Patent Publication Number: US-11642267-B2

Title: Patient positioning and support system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/518,668, filed Jun. 13, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention generally relates to an apparatus, system, and method for supporting a patient for a medical procedure, and in particular for supporting a patient when positioned in a non-parallel or tilted position, such as in the Trendelenburg position. 
     When a patient is unconscious, disabled, or otherwise unable to move under their own power, there is difficulty in retaining patient positioning on a hospital bed or operating table. For example, when patients undergo surgery, it is often necessary to tilt the operating table on which the patient rests in order to gain access to the surgical area. Tilting the operating table results in the patient laying supine at an angle, wherein the patient&#39;s feet may be above the patient&#39;s head or the patient&#39;s head may be above the patient&#39;s feet. One such common positioning in surgery is the Trendelenburg position, where the patient is tilted at 15° to 45° and the patient&#39;s feet are elevated above the patient&#39;s head. When in the Trendelenburg position, it is difficult to maintain the patient&#39;s position upon the operating table. Current methods of maintaining patient positioning can cause injury to the patient or increase the patient&#39;s level of discomfort. 
     Furthermore, before, during, or after such a procedure, the patient may need to be re-positioned or transferred between surfaces, which can be difficult and time-consuming. Turning, positioning, transferring and/or boosting patient—types of “patient handling” activities—can result in injury to healthcare workers who push, pull, or lift the patient&#39;s body weight. For healthcare workers, the most prevalent cause of injuries resulting in days missed from work is overexertion or bodily reaction, which includes motions such as lifting, bending, or reaching and is often related to patient handling. These injuries can be sudden and traumatic, but are more often cumulative in nature, resulting in gradually increasing symptoms and disability in the healthcare worker. 
     Additionally, there is a risk of patient injury when turning, position, transferring, and/or boosting patients. Current methods of maintaining patient positioning on a support surface do not adequately hold the patient in place without a potential risk of injury to the patient. For patients who may be unconscious, disabled, or otherwise unable to move under their own power, any unintentional patient movement can cause injury or additional patient discomfort. 
     The present disclosure seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of existing devices, systems, and methods, and to provide new features not heretofore available. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a top view of a first embodiment of an inflatable patient support system according to aspects of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective exploded view of the inflatable patient support system of  FIG.  1   , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the inflatable patient support system of  FIG.  1    in use on a support structure, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a top view of a portion of the inflatable patient support system of  FIG.  1   , shown in the non-inflated state, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom view of the portion of the inflatable patient support system of  FIG.  4   , shown in the non-inflated state, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a bottom view of a second configuration of the portion of the inflatable patient support system of  FIG.  4   , shown in the non-inflated state, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a top view of a high-friction pad, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom view of one embodiment of the high-friction pad, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a detailed view of one embodiment of an arm strap being wrapped around a patient&#39;s arm, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a detailed view of the arm strap of  FIG.  9    in use with a patient, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a detailed view of one embodiment of an arm strap being wrapped around a patient&#39;s arm, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    is a detailed view of the arm strap of  FIG.  11    in use with a patient, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    is a first embodiment showing the removal of a first section of the high-friction pad, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is a first embodiment showing the removal of a second section of the high-friction pad, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  15    is a top schematic view illustrating the use of the system of  FIG.  1    to transfer a patient from one support structure to another support structure, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  16    is a detailed view of a port sock, according to an embodiment. 
         FIGS.  17 A and  17 B  are detailed views of a nozzle portion of an air output, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pump that is usable as an air output. 
         FIG.  19    is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of an inflatable patient support device. 
         FIG.  20    is a top view of a high-friction pad in use with the inflatable patient support device of  FIG.  19   , shown in the non-inflated state, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  21    is a side view of a third embodiment of an inflatable patient support system in use on a support structure attached to the floor. 
         FIG.  22    is a perspective view of an inflation port usable in connection with the inflatable patient support device of  FIG.  19   . 
         FIG.  23    is a perspective view of one embodiment of a pump that is usable as an air output in connection with the inflation port of  FIG.  22   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention is capable of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, certain embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated and described. 
     The disclosure relates to a system or apparatus for positioning a patient, including an inflatable patient support device, a pad configured to be placed over the device, and/or a pump or other air output for inflation of the device, as well as systems including one or more of such devices and methods utilizing one or more of such systems and/or devices. Various embodiments of the invention are described below. The system may be used for supporting, transferring, positioning, boosting, turning, and/or otherwise moving a patient on a support surface or between support surfaces. 
     Referring now to the figures, and initially to  FIG.  1   , there is shown an example embodiment of an inflatable patient support system (hereinafter “system”)  10  for use in positioning a patient resting on a support surface  12  of a support structure  14 , such as a patient lying on a hospital bed, and for transferring the patient to or from the support surface  12 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the system includes an inflatable patient support device (hereinafter, “inflatable device”)  16 , a high-friction pad  18 , such as a foam pad, configured to be placed over the device  16 , and a set of inflation ports  20  coupled to port socks  21  for inflating the inflatable device  16 . The high-friction pad  18  is shown lying on the inflatable device  16 , with the inflatable device  16  lying on the support surface  12 . The support surface  12  may be provided by a bed, gurney, stretcher, cot, operating table, or other support structure  14  for medical and/or patient care use, e.g., for supporting a person in a supine or other position. The support structure  14  and corresponding support surface  12  are not shown in detail, but may generally include known features of various support structures for medical and/or other patient care use, such as a frame and a support surface  12  supported by the frame, and has a head  22 , a foot  24  opposite the head  22 , and opposed sides or edges  26  extending between the head  22  and the foot  24 . The support structure  14  may include one or more bed sheets (such as a fitted sheet or flat sheet), as well as pillows, blankets, additional sheets, and other components known in the art. Further, the support structure  14  may be adjustable such that the head  22  (or other parts) of the support structure  14  can be raised and lowered, such as to incline the patient&#39;s upper body. It is understood that the system  10  and the components thereof can be used with many different types of support structures  14 , and may be used to transfer a patient from one support structure  14  to another support structure  14 ′ of the same or a different type, as shown schematically in  FIG.  15   . 
     The inflatable device  16  is flexible and foldable when in the non-inflated state. The inflatable device  16  is configured to be positioned on the support surface  12  so that a bottom surface  30  of the inflatable device  16  faces or confronts the support surface  12 , and is supported by the support surface  12 . For example, the bottom surface  30 , as shown in  FIG.  5   , may be in contact with the support surface  12 , or may face or confront the support surface  12  and/or be supported by the support surface  12  with one or more structures located between the bottom surface  30  and the support surface  12 , such as a bed sheet as described above. The terms “facing” or “confronting” do not necessarily imply direct contact or engagement, and may include one or more structures located between the surface and the structure and the surface it is confronting or facing. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the inflatable device  16  has a generally rectangular shape with a chamfered edge, having peripheral edges  32 - 38 , including the head edge  32 , foot edge  34 , side edges  36 , and chamfered edges  38 . The side edges  36  extend between the foot edge  34  and each chamfered edge  38 , while the chamfered edges  38  extend from each side edge  36  to the head edge  32 . The shape of the inflatable device  16  may be different in other embodiments, including different shapes with varying degrees of symmetry. In some embodiments, the inflatable device  16  may be rectangular with no chamfered edges  38 . However, the inflatable device  16  in a configuration with chamfered edges  38  provides some advantages. During inflation, when the air enters cavity, it inflates the periphery of the inflatable device  16  surrounding the patient first (described further below), and then gently raises the patient above the support surface  12 . Removing the corners to create the chamfered edges  38  allows the inflation profile to be conformed more closely to the patient&#39;s anatomical contours. During deflation of the inflatable device  16 , a configuration with chamfered edges  38  allows for more complete deflation. With the full rectangular configuration, when the inflatable device  16  is deflating, air may remain near the head. By removing the corners to create the chamfered edges  38 , the weight of the shoulders and head of the patient are sufficient to adequately deflate the cavity of air. In other embodiments, the inflatable device  16  may have a different shape. 
