GB2449994A

GB2449994A - A handle for moving a bed

Info

Publication number: GB2449994A
Application number: GB0810343A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Edmund Pearson-Jenkins
Original assignee: Wolverhampton, University of
Current assignee: Wolverhampton, University of
Priority date: 2007-06-08
Filing date: 2008-06-06
Publication date: 2008-12-10
Also published as: GB0810343D0; GB0711005D0

Abstract

For moving beds, especially hospital beds, a bed 100 has an attachment means to which a handle is releasably connected. The handle is height adjustable so that it can be moved to a position that is comfortable for a person 104 moving the bed. An attachment means may be integral with the handle or it may be mounted on the bed frame and adapted to connect to the handle. The attachment means are arranged to prevent lateral movement of the device along the bed frame and may have a mounting position, an intermediate position and an operative position in which the bed may be moved. Preferably the device cannot disengage from the bed frame in the operative position.

Description

A BED-MOVING DEVICE AND METHODS FOR MOVING BEDS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to bed-moving devices and related methods. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to devices for moving hospital beds, day-care beds and other beds that are used in health care.

Background of the Invention

Although the invention has wider applicability, it is convenient to discuss the invention in relation to hospital beds and the movement of hospital beds around a hospital.

Numerous transfers of hospital beds occur on a day-to-day basis within many different care settings. The current practice of transferring beds can put at least one of the carers involved at significant risk of back strain or other injury.

Figure 1 shows a prior art method of two people 104, 106 moving a hospital bed 100. A first person 104 is positioned at the front of the bed 100, and holds onto a bar 102 that forms part of the bed 100. The first person 104 pulls the bed 100 when it is being moved, and predominantly steers the bed 100. A second person 106 is positioned at the back of the bed 100 and pushes the bed 100. The second person 106 provides the majority of the force to move the bed 100.

If the bar 102 is not at a correct height for the first person 104 pulling and steering the bed it can be uncomfortable for the first person 104 and can lead to injury. The first person's upper and lower back, neck, hip and shoulder are particularly at risk of being strained or otherwise injured when moving a bed this way as they may be stooping or stretching to hold the bar 102.

Also, if the height of the bed 100 is not suitable for the second person 106 pushing the bed 100, the second person 106 can also be injured when moving the bed 100.

One known way of reducing the risk of injury to the first person 104 and second person 106 moving the bed 100 is to use the in-built functionality of the bed 100 to raise or lower the bed 100 so that it is at a suitable height for the first person 104 and second person 106 moving the bed 100. Disadvantages of having to adjust the height of the bed 100 every time it is used include the time and effort taken to adjust the height of the bed 100. Also, the bed will only have a finite range of movement that may not be suitable for all people that move the bed. The inconvenience of adjusting the bed 100 may lead to some people not adjusting the height of the bed 100 when only moving the bed 100 short distances.

Also, it may not always be possible to adjust the height of the bed 100 so that it is comfortable for both people 104, 106 moving the bed 100, for example if they are of substantially different heights. Furthermore, in emergency situations it may not be possible to waste time adjusting the height of the bed 100 when treatment is needed immediately.

In Great Britain 40% of nurses who are off work, are off work due to injuries sustained during manual handling.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a bed moving device comprising handle means and bed attachment means, the handle means and attachment means having a first arrangement in which in use the handle means, attachment means and bed are coupled together and at least the handle means is adapted to be rotatable in a vertical plane to facilitate moving the bed and wherein at least one of the handle means and attachment means is arranged to be releasable from one of the bed and the attachment means.

Preferably the bed moving device is arranged such that the handle means is arranged to have a mounting position in which the bed moving means is mounted on and/or removed from a bed and a working position in which it can be used to move a bed. It is desirable that the handle means is arranged to be used to facilitate fitting and/or removal of the attachment means to a bed particularly when in the mounting position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for moving a bed, wherein the device is arranged to be moved angularly between a first position and a second position relative to a bed to which, in use, it is attached, an intermediate position is located between the first and second position, wherein the device is arranged to be capable of disengaging the bed when it is positioned between the intermediate position and the second position, and the device is arranged to be incapable of disengaging the bed when it is positioned between the first position and the intermediate position.

Engaging the device with the bed allows the angle of the device relative to the bed to be adjusted between the first and intermediate position without the device becoming detached from the bed. This ensures that the bed can be moved in a comfortable way for an individual using the bed-moving device.

When the bed has been moved to its desired location, the bed-moving device can be disengaged from the bed by moving the device beyond the intermediate position towards the second position relative to the bed to cause the device to be capable of disengaging the bed. The device can then be removed from the bed.

Preferably, when the device is not attached to a bed, the device is arranged to be capable of engaging the bed when it is positioned between the intermediate position and the second position relative to a bed to which it is to be attached, and the device is arranged to be incapable of engaging the bed when it is positioned between the first position and the intermediate position.

Preferably, lateral movement of the device along the bed is prevented when the device is positioned between the first position and the intermediate position relative to the bed, and the device is engaged with the bed.

The device may comprise a resilient member that is in contact with the bed when the device is engaged with the bed. The resilient member may be arranged such that it is deformed when the device is engaged with the bed. The deformation of the resilient member may exert a force against the bed and ensure that the device does not slide along the bed when in use. The resilient member may be made from rubber, and may be wedge shaped.

Preventing lateral movement of the device along a bed is particularly desirable when the device is used to steer the bed, and a lateral force that is applied to the device to turn the bed does not cause the device to slide along the bed and not turn the bed.

Preferably, the device may be arranged to engage with a region of a bed frame, preferably a region of a head frame of a bed. Alternatively, the device may be arranged to engage with an element of the bed that has been fitted to the bed specifically for this purpose.

The device may be used to push and/or pull the bed.

The angle between the first position and the intermediate position of the device relative to the bed may be roughly in the range of 100 to 120 .

Preferably, the angle between the first position and the intermediate position of the device relative to the bed may be roughly in the range of 20 to 400 or 80 to 120 . More preferably, the angle between the first position and the second position of the device relative to the bed may be roughly 300. In other embodiments, the angle may be roughly 95 .

The greater the angle between the first and intermediate positions, the greater the range of people that can use the device without putting themselves at risk of injury, whilst still avoiding the need to adjust the height of the bed.

The second position may be any position that is at or beyond the intermediate position as the device moves angularly away from the first position.

