Patent Description:
Individuals who are unable to move autonomously and thus restricted to a particular position, such as a recumbent position when lying on a bed, are prone to developing pressure sores. To minimise the development of these sores, it is necessary to reposition the individual upon the bed at regular intervals. However, this is often difficult for a single carer and often requires several carers to suitably reposition the individual. Moreover, given that those individuals who are susceptible to developing pressure sores require repositioning at regular intervals, typically every <NUM> hours, then it is evident that this is a time intensive process.

<CIT> discloses an automatic patient turning apparatus having a support platform comprising support sections, which can pivot about a central longitudinal region of the platform to turn a patient lying thereon onto their left or right side. The disclosed apparatus comprises two support sections disposed at each side of the central region which are uncoupled, so that the sections can pivot independently of each other. The uncoupled nature of the two sections at each side of the central region enables the platform to pivot as the configuration of the underlying bed changes. However, the skilled reader will recognise that the positioning of the separation between sections must match the location of the hinge coupling between sections of the underlying bed frame to enable the pivotal movement of the platform. In this respect, a two section support platform is required for a bed frame having two sections which are hingedly coupled. Similarly, a three-section support platform would be required for a bed frame having three sections. It is evident therefore that the apparatus is restricted to the particular bed frame. Moreover, it is desirable for sections of a bed frame to move through auto-regression, whereby the location of the hinge coupling between sections of the bed frame move along the bed to follow the natural movement of a patients legs and waist flexion, for example.

<CIT> discloses an articulated bed having a stationary frame and a plurality of mattress support sections defining a mattress support area, the support sections including: a left section, a right section, a head section and a leg section. Each of the left, right, head and leg sections are hingedly movable, thereby enabling a patient to turn the body to the left or right and to sit up or lift the legs.

We have now devised an improved patient turning apparatus and method.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, as set out in the appended set of claims, there is provided a patient turning apparatus comprising a reconfigurable support platform comprising a plurality of laterally extending support slats configured for pivotal movement about a longitudinally extending central region of the platform, at least one support slat being configured to follow a pivotal movement of a longitudinally adjacent support slat about the central region, through at least a portion of a pivotal range of movement of the longitudinally adjacent support slat, the apparatus further comprising means operable to control pivotal movement of at least one support slat of the platform about the central region.

In an embodiment, each support slat is configured to follow a pivotal movement of a longitudinally adjacent support slat about the central portion, through at least a portion of a pivotal range of movement of the longitudinally adjacent support slat. The support slats are interconnected to permit the support slats to pivot in response to a pivoting of a longitudinally adjacent support slat beyond a threshold pivotal range.

In an embodiment, the support slats extend in a substantially parallel configuration when configured in an un-pivoted configuration, and are longitudinally separated along the platform.

In an embodiment, the plurality of laterally extending support slats comprise a first plurality of laterally extending support slats which extend to a first side of the central region and a second plurality of laterally extending support slats which extend to a second side of the central region. The first and second plurality of support slats extend in substantially the same plane when configured in an un-pivoted configuration. The first and second plurality of support slats extend at a right and left side of the central region of the platform.

In an embodiment, the support platform further comprises a support sheet, which may be formed of a plastics or fabric material, for example. The support sheet comprises a plurality of laterally extending pockets formed therein for separately receiving a support slat. The pockets extend from a longitudinally extending central portion of the support sheet and comprise a respective opening formed proximate a lateral edge of the support sheet. In an embodiment, the support sheet comprises a first plurality of laterally extending pockets which extend to a first side of the central portion of the support sheet and a second plurality of laterally extending pockets which extend to a second side of the central portion of support sheet. The openings may be closable via a respective flap, which may be releasably secured to the sheet via fastening means, such as a hook-and-loop (Velcro ®) fastening arrangement. Alternatively, the openings may be closed via a weld for example, once the supports slats have been inserted within the respective pockets.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a reconfigurable base which is disposed in use at an underside of the platform. The base is reconfigurable at least along a longitudinal direction thereof, and is arranged to conform to a support surface of a bed frame and is reconfigurable to conform with a reconfiguration of the bed support surface.

