MEDICAL CRANE FOR LIFTING A PATIENT IN A HORIZONTAL POSITION

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a medical crane for lifting a patient in a horizontal position, which enables the patient to be laterally turned from either side and lifts the patient in a horizontal position, avoiding having to sit him or her down. In addition, the crane takes up little space and can be handled by a single operator. The crane is intended to be placed on the sides of a bed or stretcher that has a support element (12) on which a patient rests and it comprises two side frames (2) equipped with at least one base (3), two vertical supports (4) that have a moveable part (6), a lifting mechanism (31) linked to each vertical support (4) and having an actuator (33), and a longitudinal clamp (8) solidly attached to the moveable part (6) which is intended to clamp the edge of the support element (12).

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical crane for lifting a patient in a horizontal position, intended to be placed around a bed or stretcher that has a support element on which the patient rests. The crane has two side frames, a longitudinal clamp for each frame that is lifted vertically and that is intended to clamp the edge of the support element, lifting the patient.

[0002] Specifically, the medical crane of the present invention enables the patient to be laterally turned from either side to facilitate making the bed, placing pillows for posture changes or transferring them by lifting them horizontally. In addition, the crane takes up little space and can be handled by a single operator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Currently, there are cranes to lift or help patients with reduced mobility sit up, which facilitate care work and enable them to be transferred. Normally, cranes are metal structures that are the height of a person, with long legs that project in parallel on the floor and have wheels. On them, the patient is hung with harnesses, from two, four or six points, so that he or she is placed in a sitting position in the air.

[0004] However, these systems are very uncomfortable for the patient and, furthermore, when moved, they reach great heights in the air, which can be a safety problem, meaning that they should be used only when absolutely required. Moreover, the crane that is used is difficult to handle, both to place the fabric with harnesses and to mobilise it.

[0005] Caregivers have the same difficulties in moving patients at home. These cranes must also be moved to the bed from outside the room each time the patient needs to be moved, as they take up a lot of space and should not be obstructed.

[0006] A different type of crane is disclosed in document GR1003265, which has an upper metal bar with a rail and the patient can be moved lying down on a rectangular surface, which hangs from a single point. Document US4092748 discloses a crane wherein the patient is moved lying down on a flat surface, and hangs from a point. However, in both inventions the fastener hangs from a single point, which entails greater instability and discomfort for the patient.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention relates to a medical crane for lifting a patient in a horizontal position, intended to be placed around a bed or stretcher which is in turn equipped with a support element on which a patient rests. The crane comprises two side frames intended to be placed on each side of the bed or stretcher, wherein each side frame comprises at least one base intended to rest on a floor, two vertical supports each one equipped with a fixed structure that extends from the base and a lifting part moveably linked to the fixed structure that is capable of vertically raising and lowering and is equipped with a free end, a lifting mechanism equipped with an actuator linked to the free ends of each vertical support and a longitudinal clamp attachable to the support element that moves integrally with the lifting parts and is equipped with an outer surface and two ends respectively linked to the free ends of the lifting parts, wherein the longitudinal clamp is intended to clamp the edge of the support element.

[0008] Due to the configuration of the crane and the vertically moveable clamps thereof, the patient can be lifted in a horizontal position and moved on the bed without having to use the physical force of people or large cranes, which are difficult to handle, uncomfortable and inadvisable in some cases. It enables nurses to comfortably help patients sit up who tend to slide towards the bottom of the bed. In addition, it enables the patient to be laterally turned from either side to facilitate making the bed or placing pillows for posture changes. The clamps fasten and tense the support element that the patient has under his or her body, the support element being fitted sheets, harnesses, sheets or any similar element. Thus, the manoeuvre is similar to the one usually performed by caregivers or health workers without the crane, who lift the patient with the force of their arms and back, but requiring fewer health workers, it is more ergonomic for both the patient and the operators, and a correct movement is ensured.

