TITLE OF INVENTION: SMOOTH LATERAL PATIENT TRANSFER APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to a patient transfer apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus used to transfer patients smoothly and laterally from one horizontal surface to another.

BACKGROUND ART

[0001] A patient may require transferring frequently from one surface to another, from a patient’s room to operating rooms, radiology area, emergency room, recovery area etc., sometimes several times a day. Some patients requiring such transfers may be incapable of supporting the transfer or be incapacitated. Therefore, transferring such patients from one surface to another safely requires special care and precautions. Otherwise the process may become difficult and injury-prone to both the patient and the operator.

[0002] The existing devices that are currently in use are sheet transfer, slider board transfer, roller board transfer, air transfer device, electronic transfer device and automatic trolleys etc. As manual transfer often causes strain on the workers or operators and possible contact bruises on the patient, there have been many attempts to mechanize the patient transfer process. Using rollers have also been tried in different forms.

[0003] US6802091B1 for a Patient moving bed assembly by Lenon Harris discloses an assembly for transferring a patient from a primary bed to a secondary support such as a gurney including a frame, a mattress, a mattress support panel having tracks, rollers engaged to the tracks, and a motor to move the rollers in a desired direction to move the mattress laterally. However, the process becomes complicated through the use of a motor as the motor needs to be powered for its operation and functioning.

[0004] US4274168A for a Patient transfer apparatus by Depowski discloses an apparatus which utilizes a movable cart onto which is structurally annexed an expandable series of finger- like projections fitted with rollers which, in an expanded mode may be inserted into correspondingly hollowed out areas of a hard rubber or vinyl mattress foundation which is permanently affixed to a hospital or other bed thus enabling the mattress and any patient thereon to transfer across these rollers to or from the movable cart and/or bed. However, the mattress foundation is permanently affixed to a hospital or other bed which is not convenient for use in different beds and surfaces.

[0005] PCT patent publication W02005027814A1 by Mark Kevin Ricks discloses a bed for patient care, the bed having a bed frame, the bed frame supporting at least two rollers, the rollers extending in an axial direction of the bed, a flexible mattress attached to a mattress carrying means extending around the rollers and being in contact with the rollers, and drive means to cause the mattress to move laterally across the bed. The mattress comprises an endless loop which extends around the rollers and has opposed edges attached to each other and wherein the mattress carrying means is the underneath surface of the mattress itself. However, in this technique the roller system is in direct contact with the mattress hampering smooth transition.

[0006] US6802091B1 describes a patient moving bed assembly, essentially consisting a pair of tracks extending along a respective end of a mattress support panel and rollers coupled to a frame and engaging the said tracks for facilitating lateral movement of said mattress. Moreover, a bed tilting means is coupled between the mattress and the mattress support panel for selectively raising a foot portion and a head portion of the mattress. However, the bed tilting means for raising the head and foot portions of the bed is described as the technique commonly used in hospital beds which is usually a fixed mechanism.

[0007] EP0865245B 1 describes patient transfer systems, wherein a transfer sheet with the patient enveloped in it, is clamped and a transfer force is exerted by a winch apparatus (including a drive shaft and at least one spool attached to the drive shaft) whereby the transfer sheet is drawn by the transfer force to transfer the patient from the first surface to the second surface. In this method the patient is pushed on a sheet using the winch apparatus which is not smooth nor comfortable for the patient.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical problem

[0008] The transfer of patients from one surface to another is usually performed by two or more persons who are hospital personnel. Healthcare guidelines normally recommend four healthcare workers to participate in a patient transfer. Hence it becomes labor intensive and costly as well. The inability for a single operator to handle the equipment without posing a risk to the patient is a problem that needs to be addressed.

[0009] A patient is usually transferred between surfaces through a combination of lifting, pulling and pushing. The task typically requires considerable physical strength and sometimes results in injury to the patient or operator/helper or both. Patients who have injuries that are sensitive to movement and need to remain stationary to prevent further injury or assist recovery, must be handled and transferred smoothly with minimum disturbances More particularly in lateral transfers, it has become difficult to effect a transfer without disturbing the alignment of the patient. Even in instances where rollers are used to smoothen the transfer, the vibration caused by the friction during sliding contact, is transferred onto the mattress due to the direct contact between the mattress and the rollers. Thus the difficulty to the operator and the patient during the transfer and the need to prevent accidents caused in such transfers calls for a more expeditious technique for transferring a patient between surfaces safely and smoothly.