In an embodiment, the base comprises a plurality of laterally extending base slats which extend across a width of the base, to either side of a central region of the base. The base comprises a base sheet which may be similarly formed of a plastics or fabric material. The base sheet comprises a plurality of laterally extending pockets formed therein for separately receiving a base slat. The pockets extend along a width of the base sheet, to either side of a central portion of the base sheet, and comprise an opening formed at one end thereof, through which a slat can be inserted into the pocket. The openings may be closable via a respective flap, which may be releasably secured to the base sheet via fastening means, such as a hook-and-loop (Velcro ®) fastening arrangement. Alternatively, the openings may be closed via a weld for example, once the base slats have been inserted within the respective pockets.

The base slats provide a lateral rigidity to the base, however the longitudinal spacing of the base slats within the flexible base sheet permits the base to reconfigure along a longitudinal direction and thus conform with undulations and/or profiling of the underlying bed frame. The spacing further enables auto-regression of the underlying bed frame to take place.

In an embodiment, the central portion of the support sheet and a central region of the base are coupled together via rivets which extend through the support sheet and the base sheet, and at least one of the slats which extend across the width of the base sheet.

In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of base slats may be configured for pivotal movement about a longitudinally extending central region of the base. In this respect, the plurality of base slats may comprise a first plurality of laterally extending base slats which extend to a first side of the central region and a second plurality of laterally extending base slats which extend to a second side of the central region. In this embodiment, the base comprises a base sheet, which may similarly be formed of a plastics or fabric material having a plurality of laterally extending pockets formed therein for separately receiving a base slat. The pockets extend from a longitudinally extending central portion of the base sheet and comprise a respective opening formed proximate a lateral edge of the base sheet. The openings may be closable via a respective flap, which may be releasably secured to the base sheet via fastening means, such as a hook-and-loop (Velcro ®) fastening arrangement. Alternatively, the openings may be closed via a weld for example, once the base slats have been inserted within the respective pockets. In this embodiment, the base sheet comprises a first plurality of laterally extending pockets which extend to a first side of the central portion of the base sheet and a second plurality of laterally extending pockets which extend to a second side of the central portion of base sheet.

In an embodiment, the central portion of the support sheet and the central portion of the base sheet are coupled together via rivets or a weld or other fastening means.

In an embodiment, the means operable to control pivotal movement of at least one support slat of the platform is disposed, in use, at an underside of the platform. The means operable to control pivotal movement of at least one support slat of the platform may comprise an inflatable bladder, and in an embodiment is disposed between the platform and the base to permit the support slats to pivot with respect to the base.

In an embodiment, the inflatable bladder extends longitudinally of the apparatus and comprises a plurality of bladder portions fluidly coupled via a conduit.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a pump which is fluidly coupled to the inflatable bladder via a duct, such as a hose. The apparatus further comprises a control unit for controlling operation of the pump to control a selected inflation and deflation of the inflatable bladder. The control unit further comprises a timer or clock for inflating and deflating the inflatable bladder at pre-selected times.

In an embodiment, the means operable to control pivotal movement of at least one support slat of the platform comprises a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder, respectively disposed in use at an underside of the first and second plurality of support slats. The control unit and pump are arranged to selectively inflate and deflate the first and second inflatable bladder.

In an embodiment, the support slats, base slats, support sheet and base sheet are enclosed within a removable cover, which can be sealed to minimise any ingress of dirt or infectious material onto the support and base sheet.

The support platform comprises a plurality of interconnected support elements, each element being detachably coupled at a proximal end thereof, to a longitudinally extending central region of a reconfigurable base, disposed in use at an underside of the platform.

The support elements may be orientated to extend laterally across the support platform, and comprise a first plurality of support elements which extend to a first side of a longitudinally extending central portion of the platform and a second plurality of support elements which extend to a second side of the central portion of the platform.

In an embodiment, the pockets extend from a central portion of the platform, to either side of the central portion and comprise an opening formed at a distal end thereof, through which a support slat can be inserted into the pocket.

The supports elements may comprise a substantially triangular shape, whereby sides of each element converge from the distal end to the proximal end thereof. In this respect, it is envisaged that the support slats which are configured to be inserted within the pocket comprise a similar shape to accommodate the contour of the pocket.

In an embodiment, the means operable to control pivotal movement of at least one support slat of the platform comprises an inflatable bladder, which may comprise at least two inflatable chambers.

In an embodiment, each support element comprises a respective inflatable bladder for effecting a pivotal movement of the respective support slat.

In an embodiment, the reconfigurable base comprises a base sheet. The base sheet comprises a plurality of laterally extending pockets formed therein for separately receiving a base slat. The pockets extend from a longitudinally extending central region of the base sheet and comprise a respective opening formed proximate a lateral edge of the base sheet.

