Patient transfer system

• US 5,737,781 A
• Filed: 09/13/1995
• Issued: 04/14/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hill-Rom Services Incorporated (Baxter International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Ergodyne Corporation (Klein Tools Incorporated)
• Inventors: Votel, Thomas W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Meyers, Steven N.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Santos, Robert G.
• Application Number:
  US08/527,519
• Time in Patent Office: 944 Days
• Field of Search: 5/81.1 HS, 5/81.1 R, 5/83.1, 5/84.1, 5/86.1, 5/88.1, 5/89.1, 24/265 EC, 24/460, 24/462, 24/498
• US Class Current: 5/81.1HS
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2200/32 lying
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2200/34 sitting
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2200/52 Underarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1015 Cables, chains or cords
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1019 Vertical extending columns or mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1026 Sliding sheets or mats
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/103 Transfer boards
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1034 Rollers, rails or other means
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1042 Rail systems walking aids with suspension devices A61H3/008
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1044 Stationary fixed means, e.g. fixed to a surface or bed
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1046 Mobile bases, e.g. having wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1051 Flexible harnesses or slings
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1057 Supported platforms, frames or sheets for patient in lying position
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1067 for adjustable bases
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1074 Devices foldable for storage
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1076 Means for rotating around a vertical axis
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1078 Clamps for flexible harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/1084 Head or neck
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44043 Channel and inserted bar
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/44368 Pivoted gripping member applies camming force
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 24/4745 : End clasp

Abstract

The invention includes several novel devices for transferring patients. A first system of horizontal transfer of patients is adapted to use existing transfer sheets and cart appropriately modified. The sheet is attached to a clamping device that has a releasable catch that holds the sheet in a cavity. A plurality of straps are attached to the clamping device. The other ends of the straps are attached to reels that are part of a winch. Activation of the winch winds the straps onto the reels. Other designs of horizontal transfer devices are included within the invention. The invention also includes improved bed jackets that can be attached to, a winch for lifting a patient either to re-position them on a surface or to transport them. The invention also includes cushions and side rails with very low friction surfaces to assist with the transfer process.

Claims

1. A transfer system for moving a patient reclining on a transfer sheet between a first horizontal surface and a second horizontal surface, comprising:

a winch apparatus configured for positioning adjacent to either of said first or second horizontal surfaces, the winch apparatus including a drive, an axle rotated by the drive and at least one reel attached to the axle;

at least one strap with a first end and a second end, the first end of the strap attached to the reel and the second end of the strap having a fastening device; and

a clamping device having at least one corresponding fastener for the attachment to the fastening device at the second end of the strap, the clamping device comprising a rigid structure forming a cavity, with the cavity being formed by two curved sections, and the cavity having a releasable catch at its opening such that said transfer sheet can be held within the cavity by the catch until the catch is released to remove the sheet from the cavity, said clamping device further comprising a functional hinge proximate said cavity.

2. The transfer system of claim 1, further comprising a rod which cooperates with the clamping device for holding the sheet.

3. The transfer system of claim 2, wherein the rod is tethered to the clamping device.

4. The transfer system of claim 1, wherein the opening to the cavity has a hinged L-shaped closure.

5. The transfer system of claim 1, wherein the winch apparatus is motorized.

6. The transfer system of claim 1, wherein the winch apparatus is manually operated.

7. The transfer system of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap is comprised of two straps attached to two reels which are spaced apart.

8. A method of transferring a patient reclining on a transfer sheet between a first horizontal surface and a second horizontal surface, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a winch mechanism including means for actuating the winch mechanism and a first reel in mechanical communication with said winch mechanism;

configuring a clamping device with a releasable catch disposed as an opening of a cavity within the clamping device;

placing a rod adjacent the patient and folding a portion of the transfer sheet over the rod;

securing the transfer skeet to the clamping device where the clamping device releasable catch is at the opening of the cavity;

verifying connection of a first strap to the first reel and to the clamping device; and

actuating the winch mechanism to wind the first strap onto the first reel thereby transferring the patient from the first horizontal surface to the second horizontal surface.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein a second strap is also attached to the clamping device and where both straps are simultaneously wound onto respective reels to effectuate the transfer.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein a tucking device is used to assist with securing the transfer sheet to the clamping device.

