Sheet holding and arrangement configuration and patient transfer device

Abstract

A sheet-retaining arrangement for retaining a sheet when transferring a patient on the sheet, comprising at least two knobs and at least two holder elements, the sheet being retained between the knobs and the holder elements when connected to one another, the holder elements being provided with openings adapted to allow the insertion of the knobs through the openings, the sheet-retaining arrangement being connectable to a traction arrangement, the sheet-retaining arrangement comprising a connecting member provided with at least two knobs, the stem comprising a circumferential groove having a shape corresponding to the semicircular end section of the holder elements, such that the sheet is retained between the groove and the semicircular end section when the holder elements are connected to the knobs. An advantage of the present invention is that a patient on the sheet can be transferred from a first surface to a receiving surface in an easy and reliable manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a patient transfer device.

Background Art

[0002] In hospitals, nursing facilities, and other settings, in certain situations, it is necessary for a patient to be transported from one surface, such as one bed, to an adjacent surface, such as an adjacent bed or an operating table. This procedure can be performed manually with the assistance of several nurses or other specialists, or using a patient transfer device. Patient transfer devices configured to move a patient from one surface to another are generally known.

[0003] Specifically, a patient transfer device for transferring a patient placed on a movable sheet from a first hospital bed to a second receiving-side hospital bed is known from US2006090258. This patient transfer device includes a base, a motor attached to the base, two straps connected to the motor so as to be retractable using the motor, and a clamping assembly detachably attachable to the sheet. Thus, the patient transfer device can be arranged on one side of the receiving-side bed, opposite the first bed, and connected to the sheet on which the patient lies. Then, the clamping assembly can be used in connection with the motor and the two straps to pull the sheet on which the patient lies from the first bed to the second receiving-side bed.

[0004] WO9613239 discloses a patient transport system for transporting a patient from a bed to a stretcher or vice versa using a bed sheet and a conveyor attached to the bed or stretcher. The sheet is removably attached to the conveyor by a clip arrangement configuration, and a flexible belt attaches the clip to the conveyor. The conveyor is manually operated using a handle.

[0005] However, the use of many of these devices often involves steps that require a large number of manpower, steps that are time-consuming, and / or steps that are ergonomically difficult. Therefore, an improved sheet holding arrangement configuration is needed. [Overview of the project]

[0006] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved sheet holding and arrangement configuration. A further object is to provide an improved patient transport device.

[0007] The solutions to the problems according to the present invention are defined by the sheet holding arrangement configuration described in claim 1, and by the patient transfer device described in claim 11, which includes the sheet holding arrangement configuration described in claim 1. The other claims include advantageous embodiments, as well as further developments of the sheet holding arrangement configuration and the patient transfer device.

[0008] A sheet holding arrangement configuration for attaching to and holding a sheet when moving a sheet and transporting a patient on the sheet, comprising at least two knobs and at least two corresponding holder elements, wherein the holder elements are connectable to the knobs to hold a sheet in place between the knobs and the holder elements when connected, each knob comprising a head and a stem, the stem having a circular cross-section, the head being larger than the stem, and the holder elements being provided with openings adapted to allow insertion of the heads through the openings and connection of the holder elements to the knobs, wherein the sheet holding arrangement configuration is connectable to or connectable to a traction arrangement configuration configured to pull the holder elements, thereby moving the sheet and thus transporting a patient on the sheet. The object of the present invention is achieved in that when a sheet holding arrangement configuration comprises a connecting member, at least two knobs are positioned on the connecting member at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the connecting member, the stem has a rounded groove extending circumferentially, and the opening comprises a first portion larger than the head and a second portion smaller than the head, the second portion comprising a straight section and a semicircular end section, the semicircular end section having a rounded projection surface with a shape corresponding to the rounded shape of the groove of the stem, so that when a sheet is placed on the knob and the corresponding holder element is connected to the knob while positioning the sheet between the knob and the holder element, and when the position of the holder element relative to the knob is such that the stem is positioned as close as possible to the semicircular end section of the second portion of the opening, the sheet will be clamped along the semicircular end section between the rounded projection surface and the rounded groove.

