U.S. patent application number 17/543249 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-26 for pneumatic chair jack.
This patent application is currently assigned to D.T. Davis Enterprises, Ltd. (d/b/a Hovertech International), D.T. Davis Enterprises, Ltd. (d/b/a Hovertech International). The applicant listed for this patent is D.T. Davis Enterprises, Ltd. (d/b/a Hovertech International), D.T. Davis Enterprises, Ltd. (d/b/a Hovertech International). Invention is credited to Jason K. WERKHEISER.
Application Number | 20220160562 17/543249 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006137689 |
Filed Date | 2022-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220160562 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WERKHEISER; Jason K. |
May 26, 2022 |
PNEUMATIC CHAIR JACK
Abstract
A multi-cell inflatable jack includes a plurality of jack
elements. Each of the plurality of jack elements includes a body
having a predetermined perimeter shape and defining a perimeter
chamber and a central chamber. A valve is coupled to the body and
configured to provide air flow to one of the perimeter chamber or
the central chamber. A plurality of flow control stringers are
located between the first chamber portion and the second chamber
portion and are configured to control an air flow rate into each of
the perimeter chamber and the central chamber. At least one
fastener is formed on the body and configured to attach the jack
element to at least one additional jack element in a multi-cell
stack.
Inventors: |
WERKHEISER; Jason K.;
(Fogelsville, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
D.T. Davis Enterprises, Ltd. (d/b/a Hovertech
International) |
Allentown |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
D.T. Davis Enterprises, Ltd. (d/b/a
Hovertech International)
Allentown
PA
|
Family ID: |
1000006137689 |
Appl. No.: |
17/543249 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16321169 |
Jan 28, 2019 |
11191686 |
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PCT/US2018/026832 |
Apr 10, 2018 |
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17543249 |
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62484927 |
Apr 13, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/02 20130101; A61G
5/14 20130101; A61G 7/1021 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61G 7/10 20060101
A61G007/10; A61G 5/14 20060101 A61G005/14; A61G 7/02 20060101
A61G007/02 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A jack element, comprising a body defining a perimeter chamber
and a central chamber; a plurality of flow control stringers
located between the perimeter chamber and the central chamber
configured to control an air flow rate into each of the perimeter
chamber and the central chamber, wherein the plurality of flow
control stringers comprise a perimeter stringer and a plurality of
lateral flow control stringers positioned within an internal volume
defined by the perimeter stringer, wherein the plurality of lateral
flow control stringers are configured to provide inflation of a
first portion of the central chamber prior to inflation of a second
portion of the central chamber, and wherein at least one of the
plurality of flow control stringers define at least one lengthwise
slit; and a valve coupled to the body and configured to provide air
flow to the perimeter chamber, and wherein the perimeter chamber is
coupled to the central chamber.
22. The jack element of claim 21, comprising at least one handle
coupled to the body.
23. The jack element of claim 21, wherein the perimeter stringer
defines a shape substantially similar to a perimeter shape of the
body.
24. The jack element of claim 23, wherein the perimeter stringer
defines one or more openings therethrough, and wherein the openings
are sized and configured to provide a predetermined rate of air
flow from the perimeter chamber to the central chamber.
25. The jack element of claim 23, wherein the perimeter shape of
the body is selected from the group consisting of a diamond shape,
a saddle shape, and a seat shape.
26. The jack element of claim 21, at least one fastener formed on
the body and configured to attach the jack element to at least one
additional jack element in a multi-cell stack.
27. The jack element of claim 26, wherein the at least one fastener
comprises a first fastener positioned on an upper surface of the
body and a second fastener positioned on a lower surface of the
body.
28. The jack element of claim 26, wherein the at least one fastener
is a releasable fastener.
