WO2011067594A1

WO2011067594A1 - Inflatable member for rotating sleep surface transfer system

Info

Publication number: WO2011067594A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/052001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dane Mcgee
Original assignee: Engineered Assistance Limited
Priority date: 2009-12-01
Filing date: 2010-12-01
Publication date: 2011-06-09
Also published as: GB201211239D0; GB0921044D0; GB2488499B; GB2488499A

Abstract

An occupant transfer system comprising two beds or other sleep support structures arranged to be located together so that an occupant may be transferred from one bed or structure to the other; each bed including a plurality of sleep support structures mounted on endless belts, each belt extending in a loop over a plurality of rotatable drive members extending longitudinally of the bed; drive means adapted to cause rotation of the endless belts so that the sleep support structures move laterally across the bed and so that an occupant located on the sleep support structures is moved laterally across the bed in use; wherein the system further comprises an inflatable laminar member disposed upon a first of said sleep support structures and secured to the structure at a location remote from the second sleep support structure.

Description

INFLATABLE MEMBER FOR ROTATING SLEEP SURFACE TRANSFER SYSTEM

This invention relates to a transfer system for transferring an occupant, patient or resident (referred to hereafter for brevity as "the occupant") from one bed to another or from a bed to a transfer table or vice versa in circumstances in which the occupant is bedridden or unable to move independently. Lifting a heavy occupant from a bed to a transfer table can be difficult, uncomfortable and undignified, and abrasion between the occupant's body and an underlying sheet when being manually handled or lifted can cause or exacerbate bedsores, particularly if the movement is repeated frequently.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an occupant transfer system which permits an occupant to be moved from one bed or transfer table to another for bathing, toileting or seating purposes without a need for lifting equipment or manual lifting by nursing assistants.

In the following specification, the bed or transfer table is referred to for brevity as a "bed". However, it should be appreciated that the term "bed" is used to refer to a transfer table, trolley or other structure upon which an occupant may be laid.

US-A-4679259 discloses a reclinable wheelchair in which the surface of the wheelchair is an endless belt. A bed having a sheet mounted on head and foot rollers is used to transport a person head or feet first onto the chair.

According to the present invention, an occupant transfer system comprises two beds arranged to be located side by side so that an occupant may be transferred sideways from one bed to the other;

each bed including one or more support structures each mounted on an endless belt, each belt extending in a loop over a plurality of rotatable drive members extending longitudinally of the bed;

drive means adapted to cause rotation of the endless belts so that each support structure moves laterally across the bed and so that an occupant located on the support structure may be moved laterally across the bed in use;

wherein the system further comprises an inflatable laminar member disposed upon a first support structure and adapted to be secured to the structure at a location remote from a support structure of the other bed; wherein the laminar member may be inflated to a deployed position from a stowed position and wherein in the stowed position the deflated member may pass freely around the belt.

The laminar member may serve one or more of a number of functions selected from: an inflatable bathing device;

an inflatable toilet device;

an inflatable seat; or

bed profiling device.

The invention provides a number of advantages. Using one or more inflatable members, a carer can adjust the profile of an occupant in bed, toilet the occupant and change and bathe the occupant who may not otherwise be able to move for themselves without physically lifting or touching the occupant. The inflatable members can be rotated around the conveyor on the bed or transfer table and can lift the user to facilitate these tasks without the need for manual lifting or use of a hoist. The carer has control over the pressure of the inflatable members and can adjust the pressure regulation to make it more comfortable for the occupant. The inflatable members are easy to clean as no seams, folds or other occlusions for dirt may be provided. The inflatable members can lift a heavy person by increasing the air pressure provided. Use of straps to secure the stowed member is advantageous since straps can be arranged flat during rotation around the conveyor system.

Transportation of an occupant laterally from a first bed to a second bed or to a transfer table located side by side in relation to the first bed is advantageous as a shorter conveyor and distance of movement is required. The inflatable member need only be the width of an occupant rather than the full length of a bed. The occupant need only be transported a short distance. Movement sideways is preferable to movement head or feet first since the latter can cause disorientation with a risk of an occupant falling sideways off the bed during the transfer. Furthermore, sufficient space must be provided if two beds or a bed and transfer table are to be aligned head to foot. This is not possible in many hospital or domestic environments.