11. A device for releasibly and securely clamping a sheet, comprising:

a substantially rigid, elongate first member with a length, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first edge and a second edge generally opposite the first edge, the first member generally outwardly curved in cross section for at least a portion of the exterior and interior surfaces;

a substantially rigid, elongate second member with a length, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first edge and a second edge generally opposite the first edge, the second member generally outwardly curved in cross section for at least a portion of the exterior and interior surfaces, the first edge of the first member in proximal juxtaposition to the first edge of the second member, the second edge of the first member spaced apart from the second edge of the second member, the interior surface of the first member facing the interior surface of the second member, and the first edges of the first and second members being integral;

a substantially rigid, third member with an interior surface, an exterior surface, a length, a first edge and a second edge, the length of the third member generally equaling the lengths of the first and second members, the third member pivotally affixed proximate the second edge of the first member, the first edge of the third member proximate the interior surface of the second member, and the third member further comprising a first generally planar section and a second generally planar section the first and second planar sections integrally joined at a bend, the first planar section angling toward the first edges of the first and second members, the second planar section pivotally joined to the first member proximate the second edge of the first member;

a plurality of attaching devices, the attaching devices having a portion generally L-shaped in cross section and being connected to the exterior surface of the device; and

a generally cylindrical rod, the rod positionable proximate the interior surfaces of the first and second members.

12. The device of claim 11, in which the rod has a diameter and in which the red diameter is less than a distance between the second edge of the first member and the second edge of the second member.

13. A device for releasibly and securely clamping a sheet, comprising:

a substantially rigid, elongate first member with a length, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first edge and a second edge generally opposite the first edge, the first member generally outwardly curved in cross section for at least a portion of the exterior and interior surfaces;

a substantially rigid, elongate second member with a length, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first edge and a second edge generally opposite the first edge, the second member generally outwardly curved in cross section for at least a portion of the exterior and interior surfaces, the first edge of the first member in proximal juxtaposition to the first edge of the second member, the second edge of the first member spaced apart from the second edge of the second member, the interior surface of the first member facing the interior surface of the second member, and the first edges of the first and second members being integral;

a substantially rigid, third member with an interior surface, an exterior surface, a length, a first edge and a second edge, the length of the third member generally equaling the lengths of the first and second members, the third member pivotally affixed proximate the second edge of the first member, the first edge of the third member proximate the interior surface of the second member, and the third member further comprising a first generally planar section and a second generally planar section, the first and second planar sections integrally joined at a bend, the first planar section angling toward the first edges of the first and second members, the second planar section pivotally joined to the first member proximate the second edge of the first member; and

a plurality of attaching devices, the attaching devices including a portion generally L-shaped in cross section and being connected to the exterior surface of the device; and

a winch system operably connected to at least one of the attaching devices.

14. The clamping device of claim 13, in which the winch system is at least partially disposed within the clamping device.

15. The clamping device of claim 14, in which the winch system includes a winch mechanism and a strap apparatus.

16. The clamping device of claim 15, in which the winch mechanism includes a winch and an electric motor.

17. The clamping device of claim 16, in which the winch mechanism further comprises a control mechanism, the control mechanism operable at a distance from the clamping device.

18. The clamping device of claim 16, in which the strap apparatus includes a pliable strap and a handle.

19. The clamping device of claim 17, in which the control mechanism is detachable from the clamping device.

20. A method of ergonomically transferring a patient reclining on a sheet, comprising the steps of:

providing a clamping device having a first member and a second member, each member with a first edge and a second edge, the first edge of the first member functionally disposed proximate the first edge of the second member, the second edge of the first member spaced apart from the second edge of the second member, thereby defining a gap;

inserting at least one portion of the sheet within the clamping device by providing an elongate rod having a diameter smaller than the gap between the second edges of the first and second members of the clamping device and folding at least one portion of the sheet about the rod, such that at least one fold is formed about the rod with at least one free end of the sheet extending from the rod, and in which the step of inserting at least one portion of a sheet within the clamp further comprises inserting the rod and at least one fold within the clamping device so that the at least one free end of the sheet is clamped by the clamping device when the retracting force is exerted; and

exerting a retracting force on the damping device, the retracting force exerted away from the patient and acting to securely and reversibly clamp the at least one portion of the sheet within the clamping device, the retracting force further moving the clamping device, the clamped sheet and the patient reclining thereupon.

