U.S. patent application number 15/740427 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for configurable patient sling.
The applicant listed for this patent is ArjoHuntleigh AB. Invention is credited to Thomas Falk, Lotta Gram, Marie Rubin.
Application Number | 20180185225 15/740427 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53498871 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180185225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Falk; Thomas ; et
al. |
July 5, 2018 |
Configurable Patient Sling
Abstract
A patient sling has a back support portion and a patient seat
support portion. Two straps are coupled to respective side flanges
of the back rest support, while two straps are coupled to
respective side flanges of the seat support portion and connect to
the straps. The straps can be adjusted in length and also detached
from the upper straps in order to adjust the configuration of the
seat support portion. The seat support portion includes a cut out
for assisting a patient in effecting bodily functions and fold
lines can also enable the seat support portion to be either
partially folded or fully folded back in order to assist a patient
in dressing and undressing, while continuing to be retained and
supported by the back rest support portion.
Inventors: |
Falk; Thomas; (Staffanstorp,
SE) ; Gram; Lotta; (Ystad, SE) ; Rubin;
Marie; (Barseback, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ArjoHuntleigh AB |
Malmo |
|
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
53498871 |
Appl. No.: |
15/740427 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
June 29, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2016/065221 |
371 Date: |
December 28, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/1053 20130101;
A61G 2200/34 20130101; A61G 7/1051 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61G 7/10 20060101
A61G007/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 30, 2015 |
EP |
15174444.8 |
Claims
1. A patient support sling comprising: a back support portion; a
seat support portion connected to the back support portion; first
and second back support straps connected to the back support
portion; and third and fourth straps connected to the seat support
portion, wherein the third and fourth straps are adjustably
connected to the first and second straps, and the seat support
portion is foldable relative to the back support portion.
2. The patient support sling according to claim 1, wherein the
third and fourth straps are length adjustable.
3. The patient support sling according to claim 1, wherein the
third and fourth straps are separable from the first and second
straps.
4. The patient support sling according to claim 1, wherein the seat
support portion is foldable relative to the back support portion
about at least one fold line.
5. The patient support sling according to claim 1, wherein the seat
support portion is foldable relative to the back support portion at
a plurality of fold lines.
6. The patient support sling according to claim 5, wherein the seat
support portion is foldable at least along lateral fold lines.
7. The patient support sling according to claim 4, wherein the seat
support portion is foldable along a transverse fold line allowing
upward folding of the seat support portion relative to the back
support portion.
8. The patient support sling according to claim 4, wherein the at
least one fold line is at least one of weakening lines in the
material of the back and seat support portions and flexible
connecting elements between the back and seat support portions.
9. The patient support sling according to claim 1, wherein at least
one of the back support portion and the seat support portion are
formed of a material which holds its shape.
10. The patient support sling according to claim 9, wherein the
material of at least one of the back support portion and the seat
support portion is or includes a plastics sheet material.
11. The patient support sling according to claim 10, wherein at
least one of the back support portion and the seat support portion
are formed from one of plastic sheet material, moulded plastics,
and textile material.
12. The patient support sling according to claim 1, wherein the
back and seat support portions are formed from a common sheet of
material.
13. The patient support sling according to claim 1, wherein the
back and seat support portions are formed from separate sheets of
material coupled together.
14. The patient support sling according to claim 5, wherein the
seat support portion is foldable along at least a transverse fold
line allowing upward folding of the seat support portion relative
to the back support portion.
15. The patient support sling according to claim 5, wherein the
plurality of fold lines are at least one of weakening lines in the
material of the back and seat support portions and flexible
connecting elements between the back and seat support portions.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a configurable patient
sling, such as may be used with a patient standing aid or raising
aid, which are particular kinds of active lifts or hoists, in order
to assist moving of a patient from sitting to standing, and vice
versa, and to other positions in between.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Patient slings are in widespread use in hospitals and care
home environments. Some slings are designed to support the entire
weight of a patient, for example when in a reclining position, and
are used with passive lifts or hoists while others allow the
patient to be supported in a sitting or even a standing position by
an active lift or hoist, such as a standing and raising aid.
