GB2531913A

GB2531913A - Sling strap

Info

Publication number: GB2531913A
Application number: GB1516813.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Guilfoyle Pauline
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-09-25
Filing date: 2015-09-23
Publication date: 2016-05-04
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-23
Also published as: GB201516813D0; GB2531913B

Abstract

A sling strap 501, for a sling 701 usable with a hoist for lifting patients, the strap comprising a linear series of slots or loops 511 along the length direction of the sling strap, the length direction extending between a first end 706 for securing to a sling and a second end. Preferably the strap comprises one of an elongate tape with a series of slots; two tapes joined along one edge with gaps to form slots; two tapes, the faces together and joined at spaced portions to form loops; a tape with a plurality of D-rings attached; or a connected series of alternating tape sections and O-rings. Each of said slots or loops represents a different selectable distance between a sling to which the strap is secured and a suspension point (705).

Description

SLING STRAP

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sling strap, in particular to a sling strap for use with a hoist for lifting patients.

Background of the Invention

A type of hoist machine for lifting a patient comprises a spreader bar over which sling straps or tapes of a patient sling can be placed. Existing sling straps for use with the hoist machine are manufactured using looped webbing straps that are sewn onto the sling at strategic positions corresponding to such points of the body as the shoulders, hip and legs. Looped webbing straps of different sizes are provided on the sling, for example providing one length (longer) being suitable for placing a patient in an upright seating position and another length (shorter) being suitable for placing a patient in a fully reclined position; typically one or more other lengths (intermediate) are provided too. A problem exists with the prior art looped webbing straps in that the length of the looped webbing straps is relatively long compared to the size of the sling, and the arrangement of the loops pose health and safety dangers. For example, it has been found that the loops can become trapped in machinery, such as wheelchairs, and can become caught in the arms of a patient during transfer. In addition, when the sling is left on the floor or draped over a wheelchair, loops resting on the floor are a trip hazard. The existing looped webbing straps thus present several undesirable health and safety risks to patients, carers and others.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided a sling strap for a sling usable with a hoist for lifting patients, the sling strap comprising a linear series of slots or loops along the length direction of the sling strap, the length direction extending between a first end for securing to a sling and a second end, each of said slots or loops representing a different selectable distance between a sling to which the sling strap is secured and a suspension point from which the sling strap is suspended using the associated slot or loop.

The sling strap may comprise an elongate tape in which a series of slots are formed therein.

The slots of the series of slots may have one of: a rectangular shape, an elongated regular hexagonal shape, a barbell shape.

A pocket in which a reinforcing rod is located may be provided towards the end of each slot closest to the second end of the sling strap.

The sling strap may comprise a first tape and a second tape, the first and second tapes secured together along opposed edges extending in the length direction of the sling strap, at spaced apart positions, to form openings therebetween that provide a series of slots.

The first tape may have a first width and the second tape may have a second width that is less than the first width of the first tape, and the second tape may be secured to a face of the first tape at spaced apart positions to form openings therebetween that a series of loops.

The first and second tapes may have the same width and may be secured together along opposed faces at spaced apart positions in the length direction of the sling strap to form openings therebetween that provide a series of loops.

The sling strap may comprise a tape and a plurality of ring elements secured to the tape at spaced apart positions that provide a series of loops.

The ring elements may be D-rings.

The sling strap may comprise a connected series of alternating tape sections and ring elements that provides a series of loops.

The ring elements may be hoop rings.

The hoop rings may be standard hoop rings or concave hoop rings.

The second end of the sling strap may be folded over and secured back on itself to form a manually grippable grab handle.

The first end of the sling strap may be secured to a sling.

The first end of the sling strap may comprise a sling securing arrangement comprising a first tape end portion and a second tape end portion between which a portion of a sling can be located.

The first end of the sling strap may comprise a sling securing arrangement comprising a securing ring.

The number of slots or loops of the series of slots or loops may be 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

The slots or loops of the series of slots or loops may be uniformly spaced in the length direction of the sling strap.

