Abstract: An apparatus includes a drive mechanism, a patient support mechanism, and an electronic system. The drive mechanism is included in a trolley and is configured to suspend the trolley from a support track. The drive mechanism includes a first sensor configured to sense an operating condition of the drive mechanism. The patient support mechanism couples to the trolley and includes a tether and a second sensor. The tether can be operatively coupled to a patient such that the patient support mechanism supports the patient. The second sensor is configured to sense an operating condition of the patient support mechanism. The electronic system is included in the trolley and has at least a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to define a gait characteristic of the patient based at least in part on a signal received from the first sensor and a signal received from the second sensor.

Abstract: A patient support device for supporting maintaining a patient laying on the side of their body in bed, for a duration of time for medical personnel to attend to the patient or change the linen on the bed. The support device features a patient support member which extends between the bed surface and a distal upper edge. The patient's weight is supported by a central area of the support member and the force of the weight is communicated to a hand rail or bed component by a member extending from the upper edge.

Abstract: A push board device and method of use is disclosed for supporting an individual's lower body while the patient is in a prone position and exerting force on the device to slide along a bed surface. The device comprises a lower leg press member attached to an elongated board member, where the board connects to the side rails of a patient bed and the leg press member provides a location for which the patient to support themselves during sliding movement. Embodiments of the leg press member include a solid, rounded member or a tubular member having an open interior to provide storage for a low friction sliding sheet therein. The board member is positioned between two side rails of a hospital bed or similar structure to allow the user to securely push against the device. The low friction sheet assists in movement of an individual and reduces resistance.

Abstract: The Device to Assist Paraplegics with Getting Dressed is designed to lift a person that has a spinal cord injury or minimal use of their legs above the seat of a wheel chair, or a toilet seat, allowing easy slipping on or off of the pants. The device may be wall mounted wall adjacent to a seating fixture. The device may be mounted on a “free standing” frame, which may have wheels to make it easy to move around and may easily fold up for storage. To use the device a person will, with their arms out to their sides horizontally, put the armpit rest under their arm pit area. On reaching down towards the pants, the armpit rest will turn from horizontal to a vertical position, lifting them up enough to slip the pants on or off.

Abstract: A system for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface includes a base sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to be placed above the supporting surface, and a glide sheet positioned above the top surface of the base sheet. The base sheet has fasteners located around the peripheral edges, which are configured to releasably fasten the base sheet to the bed. The base sheet and the glide sheet each have a tether strap, and the tether straps are configured to be connected together to secure the glide sheet in place. One or both of the tether straps may include at least a portion that is elastic. The system may also include a wedge, where the wedge has a hook-and-loop or other releasable connecting material that is configured for connection to a complementary connecting material on the base sheet and/or the glide sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lifting a patient is disclosed to include a base with wheels on the back side and casters on the front side; a pair of extendable legs extended or withdrawn from the frontal side of the base to maintain balance when lifting a patient; vertical masts connected to a three-prong hanger; three durable cables used with a sling assembly to lift the patient; a foldable chair provides temporary rest for the patient on the patient lift; and a control panel having a micro-controller for remotely controlling the patient lift.

Abstract: A patient support device for supporting maintaining a patient laying on the side of their body in bed, for a duration of time for medical personnel to attend to the patient or change the linen on the bed. The support device features a patient support member which extends between the bed surface and a distal upper edge. The patients weight is supported by a central area of the support member and the force of the weight is communicated to a hand rail or bed component by a member extending from the upper edge.

Abstract: Robotic posture transfer assist devices for assisting a posture transfer of a patient in a bed may include a device body, a stabilizer coupled with the device body and the bed, and at least one robotic arm having a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the robotic arm may be coupled with the device body. Robotic posture transfer assist devices may further include an end-effector removably coupled with the robotic arm, a controller module that provides a control signal to the robotic arm to control a movement of the robotic arm about the plurality of degrees of freedom, and a user input device that provides a command signal to the controller module to command the movement of the robotic arm, wherein the control signal provided by the controller module corresponds with the command signal.

