the clamp sides may have the shape of a rounded edge trapezoid as shown in fig5 a or a rounded edge pentagon as shown in fig5 b for example fig6 is a detailed diagram illustrating belt spool assembly 600 according to one embodiment of the present invention spool assembly 600 includes spool 610 strap guards 620 and at least one gear wheel 630 as discussed above it is preferred that spool 610 has a diameter that is not too small and preferably 1 1 inches or greater such that no significant shear stress is put on the lift strap so as not to damage or destroy it in use strap guards 620 function to protect the lift strap from wear caused by gear wheel 620 and to prevent any grease used on gear wheel 620 from getting on the lift strap strap guards 620 may be made of a conductive material such as aluminum so as to draw heat away from the lift strap and prevent heat damage to the strap in operation gear wheel 630 engages with a worm gear not shown on the motor of the patient lifting device to drive spool 610 which in turn winds and unwinds the lift strap from spool 610 fig7 is a side view of lift strap 700 at a first end e 1 lift strap 700 is folded over itself and either welded to itself or bonded by adhesives to create a fastener free loop with which to connect belt clamp assembly 420 thus when attached to belt clamp assembly 420 lift strap 700 is not damaged perforated stitched or riveted through with mechanical fastenings as discussed above advantageously lift strap 700 is attached to lifting frame 130 in a manner that minimizes areas for moisture and germs.