In an embodiment, the base sheet comprises a first plurality of laterally extending pockets which extend to a first side of the central region of the base sheet and a second plurality of laterally extending pockets which extend to a second side of the central region of base sheet.

In an embodiment, the support elements are interconnected to permit the support slats to pivot in response to a pivoting of a longitudinally adjacent support slat beyond a threshold pivotal range.

In an embodiment, the inflatable chambers associated with each support element are fluidly coupled to each other via a conduit.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a control unit and a pump, the control unit being arranged to control operation of the pump to control a selected inflation and deflation of the inflatable bladder. The apparatus may further comprise a timer or clock for selected timing of the inflation and deflation of the inflatable chamber.

There is also provided a patient turning apparatus comprising a patient turning apparatus comprising: a reconfigurable support platform comprising: a first plurality of laterally extending support slats which extend to a first side of a central region of the platform and a second plurality of laterally extending support slats which extend to a second side of the central region of the platform, both the first plurality and second plurality of laterally extending support slats configured for pivotal movement about the longitudinally extending central region of the platform; at least one support slat being configured to follow a pivotal movement of a longitudinally adjacent support slat about the central region, through at least a portion of a pivotal range of movement of the longitudinally adjacent support slat; a pivot controlling means operable to control pivotal movement of at least one support slat of the platform about the central region; and a reconfigurable base detachably coupled to and disposed in use at an underside of the reconfigurable support platform.

There is also provided a method for turning a patient using a patient turning apparatus according to any previous claim, the method comprising the steps: pivoting a first plurality of laterally extending support slats through a first pivotal range; subsequently pivoting a second plurality of laterally extending support slats through a second pivotal range, the second pivotal range being less than that of the first pivotal range; and subsequently pivoting the first plurality of laterally extending support slats beyond the first pivotal range, while the second plurality of support slats remain pivoted through the second pivotal range.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments.

The invention may be performed in various ways, and, by way of example only, embodiments thereof will now be described, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which:.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> of the drawings, there is illustrated a patient turning apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention, disposed upon a bed frame <NUM> arranged in a flattened configuration or profile. The bed frame <NUM> comprises a support frame <NUM> upon which the apparatus <NUM> is disposed and in the illustrated embodiment, the support frame <NUM> comprises four frame sections <NUM>-<NUM> which are hingedly coupled along a lateral direction and which are arranged to provide support to different regions of a patient (not shown), such as the patient's upper body, waist region and lower body. The frame sections <NUM>-<NUM> are arranged to pivot with respect to each other about the respective coupling (not shown) to reconfigure a longitudinal profile of the support frame <NUM>. The frame sections <NUM>-<NUM> are moved relative to each other about the respective hinge couplings (not shown) using a driving mechanism (not shown) which may be controlled via a controller <NUM>. The driving mechanism may be hydraulic, pneumatic or electric mechanism for example, and is arranged to suitably configure the support frame <NUM> to a preferred profile, such as that illustrated in <FIG> of the drawings, to suit the patient.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises a reconfigurable support platform <NUM> which in use is arranged uppermost on the support frame <NUM> of the bed frame <NUM>, and arranged to extend adjacent a mattress (not shown), for example. The support platform <NUM> comprises a flexible support sheet <NUM> which may be formed of a plastics material, such as polyurethane, or a fabric material, such as nylon®, for example. The support sheet <NUM> comprises a plurality of elongate pockets <NUM>, <NUM> formed therein which are orientated to extend laterally across the sheet, in a substantially parallel configuration. The pockets <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to a first plurality of pockets <NUM> which extend to a first side of a central longitudinal portion <NUM> of the sheet <NUM> and a second plurality of pockets <NUM> which extend to a second side of the central longitudinal portion <NUM>.

