Patent Description:
Patient transfer is a recurring task across clinical settings such as hospitals, e.g. from a helicopter or ambulance to an emergency room (ER) to an operating room (OR) to an intensive care unit (ICU), to a patient room, and between wards. Solutions exist to facilitate patient transfers, including sliding sheets, transfer boards, and roller boards.

The main issue with these conventional solutions is that they must be placed under the patient for the transfer duration. That is, each time the patient is transferred, the patient must be placed on a sliding sheet, transfer board, roller board, or the like. Further, these conventional transfer supports and additional transfer aids are not specific to each patient's morphology, are uncomfortable, and require significant time and effort to be placed under the patient before being able to perform a transfer.

<CIT> provides a patient securing overlay that includes a sheet of fabric for supporting a patient's torso on a surgical table. The sheet of fabric has an upper surface configured to face the patient and a lower surface configured to face a surgical table mattress or underbody support. The sheet of fabric includes friction enhancing elements applied to at least a portion of the upper surface thereof. The sheet of fabric can include an extension at a foot end of the sheet of fabric that provides material to be tucked under a foot end of the surgical table mattress or underbody support for securing the foot end of the sheet of fabric to the surgical table mattress or underbody support. The extension can include one or more friction enhancing elements.

The inventors have appreciated the need for a transfer support which does not need to be placed under the patient for each transfer. The inventors have further appreciated the need for a safer, more convenient, transfer support.

The present disclosure provides a transfer support for a patient, as defined in the appended claims, to which reference should now be made.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a transfer support for a patient. The transfer support comprises a first surface; at least one opening in the first surface; and at least one engaging element. The transfer support is configurable between a first state, in which the first surface enables the transfer support to be slidable relative to the support surface, and a second state, in which the, or each, at least one engaging element protrudes through a corresponding one of the at least one opening to engage with the support surface to resist sliding relative to the support surface.

Providing a transfer support being configurable, i.e. selectively configurable, between a first, or sliding, state and a second, or non-sliding, state allows for the same support, or product, to be used for patient transfer and for maintaining and supporting the patient in place. As such, the transfer support may serve two functions, i.e. facilitating transfer and supporting the patient throughout their stay in hospital or the clinical setting.

The two states allow for the transfer support to remain in place under the patient, wherever in the clinical setting the patient is, allowing an easier and safer transfer from one patient support to another. The two states allow for the transfer support to either be, effectively, fixed on the support surface underneath or to easily slide on the support surface during a transfer. As such, it is noted that in the second state, the at least one engaging element may engage the support surface to resist, or prevent, sliding of the transfer support relative to the support surface.

The support surface may be a mattress of a patient support apparatus, but may be a surgical table, or a surgical seat, or a stretcher, or any other suitable surface.

It will be appreciated that the transfer support being configurable in two states may be due to a property of the engaging elements, due to a property of the bottom surface, due to a property of the transfer support, or due to properties of a mixture of the above. For example, the at least one engaging element may be configurable between a projecting, engaging, state and a retracted, non-engaging, state. Alternatively or additionally, the bottom surface may be configurable between a sliding, projected, state and a retracted, non-sliding, state, in which the bottom surface is retracted such that the at least one engaging element projects from the bottom surface. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer support may comprise further components for making the transfer system configurable between the first state and the second state, as set out below.

As used herein, the term "bottom" is used to refer to an orientation of the transfer support, in use. A bottom surface is therefore a surface closest to a support surface, or furthest from a patient, when the transfer support is used as intended.

The transfer support may further comprise an inflatable chamber connectable to at least one pump. Upon the inflatable chamber being deflated the transfer support is in the first state, and upon the inflatable chamber being inflated the transfer support is in the second state.

Advantageously, the inflatable chamber allows for the transfer support to easily be configured between the first state, and the second state.

The or each engaging element may be integral with the inflatable chamber. Therefore, in this embodiment, inflating the inflatable chamber may push the or each engaging element to protrude from the bottom surface to engage the support surface.

The transfer support may further comprise at least one actuator for actuating movement of the at least one engaging element. The transfer support may comprise an actuator for actuating movement of each engaging element. Alternatively, the transfer support may comprise at least one actuator for actuating movement of a plurality of engaging elements.

