NL2036482B1

NL2036482B1 - Hoisting and transporting apparatus for a disabled person

Info

Publication number: NL2036482B1
Application number: NL2036482A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Adam Van Polen Willem; Kay Van Polen-Mohr Kristin
Original assignee: Adam Van Polen Willem
Priority date: 2023-12-11
Filing date: 2023-12-11
Publication date: 2025-06-20
Also published as: WO2025125329A1

Abstract

Apparatus for hoisting and transporting a person and for placing said person in a seat, the apparatus comprising: a main frame comprising: a frame top section, a front upright frame section, a rear upright frame section, wherein the frame top section, the front upright frame section and the rear upright frame section define an inverted U-shape when seen in side view, and envelop an accommodating space for accommodating the disabled person substantially within the inverted U-shape; at least two front swivelling wheels and at least two rear swivelling wheels for supporting the main frame; a hoisting device comprising a hoisting drive connected to the main frame, wherein the hoisting drive is configured to be operatively coupled to a control unit for controlling the hoisting drive, a suspension point on the frame top section, a hoisting cable having a first cable end and a second cable end, the first cable end being connected to the hoisting drive for paying in and paying out the cable, and a hoisting member which is connected to the second cable end, wherein the hoisting member is configured to be suspended from the suspension point via the cable, the hoisting member being configured to be connected to a carrier member for carrying a person, wherein the hoisting member is movable in the vertical direction by the hoisting drive, wherein the hoisting member is pivotable relative to the main frame about a vertical axis for allowing the carried person to pivot within the accommodating space.

Description

P36548NLO0/MLI

Title: Hoisting and transporting apparatus for a disabled person

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for hoisting and transporting a person, in particular a disabled person, and for placing said person in a seat. The present invention further relates to a method for placing a disabled person in a target seat.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disabled persons may have difficulties moving from one place to another. In particular, if they are immobile, they often move from one place to another seated in a wheelchair. If a disabled person wants or needs to travel, for example via airplane, a person in a wheelchair has to be moved from the wheelchair to a target seat in said airplane. Upon arrival the person then has to be moved from the target seat back to a wheelchair.

The transfer between wheelchair and target seat is generally an unpleasant experience for the disabled person. In many places the disabled person is carried by at least two employees of for example the airport. For the employees that can also be an unpleasant experience, because it involves heavy lifting. Said heavy lifting often results in injuries such as back pains.

Solutions exist that reduce the heavy lifting for employees and improve the experience for the disabled person. WO2005041839A1 for example discloses an apparatus for hoisting and transporting a disabled person. The apparatus is suitable to place a disabled person on a seat in an airplane, but only on a limited type of seats and on a limited type of airplanes. The apparatus has several drawbacks. Firstly the apparatus is very complex with many moving parts. Many moving parts tend to require a lot of maintenance, are prone to failure and result in a heavy apparatus. A heavy apparatus is more difficult to handle. Secondly it was found that the apparatus is difficult to use in tight spaces, such as inside an airplane, especially with lifting a disabled person from a wheelchair in the pantry of an aircraft. When more than one disabled person has to be hoisted and transported inside an airplane and placed on a target seat or back in a wheelchair while inside the airplane, the apparatus WO2005041839A1 was found to be difficult to handle. Said difficult handling unfortunately also reduces the experience for the disabled person.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be desirable to at least partially remove the above drawbacks.

To better address one or more of these concerns, an apparatus is provided for hoisting and transporting a person, in particular a disabled person, and for placing said person in a seat, the apparatus having a height, a length and a width, and comprising: - a main frame having a central longitudinal axis, and comprising: o a frame top section extending substantially horizontally between a front end and a rear end thereof, the frame top section extending along the longitudinal axis, o a front upright frame section having a front top end and a front bottom end, the front top end being connected to the front end of the frame top section and extending transversely therefrom, o a rear upright frame section having a rear top end and a rear bottom end, the rear top end being connected to the rear end of the frame top section and extending transversely therefrom, wherein the frame top section, the front upright frame section and the rear upright frame section define an inverted U-shape when seen in side view, and envelop an accommodating space for accommodating the disabled person substantially within the inverted U-shape, - atleast two front swivelling wheels connected to the front bottom end of the front vertical frame section for supporting the main frame, - atleast two rear swivelling wheels connected to the rear bottom end of the rear vertical frame section for supporting the main frame, - a hoisting device comprising o a hoisting drive connected to the main frame, wherein the hoisting drive is configured to be operatively coupled to a control unit for controlling the hoisting drive, o a suspension point on the frame top section, o a hoisting cable having a first cable end and a second cable end, the first cable end being connected to the hoisting drive for paying in and paying out the cable, o a hoisting member which is connected to the second cable end, wherein the hoisting member is configured to be suspended from the suspension point via the cable, the hoisting member being configured to be connected to a carrier member for carrying a person above the ground and substantially within the accommodating space, wherein the hoisting member is movable in the vertical direction by the hoisting drive, characterised in that the hoisting member is pivotable relative to the main frame about a vertical axis for allowing the carried person to pivot within the accommodating space.

