GB2381256A

GB2381256A - Patient lifting device

Info

Publication number: GB2381256A
Application number: GB0123440A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Collette Fellows-Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-09-29
Filing date: 2001-09-29
Publication date: 2003-04-30
Also published as: GB0123440D0

Abstract

A patient lifting device includes an articulated stretcher with a seat 3, back 2, and base 4, a means for rotating the seat 3 and back 2 relative to the base 4, so that the angle between the back 2 and seat 3 is less than 180{ in order to support a patient in a sifting position. An aperture 10 is provided in the seat 3 which may be used as an aid to toileting the patient while in an elevated position. A means of suspension 5 may also be included, which provides movement of the stretcher when connected to a support structure 13, in this case a column 6 (to provide vertical movement), a wheeled base 7 (to provide lateral movement) and a linkage 8 that allows the stretcher to rotate. The support structure 13 allows a detached stretcher to be picked up from ground level (fig 3 and 4).

Description

PATIENT LIFTING DEVICE Field of the Invention This invention relates to an aid for use in the lifting and movement of patients.

It is well known that the lifting and movement of patients in hospitals and nursing homes is a difficult and strenuous task when attempted by a team of nurses or care workers, and almost impossible and probably dangerous if attempted by an individual.

Unfortunately, there may only be a single nurse or care assistant available to move a patient, for-example between beds,-to a toilet, or to lift-a patient clear of their bed to allow bedding to be changed, while on other occasions a patient may fall and, while uninjured, may not be able to stand independently.

A variety of aids to assist patient lifting and movement have become commonplace in hospitals and nursing homes. Transfer sheets are used to move patients laterally between beds and trolleys while slings and hoists may be used for lifting. Many of these hoists require-the-patient to be manipulated into a canvas or webbing sling prior to being lifted, itself quite physically demanding, while the patients position in the sling is undignified and uncomfortable.

Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a patient lifting device comprising of at-least two-sections flexibly-joined along common-edges to form an articulated-platform or stretcher, with an aperture adjacent to this linkage, restraining straps or fixings, and a low friction sliding cover. A base section is also provided, flexibly joined to the stretcher adjacent to the existing articulated common edges. A means is provided to lift the edges of the stretcher, opposite those flexibly joined, relative to the base section so that the angle between the stretcher sections decreases.

The apparatus is also provided with at least two-point suspension means, preferably with at least onepomHoeated-at each of-the stretcher sections.-The-suspension-means allows the stretcher to be moved vertically and may be provided with wheels or castors to allow lateral movement and a rotating linkage between the stretcher and support means, which allows rotation of the stretcher.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :- Figure 1 shows in perspective the stretcher and support structure.

Figure 2 shows the stretcher with a patient located at ground level.

Figure 3 shows the stretcher lifting the patient into a seated position.

Figure 4 shows the support structure in position and ready to lift the stretcher and patient.

Figure 5 shows the patient and stretcher in a raised position ready to be relocated.

Figure 6 shows the stretcher with a patient located at on a bed with the support structure in position and ready to lift.

Figure 7 illustrates the articulating stretcher forming a seat for the patient during a lift.

Figure 8 shows the patient and stretcher in a raised position ready to be relocated or allowing access for the bed linen to be changed.

Figure 9 illustrates pivoting the patient and stretcher while in an elevated position.

Referring to the drawings, the patient lifting device comprises an articulated stretcher 1

with-a seat-2 back-a, and base 4, a means for rotating the-seat 2-and-back-3relative to the base 4, by, for example, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or similar means (not shown), so that the angle between the back and seat is less than 1800. An aperture 10 is provided adjacent to the linkage which may be used as an aid to toiletting the patient while in an elevated position. Restraining straps or fixings 9 and a low friction cover (not shown) may be provided. A means of suspension 5 is also provided on the seat 2 and base 3, which provides vertical movement of the stretcher 1 when connected to a support structure 13, in this case a column 6, with means of providing vertical drive by, for example, mechanical, electrical, or similar means (not shown), wheeled base 7 (to provide lateral movementjand a rotating linkages 8 that allows axial rotation ofthe stretcher 1.