The pockets <NUM>, <NUM> comprise an opening 121a, 122a disposed at a distal end thereof, which respectively comprise a first and second lateral edge of the sheet <NUM> and are closed at a proximal end thereof, which is disposed adjacent the central longitudinal portion <NUM> of the support sheet <NUM>. The opening may be closable via a respective flap (not shown) which is secured at an underside of the support sheet, and arranged to pivot around the distal end of the pocket to an upperside of the support sheet to close the opening 121a, 122a. The flap may be detachably coupled to the sheet via fastening means (not shown), such as a hook-and-loop type fastening arrangement (not shown). Alternatively, the openings may be closed via a weld for example, once the slats have been inserted within the respective pockets. The pockets <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged to separately receive a support slat <NUM> having a substantially planar, elongate shape. The support slats <NUM> are formed of a rigid, plastics material, such as high density polyethylene, and are arranged to provide a structural frame to the support sheet <NUM>. The support slats <NUM> are longitudinally separated along the platform <NUM>; however, owing to the slats <NUM> being disposed within the pockets <NUM>, <NUM> and the interconnection between pockets <NUM>, <NUM> by the support sheet <NUM>, it is evident that any pivotal movement of one slat <NUM> will cause longitudinally adjacent slats <NUM> in adjacent pockets to follow the pivotal movement. For example, as one slat <NUM> is pivoted upwardly about the central portion <NUM>, the portion <NUM> of the sheet <NUM> disposed between the pocket holding the one slat and adjacent pockets will cause the slats in the adjacent pockets to also pivot.

The apparatus <NUM> further comprise a base <NUM> which in use is arranged lowermost on the support frame <NUM> of the bed frame <NUM> and arranged to extend adjacent the support frame <NUM>. The base <NUM> similarly comprises a flexible base sheet <NUM>, which may be formed of a plastics material, such as polyurethane, or a fabric material, such as nylon®, for example. The base sheet <NUM> comprises a plurality of elongate pockets <NUM> formed therein which are orientated to extend laterally across the sheet, in a substantially parallel configuration. The pockets <NUM> are separately arranged to receive a base slat <NUM> having a substantially planar, elongate shape. The base slats <NUM> are similarly formed of a rigid, plastics material, such as high density polyethylene, and are arranged to provide a structural frame to the base sheet <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the pockets <NUM> extend across the full width of the base sheet <NUM>, either side of a central region <NUM> of the base <NUM>. The pockets <NUM> comprise a respective opening <NUM> disposed along a longitudinal edge of the base sheet <NUM> for receiving a respective slat <NUM>, which similarly extends across the full width of the base sheet <NUM>, either side of the central region <NUM>. The openings <NUM> maybe closable by a respective flap (not shown), similar to the flaps (not shown) associated with the support sheet <NUM>, or closed via a weld once the slats have been inserted within the respective pocket. The rigid nature of the base slats <NUM> provides a lateral stiffness and lateral rigidity to the base <NUM> which resists any flexing of the base <NUM> along the width thereof. However, the disposition of the base slats <NUM> within the separated pockets <NUM> of the flexible base sheet <NUM> permits the base <NUM> to reconfigure along the length thereof to accommodate any variation or profile of the underlying support frame <NUM>.

In an alternative embodiment which is not illustrated, the pockets <NUM> of the base <NUM> are configured to a first plurality of pockets <NUM> which extend to a first side of a central longitudinal portion (not shown) of the base sheet <NUM> and a second plurality of pockets <NUM> which extend to a second side of the central longitudinal portion. The pockets <NUM> comprise an opening disposed at a distal end thereof, which respectively comprise a first and second longitudinal edge of the base sheet <NUM> and are closed at a proximal end thereof, which is disposed adjacent the central longitudinal portion of the base sheet <NUM>. In this respect, the first plurality of pockets <NUM> are arranged to receive a first plurality of base slats <NUM> and the second plurality of pockets are arranged to receive a second plurality of base slats <NUM>. The first and second plurality of base slats <NUM> are separately configured to provide a lateral rigidity to the base <NUM> at the first and second side of the central region <NUM> of the base <NUM>, while enabling the base <NUM> to articulate about the central region <NUM> to match any lateral undulation of the support frame <NUM>. It is envisaged that this separation of the base slats <NUM> into a first and second group will provide for an additional flexibility to the apparatus <NUM> to accommodate a further variety of bed support frames.

In either embodiment of the base <NUM>, the longitudinal separation of the base slats <NUM> enables the base <NUM> to conform to a longitudinally undulating bed support frame <NUM> and moreover, adopt the profile of the bed support frame <NUM>. In this respect, it is evident that the base <NUM> can follow the profile or contour of a multi-section bed frame and is not restricted for use with a three or four section profiling bed frame <NUM>, for example.

The apparatus <NUM> further comprises means <NUM> operable to control pivotal movement of at least one support slat <NUM> of the platform about the central portion. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> of the drawings, the means <NUM> comprises a first inflatable bladder <NUM> and a second inflatable bladder (only one of which is illustrated in the drawings) which is disposed at the underside of the support platform <NUM>, between the support platform <NUM> and the base <NUM>. In particular, the first bladder <NUM> is arranged to extend longitudinally of the apparatus <NUM>, between the first plurality of support slats <NUM> and of the underlying base slats <NUM>. Similarly, the second bladder is arranged to extend longitudinally of the apparatus <NUM>, between the second plurality of support slats <NUM> and the underlying base slats <NUM>.

The first inflatable bladder <NUM> and second inflatable bladder (not shown) may separately comprise a plurality of chambers 161a-c fluidly coupled via a respective conduit <NUM>. The embodiment illustrated in <FIG> of the drawings comprises only three sub-chambers 161a-c, however it is to be appreciate that fewer or more sub-chambers may be used. The chambers 161a-c and conduit <NUM> may comprise a single integral bladder <NUM> with the conduits <NUM> comprising narrowed or neck regions of the respective bladder <NUM>. Alternatively, the conduits <NUM> may comprise separate pipe or hose connections (not shown) which fluidly couple the chambers 161a-c in a series configuration. The conduits <NUM> are arranged at separated regions along the length of the respective bladder <NUM> and arranged to correspond with the principal hinged couplings (not shown) of the support frame <NUM> of the bed frame <NUM>. The conduits <NUM> are arranged to minimise any kinking or collapsing of the first bladder <NUM> and second bladders (not shown) as the bladders conforms to the underlying surface of the profiled support frame <NUM>, which may otherwise fluidly isolate portions of one or both of the bladders <NUM>, thereby preventing inflation and/or deflation of the bladder(s) <NUM>.

The first bladder <NUM> and second bladder (not shown) are inflatable via a pump (not shown) which is fluidly coupled to each chamber via a hose <NUM>, and controlled via a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> comprises a clock or timer (not shown) which enables an operator (not shown) to select a timing sequence for inflating and deflating the first bladder <NUM> and second bladder (not shown). For example, the controller <NUM> may include a control panel <NUM> having a user interface comprising a plurality of buttons <NUM> for selecting a <NUM> hour, <NUM> hour, <NUM> hour cycle etc., for inflating and deflating the first bladder <NUM> and second bladder (not shown). The control panel <NUM> may alternatively or additionally comprise input means (not shown) for selecting specific times for inflating and deflating the first bladder <NUM> and second bladder (not shown).

The central region <NUM> of the support platform <NUM> comprises a width such that a patient lying on the central region <NUM> extends over at least some of the support slats <NUM> disposed along the first and second side (namely right and left side) of the platform <NUM>. In this respect, as the first/second bladder inflates for example, the first/second plurality of support slats <NUM> pivot about the central region <NUM> to turn a patient on their left/right side, respectively. In order to minimise any lateral movement of the support slats <NUM> relative to the central portion <NUM> of the support sheet <NUM> (which would typically be formed of a fabric material) as the support slats pivot relative to the base slats <NUM>, the central longitudinal portion <NUM> may separately comprise a plurality of support members (not shown) disposed therealong, which extend across the width of the central portion <NUM>. The support members comprise a similar cross-sectional shape and size to the adjacent slats and provide lateral support to the central portion <NUM> to minimise any buckling of the central portion <NUM>. The support members may be arranged in separate pockets (not shown) disposed along the central portion <NUM>, and the discrete arrangement of support members further enable the central portion <NUM> and thus the apparatus <NUM>, to conform to longitudinal variations in the underlying bed support frame <NUM>.

In use, the support platform <NUM> and base <NUM>, together with the first <NUM> and second bladder may enclosed within a cover (not shown) which can be sealed to prevent any ingress of dirt or infectious material onto the platform <NUM>, base <NUM> and bladders <NUM>. The cover (not shown) can be releasably sealed via a closure (not shown) and thus removed from the support platform <NUM>, base <NUM> and bladders <NUM> for cleaning. The support platform <NUM>, base <NUM> and bladders <NUM>, enclosed within a cover (not shown) may be initially arranged in a rolled, storage configuration and deployed by unrolling the arrangement upon the bed support frame <NUM> such that the central region of the platform <NUM> extends along a central longitudinal region of the bed support frame <NUM>, with the support <NUM> and base slats <NUM> extending across the frame <NUM>. Upon referring to <FIG> and <FIG> of the drawings, it is evident that alternate pockets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the support sheet <NUM> and base sheet <NUM> have been left unoccupied with a slat <NUM>, <NUM>. This provides for a more flexible support platform <NUM> and base <NUM> which can conform more closely with the particular profiling of the bed support frame <NUM>. It is to be appreciated however, that all of the pockets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> could instead be occupied or a selected few pockets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> left unoccupied to suit the particular bed support frame <NUM>.

With the platform <NUM>, base <NUM> and first and second bladders <NUM> deployed upon the frame <NUM> (and a mattress (not shown) disposed upon the support platform <NUM>), an operator (not shown) subsequently fluidly couples the first and second bladder <NUM> to the pump (not shown) and controller <NUM>, via a respective hose <NUM>. The operator then selects the desired sequence for inflating and deflating the first and second bladder (only the first bladder <NUM> is illustrated) for turning the patient. For example, the operator may select a <NUM> hour cycle via the control panel <NUM> on the controller <NUM>. This cycle may initially cause the first bladder <NUM> to inflate; as the first bladder inflates, it presses against the base <NUM> which cannot move due to the bed support frame <NUM> and the inherent lateral rigidity of the base slats <NUM>, thereby causing the first plurality of support slats <NUM> to pivot about the central region <NUM> of the support platform <NUM> to lift the right side of the mattress (not shown) and thus turn the patient (not shown) onto their left side (as illustrated in <FIG> of the drawings). The first bladder <NUM> may remain in this inflated state for <NUM> hour to maintain the patient in this position. After <NUM> hour, the controller <NUM> may act to deflate the first bladder <NUM> which causes the first plurality of slats <NUM> to pivot downwardly toward the base <NUM> and thus lower the right side of the mattress (not shown) so that the patient (not shown) becomes lowered onto their back. The controller <NUM> may subsequently cause the second bladder (not shown) to inflate to cause the second plurality of support slats <NUM> to pivot about the central region <NUM>, thereby causing the left side of the mattress to lift and thus turn the patient onto their left side (as illustrated in <FIG> of the drawings). Similarly, the second bladder (not shown) may remain in this position for <NUM> hour prior to deflating and thus lowering the patient onto their back. The first and second bladder may then remain in a deflated state for a period of <NUM> hour, before the sequence recommences.

The first bladder <NUM> and second bladder (not shown) act upon the base <NUM> to cause the first and second plurality of support slats <NUM> to pivot about the central region <NUM>. The base <NUM> provides a suitable surface upon which the bladders can act to lift the support slats <NUM> while also protecting the bladders <NUM> from any sharp edges or broken sections of the bed support frame <NUM> which may otherwise act to puncture the bladders <NUM>.

The flexible nature of the support sheet <NUM> and base sheet <NUM> enable the support platform <NUM> and base <NUM> to conform to the desired bed profile, while the slats <NUM><NUM> provide a structural frame to the support sheet <NUM> and base sheet <NUM> to enable the turning of a patient with the bed configured in a profiled configuration, such as that illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In an alternative embodiment which is not illustrated, it is envisaged that longitudinally adjacent support slats <NUM> and separately, longitudinally adjacent base slats <NUM>, may be directly coupled via one or more flexible straps (not shown), for example. This may obviate the requirement for a support sheet <NUM> and base sheet <NUM>.

In yet a further embodiment which is also not illustrated, it is envisaged that the sub-chambers 161a-c of the first bladder <NUM> and second bladder (not shown) may fluidly isolated from each other. It is envisaged that each sub-chamber may comprise a dedicated fluid feed or duct from the pump (not shown), so that each sub-chamber of the first/second bladder, can be inflated and deflated separately to other sub-chambers of the first/second bladder, to provide turning of selected regions of the patient.

Referring to <FIG> of the drawings, there is illustrated a patient turning apparatus <NUM> according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> of the drawings, the patient turning apparatus <NUM> is illustrated as being disposed upon a bed frame <NUM> arranged in a flattened configuration or profile. The bed frame <NUM> comprises a support frame <NUM> upon which the apparatus <NUM> is disposed and in the illustrated embodiment, the support frame <NUM> comprises four frame sections <NUM>-<NUM> (see <FIG>) which are hingedly coupled along a lateral direction and which are arranged to provide support to different regions of a patient (not shown), such as the patient's upper body, waist region and lower body.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises a reconfigurable support platform <NUM> and a reconfigurable support base <NUM>, which in use is arranged upon the support frame <NUM> of the bed frame <NUM>, and arranged to extend adjacent a mattress (not shown), for example. The support platform <NUM> comprises a plurality of interconnected support elements <NUM> which may be formed of a plastics material, such as polyurethane, or a fabric material, such as nylon®, for example. The support elements <NUM> separately comprise an elongate pocket <NUM> and are orientated to extend laterally across the platform <NUM>, in a substantially parallel configuration.

The support elements <NUM> are configured to a first plurality of elements 320a which extend to a first side of a central longitudinal portion <NUM> of the platform <NUM> and a second plurality of elements 320b which extend to a second side of the central longitudinal portion <NUM>.

The pockets <NUM> comprise an opening 321a disposed at a distal end thereof, and the distal end of the pockets associated with the first and second support elements 320a, 320b, respectively define a first and second lateral edge of the platform <NUM>. The pockets <NUM> are closed at a proximal end thereof, which is disposed adjacent the central longitudinal portion <NUM> of the support platform <NUM>. The opening may be closable via a respective flap (not shown) which is secured at an underside of the respective support element <NUM>, and arranged to pivot around the distal end of the pocket to an upperside of the support element <NUM> to close the opening. The flap may be detachably coupled to the element via fastening means (not shown), such as a hook-and-loop type fastening arrangement (not shown). Alternatively, the openings may be closed via a weld for example, once the slats have been inserted within the respective pockets <NUM>. The pockets <NUM> are arranged to separately receive a support slat <NUM> having a substantially planar, elongate shape which tapers towards the central longitudinal portion <NUM>. The support slats <NUM> are formed of a rigid, plastics material, such as high density polyethylene, and are arranged to provide a structural frame to the support platform <NUM>. The support slats <NUM> are longitudinally separated along the platform <NUM>; however, owing to the slats <NUM> being disposed within the pockets and an interconnection portion <NUM>, such as a web portion, between longitudinally adjacent elements <NUM>, it is evident that any pivotal movement of one slat <NUM> will cause longitudinally adjacent slats <NUM> in adjacent pockets <NUM> to follow the pivotal movement.

The support apparatus <NUM> of the second embodiment, further comprises fastening members 390a, 390b which are used to attach the support elements <NUM> and thereby the pockets <NUM> to the base <NUM>. The fastening means may comprise a detachably coupleable arrangement such as hook and loop fastening arrangement, pop studs, button or any other reasonable releasable attachment mechanism. As shown, the fastening members are disposed at the proximal end of the elements <NUM> for coupling with fastening members disposed along a central region of the base <NUM>, thereby forming a point of rotation for the pivoting of the support elements <NUM>.

The apparatus of the second embodiment further comprises means <NUM> for controlling pivotal movement of the support elements <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> of the drawings, there is illustrated a close up view of a pivot controlling means <NUM> operable to control the pivotal movement of at least one support slat <NUM> of the platform <NUM> about the central portion <NUM>. The pivot controlling means <NUM> comprises an inflatable bladder <NUM> comprising a first inflatable chamber 361a and a second inflatable chamber 361b disposed one above the other. The bladder <NUM> is disposed at the underside of the support platform <NUM>, between the support platform <NUM> and the base <NUM>. Each support element <NUM> comprises a respective inflatable bladder <NUM> and the bladders <NUM> are inflated and deflated using a pump 370a which is controlled via a control unit 370b. The pump 370a is fluidly coupled to the bladders <NUM> via a conduit or fluid path, and the bladder <NUM> associated with each support element <NUM> may be separately addressable, to permit a selective inflation and deflation thereof.

Each inflatable bladder <NUM> comprises at least two inflatable chambers 361a, 361b. This allows greater control over the inflation and in particular, the pivotal range through which the support elements <NUM> can be pivoted. The inflatable chambers 361a, 361b of each element <NUM> may be fluidly coupled or fluidly isolated from each other. In situations where the chambers are fluidly coupled, then the fluid connection between the chambers may be provided by a valve (not shown) which is arranged to open and thus admit fluid into a second chamber 361b, only once a pre-determined pressure has been applied to the first chamber 361a, for example. Alternatively, the chambers 361a, 361b of the bladder <NUM> of each element <NUM> may be inflated and deflated via a respective fluid conduit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> of the drawings, there is illustrated a patient turning apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment, disposed upon a bed frame <NUM> configured in a flattened configuration and profiled configuration respectively, with the first plurality of support elements 320a pivoted about the central portion <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM>, namely the support platform <NUM> and base <NUM>, may be enclosed within a removable cover <NUM> (<FIG>). The cover <NUM> is arranged to minimise the ingress of any dirt or infectious material. Referring to <FIG> of the drawings, there are shown different configurations of the patient turning apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment. The reconfigurable nature of the platform <NUM> and base <NUM> permits the apparatus to be configured in a rolled configuration for storage, as illustrated in figure 11a. This stowed configuration reduces the space occupied by the apparatus so that it can be easily stored when not required and/or transported.