The device may comprise a bed-engaging portion and a handle. The handle may be arranged to move between a first position, an intermediate position and a second position relative to the bed-engaging portion. The bed-engaging portion may be arranged to open when the handle is in a position between the intermediate position and the second position. The bed-engaging portion may be arranged to close when the handle is in a position between the first position and the intermediate position. The bed-engaging portion may be arranged to remain stationary relative to the bed.

The bed-engaging portion may be open when the device is capable of engaging or disengaging the bed. The bed-engaging portion may be closed when the device is incapable of engaging or disengaging the bed.

The handle may be angularly coupled to the bed-engaging portion to enable the handle to move angularly with respect to the bed-engaging portion. The handle may be connected to the bed-engaging portion by a hinge.

Preferably the bed-moving device, and more preferably the bed-engaging portion, may comprise four walls that define a cavity that is arranged, in use, to accommodate a region of the bed frame, or another member that is present on the bed. The four walls may comprise a top wall, bottom wall and two side walls. When the device is in the first position the top and bottom walls may be substantially parallel and on opposite sides of the cavity to each other, and the two side walls may be substantially parallel to each other, substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom walls, and on opposite sides of the cavity to each other. The device may be arranged such that when the handle is positioned between the first position and the intermediate position the bed-moving device may be arranged to be closed, and the four walls may form an enclosure that can surround a region of the bed frame in order that the device does not disengage the bed frame when the device is pushed or pulled to move the bed. The device may be arranged such that when the handle is positioned between the intermediate position and the second position, one or more of the walls may move relative to one, or more, of the other walls so that not all of the walls surround the region of the bed frame, and the device can be disengaged from the bed.

In other embodiments, the bed-engaging portion may comprise five, six, or any other number of walls arranged to surround a region of the bed frame in use.

The handle may be rounded at its free-end and in a preferred embodiment may comprise a hook portion. This is a safety feature that prevents a person being injured by a sharp edge on the free-end of the device, and can also allow the device to be conveniently stored, for example by hanging the device up by it's free-end.

Preferably, the device is made out of plastic, more preferably an antibacterial plastic. The device may be made out of plastic in the interests of hygiene, and to avoid the risk of the device carrying infection. An example of an antibacterial plastic is microban.

The device may be arranged such that it does not affect the structure of the frame of a bed or invalidate the warranty of the bed. The device may be lightweight, simple to use and easy to clean.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of moving a bed with a bed-moving device, wherein the bed-moving device is arranged to be moved angularly between a first position and a second position relative to the bed, an intermediate position is located between the first and second position, the method comprising the steps of: angularly positioning the bed-moving device between the intermediate position and the second position relative to the bed; engaging the bed-moving device with the bed; angularly moving the bed-moving device to a position between the first position and the intermediate position relative to the bed; moving the bed; and angularly moving the bed-moving device to a position between the intermediate position and the second position relative to the bed; and disengaging the bed-moving device from the bed.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an attachment member arranged to be attached to a bed, wherein a bed-moving device according to an embodiment of the invention is engaged with the attachment member.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for moving a bed comprising a bed-engaging portion and a handle, wherein the handle is arranged to be moved between a first position and a second position relative to the bed-engaging portion, an intermediate position is located between the first and second positions, wherein the bed-engaging portion is closed when the handle is in a position between the first position and the intermediate position and the bed-engaging portion is open when the handle is in a position between the intermediate position and the second position.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a bed moving device comprising handle means and bed attachment means, the handle means and attachment means, having a first arrangement in which in use the handle means, attachment means and bed are coupled/fastened together, adapted to facilitate moving the bed and wherein at least one of the handle means and attachment means is arranged to be releasable from one of the bed and the attachment means.

In one embodiment the handle means may be disengageable from the attachment means. The attachment means may be integral with the bed or may be a separate element secured thereto.

The attachment means may be clamped to a frame element at one end of the bed.

In another embodiment the attachment means may be demounted from the frame. Preferably the attachment means is adapted to be mountable on a variety of bed frames.

In one embodiment the handle means may comprise an engagement portion adapted to releasably engage with the attachment means. The handle means may also comprise a holding portion adapted to be held, in use, by a person manoeuvring the bed.

Preferably the handle means is rotatable relative to the attachment means, such that the holding portion can be rotated to a suitable height such that a person manoeuvring the bed is not placed under stress.

In a preferred embodiment the attachment means comprises a first bed engaging portion adapted to fit over a portion of a bed frame and provided with releasable locking means. The locking means may be one or more spring loaded catches. Preferably the catches are of the roller-ball variety and are sufficiently stiff that a deliberate application of force is required to release the catches. Alternative releasable locking means may be used instead of spring loaded catches.

The attachment means may also comprise a second portion adapted to receive a first end of the handle means. It is preferred that an angle of the handle means may be varied. In one embodiment the first end is rotatable between a first position and a second position and the angle of the handle means may be varied such that a holding portion of the handle means is at a suitable height.

In a preferred embodiment the handle means is telescopic.

In one embodiment the handle means is fixed to the attachment means and the attachment means is releasably engageable with the bed frame.

Alternatively the attachment means is releasably engageable with the bed frame and the handle means is also releasably engageable with the attachment means.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of moving a bed with a bed moving device, the method comprising the steps of engaging the bed moving device to the bed; angularly rotating a handle means of the device in a vertical plane relative to an attachment means attaching the handle means to the bed to a working position; and moving the bed by pulling on the handle means.

The method may comprise mounting the handle means on the attachment means which is provided on the bed. Alternatively, the method may comprise mounting the attachments means, to which the handle means is attached, to a bed.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of moving a bed with a bed moving device comprising attachment means and a handle means comprising the steps of securing the attachment means to the bed frame; releasably engaging the handle means to the attachment means; angularly moving the handle means in a vertical plane relative to the attachment means; moving the bed and disengaging the handle means.

Preferably the handle means may be movable in a horizontal plane once a vertical height of the handle means has been adjusted to suit a person moving the bed. The attachment means may act as a universal joint to allow some degree of movement in a plane perpendicular to the vertical movement.

According to a ninth a spect of the invention there is provided a bed handle having attachment means arranged to releasably attach to a bed such that when the handle is attached to the bed it can be used to move the bed.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention there is provided a kit for moving a bed comprising an attachment member according to any earlier aspect of the invention and a bed-moving device according to any earlier aspect of the invention.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention there is provided a bed comprising an attachment means arranged to connect a handle means thereto, wherein the attachment means is arranged to allow a handle connected thereto to be angularly rotated in a vertical plane to and from a working position in which a handle connected thereto can be used to move the bed.

