U.S. patent application number 10/762370 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-12 for variable function person transportation system(s).
This patent application is currently assigned to BHM MEDICAL INC.. Invention is credited to Corriveau, Michel, Faucher, Martin.
Application Number | 20040154493 10/762370 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25531338 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040154493 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Faucher, Martin ; et
al. |
August 12, 2004 |
Variable function person transportation system(s)
Abstract
A winch assembly comprising a) a person lowering and raising
winch component attached to a carriage component, the carriage
component being configured for coupling to a carriage track of an
overhead support for displacement thereof along the carriage track
and b) a carriage displacement component for inducing displacement
of the carriage component along the carriage track, the carriage
displacement component comprising an electric motor element and a
clutch coupling element the electric motor element being configured
for providing driving effort for the displacement of the carriage
component along the carriage track the clutch coupling element
being configured for coupling and de-coupling the driving effort of
the electric motor element such that when the driving effort of the
electric motor element is coupled and the electric motor element is
energised the carriage component may be urged along the carriage
track by the electric motor element and when the driving effort of
the electric motor element is de-coupled the carriage component may
be manually displaced along the carriage track.
Inventors: |
Faucher, Martin; (Katevale,
CA) ; Corriveau, Michel; (Eaton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ronald S. Kosie
BROUILLETTE KOSIE PRINCE
25th Floor
1100, Rene-Levesque Blvd. West
Montreal
QC
H3B 5C9
CA
|
Assignee: |
BHM MEDICAL INC.
|
Family ID: |
25531338 |
Appl. No.: |
10/762370 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10762370 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
|
|
|
09985282 |
Nov 2, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
104/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 2200/34 20130101;
A61G 7/1007 20130101; A61G 7/1042 20130101; A61G 7/1061 20130101;
A61G 7/1051 20130101; A61G 7/1015 20130101; A61G 2203/12
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
104/089 |
International
Class: |
B61B 003/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A person handling system comprising a) an overhead support
component comprising a carriage track b) a carriage component
coupled to said carriage track for displacement thereof along said
carriage track c) a person lowering and raising winch component
attached to said carriage component and d) a carriage displacement
component for inducing displacement of said carriage component
along said carriage track, said carriage displacement component
comprising an electric motor element and a clutch coupling element
said clutch coupling element being configured for coupling and
de-coupling said electric motor element and said carriage component
such that when said electric motor element and said carriage
component are coupled and said electric motor element is energised
said carriage component may be urged along said carriage track by
said electric motor element and when said electric motor element
and said carriage component are de-coupled said carriage component
may be manually displaced along said carriage track.
2. A person handling system as defined in claim 1 further
comprising rechargeable battery means for energising the electric
motor element, battery recharge station means and means for
automatically bringing the rechargeable battery means into
electrical connection with the battery recharge station.
3. A person handling system as defined in claim 1 wherein said
clutch coupling element comprises a drive shaft able to be rotated
in a first direction, said drive shaft being coupled to said
electric motor element a rotatable driving member coupled to said
drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft induces rotation
of the rotatable driving member a rotatable driven member a clutch
member for coupling and decoupling said driving member with said
driven member and a means for engaging and disengaging said clutch
in response to rotation of said drive shaft said clutch member
being configured to couple said driving member with said driven
drive for urging the driven member to rotate in said first
direction.
4. A person handling system as defined in claim 3 wherein said
drive shaft is able to be rotated in a second direction opposite to
said first direction, said clutch component being additionally
configured to couple said driving member with said driven member
for urging the driven member to rotate in said second direction
opposite to said first direction.
5. A winch assembly comprising a) a person lowering and raising
winch component attached to a carriage component, said carriage
component being configured for coupling to a carriage track of an
overhead support for displacement thereof along said carriage track
and b) a carriage displacement component for inducing displacement
of said carriage component along said carriage track, said carriage
displacement component comprising an electric motor element and a
clutch coupling element said clutch coupling element being
configured for coupling and de-coupling said electric motor element
and said carriage component such that when said electric motor
element and said carriage component are coupled and said electric
motor element is energised said carriage component may be urged
along said carriage track by said electric motor element and when
said electric motor element and said carriage component are
de-coupled said carriage component may be manually displaced along
said carriage track.
6. An assembly as defined in claim 5 further comprising
rechargeable battery means for energising the electric motor
element.
7. An assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said clutch coupling
element comprises a drive shaft able to be rotated in a first
direction, said drive shaft being coupled to said electric motor
element a rotatable driving member coupled to said drive shaft such
that rotation of the drive shaft induces rotation of the rotatable
driving member a rotatable driven member a clutch member for
coupling and decoupling said driving member with said driven member
and a means for engaging and disengaging said clutch in response to
rotation of said drive shaft said clutch member being configured to
couple said driving member with said driven drive for urging the
driven member to rotate in said first direction.
8. An assembly as defined in claim 7 wherein said drive shaft is
able to be rotated in a second direction opposite to said first
direction, said clutch component being additionally configured to
couple said driving member with said driven member for urging the
driven member to rotate in said second direction opposite to said
first direction.
9. A kit comprising a) an overhead support component comprising at
least a carriage track and b) an assembly as defined in claim
5.
10. A kit as defined in claim 9 further comprising rechargeable
battery means for energising the electric motor element and battery
recharge station means.
11. A person handling system comprising a) an overhead support
component comprising a carriage track b) a carriage component
coupled to said carriage track for displacement thereof along said
carriage track c) a person lowering and raising winch component
attached to said carriage component and d) a carriage displacement
component for inducing displacement of said carriage component
along said carriage track, said carriage displacement component
comprising a clutch coupling element and an electric 7 motor
element said electric motor element being configured for providing
driving effort for the displacement of said carriage component
along said carriage track said clutch coupling element being
configured for coupling and de-coupling the driving effort of said
electric motor element such that when the driving effort of said
electric motor element is coupled and said electric motor element
is energised said carriage component may be urged along said
carriage track by said electric motor element and when the driving
effort of said electric motor element is de-coupled said carriage
component may be manually displaced along said carriage track.
12. A winch assembly comprising a) a person lowering and raising
winch component attached to a carriage component, said carriage
component being configured for coupling to a carriage track of an
overhead support for displacement thereof along said carriage track
and b) a carriage displacement component for inducing displacement
of said carriage component along said carriage track, said carriage
displacement component comprising an electric motor element and a
clutch coupling, element said electric motor element being
configured for providing driving effort for the displacement of
said carriage component along said carriage track said clutch
coupling element being configured for coupling and de-coupling the
driving effort of said electric motor element such that when the
driving effort of said electric motor element is coupled and said
electric motor element is energised said carriage component may be
urged along said carriage track by said electric motor element and
when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
de-coupled said carriage component may be manually displaced along
said carriage track.
13. A kit comprising a) an overhead support component comprising at
least a carriage track and b) an assembly as defined in claim
12.
14. A carriage assembly comprising a) a carriage compo a carriage
component, said careing configured for coupling to a carriage track
of an overhead support for displacement thereof along said carriage
track and b) a carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of said carriage component along said carriage track,
said carriage displacement component comprising a clutch coupling
element and an electric motor element said electric motor element
being configured for providing driving effort for the displacement
of said carriage component along said carriage track said clutch
coupling element being configured for coupling and de-coupling the
driving effort of said electric motor element such that when the
driving effort of said electric motor element is coupled and said
electric motor element is energised said carriage component may be
urged along said carriage track by said electric motor element and
when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
de-coupled said carriage component may be manually displaced along
said carriage track.
15. A carriage assembly comprising a) a carriage component, said
carriage component being configured for coupling to a carriage
track of an overhead support for displacement thereof along said
carriage track and b) a carriage displacement component for
inducing displacement of said carriage component along said
carriage track, said carriage displacement component comprising an
electric motor element and a clutch coupling element said clutch
coupling element being configured for coupling and de-coupling said
electric motor element and said carriage component such that when
said electric motor element and said carriage component are coupled
and said electric motor element is energised said carriage
component may be urged along said carriage track by said electric
motor element and when said electric motor element and said
carriage component are de-coupled said carriage component may be
manually displaced along said carriage track.
16. A carriage assembly as defined in claim 14 further including
means for connecting said carriage component to a second support
track disposed transversely to said carriage track.
17. A carriage assembly as defined in claim 15 further including
means for connecting said carriage component to a second support
track disposed transversely to said carriage track.
