GB2439918A

GB2439918A - Bed with vertically lifting patient support

Info

Publication number: GB2439918A
Application number: GB0613651A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Vincent; Paul Vincent
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-11
Filing date: 2006-07-11
Publication date: 2008-01-16
Also published as: GB0613651D0

Abstract

A bed 2 for use by a subject, in particular a patient in a hospital or clinic, comprises a first support means 30, which may be a mattress, having a support surface on which the subject lays in normal use; a second support means 50 for supporting the subject, the second support means moveable between a first position and a second position; wherein, when the second support means is in the first position, the subject is supported by the first support means and may lay upon the support surface; and when the second support means is in the second position, the subject is supported above the surface of the first support means. In addition, there is discloses a system for supporting a subject in a prone position, the system comprising first and second longitudinal support members 54, in use each longitudinal support member extending along a respective side of the subject; and a plurality of lateral support members 70a-c, which may be removable straps, extend between the first and second longitudinal support members, in use the subject being supported on the upper surface of the lateral support members; wherein at least some of the lateral support members are selectively removable from at least one of the longitudinal support members, whereby removal of one or more but not all of the lateral support members will provide access to the underside of the subject, while keeping the subject supported in the prone position. The bed can have vertically oriented lifting rams 60 and (64).

Description

ABED

The present invention relates to beds, in particular to beds for use in the treatment and care of subjects or patients having impaired mobility and movement, especially for use in hospitals, clinics and the like, as well as the homes of invalid persons.

It is well known to provide patients in hospitals, clinics, care homes and the like with beds that have many features of use in the general treatment and care of the patients. In particular, it is well known to provide beds that are adjustable in height, so as to allow the height of the bed to be set to the optimum for the particular treatment or operation concerned. Examples of such adjustable beds are disclosed in WO 03/073974, WO 2005/048904, US 2004/0194210, all of which comprise means for selectively raising and lowering the height of the bed and a patient on the bed. S *S

US 7, 013,510 discloses a low profile hospital bed, in which a mattress S...

support frame is itself supported by a pivotably mounted wheel frame.

:. 20 EP 1,447,069 discloses a bed for use in a hospital or the like, having a supporting frame assembly that is adjustable to allow the bed and patient to be tilted at an angle to the horizontal. In particular, the arrangement allows the patient to be oriented, for example, with their feet lower than their head and shoulders.

A patient support apparatus is disclosed in US 2006/0031990 having a base and a litter frame. An elevation mechanism connects the litter frame to the base, to allow the height of the litter frame relative to the base to be adjusted. The litter frame is provided with separate modules for supporting the seat, thighs and feet of a patient, which may be oriented independently to provide the patient with the optimum support and position.

A hospital bed for the treatment of pulmonary diseases and nosocomial pressure ulcers is disclosed in EP 1,604,628, comprising a base, a deck having a plurality of openings therein supported above the base, and a plurality of modules supported within the openings in the deck. The modules may be provided with fluid so as to be inflated independently from one another, as required, in order to support the patient.

A patient support deck lifting and lowering assembly is disclosed in US 2006/0021143, having first and second frames vertically spaced from one another, with the second frame being supported above the first frame by an adjustable support assembly, allowing the height of the second frame above the first frame to be varied as required.

Finally, an adjustable bed assembly having adjustable and : interchangeable bed ends is disclosed in US 2006/0053550.

While, as the above summary shows, there is a variety of designs of bed for use in the positioning and supporting of patients in hospitals and the like, there is still a need for an improved bed system. In the case of patients with severe mobility problems, in particular partial or complete paralysis, it is a problem for hospital staff to move the patients. Similarly, patients with conditions causing severe pain, present medical staff with problems of moving the patients. A particularly acute problem arises with the movement of patients with severe burns. With such patients, routine tasks, such as changing the bed linen and bathing and washing the patient, present a major problem. The problem is exacerbated in case of patients that have lost control of their bodily functions and regularly soil the bed linen.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system that overcomes the aforementioned problems and provides improved access to both the patient and the mattress or linen they are lying on.

In a first aspect, therefore, the present invention provides a bed for use by a subject, the bed comprising: a first support means for the subject having a support surface on which the subject lays in normal use; a second support means for supporting the subject, the second support means moveable between a first position and a second position; wherein, when the second support means is in the first position, the subject is supported by the first support means and may lay upon the support surface; and when the second support means is in the second position, the subject is supported above the surface of the first support means. * **

The first support means may be a typical bed frame assembly, such as *.* the type of the prior art as aforementioned. The first support means will typically comprise a mattress, of conventional design and construction, the upper surface of the mattress providing the support surface on which the subject may lie in normal use.