The attachment means may comprise part of the frame of the bed or another part of the bed.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention there is provided a bed in combination with a bed moving device, the bed comprising an attachment means arranged to allow a handle means of the bed moving device to be connected to the bed, wherein once connected to the bed the handle can be angularly rotated in a vertical plane to and from a working position.

The skilled person will appreciate that the features discussed in relation to any one of the above aspects of the invention will be applicable, mutatis mutandis, to any of the other aspects of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

There now follows by way of example only a detailed description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a prior art way of moving a hospital bed; Figure 2a shows a bed-moving device according to an embodiment of the present invention positioned at a first position; Figure 2b shows the device of Figure 2a in a position between a first position and an intermediate position; Figure 2c shows the device of Figure 2a at about an intermediate position; Figure 2d shows the device of Figure 2a positioned at a second position; Figure 2e shows an exploded view of the components of the device of Figure 2a; Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 2a in use on a hospital bed; Figure 4 shows an attachment member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a bed-moving device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a bed-moving device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows a bed-moving device and attachment member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8a is an view of a bed moving device in accordance with another aspect of the invention; Figure 8b in view of the bed moving device of Figure 8a in a position suitable for removing from the bed frame; Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the bed moving device; Figure 10 is a detail of the device of Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a bed moving device; Figure 12 is an exploded detail of the bed moving device of Figure 11; and Figure 13 shows a further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 2 shows a bed-moving device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device is arranged to have a first, second and intermediate position relative to a bed in use.

Figure 2a shows the bed-moving device 200 in the second position in which the device is closed. When the bed-moving device 200 is in the second position as shown, it cannot disengage a bed when in use.

The bed-moving device 200 consists of a bed-gripping portion 202, a handle 204, and a top plate 212 that joins the handle 204 to the bed-gripping portion 202. The bed-gripping portion 202 is a bed-engaging portion. The bed-gripping portion 202 is arranged to grip a bed and the handle 204 is arranged to be held by a person when moving a bed. In Figure 2a, the handle 204 is in a first position relative to the bed-gripping portion 202, and also in a first position relative to a bed when the device is in use.

The bed-gripping portion 202 consists of a back wall 206, a bottom wall 210 and a front wall 208. The bottom wall 210 and the back waIl 206 are joined together generally perpendicularly to each other. Back extension walls 218 extend from the top of the back wall 206, are inclined to the back wall 206, and are spaced along the length of the back wall 206.

Front extension walls 220 extend from the front wall 208 in substantially the same plane as the front wall 208. The front extension walls are spaced along the length of the front wall 208 and correspond to the positions of the back extension walls 218. The back extension walls 218 are angularly coupled to the front extension walls 220 at pivot points 219.

The back wall 206, bottom wall 210, front wall 208 and top plate 212 define a cavity 234 that runs along the length of the bed-gripping portion 202. When the device is in a first position, the top plate 212 and bottom wall 210 are substantially parallel and on opposite sides of the cavity 234 to each other, and the back wall 206 and front wall 208 are substantially parallel to each other, substantially perpendicular to the top plate 212 and the bottom wall 210, and on opposite sides of the Cavity 234.

The top plate 212 is angularly coupled to the bottom of the back extension walls 218 at pivot points 224. The top plate 212 has three Cut-out portions 230 that correspond with the back extension walls 218 to enable the top plate 212 to move past the extension walls 218 when it is moved about pivot point 224 to open the device 200. The top plate 212 is also coupled to the back extension walls 218 so that movement of the top plate 212 about pivot points 224 causes the back extension walls 220 to pivot about pivot points 219.

The handle 204 is angularly coupled to the top plate 212 at pivot points 222. The handle 204 can be moved in a vertical plane relative to top plate 212 around pivot points 222 between the first and intermediate positions without the top plate 212 moving relative to the back wall 206 about pivot points 224.

The mechanism involving the moving parts of the bed-gripping portion 202 and the top plate 212 can be considered as an over-centred cam mechanism. The mechanism transfers the rotary motion of the handle 204 to motion of the walls of the bed-gripping portion 202 to disengage a bed when the handle 204 is moved angularly beyond an intermediate position relative to the bed-gripping portion 202 (and also an intermediate position relative to the bed when the device 200 is in use).

The front wall 208 includes a rubber block 214 embedded in it (as best shown in Figure 3d), and extends along the length of front wall 208. The rubber block 214 is a resilient member that is compressed when the device 200 is attached to a bed, and prevents the device 200 from sliding along a bed when the device 200 is engaged with a bed.

The rubber block 214 may enable the device 200 to be used with beds having different sized frames/members/bars to which the device 200 can be attached. The rubber block 214 can be arranged to deform more for large cross-sectional bars than smaller cross-sectional bars, yet still remain in contact with the bar in order to securely attach the device 200 to the bed 100 without allowing lateral movement of the device 200 along the bar. The rubber block 214 effectively makes the device 200 adjustable so that it can be used with different types of beds.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments a resilient member, that may or may not be a rubber block 214, could be positioned on any of the other walls 206, 210, 212 either in addition to, or instead of, being positioned on the vertical wall 208 shown.

The handle 204 is bent back on itself at its free-end to produce a rounded, hook shaped, end 216. This ensures that there are no sharp edges of the device that can cause injury. Providing a loop at the end of the handle 204 also enables the device 200 to be conveniently hung up by the loop when it is not in use. There is also an indented region 228 of the handle 204 that provides a convenient position for a user to grip the device 200.

In some embodiments, each orderly that works within a hospital, or other health-care establishment, may have their own personal bed- moving device according to an embodiment of the invention. The orderly may use their own device for moving different beds, and take the device with them from one bed to the next that they are to move. Conveniently the orderly may hang up the device by a ioop at the end of a handle of the device when it is not being used.

The device is made out of an antibacterial plastic for hygiene reasons as plastic can be easily cleaned. Hygiene is a consideration in health care situations. The antibacterial plastic is also resistant to strong chemicals that can be used in a hospital setting.

Figure 2b shows the bed-moving device of Figure 2a with the handle 204 in the intermediate position. The handle 204 has been moved about it's pivot points 222 from the first position shown in Figure 2a to the intermediate position shown in Figure 2b in the direction of arrow 236.

