Abstract:
This invention is a device for translatably positioning a patient along a bed. The device has a motor connected to a series of pulleys. A corresponding series of straps are attached at one end to a respective pulley and at the other end to a bed sheet. As the pulleys are rotated by operation of the motor, each strap is wound around its respective pulley thereby causing the associated sheet to be drawn in the general direction of the pulleys. The device may be operated by the patient or a caregiver and the device contains a safety mechanism that prevents the pulleys from pulling the associated bed sheet completely into the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the components of the device are received onto a portable, adjustable frame that permits the device to be transported to a number of different beds and used with beds of differing sizes.

Description:
This Application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 60/336,125 filed on Nov. 2, 2001, titled MOVE ME. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A. Field of Invention 
   This invention pertains to the art, methods and apparatuses of patient positioning devices. 
   B. Description of the Related Art 
   The invention of this application is related to a patient positioning device that is useful for translating a bed-ridden patient that has slipped toward the end of the bed back to the first end of the bed, nearer the headboard, for example. Many times a patient that is confined to a bed may be propped up by pillows or, where the bed is motorized, as are many hospital beds, by elevating the first portion of the bed. The benefits to the patient of being elevated or propped up in this manner are numerous—giving rise to better digestion, breathing and enabling the patient to better interact with visitors and caregivers. 
   Often, however, a patient that has been propped up may begin to slide down toward the end of the bed. This results in the patient being hunched down and tends to arrest the benefits associated with being elevated. Indeed, the slumped position may exacerbate the patient&#39;s illness and generally make the patient uncomfortable. Furthermore, the patient may slide inexorably far toward the end of the bed, resulting in the need to reposition the patient back toward the head of the bed. There are a number of means available for repositioning a patient. The patient may try to reposition him or herself or one or more caregivers may assist the patient by physically grabbing hold of the patient and maneuvering the patient back toward the first end of the bed. These methods require significant physical strength and can result in injury to the patient or the caregivers. 
   A number of mechanical devices have been created to assist in positioning a patient on a bed. The basic elements of these devices are typically the same, namely a sheet with a plurality of straps connected to one end. The patient is placed on the sheet. When the patient slips toward the end of the bed, the patient can be moved toward the first end of the bed by pulling on the straps connected to the sheet, thereby translating the sheet and the patient in the direction of pull. Some inventions still rely on brute physical strength to pull the straps. 
   Considering the prior art, a patient positioning device is needed which is powered by a non-human source but easily controlled by either the patient or a caregiver. A device is also needed that can be readily adapted to fit a variety of beds, both flat beds and mechanized beds. Also a device is needed that can be quickly moved from bed to bed and from one size of a bed to a bed of a different size. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to one aspect of the present invention, a new and improved patient positioning device is provided 
   One aspect of this invention is that the device may be used with a standard flat bed. There is no requirement that the bed be adjustable or motorized in order for the device to operate. 
   Another aspect of this invention is that the device does not require significant physical effort on the part of the caregiver, nurse, or patient to operate or position the patient. 
   Another aspect of this invention is that the device may be portable and, therefore, transportable to different beds, for example, in a hospital or convalescent home. 
   Another aspect of this invention is that the device may be adjustable and, therefore, a single device may be usable with different types of beds. 
   This invention is a device for translatably positioning a patient along a bed. The device is comprised of a motor connected to a series of pulleys. A corresponding series of straps are attached at one end to a respective pulley and at the other end to a bed sheet. As the pulleys are rotated by operation of the motor, each strap is wound around its respective pulley thereby causing the associated sheet to be drawn in the general direction of the pulleys. The device may be operated by the patient or a caregiver and the device contains a safety mechanism that prevents the pulleys from pulling the associated bed sheet completely into the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the components of the device are received onto a portable, adjustable frame that permits the device to be transported to a number of different beds and used with beds of differing sizes. 
   Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a plain view of patient positioning device with an associated bed. 
       FIG. 1A  is a close-up view of a connection between a pulley and a strap member. 
       FIG. 2  is a plain view of the portable device showing the components of the device with a portable frame. 
       FIG. 3  is a close-up of a portion of the portable frame showing a means for adjusting a structural element of the frame. 