     The high-friction pad  18  is placed on top of the inflatable device  16  to provide a resting surface for a patient. In one embodiment, the high-friction pad  18  is smaller in size than the inflatable device  16 , and is configured for only the upper body of the patient to lie on top of the high-friction pad  18 . In another embodiment, the high-friction pad  18  may be of similar size as the inflatable device  16  and may be configured for the entire body of the patient to lie on top of the high-friction pad  18 . The high-friction pad  18  is generally shown to include a first section  42  and a second section  44 , separated by perforations  46 , and arm wraps  48 , which in some embodiments include openings  50 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , both the inflatable device  16  and the high-friction pad  18  include attachment systems including straps  52 , anchors  54 , and buckles  56 . The high-friction pad  18  and its components are described in greater detail in reference to  FIGS.  7 - 14   . 
     The inflatable device  16  generally includes an inflatable body  40  that defines the internal cavity configured to be inflated with air or another gaseous substance. Referring to  FIG.  2   , the inflatable body  40  is defined by at least a top sheet  60  forming a top wall of the cavity and a bottom sheet  62  forming a bottom wall of the cavity, with the top sheet  60  and the bottom sheet  62  connected together to define the cavity there between. In the embodiment shown, the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  are two separate pieces of sheet material that are connected together around their peripheries, such as by stitching and/or adhesives, or one or more other connection techniques described herein. In some embodiments, the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  may be connected to one another by a side wall or a plurality of side walls made from a flexible or rigid material attached to each sheet at their peripheries. In other embodiments, the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  may be made from a single piece of material that is folded over and connected by stitching along the free ends or that is formed in a loop, or the top and/or bottom sheets  60 ,  62  may be formed of multiple pieces. Both the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  may be formed of the same material in one embodiment, although these components may be formed of different materials in another embodiment. It is understood that either or both the sheets  60 ,  62  may have a single layer or multiple layers that may be formed of the same or different materials. 
     Additionally, the sheet material(s) of the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  may have properties that are desirable for a particular application. Some exemplary characteristics for a selected material include favorable breathability, durability, imagining compatibility, flammability, biocompatibility, pressure distribution profile, heat transmission, electrical conductivity, and cleaning properties. For example, if the inflatable device  16  is intended to be left beneath the patient for an extended period of time, the sheets  60 ,  62  may be breathable fabrics or other materials that have sufficient breathability to allow passage of heat and moisture vapor away from the patient, while also having sufficient resistance to air passage to retain inflation of the inflatable body  40 . As another example, when the inflatable device  16  is used solely as a patient transfer device that is not left beneath a patient for an extended period of time, breathability may not be a primary concern when selecting a material for the sheets  60 ,  62 . In such an embodiment, factors such as durability, ease of cleaning, liquid repellence, and cost may be properties of primary concern. Some examples of materials suitable for use in constructing the sheets  60 ,  62  that meet these criteria but do not provide a high degree of breathability include woven polyester and non-woven polypropylene. The material(s) of the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  may also include specific frictional properties, as described herein. Additionally, if the inflatable device  16  is designed to be breathable, the material of the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  may have greater permeability to water vapor (i.e., breathability) than its permeability to liquid or air. As an example, the top and/or bottom sheets  60 ,  62  may be formed of a material that is liquid repellant and/or impermeable and may have little to no air permeability, while being permeable to moisture vapor, such as polyester and/or nylon (polyamide). Some materials may further include an additive, such as coatings, laminates, and the like. For example, a coated nylon taffeta material is one example of a material which can provide these properties, and further, the coating on such a material may have a higher coefficient of friction than the sheet material itself, creating a configuration with a high-friction material (the coating) on one surface and a low-friction material (the sheet material with or without an additive) on the opposite side, as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. The additives to the material may provide one or more of the following: decreasing the static potential (as described below), increasing the coefficient of friction of the top sheet, and decreasing the coefficient of the bottom sheet. 
     In some embodiments, static electrical potential may form in the inflatable device  16  due to friction caused by airflow through the inflatable device  16 , sliding between the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62 , and/or sliding the inflatable device  16  against the support surface  12 . This static potential can create significant electrical shocks in some situations. In order to avoid this effect, an anti-static additive, such as carbon black powder or carbon fiber, may be applied to the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62 , either as a material additive or as a coating (e.g., a spray or brush-on coating). In another embodiment, the surfaces of the top and/or bottom sheets  60 ,  62  that face in towards the cavity may be laminated or coated with urethane, PVC, or other material having similar properties. Coating or covering the sheets  60 ,  62  with such materials may result in a reduction of the static discharge potential of the sheets  60 ,  62 . In another example, conductive threads may be used in the stitching of the inflatable device  16  to ground the apparatus. Other static-reducing techniques may be used in other embodiments. 
     In one embodiment, the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  are both a nylon taffeta sheet material. The surfaces of the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  that face in towards the cavity may be coated with urethane. The top sheet  60  may have on its top face (outward facing) a urethane laminate additive. In a second preferred embodiment, the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  are both a nylon taffeta sheet material. The top surface of the bottom sheet  62  that faces in towards the cavity may have a PVC coating. The top sheet  60  may have on its top face (outward facing) a polyurethane additive. In other preferred embodiments other combinations of the above materials are used for the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62 . Materials such as these provide an additional benefit of imaging capability. With some materials and manufacturing processes, radiographic artifacts from the device may appear in and distort images. The materials and manufacturing processes selected for inflatable device  16  preferably will not present any radiographic artifact. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  2   , in some embodiments, the inflatable device  16  includes one or more handles  65  to facilitate pulling and other movement of the inflatable device  16 . Such handles  65  may be configured for multiple different types of movement, including “boosting” a patient on the support surface  12  (i.e., moving the patient toward the head  22 ). The inflatable device  16  has handles  65  formed by strips of a strong material that are connected (e.g., stitched) in periodic fashion to the bottom surface  30  at or around both side edges  36  of the inflatable device  16 , the chamfered edges  38 , and/or the head edge  32  of the device. The non-connected portions can be separated slightly from the inflatable device  16  to allow a healthcare provider&#39;s hands to slip underneath, and thereby form the handles  65 . In the embodiment having chamfered edges  38 , the handles  65  along the chamfered edge  38  may be connected with a greater distance between the connection locations (e.g., stitched locations), such that the handles  65  may be separated from the inflatable device  16  to hook, stretch, or otherwise pass over a corner of the support surface  12 , such as bed, on which the inflatable device  16  is positioned. This provides a more secure relationship between the inflatable device  16  and the support surface  12 , when needed. In some such embodiments, the handles  65  may be connected to the bottom surface  30  only at the transition, or corner, between the chamfered edge  38  and the side edge  36 , and between the chamfered edge  38  and the head edge  32 . In other embodiments, the inflatable device  16  may include a different number or configuration of the handles  65  as described above, including handles that may extend outward from the sides of the inflatable device  16  for greater leverage. Further, the handles  65  may be connected to the inflatable device  16  in a different way, such as by heat welding, sonic welding, adhesive, etc. Other types of handles may be utilized in further embodiments. 