Different colours and/or visual indicia may be used in a surrounding region of each slot or loop of the series of slots or loops to assist a user to distinguish each slot or loop of the series of slots or loops from each other slot or loop of the series of slots or loops.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I shows a first example of a sling strap according to a first embodiment, comprising a first example sling securing arrangement; Figure 2 shows a second example of a sling strap according to the first embodiment, comprising a second example sling securing arrangement; Figure 3 illustrates first, second and third example slot shapes of a sling strap according to the first embodiment Figure 4 shows a third example of a sling strap according to the first embodiment, comprising an additional feature; Figures 5 & 6 show features of a sling strap according to a second embodiment, comprising a third example sling securing arrangement; Figure 7 shows the sling strap of Figures 5 & 6 in use; Figure 8 shows a sling strap according to a first example of a third embodiment; Figure 9 shows a sling strap according to a second example of the third embodiment; Figure 10 shows a sling strap according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 11 shows a sling strap according to a first example of a fifth embodiment; and Figure 12 shows a sling strap according to a second example of the fifth embodiment.

Description

Example embodiments are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

The present invention provides an improved sling strap for use with a hoist for lifting and transferring patients. A sling strap as described herein may be fabricated from any suitable material or materials. However, it is envisaged that a sling strap as described herein will typically be made of a sewable fabric or textile. Further, it is envisaged that a sling strap as described herein will also be made of a fabric or textile that is washable.

A sling strap for a sling usable with a hoist for lifting patients, according to a first example of a first embodiment, is shown in Figure I. A perspective view of the sling strap 101 is shown at A, a front view of the sling strap 101 is shown at B, a rear view of the sling strap 101 is shown at C and a side view of the sling strap 101 is shown at D. The sling strap 101 comprises an elongate tape 102 having a first end 103 and a second end 104. According to this first embodiment, the sling strap 101 defines a plurality of slots therein. As shown, a linear series of slots, such as slots 105, 106 and 107, are formed in the tape 102 between the first and second ends 103, 104, along the length direction L of the sling strap 101. The second end 104 of the sling strap 102 is securable to a sling (not shown in this Figure). In use in the scenario of patient transfer using a sling and a hoist, the sling strap 101 is hung from a spreader bar hook of the hoist (not shown in this Figure) using a selected one of the linear series of slots.

In this embodiment, the first end 103 of the sling strap 101 is folded over and secured back on itself to form a manually grippable grab handle 108. In this example, the folded over portion is secured by stitching. The grab handle 108 may take the form of a loop or tab. The grab handle 108 facilitates safe and easy removal of the sling strap 101 from a spreader bar hook after the patient transfer has occurred.

In this embodiment, the sling strap 101 comprises a sling securing arrangement according to a first example, in which an additional tape 109 is secured to the second end 104 of the tape 102, such that a portion of the sling can be located between the tape 102 and the additional tape 109, after which the tape 102 and additional tape 109 can then be secured to the sling. An edge of the sling is sandwiched between the tape 102 and additional tape 109. In an example, the sling strap 101 is sewn onto the sling.

Preferably the stitching finishes any raw edges, to avoid snagging or fraying of the secured edge and to avoid any discomfort to a user. Any suitable alternative way of securing the sling strap 101 and sling together may however be used. The sling securing arrangement according to this first example allows the sling strap 101 to be permanently attached to the sling.

With the sling strap 101 secured to the sling, the sling strap 101 may be placed over a hook of a spreader bar of a patient hoist machine (not shown) using one of the slots 105, 106, 107.

The series of slots are arranged linearly along the length of the sling strap 101, such that each slot represents a different distance between a spreader bar hook over which the sling strap 101 is hooked using the associated slot and the sling to which the sling strap 501 is secured.

Thus, for example, if the sling strap 101 is hung from a spreader bar hook using slot 105, which is closer to the first end 103 with grab handle 108 of the tape 102, the sling will be positioned higher and closer to the spreader bar hook then if the sling strap 101 is hung from the spreader bar hook using slot 107, which is closer to the second, opposite end 104 of the tape 102 that is secured to the sling.

It is to be appreciated that the sling strap may be any suitable length and may be provided with any suitable number of slots. In an embodiment, the interval between neighbouring slots is uniform along the linear series of slots of the sling strap.