       FIG. 4  is a close-up of a portion of the portable frame showing an alternate means for adjusting a structural element of the frame. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIG. 1  shows a patient positioning device, generally shown at  1 , having at least a first and second strap members  15 ,  16 . Each of the at least a first and second strap members  15 ,  16  has a first end  17  and a second end  19 . In the preferred embodiment, the device  1  may have two strap members  15 ,  16 , coupled to an associated bed sheet  3 , as discussed below; however it should be noted that there may be three or more strap members  15 ,  16  or any number of strap members  15 ,  16  selected with sound engineering judgment. The device  1  is used with an associated bed  5  having an associated bed frame  7  and an associated bed sheet  3 . The associated bed sheet  3  has a first end  9  and a second end  10 . The associated bed sheet  3  may be a standard, readily available top sheet; however, it is also contemplated that the associated bed sheet  3  may be any piece of material, such as plastic, fabric or rubber, or any material selected with sound engineering judgment. It is noted that the novelty of the device  1  is not dependant on the type or dimensions of the associated bed  5  or bed frame  7 . The device  1  may be used with flat beds, motorized beds or hospital beds of varying sizes. 
   With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , the first end  17  of each of the at least a first and second strap members  15 ,  16  may each be operatively coupled to the first end  9  of the associated bed sheet  3  so that as the strap members  15 ,  16  are drawn around pulleys  45 ,  46  (discussed in a following paragraph), the associated bed sheet  3  bearing an associated patient will also be drawn in a first direction d toward the pulleys  45 ,  46 . In this way, the first end  17  of each of the strap members  15 ,  16  may be fixedly attached to the associated bed sheet  3  by use of an adhesive, or by sewing or use of other mechanical fasteners or by any means selected with sound engineering judgment. In the preferred embodiment, the first end  17  of each of the strap members  15 ,  16  may be removably attached to the associated bed sheet  3  with Velcro; however, it is contemplated that the first end  17  of each of the strap members  15 ,  16  could be removably attached to the associated bed sheet  3  using mechanical fasteners such as buttons, clips, buckles, pins, or by using any other means selected with sound engineering judgment. The strap members  15 ,  16  may three feet long. However, it is contemplated that the strap members  15 ,  16  may be any length l selected with sound engineering judgment. The strap members  15 ,  16  may be made out of fabric, rubber, metal, plastic or any other material selected with sound engineering judgment. 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the device  1  also includes a prime mover  25 . In the preferred embodiment, the prime mover  25  is an electric motor. However, the prime mover  25  may be any mechanism that is selected with sound engineering judgment. In this manner, the prime mover  25  may have at least a first output  30 . In one embodiment, the first output  30  may include a shaft  31 , having a characteristic torque imposed thereon by the prime mover  25 . It is also contemplated that the output  30  of the prime mover  25  may be sufficient to translate the strap members  15 ,  16  and associated patient as discussed in a later paragraph. 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the device  1  may also include first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 . The first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  may be operatively coupled to the first output  30 . This means that when the first output  30  rotates in a first output direction o, the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  rotate in a first pulley direction p. The rotation of the first output  30  and the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  may be in the same direction. It is also contemplated that the rotation of the first output  30  and the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  may be in opposite directions. At this point it is noted that in the preferred embodiment, there are two pulleys  45 ,  46  located, as are the two strap members  15 ,  16 , equidistant from a centerline of the associated bed frame  7  and adjacent the first end  9  of the associated bed sheet  3 . However, as the number and location of the strap members  15 ,  16  may vary with sound engineering judgment, so also, the number and location of the pulleys  45 ,  46  may also very as selected with sound engineering judgment. The location of the pulleys  45 ,  46  in the preferred embodiment, places one of the pulleys  45 ,  46  on each side of the associated bed sheet  3  so that as the associated bed sheet  3  is drawn toward the pulleys  45 ,  46 , the associated bed sheet  3  will be drawn substantially evenly toward the pulleys  45 ,  46 . 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  may be disc-shaped or tube-shaped or any shape that is selected with sound engineering judgment. As previously noted, the first output  30  of the prime mover  25  may include a shaft  31 . In this embodiment, the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  may be fixedly coupled to the shaft  31  included as part of the first output  30  by welding or by mechanical fastening or by process of manufacture wherein the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  are integrally manufactured as a single part with the shaft  31  or by any means selected with sound engineering judgment. It is also contemplated that the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  may be removably coupled to the shaft  31 . In this way, the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  may be selectively positioned along the length of the shaft  31 . The first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  may be removably attached to the shaft  31  by use of mechanical fasteners, such as a retractable pin, or thumbscrew or by magnetic means or by such other means as is selected with sound engineering judgment. It should be noted however, that the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  may be operatively coupled to the first output  30  as with a gearing mechanism, magnetic mechanism, or by any means selected with sound engineering judgment. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 1   a , the second end  19  of each of the first and second strap members  15 ,  16  may be attached to a respective one of the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 . In the preferred embodiment, the second end  19  of the each of the strap members  15 ,  16  may be removably attached to a respective one of the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  as with Velcro, mechanical fasteners or by winding the second end  19  of each of the first and second strap members  15 ,  16  around itself on a respective one of the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  so that the second end  19  is held by friction. This latter embodiment is demonstrated in  FIG. 1   a , which additionally shows the second end  19  of each of the first and second strap members  15 ,  16  firstly being held in a slot  42  in each of the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 . However, it should be noted that the second end  19  of the each of the strap members  15 ,  16  may be removably attached to a respective one of the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  by any means selected with sound engineering judgment. It is also contemplated that the second end  19  of each of the strap members  15 ,  16  may also be fixedly attached to a respective one of the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 , as with adhesives, mechanical fasteners or any other means selected with sound engineering judgment. When the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  rotate in response to the rotation of the first output  30 , each of the strap members  15 ,  16  which are respectively attached to a respective one of the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  is wound around the respective pulley  45 ,  46 . In this way, the first and second strap members  15 ,  16  are each windably communicated with a respective one of the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 . As each of the first and second strap members  15 ,  16  is wound onto a respective one of the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 , the portion m of the length l of each of the first and second strap members  15 ,  16  that remains unwound decreases. As the portion m decreases, the first end  17  of each of the first and second strap members  15 ,  16  moves in a direction toward the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 , drawing the first end  9  of the associated bed sheet  3  toward the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 . 
   With ongoing reference to  FIG. 1 , the device  1  may also include a safety means  26 . The safety means  26  operates to control the winding of the first and second strap members  15 ,  16  around the respective first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 . In this way, the safety means  26  may be operatively communicated to the prime mover  25 . The safety means  26  may operate to restrict the angular translation of the first output  30 . The safety means  26  may operate to stop the angular translation of the first output  30 . The safety means  26  may also operate to disengage the ability of the first output  30  to angularly translate, as, for example, by cutting off power to the prime mover  25  or by disrupting any contact between the prime mover  25  and the first output  30 . The safety means  26  may operate with variable control to slow down or reverse the angular translation of the first output  30 . The safety means  26  may operate to disengage the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 . The safety means  26  may operate in any other way that is selected with sound engineering judgment. It is also noted that the safety means  26  may be connected to the device  1  through a cord; however, it is contemplated that the safety means  26  may be integrated with one or more components of the device  1 , as for example, an override switch located on or in the prime mover  25 . Additionally, the safety means  26  may be remote from the device  1 , as, for example, a remote control device. Any number of safety means  26  for controlling the translation of the associated bed sheet toward the first and second pulleys  45 ,  46  may be selected with sound engineering judgment. 
   With ongoing reference to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the device  1 , the assembly comprised of the aforementioned prime mover  25 , first output  30 , first and second pulleys  45 ,  46 , safety means  26  and first and second strap members  15 ,  16  may be received onto the associated bed frame  25  of the associated bed  5 . 
   With reference now to  FIG. 2 , an alternate embodiment of the device  1  is shown, wherein the assembly discussed in the previous paragraph is received onto a selectively positionable frame, generally shown as  49 . The selectively positionable frame  49  may have a base  50 . In the preferred embodiment, the base  50  may be comprised of first and second base beams  50   a ,  50   b  placed in a substantially horizontal array. The first and second base beams  50   a ,  50   b , may be constructed out of steel; however, the first and second base beams  50   a ,  50   b  may be manufactured from plastic, rubber, or any other material selected with sound engineering judgment. The base  50  may be an array of first and second beams  50   a ,  50   b ; however, it may also be a single, substantially solid element or any other shape, size or combination of elements that is selected with sound engineering judgment. 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the selectively positionable frame  49  also has first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b  that extend from the base  50 . In the preferred embodiment, there may be two support members  55   a ,  55   b , each of which extends from the base  50  in a substantially vertical direction. However, it is contemplated that there may be a single support member  55   a  or any other number of support members extending from the base  50  as may be selected with sound engineering judgment. The first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b  may be removably attached to the base  50  by mechanical fasteners or slotting means or by any other means selected with sound engineering judgment. However, it is also contemplated that the first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b  may be fixedly attached to the base  50  by mechanical fasteners, welding or by process of manufacture wherein the first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b  are integrally manufactured as a single part with the base  50  or by any other means selected with sound engineering judgment. The first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b  may be constructed of steel; however, they may also be constructed from aluminum, plastic, rubber or any other material selected with sound engineering judgment. 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the selectively positionable frame  49  may also have a first bracing member  60 , extending from the first and second support member  55   a ,  55   b . In the preferred embodiment, there is one bracing member  60 , which may be a steel bar that is fixedly attached at each of its ends to one of the first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b . The bracing member  60  may be substantially horizontal with respect to the ground; however, the bracing member  60  may extend from the first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b  at any angle selected with sound engineering judgment. It should be recognized, as noted previously concerning the first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b , that the bracing member  60  may be attached to the first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b  by any means selected with sound engineering judgment. Additionally, the bracing means  60  may be made of any material that is selected with sound engineering judgment. It should also be noted that the bracing member  60  may be used in conjunction with a single support member  55   a , or any other number of support members  55   a ,  55   b . In this manner, the bracing member  60  may cantilever off a single support member  55   a  so as to carry a portion of a shaft  31  that may be included as part of the output means  30  of the prime mover  25 . 
