between the mast and the head to stabilise the head during movement of the boom relative to the mast, the control arm extending through a cavity in the boom.

[0023] Preferably: the boom is pivotably mounted to the mast; the head is pivotably mounted to the boom; the control arm is pivotably mounted to the mast; and, the control arm is pivotable mounted to the head; such that a 4-bar chain is formed to retain the orientation of the head as the boom is raised and lowered.

[0024] Preferably an actuator subassembly is configured to pivot the boom relative to the mast. Preferably the actuator subassembly is extensible and extends between the mast and a position midway along the boom. Preferably the position along the boom is between 10% and 50% of the distance between a pivot axis between the boom and the mast and the head. More preferably the position along the boom is between 25% and 35% of the distance between a pivot axis between the boom and the mast and the head. Even more preferably is it about 1 / 3 of the way along.

[0025] Preferably the personal hoist is configured to have a range of motion where the head can be positioned below 0.5m from a ground surface on which the mast is supported, or to which it is mounted. Preferably the head can be positioned at or below 0.3m.

[0026] Preferably the personal hoist is configured to have a range of motion where the head can be positioned above 2.0m from a ground surface on which the mast is supported, or to which it is mounted. Preferably the head can be positioned at or above 2.1 m.

[0027] Preferably the personal hoist is configured to have a range of motion of at least 1 ,5m in the vertical sense, preferably at least 1 ,8m

[0028] Preferably the monocoque or monocoques are constructed from a composite material. Preferably the composite material is a fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) material.Brief Description of Drawings

[0029] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which:FIGURE 1 is a side view of a personal hoist apparatus in accordance with the present invention;FIGURE 2 is a front view of the hoist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the hoist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 4 is an exploded view of a hoist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 5 is a detailed view of a lower part of the hoist of Figure 1 ;FIGURES 6a & 6b are side views of parts of the hoist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 7 is a detail, perspective, section view of a part of the joist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 8 is an exploded view of some of the parts of the hoist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 9 is a plan section view along line IX-IX in Figure 3;FIGURE 10 is a perspective detail view of a part of the hoist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 1 1 is a perspective detail view of a part of the hoist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 12 is a perspective detail view of a part of the hoist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 13 is a perspective, exploded, detail view of a part of the hoist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 14 shows a range of motion of the joist of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 15 is a side view of the hoist apparatus of Figure 1 showing certain distance relationships; and,FIGURE 16 is a side view of the hoist apparatus of Figure 1 showing certain measurements.Description of the first embodiment

[0030] A personal hoist apparatus 100 is shown in Figures 1 to 4. The apparatus comprisesConfiguration

[0031] The hoist 100 comprises an upright in the form of a mast 102, a boom 104, an actuation subassembly 106 and a spreader 108. The hoist 100 is mounted to a poolside floor surface 10 adjacent a pool wall 12 bounding a pool 14.Mast 102

[0032] The mast 102 comprises a foot 1 10, a foot insert 1 12, a first half-shell 1 14, a second half shell 1 16, a boom pivot assembly 1 18, a control arm pivot assembly 120, a first finger guard part 122, a second finger guard part 124 and a handle 300.

[0033] Referring to Figure 5, the foot 1 10 is constructed from a solid metal material, and is generally rotationally symmetric having a rotation axis X. The foot 1 10 has a cylindrical pivot pin 126 extending from a body 128. The pin has a lower diameter than the body forming a shoulder 130. The body has a plurality of through bores formed therein. Extending radially cantilevered from the body 128 there is provided an actuator support 288.

[0034] The foot insert 1 12 is a flat, circular plate having a plurality of through bores 132 formed therein. The foot insert 1 12 is constructed from a metal material.

[0035] The half shells 1 14, 1 16 are constructed from a composite material, specifically from a fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) material, such as glass (GFRP) or carbon (CFRP). Both are generally concave and when assembled together with concave sides facing each other define an internal volume 1 13 (Figure 7).

[0036] Referring to Figure 4, the half-shell 1 14 a substantially C-shaped cross section normal to the vertical pivot axis X. It has a curved side wall 134, a front wall 136 and a rear wall 138. It also has a base 140 being circular and plate-like in construction. Opposite the base 140, at a top end, the half-shell 1 14 has a bulbous articulation housing 142 which is generally cylindrical in shape, with the front and rear walls 136, 138 meeting to form a part- cylindrical outer wall. At the articulation housing 142 there is provided a recess 144 in the outer side of the sidewall 134. The recess 144 has a lower circular opening 146 coincident with the centre of the articulation housing 142, and an upper opening 148.

