Device to Lift a Person From the Ground to Wheelchair Height

The goal of this project was to develop a device to assist a paraplegic or quadriplegic in moving from the floor to a wheelchair with the assistance of only one person. A collapsible and portable device resembling a chair into which the individual can be strapped was developed for this purpose. The device separates into four pieces: the high back, the right leg with an attached foot rest, the left leg with an attached seat, and the top handle. The right and left legs were curved. Two ratcheting rear legs are placed on the back side of the unit for additional support. The device and its components are shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. The unit is collapsible into 40″ by 18″ as shown in Figure 3. During use, the client would lay on their side on the floor with their legs bent as if sitting in an imaginary chair. The unfolded and assembled chair would then be placed next to them and safety straps would be placed around the client’s chest, waist, and shins. The client and chair would then be rolled so that the client would be lying on their back. Once in this position, the assistant could lift the tall back of the chair to bring the client to an upright sitting position at wheelchair height.