Patient lifting device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a patient lifting device (100) comprising a plurality of inflatable components (110). Each inflatable component (111, 112, 113, 114) of the plurality of inflatable components (110) comprises a first portion (170) having an outer perimeter (175) and a second portion (180) having an outer perimeter (185). The outer perimeter of the first portion (175) and the outer perimeter of the second portion (185) are connected so as to define a chamber therein. The patient lifting device (100) further comprises one or more ports (120, 130), each provided through a wall of one of the plurality of inflatable components, and arranged to have connected thereto a removably attachable air pump (150) for moving air between the chamber of the one of the inflatable components and an external environment of the patient lifting device (100).

Description

[0001] PATIENT LIFTING DEVICE

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to patient lifting devices.

[0004] Background to the invention

[0005] Patient lifting devices elevate or raise a patient from a lower position such as lying or sitting on the ground to an elevated position to enable the patient to be moved to seek medical attention or care. Some common examples of patient lifting devices are patient hoists. These hoists typically comprise a sling for a patient to sit in which can be moved up and the patient can also normally be rotated. These types of patient hoists are cumbersome as they are very large and often do not fit in confined spaces for example in the home of a patient where care is needed. In addition to this, there is also a risk that using a patient hoist may cause a patient to suffer injury on movement as there is little support offered by the hoist and the patient has to be sat in an upright position when they are moved by a hoist.

[0006] There are further examples of patient lifting devices which include patient jacks. A patient is received on the jack and lifted in either a lying down or seated position by increasing the height of the uppermost jack surface from a ground position. An example of such a jack is a mechanically operated ‘scissor jack’. These types of patient lifting device are also cumbersome, large and do not offer high levels of flexibility when it comes to setting the devices up in more restricted spaces. They also do not offer high levels of comfort for a patient which is a highly important consideration for a care setting.

[0007] Inflatable patient jacks are also known, in which air pressure is used to inflate or deflate a sealed chamber in order to raise or lower the height of the uppermost jack surface relative to the ground.

[0008] It is in this context that the present inventions have been devised.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a patient lifting device comprising: a plurality of inflatable components. Each inflatable component of the plurality of inflatable components comprises a first portion having an outer perimeter and a second portion having an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter of the first portion and the outer perimeter of the second portion are connected so as to define a chamber therein. The patient lifting device further comprises one or more ports, each provided through a wall of one of the plurality of inflatable components, and arranged to have connected thereto a removably attachable air pump for moving air between the chamber of the one of the inflatable components and an external environment of the patient lifting device.

[0011] Thus, the patient lifting device can take the form of a multi-layer inflatable structure, having a plurality of inflatable components. The patient lifting device may comprise a single port, or may comprise a plurality of ports. Where there are a plurality of ports, each port may be through a wall of the same inflatable component, or the plurality of ports may be spread across walls of multiple inflatable components.

[0012] It may be that the patient lifting device is configured to connect to a removably attachable air pump at each of the one or more ports. It may be that the patient lifting device comprises a connector at each of the one or more ports, for securing the removably attachable air pump relative to the one or more ports. In some embodiments, the outer perimeter of the first portion and the outer perimeter of the second portion may be indirectly connected. For example, the outer perimeters may be connected by side walls extending between the first portion and the second portion. In some embodiments, the outer perimeter of the first portion and the outer perimeter of the second portion may be directly connected such that no side walls are present.

[0013] In some embodiments, a stiffness of one portion of at least one inflatable component may be higher than the stiffness of an adjacent portion. For example, in some embodiments, a stiffness of at least a portion of at least one sidewall on an inflatable component is greater than a stiffness of the first portion and second portion of the inflatable component. In some embodiments, a portion of an inflatable component which directly connects the outer perimeter of the first portion and the outer perimeter of the second portion has a higher stiffness than the remaining first portion and second portion. The portion which directly connects the outer perimeter of the first portion and the outer perimeter of the second portion may be defined by a band having a thickness which extends around a point of connection of the outer perimeters of the first and second portions. For example, the band may have a thickness of between greater than or equal to 0.5 cm to less than or equal to 10 cm. In this way, extra stability is provided to the patient jack through the provision of stiff edges of at least one inflatable component.

[0014] In some embodiments, a lowermost inflatable component may extend further in at least a lateral direction than an uppermost inflatable component. In embodiments having at least one further inflatable component disposed between a lowermost inflatable component and an uppermost inflatable component, the extension of each inflatable component in at least the lateral direction decreases from the lowermost inflatable component to the uppermost inflatable component. For example, in an embodiment with first, second, third and fourth inflatable components, where the first inflatable component is the lowermost inflatable component and the fourth inflatable component is the uppermost inflatable component, the extension in at least the lateral direction of each inflatable component may decrease from the first inflatable component through second inflatable component through third inflatable component through fourth inflatable component such that the fourth inflatable component has smallest extension in at least the lateral direction. By having a lowermost inflatable component which has at least the greatest lateral extension, and the uppermost inflatable component having at least the smallest lateral extension, with a reduction in at least the lateral extension of inflatable components from the lowermost to uppermost, a stable base structure is provided. This improves the stability of the patient jack as a sturdy foundation is created.

[0015] Typically, patient lifting devices are cumbersome and are not easy to set up in confined spaces. Fixed construction devices such as scissor jacks are large and difficult to manoeuvre. The devices of the present invention which incorporate inflatable components are easy to use, even in confined spaces. The at least one port of the patient lifting device and the arrangement for connection with a removably attachable air pump allows for the device to be inflated in a number of ways which improves the adaptability of the device in different settings. For example, there may be at least one port on each of the inflatable components. This allows for the isolated inflation of separate inflatable components in, for example, a tiered device. There may be at least one port on only some of the inflatable components, again allowing for the isolated inflation of certain parts of the device. There may be more than one port on any one inflatable component of the device. For example, there may be an inlet port configured to receive air from a removably attachable air pump and there may be an outlet port configured to move air from the chamber of any one inflatable component to an external environment and / or to the removably attachable air pump. In some embodiments, the at least one port may be able to function as both an inlet and an outlet. The at least one port may be provided anywhere on a side wall of the inflatable component. There may be more than one port on more than one side wall of the inflatable component. In this way, if one port is inaccessible in use, a different port can be used to inflate or deflate the inflatable component. This is particularly useful in situations where there is not a lot of space to connect a removably attachable air pump to the device.

[0016] The one or more ports may be air inlets or air outlets arranged as one-way valves. The one-way valves may be screw fit, push type or any other suitable arrangement. The air pump may comprise a nozzle that removably attaches to the port. For example, the air pump may comprise a nozzle that attaches to an air inlet arranged as a one-way valve. In some embodiments, the patient lifting device further comprises a housing for receiving the removably attachable air pump. Thus, the removably attachable air pump can be mounted in the housing to exchange air with the chamber of the inflatable component at which the housing is provided. The housing may be provided at an external part of the inflatable component, for example an external side wall. The housing may be made of a rigid material such as a plastics material. The housing provides a rigidity to the patient lifting device when in use and protects the removably attachable air pump when attached to the housing. It may be that the housing is arranged to surround a plurality of sides of the removably attachable air pump when the removably attachable air pump is received in the housing. It may be that the housing extends into the chamber. In this way, the removably attachable air pump does not typically extend significantly or at all beyond the side wall of the inflatable component when attached to the housing. The housing may be directly within the chamber such that, when a removably attachable air pump is received into the housing, the removably attachable air pump does not extend beyond a side wall of the inflatable component. There may be a housing provided at each of the inflatable components within the device. Accordingly, in a tiered device comprising four inflatable components stacked on top of one another, there may be four housings, one in each inflatable component tier, each housing able to receive a removably attachable air pump therein. The patient lifting device may further comprise the removably attachable air pump. The one or more removably attachable air pumps may be received into the one or more housings which are arranged directly within the chamber of one or more inflatable components of the patient lifting device so that the one or more removably attachable air pumps do not extend beyond a side wall of each inflatable component. This provides a convenient and space-saving arrangement, particularly useful in confined spaces, where, when inflated, the patient lifting device in addition to one or more removably attachable air pumps takes up no more room than the patient lifting device on its own when inflated.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one inflatable component is arranged internally into at least one first channel extending in a first lateral direction between outer perimeters of the first and second portions of the inflatable component. The first lateral direction may be a length of the inflatable component. The first lateral direction may be a width of the inflatable component. The at least one first channel may extend at least partially across the length of the inflatable component. The at least one first channel may extend at least partially across the width of the inflatable component. The at least one first channel may have a rectangular cross section. The at least one first channel may have a square cross section. The inflatable component may comprise a plurality of first channels. Each of the plurality of first channels may comprise a side wall that is shared between adjacent first channels. There may be a through hole defined in each side wall shared between adjacent first channels such that there is an airflow pathway between adjacent first channels. Each of the first channels in the plurality of first channels may be attached to one another by attachment means such as welding, hook and loop-type fastenings, glue, press studs or any other suitable attachment means. In this way, enhanced structural integrity is provided to the patient lifting device as the connection between the first and second outer portions of the inflatable component can act to prevent ballooning of the device on inflation.

