WO2011064796A1

WO2011064796A1 - Transfer sheet

Info

Publication number: WO2011064796A1
Application number: PCT/IN2010/000763
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pooja Singh; Mansi Aggarwal; Shitij Malhotra; Amit K. Sharma; Nishith Chasmawala
Original assignee: Stanford India Biodesign Centre
Priority date: 2009-11-24
Filing date: 2010-11-24
Publication date: 2011-06-03
Also published as: WO2011064796A4

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a transfer sheet (1) for transferring a patient between transfer surfaces. The transfer sheet (1) includes a top surface (20'') and a bottom surface (20'), wherein the bottom surface (20') has a substantially low coefficient of friction lower than a coefficient of friction of the top surface (20''). According to the present subject matter, the transfer sheet (1) includes at least two regions (16), wherein the each region (16) includes a system to provide rigidity to the sheet (1) for the patient transfer, and wherein the regions (16) are configured at least near shoulder and buttock regions of the patient.

Description

TRANSFER SHEET

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject matter relates to a transfer sheet for a body, particularly a patient, according to the independent claims.

BACKGROUND

In health care facilities, patients generally undergo several transfers from surface to surface in different locations of the health care facility, such as from stretcher to bed, bed to gurney, gurney to operating table, etc. Most of these transfers are performed manually and can involve several caregivers. During these manual transfers, the patient is usually lifted by the caregivers. It is common for the caregivers to develop fatigue and stress related injuries such as bodily pains, back injuries and the like. Furthermore, different patients have different medical needs, and accordingly the process of transferring the patient can range from very delicate to not so delicate. For example, a patient with spinal or nerve injuries will require extra special care while moving, as compared to a patient with a bone fracture. This way, the number of caregivers required to perform the transfer also varies.

Moreover, acquiring the required number of caregivers at any point of time on an emergency basis or on a moments notice can be complicated since health care facilities are becoming busier by the day and attending to every patient is a demanding task. Also, maintaining and remunerating these numbers of caregivers is not economically viable and can lead to significant annual costs.

Transfer devices are known that deal with reducing the effort required in moving patients from one surface to another and also reducing the risk of injury to the caregiver. Various devices such as boards, planks, rollers and the like are known in this regard.

From document 6357/DELNP/2006, a patient transfer mattress is known. This document discloses an inflatable mattress with pull members to enable easy transfer of the patient by the caregiver. The inflatable mattress reduces friction between the transfer surface and the mattress and hence allows easier transition of the patient. Furthermore, the mattress is introduced under the patient before the time of transfer and needs to be inflated by a pump or the like before the transfer can be performed. For patients in critical condition, such as patients with spinal injuries, or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients, where the patient should preferably not be moved frequently, the task of introducing the transfer means below the patient itself is a daunting task. In the process, patients are usually caused discomfort and there is always a risk of introducing further injury to already critical patients.

US patent 5148558 discloses a patient transfer sheet device, which includes a thin first sheet and a thin second sheet coupled to each other. The invention allows for an easy transfer of a patient from one surface to another surface and subsequently to a further surface if needed. Perforations, medially spaced lengthwise of the patient lying on the device, penetrates the first and the second sheets such that the device can be divided and removed from under the patient without rolling or lifting the patient.

Conventional sheet based transfer devices are usually not patient friendly with regard to comfort and may cause discomfort and skin related complications such as rashes and bed sores when used for long periods of time. These conventional sheet based transfer devices cannot be kept under the patient for substantially long time. Thus, the sheet is needed to be introduced under the patient before the transfer.

Moreover, various other obstacles exist in the field, such as height and gap differences between the transfer surfaces. Also, there could be situation based angular differences between the transfer surfaces. The caregivers need to take extra precautions to overcome these obstacles, which in itself is time consuming and effort demanding. Nowadays, when space is becoming a rare commodity, hospitals and health care facilities are adapting to narrow and cramped work spaces, which in turn cause additional complications in transferring the patient from one place to another.

SUMMARY

The subject matter disclosed herein describes a transfer sheet for transferring a patient between transfer surfaces. The transfer sheet comprises a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface has a substantially low coefficient of friction lower than a coefficient of friction of the top surface. The transfer sheet comprises at least two regions, where the each region comprises a system to provide rigidity to the sheet for the patient transfer. The regions are configured at least near shoulder and buttock regions of the patient.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used for to limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the subject matter are set forth in the appended claims hereto.

The subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features, and wherein:

Figure 1 shows a transfer sheet in a top view, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 2 shows the transfer sheet in a cross sectional view according to embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows the transfer sheet with respective sheet portions shown separated from each other according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 4 shows the transfer sheet in a simplified top view according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 5 shows the transfer sheet in a simplified top view according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 6A shows a side view of transfer surfaces with a height difference.

Figure 6B shows a top view of the transfer surfaces with a gap difference.

Figure 6C shows a top view of the transfer surfaces with an angular difference.

Figure 7A shows an enlarged view of a handle of the transfer sheet according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 7B shows an enlarged view of the handle of the transfer sheet according to a further embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 8 shows the transfer sheet on a transfer surface with respect to caregiver positions before the transfer is performed, according to the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Conventional patient transfer devices are introduced under the patient before the patient transfer can take place. This involves repositioning the patient first, for example by a process such as log rolling, which in itself is time and effort consuming. More importantly, this repositioning can cause grievous injury in the patient, who in some cases may already be in critical condition such as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients, more particularly the patients with spinal injuries. Further time constraints are added when additional processes need to be completed before the transfer can occur. For instance, a conventional air mattresses need to be inflated with air after introducing the mattress below the patient.

Moreover, known patient transfer devices are generally bulky and are tough to store. The bulkiness also means that the device is heavy. Under emergency conditions, the patient might need to be transferred quickly. Utilizing the known transfer devices however, is a long and tedious procedure, where the mattress first has to be situated under the patient and then operated.

Therefore there is a need for a patient transfer device which is lightweight, easy to operate in the field with easy transfer of a patient, even during emergency procedures, requires less manpower, is easy to store, and cost effective. Furthermore, a device is required, which is patient friendly and can be laid under the patient for a substantially long time, such that the device need not be positioned under the patient each and every time a transfer is required.

The present subject matter relates to a transfer sheet that aims at fulfilling the above mentioned requirements.

The present subject matter relates to a transfer sheet for transferring a patient between transfer surfaces. The transfer sheet includes a top surface and a bottom surface, where the bottom surface has a substantially low coefficient of friction lower than a coefficient of friction of the top surface. The transfer sheet further includes at least two regions, where each region includes a system to provide rigidity to the sheet for the patient transfer, and the regions are configured near shoulder and buttock regions of the patient.

In the above embodiment, the system to provide rigidity includes a pocket configured on the bottom surface external to the transfer sheet and at least one removable plank accommodated in the pocket. In an embodiment, the planks have a thickness in the range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In an embodiment, the planks are flexible.

In an embodiment, the planks are foldable.

In one embodiment, the pockets are preferably made of a material having the same coefficient of friction as that of the bottom surface of the transfer sheet.

In an embodiment, the transfer sheet includes at least one storage pocket.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one storage pocket stores a urinary bag coupled to the patient.

In one embodiment, the at least one storage pocket stores at least one from a blood bag coupled to the patient, important medications and patient reports.

In one embodiment, the transfer sheet includes a plurality of handles at least on longitudinal sides of the sheet.

In an embodiment, the transfer sheet includes four handles on each longitudinal side of the sheet.

In an embodiment, the handles are stitched on the transfer sheet.

In an embodiment, the handles are configured integral in the transfer sheet.

In an embodiment, the handles at least on the longitudinal sides, are configured with extensions, for caregivers to hold.

In an embodiment, the transfer sheet includes a plurality of hooks for tethering wires and pipes coupled to the patient.

In an embodiment, the top surface of the transfer sheet has liquid retention properties.

In an embodiment, the top surface is made of breathable material.

In an embodiment, the transfer sheet is disposable.

In another embodiment, the transfer sheet is washable and non-disposable. The transfer sheet by this embodiment, may be used multiple times, thus increasing its cost effectiveness. The transfer sheet in this case can be sterilized through different means such as but not limited to autoclave, using chemicals, heat etc.

In an embodiment, the transfer sheet includes a means to secure the patient to the transfer sheet. In an embodiment, the means to secure the patient includes at least one loop configured on the transfer sheet in at least two positions on the transfer sheet. Further, the means to secure the patient also includes at least one strap inserted into the loop at the each position.

