公开(公告)号：US4944056A

公开(公告)日：1990-07-31

申请号：US250335

申请日：1988-09-28

申请人： Roger A. Schroeder ,  Robert H. Broyden ,  Robert C. Dearstyne ,  Joseph L. Magner ,  Randall J. Gephart ,  David W. Dayton ,  Raymond A. Newman

发明人： Roger A. Schroeder ,  Robert H. Broyden ,  Robert C. Dearstyne ,  Joseph L. Magner ,  Randall J. Gephart ,  David W. Dayton ,  Raymond A. Newman

IPC分类号： A61G7/10

CPC分类号： A61G7/1042 ,  A61G7/1015 ,  A61G7/1051 ,  A61G2200/32 ,  A61G2200/34

摘要： Methods and apparatus are provided for transporting a disabled person in a carrying means. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a dual-track structure for supporting a hoist and trolley which are controlled by the disabled person. In a further embodiment, the structure is designed to be supported by a floor and ceiling together, or by a floor alone, and is adjustable to accommodate rooms of different dimensions. A still further embodiment of the invention includes mechanical and electronic safety means for the hoist which senses a malfunction and provides an appropriate response thereto, such as sounding an alarm and/or lowering the hoist at a specific pre-programmed location and at a controlled descent rate. The embodiments may be used independently or in concert in accordance with the invention. One method of the invention comprises transporting the disabled person utilizing the dual-track structure controlled by the disabled person. Another method comprises utilizing the structure supported by a floor and ceiling togther, and still another method comprises providing safety for the disabled person being transported by sensing a malfunction and providing an appropriate response to the malfunction. The methods may be used independently or together.