However, the distances between neighbouring slots may vary along the linear series of slots of the sling strap. Further, the linear series of slots may comprise a plurality of sections, with the slots of each section having a different spacing between them than slots of another section. Yet further, the linear series of slots may comprise a plurality of slots that are uniformly spaced apart and also a plurality of slots that are non-uniformly spaced apart Preferably, and in this embodiment, the tape 102 of the sling strap 101 displays visual indicia to assist a user to readily distinguish each slot from another of the slots. Advantageously, an individual care plan for the transfer movements of a particular patient can show, using or describing the visual indicia, which slot should be used when placing the sling strap on the spreader bar of the hoist machine. This provides a quick and simple way for a care-giver to identify the correct sling strap positions to use for that individual. In a preferred embodiment, different colours are used in a surrounding region of each slot, for identifying each slot. In this illustrated embodiment, the colour 'green' is used for slot 105, the colour 'yellow' is used for slot 106 and the colour 'red' is used for slot 107. It is to be appreciated that any colours may be used, in any suitable arrangement Figure 2 shows a second example of a sling strap according to the first embodiment. Sling strap 201 is similar to sling strap 101 of Figure I but comprises a different sling securing arrangement according to a second example, in which the second end 202 thereof is provided with a securing ring 203. In this illustrated example, the ring 203 is a metal D-ring. The ring 203 allows a user to thread the first end 204 of the sling strap 101 through a loop (not shown) presented at an edge of the sling (not shown in this Figure) and then through the ring 203 to secure the sling strap 101 around the loop of the sling. The sling securing arrangement according to this second example allows the sling strap 101 to be removably attached to the sling.

It is to be appreciated that the slots of a sling strap according to the first embodiment, such as sling strap 101 of Figure I and sling strap 201 of Figure 2, may have any suitable shape. In an example, all the slots of the series of slots of the sling strap have the same shape, dimensions, and orientation along series. The edges of each slot, and in particular the top edge of each slot, from which the sling strap may be suspended from the hook of a spreader bar of a patient hoist machine (not shown), may be reinforced. In an example, slot edge reinforcement is provided by stitching.

Figure 3 illustrates different examples of slot shape. Slot shape 301 is rectangular, oriented with the longer sides of the rectangle extending in the length direction L between the ends of the sling strap and the shorter sides of the rectangle extending in the width direction W of the sling strap. A linear series of slots having slot shape 301 is shown in which the slots are arranged short end to short end.

Slot shape 302 is 'barbell', comprising a central substantially rectangular elongate slimmer portion and a wider circular portion at end, and oriented with the substantially rectangular elongate portion extending in the length direction L between the ends of the sling strap. The slot shape 302 can also be described as 'double keyhole-like', comprising first and second 'keyhole' portions in mirror image about an axis A extending in the width direction W of the sling strap. A linear series of slots having slot shape 302 is shown in which the slots are arranged circular end to circular end. According to the illustrated slot shape 302, the circular portions are the same size; however, the circular portion closest to the end of the sling strap that is secured to the sling may be larger or more pliable, to facilitate easy application of the sling strap over the hook of a spreader bar of a patient hoist machine (not shown). In addition, the circular portion oriented furthest from the end of the sling strap that is secured to the sling, and in particular the top edge of this circular portion, may be provided with additional reinforcement.