The inflatable member may be constructed from a polymeric material which is strong, capable of being chemically cleaned, resistant to ultraviolet light and of low friction when one part of an inflatable member rubs against other. A preferred material is Hypalon (registered trade mark).

The laminar member may be secured to the support structure along the edge remote from the adjacent support surface of the second bed. When the conveyor is rotated towards the other surface prior to receiving a transferred occupant, the attached member may be allowed to hang downwardly from the support surface into a space between the two beds or tables. Alternatively, both sides of the inflatable member may be fastened to the conveyor so that the inflatable member passes underneath the support surface as the endless belt rotates.

The cover may comprise an inflatable mattress or sleep support surface arranged to be disposed on the rotatable support structure.

Preferably the laminar member may be deflated to a stowed position to allow rotation of the bed adjacent the second bed, so that an occupant can be transferred to or from a position wherein the occupant is lying upon the member. When the occupant is lying upon the member after such a transfer, the member may be inflated to an inflated position.

The inflatable member may include a plurality of inflatable cushions, each integral with or secured to a base structure, each cushion having an upwardly facing occupant support surface.

The system may further comprise a source of compressed gas, for example compressed air. The source may comprise a compressor or other pump or a compressed air bottle. A manual pump may be provided for use in the event of a power failure.

In order to reduce noise, a compressor may be located in a bedside cabinet which may be lined with insulating foam. An inflatable silencing bladder may be provided between the compressor output and input to the inflatable device. This serves to smooth pulses in air flowing from the compressor. The compressor output can be directed to different pipes using a connector with a series of buttons to inflate different sections without disconnecting the output pipe each time. The compressor allows the carer to inflate by pumping air at a constant rate and deflate it by opening a release valve and relying on the pressure applied to the inflatable to release the air. The system can be controlled using a hand-held control. A control valve arrangement may be provided to selectively inflate or deflate one or more projections. Combinations of projections may be inflated or deflated either simultaneously or sequentially to provide different functions.

In a first preferred aspect of the invention, the inflatable member comprises a bathing and changing arrangement.

In this embodiment the member may comprise a base sheet and a plurality of inflatable columns or ribs. The projections may take the form of an array of ribs. Preferably the ribs extend transversely across the sheet.

The ribs may be rectangular, C-shaped or V-shaped in plan view.

Preferably the member further comprises an inflatable peripheral lip. The lip may comprise side portions to the base sheet when inflated. Alternatively, columns of projections may be arranged in rows.

The projections may comprise an array of cylindrical or rectangular ribs. The ribs may be integral with the base sheet or may be secured to the base sheet to provide a water retaining structure.

In this embodiment the projections and lip may be inflated to form a shallow bathing pool wherein the lip serves to retain water and the projections serve to support an occupant above the water to facilitate access to the underside of a user's body exposed between the projections. Elevation of the occupant above the water level facilitates drying and hygiene control.

An array of 4 to 12 projections, preferably 8 to 10 projections, may be provided.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the inflatable member is arranged to be collapsed into a flat or near flat configuration when in the stowed position, in order to facilitate unimpeded rotation of the conveyor with two beds located side by side at a sufficiently close distance to allow a patient transfer. Fixing means may be provided to retain the inflatable member in the stowed configuration. The fixing means may comprise straps, clips or fasteners, for example hook and pile fasteners. A covering sheet or envelope may be used to retain the member in a stowed configuration.

A valve arrangement may be adapted so that individual projections may be deflated and inflated independently of the other projections. Alternatively or in addition, the projections may be deflated and inflated sequentially, for example to provide a wave of deflation and inflation passing from one part of the inflatable member to another. In a preferred embodiment the projections may sequentially deflate from a mid body region to the foot or head ends in order to facilitate dressing, undressing, cleaning and drying of an occupant.

Preferably the lip and projections each include valves for inflation and deflation so that each may be inflated and deflated independently.

A control unit and valve arrangement may be programmable to provide a number of different cycles of inflation and deflation actions, one of which may be selected in accordance with a task to be carried out.

A valve for discharge of water may be provided, for example in the base sheet. Alternatively or in addition, a pump may be provided to remove waste water.

