U.S. patent application number 14/210974 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for split drum for lift strap in ceiling lift.
This patent application is currently assigned to Liko Research & Development AB. The applicant listed for this patent is Liko Research & Development AB. Invention is credited to Mattias ANDERSSON, Lars EKLOF, Laetitia GAZAGNES, Roger KARLSSON, Josh SHENK.
Application Number | 20140259391 14/210974 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50272526 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140259391 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KARLSSON; Roger ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
SPLIT DRUM FOR LIFT STRAP IN CEILING LIFT
Abstract
A patient lift system includes a lift housing, a base lift strap
having a first end coupled to a lift housing and a second end
coupled to a sling bar. The base lift strap is infection
controlled. In one embodiment, a protective sleeve covers the base
lift strap, wherein the protective sleeve has a first end and a
second end. In another embodiment, the base lift strap is
chemically treated to provide infection control.
Inventors: |
KARLSSON; Roger; (Rosvik,
SE) ; ANDERSSON; Mattias; (Sodra Sunderbyn, SE)
; EKLOF; Lars; (Lulea, SE) ; GAZAGNES;
Laetitia; (Montpellier, SE) ; SHENK; Josh;
(Lulea, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Liko Research & Development AB |
Lulea |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Liko Research & Development
AB
Lulea
SE
|
Family ID: |
50272526 |
Appl. No.: |
14/210974 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61784073 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/85.1 ; 442/123;
5/83.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/1015 20130101;
A61G 7/1073 20130101; A61B 2046/205 20160201; A61G 7/1044 20130101;
A61G 7/1061 20130101; Y10T 442/2525 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/85.1 ; 5/83.1;
442/123 |
International
Class: |
A61G 7/10 20060101
A61G007/10 |
Claims
1. A lift strap for use with a patient lift system, comprising: a
base lift strap comprising a textile; and at least one chemical
treatment applied on the base lift strap operative to provide
infection control.
2. The lift strap of claim 1, wherein the textile is woven and
comprises at least one of (i) polyester and (ii) nylon.
3. The lift strap of claim 1, wherein the textile is woven and has
individual fibers that are impregnated with an antibacterial
chemical treatment.
4. The lift strap of claim 3, further comprising at least one
additional polymer coating over the antibacterial chemically
treated impregnated fibers.
5. The lift strap of claim 4, wherein the chemical treatment is one
of (i) an Aegis antimicrobial treatment or (ii) Maedical i-LiNK
advance antimicrobial treatment, and wherein the chemical treatment
chemically bonds to the impregnated fibers, thereby creating
life-long protection against microorganisms and bacteria.
6. The lift strap of claim 2, wherein the woven textile has at
least one non-porous wipeable polymer over-coating.
7. The lift strap of claim 1, further comprising at least one outer
over-coating layer that seals the base lift strap and the at least
one chemical treatment, wherein the base lift strap is one of (i)
solid or (ii) woven.
8. The lift strap of claim 6, wherein the over-coating comprises at
least one of (i) polyurethane or (ii) polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and
wherein the over-coating seals the base lift strap such that it is
impermeable to chlorinated bleach.
9. The lift strap of claim 6, wherein the over-coating fills in
small crevices and spaces between fibers of the woven lift strap
and provides a continuous sealed outer surface without any crevices
or spaces in which chlorine crystals could form when chlorinated
bleach used to clean the lift strap dries.
10. The lift strap of claim 1, wherein the base lift strap
comprises: a first end coupled to a two-piece lift drum of a lift
housing; and a second end configured to be coupled to a sling
bar.
11. The lift strap of claim 10, wherein the lift strap is
configured to be wound around an outer work surface of the lift
drum.
12. The lift strap of claim 10, wherein the first end of the lift
strap is configured to be slidably disengaged from the lift
system.
13. The lift strap of claim 10, further comprising a protective
sleeve covering the base lift strap.
14. A patient lift system, comprising: a lift housing; a lifting
mechanism within the housing; a base lift strap having a first end
coupled to the lifting mechanism and a second end coupled to a
sling bar; and a protective sleeve covering portions of the base
lift strap extending from the lift housing, wherein the protective
sleeve has a first end and a second end and is operative to provide
infection control.
15. The patient lift system of claim 14, wherein the protective
sleeve is disposable and washable.
16. The patient lift system of claim 14, wherein the protective
sleeve comprises a flexible elongated polymer tube having a double
sided adhesive strip at both the first end and the second end of
the protective sleeve.
17. The patient lift system of claim 14, wherein the second end of
the protective sleeve is open.
18. The patient lift system of claim 14, wherein the first end of
the protective sleeve is sealingly connected to the lift housing
around a slot in the lift housing from which base lift strap
protrudes.
19. The patient lift system of claim 16, wherein a first side of
the double sided adhesive strips is secured to an inner surface of
corresponding ones of the first and second ends of the protective
sleeve and the double sided adhesive strips have a removable
backing paper disposed on a second side of the double sided
adhesive strip.