The apparatus according to the invention has as an advantage that it is easy to manufacture, because it requires relatively few parts, in particular few moving parts. Fewer parts can reduce the weight of the apparatus. Fewer moving parts improve the reliability of the apparatus. The hoisting device is robust and improves the handling of the apparatus, in particular in tight spaces. The hoisting device is easy to use, thereby minimizing the operation difficulty of the hoisting device. Because the hoisting member can pivot relative to the main frame about a vertical axis, a person in a wheelchair can enter the accommodating space in a moving direction that is transverse, in particular perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis, and be hoisted without having to pivot the wheelchair relative to the main frame. This is a big advantage when using the apparatus inside an airplane, because the apparatus does not have to be moved out of the airplane in order to hoist a person as is generally the case for the apparatus as disclosed in WO2005041839A1. The complex hoisting construction for hoisting a disabled person in the apparatus of WO2005041839A1 only allows the disabled person to be hoisted when the disabled person faces in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. That means that either the apparatus has to be moved sideways over the disabled person, or that the disabled person moves with the wheelchair under the apparatus, whereafter the wheelchair has to be rotated relative to the apparatus. Both options are difficult, or even impossible inside an airplane. There generally is not sufficient room for moving the apparatus over the disabled person seated in a wheelchair inside the airplane.

Rotating the wheelchair while it is located under the apparatus is also difficult and a hassle.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the hoisting member is movable relative to the main frame in a substantially horizontal direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. This is advantageous when for example the disabled person is to be placed in a window seat of an airplane and the apparatus cannot be positioned entirely over the target seat. Said transverse movability of the hoisting member allows the person to be manually pushed towards the airplane wall adjacent the window seat, and thereby more directly above the target seat. The complex hoisting construction for hoisting a disabled person in the apparatus of

WO2005041839A1 is less suited to place a person in a window seat of an airplane, because the pivoting arms thereof restrict horizontal movement of the disabled person.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the horizontal frame top section is extendable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, wherein in the extended configuration a longitudinal distance between the front end and rear end is greater than the longitudinal distance in the retracted configuration. An advantage of the extendable frame top section is that in the extended configuration the front upright frame section can be moved in front of a row of seats in front of the target row of seats and the rear upright frame section can be moved behind the target row of seats, while in the retracted configuration the apparatus allows for improved manoeuvrability.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the longitudinal distance in the retracted configuration is between 75 — 115 cm, and wherein the longitudinal distance in a maximum extended configuration is between 115 — 190cm, preferably greater than 175 cm.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus comprises an extension drive for moving the horizontal frame top section between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration, wherein the extension drive is configured to be operatively coupled to the control unit for controlling the extension drive.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the frame top section comprises a left top tubular member and a right top tubular member extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the front upright frame section comprises a left front post and a right front post, wherein the rear upright frame section comprises a left rear post and a right rear post, wherein the left top tubular member is connected at the front end to the left front post and at the rear end to the left rear post, wherein the right top tubular member is connected at the front end to the right front post and at the rear end to the right rear post, wherein the respective left tubular members and right tubular members extend parallel relative to each other at a parallel distance, the parallel distance being preferably between 35-55 cm. This provides a relatively simple, robust and easy to manufacture apparatus that is also relatively easy to handle.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the left top tubular member is a left telescoping arm comprising a left first arm part and a left second arm part, and wherein the right top tubular member is a right telescoping arm comprising a right first arm part and a right second arm part, wherein the left first arm part is connected to the rear top end of the left rear post, wherein the right first arm part is connected to the rear top end of the right rear post, wherein the left second arm part is connected to the front top end of the left front post, and wherein the right second arm part is connected to the front top end of the right front post.