In a second preferred aspect of this invention, the inflatable member comprises an inflatable toilet seat and means for discharge of waste.

The inflatable member may comprise side and rear portions inflatable to define a cavity dimensioned to receive a bedpan, permitting insertion or removal of the bedpan from beneath a seated occupant. The cavity may open forwardly or to one side to allow removal of the pan from the front or side of the member.

The inflatable member may comprise two cylindrical or rectangular inflatable projections located between a base sheet and upper cushion sheet or member, the upper sheet member having a central aperture. Fasteners may be secured to the base and cushion sheets to secure the device to the support member The base and cushion sheets may be fastened together in the stowed position.

In a third preferred aspect of the present invention, the inflatable member comprises an adjustable seat and/or support arrangement. The arrangement may provide body and knee lift to an occupant.

The member may comprise a base sheet, side walls and cushion portions.

The cushion portions may co-operate to form a triangular knee section which may be inflated to raise an occupant's knees.

The cushion portions may further co-operate to form a triangular back section which may be inflated to raise an occupant from a reclined position to a sitting position.

In a further embodiment, the inflatable member may comprise a base sheet with projections arranged when inflated to provide torso, neck, head or other posture support. The projections may be inflated and deflated separately or simultaneously, as required to suit an occupant's requirements.

The system comprises two or more beds or transfer tables adapted for use together so that an occupant may be transferred from one bed or transfer table to another. In this arrangement, the endless loops of both beds are arranged to be actuated simultaneously so that the individual mattresses or support surfaces form a continuous moving support surface in use.

Preferably each bed or structure includes a plurality of mattresses or other sleep support structures each mounted on an endless belt; and each movable between a first position wherein the structures form a generally horizontal support surface and a second position wherein a second support structure is inclined relative to a first sleep support structure.

The drive means may comprise an electric motor, actuator, geared motor drive drum or motorised drive train. Alternatively or in addition a manual drive may be employed. A manual drive may be useful in the event of a power failure or in remote locations. A transfer system in accordance with this invention facilitates movement of a disabled, immobile, infirm or otherwise physically or mentally incapacitated occupant from one bed to another in a safe, comfortable and dignified manner for bathing, dressing or toileting without the need for lifting, manual assistance or lifting devices.

Use of the system of this invention allows an occupant to be moved from a sleep surface for bathing, toileting or so that the sheets or other bedding may be changed without causing friction to the occupant's body. Also, the occupant can be transferred without the need for physical lifting or other discomfort.

The bed may comprise a single mattress having the length and width of a conventional bed or transfer table.

Alternatively two or more, preferably three or four, more preferably three, simultaneously or independently movable support sections may be arranged longitudinally on respective conveyors to provide a foldable structure so that parts of the bed may be raised or lowered to allow an occupant's head or feet to be raised or lowered and to generally make an occupant more comfortable. This allows the system to be used to transfer disabled occupants who may be fixed in various bodily positions due to palsy, muscle spasms or cramps.

The conveyors of each bed may be actuated to rotate simultaneously at the same speed in the same direction. Alternatively or in addition, the loops may be controlled to rotate independently at different speeds and/or in different directions, for example, to facilitate turning an occupant. The bed or transfer table may each be fitted with castors or wheels to allow easy movement. The bed or table may be fitted with adjustable feet adapted to act as stabilisers during movement. The feet may be arranged to raise the bed or table so that the castors are not in contact with the floor to provide stability during use.

The invention further provides a combination of two beds or transfer tables together with a set of two or more inflatable members. The invention further provides a set of inflatable members for use with apparatus in accordance with this invention. The system of the present invention finds particular use in private or public hospitals, hospices or specialist schools. The system may also find application in private or public care homes, sheltered housing or private residences, particularly in situations in which there may not be sufficient able bodied personnel to allow a patient to be manually assisted into and out of bed.