20. The patient lift system of claim 14, wherein the second end of
the protective sleeve is secured by its adhesive strip to one of
(i) a solid lifting fixture secured to the second end of the base
lift strap, or (ii) the sling bar.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/784,073, filed on Mar. 14,
2013, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to overhead patient lift
systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Motorized overhead patient lift systems are known for use in
connection with lift straps, sling bars and patient lift slings to
lift and transport patients for any number of reasons. The majority
of such motorized overhead lift systems typically operate like a
winch and usually include a lift motor, a cylindrical lift drum
driven by the lift motor, a housing for enclosing the motor and
lift drum, and a lift strap affixed at one end within the lift drum
for lifting or lowering a patient when the drum is rotated and the
strap is respectfully either wound up on the lift drum or paid out
from the lift drum. The lift drum of a typical overhead lift system
is generally a solid, one-piece cylinder having a central axis of
rotation, a cylindrical outer work surface around which the lift
strap is wrapped, circular end flanges at each end of the drum, and
a strap retention slot for retaining an end of lift strap
therein.
[0004] However, over time, lift straps wear out from excessive use
as well as deterioration caused by the cleaning and disinfecting,
or sanitization, process used to prevent bacterial growth on the
lift straps. For example, the majority of hospitals that use
overhead patient lift systems require that the lift strap be
cleaned and disinfected daily or between patient uses. The cleaning
and disinfecting, or sanitization, process required by hospitals
typically involves the application of chlorinated bleach to the
textile lift strap, which lift strap is typically a woven polyester
lift strap similar to those used for automobile seat belts. When
the chlorinated bleach on the lift strap dries, solid crystals of
chlorine are left embedded in the woven fibers of the textile lift
strap. Over time, these chlorine crystals build up and deteriorate,
or break down, the lift strap's woven fibers, thus reducing the
maximum tensile strength of the lift strap and reducing the amount
of the active load that can safely be carried by the lift
strap.
[0005] Accordingly, lift straps often need to be replaced after a
certain amount of time or upon signs of excessive wear from use and
cleaning. When replacement of the lift strap is necessary, it is
often a difficult, tedious, and time consuming process to do so.
Most overhead lifts hang from guiderails mounted to the ceiling and
are located at a height well above the reach of most individuals.
Thus, to replace the lift strap safely and avoid the need for
prolonged work while standing on a ladder or working overhead, the
entire lift itself must usually be removed from the guide rail
system so that replacement of the lift strap can be performed while
the lift is on a work table or the like. Due to the weight of the
overhead lift, and the need for it to be held securely in the
overhead rail system anchored to the ceiling when in use, such
removal of the overhead lift is not particularly easy and presents
the chance to inadvertently drop the lift from a fairly high
height.
[0006] Also, because the lift drum is fixed within the outer
housing, replacing a lift strap usually involves the removal of at
least one end of the outer housing (if not the entire outer
housing). It also usually requires removal of the strap guide slot
that is fastened to the bottom side of the housing and through
which the strap safely enters or exits the interior of the outer
housing. Replacement of the lift strap also requires removal the
fixed end of the lift strap from its affixed position inside of the
lift drum. Often times, this process may further require the
removal of numerous screws, fasteners, and extraneous parts, the
disconnection of various electrical connections, such as limiting
switches or other safety features, the accounting for all removed
parts, and the recalling of the proper assembly order of the
aforementioned parts so that the lift can be correctly
reassembled.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a lift system that provides
a quicker and easier way to gain access to the lift drum for lift
strap replacement, as well as an easier way to remove and replace
the lift strap, without needing to go through such a tedious and
time consuming process as is currently required to replace such a
lift strap for an overhead lift.
[0008] In addition, there is a need to either (1) provide an
improved infection control lift strap, such that it is easier to
clean and will not be subject to premature wear caused by the
cleaning process, or (2) better prevent bacteria and other
contaminants from reaching the lift strap, and therefore, reducing
the frequency with which such harsh cleaning and sanitization
procedures need to be performed. By achieving either of these
goals, the usable life of the lift strap can be extended beyond
that which is currently experienced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present invention is described in detail below with
reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a split lift
drum of the present disclosure, showing the strap-lock slider in an
extended position and a new lift strap being installed therein.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the embodiment of the split
lift drum of FIG. 1, showing the strap-lock slider in an extended
position from the drum body and the replacement lift strap
installed therein.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the embodiment of the split
lift drum of FIG. 1, showing the strap-lock slider and installed
lift strap in the fully mated and secured position within the drum
body, ready for use in an overhead lift system.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the split lift
drum of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an isometric cross-section view of the embodiment
of the split lift drum of FIG. 4, taken about the section line
indicated in FIG. 4, showing the strap-lock slider and installed
lift strap in the fully mated and secured position within the drum
body.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an isometric cross-section detail view of FIG. 4,
showing an embodiment of the lift strap locking bar installed in
the strap retention recess in the strap-lock slider.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an isometric cross-section view of the embodiment
of the split lift drum of FIG. 4, taken about section line A-A in
FIG. 4, showing the strap-lock slider and installed lift strap in
the extended position from the drum body, wherein the lift strap is
accessible for replacement.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an overhead
lift system of the present disclosure utilizing a split lift drum
as disclosed herein, and showing an embodiment of an access door in
a bottom of the lift housing in a closed position.