     The high-friction pad  18  and, in some embodiments, an additional high friction material, help in maintaining the position of a patient  66  on a support structure  14 , as depicted in  FIG.  3   . The inflatable device  16  rests upon support structure  14  with a support structure beam  15  configured to engage with the floor. The high-friction pad  18  attaches to the top of the inflatable device  16 , making contact with a top surface of the inflatable device  16 , which may include a high-friction material. In one embodiment, the support structure  14  and support structure beam  15  can relate to an operating table. In other embodiments, the support structure  14  and support structure beam  15  can relate to a hospital bed or a stretcher. Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the patient&#39;s arm  72  is held in place using arm wraps  48  on the high-friction pad  18 , with the openings  50  allowing a portion of the patient&#39;s arm  72  to remain exposed in order to place an intravenous (IV) line. The straps  52  of the inflatable device  16  and the high-friction pad  18  are wrapped around a rail  13  of the support structure  14  and attached using buckles  56 . In other embodiments, the straps  52  may use a different attachment mechanism, such as snaps or hook and loop fastener. An additional chest strap  58  is attached to the rail  13  and over the chest of the patient  66 , to help further prevent movement of the patient  66 . When positioning a patient in the Trendelenburg position, the support structure  14  is tilted so that the head  22  of the support structure  14  is positioned lower than the foot  24  of the support structure  14 , putting the patient  66  at an inclined angle. The high-friction pad  18  serves to increase the coefficient of friction between the patient  66  and the inflatable device  16 . The high-friction pad  18  may include a top surface  78  further comprising a high friction material to further increase the coefficient of friction. This increased coefficient of friction serves to maintain the patient positioning when the patient  66  is placed at an incline as shown in  FIG.  3   . 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the inflatable device  16  of the system  10  is shown in greater detail. The inflatable body  40  of the inflatable device  16  may include one or more inflation-limiting structures to create a specific inflated shape for the inflatable device  16 . In general, an inflation-limiting structure is a structure connected to the top and bottom walls of the cavity (e.g., the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  as shown in  FIG.  2   ) that limits the degree to which the top and bottom walls can move apart from each other during inflation. In the embodiment shown, the inflatable body  40  has a plurality of connection areas  80  between the top sheet  60  and the bottom sheet  62  to form inflation-limiting structures. The connection areas  80  in this embodiment are circular in shape and are formed by stitching the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  together by stitches in a plurality of locations. In some embodiments, the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  are stitched together by stitches arranged in one or more concentric circles for reinforcement and strength of the connection area  80 . In some embodiments, the stitches of a connection area  80  are arranged in three concentric circles. Stitching in three concentric circles provides the added benefit of decreasing the volume of air capable of residing within the circular stitch which could lead to stitch failure, and also minimizes the air flow through the stitch holes. 
     In other embodiments, the connection areas  80  are formed by stitching arranged in different shapes, and/or a different connection method (e.g., adhesive, sealing, etc.) is used instead of or in addition to the stitching. In general, the cavity is effectively unable to expand fully (or at all in some circumstances) during inflation at the location of or near each connection area  80 , and the connection areas thereby act as inflation-limiting structures. The areas between the connection areas  80  form swells  84 , as shown in  FIG.  19   , when the inflatable device  16  is inflated (see  FIG.  19   ), and the sizes of the swells  84  may depend on factors such as the configuration, orientation, and spacing of the connection areas  80  or other inflation limiting structures. For example, the greater the distance between a connection area  80  and the next nearest connection area  80 , the larger the swell  84  created between the two. In this way, larger swells can be formed in certain portions by arranging the connection areas farther apart, as with the outer bolsters described later herein. In other embodiments, separate inflation-limiting structures may be used to connect the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62 , such as columns, gussets, baffles, etc., which may be connected to the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  and extend across the cavity. Any inflation limiting structures, including the connection areas  80 , may have various different configurations in other embodiments, including linear, polygonal, and various curved or angular shapes. 
     The fully inflated device  16  has a shape that is defined by the configuration of the edges  32 - 38  of the inflatable device  16 , and the arrangement of the inflation-limiting structures, among other factors. The arrangement of the connection areas  80  (i.e., spacing, locations, and orientations with respect to each other) may influence the degree of inflation that occurs locally around each connection area  80 , and the connection areas  80  may be arranged in various patterns to accomplish specific desired shapes and characteristics of the inflatable device  16  upon inflation. 
     For example, in the embodiment of  FIGS.  4 - 6    the connection areas  80  are arranged in a first pattern  86  in a portion of the inflatable device  16  more proximate to the head edge  32  and a second pattern  88  in a portion of the inflatable device  16  more proximate to the foot edge  34 , which second pattern  88  is different from the first pattern  86 . The connection areas  80  in the first pattern  86  are arranged in a plurality of jogged structures, the jogged structures having two connection areas  80  being generally aligned along a lateral line (i.e., parallel to the head and/or foot edges  32 ,  34 ) and a third connection area  80  being offset from that lateral line. Viewed another way, the connection areas  80  in the first pattern  86  are arranged in three longitudinal columns (i.e., extending between the head and foot edges  32 ,  34 ) of equally-spaced connection areas  80 , with the center column being offset longitudinally from the left and right columns. The connection areas  80  in the second pattern  88  are arranged in a plurality of parallel lateral and longitudinal lines. In this embodiment, the second pattern  88  is arranged with four parallel lateral lines and three parallel longitudinal lines of connection areas  80 . The connection areas  80  in the second pattern  88  are spaced more closely to each other compared to the first pattern  86 , which allows the swells  84  in the area of the first pattern  86  to inflate to a larger degree than in the area of the second pattern  88 . 
