DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING SUBJECT FROM SOURCE PLATFORM TO TARGET PLATFORM

Field of the invention

[001] The present disclosure relates to a device for transferring a subject from a source platform to a target platform, without physically holding the subject.

Background of the invention

[002] Subjects such as human patients, who are afflicted with body burns, spinal cord injury, obesity, children and the incapacitated persons, require an immediate transfer at a medical centre for treatment. Generally, patient transfer devices such as stretchers are used for carrying such patients from one place to another, involving physical touching or lifting of the patients, thereby aggravating pain suffering and sometimes causing injury to the patients. Even within the medical centre the patients are shifted to various places for subject the patients to various examinations such as scanning in MRI or CT machines, operation theatres, nursing care, changing bed sheets, transfer to different facility etc.

[003] Most of the patient transfer devices such as inflatable mattresses, spine boards and roller boards that are currently being used require that the patient has to be log-rolled in order shift the patient to the desired place. Log-rolling of a patient is faced with problems like increasing the stress on the spine and ribs of the patient. In addition, log-rolling is preformed normally by four attendants, but quite often even two attendants conduct this routine. In such a case, both the patient and the attendants are exposed to unnecessary risk of trauma and injury.

[004] In situations where no equipment is used for carrying out the transfer, the attendants in groups of four or more lift manually the patient using the bed sheet and separate the bed sheet by log-rolling. In this routine, the patient experiences jerks and often the neck of the patient is unsupported. Attendants also experience strain in their body because of lifting heavy weights and pulling in awkward positions.

[005] It is therefore preferred to a have patient transferring device which can be used to shift a patient from the source to a destination without physically touching the patient.

Objects of the present invention

[006] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a device for transferring a subject from a source platform to a target platform, without physically touching the subject.

[007] An object of the present invention is to provide a device for transferring a subject from a source platform to a target platform, where no other external support material is required during transfer.

[008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device for transferring a subject from a source platform to a target platform, wherein during the course of transfer, the subject is separated from the fabric/bed sheet on which the subject is resting.

[009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for transferring a subject from a source platform to a target platform without resorting to log-rolling of the patient.

Summary of the present invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for transferring a subject from one platform to another, said device comprising first and second platform with frames that are connected to each other. Plurality of upper and lower housing members having rotary members are connected to the frames. Plurality of rotatable upper and lower elongated structures of the first and second platform with their terminal ends operably connected to the rotary members and their bodies abuttingly connected to each other at the docking junction between the first and second platform. Rotatable actuators are operably connected to the lower elongated structures of the first and second platform. Movable conveyor members operably connected to the upper and lower elongated structures of the first and second platform, and disposed to hold and transfer the subject from the second platform to the first platform.

Brief description of the drawings

[0010] FIG.l is a perspective view with a partially cut-open section of the target platform (first platform) of the device of the present invention.

[0011] FIG.2 is an exploded perspective view of the device of the present invention depicting the support frames that are attached to the target platform.

[0012] FIG.3 is perspective view of the device of the present invention depicting housing members that are connected to the frames and FIGs. 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are perspective views depicting housing arrangement for the bearing of the device of the present invention.

[0013] FIG.4 is a perspective view of upper elongated structures of the device of the present invention and FIG.4a is a partial magnified view of FIG.4.

[0014] FIG.5 is a perspective view of lower elongated structures of the device of the present invention and FIG.5a is a partial magnified view of FIG.4

[0015] FIG.6 is a plan view of the conveyor member of the device of the present invention.

[0016] FIG.7 is a partially cut perspective view of the source platform of the device of the present invention and FIGs.7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are perspective views depicting housing arrangement for the bearing of the device of the present invention.

[0017] FIG.8 is a side perspective view of the device of the present invention for transferring a subject from a source platform to a target platform.

Detailed description of the invention

[01] Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for transferring or shifting a subject from a source platform to a target platform, with least effort and without physically holding the subject.