[0018] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an overhead
lift system of the present disclosure, and showing an embodiment of
an infection control protective sleeve installed over the lift
strap of the overhead lift system, secured at the top end of the
sleeve to a lift housing and at the bottom end of the sleeve to a
lift strap fastener.
[0019] FIG. 10 is an isometric cross section view of an infection
control coated lift strap of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the embodiment of the lift
strap locking bar as shown in FIG. 6.
[0021] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the embodiment of the lift
strap locking bar of FIG. 11 secured to the end of a lift
strap.
[0022] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an overhead
lift system of the present disclosure utilizing a split lift drum
as disclosed herein, and showing an embodiment of an access door in
the lift housing in an opened position to provide access to the
split lift drum.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Various embodiments now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form
a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments. However, this invention may be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the art. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a
limiting sense.
[0024] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms
take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase "in one embodiment" does not
necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.
Furthermore, the phrase "in another embodiment" does not
necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus,
as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined
without departing from the scope or spirit of the present
disclosure.
[0025] In addition, as used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive
"or" operator, and is equivalent to the term "and/or," unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "based on" is not
exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not
described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In
addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of "a," "an,"
and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in" includes
"in" and "on."
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a split lift drum, or
split drum 2, for use in winding up and paying out a lift strap in
a ceiling mounted patient lift is shown. The split drum 2 comprises
at least a drum body 4, a strap-lock slider 6 that is slidably
engaged within the drum body 4, and one or more fasteners 8 for
affixing the strap-lock slider 6 in a fully seated position within
the drum body 4.
Drum Body
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the drum body 4 is generally shaped
like a circular cylindrical spool, in that it has a circular
cylindrical central barrel 10, end flanges 12 disposed at each of a
first end 14 and second end 16 of the central barrel 10, a central
axis of rotation 18, and a circular cylindrical outer work surface
20 disposed on the exterior of the central barrel 10, around which
a lift strap 62 will be wrapped during use of the split drum 2. The
outer diameter of each end flange 12 is larger than the outer
diameter of the central barrel 10, so as to properly guide a lift
strap around the work surface 20 of the central barrel 10 when the
lift strap is being wound up on the split drum 2. The larger
diameter end flanges 12 also serve to keep the lift strap 62
centered on the work surface 20 between the end flanges 12 of the
split drum 2 and prevent the lift strap 62 from sliding off of the
split drum 2.
[0028] The drum body 4 also includes a slider channel 22 formed in
the central barrel 10 of the drum body 4 to permit the strap-lock
slider 6 to be slidably mated therein. The slider channel 22 is
generally a radial channel that is disposed transverse to the
central axis 18 and defines at least one opening 24 in the exterior
work surface 20 of the central barrel 10. The opening 24 defined in
the work surface 20 by the slider channel 22 forms a break in the
otherwise continuous cylindrical outer work surface 20 of the
central barrel.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, the pictured embodiment of the drum
body 4 shows a cross section of the drum body 4 taken through
section line A-A in FIG. 4. Section line A-A is a section plane
that is perpendicular to the central axis of rotation 18 and that
sections through the slider channel 22 formed in the central barrel
10. In FIG. 5, it can be seen that the slider channel 22 of this
embodiment is generally in the shape of an upside down "T." The "T"
shape of the slider channel is formed by the perpendicular
intersection of (1) a square-bottomed through-slot cut
perpendicular to the rotational axis through a portion of the outer
work surface of the central barrel, the slot forming the top cross
member of the "T" shaped channel, and (2) a rectangular
through-hole passing through the axis of rotation in the central
barrel that forms the main leg of the "T" shape. In the depicted
embodiment, the height of the cross member of the "T" shaped slider
channel through the central barrel is approximately one-fourth of
the width of the diameter of the central barrel, however in
alternate embodiments, it may be of any number of different
sizes.
[0030] A longitudinal centerline of the rectangular through-hole
that forms the main leg of the "T" shape intersects the central
axis of rotation 18 of the drum body 4. The longitudinal centerline
of the rectangular through-hole also bisects the square bottomed
through-slot that forms the cross member of the "T." The "T" shaped
slider channel also defines a pair of drum stop-faces 26. These
drum stop-faces 26 provide a positive stopping surface against
which a pair of complimentary slider stop faces on the strap-lock
slider 6 will rest, when the strap-lock slider 6 is mated to a
fully seated position in the slider channel 22 of the drum body
4.
[0031] While the above described embodiment discloses a "T" shaped
slider channel 22, this disclosure should not be read to limit the
slider channel to any specific shape. Rather, in alternate
embodiments, the slider channel may take additional shapes, and/or
be of alternate channel types, without departing from the scope of
this disclosure. For example, in an alternate embodiment the slider
channel may be a blind-hole type channel having a single opening in
the central barrel and traveling a specific distance into the
central barrel, where the channel bottoms out within an interior of
the central barrel. In still another alternate embodiment, the
slider channel may be a through-hole type channel wherein the
channel passes completely through the central barrel and defines a
first opening on one side of the central barrel and a second
opening on an opposite side of the central barrel.
