Lightweight easily transportable personal lifting devices

Abstract

This invention describes lifting devices that enable a partially ambulatory person to rise from a sitting position without the assistance of another person. The lifting device preferably comprises a base support in a substantially U-shaped frame having a user receptive front and a spaced apart rear formed by two front legs separated by front support braces and each front leg being connected to a rear leg at a cross support, thereby forming sides of the device. Hand rails are slidably mounted with each pair of front and rear legs. An linear actuator mechanism is connected through the frame to the underside of each hand rail and provides synchronous telescoping action to the hand rails. The linear actuator mechanism is comprised of a gear motor, and gear reducer mounted on an actuator support, a ball nut fixedly mounted within the cross support, and a ball screw fixed at one end to the gear reducer, engaging the ball nut and ultimately attached to the hand rail. Power to the linear actuator mechanism from the power supply is controlled by means of a rocker switch positioned under one of the hand rails. When the linear actuator mechanism is powered, the gear motor drives the gear reducer, which rotates the ball screw. Since the ball nut is fixed in its position, the ball screw travels its length through the ball nut, thereby moving the attached the hand rails with respect to the frame. The two position rocker switch can engage the linear actuator mechanism to either retract or extend the handles. The lifter can be folded for storage or transport and can be fabricated from light weight materials such as aluminum. Wheels can be attached to the bottom of the legs for smooth movement over a surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.