Slot shape 303 is 'elongated regular hexagonal', oriented with a pair of opposed shorter sides facing in the length direction L between the ends of the sling strap, and the junctions between the longer sides adjoining the shorter sides facing in the width direction W between the ends of the sling strap. A linear series of slots having slot shape 302 is shown in which the slots are arranged short end to short end. The slot shape 303, being diamond-like and with a middle that is wider than the ends, allows the sling strap to be used with a wider diameter hook of a spreader bar of a patient hoist machine (not shown) than some other shapes covering a similar overall footprint A third example of a sling strap according to the first embodiment is shown in Figure 4. Sling strap 401 is similar to sling strap 101 of Figure I and sling strap 201 of Figure 2 but comprises an additional feature. A front view of the sling strap 401 is shown at A and a perspective, partially exploded, view of the sling strap 401 is shown at B. The sling strap 401 comprises a tape 402 in which a linear series of slots, such as slots 403, 404 and 405, are formed. Towards the end of each slot that is furthest from the end of the sling strap 401 that is secured to the sling, a pocket is provided into which a reinforcing rod can be inserted. For example, at upper end 406 of slot 405, a pocket 407 is provided into which reinforcing rod 408 can be located. The pocket 407 extends in the width direction W of the sling strap 401. The pocket 407 is suitably dimensioned to receive the reinforcing rod 408 snugly therein. When received in the pocket, the reinforcing rod 408 extends in the width direction W of the sling strap 401, perpendicularly to the length direction L of the sling strap 401. The reinforcing rod 408 provides the upper end 406 of the slot 205, which is hooked over the hook of a spreader bar of a patient hoist machine (not shown) when the slot 205 is used to hang the sling from the spreader bar of a patient hoist machine, with additional reinforcement. The pocket may be provided on or formed in the sling strap 401 in any suitable way. The tape 402 may comprise a unitary tape section multiple connected tape sections. In an example, the pocket is formed using stitching. The reinforcing rod may be fabricated from any suitable material or materials, and may be fabricated from a metal material or a plastics material.

Figure 5 shows a sling strap for a sling usable with a hoist for lifting patients, according to a second embodiment.

Sling strap 501 comprises a first tape 502 having a first end 503 and a second end 504 and having a first width WI. According to this second embodiment, the sling strap comprises a plurality of loops. As shown, the sling strap further comprises a second tape 505 having a second width W2 that is less than the first width WI of the first tape 502. The second tape 505 is secured to a face 506 of the first tape 502 at spaced apart positions in the length direction L of the sling strap 501, such as positions 507, 508, 509 and 510, to form a linear series of on-tape loops, such as loops 511, 512 and 513, along the face 506 of the first tape 502. In an embodiment, the second tape 505 is stitched to the first tape 502 at spaced apart regions to form the loops.

Using one of the loops 511, 512, 513, the sling strap 501 may be placed over a hook of a spreader bar of a patient hoist machine (not shown).

The series of loops are arranged linearly along the length of the sling strap 501, such that each loop represents a different distance between the spreader bar hook over which the sling strap 501 is hooked using the associated loop and the sling to which the sling strap 501 is secured.

Sling strap 501 presents a total of three (3) loops. Preferably, and in this embodiment, one or both of the first and second tapes 502, 505 displays visual indicia to assist a user to readily distinguish each loop from another of the loops. Advantageously, a care plan for the transfer movements of a particular patient can show, using or describing the visual indicia, which loop should be used when placing the sling strap on the spreader bar of the hoist machine. In a preferred embodiment, different colours are used in a surrounding region of each loop, for identifying each loop. In this illustrated embodiment, the colour 'green' is used for loop 51 I, the colour 'yellow' is used for loop 512, and the colour 'red' is used for loop 513. It is to be appreciated that different colours may be used, in any suitable arrangement. However, primary or strong, bold colours are preferred for the colour coding.

Figure 5 also shows a sling strap 514 according to a second example of the second embodiment, which presents a total of two (2) loops, and a sling strap 5 I 5 according to a third example of the second embodiment, which presents a total of four (4) loops.

It is to be appreciated that a sling strap according to the second embodiment may have any other suitable number of loops than that shown, for example 2 or 5, with any suitable spacing between neighbouring loops. In an embodiment, the interval between neighbouring loops is uniform along the linear series of loops. However, the distance between loops may vary along the linear series of loops. Further, the linear series of loops may comprise a plurality of sections, with the loops of each section being spaced differently spacing than the loops of another section.

Sling strap 501 is shown in further detail in Figure 6. A perspective view of the sling strap 501 is shown at A, a front view of the sling strap 501 is shown at B, a rear view of the sling strap 501 is shown at C and a side view of the sling strap 501 is shown at D. The upper end 601 of the sling strap 501 is folded over and secured back on itself to form a manually grippable grab handle 602. The grab handle 602 may take the form of a tab or loop. In this example, the folded over portion of the upper 601 is secured to the main body of the sling strap 501 by stitching. As shown, in this example, flag box stitching is used. The grab handle 602 facilitates safe and easy removal of the sling strap 501 from a spreader bar hook after the patient transfer has been completed. In addition, the folding over of the upper end 601 of the sling strap 501 serves to present a smooth, finished edge, which is more preferable than a sharp or rough edge that may snag, fray and/or cause discomfort to a user.