18. A person handling system comprising a) an overhead support
component comprising a carriage track and two spaced apart
secondary tracks disposed transversely with respect to said
carriage track, b) a first carriage component coupled to said
carriage track for displacement thereof along said carriage track
c) second and third carriage components, each of said second and
third carriage components being coupled to a respective secondary
track for displacement thereof along said respective secondary
track, said carriage track being attached to said second and third
carriage components d) a person lowering and raising winch
component attached to said first carriage component e) a first
carriage displacement component for inducing displacement of said
first carriage component along said carriage track, f) a second
carriage displacement component for inducing displacement of one of
said second and third carriage components along said respective
secondary carriage track, each of said carriage displacement
components comprising a respective electric motor element and a
respective clutch coupling element said respective clutch coupling
element being configured for coupling and de-coupling said
respective electric motor element and a respective carriage
component such that when said respective electric motor element and
said respective carriage component are coupled and said respective
electric motor element is energised said respective carriage
component may be urged along a respective track by said respective
electric motor element and when said respective electric motor
element and said respective carriage component are de-coupled said
respective carriage component may be manually displaced along said
respective track.
19. A person handling system as defined in claim 18 further
comprising rechargeable battery means for energising each
respective electric motor element, battery recharge station means
and means for automatically bringing the rechargeable battery means
into electrical connection with the battery recharge station.
20. A person handling system comprising a) an overhead support
component comprising a carriage track and two spaced apart
secondary tracks disposed transversely with respect to said
carriage track, b) a first carriage component coupled to said
carriage track for displacement thereof along said carriage track
c) second and third carriage components, each of said second and
third carriage components being coupled to a respective secondary
track for displacement thereof along said respective secondary
track, said carriage track being attached to said second and third
carriage components d) a person lowering and raising winch
component attached to said first carriage component e) a first
carriage displacement component for inducing displacement of said
first carriage component along said carriage track, f) a second
carriage displacement component for inducing displacement of one of
said second and third carriage components along said respective
secondary carriage track, each of said carriage displacement
components comprising a respective clutch coupling element and a
respective electric motor element said respective electric motor
element being configured for providing driving effort for the
displacement of said respective carriage component along a
respective track said respective clutch coupling element being
configured for coupling and de-coupling the driving effort of said
respective electric motor element such that when the driving effort
of said respective electric motor element is coupled and said
respective electric motor element is energised said respective
carriage component may be urged along said respective track by said
respective electric motor element and when the driving effort of
said respective electric motor element is de-coupled said
respective carriage component may be manually displaced along said
carriage track.
21. A person handling system as defined in claim 20 further
comprising rechargeable battery means for energising each
respective electric motor element, battery recharge station means
and means for automatically bringing the rechargeable battery means
into electrical connection with the battery recharge station.
22. A person handling system comprising a) an overhead support
component comprising a carriage track and two spaced apart
secondary tracks disposed transversely with respect to said
carriage track, b) a first carriage component coupled t said
carriage track for displacement thereof along said carriage track
c) second and third carriage components, each of said second and
third carriage components being coupled to a respective secondary
track for displacement thereof along said respective secondary
track, said carriage track being attached to said second and third
carriage components d) a person lowering and raising winch
component attached to said first carriage component e) a carriage
displacement component for inducing displacement of one of said
second and third carriage components along said respective
secondary carriage track, said carriage displacement component
comprising an electric motor element and a clutch coupling element
said clutch coupling element being configured for coupling and
de-coupling said electric motor element and a respective carriage
component such that when said electric motor element and said
respective carriage component are coupled and said electric motor
element is energised said respective carriage component may be
urged along a respective track by said electric motor element and
when said electric motor element and said respective carriage
component are de-coupled said respective carriage component may be
manually displaced along said respective track.
23. A person handling system as defined in claim 22 further
comprising rechargeable battery means for energising said electric
motor element, battery recharge station means and means for
automatically bringing the rechargeable battery means into
electrical connection with the battery recharge station.
24. A person handling system comprising a) an overhead support
component comprising a carriage track and two spaced apart
secondary tracks disposed transversely with respect to said
carriage track, b) a first carriage component coupled to said
carriage track for displacement thereof along said carriage track
c) second and third carriage components, each of said second and
third carriage components being coupled to a respective secondary
track for displacement thereof along said respective secondary
track, said carriage track being attached to said second and third
carriage components d) a person lowering and raising winch
component attached to said first carriage component e) a carriage
displacement component for inducing displacement of one of said
second and third carriage components along said respective
secondary carriage track, said carriage displacement component
comprising a clutch coupling element and an electric motor element
said electric motor element being configured for providing driving
effort for the displacement of said respective carriage component
along a respective track said respective clutch coupling element
being configured for coupling and de-coupling the driving effort of
said electric motor element such that when the driving effort of
said electric motor element is coupled and said electric motor
element is energised said respective carriage component may be
urged along said respective track by said electric motor element
and when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
de-coupled said respective carriage component may be manually
displaced along said carriage track.
25. A person handling system as defined in claim 24 further
comprising rechargeable battery means for energising said electric
motor element, battery recharge station means and means for
automatically bringing the rechargeable battery means into
electrical connection with the battery recharge station.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to load (e.g. person)
transportation systems. It in particular relates to load (e.g.
person) transportation systems which comprise one or more motorized
units which are energized, for example by one or more electrical
batteries, the systems including energy stations for the recharge
of any such batteries. The present invention more particularly
relates to a patient-handling system or apparatus which gives an
operator the possibility of choosing between a manual or a
motorised horizontal displacement of a person, e.g. of a
(non-ambulatory) patient.
[0002] Support structures are known for lifting and transferring
loads as well as people; please see for example U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,809,591, 5,694,654, 5,337,908 and 3,000,329; please also see for
example U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,368, the entire contents of which is
hereby incorporated by reference, which relates to a winch assembly
for such a person handling system. It is known for example to
exploit adjustable mast or pole support structures for use with
overhead rails or tracks for forming support structures or frames
(see for example U.S. Pat. No. 3,000,329 and 2,630,076). The entire
contents of all of the above mentioned US patents are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0003] It is in particular known to use an overhead track or track
system as part of a people displacement device or system. Such a
track or track system may be directly bolted or otherwise fixed to
the ceiling of a room. Alternatively such a track or track system
may be maintained in place by a mast, pole or support rod
assembly(ies). These structures may thus be intended to be more or
less permanent fixtures or may be structures which may be able to
be easily taken apart for the purpose of being rebuilt at some
other location.
[0004] The present invention will be discussed herein after, in
particular, with respect to a device(s) or system(s) for displacing
(e.g. lifting, transporting, lowering, etc.) a person between
various positions or areas such as for example between a bed and a
chair, a bed and a bathroom etc. The clutch devices or assemblies
of the present invention may of course be used for the displacement
of any other type of load.
[0005] There is a continuing need for structures for supporting a
person and in particular for a rail or track support structure or
frame which can be used to raise, displace and lower a (e.g.
incapacitated) person. Such support structures may be needed in
many types of environments such as, for example, in private homes,
hospitals, rehabilitation centres, group homes for the aged, etc.
Such structures may, for example, be used to facilitate the
transfer a bed ridden person from a bed to a wheel chair, to a bath
tub or the like. Examples of lift devices are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,877,421, 5,379,468 and 5,649,329. The entire contents
of all of the above mentioned US patents are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0006] It is known to provide a person handling system comprising a
winch mechanism associated with a support rail or track, the
support rail being attached or disposed adjacent to a ceiling. The
winch mechanism may, for example, be attached or connected to the
rail or track via a carriage (or a trolley) component. A trolley
electric motor may be provided for inducing displacement of the
carriage component along the rail. Such systems may also include
one or more recharging station for the recharge of motor
battery(ies) as well as means for (automatically) inducing the
winch mechanism to travel to and electrically engage the recharging
station for recharge of the battery(ies).
[0007] A drawback of such motor induced displacement of the
carriage is that the displacement may be preset at a relatively
slow predetermined speed (i.e. for safety reason). However,
occasions may arise when an operator may wish for a more speedy
displacement of the winch mechanism; such more speedy displacement
may be necessary or desired if for some reason the winch mechanism
itself is obstructing, hampering or delaying some desired or
necessary activity. For example, a difficulty with the automatic
return to the charging station is that the displacement of the
carriage along a rail and the to the charging station may also be
relatively slow in relation to the desired speed with which such
displacement may be desired.
[0008] Accordingly, it would be advantageouso have a relatively
flexible handling system which could offer the operator the choice
between a motorized displacement and a manual displacement of the
winch assembly. The speed of displacement, in the case of a manual
displacement, may be higher than the speed that is possible under
influence of the motor function.