The invention is further described by means of example, but not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:-

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transfer system in accordance with this invention;

Figures 2(a) to 2(e) are perspective views illustrating movement of an occupant;

Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the invention;

Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate the stages of use of the embodiment shown in Figure

3;

Figures 5(a) to 5(b) further illustrate use of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and

4;

Figures 6(a) and 6(b) illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate a toilet arrangement in accordance with the invention; and

Figures 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate an alternative toilet arrangement;

Figures 9(a) and 9(b) illustrate a toileting pan for the toilet arrangement;

Figures 10(a) and 10(b) illustrate a further embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 11 illustrates use of the embodiment shown in Figure 10.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transfer system in accordance with this invention. An occupant (1) is shown lying on a mattress (2) on a support structure (3) of a bed (7). The support structure (3) comprises an endless belt (4) mounted on longitudinally extending rollers (not shown) and actuated by a drive mechanism as disclosed in WO2010/010386; WO2010/010388 or WO2010/010387, the disclosures of which are incorporated into the specification by reference for all purposes.

A transfer table (6) having a wheeled base (5) is located side by side in laterally juxtaposed parallel relation to the bed (7) so that the support surfaces (8,9,10) are laterally displaced from and parallel to the support surface (2) of the bed (7). In the present embodiment the mattress (2) has a unitary construction with a single mattress extending from the head to the foot of the bed. In alternative embodiments, a plurality of support sections may be provided as disclosed for example in WO2010/010386.

Figures 2(a) to 2(c) illustrate the stages of movement of an occupant from the bed to transfer table.

In Figure 2(a) an occupant (1) is lying on the bed (7) and the transfer table (6) is secured alongside the bed. The mattress (2) of the bed is located wholly on the upper surface of the bed and the three mattress portions (8,9,10) of the transfer table are located above the table (6). In Figure 2(b) the operator has actuated the conveyor (3) of the head so that the mattress (2) is moved towards the transfer table and rotated beneath the bed. At the same time the transfer table conveyors are moved in synchronised manner so that the support surfaces (11,12,13) are rotated from beneath the transfer table to form a continuously moving surface with the mattress (2) so that the occupant is carried smoothly towards the transfer table.

In Figure 2(d) the occupant is partially transferred from the bed onto the table.

In Figure 2(c) the occupant has been completely transferred to the transfer table. The mattress (2) is mostly located beneath the bed and the support surfaces (8,9,10) are supporting the occupant on top of the transfer table. The operator may then disengage the transfer table from the bed and drive unit to allow the occupant to be bathed, toileted or moved to another location in which the transfer table may be articulated to a seated position. The process of Figure 3 may be reversed to transfer the occupant onto the deflated member.

Figure 3 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention wherein the inflatable member is configured to act as a bathing or changing device.

The occupant (1) is lying upon an inflatable member (20) disposed upon the mattress (2) of the support structure (4) of endless conveyor (3). The inflatable member (20) comprises a rectangular peripheral lip (2) extending upwardly from a base sheet (22) to form an upwardly opening rectangular receptacle (23).

The inflatable member is formed from a flexible impermeable sheeting so that the receptacle (23) can retain water for bathing an occupant. The upper surface (24) of the lip (21) forms a horizontal rectangular cushion member upon which the occupant's hands or feet may be rested or upon which cleaning materials such as swabs or sponges may be placed.

An array of a plurality of parallel rectangular projections (26) extend upwardly from the base sheet (22). Upper cushion surfaces (25) of the projections (26) form a continuous cushion surface when the projections are inflated. An occupant may lie comfortably upon the cushion surface. A head projection (27) has a pillow surface (28) arranged to support an occupant's head. The cushion and pillow surfaces may be formed from a soft material and may be padded or quilted to be comfortable in use. The inflatable member is secured to the support structure or mattress by means of straps or clips (28) located on one or both longitudinal sides of the member. In preferred embodiments both sides of the inflatable member are secured to the bed, but in alternative embodiments a single side, remote from the second bed or transfer table may be fastened. In this arrangement the deflated member can hang downwardly from the side of the support member between the two beds or the bed and transfer table.

A supply of compressed air (29) and outlet valve (30) are provided to facilitate drainage of water. In preferred embodiments the lip (21) and projections (26) are individually controlled by solenoid operated inlet and outlet valves (not shown) controlled by a control unit (not shown). The control unit may be programmable so that the member may be arranged in various configurations in order to perform different functions.

The lip may be inflated while the projections are deflated so that the receptacle formed by the lip may be filled by water so as to bathe an occupant.

