GB2467166A

GB2467166A - Person transfer apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2467166A
Application number: GB0901244A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dane Mcgee
Original assignee: Engineered Assistance Ltd
Current assignee: Engineered Assistance Ltd
Priority date: 2009-01-26
Filing date: 2009-01-26
Publication date: 2010-07-28
Also published as: GB0901244D0

Abstract

A person transfer apparatus has a floor mounted track 21 and releasably attachable carriage 7, which may be a seat 7, and a base engaging the track 21, permitting the carriage 7 to be moved along the track 21. The system may permit the movement of a patient, such as around a treatment room or accommodation

Description

PATIENT TRANSFER SYSTEM

This invention relates generally to patient transfer systems for transferring individuals who are mobility impaired, for example those who are disabled or elderly. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to apparatus for and method of transferring such individuals for toileting and bathing.

Known patient transfer systems for toileting and bathing generally involve some form of sling and hoist arrangement. Where hoists are not used, ceiling track systems are usually io installed to which the slings are attached. Ceiling track hoists can be difficult and expensive to install, as they require a ceiling of suitable strength to support the track. Such arrangements are also permanent installations, which can only be removed with remedial work to return the ceiling to its original condition.

The use of slings is widespread due to the fact that there does not appear to be a suitable alternative. Sling arrangements are disadvantageous since they can be difficult to fit around a patient and if not fitted properly they can be uncomfortable. Their use can also lead to a loss of dignity and control on the part of the patient when been handled and moved in a sling.

It is therefore a general object of the invention to provide a patient transfer system in which the aforementioned issues and disadvantages are mitigated. It is a more specific, non-exclusive object of the invention to provide a simpler and more effective patient transfer system for transferring patients to and between a lavatory andlor a shower.

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides a patient transfer apparatus comprising a floor mounted track and a carriage with a base configured to engage and run along a horizontal guide of the track, wherein the carriage includes a connector arranged to releasably retrieve a seat to be transported along the track.

This arrangement provides a less intrusive and more dignified solution to the aforementioned hoist or sling systems.

Preferably, the track is portable, for example wherein the apparatus is operable to transfer a patient without the need to secure the track to the floor. More preferably, the track comprises two or more sections, e.g. a plurality of sections, connected together, for example interconnected together.

The use of a portable track permits easy assembly and disassembly of the apparatus.

The guide may comprise a slot, for example a I-shaped slot, wherein the base may comprise an engagement formation which may have a complementary shape to the slot.

The base may comprise a base plate which may be sized and dimensioned to fit within the slot.

The base or base plate may comprise a bearing surface or bearing surfaces, for example ball units associated therewith, which may run or roll in andlor along the slots to facilitate movement of the carriage. The bearing balls may be arranged to allow the carriage to run along the track in any carriage base orientation, for example to permit the use of sharp corners, e.g. to reduce installation space. For instance, the bearing balls may comprise an array of bearing balls, which may be equally spaced about the centre of the base plate andlor independently rotatable to allow multi-directional movement, e.g. horizontal movement, and/or rotation, e.g. about a vertical axis.

The carriage may be rotatable with respect to the track, e.g. at least part of the base or base plate may be at least partially rotatable within the slot. Preferably, the carriage is rotatable through 360 degrees. More preferably, the carriage includes a stepwise locking mechanism, for example which is arranged to lock the carriage, e.g. at 90 degree increments.

This arrangement provides a stable, simple and reliable means of horizontally and/or rotationally moving the carriage with respect to the track.

The carriage or connector may comprise one or more arms, for example rods or bars for engaging the seat, e.g. for engaging one or more complementary holes or apertures or recesses of the seat. The arms may be mounted or secured to a rack which is slideable with respect to the base, e.g. for inserting the arms into the holes or apertures or recesses of the seat.

The carriage may comprise a lift mechanism, for example a pedal which may be actuated to raise or lower a portion of the carriage, e.g. the arms. Preferably, the lift mechanism is in a normally raised position, for example wherein the pedal is actuated or depressed, in use, to lower the carriage portion or arms, e.g. for inserting the arms into the holes or apertures or recesses of the seat, and released to raise the carriage portion or arms back to their original position.

According to an optional feature of the invention the apparatus comprises a seat which includes a seat back or back support portion. The seat may be inflatable or formed of a solid material, e.g. substantially rigid material. The seat may comprise an aperture, which may correspond to and/or align with the opening of a lavatory in use. The seat may comprise a removable panel, for example which is removable to expose or provide the aperture.

