Abstract: An apparatus is provided for lifting and transporting patients. The apparatus may include a base frame, a central frame, a knee pad, and a boom configured to pivot relative to the central frame. The knee pad may have a guide and a rail configured to travel within the guide to allow positioning and adjustment of the knee pad relative to the central frame. The guide may be configured to selectively secure the rail at any location within an adjustment range of the knee pad. The boom may have at least one hook portion for attachment of a device for holding the patient during lifting. The hook portion may include a hook formed from a curved portion of a central member and a clip attached to the curved portion and movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A body wrap for quick lifting and transport of a patient's body or provide assistance to a patient or accident victim in standing or securing an injured limb during transport in a wheelchair, comprising a flexible canvas wrap that is placed and secured around parts of the body and where the supporting wrap has flexible handles that permit the wrap to be grasped and lifted by one or more attendants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient lifting frame for use with an invalid hoist for lifting and supporting an invalid patient. Such a lifting frame can be used in conjunction with a wheeled or overhead mechanical or electrical hoist unit, to assist nursing staff, healthcare staff or carers in lifting and moving disabled patients. This lifting frame may also be used in many different areas to carry able bodied people in safety for operations such as air sea rescue service.

Abstract: A bed turning composite dual pad system to facilitate the care of a patient used in changing their position on a bed while providing clear access to their backside as required. A base pad is positioned under a patient with a centrally aligned longitudinally offset contoured opening within allowing the caregiver to easily turn and roll a patient with the base pad for ease of care access position. An adaptable absorbent cover pad is removably affixed over the contoured opening on the underside of the base pad for liquid containment management if needed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an example patient movement apparatus and methods for its use enable an EMS crew to load a patient disposed in an ambulance chair and/or in an ambulance stretcher into an ambulance, unload the patient from the ambulance, and otherwise move the patent within the ambulance, for example, from the ambulance chair to the ambulance stretcher. The patient movement apparatus may comprise a patient cradle in which a patient is wrapped, a loading ramp that spans between ground level and the level of the floor of the rear of the ambulance, a winch secured within the rear of the ambulance and having a retractable winch cable, an articulating arm secured within the rear of the ambulance and having a pulley to accommodate the winch cable, and/or one or more cable guides secured within the rear of the ambulance and that accommodate the winch cable.

Abstract: A rigid sling system is provided to ease the lifting of a disabled person by sliding its constituent sections under the subject as opposed to lifting the disabled person into the sling. This sling system is comprised of two sections, a right section and a left section. A right side main frame and its appropriate straps, a back connector, a right leg support, and a front connector with its appropriate straps are constituent members of the right section of the sling system. A left main frame and its appropriate straps, a left leg support are constituent members of the left section of the sling system. The two sections interlock via the connectors and configure to become engaged to a person lifting the sling system.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a hospital bed frame chassis, an articulatable, multi-sectioned base platform mounted on the chassis, an adjustable patient support framework mounted on the base platform, and a patient support surface overlying the adjustable patient support framework and base platform. The adjustable patient support framework preferably includes two main parts: an adjustable torso support litter mounted on the articulatable torso-supporting section of the base platform; and an adjustable hip support litter mounted on the articulatable hip-supporting section of the base platform. Each of these support litters comprise a plurality of independently adjustable vertices or segments oriented at or near the periphery of the overlying patient support surface. Modulation of the patient support surface is accomplished through two conceptually distinct mechanisms—(1) articulation of the base platform and (2) movement of the vertices and/or segments of the adjustable patient support framework.

