EP4088706A1

EP4088706A1 - Transfer support for a patient

Info

Publication number: EP4088706A1
Application number: EP21173420.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dieter CEGLARZ; Heinz-hermann DALBERT; Georg Kollner; Clementine Pirio
Original assignee: Trumpf Medizin Systeme GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Baxter Medical Systems GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2021-05-11
Filing date: 2021-05-11
Publication date: 2022-11-16

Abstract

A transfer support for a patient, comprising a bottom surface; and at least one engaging element. The transfer support is configurable between a first state, in which the transfer support is slidable relative to a support surface, and a second state, in which the at least one engaging element protrudes from the bottom surface to engage with the support surface and resist sliding relative to the support surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a transfer support for a patient. In particular, the disclosure relates to a transfer support configurable between a first, sliding, state and a second, non-sliding, state.

BACKGROUND

Patient transfer is a recurring task across clinical settings such as hospitals, e.g. from a helicopter or ambulance to an emergency room (ER) to an operating room (OR) to an intensive care unit (ICU), to a patient room, and between wards. Solutions exist to facilitate patient transfers, including sliding sheets, transfer boards, and roller boards.
The main issue with these conventional solutions is that they must be placed under the patient for the transfer duration. That is, each time the patient is transferred, the patient must be placed on a sliding sheet, transfer board, roller board, or the like. Further, these conventional transfer supports and additional transfer aids are not specific to each patient's morphology, are uncomfortable, and require significant time and effort to be placed under the patient before being able to perform a transfer.
The inventors have appreciated the need for a transfer support which does not need to be placed under the patient for each transfer. The inventors have further appreciated the need for a safer, more convenient, transfer support.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides a transfer support for a patient, as defined in the appended claims, to which reference should now be made.
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a transfer support for a patient. The transfer support comprises a bottom surface; and at least one engaging element. The transfer support is configurable between a first state, in which the transfer support is slidable relative to a support surface, and a second state, in which the at least one engaging element protrudes from the bottom surface to engage with the support surface and resist sliding relative to the support surface.
Providing a transfer support being configurable, i.e. selectively configurable, between a first, or sliding, state and a second, or non-sliding, state allows for the same support, or product, to be used for patient transfer and for maintaining and supporting the patient in place. As such, the transfer support may serve two functions, i.e. facilitating transfer and supporting the patient throughout their stay in hospital or the clinical setting.
The two states allow for the transfer support to remain in place under the patient, wherever in the clinical setting the patient is, allowing an easier and safer transfer from one patient support to another. The two states allow for the transfer support to either be, effectively, fixed on the support surface underneath or to easily slide on the support surface during a transfer. As such, it is noted that in the second state, the at least one engaging element may engage the support surface to resist, or prevent, sliding of the transfer support relative to the support surface.
The support surface may be a mattress of a patient support apparatus, but may be a surgical table, or a surgical seat, or a stretcher, or any other suitable surface.
It will be appreciated that the transfer support being configurable in two states may be due to a property of the engaging elements, due to a property of the bottom surface, due to a property of the transfer support, or due to properties of a mixture of the above. For example, the at least one engaging element may be configurable between a projecting, engaging, state and a retracted, non-engaging, state. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom surface may be configurable between a sliding, projected, state and a retracted, non-sliding, state, in which the bottom surface is retracted such that the at least one engaging element projects from the bottom surface. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer support may comprise further components for making the transfer system configurable between the first state and the second state, as set out below.
As used herein, the term "bottom" is used to refer to an orientation of the transfer support, in use. A bottom surface is therefore a surface closest to a support surface, or furthest from a patient, when the transfer support is used as intended.
The transfer support may further comprise an inflatable chamber connectable to at least one pump. Upon the inflatable chamber being deflated the transfer support is in the first state, and upon the inflatable chamber being inflated the transfer support is in the second state.
Advantageously, the inflatable chamber allows for the transfer support to easily be configured between the first state, and the second state.
The or each engaging element may be integral with the inflatable chamber. Therefore, in this embodiment, inflating the inflatable chamber may push the or each engaging element to protrude from the bottom surface to engage the support surface.