In the intermediate position, the handle 204 has reached the limit of its movement relative to the top plate 212. The bed-gripping portion 202 of the device 200 remains closed when the handle 204 is in the intermediate position, and the handle 204 can be positioned anywhere between the first and intermediate positions relative to the bed-gripping portion 202 (and a bed when in use) without opening the bed-gripping portion 202.

Figure 2c shows the bed-moving device 200 of Figure 2a with the handle 204 in about an intermediate position. The handle 204 has been moved further in the direction of arrow 236. The handle 204 has reached the limit of its movement relative to the top plate 212 (as shown in Figure 2b), and as the handle continues to move beyond the second position, the top plate 212 begins to move relative to the back wall 206 and pivots about pivot points 224. The movement of the top plate 212 causes the front wall 208 to move away from the back wall 206 as the front extension walls 220 pivot about pivot points 219.

Figure 2d shows the bed-moving device 200 of Figure 2a in a second position. The bed-moving device 200 is fully open. The handle 204 has reached the limit of its movement relative to the top plate 212, and the top plate 212 has reached the limit of its movement relative to the back wall 206. The front wall 208 has moved away from the back wall 206 and is substantially parallel with the top plate 212. An opening 232 into the cavity 234 is provided by the back extension walls 218, the back wall 206 and the bottom wall 210 when the device is in the second position.

The opening 232 can accommodate a portion of a bed when in use. It will be appreciated that the position of the handle 204 could be sufficiently open to be capable of engaging or disengaging a bed at other positions between those illustrated in Figures 2c and 2d. The crossover position between the device being capable or incapable of engaging the device is the intermediate position.

Figure 2e shows an exploded view of the device 200 shown in Figure 2a.

Figures 3a to 3e show the bed-moving device 200 of Figure 2 in use with a bed 100. The bed-moving device 200 of Figure 3 is the same as the bed-moving device of Figure 2, but with a cover 303 that obscures the mechanism of the bed-gripping portion from view. The cover 303 is best seen in Figure 3d. The cover 303 protects a user from moving parts andalso aids cleaning Figure 3a shows the bed-moving device 200 adjacent to a bed frame, and particularly to a head frame 101 of the bed 100, and in a position between the intermediate position and the second position. The bed-moving device 300 is open. The opening 232 that is provided when the bed-moving device 200 is in the open position is slotted over a member/bar 102 of the head frame 101 of the bed 100 to engage the bed-moving device 200 with the bed 100.

After the bed-moving device 200 has been engaged with the bed 100, the handle 204 is pulled backwards in the direction of arrows 302 in Figure 3b, to attach the bed-moving device 200 to the bed 100. Moving the handle 204 of the bed-moving device 200 as shown activates the over-centred cam mechanism and closes the bed-moving device 200 as the device 200 passes the intermediate position. Figure 3b shows the bed-moving device 200 in a position between the intermediate position and the first position. The bed-moving device 200 is closed, and resistance may be felt towards the end of the travel of the handle 204 as the rubber block 214 embedded in one of the walls of the bed-gripping portion is compressed as the bed-moving device 200 is clamped/locked to the bed 100. In this embodiment, the first position of the handle 204 relative to the bed 100 is where the handle is substantially horizontal as shown in Figure 3b.

Figure 3c shows the bed-moving device 200 in a second, closed, position with the handle 204 substantially vertical. In this embodiment, there is an angle of 95 between the intermediate position and the first position, which means that the handle must be moved to an angle of beyond 95 relative to the bed-gripping portion to release the over-centred cam mechanism and open the device 200. For this embodiment the second position of the handle relative to the bed is substantially 50 from vertical, there is substantially 95 difference between the position of the handle 204 in the first and intermediate positions. Using the device 200 with the handle 200 at about 90 relative to the bed-gripping portion can enable the device 200 to be used in confined spaces without having to disengage the device 200 from the bed.

Figure 3d shows the device 200 with the handle 204 in a position beyond its intermediate position and the device 200 partly open so that the device can disengage the bed 100. It may be necessary to push the handle 204 sharply in the direction of arrows 304 when the handle 204 of the device 200 is in the intermediate position to unlock the mechanism, and a user may feel resistance as the mechanism unlocks.

As shown in Figure 3e, once the device 200 has been opened sufficiently to allow it to be disengaged from the bed 100, the device 200 can be moved in the direction of arrows 306 to unhook the device 200 from the bar 102 of the bed 100.

In many embodiments the device will be attached to a horizontal bar that forms part of a bed. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the device may be attached to/engaged with any other part of the bed that may already be present as part of the bed, or may be retro-fitted to the bed specifically for the purpose of being used with a bed-moving device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments the device may be attached to a vertical bar, or a bar of any other inclination or orientation, such that when the device is positioned between a first position and an intermediate position it is incapable of engaging or disengaging a bed, and when the device is positioned between the intermediate position and a second position the device is capable of engaging or disengaging a bed.

Figure 3f shows the device 200 engaged to the bed 100, and a user 104 pulling the bed 100 with the device 200. Figure 3f shows how the device is kept away from the patient so that it cannot hit a patient 108 during use, and avoids the possibility of injuring the patient 108. Enabling the device 200 to be detached from the bed 100 removes the requirement that the device 200 needs to be stored away safely without raising any safety concerns for the patient 108, the person 104 moving the bed 100, or any other person who may come into contact with the bed.

Hospital beds 100 are known to have a number of in-built facilities specific to the situations in which they are used. For example, a hospital bed 100 may have a slide-out tray that can be used to put sheets on when changing the bed 100 so that linen does not have to be put on the floor.

The device 200 does not interfere with any of the in-built functions of the bed 100, and this feature is provided by removing the device from the bed when it is not in use. The device 200 can be moved from any region of the bed 100 where it might interfere with the in-built facilities of the bed 100 when those facilities are to be used.

Furthermore, being able to remove the device 200 from the bed 100 enables all-round access to the bed 100, which is especially important in emergency situations.

It will be appreciated that the user 104 could stand on the left-hand side of the device 200 and hold the device 200 in their right hand in use, or the user 104 could stand on the right-hand side of the device 200 and hold the device 200 in their left hand. The device 200 can be engaged with the bed in a suitable position along the lateral width of the bed to allow the user to locate the device in a position that is comfortable for them.