[0018] In some embodiments, at least one inflatable component may be further arranged internally into at least one second channel, intersecting away from the outer perimeters of the first and second portions of the inflatable component with the at least one first channel, and extending in a second lateral direction between outer perimeters of the first and second portions of the inflatable component. It will be understood that the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel are typically spaced from the outer perimeters of the first and second portions of the inflatable component away from their respective ends. In other words, an open void providing the chamber of the inflatable component, bounded at the outer perimeters of the first and second portions of the inflatable component cannot be considered to be a first channel or a second channel as described herein. By providing the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel, the inflatable component can function as part of the patient lifting device, having an adjustable height, without necessarily needing air to fill the entire volume of the inflatable component having the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel. The network formed by the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel of a single inflatable component may be considered to provide a lattice structure. The inflatable component may further comprise a perimeter channel extending around a perimeter of the inflatable component, including the outer perimeter of the first and second portions of the inflatable component. The perimeter channel may intersect the ends of one or more, such as a plurality, or even each, of the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel. It may be that a plurality of adjacent inflatable components in the patient lifting device are each arranged as described hereinbefore. It may be that each inflatable component on the patient lifting device is arranged as described hereinbefore. It may be that each of the plurality of first channels may be spaced from each other, such that a side wall portion of any of the plurality of first channels are not in contact with each other. Where the at least one second channel is a plurality of second channels, it may be that each of the plurality of second channels may be spaced from each other, such that a side wall portion of any of the plurality of second channels are not in contact with each other.

[0019] The plurality of adjacent inflatable components may comprise a first adjacent inflatable component adjacent a second adjacent inflatable component. It may be that the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel of the first adjacent inflatable component overlays the respective at least one first channel and the respective at least one second channel of the second adjacent inflatable component. It may be that the perimeter channel of the first adjacent inflatable component overlays the respective perimeter channel of the second adjacent inflatable component. Thus, by having one or more of the internal channels of adjacent inflatable components overlayed, the patient lifting device is particularly structurally stable. Furthermore, the inflatable components of the patient lifting device will not suffer from ballooning issues which can occur in inflatable components which have no internal channel structures of the type described herein.

[0020] The second adjacent inflatable component may comprise a concave portion of at least one of the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel, the concave portion configured to support the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel of the first adjacent inflatable component. Thus, when inflated, the first adjacent inflatable component can be stably supported in the concave shape of the relevant part of the second adjacent inflatable component. The second adjacent inflatable component may comprise a plurality of concave portions, each configured to receive a corresponding part of the first adjacent inflatable component.

[0021] The concave portion may be arranged at the perimeter channel. The concave portion may be arranged at each of the at least one first channel and each of the at least one second channel. In some embodiment, it may be that the concave portion of the second adjacent inflatable component is formed by a lower convex surface of the respective at least one first channel and the respective at least one second channel of the adjacent first inflatable component.

[0022] The patient lifting device may further comprise a cover arranged over the plurality of inflatable components. Thus, a patient can be separated further from any non-flat structural features of the uppermost inflatable component of the patient lifting device, thereby enhancing comfort of the patient. The cover may be removably attachable to the patient lifting device. The cover may be configured to seal the entire patient lifting device structure. The cover may be located on an uppermost inflatable component, this uppermost inflatable component may be a lattice structure. The cover can be made from a material comprising a breathable portion.

[0023] The plurality of inflatable components may be configured such that there is a fluid communication pathway defined between the chambers of at least two adjacent inflatable components. Thus, multiple adjacent inflatable components can be inflated from air pumped into a single inflatable component. For example, a patient lifting device comprising four inflatable components stacked on top of one another may be arranged such that there is fluid communication between at least one set of adjacent inflatable components. In this way, the chamber of a first inflatable component can be filled with air, which causes inflation of the chamber of an adjacent inflatable component. This is beneficial as it does not require the connection of a removably attachable air pump to individual inflatable components. Instead, inflation of the entire patient lifting device can be achieved using one air pump attached to one port. The fluid communication pathway may be a flow-resistant pathway, such that a first inflatable component, upstream of the fluid communication pathway, would be mostly or completely inflated prior to air passing through the fluid communication pathway to cause inflation of one or more second inflatable components, downstream of the fluid communication pathway. It will be understood that upstream and downstream refer to the relative location with respect to the direction of flow of air during inflation of the inflatable components of the patient lifting device.

[0024] The patient lifting device may further comprise a wall through which the fluid communication pathway is defined. The wall may be a common wall that is shared between each adjacent pair of the at least two adjacent inflatable components. In this way, adjacent inflatable components need not comprise two separate walls across the common boundary. In some embodiments, the wall comprises at least one air permeable region through which the fluid pathway is defined. For example, the air permeable region may comprise an air permeable material or may have one or more (e.g. a plurality of) perforations defined therein. In some embodiments, each of the at least two adjacent inflatable components comprise the at least one air permeable region. In this way the air-permeable region is provided in both adjacent inflatable components. It will be understood that an air permeable region is typically any region through which a flow of air can be permitted.

[0025] The air-permeable region may comprise a one-way valve. The one-way valve may be arranged as an opening in a common wall shared between at least two adjacent inflatable components which has a covering associated with the opening. The covering may be a hinged covering. The covering may be a flexible covering. The covering and the associated opening may be arranged such that, on inflation of a lower inflatable component, the covering moves from a first position where it completely covers and seals the opening so that air flow is restricted therethrough, to a second position in which the opening is exposed such that air from the lower inflatable component chamber is able to travel through the opening and enter into upper inflatable component chamber. When the air flowing from the lower inflatable component chamber is stopped, the covering is configured to return to the first position and to sealingly engage with the opening at a side of the opening opposite the lower inflatable component chamber, whereby to substantially or completely prevent a flow of air back from the upper inflatable component chamber to the lower inflatable component chamber. It will be understood that other arrangements of one-way valves can be used instead. It may be that each air-permeable region comprises a one-way valve of the form described hereinbefore.

[0026] In some embodiments, the chamber of at least one of the plurality of inflatable components comprises at least one elongate structure. The at least one elongate structure may extend between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one inflatable component. The at least one elongate structure may extend vertically between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one inflatable component, when the patient jack is in use. It will be understood that the elongate structure is typically elongate in the vertical direction, that is in the direction between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one inflatable component. The at least one elongate structure provides enhanced structural rigidity to the patient lifting device and acts as a tie to prevent ballooning of the first and second portions of the inflatable component. The at least one elongate structure in the at least one of the inflatable components may comprise a first elongate structure region provided in the first portion of the at least one inflatable component, and a second elongate structure region provided in the second portion of the at least one inflatable component. In other words, each elongate structure is formed of at least a first elongate structure region and a second elongate structure region. The at least one elongate structure may, for example, be arranged in a tubular form or in a disc-like form.

[0027] At least a portion of the air permeable region may form part of the at least one elongate structure. In this way, air passes into and / or out of the inflatable component chamber via the elongate structure having the air permeable region. As a result, the inflation of the inflatable component can be particularly effectively controlled. An air permeable region may be provided on one or both of the first and second elongate structure regions. It may be that at least one side wall of at least one elongate structure comprises an air permeable region to permit airflow between one or more elongate structures having air permeable regions connected to further inflatable components, and portions of the inflatable component chamber outside the said one or more elongate structures, including one or more other elongate structures not having air permeable regions directly connected to the further inflatable components (or not connected to the same further inflatable component). Accordingly, there may be multiple fluid communication pathways provided through the respective chambers of each inflatable component by one or more elongate structures. For example, there may be a patient lifting device comprising four inflatable structures stacked on top of one another and each chamber may comprise at least one elongate structure therein. The at least one elongate structure may be a plurality of elongate structures. Each elongate structure may comprise an air permeable region on both the first and second elongate structure regions of the second and third inflatable components and on the side walls of the elongate structures of the first and fourth inflatable components such that there is an air flow between all of the inflatable components in the patient lifting device. The air flow through the elongate members allows for a controlled inflation of each of the inflatable components. An air permeability of at least one side wall of at least one elongate structure in a first inflatable component may be greater than an air permeability of an air permeable region in at least one side wall of at least one elongate structure in a second inflatable component. In this way, controlled inflation of a first inflatable component followed by a second inflatable component may be enhanced. The air permeable region may comprise a plurality of apertures. The apertures may be sized differently depending on the location of the air permeable region in at least one side wall of at least one elongate structure in a particular inflatable component within a patient jack. For example, the apertures in an air permeable region in at least one side wall of at least one elongate structure in a first inflatable component may be larger than those in an air permeable region in at least one side wall of at least one elongate structure of a second inflatable component.

[0028] The air permeable region may be separate from the first and second elongate structure regions. In this way the elongate structure primary purpose is to provide structural integrity to the patient lifting device. In otherwords, the air permeable region in the first portion of the inflatable component, to permit fluid communication with a further inflatable component adjacent to the inflatable component at the first portion of the inflatable component is outside the first elongate structure region, and the air permeable region in the second portion of the inflatable component, to permit fluid communication with a yet further inflatable component adjacent to the inflatable component at the second portion of the inflatable component is outside the second elongate structure region. For air to enter into the elongate structures in this case, it will be understood that a side wall of the elongate structures will typically comprise an air permeable region.