In this embodiment, the sling strap 501 comprises a sling securing arrangement according to a third example, in which a portion of a sling (not shown in this Figure) can be located between the end portion of the tape 502 and an end portion of the additional tape 505, at the lower end 603 of the sling strap 501, after which the tape 102 and additional tape 109 can then be secured to the sling. In an example, the sling strap 501 is sewn onto the sling. The sling securing arrangement according to this third example allows the sling strap 501 to be permanently attached to the sling.

In an example, the width of the tape 502, and the overall width of the sling strap 501, is approximately 35 mm, and the width of the additional tape 505 is approximately 20 mm. The additional tape 505 is centralised in the width direction W of the sling strap 501. The depth of the grab handle 602 in the length direction L of the sling strap 501 is approximately 100 mm or approximately 120 mm. The depth of each of the loops 511, 512, 513 is approximately 80 mm.

The sling strap 501 of Figures 5 & 6 is shown in use in Figure 7. A front view of the sling strap 501 is shown at A and a rear view of the sling strap 501 is shown at B. The series of loops 511, 512, 513 are arranged linearly along the length of the sling strap 501, such that each loop represents a different distance between a spreader bar hook over from which the sling strap 501 is suspended and the sling to which the sling strap 501 is secured.

In this Figure, the sling strap 501 is shown in use to hang a sling 701 from a hook 702 of a spreader bar 703. The sling strap 501 is hooked over the spreader bar hook 702, using loop 511, which is the loop furthest from the point at which the sling strap 501 is secured to the sling 701. It is to be appreciated that if the sling strap 701 is instead hung from the spreader bar hook 702 using loop 513, which is the loop closest to the point at which the sling strap 501 is secured to the sling 701, the sling 501 would be higher and closer to the spreader bar 503 than when hung using loop 511 as shown.

An important feature of a sling strap according to the present invention will now be described with reference to sling strap 501 when in use as shown in this Figure. As illustrated, when the sling strap 501 is in use with a patient occupying the sling 701, tension is created in the sling strap 501 along a tension line 704, extending in the length direction L of the sling strap 501, between the suspension point 705 at which the sling strap 501 is suspended from the spreader bar hook 702 and the point 706 at which the sling strap 501 is secured to the sling 701.

In the scenario illustrated in this Figure, in which the sling strap 501 is hooked over the spreader bar hook 702 using the loop 511 that is furthest from the point 706 at which the sling strap 501 is secured to the sling 701, the length of the tension line 704 between the spreader bar hook 702 and the sling 701 is at the maximum available magnitude for the sling strap 501. However, if the sling strap 501 is hooked over the spreader bar hook 702 using the loop 513 that is nearest to point 706 at which the sling strap 501 is secured to the sling 701, the length of the tension line 704 between the spreader bar hook 702 and the sling 701 is at the minimum available magnitude for the sling strap 501. If the sling strap 501 is hooked over the spreader bar hook 702 using loop 512, which is between the loop 511 furthest from the point 706 at which the sling strap 501 is secured to the sling 701 and the loop 513 nearest to point 706 at which the sling strap 501 is secured to the sling 701, the length of the tension line 704 between the spreader bar hook 702 and the sling 701 will be of an intermediate magnitude between the minimum and maximum available for the sling strap 501.

The linear series of slots or loops of a sling strap as described are all located along a common tension line of the sling strap, such that the different distances between a sling and a suspension point of the patient hoist spreader bar that can be achieved using the sling strap are provided by the different positions of the slots or loops along the length of the sling strap. By selecting a different slot or loop of the sling strap to locate over the patient hoist spreader bar hook, a different length of the common tension line of the sling strap is brought to extend between the hook and the sling.