The left first arm part and right first arm part may have a length that is greater than 80%, preferably greater than 90% of the length of the frame top section when it is in the retracted configuration. This allows the frame top section to extend a relatively long distance from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the suspension point is located on the central longitudinal axis, or centrally with respect to the width. This provides a stable apparatus, in particular while a person is hoisted and carried. Said stability also gives the disabled person a feeling of comfort, worrying less that the apparatus will tip over.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the hoisting member is located at a distance of between 35-60 cm from the rear end.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the hoisting member is a spreader bar having a first end and an opposite second end that are configured to be connected to the carrier member.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus has a height between 140 — 160 cm, a width between 35 — 55 cm, preferably between 35 — 40 cm, and a length between 75 — 115 cm. The width may be adapted to fit through an aisle of an airplane. If the apparatus is extendable, i.e. if the frame top section is extendable, the length may be greater than 115 cm.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the frame top section comprises an opening at the rear end thereof configured for allowing a head of the person to extend therethrough while the person is suspended from the hoisting member. The opening allows the person to be lifted higher, because the head can extend to above the apparatus. At the same time the height of the apparatus can be reduced.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the main frame comprises a first hinge device having a first hinge axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being located at the connection between the frame top section and the front upright frame section for allowing the frame top section and the front upright frame section to pivot relative to each other between an operating state and a storage state, and a second hinge device having a second hinge axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being located at the connection between the frame top section and the rear upright frame section for allowing the frame top section and the rear upright frame section to pivot relative to each other between an operating state and a storage state.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the frame top section comprises a third hinge device having a third hinge axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being located substantially at equal distance from the front end and rear end, the third hinge device being configured to allow the frame top section to fold substantially in half.

In an embodiment of the apparatus, the main frame comprises a fourth hinge device having a fourth hinge axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being located substantially halfway the front upright frame section for allowing the front upright frame section to pivot between an operating state and a storage state, and a fifth hinge device having a fifth hinge axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being located substantially halfway the rear upright frame section for allowing the rear upright frame section to pivot between an operating state and a storage state, wherein in the storage state the front upright frame section and the rear upright frame section are folded substantially in half with respect to the operating state, wherein the first, second, third, fourth and fifth hinge axes extend substantially parallel relative to each other, and wherein in the storage state the apparatus is folded like a harmonica.

The hinging devices allow the apparatus to be brought into a storage state, which provides easier transport of the apparatus itself. This is for example beneficial for employees in the field of outpatient care. Said employees may have to lift a patient that is fallen on the ground or stuck in a chair. An apparatus in the storage state can be transported easier to the patient and at the patient's location brought to the operating state in which the patient can be hoisted and transported to a seat. This greatly reduces the stress on the care giver compared to having to lift the patient himself or herself. An apparatus with the hinge devices may or may not have the extension facilities to move the frame top section between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration.

The present invention further provides a method for placing a disabled person in a target seat, the method comprising hoisting and transporting the person with an apparatus according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the method, the target seat is located between a front seat and a rear seat, the method comprising: a. providing an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, b. positioning the disabled person seated in a wheelchair under the hoisting member and in the carrier member, c. hoisting the disabled person from the wheelchair by paying in the hoisting cable with the hoisting drive, d. rolling the apparatus with the disabled person in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis over an aisle along at least one row of seats until the disabled person is located adjacent a target row of seats, e. moving the person to above the target seat by moving the apparatus sideways while the frame top section is in the extended configuration, wherein the rear upright frame section moves behind the target row of seats and the front upright frame section moves in front of a row of seats in front of the target row of seats,

f. lowering and placing the disabled person onto the target seat by paying out the hoisting cable with the hoisting drive and subsequently moving the carrier member away from the person, g. rolling the apparatus back to the aisle.

In an embodiment of the method, the target seat is a window seat of a transporting vehicle, in particular an airplane, and wherein during step f. the disabled person is moved horizontally towards the airplane wall by manually pushing the person more directly above the window seat.

In an embodiment of the method, step b. comprises rolling the person in the wheelchair under the hoisting member in a moving direction that is transverse, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main frame, and step c. is performed with the person facing in the moving direction.

In an embodiment of the method, during step e. the person is moved over at least one horizontally extending armrest.

In an embodiment of the method, steps b. and c. are performed outside the transporting vehicle, in particular the airplane, wherein after step c. and prior to step d. the frame top section is in the retracted configuration.

In an embodiment of the method, the target seat is a seat in an airplane, wherein steps c. to g. are repeated in the airplane for one or more further disabled persons.

These and other aspects of the invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 2 schematically shows another perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, with a different hoisting cable compared to the hoisting cable as shown in the embodiment of figure 1.

Figure 3 schematically shows a rear view of the apparatus as shown in figure 1.

