Field of the Invention

[1] This invention relates generally to an interchangeable undersheet assembly and method of utilisation thereof for removing and/or replacing patient undersheets. While the embodiments described herein have been described primarily with reference to utilisation for hospital beds, it should be noted that the invention need not necessarily be limited to this particular application and may, for example, be utilised for placement and replacement or stretchers, lifting slings, warming blankets or the like.

Background of the Invention

[2] According to current hospital procedures as is substantially shown in Figure 1, a patient is rolled from side to side for undersheet replacement. Specifically, as can be seen, to replace the sheet 2 under the patient 1 as shown in Figure 1A, the patient 1 is firstly rolled to one side so that the opposite side 2A of the sheet can be pushed in as shown in Figure IB whereafter the patient is then rolled to the opposite side across the sheet 2 as shown in Figure 1C to allow the sheet to be removed.

[3] The process is then repeated for the insertion of a fresh sheet under the patient.

[4] Manipulation of the patient is difficult and cumbersome however, especially for large patients. Such a procedure often times involves multiple staff.

[5] Furthermore, it is undesirous to shift the patients especially frail post-operative patients.

[6] As such, a need exists for a way to change undersheet without having to manipulate the patient in such a manner.

[7] US 3769642 A (WA MAN) 06 November 1973 [hereinafter referred to as Dl] discloses a patient transfer method and apparatus that employs a sheet wide enough to span the patient's bed and gurney alongside the bed to which the patient is to be transferred. The portion of the sheet on the bed is doubled back toward the gurney. The patient is moved to lie on the doubled portion and by pulling the edge of a top layer or pushing on the patient, he is transferred as the top of the double layers slides over the bottom layer. The transfer is facilitated by giving the surface of the sheet or band on the inside of the double layer a lower coefficient of friction than the surface on the other side.

[8] However, Dl is directed to patient transfer and not the present problem of undersheet interchange without having to move a patient. Furthermore, Dl yet requires rolling the patient about as is apparent from Figure 4 of Dl. [9] US 20160270565 Al (REUBEN) 22 September 2016 [hereinafter referred to as D2] discloses a duvet cover having a base sheet 12 and a top sheet 13 interconnected together by a peripheral stitched seam 15, 16. A down feather sheet 14 is retained between the base sheet and the top sheet.

[10] However, D2 is directed to the creation of all sorts of stitched or quilted designs without concern for the propagation of the down feathers between the base sheet and the top sheet of the duvet which would create irregular insulation.

[11] US 3761973 A (LEVENTHAL) 02 October 1973 [hereinafter referred to as D3] discloses a plastic back absorbtion pad sheet assembly adapted for use upon beds to overlie mattresses and sheets of the bed which can be disposed of when becoming soiled and which will prevent the soiling of the bed sheets and mattress.

[12] The present invention seeks to provide an interchangeable undersheet assembly, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[13] As is clear, none of Dl - D3 are directed to removing and/or replacing undersheets without having to move the patient.

[14] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Disclosure

[15] There is provided herein a method for removing an undersheet from under a patient.

[16] The method comprises providing an interchangeable undersheet assembly under the patient. The undersheet assembly has upper and lower outer sheets an inner draw sheet between the upper and lower outer sheets. The inner draw sheet is operatively coupled to distal lateral edges of the outer sheets.

[17] As such, pulling an opposite proximal lateral edge of the inner draw sheet to cause the upper and lower outer sheets furl inwardly from under the patient.

[18] In this way, the patient may remain in place while the undersheet is withdrawn, avoiding having to be rolled from side to side as per prior methodologies.

[19] The method may further comprise providing a plurality of undersheet assemblies under the patient and withdrawing each uppermost undersheet assembly from under the patient in turn.

[20] The upper sheet may be narrower than the lower sheet such that, when the outer sheets furl inwardly, the lower sheet defines a travelling trailing surface that wipes against the patient.

[21] The trailing surface may comprise an absorbent material. [22] The trailing surface may be impregnated with sanitiser.

[23] The method may further comprise connecting an adjacent undersheet assembly to the inner draw sheet such that, when the draw sheet may be withdrawn and the upper and lower outer sheets of the undersheet assembly furl inwardly from under the patient, the respective upper and lower outer sheets of the further adjacent assembly furl outwardly so as to subsume beneath the patient.

[24] The method may further comprise disconnecting the undersheet assembly from the further undersheet assembly and fastening a yet further undersheet assembly such that when the draw sheet may be drawn in an opposite direction and the upper and lower outer sheets of the further undersheet assembly furl inwardly from under the patient, the respective upper and lower outer sheets of the yet further adjacent assembly furl outwardly so as to subsume beneath the patient.

