SUBJECT TRANSFER APPARATUS
Background of the Invention
[001] The present invention relates to a subject transfer apparatus configured to
transfer a subject from one resting platform to another, without a need for physically
holding the subject or altering the posture of the subject, during transfer.
Background of the invention
[002] Transfer of subjects such as human patients, from one resting platform to
another, particularly those subjects for whom the change in posture during such a
transfer, not only poses risk and suffering to the subjects but also makes it difficult for
attendants, who attend on the subjects.
[003] Normally, the transfer of a subject from one platform to another is
performed horizontally, vertically and by positioning the subject on the platform. The
devices that are generally used in such transfers include roller boards, which are used
for horizontal transfer of a subject, which requires the log rolling of the subjects, to
transfer them onto the roller boards. Log rolling disturbs the patients and requires more
number of attendants and manual effort. Whereas transfer boards are also used for
horizontal transfer of subjects, who require log rolling leading to subject discomfort.
Even transfer boards require at least attendants in case the subject is heavier.
[004] Hoists are used for upright transfer of a subject, where the subject is
required to be seated in an upright position during the transfer. However, such transfers
cannot be used in case of subjects have spinal injuries.
[005] Inflatable mattresses are used for horizontal transfer of subjects, where the
transfer occurs on the inflatable mattress that stays along with the subject throughout
the process of transfer. In this arrangement, changing of soiled mattress is not possible
without log rolling the patient.
[006] Accordingly, in such known patient transfer devices are cumbersome to
operate and none of these devices is able to transfer subjects without disturbing the
subject and/or leaving the sheets in place.
Objects of the present invention
[007] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a subject transfer
apparatus configured to transfer a subject from one resting platform to another, without
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a need for physically holding the subject or altering the posture of the subject, during
transfer.
[008] An object of the present invention is to provide a subject transfer apparatus
that is configured to transfer a subject from one resting platform to another, where a
subject transferor is permitted to contact the subject only while lifting the subject from
the a subject-resting support member.
Summary of the invention
[009] A subject transfer apparatus configured to transfer a subject from a subjectresting
support member of a subject-resting platform, by means of a subject transferor.
The subject transferor and the subject-resting support member are arranged in
proximity to each other to facilitate the transfer of the subject. The subject transferor is
positioned to extend through said subject-resting support member, by allowing an
intervening space between the subject and the movable subject transferor, to lift said
subject from the subject-resting platform by establishing a contact with the subject, and
to transfer the subject from the subject-resting platform to the movable subject
transferor. Thus the transfer apparatus of the present invention is configured to transfer
the subject from one movable platform to another without a need for altering the
posture of the subject, during the transfer.
Brief description of the drawings
[0010] FIG.1(a) is a perspective view of subject transferor of the subject transfer
apparatus of the present invention.
[0011] FIG.1(b) is a magnified view of wheel assembly of subject transferor of the
subject transfer apparatus of the present invention.
[0012] FIG.2 is a perspective side view of subject transferor of the subject transfer
apparatus of the present invention.
[0013] FIG.3 is a perspective side view of a subject-resting platform mounted with
a subject-resting support member bearing a subject, of the subject transfer apparatus of
the present invention.
[0014] FIG.4 is a perspective side view of a non-inflatable subject-resting support
member of the subject transfer apparatus of the present invention.
[0015] FIG.5 is a perspective side view of an inflatable subject-resting support
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member of the subject transfer apparatus of the present invention.
[0016] FIG.6 is a perspective side view of an inflatable subject-resting support
member of the subject transfer apparatus of the present invention, depicting an
arrangement of restrictors.
[0017] FIG.7(a) to FIG.7(f) is a schematic depiction of transfer of a subject using
the subject transfer apparatus of the present invention.
Detailed description of the invention
[0018] Accordingly, the present invention is described in the form of illustrative
embodiments, in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which FIG.1 is a
perspective view of the subject transfer apparatus of the present invention. In this
invention a subject transferor 100 is operationally coupled to a subject-resting platform
200, in order to transfer a subject from a subject-resting platform to the subject
transferor 100, without having a need for physically holding the subject or altering the
posture of the subject. Once the subject is transferred to the subject transferor 100 the
subject can be shifted to another platform or to a resting area.
[0019] In this invention the subject transferor 100 is a preferably an interim resting
platform, such as a bed or a carriage, where the subject is lifted from the subject-resting
platform, for effecting a transfer of the subject on to a target subject-resting platform.
[0020] The subject transferor 100, during the course of transfer of the subject is
arranged to extend through a subject-resting platform, by allowing an intervening space
between the subject and the subject transferor 100. The subject is lifted for transfer
from the subject-resting platform by the subject transferor 100 by establishing a contact
with the subject.