Figure 4 shows an attachment member 400 according to an embodiment of the invention that can be fitted to a bed 100. The attachment member 400 can be used to convert a bed 100 that is not capable of being used with a bed-moving device according to the present invention, into a bed 100 that can be used with a bed-moving device. The attachment member 400 can be attached to a horizontal bar 102 of the head frame 102 of the bed 100.

The dimensions of the attachment member 400 enable it to fit within a cavity of a bed-gripping portion of a bed-moving device according to the present invention. Thus, some embodiments of the attachment member 400 according to the invention effectively change the size of the horizontal bar 102 so that it is suitable for use with bed-moving devices according to embodiments of the invention. In other embodiments, an attachment member can be used that changes the shape of the horizontal bar 102 so that it is suitable to be used with bed-moving devices according to embodiments of the invention. For example, the attachment member may convert a circular, rectangular, or any other shaped cross-sectional horizontal bar 102 into a member that has a square (or any other shape that can be used with a bed-moving device) cross-section.

Figure 5 shows a bed-moving device 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bed-moving device 500 consists of a handle 504 connected to a bed-gripping portion 502. The bed-gripping portion 502 consists of a generally square shaped cross-sectional member extending substantially perpendicularly to a length of the handle 504.

The bed-gripping portion 502 further comprises an opening or aperture 506 running along the length of the bed-gripping portion 502 and the aperture 506 is positioned generally along an edge of the square cross-section. Internal sidewalls 516 and 518 form sidewalls of the aperture 506. The aperture 506 opens up into a cavity 508 that runs along the length of the bed-gripping portion 502 and the cavity 508 is bound by internal walls 510, 512, 514 and 515.

Figure 5a shows the bed-moving device 500 when it is not engaged with a bed, and is in a second position relative to a horizontal bar 102 that forms part of the bed. When the bed-moving device 500 is in the second position relative to the horizontal bar 102 it can be moved towards the horizontal bar 102 to engage the horizontal bar 102 of the bed. The device 500 can be moved such that the horizontal bar 102 passes through the aperture 506 in the bed-gripping portion 502 of the device 500 so that the horizontal bar 102 is located within the cavity 508. The internal sidewalls 516, 518 of the aperture 506 are generally parallel to sidewalls of the horizontal bar 102 when the device 500 is in the first position as illustrated in Figure 5a to enable the horizontal bar 102 to be able to pass into the cavity 508.

After the bed-moving device 500 has been moved from the second position shown in Figure 5a into contact with the horizontal bar 102 so that the horizontal bar is located within the cavity 508 of the bed-gripping portion 502, the device 500 can then be moved angularly relative to the horizontal bar 102 in the direction of arrow 522 to a first position as shown in Figure 5b. When the device 500 is in the first position shown in Figure 5b, it cannot disengage the horizontal bar 102 until it is moved back towards the second position shown in Figure 5a. There exists an intermediate position at which point the device 500 is at its crossover point between being capable and incapable of engaging or disengaging the horizontal bar 102 of the bed.

The difference in angle between the intermediate position and the first position enables the device 500 to be used to move a bed at any position between the intermediate and first position without the device 500 disengaging the bed. The actual position of the device 500 between the intermediate and first position when moving the bed can be selected for a specific user moving the bed.

As shown in Figure 5b, when the device 500 is in the first position relative to the bed, the horizontal bar 102 is located within the cavity 508 of the device 500. The internal wall 510 of the cavity 508 acts as a lip that extends over the top of the horizontal bar 102, and ensures that the device 500 remains engaged with the bed when a force is applied to the handle 504 in the direction of arrow 520 to pull the bed. Alternatively, a force can be applied in a direction that is opposite to arrow 520 to push the bed without the device 500 disengaging from the bed. Any other force can be applied to the device 500, and particularly to the handle 504 of the device 500, to move the bed without disengaging the device 500 from the bed. The device 500 will remain engaged with the bed as long as the device is not moved beyond the intermediate position towards the second position relative to the bed.

When the bed has been moved to its desired location, or it is otherwise required to disengage the device 500 from the bed, the device 500 can be moved angularly towards the second position shown in Figure 5a. As the device 500 moves towards the second position relative to the bed, it passes an intermediate position as previously described and can be disengaged from the horizontal bar 102 of the bed in a reverse motion to that described above in relation to engaging the bed. As the device 500 is moved so that it disengages the bed, the horizontal bar 102 of the bed passes back through the aperture 506 of the bed-gripping portion 502 and Out of the cavity 508 of the device 500.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a bed-moving device 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device consists of a handle 604 and a bed-gripping portion 602. The bed-gripping portion 602 is angularly coupled to the handle 604 at pivot point 606. In this embodiment the handle 604 and the bed-gripping portion 602 interlock with each other to form a hinge about pivot point 606.

The handle 604 has a longitudinal length running in a direction away from the bed-gripping portion 602. At the end of the handle 604 that is angularly coupled to the bed-gripping portion 602 there is an end wall 608.

The bed-gripping portion 602 consists of three internal walls 610, 612 and 614 that define a cavity 616 that runs in a direction that is transverse in relation to the length of the handle 604. Internal top wall 610 and bottom wall 612 are parallel to each other, and internal sidewall 614 joins the internal top and bottom walls 610, 612. The free-ends of the top and bottom walls 610, 612 that are not joined to the sidewall 614 provide an opening/aperture to the cavity 616.

The location of the pivot point 606 is in the region of the join between the internal top wall 610 and the internal sidewall 614 of the bed-gripping portion 602, and the top of the end wall 608 of the handle 604. Angular movement of the handle 604 relative to the bed-gripping portion 602 can cause the end wall 608 of the handle 604 to block the opening to the cavity 616 formed by internal walls 610, 612, 614. When the opening of the cavity 616 is blocked by the end waIl 608 of the handle 604, the cavity is enclosed on four sides to provide a cavity with a square cross-section running along the length of the bed-gripping portion (that is, transverse to the longitudinal direction of the handle 604).

Figure 6a shows the device 600 in a first position relative to a bed 100, and not engaged with the bed 100. The device 600 is incapable of engaging the bed 100 as the device 600 is closed. The bed-gripping portion 602 hangs freely in the position shown in Figure 6a under gravity, and this causes the opening of the cavity 616 of the bed-gripping portion 602 to be sufficiently closed by the end wall 608 of the handle 604 that the device 600 cannot be engaged with the bed 100. More particularly, the device 600 cannot be engaged with a horizontal bar 102 that forms part of the bed 100.