[0029] Each elongate structure in a first inflatable component in the device may be arranged in line with another elongate structure in an adjacent inflatable component. In this way, each elongate structure in each adjacent inflatable component may be stacked on top of one another. This can be particularly useful when airflow through the device is provided via elongate structures in adjacent inflatable components, each elongate structure having an air-permeable region to facilitate airflow through elongate structures in adjacent inflatable components. Alternatively, each elongate structure may be misaligned relative to another elongate structure in an adjacent inflatable component. In this way, each elongate structure may be staggered relative to another elongate component in an adjacent inflatable component. This misalignment of elongate structures in adjacent inflatable components can provide enhanced structural rigidity to the device, whereby a firmer foundation is provided to a patient when lying on the device in use.

[0030] The at least one elongate structure may be elongate in the horizontal direction, extending between a first and second sidewall of an inflatable component. In this way, structural rigidity is provided in the inflatable component where the at least one elongate device is located to aid structural rigidity of the entire patient lifting device. The elongate structure may be elongate in the horizontal direction in whatever form the inflatable component is configured as. For example, the inflatable component may be a mattress or a backrest or a pillow. The extension of the elongate structure in the horizontal direction is particularly good at providing structural rigidity when the inflatable component is a smaller component such as a backrest or pillow.

[0031] The at least one elongate structure may comprise a one-way valve. The one-way valve may be arranged as an opening in a wall dividing the elongate structure into at least a lower region and an upper region with a covering associated with the opening. The covering may be a hinged covering. The covering may be a flexible covering. The covering and the associated opening may be arranged such that, on inflation of a lower region of the elongate structure through inflation of a corresponding or adjacent inflatable component, the covering moves from a first position where it completely covers and seals the opening so that air flow is restricted therethrough, to a second position in which the opening is exposed such that air from the lower region is able to travel through the opening and enter into upper region of the elongate structure. When the air flowing from the lower region is stopped, the covering is configured to return to the first position and to sealingly engage with the opening at a side of the opening opposite the lower region, whereby to substantially or completely prevent a flow of air back from the upper region to the lower region. An airflow pathway into the elongate structure comprising the one-way valve may be provided via an air permeable region on the first elongate structure region, the second elongate structure region, on a side wall of the elongate structure region, or via any combination of these. It will be understood that other arrangements of one-way valves can be used instead. In some embodiments, the chamber of at least one of the plurality of inflatable components comprises at least one connecting element. The at least one connecting element can connect a first portion and a second portion of an inflatable component in which it is located, within the chamber of the inflatable component. The connecting element may provide structural reinforcement to the patient jack via an extension of the connecting element through the chamber of the inflatable component. The connecting element may be a baffle. The baffle may extend in a width-wise direction of the inflatable component. The baffle may also extend in a length-wise direction of the inflatable component. There may be a plurality of baffles in each inflatable component. There may be a plurality of baffles in a plurality of inflatable components. The baffle or plurality of baffles may be arranged in a chamber of at least one inflatable component to define at least one inner chamber region surrounded by at least one outer chamber region.

[0032] In embodiments containing one baffle, the baffle may be arranged as a continuous piece which can define the inner chamber region. In embodiments containing a plurality of baffles, at least two of the plurality of baffles may be connected to one another to form a corner of an inner chamber region perimeter. In some embodiments, at least three of the baffles may be connected to one another to form at least two corners of an inner chamber region perimeter. In some embodiments, at least four baffles are connected to one another to form at least three or four corners of an inner chamber region perimeter. The baffle or plurality of baffles may be arranged to define an inner chamber region which has a four-sided cross-section. For example, there may be four baffles in the plurality of baffles. The four baffles may be arranged to define an inner chamber region with a rectangular or square cross-section. When a patient sits or lies on an inflatable component comprising the baffle or plurality of baffles which are arranged to define an inner chamber region, an enhanced stability is provided to the patient as the inner chamber region defined by the baffle or plurality of baffles provides a depression on a surface of an inflatable component in which the patient can sit or lie. It is therefore favourable for at least an uppermost inflatable component to comprise the baffle or plurality of baffles arranged in this way.

[0033] There may be one or more air-permeable regions in the one or more baffles such that an airflow pathway is defined between the inner chamber region and the outer chamber region. An air permeability of an air permeable region in a baffle or plurality of baffles in a first inflatable component may be greater than an air permeability of an air permeable region in a baffle or plurality of baffles in a second inflatable component. In this way, controlled inflation of the first inflatable component followed by the second inflatable component may be enhanced. The air permeable region may comprise a plurality of apertures. The apertures may be sized differently depending on the location of the one or more baffles in a particular inflatable component within a patient jack. For example, the apertures in an air permeable region in a baffle or plurality of baffles in a first component may be larger than those in an air permeable region in a baffle or plurality of baffles of a second inflatable component.

[0034] In some embodiments, at least two of the baffles of a plurality of baffles are not connected. In this way, an airflow pathway may be defined between the inner chamber region and the outer chamber region through at least one gap in the inner chamber region perimeter. There may be multiple gaps, for example, two, three or four gaps, depending on the arrangement of the baffles.

[0035] Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides a patient lifting device comprising: a plurality of inflatable components, each inflatable component comprising a first portion having an outer perimeter and a second portion having an outer perimeter, wherein the outer perimeter of the first portion and the outer perimeter of the second portion are connected so as to define a chamber therein, and wherein the plurality of inflatable components are arranged such that there is a fluid communication pathway between chambers of at least two adjacent inflatable components; one or more ports, each port provided through a wall of one of the plurality of inflatable components, and configured to allow air into the respective inflatable component chamber; and at least one elongate structure disposed in a chamber of at least one of the inflatable components, the at least one elongate structure extending between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the elongate structure comprises an air permeable region, at least partially through which the fluid communication pathway is defined.

[0036] It will be understood that a port is an opening through which air can pass to enter into or exit from the chamber of the inflatable component. It may be that, of the plurality of inflatable components, the one or more ports are provided in only the one of the plurality of inflatable components. In other words, it may be that air can be exchanged between the inflatable components of the patient lifting device and an external environment only via the one or more ports.

[0037] Thus, the patient lifting device can be inflated using only one removably attachable air pump connected to the one or more ports of only a single one of the plurality of inflatable components owing to there being a fluid communication pathway between at least two adjacent inflatable components. It will be understood that the at least two adjacent inflatable components include the one of the plurality of inflatable components having the one or more ports.

[0038] The following embodiments can be combined with any of the previous aspects and embodiments.

[0039] The patient lifting device may comprise four inflatable components. Each inflatable component may share a common wall with an adjacent inflatable component. Each inflatable component may comprise at least one port. Each port may be configured to allow air to flow between the respective inflatable component chamber and an external environment. Each common wall may comprise an air permeable region. In this way, the patient lifting device is able to provide a height on inflation suitable for patient care and as there is an air permeable region in a common wall shared between each adjacent inflatable component, the entire device can be inflated using only one removably attachable air pump using only one port if desired. However, it may be that different inflatable components of the patient lifting device can be inflated without all inflatable components being inflated where the removably attachable air pump is connected to other inflatable components. As described hereinbefore, it may be that one or more of the air permeable regions comprised in the common walls are in the form of one-way valves.

[0040] Where the patient lifting device comprises an air permeable region, an air permeability of a first common wall may be greater than an air permeability of an air permeable region of a second common wall. In this way, each of the inflatable component chambers may be sequentially inflated such that controlled inflation of the device is achieved. For example, the air permeability of the air permeable region of the first common wall may be greater than 15% of the air permeability of the air permeable region of the second common wall. A volumetric flow rate through the air permeable region of the first common wall may be greater than a volumetric flow rate through the air permeable region of the second common wall. In some embodiments, the air permeability of the air permeable regions of the first and second common walls may be such that, when the first inflatable component is fully inflated, an inflation level of a second inflatable component sharing the first common wall with the first inflatable component, is between 40 to 60% of the inflation level of the fully inflated first inflatable component and the inflation level of a third inflatable component, sharing a second common wall with the second inflatable component is between 10 to 35% of the fully inflated first inflatable component. In some embodiments, the air permeability of the air permeable regions of the first and second common walls may be such that a volumetric flow rate of air through a third inflatable component sharing a common wall with the second inflatable component is between 20 to 60% the volumetric flow rate of air through a second inflatable component sharing a common wall with a first inflatable component.

[0041] The air permeability of the air permeable region may be defined by the surface area of the common wall of adjacent inflatable components having apertures defined therein. The size, number, location and distribution density of the apertures can all be determined according to the intended use and the expected type of patient (or part of a patient) that will lie thereon. For example, the air permeability of a first common wall shared between a lowermost inflatable component and an adjacent inflatable component above it may be greater than the air permeability of a second common wall shared between the second inflatable component and a third inflatable component above it as the first common wall may have a larger number or greater size of apertures defined therein compared to the second common wall. The surface area of each successive common wall in a patient lifting device going from a first common wall to a second common wall to a third common wall (and so on) may therefore have a decreasing air permeability owing to an increasing surface area of the common wall, having fewer or smaller apertures defined therein.