The transfer support may further comprise at least one actuator for actuating movement of the at least one engaging element. The transfer support may comprise an actuator for actuating movement of each engaging element. Alternatively, the transfer support may comprise at least one actuator for actuating movement of a plurality of engaging elements.
The or each engaging element may comprise a suction cup. As such, upon the inflatable chamber being deflated, the or each suction cup does not engage with the support surface, so that the transfer support is in the first state, and upon the inflatable chamber being inflated, the or each suction cup projects from the bottom surface to engage with the support surface, so that the transfer support is in the second state.
The or each suction cup may have a diameter between 30 mm and 100 mm. Optionally, the diameter of the or each suction cup may be between 35 mm and 75 mm. Optionally, the diameter of the or each suction cup may be between 40 mm and 60 mm. Optionally, the diameter of the or each suction cup may be about 50 mm.
Alternatively, the or each engaging element may comprise a pimple, a nub, a lump, a protrusion, or a projection.
The or each pimple, nub, lump, protrusion, or projection may be made of a high-friction material and/or may comprise a tip comprising a high-friction material. The high-friction material may be the same as the material of the inflatable chamber. The or each pimple, nub, lump, protrusion, or projection may be integrally formed with the inflatable chamber.
The high-friction material may be one of: chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber; polyvinyl chloride; polyurethane; rubber; or mixtures thereof.
The bottom surface may comprise a bottom layer of low-friction material, wherein in the first state the layer of low-friction material is in contact with the support surface. This may allow the transfer support to more easily slide relative to the support surface upon the transfer support being in the first state. It is noted that at least a part of the layer of low-friction material may be in contact with the support surface even upon the transfer support being in the second state.
The skilled person will readily appreciate what a low-friction material may be. In particular, the skilled person will readily appreciate that any material suitable for enabling a transfer support which supports a patient to slide to facilitate a patient transfer is a suitable low-friction material. This includes suitable materials for the other patient transfer support solutions discussed above, e.g. sliding sheets.
The low-friction material may comprise at least one of: silicone; polyester; polypropylene; nylon; or mixtures thereof.
The layer of low-friction material may comprise at least one opening through which the at least one engaging element protrudes upon the transfer support being in the second state.
The transfer support may comprise a plurality of engaging elements, wherein the layer of low-friction material comprises a plurality of corresponding openings. As such, the engaging elements can easily, and repeatedly, pass through the corresponding openings, upon the transfer support being, selectively and repeatedly, configured between the first and second states.
The or each engaging element may be positioned at, or along, a centre-line of the transfer support. In particular, the or each engaging element may be positioned at, or along, a longitudinal centre-line of the transfer support and/or a transverse centre-line of the transfer support. Alternatively or additionally, the or each engaging element may be positioned at, or along, a diagonal of the transfer support.
The or each engaging element may thus be positioned so as to align with the patient positioned on the transfer support. For example, if a plurality of engaging elements is provided, the engaging elements may be provided with a higher density at, or near, a centre of mass of the patient.
When the transfer support comprises a, or the, plurality of engaging elements, the plurality of engaging elements may be evenly distributed across the bottom surface. As used herein, the term "across the bottom surface" is used to refer to the engaging elements being distributed across the area of the bottom surface. The term does not require that the engaging elements form part of, or are connected to, the bottom surface.
The inflatable chamber may be formed of a flexible material being one of: chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber; polyvinyl chloride; polyurethane; rubber; or mixtures thereof.
The transfer support may further comprise a top layer configured to, in use, be adjacent the patient, wherein the top layer is configurable between a first top layer state, in which the top layer substantially surrounds a majority of the patient, and a second top layer state, in which the top layer is substantially flat. In this case, because the top layer surrounds the majority of the patient in the second, or transfer, top layer state, the top layer better protects the patient during patient transfer. This may allow the transfer support to facilitate patient transfer, and make the process safer.
In the first top layer state, the top layer may be substantially rigid. This may allow the transfer support to better protect the patient during patient transfer.
The transfer support may further comprise a second inflatable chamber connectable to at least one pump, wherein upon the second inflatable chamber being inflated the top layer is in the first top layer state, and upon the second inflatable chamber being deflated the top layer is in the second top layer state.