Figure 6b shows the device 600 of Figure 6a in a second position relative to the bed 100. The handle 604 has been moved angularly relative to the bed 100 and the bed-gripping portion 602. The bed-gripping portion 602 has not moved angularly relative to the bed 100 as it still hangs freely under gravity. Movement of the handle 604 relative to the bed-gripping portion 602 to the second position causes the end wall 608 of the handle 604 to move away from the bed-gripping portion 602 thereby exposing the opening to the cavity 616 within the bed-gripping portion 602.

Figure 6c shows the device 600 of Figure 6a in an intermediate position between the first and second positions relative to the bed 100. The device 600 has been moved in a first movement laterally from the position shown in Figure 6b so that the horizontal bar 102 of the bed 100 is located within the cavity 616 of the bed-gripping portion 602. In a second movement the handle 604 has been moved angularly in the direction of arrow 618 about pivot point 606. The position of the device 600 shown in Figure 6c is in an intermediate position, and the device 600 is capable of engaging or disengaging a bed 100 when it is between the intermediate position and the second position, and is incapable of engaging or disengaging a bed 100 when it is between the intermediate position and the first position.

Figure 6d shows the device in a first position relative to the bed 100 and engaged with the bed 100. Figure 6a shows the device 600 in the same angular position relative to the bed, with the device not engaged with the bed. The device 600 is incapable of disengaging the bed. As the device 600 moves beyond the intermediate position towards the first position, the angles of the internal walls 60, 612, 614 and the end waIl 608 of the handle 604 cause the bed-gripping portion 604 to close around the horizontal bar 102 and the end wall 608 to close the opening to the cavity 616. The device 600 can now be used in any position between the intermediate and first positions relative to the bed 100 to move the bed to a desired location.

In order to disengage the device 600 from the bed 100, the handle 604 of the device 602 is moved angularly relative to the bed 100 in a direction opposite to that of arrow 618 to a position beyond the intermediate position in order that the opening to the cavity 616 of the bed-engaging portion 602 is exposed. The device 600 can then be moved laterally away from the horizontal bar 102 of the bed 100 so that the horizontal bar 102 passes out of the cavity 616 through the opening.

Figure 7 shows a bed-moving device 700 and a bed 100 having an attachment member 706 attached thereto according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 700 is illustrated in a first position relative to the bed 100 and the device 700 is incapable of engaging the bed 100.

The device 700 consists of a handle 704 and a bed-engaging portion 702.

The handle 704 consists of an elongated member, and the bed-engaging portion 702 also consists of an elongated member. The handle 704 is joined to the bed-engaging portion 702 at a corner 708, such that the handle 704 is inclined to the bed-engaging portion 702.

The attachment member 706 consists of a bottom bar 714 and two side bars 712. The attachment member 706 is a generally U-shaped member that is attached to a bed 100, towards an end of the bed 100, such that the bottom bar 714 of the attachment member is located outside of the confines of the bed 100. The attachment member 706 is located such that the bed-engaging portion 702 of the bed-moving device 700 can be inserted into an opening provided between the bottom bar 714 of the attachment member 706 and the bed 100 itself.

In use, the bed-moving device 700 is angularly moved relative to the bed such that the device 700 is orientated relative to the bed 100 so that the bed-engaging portion 702 of the device 700 can be inserted into the opening between the attachment member 706 and the bed 100. This orientation is a second position of the device 700 relative to the bed 100 and in this orientation the device 700 is capable of engaging the bed 100.

The device 700 can then be moved angularly in a vertical plane relative to the bed 100 by a rotational force applied by a user in the direction illustrated by arrow 716. This causes opposite regions of the bed-engaging portion 714 to engage with the bottom bar 714 of the attachment member 706 and the bed 100 respectively. The regions of the bed-engaging portion 702 in contact with the attachment member 706 and the bed 100 will be subject to friction between the surfaces if a longitudinal or lateral force (as illustrated schematically by arrows 718) is applied to the handle 704 of the device 700 to move the bed 100. The amount of the frictional force created between the bed-engaging portion 702 and the attachment member 706/bed 100 is proportional to the rotational force that the user is applying to the handle 704 to maintain the device 700 in the first position. There is a balance between the rotational force 716 applied and the longitudinal/lateral force 718 applied by a user to determine whether or not the device 700 remains engaged with the bed 100, or disengages from the bed 100.

If the rotational force applied by a user provides sufficient frictional force between the device 700 and the bed 100/attachment member 706, the bed 100 can be moved by the device 700 without the device 700 disengaging from the bed 100.

In this embodiment the intermediate position at which the crossover between the device 700 being capable and incapable of engaging/disengaging a bed 100 is determined by the force applied to the device 700 by a user.

Figures 8a and 8b show a bed-moving device 800 according to further aspects of the present invention. Whilst the embodiments, of Figures 8a and 8b are different they operate in a similar manner and it is convenient to describe them together.

The bed-moving device comprises an attachment means generally indicated at 802 and a handle means 804. In this embodiment the attachment means comprises a bed gripping portion 806 shaped in the form of a U-shaped channel having a first limb 808, a second limb 810 and a web 812 joining the first and second limbs. Located on the first and second limbs remotely from the web are a number of engaging means 814. A suitably stiff roller ball style catch 814 has been found to be effective in providing suitable engagement with the bed frame. With roller ball style catches a catch 814 is provided at each side of the limb remote from the web so that four catches are provided in all. The catches 814 on each limb are in opposed relationship.

The attachment portion 802 also comprises a second portion 816 to which the handle means 804 is secured. The second portion 816 provides a further U' shaped channel. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8a the channel is provided by two flanges 820 whereas in the embodiment of Figure 8b the channel is provided by a flange 820 and the web 812.

A first post 822 extends between the flange 820 and with a second flange 820 in the embodiment of Figure 8a or the web 812 in the embodiment of Figure 8b and acts as a hinge pin around which a first end 824 of the handle means can rotate in a horizontal plane. The end 824 comprises a pair of arms 826 linked by a curved wall 828.

A second post 830 extends between the arms 826 and is orientated at substantially 900 to the first post 822 thus permitting the height of the handle means to be adjusted by movement of the handle means in a vertical plane. A pole 832 of the handle means is hinged about the first post 822, a first end 834 of the pole being received between the opposed arms 826. A holding end 836 is provided with a perpendicular bar 838 linked to the holding end to form a T-bar, around which a human hand can easily grip. The T-bar is readily held in either a left or right hand allowing the bed-moving device to be used by either handed people.