In this embodiment, the sling strap presents a single, centralised tension line along which the sling strap is tensioned in use regardless of which of the slots or loops distributed along the length of the sling strap is used to suspend a sling to which the sling strap is secured from the hook of a spreader bar of a patient hoist, but with the length of the tension line that is in tension when the sling strap is in use being determined by which of the slots or loops is used.

In this embodiment, the tension line 704 of sling strap 501 extends along a line through a continuous section of tape 502.

Figure 8 shows a first example of a sling strap for a sling usable with a hoist for lifting patients, according to a third embodiment. A front view of the sling strap 801 is shown at A and a perspective view of the sling strap 801 is shown at B. According to the third embodiment, the sling strap defines a plurality of slots defined between first and second tapes. As shown, in this first example of the third embodiment, the sling strap 801 comprises a first tape 802 and a second tape 803, which are secured together along opposed edges 804, 805 extending in the length direction L of the sling strap 801, at spaced apart positions, such as positions 806, 807, 808 and 809, to form a linear series of openings between the first and second tapes 802, 803 that provide slots, such as slots 810, 811 and 812, along the length direction L of the sling strap 801.

In an example, the facing, long edges 804, 805 of the first and second tapes 802, 803 respectively are secured together by stitching, as shown in the region indicated 808 between slots 810 and 811, to form the linear series of slots 810, 811, 812 of the sling strap 801. In this illustrated example, the first and second tapes 802, 803 of sling strap 801 have the same width WI.

The series of between-tape openings providing the slots are arranged linearly along the length of the sling strap 801, such that each represents a different distance between a suspension point from which the sling strap is suspended, the suspension point typically being a spreader bar hook over which the sling strap 801 is hooked, and the sling to which the sling strap 801 is secured. The sling strap may have any suitable number of openings, for example 2, 3, 4 or 5 in any suitable spaced-apart arrangement. The sling strap may have any suitable visual indicia and/or colour scheme.

Figure 9 shows a second example of a sling strap according to a third embodiment.

Sling strap 901 defines a plurality of slots defined between first and second tapes. As shown, in this second example of the third embodiment, the sling strap 901 comprises a first tape 902 and a second tape 903, which are secured together along opposed faces 904, 905, at spaced apart positions, such as positions 906, 907, 908 and 909, to form a linear series of openings between the first and second tapes 902, 903 that provide slots, such as slots 910, 911 and 912, along the length direction L of the sling strap 901.

In an example, the opposing faces 904, 905 of the first and second tapes 902, 903 respectively are secured together by stitching, as shown in the region indicated 908 between slots 910 and 911, to form the linear series of slots 910, 911, 912 of the sling strap 901.

The first and second tapes 902, 903 of sling strap 901 have the same width WI.

The arrangement of the sling strap 901 is such that it may be threaded through or back on itself using the slots 910, 911, 912, this feature providing additional functionality.

The series of between-tape openings providing the slots are arranged linearly along the length of the sling strap 901, such that each represents a different distance between a spreader bar hook over which the sling strap 901 is hooked and the sling to which the sling strap 901 is secured. The sling strap may have any suitable number of openings, for example 2, 3, 4 or 5 in any suitable spaced-apart arrangement The sling strap may have any suitable visual indicia and/or colour scheme.

Figure 10 shows a sling strap for a sling usable with a hoist for lifting patients, according to a fourth embodiment A front view of the sling strap 1001 is shown at A and a perspective view of the sling strap 1001 is shown at B. According to the fourth embodiment, the sling strap comprises a plurality of loops provided by ring elements secured to a tape. As shown, the sling strap 1001 comprises a tape 1002 and a plurality of ring elements, such as ring elements 1002, 1003, 1004 and 1005, secured to the tape 1002 at spaced apart positions, such as positions 1006, 1007, 1008 and 1009, the ring elements providing a linear series of loops along the length direction L of the sling strap 1001.

The ring elements may have any suitable shape. In this example, the ring elements are D-rings. In an alternative example, the ring elements have a more circular or rounded rectangular shape.

The ring elements may be fabricated from any suitable material or materials. In this example, the ring elements are fabricated from a metal material. The ring elements may have any colour, and the linear series of ring elements may comprise rings of the same colour or rings of different colours.