[0009] Preferably, the side frames do not protrude above the mattress except when they are lifting the patient, to facilitate the work of the staff caring for them. These two longitudinal clamps, one on each side of the patient, enable the support element to be tensioned, by means of a rotary movement, causing homogeneous lifting of the patient as a whole, without any discomfort or tightness. The clamps can move at the same time or independently, depending on whether the actuators of one or two side frames act.

[0010] Additionally, the crane uses the textile elements, preferably tucked sheets that the patient has, which are changed every day, or when required, such that by already being in their place, they save caregivers a lot of effort since they do not have to use single-use materials for lifting the patient.

[0011] Thus, it is not necessary to sit the patient in the air, and at a considerable height, which increases their safety and comfort. It entails stress and risk for the haemodynamics of some patients who have heart and circulation problems, since they can be suddenly subjected to fluctuations in blood volume that their circulatory system cannot withstand. Only the longitudinal clamp of a frame can be lifted and a pillow can be inserted to keep them in a side position.

[0012] Lifting the patient is useful, for example, to make the bed, and then the patient is placed on the clean and straightened sheets without having to be moved from one side to another as is usually done. It is possible to perform a transfer from bed to bed, or bed to stretcher, to the operating table, for tests, such as a CT scan, or examination table, without having to move the patient so much and without requiring so many human resources.

[0013] The longitudinal clamp is capable of rotating about the longitudinal axis thereof and winding the support element around the outer surface, so that the support element is tensioned as it is wound, better adjusting to the body, and it can lift the patient as it is tightened.

[0014] Preferably, the ends of the longitudinal clamp comprise a support plate solidly attached to the free end of the lifting part, the longitudinal clamp comprises a first longitudinal part linked to respective support plates and a second longitudinal part that can be linked to the first longitudinal part, which it is intended to retain the edge of the support element on the first part so that the two parts are easily assembled to retain the support element.

[0015] The outer surface may comprise a first outer surface and a second outer surface and wherein the first part may be D-shaped and is defined by the first outer surface and a first flat surface and the second part may be D-shaped and is defined by the second outer surface and a second flat surface facing the first flat surface in an assembly situation, the surfaces making contact with the support element. Thus, the outer surface makes it easier for the support element to be wound due to the curvature thereof and the flat surfaces fit together perfectly, retaining the support element. This retention function is facilitated by incorporating a non-slip compressible band between said flat surfaces.

[0016] The first part may comprise two first holes in the vicinity of the ends thereof and the second part comprises two second holes in the vicinity of the ends thereof, wherein the holes are intended to receive a connection element such as a rod or a screw that is easily removable to ensure the connection between the parts and at the same time enable easy disassembly.

[0017] The longitudinal clamp may comprise two cylindrical protuberances that extend from the ends of the first part and are linked to the support plates and the second longitudinal part comprises two recesses at the ends thereof that have a complementary shape to the cylindrical protuberances intended to partially embrace the protuberances such that the cylindrical shape is maintained and the link between the clamps is made robust.

[0018] The support plate may comprise a horizontal sheet connected to the free end and a vertical sheet perpendicularly connected to the horizontal sheet equipped with a hole and wherein the longitudinal clamp comprises a rod coaxial to the longitudinal axis that extends from the vertical sheet and is pivotally housed in the hole.

[0019] The longitudinal clamp may comprise at least one gear linked to the rod that rotates integrally therewith and the longitudinal clamp comprises at least one retention element linked to the vertical sheet that is capable of being linked to the gear and blocking the movement of rotation of the longitudinal clamp.

[0020] The gear can be equipped with grooves and the retention element comprises a moveable latch that can be housed in the grooves, preventing the movement of rotation of the longitudinal clamp. There can be two gears for each clamp, and the clamp may comprise four retention elements, two for each end of the rod that provide safety so that the clamp does not rotate unduly.

[0021] The lifting system can be comprised in the crane with several options, for example, as a scissor system or any other that performs the same operation of vertical movement. Preferably, the lifting mechanism can be equipped with at least one power supply battery arranged in at least one side frame, a linear actuator arranged in each vertical support linked to the battery and to the free end of the lifting part that is capable of moving the lifting part, a control box linked to the linear actuators and a control knob that sends an activation signal to the control box intended to be controlled by a user.