In an embodiment, the strap is a Velcro strap.

In another embodiment, the strap is a belt with a buckle.

In a further embodiment, the strap is a belt with a male-female clip.

In one embodiment, the transfer sheet has at least two sheet portions for transferring the patient between transfer surfaces. The transfer sheet includes a top sheet portion having an inner side and an outer side, and a bottom sheet portion having an inner side and an outer side. The inner side of the top sheet portion is coupled with the inner side of the bottom sheet portion. Further, the outer side of the bottom sheet portion has a substantially low coefficient of friction lower than a coefficient of friction of the outer side of the top sheet portion. The transfer sheet further includes a plurality of the pockets configured external to the transfer sheet, on the outer side of the bottom sheet portion, and a plurality of the removable planks. Moreover, the each pocket accommodates the at least one removable plank.

In an embodiment, the transfer sheet includes two of the pockets configured on the transfer sheet to support shoulder and buttock regions of the patient.

In another embodiment, the transfer sheet includes three of the pockets configured on the transfer sheet to support shoulder, buttock and thigh regions of the patient.

In an embodiment, the transfer sheet includes at least one sheet portion between the top sheet portion and the bottom sheet portion, where the sheet portions are coupled to each other.

In an embodiment, the sheet portions are coupled by a lamination procedure.

In another embodiment, the sheet portions are coupled using a chemical adhesive substance.

In an embodiment, the transfer sheet includes a plurality of the sheet portions coupled to each other for transferring the patient between the transfer surfaces. The transfer sheet includes a the top surface and the bottom surface, where the bottom surface has a substantially low coefficient of friction lower than the coefficient of friction of the top surface. The transfer sheet further includes the plurality of the pockets configured external to the transfer sheet, on the bottom surface and the plurality of the removable planks. The each pocket accommodates the at least one removable plank, and the pockets are configured on the transfer sheet to support at least the shoulder and the buttock regions of the patient.

In a preferred embodiment, the system to provide rigidity to the transfer sheet enables an advantageous height and gap and/or angle compensation between the transfer surfaces.

The present subject matter is advantageous in that an easy transfer between the transfer surfaces is enabled without causing risk to the patient as well as the caregiver in a host of given conditions, such as with the height and gap and/or angle variations between the transfer surfaces. The transfer sheet according to the present subject matter facilitates easy sliding of the patient with minimum number of caregivers thus also reducing the need for extra manpower. The easy sliding of the patient also means less cause for stress and fatigue of the caregiver.

Moreover, the present subject matter is advantageous in that the transfer sheet can be used as a bed sheet below the patient. The sheet can be kept under the patient for a substantially long time. This means that the transfer sheet need not be introduced specially under the patient every time or at the time the patient needs to be moved or shifted. This also implies that the chances of causing the patient discomfort or further injury due to moving and shifting is drastically reduced.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the top sheet portion is made of a soft material, which in turn reduces discomfort for the patient.

In one embodiment, the top sheet portion is advantageously made of a breathable material. This provides good ventilation for the epidermal layer of the skin and reduces long term complications of the skin.

In one embodiment, the top sheet portion is made from a Polyester Viscose mix. In one embodiment, the Polyester Viscose mix is in a 40% - 60% by volume.

In an embodiment, the bottom sheet portion is made from either Low Density

Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or Linear Low Density Polyethylene

(LLDPE). In an embodiment, the transfer sheet is sterile. This is advantageous in that the transfer sheet may be used in a sterile environment such as an operating theater, or the intensive care unit where all medical equipment is sterile.

In another embodiment, the transfer sheet is non sterile.

In one embodiment, the top sheet portion has liquid retention properties. This is highly advantageous in that liquids such as blood, sweat and urine are easily absorbed into the top layer. This means complications such as spillage of such liquids, and skin irritation problems as a result of the epidermis being exposed to such liquids, are reduced for the patient.

Thus the transfer sheet, according to the present subject matter, is patient friendly and provides an advantageous and hygienic means for patient transfer.

In an embodiment, the handles may be made of a suitable material, preferably nylon, which has good tear and stretch resistant properties.