Figure 4 schematically shows a side view of the apparatus as shown in figure 1, wherein a frame top section is shown in both a retracted configuration and an extended configuration.

Figure 5 schematically shows in side view the apparatus as shown in figure 1 performing a step of an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

Figure 6 schematically shows a top view of the apparatus as shown in figure 1.

Figure 7 schematically shows a top view of the apparatus as shown in figure 1, wherein a hoisting member is shown in two pivoted positions relative to a main frame, and wherein the frame top section is shown in both a retracted configuration and an extended configuration.

Figure 8 schematically shows a side view of the apparatus as shown in figure 1, wherein a disabled person is hoisted by the apparatus and carried by a carrying member.

Figure 9 schematically shows a similar view as figure 8, but wherein the disabled person is lifted to a higher position relative to the position as shown in figure 8.

Figure 10 schematically shows a rear view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention located in an airplane and extending partially over a window seat.

Figures 11A, 12A, 13A schematically show embodiments of an apparatus according to the invention comprising two or more hinge devices, wherein the apparatus are in an operating state.

Figure 11B, 12B, 13B schematically show the apparatus as respectively shown in figures 11A, 12A, 13A, wherein the apparatus are in a storage state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figures 1 to 13 schematically show embodiments of an apparatus 1 for hoisting and transporting a person 2, in particular a disabled person 2, and for placing said person 2 in a seat 3. The apparatus 1 has a height 4, a length 5, and a width 6. The apparatus 1 comprises a main frame 7 having a central longitudinal axis 8.

The length 5, measured along the central longitudinal axis 8, is preferably between 75 - 115 cm. The apparatus height 4 is preferably between 140 — 160 cm. The width 6, measured perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 8, is between 35 — 55 cm, preferably between 35 — 40 cm.

The main frame 7 comprises a frame top section 9 extending substantially horizontally between a front end 10 and a rear end 11 thereof. The frame top section 9 extends along the central longitudinal axis 8.

The main frame 7 comprises a front upright frame section 12 having a front top end 13 and a front bottom end 14. The front top end 13 is connected to the front end 10 of the frame top section 9 and extends transversely, or downwardly, therefrom,

The main frame 7 comprises a rear upright frame section 15 having a rear top end 16 and a rear bottom end 17. The rear top end 16 is connected to the rear end 11 of the frame top section and extends transversely, or downwardly, therefrom.

The frame top section 9 comprises a left top tubular member 38 and a right top tubular member 39 extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis 8. The front upright frame section 12 comprises a left front post 40 and a right front post 41. The rear upright frame section 15 comprises a left rear post 42 and a right rear post 43. The left top tubular member 38 is connected at the front end 10 to the left front post 40 and at the rear end 11 to the left rear post 42. The right top tubular member 39 is connected at the front end 10 to the right front post 41 and at the rear end 11 to the right rear post 43. The left tubular member 38 and the left posts 40, 42 extend substantially parallel to the respective right tubular member 29 and right posts 41, 43 at a parallel distance 44, the parallel distance 44 being preferably between 35-55 cm.

The left top tubular member and right top tubular member are straight. Also the left and right front posts and left and right rear posts are straight. This makes the apparatus easy to manufacture.

For the embodiments of the apparatus 1 that are movable between the retracted configuration 34 and the extended configuration 35 telescoping arms may be provided. The left top tubular member 38 is a left telescoping arm 45 comprising a left first arm part 46 and a left second arm part 47. The right top tubular member 39 is a right telescoping arm 48 comprising a right first arm part 49 and a right second arm part 50. The left first arm part 46 is connected to the rear top end 16 of the left rear post 42. The right first arm part 49 is connected to the rear top end 16 of the right rear post 43. The left second arm part 47 is connected to the front top end 13 of the left front post 40. The right second arm part 50 is connected to the front top end 13 of the right front post 41.

The horizontal frame top section 9, the front upright frame section 12 and the rear upright frame section 15 define an inverted U-shape when seen in side view, see for example figure 4, and envelop an accommodating space 19 for accommodating the disabled person 2 substantially within the inverted U-shape. The main frame is without framework in the lower part between the front bottom end and the rear bottom end. This way a wheelchair can enter the accommodating space 19 from both sides.

A disabled person 2 seated in a wheelchair can enter the accommodating space 19 in a direction transverse to the central longitudinal axis 8, and from both sides. The accommodating space 19 is open at both sides, i.e. a left side 81 and a right side 82.

The frame top section 9 has an opening 55 at the rear end 11 thereof configured for allowing a head of the person 2 to extend therethrough while the person 2 is suspended from the hoisting member 29. In the shown embodiments the opening 55 is located between the left top tubular member 38, the right top tubular member 38, the rear end 11 and the suspension point 25.