[0009] This first embodiment of a sheet-holding arrangement configuration according to the present invention provides a sheet-holding arrangement configuration that enables quick and secure attachment of a sheet. Using such a sheet-holding arrangement configuration, a patient lying on a bed can be transferred from a first surface of the bed to a receiving surface using a traction arrangement configuration. The sheet-holding arrangement configuration is easily attached to the sheet when the patient is positioned beside the receiving surface and securely holds the sheet during patient transfer. Once the patient has been transferred, the sheet-holding arrangement configuration can be easily removed from the sheet and the traction arrangement configuration. The shapes of the contact surfaces between the holder element and the knob correspond to each other, providing a snug fit and thus increasing the contact surface area of ​​the sheet. The larger contact surface reduces wear and pressure on the sheet and prevents the sheet-holding arrangement configuration from slipping or tearing.

[0010] The opening of the retaining element may be further provided with an internal projection. The projection helps to secure the holder element to the knob and provides tactical feedback to the operator attaching the sheet to the sheet retaining arrangement configuration. The operator can use the projection to detect when the holder element is precisely positioned. The connecting member of the sheet retaining arrangement configuration may be either a rigid rod-like member or a flexible wire.

[0011] The holder element is provided with one or more slots adapted for attaching the holder element to a knob of the sheet holding arrangement configuration or to a connecting member of the sheet holding arrangement configuration. The holder element is preferably attached to a ribbon or string to prevent it from falling or getting lost. The holder element further comprises a traction opening to which a traction wire can be attached using a hook, such as a safety hook. Thus, the sheet holding arrangement configuration can be easily connected to and removed from the traction arrangement configuration. One advantage of this is that the sheet holding arrangement configuration can be removed from the traction arrangement configuration, for example, for cleaning, and can be used with different traction arrangement configurations. A handle can also be attached to the sheet holding arrangement configuration to allow for manual transport of the patient. The traction arrangement configuration can also be used to tow other items, such as stretcher matras, trauma matras, or other heavy items.

[0012] A sheet-holding arrangement configuration may be used in a patient transfer device that includes a traction arrangement configuration. The patient transfer device preferably includes an electric motor that transfers the patient from the bed to a receiving surface. The receiving surface may be another bed or, for example, a resting surface in an X-ray, CT, or MRI machine.

[0013] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows a patient transport device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a holder element used in a sheet holding arrangement configuration according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows a knob used in a sheet holding arrangement configuration according to the present invention. [Figure 4a] This diagram shows the sheet holding arrangement configuration in the unlocked state. [Figure 4b] This diagram shows a sheet-holding arrangement configuration with a sheet. [Figure 4c] This diagram shows the sheet holding arrangement configuration before the locked state. [Figure 4d] This diagram shows the sheet holding arrangement configuration in the locked state. [Figure 4e] This diagram shows hooks that are attached to a sheet holding and arrangement configuration. [Figure 5a] This figure shows the patient transfer device of Figure 1 when used to transfer a patient from the first surface to the receiving surface. [Figure 5b] This figure shows the patient transfer device of Figure 1 when used to transfer a patient from the first surface to the receiving surface. [Figure 6] This figure shows a further example of a patient transport device according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention, including further developments described below, are merely examples and do not limit the scope of protection provided by the claims.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a diagram of a patient transfer device equipped with a sheet holding and arrangement configuration according to the present invention, Figures 2 and 3 show details of the sheet holding and arrangement configuration, Figures 4a to 4e show the attachment of sheets to the sheet holding and arrangement configuration, Figures 5a to 5b show the patient transfer device in use, and Figure 6 shows a second example of the patient transfer device.

[0017] The patient transport device 101 shown in Figure 1 comprises, in the illustrated example, a sheet holding configuration 1, a traction configuration 107, and a frame 102 to which the traction configuration 107 is mounted. The frame 102 is positioned to rest on a horizontal surface such as a floor and is provided with wheels 105 for moving the patient transport device 101 across this surface. The traction configuration 107 comprises a motor 103 connected to two wire bobbins 108, and an external casing 104 that encloses the motor 103 and the wire bobbins 108 and protects patients transported using the patient transport device 101 from contamination caused, for example, by contact with dust or bodily fluids. The external casing may be completely removable or may be attached using hinges so that the external casing can be opened when the wire bobbins need to be cleaned or replaced. The casing may be provided with a pad that is removablely attached to the external casing and can be removed from the external casing.

[0018] The illustrated patient transfer device 101 includes means for vertically adjusting the position of the traction configuration 107. This may be, for example, an electric motor (not shown) located within the frame 102, which is capable of moving the traction configuration 107 along a vertical track 106 or groove within the frame 102. This simplifies the use of the patient transfer device 101 in certain situations where the height of the receiving surface 114 may vary.