29. A system, comprising: a first jack element; and a second jack
element, wherein each of the first and second jack elements
comprise: a body defining a perimeter chamber and a central
chamber; a plurality of flow control stringers located between the
perimeter chamber and the central chamber configured to control an
air flow rate into each of the perimeter chamber and the central
chamber, wherein the plurality of flow control stringers comprise a
perimeter stringer and a plurality of lateral flow control
stringers positioned within an internal volume defined by the
perimeter stringer, wherein the plurality of lateral flow control
stringers are configured to provide inflation of a first portion of
the central chamber prior to inflation of a second portion of the
central chamber, and wherein at least one of the plurality of flow
control stringers define at least one lengthwise slit; and a valve
coupled to the body and configured to provide air flow to the
perimeter chamber, and wherein the perimeter chamber is coupled to
the central chamber, wherein the first jack element is configured
to be attached to the second jack element.
30. The system of claim 29, comprising a third jack element,
wherein the third jack element is configured to be located between
the first jack element and the second jack element.
31. The system of claim 29, comprising an inflatable back rest
configured to be attached to one of the first jack element or the
second jack element.
32. The system of claim 29, wherein the perimeter stringer defines
a shape substantially similar to a perimeter shape of the body, and
wherein the perimeter chamber is defined between the perimeter
stringer and the body and the central chamber is defined by the
internal volume defined by the perimeter stringer.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the predetermined perimeter
shape of each of the bodies is selected from the group consisting
of a diamond shape, a saddle shape, and a seat shape.
34. The system of claim 29, wherein the perimeter stringer defines
a plurality of openings therethrough, and wherein the openings are
sized and configured to provide a predetermined rate of air flow
from the perimeter chamber to the central chamber.
35. The system of claim 29, wherein the first jack element
comprises at least one first fastener formed on the body and
configured to attach the first jack element to the second jack
element.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the first jack element is
releasably attached to the second jack element by the at least one
fastener.
37. The system of claim 35, wherein the first jack element is
fixedly attached to the second jack element by the at least one
fastener.
38. A method of raising a patient, comprising: positioning a
multi-cell inflatable jack under a patient, wherein the multi-cell
inflatable jack comprises a plurality of inflatable jack elements,
wherein each of the plurality of inflatable jack elements
comprises: a body defining a perimeter chamber and a central
chamber; a plurality of flow control stringers located between the
perimeter chamber and the central chamber configured to control an
air flow rate into each of the perimeter chamber and the central
chamber, wherein the plurality of flow control stringers comprise a
perimeter stringer and a plurality of lateral flow control
stringers positioned within an internal volume defined by the
perimeter stringer, wherein the plurality of lateral flow control
stringers are configured to provide inflation of a first portion of
the central chamber prior to inflation of a second portion of the
central chamber, and wherein at least one of the plurality of flow
control stringers define at least one lengthwise slit; and a valve
coupled to the body and configured to provide air flow to the
perimeter chamber, and wherein the perimeter chamber is coupled to
the central chamber; inflating a first of the plurality of
inflatable jack elements to raise a patient from a seated position
to a first height; and inflating a second of the plurality of
inflatable jack elements to raise a patient from the first height
to a second height, wherein the second height is configured to
position the patient in a standing position.
19. The method of claim 18, comprising inflating an inflatable back
rest attached to the first of the plurality of inflatable jack
elements prior to inflation of the first of the plurality of
inflatable jack elements.
20. The method of claim 18, comprising attaching a third jack
element to one of the first jack element or the second jack
element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/321,169, filed Jan. 28, 2019, which is a
U.S. National Stage Application of PCT/US2018/026832, filed Apr.
10, 2018, and which claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/484,927, filed Apr. 13, 2017, and entitled
"PNEUMATIC CHAIR JACK," which is incorporated herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Raising a patient from a seated position to a standing
position presents risks for both the patient and the caregiver(s)
assisting the patient. A patient positioned on a lower surface,
such as a floor, ground, low-table, etc., may be unstable when
attempting to stand (or transition to kneeling, etc.), may
experience forces on joints (e.g., shoulder joints) that can be
injured by a caregiver lifting the patient, and/or may attempt to
place weight (or other forces) on injured extremities prior to
realizing an injury exists. Caregivers may also suffer injuries
when attempting to assist a patient in standing, such as back
injuries, falling injuries (do to unstable patients falling),
etc.