     The connection areas  80  of the upper jogged structure are spaced at a distance from the head edge  32  that is greater than the space between the upper jogged structure and the next jogged structure. In this way, a larger swell is created near the head edge, which provides a head support portion for a patient on the inflatable device  16 . The head portion is higher than the area of the first pattern  86 . Likewise, the connection areas  80  in the second pattern  88  are spaced more closely to each other compared to the first pattern  86 , which allows the swells  84  in the area of the first pattern  86  to inflate to a larger degree than in the area of the second pattern  88 . In this configuration, the area of the first pattern  86  is slightly raised with respect to the area of the second pattern  88  when inflated, creating greater lift and support for the head and upper body of the patient  66  when resting on the inflated device  16 . 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the outward-most connection areas  80  are spaced farther from the edges  32 - 38  of the inflatable device  16  than they are spaced from other connection areas  80 , thereby allowing the areas around the edges  32 - 38  of the inflatable device  16  to inflate to a greater degree. This arrangement of the connection areas  80  creates a bolster or peripheral cushion that is inflated to a greater degree relative to the central area of the inflatable device  16  where the connection areas  80  are arranged closer together. The peripheral cushion extends around at least some of the edges  32 - 38  of the inflatable device  16 , and the central area is at least partially surrounded by the peripheral cushion. In this configuration, during inflation, air moves around the periphery first to raise the bolsters and supports the patient  66 . This is due in part to the larger spaces between the connection areas  80  and therefore, provides a path of least resistance for the flow of air. The comfort and security of the patient is improved by having the peripheral cushion and other areas, for example the head portion, which are raised higher than other areas while the device remains inflated. The inflation of the peripheral cushion before the central portions also allows for quicker inflation of the device as compared with other devices that have a uniform inflation profile due to the less tortuous path for the air to follow. Finally, due to the configuration of the peripheral cushion and the inclination for the cushion portions to form first, the inflatable device  16  can automatically straighten, unfold, uncurl, etc. when inflation begins. For example, if a portion of the inflatable device  16  is folded under itself, it will automatically correct and flatten out at the onset of inflation. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , the top surface  28  of the inflatable device  16  includes two connection strips  91  located along the side edges  36 . The connection strips  91  are configured to attach a bottom surface  79  of the high-friction pad  18  to the top surface  28  of the inflatable device  16 . The connection strips  91  extend from the head portion of the inflatable device  16 , located close to the chamfered edges  38 , down the side edges  36 . In the embodiment shown, the connection strips  91  do not fully extend down the full length of the side edge  36 . In other embodiments, the connection strips  91  may extend the entirety of the side edge  36  to the foot edge  34 . In other embodiments, the connection strips  91  may have a different configuration, such that they extend along the head edge  32 , the foot edge  34 , and the side edges  36 , or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the connection strips  91  are made of a first portion hook and loop fastening material, for engagement with a counterpart portion of the hook and loop fastener on the high-friction pad  18 . In other embodiments, the connection strips  91  are a different attachment mechanism, such as a plurality of snaps or other fastening mechanisms. The top surface  28  of the device also includes two anchors  54  of a connecting system, through which straps  52  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) can pass to secure the inflatable device  16  to the support structure  14 . In this embodiment, the two anchors  54  are located near the bottom of the inflatable device  16  near the bottom edge  34 . In other embodiments (not shown), additional anchors  54  are provided on the top surface  28  of the inflatable device  16 , for example, two additional anchors spaced apart along each side edge  36 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the inflatable device  16  includes a plurality of passages  90  in the bottom sheet  62  that permit air to pass from the cavity to the exterior of the inflatable device  16 . The passages  90  extend from the cavity through the bottom sheet  62  to the exterior of the inflatable device  16 . Air passing through the passages  90  is forced between the bottom surface  30  of the inflatable device  16  and the surface upon which the inflatable device  16  sits (e.g., the support surface  12 ), reducing friction between the bottom surface  30  and the support surface  12 . This permits easier movement of the inflatable device  16  when a patient  66  is positioned on the inflatable device  16 , as described in greater detail elsewhere herein. In various embodiments, the passages  90  have a diameter in the range of 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm, or any range therebetween. In some embodiments, the passages  90  have a diameter in the range of 0.75 mm to 1.05 mm, or any range therebetween. In some embodiments, the passages  90  have a diameter of approximately 0.9 mm. In some embodiments, the passages  90  have a diameter of approximately 1.0 mm. The diameter of the passages impacts, at least partly, the effectiveness of the inflatable device  16  for maneuvering a patient. For example, if the passages  90  are too small, they may not allow enough air to pass through and will not be effective in decreasing the friction between the bottom surface  30  and the surface upon which it sits. On the other hand, if the passages are too large, too much air will pass through and the inflatable device  16  will partially or wholly deflate, also minimizing the effectiveness of the inflatable device  16 . 
     As stated above, the passages  90  of the inflatable device  16  are intended to pass air between the bottom surface  30  of the inflatable device  16  and the support surface  12  upon which the inflatable device  16  sits. The effectiveness of these passages  90  in doing so is also impacted by the arrangement of the passages  90  in the bottom sheet  62 . Several exemplary arrangements are shown in the figures, and described below. Generally, the passages  90  are arranged entirely, or more densely, in areas of the bottom sheet  62  that are in contact areas, where the bottom sheet  62  contacts the support surface  12  when the inflatable device  16  is inflated and supporting a patient. The inflatable device  16  may also have non-contact areas. In particular, when the inflatable device  16  is inflated, the connection areas  80  and the areas surrounding them are drawn in towards the cavity when inflated (due to the top sheet  60  and bottom sheet  62  being sewn together in these areas) and the bottom sheet  62  in these areas does not contact the surface. Accordingly, passages  90  positioned in this area would not be as effective for the intended purpose. Thus, it is preferred that all or most of the passages  90  are arranged in areas in between and spaced at a distance from the connection areas  80 , which are the areas that are in contact with the surface when the device is inflated and supporting a patient. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates the passages  90  in a first embodiment. The passages in this embodiment are arranged in four configurations having in the range of 800 to 1000 total passages. In some embodiments, the total number of passages  90  is in the range of 850 to 950. In some embodiments, the total number of passages  90  is in the range of 890 to 910. Toward the head edge  32  of the inflatable device  16  there is a first configuration. The first configuration of passages  90  is a rectangular group  92  of passages  90 . In this embodiment, the group  92  has twelve parallel longitudinal columns of three passages  90 . The second configuration is located near the portion of the inflatable device  16  for carrying the upper torso and hips of the patient. The second configuration of passages is made up of groups  94  of passages  90  that are positioned between the connection areas  80  of the first pattern  86 . The groups  94  of passages  90  form a substantially V-shaped configuration with a base of the V pointing in the direction of the foot edge  34 . The groups  94  have in the range of 300 to 350 passages  90 . The third configuration of passages  90  in this embodiment is similar to the second configuration except for a space  96  between each side of the V such that the passages do not meet in a point near the center. In the embodiment shown, the third configuration of passages is located between the first pattern  86  and the second pattern  88  of connection areas  80 . In some embodiments, the third configuration is the same as the second configuration. A fourth configuration of passages  90  is made up of a plurality of groups  98  of passages  90 , arranged in longitudinally extending columns between the longitudinal columns of the second pattern  88  of connection areas. Each group  98  in this embodiment includes nine passages arranged in a symmetrical square arrangement. In other embodiments, the passages  90  may be shaped, located, and/or configured differently, such as by using more or fewer passages that are smaller or larger in size and/or positioned relative to one another in a different shape or configuration. 