Abstract: An improved device for assisting a caregiver in lifting and moving a patient. The device comprises a unitary garment member having a front panel section, a rear panel section and an interconnecting central or middle panel section. The device further includes a plurality of integral, reinforced support straps that enhance the structural integrity of the garment member. The rear panel section includes two flap portions extending laterally on opposing sides of the rear panel section. The two flap portions can be pulled forward and attached to the front panel section whereby the device becomes a vest-type garment that completely surrounds the patient's torso. The improved patient assistance device includes a plurality of strategically positioned hand holds, which provide enhanced leverage enabling a caregiver to more easily assist a patient wearing the device to move from one position to another.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for moving subjects is claimed in which a base structure has one or more rolling devices attached to facilitate moving of the apparatus. A stem structure rising from the base structure in turn supports a moveable support arm having a having pulley affixed to a distal end. A moveable lifting line capable of supporting a lifted subject ends in a fitting. A pulling mechanism is attached to the apparatus and operably coupled to the lifting line, whereby a subject secured to the fitting can be lifted and moved. In disclosed preferred embodiments, the portable apparatus for moving subjects is configured for lifting a subject without lifting movement of the support arm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing when a person is disposed on or arises from a support that flexes or sags when a person is disposed thereon. Such supports include beds, supports for a mattress or a seat, such as a sling-type seat found on wheelchairs. In one embodiment, an assembly is positioned beneath the support and includes a sensor. The sensor indicates when tension on the assembly exceeds a certain amount which is indicative of sagging of the support. The assembly may be adjustable in length to maintain proper tension in the absence of sag. The sensor may be a switch that includes a plunger which operates against the bias of a biasing member which either completes or interrupts an electrical circuit in response to tension placed on the assembly due to sagging of the support. In another embodiment, the assembly may be at least partially elastic. In yet another embodiment, a strain gauge may be employed to detect stretching of the assembly due to sagging of the support.

Abstract: A medical linen is disclosed. The medical linen may include a base sheet with a slide surface attached to the base sheet.

Abstract: A hoist device for lifting persons, said hoist device comprising holding means (27); and a hoist sling comprising attachment means (37), said attachment means (37) being connectable to the holding means (27). Any of the attachment means (37) and the holding means (27) comprises a reference object (8), and any of the attachment means (37) and the holding means (27) comprises sensing means (7) configured to detect the reference object (8), for determining if the attachment means (37) are properly connected to the holding means (27).

Abstract: A patient lifting apparatus that includes a front and rear independently controlled cable lowering means so that a patient sitting in a sling suspended from the cables can be assisted out of the sling, or into the sling depending on the situation. This provides great, and safer, control of patient movement that otherwise provided.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a hospital bed frame chassis, an articulatable, multi-sectioned base platform mounted on the chassis, an adjustable patient support framework mounted on the base platform, and a patient support surface overlying the adjustable patient support framework and base platform. The adjustable patient support framework preferably includes two main parts: an adjustable torso support litter mounted on the articulatable torso-supporting section of the base platform; and an adjustable hip support litter mounted on the articulatable hip-supporting section of the base platform. Each of these support litters comprise a plurality of independently adjustable vertices or segments oriented at or near the periphery of the overlying patient support surface. Modulation of the patient support surface is accomplished through two conceptually distinct mechanisms—(1) articulation of the base platform and (2) movement of the vertices and/or segments of the adjustable patient support framework.

Abstract: A patient lift and extraction apparatus includes adjustable, generally parallel legs connected by a cross member having a support member with a projecting boom. The support member may be adjustably located between the legs. A patient lift strap in the boom supports a patient in combination with a patient sling.

Abstract: Apparatus to assist in the application of mechanical lifting force to a sheet. For instance, healthcare workers often roll patients, who require this type of assistance, from side to side in an effort to clean the patient, change the bed sheets on the patient's bed, or to prevent bedsore development on the patient. This particular apparatus allows for the mechanical rolling of patients using a more effective, and less costly mechanical solution than has been previously available. Less manual effort is required to roll a patient using this device, and nothing has to be placed under the patient to allow for the use of this device in rolling a patient. This device can be securely and safely attached directly to the bed sheet, which is unique in the field of patient rolling solutions. This device can also be used to boost a patient up in bed, if this device is applied to both sides of the patient while the patient is in bed.

Abstract: A patient transport apparatus includes a sling for movement of a person from or into a vehicle seat supported by a dual legged horizontal frame mounted on rollers or wheels with a generally vertical, telescoping post having a cantilever arm extending therefrom. A cable or strap supported by the cantilever arm is attached to the adjustable body sling which designed to securely hold a patient during transport.