During use, when the apparatus is required for use, the apparatus is first reconfigured from the stowed configuration by unrolling the apparatus (as shown in figure 11b with the cover <NUM> removed) upon a support frame of a bed frame and a mattress or equivalent is then placed upon the apparatus. When it is necessary to turn a patient (not shown) lying upon the apparatus <NUM>, the user initiates a turning sequence via the control unit 370b. However, it is to be appreciated that this turning sequence may be initiated automatically at pre-set times for example.

Referring to <FIG>, there is illustrated a method <NUM> of turning a patient upon a bed.

During a turning sequence, the control unit instructs the pump 370a to commence an inflation of the bladders <NUM>, and principally the first chamber 361a of the bladders <NUM>, associated with the first plurality of support elements 320a, to cause the first plurality of support elements 320a to pivot through a first pivot range at step <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>), and thus partially turn the patient to one side.

The control unit 370b subsequently instructs the pump 370a to commence an inflation of the bladders <NUM>, and principally the first chamber 361a of the bladders <NUM>, associated with the second plurality of support elements 320b, to cause the second plurality of support elements 320b to pivot through a second pivot range at step <NUM>, which is less than the first pivot range. This pivoting of the second plurality of support elements 320b is to support the patient to prevent the patient from completely rolling over during the turning process.

The control unit 370b subsequently instructs the pump 370a to further inflate the bladder <NUM> of the first plurality of support elements 320a and principally the second chamber 361b of the bladders <NUM> associated with the first plurality of support elements 320a, to cause the first plurality of support elements 320a to pivot beyond the first pivot range at step <NUM> (as illustrated in <FIG>, 11c and 11d (cover <NUM> removed) for example) to turn the patient.

Once the patient has turned onto their side, the control unit 370b instructs the pump 370a to deflate the bladders <NUM> associated with the second plurality of support elements 320b, and then subsequently instructs the pump 370a to deflate the bladders <NUM> associated with the first plurality of support elements 320a, so that the support platform <NUM> becomes deflated and thus flattened upon the underlying support frame <NUM> of the bed.

The method has the advantages that gentle tilting of a patient can occur and reduce the risk of flipping or tipping the patient out of a bed when repositioning them. The two steps of increase the tilt on one side is interspersed with the increase, to a lesser amount, the tilt applied on the other side; this forms a cradle or barrier to halt a patient's motion from the tilt on the one side. Furthermore, subsets of the first and/or second plurality of support elements 320a, 320b may be controlled separately to other elements <NUM>. This allows for a tilt to be applied to different positions of the patient, and the degree of tilt or turning can be varied for example, by progressively increasing a tilt at a lower portion of the patients body at a rate greater than an upper portion of a patients body - this is less likely to disturb a sleeping patient and reduce patient momentum associated with the turning process. The timing and duration associated with the inflation (and deflation) of the bladders <NUM> of the support elements <NUM>, can also be varied using the control unit 370b, to minimize discomfort to the patient. For example, and owing to a weight differential associated with different parts of a patients body, different support elements 320a, 320b may be pivoted at different rates to ensure that the patient is turned in a controlled manner.

Claim 1:
A patient turning apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a reconfigurable support platform (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of laterally extending support slats (<NUM>) configured for pivotal movement about a longitudinally extending central region (<NUM>) of the platform;
at least one support slat (<NUM>) being configured to follow a pivotal movement of a longitudinally adjacent support slat about the central region (<NUM>), through at least a portion of a pivotal range of movement of the longitudinally adjacent support slat;
the apparatus further comprising means (<NUM>) operable to control pivotal movement of at least one support slat of the platform about the central region wherein the support platform comprises a plurality of interconnected support elements, each element being detachably coupled at a proximal end thereof, to a longitudinally extending central region (<NUM>) of a reconfigurable base, disposed in use at an underside of the platform (<NUM>).