AU2014202750A1 - A Patient Transfer System - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a patient transport system including a patient carrier for carrying a patient. The patient carrier has a seat and a backrest movable relative to the seat, and a hoist for releasably connecting the carrier and for hoisting the carrier such that the backrest is elevated before the seat is elevated. 32a 2b 18 __ N30 Figure 1A 0b22 28 24 / 32b Figure 1B

Description

A PATIENT TRANSFER SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a patient transport system. BACKGROUND ART [0002] In hospitals and nursing homes, it is often necessary to transfer incapacitated patients from one location to another. For example, from their beds to their wheel chairs, or the bathroom/shower, and vice versa. Conventionally, hoists (or lifts) are used to facilitate the transfer of patients, with the lifts being fitted with slings for carrying the patient. However, existing slings tend to be quite flaccid and, in practice, can cut off blood circulation to the limbs of the patient during transfer, or position the patient in an awkward manner, thereby causing discomfort to the patient, particularly if the patient has chronic back problems. [0003] Accordingly, there is a need to provide a means for transporting the patient in a comfortable position. [0004] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0005] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a patient transport system including a patient carrier for carrying a patient, the patient carrier having a seat and a backrest movable relative to the seat; and a hoist for releasably fastening the carrier thereto and for hoisting the carrier such that the backrest is elevated before the seat is elevated. [0006] In practice, the patient transport system can advantageously move the patient into a more upright position before elevating and transporting the patient with the carrier. Being in an upright position during transportation is particularly desirable for patients with back problems. Therefore, embodiments of the transport system are capable of supporting the patient in a more comfortable position during transit. [0007] The backrest may be elevated such that the patient is moved into a sitting position before the seat is elevated. The angle between the backrest and the seat may be adjustable once the carrier is fastened to the hoist. [0008] The carrier may be a sling. The carrier may include straps for releasably fastening to the hoist. The carrier may be made from fabric. In particular, the carrier may be made from a canvas material. Advantageously, the carrier can be easily cleaned. For example, the carrier may be machine washable. Moreover, the carrier may be made from a porous material to facilitate breathing of the material in use. [0009] The backrest may include a removable back support. The removable back support may be rigid. The removable back support may be curved. The back support may include padding. [0010] Advantageously, the removable back support provides the patient with more back support in comparison with known patient transport systems. The curved back support can be conveniently used to facilitate loading of the patient onto the carrier via a rocking motion. [0011] The removable back support may be insertable within a sleeve of the backrest. The backrest may include connecting means for connecting to the hoist. The connecting means may include one or more straps. [0012] Advantageously, the back support provides additional support for a patient's back for extra comfort. In addition, the back support may be easily removed so that the back support and carrier cover can be maintained and cleaned. For example, the carrier cover may be washed in a washing machine after removal of the back support. [0013] The seat may define an opening. The seat may include a cover for the opening. Advantageously, the opening in the seat allows a carer to assist the patient to use a toilet. [0014] The carrier may include a pair of side flaps extending from the seat for supporting and holding the patient within the seat. Each side flap may be releasably attachable to the hoist. Each side flap may have connecting means for attachment to the hoist. The connecting means may include one or more straps. The angle between the backrest and the seat may be adjusted via the connecting means. [0015] The carrier may include a pair of side strips for holding the patient's waist. The pair of side strips may be fastened to one another to form a loop around the patient's waist. [0016] The carrier may further include a pair of end strips for holding the patient's legs. The pair of end strips may be fastened to one another to form a loop around the patient's legs. [0017] The hoist may include a rigid support frame. The rigid support frame may have one or more rigid arms. The hoist may include a hanger for hanging the carrier, the hanger being pivotable relative to one end of the one or more arms. The hanger may have one or more hooks for facilitating attachment to the carrier. [0018] The rigid frame may have one or more wheels attached to a base of the rigid frame for facilitating the movement of the hoist relative to the floor. [0019] The hoist may include a winch assembly for elevating and lowering the carrier. In particular, the winch assembly may elevate and lower the hanger relative to the one or more arms. The winch assembly may be motorised. The winch assembly may include more than one winch. [0020] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a carrier for carrying a patient, the carrier including a seat, a backrest movable relative to the seat, and connecting means to facilitate releasable connection of the carrier to a hoist such that the backrest is elevated before the seat is elevated when the hoist hoists the carrier. [0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of transporting a patient, the method including loading a patient in a carrier having a seat and a backrest movable relative to the seat, releasably fastening the carrier to a hoist, hoisting the carrier such that the backrest is elevated before the seat is elevated so that the patient is upright before being transported. [0022] The method may further include the step of adjusting the angle between the backrest and the seat once the carrier is fastened to the hoist. [0023] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0024] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0025] 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 way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0026] Figures 1A and 1B are perspective views of a patient transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0027] Figure 2 is a top view of a carrier of the patient transfer system illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B as laid out on a flat surface. [0028] Figure 3 is a close up view of a length adjustable strap of the carrier as shown in Figure 2. [0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a hanger of the patient transport system as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. [0030] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a winch assembly of the patient transport system as shown in in Figures 1A and 1B. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0031] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate a patient transport system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The patient transport system 10 includes a patient carrier 12 for carrying a patient, and a hoist 14 for releasably fastening the carrier 12 thereto. The carrier 12 has a seat 18 and a backrest 16 movable relative to the seat 18. The carrier 12 further includes connecting means 20 for releasably connecting to the hoist 14 such that the backrest 16 is elevated before the seat 18 is elevated. The method of operating the patient transport system 10 will be discussed in further detail below. [0032] The carrier 12 is a sling having a plurality of straps 22 (i.e. connecting means) for releasably connecting to the hoist 14. Typically, the carrier 12 is made from a porous canvas material enabling the carrier material to be breathable in use and easily cleaned. [0033] The backrest 16 includes a removable back support (hidden) inserted in a sleeve of the backrest 16. The back support is rigid and therefore provides additional back support for the patient. The back support is also curved for facilitating loading of the patient onto the carrier 12 via a rocking motion (discussed in further detail below with reference to Figure 2). Typically, the back support further includes padding to provide additional comfort to the patient. The padding may include foam, rubber, gel or the like, or any combination thereof. [0034] The hoist 14 includes a generally C-shaped rigid support frame 24. The frame 24 has four wheels 25 attached to a base of the frame 24 to facilitate moving of the frame 24 relative to the floor. The frame 24 includes a cantilever arm 26 at an upper end thereof. [0035] The hoist 14 further includes a hanger 28 arranged adjacent a free end of a pair of arms 26. The hanger 28 is also pivotable relative to the free end of the arms 26 as illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B. The configuration of the hanger 28 is later discussed in further detail with reference to Figure 4. [0036] The hoist 14 further includes a winch assembly 30 for moving the hanger 28 relative to the frame 24. In particular, the winch assembly 30 moves the hanger 28 in a generally vertical direction relative to the frame 24. The carrier 12 is releasably attachable to the hanger 28 such that the movement of the carrier 12 can be elevated and lowered via operation of the winch assembly 30. The operation of the winch assembly 30 is discussed in further detail with reference to Figure 5. [0037] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of carrier 12 as laid out on a flat surface. The carrier 12 includes a seat 18, a backrest 16 movable relative to the seat 18, a pair of side flaps 32a, 32b extending from the seat 18 for supporting and holding the patient within the seat 18, a pair of side strips 34a, 34b for holding the patient's waist, and a pair of end strips 36a, 36b for holding the patient's legs/thighs. Each pair of side strips 34a, 34b and end strips 36a, 36b can be fastened together via hook and loop fasteners to form a loop around the patient's waist and legs/thighs respectively. The side strips 34a, 34b and end strips 36a, 36b thereby secure the patient onto the carrier 12 and prevent the patient from falling. [0038] The carrier 12 further includes a pair of attachment straps 20a, 20b extending from the back rest 16, and a pair of attachment straps 20c, 20d extending from the side flaps 32a, 32b respectively. The four sets of attachment straps 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are attachable to the hanger 28 as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. [0039] The side flaps 32a, 32b include hook and loop fastener strips 40a, 40b such that side edges 42a, 42b can be releasably attached to the fastener strips 40a, 40b respectively before loading the patient onto the carrier 12 to prevent misplacement and/or tangling of the side flaps 32a, 32b and the associated straps 20c, 20d during loading of the patient onto the carrier 12. Once the patient is correctly positioned over the carrier 12, the side edges 42a, 42b of the side flaps 32a, 32b, can be released from the fastener strips 40a, 40b by pulling on each one of the attachment straps 20c, 20d. The attachment straps 20c, 20d can then be attached to the hoist 14 via the hanger 28. [0040] In some embodiments, the seat 18 further defines an opening 38 to allow a carer to assist the patient to use a toilet whilst being carried by the carrier 12. The opening may have a cover. [0041] The backrest 16 of the carrier 12 includes a sleeve (hidden) for retaining the removable rigid back support (hidden). Hook and loop fasteners are provided at a top edge 17a of the backrest 16 to permit access to the sleeve for insertion and removal of the rigid back support. Zip fasteners are provided on each of the two side edges 17b, 17c to facilitate insertion and removal of the rigid back support, as well as cleaning/maintenance of the carrier 12. [0042] When loading the patient onto the carrier 12, the patient is first positioned over the carrier 12 such that the back of the patient is positioned over the backrest 16 and the bottom of the patient is positioned over the seat 18. To facilitate loading of the patient onto the carrier 12, one edge of the curved back support of the backrest 16 can be placed beneath the patient and as the curved back support is rolled onto its outwardly curved face, the edge of the back support rocks the patient onto the carrier 12, thereby facilitating the positioning of the patient over the carrier 12. [0043] The side strips 34a, 34b are then fastened together via hook