[0019] Motor 103 is coupled to two laterally spaced wire bobbins 108 used to pull a patient from a first surface to a receiving surface. The traction configuration comprises wire bobbins 108 provided with wires 109 wound around the bobbins. The bobbins 108 are mechanically connected to motor 103 either directly to the motor or by a motor-driven shaft. At the ends of the two wires 109 not connected to bobbins 108 are provided elongated connecting members 17, which are fitted to hooks 110 adapted for attachment to sheet-holding configuration 1, and are fitted to attach to each end of the wires 109.

[0020] The sheet holding arrangement 1 includes an elongated connecting member 17, a plurality of knobs 14, and a plurality of holder elements 2. The connecting member 17 can be a rigid rod or a certain type of flexible wire. In the illustrated example, a rod is used as the connecting member. The knobs are spaced and mounted on the rod at a distance corresponding to the distance between the wire bobbins of the traction arrangement 107 in the illustrated example. This enables the traction arrangement 107 to linearly pull the sheet holding arrangement. The rod can be provided with two or more knobs, for example, depending on the length of the rod or the size of the sheet. The rod can distribute the load from pulling the sheet on which the patient lies to both wires 109. In the illustrated example, the rod is provided with two knobs arranged at the ends of the rod. The rod or wire can simplify the handling of the sheet holding arrangement, for example, by enabling both wires 109 to be pulled simultaneously from the traction arrangement. The connecting member also ensures that the distance between the two knobs corresponds to the distance between the traction wires of the traction arrangement.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of the holder element 2. The holder element is provided with a circumferential body 3 having a keyhole-shaped opening 4. The opening is provided with a first part 5 and a second part 6. The first part is circular in the illustrated example but other shapes are possible. The first part is adapted to be screwed onto the knobs covered with the sheet, and thus the size of the first part is somewhat larger than the size of the head of the knobs. The second part 6 includes a semi-circular end section 10 and a straight section 9. The edges of the straight section are parallel and interconnect the semi-circular end section with the first part. The inner edge 7 of the semi-circular end section is rounded and convex. The diameter of the rounded edge is equal to the thickness of the holder element in one example, but other rounded shapes are possible. In one example, the holder element is 5 mm thick and preferably has a thickness of 2 mm to 10 mm. The holder element 2 is flat.

[0022] Figure 3 shows an example of a knob 14. The knob is provided with a head 15 and a stem 16. The stem is provided with a circumferentially rounded groove 18 that is concave and adapted to cooperate with the semicircular end section 10 of the holder element. The shape of the concave rounded groove 18 substantially corresponds to the shape of the convex inner end 7 of the semicircular end section 10. The height of the groove 18 may be equal to, but slightly less than, the thickness of the holder element 2 in one example. The diameter of the groove is somewhat smaller than the diameter of the semicircular end section. The size difference between the groove and the semicircular end section allows the sheet to be securely and tightly clamped between the groove and the semicircular end section. In this way, the sheet is clamped between the entire inner edge of the semicircular end section and the groove, providing a relatively large contact surface and reducing the risk of the sheet slipping or tearing during transfer from one side of the patient to another.

[0023] The width of the second section, i.e., the distance between the edges of the straight sections and the diameter of the semicircular section, is therefore slightly larger than the rounded groove of the stem. In one example, the width of the second section is 21 mm and the diameter of the groove is 15 mm. This allows the sheet to be clamped securely and snugly between the semicircular end section and the groove, reducing the contact load on the sheet. Although other means are possible, tests have shown that a size difference in the range of 15-30% between the width of the second section and the diameter of the groove provides secure holding of the sheet for smaller knobs having a diameter of several centimeters. This allows space between multiple layers of the sheet, as the sheet does not fold evenly over the knob when attached to the sheet holding arrangement configuration.

[0024] The knob is preferably made of a rigid material such as reinforced plastic. The holder element is preferably somewhat elastic and may be made of elastic plastic or rubber. It is advantageous that the holder element, knob, and connecting members are all made of materials that are transparent to electromagnetic waves. This gives low to zero disturbance to applicability, interoperability, and the output of the radiation machine in a hospital environment. In this way, the sheet holding configuration may not need to be removed when the patient is undergoing radiation examination.

[0025] The holder element further comprises one or more strap slots 11 adapted for attaching the holder element to a knob or connector. This prevents the holder element from being lost and ensures that the holder element is always readily available. In one example, the holder element is attached with a flexible ribbon 13. The ribbon may be fixedly attached to the holder element or detachably attached to the holder element, so that the holder element is replaceable in case of damage. The ribbon may be detachably attached to the knob or connector so that the ribbon can be replaced. In one example, the knob is attached to the rod using a screw, and the ribbon is attached between the knob and the rod.