The second inflatable chamber may be formed of a flexible material being one of: chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber; polyvinyl chloride; polyurethane; rubber; or mixtures thereof. The second inflatable chamber may be formed of the same material as, or a different material than, the (first) inflatable chamber.
The first inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber may be in fluid communication so as to form a closed circuit. In this case, if the first inflatable chamber is inflated, the second inflatable chamber is deflated, and vice versa. Linking the inflation in the first and second inflatable chambers may ensure that the top layer is in the second, transfer, top layer state upon the transfer support being in the first, sliding, state. Similarly, it may ensure that the top layer is in the first, static, top layer state upon the transfer support being in the second, non-sliding, state.
The first inflatable chamber may be configured as an open circuit, i.e. air is expelled to, and drawn from, the environment. Alternatively, the first inflatable chamber may be configured as a closed circuit, i.e. air is expelled into, and drawn from, a fluid reservoir.
The second inflatable chamber may be configured as an open circuit, i.e. air is expelled to, and drawn from, the environment. Alternatively, the second inflatable chamber may be configured as a closed circuit, i.e. air is expelled into, and drawn from, a fluid reservoir.
The transfer support may further comprise at least one handle. The at least one handle may be accessible only upon the bottom surface being in the first state. This allows for the handle to be accessible when it is required for patient transfer, but not to pose a hazard when it is not required, i.e. when the transfer support is stationary.
The transfer support may further comprise a, or the, pump connected to at least one of the first inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber. The pump may be integral with the transfer support, or it may be attached to, or on a surface of, the transfer support.
The transfer support may further comprise a power source for powering the pump. Additionally or alternatively, the pump may be powered by mains electricity. The power source may comprise one or more electrochemical cells. Alternatively, the first inflatable chamber may be connected to an accumulator, configured to store compressed gas, such as compressed air. The accumulator may be configured to store a volume of gas greater than the volume of the first inflatable chamber. In one example, the accumulator may be configured to store a volume of gas between two and five times the volume of the first inflatable chamber.
The transfer support may further comprise a quick release button. Pressing the quick release button may allow the transfer support to reconfigure from the second state to the first state. Pressing the quick release button may allow the top layer to reconfigure from the first top layer state to the second top layer state. Pressing the quick release button may allow the transfer support and the top layer to reconfigure simultaneously.
The transfer support may further comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to control a or the pump and/or other features of the transfer support. The transfer support may further comprise inputs. The inputs may be buttons, switches, or the like. The inputs may be configured to provide instructions to the controller. The transfer support may comprise a touchscreen. The inputs may be displayed on the touchscreen, e.g. in the form of buttons. The touchscreen may display various data related to the transfer support, the patient, or other related information. The displayed information may be data provided by sensors of the transfer support, by sensors attached to the patient, and/or by a hospital information system.
The transfer support may comprise one or more fasteners for reversibly coupling the transfer support to the support surface. The or each fastener may be at least one of: a zipper; a clip; and a hook and loop fastener.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of transferring a person, comprising the steps of: placing a person on a transfer support; and reconfiguring the transfer support from a first state, in which the transfer support is slidable relative to a support surface, to a second state, in which at least one engaging element of the transfer support protrudes from a bottom surface of the transfer support to engage with the support surface and resist sliding relative to the support surface.
The step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the first state to the second state may comprise inflating an inflatable chamber of the transfer support. In some embodiments, the step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the first state to the second state may comprise actuating an actuator to move the at least one engaging element.
The method may further comprise a step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the second state to the first state. The step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the second state to the first state may comprise deflating a or the inflatable chamber of the transfer support. It will be appreciated that "deflating" may refer to putting the inflatable chamber into a deflated state, e.g. by evacuating it.
The method may further comprise, as part of the step of reconfiguring the transfer support, or as a separate step, reconfiguring a top layer of the transfer support from a first top layer state, in which the top layer substantially surrounds a majority of the person, to a second top layer state, in which the top layer is substantially flat.
The method may further comprise, as part of the step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the second state to the first state or as a separate step, reconfiguring the top layer of the transfer support from the second top layer state to the first top layer state.