The use of a separate seat which is engaged by the carriage precludes the need to transfer the patient from their seat or chair onto the carriage. For example, where an inflatable seat is used, it may be easily placed or inanoeuvred under the patient, inflated and engaged with the carriage to effect the transfer. Additionally or alternatively, several seats may be placed on a number of chairs or sofas, e.g. throughout the patient's house.

The carriage may comprise a brake mechanism, for example a brake pedal, which may be operable to prevent relative movement between the carriage and the track.

A second aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into an apparatus as described above. The kit may comprise the track and the carriage and, optionally, the seat.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of transferring a patient from one location to another location using a carriage movable along a floor mounted track.

Preferably the method is carried out using an apparatus as described above.

One embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transfer system according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the carriage engaged with a portion of the track; Figure 3 is an end view of the carriage and track portion of Figure 4 showing the io engagement therebetween; Figures 4A to 4F illustrate the carriage and seat positions during an exemplary pick up stage; and Figures 5A to 5F illustrate the carriage and seat positions during an exemplary drop off stage.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a patient transfer apparatus I which includes a floor mounted track 2 and two carriages 3 for transferring a patient between a chair 4, a lavatory 5 and a shower 6 using an inflatable seat 7. For simplicity, the patient is omitted.

All elements of the system are formed of suitable water resistant materials which are light and capable of withstanding log term immersion in water and domestic/clinical cleaning agents. Such materials include, but are not limited to, aluminium alloys (preferably marine grade), stainless steels and plastics material.

Figure 1 illustrates two carriages on the track 2 to demonstrate the different positions that may be adopted, however the system 1 may include more or less carriages 3. The layout shows a chair 4 in a room adjacent to a bathroom where the track 2 runs between a lavatory (or adapted toilet) and walk in shower 6 (or adapted bath with suitable bath transfer chair system). It is a particularly advantageous feature of the invention that the carriage 3 is able to pass through a standard domestic internal door opening without the need for widening the door frame.

The track 2 in this embodiment has a wide base that tapers to a narrow upper surface which includes a central slot 20, shown more clearly in Figures 2 and 3, and includes a hollow cross section. The track 2 is formed in a plurality of modular intercoimected track sections 21, 22 including five track lengths 21 and three track junctions 22 to provide a complete track 2 which can access different areas or rooms of a building. Each track section 21, 22 is light enough to be safely handled and are locked together by a secure locking system (not shown) that prevents disconnection. The track 2 is not fixed to the floor 23 and as such can be laid and removed very quickly enabling the system 1 to be set up and taken down in a short space of time.

The carriage 3 includes a base 30 to which a rack 31 is mounted via a lifting mechanism 32. As shown in Figure 3, the base 30 extends through the slot 20 and includes a base plate 30a with a plurality of bearing balls 30b associated with the plate 30a all of which are received within the hollow cross section of the track 2. The lifting mechanism 32 includes an actuator pedal 33 and a support 34 to which the rack 31 is slideably mounted. The rack 31 includes a seven of horizontal arms 35, in the form of rods or bars 35, that form substantially the shape of a chair. The support 34 is raised or lowered by the foot pedal 33 which actuates the lifting mechanism 32, wherein the pedal 33 is depressed to lower the support 34 and released to return the support 34 to its original position.

The arms 35 are adjustable in angle to accommodate a variety of seats or chairs by means of an adjustable hinge arrangement 31 a. The carriage 3 preferably includes a hold to run' brake system (not shown) which comprises a lever (not shown) or second foot pedal (not shown) that must be depressed for the carriage 3 to be free to move in the track 2.

The inflatable seat 7 is preferably manufactured out of a plastic coated textile or non-woven elastic material that can withstand the pressure of rapid inflation and be cleaned using standard medical grade cleaning detergents of the type widely used in hospital and other clinical environments. In use, the deflated sheet 7 is placed deflated on a suitable chair underneath the patient (not shown). It is then inflated using a measured application of compressed air in order for the patient (not shown) to begin to be transferred to lavatory 5 or shower 6 by the carriage 3. Alternatively, a variety of suitable inflation methods such as manual (carer blowing air into a valve), low voltage air pump or any other

suitable means.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the carriage 3 and the detail of the base plate 30a, which runs in the floor mounted track 2. This view also clearly shows how the carriage 3 is kept stable and upright by the profile of the track 2 which encapsulates the base plate 30a. The use of water proof stainless steel or plastic bearing balls 30b fitted into the carriage base plate 30a in a variety of patterns providing a stable multi-directional, low friction bearing surface which enables the carriage 3 be pushed easily around the track 2. This arrangement also enables ninety degree changes of direction to be achieved at suitably constructed track junctions 22 without the need for radius sections which take up more space.