Abstract: A patient lifting system is provided having a vest component adjustably proportioned to fit upon the torso of a patient, and a leg belt component adapted to embrace the patient's legs just below the knees. A caregiver utilizes the lifting system by standing in front of the patient while pulling upon the vest and applying pushing force with his knee upon the leg belt. Such action causes the leg belt to act as a fulcrum which redirects the pulling force upwardly to lift the patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a personal transport device comprising a back support and two leg flaps extending from a bottom edge of the back support. The leg flaps are configured to cross under and support a thigh region of a person. Two upper handles are located on the back support and two lower handles are located on a leg flap. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of lifting a person using a personal transport device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a multi-functional patient transfer device for transferring mobility-impaired patients. In one embodiment, the multi-functional patient transfer device includes a lift cart and one or more lift components. The lift components may attach to the lift cart and/or other lift components. The lift components may include frontal bars, a tabletop, a central arm, lifting forks, a hoist, a knee blocker, footrests, a transfer chair, detachable handles, and/or safety cushions. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more patient interfaces. The patient interfaces may attach to the lift cart and/or one or more lifting components. The patient interfaces may include slings, chairs, straps, harnesses, and/or transfer sheets. In one embodiment, the patient interfaces may include foldable panels. In one embodiment, the patient interfaces may include a buttock/link support.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a person to stand. The apparatus comprises a mobile support structure, a pulley system, a counterbalance weight and a harness. The counterbalancing weight is coupled to the pulley system and the harness, which is coupled to the person being assisted in standing. The apparatus may also comprise a leg brace, a handle and wheel assemblies.

Abstract: Apparatus for transportation of a disabled person in standing position by which apparatus the person is able by his own strength to rise himself from a sitting position to a standing position, including a wheeled base (1) in the form of an U-shaped frame provided with a footrest (3) and a post (2), which supports at least one support frame (5). The support frame (5) comprises two legs (6a, 6b), which each at its end support through locking means (7a, 7b) an arm (8a, 8b), which is fixed in the longitudinal direction but pivotally arranged in the locking means, and that each arm (8a, 8b) has a supporting means (9) arranged in such a way that, when a person is standing, it can be pivoted behind the person, so that the person will be enclosed by the post (2), the support frame (5), the legs (8a, 8b), and the supporting means (9).

Abstract: A lifting sling for lifting a disabled/incapacitated person from one seat to another, or for lifting that person from a first position to a second position. The sling comprises a fabric panel having a body portion for positioning under the person's buttocks and lower back and a pair of leg portions extending from the lower end of the body, the legs portions being crossed over each other and passed under the person's legs, such that handles on the leg portions meet handles on the respective opposite side of the lower end of the body. The person can then be lifted by two or more persons, by each person taking at least one brought-together handle or another handle at the top end of the body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a personal transport device comprising a back support and two leg flaps extending from a bottom edge of the back support. The leg flaps are configured to cross under and support a thigh region of a person. Two upper handles are located on the back support and two lower handles are located on a leg flap. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of lifting a person using a personal transport device.

Abstract: This invention discloses a rescue stretcher or rescue litter and which includes a variable angle rail adapter with an adapter body with rail apertures configured for rotatable mounting around a stretcher rail and an attachment aperture transverse to the rail aperture configured to transversely receive attachment components therein.

