U.S. patent number 3,918,108 [Application Number 05/394,551] was granted by the patent office on 1975-11-11 for portable bath lift.
Invention is credited to Raymond M. Feyerherm.
United States Patent |
3,918,108 |
Feyerherm |
November 11, 1975 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Portable bath lift
Abstract
A bath lift for assisting invalid persons into and out of a
bathtub employs a portable hydraulic jack clamped to a rim portion
of the bathtub and supported on a floor surface by a nonslip base.
An open center seat is attached to the extensible portion of the
jack by a suspension member. A leg support-stop attached to the
seat is rotatable from a position which allows safe seating of the
invalid to a position which supports the legs of the invalid while
the invalid is being placed into the tub. The components are
adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly.
Inventors: |
Feyerherm; Raymond M. (Alsea,
OR) |
Family
ID: |
23559431 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/394,551 |
Filed: |
September 6, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/563.1; 248/415;
248/231.41; 4/667 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G
7/1059 (20130101); A61G 7/1096 (20130101); A61G
7/1044 (20130101); A61G 7/1076 (20130101); A61G
7/1003 (20130101); A61G 7/1019 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61G
7/10 (20060101); A47K 003/12 () |
Field of
Search: |
;61G/702 ;4/185L,251
;5/81R,81B,86 ;248/124,226R,415 ;297/DIG.4 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Huckert; John W.
Assistant Examiner: Levy; Stuart S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Klarquist, Sparkman, Campbell,
Leigh, Hall & Whinston
Claims
I claim:
1. A portable bath lift for assisting a person in and out of a
bathtub comprising:
a columnar jack means having a vertically extensible portion and a
lower non-extensible portion for positioning in a vertical
disposition alongside said tub,
a floor-engaging base adapted to removable receive and support in a
vertical disposition said lower non-extensible portion of said jack
means,
at least said vertically extensible portion of said jack means
being rotatable about its vertical axis relative to said base,
detachable clamp means carried by said jack means and being
vertically adjustable along said jack means for connecting said
jack means to rim portion of said bathtub and free to rotate
relative to at least said vertically extensible portion of said
jack means so that said clamp means when operative remains
stationary on said rim portion when said extensible jack portion
rotates annd extends,
seat suspension means removably attached to and carried by said
vertically extensible jack portion for vertical and rotational
movement therewith, said suspension means being generally L-shaped
and including a first leg portion extending generally horizontally
outwardly from said extensible jack portion and a second generally
vertical leg portion extending downwardly from the outer end of
said first leg portion,
seat means, including an annular seat ring removably connected to a
lower end of said vertical leg portion of said suspension means and
supported by said suspension means in a horizontal disposition and
an open-centered seat supported on said seat ring, said seat means
further including a removable railing member having one end
detachably connected to said seat ring and its other end detachably
connected to said suspension means and defining a back rest and
side support for a person seated on said open-centered seat,
said vertically extensible portion of said jack means when rotated
about its vertical axis being operable to swing said suspension
means and said seat means from a loading position along the rim
portion of a bathtub to a position overlying the interior of said
bathtub while said jack means remains stabilized in a vertical
disposition alongside said bathtub by said base and clamp
means.
2. The lift of claim 1 further including a leg support-stop
removably attached to said seat ring and movable between a
generally vertical stop disposition for engaging a side of said tub
to restrain movement of said seat means during loading and a
generally horizontal leg support disposition for supporting the
legs of said person.
3. The lift of claim 2 wherein said L-shaped suspension means is
hingedly attached to said extensible portion of said jack means and
to said seat ring by removable pin means to thereby facilitate
rapid assembly and disassembly of said lift.
4. The lift of claim 3 wherein said clamp means includes a U-shaped
bracket having a hollow cylindrical sleeve attached along one leg
for slidably receiving said jack therein, and means for adjusting
the width of the bracket opening
5. The lift of claim 1 wherein said clamp means includes a U-shaped
bracket having a sleeve means attached along one leg of said
bracket for slidably and rotatably receiving said jack therein, and
means for adjusting the width of the bracket opening.
6. The lift of claim 5 wherein the underside of said base and the
inside surfaces of said U-shaped bracket are lined with a resilient
high friction material, said base and said clamp acting together
against a floor surface and tub rim respectively to resist
displacement of said jack from a present vertical position.