[0003] Current systems for raising a patient from seated position
include direct caregiver intervention which, as discussed above,
presents injury risks for both caregivers and the patient. Other
solutions require lifting devices, such as arm straps, that require
larger lifting machines and that exert forces on other joints of a
patient during a lifting procedure.
SUMMARY
[0004] In various embodiments, a jack element is disclosed. The
jack element includes a body having a predetermined perimeter shape
and defining a perimeter chamber and a central chamber. A valve is
coupled to the body and configured to provide air flow to one of
the perimeter chamber or the central chamber. A plurality of flow
control stringers located between the first chamber portion and the
second chamber portion. The plurality of flow control stringers are
configured to control an air flow rate into each of the perimeter
chamber and the central chamber. At least one fastener is formed on
the body and is configured to attach the jack element to at least
one additional jack element in a multi-cell stack.
[0005] In various embodiments, a system is disclosed. The system
includes a first jack element and a second jack element. Each of
the first and second jack elements include a body including a
predetermined perimeter shape and defining a perimeter chamber and
a central chamber. A valve is coupled to the body and configured to
provide air flow to one of the perimeter chamber or the central
chamber. A plurality of flow control stringers are located between
the first chamber portion and the second chamber portion. The
plurality of flow control stringers are configured to control an
air flow rate into each of the perimeter chamber and the central
chamber. At least one fastener is formed on the body. The first
jack element is configured to be attached to the second jack
element by the at least one fastener on each of the first jack
element and the second jack element.
[0006] In various embodiments, a method is disclosed. The method
includes a step of positioning a multi-cell inflatable jack under a
patient. The multi-cell inflatable jack comprises a plurality of
inflatable jack elements. A first of the plurality of inflatable
jack elements is inflated to raise a patient from a seated position
to a first height. A second of the plurality of inflatable jack
elements is inflated to raise a patient from the first height to a
second height. The second height is configured to position the
patient in a standing position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The features and advantages of the present invention will be
more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are to be
considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like
numbers refer to like parts and further wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates a pneumatic chair jack including a
plurality of single cell jack elements, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 1B illustrates top view of the pneumatic chair jack of
FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of the pneumatic chair jack
of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a single cell jack element, in accordance
with some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a first single cell
jack element, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a second single cell
jack element, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a third single cell
jack element, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a pneumatic chair jack including at least
one jack element having an inflatable back rest, in accordance with
some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a method of raising a patient from a
seated position to a standing position, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a pneumatic chair jack including a
plurality of single cell jack elements having a diamond shape, in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a single cell jack element of the
pneumatic chair jack of FIG. 8, in accordance with some
embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of the single cell jack
element of FIG. 9, in accordance with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The description of the preferred embodiments is intended to
be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to
be considered part of the entire written description of this
invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and
certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale
or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and
conciseness. In this description, relative terms such as
"horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top," "bottom," as well as
derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly,"
"upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation
as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under
discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description
and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation.
Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal"
versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted relative to one
another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center
of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling
and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term
"operatively coupled" is such an attachment, coupling, or
connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as
intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover
structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written
description or drawings for performing the recited function,
including not only structure equivalents but also equivalent
structures.
[0021] In various embodiments, a multi-cell pneumatic chair jack is
disclosed. The multi-cell pneumatic chair jack includes a plurality
of single cell jack elements configured to transition a patient
from a seated position to a standing position. Each of the single
cell jack elements comprise a body defining a perimeter having a
predetermined shape, such as a diamond shape, a saddle shape, a
bike-seat shape, etc. The single cell jack elements are positioned
under a patient in an uninflated state and inflated to raise the
patient to a sitting position. In some embodiments, the single cell
jack elements are configured for multistage inflation such that the
perimeter of the single cell jack element inflates to stabilize a
patient before the center of the single cell jack element inflates
to raise the patient.
[0022] FIG. 1A-1C illustrates one embodiment of a multi-cell
pneumatic chair jack 2 including a plurality of single cell jack
elements 4a, 4b_1, 4b_2, 4c (collectively "jack elements 4"). In
the illustrated embodiment, each of the single cell jack elements 4
are attached (or coupled together) to form a multi-cell stack 5.