[0010] Healthcare workers also face difficulties in cleaning a patient due to the difficulty in tilting a patient on a flat surface. Manual turning of patients require physical strength, in the absence of which, raising the bed from one side requires mechanical support.

[0011] Further, complicated mechanisms and the use of a power source prevents easy handling as they suffer the disadvantage of being dependent on a power source for the function and operation of the device, which may prevent use of the device in the event of a power failure. It also prevents easy cleaning, requiring the assistance of an expert or a technician to prevent damage to the device.

[0012] Hence there is a need for an improved patient transfer apparatus that is simple, less expensive and more versatile, adapted to facilitate movement between surfaces by a single operator possessing a minimum level of strength, safely, smoothly and efficiently.

Technical Solution

[0013] The present invention seeks to overcome the above problems by providing a more safe, smooth and easy technique for transferring patients between surfaces with minimum effort. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention eliminates the need to depend on a power source or be pushed uncomfortably from one horizontal surface to another.

[0014] This is achieved by the use of rollers, selectively tucked under the mattress from the two sides, through handles positioned on the sides. The apparatus includes a frame having two horizontal parallel side bars with longitudinal slits defined therein into which the two side ends of a mattress are inserted. Two generally u-shaped handles, each having two legs and a horizontal crown part connecting the two legs, are pivotally connected to the ends of the said side bars by the open ends of the said legs, whereby the crown part of the handles are positioned parallel to the side bars. The pivoting means connecting the ends of the side bar and the open ends of each leg allow the handle to move vertically to a desired position. Arc shaped arms, having a free end and a pivoting end, are connected pivotally to the crown of the said handles. Rollers are positioned generally horizontal, with their axles connected to the open end of a said arcuate arm.

[0015] The said frame is so arranged that when downward force is exerted on the crown of a said handle, it is lowered in vertical direction, by the movement of the two legs connected thereto around the axis of the side bar, thereby causing the arcuate arm to move downwards, and the rollers are tucked in between the mattress and the first horizontal surface, the rollers touching the surface below the mattress, and the tip of the arcuate arms raising the mattress by withstanding the weight of the mattress thereon, enabling the mattress to be moved laterally on the rollers.

[0016] When upward force is exerted on the crown of a handle that is in a tucked-in position, the handle is raised in vertical direction, by the rotation of the two legs connected thereto around the axis of the side bar, thereby causing the arcuate arm to move upwards, and the rollers to emerge from being tucked in, lowering the mattress onto the surface below it.

[0017] Additionally, straps can be used to hold the mattress and strengthen the engagement between the mattress and the side bars. Straps may be arranged across the mattress wherein the two ends of each strap are connected to the two side bars. Further, the length of the arcuate arms may be increased by attaching an extender which is selectively adjustable by sliding along the arcuate arms so that the height/ gap between the mattress and the surface below can be adjusted depending on the weight of the patient.

[0018] Thus the transfer apparatus described herein is a movable mattress by means of a roller system connected to it. [0019] In the invention disclosed herein, a patient can be transferred from one surface to another in a safe and easy manner. The operation of the apparatus is simple and the equipment can be easily operated by one person. After transferring a patient to a trolley or a surface that has no side railings, the side-barriers/ handles beside the mattress can be raised for the protection of the patient. A single person can transfer a patient from a bed to a trolley or vice versa and move the patient safely. During the transfer of a patient, the trolley is positioned between the operator and the bed, which ensures safety as the trolley will remain in a fixed position until the transfer is complete. In the invention as disclosed herein, the alignment of the patient need not be changed. Once the side barriers are lowered, it is possible to tilt the patient without causing discomfort which helps with the cleaning of the patient. As the present invention does not rely on a motorized system nor dependent on a power source, its operation only requires a simple manual procedure.

Advantageous effects

[0020] There are many advantages in using an apparatus as disclosed herein.

[0021] It outperforms existing methods since it can reduce the number of healthcare workers necessary for transferring a patient laterally. Convenient transfer of a patient is possible by a single health care worker without much effort or physical strength. It can be used without any external power source and is thus not affected by loss of electricity or power.

[0022] Unlike in prior art, as the operating parts are located outside, it is easier to maintain and service without requiring any expert intervention.

[0023] The apparatus also causes no discomfort to the patient. It provides improved safety for the patient compared to the other systems. Thus it minimizes the possibility of injuries to the patient during a transfer. A patient who has undergone an operation can also be easily transferred using this apparatus, particularly from the operation theatre to the ward bed without changing the position of the patient. It also facilitates easy cleaning of the patient by turning down the side handles.