[0042] Having a lower air permeability of an uppermost common wall allowing air into an uppermost inflatable component in use would therefore greatly enhance the safe inflation of the device when a patient is on top of the uppermost inflatable compartment, because each inflatable component is inflated in sequence, meaning that the stability of the device is enhanced compared with the situation where all inflatable components are inflated at in unison at the same rate.

[0043] Where the patient lifting device comprises at least one elongate structure, the air permeability of a first common wall shared between a first inflatable component and a second inflatable component may be greater than an air permeability of a second common wall shared between the second inflatable component and a third inflatable component when the air permeable region of the first common wall does not comprise at least a portion of the at least one elongate structure and the air permeable region of the second common wall does comprise at least a portion of at least one elongate structure. Accordingly, sequential inflation of the inflatable components in the patient lifting device may be provided owing to the difference in air permeability between common walls shared between adjacent inflatable components of the device, where one inflatable component has one or more elongate structures disposed therein and an adjacent inflatable component has fewer (which may be zero) elongate structures disposed therein.

[0044] For a patient lifting device comprising one or more elongate structures, a rate of inflation of a second inflatable component comprising the one or more elongate structures may be less than a rate of inflation of a first inflatable component which comprises zero or fewer elongate structures. Therefore, the provision of at least one elongate structure in an inflatable component can also provide a sequential inflation of inflatable components in the patient lifting device such that a steady and controlled inflation of the entire device is achieved. There may be a restricted airflow through the inflatable component(s) which have at least one elongate structure disposed therein compared to those inflatable component(s) which have fewer (which may be zero) elongate structures disposed therein. This is because air passes through the inflatable component and into the at least one elongate structure either via an air permeable first elongate structure region or through an aperture on a side wall of the at least one elongate structure, or any other aperture on the at least one elongate structure. Accordingly, an inflatable component comprising at least one elongate structure may take longer to fill with the same amount of air compared to an inflatable component which does not comprise at least one elongate structure. In the same way, a second inflatable component with a greater number of elongate structures than a first inflatable component may take longer to fill with the same amount of air than a first inflatable component. The rate of inflation of individual inflatable components in the patient lifting device can therefore be tailored when at least one elongate structure is present in the device depending on the number of elongate structures in each inflatable component and the air permeability of the or each first or second elongate structure region in the or each elongate structure.

[0045] At least one (e.g. each) inflatable component may comprise at least two ports, being at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet. In other words, a first port of the inflatable component may be an air inlet, and a second port of the inflatable component may be an air outlet. In this way, inflation and deflation steps can occur through separate ports. Both the inlet and outlet may separately receive the removably attachable air pump, the air pump being switchable between an inflate mode and a deflate mode. It may be that the inlet includes a one-way valve to restrict or even substantially prevent passage of air out of the inflatable component therethrough. It may be that the outlet includes a one-way valve to restrict or even substantially prevent passage of air into the inflatable component therethrough.

[0046] The patient lifting device may have defined therein an internal air flow channel extending from the port and opening into the chamber at a location in the chamber away from the port. The provision of an internal air flow channel therefore allows air which would otherwise enter the chamber directly at the port to be moved further into the chamber and to be distributed more evenly through the chamber. This reduces asymmetrical inflation occurring in the inflatable component which can cause instability where a patient is lying on the patient lifting device. If no internal air flow channel is present, an edge of the inflatable component may be fully inflated before the centre, and before the patient is raised. The internal air flow channel may be arranged to open into the chamber at least 10 centimetres away from the port. The internal air flow channel may be arranged to provide a plurality of openings into the chamber to thereby ensure air is directed into the chamber at a plurality of different locations in the chamber. The internal air flow channel may be incorporated into at least one of the inflatable components. Each inflatable component may define an internal air flow channel therein. The internal air flow channel may be attached to the patient lifting device inside the chamber and at the outer perimeter of any of the first or second portions of the patient lifting device. The internal air flow channel may be arranged in any shape that allows for an improved airflow distribution to be achieved from a port into the chamber of the inflatable component. For example, the internal air flow channel may be arranged as a tube, such as a tube having a substantially circular crosssection, or having a rectangular cross-section, with openings defined therein along a length of the tube. The openings may be distributed (e.g. evenly distributed) along a length of the tube. In some embodiments at least 50 % of the openings of the internal air flow channel may be located at a distance that is greater than or equal to 10 cm away from the port. Thus, air is provided into the chamber at a plurality of locations internally within the chamber. It may be that the air is provided substantially evenly distributed into the chamber. The openings may be of different sizes across the length of the internal air flow channel. For example, the openings nearest the edges of the inflatable component could be smaller than the openings nearest the centre of the inflatable component. In this way, when the inflatable component has a patient lying thereon, the larger openings direct more air to the centre of the inflatable component chamber. This allows for the bulk of the patient’s weight to be lifted in the centre where it is most needed, compared to the edges of the inflatable component which are lifting the lighter parts of the patient.

[0047] There may be more than one internal air flow channel defined in each inflatable component. Each air inlet port on the inflatable component may have an internal air flow channel extending therefrom. For example, in an inflatable component with two air inlet ports, one on either side of a side wall, there may be two corresponding internal air flow channels extending from each port and into the chamber. There may be an internal air flow channel that extends across each side wall of an inflatable component. The internal air flow channel may extend continuously across each side wall of the inflatable component or it may be divided into separate internal air flow channels such that each internal air flow channel is enclosed per side wall, each internal air flow channel receiving air from a corresponding air inlet on each side wall of the inflatable component. There may be one or more internal air flow channels defined in one or more inflatable components in a multi-tiered patient lifting device.

[0048] The patient lifting device may further comprise one or more (e.g. a plurality of) straps for securing a patient to the patient lifting device. Thus, the patient can be retained safely on the patient lifting device during operation to raise or lower the patient, or otherwise. At least one of, such as each of the one or more straps may be reconfigurable into a stowage configuration in which an end of the strap will not be on the floor around the patient lifting device. At least one of, such as each of the one or more straps may be removably attachable to the patient lifting device. It will be understood that straps may typically be fairly long, and might therefore obstruct operation of the patient lifting device when not being used to strap in a patient. Therefore, by making the straps able to be reconfigurable into a stowage configuration (e.g. by being removably attachable), an end of the straps can be prevented from contacting the ground when not required. The straps can be reconfigured out of the stowage configuration into a use configuration (e.g. re-attached) when required for strapping a patient to the patient lifting device.

[0049] In the use configuration, at least one strap may be attached to a further portion of the patient lifting device at a connection point on the patient lifting device. In the stowage configuration, the at least one strap may be removed from the patient lifting device by disconnecting from the connection point. In some embodiments, in the stowage configuration, the at least one strap may be at least partially received by a receiving component attached to the patient lifting device. For example, the patient lifting device may further comprise at least one pocket which can at least partially receive at least one strap in the stowage configuration. In some embodiments, the patient lifting device comprises at least one receiving protrusion which is configured to hold at least a part of one strap off the ground in the stowage configuration. For example, the at least one protrusion could be used to wrap the strap around it. In some embodiments, the patient lifting device may comprise attachment components such as hook and loop type fastenings (e.g. Velcro®) arranged such that at least a part of the strap may be in a stowage configuration when at least a part of the strap is attached to the patient lifting device via the hook and loop type fastening. For example, a side wall of the patient lifting device may comprise a strip of hook-type material and at least a part of the strap may comprise a loop-type material such that, in the stowage configuration, at least part of the strap can be attached to the strip of hook-type material and make a hook-loop connection.

[0050] The straps may each be two-part straps. In other words, the straps are formed from a first strap portion arranged to connect with a second strap portion to provide the strap described hereinbefore. Each portion of the two-part strap may terminate in a connection member part, together forming a connection member to secure the first portion to the second portion when the first strap portion is connected to the second strap portion via the connection member. The connection member may be a buckle connection. The strap may be connected to a main body of the patient lifting device, such as the side wall of the patient lifting device via a detachable and re-attachable connection. The detachable and re-attachable connection may be a zip connection, a hook and loop connection, or any other suitable connection.

[0051] In some embodiments, the patient lifting device may further comprise one or more (e.g. a plurality of) handles for moving the patient lifting device, for example, for moving the patient lifting device across a surface or for lifting the patient lifting device from one position to another. At least one of, such as each of the one or more handles may be reconfigurable into a stowage configuration in which at least a part of the handle is removed from a use position such that free access to a patient lying on the patient lifting device main body by e.g. a patient caregiver is permitted. At least one of, such as each of the one or more handles may be removably attachable to a further portion of the patient lifting device. Therefore, by making the handles able to be reconfigurable into a stowage configuration (e.g. by being removably attachable), the ease of access to the patient lifting device is improved. The handles can be reconfigured out of the stowage configuration into a use configuration (e.g. re-attached) when required for moving, e.g. lifting, the patient lifting device. In this way, when at least one handle is configured in the stowage configuration, a patient caregiver can approach the patient lifting device and attend to the patient without the at least one handle impeding their access. In some embodiments, in the use configuration, the handle may be attached at a connection point on a further portion of the patient lifting device. In the stowage configuration, the handle may be removed from the patient lifting device by disconnecting from the connection point. In some embodiments, in the stowage configuration, at least one handle may be at least partially received by a receiving component attached to the patient lifting device. For example, the patient lifting device may comprise at least one pocket which can at least partially receive the handles in the stowage configuration. In some embodiments, the patient lifting device comprises at least one receiving protrusion which is configured to hold at least a part of at least one handle off the ground and out of an obstructing position to a patient caregiver in the stowage configuration. For example, the at least one protrusion could be used to wrap the handle around it. In some embodiments, the patient lifting device may comprise attachment components such as hook and loop type fastenings (e.g. Velcro®) such that at least a part of the handle may be in a stowage configuration when attached to the inflatable mattress via the hook and loop type fastening.