: With the second support means in the first position, the weight of the subject is supported by the first support means, with the patient lying on the support surface. In this position, the bed will function as a conventional bed.

It is a particular advantage of the present invention that, with the assembly in this first position, there is no intrusion into the normal operation and use of the bed. Consequently, no changes in the normal practice and routines of the medical staff are required to incorporate the bed of the present invention into use.

With the second support means in the second position, the subject is held above and clear of the first support means, with the entire weight of the subject being borne by. the second support means. In this position, the medical staff have full access to such items as the mattress on the bed and/or the bed linen being used, which may be moved, adjusted, or replaced in the case of soiling. It will be appreciated that these tasks may be performed without any major disruption to the subject and without needing the move the subject from the bed in any way.

In a preferred embodiment, the second support means moves vertically between the first and second positions, such that the subject is not displaced in a horizontal direction at all during the movement. In this way, the subject remains within the footprint of the bed, thus reducing the amount of clearance required around the bed.

The second support means may be moved using any conventional system known in the art, including electric and/or pneumatic and/or hydraulic lifting assemblies. Hydraulic actuators are particular preferred. Suitable assemblies for moving the second support means between the first and * 20 second positions are known in the art and are commercially available. Known S..

assemblies for use in raising and lowering the second support means include scissor lift systems, known in the art and commonly applied as the means for raising and lowering hospital beds. In a preferred embodiment, the means for moving the second support means comprises a ram-type assembly, most preferably a vertically oriented ram.

The means to move the second support means between the first and second positions may be provided in sufficient number and location around the bed to perform the required duty. For example, each corner of the bed may be provided with an assembly for moving the second support means between the first and second positions. Preferably, a single assembly is provided at each of the foot and head of the bed to move the second support means. Preferably, the two assemblies are respectively located centrally at the head and the foot of the bed. In this way, access to the parts of the bed beneath the subject and to the subject themselves is maximized, with the minimum of obstruction being provided by the lifting means.

The second support means may comprise any suitable construction sufficient to support the entire weight of the subject and to lift the subject with the minimum of disturbance and disruption. In a preferred embodiment, the second support means comprises a horizontal support frame, with the subject being supported within the horizontal support frame. A particularly preferred arrangement comprises a horizontal support frame having a pair of longitudinal support members extending one each side of the subject. The subject is supported by a lateral support assembly extending between the two longitudinal support members. The lateral support assembly is most preferably flexible, such that the longitudinal support members may lie below the support surface when the second support means is in the first position. In this way, the second support means intrudes the least into the normal operation of the bed. * 20 ***

The lateral support assembly may comprise a single support member extending between the two longitudinal support members the entire length of the subject. Preferably, the lateral support assembly comprises a plurality of separate support members, each of which extends between the two longitudinal support members. Some or, most preferably, all of the lateral support members are removably fastened to at least one, more preferably both, of the longitudinal support members and may be removed. Preferably, the lateral support members are sized to allow one or more, but not all, to be removed and still allow the subject to be supported by the second support means. In this way, medical staff may have access to all parts of the subject, for example to administer treatment, inspect the subject or bathe the subject, as required. The lateral support members may be equal in width. Preferably, however, the lateral support members are unequal in width, with the lateral support members at the head and feet of the subject being greater in width than those located centrally. It has been found that such an arrangement provides an improved combination of continued support for the subject and access to the subject for treatment or attention. The lateral support members are preferably in the form of straps extending between the two longitudinal support members. The straps are of a suitable strong but flexible material.

The first support means may be any suitable arrangement for supporting a subject and is most typically a bed of conventional or standard design. The first support means is preferably adjustable in height, allowing the height of the subject to be varied, as required by the medical staff and the duties or functions they are to perform. Such adjustable assemblies are known in the art, for example from the prior art documents discussed hereinbefore. A preferred arrangement comprises a scissor-lift assembly to raise and lower the first support means, as required. * * S..

Preferably, the means for moving the second support means between the first and second positions and the means for adjusting the height of the *S.

first support means, if present, are operable remotely from the bed, for example by means of a cable link or the like. Such remotely operable control systems are known in the art.