[0037] Referring to Figure 9, which is a section through the shells 1 12, 1 14 along line IX-IX in Figure 3, it can be seen that the rear wall 138 is longer than the front wall 136 meaning that the volume within the shells 1 12, 1 14 decreases from rear to front (i.e. a horizontal section through the volume is tapered from rear to front).

[0038] The half-shell 1 14 a substantially C-shaped cross section normal to the vertical pivot axis X. It has a curved side wall 150, a front wall 152 and a rear wall 154. At a top end, the half-shell 1 14 has a bulbous articulation housing 156 which is generally cylindrical in shape, with the front and rear walls 152, 154 meeting to form a part-cylindrical outer wall. At the articulation housing 156 there is provided a recess 158 in the outer side of the sidewall 150. The recess 158 has a lower circular opening 160 coincident with the centre of the articulation housing 156, and an upper opening 162.

[0039] Referring to Figure 9, it can be seen that the rear wall 154 is longer than the front wall 152 meaning that the volume within the shells 1 12, 1 14 decreases from rear to front (i.e. a horizontal section through the volume is tapered from rear to front).

[0040] Viewing the half-shells 1 12, 1 14 from the side (Figures 6a, 6b), it can be seen that they are generally curved in an S (serpentine) shape. Further, they are of variable cross- sectional area of volume. A horizontal cross-section through the volume 1 13 begins at the base, increases through a first widening portion 164 before entering a narrowing portion 166 to a waist 168 where it widens again to the articulation housing 142, 156.

[0041] The boom pivot assembly 1 18 comprises first and second mast inserts 170, first and second bearings 1 72 and first and second boom inserts 1 74, as well as a fixing bolt 1 76.

[0042] The control pivot assembly 120 comprises first and second mast inserts 1 78, first and second bearings 180, as well as a fixing bolt 182.

[0043] The first finger guard part 122 is shown in Figure 10. Is comprises a part-cylindrical portion 184 with an inner bearing surface 186, and a boom opening 188 having a radially outwardly extending sleeve 190.

[0044] The second finger guard part 124 has a sleeve 192 and a flange 194 around one open end of the sleeve 192.

[0045] The handle 300 (Fig. 10) comprises an attachment plate 302 and an L-shaped handle portion with an arm 304 and upright grip portion 306.Boom W4

[0046] The boom 104 comprises a first half shell 196, a second half shell 198, a boom end 200, a headstock 202 and a control arm 204.

[0047] The boom half shells 196, 198 are constructed from a composite material, specifically from a fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) material, such as glass (GFRP) or carbon (CFRP). Both are generally concave and when assembled together with concave sides facing each other define an internal volume 206 (see Figure 12).

[0048] The half-shell 196 a substantially C-shaped cross section normal to a boom axis B. It has a curved side wall 208, a first, upper wall 210 and a second, lower wall 212. It also has a pivot plate 214 being circular and plate-like in construction, having a central opening 216 and a circle segment slot 218. Partway along the half-shall 196 a lug 220 having a flat base portion 222 is defined. The half-shell 196 has a free end 224. Viewing the half-shell 196 from the side, it describes a shallow, curved profile 226 compared to the boom axis B.

[0049] The half-shell 198 a substantially C-shaped cross section normal to a boom axis B. It has a curved side wall 228, a first, upper wall 230 and a second, lower wall 232. It also has a pivot plate 234 being circular and plate-like in construction, having a central opening 236 and a circle segment slot 238. Partway along the half-shall 198 a lug having a flat base portion is defined (not visible). The half-shell 198 has a free end 240. Viewing the half-shell198 from the side, it describes the shallow, curved profile 226 compared to the boom axis B.

[0050] The headstock 202 is shown in more detail in Figure 13. It comprises a first body 241 with a base portion 242 connected to a head 244. The base portion 242 and the head 244 have an open channel 246 therethrough. At the free end of the head 244 there is provided a cylindrical lug 248 with a circular bore 250 therethrough normal to the boom axis B. The headstock also comprises a headstock outer 252. The headstock outer 252 comprises a U- shaped plate 254 with opposing walls 256, 258 having two openings 260, 262 therethrough. At the base of the plate 254 there is provided a collar 264. The headstock comprises a headstock pivot assembly 266 and a control arm pivot assembly 268.

