Latticed patient hoisting device for hospital bed

Abstract

A latticed patient-hoisting device for a hospital bed and methods of its use for lifting, moving, turning and positioning of hospital patients. Embodiments of the device have a plurality of vertical and parallel straps running parallel to the patient's body from head to feet and a plurality of horizontal straps perpendicular to the vertical straps. The ends of the horizontal straps are removably attached to one or more rails of a hospital bed by a loop. The device is placed under a patient, and the patient is moved by drawing one or more ends of one side of the horizontal straps and attaching those ends to one or more rails on the same side of the bed. In embodiments, one or more horizontal straps may be detached from a rail or repositioned along it to provide access to a particular area of the patient's body for patient care.

Claims

1. A latticed patient-hoisting device for a hospital bed comprising: at least two vertical parallel straps; at least three horizontal straps spaced apart from each other and disposed substantially perpendicular to said vertical straps, said at least three horizontal straps including a first horizontal strap, a second horizontal strap, and a third horizontal strap, wherein said first horizontal strap includes a first loop, said second horizontal strap includes a second loop, and said third horizontal strap includes a third loop, and wherein said at least two vertical straps pass through each of the first loop, the second loop, and the third loop at the same time; and removably connectable loops at each end of each horizontal strap, wherein the at least two vertical straps are adjustably disposed such that a distance therebetween is adjustable within each of the first, second, and third loops.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein a length of said vertical straps is greater than that of said horizontal straps and each said vertical strap is unfastened to any of said horizontal straps.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said removably connectable loops comprises both hook portion and a loop portion of a hook and loop fastening mechanism on a length of an end region of a horizontal spaced-apart strap of said at least three horizontal straps, and said removably connectable loop comprises said hook and loop fastening mechanism arranged in a closed state.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said at least two vertical parallel straps are rotatable within each of said first loop, said second loop, and said third loop, at least 10 degrees from perpendicular to said first, second, and third horizontal straps, respectively, while said at least three horizontal straps remain unmoved.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said removably connectable loops at each end of each horizontal strap comprise both a hook and loop fastener.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said first, second, and third horizontal straps extends on either side of each of said first and second vertical straps.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said first, second, and third horizontal straps extends on either side of each of said first, second, and third loops, respectively.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein a length of each of said vertical straps is greater than a sum of a width of each of said first, second, and third horizontal straps, a distance between said first and second horizontal straps, and a distance between said second and third horizontal straps.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein said first, second, and third loops are each formed of a piece of fabric, stitched to each of said first, second, and third horizontal straps, respectively.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said vertical straps has a length approximately equal to a height of a patient.

11. A latticed patient hoisting device for a hospital bed, comprising: a first horizontal strap comprising a first loop substantially centered thereon; a second horizontal strap comprising a second loop substantially centered thereon; a third horizontal strap comprising a third loop substantially centered thereon; a first vertical strap disposed above said first, second, and third horizontal straps, crossing said first, second, and third horizontal straps at substantially right angles, and passing through each of said first, second, and third loops; a second vertical strap disposed above said first, second, and third horizontal straps, crossing said first, second, and third horizontal straps at substantially right angles, and passing through each of said first, second, and third loops simultaneously with said first vertical strap passing through each of said first, second and third loops, wherein said first and second vertical straps are adjustably disposed such that a distance therebetween is adjustable within each of the first, second, and third loops.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein, during use of said device for hoisting a patient, said first and second vertical straps are arranged in a direction parallel to the patient's spine.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the first and second vertical straps pass through each of the first, second, and third loops, together, such that said first and second vertical straps are adjustably disposed, and are adapted, during use of said device for hoisting a patient, to meet under the patient's spine in a first state and to rest under each of the patient's shoulders in a second state.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein each of the first, second, and third horizontal straps are adapted, during use of said device for hoisting a patient, to be arranged crosswise on the patient.

15. The device of claim 11, wherein each of said first, second, and third horizontal straps includes a first end loop at one end thereof, and a second end loop at an opposing end thereof, said device further comprising: a first rail passing through said first end loops of the first, second, and third horizontal straps; and a second rail passing through said second end loops of the first, second, and third horizontal straps.

16. The device of claim 11, wherein a length of each of said vertical straps is greater than a sum of a width of each of said first, second, and third horizontal straps, a distance between said first and second horizontal straps, and a distance between said second and third horizontal straps.

17. The device of claim 11, wherein said first, second, and third loops are each formed of a piece of fabric, stitched to each of said first, second, and third horizontal straps, respectively.

18. The device of claim 11, wherein each of said first and second vertical straps has a length approximately equal to a height of a patient.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of the latticed patient-hoisting device.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the latticed patient-hoisting device.