Abstract: A device for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface includes a flexible sheet with a tether strap connected to the sheet and extending from the sheet. The flexible sheet has opposed top and bottom surfaces, with the top surface having a high friction material with a higher coefficient of friction as compared to the bottom surface, which includes a low friction material. The tether strap is configured for connection to the frame of the bed to secure the sheet in place. A system incorporating the flexible sheet may also include an absorbent pad configured to be placed on the top surface of the sheet, where the high-friction top surface resists sliding of the absorbent pad, as well as one or more wedges having a base wall that the wedge rests on and a ramp surface configured to confront the sheet when the wedge is placed under the sheet. The base wall and the ramp surface may also contain high friction and low friction materials, respectively.

Abstract: A person moving device for moving a person of limited mobility. The device comprises a lower floor engaging frame part (1) and an upper patient carrying part (6) adapted to carry a patient by engaging the patient's torso from the front and which is mounted to the lower frame part for movement between a patient load-unload position and a patient transport position. The upper patient carrying part being mounted to the lower frame part for curvilinear movement about an axis extending across the patient and positioned so that the patient's torso moves substantially by rolling about an axis across the device and the patient and substantially about a center of mass of the patient. A handle (12) is also provided by which a user can cause the upper patient carrying 10 part to move from the load-unload position to the transport position.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations.

Abstract: A patient lifting and transfer device is shown which includes a pair of vertical columns having a horizontal bar connected between the two columns. There is provided a mobile support that is rotatively mounted to the lower portion of each vertical column. Each mobile support is elongated and rotatable from a first position where the elongated mobile support extends generally perpendicular to the horizontal bar to a second position where the mobile supports extend generally parallel to the horizontal bar. In the second position, the patient lifting and transport device is relatively narrow and can be moved through close quarters and also stored in relatively small areas.

Abstract: A system includes a first trolley and a second trolley movably suspended from a support track. The first trolley includes a patient attachment mechanism configured to support a first patient. The first trolley is configured to move relative to the support track. The second trolley includes a patient attachment mechanism configured to support a second patient. The second trolley is configured to move relative to the support track such that the movement of the second trolley is independent of the movement of the first trolley. A collision management assembly is configured to be coupled to one of the first trolley and the second trolley. The collision management assembly includes a bumper that is configured to prevent the first trolley from directly contacting the second trolley.

Abstract: A body weight support system includes a trolley, a powered conductor operative coupled to a power supply, and a patient attachment mechanism. The trolley can include a drive system, a control system, and a patient support system. The drive system is movably coupled to a support rail. At least a portion of the control system is physically and electrically coupled to the powered conductor. The patient support mechanism is at least temporarily coupled to the patient attachment mechanism. The control system can control at least a portion of the patient support mechanism based at least in part on a force applied to the patient attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A patient support device. The support device includes a first side for contacting a surface, the first side having a perimeter portion and an inner portion. The support device further includes a second side for contacting a patient, the second side having a perimeter portion and an inner portion. The support devices also includes at least one baffle interconnected between the first and second sides. When in an unloaded state, the perimeter portion of the first side is in contact with the surface and the inner portion of the first side is spaced a first distance away from the surface. When in a loaded state the perimeter portion of the first side is in contact with the surface and the inner portion of the first side is spaced a second distance away from the surface. The second distance is less than the first distance.

Abstract: A patient transfer sled has a support structure including at least one air cushion adjacent a major surface thereof The air cushion includes a flexible material at least partially surrounding a rigid material, and a portion of the flexible material has a plurality of holes extending therethrough. Systems for patient transfer may include a support surface, such as a table, a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and a source of pressurized air. Methods for moving a patient relative to a support surface include positioning a patient on a patient transfer sled having at least one air cushion, and inflating the air cushion with air to form a sheet of flowing air between the patient transfer sled and the support surface. The methods may be used, for example, to move a patient on an air film over a surface within a system.

Abstract: Advantageous patient transport systems, and related methods of use, are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous modular patient transport systems that are configured to transport patients from one surface to another for various applications (e.g., diagnostic imaging and/or radiation therapy applications). The patient transport systems/assemblies of the present disclosure are configured and dimensioned to be utilized with a wide variety of imaging and/or treatment modalities/environments. The target modality assemblies/surfaces that the patient may be transported to and/or from via the improved patient transport systems/assemblies of the present disclosure include many different types of equipment/surfaces.