As noted above, the first support means may be a bed of conventional design and construction, with a conventional mattress. Accordingly, it is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a way of modifying an existing bed assembly. In this respect, the present invention provides, in a further aspect, a kit of parts comprising: a second support assembly for use with a pre-existing first support assembly for a subject, such as a bed or the like; means for moving the second support means between a first position and a second position; wherein the first and second positions are such that, when installed on the first support means when the second support means is in the first position, the subject is supported by the first support means and may lay upon the support surface; and when the second support means is in the second position, the subject is supported above the surface of the first support means.

The second support means and the means for moving the second support means between the first and second positions are as hereinbefore described.

As noted above, aspects of the present invention provide medical staff with a way of supporting a subject and, while keeping the subject fully supported, gaining access to the subject to administer care and treatment.

Such access is not provided by known bed assemblies, in which the subject is S. typically lying on a mattress or other support surface. In this position, medical :. staff do not have ready access to the back or underside of the subject, without " 20 moving the subject, for example by rolling them onto their side. As noted, S..

* such movement can be a major disturbance for many subjects and inflict a ** considerable amount of discomfort and pain. This problem is overcome by the present invention.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a system for supporting a subject in a prone position, the system comprising: first and second longitudinal support members, in use each longitudinal support member extending along a respective side of the subject; and a plurality of lateral support members extending between the first and second longitudinal support members, in use the subject being supported on the upper surface of the lateral support members; wherein at least some of the lateral support members is selectively removable from at least one of the longitudinal support members, whereby removal of one or more but not all of the lateral support members will provide access to the underside of the subject, while keeping the subject supported in the prone position.

The lateral support members are connected at each end to the longitudinal support members. The lateral support members may be rigid.

However, they are preferably flexible. The lateral support members are preferably formed as straps that extend between the longitudinal support members.

At least some of the lateral support members are removable from at least one of the longitudinal support members. In this way, the selective removal of a lateral support member from at least one of the longitudinal support members will allow medical staff access to the subject, without needing to move the subject into a different position. Preferably, all of the lateral support members are removable from at least one of the longitudinal support members. The removable lateral support members may be arranged 20 to be disconnected from both longitudinal support members, allowing them to *.S * be removed from the system completely. S. * S * * * *5

5: " The lateral support members may be of equal widths. However, it is advantageous if the lateral support members are of unequal widths. In such a case, it is preferably that the lateral support members disposed at the head portion and feet portion of the system are wider than the intermediate lateral support members. In this way, the combination of supporting the subject and providing access to the subject, for applying treatment or the like, may be optimized.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bed according to the present invention, with the second support means in the first position; Figure 2 is a plan view of the bed in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the bed in Figure 1; Figure 4 is an end view of the bed in Figure 1, viewed from the head of the bed; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the bed of Figure 1 with the second support means in the first position; Figure 6 is a side elevation of the bed in Figure 5; and * S *S*.

:. Figure 7 is an end view of the bed in Figure 5, viewed from the foot of * 20 the bed. *,.

S I. 5 * IS

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a bed, generally indicated as 2.

The bed comprises a lower frame 4, having longitudinal frame members 6 connected by lateral frame members 8, supported on four casters 10 of conventional design. A scissor lift assembly 12 is connected to the lateral frame members and comprises lifting members 14, each pivoted at a lower end to the lower frame 4. The scissor lift assembly 12 is moved by a hydraulic ram 16 of conventional design pivoted at one end to the lower frame 4 and at the other end to the scissor lift assembly 12. The hydraulic ram 16 is a single action ram, with a release-to-air facility for lowering. The upper ends of the lifting members 14 are slidably mounted to rails 18.

The rails 18 support a rectangular, horizontally oriented bed frame 20 of conventional design. The bed frame 20 comprises side members 22 and end members 24. A head frame 26 is mounted to one end frame 24 and extends vertically therefrom. Similarly, a foot frame 28 is mounted to the other end frame 24 and extends vertically therefrom.

A mattress 30, again of conventional design and construction is supported on the bed frame 20. A patient or subject lies on the mattress 30 in a conventional manner, with the height of the patient or subject being adjustable using the scissor lift assembly 12, as is common in the art.

Together, the lower frame 4, the scissor lift assembly 12, the bed frame 20 and the mattress 30 comprise a first support means for the patient or subject.

:.:::. A second support means, generally indicated as 50, is mounted on the bed 2 as described hereinbelow. The second support means 50 will be described in situ on the bed in the accompanying figures. However, it is to be understood that the components of the second support means may be I..