[25] The inner draw sheet may be formed by a separate inner draw sheet fastened to the distal lateral edges of the upper and lower outer sheets.

[26] The interchangeable undersheet assembly may be configured such that there is a lower coefficient of static friction between the inner draw sheet and an inner surface of the upper outer sheets as compared to between the patient and an outer surface of the upper sheet.

[27] The inner draw sheet may comprise an inner draw sheet material of a different material as of that of the outer sheets and wherein the inner draw sheet material is selected for low friction properties.

[28] Inner surfaces of the outer sheets may be configured such that there is a lower coefficient of static friction between adjacent respective inner surface portions of the outer sheets when the outer sheets furl inwardly as compared to between the patient and an outer surface of the upper sheet.

[29] Inner surface of the upper outer sheet may be formed by at least one of an inner layer of material or coating, the inner layer of material or coating selected for low friction properties.

[30] At least a portion of the top and bottom edges of the outer sheets towards the distal lateral edges may be fastened together.

[31] The method may further comprise providing a continuous roll of the inner draw sheet comprising a plurality of spaced apart upper and lower outer sheets such that each of the respective upper and lower outer sheets may be subsume beneath the patient by pulling the draw sheet in a continuous direction.

[32] The upper and lower sheets subsumed beneath the patient, the leading edges of the upper and lower sheets furl outwardly.

[33] The method may comprise utilising an apparatus to engage the leading edges of the outer sheets to cause the leading edges of the upper and lower sheets furl outwardly. [34] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for inserting An interchangeable undersheet assembly under a patient so as to be able to be subsequently withdrawn from under the patient in a manner as described herein, the method comprising utilising an insertion tool comprising an insertion portion comprising a pair of plates, the method comprising: inserting the inner draw sheet and substantial portions of the outer sheets between the pair of plates; pushing the insertion portion under the patient while pulling on respective leading edges of the outer sheets such that the outer sheets furl outwardly around the insertion portion; and when the outer sheets have sufficiently unfurled, withdrawing the insertion portion from beneath the patient leaving the undersheet assembly in place with the inner draw sheet between the upper and lower outer sheets.

[35] The insertion tool may comprise a static portion configured for pulling on the lateral edges of the outer sheets and wherein, when inserting the insertion portion under the patient, the static portion is used for differential purchase.

[36] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[37] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[38] Figure 1 shows the prior right way for changing a sheet beneath a patient by rolling the patient from side to side;

[39] Figure 2 shows an interchangeable undersheet assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

[40] Figure 3 shows an exemplary method for the utilisation of the interchangeable undersheet assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

[41] Figure 4 shows an exemplary method for the utilisation of the interchangeable undersheet assembly comprising utilisation of a plurality of stacked interchangeable undersheet assemblies which are withdrawn from beneath the patient one by one as required in accordance with an embodiment;

[42] Figure 5 shows an exemplary method for the utilisation of the interchangeable undersheet assembly comprising utilising opposing interchangeable undersheet assemblies alternately in accordance with an embodiment;

[43] Figure 6 shows an exemplary method for the utilisation of the interchangeable undersheet assembly comprising utilising a plurality of interchangeable undersheet assemblies drawn from a continuous roll in accordance with an embodiment; [44] Figure 7 shows a variation of the interchangeable undersheet assembly wherein the upper sheet is shorter than the lower sheet such that the lower sheet creates a rolling wiping surface when being withdrawn in accordance with an embodiment; and

[45] Figure 8 shows an introducer tool and a method of utilisation thereof for inserting the interchangeable undersheet assembly under the patient in accordance with an embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[46] Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of the interchangeable undersheet assembly 6. As can be seen, the assembly 6 comprises outer upper and lower sheets 3A, 3B and an inner draw sheet 4 located between the outer sheets 3. In embodiments, a series of parallel drawstrings may be utilised in lieu of a draw sheet 4.

[47] The sheets may be attached at a distal lateral edge 2.

[48] Figure 3 shows an exemplary method for removing a undersheet from under a patient using the assembly 6. Figure 3A initially shows the patient 1 lying atop the assembly 6 on a bed 5. As can be seen, the patient lies upon the upper sheet 3A which has the draw sheet 4 and the lower sheet 3B in turn underneath.

[49] As is shown in figure 3B, to remove the interchangeable undersheet assembly 6 from beneath the patient 1, the draw sheet 4 is pulled at a proximal lateral edge 13.

[50] As such, as the draw sheet 4 is pulled, the upper and lower sheets 3 furl inwardly from under the patient. As the draw sheet 4 is pulled, the inwardly furling outer sheets 3 define a rolling edges that travel beneath the patient without substantially disturbing the patient. At no time is the outer sheet 3 or sheet 4 sliding against the patient, thereby not exerting pulling forces on the patient.