[0003] Typically, the slings are in the form of a shaped sheet of
material having a plurality of straps which are, when in use,
attached to a lifting mechanism or hoist able to lift the patient
entirely off the ground (i.e., a passive lifting mechanism or
hoist) or a support surface, and/or to provide stabilisation
support to a patient who has some mobility or is able to sit or
stand with assistance using an active lifting mechanism or hoist
that requires the patient to bear some weight with his or her
leg(s).
[0004] While known slings on the whole provide good patient
support, they can restrict the mobility of the patient or fail to
provide adequate support when the patient seeks to perform any of a
variety of tasks, such as dressing, cleaning, toileting and the
like.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The present invention seeks to provide an improved patient
support sling.
[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a patient support sling including a back support portion,
a seat support portion connected to the back support portion, first
and second back support straps connected to the back support
portion, third and fourth straps connected to the seat support
portion, wherein the third and fourth straps are adjustably
connected to the first and second straps, and the seat support
portion is foldable relative to the back support portion.
[0007] Preferably, the third and fourth straps are length
adjustable. The third and fourth straps may be separable from the
first and second straps.
[0008] Advantageously, the seat support portion is foldable
relative to the back support portion at a plurality of fold lines.
The seat support portion is preferably foldable at least along
lateral fold lines. In a preferred embodiment, the seat support
portion is foldable along a transverse fold line allowing upward
folding of the seat support portion relative to the back support
portion. In a preferred embodiment, the seat support portion can be
folded up completely towards the lower back of the patient or
detached, or can be folded at one or the other of the sides of the
seat support portion.
[0009] The fold lines may be weakening lines in the material of the
back and seat support portions, or flexible connecting elements
between the support portions, or the like.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the back and seat support
portions are formed from a common sheet of material, and in other
embodiments they may be formed of separate sheets of material
coupled together.
[0011] The back support portion and/or seat support portion may be
formed of a material that holds its shape. The material may be of a
plastics sheet or moulded plastics or textile material.
[0012] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
description and drawings which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view to one side of an
embodiment of sling supporting a patient in a seated position;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the sling and patient
shown in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the sling of FIG. 1
with no patient in the sling;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the sling of FIG.
3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the sling of FIG. 3
showing fold lines between the back and rear support portions of
the sling;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a sling as taught
herein in a folded condition along a transverse fold line;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of a sling as taught
herein in a folded condition with the seat support portion folded
up along one side;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the sling of this
disclosure showing fold lines between the back and rear support
portions of the sling in accordance with another fold line
configuration; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the sling of this
disclosure showing fold lines between the back and rear support
portions of the sling in accordance with another fold line
configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The Figures show in schematic form an embodiment of a
patient support sling designed to support a patient in sitting
position as well as when standing. The sling can also lift a
patient off the ground if need be, although its typical use is with
a standing and raising aid, such as are employed to assist patients
who have some use of their legs.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the sling 10 includes a back
support portion 12 and a seat support portion 14, which are formed
in this embodiment from a single sheet of material 16. The material
16 forming the back and seat support portions 12, 14 can be of any
suitable material including, for example, a generally flexible or
stiff plastics material such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
(ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM) or a soft
material such as Silicone, polyurethane (PUR) or thermoplastic
elastomer (TPE). The sheet of material 16 may be of uniform
thickness throughout the back and seat support portions 12, 14, but
in other embodiments the sheet material may have different
thicknesses. For example, around the centre portion 26 of the sling
10, the material may be thicker and more rigid than that of the
side flanges 18, 20, 22, and 24 of the back support and seat
support portions 12 and 14. In other embodiments, the material of
the sling may be made rigid at the side flanges 18 and 20 as well
as at the centre portion 26. In accordance with some embodiments of
this disclosure, the material is construed as rigid when it holds
its shape against at least gravity. In other embodiments, the
central portion 26 may be of thinner material than the side flanges
18-24. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that having
portions of different thicknesses will vary the flexibility of the
sheet material 16 and as a result the ability of the sling 10 to
conform to the shape of a patient 50 when supported in the
sling.
[0025] In an embodiment of this disclosure, the back support
portion 12 is configured to have an S-shaped curve that is similar
to that of a human lumbar spine. In other embodiments of this
disclosure, the back support portion 12 is configured without a
pre-formed curve and has sufficient flexibility to conform to the
curve of the patient's back. In either of these embodiments of the
back support portion 12, the back support portion 12 may be
dimensioned to span from the ischium region (e.g., ischial
tuberosity) of an average-sized adult male patient (or
averaged-sized adult female patient) to the lower thoracic spine of
such an average-sized adult male patient (or average-sized adult
female patient).
