A Vision 20 Years in the Making
How one man's dedication to dignity and independence led to a revolutionary assistive device.
Delbert Rhoades
Founder & Inventor
Why He Did It
Delbert Rhoades saw the struggle firsthand — elderly and disabled individuals losing their independence and dignity over something as fundamental as using the bathroom. Caregivers suffering physical strain. Families watching loved ones lose confidence with every passing day.
Existing solutions were woefully inadequate: grab bars require upper body strength many users don't have. Ceiling lifts demand expensive renovations and permanent installation. Manual hoists strip away the very independence they claim to provide. None of them truly solved the problem.
With his engineering background and a conviction that technology could restore what aging and disability had taken, Delbert set out to build something different — something that would be safe, effective, affordable, and truly independence-promoting. Two decades later, the D-Lift is that solution.
“Everyone deserves to maintain their dignity and independence.”
— Delbert Rhoades
20 Years in the Making
A timeline of dedication, engineering, and unwavering purpose
The Idea
Delbert Rhoades identifies the need for a better toilet transfer solution after witnessing the daily struggles of elderly and disabled individuals.
First Prototype
Initial design and engineering begins. Delbert applies his engineering background to create the first working prototype of an electric actuator-based lift.
Patent Filed
Original patent filed. The unique electric actuator design and safety mechanisms are formally documented and submitted for intellectual property protection.
Refined Design
Years of testing and iteration improve safety and usability. The purpose-built height system is perfected to support users from 5' to 7' tall.
Production Models
Portable and Stationary models finalized. Manufacturing partnerships explored and production-ready designs completed.
Updated Design Patent
Updated design patent filed, reflecting years of refinement and engineering improvements to the D-Lift system.
Seeking Partners & Investors
Bringing the D-Lift to market at scale. Actively partnering with healthcare facilities, distributors, and investors to reach the millions who need it.
Our mission is to enhance independence and dignity for individuals with mobility challenges through innovative, safe, and accessible assistive technology.
The D-Lift at Home
Installed in a real residential bathroom — no renovation, no modification, working alongside a standard toilet.
The D-Lift in a real home setting — demonstrating that this is a functional, working product built for everyday use.
Protected Innovation
The D-Lift's unique electric actuator design and safety mechanisms are protected by patent. Original patent filed in 2004. Updated design patent filed in 2025. This intellectual property represents 20+ years of engineering innovation and provides a critical competitive moat.
Original Patent Filed: 2004
Updated Design Patent Filed: 2025