[0051] The control arm 204 comprises an elongate member 270 comprising a first end collar 272 (Fig. 1 1 ) and a second end collar 274 (Fig. 13).Actuation subassembly 106

[0052] The actuation subassembly 106 comprises an actuator 276 connected to a telescopic arm 278. The actuator can selectively lengthen and shorten the arm 278 as is known in the art.A spreader 108

[0053] The spreader 108 comprises an upright 280 and a spreader bar 282 to which the upright connects in the centre, providing a T-shaped formation having two opposed free ends 284, 286.Assembly

[0054] The first half shell 1 14 is attached to the foot 1 10 by attaching the foot insert 1 12 to the upper (interior) surface of the base 140.

[0055] The second half-shell 1 16 is secured to the first half-shell with the walls 136, 152 and 138, 154 overlapping to form a lap joint to be bonded and to define a closed, D-section loop (Figure 9).

[0056] The foot 1 10 can then be abutted against the opposing (under) surface of the base and screwed into position with fasteners such that the base 140 is sandwiched between thefoot 1 10 and foot insert 1 12. This also means that the foot 1 10 can be replaced (for example to install a different size or shape pin 126).

[0057] The handle 300 is attached to the upright half shells 1 14 ,1 16 via the attachment plate 302.

[0058] The control arm 204 is passed through the headstock channel 246 such that the collar 274 projects therefrom. Referring to Figure 13, the headstock outer 252 is attached to the head 244 of the first body 241 via the headstock pivot assembly such that the headstock outer is pivotable relative to the first body 241 about a headstock pivot axis HPA. The headstock outer 252 is attached to the collar 274 of the control arm 204 via the control arm pivot assembly 268 such that the headstock outer 252 and control arm 204 are relatively pivotable about a headstock-control arm pivot axis HCPA. In a neutral state, HCPA and HPA are offset and vertically aligned such that the headstock collar 264 is vertical.

[0059] The base portion 242 of the headstock first body 241 is sandwiched between the first and second half-shells 196, 198 of the boom 104. The half-shells 196, 198 are attached to form an enclosed volume, with the walls 210, 230 and 212, 232 overlapping such that they can be bonded together in a lap joint. The headstock first body 241 is captured between, and bonded to, the half-shells of the boom 104. The control arm 204 extends though the boom 104 from the headstock end to the base end where it is connected to the control pivot assembly 120 as shown in Figure 1 1. The control arm 204 is therefore pivotable relative to the mast 102 about a control arm pivot axis CPA. The boom 104 is connected to the mast 102 via the boom pivot assembly 1 18 for rotation relative thereto about a boom axis BA. Referring to Figure 1 1 , the control pivot assembly 120 passes through the slots 218, 238 in the boom half-shells such that the boom 104 can rotate about the boom axis BA. The finger guards 122, 124 are used to cover any openings where a user's fingers may become trapped during actuation as will be described below.

[0060] The actuation subassembly 106 is attached between the mast 102 and boom 104. The actuator 276 is mounted to the actuator support 288 for rotation about a mast actuator axis MAA, with the free end of the telescopic arm mounted to the surfaces of the lugs 220 of the boom 104 for rotation about a boom actuation axis BAA.Use

[0061] The foot 1 10, and more specifically the pivot pin 126 is inserted into a pre-formed socket in the floor surface 10 as shown in Figure 1 . A plain bearing is formed such that the mast 102 can be rotated about the rotation axis X. The hoist 100 can be rotated such that the boom 104, and more specifically the headstock 202 is over the pool 14. This is effected using the handle 300, the upright portion 306 of which can be gripped and manoeuvred.

[0062] The boom 104 can be raised or lowered by activating the actuator 276. This lengthens and shortens the telescopic arm 278 to thereby pivot the boom 104 about the boom pivot axis BA. The actuation is shown in Figure 14.

[0063] Raising the boom 104 from the horizontal, neutral position rotates it aboutthe boom axis BA. It will be noted that the control arm pivot axis CPA is fixed to the mast 102 (vertically above the boom pivot axis BA). Because the axes BA, CPA are offset, this means that the control arm 204 moves within, and relative to the boom. When moving up, the control arm 204 is effectively withdrawn into the boom 104. A 4-bar chain is formed with vertices at the axes BA, CPA, HPA, HCPA meaning that the headstock-control arm pivot axis remains above the headstock pivot axis HPA, keeping the headstock collar 264 vertical.

[0064] Lowering the boom 104 from the horizontal, neutral position rotates it about the boom axis BA. It will be noted that the control arm pivot axis CPA is fixed to the mast 102 (vertically above the boom pivot axis BA). Because the axes BA, CPA are offset, this means that the control arm 204 moves within, and relative to the boom. When moving down, the control arm 204 is effectively extends from the boom 104. A 4-bar chain is formed with vertices at the axes BA, CPA, HPA, HCPA meaning that the headstock-control arm pivot axis remains above the headstock pivot axis HPA, keeping the headstock collar 264 vertical.

