Abstract: A system for transferring medical patients utilizes the concept of creating a “hollow space” between the patient and the surface on which he or she is supported. A patient support material mounted to a rigid frame positioned about a bed or other hospital furniture can have slots or openings extending laterally inward from at least one side of the patient support material and oriented substantially perpendicular to a line running from the head of the bed to the foot of the bed. The slots allow respective tines of a transport device, or straps from a patient transfer chair or device, to be inserted beneath a patient lying on the patient support material such that the tines or straps (or other elongated patient support/transfer components) can be lifted above through the slots and thus transfer the patient from the patient support material to the tines or straps of the patient transfer/transport device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a patient transfer system with associated patient support frames, lift carts, lifts, carts, and other accessories for use therewith. The support frames of the present invention as depicted in the exemplary embodiments are designed to: (a) provide rigidity (exoskeleton) to the human body for positioning to provide stability for purposes of transferring, lifting and/or transporting the subject via a mobile device, such as a powered lift device; (b) a male/female coupling for coupling to a tine or other carriage mechanism of a lifting device thereto for the purpose of moving or lifting the subject; and/or (c) be used as a support or frame that will interact with the body as an exoskeleton to aid with the activities of daily living.