[0052] In some embodiments, the handles comprise a rigid material. The handles may, when in a use configuration, be in a fixed position. For example, the handles may extend from a sidewall of the patient lifting device when in a use configuration. In some embodiments, at least one handle comprises a compressible material such that the at least one handle can adopt a compressed state where the at least one handle extends to a limited point away from the patient lifting device in a stowage configuration and a relaxed state such that, in the use configuration, the at least one handle extends to a point further from away from the patient lifting device than in the compressed state. In some embodiments, in a use configuration, the handle(s) may be securely attached to the patient lifting device at a connection point with at least a part of the handle being movable relative to the patient lifting device. For example, in some embodiments, the handles are configured as flexible loops. The loops may be removably attachable to the patient lifting device and have a fixed connection point in use with a further part of the loop being movable such that a user can manipulate the loops to get a good grip on the handle for moving the patient lifting device.

[0053] The patient lifting device may comprise at least one handle and at least one strap. Each or at least one of the at least one handle and at least one strap may be removably attachable to a further portion of the patient lifting device. Each or at least one of the at least one handle and at least one strap may be configured such that, in a stowage configuration, the at least one handle or strap is received by a receiving component such as a pocket on the patient lifting device.

[0054] In some embodiments, the patient lifting device comprises a skirt extending around a perimeter of the patient lifting device with at least one opening defined therein and the at least one handle and / or at least one strap may at least partially be (e.g. arranged to be / configured to be) received by the at least one skirt opening in the stowage configuration. For example, the at least one handle or strap may be (e.g. arranged to be / configured to be) threaded through the skirt opening in the stowage configuration.

[0055] It will be understood that the further portion of the patient lifting device is typically all parts of the patient lifting device other than the strap (e.g. removably attachable strap) and / or handle (e.g. removably attachable handle), where all parts includes any and all of the other features of the patient lifting device described elsewhere herein. In any case, the further portion is at least one part of the patient lifting device other than the strap (e.g. removably attachable strap) and / or handle (e.g. removably attachable handle).

[0056] An uppermost surface of the patient lifting device may be provided with one or more markings thereon, indicative of one or more predetermined locations on the patient lifting device. The one or more locations may include at least one of: a centreline of the patient lifting device; an expected patient head position; an expected patient torso position; an expected patient abdominal position; an expected patient leg position; and expected patient mid-body position; and an expected patient foot position. It may be that the patient is a typical adult, such as an adult male or an adult female. It may be that the patient is a child, such as a baby.

[0057] The inflatable components may be arranged as mattresses, backrests or other components which can support a patient or a part of a patient. An inflatable component arranged as a backrest may be configured to support a patient’s back in use. In some embodiments, the inflatable component arranged as a backrest may be inflated by a removably attachable air pump connected through an air inlet on the backrest and not by a removably attachable air pump connected to an air inlet on a different inflatable component within the patient lifting device.

[0058] In some embodiments, the backrest may be removably attachable to another inflatable component. In some embodiments, the inflatable component arranged as a backrest may be inflated indirectly through an air inlet on a different inflatable component, the backrest inflatable component being in fluid communication with at least one other inflatable component. In some embodiments, the backrest inflatable component may not be in fluid communication with another inflatable component on the patient lifting device.

[0059] The backrest inflatable component may be configured such that it is removably attachable to a further inflatable component comprising an air-permeable portion and a removably attachable cover disposed over said air-permeable portion. The further inflatable component may be configured to be able to receive the removably attachable inflatable backrest component when the removably attachable cover is removed such that a fluid communication pathway is established between the inflatable backrest component and the further inflatable component. For example, the backrest may be configured such that it is removably attachable to a further inflatable component configured as a mattress comprising an air permeable portion that has a removably attachable cover disposed over it. The removably attachable cover may seal the air- permeable portion when it is disposed over the air-permeable portion such that the mattress remains inflated in use. When the cover is removed, the air-permeable portion may receive the removably attachable inflatable backrest such that a fluid communication pathway between the inflatable backrest portion and the inflatable component configured as a mattress beneath is established and the backrest may be inflated through the established fluid communication pathway.

[0060] The inflatable component configured as a backrest may comprise at least one elongate structure. The at least one elongate structure may be elongate in the horizontal direction, extending between a first and second sidewall of the backrest. In this way, structural rigidity across the backrest is provided. The backrest may comprise multiple inflatable compartments. The backrest may be arranged in a concertina shape. Each inflatable compartment may share a common wall with an adjacent inflatable compartment. The common wall may comprise at least one air permeable region through which an airflow pathway between adjacent compartments is defined. Each compartment in the backrest may be sequentially inflated. An air permeability of a first common wall may be greater than an air permeability of a second common wall. Accordingly, a first compartment my fill with the same amount of air faster than a second compartment. A compartment which has an elongate structure disposed therein may fill with air slower than a compartment which does not have an elongate structure disposed therein. An airflow pathway through at least adjacent compartments may be defined through an air permeable region of a common wall. An airflow pathway through at least adjacent compartments may be defined through an air permeable region on an elongate structure disposed within a compartment.

[0061] The patient lifting device may further comprise a plurality of wheels. The plurality of wheels may be arranged at a base of the patient lifting device to thereby allow the patient lifting device to be manoeuvred using the wheels. The plurality of wheels may each extend to a wheel depth from the base. The patient lifting device may further comprise a base inflatable component configured to: extend downwards below the wheel depth when inflated, whereby to restrict movement of the patient lifting device over a flat ground surface on the wheels; and allow the patient lifting device to be moved over a flat ground surface on the wheels when at least partially deflated. Thus, the fact that an air pump is already required for operation of the patient lifting device can be used to also allow the patient lifting device to be changed between a movable configuration in which the patient lifting device can be moved on the wheels and a braked configuration in which the patient lifting device cannot be moved on the wheels. The plurality of wheels may be removably attachable to the base. The plurality of wheels may be received on the base by any suitable receiving component such as a plurality of corresponding wheel cartridges or cassettes that may be securely attached to the base and configured to receive the plurality of wheels.

[0062] The patient lifting device may further comprise a sensor configured to output a sensor signal relating to the level of inflation within the chamber of at least one inflatable component. The at least one inflatable component may comprise the sensor. For example, the sensor may be located in a chamber of the at least one inflatable component.

[0063] In a further aspect, there is provided a system comprising: the patient lifting device as described hereinbefore; a removably attachable air pump; a sensor arranged to output a sensor signal indicative of a level of inflation of the patient lifting device; and a controller for controlling the removably attachable air pump, wherein the controller is configured to control an air output of the removably attachable air pump in dependence on the sensor signal. For example, the sensor may be configured such that, on identification of a predetermined maximum pressure in the chamber of the inflatable component, the air pump is switched off by the controller, following communication of a signal from the sensor to the controller. In embodiments comprising multiple inflatable components, each with at least one sensor therein, each inflatable component in the patient lifting device may be sequentially lifted (i.e. one at a time) or controlled so as to inflate at the same time, depending on the requirements. The system can therefore be automatically controlled to inflate the patient lifting device in a desired way. In some embodiments, the system may be arranged such that all inflatable components in the patient lifting device of the system comprise sensors and all inflatable components inflate based on the sensor signals provided to the controller. In alternative embodiments, the system may be arranged such that only a selected number of inflatable components in the patient lifting device comprise sensors. In other words, there does not have to be a sensor in each inflatable component of the patient lifting device. By incorporating a sensor and controller in a system with the patient lifting device, overinflation of the patient lifting device can be avoided. Moreover, as the inflation is automatically controlled, there is less work required from the caregiver of the patient using the device.

[0064] The system may further comprise a transmitter in wired data communication with the sensor and a receiver in wired data communication with the removably attachable air pump. The system may be configured to control the air output of the removably attachable air pump via transmission between the transmitter and the receiver. It may be that the controller is provided separate from the removably attachable air pump (e.g. with the patient lifting device), in which case the controller would need to send a control signal to the removably attachable air pump via the transmitter and the receiver. Alternatively, the controller may be provided with the removably attachable air pump (e.g. in wired data communication therewith), in which case the controller would need to receive the sensor signal via the transmitter and the receiver. The system may therefore be controllable from the patient lifting device or from the air pump which provides flexibility for device manufacture.

