Invacare has been granted a patent for a patient lift apparatus that includes a supporting frame, a boom portion, and a spreader element. The apparatus also features a pivot joint, allowing the coupling member and spreader element to pivot with respect to the boom portion. Additionally, a damping element is included to dampen rocking movement, and a quick release mechanism is provided to release the spreader element from the boom portion. GlobalData’s report on Invacare gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Invacare, HEV energy management was a key innovation area identified from patents. Invacare's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Patient lift apparatus with a damping element and quick release mechanism
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11666499B2) describes a patient lift apparatus that includes a supporting frame, a boom portion, and a spreader element. The boom portion and coupling member are connected by a pivot joint, allowing the coupling member and spreader element to pivot with respect to the boom portion. To dampen rocking movement, the apparatus includes a linear damper connected between the boom portion and the coupling member. The damper is securely fastened to the coupling member at a point of attachment offset from the pivot axis.
The patent also mentions that the damping element can be a pneumatic or hydraulic damper and is located completely within the inner space of the boom portion. Additionally, the patient lift apparatus includes a quick release mechanism to release the spreader element from the boom portion. The quick release mechanism is an integral part of the coupling member and includes a releasable coupling section between the first and second coupling elements.
The releasable coupling section is designed as a dovetail connection, with the first coupling element having a T-shaped extension and the second coupling element having a corresponding T-shaped opening to secure the two elements together. The second coupling element is releasably translatable with respect to the first coupling element, and the translation takes place along an inclined plane. The releasable coupling section ensures complete coupling of the second coupling element onto the first coupling element through gravity, automatically locking the two elements together.
The quick release mechanism further includes a locking-unlocking mechanism with a movable locking member that engages into a retaining portion provided in the second coupling element. The movable locking member slides inside a hollow portion of the first coupling element and cooperates with a corresponding bore in the second coupling element. The locking-unlocking mechanism is actuated by a manually-actuatable release knob positioned along the guide portion.
Overall, this patent describes a patient lift apparatus with a damping element to reduce rocking movement, a quick release mechanism for easy detachment of the spreader element, and a locking-unlocking mechanism for secure coupling. The design allows for toolless release of the spreader element, making it convenient for healthcare professionals to use.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