[0026] The holder element is adapted to be attached to the traction configuration 107. In the illustrated example, the holder element is provided with a traction opening 12 located at one end of the holder element, opposite the semicircular end section. The traction opening can be attached to the traction configuration by, for example, a hook, such as a safety hook. In this way, the holder element can be quickly attached to and removed from the traction configuration. The holder element may also be provided with a hook element, and the wire of the traction configuration may be provided with a loop element. Since the traction opening 12 is located in the same plane as the semicircular end section, the traction force acting on the sheet is parallel to the traction wire of the traction configuration. Therefore, there will be no misalignment of the sheet holding configuration during patient transport.

[0027] The linear section 9 of the holder element is provided with internal projections 8 in the illustrated example. The projections help to secure the holder element to the knob when holding a sheet, providing tactical feedback to the operator attaching the sheet to the sheet holding arrangement configuration. The projections allow the operator to detect when the holder element is correctly positioned and when the sheet is clamped between the semicircular end section and the groove. In one example, the distance between the projections is equal to the diameter of the groove. Therefore, an empty knob provides no resistance when the holder element is attached to the knob. When the sheet is wrapped around the knob, the knob with the sheet provides tactical feedback to the operator.

[0028] Figures 4a to 4e show the attachment of a sheet to a sheet holding arrangement configuration in which the connecting member is a rod. Here, the attachment of a sheet 116 to one knob 14 of the sheet holding arrangement configuration 1 is shown.

[0029] Figure 4a shows a portion of the sheet holding configuration with the knob and holder element in the unlocked state. In Figure 4b, the sheet 116 is positioned on top of the knob 14 of the sheet holding configuration 1. The holder element is moved toward the knob with the sheet. In Figure 4c, the holder element is positioned above the knob and pressed down so that the first portion 5 of the opening 4 extends over the head 15 of the knob. The sheet is simultaneously pressed down above the knob and pulled out somewhat together by the opening.

[0030] In Figure 4d, the knob and holder element are locked. As the second portion 6 of the opening 4 is pulled toward the knob, the semicircular end section 10 of the holder element approaches the groove 18, and the sheet is pressed and held tightly between the semicircular end section and the groove. The projection 8 passes through the center of the knob and helps to hold the holder element in place. In Figure 4e, the hook 110 in the traction configuration is attached to the traction opening 12 of the holder element.

[0031] Figures 5a and 5b show perspective views illustrating the use of the patient transfer device 101 when transferring a patient 117 from a first surface 113, or a first bed if shown, to a receiving surface 114, or a receiving bed 115 if shown. In Figure 5a, the patient 117 lies on a sheet 116 on the first bed, and the sheet holding configuration 1 of the patient transfer device 101 is connected to it. The receiving bed 115 is positioned next to the first bed, and the patient transfer device 101 is positioned on the opposite side of the receiving bed from the first bed. In Figure 5b, the motor 103 of the patient transfer device 101 causes the sheet holding configuration 1 to retract towards the patient transfer device 101 and the first bed 115. This generates a traction force on the sheet 116 on which the patient 117 lies. Thus, the patient 117 is transferred from the first surface 113 to the receiving surface 114.

[0032] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a patient transfer device according to another aspect of the present invention. Here, the traction configuration 107 of the patient transfer device 101 is mounted on an adjustable movable arm 111 mounted on a wall 112. It should be noted that the movable arm 111 may, alternatively, extend from a ceiling mount instead of a wall mount, and the number of joints on the arm is variable. In the example shown, the sheet holding configuration 1 comprises five knobs 14 and five holder elements 2 arranged on a longer rod 17. Two knobs are positioned at a distance corresponding to the distance between the wire bobbins of the traction configuration 107, as previously described. This allows the traction configuration 107 to pull the sheet holding configuration straight. One knob is positioned between the two knobs used to pull the sheet holding configuration, and two knobs are positioned at the outer end of the rod. Using more knobs may allow for a more even distribution of the load on the sheets, which may be advantageous when transferring heavier patients.