(3) FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the latticed patient-hoisting device.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a top view of the latticed patient-hoisting device attached to a hospital bed, with patient lying on it.

(5) FIG. 5 shows a top view of the latticed patient-hoisting-device in use, with some horizontal straps attached to same of a hospital bed.

(6) FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the latticed patient hoisting-device containing 6 horizontal straps.

(7) FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the latticed patient-hoisting device, with 2 horizontal straps positioned at an acute angle in relation to the vertical straps.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a top view of the latticed patient-hoisting device in use, with all horizontal straps attached to the same rail of a hospital bed and one strap with its ends spaced apart in relation to their vertical positions on the bed rail.

(9) FIG. 9 shows a side perspective view of a patient lying in a double-railed hospital bed with a strap of the latticed patient-hoisting device attached to the bottom rail.

(10) FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing a method for the use of the latticed patient-hoisting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY

(11) The latticed patient-hoisting device assists in maneuvering and holding in position a patient lying in a hospital bed having rails, the latticed hoisting device having a lattice of cross-wise material (horizontal and vertical) with a vertical length greater than, or equal to, that of the torso length of the patient. The cross-wise material can be comprised of rectangular straps. For the purposes of this specification, vertical refers to an orientation along the axis through the head and foot of a hospital bed or the head and feet of a human body. Horizontal, in this specification, refers to an orientation along the axis through the sides of a hospital bed or sides of a human body, and substantially at a 90 degree angle to the vertical axis. The horizontal straps can be comprised of two straps, namely a longer strap and a shorter strap centered on the larger strap and fixedly attached to the larger strap at each end of the shorter strap. The width and lattice portion thereof is sufficiently long so as to encompass a person's torso or entire body from neck to feet. The horizontal lengths of the latticed patient-hoisting device have connecting mechanisms at each end which attach to a bed rail.

(12) Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become clearer in view of the following discussions of the figures.

(13) FIG. 1 shows a bottom view of the latticed patient-hoisting device. The horizontal straps 30 are oriented at a substantially 90 degree angle in relation to the vertical straps 20. A second, shorter, horizontal strap 32 is centered on each of the larger horizontal strap 30 and covers a middle section of the larger horizontal strap 30. The shorter horizontal straps 32 are fixedly attached to the larger horizontal straps 30 at the ends 34 of the shorter strap 32. The connecting mechanisms 42 are located at the ends of the horizontal straps 30.

(14) FIG. 2 shows an inverted side elevation view of the latticed patient-hoisting device. The shorter horizontal strap 32 is centered on the larger horizontal strap 30 and fixedly attached to the larger horizontal strap 30 at its ends 34. The connection between shorter horizontal strap 32 and the larger horizontal strap 30 forms a loop 36 through which the vertical straps 20 pass. At each end of the horizontal straps 20 a connecting mechanism 42 is located.

(15) Since each vertical and horizontal strap length of material which forms a vertical or horizontal length is separate, each can be individually placed under the patient and latticed together during placement. Each strap has a plurality of portals for entry of other straps, with a width substantially wider than the strap to be inserted. A portal can be wide enough to position two straps spaced apart from one another, such as at either side of a torso. Since the portals are wider than the straps, the straps can be moved slightly as needed, by angling a vertical strap relative to a horizontal strap, or a horizontal strap relative to vertical strap. In this manner, any particular spot on the person can be accessed for cleansing, surgical procedures, or the like. Further, a particular spot can be avoided, such as an area of a bruise, inserted needle, burn, painful area, broken rib, or the like. In this manner, the person can be turned with this device without causing harm.

(16) FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of the latticed patient-hoisting device. The vertical straps 20 pass through the loops 36 created by the connection between the shorter horizontal straps 32 and the larger horizontal straps 30. The connecting mechanism 42 at the ends of the horizontal straps 30 may be closed at a connection point 44, thus forming a loop 40 at the end of the horizontal strap 30.

(17) FIG. 4 shows a top view of the latticed patient-hoisting device attached to a hospital bed, with patient lying on it. The latticed patient-hoisting device is placed on a hospital bed 50 equipped with rails 52. The hospital bed may be equipped with one or more rails on each side. Returning to FIG. 4, a patient 10 is placed on the latticed patient-hoisting device in a manner in which the patient 10 is parallel to the vertical straps 20. The connecting mechanisms 42 create a loop 40, at the ends of the horizontal straps 30, around the bed rails 52.

(18) FIG. 5 shows a top view of the latticed patient-hoisting device in use, with some horizontal straps attached to the same rail of a hospital bed. Horizontal straps 30 may be attached to the same bed rail 52 or rails on the same side of a hospital bed 50, by forming a connection 44, using the connecting mechanism 42 at the end of the horizontal straps 30, and wrapping the resulting loop 40 around a bed rail 52. The patient 10 is moved and held in a turned position by connecting the ends of the horizontal straps 30, with loops 40 formed by closing the connecting mechanism 42. Note also that the torso of the patient is centered, or substantially centered, on the length of straps, meaning that the patient is equidistant from both connectors of at least one horizontal strap and equidistant from extreme ends of at least one vertical strap.