The apparatus 1 has two front swivelling wheels 20 connected to the front bottom end 14 of the front vertical frame section, and two rear swivelling wheels 21 connected to the rear bottom end 17 of the rear vertical frame section. The swivelling wheels support the main frame 7.

The apparatus 1 comprises a hoisting device 22. The hoisting device 22 comprises a hoisting drive 23 that is connected to the main frame 7. In the shown embodiments the hoisting device 22 is connected to the frame top section 9. The hoisting drive 23 is configured to be operatively coupled to a control unit 24 for controlling the hoisting drive 23.

The control unit 24 may be provided on the apparatus 1, or may be for example provided in the ‘cloud’. In the shown embodiments the control unit 24 is provided on the apparatus 1 and comprises a first button 79 for controlling the hoisting drive 23, see for example figure 3.

The hoisting device 22 has a suspension point 25 which is provided on the frame top section 9. The suspension point 25 is preferably located on the central longitudinal axis 8, or centrally with respect to the width 6, see for example the top view of figure 6.

The hoisting device 22 comprises a hoisting cable 26 having a first cable end 27 and a second cable end 28. In the embodiment of figure 1 the hoisting cable 26 is of a belt-like type having a width that is greater than a thickness thereof. Other embodiments of the hoisting cable are also possible, such as for example a chain or a band. In the embodiment of figure 2 the hoisting cable 26 has a width which is equal to its thickness, or having a substantially circular cross-section. The first cable end 27 is connected to the hoisting drive 23 for paying in and paying out the cable.

The hoisting device 22 comprises a hoisting member 29 which is connected to the second cable end 28. The hoisting member 29 is suspended from the suspension point 25 via the cable. The hoisting member 29 is configured to be connected to a carrier member 30 for carrying a person 2 above the ground and substantially within the accommodating space 19.

Embodiments of a carrying member in the form of a sling are shown in figures 5, 8 and 9. The hoisting member 29 is movable in the vertical direction 31 by the hoisting drive 23. See for example figures 8 and 9, wherein in figure 9 the hoisting member 29 is moved upwards by the drive relative to its position in figure 8.

The hoisting member 29 is pivotable relative to the main frame 7 about a vertical axis 32 for allowing the carried person 2 to pivot within the accommodating space 19. The pivoting movement is schematically shown in the top view of figure 7, wherein the hoisting member 29 is shown in two different positions relative to the main frame 7.

The hoisting member 29 is movable relative to the main frame 7 in a substantially horizontal direction 33 transverse to the central longitudinal axis 8. Said transverse movement, or sideways movement, allows a disabled person 2 to be manually pushed by another person 2 to a position that is more directly above a target seat 70 in which the disabled person 2 is to be placed. This could occur for example in a situation schematically shown in figure 10, wherein the apparatus 1 cannot be positioned entirely over the target seat 70, because of an engagement between the apparatus 1 and a wall 101 of an airplane 100.

The hoisting member 29, or the suspension point 25, is located at a distance 51 of between 35-60 cm from the rear end 11.

The hoisting member 29 may be a spreader bar 52 having a first end 53 and an opposite second end 54 that are configured to be connected to the carrier member 30.

Turning to figures 4 and 7, wherein the horizontal frame top section 9 is shown to be extendable between a retracted configuration 34 and an extended configuration 35. In the extended configuration 35 a longitudinal distance 36 between the front end 10 and the rear end 11 is greater than the longitudinal distance 36 in the retracted configuration 34.

The longitudinal distance 38, or length 5 of the apparatus 1, in the retracted configuration is preferably between 75 — 115 cm. The longitudinal distance 38, or length 5 of the apparatus 1, in a maximum extended configuration is between 115-190, depending on the initial length in the retracted configuration, but being preferably greater than 175 cm. The longitudinal distance may be varied between the retracted configuration and a maximum extended configuration.

The apparatus 1 comprises an extension drive 37 for moving the horizontal frame top section 9 between the retracted configuration 34 and the extended configuration 35. The extension drive may be for example an electric drive, a pneumatic or hydraulic drive. In the shown embodiment the extension drive 37 comprises a telescoping member having a predetermined stroke length. The frame top section can be extended with the stroke length.

The extension drive 37 is operatively coupled to the control unit 24 for controlling the extension drive 37. In the shown embodiments the control unit 24 is provided on the apparatus 1 and comprises a second button 80 for controlling the hoisting drive 23, see for example figure 3.