The series of ring elements forming the loops are arranged linearly along the length of the sling strap 1001, such that each represents a different distance between a spreader bar hook over which the sling strap 1001 is hooked and the sling to which the sling strap 1001 is secured. The sling strap may have any suitable number of ring elements, for example 2, 3, 4 or 5 in any suitable spaced-apart arrangement. The sling strap may have any suitable visual indicia and/or colour scheme.

Figure II shows a first example of a sling strap for a sling usable with a hoist for lifting patients, according to a fifth embodiment. A front view of the sling strap 1101 is shown at A and a perspective view of the sling strap 1101 is shown at B. According to the fifth embodiment, the sling strap comprises a connected series of alternating tape sections and ring elements that provides a series of loops. As shown, the sling strap 1101 comprises a plurality of tape sections, such as tape sections 1102, 1103, 1104 and 1105, and a plurality of ring elements, such as ring elements 1106, 1107 and 1108, with the tape sections and ring elements alternating in a connected series along the length direction L of the sling strap 1001.

Each tape section 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105 of the sling strap 1101 is connected to at least one of the ring elements 1106, 1107, 1108 of the sling strap 1101, and each of the ring elements 1106, 1107, 1108 is connected between a successive pair of the tape sections 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105. For example, tape section 1202 is secured only to ring 1208, ring element 1208 is secured between tape sections 1202 and 1203, and tape section 1203 is also secured to ring element 1207.

The loops of the linear series of loops along the length direction L of the sling strap 1101 is provided by the ring elements.

In this illustrated example, as shown at C, the ring elements of sling strap 1101 are standard hoop rings that have a circular cross-sectional area. In this example, the ring elements are fabricated from a metal material.

In this embodiment, the tension line 1109 of sling strap 1101 extends along a line through alternating tape sections and ring elements.

The series of ring elements forming the loops are arranged linearly along the length of the sling strap 1101, such that each represents a different distance between a spreader bar hook over which the sling strap 1101 is hooked and the sling to which the sling strap 1101 is secured. The sling strap may have any suitable number of ring elements, for example 2, 3, 4 or 5, and any suitable number of tape sections, for example 3, 4, 5 l0 or 6. In an example, a number N of ring elements is provided and the number N + I tape sections is provided, with a lower tape section being available for securing to a sling and an upper tape section providing a manually grippable handle. The sling strap may be secured to the sling using any suitable sling securing arrangement. The tape sections and ring elements may be secured together in any suitable way. In an example, the tape sections are secured around the ring element by stitching. The tape sections of the sling strap may have all the same length or different lengths. In an example, the ring elements all have the same shape and dimensions. The tape sections of the sling strap may have any present visual indicia and/or colour scheme.

Figure 12 shows a second example of a sling strap for a sling usable with a hoist for lifting patients, according to the fifth embodiment. A front view of the sling strap 1201 is shown at A and a perspective view of the sling strap 1201 is shown at B. In accordance with the fifth embodiment, the sling strap 1201 comprises alternating tape sections, such as tape sections 1202, 1203, 1204 and 1205, and ring elements providing loops, such as ring elements 1206, 1207 and 1208, along the length direction L of the sling strap 1201.

In this illustrated example, as shown at C, the ring elements of sling strap are concave hoop rings that have a non-circular cross-sectional area. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the rings 1206, 1207, 1208 of sling strap 1201 of Figure 12 differs from the cross-sectional shape of the rings 1 106, 1107, 1 108 of sling strap 1 101 of Figure 1 I. It is to be appreciated loops of a sling strap as described herein, however provided, may have any suitable size, shape and cross-sectional shape, and may vary between applications. The loops of a series of loops of a sling strap as described herein may all be uniform or one or more may vary in one or more aspects from another. Similarly, slots of a sling strap as described herein, however provided, may have any suitable size and shape. The slots of a series of slots of a sling strap as described herein may all be uniform or one or more may vary in one or more aspects from another.

A sling strap as described herein may be configured to provide any suitable number of different positions representing a different distance between a hook of a patient hoist spreader bar from which the sling strap is suspended and the sling to which the sling strap is secured. The different positions, or pick-up points, provided may be spaced-apart at regular intervals or may be spaced-apart at varying intervals.