[0065] The inflatable components may be made from a range of different materials such as thermoplastics, including but not limited to, nylon and polyester. These materials may be coated with, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polyvinylchloride (PVC). The inflatable components may comprise predominantly one material. For example, PVC may make up over 50% of the material composition of the inflatable component, if not the whole material composition. The patient lifting devices may further comprise Kevlar® and other polyaramid fibre thermoplastics. These materials are highly durable and provide strength to the patient lifting devices. They are able to withstand high temperatures and are resistant to wear and tear. The patient lifting devices may be constructed using high frequency welding and / or heat-sealing techniques, or any other appropriate fastening components. In all embodiments, the patient lifting device may comprise an inflatable component arranged as a mattress, a pillow, a back support or support for any other part of the body.

[0066] The patient lifting device may comprise accessories which are removably attachable or securely fixed to at least one inflatable component. Accessories may include, at least one handle, at least one securing strap and at least one mattress guard.

[0067] According to another aspect, there is provided a patient lifting device comprising a plurality of inflatable components. Each inflatable component of the plurality of inflatable components comprises a first portion having an outer perimeter and a second portion having an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter of the first portion and the outer perimeter of the second portion are connected so as to define a chamber therein. The patient lifting device further comprises one or more ports, each provided through a wall of one of the plurality of inflatable components. The patient lifting device further comprises at least one strap for securing a patient to the inflatable patient transfer mattress, wherein the at least one strap is removably attachable to a further portion of the inflatable patient transfer mattress and / or at least partially configured to be received by a receiving component on a further portion of the inflatable patient transfer mattress.

[0068] According to another aspect, there is provided a patient lifting device comprising a plurality of inflatable components. Each inflatable component of the plurality of inflatable components comprises a first portion having an outer perimeter and a second portion having an outer perimeter. The outer perimeter of the first portion and the outer perimeter of the second portion are connected so as to define a chamber therein. The patient lifting device further comprises one or more ports, each provided through a wall of one of the plurality of inflatable components. The patient lifting device further comprises at least one handle, wherein the at least one handle is removably attachable to a further portion of the inflatable patient transfer mattress and / or at least partially configured to be received by a receiving component on a further portion of the inflatable patient transfer mattress.

[0069] For all the embodiments described above, it is to be understood that the degree of inflation and therefore height of the patient lifting device can be altered by the amount of air pumped into the device. It will be understood that any of the features described in relation to one or more of the aspects hereinbefore may be combined into any of the other aspects described hereinbefore, unless inherently incompatible.

[0070] Description of the Drawings

[0071] An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which:

[0072] Figures 1A, I B and 1C are, respectively, a perspective view of the patient lifting device, a cross sectional view of an inflatable component of the patient lifting device and a perspective view of the lifting device further comprising a base with wheels according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0073] Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G and 2H are cross sectional views of sections of embodiments of a patient lifting device and 2I is an exploded perspective view of a section of a patient lifting device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figures 3A, 3B and 3C are, respectively, a perspective view of a patient lifting device, a cross sectional perspective view of a section of the patient lifting device and a perspective view of the patient lifting device with a cover thereon according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 4 is a system diagram of the system according to the present disclosure.

[0076] Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment

[0077] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, as shown by Fig. 1A, there is provided a patient lifting device 100 comprising a plurality of inflatable components 110, specifically 111 , 112, 113, 114, which are stacked on top of one another. Accordingly, the patient lifting device can be referred to as a four-tiered patient lifting device. The inflatable components may be attached to each other by high frequency welding, heat sealing or other process or by attachment means such as glue during manufacture. Each inflatable component has an outlet 120, an inlet 130 and a housing 140 which can house a removably attachable air pump 150. The housing is arranged as a sealed compartment within the chamber of the inflatable component that can receive a removably attachable air pump therein. In this arrangement, the removably attachable air pump can be inserted in the housing, and the air pump can inflate the chamber of the inflatable component when the air inlet 130 is opened. The patient lifting device has a further inflatable component arranged as a backrest 115 arranged in fluid communication with inflatable component 114 via a shared common wall comprising an air-permeable region (not shown) such that air flows through the air permeable region and thus between chambers of inflatable component 114 and inflatable backrest component 115. The air inlet 130 and outlet 120 are both arranged as apertures with a covering to open and close the apertures, the air inlet 130 and outlet 120 arranged to allow for an external removably attachable air pump to be attached to each aperture through an air nozzle of the air pump. Straps 116 are included on the uppermost inflatable component 114 to strap the patient to the lifting device when in use. The straps can be removably attachable to the device and attached by any attachment means. In this embodiment, there is a strip of Velcro 117 arranged on a side wall of the inflatable component 114 which removably receives the straps 116 in use. There can be multiple straps arranged on any of the inflatable components configured to safely secure the patient to the device when in use.

[0078] Fig. 1 B shows a cross sectional view of the lowermost inflatable component of the patient lifting device 111. The inflatable component 111 has a first portion 170 on a lowermost face of the inflatable component 111. The first portion 170 has an outer perimeter 175 that defines the first portion 170. The inflatable component 111 has a second portion 180 on an uppermost face of the inflatable component 111. The second portion 180 has an outer perimeter 185 that defines the second portion 180. The inflatable component 111 has four side walls, that together with the first and second portions 170, 180, define a chamber that is sealed within the inflatable component 111 when all inlets and outlets are closed. The first portion 170 of the lowermost inflatable component 111 in the patient lifting device 100 does not allow for the passage of air therethrough. The second portion 180 of the inflatable component 111 (on the upper side of the lowermost inflatable component) has an air-permeable region that comprises a plurality of one-way valves 181 . The air-permeable region is arranged as a series of apertures defined in the second portion 180. The one-way valves 181 in the air-permeable region are arranged as covers that move between an open and closed position over the apertures. When there is a positive airflow flowing from the air inlet 130 of the inflatable component upwards through the chamber, the covers open and allow the air to flow through the apertures. The covers close the apertures when the positive airflow upwards through the chamber of the inflatable component is removed. In this way, the level of inflation of each tier can be controlled. The lowermost inflatable component 111 of the patient lifting 100 device shares a common wall with the inflatable component 112 that is stacked on top of inflatable component 111. The common wall is shared between the second portion 180 of inflatable component 111 and a first (lowermost) portion of inflatable component 112. The one-way valves 181 allow for the flow of air between the chambers of each adjacent inflatable component. An internal airflow channel 160, in the form of a manifold 160, is defined in the chamber of the inflatable component 111. The internal airflow channel 160 extends from the inlet 130 to an end side wall of the inflatable component 111. There are a plurality of apertures 161 evenly distributed throughout a middle section of the internal airflow channel in order to evenly distribute air that arrives from the inlet into the chamber. This promotes controlled airflow within the chamber and helps to prevent ballooning of the device. There may be internal air flow channels in each inflatable component of the patient lifting device, in a selection of the inflatable components in the patient lifting device or only in the lowermost inflatable component of the patient lifting device.

[0079] In use, the removably attachable air pump 150 is placed within the housing compartment 140, the housing compartment is sealed and the inlet 130 and outlet 120 are sealed. The removably attachable air pump 150 has an opening to allow the air to enter and exit the chamber of the inflatable component. The patient lifting device 100 is in a completely deflated state at this point. A patient then lies or sits on the patient lifting device 100. When the patient is safely placed on the device, the removably attachable air pump 150 is switched on and the first inflatable component 111 of the patient lifting device 100 begins to inflate. The flow rate of the removably attachable air pump 150 can be adjusted depending on the level of inflation required. As the first inflatable component 111 begins to inflate, the force of the air from the air pump opens the one-way valves 181 in the common wall shared between the first and second inflatable components 111 , 112. Accordingly, air is able to travel from the first inflatable component 111 , through the one-way valve 181 and into the chamber of the adjacent inflatable component, thus also inflating the second inflatable component 112. The remaining inflatable components 113, 114 and the integrated inflatable backrest component 115 are also inflated in the same way, each adjacent inflatable component sharing a common wall. Accordingly, there is a fluid communication pathway established through each of the inflatable components 111 , 112, 113, 114 via each common wall and the one-way valves defined therein. This particular arrangement of the patient lifting device only requires the use of one removably attachable air pump 150 through one air inlet to inflate the entire device and allows for a controlled inflation of the patient lifting device.

[0080] In some embodiments, one or more of the inflatable components may not share a fluid communication pathway with an adjacent inflatable component. In such arrangements, each individual inflatable component can only be inflated through a removably attachable air pump either connected to the respective air inlet on said inflatable component or within the housing, the housing providing a sealable port into the chamber of said inflatable component. In this way, each inflatable component which does not share a fluid communication pathway with an adjacent inflatable component can be inflated independently to an adjacent inflatable component. Each inflatable component may be inflated by a corresponding removably attachable air pump either connected to a respective inlet on the inflatable component or located within a respective housing in the inflatable component, the housing having a sealable connection to the chamber of the respective inflatable component.

[0081] At any point in the inflation of the device, a user may interrupt the amount of air flowing into the device by manually turning the air pump off and on. A sensor may be incorporated into the chamber of any one or more of the inflatable components to monitor, for example, the pressure of the device in any chamber. The sensor may then relay the pressure information to a controller which automatically adjusts the flow rate provided by the air pump. Accordingly, a desired inflation of each inflatable component can be achieved.