[0022] Preferably, the linear actuator comprises a motor linked to the base, a casing that extends from the motor, and a spindle partially housed in the casing and moveable with respect thereto that is linked to the motor and to the free end of the lifting part. The number and arrangement of the elements of the lifting mechanism is variable and can be adapted as required.

[0023] The crane may preferably comprise a gantry intended to cover the bed that is equipped with four beams facing parallel to the vertical supports that extend from the base and two crossbars intended to face the bed and connecting the beams two by two.

[0024] The gantry provides stability and solidity to the crane, connecting both side frames and the crossbeams can even be folded and the horizontal can remain to facilitate movement by a single person, who would push it.

[0025] The length of the beams and of the crossbars is adjustable, such that it can be better adapted to the width of any bed size and to the required height.

[0026] The beams and the crossbars are hollow and configured to house cables of the lifting system so that they are concealed. Alternatively the cables can be on the floor or under the bed.

[0027] The crane may comprise at least one wheel per vertical support linked to the base and which is intended to make contact with the floor, facilitating the transport thereof, wherein preferably the wheels have a brake to position the gantry.

[0028] With all this, moving the crane is very simple and the volume it occupies is very small, such that leading or transporting it can be managed by any operator. It can be easily moved from a warehouse to a room, due to the low weight and the wheels thereof, and it can be left on the sides of the bed without protruding from it, so it is not an obstacle, or even adhered to any wall in the same room. The two upper crossbars that can be placed at will can serve as a post for fastening saline bottles, medication bags, medication perfusion or intravenous solution pumps.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] As a complement to the description provided herein, and for the purpose of helping to make the features of the invention more readily understandable, in accordance with a preferred practical exemplary embodiment thereof, said description is accompanied by a set of drawings constituting an integral part of the same, which by way of illustration and not limitation, represent the following:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a crane around a bed.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a clamp.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a crane.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a side frame.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a crane placed around a hospital bed (1), according to the present invention, wherein the bed or stretcher (1) is equipped with a support element (12) on which a patient is intended to rest.

[0031] The crane comprises two side frames (2) intended to be placed on each side of the bed or stretcher (1), wherein each side frame (2) comprises at least one base (3) intended to rest on a floor, two vertical supports (4) each one equipped with a fixed structure (5) that extends from the base (3) and a lifting part (6) moveably linked to the fixed structure (5) that is capable of vertically raising and lowering and is equipped with a free end (7). The base (3) in the figure shown extends between the two supports (4), although alternatively, each vertical support (4) could be supported on an individual base (3), thus having two bases (3) per side frame (2).

[0032] The crane comprises a lifting mechanism (31) equipped with an actuator (33) linked to the free ends (7) of each vertical support (4) that is capable of moving the lifting part (6).

[0033] The crane likewise comprises a longitudinal clamp (8) attachable to the support element (12) that moves integrally with the lifting parts (6) and is equipped with an outer surface (9,10) and two ends (11) respectively linked to the free ends (7) of the lifting parts (6), wherein the longitudinal clamp (8) clamps the edge of the support element (12). The longitudinal clamp (8) is capable of rotating about the longitudinal axis thereof and winding the support element (12) around the outer surface (9,10). For example, a scoop stretcher, especially used for patients with spinal cord injuries, can be placed on the support element (12).

[0034] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the longitudinal clamp (8), according to the present invention. The ends (11) of the longitudinal clamp (8) comprise a support plate (13) solidly attached to the free end (7) of the lifting part (6), the longitudinal clamp (8) comprises a first longitudinal part (14) linked to respective support plates (13) and a second longitudinal part (15) that can be linked to the first longitudinal part (14), which is intended to retain the edge of the support element (12) on the first part (14).

[0035] The outer surface (9,10) comprises a first outer surface (9) and a second outer surface (10). The first part (14) is D-shaped and is defined by the first outer surface (9) and a first flat surface (16) covered with a compressible and non-slip sheet and the second part (15) is D-shaped and is defined by the second outer surface (10) and a second flat surface (17) facing the first flat surface (16) in an assembly situation, the surfaces (9, 10, 16, 17) making contact with the support element (12).