The step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the first top layer state to the second top layer state may comprise deflating a second inflatable chamber of the transfer support.
The step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the second top layer state to the first top layer state may comprise inflating a or the second inflatable chamber of the transfer support.
The inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber may be in fluid communication, so that inflating and deflating the inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber may be linked.
Further features of the second aspect of the present disclosure are described above in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure.
It will be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present disclosure may also be applied equally to all of the other aspects of the present disclosure. Features described in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure may be applied equally to the second aspect of the present disclosure and vice versa. For example, apparatus features described in relation to the first aspect may be applied, mutatis mutandis, to the method of the second aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A shows a schematic partial bottom view of a transfer support according to a first embodiment;
Figure 1B shows a further schematic bottom view of the transfer support of Figure 1A;
Figure 1C shows a schematic bottom view of a transfer support according to a second embodiment;
Figure 1D shows a schematic bottom view of a transfer support according to a third embodiment;
Figure 2A shows a schematic illustration of a transfer support according to a fourth embodiment in a first state;
Figure 2B shows a further schematic illustration of the transfer support of Figure 2A in the first state;
Figure 2C shows a schematic illustration of the transfer support of Figures 2A and 2B in a second state;
Figure 2D shows a further schematic illustration of the transfer support of Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C in the second state;
Figure 3A shows a schematic illustration of a transfer support according to a fifth embodiment in a first state;
Figure 3B shows a further schematic illustration of the transfer support of Figure 3A in the first state;
Figure 3C shows a schematic illustration of the transfer support of Figures 3A and 3B in a second state;
Figure 3D shows a further schematic illustration of the transfer support of Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C in the second state;
Figure 4A shows a schematic illustration of a transfer support according to a sixth embodiment in a first state;
Figure 4B shows a schematic illustration of the transfer support of Figure 4A in a second state;
Figure 5A shows a schematic illustration of a transfer support according to a seventh embodiment in a first state;
Figure 5B shows a schematic illustration of the transfer support of Figure 5A in a second state;
Figure 6A shows a schematic illustration of a transfer support according to an eighth embodiment in a second, sliding, state;
Figure 6B shows a schematic illustration of the transfer support of Figure 6A in a first, non-sliding, state, being moved by healthcare providers;
Figure 7A shows a schematic illustration of a transfer support according to a ninth embodiment in a first state;
Figure 7B shows a schematic illustration of the transfer support of Figure 7A in a second state; and
Figure 7C shows a schematic illustration of a further example engaging element of a transfer support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1A shows a bottom view of a transfer support 100A, showing a bottom surface of the transfer support 100A. The bottom surface of the transfer support 100A is made of a low-friction material. The bottom surface comprises a plurality of openings 101A. As shown in Figure 1B, the transfer support 100A further comprises a plurality of engaging elements 102A. In this example, the plurality of engaging elements 102A is evenly distributed across the bottom surface of the transfer support 100A.
The engaging elements 102A are aligned with the plurality of openings 101A, so that each of the engaging elements 102A may protrude from the bottom surface of the transfer support 100A, through a corresponding one of the openings 101A so as to engage a support surface onto which the transfer support 100 A is placed.
The engaging elements 102A are formed integrally as part of an inflatable chamber of the transfer support 100A. As set out in more detail below, the engaging elements 102A are cup-shaped devices, i.e. suction cups.
Figure 1C shows a bottom surface of a transfer support 100C according to a second embodiment, showing a bottom surface of the transfer support 100C. The bottom surface is made of a low-friction material, and comprises a plurality of openings 101C. The transfer support 100C comprises a plurality of corresponding engaging elements 102C. In contrast to the first embodiment, the engaging elements 102C (and corresponding openings 101C) are distributed along a longitudinal centre-line of the transfer support 100C.
Figure 1D shows a bottom surface of a transfer support 100D according to a third embodiment, showing a bottom surface of the transfer support 100D. The bottom surface is made of a low-friction material, and comprises a plurality of openings 101D. The transfer support 100D comprises a plurality of corresponding engaging elements 102D. In this embodiment, the engaging elements 102D and corresponding openings 101D are distributed across the bottom surface in three regions 103A, 103B, and 103C. The three regions 103A, 103B, and 103C are configured to align with a foot region, a lumbar region, and a foot region, respectively, of the transfer support 100D.