[02] In an embodiment of the present invention, a movable target platform 100 (first platform) is as shown in FIG.l. The target platform 100 has a base supporting member 101, which is a stave to provide a resting support to a subject. The target platform can also be provided with retainer or side walls (not shown in FIG.l) to prevent slipping or sliding of the subject while resting on the target platform 100.

[03] A mattress 103 of desired thickness is preferably arranged on the base supporting member 101, on which the subject is rested either in a lying position or otherwise. The mattress 103 is also provided with a smoother surface or is covered with a water proof or water resistant member such as a plastic sheet. [04] In another embodiment of the present invention, frames 104 and 105, which are detachable and movable, are mounted on foot pedestals 106 of the first platform 101, so as to position them in the head and foot posts of the first platform 101. The frames 104 and 105 are advantageously shown as brackets that are made of metal, alloy or a polymer, having a desired strength. The frames 104 and 105 are also exemplarily shown as rectangular-shaped brackets that are mounted on the food pedestals 106 so that they provide a housing-support to rotary members of the platform as hereinafter described. Other suitable configurations such as oval or round configurations can be suitably used for the support frames 104 and 105. The support frames 104 and 105 are fastened to the foot pedestal 106, as shown in FIG.l and FIG.2 by means of by means of screws, rivets, press-fit arrangement or other suitable arrangement that facilitate easy removal, adjustment and fitting of the frames 104 and 105 to the foot pedestal 106. The support frames 104 and 105 are also adapted to be retrofitted to existing platforms (beds or stretchers) or chairs.

[05] In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG.3, FIG.3a, 3b, 3c, 3d first upper housing members 107,108,109,110 are detachably mounted on the frames 104 and 105, in close proximity to the foot pedestals 106. Advantageously, the upper housing members can also be integrally forged to the frames 104 and 105. The upper housing members 107,108,109,110 are connected to the frames 104 and 105 in a manner so as to align with the top horizontal axis of the mattress 103 of the first platform 101. In other words, the location of the upper housing members 107, 108, 109, 110 is determined considering the thickness of the mattress 103 and the first platform 101. The upper housing members 107 and 108 are co-axially arranged on the frames 104 and 105 so as to lie between the foot pedestals 106. In a similar way upper housing members 109 and 110 are also co-axially arranged on the frames 104 and 105 so as to lie between the foot pedestals 106. Upper pass-through passages 111-114 are arranged in the upper housing members 107,108,109,110.

[06] In yet another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG.3, FIG.3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, first lower housing members 115,116,117,118 are detachably mounted on the frames 104 and 105, in close proximity to the foot pedestals 106. Advantageously, the first lower housing members can be integrally forged to the frames 104 and 105. The first lower housing members 115,116,117,118 are arranged in a manner so as to align with the lower horizontal axis of the mattress 103 that extends between the support frames 104 and 105 of the first platform 101. In other words, the location of the first lower housing members is determined considering the thickness of the mattress 103 and the first platform 101. The first lower housing members 115 and 116 are co-axially arranged between the foot pedestals 106. In a similar way the first lower housing members 117 and 118 are also co-axially arranged between the foot pedestals 106. Lower pass-through passages 119-122 are arranged in the lower housing members 115,116,117,118.

[07] In another aspect of the present invention, the first upper and lower housing members 107-110 and 115-118 can be integrally connected to the support frames 104 and 105, in cavities as created in the support frames so that they do not protrude laterally and positioned along with surface configuration of the support frames.

[08] In further aspect of the present invention, first upper rotary members 123-126, which advantageously are roller bearings, are arranged in the upper pass-through passages 111-114, as shown in FIG.3a, 3b, 3c, 3d so that they can rotate with very little resistance on actuation. Alternately, other rotary devices such as pistons, cylinders, gears etc., can also be suitably adapted for use in the upper pass-through passages 111-114.

[09] In yet another aspect of the present invention, first lower rotary members 127-130, advantageously lower roller bearings, are arranged in the lower pass-through passages 119-122, as shown in FIG.3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, so that they can rotate on actuation. Alternately, other rotary devices such as gears can also be suitably adapted for use.