[0009] It is also known to have a winch assembly which does not
have a trolley motor or the like for displacing the winch assembly
along the a rail. In this case, since the winch assembly is not
associated with a trolley motor, the winch assembly must be
manually dragged from one point on the rail to another, i.e. to a
recharge station.
[0010] Thus, from the above it may be appreciated that at present,
it is known to provide, a person transport system which has a winch
assembly which is displaceable horizontally along a support either
manually or under the influence of an (electric) motor (but not
both).
[0011] It would be advantageous to be able to have a single winch
system which could provide both a motorized as well as non
motorized displacement function i.e. to allow for a motorized
displacement of the winch system along the carriage track or rail
or, if desired, a manual displacement of the winch assembly along
the carriage track. Such a winch assembly would have a beneficial
effect in relation to production as well as storage since it would
no longer be necessary to supply two distinct types of winch
assemblies i.e. one with a motorized function and one with a manual
function. A dual function system as described would thus facilitate
production and storage since a single type of assembly could be
used in either circumstances depending upon the desires of the
user, i.e. only one type of assembly need be made.
[0012] In any event, it would be advantageous to have a mechanism
whereby the motor and/or the mechanism which induces displacement
of the winch assembly may be decoupled from the carriage track i.e.
for example for the electric motor to be decoupled from drive
wheels which induced displacement of the winch assembly along the
rail. In this latter case, it would be advantageous to have a
clutch system which would provide an engagement state whereby the
motor would induce such displacement along the rail and a non
engagement state which would allow manual displacement of the winch
assembly along the rail. It would also be advantageous to have a
simple quick mechanism which could bring about such coupling and
decoupling.
STATEMENT OF INVENTION
[0013] In accordance with an aspect the present invention provides
a carriage assembly comprising
[0014] a) a carriage component, said carriage component being
configured for coupling to a carriage track of an overhead support
for displacement thereof along said carriage track and
[0015] b) a carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of said carriage component along said carriage
track,
[0016] said carriage displacement component comprising an electric
motor element and a clutch coupling element
[0017] said electric motor element being configured for providing
driving effort for the displacement of said carriage component
along said carriage track
[0018] said clutch coupling element being configured for coupling
and de-coupling the driving effort of said electric motor element
(i.e. relative to a track or rail) such that
[0019] when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
coupled and said electric motor element is energised said carriage
component may be urged along said carriage track by said electric
motor element and
[0020] when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
de-coupled said carriage component may be manually displaced along
said carriage track.
[0021] The present invention in particular provides a carriage
assembly comprising
[0022] a) a carriage component, said carriage component being
configured for coupling to a carriage track of an overhead support
for displacement thereof along said carriage track and
[0023] b) a carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of said carriage component along said carriage
track,
[0024] said carriage displacement component comprising an electric
motor element and a clutch coupling element
[0025] said clutch coupling element being configured for coupling
and de-coupling said electric motor element and said carriage
component such that
[0026] when said electric motor element and said carriage component
are coupled and said electric motor element is energised said
carriage component may be urged along said carriage track by said
electric motor element and
[0027] when said electric motor element and said carriage component
are de-coupled said carriage component may be manually displaced
along said carriage track.
[0028] In accordance with the present invention a carriage assembly
may further include means for connecting said carriage component to
a second support track disposed transversely to said carriage
track.
[0029] In accordance with another aspect the present invention
provides a load handling system or assembly (e.g. a person handling
system or assembly) comprising
[0030] a) an overhead support component comprising a carriage track
(or rail)
[0031] b) a carriage component coupled to said carriage track for
displacement thereof along said carriage track
[0032] c) a person lowering and raising winch component attached to
said carriage component and
[0033] d) a carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of said carriage component along said carriage
track,
[0034] said carriage displacement component comprising a clutch
coupling element and an electric motor element
[0035] said electric motor element being configured for providing
driving effort for the displacement of said carriage component
along said carriage track
[0036] said clutch coupling element being configured for coupling
and de-coupling the driving effort of said electric motor element
(i.e. relative to a track or rail) such that
[0037] when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
coupled and said electric motor element is energised said carriage
component may be urged along said carriage track by said electric
motor element and
[0038] when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
de-coupled said carriage component may be manually displaced (e.g.
hand dragged) along said carriage track.
[0039] The present invention in particular provides a load handling
system or assembly (e.g. a person handling system or assembly)
comprising
[0040] a) an overhead support component comprising a carriage track
(or rail)
[0041] b) a carriage component coupled to said carriage track for
displacement thereof along said carriage track
[0042] c) a person lowering and raising winch component attached to
said carriage component and
[0043] d) a carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of said carriage component along said carriage track
or rail,
[0044] said carriage displacement component comprising an electric
motor element and a clutch coupling element
[0045] said clutch coupling element being configured for coupling
and de-coupling said electric motor element and said carriage
component such that
[0046] when said electric motor and said carriage component are
coupled and said motor is energised said carriage component may be
urged along said carriage track by said motor and
[0047] when said electric motor and said carriage component are
de-coupled said carriage component may be manually displaced (e.g.
hand dragged) along said track.
[0048] In accordance with the present invention a person handling
system as described herein may for example further comprise
rechargeable battery means for energising the motor and battery
recharge station means. A person handling system as described
herein may, for example, comprise means for automatically bringing
the rechargeable battery means into electrical connection with the
battery recharge station. Alternatively, instead of a battery
energisable system, the motor(s) and the like may if desired be
connected directly to a power outlet means (e.g. wall electrical
outlet) by any suitable electrical connection mechanism (e.g.
sliding contact(s), coiled electrical leads or wires, etc.). A
system may of course be a hybrid system comprising one or more
battery energisable elements and one or more directly connected
energisable elements
[0049] In accordance with a further aspect the present invention
provides a winch assembly comprising
[0050] a) a person lowering and raising winch component attached to
a carriage component, said carriage component being configured for
coupling to a carriage track of an overhead support for
displacement thereof along said carriage track and
[0051] b) a carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of said carriage component along said carriage
track,
[0052] said carriage displacement component comprising an electric
motor element and a clutch coupling element
[0053] said electric motor element being configured for providing
driving effort for the displacement of said carriage component
along said carriage track
[0054] said clutch coupling element being configured for coupling
and de-coupling the driving effort of said electric motor element
(i.e. relative to a track or rail) such that
[0055] when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
coupled and said electric motor element is energised said carriage
component may be urged along said carriage track by said electric
motor element and
[0056] when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
de-coupled said carriage component may be manually displaced along
said carriage track.
[0057] In accordance with the above further aspect the present
invention in particular provides a winch assembly comprising
[0058] a) a person lowering and raising winch component attached to
a carriage component, said carriage component being configured for
coupling to a track of an overhead support for displacement thereof
along said track and
[0059] b) a carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of said carriage component along said track or
rail,
[0060] said carriage displacement component comprising an electric
motor element and a clutch coupling element
[0061] said clutch coupling element being configured for coupling
and de-coupling said electric motor and said carriage component
such that
[0062] when said electric motor and said carriage component are
coupled and said motor is energised said carriage component may be
urged along said track by said motor and
[0063] when said electric motor and said carriage component are
de-coupled said trolley component may be manually displaced along
said track.
[0064] In accordance with the present invention an assembly as
described herein may further comprise rechargeable battery means
for energising the motor.
[0065] In an additional aspect the present invention provides a kit
comprising
[0066] a) an overhead support component comprising at least a
carriage track and
[0067] b) an assembly as defined herein (i.e. a winch or carriage
assembly).
[0068] In accordance with the present invention a kit as described
herein may further comprise rechargeable battery means for
energising the electrical motor element and battery recharge
station means. A kit in accordance with the present invention may
of course comprise one or more other elements, components, members
etc. as discussed herein
[0069] In an additional aspect the present invention provides a
person handling system comprising
[0070] a) an overhead support component comprising a carriage track
and two spaced apart secondary tracks disposed transversely with
respect to said carriage track,
[0071] b) a first carriage component coupled to said carriage track
for displacement thereof along said carriage track
[0072] c) second and third carriage components, each of said second
and third carriage components being coupled to a respective
secondary track for displacement thereof along said respective
secondary track, said carriage track being attached to said second
and third carriage components
[0073] d) a person lowering and raising winch component attached to
said first carriage component
[0074] e) a first carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of said first carriage component along said carriage
track,
[0075] f) a second carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of one of said second and third carriage components
along said respective secondary carriage track,
[0076] each of said carriage displacement components comprising a
respective clutch coupling element and a respective electric motor
element
[0077] said respective electric motor element being configured for
providing driving effort for the displacement of said respective
carriage component along a respective track
[0078] said respective clutch coupling element being configured for
coupling and de-coupling the driving effort of said respective
electric motor element (i.e. relative to a track or rail) such
that
[0079] when the driving effort of said respective electric motor
element is coupled and said respective electric motor element is
energised said respective carriage component may be urged along
said respective track by said respective electric motor element
and
[0080] when the driving effort of said respective electric motor
element is de-coupled said respective carriage component may be
manually displaced along said carriage track.