     The distribution of the passages  90  may vary depending on the desired performance of the inflatable device  16 . In some embodiments, the passages  90  are more densely distributed in some portions of the inflatable device  16  relative to other portions of the inflatable device  16 . The passages  90  in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  5    are distributed at a relatively high density in a first area  100  of the inflatable device  16  more proximate to the head edge  32  that is positioned beneath the head, upper torso and hips of the patient  66 . The passages  90  in this embodiment are distributed relatively less densely in a second area  102  of the inflatable device  16  more proximate to the foot edge  34  that is positioned beneath the legs of the patient  66 . In other embodiments, the inflatable device  16  may have a different arrangement of passages  90 , such as a symmetrical or evenly-distributed arrangement. In an additional embodiment (not shown), some or all of the passages  90  may be covered by one or more air-permeable members on the inner and/or outer surfaces of the bottom sheet  62 , such that the air passes through the air-permeable member(s) when exiting the passages  90 . This configuration may be particularly useful in embodiments where the passages  90  are larger in size, to limit airflow through the passages  90  and/or improve diffusion of air flowing through the passages  90 . In certain configurations, portions of an inflation-limiting member may cover one or more of the passages  90 . As used herein, an “air-permeable material” is a material that permits air to pass through, without the necessity for manually forming holes, passages, perforations, slits, openings, etc., in the material, such as by mechanical and/or laser cutting methods. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates the passages  90  arranged according to a second embodiment. The embodiment shown in  FIG.  6    can be incorporated in an inflatable device  16  that includes many features that are similar or identical to the features shown and described above with respect to the embodiments in  FIG.  5   , both in structure and in function. The passages  90  in the embodiment of  FIG.  6    are arranged in four configurations having in the range of 1400 to 1700 total passages. In some embodiments, the total number of passages  90  is in the range of 1500 to 1650. In some embodiments, the total number of passages  90  is in the range of 1550 to 1600. Toward the head of the inflatable device  16  there is a first configuration. The first configuration of passages  90  is a group  104  of passages. In this embodiment, the group  104  is shaped like a truncated funnel which is wider near the top and narrows. At its widest portion, the group  104  has 18 passages  90  arranged in a line. The second configuration is located near the portion of the inflatable device  16  for carrying the upper torso and hips of the patient. The second configuration of passages is made up of groups  106  of passages  90  that are positioned between the connection areas  80  of the first pattern  86 . The groups  106  of passages  90  form a substantially V-shaped configuration with a base of the V pointing in the direction of the foot edge  34 . The groups  106  have in the range of 800 to 950 passages  90 . The third configuration of passages  90  in this embodiment is similar to the second configuration except for a space  108  between each side of the V such that the passages do not meet in a point near the center. In the embodiment shown, the third configuration of passages is located between the first pattern  86  and the second pattern  88  of connection areas  80 . In some embodiments, the third configuration is the same as the second configuration. A fourth configuration of passages  90  is made up of a plurality of groups  110  of passages  90 , arranged in two longitudinally extending columns between the longitudinal columns of the second pattern  88  of connection areas. Each group  110  in this embodiment includes thirty-seven passages arranged in an octagonal configuration. This octagonal configuration allows for the optimum pattern of passages  90  to be exposed to the support surface  12  when placed amongst a plurality of connection areas  80 . In other embodiments, the passages  90  may be shaped, located, and/or configured differently, such as by using more or fewer passages that are smaller or larger in size and/or positioned relative to one another in a different shape or configuration. 
     The distribution of passages  90  is not limited to the specific arrangements shown in the embodiments of  FIGS.  5  and  6   . The passages may vary in number and distribution in any way that provides a sufficient amount of surface area for the effective passage of airflow between the bottom surface  30  of the inflatable device  16  and the surface upon which the inflatable device  16  sits. In some embodiments, the effective surface area of the passages  90  is in the range of 0 to 3% of the total area of the bottom sheet  62 . In some embodiments, the effective surface area of the passages  90  is in the range of 0.5% to 2% of the total area of the bottom sheet  62 . In some embodiments, the effective surface area of the passages is approximately 1.5% of the total area of the bottom sheet  62 . 
     In some embodiments, the top surface  28  of the inflatable device  16  has at least a portion formed of a high-friction or gripping material and the bottom surface  30  has at least a portion formed of a low-friction material. The high-friction material may be in the form of one or more pieces of high-friction sheet material connected to the high-friction material of the inflatable body  40  in a surface-to-surface, confronting relation to form a layered structure, in various embodiments. For example, the high friction material may be a knitted material, which can enhance comfort, and may be made of polyester and/or another suitable material. The material can then be treated with a high friction substance, such as a hot melt adhesive or appropriate plastic, which can be applied as a discontinuous coating to promote breathability. In another embodiment, both the top and bottom sheets  60 ,  62  are made from the low-friction material, such as by using a low-friction sheet material, and the high-friction material may be connected to at least the top sheet  60 . For example, the high-friction material may be or include a coating applied to the inflatable body  40 , such as a spray coating or silkscreen. This coating may be a polyurethane coating that is waterproof and/or breathable in one embodiment. In a further embodiment, the portion of the inflatable body  40  forming the high-friction material (e.g., top sheet  60 ) may be formed of the high-friction material, while the portion of the inflatable body  40  forming the bottom surface  30  (e.g., bottom sheet  62 ) may be formed of the low-friction material. It is noted that the high-friction material may form or cover the entire top surface  28  of the inflatable device  16  in one embodiment, or may only form or cover a portion of the top surface  28  in another embodiment, e.g., the low-friction material may form a portion of the top surface  28 , with the edges of the high-friction material being recessed from the edges  32 - 38  of the inflatable device  16 . Similarly, the low-friction material may form at least a portion of the bottom surface  30  of the inflatable device  16 . 
     In some embodiments, the bottom surface  30  may also have at least a portion formed of a high-friction or gripping material. In this embodiment, the high-friction material is preferably positioned in the non-contact areas (e.g., the areas of the bottom sheet  62  that are not in contact with the support surface when the inflatable device  16  is inflated). In this way, the bottom sheet  62  has a desirable low friction quality when the inflatable device  16  is inflated and is being used to lift or otherwise maneuver the patient. However, when the inflatable device  16  is not inflated (i.e. is not being used to maneuver the patient) and the patient is laying on top of the inflatable device  16  on a support surface, the high friction material comes into contact with the surface and minimizes slipping and moving of the inflatable device  16  relative to the surface. Any of the high friction materials or additives described above with respect to use on the top surface  28  may also be used on the bottom surface  30 . The inflatable device  16  may have a high friction material on the bottom surface  30  that is the same as that which is used on the top surface  28 , or the high friction material on the bottom surface  30  may be different than that which is used on the top surface  28 . In some embodiments, the high friction material may be a directional glide material, which allows relative movement between the material and an external element (i.e., the support surface, a sheet, a positioning member, etc.) in one or more certain directions and prevents relative movement in other directions. 
     As described in greater detail below, the low-friction material permits sliding of the inflatable device  16  in contact with the support surface  12 . The high-friction material provides increased resistance to slipping or sliding of the patient  66  and/or the high-friction pad  18  on which the patient  66  may be lying, in contact with the inflatable device  16 , and increased resistance to slipping of the inflatable device  16  on the support surface when it is not inflated (i.e., not being used for maneuvering of the patient), or a controlled relative movement between elements of the system by way of a directional glide material. The low-friction material may also have rip-stop properties and/or may have suitable structural strength and stability and other performance properties to form the primary structural component of the inflatable device  16 . The high-friction and/or low-friction materials can also be treated with a water repellant, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In other embodiments, the high-friction and/or low-friction materials may include any combination of these components, and may contain other components in addition to or instead of these components. 
