Bathing system

Abstract

The stretcher 11 has a patient-receiving surface formed by first and second panels 14, 15, the first panel being mountable to a bathtub 10 to allow it to pivot by means of a pivoting mechanism about a

Description

The present invention relates to stretchers. More particularly it relates to wall and bath mounted stretchers. Stretchers that attach to a fixed object, typically a wall or bath, and fold down from a stowed position to a use position in which a patient can be laid are used within healthcare and special care for washing, dressing or examination of individuals. Such stretchers typically measure around 700 x 1900mm. A folding stretcher allows efficient use of space by allowing it to be stowed out of the way when not in use. If the stretcher is mounted over a bath there is a second advantage in that the bath can double as a water collection tray, both while washing the patient and also while drying them, possibly after using the bath for washing. A problem arises when using the stretcher to dry disabled patients after they have used the bath. A disabled patient will be lifted into and out of the bath using a hoist. It will be seen that, if the stretcher is to be folded down to dry the patient, it will be necessary to move them away from the bath while the stretcher is folded down. Typically, this will involve taking a wet, naked patient hanging in a sling and pushing them either along the track of a track hoist or across the floor in a wheeled mobile hoist. This lacks dignity for the patient, can put strains on the carer - particularly as patients get heavier - and also gets water on the floor. There is already disclosed in Patent No GB2395665A a stretcher that can be mounted to any suitable bath, comprising a surface adapted to receive a patient, such as to allow the said surface to pivot about a first axis from a stowed position along the length of the bath to a use position on top of the bath. In the disclosed invention the said surface is itself also foldable approximately in half along an axis parallel to the first axis. This design allows a patient to remain over the bath while the stretcher surface is moved to its use position without raising the patient more than about 300mm above the stretcher surface, because of the geometry of the folding surface. Although the disclosed invention in effective in many situations, it suffers from a number of disadvantages. It requires effort both to deploy and to stow the surface, which is of its nature as large as the top of a bath. Also, although the stretcher can be deployed using one hand, providing the user is strong enough, it always needs two hands to stow it. This is because one hand is needed to raise the centre fold of the surface, to allow it to fold, while the other hand is used to support and move the surface as it is stowed. When bathing individuals with disabilities it is often important to have one hand free to steady or comfort the person. So having to use two hands to stow the stretcher can be a significant problem for some carers. The present invention provides an overbath stretcher which overcomes the problems in known overbath stretchers. According to the present invention there is provided a stretcher comprising a surface formed by first and second panels and adapted to receive a patient, the first panel being mountable to a bathtub so as to allow it to pivot by means of a pivoting mechanism about a first axis from a stowed position along the length of the bath to a use position on top of the bath, and a second panel fixed to the first panel such that it pivots by means of a second pivoting mechanism along a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, wherein the said first pivoting mechanism incorporates a spring mechanism providing a torque to bias the said first panel towards its stowed position when deployed. Preferably the torque provided by the spring is such that when in its use position the first panel is approximately in an equilibrium state between remaining in its use position and returning to its stowed position. Preferably the said second panel incorporates means for a user to apply a torque on the first panel in a direction to move it from its use to its stowed position without lifting the entire weight of the said second panel. Preferably the means comprise a fulcrum forming part of the second panel and bearing against a top surface the bathtub when the second panel is in its use position whereby to allow a user to bear on a portion of the second panel to use it as a lever to exert a torque on the first panel. Preferably the means comprise an aperture displaced at least 40mm from an adjacent edge of the second panel, whereby to allow a user to apply a direct torque while grasping the panel through the aperture. According to a further aspect of there the present invention there is provided a bathtub having mounted thereon a stretcher comprising a surface formed by first and second panels and adapted to receive a patient, so as to allow it to pivot by means of a pivoting mechanism about a first axis from a stowed position along the length of the bath to a use position on a top surface of the bath, and a second panel fixed to the first panel such that it pivots by means of a second pivoting mechanism along a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, wherein the said first pivoting mechanism incorporates a spring mechanism providing a torque to bias the said first panel towards its stowed position. Preferably the said top surface of the bath is substantially clear of obstructions whereby the said second panel can be supported by the top surface of the bath when it is moved between a use and a stowed position. Preferably the said second panel includes wheels to bear against the top surface of the bath during deployment and stowing of the panel. Preferably the stretcher includes releasable retaining means to hold it in a stowed position. Preferably the stretcher includes abutment means such that the said surface is foldable in one direction only. Preferably the said top surface includes retention means formed by ramps to hold the said stretcher releasably in its stowed position. The invention will now be described more fully, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a known stretcher in its use position Figure 2 shows a known stretcher in its stowed position Figure 3 shows a stretcher embodying the invention in its stowed position Figure 4 shows a detail of the stretcher of Figure 3 Figure 5 shows the stretcher of Figure 3 in its use position Figure 6 shows a detail of a bathtub