A sling strap as described herein may have any suitable length and width, which may vary between applications. The arrangement of slots or loops may extend over any suitable portion of the sling strap. The sling strap may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials. The or each tape of the sling strap may be a webbing. The sling strap may be manufactured using any suitable process, method or technique or combination of manufacturing steps.

Although embodiments are described herein in which the sling strap has only slots or loops, it is envisaged that a combination of slots and loops may be practicable.

A sling strap as described herein may have any suitable safe working load rating, and any suitable other properties such as strength, wear resistance, tear resistance, liquid penetration resistance, light deterioration resistance. A sling strap as described herein may have any desired visual appearance, for aesthetic and/or practical purposes, and may carry visual indicia and may have any suitable colouration.

The present invention provides an improved sling strap that overcomes the health and safety problems of existing sling straps but which provides the same functionality as, and the same positioning features as, existing looped webbing sling straps.

Although a sling strap is described generally throughout in the scenario of suspending a sling from a suspension point provided by a hook of a spreader bar of a patient hoist, it is envisaged that the sling strap may be used in different scenarios, for example in which the suspension point is provided by a different arrangement Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

Claims

Claims I. A sling strap for a sling usable with a hoist for lifting patients, the sling strap comprising a linear series of slots or loops along the length direction of the sling strap, the length direction extending between a first end for securing to a sling and a second end, each of said slots or loops representing a different selectable distance between a sling to which the sling strap is secured and a suspension point from which the sling strap is suspended using the associated slot or loop.
2. A sling strap according to claim I, wherein the sling strap comprises an elongate tape in which a series of slots are formed therein.
3. A sling strap according to claim I, wherein the sling strap comprises a IS first tape and a second tape, the first and second tapes secured together along opposed edges extending in the length direction of the sling strap, at spaced apart positions, to form openings therebetween that provide a series of slots.
4. A sling strap according to claim I, wherein the sling strap comprises a first tape having a first width and a second tape having a second width that is less than the first width of the first tape, the second tape secured to a face of the first tape at spaced apart positions to form openings therebetween that a series of loops.
5. A sling strap according to claim 4, wherein the sling strap comprises a first tape and a second tape, the first and second tapes having the same width and secured together along opposed faces at spaced apart positions in the length direction of the sling strap to form openings therebetween that provide a series of loops.
6. A sling strap according to claim I, wherein the sling strap comprises a tape and a plurality of ring elements secured to the tape at spaced apart positions that provide a series of loops.
7. A sling strap according to claim I, wherein the sling strap comprises a connected series of alternating tape sections and ring elements that provides a series of loops.
8. A sling strap according to any preceding claim, wherein the second end of the sling strap is folded over and secured back on itself to form a manually grippable grab handle.
9. A sling strap according to any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the sling strap is secured to a sling.
10. A sling strap according to claim I, wherein the first end of the sling strap comprises a sling securing arrangement comprising a first tape end portion and a second tape end portion between which a portion of a sling can be located.
II. A sling strap according to claim I, wherein the first end of the sling strap comprises a sling securing arrangement comprising a securing ring.
12. A sling strap according to claim 2, wherein the slots of said series of slots have one of: a rectangular shape, an elongated regular hexagonal shape, a barbell shape.
13. A sling strap according to claim 2, wherein a pocket in which a reinforcing rod is located is provided towards the end of each slot closest to the second end of the sling strap.
14. A sling strap according to claim 6, wherein the ring elements are D-rings.
15. A sling strap according to claim 7, wherein the ring elements are hoop rings.
16. A sling strap according to claim 15, wherein the hoop rings are one of: standard hoop rings, concave hoop rings.
17. A sling strap according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of slots or loops of said series of slots or loops is 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
18. A sling strap according to any preceding claim, wherein the slots or loops of said series of slots or loops are uniformly spaced in the length direction of the sling strap.
19. A sling strap according to any preceding claim, wherein different colours and/or visual indicia used in a surrounding region of each slot or loop of said series of slots or loops to assist a user to distinguish each slot or loop of said series of slots or loops from each other slot or loop of said series of slots or loops.
20. A sling strap as described herein with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.