     Generally, the high friction material has a coefficient of friction that is higher than the coefficient of friction of the low friction material. In one embodiment, the coefficient of friction for the high-friction material is about 8 to 10 times higher than the coefficient of friction of the low friction material. In another embodiment, the coefficient of friction for the high-friction material is between 5 and 10 times higher, or at least 5 times higher, than the coefficient of friction of the low friction material. The coefficient of friction, as defined herein, can be measured as a direct proportion to the pull force necessary to move either of the materials in surface-to-surface contact with the same third material, with the same normal force loading. Thus, in the embodiments above, if the pull force for the high-friction material is about 8 to 10 times greater than the pull force for the low friction material, with the same contact material and normal loading, the coefficients of friction will also be 8 to 10 times different. It is understood that the coefficient of friction may vary by the direction of the pull force, and that the coefficient of friction measured may be measured in a single direction. For example, in one embodiment, the above differentials in the coefficients of friction of the high-friction material and the low friction material may be measured as the coefficient of friction of the low friction material based on a pull force normal to the side edges  36  and the coefficient of friction of the high-friction material based on a pull force normal to the head and foot edges  32 ,  34 . 
     Additionally, the coefficient of friction of the interface between the high-friction material and the high-friction pad  18  is greater than the coefficient of friction of the interface between the low friction material and the support surface  12  (which may include a bed sheet). It is understood that the coefficients of friction for the interfaces may also be measured in a directional orientation, as described above. In one embodiment, the coefficient of friction for the interface of the high-friction material is about 8-10 times higher than the coefficient of friction of the interface of the low friction material. In another embodiment, the coefficient of friction for the interface of the high-friction material is between 5 and 10 times higher, or at least 5 times higher, than the coefficient of friction of the interface of the low friction material. It is understood that the coefficient of friction for the interface could be modified to at least some degree by modifying factors other than the inflatable device  16 . For example, a high-friction material (e.g., substance or surface treatment) may be applied to the bottom surface of the pad  18 , to increase the coefficient of friction of the interface, which may be done in addition to, or in place of, using the high-friction material on the inflatable device  16 . An example of a calculation of the coefficients of friction for these interfaces is described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0186012, published Jul. 26, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and made part hereof, which calculation is made using a rip-stop nylon material as the low friction material and a knitted material treated with a hot melt adhesive as the high-friction material. The relative coefficients of friction of the high-friction material and the low friction material used in the example calculation are also described in the aforementioned publication. 
     Now referring to  FIGS.  7 - 12   , the high-friction pad  18  is shown and described in greater detail. The high-friction pad  18  acts to hold the patient  66  in place when the inflatable device  16  is used for a number of different patient positionings. The high-friction pad  18  may be made of a material with a high coefficient of friction such as to increase the friction between the patient  66  and the inflatable device  16 . The high-friction pad  18  is typically made from a different material than the inflatable device  16 , and can absorb fluids that may be generated by the patient  66 . The high-friction pad  18  may also be a low-lint pad, for less risk of wound contamination, and is typically disposable and replaceable, such as when soiled. In some embodiments, the high-friction pad is made of open cell foam. In other embodiments, the high-friction pad is gel impregnated polyether foam. The top and bottom surfaces  78 ,  79  of the high-friction pad  18  may have the same or different coefficients of friction. Additionally, the high-friction pad  18  illustrated in the embodiment shown is substantially shorter in length than the inflatable device  16  but may be a different size in other embodiments. In one embodiment, the high-friction pad  18  may form an effective barrier to fluid passage on one side (e.g., the underside), in order to prevent the inflatable device  16  from being soiled, and may also be breathable in order to permit flow of air, heat, and moisture vapor away from the patient and lessen the risk of pressure ulcers (bed sores). The high-friction pad  18  may be configured differently in other embodiments. The high-friction pad  18  has a thickness of approximately 0.5 inch+/−0.125 inch, and in some embodiments is as thick as 1.0 inch or as thin as 0.125 inch. 
       FIG.  7    shows the top surface  78  of the high-friction pad  18 . The high-friction pad  18  generally includes a first section  42  and a second section  44  which are separated by perforations  46 . In one embodiment, the perforations  46  are cuts along a central portion the high-friction pad  18  that are configured to be torn to separate the first section  42  from the second section  44  of the high-friction pad  18 . The high-friction pad  18  also includes arm wraps  48 , which are configured to secure the patient&#39;s arm  72  in place when the high-friction pad  18  is in use with a patient  66 . The arm wraps  48  are located in a portion of the high-friction pad  18  that would support the patient&#39;s  66  torso, such that the patients arms  72  would lie near the arm wraps  48 . The arm wraps  48  include openings  50 , which allow access to the patient&#39;s arm  72  while in use, for example, for delivery of intravenous (IV) fluids. The high-friction pad  18  also includes a plurality of connecting systems configured to attach the high-friction pad  18  to the support structure  14 . In the connecting systems, straps  52  are looped through anchors  54 , which may be stitched or otherwise attached to the top surface  78  of the high-friction pad  18 . Straps  52  contain buckles  56 , which are configured to wrap around the support structure  14  and connect together. In other embodiments, the straps  52  may contain a different attachment mechanism, such as snaps or hook and loop fastener material. In the embodiment shown, the high-friction pad  18  has four anchors  54 , located within the four corners of the high-friction pad  18 . In other embodiments, there may be additional anchors  54  located along the top, bottom, or side edges of the high-friction pad  18 . In still other embodiments, there may be only two anchors  54 , one on either side of the high-friction pad  18  or there may be no anchors  54  on the high-friction pad  18 , with all connecting systems being disposed instead on the inflatable device  16 . 
       FIG.  8    shows the bottom surface  79  of the high-friction pad  18 . The bottom surface  79  includes counterpart connection strips  112 , which are configured to attach and connect to the connection strips  91  on the top surface  28  of the inflatable device  16 . Counterpart connection strips  112  extend from a top portion of the high-friction pad  18  to a bottom portion of the high-friction pad  18  along either side. In some embodiments, the counterpart connection strips  112  also extend along the top side and the bottom side of the high-friction pad  18 . In some embodiments, the counterpart connection strips  112  are made of a first portion hook and loop fastening material, for engagement with a counterpart portion of the hook and loop fastener on the inflatable device  16 . In other embodiments, the counterpart connection strips  112  are a different attachment mechanism, such as a plurality of snaps or other fastening mechanisms. Also shown in  FIG.  8   , the arm wraps  48  include an interior portion  114  and an exterior portion  116 . The interior portion  114  of the arm wraps  48  include arm strap fastener  118 , such as a hook and loop material, configured to connect or otherwise attach the exterior portion  116  of the arm wraps  48  with the interior portion  114  of the arm wrap  48  when wrapped around the patient&#39;s arm  72 . 
     A method of attachment of the arm wraps  48  is shown generally in  FIGS.  9 - 10   . The patient&#39;s arm  72  is placed on the outside of the high-friction pad  18  and the arm wrap  48 . The arm wrap  48  is then wrapped outwards and around the patient&#39;s arm  72 , such that the exterior portion  116  of the arm wrap  48  wraps around the patient arm  72  and connects to the arm strap fastener  118  on the interior portion  114  of the arm wrap  48 . The exterior portion  116  may contain an additional fastener strip to connect to the arm strap fastener  118  on the interior portion  114 , or may be of a material such that the material itself will attach to the arm strap fastener  118  on the interior portion  114  of the arm wrap  48 . When the patient&#39;s arm  72  is strapped into arm wrap  48 , the opening  50  on the arm wrap  48  allows a healthcare provider to retain access to the patient&#39;s arm  72 , such as to insert or change an IV. In other embodiments, the arm wrap  48  may be of a solid structure and contain no openings, such that the entirety of the patient&#39;s arm  72  is covered by arm wrap  48 . 