[0032] In one embodiment, the slider channel 22 may have a square
or rectangular cross-section when being viewed through the opening
24 of the slider channel formed in the work surface 20 of the
central barrel 10. In an alternate embodiment, the slider channel
22 may have a circular or oval cross-section when being viewed
through the opening formed in the work surface 20 of the central
barrel 10. In still further alternate embodiments, the slider
channel 22 may take any such shape that permits the strap-lock
slider 6 to slidably be engaged or mated within the drum body
4.
Strap-Lock Slider
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 7, the depicted embodiment of
the strap-lock slider 6 is a generally formed as an upside down "T"
shape that is complementary to the shape of the slider channel 22
in the drum body 4. In this regard, the strap-lock slider 6
includes a longitudinal slider body 28 having a first end 30 and a
second end 32. Disposed at the first end of the slider body 28 are
a pair of ears 34 that extend therefrom, one each, on opposite
sides of the slider body. The two ears 34 on opposite sides of the
slider body 28 form the cross member of the "T" shaped strap-lock
slider 6. In this embodiment, the "T" shaped strap-lock slider
generally has a square or rectangular outer cross section through
the main leg of the "T" shape. However, as stated previously, in
alternate embodiments, the cross section of the strap-lock slider
will have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the slider
channel in the drum body 4. Accordingly, should the slider channel
in the drum body 4 be circular cylindrical in shape, then the
slider body of the strap-lock slider will also be circular
cylindrical in shape such that the strap-lock slider can be
slidably mated into the slider channel in the drum body 4.
[0034] The opposing outer end faces 36, 38 of the first end 30 and
second end 32 of the strap-lock slider, including the outer
surfaces of the ears disposed at the first end 30, are convex
cylindrical curved surfaces that share a common central axis and
have radii that are each equal to the radius of the central
barrel's outer work surface 20 in the drum body 4. In this manner,
when the strap-lock slider 6 is slidably mated to a fully seated
position in the slider channel 22 of the drum body 4, the outer end
faces 36, 38 at the first and second ends of the strap-lock slider
6 will be flush with, and have the same curvature as, the
cylindrical outer work surface 20 of the drum body 4, such that a
generally complete cylindrical outer work surface is created for
the split lift drum 2.
[0035] Furthermore, each of the two ears 34 of the strap-lock
slider 6 defines a slider stop face 40, which stop faces are
generally located opposite of the curved outer end face 36 at the
first end 30 of the slider body 28. The slider stop faces 40, as
described above with respect to the drum body 4, form a positive
stop against which the drum stop-faces 26 will mate when the
strap-lock slider 6 is in a fully seated position within the drum
body 4.
[0036] In addition, disposed in the first end of the slider body is
a strap retention recess 42 that runs parallel to the central axis
of rotation 18 of the drum body 4. In the depicted embodiment, the
retention recess is a through-hole whose cross section has parallel
sides and semicircular ends. This through-hole is configured to
permit a complementary shaped strap locking bar secured to the end
of a lift strap 62 to be slidably mated therein. The retention
recess 42 also includes a thin strap-entry slot 44 cut through one
sidewall thereof that extends to and through the curved outer end
face 36 at the first end of the strap-lock slider 6. The retention
recess 42 has a significantly larger width than the strap-entry
slot 44, which slot is generally just wider than the thickness of
the lift strap 62. This thin slot 44 permits access from an
interior of the retention recess 42 to an exterior of the slider
body. When a strap locking pin is slid into the retention recess
42, the portion of the lift strap 62 extending from the locking pin
is slid through the strap-entry slot 44 in the slider body 28, such
that the end of lift strap 62 is secured into the strap-lock slider
6 while the remainder of the lift strap 62 protrudes through the
strap-entry slot 44 and is located external to the strap-lock
slider 6.
[0037] While the prior embodiment disclosed a strap retention
recess 42 of a particular shape, it should be understood that in
alternate embodiments the strap retention recess may have alternate
cross-sectional shapes as needed to compliment the shape of a strap
locking pin at the end of the lift strap 62 that is to be retained
therein.
Fasteners
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 7, the split drum can further
include one or more fasteners 8 for retaining the strap-lock slider
6 in a fully seated and refracted position within the drum body 4.
In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 7, the fasteners 8
are a pair of countersink screws 46 that are removeably mated
through countersunk ear holes 48 located in the ears 34 of the
strap-lock slider 6, and whose threaded shanks protrude from the
slider stop-faces 40. The screws 46 are screwed into complementary
threaded holes 50 disposed in the drum stop-faces 26 of the drum
body 4. The countersunk ear holes 48 and screws 46 permit the
strap-lock slider 6 to be locked in to the drum body 4 in a fully
seated position without having screw heads protruding above the
curved outer work surface of the combined drum body and strap-lock
slider. While the above embodiment disclosed the use of screw type
fasteners, it should not be read to limit the type or number of
fasteners 8 that can be used to secure the strap-lock slider in a
load-bearing, fully mated position within the drum body 4. In
alternate embodiments, additional fastener types, such as ball-lock
fasteners, shear pin fasteners, alternate threaded fasteners,
bayonet type fasteners, and other similar, load-bearing fastener
types, may be employed to secure the strap-lock slider in a
load-bearing, fully mated position in the drum body 4.
