Aluminium solution for portable hoist

The Huntleigh Highlite is a specially designed portable hoisting system,
made for mobility impaired individuals.
It enables them to transfer when away from home or in the community where this is necessary as an aid to daily living, for example to move between a bed and wheelchair. It is a concept developed by Carl Ford, a mechanical engineer, who is
a wheelchair user himself.

Since 1980, Carl has been a wheelchair user following a sporting accident
with a hang-glider. In 1995, as a result
of attending a conference abroad, he recognised the need for a portable transfer system as conventional equipment was too heavy and bulky.
This led him to develop the Highlite with his business partner Tim Henson and an agreement followed with Huntleigh Healthcare who invested in the venture. Huntleigh build the Highlite in their West Midlands factory using formed aluminium extrusions.
 
Initially the idea had been to construct the frame from carbon fibre composite as it provides the greatest strength to weight ratio, but this would have been too expensive and so a cost effective alternative, without compromising on the benefits, was to use aluminium. Three different leg extrusions were supplied of varying diameters for the four telescopic legs on the frame, as well as a main beam extrusion and an extruded catch for a leg lock mechanism, with an overall attractive finish in anodised aluminium.”

The lightness of aluminium means the Highlite weighs only 23kg. In general, aluminium is only a third of the density in comparison to steel, yet in terms of strength, by using the right alloys and design, aluminium can be as strong as structural steel. In this case, the Highlite portable transfer system has a safe working load of 130kg, enabling users to be effectively lifted and transferred, whilst retaining a very light weight for the unit.

The footprint of the Highlite allows versatility as it occupies virtually no floor space when set up and it can be conveniently stored away in a small room when folded into a personal integral travelling case. It will fit in most car boots and can be transported on public transport and by airlines. As there are no loose components, it easily unfolds from its case and in transit it is similar in size to a golf bag with transport wheels. The Highlite can be used over a single or double bed and is compatible with existing lightweight battery lifting cassettes and sling attachments. It can be setup by one person in two minutes.

Carl sees that the Highlite will benefit, “Any person with a mobility impairment who requires a lightweight, easily transportable, transfer system. It will greatly benefit staff, carers and other professionals who are assisting someone to transfer both in their own homes as well as in nursing and residential homes. It is an essential piece of equipment for the Emergency Services, where manual handling needs to be minimised. Additionally, hotels and other accommodation providers are being required more and more to consider the wider needs of disabled people.”

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