[0082] Fig. 1C shows the patient lifting device 100 comprising the four inflatable components 111 , 112, 113, 114 in addition to a further inflatable base component 190 that is located as a lowermost inflatable component when the patient lifting device 100 is in use. The backrest 115 of patient lifting device is omitted in this figure for ease of reference. The inflatable base component 190 has a plurality of wheels 191 attached to an upper wall (not shown) thereof. When inflated, the base 190 extends downwards past the depth of the wheels 191 to form legs 192. Fig. 1C shows the patient lifting device 100 when the inflatable base component 190 is fully inflated. In this configuration, when the inflatable base component 190 is fully inflated, the legs 192 of the base 190 extend beyond the depth of the wheels 191 such that the patient lifting device 100 is restricted or even fully prevented from lateral movement along the ground, the wheels 191 being off the ground and thus not able to roll along the ground to facilitate the movement of the patient lifting device 100. Fig. 1 D shows the patient lifting device 100 when the inflatable base component 190 is at least partially deflated. In this configuration, the legs 192 are shortened (Fig. 1 D not to scale in this respect), and therefore, the wheels 191 touch the ground and the legs 192 are off the ground. The patient lifting device 100 can therefore be rolled along the ground and used as a portable bed.

[0083] In some embodiments, elongate structures are added to the chamber of one or more inflatable components to prevent ballooning of the inflatable component by adding support and structure to the chamber. Figures 2A-2H are cross sectional views of a patient lifting device 200, which has four inflatable components 211 , 212, 213, 214, comprising elongate structures 215 arranged in different ways. The elongate structures extend between a first portion 280 and a second portion 290 of the chamber within the inflatable components. The elongate structures 215 comprise first elongate structure regions 286 and second elongate structure regions 296. In Figs. 2C-2D, the first and second elongate structure regions 286, 296 make up the air permeable region of the first and second portions 280, 290 of the inflatable component 212. Fig. 2A only shows two elongate structures in each inflatable component of the multi-tiered patient lifting device; however, it is to be understood that this is only a cross section of a small region of the inflatable component and so there can be many more elongate structures within the chamber of the inflatable component. The elongate structures may be evenly distributed within the chamber or they may be placed in higher distribution density in regions of the inflatable component which will bear the most weight of the patient using the device, for example centrally in the chamber.

[0084] In the arrangement shown in Fig. 2A, the elongate structures 215 are all aligned such that each elongate structure 215 in each inflatable component 211 , 212, 213, 214 is stacked on top of one another. Each elongate structure 215 in this arrangement has at least one aperture 216 in at least one side wall of the elongate structure 215. In this way, each inflatable component 211 , 212, 213, 214 within the device 200 can be inflated independently through an air inlet located on the inflatable component side wall and there is no flow of air between adjacent inflatable components. Air enters into the chamber of each inflatable component through a corresponding air inlet on the inflatable component. Air from within the chamber can enter into each elongate structure through the side wall aperture 216 on the elongate structure 215 and back out through the same hole in the side wall or another aperture in the side wall(s) if present. Each elongate structure 215 within the inflatable component may therefore fill with air, but there is no transfer of air between the inflatable components themselves.

[0085] Fig. 2B shows a similar arrangement of the elongate structures 215 as in Fig. 2A, but differs in that each common wall 217 shared between the inflatable components has an air permeable region 218 defined therein. This air permeable region 218 is separate from the elongate structure 215. In this way, there is a fluid communication pathway established between the inflatable components 211 , 212, 213, 214 which is not through the elongate structures 215. Accordingly, a single removably attachable air pump, connected, for example, at an air inlet in inflatable component 211 can allow for the flow of air through the whole patient lifting device 200 as air can travel between adjacent inflatable components through apertures 218 in the common wall.

[0086] Fig. 2C allows air to flow through the whole device 200 via fluid communication pathways established through each of the aligned elongate structures 215. The air can flow from an inlet, for example, in inflatable component 211 through the side wall aperture 216 and up through the aligned elongate structures 215 via the first and second elongate structure regions 286, 296, respectively, which each have an air permeable region defined therein as represented by the dashed lines. As well as having a fluid communication pathway upwards through elongate structures 215 in adjacent inflatable components, air can also travel through the side walls in each elongate structure 215 to fill the respective inflatable structure chamber.

[0087] Fig. 2D is similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 2C, but differs in that there is no fluid communication pathway between the inflatable components 213 and 214. In this arrangement, for inflatable component 214 to be inflated, it must be inflated through an air inlet on the inflatable component 214 as it is otherwise isolated from the three inflatable components 211 , 212, 213 below it. It is to be understood that different inflatable components can be isolated by changing the arrangement of the air permeable regions through the elongate structures in this way. For example, the first inflatable component 211 could be isolated from the three inflatable components above it by removing the air permeable regions from the elongate structures sharing the first common wall.

[0088] Fig. 2E is similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 2C, in that air permeable regions 286, 296 are present in the common walls shared between each adjacent inflatable component 211 , 212, 213, 214. This arrangement differs from the arrangement in 2C in that there are only apertures 216 in the side walls of the elongate structures 215 located in three of the four inflatable components. The elongate structures 215 in inflatable component 212 do not comprise a side wall aperture. Accordingly, an air flow pathway through the elongate structures 215 is established through the apertures 218 on the side walls of the elongate structures 215 and up through the air permeable regions 286, 296 of adjacent inflatable components. This airflow pathway allows for chambers of inflatable components 211 , 213 and 214 to fill. The chamber of inflatable component 212 is able to fill with air as there is also air permeable region 218 which is defined in the common wall shared between inflatable component 211 and inflatable component 212.

[0089] Fig. 2F is similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 2E, but differs in that the uppermost inflatable component 214 is isolated from the three inflatable components 211 , 212, 213 below it as there is no air permeable region defined in the uppermost common wall shared between inflatable components 213 and 214. To allow air flow between chambers of the third inflatable component 213 and the fourth inflatable component 214, an air permeable region 218 is defined in the common wall shared between inflatable component 213 and inflatable component 214.

[0090] Figs. 2G and 2H show arrangements of the elongate structures 215 within the inflatable components 211 , 212, 213, 214 where the elongate structures 215 are misaligned in adjacent inflatable components 211 , 212, 213, 214. Both arrangements in Figs. 2G and 2H have at least one aperture 216 in the side wall(s) of each of the elongate structures 215 in each inflatable component 211 , 212, 213, 214. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 2G, the second elongate structure region 296 of each elongate structure 215 in each inflatable component 211 , 212,213,214 has an air permeable region defined therein. Air can therefore travel through the air permeable regions defined in each second elongate structure region 296 into the chamber of the adjacent inflatable component and then through the aperture 216 in the side wall of the elongate structure. In this way a fluid communication pathway is established through the whole of the patient lifting device using only one removably attachable air pump connected at one air inlet on the lowermost inflatable component 211. In the arrangement shown in Fig.2H, there is no fluid communication pathway established through adjacent elongate structures 215 and instead there is a fluid communication pathway established through air permeable regions 218 defined in the shared common walls between adjacent inflatable components 211 , 212, 213, 214. The air permeable regions in this arrangement are therefore separate from the first and second elongate structure regions.

[0091] Fig. 2I shows an exploded view of a section of inflatable component 212 comprising a total of eighteen elongate structures 215 arranged in six rows of three. In this view, the first and second elongate structure region portions 286 and 296 respectively can be seen to be defined within each corresponding first and second portions 280, 290, respectively, of the inflatable component 200.

[0092] The device may also comprise air inlets in any number of the inflatable components and does not necessarily need to be filled from the lowermost inflatable component air inlet. Once used, the device may be deflated by opening the air outlet or connecting to a removably attachable air pump which is able to draw air out of the device. When this kind of removably attachable air pump is turned on, the air is removed from each inflatable component, either individually if each inflatable component is isolated from another, or from the whole device if there is a fluid communication pathway established between each inflatable component which permits an outward flow of air.

[0093] Fig. 3A shows a perspective view of a patient lifting device 300 with a plurality of inflatable components 311 , 312, 313, 314 stacked on top of one another. Each of the four inflatable components 311 , 312, 313, 314, are arranged such that a first channel extends in a first lateral direction as indicated by arrow 1 between outer perimeters of the first and second portions of the inflatable components, and a second channel extends in a second lateral direction as indicated by arrow 2 between outer perimeters of the first and second portions of the inflatable components and intersects the first channel at intersection point P. This arrangement can be thought of as a lattice-type structure. Each inflatable component 311 , 312, 313, 314 also has a perimeter channel 320, only the perimeter channel 320 of the uppermost inflatable component 314 is shown. The perimeter channel 320 extends around the perimeter of the inflatable component 314, including the outer perimeter connecting the first and second portions of the inflatable component.

[0094] Fig. 3B shows a magnified perspective cross sectional view of a portion of the patient lifting device 300. Each inflatable component 311 , 312, 313,314 arranged as the lattice structure has a concave portion 330 within at least one of the first or second channels. The portion of the inflatable component arranged in a lattice-type structure that is shown has two intersecting points labelled P where the first and second channels intersect. The concave portion 330 has a corresponding convex portion, not shown. Each inflatable component 311 , 312, 313, 314 in the patient lifting device 300 therefore has corresponding concave and convex portions. Each concave portion supports the corresponding convex portion of the channel which is above it. In this way the lattice arrangement structure is strong and sturdy with good connection made between each inflatable component 311 , 312, 313, 314.