If the patient 11 has fallen or is prone on the ground 12 the apparatus may be used as follows. The patient 11 is transferred to the horizontal stretcher 1 using a transfer sheet or other means and secured using straps (not shown) as shown in Fig 2. Fig 3 shows the seat 2 and back 3 of the stretcher 1 rotated relative to the base 4 so that the angle between the seat 2 and back-3 becomes less than 1800 and the stretcher 1 forms a seat for the patient, with the base 4 remaining in contact with the ground 12 to provide stability. The low friction cover (not shown) assists the patient in conforming to their new seated position. When the desired angle is achieved, a prop, ratchet or similar device (not shown) may be used lock the seat 2 and back 3 in their relative positions. The stretcher may be provided with wheels, skids, or similar (not shown), to allow the patient to be manoeuvred to a more favourable location while remaining in a seated position.

The-support structure-13 is positioned to engage with-the suspension points 5- and-the patient 11 lifted Fig 4/5.

Alternatively, if the patient is in a bed 14, as shown in Fig 6, they are transferred to the horizontal stretcher 1, support structure 13 assembly, using a transfer sheet or other means (not shown) and secured using straps where appropriate. In this case the stretchers rotating mechanism is not used and so may be removed from the apparatus.

Fig 7 shows that as the stretcher 1 is lifted clear of the bed 14 the weight of the patient 11- forGes the- str-etcher-1-into-a -seat shape, and the-low-friction-cover {-not shown)-assists the patient 11 in conforming to their new seated position similar to that previously described, as shown in Fig 8.

While supported by this structure the patient 11 may be moved laterally using the wheeled base 7, for example to a bed or different room, or rotated to provide a more upright seating position for the patient. The aperture 10 may be utilised for toiletting purposes, as shown in Fig 9, using a commode or toilet, alternatively an additional bedpan or similar container may be provided for this purpose that may be removably engaged with the seat 2.-The procedure is-reversed to lower the patient-onto a bed or other surface.

Claims

Claims patient lifting device including at least two rigid sections, flexibly joined along common edges to form an articulated platform or stretcher which, when flat, allows a patient to be transferred onto it from a prone position, but are allowed to rotate around the flexible joint relative to each other so that the angle between the rigid sections may decrease in order that the stretcher forms a patient seat.
2. A patient lifting device as claimed in Claim 1 where an additional rigid section, or base, is also provided, flexibly joined adjacent to the existing articulated common edges.
3. A patient lifting device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 where one or more balloons are included which may be inflated under the articulated rigid sections in order that the rigid sections rotate relative to each other.
4. A patient lifting device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 where mechanical means are included which act on the articulated rigid sections in order that the rigid sections rotate relative to each other.
5. A patient lifting device as claimed in any proceeding claim where wheels or skids are included on the stretcher to assist in movement of the patient and stretcher across the floor.
6. A patient lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim where the stretcher is - provided with at-teast-two-point-suspension-means, releasably connected to a- lifting mechanism.
7. A patient lifting device as claimed in Claim 6 where the lifting mechanism is mounted on a wheeled base.

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8. A patient lifting device as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7 where the lifting mechanism is-able to-rotaten the horizontal axis which changes-the angle of a patient when seated in the stretcher.
9. A patient lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim where patient restraining straps or fixings are included.
10. A patient lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim where a low friction sliding cover is included.
11. A patient lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim with an aperture in the stretcher in order that a patient being moved may perform toilet functions in conjunction with a bedpan or toilet.
12. A patient lifting device as claimed in any preceding claim which is made from metal, plastics material or wood, or from a combination of these materials.
13. A patient lifting device substantially as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.