[0036] The first part (14) comprises two first holes (18) in the vicinity of the ends thereof and the second part (15) comprises two second holes (19) in the vicinity of the ends thereof, wherein the holes (18,19) are intended to receive a connection element (20).

[0037] The support plate (13) comprises a horizontal sheet (23) connected to the free end (7) and a vertical sheet (24) perpendicularly connected to the horizontal sheet (23) equipped with a rotation hole and wherein the longitudinal clamp (8) comprises a rod (26) coaxial to the longitudinal axis that extends from the vertical sheet (24) and is pivotally housed in the rotation hole.

[0038] The longitudinal clamp (8) comprises a gear (27) linked to a rod (26) wherein the rod is a protuberance coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the clamp, which rotates integrally with it and is equipped with grooves (28) and a retention element (29) linked to the vertical sheet (24) comprising a moveable latch (30) that can be housed in the grooves (28) and prevents the longitudinal clamp (8) from rotating in one direction. Alternatively and in a preferred mode, two retention elements (29) are used for each gear (27), one for each end of the rod (26) to provide greater safety when blocking the rotational movement of the clamp; therefore, there are four retention elements (29) for each longitudinal clamp (8).

[0039] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the crane, according to the present invention. The lifting mechanism (31) is equipped with at least one power supply battery (32) arranged in at least one side frame (2), an actuator (33) arranged in each vertical support (4) linked to the battery (32) and to the free end (7) of the lifting part (6) that is capable of moving the lifting part (6), a control box (34) linked to the actuators (33) and a control knob (35) that sends an activation signal to the control box (34) intended to be controlled by a user.

[0040] In the example shown, the actuator (33) is linear and comprises a motor (36) linked to the base (3), a casing (37) that extends from the motor (36), and a spindle (38) partially housed in the casing (37) and moveable with respect thereto that is linked to the motor and to the free end (7) of the lifting part (6).

[0041] The crane likewise comprises a gantry (40) intended to cover the bed that is equipped with four beams (41) facing parallel to the vertical supports (4) that extend from the base and two crossbars (42) intended to face the bed (1) and connecting the beams (41) two by two. The crane additionally comprises two wheels (43) per vertical support (4) linked to the base (3) and intended to make contact with the floor.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a side frame (2) in perspective view, according to the present invention, wherein the frame comprises a handle (44) that can be linked to the fixed structure (5). In the embodiment shown and in a non-limiting manner, the handle (44) is equipped with a U-shaped bar (45) with a first handle end (47) pivotally linked to the fixed structure (5) and a second free handle end (46) that can be temporarily linked to the fixed structure (5). The handle (44) can vary in shape and configuration, as long as the function thereof is not altered.

[0043] Thus, a first plate (53) extends from the fixed structure (5) which is crossed by a rod (52) that can rotate and the first end comprises a hole, not visible in the figure, wherein the rod (52) is housed. The handle end (46) likewise comprises a closing hole (50) and from the fixed structure (5) a second plate (48) extends to which a latch (49) that can be housed in the closing hole (50) is connected so that the handle is retained in the desired position.

Claims

1. A medical crane for lifting a patient in a horizontal position, intended to be placed on the sides of a bed or stretcher (1) which is in turn equipped with a support element (12) on which a patient rests, characterised in that it comprises:

- two side frames (2) intended to be placed on each side of the bed or stretcher (1), wherein each side frame (2) comprises:

∘ at least one base (3) intended to rest on a floor;

∘ two vertical supports (4) each one equipped with a fixed structure (5) that extends from the base (3) and a lifting part (6) moveably linked to the fixed structure (5) that is capable of vertically raising and lowering and is equipped with a free end (7);

∘ a lifting mechanism (31) equipped with an actuator (33) linked to the free ends (7) of each vertical support (4);

∘ a longitudinal clamp (8) attachable to the support element (12) that moves integrally with the lifting parts (6) and is equipped with an outer surface (9,10) and two ends (11) respectively linked to the free ends (7) of the lifting parts (6), wherein the longitudinal clamp (8) is intended to clamp the edge of the support element (12).