   With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the frame  49  may be selectively positionable so that one of ordinary strength can move this embodiment of the device  1  to a position adjacent a plurality of different associated beds  5  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, the total weight of the device  1  may be limited to permit one of ordinary strength to selectively move the device  1  by dragging or lifting and carrying. The device  1  may weigh fifty (50) pounds. The device  1  may weigh up to one hundred (100) pounds or any weight that is within sound engineering judgment. It is also contemplated that the device  1  may have first, second, third and fourth rolling means  65   a–d  coupled to the selectively positionable frame  49  to assist an associated user in moving the device  1  to a position adjacent an associated bed  5  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In the preferred embodiment, the rolling means  65   a–d  are four caster wheels that are affixed to the base  50 ; however, it is contemplated that the rolling means  65   a–d  could be ball bearings, skids, pneumatic tires or any other means selected with sound engineering judgment. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , it is contemplated that the selectively positionable frame  49  may be selectively adjustable so as to be usable in conjunction with a plurality of differently sized associated beds  5  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In this manner, the selectively positionable frame  49  may be adjustable in any of three dimensions, horizontal x, vertical y or in width z. Where the selectively positionable frame  49  is selectively horizontally adjustable, the selectively positionable frame  49  and, therefore, the device  1 , may be used in conjunction with associated single width, double width, full width, queen width or king width beds  5  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) or an associated bed  5  of any other width. Where the selectively positionable frame  49  is selectively vertically adjustable, the selectively positionable frame  49  and, therefore, the device  1 , may be used in conjunction with an associated bed  5  of any height. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a bracing member  60  is shown having a first bracing portion  61  and a second bracing portion  62 . The first bracing portion  61  may extend from one of the first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b . The first bracing portion  61  may be affixed to one of the first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b  by means discussed herein, or by any means selected with sound engineering judgment. The second bracing portion  62  may be selectively, extendably coupled to the first bracing portion  61 . In this manner, the length of the bracing member  60  may be selectively lengthened or shortened by adjusting the second bracing portion  62  with respect to the first bracing portion  61 . In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 3 , the second bracing portion  62  may telescopically extend from the first bracing portion  61 . In an alternate embodiment, shown in  FIG. 4 , the second bracing portion  62  may be slidably coupled to the first bracing portion  61 , with each of the first and second bracing portions  61 ,  62  having a plurality of aligning holes, shown generally at  64 , that permit an associated user to selectively extend the bracing member  60  and lock the first and second bracing portions  61 ,  62  together as with a pin passing through the aligning holes  64 . While two embodiments of selective, extendable coupling have been demonstrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , it should be noted that there are a myriad of other means for making the bracing member  60  selectively, extendable. Any means for selectively extending the bracing means  60  may be selected with sound engineering judgment. Additionally, the means for selectively extending the bracing member  60  may be incorporated into the first and second support members  55   a ,  55   b , the first and second brace members  50   a ,  50   b , the shaft  31  that may be included as part of the first output  30  or any other component of the device  1  that may be selectively extendable with sound engineering judgment. In this way, the selectively positionable frame  49  and the device  1  may be adjusted in any direction for use in conjunction with an associated bed  5  of any size. 
   In a manner consistent with the aforementioned, the selectionably positionable frame  49  may be juxtaposed adjacent a first associated bed. The strap members  15 ,  16  may be selectively fastened to the associated bed sheet in a manner consistent with that previously described herein. Having fastened the strap members  15 ,  16 , the device  1  may be operated, thereby translating the patient. Subsequently, the selectively positionable frame  49  may be selectively detached and repositioned adjacent a second associated bed for use in translating a second associated patient. Herein, the device  1  may be repositioned and used to translate a plurality of associated patients in this manner. 
   The preferred embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods may incorporate changes and modifications without departing from the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.