Abstract: A device for assisting a person in a standing or sitting position, or switching between sitting and standing positions, includes an elongated member with free first and second end portions, and a middle portion. The middle portion includes a plurality of sections extending at an angle relative to one another. One of the free first and second end portions is adapted to be mounted to a support in a manner that the other of the first and second end portions is disposed away from the support.

Abstract: A device for assisting a person in a standing or sitting position, or switching between sitting and standing positions, includes an elongated member with free first and second end portions, and a middle portion. The middle portion includes a plurality of sections extending at an angle relative to one another. A hinge member is disposed between the first and second end portions. One of the free first and second end portions is adapted to be mounted to a support in a manner that the other of the first and second end portions is selectively disposed adjacent to or away from the support by operation of the hinge member.

Abstract: An apparatus in an example comprises a seat, a torso support, and a connector. The seat comprises a rigid core. The torso support is coupled with the seat. The connector is coupled with the seat and/or the torso support. The connector is removably connectable with an accessory that serves to at least in part support a weight of a patient relative to a load-bearing surface. A location of the patient on the seat with a front of the patient faced toward the torso support and the connector coupled with the accessory allows control by a caregiver of an upper body of the patient for and during transfer of the patient by the caregiver from a start location to a target location.

Abstract: Robotic posture transfer assist devices for assisting a posture transfer of a patient in a bed may include a device body, a stabilizer coupled with the device body and the bed, and at least one robotic arm having a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the robotic arm may be coupled with the device body. Robotic posture transfer assist devices may further include an end-effector removably coupled with the robotic arm, a controller module that provides a control signal to the robotic arm to control a movement of the robotic arm about the plurality of degrees of freedom, and a user input device that provides a command signal to the controller module to command the movement of the robotic arm, wherein the control signal provided by the controller module corresponds with the command signal.

Abstract: An evacuation sled for non-ambulatory patients preferably including a sheet having a plurality of handholds disposed about the left and right side edges of the sheet, each handhold comprising an opening with a reinforcement above the opening. A plurality of patient retention straps are coupled to the sheet and are configured to secure a patient in the sheet when the sheet is curved upward about the patient. A pull strap is coupled through a head of the sheet and is configured to permit a person to drag the patient strapped to the sheet. Preferably, a foot strap is affixed to the head pull strap and coupled to the foot of the sheet. The foot strap is configured to cause, when tension is applied to the head pull strap, at least one portion of the plastic sheet foot to raise upward and at least partially enclose the feet of the patient.

Abstract: An MRI transfer table is provided for transporting a patient and transferring a patient to an MRI table associated with an MRI apparatus. The MRI transfer table includes a mobile frame, a patient support and a series of connectors for detachably connecting the patient support to the mobile frame. In use, the MRI transfer table is aligned with the MRI apparatus and the MRI table is projected underneath the patient support of the MRI transfer table. The patient support is disconnected from the mobile frame and allowed to rest on the MRI table. Thereafter the mobile frame is moved from the MRI apparatus and the MRI table with the patient support thereon retracted into the MRI apparatus.

Abstract: A push board device and method of use is disclosed for supporting an individual's lower body while the patient is in a prone position and exerting force on the device to slide along a bed surface. The device comprises a lower leg press member attached to an elongated board member, where the board connects to the side rails of a patient bed and the leg press member provides a location for which the patient to support themselves during sliding movement. Embodiments of the leg press member include a solid, rounded member or a tubular member having an open interior to provide storage for a low friction sliding sheet therein. The board member is positioned between two side rails of a hospital bed or similar structure to allow the user to securely push against the device. The low friction sheet assists in movement of an individual and reduces resistance.

Abstract: Robotic posture transfer assist devices for assisting a posture transfer of a patient in a bed may include a device body, a stabilizer coupled with the device body and the bed, and at least one robotic arm having a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the robotic arm may be coupled with the device body. Robotic posture transfer assist devices may further include an end-effector removably coupled with the robotic arm, a controller module that provides a control signal to the robotic arm to control a movement of the robotic arm about the plurality of degrees of freedom, and a user input device that provides a command signal to the controller module to command the movement of the robotic arm, wherein the control signal provided by the controller module corresponds with the command signal.

Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with refraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

Abstract: A bed includes a first rail, a second rail, a wheelchair having a first armrest mounting unit to and from which the first rail is attached and detached in one side part, and a second armrest mounting unit to and from which the second rail is attached and detached in another side part. A bed main body portion has a first support portion and a second support portion, and the first support portion has a first bed mounting unit to and from which the first rail or the second rail is attached and detached in a front end. The second support portion has a second bed mounting unit to and from which the first rail or the second rail is attached and detached in a front end.

Abstract: A transfer mattress includes an upper mattress having three longitudinally oriented plenums and three separate inlet/outlet valves that are each arranged in airflow communication with their respective plenum. First and second of the plenums are arranged in airflow communication with one another while a central plenum is arranged in airflow isolation from the first plenum and the second plenum so that the first and second plenums may be inflated and deflated independently of the central plenum. A lower inflatable mattress is separated by a common wall from the upper mattress. A lower inlet/outlet valve is arranged in airflow communication with a lower plenum defined by the lower inflatable mattress. A bottom wall defines a plurality of perforations so that when the lower plenum is charged with pressurized air, it escapes under pressure through the perforations to create an air bearing under the mattress. A method for transporting a patient in comfort is also provided by the invention.

Abstract: A patient transfer device has four casters and two counter-rotating steering wheels. The steering wheels provide a turning path whose center of curvature lies along a transverse centerline of the device. A foot pedal selectively lifts the steering wheels off the floor or brakes them. Another foot pedal at a back end of the device can lock the casters at the front end in a straight direction. The transfer table of the device may be inclined either longitudinally or transversely, and has an upper table whose edge rollers retract to introduce slack in the upper belt so that an air mattress can be inflated. The upper belt selectively disengages from the lower belt using movable, pneumatically-actuated pinch rollers. The outer surface of the upper belt is rough while the outer surface of the lower belt is smooth. The belts are constructed of a material which includes an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for nursing immobile patients in bed includes a base, a sheet and a control unit. Both the base and sheet components include magnetic elements. The sheet is placed on top of the base, and the patient is lying on top of the sheet. When activated, the magnetic elements in the sheet and base repel each other. The resultant magnetic force opposes the weight of a patient by that, elevate the patient. Under these conditions, the net force (Normal force) is reduced, leading to reduced friction force between the base and sheet components. Moreover, the magnetic elements produce a force perpendicular to the static magnetic field which creates a torque that may contribute to the rotation of the sheet component. This in turn leads to a reduction in the workload needed to change a patient's position.

Abstract: A turning and movement facilitating system and apparatus is usable to improve flexibility of body movement of a person lying on a bed or other support member. The apparatus includes a short trouser component wearable by a user, and a layer of bedding material. The short trouser component is attached to the person around his or her lower torso, and the layer of bedding material is attached to a bed or sleeping bag. Both components of the system include thin, single layer sheets of nylon or other fabric material that has a low coefficient of friction. When both of these materials are in contact, ease of movement will occur. Thus, a person can easily rotate to any degree and turn to any angle in relationship to the bed. A method of using the system to facilitate movement is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lifting belt comprising a waist belt and a detachable right and left leg strap is described. The lifting belt allows for quick and easy lifting of a person that has fallen, or is otherwise incapacitated. The lifting belt is configured with a plurality of lifting handles on the waist belt. The plurality of lifting handles allows a after to choose a handle that is in a suitable location for them to reach. The lifting handles are made of a woven fabric attached to the waist belt and a daisy chain configuration on the leg straps, so they are not uncomfortable to the fallen person. The lifting belt is adjustable in size, whereby an attachment device can connect a leg strap or waist belt by an end loop, daisy chain loop, or lifting handle. In one embodiment, the left and right leg straps are a different design, such as different colors, to allow for quick identification and coordination between lifters.

