The basic parts of the Version 1.0 device consist of two square steel tubes with holes drilled in them (see directions below), two "rope ratchets", two orange levers (sometimes referred to as "load binders"), and other small hardware items (bolts, nuts, washers, U-bolts, eye screws, snap ring hooks, carabiners, etc.)

Tools: A drill (and four drill bits- 5/16", 3/8", 1/4", and 1/2" diameters), a hacksaw or cutoff saw, a knife, and two adjustable wrenches are required to construct the device. A vise would also be helpful to hold parts while they are being cut.

V1.0 Preparation: We prepared for assembly by:

Cutting two square steel tubes to length (see details below)

Drilling nine holes (three diameters) - seven in the above two tubes, and two at the orange lever handle ends

Cutting two ropes to length

Cutting four links (and ther attached hooks) on the two orange "load binders", and the chrome metal hook off each of the two "rope ratchets" (or similar tie-down mechanism)

V 1.0 Assembly: Assembly involves:

Tightening eight nuts on bolts. These bolts connect the two orange ratchet load binders to each other, the (horizontal and vertical) tubes to the load binders, the eye screw (needs to be safely and securely screwed into ceiling rafter first) to the upper load binder, and the two U-bolts to the horizontal square tube

The two ropes with looped ends need to be threaded through the rope ratchets (which are attached to the U-bolts). The looped end is attached to the brass "swivel eye snap spring hook" and the other end is knotted securely

The two cut off ropes (no loops on their ends) need to be attached to the lever handle of the orange load binders by threading them through each carabiner, and knotted securely at both ends

These steps complete the assembly for V 1.0 of the device.

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The following information explains the 14 steps (Version 2.0 requires only 7 steps) we followed to construct Version 1.0 of the Aging-At-Home device, the parts required, and their approximate costs.

NOTE: The Tube Extender below can be different lengths based on the ceiling height. Assuming the wheelchair and commode are a standard 18 inches/457 mm from the floor, the length of the current Tube Extender would work for a ceiling height of between 92 and 98 inches (8' 2")/2489 mm. The ropes and rope ratchets (which allow adjustable rope lengths) could extend this range to about 102 inches/2991 mm. The straps on the vest adjusts in length by 6 inches/152,5 mm. For example, our ceiling is 92 inches/2337 mm high, and we use the shortest setting on the vest's adjustable straps in the above demonstration video.

One approach is to put multiple holes (one inch apart) in the extender making it adjustable (shorter) to accommodate ceiling heights less than 92". A better approach is to cut the tube extender to the correct length for the ceiling's height before drilling the end holes.

Some experimentation may be required to determine the required length of the tube extender for ceilings outside the range of 92" to 102" (8' 6").

The orange "Lever load binders" or "chain binders" below are commonly available but because of their simple design, metal workers in developing countries may be able fabricate them if no commercial ones are available. Note that the precise size of the load binder below is "1/4 - 5/16".

Note that parts such as the "rope ratchets" below could have substitutions that perform the same function. Devices such "rope grabs", "rope clamps" and "ascenders" are used by mountain climbers, window washers, and tree pruners (aborists). For example an "XRT Rope Lock Tie Down" costs about $15.00 USD on eBay, can hoist 500 lbs. (226 kg), and performs the same function as the "rope ratchet" further below.

All hoisting methods for our device can use cam-based mechanisms to tighten (and loosen) ropes under considerable load mostly for climbing, rappelling, and as tie-downs for camping or transporting heavy objects. One advantage of using the "rope ratchets" is that they come with ropes that are the proper size (diameter) and material which increases safety.




The eye screw placement page mentioned below (in Step 11) can be accessed here.