[0039] In one embodiment, the strap-lock slider 6 may be fully
slidably removable from the drum body 4 by simply removing or
disengaging the fasteners 8. However, in such an embodiment, should
those fasteners 8 ever break while the lift strap 62 is under load
and the strap is completely unwound from the work surface, the
strap-lock slider 6 could disengage completely from the drum body
and drop the load at the end of the lift strap 62 to the floor
rather abruptly. Accordingly, alternate embodiments of the present
disclosure provide a safety mechanism, whereby even if the
fasteners 8 break or become disengaged, the strap-lock slider 6
cannot be fully disengaged from the drum body 4. Accordingly, in an
alternate embodiment, the strap-lock slider and drum body 4 may be
configured such that, when the fasteners 8 are disengaged from the
strap-lock slider 6 and the drum body 4, the strap-lock slider is
able to be slidably moved within the drum body 4, but cannot be
completely removed from the slider channel 22 of the drum body 4
without first removing a safety shaft inserted through both the
drum body 4 and the strap-lock slider 6. In this manner, the
strap-lock slider 6 is at least partially retained within the drum
body 4 at all times, even when the fasteners 8 are disengaged.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, to create the safety mechanism and
achieve the partial slidable retention of the strap-lock slider 6
within the slider channel 22 of the drum body 4, a closed-end
safety slot 52 is defined in the strap-lock slider 6 and extends
through opposing slider faces of the strap-lock slider 6. The
safety slot 52 is a longitudinal rectangular cavity having
semicircular opposite ends, however, alternate safety slot shapes
may be utilized as is appropriate. An axial hole 54 is also defined
through the center of the drum body 6 such that it is concentric
with the axis of rotation 18. The axial hole 54 extends at least
through one side of the drum body up to, and into, the slider
channel 22. In alternate embodiments, the axial hole 54 may extend
through the slider channel 22 and into a portion of, or completely
through, the opposite side of the drum body, such that a section of
the axial hole 54 is disposed in the drum body 4 on both sides of
the slider channel.
[0041] The safety mechanism discussed above is created by the
engagement of a load bearing axial shaft 56 through both of (1) the
axial hole 54 in the drum body and (2) the closed-end safety slot
52 in the strap-lock slider 6. When the axial shaft is engaged
through both of the drum body 4 and strap-lock slider 6, the load
bearing axial shaft 56 permits the strap-lock slider 6 to be
slidably movable within the slider channel 22 about the length of
the safety slot 52, but prevents the strap-lock slider 6 from being
completely removable, due to the interference between the axial
shaft 56 and the closed end of the safety slot 52 that fully
surrounds the axial shaft 56. Accordingly, when the fasteners 8 are
disengaged, the strap-lock slider 6 may only be permitted to drop
from a fully mated and operational position within the drum body 4,
to an extended position within, but protruding from, the drum body
4. When the strap-lock slider is in the extended position, the
first end 30 of the strap-lock slider 6 is at least partially clear
of the outer edges of the end flanges 12 on the drum body 4 and the
strap retention recess 42 is now accessible. Once the strap
retention recess 42 is accessible, the lift strap 62's locking bar,
located at the end of the lift strap 62, can be slidably removed
from the strap retention recess 42 of the strap-lock slider 6 in
order to replace the lift strap 62.
[0042] The above disclosure of the safety mechanism, employing an
axial shaft and complimentary slot in the slider, to prevent
complete removal of the strap-lock slider should not be read to
limit the method or apparatuses by which the strap-lock slider is
slidably retained within the drum body, but prevented from complete
removal, when the fasteners are removed or disengaged. In alternate
embodiments, no axial shaft may be needed to achieve such a safety
mechanism or the axial movement.
[0043] For example, in an alternate embodiment, the strap-lock
slider may be slidably retained within the drum body by the use of
a set of toggle-type, spring loaded arms disposed in the drum body.
The arms are secured in pockets within the walls of the slider
channel in the drum body by hinge pins, and are biased to an
extended position by torsion springs. The arms fold about the
spring loaded hinges and the ends thereof engage in an interference
manner within complementary pockets disposed along the slider faces
of the strap-lock slider when the fasteners are disengaged and the
strap-lock slide is moved to an extended position from the drum
body. The interference fit prevents complete removal of the
strap-lock slider from the drum body. Alternatively, the spring
loaded arms may be located in pockets disposed in the spring lock
slider and engage with complementary pockets in the walls of the
drum body.
[0044] Another alternate embodiment has a two piece drum body,
wherein one of the end flanges of the drum body is a separate piece
that is secured to the drum body, and which forms one side wall of
the slider channel. Upon removal of the separate end flange, one
sidewall of the slider channel is removed to reveal an offset "I"
shaped slider channel, whereby the upper cross member of the "I"
channel is taller than the lower cross member of the "I" channel. A
complementary "I" shaped strap-lock slider is mated into the slider
channel through the open side of the slider channel that has been
opened by the removal of the end flange. The end flange is again
secured to the drum body closing up the otherwise open side of the
slider channel. The top cross member of the "I" shaped strap-lock
slider is shorter than the height of the top cross member of the
"I" shaped slider channel. The "I" shaped strap-lock slider is thus
slidably retained within in the drum body, yet can slidably move
such that the bottom of the strap-lock slider is extended from the
drum body. The strap-lock slider can then be slidably moved to a
fully seated position in the drum body and secured in place by
fasteners, thus preventing any sliding movement while the fasteners
are engaged.
