Project Description:

Individuals with upper and lower body weakness often face significant challenges in performing daily activities, particularly when it comes to transitioning from sitting to standing positions. The CDC estimates that 11 million Americans struggle with this on a regular basis. This difficulty is especially pronounced in public restroom environments, where privacy and independence are paramount, and access to assistive devices differs from being at the comfort of home. A survey conducted on patients with mobility challenges revealed that 95% struggle with rising from a toilet in a public restroom, even in ADA compliant bathroom stalls.

The current market offers various sit-to-stand devices, such as foam risers, hydraulic lifts, and powered lift seats. Foam risers, while simple and affordable, do not actively assist the user in the sit-to-stand motion and can be unstable. Hydraulic lifts provide more support but are often bulky and not suitable for the confined spaces of a restroom. Powered lift seats offer a higher level of assistance but are typically heavy, less portable, and require a power source, which can be impractical in a restroom setting.

Our innovative sit-to-stand assist device, UpLift, is specifically designed to address the gaps in the current market offerings. The self-powered mechanism using a rechargeable air pump eliminates the need for batteries or electrical outlets, offering greater flexibility and reliability. The compact and inconspicuous nature of the device ensures that it can be used in various settings while maintaining the user’s privacy and dignity. However, the size does not mask the functionality, as UpLift provides 6 inches of lift. UpLift is designed to provide the necessary support and lift while being easy to transport and use in different environments.