[0081] The present invention in particular provides a person
handling system comprising
[0082] a) an overhead support component comprising a carriage track
and two spaced apart secondary tracks disposed transversely with
respect to said carriage track,
[0083] b) a first carriage component coupled to said carriage track
for displacement thereof along said carriage track
[0084] c) second and third carriage components, each of said second
and third carriage components being coup led to a respective
secondary track for displacement thereof along said respective
secondary track, said carriage track being attached to said second
and third carriage components
[0085] d) a person lowering and raising winch component attached to
said first carriage component
[0086] e) a first carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of said first carriage component along said carriage
track,
[0087] f) a second carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of one of said second and third carriage components
along said respective secondary carriage track,
[0088] each of said carriage displacement components comprising a
respective electric motor element and a respective clutch coupling
element
[0089] said respective clutch coupling element being configured for
coupling and de-coupling said respective electric motor element and
a respective carriage component such that
[0090] when said respective electric motor element and said
respective carriage component are coupled and said respective
electric motor element is energised said respective carriage
component may be urged along a respective track by said respective
electric motor element and
[0091] when said respective electric motor element and said
respective carriage component are de-coupled said respective
carriage component may be manually displaced along said respective
track.
[0092] The present invention in another aspect provides a person
handling system comprising
[0093] a) an overhead support component comprising a carriage track
and two spaced apart secondary tracks disposed transversely with
respect to said carriage track,
[0094] b) a first carriage component coupled to said carriage track
for displacement thereof along said carriage track
[0095] c) second and third carriage components, each of said second
and third carriage components being coupled to a respective
secondary track for displacement thereof along said respective
secondary track, said carriage track being attached to said second
and third carriage components
[0096] d) a person lowering and raising winch component attached to
said first carriage component (in this case the winch component may
be solely manually displaceable, solely motor displaceable or offer
the choice between such displacements as discussed herein)
[0097] e) a carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of one of said second and third carriage components
along said respective secondary carriage track,
[0098] said carriage displacement component comprising a clutch
coupling element and an electric motor element
[0099] said electric motor element being configured for providing
driving effort for the displacement of said respective carriage
component along a respective track
[0100] said respective clutch coupling element being configured for
coupling and de-coupling the driving effort of said electric motor
element such that
[0101] when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
coupled and said electric motor element is energised said
respective carriage component may be urged along said respective
track by said electric motor element and
[0102] when the driving effort of said electric motor element is
de-coupled said respective carriage component may be manually
displaced along said carriage track.
[0103] The present invention in particular provides a person
handling system comprising
[0104] a) an overhead support component comprising a carriage track
and two spaced apart secondary tracks disposed transversely with
respect to said carriage track,
[0105] b) a first carriage component coupled to said carriage track
for displacement thereof along said carriage track
[0106] c) second and third carriage components, each of said second
and third carriage components being coupled to a respective
secondary track for displacement thereof along said respective
secondary track, said carriage track being attached to said second
and third carriage components
[0107] d) a person lowering and raising winch component attached to
said first carriage component (in this case also the winch
component may be solely manually displaceable, solely motor
displaceable or offer the choice between such displacements as
discussed herein)
[0108] e) a carriage displacement component for inducing
displacement of one of said second and third carriage components
along said respective secondary carriage track,
[0109] said carriage displacement component comprising an electric
motor element and a clutch coupling element
[0110] said clutch coupling element being configured for coupling
and de-coupling said electric motor element and a respective
carriage component such that
[0111] when said electric motor element and said respective
carriage component are coupled and said electric motor element is
energised said respective carriage component may be urged along a
respective track by said electric motor element and
[0112] when said electric motor element and said respective
carriage component are de-coupled said respective carriage
component may be manually displaced along said respective
track.
[0113] An overhead support component may take on any desired or
necessary configuration. The overhead support component may for
example comprise one or more track or rail elements held in place
adjacent a ceiling by any suitable support means such as for
example support poles which at their distal end engages a floor;
the support means may alternatively take the form of bracket means
attached to the ceiling on the on hand and to the track or rail on
the other.
[0114] The overhead support component and the carriage component
may be configured: such that said carriage component engages said
track such that the carriage component is able to roll, slide glide
or be otherwise displaced along said track.
[0115] A carriage or trolley component may take on any suitable
form which allows it to be supported by and glide or be displaced
along a track element, i.e. such that a carriage or trolley
component may be moved manually along the track or may be so moved
by providing a suitable motorised trolley or carriage displacement
system. The carriage or trolley component may comprise a wheeled
carriage. Alternatively the carriage component need not be wheeled,
i.e. it may comprise sliding members of a more or less frictionless
material such as of TEFLON.
[0116] A clutch coupling element of the carriage displacement
component, may take any desired or necessary configuration keeping
in mind its intended purpose, i.e. to be able to control (i.e. turn
on or off) the application of the transfer of a driving effort from
the motor element for the displacement of the carriage component
relative to the carriage rail or track; for example, for turning on
or off the application of the transfer of a driving effort from the
motor element to the wheel(s) of a carriage component. Thus the
clutch coupling element may be configured in any suitable manner
whereby the clutch coupling element is able to couple and de-couple
the electric motor and any type of driven member forming part of
the clutch coupling element. The driven member for its part is of
course to be configured to induce displacement of the carriage
component along the carriage support rail or track. The driven
member itself may be coupled, for example, directly to the carriage
component (i.e. to a wheel thereof) or be indirectly coupled
thereto in any suitable manner (e.g. via the rail or track itself).
The clutch coupling element may be configured in any suitable
manner such as for example as specifically discussed herein
(including any mechanical equivalent thereof) The clutch component
may for example comprise a pair of gear elements which may as
desired be engaged or disengaged as the case may be. The gear
elements may take any desired or necessary form keeping the above
in mind. Example of various types of clutches are described in the
following patents; these may be configured as necessary or desired
for exploitation in the context of the present invention; see U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,085,368 4,458,795 3,721,324 3,643,770 2,905,294
2,024,947 and 1,951,139 (the entire contents of each of which is
incorporated herein by reference).
[0117] In accordance with another aspect the present invention in
particular provides a coupling/de-coupling clutch mechanism or
assembly (e.g. reversible mechanism) which may for example,
comprise
[0118] a drive shaft able to be (i.e. configured to be) rotated in
a first direction and, if so desired or necessary, in a second
opposite direction (e.g. rotation being induced by an electric
motor to which the drive is directly or indirectly coupled)
[0119] a rotatable driving member coupled to said drive shaft such
that rotation of the drive shaft induces (a like) rotation of the
rotatable driving member
[0120] a rotatable driven member
[0121] a clutch member for coupling (i.e. engaging) and decoupling
(i.e. disengaging) said driving member with said driven-member
and
[0122] a means for engaging and disengaging said clutch member in
response to rotation of
[0123] said drive shaft (i.e. in said one first direction and/or
said second direction) said clutch member being configured to
couple said driving member with said driven member for urging the
driven member to rotate in said first direction and, if so desired
or necessary, said clutch component being further configured to
couple said driving member with said driven member for urging the
driven member to rotate in said second direction opposite to said
first direction.
[0124] A clutch mechanism in accordance with the present invention
may for example comprise
[0125] a first clutch component configured to couple said driving
member with said driven member for urging the driven member to
rotate in one direction
[0126] a second clutch component configured to couple said driving
member with said driven member for urging the driven member to
rotate in a second direction opposite to said one direction
[0127] a means for engaging said first clutch and disengaging said
second clutch in response to rotation of said drive shaft in said
one direction and
[0128] a means for engaging said second clutch and disengaging said
first clutch in response to rotation of said drive shaft in said
second direction.
[0129] The above first and second clutch components may for example
be comprised in a single component such as, for example, a shuttle
component as described herein; the first and second clutch
components may of course take any other (suitable, desired or
known) form keeping in mind the function thereof.
[0130] In accordance with the present invention the driving member
and the driven member may be disposed coaxially relative to the
axis of rotation of the drive shaft.