[0021] The subject transferor 100, as shown in FIG.1, is provided with a
framework that includes a pair of transverse base members 101a and 101b, which are
connected to a longitudinal member 102, as shown in FIG.1. The constructive
arrangement of the transverse base members 101a and 101b and the intervening
longitudinal member 102 forms a basic support structure for the subject transferor 100.
The transverse base members 101a and 101b, in this invention are elongated metallic
structures, preferably with square or rectangular-shaped sections. The profile of the
transverse base members 101a and 101b can also be tubular, semi-tubular or solid
structures. Similarly, longitudinal base member 102 may also have a reciprocal profile
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corresponding transverse base members 101a and 101b. The longitudinal base member
102 is firmly integrated to the pair of transverse base members 101a and 101b, through
mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets or mechanical interference assembly
such as press fit, snap fit etc., to render a detachable integration or by a welding of the
fastening assembly for a permanent integration. The combination of transverse base
members and the longitudinal member 101a, 101b and 102 defines a frame or pedestal
for the movable subject transferor 100 as shown in FIG.1. The transverse base
members 101a and 101b are provided with wheels or castors 103, to impart an easy
mobility to the movable subject transferor 100. In case, the subject transferor is used as
a stationary platform, the transverse base members 101a and 101b can be used without
wheels or castors. The transverse base members 101a and 101b are also defined by
respective channels 104a and 104b, as shown in FIG1. The channels 104a and 104b
are formed along the transverse base members 101a and 101b and preferably provided
with smoother inner surfaces.
[0022] A pair of height-adjustable vertical members 105a and 105b are mounted in
the channels 104a and 104b, through wheel assemblies 106a and 106b. The heightadjustable
vertical members 105a and 105b are advantageously metallic columns
having a load-bearing capacity. The height-adjustable vertical members 105a and 105b
are assembled with a suitable interference fit in such a way as to render telescoping or
vertical linear functions, resulting in the adjustment of height of the vertical members
105a and 105b. The wheel assemblies 106a and 106b having wheels or castors,
provide a longitudinal sliding action to the height-adjustable vertical members 104a
and 104b, along the inner surfaces of the channels 104a and 104b.
[0023] The terminal ends of the vertical members 105a and 105b where the wheel
assemblies 106a and 106b are pivotably connected to the transverse base members
101a and 101b, preferably by a hinge mechanism so that the operational angle of the
vertical members 105a and 105b can be altered in relation to the transverse base
members 101a and 101b. In other words, the pivotal connectivity between the vertical
members 105a and 105b and transverse base members 101a and 101b, enables angular
bending of the vertical members 105a and 105b, towards and away from the
longitudinal base member 102. Therefore, the vertical members 105a and 105b are
constructed in a manner to facilitate the adjustment of linear and angular movements of
the vertical members 105a and 105b.
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[0024] A horizontal prong resting member 107 is integrally coupled to the other
terminal ends of the vertical members 105a and 105b, so that the horizontal prong
resting member 107 also moves along with the movement of the vertical members 105a
and 105b. The integral coupling can be a detachable or permanent engagement and can
be an arrangement of hooks, bolts, screws, press-fit or welding of connecting parts. In
other words, the horizontal prong resting member 107 is arranged to move and angle
towards and away from the longitudinal base member 102.
[0025] A longitudinal prong base 108 is connected preferably in parallel to the
longitudinal member 102. The longitudinal prong base 108 can be connected integrally
to the longitudinal member 102 or can be in the form of a detachable element. The
longitudinal prong base 108 is preferably a hollow metallic structure, having vertical
prong beams 109a and 109b mounted on the longitudinal prong base 108, with an
intervening distance between them. The vertical prong beams 109a and 109b are
hollow and preferably provided with C-shaped profiles 110a and 110b on their inner
surfaces.
[0026] A movable horizontal prong support member 111, which is a metallic structure,
is connected to the pair of vertical prong beams 109a and 109b, through its side walls
112a and 112b. The length of the movable horizontal prong support member 111 is
made proportional to the length of the horizontal prong resting member 107 so that
when the horizontal prong resting member 107 is lifted up and levelled with the height
of the movable horizontal prong support member 111, a hollow or an open space is
formed in between these two structures.
[0027] Rollers or wheels 113a and 113b are rotatably connected to the inner surfaces
of the side walls 112a and 112b and are arranged to roll or glide inside the openings
110a and 110b. The movement of the rollers 113a and 113b in the openings 110a and
110b, cause vertical sliding movement or the displacement of the movable horizontal
prong support member 111, which is connected to them, along the vertical axes of the
vertical prong beams 109a and 109b.