21. The method of claim 20, in which the step of providing a rod further comprises disposing the rod near the patient such that the wrapped rod is disposable within the clamping device and such that the clamping device is disposed proximate the patient when the wrapped rod is disposed within the clamping device.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, in which all steps are performable by a single operator.

23. A method of clamping a sheet, comprising the steps of:

providing a clamping device, the clamping device with a longitudinal axis and including;

a substantially rigid, elongate first member with a length, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first edge, a second edge, the first member generally outwardly curved in cross section for at least a portion of the exterior and interior surfaces,

a substantially rigid, elongate second member with a length, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first edge and a second edge, the second member generally outwardly curved in cross section for at least a portion of the exterior and interior surfaces,

the first edge of the first member rigidly in juxtaposition to the first edge of the second member, the second edge of the first member spaced apart from the second edge of the second member, the interior surface of the first member facing the interior surface of the second member, and

a substantially rigid, third member with an interior surface, an exterior surface, a length, a first edge and a second edge, the length of the third member generally equalling the lengths of the first and second members, the third member pivotally affixed proximate to the second edge of the first member, the first edge of the third member proximate the interior surface of the second member in a closed position and pivotable away from the interior surface of the second member in an open position;

pivoting the third member of the clamping device to the open position;

placing a portion of the sheet within the clamping device; and

engaging the third member with at least one surface of the sheet, the sheet frictionally contracting the first edge of the third member and the interior surface of the second member.

24. The method of claim 23, in which the step of placing the sheet within the clamping device further comprises:

providing an elongate rod,

folding at least one portion of the sheet about the rod such that a loop with at least one free end is formed, the at least one free end overlapping an unwrapped portion of the sheet, and

disposing the folded portion of the sheet and the rod within the clamping device;

and in which the step of engaging the third member to at least one surface of the sheet further comprises disposing the at least one free end of the sheet and an unwrapped portion of the sheet between the third member and the second member.

25. A device for releasibly and securely clamping a sheet, comprising:

a substantially rigid, elongate first member with a length, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first edge and a second edge, the first member generally outwardly curved in cross section for at least a portion of the exterior and interior surfaces;

a substantially rigid, elongate second member with a length, an exterior surface, an interior surface, a first edge and a second edge, the second member generally outwardly curved in cross section for at least a portion of the exterior and interior surfaces, the second member including a bend such that the cross section of the second member defines a lip proximate the second edge of the second member and such that the lip is pointed generally toward the second edge of the first member, the first edge of the first member in proximal juxtaposition to the first edge of the second member, the second edge of the first member spaced apart from the second edge of the second member, the interior surface of the first member facing the interior surface of the second member, the first edges of the first and second members being integral, and the first edges of the first and second members functionally joined by a hinge;

a substantially rigid, third member with an interior surface, an exterior surface, a length, a first edge, a second edge, and an engaging surface on at least a portion of the third member proximate the interior surface of the second member, the length of the third member generally equaling the lengths of the first and second members, the third member generally L-shaped in cross section and with a bend, the first edge of the third member pivotally mounted within the second edge of the first member, the second edge of the third member extending toward the first edges of the first and second members, the bend of the third member disposed proximate the inferior surface of the lip of the second member, the third member pivotally affixed proximate the second edge of the first member, the first edge of the third member proximate the interior surface of the second member, and the third member further comprising a first generally planar section and a second generally planar section, the first and second planar sections integrally joined at a bend, the first planar section angling toward the first edges of the first and second members, the second planar section pivotally joined to the first member proximate the second edge of the first member; and

a plurality of attaching devices, the attaching devices having a portion generally L-shaped in cross section and being connected to the exterior surface of the device, in which the attaching devices are generally arcuate in cross section with a terminal lip, the attaching devices being rigidly attached to the interior surface of the first member and extending through a portion of the second member generally toward the first edges of the first and second members, and the lip pointing generally toward the first member.