Figure 2A shows a transfer support 100 having preformed cup-shaped devices, i.e. suction cups 102, as engaging elements. The suction cups 102 may allow for a partial vacuum to be produced when applied to a surface.
In a first state, shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the inflatable chamber 104 of the transfer support 100 is deflated, or evacuated. Deflation, or evacuation, of the inflatable chamber 104 results in the suction cups 102 (i.e. the material forming the suction cups) being aspired into the inflatable chamber 104, as indicated by arrows 105. The suction cups 102 are formed integrally with, and from the same material as, the inflatable chamber 104.
The arrows 106 shown in the inflatable chamber 104 in Figure 2A represent fluid flow, e.g. air being evacuated from the inflatable chamber 104. The bottom surface of the transfer support 100 comprises a layer of low-friction material 108.
The layer of low-friction material 108 comprises a plurality of openings 110, corresponding to the suction cups 102, which allow the suction cups to protrude from, i.e. project relative to, the layer of low-friction material 108.
As the suction cups 102 are within the inflatable chamber 104 upon the inflatable chamber 104 being deflated, i.e. upon the transfer support 100 being in the first state, they do not engage a support surface 112 shown in Figure 2B so as to resist, or prevent, sliding of the transfer support 100 relative to the support surface 112. The layer of low-friction material 108 is in contact with the support surface 112, allowing the transfer support 100 to easily slide relative to the support surface 112 via the low-friction material.
Figure 2C shows the transfer support 100 in a second state. In the second state, the inflatable chamber 104 of the transfer support 100 is inflated, and expansion of the inflatable chamber caused the suction cups 102 to be pushed outwards so as protrude from the transfer support 100, i.e. the suction cups 102 project beyond the layer of low-friction material 108. The suction cups 102 are pushed outwards through openings 110. The arrows 114 shown in Figure 2C represent fluid, such as air, being filled into the inflatable chamber 104 to push the excess material which forms the suction cups 102 outwards.
It is noted that while the suction cups 102 of the fourth embodiment in the second state as shown in Figures 2C and 2D project significantly beyond the layer of low-friction material 108, the engaging elements, e.g. suction cups 102, may protrude from the bottom surface less. The engaging elements do not have to protrude any more than is necessary for them to engage the support surface 112.
As shown in Figure 2D, as the suction cups 102 protrude from the bottom surface of the transfer support 100, i.e. through openings 110, the suction cups 102 engage the support surface 112 so as to resist, or prevent, sliding of the transfer support 100 relative to the support surface 112.
Figure 3A shows a fifth embodiment of a transfer support 200. The bottom portion 201 of the transfer support 200 may be the same, or similar, to transfer support 100. The transfer support 200 further comprises a top layer 202, which, in use, is configured to be adjacent a patient using the transfer support 200. The function of the bottom portion 201 of the transfer support 200 is substantially identical to the function of the fourth embodiment of the transfer support 100, as shown in Figures 3B, 3C, and 3D.
The top layer 202 of the transfer support 200 comprises a second inflatable chamber 204. The top layer 202 having the second inflatable chamber 204 may be a standard inflatable mattress layer. Alternatively, the top layer 202 having the second inflatable chamber 204 may have a more complex function, as is described in more detail below.
Figure 4A shows a sixth embodiment of a transfer support 300 in a first state. The transfer support 300 is similar to transfer support 200, and like reference numerals refer to the same features.
The top layer 301 of transfer support 300 is configurable between a first state, shown in Figure 4A, and a second state, shown in Figure 4B. Upon the transfer support 300 being in the first state, a second inflatable chamber of the top layer 301 is in a first top layer state, in which the top layer 301 is inflated so as to become rigid and curl around the shape of the patient 302. As the top layer 301 curls (and forces the bottom portion 201 to curl along with it), the transfer support 300 surrounds a patient 302 placed on the transfer support 300.
It is noted that, upon the transfer support 300 being in the first state, the bottom portion 201 of the transfer support 300 is configured to be in the first, slidable, state.