[0028] A lifter 114 with its top end abuttingly connected to the movable horizontal
prong support member 111 and the bottom end mounted on or connected to the
longitudinal member 102 and the longitudinal prong base 107. The lifter 114 is
preferably a mechanical device such as a jack or a hydraulic piston. The lifter 114,
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which can be advantageously operated by a lever, when operated, facilitates gradual
lifting and dropping of the movable horizontal prong support member 111, along the
vertical axes of the vertical prong beams 109a and 109b. As an exemplary
embodiment, a single lifter is adopted for operating the movable horizontal prong
support member 111 and if deemed as functional requirement, more one lifter can be
suitably adapted for use for operating the movable horizontal prong support member
111.
[0029] As shown in FIG.1, apertures 115 are provided in the movable horizontal prong
support member 111 with intervening spaces between neighbouring apertures 111.
These apertures 115 are arranged along the horizontal length of the movable horizontal
prong support member 111 and each of the apertures extends transversely into the
movable horizontal prong support member 111. The length of the intervening spaces
can be suitably varied, depending on the gap that is preferable between two
neighbouring apertures 115.
[0030] Prongs 116, which are elongated structures having proximal and distal portions,
are permeably engaged inside the apertures 115 through their proximal portions and
their distal end are extended away along the longitudinal plane of the movable
horizontal prong support member 111. The prongs 116 are cantilevered to the movable
horizontal prong support member 111 and are arranged in contiguous formation with
intervening gaps between neighbouring prongs, thereby rendering a horizontal ladderlike
arrangement of prongs 116. The distal ends of the prongs 116 are suspended
without a base support, while in an unused position and whenever the subject is
preferred to be transferred, the transferor 100 with these prongs 116 is brought closer to
the platform where the subject is resting and the prongs 116 extend through the subjectresting
support member of the platform, by initially allowing an intervening space
between the subject and the prongs 116 and thereafter the subject comes in contact with
the prongs 116 and is lifted from the subject-resting support member. Once the subject
is rested on the prongs 116 the distal ends of the prongs 116 arranged to rest on the
longitudinal prong base 107, by raising the longitudinal prong base 107 to a desired
level. In other words, the longitudinal prong base 107 renders a load bearing support to
the prongs 116 once they are rested on the longitudinal prong base 107. The prongs 116
with their one ends connected to movable horizontal prong support member 111 and
their other ends resting on the longitudinal prong base 107, facilitate a holding area for
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the subject during the course of the transfer of the subject. The prongs 116 prongs are
generally fixed in the apertures 116 and remain stationary. However, the prongs 116
can also be suitably fixed inside apertures 116 so that they can rotate inside the
apertures 115. The prongs are elongated metallic structures or made of a suitable load
bearing polymeric material.
[0031] The terminal ends of the prongs 116 may also be provided with tapered, round
and soft profiles to facilitate their easy penetration into prong channels of a subject
resting member. The terminal ends of the prongs 116 may also be provided as
detachable attachments, so that prongs 115 of different profiles can be selected for use,
without replacing the prongs 116.
[0032] Now, by referring particularly to FIG.3, a subject-resting platform 200, with a
subject-resting support member 201, on which the subject is rested is described. The
subject resting support member 201 typically is a bed or stretcher, which supports the
subject generally in lying and sitting positions. The subject-resting support member 201
is a mattress, which is arranged on the subject-resting platform 200. The subject-resting
support member 201 on which the subject rests is preferably foam or any other soft
material mattress, as shown in FIG.4 The surface profile of the mattress 202 is defined
by desired surfacial contours, to facilitate a resting posture for the subject. The contours
are formed by a combination of elevations 203 and depressions 204, which are
arranged, alternately and contiguously, along the plane of the mattress 202. The
elevations 203 and depressions 204 are arranged transversely along the length of the
subject resting support member 201. Prong channels 202 are formed in between
neighbouring elevations 203, to permit the passage of prongs 116 through the prong
channel 202. This combination of elevations and depressions not only provides a
desired comfort to the subject resting on it but also facilitates an easy and unhindered
ingress and egress of the prongs 116, through the prong channels 202 during the course
of lifting and transferring of the subject from subject-resting support member 201. In
this exemplary aspect, the subject-resting support member 201 is shown as a noninflatable
mattress, made with suitable mattress material, such as rubber, foam etc.
[0033] In yet another aspect, as shown in FIG.5, an inflatable mattress 206 with prong
channels 207 that are formed as a result of inflation of the mattress 206 is provided.
The hollow prong channels 207 are formed in between hollow elevations 208 and
hollow depressions 209. Whenever, the mattress 206 is inflated with air or any other
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suitable media, hollow prong channels 207 are formed and in between two hollow
elevations 208 the hollow depressions 209, to facilitate an easy and unhindered ingress
and egress of the prongs 116, through the hollow prong channels 207 during the course
of lifting and transfer of the subject.