[10] In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG.l, FIG.4 and FIG.4a, first upper elongated structures 131-132, which are advantageously hollow, pipe-like and having tapered ends 133-134 are permitted to pass through the upper pass-through passages 111-112 and 113-114, respectively and their tapered ends 133-134 are rotatably engaged with the first upper rotary members 123-126. In this arrangement, the first upper elongated structures 131-132 rotatably extend along the upper horizontal axis of the mattress 103 between the support frames 104 and 105. The arrangement of the first upper elongated structures 131-132 is such that an intervening gap is created between the upper and side portions mattress 103, to render a friction-free rotary movement.

[11] The first upper elongated structures 131-132 are preferably hollow shell casts of metals such as shafts, pipes, pistons or thin cylinders. It is also within the purview of this invention to use polymeric or metallic-alloy materials for the first upper elongated structures 131-132. Rigid upper elongated structures can also be used in place of the upper hollow elongated structures. It is also understood here that the first upper elongated structures 131-132 can also be one of spring-loaded shafts, gears, hydraulic pistons or any other such suitable devices.

[12] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the outer surface of the first upper elongated structures 131-132 are preferably with at least a layer of soft material 135. Advantageously, a suitable number of layers of soft material 135 can be provided on the elongated structures 131-132. The soft material 135 is made of synthetic resin or any other suitable material, where the cushion material is softer than the body of the first upper elongated structures 131-132. The integral coverage of the soft material 135 with elongated structures 131-132 is either partial or arranged to extend completely to the length of the first upper elongated structures 131-132. The layer of soft material 135 render a substantially reduced friction to those materials that come in contact with the first upper elongated structures 131-132, especially while they are in rotary motion.

[13] In further aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG.l, FIG.5, FIG.5a, a set of first lower elongated structures 136 and 137 with tapered ends 138 and 139 are rotatably connected to the first lower rotary members 127-130. The arrangement of first lower elongated structures 136 and 137 are identical to the arrangement of first upper rotary members 131-132. However, the surfaces of the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137 are integrated with hook-and-loop fasteners 140. The integration of hook-and-loop fasteners 140 can be by means of adhesion or molding, so that hook-and-loop fasteners 140 are firmly adhered to the surface of the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137. In this exemplary embodiment the fasteners are shown as hooks. However, the fasteners can also be loops or any other type press-fit arrangements such as snaps, zippers, which offer locking arrangement with the material that, come in contact with the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137. The integral coverage of the hook-and-loop fasteners 140 with the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137 is either partial or completely extending to the length of the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137.

[14] In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG.l, first rotary actuators 141 are rotatably connected to the tapered ends 138 and 139 of the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137, through the lower pass-through passages 119-122 of the lower housing members 115, 116, 117, 118. The first rotary actuators 141 comprise a handle portion 142 and a neck portion 143. The neck portion 143 is provided with a passage having suitable inner profile to engage with the tapered ends of the pins of the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137. The rotary actuators 141 are preferably provided with a detachable engagement with the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137. The rotary actuators 141 are arranged to rotate in clock and counter-clock directions along with rotary axes of the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137, thereby transmitting the rotary motion to the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137. In this embodiment, the first rotary actuators 141 are shown as cranks, which can be hand-powered, foot-powered or fully automated. Other suitable rotary actuators 141 that are operable by pulleys, gears, piston cylinders can also be used for causing the rotary motion to the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137.