[0095] In the same way as described for other embodiments of patient lifting devices, each inflatable component arranged with intersecting first and second channels in the latticetype arrangement can have its own air inlet and outlet or multiple air inlets and outlets and there can also be fluid communication pathways established between each inflatable component through air permeable regions shared between the inflatable components. The air inlet may be at and end of either of the first or second channels or it may be in a perimeter channel. There may also be a housing within each inflatable component with the intersecting channels to house a removably attachable air pump.

[0096] Patient lifting device 300 can also have a cover that is fitted to cover at least the uppermost inflatable component in use so that extra comfort is provided to the patient when lying on the device. The cover may only cover the uppermost inflatable component, or it may cover the entire device and seal the device such that when the device is inflated, air fills not only the inflatable components, but also the voids between the lattice structure. In this way, the patient lifting device is extremely robust at the same time as being comfortable to use. Fig. 3C shows device 300 with a cover 340 that covers the entire patient lifting device. The patient lifting device is therefore sealed. Air is able to enter the patient lifting device through an inlet on a perimeter channel 321 of the device which provides air into both the lowermost inflatable component 311 and the voids defined between the intersecting channels of each inflatable component. Each inflatable component 311 , 312, 313, 314 has an air permeable region defined in each shared common wall between the four inflatable components 311 , 312, 313, 314. Accordingly, all the inflatable components 311 , 312, 313, 314 can fill with air in addition to the voids between the intersecting channels which makes the device extremely stable.

[0097] Fig. 4 is a system diagram showing the system 400 which comprises a patient lifting device according to an example of the invention, not labelled, and a plurality of components 410 in data communication with a controller 440. The plurality of components comprises a sensor 420 and a removably attachable air pump 430. The controller 440 is configured to exchange signals 470 with the sensor and to exchange signals 480 with the removably attachable air pump 430. The controller 440 in this example is realised by one or more processors 450 and a computer-readable memory 460. The memory 460 is a non-transitory computer-readable memory. The memory 460 stores instructions which, when executed by the one or more processors 450, cause the patient lifting device to operate as described herein. The sensor 420 may be incorporated into the chamber of at least one inflatable component of the patient lifting device. The removably attachable air pump 430 may be incorporated into a housing in a chamber of one of the inflatable components of the patient lifting device or it may be connected to a port on an inflatable component of the device. The sensor 420 may be a pressure sensor but it could also be a flow rate sensor. There could be one or more sensors of different types in each inflatable component within the device. The controller 440 processes the data received from the sensor 420 and can automatically adjust the flow rate of air from the removably attachable air pump 430 accordingly. This automatic control depends on predetermined values set on the controller 440 which will mean the controller 440 turns the air pump 430 off, or alters the flow rate, if a desired pressure is reached in a particular or all inflatable components, for example. For example, if a patient is lying on the device and an operator of the system turns the removably attachable air pump 430 on, the patient lifting device begins to inflate. When a predetermined pressure is reached and recorded by the sensor 420 in the corresponding inflatable component, the sensor 420 communicates this information to the controller 440 and the controller 440 turns the air pump 430 off. The inflation level of the patient lifting device does not therefore exceed a desired, predetermined amount. Although the controller is shown here as being implemented in a single component, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the function of the controller may readily be distributed between a plurality of components so as to provide a distributed controller.

[0098] In summary, there is provided a patient lifting device (100) comprising a plurality of inflatable components (110). Each inflatable component (111 , 112, 113, 114) of the plurality of inflatable components (110) comprises a first portion (170) having an outer perimeter (175) and a second portion (180) having an outer perimeter (185). The outer perimeter of the first portion (175) and the outer perimeter of the second portion (185) are connected so as to define a chamber therein. The patient lifting device (100) further comprises one or more ports (120, 130), each provided through a wall of one of the plurality of inflatable components, and arranged to have connected thereto a removably attachable air pump (150) for moving air between the chamber of the one of the inflatable components and an external environment of the patient lifting device (100).

[0099] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to and do not exclude other components, integers, or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0100] Features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims1. A patient lifting device comprising: a plurality of inflatable components, each inflatable component of the plurality of inflatable components comprising a first portion having an outer perimeter and a second portion having an outer perimeter, wherein the outer perimeter of the first portion and the outer perimeter of the second portion are connected so as to define a chamber therein; and one or more ports, each provided through a wall of one of the plurality of inflatable components, and arranged to have connected thereto a removably attachable air pump for moving air between the chamber of the one of the inflatable components and an external environment of the patient lifting device.

2. The patient lifting device according to claim 1 , wherein the patient lifting device further comprises a housing for receiving the removably attachable air pump.

3. The patient lifting device according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein at least one inflatable component is arranged internally into at least one first channel extending in a first lateral direction between outer perimeters of the first and second portions of the inflatable component.

4. The patient lifting device according to claim 3, wherein at least one inflatable component is further arranged internally into at least one second channel, intersecting away from the outer perimeters of the first and second portions of the inflatable components with the at least one first channel, and extending in a second lateral direction between outer perimeters of the first and second portions of the inflatable component.

5. The patient lifting device according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of adjacent inflatable components in the patient lifting device are each arranged internally into the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel, wherein the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel of a first adjacent inflatable component overlays the respective at least one first channel and the at least one second channel of a second adjacent inflatable component, adjacent to the first inflatable component.

6. The patient lifting device according to claim 5, wherein the second adjacent inflatable component comprises a concave portion of at least one of the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel, the concave portion configured to support the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel of the first adjacent inflatable component.

7. The patient lifting device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover arranged over the plurality of inflatable components, optionally wherein the cover is arranged such that the patient lifting device is sealed.

8. The patient lifting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of inflatable components are configured such that there is a fluid communication pathway defined between the chambers of at least two adjacent inflatable components.

9. The patient lifting device according to claim 8, further comprising a wall through which the fluid communication pathway is defined.

10. The patient lifting device according to claim 9, wherein the wall is a common wall that is shared between each adjacent pair of the at least two adjacent inflatable components.

11. The patient lifting device according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the wall comprises at least one air permeable region through which the fluid communication pathway is defined.

12. The patient lifting device according to claim 11 , wherein each of the at least two adjacent inflatable components comprise the at least one air permeable region.

13. The patient lifting device according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the air permeable region comprises a one-way valve.

14. The patient lifting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber of at least one of the plurality of inflatable components comprises at least one elongate structure, the at least one elongate structure extending between the first portion and the second portion of the at least one inflatable component.

15. The patient lifting device according to claim 14, wherein the at least one elongate structure in the at least one of the inflatable components comprises a first elongate structure region provided in the first portion of the at least one inflatable component, and a second elongate structure region provided in the second portion of the at least one inflatable component.

16. The patient lifting device according to claim 15, when dependent on claim 11 , wherein at least a portion of the air permeable region forms part of the at least one elongate structure.

17. A patient lifting device comprising: a plurality of inflatable components, each inflatable component comprising a first portion having an outer perimeter and a second portion having an outer perimeter, wherein the outer perimeter of the first portion and the outer perimeter of the second portion are connected so as to define a chamber therein, and wherein the plurality of inflatable components are arranged such that there is a fluid communication pathway between chambers of at least two adjacent inflatable components; one or more ports, each port provided through a wall of one of the plurality of inflatable components, and configured to allow air into the respective inflatable component chamber; and at least one elongate structure disposed in a chamber of at least one of the inflatable components, the at least one elongate structure extending between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the elongate structure comprises an air permeable region, at least partially through which the fluid communication pathway is defined.

18. The patient lifting device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising four inflatable components, each inflatable component sharing a common wall with an adjacent inflatable component, each inflatable component comprising at least one port configured to allow air into the respective inflatable component chamber and each common wall comprising an air permeable region.

19. The patient lifting device according to any of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 10, wherein an air permeability of a first common wall is greater than an air permeability of an air permeable region of a second common wall.

20. The patient lifting device according to claim 19, wherein the air permeability of the air permeable region of the first common wall is greater than 15% of the air permeability of the air permeable region of the second common wall.

21. The patient lifting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each inflatable component comprises at least two ports, being at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet.

22. The patient lifting device according to any of the preceding claims, having defined therein an internal air flow channel extending from the port and opening into the chamber at a location in the chamber away from the port.

23. The patient lifting device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of wheels at a base of the patient lifting device, extending to a wheel depth from the base, and a base inflatable component configured to: extend downwards below the wheel depth when inflated, whereby to restrict movement of the patient lifting device over a flat ground surface on the wheels; and allow the patient lifting device to be moved over a flat ground surface on the wheels when at least partially deflated.

24. The patient lifting device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor configured to output a sensor signal relating to the level of inflation within the chamber of at least one inflatable component.

25. A system comprising: the patient lifting device of claim 24; a removably attachable air pump; and a controller for controlling the removably attachable air pump, wherein the controller is configured to control an air output of the removably attachable air pump in dependence on the sensor signal.

26. The system of claim 25, further comprising a transmitter in wired data communication with the sensor and a receiver in wired data communication with the removably attachable air pump, and wherein the system is configured to control the air output of the removably attachable air pump via transmission between the transmitter and the receiver.

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