     An alternative arm wrap  49  configuration and method of attachment of the arm wraps  49  is shown generally in  FIGS.  11 - 12   . The arm wraps  49  are located in a portion of the high-friction pad  18  that would support the patient&#39;s  66  torso, such that the patient&#39;s arms  72  lie near the arm wraps  49 . The arm wraps  49  include a plurality of straps  51  having a first strap portion  51 A and a second strap portion  51 B. The first strap portion  51 A of straps  51  wrap around the patient&#39;s arm  72  and connect to the second strap portion  51 B of straps  51 . In the embodiment shown, the first strap portions  51 A have a securing strip  119 , which extends from an end of the first strap portion  51 A. In some embodiments, the securing strips  119  are made of a first portion of a hook and loop fastening material, for engagement with a counterpart portion of the hook and loop fastener on the second strap portion  51 B. In other embodiments, the securing strips  119  are a different attachment mechanism, such as a plurality of snaps or other fastening mechanisms. In the embodiment shown, arm wrap  49  has three straps  51 . In other embodiments, arm wrap  49  may have any number of straps  51  with space between each strap  51 . The space between the straps  51  allows access to the patient&#39;s arm  72  while in use, for example, for delivery of intravenous (IV) fluids. 
     In some embodiments, the arm wrap  49  comprises two separate pieces: one attached to the first strap portions  51 A and one attached to the second side portions  51 B. In some embodiments, arm wrap  49  may be attached to the high-friction pad  18  by inserting both pieces, opposite the ends of strap portions  51 A-B, between the high-friction pad  18  and the counterpart connection strips  112  on the bottom of the high-friction pad  18 . In some embodiments, the pieces of the arm wraps  49  may then be sewn or otherwise attached to both the high-friction pad  18  and the counterpart connection strips  112 . In still other embodiments, the arm wraps  49  may be sewn or otherwise attached directly to the bottom surface  79  of the high-friction pad  18 , such that they are in contact with the inflatable device  16 . In other embodiments, the arm wraps  49  may consists of a single, continuous piece of material, such that the arm wrap  49  is folded at the location of attachment to the high-friction pad  18 , wherein the straps  51  extend from the central fold. In still other embodiments, the arm wraps  49  may have a different attachment mechanism, such a plurality of snaps or hook and loop fasteners, to attach to the high-friction pad  18 . 
     To secure the patient&#39;s arm  72  with the arm wraps  49 , the patient&#39;s arm  72  is placed between the first strap portion  51 A and second strap portion  51 B straps. The first strap portions  51 A are then wrapped outwards and around the patient&#39;s arm  72  while the second strap portions  51 B are wrapped inwards and around the patient&#39;s arm  72 , such that the first strap portions  51 A overlap with the second strap portions  51 B. The first strap portions  51 A connect to the corresponding second strap portions  51 B to secure the patient&#39;s arm  72  in place. In the embodiment shown, securing strips  119  are used to attach the first strap portions  51 A to the second strap portions  51 B. When the patient&#39;s arm is strapped into arm wrap  49 , the space between the straps  51  allows a healthcare provider to retain access to the patient&#39;s arm  72 , such as shown in  FIG.  12   . 
     The perforations  46  of the high-friction pad  18  allow a healthcare provider to remove the high-friction pad  18  while in use with a patient  66 , as depicted in  FIGS.  13 - 14   . When the high-friction pad  18  is positioned over the inflatable device  16 , a patient  66  rests on top of the high-friction pad  18 . After use of the high-friction pad  18 , it is desirable to remove the high-friction pad  18 , so that the inflatable device  16  may be used as a standalone device, for patient transfer or other purposes. To remove the high-friction pad  18 , the patient  66  is gently rolled to a first side, such that the entirety of the patient&#39;s body lies within the first section  42  of the high-friction pad  18 . The healthcare provider, or a second healthcare provider, may then rip, cut, or otherwise tear the high-friction pad  18  along the perforations  46  to remove the second section  44  of the high-friction pad  18 . After removal of the second section  44  of the high-friction pad  18 , the healthcare provider may then gently roll the patient to the other side, such that the entirety of the patient&#39;s body lies on the inflatable device  16 . The healthcare provider may then remove the first section  42  of the high-friction pad  18 . The healthcare provider may then roll the patient onto their back, such that they are lying flat on the top surface  28  of the inflatable device  16 . After removal of the high-friction pad  18 , the inflatable device  16  may be used for inflation and transfer of the patient  66  from one support structure  14  to another support structure  14 ′, such as shown in  FIG.  15   . 
     The device, as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 15   , includes a plurality of inflation ports  20  and port socks  21  extending from the inflation ports  20 . The inflatable device  16  contains two inflation ports  20 , one located on either corner where the foot edge  34  meets the side edges  36 . The port socks  21  have a first opening  120  and a second opening  122 . The first opening  120  is configured to attach or connect to port  20 , such as by sewing first opening  120  to port  20 . The port sock  21  is connected to the inflatable device  16  in such a way that second port opening  122  is not flush with the side and foot edges  34 ,  36  of the inflatable device  16 . In other words, when port sock  21  is attached to inflatable device  16 , port sock  21  extends out from port  20  of inflatable device  16 . Extending port sock  21  out from port  20  of the inflatable device  16  prevents port sock  21  or port  20  from bunching up and ensures that the inflatable device  16  remains flat. The port sock  21  can extend from the device at any desired angle. For example, the port sock  21  may direct the second port opening  122  at 45 degrees from the inflatable device  16  or 90 degrees from the side edge  36  of the inflatable device  16 . 
     Port opening  122  of port sock  21  has a retaining mechanism  124 , which is provided in the form of an elastic ring. Side handles  126  (e.g., straps or tabs) are disposed at or along an edge of port opening  122  of port sock  21 . Side handles  126  are configured to allow for pulling retaining mechanism  124  to stretch open port opening  122  so that an air output  130  can be inserted into port opening  122 . Side handles  126  are also configured to allow for pulling retaining mechanism  124  to open port opening  122  for removal of the air output  130 . Port sock  21  may also include side pouches  128  configured to engage with a specifically designed nozzle of air output  130 , such as the nozzle shown in  FIG.  17   . The side pouches  128  are a portion of the port sock  21  having an increased diameter relative to the opening  120  and/or  122 . In the embodiment shown, the side pouches  128  are two oppositely disposed peak-shaped portions, formed by an increase in diameter from the opening  122  to a maximum pouch diameter, and then decreasing back down to the diameter of the opening  120 . 