[15] In an aspect of the present invention as shown in FIG.6, a first conveyor member 144 with its side terminal ends integrated with loops 145. The first conveyor member 144 is a flexible sheet made of rubber, plastic or with a combination of these materials, to render the desired strength to bear with weight of the subject and also to be flexible to rotate along with the rotary support members. The length and breadth of the first conveyor member 144 can be suitably selected in order to meet with the dimensions of the first platform 101. The one end of the first conveyor member 144 is connected to the first lower elongated structure 136, by fastening the loops 145 of the first conveyor member 144 to the hooks 140 of the first elongated structure 136. The fastened first conveyor member 144 is wound on the first lower elongated structure 136 and extended abuttingly to pass over the first upper elongated structure 131 and extended further to spread over the mattress 103. The first conveyor member 144 is further abuttingly extended to pass over first upper elongated structure 132 and terminated by fastening the loops 145 of the first conveyor member 144 to the hooks 140 of the first elongated structure 137. The fastening arrangement of hook-and-loop fasteners 140 and 145 provide a detachable and yet firm fastening connectivity between the first elongated structures 131 and 132 and the first conveyor member 144. The first conveyor member 144 thus configured, can be actuated by the rotary actuator 141, for instance, to move over from the first lower elongated structure 136 on to the first upper elongated structures 131 and 132 and finally on to the first lower elongated structure 137. It is to be noted that the conveyor member 144 is configured in a manner to be wound and unwound either from the side of the first lower elongated structure 136 or from the side of the first lower elongated structure 137, depending on actuation of the rotary direction of the rotary actuators 141, which are connected to the first lower elongated structures 136 and 137.

[16] In further aspect of the present invention, the features of movable source platform 200 (second platform) of the present invention are described. The second platform 200 as shown in FIG.7 incorporates all the constructional features of the first platform 100, as described in the foregoing description.

[17] The source platform 200 has a base supporting member 201, which is a stave to provide a resting support to a subject. The source platform can also be provided with retainer or side walls (not shown in FIG.7) to prevent slipping or sliding of the subject while resting on the source platform 200.

[18] A mattress 203 of desired thickness is preferably arranged on the base supporting member 201, on which the subject is rested either in a lying position or otherwise. The mattress 203 is also provided with a smoother surface or is covered with a water proof or water resistant member such as a plastic sheet.

[19] In another embodiment of the present invention, frames 204 and 205, which are detachable and movable, are mounted on foot pedestals 206 of the second platform 200, so as to position them in the head and foot posts of the second platform 200. The frames 204 and 205 are advantageously shown as brackets that are made of metal, alloy or a polymer, having a desired strength. The frames 204 and 205 are also exemplarily shown as rectangular-shaped brackets that are mounted on the food pedestals 206 so that they provide a housing-support to rotary members of the platform as hereinafter described. Other suitable configurations such as oval or round configurations can be suitably used for the support frames 204 and 205. The frames 204 and 205 are fastened to the foot pedestal 206, as shown in FIG.7 by means of by means of screws, rivets, press-fit arrangement or other suitable arrangement that facilitate easy removal, adjustment and fitting of the frames 204 and 205 to the foot pedestal 206. The frames 204 and 205 are also adapted to be retrofitted to existing platforms (beds or stretchers) or chairs.

[20] In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG.7, FIG.7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, second upper housing members 207, 208, 209, 210 are detachably mounted on the frames 204 and 205, in close proximity to the foot pedestals 206. Advantageously, the upper housing members can also be integrally forged to the frames 204 and 205. The second upper housing members 207, 208, 209, 210 are connected to the frames 204 and 205 in a manner so as to align with the top horizontal axis of the mattress 203 of the second platform 201. In other words, the location of the second upper housing members 207,208, 209, 210 is determined considering the thickness of the mattress 203 and the second platform 200. The second upper housing members 207 and 208 are co-axially arranged on the frames 204 and 205 so as to lie between the foot pedestals 206. In a similar way the second upper housing members 209 and 210 are also co-axially arranged on the frames 204 and 205 so as to lie between the foot pedestals 206. Second upper pass-through passages 211-214 are arranged in the second upper housing members 207,208,209,210.

[21] In yet another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG.7, FIG.7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, second lower housing members 215, 216, 217, 218 are detachably mounted on the frames 204 and 205, in close proximity to the foot pedestals 106. Advantageously, the second lower housing members 215, 216, 217, 218 can be integrally forged to the frames 204 and 205. The second lower housing members 215, 216, 217, 218 are arranged in a manner so as to align with the lower horizontal axis of the mattress 203 that extends between the support frames 204 and 205 of the second platform 200. In other words, the location of the second lower housing members is determined considering the thickness of the mattress 203 and the second platform 200. The second lower housing members 215 and 216 are co-axially arranged between the foot pedestals 206. In a similar way the second lower housing members 217 and 218 are also co-axially arranged between the foot pedestals 206. Lower pass-through passages 219-222 are arranged in the second lower housing members 215, 216,217,218.