7. The lift of claim 1 wherein said L-shaped suspension means is
hingedly attached to said extensible portion of said jack means and
to said seat ring by removable pin means to thereby facilitate
rapid assembly and disassembly of said lift.
8. The lift of claim 1 wherein said seat ring is connected to the
lower end of said vertical leg portion by a connecting bracket
member having a bottom portion surfaced with a resilient high
friction pad for engaging the rim portion of a bathtub to resist
swinging movement of said seat means when in its loading
position.
9. A portable bath lift for assisting a person in and out of a
bathtub comprising:
a columnar jack means having a vertically extensible portion and a
lower non-extensible portion for positioning in a vertical
disposition alongside said bathtub,
a floor-engaging base adapted to receive and support in a vertical
disposition said lower non-extensible portion of said jack
means,
detachable clamp means carried by said jack means and being
vertically adjustable along said jack means for connecting said
jack means to a rim portion of said bathtub,
seat means for supporting said person,
seat suspension means removably attached to and carried by said
vertically extensible jack portion for vertical movement
therewith,
at least said vertically extensible portion of said jack means
being rotatable about its vertical axis relative to said base to
permit said means to be moved from a loading position to a position
overlying said bathtub while said jack means remains stabilized in
a vertical disposition by said base and clamp means,
and a leg support stop removably attached to said seat means and
movable between a generally vertical stop disposition for engaging
a side of said bathtub to restrain movement of said seat means
during loading and a generally horizontal leg support disposition
for supporting the legs of said person.
10. The lift of claim 9 wherein said leg supportstop includes an
open tubular frame structure.
Description
Background of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for lifting a
handicapped or invalid person into and out of a bathtub or therapy
pool.
Prior apparatus for performing this function have typically
employed hydraulic jacks mounted permanently or semipermanently to
a wall, floor or to a custom made frame. Examples of such lifts are
shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,664,142 to Scheurman et al., 3,091,778 to
Gross, 2,604,636 to Nielsen, 3,078,473 to Daniels and 3,714,672 to
Condon.
As indicated, most of the prior art devices are not portable and
require either permanent installation to a supporting wall or floor
or special supporting framework within or on the tub, with such
framework adapted to fit only one size and shape of tub. Such prior
devices are not easily disassembled and could not be used, for
example, by an invalid while traveling since they are too heavy and
cumbersome to be transported and/or assembled by one person. Also
they can not be easily moved out of the way so others can use the
tub.
Still another prior bath lift, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,289,217, is
clamped directly to the tub and employs a screw jack. However, the
jack mechanism is submerged in the bath water, thus taking up room
in the tub and subjecting the mechanism to fouling through water
contact.
A common disadvantage of most such prior art devices is the lack of
safety means to prevent inadvertent swinging movement of the seat
during loading and unloading of the person. Also such prior lifts
usually do not provide means for supporting the invalid's legs
which makes it necessary for an attendant to lift and carry the
invalid's legs as he is placed into the tub. Often this requires as
much effort and danger of mishap as simply having the attendant
manually lift the invalid into the tub.
Objects of the Invention
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a
portable bath lift.
Another object of the invention is to provide a portable hydraulic
bath lift which does not require any permanent mounting to a floor
or wall so as to be usuable by a handicapped person when away from
home or otherwise whenever permanent installation would not be
permitted or convenient.
A further object of the invention is to provide a bath lift which
is readily adjustable to fit bathtubs of various sizes and
shapes.
A still further object is to provide a bath lift which may be
quickly, easily and completely disassembled for transport in
compact form and reassembled for use.
Another object is to provide a bath lift which does not require any
special cumbersome supporting framework or installation.
A further object is to provide an improved bath lift with means
operable to hold the lift seat in a loading position to minimize
any danger of injury to the invalid person.
Another object is to provide means to support the invalid's legs
after loading so that they will clear the rim of the bathtub.
Further objects of the present invention will be apparent from the
remainder of this specification.
Summary of the Invention
The bathtub lift of the present invention is portable, lightweight
and readily disassembled for compact carrying, for example, in the
trunk of an automobile. The lifting component of the apparatus is a
columnar hydraulic jack which can be operated either by the invalid
or by an assistant. The jack is rotatably supported on a separate
non-slip base positioned alongside the bathtub. An adjustable clamp
means clamps the jack to the side of the tub and is slidably and
rotatably mounted concentrically on the jack cylinder.
A removable seat suspension means cantilevered from the jack
suspends a seat means from an extensible portion of the jack.