2. The crane of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal clamp (8) comprises a longitudinal axis that crosses the two ends (11) and the clamp is capable of rotating about the longitudinal axis thereof and winding the support element (12) around the outer surface (9,10).

3. The crane of claim 1, wherein the ends (11) of the longitudinal clamp (8) comprise a support plate (13) solidly attached to the free end (7) of the lifting part (6), the longitudinal clamp (8) comprises a first longitudinal part (14) linked to respective support plates (13) and a second longitudinal part (15) that can be linked to the first longitudinal part (14), which is intended to retain the edge of the support element (12) on the first part (14).

4. The crane of claim 3, wherein the outer surface (9,10) comprises a first outer surface (9) and a second outer surface (10) and wherein the first part (14) is D-shaped and is defined by the first outer surface (9) and a first flat surface (16) and the second part (15) is D-shaped and is defined by the second outer surface (10) and a second flat surface (17) facing the first flat surface (16) in an assembly situation, the surfaces (9, 10, 16, 17) making contact with the support element (12).

5. The crane of claim 3, wherein the first part (14) comprises two first holes (18) in the vicinity of the ends thereof and the second part (15) comprises two second holes (19) in the vicinity of the ends thereof, wherein the holes (18,19) are intended to receive a connection element (20).

6. The crane of claim 3, wherein the longitudinal clamp (8) comprises two cylindrical protuberances (21) that extend from the ends of the first part (14) and are linked to the support plates (13) and the second part (15) comprises two recesses (22) at the ends thereof that have a complementary shape to the cylindrical protuberances (21) intended to partially embrace the cylindrical protuberances (21).

7. The crane of claim 3, wherein the support plate (13) comprises a horizontal sheet (23) connected to the free end (7) and a vertical sheet (24) perpendicularly connected to the horizontal sheet (23) equipped with a rotation hole and wherein the longitudinal clamp (8) comprises a rod (26) coaxial to the longitudinal axis that extends from the vertical sheet (24) and is rotatably housed in the rotation hole.

8. The crane of claim 7, wherein the longitudinal clamp (8) comprises at least one gear (27) linked to the rod (26) that rotates integrally therewith and the longitudinal clamp comprises at least one retention element linked to the vertical sheet (24) that is capable of being linked to the gear (27) and blocking the movement of rotation of the longitudinal clamp (8).

9. The crane of claim 8, wherein the gear (27) is equipped with grooves (28) and the retention element (29) comprises a moveable latch (30) that can be housed in the grooves (28), preventing the movement of rotation of the longitudinal clamp (8).

10. The crane of claim 1, wherein the lifting system (31) is equipped with at least one power supply battery (32) arranged in at least one side frame (2), wherein the actuator (33) is arranged in each vertical support (4) linked to the battery (32) and to the free end (7) of the lifting part (6) such that it is capable of moving the lifting part (6), a control box (34) linked to the actuators (33) and a control knob (35) that sends an activation signal to the control box (34) intended to be controlled by a user.

11. The crane of claim 10, wherein the actuator (33) comprises a motor (36) linked to the base (3), a casing (37) that extends from the motor (36) and a spindle (38) partially housed in the casing (37) and moveable with respect thereto that is linked to the motor and to the free end (7) of the lifting part (6).

12. The crane of claim 1, which additionally comprises a gantry (40) intended to cover the bed that is equipped with four beams (41) facing parallel to the vertical supports (4) that extend from the base and two crossbars (42) intended to face the bed (1) and connecting the beams (41) two by two.

13. The crane of claim 11, wherein the length of the beams (41) and of the crossbars (42) is adjustable.

14. The crane of claim 1, wherein the beams (41) and the crossbars (42) are hollow and configured to house cables of the lifting system (31).

15. The crane of claim 1, comprising at least one wheel (43) per vertical support (4) linked to the base (3) and intended to make contact with the floor.

Drawing