[0024] When the apparatus is positioned on a surface that has no side railings, the handles may be raised to prevent the patient from accidentally rolling off the mattress.

[0025] When extenders are attached to the arcuate arms used to lift the patient, the mattress can be raised further up, increasing the gap between the mattress and the surface below, to support the weight of an overweight patient. Therefore the gap is selectively adjustable based on the weight of the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding summary of the invention in any manner. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0027] Fig. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment where the apparatus is placed on a surface and not in operation.

[0029] Fig. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a patient transfer apparatus according to the embodiment in Fig. 2 where the rollers are tucked in and the patient is in mid-transfer from one surface to another.

[0030] Fig. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a patient transfer apparatus according to the embodiment in Fig. 2 where the apparatus is placed on a surface and the handles are lifted.

[0031] Fig. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment where the handles lie parallel to the mattress and the arcuate arms are lowered, without the surface.

[0032] Fig. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a comer locking mechanism in a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of rollers connected to arcuate arms in a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment. [0034] Fig. 8 illustrates a side view of an arcuate arm with rollers and extender connected thereto in a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 9 illustrates a side view of an arcuate arm with rollers connected thereto and extender expanded to its maximum length in a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0036] This smooth lateral patient transfer system discusses a mechanism for transferring patients laterally from one horizontal surface to another easily, safely and smoothly.

[0037] More particularly, patients who are immobile and cannot assist in the transfer, or requiring to be stationary to prevent further injury or to assist in recovery require smooth transfer with minimum disturbances. Thus the number of healthcare workers or helpers required in such patient transfers are also high. Otherwise an automated system requiring a power source has to be used. The said methods have disadvantages in that they are complicated, inconvenient, sometimes dangerous, and labour intensive or dependent on an external power source.

[0038] In this invention, it is possible to achieve simplicity and safety for both the operator and the patient, and reliability.

[0039] In the embodiments, the smooth lateral patient transferring mechanism consists of a frame having two side bars that engage with the two sides of a mattress. Two generally u- shaped handles are each connected from their two open ends, to the two comers/ ends of each side bar. In this document, parts of the generally ‘U’ shaped components are allotted separate names for convenience in indicating and referring to a specific area on the handle. The two generally parallel limbs of the ‘U’ are often referred to as ‘legs’ whilst the limb that joins the two legs is often called the ‘crown’. Accordingly, the two open ends of the legs in a handle are connected to the two comers of a side bar, whereby the crown part of the handle lies parallel to the side bar and the legs are positioned perpendicular to the crown and the handle bar. The connection between the legs and comers of the side bar are pivotal, permitting the legs to be moved pivotally around the horizontal axis of the side bar. Optionally, locking means may be positioned for controlling the pivotal movement.

[0040] Arc-shaped arms/ arcuate arms are pivotally connected from one end to the crown of the said handles, and the other end of the arcuate arms are connected to rollers by their axle. When force is exerted on a handle, it is movable in vertical direction around the axis of the side bars, thereby causing the arcuate arms to move accordingly.

[0041] When a handle is lowered, the arms with the rollers are tucked in between the mattress and the surface below it. The end of the arcuate arms comes in contact with the bottom of the mattress and the weight of the mattress is directly borne by the arcuate arms whilst raising the mattress and enabling lateral movement. Accordingly, the rollers rest on the surface below the mattress enabling lateral movement thereon. When the handle is lifted therefrom, the arcuate arms with the rollers emerge from under the mattress, lowering the mattress onto the surface below.

[0042] Additionally, straps can be used to hold the mattress and strengthen the engagement between the mattress and the side bars. Straps may be arranged across the mattress wherein the two ends of each strap are connected to the two side bars. Further, the length of the arcuate arms may be increased by attaching an extender which is selectively adjustable by sliding along the arcuate arms so that the height/ gap between the mattress and the surface below can be adjusted depending on the weight of the patient.

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only.

[0044] Fig. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment where the two handles 4 are lifted and the arcuate arms 7 are let down. One of the main components of the apparatus is the handle 4. A handle 4 may be identified in parts for convenience. The two parallel limbs 5 connecting to the side bars form the legs 5 of the handle 4, whilst the part connecting the two legs 5 form the crown 6 of the handle 4. Two handles 4 thus connect to either sides of the bed to the comers of the side bars 3. Here, four arcuate arms 7 on one side are turned down and in a resting position and the handles 4 are lifted by pivoting the legs 5 of the handle 4 generally vertical. The crown 6 of the handle 4 lies generally horizontal.

