GB2311764A

GB2311764A - Patient Sling

Info

Publication number: GB2311764A
Application number: GB9706906A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Anthony Nevill Bromberger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-04-04
Filing date: 1997-04-04
Publication date: 1997-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2017-04-04
Also published as: GB9706906D0; GB2311764B; AUPN911496A0

Abstract

A patient lifting sling adapted to be fitted to a patient and coupled with a lifting device (38, Figs 4-6) which provides access to the lumbosaccral and coccyx region of the patient therein, has a back support section (18) fitted around the middle torso of the patient and a first and second leg support means (26) depending therefrom, each leg support means having an attachment means e.g. key-hole plates provided to engage with the lifting device. Preferably, the sling has a torso strap (20), back straps (40) for connecting to the lifting device (38) and may have arm restraining means (44, Fig 6). Preferably the leg supports taper. Preferably the leg supports are formed from a folded and joined layer of material and have depending straps (34) inserted therein.

Description

TITLE PATIENT LIFTING AID FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a patient lifting aid. In particular, the present invention relates to a patient lifting sling adapted to be coupled with a lifting device.

BACKGROUND OF THF INVENTION Disabled, immobile and invalid patients are often lifted or moved manually. A range of patient lifting and transfer aids have therefore been developed to assist persons who need to move or lift patients thus reducing the fatigue and strain involved and the risk of injury.

There are a number of lifting slings available which are designed to be fitted to a patient and coupled with a lifting device for the subsequent lifting of patients. These slings however have various limitations or disadvantages. Firstly, the slings may not provide adequate support or restraint of the patient. Secondly, the design of the slings can cause pressure on the coccyx region of the patient during use causing discomfort to the patient.

Thirdly, the design of the slings do not allow for convenient preparation of the patient for toilet use, that is they do not provide easy access to remove the patients undergarments for toileting. The latter is a significant disadvantage since a carer may have to lift or manoeuvre a patient several times to prepare the patient for toilet use.

The present invention seeks to address at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

SJJMMARLGIIHUNvNIIO In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a patient lifting sling including: back support section arranged to be fitted around the middle torso of a patient, and a first and second leg support means depending from the back support section, each leg support means having an attachment means provided to engage with a lifting device, wherein the lifting sling is arranged to be coupled to a lifting device to lift the patient while providing access to the lumbosacral and coccyx region of the patient fitted with the lifting sling.

BllE PTT QN O F THF nNGS The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;- Figure 1 is a plan view of the inner surface of a patient lifting sling in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a plan view of the outer surface of the patient lifting sling of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a front view of the patient lifting sling of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a view of the patient lifting sling of Figures 1-3 in use fitted to a patient; Figure 5 is a rear view of the patient lifting sling of Figures 1-4; and Figure 6 is a view of a further embodiment of a patient lifting sling shown fitted to a patient.

Referring to the Figures 1-5 there is shown a patient lifting sling 10 in accordance with the present invention. The patient lifting sling 10 is formed of a fabric, typically nylon or a nylonlpolyester material. The patient lifting sling 10 has an inner surface 12 as seen in Figure 1 and an outer surface 14 as seen in Figure 2. The lifting sling 10 includes a back support section 18 which is arranged to be fitted snugly around the mid torso of a patient. The back support section 18 is an elongated panel of material, preferably reinforced, which encircles the patients back and extends around toward the front of the patient. A suitable securing means is provided to maintain the back support section 18 in position. In the illustrated embodiment the securing means comprises a buckle and strap system. A pair of straps 20 preferably formed of flexible material are fixed to opposing ends of the back support section 18. A buckle insert 22 is connected to the end of one of the straps 20. A buckle housing 24 is connected to the end of the other strap 20 . In use the buckle insert 22 and buckle housing 24 cooperate in knows n manner to secure the back support section 18 around the mid torso of the patient.

The length of the straps 20 may be adjusted to provide a proper fit for individual patients.

It is envisaged however that other suitable securing means may be employed. For example a hook and loop fastener system.

Depending from the back support section 18 are leg support means 26. The leg support means 26 are formed of substantially elongated sheets of rnaterial 28. The elongated sheets 28 are formed of a nylon or nylon/polyester material and each sheet 28 has a free end 30. Each of the elongated sheets 28 is folded on itself and joined together to form a double layer. A layer of material such as foam may be provided between the double layer to stiffen or soften the leg support means 26. The leg support means 26 are adapted to be disposed around the thigh region of the patient when the lifting sling 10 is fitted. Preferably, the elongated sheets 28 have opposed tapered inner edges as best seen in Figures 1 and 2. The tapering and width of the elongated sheets 28 are designed to limit the movement of the patient when fitted with the lifting sling 10.

Attached to the respective free ends 30 of the elongated sheets 28 are straps 34 and 36.

Preferably, an end of each of the straps 34 and 36 is inserted between the double layer of material of the elongated sheets 28. This arrangement reduces the likelihood of irritation or damage to the patients skin which may be caused by the straps. The straps 34 and 36 are arranged to engage with a lifting device such as a hoist 38. Any suitable engaging means may be used with the straps 34,36 . For example, key hole plates may be fixed to the respective ends. The key hole plates cooperating with a corresponding member on the hoist 38 providing engagement of the patient sling 10 with the hoist 38. Alternatively, a lower portion of each strap 34 and 36 may be folded on itself to form a loop 37. The loops 37 arranged to engage with the hoist 38.

