Wheel Chair to Assist in Lifting a Fallen Patient

Abstract

A low profile patient assist device is provided. The device may comprise five panels, including a center panel, a pair of intermediate panels, and a pair of end panels. Alternatively, the device may comprise a seat panel, a back panel, and a removable winch panel. In the first embodiment, the intermediate panels are interlocked so that they always remain parallel to one another. The end panels operate independently of one another. The device further includes a power means to raise and lower the center panel or the seat panel, which in turn raises and lowers the other panels. A pair of U-shaped support bars mechanically may support a pair of parallel structural beams so that the device can be positioned over a standard toilet from either direction. Further, means is provided to mechanically assist a patient onto the device.

1 . A device for assisting a patient comprising: 
 a center panel;    a pair of intermediate panels joined with a first set of hinges to the center panel opposite one another;    a pair of end panels joined with a second set of hinges to the intermediate panels opposite one another; and    means to mechanically assist in bringing a patient onto the device.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the means to mechanically assist in bringing a patient onto the device comprises: 
 a. a winch;    b. a pallet; and    c. a strap joining the pallet and the winch.    
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising means to raise and lower the center panel in a vertical direction, the means to raise and lower comprising: 
 a pair of bearing sleeves secured to the center panel;    a pair of vertical stanchions slidably engaged within the bearing sleeves; and    a power mechanism to move the sleeves and the stanchions relative to one another.    
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a wheeled base supporting the stanchions.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the base includes a pair of parallel bars, and further comprising a pair of U-shaped support bars rotatably mounted to the parallel bars.  
     
     
         6 . A device for assisting a patient comprising: 
 a. a seat panel;    b. a back panel hingedly joined to the seat panel;    c. a winch panel removably coupled to the seat panel;    d. a winch mounted on the winch panel;    e. a pallet configured to receive a patient in a prone position; and    f. a belt connecting the winch and the pallet.    
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising means to raise and lower the seat panel in a vertical direction.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the means to raise and lower the seat panel comprises: 
 a. a pair of bearing sleeves secured to the center panel;    b. a pair of vertical stanchions slidably engaged within the bearing sleeves; and    c. a power mechanism to move the sleeves and the stanchions relative to one another.    
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , further comprising a wheeled base supporting the stanchions.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the base comprises: 
 a. a left frame member;    b. a front frame member coupled to the left frame member; and    c. a right frame member coupled to the front frame member, forming a backward facing opening to admit a toilet.    
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the left, front, and right frame members are formed as a unitary article of manufacture.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the seat panel includes a toilet access hole therethrough.