Patient transfer system with associated frames and lift carts

A frame for providing exoskeletal support for a patient comprising:

• a first frame component including at least a first substantially rigid framework;
• a second frame component, including at least a second substantially rigid framework, releasably coupled to the first frame component, wherein coupled first and second frame components are adapted to substantially completely support a torso portion of a patient and a thigh portion of a patient;
• and
• at least one coupling component provided on at least one of the upper body and lower body frame segments, adapted to be coupled to a complementary coupling component of a patient transfer device.

A method for transporting a patient from a supine position comprising the steps of:

• (a) lifting the patient's legs, laying a first frame component including at least a first substantially rigid framework therebeneath and setting the patient's legs down again on the first frame component;
• (b) lifting the patient's back, laying a second frame component including at least a second substantially rigid framework therebeneath and setting the patient's back down again on the second frame component;
• (c) coupling the first frame component to the second frame component;
• and
• (d) transporting the coupled-together first and second frame components supporting the patient;
• wherein steps (a) and (b) can be reversed and step (c) can occur during or after the second of steps (a) and (b).

A method for transporting a patient from a supine position comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing flexible support that includes at least one of a strap and a webbing beneath the supine patient, wherein at least two lateral ends of the flexible support extend laterally outward from beneath the supine patient;
• (b) coupling the at least two lateral ends of the flexible support to a substantially rigid framework of a patient-support frame positioned about the supine patient;
• and
• (c) transporting the coupled-together flexible support and patient-support frame supporting the patient.

A patient transfer system comprising:

• a patient support frame, including a substantially rigid framework, adapted to be releasably secured about a patient and adapted to provide substantially complete support for at least the a portion of the patient's torso and the patient's thighs;
• and
• a patient transfer device including a vertical lift mechanism;
• the patient support frame including a first coupling component and the vertical lift mechanism including a complimentary coupling component for releasably coupling to the first coupling component of the patient support frame.

A frame for providing exoskeletal support for a patient comprising:

• a first means for providing rigid support to at least a portion of a torso of a patient;
• a second means, assembled to the first means, for providing rigid support to at least a portion of a patient's thighs;
• a means for securing a patient to the assembled first and second means;
• and
• a means for releasably coupling the assembled first and second means to a lift component of a patient transfer device.