[51] Figure 3C shows the assembly 6 have been fully withdrawn from beneath the patient 1. As can be seen, the patient 1 remains undisturbed in place upon the bed 5 with the interchangeable undersheet assembly 6 having been withdrawn from beneath the patient 1.

[52] In embodiments, the under sheet assembly 6 is configured such that there is a lower coefficient of static friction between the draw sheet 4 and inner surfaces of the outer sheets 3 or between adjacent inner surface portions of the outer sheets 3 when the outer sheets 3 furl inwardly as compared to between the patient and the upper surface of the upper outer sheet 3A or between the lower surface of the lower outer sheet 3B and the underlying surface.

[53] In one embodiment, the draw sheet 4 may comprise a differing material as that of the outer sheets 3 (such as by comprising polyester or the like). In additional or alternative embodiments, the outer sheets 3 may comprise layers comprising an inner layer having a lower coefficient of static friction. Alternatively, the outer sheet 3 may be coated with a friction reducing coating. [54] Furthermore, in an embodiment, drawstrings, as opposed to a draw sheet, may be utilised to pull the distal lateral edge of the outer sheets 3.

[55] In embodiments, the outer sheets may be closed at top and bottom edges 11 so as to define a pocket for containing soilage once withdrawn.

[56] In the embodiments described in figure 3 there is described the sheeting 6 being drawn laterally with respect to the patient. However, in other embodiments, the assembly 6 may be drawn from head to toe or vice versa.

[57] Turning now to figure 4, there is shown one method of utilisation of the interchange assembly 6 wherein a plurality of interchangeable undersheet assemblies 6A-6D are laid atop each other which may be withdrawn one by one as required from top to bottom. For example, for a particular bed stay duration, it may be estimated that a patient may require up to 4 undersheet interchanges and, as such, in anticipation thereof, the four assemblies 6 may be provided. Such stacked sheet interchange may also be utilised during surgery in this way wherein, for example, during a cesarean section or the like excess body fluids may be repeatedly removed by iterative removal of each uppermost assembly 6.

[58] Turning to figure 5, there is shown an exemplary arrangement wherein one assembly 6B is introduced as another assembly 6A is withdrawn.

[59] Specifically, figure 5A shows a patient 1 lying atop a first assembly 6A connected to a further adjacent assembly 6B by the draw sheet 4.

[60] As such, as is illustrated in figure 5B, as the draw sheet 4 is pulled, the first assembly 6A is withdrawn from beneath the patient 1 whilst the outer sheeting 3 of the further adjacent assembly 6A furls outwardly to deploy the further adjacent assembly 6A beneath the patient.

[61] Figure 5C shows the completed interchange wherein the first assembly 6A has been drawn from beneath the patient 1 and the second assembly 6B has been deployed beneath patient 1. The draw sheet 4 of the second assembly 6B may then be separated from the draw sheet 4 of the first assembly 6A such that the second assembly 6B may be subsequently be withdrawn in the normal manner.

[62] In embodiments, a fastening means 16 (such as by way of sticky tabs or the like) may be provided between the first assembly 6A and the second assembly 6B such that the first used assembly 6A may be disconnected from the second assembly 6B and a further third assembly 6C (not shown) may be connected to the second assembly 6B by the fastening means 16, such that, when the second assembly 6B is withdrawn from beneath the patient 1 in the manner described above, the new clean assembly 6C is introduced under the patient in an identical fashion. Different types of fastening means 16 may be utilised within the purpose of scope of the embodiments described herein, such as hook and loop fasteners, sticky surfaces and the like.

[63] Turning to figure 6, there is shown a further method of utilisation of the system wherein a plurality of assemblies 6 may be drawn from a continuous roll 7.

[64] Specifically, Figure 6A shows a continuous draw sheet 4 comprising a plurality of assemblies 6 equidistantly spaced therealong. In the example shown, there is shown a first assembly 6A and a second assembly 6B. The assemblies 6 may be spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the width of the outer sheeting 3.

[65] As such, to deploy outer sheeting 3 beneath the patient 1 the draw sheet 4 is pulled to the right in the direction indicated in Figure 6.

[66] Just prior the patient 1, an engagement 9 may grab the leading edges 17 of the outer sheeting 3. As such, as the draw sheet 4 is pulled beneath the patient 1, the leading edges 17 of the outer sheeting 3 may be caught by the engagement 9 causing the leading edge of the outer sheeting 3 to furl outwardly such that the outer sheeting 3 is able to assume the deployed configuration is substantially shown in figure 6B.

