1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lift device and, more particularly, to a lift device including a plurality of inflatable bladders.
2. Description of Related Art
Individuals who lack a capacity to stand or move themselves from the prone or supine position into a seated or standing position must rely on outside assistance to achieve the desired position. Currently, there are a variety of methods to assist such an individual including assistance by attendants, assistance by loved ones or significant others, assistance by Trained Nurses, or assistance by means of mechanical devices. Each of these methods, however, suffers from various drawbacks.
For instance, if the assistant is one person, such as an attendant or nurse, then that person must be strong enough to navigate both himself and a patient. The individual must be experienced and know the proper procedure for moving a patient from a down position. There are frequent injuries to both patient and assistant when an assistant attempts to move a fallen patient. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing aides, orderlies and attendants reported more musculoskeletal disorders requiring time off from work than any other occupation. Many of these disorders were due to overexertion related to lifting or moving patients.
Current mechanical lift devices also suffer from a variety of drawbacks. These devices are very bulky, heavy and difficult to maneuver and store. Furthermore, current mechanical lifts can create bruising and stress marks due to the focused forces caused by the straps when a patient's weight is not evenly distributed. An example of such a mechanical lift device can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,144 to Huang.
Inflatable lift devices also exist in the prior art, however, these devices also suffer from various drawbacks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,086 to Garman, for instance, discloses a mobile lifting apparatus that includes a stack of inflatable bags for lifting a patient off the ground. However, this device requires a ramp for positioning the patient on the device. Therefore, this device cannot be positioned beneath a patient without moving the patient. Furthermore, this device merely lifts a patient off the ground and does not include inflatable side rails, armrests, and a backrest that helps the patient from a position on the ground to a seated position and, finally, to a standing position.
Accordingly, a need exists for a device that easily lifts a patient who has fallen without the need for an assistant to exert strenuous force. A further need exists for an inflatable lift device that provides support for a patient's arms and back while slowly lifting the patient to a seated or standing position.