[0131] In accordance with the present invention the rotatable
driven member may define an annular or ring member. The annular or
ring member may be provided with any suitable engagement means or
elements; such engagement means may take the form, for example, of
internally extending sprocket or gear teeth or alternatively, a
plurality of perforations configured for engagement with engagement
means or elements of the shuttle component as shall be discussed
herein
[0132] In accordance with the present invention the rotatable
driving member may define a slot (or the like) extending
transversely (i.e. radially) to the axis of rotation of the drive
shaft. The slot may accommodate a shuttle component which slidingly
engages the wall elements of the driving member defining the slot
such that the shuttle component is able to be displaced to and fro
in the slot transversely to the axis of rotation of the drive
shaft; the shuttle component is in any event engaged or mounted in
the slot such that rotation of the driving member induces a like
rotation of the shuttle component.
[0133] The opposed ends of the shuttle component may be provided
with any suitable (corresponding) engagement means configured for
mating engagement or meshing with the engagement means or elements
of the abovementioned annular or ring member; such engagement means
may take the form for example of corresponding externally or
outwardly extending sprocket or gear teeth for mating engagement or
meshing with the internally or inwardly extending sprocket or gear
teeth of the ring member.
[0134] The shuttle component as described herein may, for example,
comprise a single unitary member; alternatively a shuttle component
may for example comprise a pair of separate (opposed) slide
members. The shuttle component (as well as the displacement element
or member mentioned below) may be configured such that displacement
of the shuttle component for engagement with the annular or ring
member may be such as to provide a reversible type of driving
effort (i.e. a driving effort alternatively in either the first or
the second rotational direction) or a unidirectional driving effort
(i.e. a driving effort in one (e.g. rotational) direction).
[0135] In accordance with the present invention the means for
engaging and disengaging the clutch may for example comprise a
displacement element or member mounted on the drive shaft. The
displacement element or member may, for example be configured to
engage a projection extending axially from the shuttle component so
as to induce displacement of the shuttle in the slot of the driving
member in response to a rotational movement of said drive shaft. In
other words, the displacement element or member may be configured
so that in response to a rotational movement of the drive shaft,
the displacement element or member is able to engage the shuttle
component so as to induce the shuttle component to alternately
extend from and/or retract into said slot and thus into engagement
or disengagement with the annular or ring member (e.g. by the
intermeshing of gear teeth). In accordance with the present
invention means may be provided with a winch assembly which may be
configured such that when motorised movement of the carriage is no
longer desired the motor may be induced to rotate in the opposite
direction for example a quarter (1/4) turn so as to bring about
disengagement of the shuttle component for manual displacement of
the carriage.
[0136] As mentioned above, in accordance with the present invention
the electric motor and the driven member (i.e. the member coupled
for example to the wheels of a trolley or carriage as described
herein) may be coupled such that when the motor is energised the
carriage may be displaced along a track.
[0137] A winch assembly (i.e. comprising the rail movement motor,
the rail movement clutch coupling component, etc.) may, for
example, be appropriately configured in any suitable (known) manner
such that the motor induced rotation of the driven member in one
direction leads to the movement of the carriage and winch assembly
attached thereto in a predetermined direction along as track
whereas motor induced rotation of the driven member reel in the
opposite direction leads to movement in the opposite direction; in
this case the clutch is of course to be configured for so as to be
reversible the driven member.
[0138] The motor may be any suitable or desired (known) type of
electric motor; if desired, it may be a variable speed motor, a
reversible motor, a non-reversible motor, etc. The motor may if
desired or as necessary be associated with other
mechanical/electrical elements (e.g. gear reduction elements,
rotational speed variation means, gear means for changing the
direction of rotation of the worm gear drive shaft, etc.).
[0139] As mentioned above, a motorized version of the winch
assembly may have a trolley or carriage motor suitably connected to
provide power to one or more wheel(s) of a trolley carriage for
inducing the winch assembly to be urged back and forth along an
overhead track or rail system.
[0140] Alternatively, the trolley or carriage motor may be
connected to a pulley system which is configured to bring about of
the same effect i.e. the trolley carriage may include wheels which
are not themselves powered. In this case an endless loop may be
connected to the trolley carriage truck and to pulleys at either
end of the desired rail component with the motor either turning a
pulley so as to induce the pulley to cause displacement or to grip
the cord and do such displacement.
[0141] A rechargeable battery, as mentioned, may be provided for
energizing the trolley motor. The system may thus further be
associated with a battery recharging station. The motorized system
may include a trolley motor control mechanism. The trolley control
mechanism may be configured to provide a first function whereby the
trolley motor may be activated to displace the trolley component
along the rail a desired distance. The trolley control mechanism
may as desired also be configured to provide a second (or recharge)
function whereby the trolley motor may be activated so as to
automatically displace the winch mechanism to a recharging station
where the battery may be recharged; the mechanism and the recharge
station being provided with suitable corresponding electrical
connector means to achieve this purpose; the station being for
example connected to an suitable source of electrical power.
[0142] In drawings which illustrate example embodiments of the
present invention:
[0143] FIG. 1 schematically shows a person handling system
comprising a single L shaped rail attached to the ceiling of a room
when viewed from above the ceiling with the ceiling removed;
[0144] FIG. 2 schematically shows another person handling system
comprising an X-Y configured rail system attached to the ceiling of
a room when viewed from above the ceiling with the ceiling
removed;
[0145] FIG. 3a shows a person handling system having no motor for
the horizontal displacement of the winch assembly wherein the
person strapped into the transportation harness is displaceable
horizontally by manually pushing on the person;
[0146] FIG. 3b shows a person handling system provided with a
trolley motor for the horizontal 25 displacement of the winch
assembly wherein the person strapped into the transportation
harness is displaceable horizontally by activation of the
motor;
[0147] FIG. 3c shows in schematic fashion the automatic return to a
charging station under the influence of the trolley motor;
[0148] FIG. 3d shows in s more detailed schematic fashion the
elements of FIG. 3c;
[0149] FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of a winch assembly in
accordance with the present invention provided with a trolley motor
and trolley carriage;
[0150] FIG. 5 shows the same perspective side view as in FIG. 4 but
wherein the trolley motor and the housing of the
coupling/de-coupling component are removed to expose the elements
of the coupling/de-coupling component;
[0151] FIG. 6 shows a perspective side view of the winch assembly
shown in FIG. 4 but as seen from the opposite side thereof;
[0152] FIG. 7 shows a schematic partial side view of the trolley
component of the winch assembly of FIG. 4 wherein the carriage
wheels are engaging the side arms of a C-shaped rail element, a
side of the rail being removed to expose the wheels;
[0153] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view transverse to the
longitudinal axis of a C-shaped rail element showing the carriage
wheels engaged in the rail channel defined by the C-shaped rail
element;
[0154] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective side view of the trolley
motor and coupling/de-coupling component of the winch assembly of
FIG. 4;
[0155] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective side view of opposite
side of the trolley motor and coupling/de-coupling component shown
in FIG. 9;
[0156] FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e show in schematic block
diagram form the engagement and disengagement of a two part shuttle
component, namely FIG. 10a showing the shuttle component in free or
unengaged position, FIG. 10b showing a press and hold button (left
or right) for initiating shuttle component engagement, FIG. 10c
showing shuttle component engagement induced by the motor turning
right (or left) so as to move the two shuttle elements into an
engagement position whereupon the external wheel will turn, FIG.