and loop fasteners to form a loop around the patient's waist. Similarly, the end strips 36a, 36b are attached together via hook and loop fasteners to form a loop around the patient's thighs, thereby securing the patient to the carrier 12. [0044] The backrest 16 is then elevated to attach the straps 20a, 20b to the hanger 28 so that the patient is moved into a sitting position. The straps 20c, 20b are pulled outwardly to release each of the flap edges 42a, 42b from the hook and loop fastener strips 40a, 40b respectively so that the side flaps 32a, 32b are straightened out and the straps 20c, 20b can be attached to the hanger 28. Once all four sets of straps 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are attached to the hanger 28, the winch assembly 30 can be used to elevate the carrier 12 and patient. [0045] As shown in Figure 3, each of the straps 20a, 20b includes a plurality of loops 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d to adjust the effective length of each strap 20a, 20b so as to adjust the angle of the backrest 16 relative to the seat 18. In this regard, when the outermost loop 21d of each strap 20a, 20b is attached to the hanger 28, the effective length of each strap 20a, 20b is the longest, and the angle between the backrest 16 and the seat 18 is the greatest (and the patient is in the least upright position). When the innermost loop 21a of each strap 20a, 20b is attached to the hanger 28, the effective length of the each strap 20a, 20b is shortened, and the angle between the backrest 16 and the seat 18 is the smallest (and the patient is in the most upright position, see Figure 1B). The backrest 16 of the carrier 12 can therefore be advantageously adjusted depending on the preference of the patient. [0046] Figure 4 illustrates a detailed view of the hanger 28. The hanger 28 includes a pair of hooks 44a, 44b. Each hook 44a, 44b has a carabiner 46a, 46b attached thereto. Each carabiner 46a, 46b is attached to two sets of straps 20a and 20c or 20b and 20d. [0047] As shown in Figure 5, the winch assembly 30 includes two winches 48a, 48b and a motor assembly 50 for powering the winches 48a, 48b. The motor assembly 50 includes a motor (hidden) and a gear box. A control switch 54 is also provided to control the operation of the winches 48a, 48b. Each winch 48a, 48b includes tape 52a, 52b that can be wound onto and released from a corresponding spool of the winch 48a, 48b. [0048] Referring back to Figure 4, one end of each tape 52a, 52b is attached to the hanger 28. When the motor assembly 50 causes the winches 48a, 48b to release the tapes 52a, 52b, the hanger 28 moves downwardly. When the motor assembly 50 causes the winches 48a, 48b to wind up the tapes 52a, 52b, the hanger 28 moves upwardly. [0049] Each tape 52a, 52b extends through a hollow vertical column of the frame 24 and a hollow portion within one of the arms 26. A pulley assembly (hidden) may be provided at the joint between the column and the arm to facilitate movement of the corresponding tape 52s, 52b around a corner. Advantageously, each tape 52a, 52b is hidden within the frame 24 of the hoist 24 so as to avoid patient entanglement. [0050] When transporting a patient from his/her bed using the patient transport system 10, the patient is loaded onto the carrier 12 as described above in relation to Figure 2. Each attachment strap 20a, 20b is attached to a corresponding carabiner 46a, 46b to elevate the backrest 16 so that the patient is moved into an upright sitting position. The angle of the backrest 16 is adjusted by selecting the most preferred attachment loop 21a - 21d of each strap 20a, 20b. Each attachment strap 20c, 20d is then attached to a corresponding carabiner 46a, 46b. If required, the winch assembly 30 can be used to release the hanger 28 so as to allow the hanger 0 28 to be moved into a convenient position before attachment of the straps 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. Once all four straps 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d is securely fastened to the carabiners 46a, 46b, the winch assembly 30 is turned on to elevate the carrier 12 and patient. [0051] The patient and the carrier 12 can then be transported to a different location by moving the frame 24 of the hoist 14. At a final location, the winch assembly 30 can be used to lower/raise the patient to an appropriate height, for example onto a toilet seat, into a bath tub, or onto a different bed. [0052] Advantageously, the patient transport system 10 can be operated by a single carer. For example, one of the carer's hand can be used to guide the carrier 12 and patient, and the other of the carer's hand can be used to operate the hoist via control switch 54. [0053] As previously mentioned, the patient transport system 10 can advantageously move the patient into a more upright position before elevating and transporting the patient with the carrier 12. Being in an upright position during transportation is particularly desirable for patients with back problems. In addition, the removable rigid back support also provides the patient with more back support when compared with known patient transport systems. Therefore, the transport system 10 is capable of supporting the patient in a more comfortable position during transit. [0054] In alternative embodiments, any suitable type of fastener may be used in the carrier 12 to fastener various portions of the carrier 12 together, for example the top and side edges 17a, 17b 17c of the backrest 16, and side and end strips 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b, and the fastener strips 40a, 40b. For example, the fastener may include hook and loop fasteners, zip fasteners, buttons, hooks, pins, and the like, or any combination thereof. [0055] Moreover, the carrier 12 may be releasably fastened to the hoist 14 using any suitable means. For example, buckles, hooks, clips, pins, and the like, or any combination thereof may be used to fasten the carrier to the hoist 14. Further, the effective length of the straps 20a, 20b may be adjusted using buckles or any other suitable means. [0056] The control switch 52 can be mounted at any suitable location on the hoist 14. In one embodiment, the control switch 52 may be releasably mounted at any suitable position on the hoist 14. Moreover, the control switch 52 may be a remote control switch for wirelessly controlling the winch assembly 30. [0057] In one embodiment, the winch assembly 30 may include a single winch 48.