The multi-cell pneumatic chair jack 2 can include any number of
jack elements 4, such as, for example, one, two, three, four,
and/or any number of jack elements 4. The number of jack elements 4
may be related to a height of a patient. In other embodiments, the
multi-cell pneumatic chair jack 2 includes a predetermined number
of jack elements 4 that are selectively inflated (or not inflated)
based on a height of a user.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a single cell jack
element 4a. The single cell jack element 4a includes a body 6
defining an upper chamber portion 8 and a lower chamber portion 10.
The upper and lower chamber portions 8, 10 are coupled together to
define a perimeter 12. The perimeter 12 has a predetermined shape
configured to position and stabilize a patient during a lifting
procedure. In some embodiments, the perimeter 12 has a saddle
and/or bike-seat shape (as illustrated in FIG. 2), a diamond shape
(as illustrated in FIG. 8), and/or any other suitable shape. In
some embodiments, the single cell jack element 4a is a lower (or
first) jack element, although it will be appreciated that the jack
element 4a can be configured as a middle (or second) and/or an
upper (or third) jack element in various embodiments.
[0024] The upper chamber portion 8 and the lower chamber portion 10
are coupled together to define an inflation chamber 11
therebetween. As illustrated in FIG. 3 (and discussed in greater
detail below), in some embodiments, the jack element 4a defines a
perimeter chamber 14 and a central chamber 16. A valve 18 is
coupled to at least one of the upper chamber portion 8 and/or the
lower chamber portion 10. The valve 18 is configured to couple at
least one of the perimeter chamber 14 and/or the central chamber 16
to an air source. Air is provided from the air source to inflate
the perimeter chamber 14 and/or the central chamber 16. In some
embodiments, the valve 18 is coupled to the perimeter chamber 14
and the central chamber 16 is coupled to the perimeter chamber 14.
Air flows from the air source through the valve 18, into the
perimeter chamber 14 and from the perimeter chamber 14 into the
central chamber 16. In some embodiments, the perimeter chamber 14
is configured to substantially inflate prior to inflation of the
central chamber 16. Although a single valve 18 is illustrated, it
will be appreciated that the jack elements 4 can include one or
more inflation valves, one or more deflation valves, and/or a
combination of inflation valves, deflation valves, and/or two-way
valves.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a jack element 4a, in
accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first
jack element 4a includes flow control structure 20 located between
the upper chamber portion 8 and the lower chamber portion 10. The
flow control structure 20 includes a perimeter flow control
stringer 22 and a plurality of lateral flow control stringers
24a-24b (collectively "flow control stringers 24"). In some
embodiments, the perimeter flow control stringer 22 defines a
vertical wall and/or separation between a perimeter chamber 14 and
a central chamber 16. The perimeter flow control stringer 22 can
define a perimeter shape matching the perimeter 12 of the jack
element 4a and/or can define a shape other than the perimeter 12.
In some embodiments, the perimeter flow control stringer 22 defines
one or more openings 50 therethrough. The openings 50 are sized and
configured to provide a predetermined rate of air flow from the
perimeter chamber 14 to the central chamber 16. In some
embodiments, the openings 50 include one or more lengthwise slits
and/or round holes in the perimeter flow control stringer 22. For
example, in some embodiments, the openings 50 include one or more
lengthwise slits having a predetermined length, such as a length
between about 1/4'' to about 1'', 1/4'' to about 5/8'', and/or any
other suitable range. As another example, in some embodiments, one
or more openings 50 include one or more holes having a
predetermined diameter, such as a diameter between about
0.1''-0.5'', 0.1''-0.3'', and/or any other suitable diameter. It
will be appreciated that the sizes of the openings 50 presented
herein are exemplary and that the openings 50 can be configured
with any size to provide any predetermined inflation rate of the
central chamber 16.
