Patent ID: 6611974
Filing Date: 2003-09-02
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
A transport mechanism for turning a patient resting on a mattress comprising, in combination,a longitudinally extending central frame, at least one longitudinally extending lateral frame pivoted to a side of the central frame, the central and lateral frames each having chain sprockets with bearings mounted therein at head and foot ends thereof, a chain interconnecting the sprockets at the head end of said frames, a chain interconnecting the sprockets at the foot end of said frames, the at least one lateral frame being pivotal to cause the courses of the chains over the lateral frame to form variable angles with the courses thereof over the central frame, a flexible mattress support extending longitudinally between the head and foot ends of the frames and attached at its ends to each of said chains, a flexible mattress attached to the mattress support to prevent lateral shifting therebetween and extending longitudinally between the head and foot ends of the frames, the mattress and mattress support each extending over at least the lateral extents of the central and lateral frames, means to support the at least one lateral frame in a patient turning position forming an angle with the central frame, and drive means for the sprockets to the mattress support and a patient on the mattress laterally over the central frame toward the at least one lateral frame, such that the portion of the mattress moving on the at least one lateral frame applies a vertical component of force to one side of the patient to turn the patient relative to the mattress.