In use, the attachment portion 802 is placed over a bed frame with the limbs 808, 810 on either side of the bed frame. Application of pressure on the flange 820 causes the roller catches 814 to retract and a bar of the bed frame to enter the channel between the opposed limbs. Once the bar has passed within the channel the roller catches move to an unretracted position and resist removal of the attachment portion 802 from the bed frame. The stiffness of the roller catches is selected to be sufficient to resist removal from the bed frame in the normal course of use of the bed-moving device.

Removal of the bed-moving device from the bed frame will now be described in relation to Figure 8b. The skilled person will be able to apply this teaching mutatis mutandis to the embodiment of Figure 8a. As can be seen the handle means has been rotated about the post 822 such that the opposed arms 826 are positioned between the flange 820 and the web 812. The pole 832 (which may be telescopic) is also disposed with its first end 834 between the flange 820 and web 812. The holding end 836 then extends parallel with the wall 818. This position is also the preferred position for fixing the device to the bed frame.

The bed-moving device may be removed from the bed frame by grasping the holding end 836 around the T-bar 838 and levering upwardly, away from the bed frame. The leverage of the handle allows a greater force to be applied to opposed catches 814 located towards the holding end, so releasing the roller catches. Further rotation of the handle means applies the leverage to the remaining pair of roller catches remote from the holding end of the handle and removal of the entire bed-moving device from the bed frame. Rotation of the attachment means such that the leverage force acts on only two of the roller ball catches at a time reduce the force required to remove the attachment means. Location of the bed moving device on the bed frame may be achieved by a similar process, since it enables force to be applied to each pair of catches in turn.

An alternative, simplified, embodiment is shown in Figures 9 and 10. In Figure 9 the handle means comprises a pole 850 having a first end 852 and a holding end 854. The pole could be telescopic and provided with a length locking mechanism.

The first end 852 is rotatable in a vertical plane to adjust the height of the handle means around a hinge 856 comprising, in one embodiment, self-locking star washers. Alterative hinge means can be readily substituted.

The hinge 856 is supported between opposed arms 858 extending from a web 860 of the attachment means. The arms may be centrally located on the web 860 and may be welded thereto. First and second walls 862 and 864 depend from the web 860 and define a channel adapted to receive a bar of a bed frame. The walls 862, 864 may be provided with roller catches (not shown) as described in relation to the embodiments of Figures 8a and 8b.

In this embodiment though, the pole 850 may only move in a vertical plane. Rotational movement in a plane perpendicular to the vertical movement is not possible.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown is Figures 11 and 12.

As can be seen in Figure 11 the bed-moving device comprises a bed attachment means generally indicated at 900. The bed attachment means comprises a first body 902 and a second body 904 each of the first and second bodies having a channel 906, 908 extending across a length of the first and second bodies and arranged to oppose each other in use. The first body 902 is also provided with apertures 910 arranged to receive bolts 912 which extend through the first body 902 and are arranged to engage with the second body 904. The engagement may be means of threaded sockets 914 provided in the second body 904.

The second body 904 is further provided with an opening 916 adapted to receive a first end 918 of a handle means 920.

The handle means 920 comprises the first end 918 arranged at substantially 90 to a shaft 922 and a holding end 924.

In the embodiment shown, the holding end 924 and the shaft 922 are portions of a unitary shaft that is bent to form the front end 918. It is envisaged that elements may be added to the holding end 924 to provide a more ergonomic holding area. The shaft 920 could also be telescopic.

The handle means is adjustable in a vertical plane but rotational movement in a plane perpendicular to the vertical is not possible in this embodiment.

The first end may engage in the opening just by being placed therein.

Alternatively positive engagement means may be provided. The first end 918 may be unitary with the shaft 920 or may be secured thereto.

In use the first and second bodies are placed around a bed frame with a bar of the frame being received within the channels 906, 908. Bolts 912 secure the first and second bodies together around the frame. The bed attachment means may be left on the bed. A bed attachment means may be provided on each bed in a hospital. In other embodiments, the bed may be provided with a suitable bed attachment means fabricated as part of the bed, perhaps as part of the frame.

A number of handle means 920 may be provided such that beds may be readily moved by engagement of the handle means with the attachment means.

Preferably some or all of the surfaces of the devices of Fig 8-12 may be provided with a layer of compressible material. Preferably those surfaces in contact with the bed frame have a layer of compressible material. The material may be one of rubber, polymer, or foam. Other materials may be utilised. The layer may be 0.5 -2mm thick. A particularly preferred thickness is 1.0mm.

Advantages of providing such a layer of compressible material are that it assists prevention of movement of the device relative to the bed frame; it provides an adjustment allowing for slight variation in the dimensions of the bed frame and reduces damage to a finish of the bed frame.

Figure 13 shows a further embodiment of the invention which is similar to the embodiment of Figure 8a but with the roller catches shown in Figure 8a omitted. Like parts are referred to with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the material from which the attachment means 802 is fabricated is chosen so that has resilience but may deform.

The limbs 808, 810 are arranged such that a portion of a bed frame is frictionally received therebetween and it is believed that such an arrangement can satisfactorily retain the attachment means 802 on a bed.

In this embodiment, the limbs 808, 810 are divergent from the web 812 (i.e. one or both of the limbs have an internal angle greater than 90 from the web) so as to facilitate insertion of a portion of the bed frame. As the bed frame is pushed toward the web 812 it will be received more

securely as the limbs 808, 810 get closer together. Such angling of the limbs 808, 810 may be thought of as providing a lead-in.

In some embodiments, the limbs 808, 810 and/or the web 812 of the attachment means 802 may be lined with a material having a high coefficient of friction, such as a polymer, in order to increase the grip with the bed frame. Indeed, the lining material may also be resilient in order that the bed frame may be more securely received in the attachment means 802.

The skilled person will appreciate that many of the features described in relation to one of the embodiment shown in the Figures are applicable mutatis mutandis to other of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A bed moving device comprising handle means and bed attachment means, the handle means and attachment means having a first arrangement in which in use the handle means, attachment means and bed are coupled together and at least the handle means is adapted to be rotatable in a vertical plane to facilitate moving the bed and wherein at least one of the handle means and attachment means is arranged to be releasable from one of the bed and the attachment means.