The or each engaging element may comprise a suction cup. As such, upon the inflatable chamber being deflated, the or each suction cup does not engage with the support surface, so that the transfer support is in the first state, and upon the inflatable chamber being inflated, the or each suction cup projects from the bottom surface to engage with the support surface, so that the transfer support is in the second state.

The or each suction cup may have a diameter between <NUM> and <NUM>. Optionally, the diameter of the or each suction cup may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. Optionally, the diameter of the or each suction cup may be between <NUM> and <NUM>. Optionally, the diameter of the or each suction cup may be about <NUM>.

Alternatively, the or each engaging element may comprise a pimple, a nub, a lump, a protrusion, or a projection.

The or each pimple, nub, lump, protrusion, or projection may be made of a high-friction material and/or may comprise a tip comprising a high-friction material. The high-friction material may be the same as the material of the inflatable chamber. The or each pimple, nub, lump, protrusion, or projection may be integrally formed with the inflatable chamber. The high-friction material may be one of: chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber; polyvinyl chloride; polyurethane; rubber; or mixtures thereof.

The first surface may comprise a layer of low-friction material, the low-friction material facilitating the transfer support being slidable relative to the support surface in the first state. This may allow the transfer support to more easily slide relative to the support surface upon the transfer support being in the first state. It is noted that at least a part of the layer of low-friction material may be in contact with the support surface even upon the transfer support being in the second state.

The skilled person will readily appreciate what a low-friction material may be. In particular, the skilled person will readily appreciate that any material suitable for enabling a transfer support which supports a patient to slide to facilitate a patient transfer is a suitable low-friction material. This includes suitable materials for the other patient transfer support solutions discussed above, e.g. sliding sheets.

The low-friction material may comprise at least one of: silicone; polyester; polypropylene; nylon; or mixtures thereof.

The layer of low-friction material comprises at least one opening through which the at least one engaging element protrudes upon the transfer support being in the second state. The transfer support may comprise a plurality of engaging elements and a plurality of corresponding openings in the first surface. As such, the engaging elements can easily, and repeatedly, pass through the corresponding openings, upon the transfer support being, selectively and repeatedly, configured between the first and second states.

The or each engaging element may be positioned at, or along, a centre-line of the transfer support. In particular, the or each engaging element may be positioned at, or along, a longitudinal centre-line of the transfer support and/or a transverse centre-line of the transfer support. Alternatively or additionally, the or each engaging element may be positioned at, or along, a diagonal of the transfer support.

The or each engaging element may thus be positioned so as to align with the patient positioned on the transfer support. For example, if a plurality of engaging elements is provided, the engaging elements may be provided with a higher density at, or near, a centre of mass of the patient.

When the transfer support comprises a, or the, plurality of engaging elements, the plurality of engaging elements may be evenly distributed across the bottom surface. As used herein, the term "across the bottom surface" is used to refer to the engaging elements being distributed across the area of the bottom surface. The term does not require that the engaging elements form part of, or are connected to, the bottom surface.

The inflatable chamber may be formed of a flexible material being one of: chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber; polyvinyl chloride; polyurethane; rubber; or mixtures thereof.

The transfer support may further comprise a second layer configured to, in use, be adjacent the patient, wherein the second layer is configurable between a first top layer state, in which the second layer substantially surrounds a majority of the patient, and a second top layer state, in which the second layer is substantially flat. In this case, because the second layer surrounds the majority of the patient in the second, or transfer, top layer state, the second layer better protects the patient during patient transfer. This may allow the transfer support to facilitate patient transfer, and make the process safer.

In the first top layer state, the second layer may be substantially rigid. This may allow the transfer support to better protect the patient during patient transfer.

The transfer support may further comprise a second inflatable chamber connectable to at least one pump, wherein upon the second inflatable chamber being inflated the top layer is in the first top layer state, and upon the second inflatable chamber being deflated the top layer is in the second top layer state.

The second inflatable chamber may be formed of a flexible material being one of: chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber; polyvinyl chloride; polyurethane; rubber; or mixtures thereof. The second inflatable chamber may be formed of the same material as, or a different material than, the (first) inflatable chamber.

The first inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber may be in fluid communication so as to form a closed circuit. In this case, if the first inflatable chamber is inflated, the second inflatable chamber is deflated, and vice versa. Linking the inflation in the first and second inflatable chambers may ensure that the top layer is in the second, transfer, top layer state upon the transfer support being in the first, sliding, state. Similarly, it may ensure that the top layer is in the first, static, top layer state upon the transfer support being in the second, non-sliding, state.

The first inflatable chamber may be configured as an open circuit, i.e. air is expelled to, and drawn from, the environment. Alternatively, the first inflatable chamber may be configured as a closed circuit, i.e. air is expelled into, and drawn from, a fluid reservoir.

The second inflatable chamber may be configured as an open circuit, i.e. air is expelled to, and drawn from, the environment. Alternatively, the second inflatable chamber may be configured as a closed circuit, i.e. air is expelled into, and drawn from, a fluid reservoir.

The transfer support may further comprise at least one handle. The at least one handle may be accessible only upon the bottom surface being in the first state. This allows for the handle to be accessible when it is required for patient transfer, but not to pose a hazard when it is not required, i.e. when the transfer support is stationary.

The transfer support may further comprise a, or the, pump connected to at least one of the first inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber. The pump may be integral with the transfer support, or it may be attached to, or on a surface of, the transfer support.

The transfer support may further comprise a power source for powering the pump. Additionally or alternatively, the pump may be powered by mains electricity. The power source may comprise one or more electrochemical cells. Alternatively, the first inflatable chamber may be connected to an accumulator, configured to store compressed gas, such as compressed air. The accumulator may be configured to store a volume of gas greater than the volume of the first inflatable chamber. In one example, the accumulator may be configured to store a volume of gas between two and five times the volume of the first inflatable chamber.

The transfer support may further comprise a quick release button. Pressing the quick release button may allow the transfer support to reconfigure from the second state to the first state. Pressing the quick release button may allow the top layer to reconfigure from the first top layer state to the second top layer state. Pressing the quick release button may allow the transfer support and the top layer to reconfigure simultaneously.

The transfer support may further comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to control a or the pump and/or other features of the transfer support. The transfer support may further comprise inputs. The inputs may be buttons, switches, or the like. The inputs may be configured to provide instructions to the controller. The transfer support may comprise a touchscreen. The inputs may be displayed on the touchscreen, e.g. in the form of buttons. The touchscreen may display various data related to the transfer support, the patient, or other related information. The displayed information may be data provided by sensors of the transfer support, by sensors attached to the patient, and/or by a hospital information system.

The transfer support may comprise one or more fasteners for reversibly coupling the transfer support to the support surface. The or each fastener may be at least one of: a zipper; a clip; and a hook and loop fastener.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of transferring a person, comprising the steps of: placing a person on a transfer support; and reconfiguring the transfer support from a first state, in which a first surface of the transfer support, the first surface being for sliding relative to a support surface, is configured to be in contact with the support surface so that the transfer support is slidable relative to the support surface, to a second state, in which at least one engaging element of the transfer support protrudes through a corresponding one of at least one opening in the first surface of the transfer support to engage with the support surface to resist sliding relative to the support surface.

The step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the first state to the second state may comprise inflating an inflatable chamber of the transfer support. In some embodiments, the step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the first state to the second state may comprise actuating an actuator to move the at least one engaging element.

The method may further comprise a step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the second state to the first state. The step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the second state to the first state may comprise deflating a or the inflatable chamber of the transfer support. It will be appreciated that "deflating" may refer to putting the inflatable chamber into a deflated state, e.g. by evacuating it.

The method may further comprise, as part of the step of reconfiguring the transfer support, or as a separate step, reconfiguring a top layer of the transfer support from a first top layer state, in which the top layer substantially surrounds a majority of the person, to a second top layer state, in which the top layer is substantially flat.

The method may further comprise, as part of the step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the second state to the first state or as a separate step, reconfiguring the top layer of the transfer support from the second top layer state to the first top layer state.

The step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the first top layer state to the second top layer state may comprise deflating a second inflatable chamber of the transfer support.

The step of reconfiguring the transfer support from the second top layer state to the first top layer state may comprise inflating a or the second inflatable chamber of the transfer support.

The inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber may be in fluid communication, so that inflating and deflating the inflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber may be linked.

Further features of the second aspect of the present disclosure are described above in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present disclosure may also be applied equally to all of the other aspects of the present disclosure. Features described in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure may be applied equally to the second aspect of the present disclosure and vice versa. For example, apparatus features described in relation to the first aspect may be applied, mutatis mutandis, to the method of the second aspect.

The disclosure will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

<FIG> shows a bottom view of a transfer support 100A, showing a bottom surface of the transfer support 100A. The bottom surface of the transfer support 100A is made of a low-friction material. The bottom surface comprises a plurality of openings 101A. As shown in <FIG>, the transfer support 100A further comprises a plurality of engaging elements 102A. In this example, the plurality of engaging elements 102A is evenly distributed across the bottom surface of the transfer support 100A.

The engaging elements 102A are aligned with the plurality of openings 101A, so that each of the engaging elements 102A protrudes from the bottom surface of the transfer support 100A, through a corresponding one of the openings 101A so as to engage a support surface onto which the transfer support <NUM> A is placed.

The engaging elements 102A are formed integrally as part of an inflatable chamber of the transfer support 100A. As set out in more detail below, the engaging elements 102A are cup-shaped devices, i.e. suction cups.

<FIG> shows a bottom surface of a transfer support 100C according to a second embodiment, showing a bottom surface of the transfer support 100C. The bottom surface is made of a low-friction material, and comprises a plurality of openings 101C. The transfer support 100C comprises a plurality of corresponding engaging elements 102C. In contrast to the first embodiment, the engaging elements 102C (and corresponding openings 101C) are distributed along a longitudinal centre-line of the transfer support 100C.

<FIG> shows a bottom surface of a transfer support 100D according to a third embodiment, showing a bottom surface of the transfer support 100D. The bottom surface is made of a low-friction material, and comprises a plurality of openings 101D. The transfer support 100D comprises a plurality of corresponding engaging elements 102D. In this embodiment, the engaging elements 102D and corresponding openings 101D are distributed across the bottom surface in three regions 103A, 103B, and 103C. The three regions 103A, 103B, and 103C are configured to align with a foot region, a lumbar region, and a foot region, respectively, of the transfer support 100D.

<FIG> shows a transfer support <NUM> having preformed cup-shaped devices, i.e. suction cups <NUM>, as engaging elements. The suction cups <NUM> may allow for a partial vacuum to be produced when applied to a surface.

In a first state, shown in <FIG>, the inflatable chamber <NUM> of the transfer support <NUM> is deflated, or evacuated. Deflation, or evacuation, of the inflatable chamber <NUM> results in the suction cups <NUM> (i.e. the material forming the suction cups) being aspired into the inflatable chamber <NUM>, as indicated by arrows <NUM>. The suction cups <NUM> are formed integrally with, and from the same material as, the inflatable chamber <NUM>.

The arrows <NUM> shown in the inflatable chamber <NUM> in <FIG> represent fluid flow, e.g. air being evacuated from the inflatable chamber <NUM>. The bottom surface of the transfer support <NUM> comprises a layer of low-friction material <NUM>.

The layer of low-friction material <NUM> comprises a plurality of openings <NUM>, corresponding to the suction cups <NUM>, which allow the suction cups to protrude from, i.e. project relative to, the layer of low-friction material <NUM>.

As the suction cups <NUM> are within the inflatable chamber <NUM> upon the inflatable chamber <NUM> being deflated, i.e. upon the transfer support <NUM> being in the first state, they do not engage a support surface <NUM> shown in <FIG> so as to resist, or prevent, sliding of the transfer support <NUM> relative to the support surface <NUM>. The layer of low-friction material <NUM> is in contact with the support surface <NUM>, allowing the transfer support <NUM> to easily slide relative to the support surface <NUM> via the low-friction material.

<FIG> shows the transfer support <NUM> in a second state. In the second state, the inflatable chamber <NUM> of the transfer support <NUM> is inflated, and expansion of the inflatable chamber caused the suction cups <NUM> to be pushed outwards so as protrude from the transfer support <NUM>, i.e. the suction cups <NUM> project beyond the layer of low-friction material <NUM>. The suction cups <NUM> are pushed outwards through openings <NUM>. The arrows <NUM> shown in <FIG> represent fluid, such as air, being filled into the inflatable chamber <NUM> to push the excess material which forms the suction cups <NUM> outwards.

It is noted that while the suction cups <NUM> of the fourth embodiment in the second state as shown in <FIG> project significantly beyond the layer of low-friction material <NUM>, the engaging elements, e.g. suction cups <NUM>, may protrude from the bottom surface less. The engaging elements do not have to protrude any more than is necessary for them to engage the support surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, as the suction cups <NUM> protrude from the bottom surface of the transfer support <NUM>, i.e. through openings <NUM>, the suction cups <NUM> engage the support surface <NUM> so as to resist, or prevent, sliding of the transfer support <NUM> relative to the support surface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a fifth embodiment of a transfer support <NUM>. The bottom portion <NUM> of the transfer support <NUM> may be the same, or similar, to transfer support <NUM>. The transfer support <NUM> further comprises a top layer <NUM>, which, in use, is configured to be adjacent a patient using the transfer support <NUM>. The function of the bottom portion <NUM> of the transfer support <NUM> is substantially identical to the function of the fourth embodiment of the transfer support <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The top layer <NUM> of the transfer support <NUM> comprises a second inflatable chamber <NUM>. The top layer <NUM> having the second inflatable chamber <NUM> may be a standard inflatable mattress layer. Alternatively, the top layer <NUM> having the second inflatable chamber <NUM> may have a more complex function, as is described in more detail below.

<FIG> shows a sixth embodiment of a transfer support <NUM> in a first state. The transfer support <NUM> is similar to transfer support <NUM>, and like reference numerals refer to the same features.

The top layer <NUM> of transfer support <NUM> is configurable between a first state, shown in <FIG>, and a second state, shown in <FIG>. Upon the transfer support <NUM> being in the first state, a second inflatable chamber of the top layer <NUM> is in a first top layer state, in which the top layer <NUM> is inflated so as to become rigid and curl around the shape of the patient <NUM>. As the top layer <NUM> curls (and forces the bottom portion <NUM> to curl along with it), the transfer support <NUM> surrounds a patient <NUM> placed on the transfer support <NUM>.

It is noted that, upon the transfer support <NUM> being in the first state, the bottom portion <NUM> of the transfer support <NUM> is configured to be in the first, slidable, state.

In the second state, the transfer support <NUM> according to the sixth embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, is substantially flat and flexible. Upon the transfer support <NUM> being in the second state, the second inflatable chamber of the top layer <NUM> is in a second top layer state, in which the top layer <NUM> is deflated so as to become flexible. As the top layer <NUM> becomes flexible, the transfer support <NUM> becomes flexible and conforms to the shape of the mattress <NUM> on which the transfer support <NUM> supporting the patient <NUM> is placed.

Although the transfer support <NUM> is shown to extend beyond the edges of the mattress <NUM>, this is not essential. The transfer support <NUM> may be smaller than a top surface of the support surface (such as the mattress <NUM>).

It is noted that, upon the transfer support <NUM> being in the second state, the bottom portion <NUM> of the transfer support <NUM> is configured to be in the second, non-slidable, state.

<FIG> shows a seventh embodiment of a transfer support <NUM> in a first state, and <FIG> shows the transfer support <NUM> in a second state. The transfer support <NUM> comprises a bottom portion <NUM> and a top layer <NUM> which may function as described above in relation to transfer support <NUM>. The transfer support <NUM> is placed on a support surface such as mattress <NUM>.

The transfer support <NUM> comprises two handles <NUM>, which are accessible only upon the transfer support <NUM> being in the first, "transfer", state, in which the transfer support <NUM> curls so as to surround the patient. The transfer support <NUM> may comprise a further two handles (not shown) on the opposite side of the transfer support <NUM> to the handles <NUM>.

A separate pump <NUM> is connected to the transfer support <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may be connected to a first inflatable chamber (in the bottom portion <NUM>) and a second inflatable chamber (in the top layer <NUM>), so as to drive fluid from the first inflatable chamber into the second inflatable chamber and vice versa. This means that the pump and the first and second inflatable chambers form a closed circuit.

Alternatively, separate pumps may be connected to the first, and second, inflatable chambers. Alternatively, the same pump may be connected to the first, and second, inflatable chambers, but the first and second inflatable chambers may not form a closed circuit. In these embodiments, the first and second inflatable chambers may be separately inflatable and deflatable. As such, the transfer support <NUM> (but equally the other embodiments discussed above and below) may be configured between the first and second state, and the top layer <NUM> may be configured between the first and second top layer state, independently from one another.