and stretcher embodying a second aspect the invention, with the stretcher in its stowed position and Figure 7 shows a bathtub and stretcher embodying a further aspect of the present invention in its stowed position and Figure 8 shows the embodiment of Figure 7 with the stretcher in its use position. Figure 1 shows a bath (1) with a stretcher (2) of known design mounted to it. The stretcher comprises mounting means (3) which mount the stretcher to the bath along its long edge and a surface comprising a coated nylon sheet (4) adapted to receive a patient and stretched tautly within a stainless steel perimeter frame (5). The perimeter frame itself is hinged roughly in the middle of each short side to form hingably connected first and second panels . When the stretcher is stowed, the perimeter frame is hinged in half by a hinge (6) as shown. In the design shown the stretcher (2) includes retaining means (7) to hold the stretcher in the stowed position. The mounting means (3) comprise legs (8,8) fixed to the bath, each being hingably attached to the stretcher Figure 2 shows the stretcher of Figure 1 in its use position. Once the retaining means are released the front portion of the frame can be drawn forward over the bath until the surface lies flat over the bath. In the design shown the hinge (6) includes abutment means (16) to prevent the frame from folding over-centre. The frame also includes legs with pads (9) to allow it to sit on the bath rim without marking it. Figure 3, 4 and 5 show a stretcher (11) comprising a first embodiment of the invention, shown in its stowed and use positions in Figures 3 and 5 respectively and mounted on a bathtub (10) having a rim (20). The stretcher (11) comprises a frame (12) made of circular tubing over which a nylon sheet (13) is stretched to form first (14) and second (15) panels which are pivotably connected along respective edges substantially parallel to the length of the bath. The first panel (14) is also pivotably attached to the rim (20). In this embodiment the rim (20) is kept clear of obstructions so the second panel can be dragged over it when the stretcher is deployed. The second panel includes wheels on the edge (27) distal to the first panel to allow it to be moved across the rim (20) without marking it. The second panel also includes a slot (28) positioned inboard of the distal edge (27) by which it can be grasped during deployment and stowing. Mounted to the rim (20) are small ramps (17) which serve to retain the stretcher in its stowed position until sufficient force is applied to pull the distal edge (27) over the ramps (17). Figure 4 shows in cutaway detail the pivotable attachment of the stretcher of Figures 3 and 5 to the bath rim (20). The pivoting mechanism incorporates a hinge (21) having a pintle (22) and gudgeon (23) fixed respectively to the first panel (14) and the bathtub rim (20). Incorporated within the hinge (21) is a torsion spring (24) having respective ends (25, 26) located to the pintle (22) and gudgeon (23). The torsion spring applies a torque when the stretcher is deployed that is substantially equal to the torque on the first panel (14) about the hinge (21) required to start it moving towards its stowed position. In the embodiment shown, the spring has a spring rate such that the torque it applies when the stretcher is in its stowed position is negligible. In the embodiment shown, the pivoting mechanism is incorporated within the frame (12) and uses a coiled spring to provide torque. In other embodiments the pivoting mechanism may be outside the frame. For example, it may be at the end of the stretcher, or below the stretcher. Other forms of spring may be used, including compression springs, tension springs and bar springs. To deploy the stretcher of Figures 3-5, a user reaches over the tub and grasps the slot (28). The user can then pull the distal edge (27) of the second panel (15) towards them, deploying the stretcher over the bath. The weight of the stretcher is supported by the tub during deployment and the spring (24) provides a controlled deployment. When deployed, substantially the whole of the underside of the stretcher is in contact with the rim of the bath. This spreads the load of a patient most efficiently and ensures a stable platform. To stow the stretcher, the user grasps the slot (28) and applies a small rotational torque to raise the pivotally attached first panel (14). This allows them to start the stowing process with one hand only and without lifting the entire weight of the second panel (15). Once the two panels form a shallow V the user is able to push the distal edge of the second panel back over the bath, fully stowing the stretcher. The spring (24) provides sufficient assistance that a user can easily provide sufficient torque and force to achieve these operations. It is no longer necessary to lift the entire weight of either panel and the operation can be undertaken with one hand. Figure 6 shows a detail of another embodiment of the present invention in side elevation. In this embodiment the distal edge (27) of the second panel (15) is raised slightly from the rim (20) of the bath when the stretcher is deployed. In this embodiment the user can push down on the distal edge as part of the stowing operation, as an alternative to applying a torque via the slot (28). This can be an easier action for some users. Figures 7 and 8 show a further embodiment of the present invention in its stowed and deployed positions. In this embodiment the stretcher is raised slightly from the rim of the bath when deployed. The hinges (21) are raised above the rim of the bath and the second panel is supported on legs when deployed. In the embodiment shown, the legs incorporate wheels which can be rolled over the rim of the bath to support the weight of the stretcher. Other embodiments may not include wheels. This design allows space below the stretcher for fittings, such as spouts for example. In the embodiments shown the first and second panels (29,30) are formed by semi-rigid sheets of material, such as stainless steel or polyethylene. In other embodiments, these panels may be flexible fabric sheets, similar to previous embodiments described. In this embodiment, the raised stretcher has the advantage that heavier patients may be carried before the fabric stretches to the point where a patient is in contact with the rim of the bath underneath. In different embodiments of the invention, the stretcher may be included with a bath provided for the purpose or may be supplied with mounts adapted to allow it to be attached to suitable baths.

