Lifting device

Abstract

A device for lifting a person from a supine position into a raised supine position or sitting posture. The device comprises at least one U-shaped inflatable structure which defines a hollow and a flexible membrane which is attachable to the device. The membrane is extendable over at least a portion of the hollow to provide a support surface for the person.

1 . A device for lifting a person from a supine position into a raised supine position or sitting posture, said device comprising at least one U-shaped inflatable structure defining a hollow and a flexible membrane attachable to the device, wherein said membrane is extendable over at least a portion of the hollow to provide a support surface for the person. 
   
   
       2 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the device is provided with at least one U-shaped rigid frame. 
   
   
       3 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein an uppermost surface of the inflatable structure is provided with a U-shaped frame. 
   
   
       4 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the U-shaped frame lies in the same plane as the uppermost surface of the inflatable structure when inflated. 
   
   
       5 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the frame is releasably attached to the inflatable structure. 
   
   
       6 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the flexible membrane is releasably attached to the frame. 
   
   
       7 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the flexible membrane is provided with an aperture so that a bedpan placed under the device may be used by a person on the device. 
   
   
       8 . A device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the device further comprises a rigid element which is releasably attachable to the open end of the U-shaped frame to enable a rectangular frame to be configured. 
   
   
       9 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one U-shaped inflatable structure is cylindrical in cross section when inflated. 
   
   
       10 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one U-shaped inflatable structure is provided internally with one or more membranes extending vertically between upper and lower wall portions. 
   
   
       11 . A device as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the at least one U-shaped inflatable structure is generally oval in cross section when fully inflated. 
   
   
       12 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a stack of two or more U-shaped inflatable structures, positioned one on top of each other. 
   
   
       13 . A device as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein adjacent inflatable structures in the stack are welded to each other. 
   
   
       14 . A device as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein the frame is mounted to an upper surface of the uppermost structure in the stack. 
   
   
       15 . A device as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising a collapsible back support which can be erected to provide additional support to the patient seated in a sitting posture in the device. 
   
   
       16 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein a U-shaped frame is attached to a base of the device.