Abstract: A patient transfer device including a retractable wheel assembly, a caster brake and a track extension is provided. The retractable wheel assembly can include a cammed linkage arm operatively coupled to a retractable wheel. As the patient transfer device moves downwardly over a step, the cammed linkage arm can bear against the step, rotating the retractable wheel to a stowed position. The caster brake and the track extension can cooperate to stabilize the patient transfer device at the top and bottom of a stairway, respectively. The caster brake and the track extension can each include a high-friction engagement surface that is vertically offset from the respective caster and track. The retractable wheel assembly, caster brake and track extension can improve the control the patient transfer device along level, ramped and stepped surfaces, particularly for operators lacking sufficient training or experience.

Abstract: A patient transfer mattress is disclosed which includes a plurality of pods connecting the upper and lower sheets of the mattress. The pods may include a first aperture in a side wall thereof and a second aperture in an end thereof, said first and second apertures allowing air to flow from within a main cavity of the mattress and out to form a cushion of air beneath the mattress. One or more of the pods may also include a perforated disc positioned between the opposite ends thereby dividing the pod into upper and lower portions. The perforated disc controls air flow between the upper and lower portions to buffer local changes in air pressure caused by pump pressure, patient body weight or saturation.

Abstract: A portable sit-to-stand device which provides a platform for receiving a patient's foot, at least one supporting mast and a leg abutment for receiving a patient's leg. The said device provides safety and stability during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit transfers.

Abstract: The personal lifting and suspension system includes four adjustable legs that attach at a top end to a cap, which supports a lifting means and harness there under. The personal lifting and suspension system is used to lift and suspend a person or invalid. The legs can be secured to a working supporting position via a locking means. The legs extend diagonally down and outwardly from the cap, and are adjustable in length. A hoist rod rests upon a groove located in a top surface of the cap to support a hoist hook thereon. The personal lifting and suspension system is collapsible when not in use.

Abstract: A method of positioning an occupant (98) of a bed includes identifying (204) the presence of a discrepancy between an existing occupant position and a target occupant position, and establishing (206) an elevation gradient having a direction, magnitude and position compatible with moving the occupant from the existing occupant position to the target position. In one variant of the method the step of establishing an elevation gradient is one substep of a preordained sequence of bladder inflations and deflations. In another variant, the method includes determining (210) if the discrepancy has been corrected and responding to any noncorrection of the discrepancy. An associated bed (20) includes a mattress (82) at least one layer (100) of repositioning bladders (102, 104, 106, 108) a sensor array (130) a controller (140) and a pump (142).

Abstract: An inflatable mattress-sling having an inflatable torso support pad, a first leg extending out from a first portion of the inflatable torso support pad, and a second leg spaced from the first leg and extending out from a second portion of the inflatable torso support pad. The legs include straps attached to their inner and outer seams so as to facilitate lifting of a patient.

Abstract: A device for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface includes a flexible sheet with a tether strap connected to the sheet and extending from the sheet. The flexible sheet has opposed top and bottom surfaces, with the top surface having a high friction material with a higher coefficient of friction as compared to the bottom surface, which includes a low friction material. The tether strap is configured for connection to the frame of the bed to secure the sheet in place. A system incorporating the flexible sheet may also include an absorbent pad configured to be placed on the top surface of the sheet, where the high-friction top surface resists sliding of the absorbent pad, as well as one or more wedges having a base wall that the wedge rests on and a ramp surface configured to confront the sheet when the wedge is placed under the sheet. The base wall and the ramp surface may also contain high friction and low friction materials, respectively.

Abstract: A system for use with a bed having a frame and a supporting surface includes a base sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to be placed above the supporting surface, and a glide sheet positioned above the top surface of the base sheet. The base sheet has fasteners located around the peripheral edges, which are configured to releasably fasten the base sheet to the bed. The base sheet and the glide sheet each have a tether strap, and the tether straps are configured to be connected together to secure the glide sheet in place. One or both of the tether straps may include at least a portion that is elastic. The system may also include a wedge, where the wedge has a hook-and-loop or other releasable connecting material that is configured for connection to a complementary connecting material on the base sheet and/or the glide sheet.

Abstract: Devices and methods for moving a person having a support base, a linear vertical movement assembly, a linear horizontal movement assembly, and a body support for the person, such that the linear movement assemblies operate independently and can be separately commanded by a user.