Abstract: A rolling chassis supports dual lifting beams pivotably mounted on adjustable supporting pins. The beams are pivoted by rollers raised by dual driving piers. Each beam carried a pair of blocks for a rope running from a locking system on the chassis to one side of an upper harness, and another pair of blocks for a rope running from a locking system on the chassis to one side of a lower harness. A retractable knee pad assists lifting a patient from sitting to standing position as the beams pivot and retract the cables.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a hoisting device including a hoisting module which is replaceably connected with a coupling arrangement for a trolley which is mounted in a ceiling-mounted rail arrangement, where the coupling arrangement is provided in two sections, where the first section is mounted on the hoisting module, and the second section is mounted in connection with the trolley, and where the hoisting module includes a lifting strap arranged for rolling up and unrolling and for fastening a lifting bracket and/or lifting canvas, where the first section of the coupling arrangement is mounted releasably on the hoisting module, that the first section and the second section of the coupling arrangement are mutually connected with a wire connection which is connected with a winding arrangement that includes means dimensioned for lifting the weight of hoisting module, lifting bracket and lifting canvas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing when a person is disposed on or arises from a support that flexes or sags when a person is disposed thereon. Such supports include beds, supports for a mattress or a seat, such as a sling-type seat found on wheelchairs. In one embodiment, an assembly is positioned beneath the support and includes a sensor. The sensor indicates when tension on the assembly exceeds a certain amount which is indicative of sagging of the support. The assembly may be adjustable in length to maintain proper tension in the absence of sag. The sensor may be a switch that includes a plunger which operates against the bias of a biasing member which either completes or interrupts an electrical circuit in response to tension placed on the assembly due to sagging of the support. In another embodiment, the assembly may be at least partially elastic. In yet another embodiment, a strain gauge may be employed to detect stretching of the assembly due to sagging of the support.

Abstract: A sling seat includes a base cloth formed sufficiently long at the top to reach a head of a person requiring nursing care with a large physique who sits in the seat, and a pillow for supporting a back of the head of the person requiring nursing care in the seat so that the back of the head does not sink into the upper portion of the base cloth. The pillow is attached to an upper portion of the base cloth, and a vertical position of the pillow can be adjusted to match the actual body size of the person requiring nursing care in the seat.

Abstract: A patient lifting device is provided. The patient lifting device includes two side limbs connected to a suspension mounting for suspending the device from a hoist. Each side limb includes a support bar including patient support elements. The patient support elements include a pair of side pads for engaging beneath the armpits of a patient and against sides of the patient's ribcage, and a patient upper leg or posterior support means. The two support bars connect together with an assembly from which the patient upper leg or posterior support means depends. Each support bar is pivotally mounted about a pivotal axis defining a balance axis about which the moments imparted by the weight of the patient's upper body through the side pads and by the weight of the patient's lower body through the upper leg or posterior support means can react against one another in an equal and opposite fashion.

Abstract: An enveloping patient carrier having a flexible top surface connected to a flexible bottom surface. The flexible top surface defines a re-closable torso opening, a face opening and a plurality of re-closable medical attention openings. The enveloping patient carrier also includes a plurality of carrying handles attached to the perimeter of the patient carrier. The carrying handles are coupled to a plurality of intersecting lateral support members and longitudinal support member which engage the bottom surface. This type of patient carrier aids in the protection of emergency personnel from hazardous fluids (gas and liquid) and also enhances the medical attention and treatment of patients.

Abstract: This invention describes a transfer stretcher, harness and method designed to lift, transfer or support a person, more specifically a heavy weight, large size (oversize) person. Stretchers are generally used by hospitals or by rescue/emergency units to lift or carry a person from one location to another. The transfer stretcher covered by the present invention is made of a supporting canvas equipped with lifting straps and rings, a removable washable comfort cloth, and maybe used with a removable safety harness that can be used with a stretcher basket and a sling frame. The transfer stretcher can be used to move a body manually with the help of several persons, or in combination with various lifting equipment.