10d showing release of the press button (i.e. to off), and FIG. 10e
showing the drive shaft turning in the opposite rotational
direction automatically (i.e. as induced by the motor) just enough
to release the two shuttle elements from engagement with the teeth
of the external wheel;
[0157] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective side view of another
example embodiment of a coupling/de-coupling component of the winch
assembly;
[0158] FIG. 11a is a perspective view of the anchor member of the
coupling/de-coupling component of FIG. 11;
[0159] FIGS. 11b, 11c and 11d illustrate in schematic fashion the
functioning of the alternate coupling/de-coupling component shown
in FIGS. 11 and 11a;
[0160] FIG. 12 is a perspective side view of an X-Y rail system
wherein the transverse rail element is displaceable by a
displacement means comprising a motor and coupling assembly
configured in a fashion analogous to that for the winch assembly of
FIG. 4;
[0161] FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial schematic side view of the
displacement means shown in FIG. 12 with the carriage wheels
exposed;
[0162] FIG. 14 is a more detailed exploded perspective side view of
inter-rail coupling means of the X-Y rail system of FIG. 12 shown
at A;
[0163] FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial schematic side view of the
displacement means shown in FIG. 14 with the web/wheel combination
exposed shown at B;
[0164] FIG. 15a illustrates a schematic perspective side view of an
example embodiment of an unmotorised truck or carriage component
which maybe used for an X-Y rail system;
[0165] FIG. 15b illustrates a schematic perspective side view of
another example embodiment of an unmotorised truck or carriage
component which maybe used for an X-Y rail system
[0166] FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an alternate
embodiment of a coupling/de-coupling component;
[0167] FIG. 16a is a schematic illustration of the interaction
between the driven member of the coupling/de-coupling component
shown in FIG. 16 and the idler gear linking it to the carriage
wheel;
[0168] FIG. 17a is a schematic illustration of an further example
embodiment of a coupling/de-coupling component exploiting a
mechanical mechanism, the component being shown in a de-coupled
configuration;
[0169] FIG. 17b is a schematic illustration of the
coupling/de-coupling component shown in FIG. 17a the component
being shown in a coupled configuration;
[0170] FIG. 17c is a schematic illustration of the interaction
between the driven member of the coupling/de-coupling component
shown in FIG. 17a and the idler gear linking it to the carriage
wheel;
[0171] FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of another example
embodiment of a coupling/de-coupling component exploiting a
friction driving wheel mechanism; and
[0172] FIGS. 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d illustrate in schematic fashion
the functioning of an example embodiment of an automatic return to
recharge function for an X-Y rail system as described herein (see
for example FIG. 12).
[0173] In reference to the figures, the same reference numbers will
be used to refer to the same elements components.
[0174] FIG. 1, illustrates a known type of person handling system
comprising a single overhead track component 1 which includes a
single overhead curved carriage rail (or track) fixed to a ceiling
by attachment means (not shown). This known system also features
(see FIG. 3d) a wheeled carriage 5 attached or connected to a
person lowering and raising winch component indicated generally as
7. The overhead track component 1 and the wheeled carriage 5 are
configured such that the wheels 9 of the carriage 5 engage the
track 1 such that the carriage 5 is able: to glide or roll along
said track 1 A trolley or carriage drive motor 11 (e.g. electric
motor) is coupled to one of the carriage wheels 9 for inducing the
wheels of the trolley carriage to cause the entire winch component
7 to be displaceable from one position to another i.e. (See FIG. 1)
from the doorway of the bathroom shown to the toilet seat or to the
bath tub and back in the direction of the arrow 12.
[0175] Referring back to FIG. 3d, the system includes a
rechargeable battery 13 for energizing the trolley motor 11. Such a
known system may further be associated with a battery recharging
station (indicated generally by reference number 15) for recharging
not only the trolley battery but also any other battery that may be
associated with the system. The recharge station comprises a
battery recharger 17 which is electrically coupled by wire 19 to a
suitable source of electrical power which as shown is the electric
outlet 21; the recharger includes an electrical contact strip 22.
The winch element 7 is on the other hand provided with (known)
electric contact means 23 which is electrically coupled to the
rechargeable battery 13. In order to recharge the battery the winch
assembly is displaced until the electric contact means 23 is
brought into slipping electrical contact with the electrical
contact strip 2.
[0176] It is also known to associate with such a motorized person
handling system, a trolley motor control mechanism (not shown). The
trolley control mechanism is configured in any suitable manner so
as to provide a first function whereby the trolley motor 11 may be
activated to displace the trolley component along the rail a
desired distance (and direction). The trolley control mechanism is
also configured to provide a second (or recharge) function whereby
the trolley motor may be activated so as to automatically displace
the winch element 7 to the recharging station 15 where the battery
may be recharged; the trolley control mechanism and the recharge
station 15 being provided with suitable corresponding electrical
connector means to achieve this purpose such as shown generally in
FIG. 3d.
[0177] FIG. 2 illustrates what may be considered an X-Y rail system
which can provide for a greater degree of movement of a winch
assembly about a given work are or room i.e. as compared to the
single rail system of FIG. 1. In addition to the winch travel rail
25 (i.e. the carriage track) along which the winch element 7 is
able to be displaced, this system includes at least two (parallel)
spaced apart rails 27 and 29 which are attached to the ceiling of a
room or which are supported at or near the ceiling by suitable
support posts (in known manner). The area shown in dotted outline
31 is the area over which the winch element 7 may be displaced. The
winch travel rail 25 is transversely attached to each of these
parallel rails 27 and 29 by respective wheeled trucks, carriages or
by sliding members to allow manual horizontal displacement of the
winch travel rail itself back and forth in the direction of the
arrow 33 shown (i.e. Y-direction); see for example FIGS. 12 to 15.
The displacement of this transverse rail 25 itself in the direction
of the arrow 33 provides a second degree of freedom of horizontal
movement for the winch assembly shown. The first degree of
horizontal freedom of movement of the winch assembly (X-direction)
is of course along the transverse rail itself and is induced by the
trolley motor (see arrow 35). These two horizontal degrees of
freedom of movement are in addition to the vertical degree of
movement which involves the displacement (i.e. Z-displacement) of a
person who is attached in a harness in the up and down directions
(see arrow 37 in FIGS. 3a,3b and 3d).
[0178] As mentioned the transverse winch travel rail. 25 is
configured so that it may be manually pushed in the Y-direction.
Alternatively, and in accordance with the present invention, as
shall be discussed below (see FIG. 12 to 15), the transverse winch
travel rail or beam 25 may have a motorized trolley(ies) or
carriage(s) for the motorized displacement of the transverse rail
25.
[0179] The person lowering and raising winch element 7 itself (in
relation to the systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as well as for the
present invention) may in particular comprise a support structure,
a flexible elongated support member 39 connected to a harness
component 41 (see FIG. 3d) for holding a person, a reel component
connected to the support structure for winding up and paying out
(i.e. unwinding) the flexible elongated support member and a reel
electric motor. The reel electric motor may be coupled to the reel
component in any suitable (known) fashion such that when the reel
motor is energised it may induce the reel component to unwind or
wind up the flexible elongated support member, i.e. to vertically
raise or lower a person as the case may be. For more details with
respect to such a person lowering and raising winch assembly please
see for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,368, the entire contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0180] The disadvantage of the systems shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is
that the displacement of the winch element 7 itself along a rail 25
is motorized and thus subject to a preset displacement speed. In
accordance with the present invention the winch element 7 and
wheeled carriage may configured such that the winch element 7 may
be displaced manually along the carriage support rail or under
power from a trolley motor, as desired.
[0181] Turning to FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c these figures illustrate in
schematic fashion the variable functionality of a person handling
system available in accordance with the present invention. In
accordance with a person handling system of the present invention,
the system includes a carriage displacement component comprising a
motor element and a clutch coupling element able to couple and
de-couple the motor to the trolley carriage. FIG. 3a illustrates
possible movement of a supported person for a system in accordance
with the present invention wherein the motor element is de-coupled
from the trolley carriage such that horizontal movement of the
winch supporting a person may be accomplished manually (i.e. by
pulling or pushing the person in the support harness). FIG. 3b
illustrates possible movement of a supported person for a system in
accordance with the present invention wherein the motor element is
coupled to the trolley carriage such that horizontal movement of
the winch supporting a person may be accomplished by appropriate
energizing of the trolley motor (i.e. by manipulation of the motor
control means 40). FIG. 3c illustrates possible movement of the
winch assembly to a recharge station either under motor power or
else manually.
[0182] As mentioned above, in accordance with a person handling
system of the present invention, the system includes a carriage
displacement component comprising a motor element and a clutch
coupling element able to couple and de-couple the motor to the
trolley or carriage drive wheels. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8, these
figures illustrate a carriage component 43 and a winch assembly 45
which are associated, in accordance with the present invention,
with a reversible carriage motor 47 and a coupling/de-coupling
clutch mechanism indicated generally at 49. The carriage component
comprises two pairs 51 and 53 of opposed wheels 55. The wheels 55
(of each pair of wheels) are disposed on opposite sides of a
downwardly extending central projection or web 57. The winch
assembly is attached to this central web as by welding, mechanical
mating (e.g. tongue/mortise type components, rivets, etc.), or any
other suitable or desired mechanism.