In an embodiment, the handles are incorporated in the transfer sheet itself, i.e. integrated in the transfer sheet. These handles could be in the form of hollow portions or broad slits in the transfer sheet that allow the easy gripping of the sheet. Further, means to reinforce these integrated handles are provided in the transfer sheet to reduce the chances of deformation or tearing in the transfer sheet over repeated use.

In one embodiment, four of the handles are provided on a longitudinal side of the transfer sheet, i.e. two handles per caregiver.

In one embodiment, the handles are extendable, which facilitate the caregiver to pull the transfer sheet from a distance without having to bend over to reach the transfer sheet. This introduces versatility, where a multitude of working conditions or space may be available in the field.

In the embodiment with the plurality of the sheet portions, the sheet portion with the lower coefficient of friction outer side is provided at the bottom, i.e. the bottom sheet portion and the sheet portion with the higher coefficient of friction outer side is provided at the top, i.e. the top sheet portion. In this embodiment, the amount of effort required to move the patient is lessened due to the fact that the force on the bottom sheet portion is reduced, which in turn enables easier sliding. In an embodiment, the plurality of sheets portions can be coupled to each other using a chemical adhesive. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of sheet portions are coupled to each other using the lamination procedure.

In a further embodiment, a contact surface area of the bottom sheet portion is reduced to provide lower friction advantageously to enable easy sliding of the patient. The contact surface area can be reduced using suitable techniques such as powder, spray, or liquid coating.

In another embodiment, the contact surface area of the bottom sheet portion is reduced by projections and/or perforations.

In a further embodiment, the contact surface area is reduced by virtue of the chosen material i.e. material design, such as fish scale surface configuration.

Furthermore, the transfer sheet is compatible with a variety of procedures. In one embodiment, the transfer sheet is radio translucent, which allows the transfer sheet to be advantageously used through a variety of the medical procedures such as an x-ray environment without the need for replacement or removal from below the patient. This is advantageous in that the patient is not repeatedly repositioned while the patient is moved from one. place to another in the medical facility.

According to the present subject matter, the system to provide rigidity to the sheet and to compensate the height and the gap, and/or the angle variations between the transfer surfaces includes a plurality of pockets configured in the transfer sheet, and a plurality of removable planks. The each pocket accommodates the at least one removable plank to provide rigidity to the transfer system, which in turn aids in accommodating the variations in height and gap, and/or angle between the transfer surfaces.

Figure 1 shows a top view of a transfer sheet 1 for transferring the patient between transfer surfaces, according to a preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. A plurality of handles 4 is provided on transverse sides 5 and longitudinal sides 6 of the transfer sheet 1. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, four handles 4 are provided on each of the longitudinal sides 6 of the transfer sheet 1. Furthermore, the transfer sheet 1 includes at least two regions 16. The each region 16 includes a system to provide rigidity to the transfer sheet 1 for the patient transfer. These regions 16 are configured at least near shoulder and buttock regions of the patient to provide required rigidity for an efficient patient transfer. Figure 2 shows the transfer sheet 1 in a cross sectional view according to embodiment shown in figure 1. The transfer sheet 1 has a top surface 20" and a bottom surface 20', where the bottom surface 20' has a substantially low coefficient of friction lower than a coefficient of friction of the top surface 20". This facilitates a smooth movement of the transfer sheet 1 and also enables the patient to remain in a constant position during the transfer.

Further, in an embodiment, the system to provide rigidity in the transfer sheet 1 includes a pocket 1 1 configured external to the transfer sheet 1 on the bottom surface 20', and a removable plank 10 (shown in figure 4) accommodated in the pocket 11. The plank 10 in the pocket 11 provides rigidity to the sheet 1 during the patient transfer. The pockets 1 1 are made from of a material having the same coefficient of friction as that of the bottom surface 20' of the transfer sheet 1. The pockets 1 1 for the planks 10 are configured at least near the shoulder and buttock regions of the patient to provide sufficient rigidity during the patient transfer.

Furthermore, according to the present subject matter, the transfer sheet 1 includes a plurality of hooks 7 along the longitudinal sides 6 as a support means or guiding means to tether wires and/or pipes coupled to the patient.