[0065] Referring to Figure 15, the relationship between the vertical mast pivot axis X, the boom axis BA, the mast actuator axis MAA and boom actuator axis BAA is shown. It will be noted that the actuator mounting point on the boom (indicated by BAA) is selected to be a balance between the required range of motion of the boom about its axis BA, and the thrust capability of the actuator under load. If BAA is moved closertowards the mast, this increases the range of motion of the hoist, but also increases the thrust requirements of the actuator. However extending BAA outwards, reduces the thrust requirements, but means that the required lift range cannot be achieved.

[0066] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, there is a distance BAD (boom axis distance) along the boom between the axes BA & HPA. The distance between the boom axis BA and the boom actuator axis BAA, D1 is half of the distance between the boom actuator axis BAA and the headstock pivot axis HPA D2. In other words, the actuator is attached (BAA) 1 / 3 of the way along the boom from the mast (BA).

[0067] Figure 16 shows the dimensions for the specific embodiment, by way of example. The distance from MAA to BA is 1300mm at 83 degrees to the horizontal, leant away from HPA. The radius of motion of BAA about BA is 485mm, and between its lowest working position and highest working position the stroke of the telescopic arm 278 goes from 870mm to 1470mm (i.e. with a stroke of 600mm). The working thrust of the actuator is 1 kN.

[0068] The head has a range of motion from 0.3m above the ground surface, to 2.1 m above the ground surface.Variations

[0069] It is envisaged that only one of the boom and mast may be constructed from a shell, or monocoque structure.

[0070] An electric actuator is described above, but other types of actuation are envisaged.

[0071] Different attachments can be provided on the headstock to provide different options for supporting subjects.

[0072] As well as for assisting subjects entering and leaving pools, the present invention may be used in any situation where people or animals with limited mobility require assistance. It may also be used for lifting people and animals in and out of watercraft.

[0073] The apparatus of the present invention may be provided with different safe working loads (SWL). The above-described system is for a 140kg hoist, but a more heavy duty hoist (for 200kg) may be provided by modifying the foot to have a larger diameter pin 126 and associated socket.

Claims

Claims1 . A personal hoist apparatus comprising: a mast configured to be upright in use; a boom, pivotably connected to the mast; a head formed at a free end of the boom for lifting a person or animal; wherein at least one of the mast and boom is constructed as a monocoque.

2. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the mast and boom are constructed as monocoques.

3. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the monocoque or monocoques are constructed from two half-shells joined to form a monocoque having a closed section.

4. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the half-shells are connected via lap joints.

5. A personal hoist apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the monocoque or monocoques have a varying cross-sectional shape and / or area along its length or lengths.

6. A personal hoist apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the mast is constructed as a monocoque having a curved profile.

7. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the curved profile of the mast is an S-shape.

8. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a foot attached to the mast.

9. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the foot comprises a pivot pin for engagement with a floor socket.1 0. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a foot insert, a part of the monocoque being sandwiched between the foot and the foot insert.1 1 . A personal hoist apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 1 0, wherein the foot is attached to the monocoque so as to be replaceable.

12. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 1 1 , dependent on claim 1 0, wherein the foot insert comprises at least one threaded bore for receiving a fastener securing the foot.

13. A personal hoist apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the boom is constructed as a monocoque having a curved profile.

14. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 1 3, wherein the curved profile of the boom is a C-shape.1 5. A personal hoist apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a control arm extending between the mast and the head to stabilise the head during movement of the boom relative to the mast, the control arm extending through a cavity in the boom.1 6. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 1 5, wherein: the boom is pivotably mounted to the mast; the head is pivotably mounted to the boom; the control arm is pivotably mounted to the mast; and, the control arm is pivotable mounted to the head; such that a 4-bar chain is formed to retain the orientation of the head as the boom is raised and lowered.1 7. A personal hoist apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising an actuator subassembly configured to pivot the boom relative to the mast.1 8. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 1 7, wherein the actuator subassembly is extensible, and extends between the mast and a position along the boom.1 9. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 1 8, wherein the position along the boom is between 1 0% and 50% of the distance between a pivot axis between the boom and the mast and the head.

20. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 1 9, wherein the position along the boom is between 25% and 35% of the distance between a pivot axis between the boom and the mast and the head.21 . A personal hoist apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the monocoque or monocoques are constructed from a composite material.

22. A personal hoist apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein the composite material is a fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) material.

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