In the second state, the transfer support 300 according to the sixth embodiment, as shown in Figure 4B, is substantially flat and flexible. Upon the transfer support 300 being in the second state, the second inflatable chamber of the top layer 301 is in a second top layer state, in which the top layer 301 is deflated so as to become flexible. As the top layer 301 becomes flexible, the transfer support 300 becomes flexible and conforms to the shape of the mattress 304 on which the transfer support 300 supporting the patient 302 is placed.
Although the transfer support 300 is shown to extend beyond the edges of the mattress 304, this is not essential. The transfer support 300 may be smaller than a top surface of the support surface (such as the mattress 304).
It is noted that, upon the transfer support 300 being in the second state, the bottom portion 201 of the transfer support 300 is configured to be in the second, non-slidable, state.
Figure 5A shows a seventh embodiment of a transfer support 400 in a first state, and Figure 5B shows the transfer support 400 in a second state. The transfer support 400 comprises a bottom portion 201 and a top layer 301 which may function as described above in relation to transfer support 300. The transfer support 400 is placed on a support surface such as mattress 401.
The transfer support 400 comprises two handles 402, which are accessible only upon the transfer support 400 being in the first, "transfer", state, in which the transfer support 400 curls so as to surround the patient. The transfer support 400 may comprise a further two handles (not shown) on the opposite side of the transfer support 400 to the handles 402.
A separate pump 404 is connected to the transfer support 400. The pump 404 may be connected to a first inflatable chamber (in the bottom portion 201) and a second inflatable chamber (in the top layer 301), so as to drive fluid from the first inflatable chamber into the second inflatable chamber and vice versa. This means that the pump and the first and second inflatable chambers form a closed circuit.
Alternatively, separate pumps may be connected to the first, and second, inflatable chambers. Alternatively, the same pump may be connected to the first, and second, inflatable chambers, but the first and second inflatable chambers may not form a closed circuit. In these embodiments, the first and second inflatable chambers may be separately inflatable and deflatable. As such, the transfer support 400 (but equally the other embodiments discussed above and below) may be configured between the first and second state, and the top layer 301 may be configured between the first and second top layer state, independently from one another.
Figure 6A shows a eighth embodiment of a transfer support 500 in a second state, and Figure 6B shows the transfer support 500 in a first state. The transfer support 500 comprises an integral pump 502 which may be connected to each of a first inflatable chamber and a second inflatable chamber, or only one of the first and second inflatable chambers. The integral pump 502 may be powered by a battery 504, or by mains electricity.
The transfer support 500 may further comprise a quick release button 506. The quick release button 506 is configured such that pressing the quick release button 506 causes the transfer support 500 to reconfigure from the second state, shown in Figure 6A, to the first state, shown in Figure 6B.
The transfer support 500 may further comprise a controller (not shown) and a touchscreen 508. The controller may be configured to control a state of the transfer support 500, a or the pump, and/or other features of the transfer support. The touchscreen 508 may display inputs for the transfer support 500, so that a caregiver may control features of the transfer support 500 via the inputs on the touchscreen 508.
The transfer support 500 may, additionally or alternatively, comprise further inputs such as buttons, switches and the like, such as the quick release button 506 discussed above. The inputs may be coupled to the controller.
The touchscreen 508 may display various data related to the transfer support 500, the patient 302, or other related information. The various data may include a current state of the transfer support 500, a duration for which the transfer support 500 has been in the current state, failure and/or maintenance information, vital signs of the patient 302, patient information such as patient name, age, weight, movement, etc., and other information which may be provided via a hospital information system.
A zipper 510 may be provided, allowing the transfer support 500 to be releasably fastened to a support surface such as mattress 501.
Upon the transfer support 500 being reconfigured into the first state shown in Figure 6B, the transfer support 500 becomes easily slidable so that patient 302 becomes easily movable from the mattress 501 to a second support surface, such as a stretcher 512. The patient 302 and the transfer support 500 may be moved by two caregivers 512 grasping handles 516 (and handles not shown on the opposite side of the patient 302).