Abstract: Transfer pads for horizontal and/or vertical translocation are provided. The transfer pads include the fewest possible number of components required to provide a plenum chamber, the operative features of which are controlled at least by the provision of one or more interior sheets having specific characteristics with respect to position, perforation and attachment.

Abstract: A combination patient-transfer and intraoperative heater has top and bottom chambers separated by a barrier. The patient rests on the top chamber, which has plural apertures for discharge of temperature-controlled heated or cooled air at regulated pressure. Heated or cooled air is delivered to the area surrounding the patient, maintaining body temperature during anesthesia. The bottom chamber has plural apertures. When air pressure is low or off, the bottom chamber is flat and un-inflated. When air pressure is increased, air enters the bottom chamber and the apertures emit air, creating an air cushion facilitating lateral movement of the lifter device. The device is light, flexible, easily stored, and preferably disposable, thereby reducing risk of infection and avoiding cleaning costs. The device performs two functions that now require separate devices and air blowers, it saves space and reduces both costs and complexity in the operating room.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus of the present invention is configured in that a top movable board of a patient movable bed is easily movable onto a patient bed mattress by using a transfer arm and a wheeled chassis moving on the transfer arm, so as to cause minimum inconveniences to a patient and allow for a transfer with ease when the patient who is not able to move freely is transferred between the patient bed and the patient movable bed. In addition, a linkage device is installed beneath the top movable board to easily incline the top movable board toward the body of the patient. Therefore, the patient can be taken onto or removed from the patient movable bed merely by lying on his/her side from the posture of lying on his/her back, thereby minimizing inconvenience to the patient caused by a patient transfer, and enabling the patient transfer to be easily performed with a smaller number of people.

Abstract: Robotic posture transfer assist devices for assisting a posture transfer of a patient in a bed may include a device body, a stabilizer coupled with the device body and the bed, and at least one robotic arm having a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the robotic arm may be coupled with the device body. Robotic posture transfer assist devices may further include an end-effector removably coupled with the robotic arm, a controller module that provides a control signal to the robotic arm to control a movement of the robotic arm about the plurality of degrees of freedom, and a user input device that provides a command signal to the controller module to command the movement of the robotic arm, wherein the control signal provided by the controller module corresponds with the command signal.

Abstract: A frame for supporting and moving a load, the frame comprising first and second support legs for supporting said frame on at least one floor; a load support member, extending between the first support leg and the second support leg, wherein the load support member is sized and shaped to be length adjustable; and a trolley, movably mounted on an external surface of the load support member, the trolley and load support member being sized and shaped to permit the trolley to move along the load support member; whereby access to the trolley, without removing same from the load support member, is facilitated.

Abstract: An auxiliary moving device contains a first cushion; two support members disposed on two sides of the first cushion, and the first cushion allowing to move on the support members, one of the support members including a plurality of holes; a positioning mechanism fixed on the first cushion and including a post, the first cushion being inserted into one of the holes of the post of the positioning mechanism to fix the support member.

Abstract: An auxiliary moving device contains two support members; a plurality of connecting sets disposed on two ends of the support members respectively, each end of the support member including one connecting set disposed thereon, and each connecting set including a coupling element with a hole; a number of legs fixed on the connecting sets individually, each leg being connected with one end of the support member by using the connecting set; a plurality of positioning mechanisms fixed on the two ends of the support member respectively, each positioning mechanism including a fixing button to disengage the leg from the hole of the coupling element so that the leg is foldable relative to the support member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patient transfer sheet comprising a base material to which is applied a relatively low-friction surface, the patient transfer sheet comprising a plurality of apertures between opposed surfaces of the sheet for the purpose of allowing the passage of air from one side to the opposed side.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable mattress (10) for use when transferring a patient from one area to another. The mattress has a flexible lowermost layer (15) providing a smooth or plate finished low friction surface of a polymer, for example a polyurethane, PTFE, or a polyamide such as nylon, or a combination of said polymers, for sliding the mattress whilst a patient is lying thereon; and one or more inflatable elements (30) located or locatable above the lowermost layer, the or each element comprising a flexible water vapour permeable material such as extruded polyurethane film. Said elements (30) may be exposed (see FIG. 4).