US20080029140A1

US20080029140A1 - Crutch lift

Info

Publication number: US20080029140A1
Application number: US11/337,887
Authority: US
Inventors: Billy D. Turner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-07
Filing date: 2006-08-07
Publication date: 2008-02-07

Abstract

The Crutch Lift is a device designed to lift and lower a patient from a seated position to a standing position unassisted, then can be used as walking crutches. When lowered down the crutches are 3 feet long, which make it easier to transport or store.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The Crutch Lift is a pair of modified crutches designed to shorten or extend it's length by rechargeable batteries and a motor that turns a shaft with a threaded portion that matches to the inside threads of the lower leg portion. The threaded shaft turning inside the threaded pipe pushes it down which raises the top portion, applying pressure under the arms to raise the person up to a standing position or reversed to a seated position unassisted. All functions operate by an up and down switch with a trigger to activate it. It also has a light to illuminate the area.

BACKGROUND OF CRUTCH LIFT

Hardly any one suffering from the after effects of a stroke or similar affliction has not experienced the frustration of standing up from a seated position to where they can walk.
The only device accomplishing this to some extent is the lift chair, but it is expensive and is limited to one location and has not been improved upon.
The crutch lift could offer them an opportunity to rise to a standing position unassisted from any normal seat such as chairs, sofas, benches, bed, toilet seats, autos, etc.
The crutch lift, when in the standing position can be used as walking crutches and be lowered down to approx. 36″ for easy storage or transporting.

FIG. 1 #1—Bearing # 2—Motor and Housing # 3—Battery and Housing # 4—Outer Pipe from under arm piece to bottom of threaded worm, and houses the worm, shaft and bottom leg pipe # 5—Up and down switch #6—Hand handle # 7—Trigger to activate operation # 8—Light # 9—⅛″ grove to stabilize inner leg pipe. #10—Under arm piece

FIG. 2 #1—Up and down switch # 2—Handle # 3—Trigger

FIG. 3 #1 Leg pipe with inside threads to match outside threads of threaded worm # 2—Threaded worm to match inside threads of leg pipe # 3—⅛″ Slats to match inside of main pipe

FIG. 4 #1 Bearing and connector to motor # 2—Shaft from motor to worm # 3

Connector #

4—Threaded worm that matches inside leg pipe

SUMMARY OF CRUTCH LIFT

1—The Crutch Lift is modified crutches to lift partially disabled people up and down from seated position to walking position—unassisted.
2—It could help eliminate strokes and heart attacks by taking the strain off, by lifting themselves up.
3—It is operated by a battery powered motor and rechargeable batteries. It is light weight, portable, and simple to operated. The entire crutch can be disassembled for maintenance or part replacement.
4—It also has a light to illuminate walking area or for seating or storing.
5—The crutch lift could be designed to be powered by hydraulics, air or mechanical.

Claims

1. I claim a mechanical device called the Crutch Lift—consisting of a modified crutch frame that houses rechargable batteries and a motor at the top portion under the arm pits. Attached to the motor is a 2 foot shaft with outside threads matched to the inside threads of a free floating leg that moves up or down when the thread leg pipe turns. Thus, lifting or lowering the patient. The outside of the leg pipe is slotted to match the slots of the crutch frame allowing it to move up or down without turning.