Operation of the hydraulic jack raises and lowers the seat relative
to the tub.
Attached to the seat means is a combination leg support-seat stop
adapted to move between two fixed positions, one to hold the seat
in loading position and the other to to support the invalid's legs
after loading.
By selective use of the jack a seated invalid can be easily placed
in and removed from a tub. When not required, the lift may be
rotated to a position out of the way so noninvalids may use the
tub. The lift employs tubualr construction to render it light
weight and easily transportable. When it is desired to remove the
lift, its complete disassembly can be accomplished in a matter of
minutes.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bath lift of the present
invention shown in an operative position in conjunction with a
bathtub;
FIG. 2 is a top view of the seat portion of the lift of FIG. 1 with
portions broken away for clarity and with a rim portion of the tub
shown in phanton lines;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side view of a lower portion of the lift of
FIG. 1 showing a portion of the tub in phantom and a base portion
of the lift in section;
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG.
2; and
FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG.
2.
Detailed Description
Referring to FIG. 1 the bath lift of the present invention is
illustrated in conjunction with a typical bathbub. The lift
includes a conventional columnar hydraulic jack 10 having an
extensible portion 12 which is raised and lowered by hydraulic
means 14 relative to a stationary shaft portion 16. The hydraulic
means 14 includes a hydraulic pump consisting of a reservoir 18,
pump handle 20, piston 22 and release valve 24. A columnar jack
suitable for use in the present invention is Type 77715 manufatured
by Norco Design Products. It is suggested that the jack have a
capacity of at least one and one half tons to prevent bending
strains in its present application from affecting operation.
In operation, valve 24 is closed and pump handle 20 reciprocated to
cause extensible jack portion 12 to move upwardly relative to shaft
portion 16. The process is reversed, as desired, by opening valve
24 to lower extensible portion 12 on shaft portion 16.
Stationary shaft portion 16 is circular in cross section and
extends slightly below the cylindrical extensible portion 12 when
the jack is in its fully retracted position. As shown best in FIG.
3, a floor-engaging base 30 for supporting the jack has an upwardly
opening receptacle 32 which slidably receives the stationary shaft
portion 16 of the jack therein. Affixed to the underside of base 30
is a layer 36 of resilient high friction material to restrain the
base from sliding on the floor. When shaft portion 16 is inserted
in receptacle 32, base 30 not only supports the jack assembly on
the floor next to the tub 34, but also permits rotation of the jack
in the receptacle, the importance of which will become apparent
shortly.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a clamp means 40 secures the jack to a
rim 42 of tub 34. The clamp means comprises a U-shaped bracket 44
and a sleeve 46 fastened to one leg of the U-shaped bracket. The
sleeve surrounds and is slidable relative to the extensible jack
portion 12 over a wear resistant jacket 47. Thus, the clamp means
is adjustable for different tub heights but remains stationary
relative to tub rim 42 during movement of extensible portion 12.
U-shaped bracket 44 is composed of two overlapping leg sections 43,
45 which are attached together by bolts 49 extending through
adjusting slots 48. In this manner, the U-shaped bracket may be
narrowed or widened as necessary to adapt to the rim width of a
particular tub.
As best seen in FIG. 3, the inside surfaces of U-shaped bracket 44
are lined with a layer of resilient high friction material 50. Once
the jack has been placed in the base 30 and secured by clamp means
40 to tub rim 42, the base and the clamp act together against the
floor and tub rim, respectively, to resist lateral displacement of
the jack assembly from its present vertical position.
A collar 60 (FIG. 1) fixed to extensible jack portion 12 supports
one end of an L-shaped seat suspension means 62. A pair of ears 66
on collar 60 have aligned openings therethrough to receive a pin 68
which releasably secures the suspension means to the extensible
jack portion 12. The jack-confronting end of suspension means 62
has a corresponding pin opening for the same purpose. The
suspension means may be made of high strength metal or plastic
stock of T-shaped cross section to provide a high
strength-to-weight ratio. The upper lag portion of suspension means
62 is maintained horizontal due to the action of securing pin 68
and the T-shaped end pressing against collar 60.