Alternatively, the winch assembly 30 may include more than two winches 48a, 48b. [0058] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0059] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [0060] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (20)

1. A patient transport system including a patient carrier for carrying a patient, the patient carrier having a seat and a backrest movable relative to the seat; and a hoist for releasably fastening the carrier thereto and for hoisting the carrier such that the backrest is elevated before the seat is elevated.

2. The patient transport system of claim 1, wherein the backrest is elevated such that the patient is moved into a sitting position before the seat is elevated.

3. The patient transport system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an angle between the backrest and the seat is adjustable once the carrier is fastened to the hoist.

4. The patient transport system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier comprises a sling including straps for releasably fastening to the hoist.

5. The patient transport system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier is made from a porous material to facilitate breathing of the material in use.

6. The patient transport system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein backrest includes a removable back support, wherein the removable back support is rigid.

7. The patient transport system of claim 6, wherein the removable back support is curved.

8. The patient transport system of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein removable back support is insertable within a sleeve of the backrest, and wherein the backrest includes connecting means for connecting to the hoist.

9. The patient transport system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seat defines an opening for aiding a carer in assisting the patient to use a toilet.

10. The patient transport system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier includes a pair of side flaps extending from the seat for supporting and holding the patient within the seat.

11. The patient transport system of claim 10, wherein each side flap has connecting means for releasable attachment to the hoist.

12. The patient transport system of claim 11, wherein an angle between the backrest and the seat may be adjusted via the connecting means.

13. The patient transport system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier includes a pair of side strips for holding the patient's waist, wherein the pair of side strips can be fastened to one another to form a loop around the patient's waist.

14. The patient transport system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier further includes a pair of end strips for holding the patient's legs, wherein the pair of end strips can be fastened to one another to form a loop around the patient's legs.

15. The patient transport system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hoist includes a rigid support frame having one or more rigid arms, the hoist including a hanger for hanging the carrier, the hanger being pivotable relative to one end of the one or more arms.

16. The patient transport system of claim 15, wherein the rigid frame has one or more wheels attached to a base of the rigid frame for facilitating the movement of the hoist relative to a floor.

17. The patient transport system of claim 15, wherein the hoist includes a winch assembly for elevating and lowering the hanger relative to the one or more arms.

18. A carrier for carrying a patient, the carrier including: a seat, a backrest movable relative to the seat, and connecting means to facilitate releasable connection of the carrier to a hoist such that the backrest is elevated before the seat is elevated when the hoist hoists the carrier.

19. A method of transporting a patient, the method including: loading a patient in a carrier having a seat and a backrest movable relative to the seat, releasably fastening the carrier to a hoist, and hoisting the carrier such that the backrest is elevated before the seat is elevated so that the patient is upright before being transported.

20. The method of claim 19, further including the step of adjusting an angle between the backrest and the seat once the carrier is fastened to the hoist.