[0026] In some embodiments, a plurality of lateral flow control
stringers 24 are positioned within the central chamber 16. The
lateral flow control stringers 24 are configured to control
inflation of the central chamber 16. The lateral flow control
stringers 24 can include one or more openings (not shown). In some
embodiments, the perimeter flow control stringer 22 and/or the
lateral flow control stringers 24 are configured such that the
perimeter chamber 14 inflates prior to inflation of the central
chamber 16. Inflation of the perimeter chamber 14 provides
stability to and proper positioning of a patient on a jack element
4a prior to inflation of the central chamber 16 to lift the
patient. The perimeter flow control stringer 22 and/or the lateral
flow control stringers 24 can be selected to provide any desirable
ratio between inflation of the perimeter chamber 14 and the central
chamber 16.
[0027] In some embodiments, the perimeter flow control stringer 22
and/or the flow control stringers 24 are sized and configured to
control inflation of the central chamber 16. For example, in some
embodiments, the openings 50 in the perimeter flow control stringer
22 and/or the flow control stringers 24 are configured to provide
inflation of the central chamber 16 from front to back, e.g., a
proximal portion 16a of the central chamber 16 inflates prior to a
distal portion 16 of the central chamber 16. Front-to-back
inflation causes a patient to shift towards the distal end 16b of
the chamber 16 and provides additional stability. As another
example, in some embodiments, the openings 50 and/or the lateral
flow control stringers 24 are configured to provide inflation of
the central chamber 16 from back to front, e.g., a distal portion
of the central chamber 16 inflates prior to a proximal portion 16a
of the central chamber 16. Back-to-front inflation causes a patient
to shift towards the proximal end 16a of the central chamber
16.
[0028] In some embodiments, a fastener 26a is coupled to at least
one of the upper chamber portion 8 and/or the lower chamber portion
10. The fastener 26a is configured to couple the jack element 4a to
one or more additional jack elements 4. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3, the fastener 26a is located on an upper
surface of the upper chamber portion 8, although it will be
appreciated that the fastener 26a can be positioned on any suitable
portion of the jack element 4a, such as any portion of the upper
chamber portion 8, lower chamber portion 10, and/or a combination
thereof. The fastener 26a can comprise any suitable fastening
mechanism, such as, for example, a removable, non-removable, and/or
permanent fastener. Example fastening mechanisms include, but are
not limited to, radiofrequency (RF) welding, adhesives,
hook-and-loop, weldable hook fasteners, and/or any other suitable
fastening mechanism. The fastener 26a can extend over the entirety
of and/or a portion of the upper chamber portion 8 and/or the lower
chamber portion 10.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a middle (or second)
jack element 4b including a first fastener 26a coupled to an upper
chamber portion 8 and a second fastener 26b coupled to a lower
chamber portion 10. The middle jack element 4b is similar to the
lower jack element 4a described above, and similar description is
not repeated herein. The middle jack element 4b is configured to be
located between a lower jack element 4a and one or more additional
jack elements 4b-4c. The first and second fasteners 26a, 26b are
configured to permanently and/or removably couple the middle jack
element 4b to one or more additional jack elements 4b-4c. In some
embodiments, the middle jack element 4b can have a different
inflation profile than the lower jack element 4a, for example,
inflating at a faster/slower rate and/or at a different inflation
ratio between perimeter chamber 14 and a central chamber 16.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a lower jack element 4c
including a fastener 26b formed on a lower chamber portion 10. The
third jack element 4c is similar to the first jack element 4a
described above, and similar description is not repeated herein.
The third jack element 4c includes a fastener 26b only on the lower
chamber portion 10 and is configured to be positioned at the top of
a stack jack elements 4 defining a multi-cell pneumatic jack 2. The
fastener 26b is configured to couple the third jack element 4c to
at least one of a first jack element 4a and/or a second jack
element 4b.
[0031] In some embodiments, one or more of the jack elements 4
includes at least one handle 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 5,
in some embodiments, the third jack element 4c includes at least
one handle 30 coupled to a perimeter 12 thereof. The handles 30 are
sized and configured to allow a user, such as patient,
first-responder, nurse, and/or other user, to grip the handle 30.
