Surface mounted, motorized upper body lift assembly for alleviating discomfort while lying down

Abstract

A surface-mounted motorized upper body lift, or Inclinator assembly has two frames that are connected to each other by hinges so as to form a wedge shape can be selectively adjusted. The adjustment is made by the user with the application of a remote control, which activates a motor to result in the adjustment of a linear actuator which is attached at either end to the interfacing portions of the two frames. The frame contacting the body of the user is covered by a platform attached to the frame, with a cushion providing protection and comfort attached in turn to the platform. By adjusting the angle between the two frames, the Inclinator assembly provides a wide variety of user-configurable options in order to allow a user to select the configuration that is most comfortable to the user.

1 . An upper body lift assembly, comprising:
 an upper frame having dimensions substantially corresponding to dimensions of a human back;   a lower frame configured for horizontal placement;   a hinge connecting said upper frame to said lower frame allowing said upper frame to be pivoted relative to said lower frame and thereby forming a variable angle between said upper frame and said lower frame;   a linear actuator having a first end connected at an edge of said lower frame opposite to the edge at which said hinge is located, and having a second end connected to said upper frame substantially midway between the edge thereof at which said hinge is located, and an edge of said upper frame opposite to the edge at which said hinge is located;   a motor that operates said linear actuator to expand and contract a distance between said first end and said second end to raise and lower said upper frame relative to said lower frame by changing said angle therebetween; and   a cushion covering said upper frame and configured to comfortably support, on said upper frame, the back of a supine human.   
     
     
         2 . A lift assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said linear actuator is configured to move said upper frame relative to said lower frame to vary said angle in an angle range between 5° and 85°. 
     
     
         3 . A lift assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said cushion, said upper frame, said lower frame, said lift assembly and said motor have a combined weight that is approximately 25 pounds. 
     
     
         4 . A lift assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said cushion, said upper frame, said lower frame, said lift assembly and said motor have a combined weight that approximately 25 pounds. 
     
     
         5 . A lift assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said motor and said linear actuator in combination are configured to lift a weight of up to 450 pounds on said upper frame from a position of said upper frame forming an angle of 5° relative to said lower frame, to an angle of maximum elevation of said upper frame. 
     
     
         6 . A lift assembly as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said angle of maximum elevation is 82°. 
     
     
         7 . A lift assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said motor is a remotely controlled motor, and wherein said lift assembly comprises a hand-held remote control that operates said motor. 
     
     
         8 . A lift assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said motor is an electrical motor. 
     
     
         9 . A lift assembly as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said upper frame, said lower frame, said cushion, said motor and said linear actuator have a combined weight of approximately 25 pounds, and wherein said motor and said linear actuator are configured, in combination, to lift said upper frame to an angle of maximum elevation of 85° with respect to said lower frame, and to lift a weight of up to 450 pounds on said upper frame from a position wherein said angle is 5° to said angle of maximum elevation of 85°. 
     
     
         10 . A lift assembly as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said cushion, said upper frame, said lower frame, said linear actuator and said motor have a combined weight of approximately 25 pounds.