Figures 4A to 4F illustrate how the patient (not shown) sat on a deflated seat 7 would be lifted off the chair 4 and moved to another location via the track 2. Figure 4A shows the deflated seat 7 on the chair 4 and the carriage 3 in the proximity of the chair 4. Figure 4B shows the seat 7 in an inflated condition and the lifting mechanism 32 in a lowered condition. On inflation of the seat 7, longitudinal holes 70 appear in the inflated seat structure 2. The holes 70 are provided by fabric cylinders 70 formed integrally with the seat structure 7 which only achieve their final desired clear diameters when the seat 7 is fully inflated.

Figure 4C shows the ends of the arms 35 being inserted into the holes 70. The seat 7 includes a removable base panel 71 can be removed to expose an aperture 72 (shown in Figures 5A to SF) to provide clearance through the inflated seat 7 for toileting and cleaning. The rack 31 is then moved laterally along guide rails 34a of the support 34 to push the arms 35 fully into the inflated seat 7. The user (not shown) then releases the foot pedal 33, thereby raising the support 34 and arms 35 and lifting the inflated seat 7 and patient (not shown) clear of the top surface of the chair 4. The rack 31, arms 35 and seat 7 are then retracted back along the guide rails 34a and the entire carriage 3 is moved clear of the chair 4 as shown in Figure 4D and 4E.

Figure 4F illustrates how the carriage can then be rotated about its vertical axis in 90 degree lockable increments to enable the patient (not shown) to be facing forward during movement of the transfer car along the track 2. The ability to rotate the carriage through a full 360 degrees is a particularly advantageous feature of the invention.

Figure 5A to SF illustrate how a patient (not shown) sitting on the inflated seat 7 can use the system for with a lavatory 5. Figure 5A shows the seat 7 with the integral base panel 71 removed to expose the aperture 72 and the carriage 3 in the proximity of the lavatory 5.

Figure SB shows the arms 35 of the carriage moved laterally to position the inflated seat 7 io immediately above the lavatory 5. Figure SC shows the inflated seat 7 lowered onto the lavatory 5 by virtue of the foot pedal 33 being depressed by the user (not shown). Figure 5D shows the arms 35 of the carriage being retracted. Figure SE shows the carriage moved clear of the lavatory 5 and Figure 5F shows the carriage rotated through 90 degrees before being moved to another location, e.g. to provide the patient with some privacy.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the track 2 may comprise any number of configurations and need not comprise modular components. The foot pedal 33 may be replaced with any other suitable arrangement such as a hand wheel. The seat 7 need not be inflatable, for example it may include a rigid material andlor a rigid structure.

The carriage may include more or less arms, rods or bars 35 than the embodiment described herein. Moreover, whilst the described embodiment is manually operated, one or more operations may be driven by assisted or even automated means, e.g. one or more electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic drives, e.g. motors. For example, such drives could include worm gearboxes, screw jacks andlor adjustable hydraulic or gas cylinders.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described o herein.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A patient transfer apparatus comprising a floor mounted track and a carriage with a base configured to engage and run along a horizontal guide of the track, wherein the carriage includes a connector arranged to releasably retrieve a seat to be transported along the track.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the track is portable.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the track comprises two or more interconnected sections.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the guide comprises a slot within which is received at least a portion of the carriage base.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the at least a portion of the base comprises a base plate carrying bearing balls associated therewith.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the bearing balls are arranged to allow the carriage to run along the track in any carriage base orientation.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the carriage is rotatable with respect to the track.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the carriage is rotatable through 360 degrees.
9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the carriage includes a stepwise locking mechanism arranged to lock the carriage at 90 degree increments.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the carriage comprises one or more arms for engaging one or more complementary holes or apertures or recesses of the seat.
11. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the one or more arms are mounted or secured to a rack which is slideable with respect to the base to enable the arms to be inserted into the holes or apertures or recesses of the seat.
12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or claim 11 further comprising a lift mechanism to raise or lower the arms.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the lift mechanism comprises an actuator pedal for operating the lift mechanism.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the lift mechanism is in a normally raised position, the pedal being actuated or depressed, in use, to lower the arms and released to raise the arms back to their original position
15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim further comprising the seat.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the seat is inflatable.
17. Apparatus according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the seat comprises a removable panel, which is removable to expose or provide an aperture for alignment with an opening of a lavatory in use.
18. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the carriage comprises a brake mechanism operable to prevent relative movement between the carriage and the track.
19. A kit of parts for assembly into an apparatus according to any preceding claim, the kit comprising the track and the carriage.
20. Method of transferring a patient from one location to another location using a carriage movable along a floor mounted track.
21. An apparatus substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
22. A kit of parts substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
23. A method substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.