In some embodiments, the handles 30 are positioned to allow a
patient and/or a caregiver to grip the handles 30 during inflation
to provide additional stability to and/or assist in positioning of
a patient. For example, in some embodiments, one or more jack
elements 4, such as an upper jack element 4c, include four handles
30 distributed about the periphery of the jack element 4, two at
the front and two at the rear. The front handles 30 are configured
to allow a patient to grip the handles 30 and stabilize themselves
(e.g., balance) during inflation. The rear handles 30 can be
configured for a caregiver or other user to provide stability to
the jack elements 4 during inflation. The illustrated embodiment
includes four handles 30, although it will be appreciated that a
jack element 4 can include one, two, three, four, and/or any other
suitable number of handles.
[0032] Referring back to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the
multi-cell pneumatic jack 2 includes a plurality of jack elements 4
arranged in an aligned multi-cell stack 5. The plurality of jack
elements 4 includes a first jack element 4a positioned at the
bottom of the stack 5. The first jack element 4a includes a
fastener 26a formed on an upper chamber surface 8. In some
embodiments, the lower chamber surface 10 can comprise a non-slip
surface and/or non-slip coating to prevent movement of the
multi-cell pneumatic jack 2 during inflation. One or more middle
jack elements 4b_1, 4b_2 (collectively "middle jack elements 4b")
are positioned above the lower jack element 4a. The middle jack
elements 4b include a first fastener 26a on an upper chamber
surface 8 and a second fastener 26b on the lower chamber surface
10. The first fastener 26a couples a first middle jack element 4b_1
to the lower jack element 4a. The first middle jack element 4b_1 is
attached to a second middle jack element 4b_2, for example, by a
first fastener 26a formed on the first middle jack element 4b_1 and
a second fasteners 26b formed on the second middle jack element
4b_2. In some embodiments, an upperjack element 4c is positioned
above the lower and middle jack elements 4a, 4b. The upper jack
element 4c includes a fastener 26b only on a lower chamber surface
10. Although the illustrated embodiments include jack elements 4
having similar heights, it will be appreciated that the jack
elements 4 can have different dimensions than other jack elements
4, including having one or more heights, widths, and/or
lengths.
[0033] In some embodiments, the perimeter chamber 14 and/or the
central chamber 16 of a first of the plurality of jack elements 4
can be coupled to the perimeter chamber 14 and/or the central
chamber 16 of a second of the plurality of jack elements 4. For
example, in some embodiments, a lower jack element 4a includes a
perimeter chamber 14 and a central chamber 16. The lower jack
element 4a can be permanently attached to a middle jack element
4b_1. The perimeter chamber 14 of the lower jack element 4a and the
middle jack element 4b_1 can each include an opening configured to
couple the perimeter chamber 14 of the lower jack element 4a to the
perimeter chamber 14 of the middle jack element 4b_1). In some
embodiments, the middle jack element 4b_1 can be attached to
additional jack elements 4b_2, 4c to allow air flow from the
perimeter chamber 14 and/or the central chamber of the middle jack
element 4b_1 into the perimeter chamber 14 and/or the central
chamber 16 of one or more additional jack elements 4b_2, 4c.
[0034] FIGS. 8-10 illustrate an embodiment of a multi-cell
pneumatic jack 2b including a plurality of jack elements 204a.
204b_1, 204b_2, 204c (collectively "jack elements 204"), in
accordance with some embodiments. The multi-cell pneumatic jack 2b
is similar to the multi-cell pneumatic jack 2 described above in
conjunction with FIGS. 1-5, and similar description is not repeated
herein. Each of the jack elements 204 includes a diamond-shaped
perimeter 12a, although it will be appreciated that one or more of
the jack elements 204 can include an alternative and/or additional
shape to those discussed herein. In some embodiments, a position of
a valve 218 on each of the plurality of jack elements 204 is
selected to provide a staggered and/or offset position for each
valve 218 with respect to a valve 218 of a jack element 204
positioned above and/or below a respective jack element 204. For
example, in the illustrated embodiments, each of the jack elements
204 includes a valve 218 that is offset with respect to a jack
element 204 positioned above and/or below to provide a staggered
(or diagonal stack) of valves 218.