Emergency Brake
[0045] The lift system employing the split drum 2 may further
optionally include an emergency brake to prevent free rotation of
the split drum 2 in the unlikely event that the drive gearing of
the split drum 2 becomes disengaged from the gearing of the driving
motor. If the lift system senses that the lift drum suddenly begins
paying out the lift strap 62 faster than a predetermined rate or
that rotational speed of the split drum 2 exceeds a predetermined
speed, the emergency brake automatically engages. The sensing of
excessive speed may be done by an electronic sensor and/or
programming in the controller circuitry of the lift system.
Alternatively, the sensing can be performed by mechanical means
such as a centripetal drive, or rhombic drive, connected to the
rotating split drum, which drive acts as, or similar to, a speed
governor.
[0046] In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the emergency brake is
a shear-pin type emergency brake, wherein one or more frame shear
pins (not depicted) located external to an end of the split drum
automatically spring forward to mate with and engage into at least
one of a set of emergency brake shear holes 74 in the split drum.
The shear holes 74 each run parallel to the central rotational axis
18 of the split drum 2 and the pins are only able to move in a
direction parallel to the axis of rotation, such that when the pins
engage the holes, the pins stop the split drum from rotating any
further. This prevents the lift strap 62 from being paid out any
further and in turn prevents the load suspended from the end of the
lift strap 62 from dropping any further toward the floor. However,
in alternate embodiments, alternate emergency brake systems can be
employed without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0047] Each of the drum body 4, strap-lock slider 6, fasteners 8,
and load bearing axial shaft 56 are made from steel, aluminum,
other such suitable metal or metal alloy, polymer, co-polymer, or
any combination thereof, that has the needed strength, weight, and
durability characteristics to handle the loads to which each such
component will be subjected during use of the split drum 2 and the
lift system of which the split drum 2 is a part.
Operation
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, 7, and 13, in operation, the split
lift drum 2 is operably connected to a lift motor, both of which
are retained inside an outer lift housing 58 and are a part of the
overhead lift. The overhead lift may be secured within an overhead
rail system mounted to structural components within the ceiling of
a patient room, such that the lift is a moveable, overhead patient
lift. The lift may alternatively be affixed to a single anchor
located in the ceiling, in which case it is not a moveable patient
lift, rather a stationary lift. The lift motor rotationally drives
the split lift drum 2 about the drum body's central axis of
rotation 18. In one embodiment, a radial bearing may be employed to
aid rotational movement of the split drum 2. Such a radial bearing
has a rotational axis that is collinear with the rotational axis of
the drum body 4. In one embodiment, the first end of the drum body
4 includes gearing 60 that is either integral to or affixed to the
drum body 4 on an outer surface of the end flange 12. The gearing
is operatively coupled to complementary gearing that is either
directly connected to, or driven by the lift motor. However, in
alternate embodiments, worm gearing configurations, chain or belt
drives, or similar such driving mechanisms may be employed to drive
the split lift drum.
[0049] An operator control is utilized to input commands for
controlling operation of the lift motor, and thereby the operation
of the split lift drum 2. The motor can be directed to drive the
gearing 60 in a first rotational direction, thereby winding up the
lift strap 62 that extends therefrom and thus raising the free end
of the lift strap and anyone suspended therefrom. The motor can
also be directed to drive the gearing 60 in a second rotational
direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby paying
out the lift strap 62 from the split drum 2 and lowering the free
end of the lift strap and anyone suspended therefrom.
[0050] When it is necessary to replace the lift strap 62 in the
overhead patient lift, either due to damage/wear to the lift strap,
routine maintenance, or for any other reason, replacement is
simplified by use of the split lift drum 2. To replace the lift
strap 62 extending from the bottom side of the overhead lift, any
active load is removed from the free hanging end of the lift strap
62 and the motor rotates the split lift drum 2 such that it pays
out the full available length of the lift strap 62, leaving the
strap extending radially outward from the outer work surface 20 of
the split lift drum 2. With the lift strap 62 fully unwound and
extended from the split lift drum 2, the slider channel 22 and
complementary strap-lock slider 6 are oriented vertically with
respect to the direction of sliding motion, such that they are
placed in the upside down "T" position. In such a position, once
the fasteners 8 are disengaged, the strap-lock slider 6 is slidably
moveable to an extended position from the drum body 4 in the
downward vertical direction. To gain access to the split drum 2, an
access door 64, disposed in a bottom side of the lift housing 58
and surrounding the protruding lift strap 62, is opened. Opening
the access door 64 provides access to the fasteners 8 that secure
the strap-lock slider 6 in the fully seated and secured position
within the drum body 4 of the split drum 2. In one embodiment, the
access door 64 in the bottom of the lift housing 58 may be a single
door hinged with respect to the remainder of the lift housing 58.
In alternate embodiments, the access door 64 may be pair of hinged
access doors, a removable snap-fit panel, a sliding panel, a
flexible sliding roll-up type retractable panel, or any other type
of cover for an access opening that provides selectable access to
the split drum 2 inside the lift housing 58.