[0045] A rod 9 connecting two arcuate arms 7 are used to assist in the manual exertion of force to cause movement of the handle 4. Three rollers 8 are connected between the four arcuate arms 7. An extender 11 is slidably attached to each arcuate arm 7, to slide along the arcuate arms 7 to extend their length.

[0046] For the purpose of illustrating a clear example of an embodiment of the apparatus, Fig. 2 through Fig. 4 are described together.

[0047] Fig. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment where the apparatus is placed on a surface 1, but not in operation. Two handles 4 thus connect to either sides of the bed to the comers of the side bars 3. Here, four arcuate arms 7 on one side are turned down and in a resting position as the handles 4 he on the same horizontal plane as the mattress 2. The crown 6 of the handle 4 lies parallel to the side bars 3 and the legs 5 of the handle 4 lies perpendicular to the side bars 3.

[0048] As illustrated, additional padding 15 is used to cover the gap between the mattress 2 and the side bars 3 ensuring further safety of the patient. A rod 9 connecting two arcuate arms 7 are used to assist in the manual exertion of force to cause movement of the handle 4. Three rollers 8 are connected between the four arcuate arms 7. An extender 11 is slidably attached to each arcuate arm 7, to slide along the arcuate arms 7 to extend their length, with a bolt 12 to lock the extender in place upon extending to a desired length.

[0049] Fig. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment, more particularly according to Fig.2, where the rollers 8 are tucked in and the patient is in mid-transfer from a bed to a trolley. The arcuate arms 7 are pivotally moved to be tucked under the mattress 2 and the rollers 8 are in contact with the surface 1 below them. The mattress 2 is thus glided on the rollers 8.

[0050] Fig. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment, more particularly according to Fig. 2, where the apparatus is placed on a surface 1 and the handles 4 are lifted. The arcuate arms 7 are lowered to a resting position whilst the handles 4 are raised by pivoting the legs 5 of the handle 4 generally perpendicular to the mattress 2.

[0051] Fig. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment where the handles 4 he parallel to the mattress 2 and the arcuate arms 7 are lowered, without the surface. The top layer of the mattress 13 is placed on the bottom layers 14 of the mattress and additional padding 15 is added to the gap between the mattress 2 and the crown 6 of the handle 4. The fitting of a detachable padding 15 on one side and padding 15 attached on the other side is illustrated. Four arcuate arms 7 are turned down on both sides to a resting position as the handles 4 lie on the same horizontal plane as the mattress 2. The crown 6 of the handle 4 lies parallel to the side bars 3 and the legs 5 of the handle 4 lies perpendicular to the side bars 3. A rod 9 connecting two arcuate arms 7 are used to assist in the manual exertion of force to cause movement of the handle 4. Three rollers 8 are connected between the four arcuate arms 7. An extender 11 is slidably attached to each arcuate arm 7, to slide along the arcuate arms 7 to extend their length, with a bolt 12 to lock the extender 11 in place upon extending to a desired length.

[0052] Fig. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a comer locking mechanism 10 in a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment. A retainer 16 having two vertical parallel walls 17 are connected to the side bar 3, forming a slot 18 for holding the open end of a leg 5 of a handle 4. In this embodiment, the connection to the side bar 3 is achieved through two connecters 26 being bolted to the comer of a side bar 3. The fastening means used to connect the open end of the leg 5 of the handle 4 to the walls of the retainer 17, is a bolt 19 permitting pivotal movement of the leg 5 vertically around its axis. A rod 21 joining the two walls 17 of the retainer 16 is used to control the movement of the legs 5. A hook 20 having the appearance of a peg is disposed on the end of the leg 5 for latching onto the rod 21 when the leg 5 is moved downwards, and detaching when the leg 5 is caused to move upwards.

[0053] When the rollers 8 need to be tucked under, force is exerted on the handle 4, forcing the legs 5 to pivot downwards, and is locked by the hook 20 preventing involuntary movement. Once the transfer of a patient is made, the operator may manually exert force on the handle 4 to release the latching and move the legs 5 upwards. This is a necessary safety measure to ensure that the rollers 8 or the handle 4 do not change its position involuntarily.

