GB2389099A

GB2389099A - Rotatable patient transfer device

Info

Publication number: GB2389099A
Application number: GB0212200A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerald Dale
Original assignee: Proto Magic Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Proto Magic Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2002-05-28
Filing date: 2002-05-28
Publication date: 2003-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2022-05-28
Also published as: GB2389099B; GB0212200D0

Abstract

A patient transfer device comprising a base plate which itself comprises a top plate L and a bottom plate J which are arranged so as to move against each other and whereby the top plate L has an attached/welded patient steading means/central support member I. The interacting surfaces of the plates are of a type which exert low friction when in contact with each other and are of a thickness (preferably 5-8mm) which is determined by the required mechanical strength. Bottom plate J, may be made of a plastics materials and has soft layer N attached thereto so as to protect any contacting surfaces. Top plate L, made from steel, has anti-slip material attached thereto. Also included is a knee pad H, fixed wheels E, F, outer wheels C, D, springs K, M, brake G and a central bearing P.

Description

( DESCRIPTION

The use of rotatable stand devices is common knowledge. These devices generally have wheels that allow them to be moved into the required position for 'loading' a patient Under the weight ofthe patient the wheels move upwards allowing the base of the device to contact the ground. The wheels of 5 such a device are commonly mounted in such a manner that they contribute to the thickness of the turntable. Further the turntable commonly contains rollers or bearings of some foam that contribute to the thickness of the turntable In use it is often considered desirable for the turntable to be as thin as possible.

The present invention eliminates much of the thickness of the turntable 10 making it as thin as practicle.

Refering to Fig 1 and Fig 2 the invention will now be explained.

The central support member (I) is attached to the top plate (L) of the turntable.

Attached to the central support member Is a knee pad (H). On the top surface of the upper plate are foot pads (A) and (B) which may be anti slip to help 15 steady the patient. Also attached to the upper plate are two fixed road wheels (E) and (F) which are used to transport the device to the required location.

Two further wheels (C) and (D) are mounted on the outer edge of the upper plate allowing the device to be easily pushed into place. The wheels (C) and (D) are spring loaded by means of springs (K) (M) such that when a small 20 pressure applies to the turntable the wheels retract allowing the turntable to contact the ground. A brake (G) is provided in order to ensure that the device does not move when the patient is being loaded on to the device. The lower plate (J) has a central bearing (P) allowing it to rotate under the top plate. A soft layer (N) may be attached to the lower surface of the lower plate to 239Z 104A doe 1.1) 27/0512002 15 02 Pa 2110512(J02 15 02 1'age 2 of 4

25 provide protection for the floor and to prevent the device moving linearly when being rotated. The mating surface of the upper plate (L) and the lower plate (J) is of such a nature that it provides low friction and can be utilised as the bearing surface, allowing the plates to rotate against each other. When in use the base of the device has a thickness of only (L) + (J) + (N) which in 30 practice can be as little as 5-8mm. The upper plate (L) can typically be made from steel with a suitable coating on the under surface. The lower plate (J) can typically be made from a suitable plastic.

Accordingly the present invention comprises a rotatable patient transfer device for rotating a patient between two pieces of furniture that are in close 35 proximity and comprising a thin base plate constructed oftwo substancially flat plates that rotate against each other in order to effect the rotary motion of the patient, said mating surfaces being of a type that exert low friction in contact with each other, the thickness of the plates being determined by the required mechanical strength.

239Z104Adoc Fl)27/05/2002 iS02 Pl)27KJS/2002 15()2 Page3or4

Claims

( CLAIMS

( I) A rotatable patient transfer device for rotating a patient between two pieces of furniture that are in close proximity and comprising a thin base plate constructed of two substantially flat plates that rotate against each other in order to effect the rotary motion of the patients said mating surfaces being of a 5 type that exert low friction in contact with each other, the thickness of the plates being determined by the required mechanical strength, further said upper plate having attached to it a patient steadying means.

(2) A claim as in claim I where a soft layer is added to the bottom plate to protect the floor and to help prevent the device moving in a linear motion 10 when in use.

(3) A claim as in claims 1,2 where a soft material is added to the upper surface to help prevent the patients feet from slipping when the device is in use. (4) A claim as in claims 1-3 where the upper plate is matalic.

15 (5) A claim as in claims 1-4 where the central support member (I) is attached directly to the upper plate by welding or other means.

239Z104AdOC l'V2705/2002 15 02 PD27/05122 15 02 Page4 of 4

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows * PATIENT TRANSFER DEVICE

(1) A patient transfer device for rotating a patient between two pieces of furniture that are in close proximity and comprising a base plate constructed of two substantially flat plates that rotate against each other In order to effect the rotary motion of the patient said mating surfaces being of a type that exert low 5 faction in contact with each other the thickness of the plates being determined by the required mechanical strength further said top plate having attached to it a patient steadying means and two additional wheels (C & D) that are placed on the outer edge of the upper plate and are spring loaded such that they allow the device to be wheeled close to a patient but when the patients weight is 10 applied to the device these wheels retract allowing the base plate to contact the floor and the device to be rotated (2) A patient transfer device as defined by claim I and comprising a soft layer which is attached to the base plate in order to protect the floor and to help prevent the device moving in a linear motion when in use 15 (3) A patient transfer device as defined by claims 1 2 an anti slip material Is added to the upper surface to help prevent the patients feet from slipping when the device Is in use.

(4) A patient transfer device as defined by claims 1-3 where the upper plate is made typically from steel.

20 (5) A patient transfer device as defined by claims 1-4 where the central support member (I) Is attached directly to the upper plate by welding or other means. 239ZI()4C Text doc FJ)27/10/20031614 PD2711()/2(X) 31615 Pagelof4