[22] In another aspect of the present invention, the second upper and lower housing members 207-210 and 215-218 can be integrally connected to the support frames 204 and 205, in cavities as created in the support frames so that they do not protrude laterally and positioned along with surface configuration of the support frames.

[23] In further aspect of the present invention, second upper rotary members 223-226, which advantageously are roller bearings, are arranged in the upper pass-through passages 211-214, as shown in FIG.7a, 7b, 7c, 7d so that they can rotate with very little resistance on actuation. Alternately, other rotary devices such as pistons, cylinders, gears etc., can also be suitably adapted for use in the upper pass-through passages 211-214.

[24] In yet another aspect of the present invention, second lower rotary members 227-230, advantageously lower roller bearings, are arranged in the lower pass-through passages 219-222, as shown in FIG.7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, so that they can rotate on actuation. Alternately, other rotary devices such as gears can also be suitably adapted for use.

[25] In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIGs.7,4 and 4a , second upper elongated structures 231-232, which are advantageously hollow, pipe-like and having tapered ends 233-234 are permitted to pass through the second upper pass-through passages 211-212 and 213-214, respectively and their tapered ends 233-234 are rotatably engaged with the first upper rotary members 223-226. In this arrangement, the second upper elongated structures 231-232 rotatably extend along the upper horizontal axis of the mattress 203 between the support frames 204 and 205. The arrangement of the second upper elongated structures 231-232 is such that an intervening gap is created between the upper and side portions mattress 203, to render a friction-free rotary movement.

[26] The second upper elongated structures 231-232 are preferably hollow shell casts of metals such as shafts, pipes, pistons or thin cylinders. It is also within the purview of this invention to use polymeric or metallic-alloy materials for the second upper elongated structures 231-232. Rigid upper elongated structures can also be used in place of the upper hollow elongated structures. It is also understood here that the second upper elongated structures 231-232 can also be one of spring-loaded shafts, gears, hydraulic pistons or any other such suitable devices.

[27] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the outer surface of the second upper elongated structures 231-232 are preferably with at least a layer of soft material 235. Advantageously, a suitable number of layers of soft material 235 can be provided on the second upper elongated structures 231-232. The soft material 235 is made of synthetic resin or any other suitable material, where the cushion material is softer than the body of the second upper elongated structures 231-232. The integral coverage of the soft material 235 with second upper elongated structures 231-232 is either partial or arranged to extend completely to the length of the second upper elongated structures 131-132. The layer of soft material 135 render a substantially reduced friction to those materials that come in contact with the second upper elongated structures 231-232, especially while they are in rotary motion.

[28] In further aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG.7, FIG.5, FIG.5a, a set of second lower elongated structures 236 and 237 with tapered ends 238 and 239 are rotatably connected to the second lower rotary members 227-230. The arrangement of second lower elongated structures 236 and 237 are identical to the arrangement of second upper rotary members 231-232. However, the surfaces of the second lower elongated structures 236 and 237 are integrated with hook-and-loop fasteners 240. The integration of hook-and-loop fasteners 240 can be by means of adhesion or molding, so that hook-and-loop fasteners 240 are firmly adhered to the surface of the first lower elongated structures 236 and 237. In this exemplary embodiment the fasteners are shown as hooks. However, the fasteners can also be loops or any other type press-fit arrangements such as snaps, zippers, which offer locking arrangement with the material that, come in contact with the second lower elongated structures 236 and 237. The integral coverage of the hook-and- loop fasteners 240 with the first lower elongated structures 236 and 237 is either partial or completely extending to the length of the second lower elongated structures 236 and 237.