     A nozzle of an air output  130  which is configured to be disposed within port opening  122  is show in  FIGS.  17 A and  17 B . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  17 A , a clip  132  is configured to be disposed on a lip  134  of the nozzle of the air output  130  or otherwise around a distal portion of the nozzle. Clip  132  has a C-shape such that it can be easily put on and taken off of the nozzle. Clip  132  has any suitable configuration or design. For example, clip  132  includes extended side portions (e.g., flanges)  136  disposed along a front surface of clip  132  and which are configured to bend away from the front surface of clip  132  and a protrusion  138  which extends out and away from the top surface of clip  132 . Clip  132  is configured such that when clip  132  is installed on the nozzle and the nozzle is placed in port sock  21 , the extended side portions (e.g., flanges)  136  of clip  132  are disposed within side pouches  128  of port sock  21 . Clip  132  is configured such that when it is installed on the nozzle, protrusion  138  of clip  132  wraps around an outer surface of nozzle in a secure fit. Alternatively, protrusion  138  of clip  132  is configured to snap into an inner surface of nozzle. Clip  132  is configured to prevent unintentional disengagement of the nozzle from port opening  122  or pouches  128  due to its increased diameter relative to the port opening  122 . Additionally, the downward bend of extended side portions  136  are configured to prevent unintentional disengagement of the nozzle from port opening  122 . Also, clip  132  is configured to prevent the nozzle from rotating relative to port opening  122  when the nozzle is disposed within port opening  122  because of the corresponding shape of the clip  132  with the side pouches  128  which allow positioning of the clip  132  in the port sock  21  in substantially only that orientation. In some aspects, clip  132  may be removable. In some aspects, clip  132  is manufactured as a single, unitary component with the nozzle, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG.  17 B . An embodiment of an air pump  144  is shown in  FIG.  18   . The air pump  144  may include a hose (not shown) that serves as the air output  130  having a distal end as described above and shown in  FIGS.  17 A and  17 B . 
       FIGS.  19 - 23    depict an alternative embodiment of the system  10 . In this embodiment, the high-friction pad  18  has substantially the same length as the inflatable device  16  and extends from proximate the chamfered edges  38  of the inflatable device  16  to proximate the foot edge  34  of the inflatable device  16 . In this embodiment, the high-friction pad  18  contains a plurality of straps  52 , which are attached directly to the high-friction pad  18  without the use of anchors  54 . In this embodiment, the inflatable device  16  does not have any straps  52 . The straps  52  are wrapped around the rail  13  of the support structure  14 , as shown in  FIGS.  20 - 21    and may be tied or otherwise attached to the rails  13  using, for example, snaps. In an embodiment, shown in  FIG.  20   , the high-friction pad  18  contains a total of four straps, two located near the head and two located near the knees of the patient  66  on both sides of the high-friction pad  18 . In an alternative embodiment, shown in  FIG.  21   , the high-friction pad  18  contains a total of six straps, two located near each of the head, waist, and feet of the patient  66  on the high-friction pad  18 . 
     Referring back to the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG.  19   , the inflatable device  16  includes a single inflation port  20  with an opening  140  located adjacent one of the side edges  36  proximate the foot edge  34 . The inflation port includes a retaining mechanism  142  configured to retain the portion of the air output  130  in communication with the opening  140  of the inflation port  20 . The retaining mechanism  142  is shown in greater detail in  FIG.  22   . In one embodiment, the retaining mechanism  142  is configured to attach to an air output  130  of an air pump. A second embodiment of the pump  144  is shown in  FIG.  23   . The pump  144  in this embodiment has a hose  146  that functions as the air output  130 , as described above. Additionally, the pump  144  may have an attachment mechanism  148  that is configured to releasably attach the pump  144  to a structure such as a railing of the support structure  14 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  23   , the attachment mechanism  148  is a strap, but a different structure may be used, such as a hook, carabiner clip, etc. The pump  144  in  FIG.  23    includes wheels  150  for mobility, and the wheels  150  are placed along the longest dimension of the pump  144 , such that the pump  144  is configured to sit in a low-profile configuration when sitting on the wheels  150 . One or more of the wheels  150  may be in the form of casters in one embodiment. This low-profile configuration may permit the pump  144  to sit under the support structure  14  and out of the way when not in use. The pump  144  also includes a standing base  152  configured to support the pump  144  in a standing configuration so that the wheels  150  do not contact the ground and the pump  144  does not move freely. As another example, the pump  144  may include one or more switches  154  for powering the pump  144  on/off and potentially other controls as well. The switch  154  in the embodiment of  FIG.  23    is positioned near the outlet end of the hose  146  for enhanced accessibility to caregivers during use. Such a switch  154  or switches may include one or more hard-wired switches and/or remote switches (e.g., an RF switch). The pump  144  may include additional features as desired. 
     The inflatable device  16  may be configured in alternative arrangements, such as any of those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/594,195 entitled “Patient Transport Apparatus” and filed May 12, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     All or some of the components of the system  10  can be provided in a kit, which may be in a pre-packaged arrangement. For example, the inflatable device  16  (deflated) and the high-friction pad  18  may be provided in a pre-folded arrangement or assembly, with the high-friction pad  18  positioned in confronting relation with the top surface  28  of the inflatable device  16 , in approximately the same position that they would be positioned in use, and the inflatable device  16  and high-friction pad  18  be pre-folded to form a pre-folded assembly. This pre-folded assembly can be unfolded when placed beneath a patient. It is understood that different folding patterns can be used. The pre-folded inflatable device  16  and high-friction pad  18  can then be unfolded together on the support structure  14  to facilitate use of the system  10 . Additionally, the inflatable device  16  and high-friction pad  18  can be packaged together, by wrapping with a packaging material to form a package, and may be placed in the pre-folded assembly before packaging. Other packaging arrangements may be used in other embodiments. In other embodiments, the system may also include the air pump  144 . 
     It is understood that all embodiments of the inflatable device  16  shown and described herein may be utilized in the same or a similar method, with the same or similar functionality. As described above, the inflatable device  16  and high-friction pad  18  are placed underneath the patient  66 . The system  10  may be used to transfer the patient to a support structure  14 . Transfer of the patient is facilitated by inflating the inflatable device  16  to ease the burden on the patient handler and make the transfer easier, as described above. Once on the intended support structure, the inflatable device  16  may be deflated. The patient will then be resting on the support structure  14  above the deflated inflatable device  16  and the high-friction pad  18 . The support structure  14  can then be manipulated to change the position of the patient  66 , as described above, with the high-friction pad  18  acting to hold the patient  66  in place upon the inflatable device  16  and the high-friction pad  18 . 
     Though the foregoing system  10 , and the components thereof, are intended for single use and then disposal, the system  10  and any of the components thereof may be refurbished for reselling and reusing. Refurbishment of the device may include steps such as inspecting the device, removing foreign particles, stains, or odors by washing one or more surfaces of the device, repairing tears or damage to the device, repairing or supplementing the stitching, such as at the seams, replacing any elements or components such as the high-friction pad  18 , replacing missing items from a kit, etc. Refurbishing may include decontaminating the system and/or any of the components such as by sterilization means, such as the use of gamma radiation, electron-beam radiation, X-ray radiation, Ethylene oxide (EtO), steam, such as through the use of an autoclave, or any combination thereof. And, refurbishing and reselling may include repackaging the system and elements thereof. 
     Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. The terms “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. In particular, these terms do not imply any order or position of the components modified by such terms. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Further, “providing” an article or apparatus, as used herein, refers broadly to making the article available or accessible for future actions to be performed on the article, and does not connote that the party providing the article has manufactured, produced, or supplied the article or that the party providing the article has ownership or control of the article. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention.