WO2008127093A1

WO2008127093A1 - Device and method for displacing a person

Info

Publication number: WO2008127093A1
Application number: PCT/NL2008/050149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jozef Huizinga; Marco Voogsgerd; Mario Antonio Alexander De Zeeuw
Original assignee: JOCO HOLDING BV; Indes Holding BV
Current assignee: JOCO HOLDING BV; Indes Holding BV
Priority date: 2007-03-14
Filing date: 2008-03-14
Publication date: 2008-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 2009-09-14
Also published as: EP2124863A1; NL2000539C2

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for displacing of a person, in particular a patient, by a carer between a lateral recumbent position and a sitting position. The invention also relates to a bed provided with such a device. The invention further relates to a method for displacing of a person by a carer between a lateral recumbent position and a sitting position using such a device.

Description

Device and method for displacing a person

The invention relates to a device for displacing of a person, in particular a patient, by a carer between a lateral recumbent position and a sitting position. The invention also relates to a bed provided with such a device. The invention fiirther relates to a method for displacing of a person by a carer between a lateral recumbent position and a sitting position using such a device.

For many older people and semi-invalids it is generally difficult to move unassisted from a recumbent position in bed to a sitting position. The help of another person, for instance a carer, or use of an aid is usually required here to be able to achieve the desired movement. The international patent application WO 97/10792 describes an apparatus for supporting persons when getting in and out of bed, using which (semi- invalid) persons can however get in or out of bed autonomously. The known apparatus comprises an arm which can be swivelled on a vertical axis and which is displaceable by means of driving by an electric motor between a first position, in which the arm is positioned above a person located in the bed, and a second position in which the arm is positioned along a person located (partly) beside the bed. The two positions enclose a substantially perpendicular angle to each other. Using the known apparatus a user, such as for instance a semi-invalid, can be transported from a dorsal recumbent position to a sitting position on an edge of the bed. The known apparatus has a number of drawbacks however. A significant drawback of the known apparatus is that a user must grip onto the arm over a relatively long distance, wherein considerable tensile strains are generally exerted on the user, particularly on the shoulders, the neck and the back of the user.

This problem is obviated by the Netherlands patent NL 1024459 of the present applicant, in which an apparatus is proposed for displacing a person from a lateral recumbent position to a sitting position, comprising engaging means which are rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. However, this apparatus has a number of drawbacks. First of all, the apparatus is relatively difficult and impractical to handle, both for a nurse who wishes to displace a person, generally a patient, from a lateral recumbent position to a sitting position, and must herein place the apparatus in position in the bed of the person, and for someone responsible for transport of the apparatus, particularly because of the bulky and unwieldy construction thereof. In addition, the dimensions of the engaging means limit the use of the apparatus to that person for which the dimensioning of the apparatus is suitable, so that a nurse may be compelled to use a number of apparatuses for a number of individuals. This is particularly the case for the head support comprised in the apparatus which is situated at a determined length relative to a tilting point or rotating point of the apparatus.

The present invention therefore has for its object to at least partially obviate the above stated and other drawbacks, or to provide a usable alternative.

The invention provides for this purpose a device for displacing of a person, in particular a patient, by a carer between a lateral recumbent position and a sitting position, comprising a first arm and at least one second arm connected by coupling means to the first arm, wherein the relative orientation between the first arm and the second arm can be changed between an operative mode, in which the device has an extended configuration to enable transmission of a moment of force exerted on the first arm by a carer to the second arm via the coupling means, for the purpose of transmitting the moment of force from the second arm to the person in order to displace the person between a lateral recumbent position and a sitting position, and a non-operative mode in which the device has a relatively compact configuration compared to the operative mode.

Because the relative orientation between the first arm and the second arm can be changed, and the arms are thereby movable or displaceable relative to each other, the device can be applied in relatively practical and user-friendly manner, wherein in the non-operative compact mode the device is arranged relatively easily behind the person to be displaced, after which the device, and in particular the arms, can be positioned in the operative mode for the purpose of displacing a person from a lateral recumbent position to a sitting position of this person, and vice versa. The use of a compact non- operative mode is thus particularly advantageous in enabling simple installation of the device behind a person to be displaced, but also in enabling relatively simple and convenient transport and storage of the device. The compact mode can for instance be formed here by a folded-up or retracted position of the device or by a dismantled state of the device, as will be further set forth hereinbelow. Furthermore, owing to the structurally simple construction of two mutually coupled arms, the device has a generally plane-symmetrical construction, whereby a left oriented rotation movement about the sagittal axis of the patient as well as a right oriented rotation movement about the sagittal axis of the person is made possible using the device according to the invention. The relative mobility or displaceability of the arms must be interpreted relatively broadly in this context. The arms can for instance be releasably coupled, and can therefore be uncoupled, in order to be able to reach the second position. However, it is also possible to envisage the arms being permanently connected to each other, wherein the relative mobility is realized in that the arms are connected by the coupling means for pivoting or sliding relative to each other. The coupling means will here have at least one position in which the first arm and the second arm are movable relative to each other in a mutually coupled situation. A combination of the two possible embodiments, in which both arms are coupled in releasable manner by means of the coupling means as well as being able to move in coupled position by means of the coupling means, can likewise be envisaged. The transmission of the moment of force to the person via the second arm can take place in direct manner, wherein the person to be displaced grips directly onto the second arm (or a mechanical extension thereof), but can also take place in indirect manner, wherein the force via (an arm of) the carer can be transmitted to the person to be displaced.

In the case both arms are mutually coupled in the non-operative mode by means of coupling means, at least a substantial part of the first arm will be positioned relatively closely to at least a substantial part of the second arm. In this way the volume defined by the device, and in particular by the two arms, can be minimized in the non-operative mode, hi the operative extended mode the volume defined by the two arms will be (substantially) greater than the volume defined by the two arms in the non-operative mode. The distance between a first outer end of the first arm remote from the coupling means and a second outer end of the second arm remote from the coupling means will generally be greater in the operative mode than this distance in the non-operative mode, in order to enable the volume defined or enclosed by the arms to be increased while moving from the non-operative mode to the operative mode, and vice versa.

In a preferred embodiment the coupling means are adapted for releasable coupling of the arms, whereby the arms can be uncoupled from each other. Displacement thus takes place here by moving the coupled arms at least partially apart. The coupling means can be adapted here to mutually connect the arms in one or more preferred positions. For this purpose the coupling means are preferably provided with a plurality of mutually co- acting coupling elements, wherein each arm can be connected to a separate coupling element. A possible embodiment for this purpose comprises a construction wherein a coupling means urges a first arm in coupled situation into a position relative to a second arm, wherein the first arm in an uncoupled situation can be unconnected to the second arm so that it can be moved or for instance transported separately thereof, or wherein the first arm in an uncoupled situation can be displaceably connected to the second arm, for instance by means of a cord or spring connection, which cord or spring connection must prevent loss of at least one of the arms.

In another preferred embodiment the coupling means comprise a coupling for coupling the first arm to the second arm for rotation over at least one rotation axis, such as a ball joint coupling, for the purpose of coupling the second arm displaceably to the first arm. When the arms are connected non-releasably to each other, this coupling provides the advantage that the arms are held together by the coupling, while this provides the advantage in each of the cases that the device can be transported and placed in the bed of the person as folded-up whole and, after placing, the arms can be moved into a relative orientation enabling the displacing of a person from a lateral recumbent position to a sitting position of this person, and vice versa.

In a further preferred embodiment, which has the advantage of simplicity of construction and manufacture, the coupling means comprise a pivot coupling for coupling the second arm to the first arm for rotation over one rotation axis. Such coupling is exceptionally stable and, using frictional force, the coupling can be readily placed and held in a determined position of the arms.

The device according to the invention preferably comprises bounding means for bounding a maximum angle of rotation of the first arm relative to the second arm, so that a carer need only move the arms until the bounding means engage in order to place them in the correct relative orientation for use during displacing of a person from a lateral recumbent position to a sitting position. The bounding means are more preferably adapted to bound the maximum pivot angle between 60° and 115°, preferably 80°. A practical embodiment of these bounding means comprises for instance a first protrusion connected to the first arm, adapted for co-action with the second arm, which can likewise be provided with a protrusion or with a slot. It will be evident that any bounding means known from the prior art can be applied for this purpose. A number of preferred orientations of the bounding means can also be defined in per se known manner in the device, so that a carer can place the device quickly and easily in readiness for the purpose of displacing a person.

It is also possible to envisage the first arm and the second arm being connected in mutually slidable manner by means of the coupling means, wherein the first arm and the second arm are more preferably adapted for telescopic co-action via the coupling means. The non-operative, retracted situation and the operative, extended situation of the device according to the invention can also be realized by means of sliding the two arms into and out of each other. Both arms will herein generally be given a substantially linear form. It is however also possible to envisage the arms taking an at least partially curved form. It is otherwise also possible to envisage both arms not being adapted to slide into each other, but being adapted to slide along each other, so that at least a (substantial) part of both arms will be positioned adjacently of each other in the non- operative mode of the device.