[0051] With the access door 64 opened or removed from the lift
housing 58, the fasteners 8 are exposed. The fasteners 8 are next
removed or disengaged, as the case may be, to permit the strap-lock
slider 6 to slidably drop vertically downward in relation to the
drum body 4, to an extended position directed radially outward from
the drum body 4. In the depicted embodiment, the fasteners 8 are a
pair of screws 46 that are unscrewed and removed from the ears 34
of the strap lock slider 6. Once the strap-lock slider 6 is in an
extended position, the strap retention recess 42 is extended in a
radial direction away from the axis of rotation 18 such that it is
located farther from the axis of rotation 18 than the outer edge of
the end flanges 12. Therefore, the slider's retention recess 42 is
clear of the end flanges 12 of the drum body 4, and a strap locking
bar 66 affixed to the end of the lift strap 62 may be slidably
disengaged from within the strap retention recess 42 of the
strap-lock slider 6. In this manner, the lift strap 62 has been
removed from the overhead lift for replacement.
[0052] With the old lift strap removed, a new lift strap 62 is
installed by sliding the strap locking bar 66 secured to the end of
the new replacement lift strap into the retention recess 42 of the
strap-lock slider 6 in a direction parallel to the central axis of
rotation 18 of the split drum 2. In doing so, the portion of the
lift strap 62 extending from the locking bar 66 is also inserted
into the strap-entry slot 44 in the slider 6 and extends outward
and downward form the strap-lock slider 6. Once the strap locking
bar 66 is fully seated within the strap retention recess 42, the
strap-lock slider 6 may be pushed vertically upward such that it is
retracted within the drum body 4 and is again located in its fully
seated position within the drum body 4. In this position, the drum
stop faces 26 are mated against, and flush with, the slider stop
faces 40, while the curved end faces 36, 38 of the strap-lock
slider 6 are flush, and in alignment, with the outer work surface
20 of the drum body 4. This creates a continuous outer work surface
without any significant gaps therein. The fasteners 8 are
re-engaged thereby securing the strap-lock slider in the fully
seated position within the drum body 4. In the depicted embodiment
of FIG. 1 the fasteners 8 are a pair of screws 46 that are inserted
through the countersunk holes 48 in the ears 34 of the strap-lock
slider 6 and screwed into complementary threaded holes 50 in the
drum body 2. The access door 64 in the lift housing 58 is secured
back in place, and the motor may drive the split drum 2 to rotate
and wind up the extended lift strap 62 around the outer work
surface 20 of the split lift drum 2. The lift strap has thus been
replaced in a much more expedient manner as compared to current
lift systems and techniques, and the overhead lift is then ready
for continued use.
Strap Locking Bar
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, 11, and 12, the strap locking bar 66
disposed at the end of the lift strap 62 that secures the lift
strap 62 within the strap-locking slider 6 may be a single mandrel
or pin, around which the end of the end of the lift strap 62 is
tightly wrapped and secured back onto itself either by stitching or
other similar securing mechanism. In this manner, the lift strap 62
forms a loop of material at its end with the mandrel held tightly
inside of the resulting loop. However, in an alternate embodiment,
the strap locking bar 66 is comprised of a series of pins 68, for
example three parallel pins that are each mated at their ends to
the inner facing surfaces of parallel first and second end plates
70, such that the axes of the pins are perpendicular to the
parallel surfaces of the plates. The end of the lift strap 62 is
wrapped around one of the pins and secured back onto itself using
bartack stitching 72 or other securing method, while the adjoining
portion of the lift strap is woven around and through the remaining
series of pins.
[0054] The lift strap 62 exits this labyrinth of pins that comprise
the strap locking bar 66 at a point after which the strap has been
at least partially woven around or past each of the individual
pins, making some contact with the outer surface of each pin. The
purpose of weaving the lift strap 62 around each in a series of
pins 68 is to provide friction between the lift strap 62 and the
outer surface of each pin 68. By doing so, if the split lift drum 2
is ever in a position where the lift strap 62 is completely unwound
from the work surface of the split lift drum 2 while an active load
is suspended from the free end of the lift strap 62, then the
entire force of the active load is not being supported solely by
the stitching or other securing mechanism used to secure the strap
62 back on to itself. The friction provided by the lift strap 62
woven around and through the series of pins 68 serves to lessen the
load and active stresses that would otherwise be placed on the
stitching.
Coated Lift Strap & Protective Sleeve
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the lift strap 962 used with
the strap locking bar 66, the lift drum and overhead lift 907 may
be any type of strap that is approved for medical lifting of
patients or other loads. For example, the lift strap may be woven
textile, such as woven polyester or nylon as is commonly used with
patient lifts. In alternate embodiments, the lift strap may be a
woven textile strap that has been chemically treated and/or
polymer-coated to provide increased infection control to the lift
system and lift strap 962. A polymer coated lift strap for
infection control may comprise a base lift strap, such as a woven
polyester textile strap, any number of antibacterial chemical
treatments applied to the base lift strap to impregnate the
chemical treatment within the individual fibers of the woven base
lift strap, and any number of polymer coatings applied thereafter
that encase the chemical treated woven base lift strap in one or
more layers thereof.