* assembled and provided separately, in order to modify an existing bed or : other support. In addition, the second support means 50 may be used as a * a.

stand alone system for treating a prone patient, again using the techniques described below.

The second support means 50 comprises a support frame 52 of generally rectangular construction. The support frame 52 comprises a pair of longitudinal support members 54, extending each side of the bed 2, and a pair of end support members 56, disposed one each at the head and foot of the bed 2. A first lifting ram assembly 58 is disposed at the foot of the bed and comprises a vertically oriented lifting ram 60, connected to the corresponding end support member 56. A second lifting ram assembly 62 of similar configuration to the first comprises a vertically oriented lifting ram 64, connected to the second end support member 56. Actuation of the first and second lifting ram assemblies 58, 62 raises and lowers the support frame 52 with respect to the bed frame 20. The lifting rams 60, 64 of the first and second lifting ram assemblies 58, 62 are double action hydraulic ram assemblies, providing control in both the raising an lower of a patient.

The operation of the first and second lifting ram assemblies 58, 62 is controlled by a control unit (not shown for clarity), which is operable remotely using a control panel connected to the control unit by a cable connection.

Such control systems are known in the art for adjust beds in hospitals, clinics and the like. In general, the first and second lifting ram assemblies 58, 62 are operated in unison, such that the support frame 52 is raised and lowered verticaUy, while being maintained in a horizontal orientation. If required, the first and second lifting ram assemblies 58, 62 may be arranged to operate :.:::. independently, so as to incline the support frame 52, depending upon the needs of the patient. e. S.

: 20 The second support means 50 comprises a set of lateral support members 70a, 70b and 70c, in the form of fabric straps. The straps are of a material that is sufficiently strong to bear the weight of a subject or patient.

The straps are of a material that may be easily cleaned and sterilized, for example rubber or plastic coated or impregnated. However, the straps are also flexible, in order to function as described hereinafter. The lateral support members 70a, 70b and 70c extend between the longitudinal support members 54 and are connected to each longitudinal support member at their ends. The connections of the lateral support members 70a, 70b and 70c to the longitudinal support members are releasable, such that the straps may be disconnected at one or both ends, as required.

The lateral support members 70a, 70b and 70c are of unequal widths, as shown more clearly in the plan view of the bed in Figure 2. The lateral support members 70a adjacent the head end of the bed 2 are of a relatively wider width. These members support the head and shoulders of the patient or subject, when the bed is in use. The lateral support members 70c adjacent the foot end of the bed are of the same size and serve to support the feet and lower legs of the patient or subject when the bed is in use. The intermediate lateral support members 70b extending across the central portion of the bed are of a relatively narrow width, approximately one quarter to one half of the width of the lateral support members 70a and 70c adjacent the head and foot ends of the bed. The intermediate lateral support members 70b serve to support the lower torso, hips and upper legs portions of the subject or patient, when the bed is in use.

* 15 Hydraulic fluid is supplied to each of the lifting rams, as required, from :.. a hydraulic supply system 80 mounted beneath the bed frame 20, the system S...

comprising an electric motor and gear pumps of conventional design. S.

*: In operation, the overall height of the bed 2, in particular the bed frame 20 and the second support means 50, is adjusted using the scissor lift assembly 12, in a conventional manner. A patient or subject is placed on the bed 2 with the second support means 50 in the position shown clearly in Figures 1 and 3. In this, the first position, the longitudinal support members 54 are positioned alongside the mattress 30, below the upper surface of the mattress. The lateral support members 70a, 70b, 70c, being flexible straps, extend from each longitudinal support member 54 up and across the mattress to the opposite side of the bed. A patient or subject may thus use the bed 2 as a conventional bed, with no intrusion into the patient's activities or those of medical staff attending to or administering treatment to the patient. With the second support means 50 in the first position as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the weight of the patient or subject is borne by the mattress 30 and the bed frame 20, with no weight being applied to the lateral support members 70 or the support frame 52.

When it is required to attend to the bedding being used, for example to change the mattress or mattress cover, or to examine or treat the patient or subject, the following steps are taken. First, the first and second lifting ram assemblies 58 and 62 are activated, to raise the support frame 52 vertically from the first position. The initial vertical movement of the support frame 52 tightens the lateral support members 70, which then begin to take the weight of the patient. Continued vertical movement of the support frame 52 transfers the entire weight of the patient to the lateral support members 70 and the support frame 52, and the patient is lifted vertically clear of the mattress 30.