Figure 3 shows a cross sectional view of the transfer sheet 1 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. Here, the transfer sheet 1 has at least two sheet portions for transferring the patient between the transfer surfaces. The transfer sheet 1 includes a top sheet portion 2 having an inner side 2' and an outer side 2", and a bottom sheet portion 3 having an inner side 3' and an outer side 3". The inner side 2' of the top sheet portion 2 is coupled with the inner side 3' of the bottom sheet portion 3, and wherein the outer side 3" of the bottom sheet portion 3 has a substantially low coefficient of friction lower than that of the outer side 2" of the top sheet portion 2. This facilitates a smooth movement of the transfer sheet 1 and also enables the patient to remain in a constant position during the transfer.

In a preferred embodiment, the top sheet portion 2 and the bottom sheet portion 3 are coupled together using a lamination procedure.

In an embodiment, the sheet portions 2 and 3 can be coupled using a chemical adhesive substance. In one embodiment of the present subject matter, a plurality of the sheet portions is provided. The sheet portion with the lower coefficient of friction outer side is provided at the bottom, i.e. the bottom sheet portion and the sheet portion with the higher coefficient of friction outer side is provided at the top, i.e. the top sheet portion. In this embodiment, the amount of effort required to move the patient is lessened due to the fact that the force on the bottom sheet portion is reduced, which in turn enables easier sliding. This is explained by the fact that a force applied on the top sheet, i.e. a weight of the patient, is distributed among the subsequent sheet portions or layers below, and therefore, the resultant force that acts on the lowest sheet portion, i.e. the bottom sheet portion 3, is reduced and is minimum.

In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of sheet portions are coupled together using a lamination procedure.

In an embodiment, the plurality of sheet portions can be coupled using a chemical adhesive substance.

In one embodiment, the handles 4 are secured to the transfer sheet 1 by means such as stitching.

In one embodiment, the transfer sheet 1 is disposable. The materials used to make the transfer sheet 1 are easily available and cost effective, which makes the transfer sheet 1 economically viable. Furthermore, the transfer sheet 1 is advantageously lightweight and easy to store.

In one embodiment, the transfer sheet 1 includes a means to secure the patient. The means to secure the patient include at least one loop 8 configured on the transfer sheet 1 in at least two positions on the transfer sheet 1. Further, at least one strap is inserted into the loop 8 at the each position. The patient is strapped at at least two places, preferably near shoulder and thigh regions, to the transfer sheet 1, which will render the patient advantageously unmovable during a transfer process from the one transfer surface to another transfer surface. This reduces chances of injury to the patient.

In one embodiment, the strap is a Velcro strap.

In a further embodiment, the strap is a belt with a buckle.

In another embodiment, the strap is a belt with a male-female clip. According to the present subject matter, the transfer sheet 1 includes at least one storage pocket 9. The at least one storage pocket 9 may be stitched onto the transfer sheet 1 near a corner of the transfer sheet 1 as shown in figure 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage pocket 9 stores a urinary bag coupled to the patient.

In an embodiment, the at least one further storage pocket 9 stores blood bags coupled to the patient, important medications or patient reports.

Figure 4 shows a simplified top view of the transfer sheet 1 in the embodiment shown in figure 1, with fewer elements for clarity. The system to provide rigidity in the regions 16 of the transfer sheet 1 enables an advantageous height and gap and/or angle compensation between the transfer surfaces. The system includes the pocket 11 configured on the transfer sheet 1 and the removable plank 10. The each pocket 11 accommodates the at least one removable plank 10 that provides rigidity to the system, which in turn aids in accommodating the variations in the height and the gap, and/or angle between the transfer surfaces. The removable plank 10 may be referred as plank 10 in the specification hereinafter for the sake of simplicity.

In the embodiment shown in figure 4, the transfer sheet 1 has two pockets 11. Into the each pocket 1 1 the at least one plank 10 is inserted. The planks 10 are inserted laterally in the pockets 1 1. A direction of insertion of the planks 10 is indicated by arrows in the figure 4. By inserting these planks 10 in the transfer sheet 1 , the rigidity of the transfer sheet 1 is increased, thereby allowing the patient to be transferred from the one transfer surface to another, even in cases of the height, the gap and/or the angle differences between the transfer surfaces.

In one embodiment, the planks 10 are made of a flexible material such as PVC or fiberglass.

In another embodiment, the planks 10 are made of acrylic material or polycarbonate sheets.

In one embodiment, more than one plank 10 may be inserted into the one pocket 1 1 as per the requirement.