[0056] In one embodiment, an infection control lift strap comprises
a woven polyester base lift strap that has been treated with a
chemical, such as Aegis antimicrobial coating treatment or Maedical
i-LiNK advanced antimicrobial treatments developed by Devan
Chemicals N.V., which, for example, chemically bonds to the fibers
of the woven base lift strap and creates a life-long protection
against various microorganisms and bacteria, including Clostridium
Difficile, more commonly referred to as C. Diff. The embodiment of
this lift strap 962 could additionally include a disinfectant-safe
coating 950 applied over the chemically treated base lift strap,
such that disinfectants can be regularly used on the lift strap 962
without damaging or altering the chemical bond that exists between
the chemical treatment and the base lift strap.
[0057] In another embodiment, an infection control lift strap 962
may be a woven textile lift strap that has one or more layers of a
non-porous wipeable polymer over-coating, such as the BioThane
Coated Webbing brand coated strap products developed by BioPlastics
Company Inc. In yet another embodiment, an infection control lift
strap may be a solid strap that is flexible, non-porous, and
chemically wipeable, wherein the lift strap 962 is neither a woven
strap nor needs any over-coating to be wipeable with chlorinated
bleach or other sanitization products.
[0058] In still other embodiments, the lift strap 962 can include
any combination of a solid base strap or a woven textile base
strap, one or more chemical treatments applied thereto, and/or one
or more outer over-coating layers that encapsulate the lift strap
therein (e.g., the base strap and the chemical treatment applied)
and that are impermeable to chlorinated bleach or other harsh
cleaning or disinfection solutions. For example, an overcoating 950
could include coatings of either polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride
(PVC), or other such polymers that completely seal the base strap
therein and are able to be wiped down with chlorinated bleach or
other such harsh antibacterial or cleaning solutions. The
over-coating 950 used with a woven lift strap 962 would fill in all
the small crevices and spaces between the fibers of the woven lift
strap and provide a continuous sealed outer surface without any
crevices or spaces in which chlorine crystals could form when
chlorinated bleach used to clean the lift strap dries. Any such
crystals would form on the outer surface of the over-coating 950
and not cause damage to the base lift strap 962.
[0059] In addition, a disposable or washable flexible protective
sleeve 902 could be used with the lift strap 962 to increase
infection control properties with regard to the overhead lift 907,
the lift strap 962, and the inner workings of the overhead lifts
907. Such a protective sleeve 902 would serve to prevent bacteria
or other contaminants from ever reaching the lift strap 962 while
the sleeve 902 is in place.
[0060] In one embodiment, a protective sleeve 902 comprises a
flexible elongated tubular polymer sleeve, having double sided
adhesive strips 904 disposed at both ends thereof around the full
circumference of the openings of the sleeve. One side of the double
sided adhesive tape 904 would be secured to an inner surface of the
outer sleeve at the open ends thereof and have a removable backing
paper disposed on the opposite side of the double sided adhesive
strip 904. The sleeve 902 could be slid over the free hanging end
908 of the lift strap 962 in an overhead lift 907. A first end of
the protective sleeve 910 is slid over the free end of the lift
strap 908, such that the lift strap 962 is located inside of the
tubular sleeve 902 and the first end 910 is the uppermost end of
the sleeve relative to the hanging lift strap 962. The first end of
the sleeve 910 is then positioned such that it is located adjacent
the housing 957 of the overhead lift 907. The removable backing
strips on the adhesive tape 904 located at the upper end of the
protective sleeve 902 are then removed, and the upper end of the
protective sleeve 902 can then be sealingly secured to the lift
housing 957 around the slot 959 in the housing from which the lift
strap 962 protrudes.
[0061] In one embodiment the second (i.e., lower) end of the
protective sleeve is open. In another embodiment, the lower end of
the protective sleeve 912 is secured by its adhesive tape to either
the solid lifting fixture or clip secured to the free end of the
lift strap 908, or to a sling bar 973 that is secured below the
lifting fixture. With the upper end of the protective sleeve 910
sealingly secured to the lift housing 957 and the lower end of the
protective sleeve 912 sealingly secured to the lifting fixture, or
sling bar 973, the lift strap 962 is fully sealed within the
protective sleeve 902. Thus, no bacteria or other contaminants are
able to gain access to the lift strap. With the use of a protective
sleeve 902 as disclosed herein, the frequency with which the lift
strap 902 needs to be cleaned or sanitized is significantly
reduced, or the need to clean the lift strap 962 is altogether
eliminated. In this manner, the useable life of the lift strap 962
can be significantly extended.
[0062] A protective sleeve 902 for use with the lift strap as
disclosed herein is thin and flexible and will easily bunch and
straighten out along its length as the lift strap 962 is either
wound up on the lift drum in the lift housing 957, or paid out
therefrom. The lift strap 962 can be disposable and made from any
polymer, especially any polymer that when extruded into a thin
tubular sleeve is impermeable to bacteria and other microscopic
contaminants. After use, the disposable protective sleeve 902 is
simply removed and discarded and a new sterile protective sleeve
902 can be installed in its place. In alternate embodiments, the
protective sleeve 902 can be a washable textile-based sleeve, or a
textile-based sleeve having a sealed outer surface, both of which
are capable of being washed, sterilized, and reused.
* * * * *