In an alternative preferred embodiment the device according to the present invention comprises at least one third arm which extends between the first and the second arm, whereby the first and second arms can be better oriented relative to each other. Two or more rotation points will then generally also be available during displacement of the person from a lateral recumbent position to a sitting position, and vice versa, whereby a movement curve can be realized which feels natural to the person without the carer having to employ special operations or knowledge for this purpose. The coupling means are preferably adapted to support, in particular roll along, on a bearing structure supporting the device, whereby the rotation points are in fact positioned at the location of the coupling means.

In a further embodiment of the device according to the invention at least one arm is provided with means for supporting the person. These means can comprise a support for the head or the neck of the person, such as a head support or neckroll pillow, or a support belt which can be fastened round the body of the person in order to support him or her. It will be evident that combinations of means for supporting a person also fall within the inventive concept of the present invention, as well as combinations of means which are each fixed to another arm. It is also possible to envisage at least one arm being provided with a handgrip, optionally protruding relative to the arm, which the carer can grasp. This handgrip could also be adapted here to support the person to be displaced. The handgrip can for instance be manufactured from plastic on which the person to be displaced can support. In order to enable the carer to grasp the handgrip in reliable and stable manner, the handgrip can be provided with fixing means enabling the hand of the carer to be substantially fixed relative to the handgrip. The fixing means can for instance be formed here by an adjustable belt which can engage on the hand of the carer.

In order to make the device usable by diverse people with differing body measurements, it is advantageous that the device according to the present invention is provided with at least one arm having a length which is adjustable, so that for instance the length of the arm can be adjusted to the length from a rotation point of a movement, with which the person is displaced from the lateral recumbent position to the sitting position, to a point at which for instance the head of the person is supported. The length of an arm which the carer grasps during displacement of the person can also be adjusted so that it is adapted to the body height of the carer. The option of adjusting the length of at least one arm can likewise be used to make the device suitable for use with a person situated on a low-lying surface such as a low placed bed. Making the length of at least one arm adjustable is preferably realized by applying an arm comprising at least two telescopically co-acting arm segments. Through axial rotation the arm segments - after setting of a desired length - can be mutually clamped and thereby fixed.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention, the device comprises attaching means for attaching the device to a bed, or to a wall, whereby the device can be applied in facilitated manner.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non- limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein: figures Ia and Ib show a perspective view of an embodiment of a device according to the present invention, and figures 2a-2j show the use of the embodiment of the device according to the present invention of figures la,b.

Figure Ia shows a device 100 according to the present invention in a situation suitable for storage and transport thereof. The device comprises a first arm 110 and a second arm 120 which are coupled by coupling means 150, these coupling means 150 comprising a first hinge part 130 connected to first arm 110, and a second hinge part 140 connected to second arm 120. The first and the second hinge parts can be releasably coupled, wherein they are displaceable and releasable in a direction of arrow 160, although they can also be pivotally coupled, wherein first arm 110 is pivotally displaceable in rotation direction 180 relative to second arm 120 over a rotation axis 170. First arm 110 is provided with a first telescopically extendable part 115 and second arm 120 is provided with a second telescopically extendable part 125.

Figure Ib shows device 100 of figure Ia, wherein the first arm is pivoted in a rotation direction 180 and wherein the first telescopically extendable part 115 is displaced in a first direction 190 relative to first arm 110 and wherein the second telescopically extendable part 125 is displaced in a first direction 200 relative to second arm 120.

Figure 2a shows a carer 210 standing next to a bed 220 on which is situated a person 230 lying on her back. Bed 220 is height-adjusted such that the distance 240 from the top side of mattress 260 to the ground 250 substantially corresponds to the height of a hip of carer 230.

Figure 2b shows device 100 of figures Ia, Ib, wherein the first telescopically extendable part 115 has been displaced by the carer relative to first arm 1 10 in a first direction 190 relative to the situation shown in figure Ia, and wherein the second telescopically extendable part 125 has been displaced in a first direction 200 relative to second arm 120.

Figure 2c shows the person 230 who has been turned in rotation direction 270 relative to bed 220 in order to be moved from the position shown in figure 2a, in which she is lying on her back, into a lateral recumbent position. The face 280 of the person is here directed toward the carer (not shown).

Figure 2d shows a side of person 230 remote from the face 280, and the device 100 which is disposed closely behind her by carer 210 (not shown) and the hinge 150 of which is disposed at the position 290 of the hip of person 230. Device 100 has neither been extended nor unfolded.

Figure 2e shows the situation of person 230 and device 100 of figure 2d relative to which the second arm 120 is rotated relative to first arm 110 in a rotation direction 180 by carer 210 (not shown).