The vertically positioned leg of suspension means 62 supports a
seat means 80. As seen in FIG. 2, the seat means 80 comprises a
tubular seat ring 82 having a connecting bracket 84 at one side
thereof pinned to the supension means 62 by pin 85. An abutment
portion of bracket 84 rides flush against a lower end of suspension
means 62 to maintain the seat ring horizontal. The bottom of
bracket 84 is surfaced with a resilient high friction pad 88 for
engaging the tub rim 42 when the seat is in its loading position of
FIG. 1. Seat ring 82 supports an open centered, contour seat 86
which is secured thereto by screws (not shown). In the loading
position of FIG. 1, seat ring 82 rests on tub rim 42, primarily on
friction pad 88. This reduces the tendency of the seat to swing
during seating of an invalid person.
A curved back support railing 90 of lightweight tubular
construction is removably attached to suspension member 62 and to
seat ring 82. For this purpose the opposite ends of the railing are
provided with angular extensions 90a, 90b of reduced diameter as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 which hook into holes 91, 93 provided at the
angle of suspension member 62 and through a tab portion 82a of seat
ring 82, respecitvely to securely attach the railing without the
use of fasteners.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, and open ended pivot tube 94 is pivoted
to a pair of flanges 92 on seat ring 82 by a pin 93 for horizontal
swinging movement. Pivot tube 94 receives a leg 96 of a generally
rectangular combination leg support-seat stop 98 of open frame
construction. A spring pin 100 passes through upper and lower slots
cut through the pivot tube and rides in an annular recess (not
shown) of leg 96 to hold the leg in the pivot tube while enabling
rotation of the leg in such tube. With leg 96 in pivot tube 94, leg
support-stop 98 can be swung about the axis of pin 95 and rotated
in the pivot tube as indicated by arrows 97 and 99.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, resilient spring clips 102 and 104 are
attached to seat ring 82. These clips serve to hold leg
support-stop 98 selectively in either of two positions. In a first
position, shown in solid lines in FIG. 1 and phantom lines in FIG.
2, clip 102 engages leg 96 and the leg support-stop 98 in
contacting and substantially parallel to tub 34. This arrangement
restrains the seat means making it safer for an invalid person
attempting to sit down. Further, in this first position the leg
support-stop 98 is out of the way during loading.
In a second position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, the leg
support-stop is substantially parallel to the floor. In this second
position an invalid's legs can be supported on the open tubular
frame. Corner 110 of the leg support-stop is received in clip 104
to secure the support-stop in this position. The support-stop is
moved between the first and the second positions by rotating the
leg support-stop about pin 95 and the axis of leg 96.
Operation
To utilize the lift, the seat is first moved to a loading position
resting on tub rim 42. The leg supportstop 98 is positioned as
shown in solid lines in FIG. 1. The invalid is then seated on
contour seat 86 and the leg support-stop is moved to its leg
supporting position shown in phantom in FIG. 1.
When the invalid's legs are resting on the support, jack 10 is
operated with valve 24 in its closed position. Extensible portion
12 of the jack moves vertically upward relative to the floor
thereby raising the seat means 80 off the tub rim. When the seat
and leg support-stop are clear of the tub rim, the suspension means
62 is utilized by an attendant to rotate the seat with the jack
about the base 30 until it overlies the tub. The valve 24 is then
partially opened to cause gradual lowering of the seat into the
water.
To remove the invalid person from the tub, the above described
steps are reversed to again position the seat on tub rim 42 for
unloading.
In the event that the person using the lift does not require
assistance with his legs, the leg support-stop 98 can be removed,
simply by pulling the spring pin 100 and pulling leg 96 from the
pivot tube. Alternately, the present lift can be easily adapted for
use by an amputee by permanently removing the leg support-stop and
employing a second clamp on the tub rim capable of restraining the
seat in the loading position. This additional clamp is similar in
construction to clamp 40 except that it has no sleeve attached to
either leg. The adjusting bolts of this second clamp engage the
seat ring to restrain the seat in the loading position until is is
lifted clear of the tub rim.
If a non-invalid desires to use the tub, the seat means may be
rotated out of the way without any necessity for disassembling the
lift or removing the clamp means 40. When it is desired to
disassemble the lift, this may be accomplished in a matter of a few
minutes. The pins 68 and 85 are removed from the suspension means
separating it from the seat and from the jack. Back rail 90 is
lifted free of the seat ring and out of holes 91 and 93 and jack 10
is lifted out of the base 30 clear of sleeve 46. Finally clamp
means 40 is removed from the tub rim by loosing bolts 49. Due to
the tubular construction employed, the lift is lightweight and may
be easily transported.
While I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of my
invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
many changes and modifications may be made without departing from
my invention in its broader aspects as defined by the following
claims.
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