An alternative embodiment of a transfer support 700 is shown in Figures 7A and 7B. Upon the transfer support 700 being in a first, sliding, state, an inflatable chamber 701 is deflated and projections 702, which may or may not be integrally formed with the inflatable chamber 701, are contained within the transfer support 700. That is, the projections 702 do not protrude from the transfer support 700, e.g. by projecting through a layer of low-friction material 708. The layer of low-friction material 708 in this embodiment comprises openings 704 corresponding to the projections 702.
Upon the transfer support 700 being in a second, non-sliding, state, as shown in Figure 7B, the inflatable chamber 701 is inflated so that expansion of the inflatable chamber 701 causes the projections 702 to be driven to project through the corresponding openings 704 in the layer of low-friction material 708 so as to protrude from the transfer support 700. In the second state, the projections 702 engage with a support surface, on which the transfer support 700 is placed, and resist, or prevent, sliding of the transfer support 700 relative to the support surface.
The projections 702 are formed from a high-friction material. The projections may, as shown in Figure 7B, be integrally formed with the inflatable chamber 701, from the same material as the inflatable chamber.
It is noted that the transfer support 700 may further comprise other features of the other embodiments described above, such as a top layer, a handle, a pump, etc.
Figure 7C shows an alternative embodiment of projections 710 of a further embodiment of a transfer support, which is similar to the transfer support 700. The projections 710 may be made of any suitable material, and comprise, on their tip, a layer, or portion, of high-friction material 712, for engaging with a support surface when the further transfer support is in the second, non-sliding, state.
It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are exemplary embodiments of the disclosure only. It will also be appreciated that features described above in relation to one embodiment of the disclosure may also be applied to other embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

A transfer support for a patient, comprising:
a bottom surface; and

at least one engaging element, wherein the transfer support is configurable between a first state, in which the transfer support is slidable relative to a support surface, and a second state, in which the at least one engaging element protrudes from the bottom surface to engage with the support surface and resist sliding relative to the support surface.
A transfer support according to claim 1, the transfer support comprising an inflatable chamber connectable to at least one pump, wherein upon the inflatable chamber being deflated the transfer support is in the first state, and upon the inflatable chamber being inflated the transfer support is in the second state.
A transfer support according to claim 2, wherein the or each engaging element is integral to the inflatable chamber.
A transfer support according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the or each engaging element comprises a suction cup.
A transfer support according to any preceding claim, wherein the bottom surface comprises a bottom layer of low-friction material, wherein in the first state the layer of low-friction material is in contact with the support surface.
A transfer support according to claim 5, wherein the layer of low-friction material comprises at least one opening through which the at least one engaging element protrudes upon the transfer support being in the second state.
A transfer support according to claim 6, comprising a plurality of engaging elements, wherein the layer of low-friction material comprises a plurality of corresponding openings.
A transfer support according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the low-friction material comprises at least one of: silicone; polyester; polypropylene; nylon; or mixtures thereof.
A transfer support according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each engaging element is positioned at, or along, a centre-line of the transfer support.
A transfer support according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a, or the, plurality of engaging elements, wherein the plurality of engaging elements is evenly distributed across the bottom surface.
A transfer support according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein the inflatable chamber is formed of a flexible material being one of: chlorosulfonated polyethylene; polyvinyl chloride; polyurethane; rubber; or mixtures thereof.
A transfer support according to any preceding claim, comprising a top layer configured to, in use, be adjacent the patient, wherein the top layer is configurable between a first top layer state, in which the top layer substantially surrounds a majority of the patient, and a second top layer state, in which the top layer is substantially flat.
A transfer support according to claim 12, further comprising a second inflatable chamber connectable to at least one pump, wherein upon the second inflatable chamber being inflated the top layer is in the first top layer state, and upon the second inflatable chamber being deflated the top layer is in the second top layer state; and optionally wherein the first inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber are in fluid communication so as to form a closed circuit.
A transfer support according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one handle accessible only upon the transfer support being in the first state.
A method of transferring a person, comprising the steps of:
placing a person on a transfer support; and

reconfiguring the transfer support from a first state, in which the transfer support is slidable relative to a support surface, to a second state, in which at least one engaging element of the transfer support protrudes from a bottom surface of the transfer support to engage with the support surface and resist sliding relative to the support surface.