(19) FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the latticed patient-hoisting device containing 6 horizontal straps. The horizontal straps 30 are oriented at a substantially 90 degree angle in relation to the vertical straps 20. A second, shorter, horizontal strap 32 is centered on each of the larger horizontal straps 30 and covers a middle section of the larger horizontal strap 30. The shorter horizontal straps 32 are fixedly attached to the larger horizontal strap 30 at the ends 34 of the shorter strap 32. The connecting mechanisms 42 are located at the ends of the horizontal strap 30.

(20) FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the latticed patient-hoisting device with two horizontal straps positioned at other than a 90 degree angle in relation to the vertical straps. The loops 36 formed by the connection between the longer horizontal strap 30 and shorter horizontal strap 32 contain sufficient room for the horizontal straps 30 to be oriented at an angle other than a 90 degree angle 38 in relation to the vertical straps 20.

(21) FIG. 8 shows a top view of the latticed patient-hoisting device in use, with all horizontal straps attached to the same rail of a hospital bed, and one strap with its ends spaced apart in relation to their vertical positions on the bed rail. The vertical straps 20, bed 50, and upper bed rail 52 remain as described with reference to the previous figures. Here, five horizontal straps are shown. The first strap has connectors 100 (top bed rail) and another to a bottom bed rail. Each subsequent strap has two end connectors, though only one connector may be visible, such as connector 110 of the second strap, 120 of the third strap, 130 (top bed rail connection) and 132 (bottom bed rail). Finally, a strap with connector 140 and 142 is at the bottom. Each strap is similarly numbered consecutively, in order 105, 115, 125, 135, and 145. Here, it should be noted that the order of connection to one bed rail is different from the order of connection to the other bed rail. Strap 115 passes over strap 125 at an acute angle to strap 125. This acute angle can be any reasonable amount such as 5 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees or any angle less than 60 degrees. As shown, the strap 115 has its connector 112 in order, while the connector on the other end, connector 110, is out of order between connectors 120 and 130.

(22) If the strap 115 extends horizontally across, like the other straps, then a portion of the patient's back under the strap would be covered. This can be undesirable when such a portion or location on the back has a wound, needs to be inspected, cleansed, or receive medical treatment. In use, one can continue to move strap connectors, one at a time, from one location to another, with the remaining connectors staying in place. As the plurality of other connectors remains connected, the patient remains held in place, and one can subsequently access the entirety of the patient's body as each strap can be moved.

(23) FIG. 9 shows a side perspective view of a patient lying in a double-railed hospital bed, with a strap of the latticed patient-hoisting device attached to the bottom rail. One end 40 of horizontal strap 30 may be attached to a bottom rail 54 of a hospital bed 50, by closing the connector 42 around the bottom rail 54 and forming a loop 40. The other end of the horizontal strap 30 may by drawn over and across the body of the patient 10 and attached to either the top rail 52 or the bottom rail 54 of the hospital bed 50.

(24) FIG. 10 is a flowchart describing a method for the use of the latticed patient-hoisting device. In the first step 1000, a patient is placed on the latticed patient-hoisting device in a hospital bed 50 that is equipped with at least one rail 52 on each side. Next, in step 1010, the ends 40 of a first side of the horizontal straps 30 are attached to a first or second rail 52 of a first side of a hospital bed 50. The ends 40 of a second side of the horizontal straps 30 are then, in step 1020, drawn or pulled across the patient's body 10. In step 1030, the pressure exerted on the horizontal straps 30 is used to turn the patient to the desired position. Thereafter, in step 1040, the ends 40 of the second side of the horizontal straps 30 are attached to the first or second rails 52/54 of the first side of the hospital bed. Then, in step 1050, an end 40 of one or more horizontal straps 30 may be repositioned on the first or second rails 52/54 of a first side of a hospital bed 50. In step 1060, the repositioned one or more horizontal straps 30 provide access to the desired region of the patient's body 10. Patient care or the administration of treatment may then be performed in step 1070.

(25) While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Combinations of any of the methods and apparatuses described hereinabove are also contemplated and within the scope of the invention.

(26) Substantially and substantially shown, for purposes of this specification, are defined as at least 90%, or as otherwise indicated. When referring to angles in this specification, substantially is defined as no greater than 15 degrees. Any device may comprise or consist of the devices mentioned there-in, as limited by the claims. It should be understood that the use of and/or is defined inclusively, such that the term a and/or b should be read to include the sets: a and b, a or b, a, b.