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 Title: |
US4985947:
Patient assist device
[ Derwent Title ]
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| Country: |
US United States of America
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| Inventor: |
Ethridge, Kenneth L.; Bee Branch, AR 72013
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| Assignee: |
None
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| Published / Filed: |
1991-01-22
/ 1990-05-14
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| Application Number: |
US1990000522670
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| IPC Code: |
Advanced:
A61G 5/14;
A61G 7/14;
A61H 3/04;
IPC-7:
A61G 7/10;
A61G 7/14;
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| ECLA Code: |
A61G7/10N4; A61G7/10S6; K61H3/04; K61G5/10Z5; K61G7/10Z10F; K61G200/34; K61G200/36;
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| U.S. Class: |
Current:
005/086.1;
280/250.1;
280/304.1;
482/068;
Original:
005/081.R;
272/070.3;
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| Field of Search: |
005/81 R,81 B,86,83
272/70.3,70.4
135/067
404/921
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| Priority Number: |
| 1990-05-14 |
US1990000522670 |
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| Abstract: |
A machine for assisting a partially ambulatory user to rise and move about. The wheeled frame comprises a rigid, U-shaped base which supports a pair of upwardly extending sides. The frame sides border an open front in which the user is received. Rigid hand rails associated with the frame sides and a push-handle associated with the frame rear may be grasped by the user for support. A cushioned yoke engages the user's torso to support body weight. The yoke may be interchanged with a custom yoke which conforms to the user's body. The yoke is pivotally coupled to a winch-driven linkage assembly comprising a pair of cooperating levers mounted for movement within the frame interior. The top and bottom levers pivot about pivot points defined by bearings coupled to the frame sides. The levers are of different lengths, and their pivot points are offset, so that the camber of the yoke varies during operation. The linkage assembly is driven by a battery-powered winch. Electrical switches associated with the yoke or the hand rails are conveniently accessed by the user to activate the winch. As the user rises from a seated position, the yoke undergoes camber loss until it reaches an intermediate position of maximum negative camber. Camber gain occurs as the yoke rises to its uppermost position of maximum positive camber. The user is thus comfortably and positively supported.
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| Attorney, Agent or Firm: |
Carver, Stephen D. ;
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| Primary / Asst. Examiners: |
Grosz, Alexander;
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| Maintenance Status: |
E1 Expired Check current status
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| INPADOC Legal Status: |
Show legal status actions
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| Family: |
None
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First Claim:
Show all 14 claims |
What is claimed is:
1. A mobile machine for assisting a partially ambulatory user to walk or move about, said machine comprising:
- frame means, comprising front and rear means, adapted to be disposed upon a supporting surface;
- yoke means associated with said frame means for selectively engaging the torso of said user;
- linkage means for dynamically coupling said yoke means to said frame means, said linkage means comprising top lever means for coupling said yoke means to a first pivot point defined upon said frame means; bottom lever means for coupling said yoke means to a second pivot point defined upon said frame means, said first pivot point being located above said second pivot point and being offset from said second pivot point towards said frame front means, and the length of said top lever means being less than the length of said bottom lever means; and,
- motor means disposed upon said frame means for selectively moving said yoke means and consequently said user from a sitting position to a standing position.
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| Background / Summary: |
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| Drawing Descriptions: |
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| Description: |
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| Forward References: |
Show 53 U.S. patent(s) that reference this one
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