[29] In another aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG.7, second rotary actuators 241 are rotatably connected to the tapered ends 238 and 239 of the second lower elongated structures 236 and 237, through the lower pass-through passages 219-222 of the lower housing members 215, 216, 217, 218. The second rotary actuators 241 comprise a handle portion 242 and a neck portion 243. The neck portion 243 is provided with a passage having suitable inner profile to engage with the tapered ends of the pins of the second lower elongated structures 236 and 237. The rotary actuators 241 are preferably provided with a detachable engagement with the second lower elongated structures 236 and 237. The rotary actuators 241 are arranged to rotate in clock and counter-clock directions along with rotary axes of the first lower elongated structures 236 and 237, thereby transmitting the rotary motion to the second lower elongated structures 236 and 237. In this embodiment, the second rotary actuators 241 are shown as cranks, which can be hand-powered, foot-powered or fully automated. Other suitable rotary actuators 241 that are operable by pulleys, gears, piston cylinders can also be used for causing the rotary motion to the second lower elongated structures 236 and 237.

[30] In an aspect of the present invention as shown in FIG.6, a second conveyor member 244 with its side terminal ends integrated with loops 245. The second conveyor member 244 is a flexible sheet made of rubber, plastic or with a combination of these materials, to render the desired strength to bear with weight of the subject and also to be flexible to rotate along with the rotary support members. The constructional details of the second conveyor member 244 are preferably identical to the first conveyor member 144. The length and breadth of the second conveyor member 244 can be suitably selected in order to meet with the dimensions of the second platform 200. The one end of the second conveyor member 244 is connected to the second lower elongated structure 236, by fastening the loops 245 of the second conveyor member 244 to the hooks 240 of the second elongated structure 236. The fastened second conveyor member 244 is wound on the second lower elongated structure 236 and extended abuttingly to pass over the second upper elongated structure 231 and extended further to spread over the mattress 203. The second conveyor member 244 is further abuttingly extended to pass over second upper elongated structure 232 and terminated by fastening the loops 245 of the second conveyor member 244 to the hooks 240 of the second elongated structure 237. The fastening arrangement of hook-and-loop fasteners 240 and 245 provide a detachable and yet firm fastening connectivity between the second elongated structures 231 and 232 and the second conveyor member 244. The second conveyor member 244 thus configured, can be actuated by the rotary actuator 241, for instance, to move over from the second lower elongated structure 236 on to the second upper elongated structures 231 and 232 and finally on to the second lower elongated structure 237. It is to be noted that the second conveyor member 244 is configured in a manner to be wound and unwound either from the side of the second lower elongated structure 236 or from the side of the second lower elongated structure 237, depending on actuation of the rotary direction of the rotary actuators 241, which are connected to the second lower elongated structures 236 and 237.

[31] In further aspect of the present invention the second platform 200 is equipped with storage compartment 246, for storing equipment like oxygen cylinders and other emergency equipment.

[32] In another aspect of the present invention the height of the platforms 100 and 200 can be provided with height adjustable devices to equalize the height of the platforms during the course of the transfer of the subject.

[33] In yet another aspect of the present invention the second platform 200 is provided with wheels or castors 247 to impart smooth mobility to the second platform 200. It is also within the purview of this invention to have wheels or castors connected to the first platform.

[34] Now, the method of transfer of subject 301 from the second platform 200 to the first platform 100, without touching the subject 301 by using the device of the present invention is now described. In this exemplary aspect, the first platform 100 is shown as a bed and the second platform 200 as a stretcher carrying the subject 301. The second platform 200 carrying the subject 301 is moved in proximity to the first platform 100 by means of wheels or castors 247 and docked to the first platform 100 through the link members 102 and 202. The docking of the platforms 100 and 200 with each other not only ensures physical and firm connectivity between the platforms 100 and 200, during the course of transfer of the subject 301. While docking the first platform 100 with the second platform 200, the first upper and lower elongated structures 131-132 and 136-137 that are covered with movable conveyor member 144 are rotatingly and movably abutted with second upper and lower elongated structures 231-232 and 236-237 having the conveyor member 244.