A pair of straps 40 are fixedly attached to the back support section 18 of the patient sling 10. The straps 40 are positioned so that in use the straps 40 extend to the rear of the patient in spaced substantially parallel relationship to the patients spine. The straps 40 are arranged to engage with the lifting device 38. Similarly, any suitable engaging means may be used with the straps 40.

A further embodiment of the patient lifting sling 100 is seen in Figure 6 and like numerals are used to depicts like parts. The patient lifting sling 100 includes arm restraining means. A pair of sleeves 44 formed of relatively strong flexible material such as reinforced nylon are fixed to the outer surface 14 of the back support section 18.

When in use the sleeves 44 are disposed at the patients sides.

Further, in this embodiment a pair of chest straps 46 are fixed adjacent to the opposing ends of the back support section 18. The chest straps 46 are positioned so that in use the straps 46 extend upwardly over the patients chest and shoulder region to engage with the hoist 38. As will be seen this embodiment does not employ straps arranged at the rear of the patient.

A further modification of this embodiment includes an additional pair of straps attached to the back support section 18 and arranged to extend along the patients back.

It is also envisaged that the arm restraining means may be used with the patient lifting sling 10.

In use the patient lifting sling 10 is coupled with a lifting device such as a hoist to lift a patient from a first seated position to a second seated position for example, from a chair to a toilet. When in use the patient lifting sling 10 provides simultaneous support to the patients back and legs. Further the patient sling 10 allows access to the patients lumbosacral and coccyx region so that the patients clothing and undergarments can be removed for toileting.

To fit the patient lifting sling 10 the back support section 18 is positioned around the middle torso region of the patient, with the inner surface 12 adjacent to the patient. The back support section 18 is then folded around the patient like fitting a belt. The back support section 18 is adjusted to fit the patient and is secured in position by way of the strap and buckle system. The straps 40 are positioned adjacent to the patient's back and are drawn in an upwardly direction to engage with the hoist 38.

Once the back support section 18 is positioned and secured the attached elongated sheets 28 extend in a downwards direction toward the patient's legs. One of the elongated sheets 28 is then folded and passed under the back of the upper region of one of the patient's legs and is inserted between the patients legs. In similar manner the other elongated sheet 28 is passed under the back of the upper region of the patient's opposite leg and inserted between the patient's legs. The free ends 30 of each elongated sheet 28 are then disposed to the front of the patient. This arrangement is best seen in Figure 4. The straps 34 and 36 are then drawn in a substantially upward direction and are then coupled with the hoist 38. The elongated sheets 28 may be coupled together by any means such as a tie 42. Thus, the straps 40 are positioned to the rear of the patient and the straps 34 and 36 are positioned to the front of the patient. Upon operation of the hoist 38 the patient is lifted with the raising of the lifting sling 10.

Alternatively, the elongated sheets 28 may be fitted as follows. One of the elongated sheets 28 is passed under the back of both of the patient's legs to form a U shape. In similar manner the other elongated sheet 28 is passed under the back of both of the patient's legs in the opposite direction to form a U shape. In this arrangement the elongated sheets 28 are overlapped. The straps 34 and 36 are then drawn in a substantially upward direction and are then coupled with the hoist 38.

The patient lifting sling 100 is fitted in similar manner. The back support section 18 is fitted as described hereinbefore. The chest straps 46 are positioned adjacent the patients chest and drawn upwardly to engage with the hoist 38. If necessary, the patients arms are extended through the sleeves 44.

The lifting sling 10 and 100 as hereinbefore described when coupled with a lifting device allows a patient to be easily lifted thus reducing the physical strain and effort required when manually moving a patient. Further, the lifting sling 10 and 100 provides comfort and support to the patient when restrained in the lifting sling.

Furthermore, the lifting sling 10 and 100 when fitted ensures that the lumbosacral and coccyx region of the patient is not covered. This reduces potential pressure problems for patients who are generally confined to a sitting position. The aforementioned feature also allows a carer to remove a patients clothing and undergarments for preparation for toilet use.

It is envisaged that the lifting aid 10 and 100 will be provided in a range of sizes.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A patient lifting sling including: back support section arranged to be fitted around the middle torso of a patient, and a first and a second leg support means depending from the back support section, each leg support means having an attachment means provided to engage with a lifting device, wherein the lifting sling is arranged to be coupled to a lifting device to lift the patient while providing access to the lumbosacral and coccyx region of the patient fitted with the lifting sling.

2. A patient lifting sling in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the leg support means have respective opposed tapered profiles along at least part of their length.

3. A patient lifting sling in accordance with Claims 1 and 2, wherein the attachment means are key hole plates.

4. A patient lifting sling in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein arm restraining means are fixed to the back support section.

5. A patient lifting sling in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein a pair of straps having attachment means are fixed to the back support section, the straps arranged to extend in spaced relationship to the patients spine and to engage with a lifting device by way of the attachment means.

6. A patient lifting sling in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein a pair of straps having attachment means are fixed to the back support section, the straps arranged to extend along the patients chest and shoulder region and to engage with a lifting device by way of the attachment means.

7. A patient lifting sling in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the leg support means are formed of a layer of material which is folded and joined.

8. A patient lifting sling in accordance with claim 7 having a strap which extends from a lower end of each leg support means wherein the strap is attached to the leg support means by insertion between the layers.

9. A patient lifting sling substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 or Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.