[0033] The present invention should not be considered limited to the embodiments described above, and numerous additional modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the claims described below. The sheet holding arrangement configuration can be used for attaching and holding any type of thin fabric or cloth. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 1: Sheet holding arrangement configuration 2: Holder element 3: Main unit 4:Aperture 5: Part 1 6: Part 2 7: Inner edge 8: Internal protrusion 9: Straight Section 10: Semicircular section 11: Strap slot 12: Traction opening 13: Ribbon 14: Nobu 15: Head 16: Stem 17: Connecting member 18: Groove 101: Patient transfer device 102: Frame 103: Motor 104: Casing 105: Wheel 106: Vertical Track 107: Towing configuration 108: Bobbin 109: Wire 110: Hook 111: Arm 112: Wall 113: First side 114: Receiving side 115: Bed 116: Sheets 117:Patient

Claims

1. A sheet holding arrangement configuration (1) for attaching to and holding the sheet (116) when moving the sheet (116) and transporting a patient who is on the sheet, The sheet holding arrangement configuration (1) comprises at least two knobs (14) and at least two corresponding holder elements (2), The holder element (2) is connectable to the knob (14) so ​​as to hold the sheet (116) in a suitable position between the knob (14) and the holder element (2) when connected. Each knob (14) is equipped with a head (15) and a stem (16), The stem (16) has a circular cross-section, The head (15) is larger than the stem (16), The holder element (2) is provided with the opening (4) which is adapted to allow insertion of the head (15) through the opening (4) and to allow connection of the holder element (2) to the knob. The sheet holding configuration (1) is connected to or connectable to a traction configuration (107) configured to pull the holder element (2), thereby moving the sheet (116), and thus transporting the patient who is on the sheet (116). The sheet holding arrangement configuration (1) includes a connecting member (17), The at least two knobs (14) are arranged on the connecting member (17) at a certain distance from each other in the vertical direction of the connecting member (17). The stem (16) is provided with a rounded groove (18) that extends circumferentially, The opening (4) comprises a first portion (5) larger than the head (15) and a second portion (6) smaller than the head (15). The second portion (6) comprises a straight section (9) and a semicircular end section (10), The semicircular end section (10) has a rounded protruding surface (7) having a shape corresponding to the rounded shape of the groove (18) of the stem (16), so that the sheet (116) is placed on the knob (14), A sheet holding arrangement configuration characterized in that when the corresponding holder element (2) is connected to the knob (14) while positioning the sheet (116) between the knob (14) and the holder element (2), and when the position of the holder element (2) relative to the knob (14) is such that the stem (16) is positioned as close as possible to the semicircular end section (10) of the second portion (6) of the opening (4), the sheet (116) is clamped along the semicircular end section (10) between the rounded protruding surface (7) and the rounded groove (18).

2. The sheet holding arrangement configuration according to claim 1, characterized in that the straight section (9) of the second portion (6) comprises at least one projection (8).

3. The sheet holding arrangement configuration according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting member (17) is a rod.

4. The sheet holding arrangement configuration according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting member (17) is a wire.

5. The sheet holding arrangement configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the height of the groove (18) is equal to the thickness of the holder element (2).

6. The sheet holding arrangement configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the holder element (2) comprises a traction opening (12) adapted to be connected to a traction arrangement configuration (107).

7. The sheet holding arrangement configuration according to claim 6, characterized in that the traction opening (12) is positioned at the opposite end of the semicircular end section (10) of the holder element (2).

8. The sheet holding configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holder element (2) comprises at least one strap slot (11) adapted to secure the holder element (2) to the sheet holding configuration (1) by a flexible ribbon (13).

9. The sheet holding arrangement configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the holder element (2) is flat with a thickness between 2 and 10 mm.

10. The sheet holding arrangement configuration (1) is characterized by comprising at least three knobs (14) and at least three holder elements (2), as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A patient transfer device (101) for transferring a patient placed on a movable sheet from a first surface to a receiving surface, The patient transport device (101) comprises a sheet holding arrangement configuration (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The patient transport device (101) further comprises a traction configuration (107) provided with two traction wires (109) connected to the sheet holding configuration (1).

12. The patient transport device according to claim 11, wherein the patient transport device (101) comprises at least one motor (103) operably connected to the traction wire (109) so as to enable the storage of the sheet holding arrangement configuration (1).

13. The patient transport device (101) is characterized in that wheels (105) are mounted on a frame (102) provided, as described in claim 11 or 12.

14. The patient transport device according to claim 13, characterized in that the traction configuration (107) is mounted on the frame (102) in a height-adjustable manner.

15. The patient transport device according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the patient transport device (101) is mounted on an adjustable wall-mounted arm (111).

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