Figure 2f shows how the legs 320 of the person are then displaced by the carer as according to arrow 310, wherein device 100 remains placed in unchanged position behind person 230.

Figure 2g shows how carer 210 grips the first telescopically extendable part 115 of the device with his left hand 320, thus passing his left arm under the head 280 or the neck of the person for support thereof. Carer 210 grips the second telescopically extendable part 125 of the device with his right hand 340 and then moves his left hand as according to the first arrow curve 330 and his right-hand as according to the arrow curve 350, thus displacing the person rotatingly around her sagittal axis from a lateral recumbent position to a sitting position.

Figure 2h shows the situation of figure 2g from the side of the face 280 of person 230 prior to the beginning of the movement along arrow curves 330, 350 of figure 2g. The weight of the carer here rests on his left foot 360.

Figure 2i shows the situation of figure 2g after the person 230 has been displaced during movement of the hands 320, 340 of the carer along the respective arrow curves 330, 350. Figure 2j shows the situation of figure 2i from a direction toward the face 280 of the person, wherein the carer, while following arrow curves 330, 350 of figure 2g, has shifted his weight from his left foot 360 to his right foot 370.

Figure 2k shows how the person 230 is sitting upright on bed 220, wherein the carer (not shown) has attached device 100 to bed 220 via attaching means 380.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that within the scope of the appended claims numerous variants are possible which will be self-evident to the skilled person in this field.

Claims

1. Device for displacing of a person, in particular a patient, by a carer between a lateral recumbent position and a sitting position, comprising: - a first arm,

- at least one second arm connected by coupling means to the first arm; wherein the relative orientation between the first arm and the second arm can be changed between an operative mode, in which the device has an extended configuration to enable transmission of a moment of force exerted on the first arm by a carer to the second arm via the coupling means, for the purpose of transmitting the moment of force from the second arm to the person in order to displace the person between a lateral recumbent position and a sitting position, and a non-operative mode in which the device has a relatively compact configuration compared to the operative mode.

2. Device as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the distance between a first outer end of the first arm remote from the coupling means and a second outer end of the second arm remote from the coupling means is greater in the operative mode than in the non-operative mode.

3. Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling means have at least one situation in which the first arm and the second arm are movable relative to each other.

4. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the coupling means are adapted for uncoupling the first arm relative to the second arm.

5. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the coupling means are adapted for coupling of the first arm to the second arm for rotation about at least one rotation axis.

6. Device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the coupling means are adapted for pivotable coupling of the first arm to the second arm.

7. Device as claimed in either of the claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the device comprises bounding means for bounding a maximum angle of pivot mutually enclosed by the first arm and the second arm.

8. Device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the bounding means are adapted to bound the maximum angle of pivot to 115°.

9. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the first arm and the second arm are connected in mutually slidable manner by means of the coupling means.

10. Device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the first arm and the second arm are adapted for telescopic co-action via the coupling means.

11. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one third arm, wherein the first arm and the second arm are mutually coupled via the at least one third arm.

12. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the coupling means are adapted to support, in particular roll along, on a bearing structure supporting the device.

13. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one arm is provided with means for supporting the person to be displaced.

14. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the length of at least one arm is adjustable.

15. Device as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that at least one arm comprises at least two arm segments co-acting telescopically with each other.

16. Device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the arm segments displaceable telescopically relative to each other can be mutually fixed by clamping.

17. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that at least one arm has a substantially linear form.

18. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the second arm is adapted to be gripped by the carer such that a force to be transmitted via the second arm to the person to be displaced is applied via a body part, in particular an arm, of the carer.

19. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the device is provided with attaching means for attaching the device to an external object, in particular a wall or a bed.

20. Arm for use in a device as claimed in any of the claims 1-19.

21. Assembly of a bed and a device as claimed in claim 19 connected to the bed.

22. Method for displacing of a person by a carer between a lateral recumbent position and a sitting position using a device as claimed in any of the claims 1-19, comprising the steps of: A) placing the device on the back side of the person;

B) placing the first arm of the device relative to the second arm such that the first and second arm enclose an angle, wherein the first arm is located in a substantially horizontal direction and the second arm is located in a direction with a vertical directional component; C) the carer gripping the first arm of the device;

D) the carer gripping the second arm of the device;

E) transmitting a moment of force exerted by a carer on the first arm to the second arm,

F) transmitting the moment of force from the second arm to the person, G) displacing the person between a lateral recumbent position and a sitting position while exerting the moment of force.

23. Method as claimed in claim 22, characterized by a neck or head of the person to be displaced being supported by an arm of the carer during transmitting of the moment of force from the second arm to the person as according to step F).