Thickness of the planks 10 is in the range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. Figure 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the present subject matter. In this embodiment, three pockets 11 are provided. Into the each pocket 11 the at least one plank 10 is inserted. Similar to figure 4, the planks 10 are inserted into the pockets 11 in the direction indicated by the arrows.

In both the embodiments, i.e. the embodiments shown in figures 4 and 5, the pockets

1 1 are provided at positions where the patient's shoulders, buttocks, and thighs are located. This facilitates ideal support for the patient during the transfer at critical points. Further, depending on the size and weight of the patient, the pockets 11 at either of the positions can be accommodated with the planks 10.

In one embodiment the planks 10 have the following dimensions:

2 ft to 5 ft in length, 5 inch to 6 inch in width and 0.5 mm to 5 mm in thickness (at least three of the planks 10 are used with these dimensions).

In another embodiment, the planks 10 have the following dimensions:

2 ft to 5 ft in length, 9 inch to 15 inch in width and 0.5 mm to 5 mm in thickness (at least two of the planks 10 are used with these dimensions).

Figures 6 A, 6B and 6C show a first transfer surface 12 and a second transfer surface 13. The patient is transferred from the first transfer surface 12 to the second transfer surface 13 or vice versa. In figure 6A, the first transfer surface 12 is situated at a height h above the second transfer surface 13. Using the transfer sheet 1 according to the present subject matter, the patient may be successfully and securely moved from the first transfer surface 12 to the second transfer surface 13 or vice versa. The caregivers can position themselves in order to grasp the handles 4 and pull the transfer sheet 1 along with the patient. The advantageous system effectively compensates for the height difference h and allows a seamless transfer of the patient between the transfer surfaces 12 and 13. The transfer sheet 1 according to the present subject matter also advantageously has the securing means such as the belts or the straps to secure the patient firmly to the transfer sheet 1. Thus, there is no possibility of the patient getting displaced during the transfer.

Figure 6B further shows a top view of the transfer surfaces 12 and 13 shown in figure 6 A. Here, a gap g is present between the transfer surfaces 12 and 13. Using the transfer sheet 1 according to the present subject matter, a quick and safe transfer of the patient between the transfer surfaces 12 and 13 with the gap g is possible.

Figure 6C further shows a top of the transfer surfaces 12 and 13. Here, an angular difference a is present between the transfer surfaces 12 and 13. Using the transfer sheet 1 according to the present subject matter, a quick and safe transfer of the patient between the transfer surfaces 12 and 13 with the angular difference a is possible.

Figure 7A shows a preferred embodiment, in which the handles 4 are configured extendable such that the caregiver can pull the transfer sheet 1 and the patient from a distance without having to bend. This reduces the amount of effort to be put in by the caregiver and therefore reduces the chances of fatigue related injuries such as body pains. Each handle 4, at least on the longitudinal side 6, is configured with an extension 15, as shown in figure 7A. The caregiver will be able to hold this extension 15 from a distance and pull the transfer sheet 1.

Figure 7B shows another embodiment, in which the handles 4 are configured integrated in the transfer sheet 1. The handles 4 in this embodiment may be suitably reinforced to withstand repeated transfers without deforming or tearing.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the advantageous transfer sheet 1 according to the present subject matter on a surface, such as a gurney or a hospital bed. In this figure, a position of two of the caregivers 14 is shown. The planks 10 are inserted in the pockets 11. The caregivers grasp the handles 4 to pull the transfer sheet towards a target transfer surface to effectively move the patient between the transfer surfaces.

While several embodiments of the present subject matter have been shown and described, other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Further, the transfer sheet has been described primarily in reference to a patient, but may be used to move or transfer a variety of objects. Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes only, and not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter, which is defined by the claims that follow.

Claims

We claim:

1. A transfer sheet (1) for transferring a patient between transfer surfaces, the transfer sheet (1) comprises a top surface (20") and a bottom surface (20'), wherein the bottom surface (20') has a substantially low coefficient of friction lower than a coefficient of friction of the top surface (20"),

characterized in that,

the transfer sheet (1) comprises at least two regions (16), wherein the each region (16) comprises a system to provide rigidity to the sheet (1) for the patient transfer, and wherein the regions (16) are configured at least near shoulder and buttock regions of the patient.

2. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system to provide rigidity comprises a pocket (1 1) configured external to the transfer sheet (1), on the bottom surface (20'), and at least one removable plank (10) accommodated in the pocket (1 1).

3. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pockets (1 1) are made preferably of a material having the same coefficient of friction as that of the bottom surface

(20') of the transfer sheet (1).

4. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer sheet (1) comprises at least one storage pocket (9).

5. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one storage pocket (9) stores a urinary bag coupled to the patient.

6. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one storage pocket (9) stores at least one from a blood bag coupled to the patient, important medications and patient reports.

7. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer sheet (1) comprises a plurality of handles (4) at least on longitudinal sides (6) of the sheet (1).

8. The transfer sheet as claimed on claim 7, wherein the transfer sheet (1) comprises four handles (4) on the each longitudinal side (6) of the sheet (6).

9. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the handles (4) are stitched on the sheet (1).

10. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the handles (4) are configured integral in the sheet (1).

1 1. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the handles (4), at least on the longitudinal sides (6), are configured with extensions (15), for caregivers to hold.

12. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer sheet (1) comprises a plurality of hooks (7) for tethering wires and pipes coupled to the patient.

13. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed claim 2, wherein the planks (10) have a thickness in the range from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

14. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the claims 2 or 13, wherein the planks (10) are flexible.

15. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the claims 2, 13 or 14, wherein the planks (lO) are foldable.

16. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the top surface (20") of the sheet (1) has liquid retention properties.

17. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer sheet (1), preferably the top surface (20"), is made of breathable material.

18. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer sheet (1) is disposable.

19. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the claim 1 to 17, wherein the transfer sheet (1) is washable and non-disposable.

20. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer sheet (1) comprises a means to secure the patient to the transfer sheet (1).

21. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the means to secure the patient comprises:

at least one loop (8) configured on the transfer sheet (1) in at least two positions on the transfer sheet (1); and

at least one strap inserted into the loop (8) at the each position.

22. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the strap is a Velcro strap.

23. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the strap is a belt with a buckle.

24. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the strap is a belt with a male- female clip.

25. A transfer sheet (1) with at least two sheet portions for transferring a patient between transfer surfaces, the transfer sheet (1) comprises:

a top sheet portion (2) having an inner side (2') and an outer side (2"); and a bottom sheet portion (3) having an inner side (3') and an outer side (3"), wherein the inner side (2') of the top sheet portion (2) is coupled with the inner side (3') of the bottom sheet portion (3), and wherein the outer side (3") of the bottom sheet portion (3) has a substantially low coefficient of friction lower than a coefficient of friction of the outer side (2") of the top sheet portion (2);

characterized in that,

the transfer sheet (1) further comprises a plurality of pockets (1 1) configured external to the transfer sheet (1), on the outer side (3") of the bottom sheet portion (3) and a plurality of removable planks (10), wherein the each pocket (11) accommodates the at least one removable plank (10).

26. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 25, wherein the transfer sheet (1) comprises two pockets (11) configured on the transfer sheet (1) to support shoulder and buttock regions of the patient.

27. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in claim 25, wherein the transfer sheet (1) comprises three pockets (1 1) configured on the transfer sheet (1) to support shoulder, buttock and thigh regions of the patient.

28. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the claim 25 to 27, wherein the transfer sheet (1) comprises at least one sheet portion between the top sheet portion (2) and the bottom sheet portion (3), wherein the sheet portions are coupled to each other.

29. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of the claim 25 to 28, wherein the sheet portions are coupled by a lamination procedure.

30. The transfer sheet (1) as claimed in one of ^"the claim 25 to 28, wherein the sheet portions are coupled using a chemical adhesive substance.

31. A transfer sheet (1) with a plurality of sheet portions coupled to each other for transferring a patient between transfer surfaces, the transfer sheet (1) comprises a top surface (20") and a bottom surface (20'), wherein the bottom surface (20') has a substantially low coefficient of friction lower than a coefficient of friction of the top surface (20"),

characterized in that,

the transfer sheet (1) further comprises a plurality of pockets (11) configured external to the transfer sheet (1), on the bottom surface (20") and a plurality of removable planks (10), wherein the each pocket (1 1) accommodates the at least one removable plank (10), and wherein the pockets (1 1) are configured on the transfer sheet (1) to support at least shoulder and buttock regions of the patient.