[67] In embodiments, the draw sheeting 4 may comprise a tacky coating 8 adjacent the outer sheeting 3 such that the draw sheeting 4 holds the outer sheeting 3 while the outer sheeting 3 is been furled backwardly by the engagement 9.

[68] In embodiments, the engagement 9 may comprise inward facing teeth of the like configured for catching or mating with corresponding apertures of the leading edge 17 of the outer sheeting 3.

[69] Considering figure 6B, to withdraw the first deployed assembly 6A from beneath the patient 1 the draw sheeting 4 would again be drawn to the right in the direction indicated. Now, prior to such withdrawal, the trailing distal edges 10 of the outer sheeting 3 may be fastened or stuck to the draw sheet 4 such that, as the draw sheet 4 is drawn, the trailing distal edges 12 of the outer sheeting 3 furl inwardly so as to be withdrawn from beneath the patient 1 in the manner described herein.

[70] In one embodiment, the inner surfaces of the distal edges 10 of the outer sheeting 3 may comprise a tacky surface for fastening to the draw sheeting 4.

[71] In alternative embodiments, fasteners may be introduced by a fastener apparatus 18. For example, a staple, heat seal or the like may be introduced by the apparatus 18 to fasten the train edges 10. In embodiments, the apparatus 18 may be fired or triggered manually by the surgeon, hospital staff or the like. However, in alternative embodiments, the apparatus 18 may gauge the length of draw sheet 4 drawn so as to be able to automatically apply such fastening at predetermined intervals. [72] Turning now to figure 7 A, there is shown a further embodiment of the assembly 6 wherein, as can be seen, the draw sheet 4 is fastened to the outer sheeting 3 at an offset away from the distal edge 12.

[73] As such, and as can be seen from figure 7B, as the draw sheet 4 is drawn, the under sheet 3B trails behind the upper sheet 3A so as to provide a rolling wiping surface 15 which wipes across the undersurface of the patient. As such, as the assembly 6 is drawn from beneath the patient 1A, the assembly 6 is additionally able to wipe the patient clean, so as to, for example, remove excess blood or other bodily fluids. In embodiments, the under sheet 3B may be impregnated with cleaning solution, disinfectant or the like or alternatively comprise a material having absorbent properties suitable for wiping a patient.

[74] In embodiments, additional sheeting layers may be applied to those described herein. For example, additionally absorbent sheeting, waterproofing sheeting or the like may be provided depending on the application. For example, the assembly 6 may comprise the draw sheet 4 and the outer sheeting 3 wherein an additional waterproofing layer is provided on top of the upper outer sheet 3A and a further absorbent sheet is provided on top of the waterproofing layer. In this manner, the assembly 6 is able to absorb bodily fluids without soaking the sheeting beneath, especially where the sheeting is utilising this stacked configuration is a substantially shown in figure 4.

[75] Figure 8 shows an introducer tool 16 for introducing the undersheet assembly 6 under a patient and an exemplary method of utilisation thereof in accordance with an embodiment.

[76] The tool 16 comprises an insertion portion 17 comprising a pair of spaced apart plates. The undersheet assembly 6 is engaged by the insertion portion 17 such that the inner draw sheet 4 and portions of the outer sheet 3 locate between the plates of the insertion portion 17. As is shown in Figure 8B, initially, so too is a substantial portion of the outer sheeting 3 retained between the plates of the insertion portion 17.

[77] In this configuration, the insertion tool 16 is placed against a side of patient.

[78] The insertion portion 17 is then pushed under the patient. The plates of the insertion portion 17 may be made from thin flexible yet sufficiently resilient plastic sheeting so as to slide easily under the patient.

[79] As can be seen from Figure 8C, as the plates move under the patient, the outer sheeting 3 furls outwardly around the outer edges of the plates until such time that the outer 3 and inner 4 sheets are substantially of the same length as is shown in Figure 8D.

[80] The insertion portion may then be withdrawn leaving the undersheet assembly 6 in place. [81] In embodiments, the introducer tool 16 may comprise a static portion 20. The static portion 20 may be connected to the edges of the outer sheeting 3 by way of strapping 21 or the like so as to pull the outer sheeting 3 around the outer edges of the plates of the insertion portion 17.

[82] Furthermore, the utilisation of the static portion 20 may provide convenient differential purchase wherein the operator may grip a handle 18 of the insertion portion 17 with one hand and a handle 19 of the static portion 20 with the other hand and move the insertion portion handle 18 oppositely apart to insert the insertion portion 17 under the patient.

[83] In embodiments, the removable under sheet assembly may be utilised for reusable or disposable application comprising the necessary respect of material therefor.

[84] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.