Abstract: A patient movement system comprises a rotatable section coupled to a frame that moves in a horizontal plane. A hoist assembly is coupled to the rotatable section and spins relative to the rotatable section. The hoist assembly may be positioned by the rotatable section. The hoist assembly includes a first motor coupled to a first linearly moving pulley by a first linkage. The first linkage includes horizontal and vertical sections of travel, whereby the vertical sections of travel decrease when the horizontal sections of travel increase. The hoist assembly includes a second motor coupled to a second linearly moving pulley by a second linkage. The second linkage includes horizontal and vertical sections of travel, whereby the vertical sections of travel are decrease when the horizontal sections of travel increase. The hoist assembly may include additional pulleys to guides the first and second linkages.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a patient transfer device comprising lifting arrangement positionable adjacent a patient and movable between a first position and a second position, and support arrangement for supporting the patient. The support arrangement is attachable to the lifting arrangement along a number of anchor locations thereon, the anchor locations including a pair of central anchor locations, a first pair of outer anchor locations on one side of the pair of central anchor locations and a second pair of outer anchor locations on an opposite side of the central pair of anchor locations; the support arrangement including a pair of central contact locations near a central location on the body of the patient, a first pair of outer contact locations on one side of the pair of central contact locations and a second pair of outer contact locations on an opposite side of the central pair of contact locations.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the enveloping patient carrier of the present invention has a flexible top surface connected to a flexible bottom surface. The flexible top surface defines a re-closable torso opening, a face opening and a plurality of re-closable medical attention openings. The enveloping patient carrier also includes a plurality of carrying handles attached to the sides of the patient carrier. This type of patient carrier aids in the protection of emergency personnel from hazardous fluids (gas and liquid) and also enhances the medical attention and treatment of patients.

Abstract: A device (10) having a flexible elongated support member (11) having an upperside, an underside, and a first and second extension (16, 18) on either side of a central-portion, each of the first and second extensions have a free-end. A first and second strap portion (26, 27) affixed to and extending from the upperside between the free-ends of the support member (11). These strap portions are employed for positioning around the mass (20). A matable first and second coupling (28A, 28B) is attached to a free end-section of each of the first and second strap portions. The strap portions (26, 27) may be adjustable in length with each respective coupling being slidably attached to its respective free end-section. Extending from the underside of the support member and along each of the first and second extensions, is a respective first and second plurality of handles (12A, 12B, 12C, 14A, 14B, 14C) affixed to at least the underside.

Abstract: Hoisting harness for persons, where the lifting action takes place by a harness consisting of a seat-piece placed between the person's legs, to which seat-piece a rear-piece is connected, which runs against the person's back and further consists of a front piece which runs against the chest. The front-piece and the rear-piece in their free ends have loops to be applied to a lift hanger. In order to avoid that the harness shall not be too tight across the chest during the lifting action and that the harness is adaptable to the size of the person's body, the front-piece and the rear-piece are connected by two connecting bands each band passing one side of the body, whereby the length of the connecting bands between the front-piece and the rear-piece is adjustable.

Abstract: A flexible fabric patient supporting sling adapted to be manipulated from a planar condition to a patient supporting condition, in which a seated patient is suspended by four straps from supporting points on a patient lifting device. The fabric sling includes bands adapted to support, the thighs of a suspended patient, and arms with curved straps that cross the chest of the suspended patient.

Abstract: An arrangement in a bed (1) intended for a disabled person and comprising a horizontally rotatable multi-sectional bed base part (3a, 3b) supporting a mattress, the base part being convertible into a seat part (3b) and a backrest part (3a), together with a fixed bed base part (3c). The arrangement furthermore comprises a lifting mechanism 82a) connected to the rotatable bed base parts (3a, 3b) supporting the mattress, the mechanism 82a) being operatively connected to a safety hook (A), that can be connected to a lifting sling, for example, which is worn by the person.

Abstract: An emergency trauma stretcher comprised of flexible fabric such that the stretcher may be rolled or folded into a package for easy transport into locations where traditional stretchers are either not appropriate or not available. The stretcher is comprised of a support structure and handles. The support structure is comprised of longitudinal support members and lateral support members that are joined together at overlapping intersections. The handles are formed by looping the longitudinal and lateral support members at predetermined locations.

Abstract: A boom extension for a patient lift device is attached to the boom arm of the patient lift device and functions to extend the cantilever support of a patient in a harness or sling which is attached to the boom extension of the patient lift device.

Abstract: A two piece incorporated device designed to assist in the lifting and transfer of such person who is partially incapacitated by infirmity or disability from one sitting position in one location to another sitting position in another location. (ex: wheelchair to toilet, bed to chair, etc.) The device includes a torso belt with hold and support handles on back, secured by sewn on hook and loop style fastener; and a thigh support segment with handles sewn into either end, which supports the posterior and weight of said patient. The connection of these two pieces with quick-disconnect buckles provides a greater sense of balance for patient and attendant(s) and helps eliminate weight stress on the patient by virtue of proper weight distribution. The thigh support segment is also equipped with forward positioning straps (at either end), which facilitate a rocking forward by the attendant(s), bringing patient closer prior to lifting.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for moving a patient from a first support to a second support includes an upper platform, a lower conveyor and an actuator configured to be coupled to the lower conveyor to drive the lower conveyor. The lower conveyor is movable such that movement of the lower conveyor to move the apparatus from the second support to the first support moves the patient from the first support onto the upper platform.

Abstract: Hoisting harness for persons, where the lifting action takes place by a harness consisting of a seat-piece (1) placed between the person's legs, to which seat-piece a rear-piece (3) is connected, which runs against the persons's back and further consists of a front piece (15) which runs against the chest. The front-piece (15) and the rear-piece (3) in their free ends have loops (8, 9, 17, 18) to be applied to a lift means, e.g. a lift hanger (19). In order to avoid that the harness shall not be too tight across the chest during the lifting action and that the harness is adaptable to the size of the person's body, the front-piece (15) and the rear-piece (3) are connected by two connecting bands (11, 12) each band passing one side of the body, whereby the length of the connecting bands (11, 12) between by the front-piece and the rear-piece (3) is adjustable.

Abstract: A lifting device made of a single piece of a flexible material, substantially forming a loop, is disclosed. The flexible material has a first and second edge, a fold between the first and second edge, such that the first edge rests substantially atop the second edge, and a seam securing the first edge to the second edge. A first handle is formed by a first end of the loop, and a second handle is formed by a second end of the loop, opposite the first end of the loop. A flexible support piece is coupled substantially within the loop, between the first and second end of the loop. A method of using a person lifting device is also disclosed. The first step of the method is to provide a lifting device. The lifting device includes a single piece of a flexible material, substantially forming a loop.

Abstract: A bedsheet device (10) configured to overlay a mattress (12), the bedsheet device (10) comprising: a slide sheet (14, 16) being constructed of a pliable material and having a lower surface (14) which is of a relatively low friction material designed to slide relative to an upper surface of the mattress (12) under the weight of a patient; and reinforcing means (20) affixed to the slide sheet (14, 16) to provide sufficient reinforcement to permit suspension and/or turning of the patient upon the slide sheet (14, 16), said reinforcing means (20) being capable of being manipulated independent of the slide sheet (14, 16) to effect said suspension and/or turning of the patient.

Abstract: Structure and procedures for lifting, transferring and moving a person, such as a bed ridden person or one requiring the use of a wheelchair, involve a frame (393) supported on wheels (394, 395), a horizontal load supporting beam (392) in an upper part of the frame, and a motor-powered winch (391) supported by the frame (393) for movement along the beam. Med winch (391) can be arranged to synchronously raise and lower a pair of horizontally spaced couplings by which a carrier (480) for a person can be connected to the winch (391). The beam (392) can be of variable length. The frame (393) can include a pair of beam-supporting legs (406, 407), one of which can be movable along and removable from the beam as extended from a minimum length state in which the frame (393) can be moved through a doorway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one piece sling for lifting and transferring a patient. In hooking ‘this’ sling to a lifting device, better support is provided to patients by being lifted at the shoulders and upper thighs in a sturdy sitting position. The maneuvering of the patient in this sitting position reduces the risk of strain on both the attendant and patient.

Abstract: A harness for lifting a disabled person from a sitting position to a standing position by a lifting device having two attaching points for the lifting action, there being a distance between these points. The harness including a belt at least partly surrounding the body of the person to be lifted, which belt has four bands, which can be hooked on the attaching points so that the belt surrounds the person overlapping on the breast under breast height and two of the bands crossing each other. In order to increase the lateral stability when lifting the person two other of the four bands are attached to a back piece forming a part of the harness, which back piece is extended at the rear of the back of the person and outside the shoulders.