This position is shown in Figures 5 to 7. At this point, with the second support means 50 in this second position, unrestricted access to the mattress 30 and * 15 any bedding in use may be had, to attend to or replace some or all with fresh supplies. *S.. * . S...

With the second support means 50 in the second position, that is with * .:. the patient or subject raised clear of the mattress 30 as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the patient may be easier to examine and treat or attend to. In the case of severely disabled or movement impaired patients, such as persons with paralysis or severely painful injuries, moving the patient to examine or treat their sides or back may be impossible. In such a case, selected lateral support members 70a, 70b and 70c, may be removed, either at one end or completely, to provide access to the underside or side of the patient.

Sufficient lateral support members 70a, 70b and 70c are left in place to keep the patient supported. If a large area is required to be examined or treated, adjacent lateral support members 70a, 70b and 70c are removed in succession, allowing access to the entire area to be had, while keeping the patient supported at all times.

It will also be noted from Figures 4 to 7 that the second support means in the second position is at height above the foot frame 28. This is a preferably arrangement, allowing the patient or subject to be moved longitudinally from the bed over the foot frame 28, which may be preferred to the conventional technique of lifting the person sideways onto the bed.

Once treatment or attendance to the patient or subject is completed, the above procedure is reversed, with the lateral support members 70 being replaced, and the second support means 50 lowered from the second position to the first position, allowing the patient to resume their normal activities.

As will be appreciated, the bed of the present invention and the arrangement of the second support means provides significantly improved access for medical staff to the parts of the bed needing frequent attention or * 15 changing, in particular the bedding and mattress. In addition, the provision of the separate lateral support members in the second support means provides ***.

significantly improved access to all areas of the patient or subject, allowing for :. improved treatment and examination, without needing to disturb the patient * :** and cause increased pain and discomfort. S..

*:*. It will also be appreciated that the bed of the present invention provides the aforementioned advantages without increasing the workload on medical staff, in particular an increased need to lift or move the patient. This in turn results in a significant reduction in the injury to medical staff as a result' of needing to move heavy or awkward persons.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A bed for use by a subject, the bed comprising: a first support means for the subject having a support surface on which the subject lays in normal use; a second support means for supporting the subject, the second support means moveabte between a first position and a second position; wherein, when the second support means is in the first position, the subject is supported by the first support means and may lay upon the support surface; and when the second support means is in the second position, the subject is supported above the surface of the first support means.

* 15
2. The bed according to claim 1, wherein the first support means comprises a mattress. * *

:.
3. The bed according to claim I or 2, wherein the second support means * *:. moves vertically with respect to the first support means, such that the second support means is not displaced horizontally during movement. ** * * * * * **

4. The bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the second support means remains within the footprint of the bed when in both the first and second positions.

5. The bed according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for moving the second support means between the first and second positions.

6. The bed according to claim 5, wherein the means for moving the second support means comprises one or more of an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic lift.

7. The bed according to claim 6, wherein the means for moving the second support means comprises a ram-type assembly.

8. The bed according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the means for moving the second support means comprises a plurality of separate lifting assemblies.

9. The bed according to claim 8, wherein the second support means is moved by two lifting assemblies.

10. The bed according to claim 9, wherein the two lifting assemblies are disposed centrally one each at the foot of the bed and the head of the bed.

* 15 11. The bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the second support means comprises a support frame. S... * . S...

:. 12. The bed according to claim 11, wherein the subject is supported wholly * .: 20 within the support frame.

13. The bed according to either of claims 11 or 12, wherein the support frame comprises two longitudinal support members, each support member disposed to extend along a respective side of the subject.

14. The bed according to claim 13, wherein the support frame further comprises a lateral support assembly extending between the two longitudinal support members, the lateral support assembly providing direct support to the subject, when in use.

15. The bed according to claim 14, wherein the lateral support assembly is flexible.

16. The bed according to claim 15, wherein the lateral support assembly is sufficiently flexible to allow the support frame to lie below the support surface of the first support means, when the second support means is in the first position.

17. The bed according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the lateral support assembly comprises a plurality of lateral support members, each lateral support member extending between the longitudinal support members.

18. The bed according to claim 17, wherein at least some of the lateral support members are removable from at least one of the longitudinal support members.

* 15 19. The bed according to claim 18, wherein the lateral support members are of width, whereby one or more, but not all, of the lateral support members may be removed from at least one of the longitudinal support members and still provide support to maintain the subject in a horizontal position.

S **.