Turning to figures 11A-13B, different embodiments are schematically shown of an apparatus 1 according to the invention, wherein the main frame 7 comprises at least two hinge devices for allowing the apparatus 1 to move between an operating state 59 and a storage state 60.

Figure 11A and 11B show an embodiment comprising a first hinge device 57 and a second hinge device 61. The first hinge device 57 has a first hinge axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8 and is located at the connection between the frame top section 9 and the front upright frame section 12 for allowing the frame top section 9 and the front upright frame section 12 to pivot relative to each other between an operating state 59 and a storage state 60. The second hinge device 61 has a second hinge axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8 and is located at the connection between the frame top section 9 and the rear upright frame section 15 for allowing the frame top section 9 and the rear upright frame section 12 to pivot relative to each other between an operating state 59 (figure 11A) and a storage state 60 (figure 11B). The first and second hinge axes extend substantially parallel to each other.

Figures 12A and 12B schematically show an embodiment wherein the main frame 7 comprising the first hinge device 57, the second hinge device 61, and a third hinge device 63.

The frame top section 9 comprises the third hinge device 83 which has a third hinge axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8. The third hinge device 63 is located substantially at equal distance from the front end 10 and rear end 11. The third hinge device

63 allows the frame top section 9 to fold substantially in half. Figure 12A shows the apparatus 1 in an operating state 59. Figure 12B shows the apparatus 1 in a storage state 60. The first, second and third hinge axes extend substantially parallel to each other.

Figures 13A and 13B schematically show an embodiment wherein the main frame 7 comprises the first, second and third hinge device 83, and a fourth hinge device 65 and a fifth hinge device 67. The fourth hinge device 65 has a fourth hinge axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8 and being located substantially halfway the front upright frame section 12 for allowing the front upright frame section 12 to pivot between an operating state 59 and a storage state 60. The fifth hinge device 67 has a fifth hinge axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8 and being located substantially halfway the rear upright frame section 15 for allowing the rear upright frame section 15 to pivot between an operating state 59 and a storage state 60. In the storage state 60, as shown in figure 13B, the front upright frame section 12 and the rear upright frame section 15 are folded substantially in half with respect to the operating state 59. The first, second, third, fourth and fifth hinge axes extend substantially parallel relative to each other. In the storage state 60 the apparatus 1 is folded like a harmonica 69.

Operation

The apparatus 1 according to the invention can be used to place a disabled person 2 in a target seat 70. A method comprises hoisting and transporting the person 2 with the apparatus 1.

The method may be used to place a disabled person 2 in a target seat 70 that is located between a front seat 71 and a rear seat 72. The method then comprises: a. providing an apparatus 1 according to the invention, wherein the horizontal frame top section 9 is extendable between a retracted configuration 34 and an extended configuration 35, wherein in the extended configuration 35 a longitudinal distance 36 between the front end 10 and rear end 11 is greater than the longitudinal distance 36 in the retracted configuration, b. positioning the disabled person 2 seated in a wheelchair under the hoisting member 29 and in the carrier member 30, c. hoisting the disabled person 2 from the wheelchair by paying in the hoisting cable 26 with the hoisting drive 23, d. rolling the apparatus 1 with the disabled person 2 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 8 over an aisle 78 along at least one row of seats until the disabled person 2 is located adjacent a target row 73 of seats. The position of the disabled person 2 adjacent the target row 73 of seats is schematically shown in figure 5. e. moving the person 2 to above the target seat 70 by moving the apparatus 1 sideways while the frame top section 9 is in the extended configuration, wherein the rear upright frame section 15 moves behind the target row 73 of seats and the front upright frame section 12 moves in front of a row 74 of seats in front of the target row 73 of seats. This is schematically shown in figure 10. f. lowering and placing the disabled person 2 onto the target seat 70 by paying out the hoisting cable 26 with the hoisting drive 23, after which the carrier member 30 is moved away from the person 2, g. rolling the apparatus 1 back to the aisle.

Figure 10 schematically shows a situation, wherein the target seat 70 is a window seat 75 of a transporting vehicle, in particular an airplane 100. The apparatus 1 cannot move further along the window seat 75, because the frame top section 9 engages an inner wall 101 of the airplane 100. During step f. the disabled person 2 is therefore moved horizontally towards the airplane wall 101 by manually pushing the person 2 more directly above the window seat 75. This is possible due to the movability of the hoisting member 29 in the horizontal direction 33 and transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the central longitudinal axis 8.