Claims

1. A stretcher comprising a surface formed by first and second panels and adapted to receive a patient, the first panel being mountable to a bathtub so as to allow it to pivot by means of a pivoting mechanism about a first axis from a stowed position along the length of the bath to a use position on top of the bath, and a second panel fixed to the first panel such that it pivots by means of a second pivoting mechanism along a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, characterised in that the said first pivoting mechanism incorporates a spring mechanism providing a torque to bias the said first panel towards its stowed position when deployed .

2. A stretcher as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the torque provided by the spring is such that when in its use position the first panel is approximately in an equilibrium state between remaining in its use position and returning to its stowed position.

3. A stretcher as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the said second panel incorporates means for a user to apply a torque on the first panel in a direction to move it from its use to its stowed position without lifting the entire weight of the said second panel.

4. A stretcher as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the means comprise a fulcrum forming part of the second panel and bearing against a top surface the bathtub when the second panel is in its use position whereby to allow a user to bear on a portion of the second panel to use it as a lever to exert a torque on the first panel.

5. A stretcher as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the means comprise an aperture displaced at least 40mm from an adjacent edge of the panel, whereby to allow a user to apply a direct torque while grasping the panel through the aperture.

6. A bathtub having mounted thereon a stretcher comprising a surface formed by two panels and adapted to receive a patient, so as to allow it to pivot by means of a pivoting mechanism about a first axis from a stowed position along the length of the bath to a use position on a top surface of the bath, and a second panel fixed to the first panel such that it pivots by means of a second pivoting mechanism along a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis, characterised in that the said first pivoting mechanism incorporates a spring mechanism providing a torque to bias the said first panel towards its stowed position.

7. A bathtub as claimed in claim 6 characterised in that the top surface of the bath is substantially clear of obstructions whereby the said second panel can be supported by the top surface of the bath when it is moved between a use and a stowed position.

8. A bathtub as claimed in either of claims 6 and 7, characterised in that the said second panel includes wheels to bear against the top surface of the bath during deployment and stowing of the panel.

9. A bathtub as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that the stretcher includes releasable retaining means to hold it in a stowed position.

10. A bathtub as claimed in any of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the stretcher includes abutment means such that the said surface is foldable in one direction only.

11. A bathtub as claimed in any of claims 6 to 10, characterised in that the said top surface includes retention means formed by ramps to hold the said stretcher releasably in its stowed position.

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