[0054] The legs 5 and the crown 6 part of the handle 4 may be manufactured out of a single solid material or as three parts i.e two legs 5 and the crown part 6. In this embodiment, a leg 5 is illustrated as connected to the crown part 6 of the handle 4 through a bolt 27, which is convenient for repairs if required.

[0055] For the purpose of illustrating a clear example of the roller system, Fig. 7 through Fig. 9 are described together. [0056] Fig. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of rollers 8 connected to arcuate arms 7 in a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment. The arcuate arms 7 are made of thin solid plates and the arc-shape provides the advantage of being able to slide under the mattress 2 and hold the weight of the mattress 2 and objects thereon. The number of arms 7 and the thickness of the arms may be varied as required. The arcuate arms 7 may be connected to the crown 6 of the handles 4 through a pivotal connection where the crown 6 of the handle 4 is inserted through a hole or cavity carved through the arcuate arms 7. The arms 7 may thus be spun around the crown 6 of the handle 4 along its horizontal axis. This enables easy movement of the arcuate arms 7 from one position to another, for tucking-in and pulling out for patient transfer and closing for transportation of the apparatus without a patient and/or the mattress. Additionally, padding may be used to cover the rollers 8 for absorbing any vibration caused during movement.

[0057] Longitudinal slits 22 are made on two arcuate arms 7 and a generally u-shaped extender 11 having two legs 23 and a crown 24 is connected thereto. The two open ends of its legs 23 are slidably connected to the slits 22 on the arcuate arms 7. A bolt 12 is fastened through the extender 11 and the slit 22 of an arcuate arm 7, locking the two legs 23 of the extender 11 to the arcuate arms 7 at a desired position. The extender 11 is configured to increase the length of the arcuate arm 7 for adjusting the gap 28 between the mattress and the surface by sliding the legs 23 of the extender 11 along the slit 22 of the arcuate arm 7 and being locked upon reaching the desired length, such that the crown 24 of the extender 11 supports the weight of the mattress thereon.

[0058] Fig. 8 and 9 illustrate a side view of an arcuate arm 7 with rollers 8 and extender 11 connected thereto in a patient transfer apparatus according to an embodiment. In Fig. 9 the extender 11 is expanded to its maximum length and in Fig. 8 the extender 11 is retracted to its minimum length.

[0059] Thus they illustrate the minimum and maximum heights adjustable on the extender 11. The minimum and maximum heights 28 can be adjusted by sliding the legs 23 of the extender 11 along the slits 22 made on the arcuate arms 7. Accordingly, when the extender 11 is slid towards the pivotal connection 25 point between the crown 6 of the handle and the arcuate arm 7, the height 28 of the extender 11 is decreased. When the extender 11 is slid along the slit 22 towards the other open end of the arcuate arm 7, the height 28 is increased. The height 28 a patient is lifted can be adjusted before tucking-in the arcuate arms 7 between the surface 1 and the mattress 2.

[0060] Additionally a rod 9 is fixed connecting two arcuate arms 7 for manually exerting force to cause movement of the handle 4. The frame with the side bars 3 and the handles 4 and the roller system 8 attached to it is easily detachable from the mattress when required. The frame is thus easily transportable upon being detached from the mattress 2.

[0061] The mattress 2 is a solid panel enabling weight to be borne safely. The mattress is best comprised of a bottom layer 14, middle layer and a top layer 13. The bottom layer 14 may be of a flexible solid material, and the top layer 13 of a thin and flexible material to provide comfort to the patient. The middle layer may be made of materials selected from a group of reinforced vinyl, reinforced fiberglass, wood or aluminium. The middle layer may otherwise be a foam layer made of soft flexible material. The mattress 2 may engage with the side bars 3 using various mechanisms. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the side bars 3 consist longitudinal slits or openings on the inner sides that face the mattress and the two sides of the mattress can be inserted into the slits on the respective side bars 3.

[0062] Further, straps may be arranged across the mattress whereby the two ends of each strap are connected to the two side bars in order to hold the mattress more securely. The straps may thus be multiple belts bearing the same tension fixed along the breath, some at the front and some at the back for reinforcement, such that the weight is not entirely borne by the mattress.

[0063] The most suitable and preferred material to construct the structure of the apparatus is a solid material such as metal and/or hard plastic for their inherent qualities. However, a more environment-friendly alternative such as wood may also be used.

Industrial Applicability

[0064] The patient transfer system has direct application in the healthcare sector. More particularly in hospitals, patient care centers and emergency services.

[0065] It has also use in bed-ridden patients being cared at home.