Sliding device for transferring patients

摘要

The sliding device comprises a sliding foil or smooth fabric which is fixed at one end to a sliding transfer mat (1) and is placed between the bed (3) and mat. The sliding foil or fabric can also enclose cushioning or other form of inner stuffing. The patient who is lying on a bed is lifted slightly to the side so that the sliding mat can be pushed under him. When the patient is on the mat his weight acts vertically downwards on to the bed and the sliding mat. Two surfaces of contact are present which have a coefficient of friction between them which determines the degree of resistance to movement between the surfaces. In the case of the patient transport device, the materials chosen are such that the coefficient of friction ( mu 2) between the sliding mat and the sliding medium is less than the coefficient of friction ( mu 1) between the bed and the sliding foil. If a pulling force (Z) is exerted on the system which is sufficient to overcome the friction force (R2) between the mat and the sliding foil, then the mat will slide on the foil whilst the under side of the sliding foil simply rolls across the bed.