All of the projections may be inflated with the lip deflated. In this configuration an occupant may be dressed or undressed. Individual projections may be deflated and inflated in turn to facilitate fitting or removal of garment without a need to lift the occupant's torso or legs.

The receptacle (23) and projections (26) are arranged so that water may circulate around all sides of each projection.

Figure 4 illustrates movement of an occupant onto an inflatable member wherein the member is in the deflated and stowed position. In Figure 4(a) the occupant is shown lying on the transfer table (6) following completion of the procedure shown in Figure 2. A deflated inflatable member (20) is placed on the mattress (2) and the fastening clips (28) are secured along one or both longitudinal sides.

The inflatable member is in the stowed position with the projections including the lip and ribs folded against the base sheet. The projection and lip may be pleated or folded to facilitate storage in the stowed position. In this stowed position the inflatable member can pass beneath the bed or transfer table without requiring the two beds to be moved apart to a distance at which transfer of the occupant may become difficult or dangerous.

The support surface, mattress and stowed member may pass beneath the bed without interfering with any of the drive mechanism or any articles which are stored underneath the bed.

Once the occupant has been transferred onto the bed as shown in Figure 4(b), the inflatable member may be inflated moving the cushion surfaces upwardly to raise the occupant from the mattress for bathing or changing of clothes. Figure 5 is a side elevation showing the use of an inflatable member as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

In Figure 5(a) the occupant is shown lying on the cushion surfaces (25) of inflated ribs (26) and cushion surface (28) of the headrest (27). The cushion surfaces are disposed at the same height above the base sheet (22). In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral lip is deflated. In this arrangement an occupant may be dressed or undressed without the need for lifting.

In Figure 5(b) one of the ribs (31) is selectively deflated. Deflation may be carried out manually by opening a valve connected to the rib (31). However, preferably all of the ribs are individually connected to a control unit adapted to allow the ribs to be inflated or deflated sequentially without the need for manual operation. A foot pedal may be provided to initiate each step of the sequence described below.

When the rib (31) is deflated as shown in Figure 5(b) an occupant's trousers may be lowered from his waist. During the next step shown in Figure 5(c), rib (31) is inflated and the adjacent rib (32) is deflated. This permits further removal of the occupant's trousers. During the next stages shown in Figures 5(b) to Figures 5(f) adjacent ribs (33,34,35) are deflated and inflated sequentially so that the trousers may be completely removed without the need to raise the occupant's legs.

The control unit may be programmed to cause the ribs to be deflated and re-inflated in a wave-length sequence. The speed of the wave may be adjusted to suit the time taken by the operator.

The upper torso and head supports may be similarly deflated and inflated to allow removal of upper body garments.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the inflatable member is adapted for use as a toilet device.

In Figure 6(a) an occupant (1) is seated on a transfer table which has been adjusted to the chair configuration, for example as disclosed in WO02010/010387. The seat support surface is mounted on endless belt (36) driven by rollers (37). The inflatable member (38), shown deflated in Figure 6(a), is secured to the support (9) by clips (39) so that the deflated member moves with the support as it is rotated by conveyor belt (36) around the roller (37). In Figure 6(b) the toileting device is shown inflated using inlet tube (40) connected to control valve arrangement (not shown).

Inflation may take two or three stages with postural support members being inflated first (and deflated last) to ensure that an occupant maintains a good posture during movement between the deflated and inflated positions.

The inflated device is shown in more detail in Figure 7. A pair of cylindrical projections (41) secured to the base sheet (38) and cushion member (44) are arranged to be inflated using compressed airlines (40,43). The cylindrical members (41) form a forwardly opening space (42) adapted to receive a toileting pan (46).

Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein the projections are rectangular ribs (49) defining a parallel aperture (42) to receive the toileting pan (46) as previously described.

The toileting pan as shown in more detail in Figure 9 comprises a base receptacle (46), slidable lid (47) and handle (48).

A disposable sheet of recyclable material such as strong weave paper or biodegradable thin cloth or fabric may be used to make the seat more comfortable and hygienic for a user. A thin paper sheet with a double sided adhesive tape on one side may be attached to the seat and kept in place while the transfer takes place. The sheet may be identical in shape to the top layer of the toileting seat but slightly larger in size to totally cover the seat. Additional flaps of the disposable material may hang down the inside of the central aperture to prevent a user from soiling the side of the central part of the inflatable member.

