PATIENT MOVING DEVICES (EDELGARD RISES) WITH LOCKABLE X-BRACE

1 - 20 . (canceled)

21 . An adjustable-width patient lifting and transport device comprising:

first and second larger wheels disposed about a fulcrum and arranged substantially parallel to one another;

a shorter load leverage arm and a longer effort leverage arm associated with each larger wheel;

a first set of auxiliary rolling wheels and a second set of auxiliary rolling wheels at the fulcrum, the first and second sets having different effective radii such that the device is configured to rest selectively on the first set to lower the shorter load leverage arms and on the second set to raise the shorter load leverage arms;

an X-brace extending between the larger wheels, the X-brace comprising two crossing members pivotally coupled at an intersection and configured to change a spacing between the larger wheels;

a locking mechanism located proximate a midline between the larger wheels and configured to lock the X-brace at at least three discrete spacings; and

a hinged collapsing tube coupled between distal portions of the longer effort leverage arms, the hinged collapsing tube comprising a hinge and a telescoping section;

wherein the X-brace maintains the larger wheels substantially parallel during compaction and expansion; and

wherein the X-brace and the hinged collapsing tube are arranged such that increasing the spacing between the larger wheels increases a spacing between the longer effort leverage arms.

22 . The device of claim 21 , wherein each crossing member is telescopically adjustable in length.

23 . The device of claim 21 , further comprising a stop configured to limit a maximum expansion of the X-brace.

24 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the hinged collapsing tube is configured to stow adjacent to one of the longer effort leverage arms when compacted.

25 . The device of claim 21 , wherein adjustable effort handles are configured to change a combined effort length to vary a mechanical advantage.

26 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the locking mechanism is configured to secure the X-brace in at least a compacted position and an expanded position to accommodate, respectively, narrower and wider patient body sizes.

27 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the shorter load leverage arms comprise attachment interfaces configured to receive straps for securing a patient.

28 . The device of claim 21 , wherein the hinged collapsing tube increases torsional rigidity between the longer effort leverage arms when expanded.

29 . The device of claim 21 , further comprising one or more fulcrum crossbars that define grasp regions for a patient.

30 . A method for lifting and transporting a patient with an adjustable-width patient lifting and transport device comprising first and second larger wheels, an X-brace, a locking mechanism, and a hinged collapsing tube coupled between longer effort leverage arms, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) adjusting the X-brace to change a spacing between the larger wheels to accommodate a width of a body of the patient;

(b) locking the X-brace at a selected position;

(c1) expanding the hinged collapsing tube between the longer effort leverage arms; and

(c2) fastening straps to shorter load leverage arms to secure the patient;

(d) pulling down the longer effort leverage arms to pivot the larger wheels to sit upon the second set of auxiliary rolling wheels to lift the patient and transport the patient; and

after transporting the patient to a desired location, compacting the X-brace and folding the hinged collapsing tube.

31 . The method of claim 30 , wherein expanding the hinged collapsing tube comprises swinging the hinged collapsing tube forward and extending a telescoping section to a locked length between the longer effort leverage arms before pulling down the longer effort leverage arms.

32 . The method of claim 30 , further comprising adjusting a ratchet at a hinge to select one of a plurality of effort-handle positions to increase leverage for an operator.

33 . The method of claim 30 , further comprising lifting the patient to a chair-height position, a bed-height position, or a commode-height position.

34 . The method of claim 30 , wherein compacting the X-brace and folding the hinged collapsing tube facilitates transport or storage of the device.

35 . A safe lifting device comprising:

first and second larger wheels disposed about a fulcrum;

a shorter load leverage arm and a longer effort leverage arm associated with each larger wheel;

smaller rolling wheels and medium rolling wheels disposed about the fulcrum;

an X-brace disposed between the larger wheels; and

a collapsible cross-member extending between the longer effort leverage arms;

wherein the shorter load leverage arms comprise attachment interfaces configured to receive straps for securing a patient;

wherein the collapsible cross-member increases torsional rigidity between the longer effort leverage arms when expanded;

wherein the smaller rolling wheels are configured to contact a surface when the longer effort leverage arms are elevated above a first angular threshold; and

wherein the medium rolling wheels are configured to contact the surface when the longer effort leverage arms are depressed below a second angular threshold.

36 . The device of claim 35 , wherein a locking mechanism for the X-brace is located proximate a midline between the larger wheels.

37 . The device of claim 35 , further comprising one or more fulcrum crossbars that define grasp regions for a patient.

38 . The device of claim 35 , wherein the X-brace comprises collapsing braces and support braces arranged to form an “X” between the two larger wheels.

39 . The device of claim 35 , wherein the X-brace comprises one or more telescoping tubes.

40 . The device of claim 35 , wherein the collapsible cross-member comprises a hinged collapsing tube disposed between the two effort leverage arms and is configured to telescope and/or fold to reduce a spacing between the effort leverage arms for storage or transport and to expand the spacing for use.