Folding apparatus for transferring a patient
The invention involves a folding patient transfer apparatus with a material top layer and a material bottom layer. A plurality of inserts has handhold openings that are formed in the inserts that are positioned between the material top layer and the material bottom layer utilizing a sewn plurality of insert seams. The seams form enclosed material chambers containing the inserts. The materials can be disposed of due to contamination; however the inserts can be sterilized reducing hospital waste and cost. The apparatus is configured to slide and/or lift and/or carry a patient from a non-planer surface to a second planer or non-planer surface.
1. A folding patient transfer apparatus comprising a material top layer, a material bottom layer, a plurality of inserts, a perimeter seam, and a plurality of handhold openings, a plurality of chambers for receiving the plurality of inserts, and plurality of interlocking devices;
wherein the plurality of inserts are positioned between the material top layer and the material bottom layer, and adjacent inserts are separated along an x-axis by a plurality of insert seams formed along a y-axis; and
wherein the plurality of inserts are further encapsulated by the perimeter seam; and
wherein the material top layer comprises a top layer outer surface comprising a first coefficient of friction, and the material bottom layer comprises a bottom layer outer surface comprising a second coefficient of friction that is higher than the first coefficient of friction; and
wherein the apparatus is configured to transfer a patient from a non-planar surface to a second surface; and
wherein the plurality of chambers are formed between the material top layer and the material bottom layer by the plurality of insert seams and the perimeter seam; and
wherein the plurality of insert seams between adjacent inserts form a plurality of hinges rotatable approximately 360 degrees along the y-axis; and
wherein the hinges are lockable in an approximately planar orientation by positioning the plurality of interlocking devices on the apparatus to bridge the hinges thereby rigidly connecting adjacent inserts.
2. The folding patient transfer apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one restraining device for securing the patient to the apparatus, the at least one restraining device comprising: straps, bands or restraints.
3. The folding patient transfer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus folds up to approximately one quarter of its fully deployed length.