[0183] Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8 these schematically illustrate the
engagement between the support rail element 54 and the roller
wheels 55 of the carriage element. Each wheel 55 of a pair of
wheels is supported on a respective inwardly projecting lip 59 of
the rail element 54. The lips 59 define a longitudinally extending
slot 61. The slot 61 is sized sufficiently so as receive
therethrough not only the central projection or web 57 of the
carriage but also the idler gear members 62 and 63. The periphery
of each of the idler gear 62 and 63 is provided with sprocket or
gear teeth which are sized and configured to mesh with
corresponding engagement openings (one of which is designated by
the reference numeral 67) disposed around the related carriage
wheels 55; if desired, or necessary, such engagement may
alternatively be frictional in nature. The driving effort from the
motor 47 (once coupled) is transferred to the idler gears 62 and 63
by the drive gear member 69 which is part of the rotatable driven
member of a coupling/de-coupling component. Also shown in the FIG.
8 is an example means of attaching the support rail to the ceiling
of a room. The attachment means is shown in the form of a bracket
70a which is for example held to the ceiling by a screw or the
like; the bracket is provided with wing flanges attached to the
rest of the bracket by a trunk member. In use the rail is slide
onto the bracket such that the flange are in the channel of the
upper part of the rail and the upper slot receives the stalk of the
flange.
[0184] The trolley or carriage component 43 once installed onto the
track or rail may be displaced or rolled about or along the track
component either manually or under power from the trolley motor as
described herein.
[0185] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, these figures illustrate in
exploded format an example structure for a coupling/de-coupling
component of the present invention.
[0186] The driving member 71 and the driven member 73 are disposed
coaxially relative to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 75.
Driving effort is transferable from the trolley motor 47 via the
gearing member 77 to the drive shaft 75. The drive shaft 75 has a
keyed end 75a for engagement in a correspondingly shaped central
opening 79 in the rotatable driving member 71; the keyed end 75a
and the opening 79 are shaped such that rotation of the drive shaft
75 will induce a corresponding rotation of the rotatable driving
member 71. The rotatable driven member 73 on the other hand is
coaxially mounted relative to the drive shaft 75 but does not
engage the drive shaft 75 directly for its rotational movement.
Rotational movement of the rotatable driven member 73 is induced by
engagement between the driven member 73 and the driving member
71.
[0187] Thus for the purposes of such engagement the driven member
73 is provided with or is configured to define a peripheral annular
or ring member 80. The annular or ring member 80 is provided with
engagement means or elements in the form of internally extending
sprocket or gear teeth (one of which is designated by the reference
numeral 81) configured for engagement with engagement means or
elements of the shuttle component (indicated generally as 83) as
shall be discussed herein.
[0188] The rotatable driving member 71 on the other hand defines
two slots 85 extending transversely (i.e. radially) to the axis of
rotation of the drive shaft 75. The slots 85 are configured to
accommodate the shuttle component 83. The shuttle component
slidingly engages the wall elements of the driving member 71
defining the slots 85 such that the shuttle component is able to be
displaced to and fro in the slots 85 transversely to the axis of
rotation of the drive shaft 75; the shuttle component 83 is in any
event engaged or mounted in the slots 85 such that rotation of the
driving member 71 induces a like rotation of the shuttle component
83.
[0189] The shuttle component 83, as seen, comprises a pair of
(opposed) separate slide members 83a and 83b; these two members 83a
and 83b can be independently but simultaneously displaced radially
outwardly or inwardly with respect to the drive shaft 75. For the
embodiment shown, the shuttle component 83 (as well as the
displacement element or member mentioned below) is configured such
that displacement of the shuttle component for engagement with the
gear teeth 81 of the annular or ring member 80 is able to provide a
reversible type of driving effort (i.e. a driving effort
alternatively in either the first or the second rotational
direction); the direction of rotation being dictated by the
direction of rotation of the drive shaft.
[0190] Thus the opposed ends of the slide members 83a and 83b of
the shuttle component are provided with any suitable
(corresponding) engagement means configured for mating engagement
or meshing with the engagement means or elements of the annular or
ring member 80; namely, corresponding externally or outwardly
extending sprocket or gear teeth 87 for mating engagement or
meshing with the internally or inwardly extending sprocket or gear
teeth 81 of the ring member 80.
[0191] In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10,
the means for engaging and disengaging the clutch mechanism
comprises a displacement element or member 8.9 mounted on the drive
shaft 75; the displacement element or member 89 has a generally
ovoid type of shape. The displacement member 89 includes a
deformable collar element 89a which in conjunction with the spring
clamp 91 frictionally clamps the displacement member 89 to the
drive shaft 75. The frictional clamping is predetermined so as to
provide sufficient frictional force to allow the drive shaft 75 to
induce rotation of the displacement member 89 sufficient to force
the separate slide members 83a and 83b apart until the gear teeth
thereof mesh with the inner gear teeth of the annular or ring
member 80 and thereafter the collar element 89a slip about the
drive shaft 75 as it rotates.
[0192] The displacement element or member 89 is provided with a
pair of curved cam slots 92 and 93 each curved slot being
configured to slidingly engage a respective projection 95 and 97
extending axially from a respective separate slide member of the
shuttle component 83. The displacement member 89 is also provided
with Opposed ends having curved (cam) corners 99 for engagement
with the inner curved surfaces 101 behind the respective gear
teeth. The structure of the displacement member 89 is such so as to
induce displacement of the shuttle component in the slots 85 in
response to a rotational movement of said drive shaft 75. Thus, in
response to a rotational movement of the drive shaft 75, the
displacement element or member 89 is able to engage the shuttle
component 83 so as to induce the shuttle component to alternately
extend from and/or retract into said slot 85 into engagement or
disengagement with the annular or ring member (e.g. by the
intermeshing of gear teeth 81 and 87).
[0193] In other words as the ovoid shaped displacement member 89 is
rotationally displaced so that its ends each mates with the inner
curved surfaces 101 of the shuttle members this action causes the
projections 95 and 97 of the shuttle slide members 83a and 83b to
be pushed along the curved cam slots 92 and 93 inducing
displacement of the corresponding slide member until the ovid
member is in-line with the longitudinal axis passing through each
of the slide members; this is the engagement configuration for the
driven member and the driving member. Once in the extended
configuration, the teeth of the shuttle member will engage the
interior teeth of the driven member 73 and in turn induce rotation
of the drive wheels 55 of the trolley to cause the trolley to move.
Disengagement is induced by rotation of the drive shaft 75 in the
opposite direction a sufficient degree such that the ovoid member
is disposed transversely to the said longitudinal axis; i.e. once
the motor inducing motion is stopped, the ovoid member is returned
to the neutral non-engagement position by rotation of the ovoid
member by the motor in the opposite direction (a 1/4 turn) so as to
cause the two slide members to retreat into the slots 85 and
de-couple the driven member 73 and the driving member 71. In this
manner it is to be understood that the rotation during the transfer
of a driving effort may be clockwise or counterclockwise depending
on the direction of rotation of the drive shaft.
[0194] It can be appreciated that when the ovoid is in the non
engagement or neutral position the drive motor is not connected
i.e. it is decoupled from the carriage wheels. This configuration
will permit the manual displacement of the winch assembly along the
support track or rail i.e. the motor itself will not offer any
resistance to such displacement since it is no longer connected to
the carriage wheels.
[0195] Referring to FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e, these figures
illustrate in general schematic fashion the process of engaging and
disengaging of the reversible motor 47 and driven member 73. As may
be seen from FIG. 10a, the shuttle slide members 83a and 83b are in
a retracted state which permits manual displacement of the carriage
43 since the motor 47 is no longer able to act as a brake to such
movement. Referring to FIGS. 10b and 10c, when motorised movement
of the carriage 43 is desired a pressure start button of a motor
control means is depressed and held down until such time as the
carriage has been moved the desired distance; the pressure button
is of course to be configured such that the motor 47 will only be
energised in the desired rotational direction as long as the button
is depressed. As may be seen from FIG. 10c rotation of the shaft 75
induces the slide members to extend radially outward to engage the
inner teeth 81 which in turn passes the rotation movement on to the
driven member 73 and its gear 69. As may be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8
rotation of gear 69 will induce the rotation of the wheels 55
coupled to the idler gears 62 and 63 and thus cause displacement of
the carriage 43. Once the desired distance has been traveled the
user releases the pressure start button. The motor control means
is, however, provide with any suitable sensing means for generating
a signal indicative of the release of the start button; this signal
is feed to a control circuit which is configured to induce the
motor to operate in an opposite direction for a predetermined
opposite rotation of the drive shaft 75; i.e. the motor control
means induces the motor to kick back in an opposite rotational
direction so as to disengage the slide members and the inner teeth
81. Alternatively, the motor 47 may of course itself be chosen on
the basis that on ceasing to be energised the motor will induce a
slight opposite kickback sufficient to induce decoupling as
discussed herein. The retraction of the slide members 83a and 83b
may of course be accomplished by any other mechanically equivalent
means e.g. by bias spring means; the slide members being biased in
the retracted position and being flung outwardly against such bias
on rotation of the shaft 75.