[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of a selected one 204a
of the plurality of jack elements 204a-204c. The jack element 204a
includes an upper chamber portion 208 and a lower chamber portion
210 defining an inflation chamber 211. A flow control structure 220
divides the inflation chamber 211 into a perimeter chamber 214 and
a central chamber 216. The flow control structure 220 is configured
to control inflation of the jack element 204a when an inflation
device is coupled to the valve 218. In some embodiments, the flow
control structure 220 includes a perimeter stringer 222 and a
plurality of lateral flow control stringers 224a-224d (collectively
"lateral flow control stringers 224"). The plurality of lateral
flow control stringers 224 are positioned within an internal volume
260 defined by the perimeter stringer 222. The perimeter stringer
222 and the later flow control stringers 224 direct air flow within
the internal chamber 211 of the jack element 204a. For example, in
some embodiments, the perimeter stringer 222 and/or the lateral
flow control stringers 224 are configured such that a perimeter
chamber 214 of the jack element 204a is substantially inflated
prior to inflation of a central chamber 216, as described above in
conjunction with jack element 4a.
[0036] In some embodiments, the jack element 204a includes a
two-way valve 218 configured to selectively provide inflation
and/or deflation of the jack element 204a. For example, in various
embodiments, the two-way valve 218 can be positioned at a plurality
of positions corresponding to inflation, partial deflation, and/or
total deflation of the jack element 204a. An air supply hose can be
coupled to the two-way valve 218 to provide air flow to and/or from
the internal chamber 211 of the jack element 204a. Two-way flow
control valves are described in greater detail in International
Patent Appl. Serial No. PCT/US18/25309, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0037] In some embodiments, the jack element 204a includes at least
one handle 230 coupled to the body 206. The handle 230 can include
a gripping portion 232 and an attachment portion 234. The gripping
portion 232 is coupled to the attachment portion 234 and the
attachment portion 234 is coupled to the upper chamber portion 208
and/or the lower chamber portion 210. Although embodiments are
illustrated with two handles 230, it will be appreciated that the
jack element 204 can include any number of handles 230, such as,
for example, zero, one, two, four, etc.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a multi-cell pneumatic
jack 2a including at least one jack element 4c_1 having an
inflatable back rest 40. The multi-cell pneumatic jack 2a includes
at least one lower jack element 4a and one or more middle jack
elements 4b (e.g., two middle jack elements 4b_1, 4b_2) similar to
the multi-cell pneumatic jack 2 discussed above, and similar
description is not repeated herein. An upper jack element 4c_1
includes an inflatable back rest 40 attached to the upper chamber
portion 8. The inflatable back rest 40 includes an side wall 42
defining an inner chamber 44. The inner chamber 44 is in fluid
communication with one of the perimeter chamber 14 and/or the
central chamber 16 of the upper jack element 4c_1. When the upper
jack element 4c_1 is inflated, via the valve 18, air flows from the
perimeter chamber 14 and/or the central chamber 16 into the inner
chamber 44 of the inflatable back rest 40. The inflatable back rest
40 is sized and configured to position a patient and/or maintain a
position of a patient with respect to the upper jack element
4c_1.
[0039] In some embodiments, the inflatable back rest 40 is a
separate element from the upper jack element 4c_1. The inflatable
back rest 40 can include a valve 18 coupled to a side wall 42
thereof. The inflatable back rest 40 may be independently inflated
before, during, and/or after inflation of one or more of the jack
elements 4 of the multi-cell pneumatic jack 2. The inflatable back
rest 40 can include a fastener (not shown) configured to
permanently and/or releasably couple the inflatable back rest 40 to
the upper jack element 4c.
[0040] With reference now to FIGS. 1-7, a method 100 of using the
multi-cell pneumatic jack 2 is disclosed. The multi-cell pneumatic
jack 2 can be configured to lift a user and/or patient from a
sitting position, such as on a floor/ground, chair, and/or other
surface, to a standing position. At step 102, a multi-cell
pneumatic jack 2 including a plurality of jack elements 4 is
positioned beneath a user in a seated position. The multi-cell
pneumatic jack 2 can include any number of individual single cell
jack elements 4, such as, for example, four jack elements 4. The
jack elements 4 can be permanently and/or releasably attached
together.