[0034] In further aspect of the present invention, advantageously, each of the prong
channels 207 is provided with a restrictor 210, to provide an internal support to the
hollow prong channels 207 to control the contour of inflation. The restrictor 210 is
preferably a strip of metal or polymer, which is anchored to the inner surface of the
prong channel 207, so that on inflation, the inner surface area of the prong channel 207
is stretched by the restrictor 210 and controls the contour of inflation. Accordingly, a
sufficient and an unhindered ingress and egress of the prongs 116 is achieved,
whenever the prongs 116 travel through the prong channels 207 during the course of
transfer of the subject.
[0035] Now, by referring to FIG.7(a)-(f) the transfer of subject from one platform
(source platform) to another (target platform) using the movable subject transferor of
the present invention is described. Initially by referring to FIG.7(a), an initial position
where the subject is resting on a platform (bed) and on a bed sheet, which has a subjectresting
support member (mattress) with prong channels formed from the contiguous
arrangement of elevations and depressions. The movable subject transferor is slowly
positioned in proximity to the movable subject-resting platform, as shown in FIG.7(b).
The movable subject transferor is brought in proximity to the movable subject-resting
platform and the prongs are aligned co-axial to the prong channels of the subjectresting
support member, so that the prongs can make an easy ingress into the channels.
In case, the mattress is an air mattress, the mattress may be inflated in order to contrive
the necessary channels for the prongs to make the desired ingress and egress. If deemed
necessary, the movable subject transferor can be locked to the movable subject-resting
platform, by any suitable means to prevent their movement or displacement of the
movable subject transferor and the movable subject-resting platform. The locking
means can be a combination of hooks, bolts, screws or press-fit arrangements. As
shown in FIG.7(c), the movable subject transferor is brought further closer and the
prongs are made to slide into the channels of the subject-resting support member. This
action effectively transcends the prongs between the bed sheet and the subject’s body.
When the movable subject transferor is further pushed in, the subject effectively lies on
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the surface of the prongs, as shown in FIG.7(d). In the next step, the prongs are raised
in height with the help of the lifter and this action isolates the subject from the bed
sheet and the bed. Once the subject is lifted, the movable subject transferor is retracted
away from the subject-resting support member, as shown in FIG.7(e). Finally, to
support the free end of the prongs, the intervening prong support member 107 is slid
towards the free end of the prongs and the subject can now be transferred to a desired
location and on to a target platform, without altering the posture of the subject and
avoiding the manual lifting or positioning of the subject, as shown in FIG.7(f).
[0036] Even though the subject matter of the present invention is described by using a
human subject, it is within purview of this invention to use the apparatus for
transferring objects, which require lifting and transfer, without touching the object.
Advantages:
[0037] The apparatus of the present invention enables transfer of subjects without
disturbing them (i.e. without major change in their body posture).
[0038] The apparatus of the present invention prevents lifting of a subject along with a
bed sheet.
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We claim:
1. A subject transfer apparatus, comprising:
(a) a subject transferor 100 and a subject-resting platform 200 mounted with a
subject-resting support member 201 to bear a subject, said subject transferor
100 and said subject-resting platform 200 operable to be in functional
proximity to each other; and
(b) said subject transferor 100 disposed to extend through said subject-resting
support member 201, by initially allowing an intervening space between
said subject said movable subject transferor 100, to lift and receive said
subject from said subject-resting support member 201, by establishing a
contact with said subject.
2. The subject transfer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said subject
transferor 100 including:
(a) a pair of transverse base members 101a and 101b with channels 104a and
104b connected to a longitudinal member 102;
(b) a pair of height-adjustable vertical members 105a and 105b, slidably
disposed in said channels 104a and 104b and connected to a horizontal
prong resting member 107;
(c) a longitudinal prong base 108 with vertical prong beams 109a and 109b
connected to said longitudinal member 102;
(d) a movable horizontal prong support member 111 with a plurality of
apertures 115 with intervening spaces, disposed in between said vertical
prong beams 109a and 109b;
(e) a lifter 114 connected to said longitudinal prong base 108 and said
longitudinal member 102 on one side and to said movable horizontal prong
support member 111 on the other side; and
(f) a plurality of prongs 116 arranged in said apertures 115 with their proximal
ends and their distal ends disposed on said horizontal prong resting member
107.
3. The subject transfer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said subject
transferor 100 and said movable subject-resting platform 200 are movable.
4. The subject transfer apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein height-adjustable
vertical members 105a and 105b are telescopic.
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5. The subject transfer apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said lifter 114 is a
jack or a hydraulic piston.
6. The subject transfer apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said prongs 116
are rotatable.
7. The subject transfer apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the distal ends of
said prongs 116 are tapered, round and soft.
8. The subject transfer apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said distal ends of
said prongs 116 are detachable.
9. The subject transfer apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said subjectresting
platform 200, includes a subject-resting support member 201 with a
plurality of prong channels 202, said subject-resting support member 201 is
inflatable or non-inflatable.
10. The subject transfer apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein a plurality of
restrictors 209 disposed in said prong channels 202.