[0026] The sides 18, 20 of the body portion 12 extend to straps 30,
32 which extend, in this embodiment, substantially horizontally
when the back portion 12 is in a substantially vertical
orientation. These straps are preferably made of a conformable
material and may, for instance, of a webbing of polymer material
such as nylon, polyester soft PP or PUR, TPE. At the extremities 34
of the straps 30, 32 there are typically provided connecting
elements for attaching the straps to a lifting hoist, of
conventional form. Suitable connecting elements are well known in
the art and therefore not described in detail herein. One
non-limiting example of a lifting hoist configured as a standing
and raising aid, to which sling 10 may couple with for lifting a
patient between standing and sitting positions, and vice versa, is
a Sara.RTM. standing and raising aid manufactured by Arjohuntleigh,
Inc., such as a Sara.RTM. 3000 standing and raising aid or a
Sara.RTM. Lite standing and raising aid, etc.
[0027] Additional straps 36, 38 extend from the side flanges 22, 24
of the seat portion 14 and these can equally be made of flexible
material, such as nylon, polyester soft PP or PUR, TPE webbing. As
will be apparent from FIGS. 1 to 4, the straps 36, 38 extend to the
back support straps 30, 32, respectively, and in a preferred
embodiment are adjustably connected to the straps 30, 32, for
instance, by suitable buckles or other fasteners 15, shown
schematically in FIGS. 1 to 3 and present in all embodiments, which
enable the straps 36, 38 to be pulled closer towards their
respective strap 30, 32 or further away, for purposes described
below. The buckles or other fasteners 15 allow the operative
lengths of the straps 36, 38 to be changed and then fixed, for
instance by a friction or tooth gripping mechanism or by means of a
traditional adjustable buckle or a pin and spaced eyelets on the
straps 36, 38.
[0028] One purpose of the straps 36, 38 adjustably connected to
straps 30, 32 is that while the straps 30, 32 are the primary load
bearing straps, the secondary straps 36, 38 pull up a gluteal
portion of the side flanges 22, 24, which are dimensioned and
configured to cup the gluteus maximus of a patient wearing the
sling 10. Thus, the side flanges 22, 24 may be referred to as
gluteal side flanges. The ability of the gluteal side flanges 22,
24 to cup the gluteus maximus on each side of the patient
facilitates proper placement of the sling 10 and ensures that the
sling does not slip up the patient's back when in use. Furthermore,
this configuration of the side flanges 22, 24, when properly
adjusted and connected to the straps 30, 32 via the straps 36, 38,
facilitates movement of a patient's hips so they follow the sling
10 in movement up and forward to a standing position from a sitting
position because the sling 10 gives support under the patient's
rear (i.e., bottom or buttocks) during such sling-assisted movement
from sitting to standing when using a patient standing or raising
aid.
[0029] As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2, the back
support portion 12 and the seat support portion 14 have their
respective side flanges 18-24 vertically spaced from one another by
means of the lateral cut outs or recesses 40, 42. Not only does
this enable the straps 36, 38 to be vertically spaced relative to
the straps 30, 32, such that the straps 36, 38 extend at an angle
to intersect the straps 30, 32, but it also enables the seat
portion 14 to be pulled inwardly and upwardly relative to the back
rest portion 12, in order in practice to curve round a patient's
seat or bottom (i.e., gluteus maximus), so as to support the
patient and prevent slipping as described above. The seat support
portion 14 can, therefore, be placed underneath a patient's bottom
or seat and, if desired, at a sufficient angle to be able to
support the patient's full weight in a seating position because the
seat portion 14 has a curvature to it, or is flexible enough to
curve around the patient's buttocks by the pull of the secondary
straps 36, 38 on the gluteal side flanges 22, 24, respectively.
[0030] The seat support portion 14 also includes a central cut out
44 in its lower surface, which enables a patient to continue to be
supported in the sling 10 even when on the toilet, for example. In
other words, the central cut out 44 is dimensioned so that it does
not press against the tailbone of the patient, thereby decreasing
the risks of causing decubitus ulcer over the tailbone, and so that
it provides a path of egress for stool and/or urine so that a
patient may defecate and/or urinate while wearing the sling 10.