[0041] At optional step 104, an inflatable back rest 40 attached to
one or more of the jack elements 4 is inflated. For example, in
some embodiments, an inflatable back rest 40 is permanently and/or
releasably attached to an upper jack element 4c prior to insertion
of the multi-cell pneumatic jack 2 beneath the patient. The
inflatable back rest 40 can be inflated simultaneously with and/or
prior to inflation of a jack element, such as an upper jack element
4c.
[0042] At step 106, a selected first of the plurality of jack
elements 4 of the multi-cell jack 2 is inflated by coupling the
selected first of the plurality of jack elements 4 to an inflation
device (not shown). For example, an inflation hose (or other
device) may be coupled to a valve 18 formed integrally with the
selected first of the plurality of jack elements 4. For example, in
some embodiments, the selected first of the plurality of jack
elements 4 is an upper jack element 4c positioned at an upper-most
position on a multi-cell stack 5. Inflation of the upper jack
element 4c may advantageously position a patient centrally on the
multi-cell jack 2 and/or provide simultaneous inflation of a back
rest 40 to position a patient. As another example, in some
embodiments, the selected first of the plurality of jack elements 4
is a lower jack element 4a positioned at a lower-most position on a
multi-cell stack 5. Inflation of the lower jack element 4a may
advantageously provide maximum contact between a non-slip surface
defined by the lower jack element 4a and a surface positioned
beneath the multi-cell jack 2. Although specific embodiments are
discussed herein, it will be appreciated that any of the jack
elements 4 may be selected for inflation during step 106. A
perimeter chamber 14 and the central chamber 16 of the selected
first of the plurality of jack elements 4 each inflate at a
predetermined rate. In some embodiments, the perimeter chamber 14
is configured to substantially inflate prior to inflation of the
central chamber 16. Inflation of the perimeter chamber 14 positions
the patient in a predetermined position on the multi-cell jack 2,
for example, centered on one or more of the single cell jack
elements 4. The selected first of the plurality of jack elements 4
is inflated and raises the user a first predetermined height.
[0043] At step 108, a selected second of the plurality of jack
elements 4 is inflated. The selected second of the plurality of
jack elements 4 may include a lower jack element 4b, a middle jack
element 4b_1, 4b_2 positioned between additional jack elements 4 in
the multi-cell stack 5, or an upper jack element 4c. The selected
second of the plurality of jack elements 4 further raises the
patient to a second predetermined height. The width of each of the
jack element 4 can be greater than, lesser than, or equal to the
height of the selected first of the plurality of jack elements 4.
In some embodiments, step 108 is repeated for one or more
additional jack elements 4 (such as one or more additional middle
jack elements 4b_2) to increase a height of the patient. For
example, in some embodiments, a predetermined number of middle jack
elements 4b can be included in a multi-cell jack 2. A user (such as
a caregiver) can selectively inflate some or all of the middle jack
elements 4b to raise a patient to a predetermined height to
facilitate transition of the patient from a sitting position to a
standing position. It will be appreciated that the number of middle
jack elements 4b inflated can vary based on the height of a patient
and the ability of a patient to transition to a full standing
position from a partial seated position.
[0044] At step 110, a selected third of the plurality of jack
elements 4 is inflated to raise the user to a final height such
that a user can stand while exerting minimum effort. For example,
in some embodiments, the selected third of the plurality of jack
elements 4 can include an upper jack element 4a, a middle jack
element 4b_1, 4b_2, or a lower jack element 4c. In some
embodiments, inflation of one or more of the jack elements 4 is
omitted if the patient reaches a sufficient height for standing
prior to inflation of all of the jack elements 4. At an optional
step 112, the patient can be repositioned after inflating one or
more of the jack elements 4 and prior to standing up from the
multi-cell jack 2.
[0045] Although the subject matter has been described in terms of
exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the
appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other
variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the
art.
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