[35] Once the platforms 100 and 200 are coupled, the first rotary actuators 141 of the first platform 100 are rotated in a clock-wise direction, which initiates the rotation of the first lower elongated structure 136, resulting in movement of the conveyor member 144, towards the first upper elongated structure 131 and towards other elongated structures 132, 137. The conveyor member 144, which moves towards the direction of the second platform 200, along with the rotation of the first upper and lower elongated structures 131-132 and 136-137, carries along the subject 301 along with it towards the second platform 200. Once the subject 301 while in transfer reaches the terminal end of the first platform 100, the rotary actuators 241 of the second platform 200 are actuated which initiates the rotation of the second upper and lower elongated structures 231-232 and 236-237 along with the movement of the second conveyor member 244. In this process, since the first and second platforms 100 and 200 are docked together, the subject 301 is effortlessly transferred from the first platform 100 to the second platform 200, without even touching the subject 301. The subject 301 during the course of transfer is separated from the sheet on which he/she is resting. Once the subject 301 is transferred to the second platform 200, the latches 102 and 202 are removed and the first platform 100 and the second platform 200 carrying the subject 301 are relocated to the respective places.

[36] In this invention the first and second platforms 100 and 200 are exemplarily shown as hospital bed and stretcher and the subject 301 for the invention is typically understood to be a human subject, requiring a transfer from one location to another for medical attention, particularly, without physically touching the subject in lying condition. It is within the purview of this disclosure to use other suitable platforms such as chairs to facilitate the transfer the subject 301, even if the subject 301 is not in lying condition.

Advantages:

[37] By using the device of the present invention, transfer of a subject from one platform to another can be performed without lifting or resorting to log-rolling of the subject.

[38] The device of the present invention can be easily retro-fitted to any existing platforms.

[39] The device of the present invention facilitates transfer a subject from a source platform to a target platform, where no other external support material is required during transfer.

[40] By using the device of the present invention for the transfer of a subject from a source platform to target platform, the subject is also separated from the sheet/mattress on which the subject normally rests.

[41] The described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be of exemplary in nature and variations and modifications will be apparent to those having skill in the relevant art. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

We Claim:

1. A device for transferring a subject from one platform to another, said device comprising:

(a) first and second platform (100, 200) with frames (104-105, 204-205) operably connected to each other;

(b) plurality of upper and lower housing members (107-110, 115-118, 207-210, 215-218) with rotary members (123-130, 223-230), operably connected to the frames (104-105,204-205);

(c) plurality of rotatable upper and lower elongated structures (131-132, 136-137, 231-232, 236-237) of the first and second platform (100, 200), with their terminal ends operably connected to the rotary members (123-130, 223-230) and their bodies abuttingly connected to each other at the docking junction between the first and second platform (100, 200);

(d) rotatable actuators (141, 241) operably connected to the lower elongated structures (136-137, 236-237) of the first and second platform (100, 200) and disposed to actuate the rotation of the lower elongated structures; and

(e) movable conveyor members (144, 244) operably connected to the upper and lower elongated structures (131-132, 136-137, 231-232, 236-237) of the first and second platform (100, 200), and disposed to hold and transfer the subject (301) from the second platform (200) to the first platform (100).

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of rollers or castors (247) connected to foot pedestals (206) of the second platform (200).

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frames (104-105, 204-205) are movable and detachable brackets.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second platforms (100,200) are connected with latches or fasteners (102,202).

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotary members (123-130, 223-230) are preferably roller bearings.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower elongated structures (131-132,136-137,231-232,236-237) are shafts, rods, cylinders or spindles.

7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper and lower elongated structures (131-132,136-137,231-232,236-237) are hollow.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper elongated structures (131-132, 231-232) are provided with soft cushioning layers (135,235).

9. The device as claimed claim 1, wherein hook-and-loop fasteners are disposed on the lower elongated structures (136-137, 236-237) and conveyor members (144, 244).

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable actuators (141, 241) are levers or cranks.