Thus, this central cut out 44 provides sling 10 with a
functionality lacking in conventional slings, namely, sling 10 may
be used to provide assistance with lowering and raising a patient
between a standing position to a sitting position on a toilet using
an appropriate active hoist or lift, and without the need to remove
the sling 10 before the patient defecates and/or urinates in order
to avoid substantial soiling of the sling 10.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 5, this shows in further detail the
structure at the junction between the back rest support 12 and the
seat support 14. More specifically, there are provided in this
embodiment, three fold lines 52, 54 and 56 in the sheet material 16
forming the back support 12 and the seat support 14. The fold line
52 extends in this embodiment substantially horizontally and
between the two lateral recesses 40, 42, so it may be characterized
as a transverse fold line. In an embodiment of this disclosure,
fold line 52 extends from the apex of one recess 40 to the apex of
the other recess 42 so as to traverse the narrowest distance
between the recesses 40, 42. This fold line 52 enables the seat
support portion 14 to be folded upwardly relative to the back
support portion 12, as shown in FIG. 6, which facilitates dressing
and/or cleaning a patient who wears the sling because the body
below the waist may be free of the sling 10 in this folded up
position.
[0032] The fold lines 54, 56 are located in the respective sides of
the seat support portion 14 and extend at an angle to the
horizontal, for example of 30.degree. or so. In an embodiment, the
fold lines 52, 54 and 56 are configured in a triangular manner,
such that each fold represents a segment disposed on an infinite
line that extends to intersect the other two fold lines in a space
external to the sling 10. For instance, fold line 52 constitutes a
segment of an infinite horizontal line that extends to the right
lateral recess 42 to intersect with an imaginary line collinear
with right fold 56. The infinite horizontal line that is collinear
with fold line 52 intersects the imaginary line collinear with left
fold line 54 at a location within the left lateral recess 42. The
imaginary lines collinear with fold lines 54 and 56 intersect
within the central cut out 44. Thus, in accordance with an
embodiment of this disclosure, the geometrical configuration of the
arrangement of the fold lines 52, 54 and 56 is that of an imaginary
triangle on which each one of the fold lines is disposed on one of
the sides of the imaginary triangle in a non-intersecting manner
relative to the other two fold lines. In an embodiment of this
disclosure, the triangular configuration of the fold lines 52, 54,
and 56 is in the form of an isosceles triangle so their imaginary
collinear lines intersect although the fold lines 52, 54 and 56
themselves do not intersect. In another embodiment, the fold lines
52, 54 and 56 are offset in a manner that does not allow these
imaginary lines to intersect to form a triangle.
[0033] While FIG. 5 illustrates fold lines 52, 54 and 56 as linear
lines, these folds lines may be curved so as to be arranged along
the sides of a Reuleaux triangle or an isosceles triangle with one,
two or three convex sides, such as shown in FIG. 8, or these fold
lines may be curved so as to be arranged along the sides of an
anti-Euclidean, negatively curved triangle, or an isosceles
triangle with one, two or three concave sides, such as shown in
FIG. 9.
[0034] The fold lines 54, 56 enable the two sides of the seat
support portion 14 to be lifted individually of one another,
typically by altering the length of their respective straps 36, 38
or by releasing their respective straps completely from their
associated strap 30, 32. As explained below, this can assist in
dressing or undressing a patient while continuing to support the
patient in an upright position via the load bearing straps 30, 32.
It is to be understood that in some embodiments of this disclosure,
fold lines 52, 54, 56 can be omitted entirely or only one or more
of the fold lines 52, 54, 56 may be provided. For example, in one
embodiment of this disclosure, only fold line 52 is provided. In
another embodiment of this disclosure, only fold lines 54 and 56
are provided.
[0035] The fold lines 52, 54, 56 can be provided as weakness lines
within the material of the sheet 16 forming the back of seat rest
portions 12, 14. Such weakness lines may be formed by making the
material of sheet 16 thinner along the fold lines, or by providing
perforations in the sheet material 16 along this fold lines, or by
providing some other anomaly along the line that permits it to
preferentially flex. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the fold
lines 52, 54, 56 constitute creases formed in the material that are
substantial enough to cause a permanent weakness in the material of
sheet 16. In other embodiments, the fold lines 52, 54, 56 could be
separate hinge elements fixed to the support portions 12, 14, and
may for this purpose be fabric or plastic hinges. In this latter
embodiment, the back support portion 12 and the seat support
portion 14 may be separate elements of sheet material coupled
together by the hinges of the fold lines 52-56.