20. The bed according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the lateral support members are of unequal widths.

S..... * S

21. The bed according to claim 20, wherein the lateral support members disposed at the head portion and feet portion of the support frame are wider than the intermediate lateral support members.

22. The bed according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein the lateral support members are straps.

23. The bed according to any preceding claim, wherein the first support means is adjustable in height.

24. The bed according to any preceding claim, further comprising a control system providing for remote control of the position of the second support means and, if adjustable, the first support means.

25. A kit of parts for modifying a first support assembly, the kit comprising: a second support assembly for use with the pre-existing first support assembly for a subject; means for moving the second support means between a first position and a second position; wherein the first and second positions are such that, when installed on the first support means when the second support means is in the first position, the subject is supported by the first support means and may lay upon the support surface; and when the second support means is in the second position, the subject is supported above the surface of the first support means.

S

26. The kit according to claim 25, wherein the first support assembly is a * bed. SS* *

27. The kit according to claim 26, wherein the bed is adjustable in height. *

I55..* * S 28. The kit according to any of claims 25 to 27, further comprising means for moving the second support means between the first and second positions.

29. The kit according to claim 28, wherein the means for moving the second support means comprises one or more of an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic lift.

30. The kit according to claim 29, wherein the means for moving the second support means comprises a ram-type assembly.

31. The kit according to any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the means for moving the second support means comprises a plurality of separate lifting assemblies.

32. The kit according to claim 31, wherein the second support means is moved by two lifting assemblies.

33. The kit according to claim 32, wherein the two lifting assemblies are adapted to be disposed centrally one each at the foot of the first support means and the head of the first support means.

34. The kit according to any of claims 25 to 33, wherein the second support means comprises a support frame. * *.

**** 35. The kit according to claim 34, wherein the subject is supported wholly * within the support frame. I *

36. The kit according to either of claims 34 or 35, wherein the support frame comprises two longitudinal support members, each support member *. disposed to extend along a respective side of the subject.

S..... * .

37. The kit according to claim 36, wherein the support frame further comprises a lateral support assembly extending between the two longitudinal support members, the lateral support assembly providing direct support to the subject, when in use.

38. The kit according to claim 37, wherein the lateral support assembly is flexible.

39. The kit according to claim 38, wherein the lateral support assembly is sufficiently flexible to allow the support frame to lie below the support surface of the first support means, when the second support means is in the first position.

40. The kit according to any of claims 37 to 39, wherein the lateral support assembly comprises a plurality of lateral support members, each lateral support member extending between the longitudinal support members.

41. The kit according to claim 40, wherein at least some of the lateral support members are removable from at least one of the longitudinal support members.

42. The kit according to claim 41, wherein the lateral support members are * 15 of width, whereby one or more, but not all, of the lateral support members may be removed from at least one of the longitudinal support members and still provide support to maintain the subject in a horizontal position. I. * *

* *:. 43. The kit according to any of claims 40 to 42, wherein the lateral support members are of unequal widths. S. S * .. * S.

44. The kit according to claim 43, wherein the lateral support members disposed at the head portion and feet portion of the support frame are wider than the intermediate lateral support members.

45. The kit according to any of claims 40 to 44, wherein the lateral support members are straps.

46. A system for supporting a subject in a prone position, the system comprising: first and second longitudinal support members, in use each longitudinal support member extending along a respective side of the subject; and a plurality of lateral support members extending between the first and second longitudinal support members, in use the subject being supported on the upper surface of the lateral support members; wherein at least some of the lateral support members are selectively removable from at least one of the longitudinal support members, whereby removal of one or more but not all of the lateral support members will provide access to the underside of the subject, while keeping the subject supported in the prone position.

47. The system according to claim 46, wherein the lateral support members are flexible.

48. The system according to claim 46 cr47, wherein all of the lateral support members are removable from at least one of the longitudinal support members.

S I.

49. The system according to any of claims 46 to 48, wherein the lateral *..

support members are of unequal widths. S. S * * * S.

50. The system according to claim 49, wherein the lateral support members disposed at the head portion and feet portion of the system are wider than the intermediate lateral support members.

51. The system according to any of claims 46 to 50, wherein the lateral support members are straps.

52. A bed substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to the accompanying figures.

53. A system for supporting a subject in a prone position substantially as hereinbefore described, having reference to the accompanying figures.

54. The use of a bed according to any of claims 1 to 24 or 52 or a system according to any of claims 46 to 51 or 53 for supporting a subject. *.

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