2. A bed moving device according to claim 1 which is arranged such that the handle means is arranged to have a mounting position in which the bed moving means is mounted on and/or removed from a bed and a working position in which it can be used to move a bed.

3. A bed moving device according to claim 2 in which the handle means is arranged to be used to facilitate fitting and/or removal of the attachment means to a bed.

4. A bed moving device according to claim 3 in which the handle means is arranged to be used to facilitate fitting and/or removal of the attachment means to a bed when in the mounting position.

5. A bed moving device according to any of claims 2 to 4 which an attachment portion of the handle comprises a second portion arranged to receive the handle when it is the mounting position.

6. A bed moving device according to claim 5 in which the second portion comprises a generally U shaped region generally comprising two generally parallel flanges.

7. A bed moving device according to claim 6 which comprises a post extending between the two flanges about which the handle means is arranged to rotate.

8. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim which comprises a coupling member attaching the handle means to the attachment means.

9. A bed moving device according to claim 8 as it depends from claim 6 in which the coupling member is arranged to rotate about the post.

10. A bed moving device according to claim 8 or 9 in which the coupling member comprises at least one arm having the handle means mounted thereon.

11. A bed moving device according to claim 10 in which the coupling member comprises two arms having the handle means pivotably mounted therebetween.

12. A bed moving device according to claim 8 as it depends directly, or indirectly, upon claim 5 in which, when in the mounting position, the coupling member is aligned with the second portion such that rotation of the handle means relative to the second portion is substantially prevented in at least one plane.

13. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim in which the handle means is disengageable from the attachment means.

14. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim in which the attachment means is arranged to be integral with a bed.

15. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim in which the handle means comprises an engagement portion and a holding portion.

16. A bed moving device according to claim 15 in which the holding portion can be rotated about an axis generally along an axis of the handle means

17. A bed moving device according to claim 15 or 16 in which the engagement portion is adapted to releasably engage the attachment means.

18. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim in which the handle means is rotatable relative to the attachment means.

19. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim in which the attachment means comprises a first bed engaging portion adapted to fit over and mount on a portion of a bed frame,

20. A bed moving device according to claim 19 in which the bed engaging portion is fitted with releasable locking means.

21. A bed moving device according to claim 20 in which the releasable locking means comprise any one of the following; spring loaded catches, one or more moveable cams, one or more threaded members.

22. A bed moving device according to any on claims 19 to 21 in which the first bed engaging portion comprises a generally U shaped member arranged to fit over a portion of bed to which it is fitted.

23. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim in which in use the handle means is vertically rotatable with respect to the attachment means.

24. A bed moving device according to claim 23 as it depends directly, or indirectly upon claim 2, in which the handle means is prevented from vertically rotating relative to the attachment means when in the mounting position.

25. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim in which in use the handle means is laterally rotatable with respect to the attachment means.

26. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim in which the length of the handle means is adjustable.

27. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a resilient member that contacts the bed when the device is engaged with the bed.

28. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim which comprises a number of walls defining a cavity arranged in use to accommodate a region of the bed frame.

29. A bed moving device according to any preceding claim in which the device is comprised, at least partially, of an anti-bacterial plastics material.

30. A bed comprising an attachment means arranged to connect a handle means thereto, wherein the attachment means is arranged to allow a handle connected thereto to be angularly rotated in a vertical plane to and from a working position in which the handle connected thereto can be used to move the bed.

31. A bed in combination with a bed moving device, the bed comprising an attachment means arranged to allow a handle means of the bed moving device to be connected to the bed, wherein once connected to the bed the handle can be angularly rotated in a vertical plane to and from a working position.

32. A method of moving a bed with a bed moving device, the method comprising the steps of engaging the bed moving device to the bed; angularly rotating a handle means of the device in a vertical plane relative to an attachment means attaching the handle means to the bed to a moving the bed by pulling on the handle means.

33. A method according to claim 32 in which the method comprises mounting the handle means on the attachment means which is provided on the bed.

34. A method according to claim 32 which the method comprises mounting the attachments means, to which the handle means is attached, to a bed.

35. A method according to claim 32 further comprising moving the handle means to the mounting position and disengaging the attachment means from the bed.

36. A method of moving a bed with a bed moving device comprising attachment means and a handle means comprising the steps of securing the attachment means to the bed frame; releasably engaging the handle means to the attachment means; angularly moving the handle means in a vertical plane relative to the attachment means; moving the bed and disengaging the handle means.

37. A device for moving a bed, wherein the device is arranged to be moved angularly between a first position and a second position relative to a bed to which, in use, it is attached, an intermediate position is located between the first and second position, wherein the device is arranged to be capable of disengaging the bed when it is positioned between the intermediate position and the second position, and the device is arranged to be incapable of disengaging the bed when it is positioned between the first position and the intermediate position.

38. A device for moving a bed comprising a bed-engaging portion and a handle, wherein the handle is arranged to be moved between a first position and a second position relative to the bed-engaging portion, an intermediate position is located between the first and second positions, wherein the bed-engaging portion is closed when the handle is in a position between the first position and the intermediate position and the bed-engaging portion is open when the handle is in a position between the intermediate position and the second position.

39. A bed moving device comprising handle means and bed attachment means, the handle means and attachment means, having a first arrangement in which in use the handle means, attachment means and bed are coupled/fastened together, adapted to facilitate moving the bed and wherein at least one of the handle means and attachment means is arranged to be releasable from one of the bed and the attachment means.

40. An attachment member arranged to be attached to a bed, wherein a bed-moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 29 or 37 to 39 is engaged with the attachment member.

41. A bed handle having attachment means arranged to releasably attach to a bed such that when the handle is attached to the bed it can be used to move the bed.

42. A method of moving a bed with a bed-moving device, wherein the bed-moving device is arranged to be moved angularly between a first position and a second position relative to the bed, an intermediate position is located between the first and second position, the method comprising the steps of: angularly positioning the bed-moving device between the intermediate position and the second position relative to the bed; engaging the bed-moving device with the bed; angularly moving the bed-moving device to a position between the first position and the intermediate position relative to the bed; moving the bed; and angularly moving the bed-moving device to a position between the intermediate position and the second position relative to the bed; and disengaging the bed-moving device from the bed.

43. A kit for moving a bed comprising an attachment member according to any earlier aspect of the invention and a bed-moving device according to any earlier aspect of the invention.

44. A bed moving device substantially as described herein with references to the accompanying Figures.