[0196] A rechargeable battery may be provided for energizing the
trolley motor. Such a known system may further be associated with a
battery recharging station. It is also known to associate with such
motorized winch means a trolley motor control mechanism. The
trolley control mechanism is configured in any suitable manner so
as to provide a first function whereby the trolley motor may be
activated to displace the trolley component along the rail a
desired distance. The trolley control mechanism is also configured
to provide a second (or recharge) function whereby the trolley
motor may be activated so as to automatically displace the winch
mechanism to a recharging station where the battery may be
recharged; the mechanism and the recharge station being provided
with suitable corresponding electrical connector means to achieve
this purpose; the station being for example connected to an
suitable source of electrical power.
[0197] Although the winch assembly has been discussed in terms of
using a battery as a source of electrical power, it is of course to
be understood that the motor may be connected to a source of
electrical power by any other (known) means.
[0198] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 11a these illustrate an alternate
embodiment of a clutch mechanism wherein the shuttle component 100
is of unitary construction and the displacement member comprises a
friction clamp 110 which can frictionally grip the sleeve 112 of an
anchor element 113 (which is disposed about a shaft drive shaft)
with sufficient force to rotate while pushing against the
projections 115 so as to induce engagement (or disengagement) and
then the gripping part of the friction clamp 110 gripping the
sleeve 112 is able to slide or slip about the shaft as it rotates.
Otherwise the clutch mechanism of this embodiment is constructed in
more less similar fashion and operates in much the same manner as
that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIGS. 11b, 11c and 11d show the
displacement of the unitary shuttle component 100.
[0199] The carriage system of the present invention as shown above
may also be advantageously applied to an X-Y system. Thus in
accordance with the present invention, the X-Y system as shown in
schematic fashion in FIGS. 12 to 15 has a transverse rail 125
connected to the parallel secondary 126 and 127 rails by two roller
carriages 128 and 129; the carriage 129 is a motorized carriage
having a construction analogous to that of the carriage
displacement component discussed with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10
above (see also FIGS. 4, 5 and 6). The motorised carriage 129 has
the same type of motor element 47 and clutch coupling element 49 as
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 but does not of course have a winch
assembly associated therewith; the motorised carriage 129 may be
provided with a rechargeable battery (not shown) for exergizing the
motor 47. The motorised carriage has the same type of carriage
component 43 as also shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 but carriage
component 43 is further provided with horizontal stabilization
rollers 130 for engaging the side wall of the channel of the
secondary rail 127. The carriage component 43 is further attached
(e.g. by rivets, nut/bolt combinations, etc.) to a lower carriage
component 143 (wheels/roller not shown) of the same construction
(but unmotorised) for connecting the carriage component 43 to the
transverse rail 125; when viewed for the top the two carryiage
elements together have a cross-like aspect. The roller carriage 128
(see FIG. 15a) has the same type of construction as the carriage
129 except that it is not associated with a motor and clutch as is
in the case of carriage 129. An alternate carriage construction
128a is shown in FIG. 15b; as may be seen the lower carriage
component is not provided with wheels but instead has slider
members 145 for sliding engagement with the inner walls of a rail
channel.
[0200] The shown X-Y system can have both the advantages of a fully
motorized system and those of a manual system i.e. when the
respective clutches are not engaged, the motor for the winch
assembly and/or the motor for the transverse rail, the winch
assembly and/or the transverse rail may be displaced manually in
accordance with the desires or needs of the operator.
[0201] As mentioned above the clutch mechanism may take on any
other desired or necessary form. FIGS. 16, 16a,17a, 17b, 17c and 18
illustrate in schematic fashion other forms of clutch mechanisms.
Turning to FIGS. 16 and 16a, these figures show a clutch mechanism
using a magnetic coupler 150 to couple the motor 47 to the gear 69.
FIGS. 17a, 17b and 17c show a clutch mechanism using a using a
secondary motor 153 to displace a mechanical coupler element 155 to
couple the motor 47 to the gear 69. The coupler in FIG. 18 on the
other hand exploits a rocker arm 160 attached to a pivot 162. The
motor 47 is attached at one end of the arm and a friction roller
163 is attached to the other end of the arm 160. The motor 47 is
coupled to the friction roller 163 by a pulley means not shown. The
mechanism is also provided with displacement means not shown for
pivoting the rocker arm 160 up and down in the direction of the
arrow 164 so as to engage or disengage the friction roller 163 with
the underside of rail 168.
[0202] Referring to FIGS. 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d, the X-Y system
described above may also, for example, be provided with a suitably
configured (mechanically and/or electronic) control means 170 for
provoking the returning or displacing of the winch assembly 45 to a
recharge station 15 automatically. The recharging station 15 may
for example (as shown at an end of secondary rail 127) be disposed
at one end of one of the two parallel secondary rails. The control
means 170 may for example comprise recharge switch means (not
shown).
[0203] The recharge switch means may be configured in any suitable
fashion to cooperate with the carriage motor and rechargeable
battery of the winch assembly 45 such that once the recharge switch
means is triggered (i.e. placed in the "on" configuration), the
carriage battery energizes the winch assembly carriage motor so as
to induce the winch assembly 45 to travel along the transverse rail
(in the direction of the arrow 172), i.e. toward the end thereof
provided with the motorised carriage 129 of the transverse rail
125
[0204] The winch assembly 45 may be provided with a further primary
switch means (indicated generally at 176) configured to
electrically disconnect the winch assembly motor battery from the
winch assembly carriage motor once the winch assembly has arrived
at a predetermined position adjacent the end of the transverse
rail, i.e. the primary switch means 176 may comprise a physical
projection (i.e. pole) displaceable from an "on" position to an
"off" position by contact with the secondary rain or projection
thereof. Once the pole is in the "off" position the winch assembly
carriage motor is no longer energised by the battery and movement
along the transverse rail is stopped.
[0205] The motorised carriage 129 of the transverse rail on the
other hand may also be provided with secondary switch means
indicated generally at 178). The secondary switch means 178 may be
configured in any suitable or desired fashion to electrically
connect the battery of the transverse rail carriage motor with the
transverse rail carriage motor once the winch assembly has arrived
at a predetermined position adjacent the end of the transverse
rail, i.e. the secondary switch means 178 may thus also comprise a
physical projection (i.e. pole) displaceable from an "off" position
to an "on" position by contact with the housing of the winch
assembly. Once the pole is in the "on" position the transverse rail
carriage motor is energised and induces the transverse rail to
travel in the direction of the arrow 180 towards the recharge
station 15.
[0206] The motorised carriage of the transverse rail may also be
provided with an additional tertiary switch means (indicated
generally at 182). The tertiary switch means 182 may be configured
in any suitable or desired fashion to electrically disconnect the
battery of the transverse rail carriage motor from the transverse
rail carriage motor once the winch assembly has arrived at the
recharge station, i.e. the tertiary switch means may thus also
comprise a physical projection (i.e. pole) displaceable from an
"on" position to an "off" position by contact with the housing of
the recharge statio or projection thereof. Once the pole is in the
"off" position the transverse rail carriage motor is no longer
energised and movement of the transverse rail is halted once the
winch assembly rechargeable battery is brought into electrical
connection with the battery recharge station (see above FIG. 3d for
such electrical connection).
[0207] As may be appreciated from the above, under the sequential
influence of the drive motors mentioned above the winch assembly
may be made to travel along the transverse rail and then the
transverse rail may be made to carry the winch assembly to the
recharge station in automatic fashion.
[0208] Thus in accordance with the invention when the operator
desires to send the system to the recharging configuration, the
operator merely presses the appropriate button (i.e. switch
control) on the control means 170. In this case the control means
will initiate motorization of the winch assembly followed by
motorization of the transverse bar so that motion of the winch
assembly coupled with motion of the transverse bar will transport
the winch assembly to the charging station. It is of course to be
understood that at the recharge station 15, the battery for the
tranverse rail carriage motor may also, if so desired or necessary
be recharged as described herein (see FIG. 3d for an example of
such electrical connection which may be adjusted as necessary or
desired to permit such recharging).
[0209] Alternatively with both carriage motors in the de-coupled
configuration the winch assembly may be manually displaced to the
recharge station, i.e. along the transverse rail and then the
transverse rail to the recharge station.
* * * * *