<FIG> shows a eighth embodiment of a transfer support <NUM> in a second state, and <FIG> shows the transfer support <NUM> in a first state. The transfer support <NUM> comprises an integral pump <NUM> which may be connected to each of a first inflatable chamber and a second inflatable chamber, or only one of the first and second inflatable chambers. The integral pump <NUM> may be powered by a battery <NUM>, or by mains electricity.

The transfer support <NUM> may further comprise a quick release button <NUM>. The quick release button <NUM> is configured such that pressing the quick release button <NUM> causes the transfer support <NUM> to reconfigure from the second state, shown in <FIG>, to the first state, shown in <FIG>.

The transfer support <NUM> may further comprise a controller (not shown) and a touchscreen <NUM>. The controller may be configured to control a state of the transfer support <NUM>, a or the pump, and/or other features of the transfer support. The touchscreen <NUM> may display inputs for the transfer support <NUM>, so that a caregiver may control features of the transfer support <NUM> via the inputs on the touchscreen <NUM>.

The transfer support <NUM> may, additionally or alternatively, comprise further inputs such as buttons, switches and the like, such as the quick release button <NUM> discussed above. The inputs may be coupled to the controller.

The touchscreen <NUM> may display various data related to the transfer support <NUM>, the patient <NUM>, or other related information. The various data may include a current state of the transfer support <NUM>, a duration for which the transfer support <NUM> has been in the current state, failure and/or maintenance information, vital signs of the patient <NUM>, patient information such as patient name, age, weight, movement, etc., and other information which may be provided via a hospital information system.

A zipper <NUM> may be provided, allowing the transfer support <NUM> to be releasably fastened to a support surface such as mattress <NUM>.

Upon the transfer support <NUM> being reconfigured into the first state shown in <FIG>, the transfer support <NUM> becomes easily slidable so that patient <NUM> becomes easily movable from the mattress <NUM> to a second support surface, such as a stretcher <NUM>. The patient <NUM> and the transfer support <NUM> may be moved by two caregivers <NUM> grasping handles <NUM> (and handles not shown on the opposite side of the patient <NUM>).

An alternative embodiment of a transfer support <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Upon the transfer support <NUM> being in a first, sliding, state, an inflatable chamber <NUM> is deflated and projections <NUM>, which may or may not be integrally formed with the inflatable chamber <NUM>, are contained within the transfer support <NUM>. That is, the projections <NUM> do not protrude from the transfer support <NUM>, e.g. by projecting through a layer of low-friction material <NUM>. The layer of low-friction material <NUM> in this embodiment comprises openings <NUM> corresponding to the projections <NUM>.

Upon the transfer support <NUM> being in a second, non-sliding, state, as shown in <FIG>, the inflatable chamber <NUM> is inflated so that expansion of the inflatable chamber <NUM> causes the projections <NUM> to be driven to project through the corresponding openings <NUM> in the layer of low-friction material <NUM> so as to protrude from the transfer support <NUM>. In the second state, the projections <NUM> engage with a support surface, on which the transfer support <NUM> is placed, and resist, or prevent, sliding of the transfer support <NUM> relative to the support surface.

The projections <NUM> are formed from a high-friction material. The projections may, as shown in <FIG>, be integrally formed with the inflatable chamber <NUM>, from the same material as the inflatable chamber.

It is noted that the transfer support <NUM> may further comprise other features of the other embodiments described above, such as a top layer, a handle, a pump, etc..

Claim 1:
A transfer support (100A, 100C, 100D, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for a patient, comprising:
a first surface (<NUM>, <NUM>);
at least one opening (101A, 101C, 101D, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the first surface (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
at least one engaging element (102A, 102C, 102D, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the transfer support (100A, 100C, 100D, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configurable between a first state, in which the first surface enables the transfer support (100A, 100C, 100D, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to be slidable relative to the support surface (<NUM>), and a second state, in which the, or each, at least one engaging element (102A, 102C, 102D, <NUM>, <NUM>) protrudes through a corresponding one of the at least one opening (101A, 101C, 101D, <NUM>, <NUM>) to engage with the support surface (<NUM>) to resist sliding relative to the support surface (<NUM>).