[0036] The fold lines 52, 54, 56 enable the seat rest portion 14 to
be folded upwardly and out of the way of the patient's bottom. This
can be achieved, in one example, by folding the section 60, shown
in FIG. 5, rearwardly and upwardly about fold line 52 until section
60 comes into abutment or closely into abutment with the rear
surface of the back rest portion 12. The side flanges 22, 24 of the
seat rest portion 14 can be folded the other way by means of the
lateral fold lines 54, 56, so as to retain substantially the same
orientation as shown in FIG. 5. This arrangement can be seen in
FIG. 6, wherein the right gluteal side flange 24 has been folded up
about lateral fold line 56 and the left gluteal side flange 22
remains in an unfolded state. Of course, it is possible to fold up
the left gluteal flange 22 about the lateral fold line 54 while the
right gluteal side flange 24 remains in an unfolded state, and it
is possible to fold up both the right gluteal flange 24 and the
left gluteal flange 22 about the lateral fold lines 56 and 54
respectively. In these embodiments, the section 60 remains in the
unfolded state as it is not folded about the transverse fold line
52.
[0037] As will be apparent from FIG. 6, when so folded in this
manner, the patient's lower half (e.g., body portion below the
waist) is free of the sling 10, enabling the patient 50 to dress or
undress his or her lower half while still being supported in the
upper portion (i.e., back support portion 12) of the sling 10. This
upper portion constitutes upper side flanges 18 and 20, and that
portion of the central portion 26 which is above the transverse
fold 52, and the associated straps 30, 32. The lower portion (i.e.,
seat support portion 14) of the sling 10 constitutes the gluteal
side flanges 22, 24, and that portion of the central portion 26
which is below the transverse fold 52, section 60, and the
associated straps 34, 36.
[0038] The side flaps 22, 24 of the seat support portion 14 can be
released independently of one another, if desired. An example is
shown in FIG. 7, in which the right hand strap 36 has been raised
by folding that portion about the associated fold line 56. In this
configuration, the patient remains supported by the left hand side
of the sling, namely, by the left hand straps 32 and 34 while
access is provided to the patient's right hand side, for instance
for dressing or the like.
[0039] The side flaps 22, 24 can be lowered again to provide full
support to the patient when they are placed in position against the
patient's gluteus maximus and adjusted in place using the straps 34
and 36, which are fastened to straps 32 and 30, respectively, via
fasteners 15, such as buckles.
[0040] In summary, a preferred embodiment has a main body 12, 14
formed in what could be described as a shape of an X, where the
straps 30, 32 are the upper parts of the X. These upper straps 30,
32 are attached to a lifting hoist, while the lower straps 36, 38
of the X are attached to the upper straps 30, 32 via adjustable
plastic clips or buckles 15 that can be pulled until the desired
configuration of the bottom part 14 of the sling 10 is reached. The
sling 10 has a backrest 12 placed in the middle of the X and
upwards. This makes sure a patient's back has sufficient support
during the whole transfer.
[0041] The embodiments of sling disclosed herein function as an
active sling normally used on patient standing and raising aids.
The difference with the embodiments of sling disclosed herein
compared to other forms of sling is their form and function. Since
the back 26 and side panels 22, 24 of the back support portion 12
of the sling are attached to a main attachment point of a hoist by
means of the straps 30, 32 and their terminal couplings 34, this
part of the sling 10 can work on its own. However, the sling 10 can
be fully employed with the seat support section 14 attached to the
back support portion 12 so that the seat support section 14 goes
underneath the buttocks of a patient 50, when attached to the upper
straps 30, 32 by the straps 36, 38. In accordance with an
embodiment of this disclosure, the sling 10 is configured to
provide two point load bearing support to the patient that requires
the patient to provide a third stabilizing load bearing support via
one or more legs, which may be standing on a support surface such
as the floor or a standing platform of a standing and raising aid
(i.e., an active lifting mechanism).
[0042] The shape of the sling 10 offers a multifunctional
arrangement with a more comfortable standing and raising movement,
as well as a safer one as the sling 10 can allow support under the
patient's rear (i.e., gluteus maximus). Furthermore, the sling 10
is configurable so that at least on one side at a time (right side
versus left side) the sling provides load bearing support during
removal of the of the patient's clothing, and the sling 10 may also
be configurable so that its lower portion is foldable out load
bearing engagement with the patient while the upper portion
maintains load bearing engagement with the patient in order to
facilitate cleaning and/or dressing of the patient's lower body
below the waist.
[0043] The sling 10 has a shaped bottom part 14 that fits under the
rear of the patient 50, so as to cup or grasp the gluteus maximus,
and is attached to the top attachment straps 30, 32 of the sling 10
by lower straps 36, 38 with adjustable buckles 15 or other
fasteners. The fold lines 52, 54 and 56 may fold to some degree
toward the patient when pull by the straps 36, 38 force the portion
60 and gluteal side portions 22, 24 to flex about the fold lines to
conform about the patient's gluteus maximus and buttocks. The lower
strap attachments can then either be loosened or detached. In this
mode, with the straps 36, 38 loosed or detached, the bottom seat
support portion 14 of the sling 10 can be folded up to allow access
and easy removal of the pants of the patient. The seat support
portion 14 can either be loosened/detached on one side of the sling
10 and then folded up on one side of the patient 50 at a time as
shown in FIG. 7, or loosened/detached on both sides and completely
folded up along the lower back of the patient 50 as shown in FIG.
6.
[0044] The main parts 12, 14 of the sling 10 can be made from
plastic sheet or moulded plastics. On this part everything from
straps to softer padding material for patient comfort can be
attached.
[0045] In another embodiment the sling can be made of fabric
material, advantageously with plastic inserts in the fabric, as
well as the other features mentioned.
[0046] The shape of the sling 10 and the ability it has to fold in
three places allows the sling 10 to be used from either side of the
patient or behind the patient as well. In an embodiment of this
disclosure, the lower seat support portion 14 of the sling 10 can
be attached to the back support portion 12 either with plastic
clips or adjustable bands and can be detachable and/or
adjustable.
[0047] When the patient 50 is standing up and the sling 10 has been
folded up, as in the configuration of FIG. 6, and the patient's
pants pulled down, then the sling 10 can be attached again as in
the configuration of FIG. 3, and the patient 50 can be lowered over
the toilet. The opening or gap 44 in the lowest part 14 of the
sling 10 allows the patient 50 to have the sling on even when using
the toilet because the opening provided by the central cut out 44
provides a path clear of material for stool or urine to fall into
the toilet without interference. When seated with the sling 10, the
opening 44 will be placed directly over the toilet. Thus, the sling
10 does not need to be removed when the patient 50 is on the
toilet.
[0048] The sling 10 can also allow support under the rear or bottom
of the patient 50 at least on one side at a time during the removal
of the patient's clothing. The sling 10 allows for good access to
clothing and for washing the patient 50 because of the adjustable
gluteal side flaps 22, 24 on the sides of the seat portion 14 of
the sling 10.
[0049] The sling 10 allows support both in the back and at the rear
(i.e., gluteus maximus and buttocks) of the patient 50 and creates
a much more comfortable transfer and standing position. In
accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure, sling 10 is
configured for only partial weight bearing and is suitable for use
with a standing and raising aid, and not with a passive hoist or
lift that completely carries a patient's full body weight. In other
words, in accordance with certain embodiments of this disclosure,
the sling 10 is configured as a partial weight bearing sling that
is used with patients who can bear a substantial amount of weight
with their legs (i.e., enough weight to stand with support) and,
therefore, can be assisted between sitting and standing positions
using an active lift attached to the sling 10.
[0050] Where the sling is made of plastic sheet or moulded plastic
or textile material it is also very easy to clean compared to
standard fabric slings and can be cleaned immediately on-site by
staff directly after use.
[0051] Advantageously, the sling 10 is made of a plastic sheet or
moulded plastic which is rigid enough to make it easier to place it
under the rear (i.e., gluteus maximus and buttocks) of a sitting
patient.
[0052] All optional and preferred features and modifications of the
described embodiments and dependent claims are usable in all
aspects of the invention taught herein. Furthermore, the individual
features of the dependent claims, as well as all optional and
preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments
are combinable and interchangeable with one another.
[0053] The disclosure in the abstract accompanying this application
is incorporated herein by reference.
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