Step b. may comprise rolling the person 2 in the wheelchair under the hoisting member 29 in a moving direction 76 that is transverse, in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 8 of the main frame 7, and wherein step c. is performed with the person facing along the moving direction. The disabled person 2 can then be positioned in the carrying member and hoisted upwardly by the hoisting device 22 while facing in the direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 8. This is possible due to the pivotability of the hoisting member 29 relative to the main frame 7. Said pivotability of the hoisting member 29 make it easier to hoist a disabled person 2 from the wheelchair while the apparatus 1 is located inside the airplane, in particular with the central longitudinal axis 8 of the apparatus 1 being parallel to a longitudinal axis 8 of the airplane. Otherwise the apparatus 1 has to be outside of the airplane for hoisting the person 2, after which the apparatus 1 is rolled onto the airplane. Making sharp turns in the airplane while hoisting the disabled person 2 can thus be avoided with the apparatus 1 according to the invention.

If there are one or more horizontally extending armrests 77 next to the target seat 70, during step e. the person 2 is moved over the one or more horizontally extending armrests by hoisting the person 2 above the armrest height. Figure 5 schematically shows the hoisted person 2 extending above the armrest 77.

Steps b. and c. may be performed outside the transporting vehicle, in particular the airplane. In that case it may be convenient to have the frame top section 9 in the retracted configuration after step c. and prior to step d.. The shorter longitudinal distance 36 between the front end 10 and rear end 11 in the retracted configuration improves the manoeuvrability of the apparatus 1, for example making it easier to take turns, in particular narrow turns present in an airplane.

When the target seat 70 is a seat 3 in an airplane, steps c. to g. may be repeated in the airplane for one or more further disabled persons. The pivotability of the hoisting member 29 relative to the main frame 7 makes this easier.

The method steps may also be substantially reversed in order to hoist a person 2 from the target seat 70 and transport the person 2 to and place the person 2 on a wheelchair or another seat 3.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps). Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

1. Apparatus (1) for hoisting and transporting a person (2), in particular a disabled person, and for placing said person in a seat (3), the apparatus having a height (4), a length (5) and a width (6), the apparatus comprising: - a main frame (7) having a central longitudinal axis (8), and comprising: o a frame top portion (9) extending substantially horizontally between a front end (10) and a rear end (11) thereof, the frame top portion extending along the longitudinal axis, o a front upright frame portion (12) having a front upper end (13) and a front lower end (14), the front upper end being connected to the front end of the frame top portion and extending transversely therefrom, o a rear upright frame portion (15) having a rear upper end (16) and a rear lower end (17), the rear upper end being connected to the rear end of the frame top portion and extending transversely therefrom, extending therefrom, the frame top portion, the front upright frame portion and the rear upright frame portion defining an inverted U-shape when viewed in side view, and enclosing an accommodation space (19) for accommodating the disabled person substantially within the inverted U-shape, - at least two front castors (20) connected to the front lower end of the front upright frame portion for supporting the main frame, - at least two rear castors (21) connected to the rear lower end of the rear upright frame portion for supporting the main frame, - a hoisting device (22) comprising a hoist drive (23) connected to the main frame, the hoist drive being adapted to be operatively coupled to a control unit (24) for controlling the hoist drive, o a suspension point (25) on the frame top portion,

o a hoisting cable (26) having a first cable end (27) and a second cable end (28), the first cable end being connected to the hoist drive for taking in and paying out the cable, o a hoisting member (29) connected to the second cable end, the hoisting member being adapted to be suspended from the suspension point via the cable, the hoisting member being adapted to be connected to a support member (30) for carrying a person above the ground and substantially within the accommodation space, the hoisting member being movable in a vertical direction by the hoist drive, characterised in that the hoisting member is pivotable relative to the main frame about a vertical axis (32) to enable the carried person to pivot within the accommodation space.

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hoisting member is movable relative to the main frame in a substantially horizontal direction (33) transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the horizontal frame top portion is extendable between a retracted configuration (34) and an extended configuration (35), wherein in the extended configuration a longitudinal distance (36) between the leading end and the trailing end is greater than the longitudinal distance in the retracted configuration.

Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal distance in the retracted configuration is between 75 - 115 cm, and wherein the longitudinal distance in a maximally extended configuration is between 115 - 190 cm, preferably greater than 175 cm.

Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the apparatus comprises an extension drive (37) for moving the horizontal frame top portion between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration, the extension drive adapted to be operatively coupled to the control unit for controlling the extension drive.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame top portion comprises a left top tube member (38) and a right top tube member (39) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the front upright frame portion comprising a left front post (40) and a right front post (41), the rear upright frame portion comprising a left rear post (42) and a right rear post (43), the left top tube member being connected at its front end to the left front post and at its rear end to the left rear post, the right top tube member being connected at its front end to the right front post and at its rear end to the right rear post, the respective left tube members and right tube members extending parallel to each other at a parallel distance (44), the parallel distance preferably being between 35-55 cm.

Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the left upper tube member is a left telescopic arm (45) comprising a left first arm portion (46) and a left second arm portion (47), and wherein the right upper tube member is a right telescopic arm (48) comprising a right first arm portion (49) and a right second arm portion (50), the left first arm portion being connected to the rearward upper end of the left rear post, the right first arm portion being connected to the rearward upper end of the right rear post, the left second arm portion being connected to the frontward upper end of the left front post, and the right second arm portion being connected to the frontward upper end of the right front post.

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the suspension point is located on the central longitudinal axis or centrally in relation to the width.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting member is located at a distance (51) of between 35-60 cm from the rear end.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting member is a spreader bar (52) having a first end (53) and an opposite second end (54) adapted to be connected to the support member.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus has a height between 140 - 160 cm, a width between 35 - 55 cm, preferably between 35 - 40 cm, and a length between 75 - 115 cm.

Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame top portion includes at its rear end an opening (55) adapted to allow a person's head to extend therethrough while the person is suspended from the hoist.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the main frame comprises a first pivot device (57) having a first pivot axis (58) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and located at the junction between the frame top portion and the front upright frame portion for pivoting the frame top portion and the front upright frame portion relative to each other between an operating state (59) and a storage state (60), and a second pivot device (61) having a second pivot axis (62) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and located at the junction between the frame top portion and the rear upright frame portion for pivoting the frame top portion and the rear upright frame portion relative to each other between an operating state (59) and a storage state (60).

An apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the frame top portion comprises a third hinge arrangement (63) having a third hinge axis (64) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and being substantially equidistant from the front end and the rear end, the third hinge arrangement being adapted to allow the frame top portion to be folded substantially in half.

An apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the main frame comprises a fourth hinge arrangement (65) having a fourth hinge axis (66) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and located substantially halfway along the front upright frame portion for pivoting the front upright frame portion between an operating condition and a storage condition, and a fifth hinge arrangement (87) having a fifth hinge axis (68) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and located substantially halfway along the rear upright frame portion for pivoting the rear upright frame portion between an operating condition (59) and a storage condition (60), wherein in the storage condition the front upright frame portion and the rear upright frame portion are folded substantially in half relative to the operating condition, wherein the first, second, third, fourth and fifth hinge axes extend substantially parallel to each other, and wherein in the storage condition the apparatus is folded like an accordion (69).

16. A method of seating a disabled person in an intended seating position (70), the method comprising hoisting and transporting the person with an apparatus (1) according to any preceding claim.

17. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein the intended seat is between a front seat (71) and a rear seat (72), the method comprising:

a. providing an apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 15,

b. positioning the disabled person in a wheelchair under the hoist and in the support member,

c. lifting the disabled person out of the wheelchair by taking hold of the hoist cable with the hoist drive,

d. rolling the device carrying the disabled person in a direction parallel to its central longitudinal axis along an aisle (78) past at least one row of seats until the disabled person is positioned adjacent to a target row (73) of seats,

e. moving the person above the intended seating position by moving the apparatus laterally while the upper frame portion is in the extended configuration, the rear upright frame portion moving behind the intended row of seats and the front upright frame portion moving in front of a row (74) of seats in front of the intended row of seats,

f. lowering and placing the disabled person in the intended seat by extending the hoisting cable with the hoist drive and then moving the support member away from the person,

g. rolling the device back to the aisle.

Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the intended seat is a window seat (75) of a transport vehicle, in particular an aircraft, and wherein during step f. the disabled person is moved horizontally towards the aircraft wall (101) by manually pushing the person directly above the window seat.

A method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein step b. comprises rolling the person in the wheelchair under the hoist in a direction of movement (76) which is transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the main frame, and wherein step c. is performed while the person is oriented in the direction of movement.

20. Method according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein during step e. the person is moved over at least one horizontally extending armrest.

A method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein steps b. and c. are performed outside the transport vehicle, in particular the aircraft, wherein after step c. and before step d. the frame upper portion is in the retracted configuration.

A method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the target seat is a seat in an aircraft, wherein steps c. through g. are repeated in the aircraft for one or more additional disabled persons.