If the toileting device is badly soiled if may be necessary for the occupant to be bathed directly after use. This would make it necessary to transfer the occupant onto a changing/bathing inflatable member. This would require the toileting inflatable to be rotated upside down underneath the transfer table. A guard may be provided to prevent soiling of the underlying mechanism. The guard may be in injection moulded, blown plastic or heat foam tray arranged to be easily cleaned after use.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention. The inflatable member provides an adjustable seating and bed profiling support arrangement (50), arranged to provide body and knee lift to an occupant.

The member comprises a base sheet (51), side walls (52) and a number of cushion portions (53-57). Rectangular cushion portions (53) and (54) co-operate to form a triangular knee section which may be raised when inflated to raise an occupant's knees as shown in Figure 11.

A seat portion (55) may be inflated to raise an occupant's buttocks from the mattress to provide pneumatic cushioning, for example to relieve bedsores.

A triangular back section (56,57) provides a backrest when inflated so that an occupant may be raised from a reclined position to an upright seating posture.

Figure 10(b) shows an alternative arrangement in which an inflatable cylindrical member (58) may be inflated to raise a laminar back portion (59) from a lower position adjacent lower portion (60) to a raised position as shown in Figure 10(b).

Figure 11 illustrates that the inflatable member may be disposed on the endless belt (61) of a conveyor arrangement as previously described. An air supply (63) is arranged to inflate or deflate the member as required. When deflated the inflatable member may be stowed for rotation with the conveyor (61) beneath the bed (62) while an occupant is transferred onto a transfer table (not shown) disposed alongside the bed frame (62). In this way an occupant may be raised to a seated position without the need for manual lifting.

Claims

1. An occupant transfer system comprises two beds arranged to be located side by side so that an occupant may be transferred sideways from one bed to the other;

wherein the system further comprises an inflatable laminar member disposed upon a first support structure and adapted to be secured to the structure at a location remote from a support structure of the other bed;

wherein the laminar member may be inflated to a deployed position from a stowed position and wherein in the stowed position the deflated member may pass freely around the belt.

2. An occupant transfer system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the laminar member comprises:

an inflatable bathing or changing device;

an inflatable toilet device;

an inflatable seat; or

bed profiling device.

3. An occupant transfer system as claimed in claim 1, comprising an elongate inflatable cover and means for securing the cover to a support structure as the structure moves across the bed.

4. An occupant transfer system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover comprises an inflatable bathing or changing device.

5. An occupant transfer system as claimed in any preceding claim; wherein two beds are adapted for use together so that an occupant may be transferred from one bed to another.

6. An occupant transfer system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the cover may be deflated to a deflated position to allow rotation of the bed adjacent to a second bed.

7. An occupant transfer system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cover comprises a base sheet and a plurality of inflatable ribs.

8. An occupant transfer system as claimed in claim 7 wherein the cover further comprises an inflatable peripheral lip.

9. An occupant transfer system as claimed in claim 6 wherein the lip and ribs each include means for inflation and deflation.

10. An occupant transfer system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the cover comprises an inflatable toilet device.

11. An occupant transfer system as claimed in claim 10 comprising a transfer table including a support structure mounted on an endless belt, the belt extending in a loop over a plurality of rotatable drive members extending longitudinally of the table;

drive means to cause rotation of the endless belt so that the support structure moves laterally across the table and so that an occupant located on the support structure is moved laterally across the table in use;

a leg support, a seat support and a back or head support arranged to be moveable from a first orientation wherein the supports form a horizontal surface and a second orientation wherein the supports form a chair in which the seat is generally horizontal; the back or head support extends upwardly and the leg support extends downwardly from the seat;

the system including an inflatable member and means for securing the member to a support structure;

wherein the member comprises an inflatable toilet.

12. An occupant transfer system as claimed in claim 10 or 11, further comprising side and rear portions inflatable to define a cavity adapted to receive a bedpan.

13.. An occupant transfer system as claimed in claim 12 comprising a base sheet, an upper cushion layer and two inflatable projections extending between the sheet and layer to define a space for a pan.