GB2538250A

GB2538250A - Community care bed apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2538250A
Application number: GB1508049.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Heywood David; Thompson Samuel
Original assignee: SIDHIL Ltd
Current assignee: SIDHIL Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-12
Filing date: 2015-05-12
Publication date: 2016-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-12
Also published as: GB201508049D0; GB2538250B

Abstract

A bed comprising a body support section extending in a lengthwise direction of the bed and a leg extension mounted on the body support section such that it can slide relative to the body support section to extend the length of the bed wherein a resiliently biased member is provided which can lock or restrain movement of the leg extension. The biased member may be a ball mounted on a spring which can engage a slot to provide resistance to movement which can by a pushing force. The leg extension may include rods 201 which are mounted in bearings 301 passing through a cross beam on the body support section. The device is arranged so that locking is automatic without requiring manual engagement with a mechanism. The body support may have sections which articulate to different orientations.

Description

Community Care Bed Apparatus

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a bed for a patient suitable for use in a recovery or care 20 environment and in particular although not exclusively to a bed having a sliding leg support section to adjust the lengthwise support of the patient.

Background art

Beds for patients in hospital and other care environments have been developed to greatly facilitate patient care and comfort. One category of patient bed, commonly referred to as a community' bed has been developed for patients with non-acute medical conditions. Such beds typically have upper and lower body support sections that are configured to articulate so as to be raised and lowered and/or inclined both manually and mechanically via electrically controlled actuators.

Common to most community beds is a lower body thigh section (or knee break) that is pivotally coupled to an endmost leg section that supports the lower leg and feet of a patient. Typically, the thigh and leg sections may be raised and lowered vertically and can be actuated so as to be generally horizontal or inclined at different height positions. To provide a bed universal for all patients, it is known to configure the lower leg section with a lengthwise adjustable leg extension being particularly beneficial for taller patients and patients required to maintain their feet at an elevated or inclined position. Conventionally, leg extensions are secured to the lower leg section via hand-wheel bolts located at an underside region of the leg section to which access is restricted. Accordingly, conventional arrangements are disadvantageous for a number of reasons centering around convenience of adjustment and the risk of personnel trapping fingers or arms as the lower leg section is adjusted. Accordingly, what is required is a bed that solves the above problems.

Summary of the invention

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a care bed for a patient in a recovery or care environment having an integral endmost leg extension capable of convenient lengthwise adjustment from a body support section that may be operated by a person optionally using one hand without the person being required to gain access to an underside region of the bed or body support section to adjust the length of the mattress support. It is a further objective to provide a leg extension that obviates the need for manual release and locking of the leg extension relative to the body support section.

The objectives are achieved by providing a bed with at least one bearing that slidably mounts a leg extension at a body support section in which a resiliently biased member is configured to provide a semi-automated locking and release of the position of the leg extension relative to the body support section via a user simply pulling or pushing the leg extension to the desired position. The present invention is advantageous by providing an extension that may be simply pulled or pushed using one hand to actuate lengthwise adjustment. Additionally the automatic release of the leg extension locking mechanism and in turn the automatic retraction into the main length of the body support section is beneficial to reduce the risk of personnel trapping fingers, hands or other body parts as the bed is adjusted with the leg extension in the extended lengthwise.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bed for a patient comprising: a mattress platform extending lengthwise between first and second ends of the bed; a body support section extending lengthwise along at least a part of the mattress platform, a leg extension slidably adjustable in a lengthwise direction of the bed at the body support section to lengthen the body support section; at least one lock bearing to slidably mount the leg extension at the body support section having a resiliently biased 10 member to releasably lock the leg extension at the body support section.

Optionally, the resiliently biased member is mounted at a region of the body support section and is configured to releasably engage a part of the leg extension. Optionally, the resiliently biased member is mounted at a region of the leg extension and is configured to releasably engage a part of the body support section. Preferably, the bearing comprises a body defining an internal passageway through which a part of the leg extension is capable of sliding. The bearing passageway may comprise an elliptical cross section having a generally planar base and roof surface bordered at each end by curved, semi-circular or angled side surfaces. Preferably, the biased member projects into the passageway to at least partially obstruct the passageway and bear against the part of the leg extension capable of sliding through the passageway. Preferably, the biased member comprises a ball acted on by a spring bearing housed internally within the bearing body. Such an arrangement is advantageous to minimise external entrapment zones that would otherwise represent regions that promote the proliferation of bacteria. The internal and concealed mounting of the leg extension actuator also minimises trapping hazards.

Preferably, the body support section comprises a cross beam extending widthwise across the bed, the lock bearing mounted at least partially internally within the cross beam such that the leg extension is capable of sliding through the cross beam via the lock bearing.

Preferably, the device further comprises at least one slide bearing being devoid of a resiliently biased member to mount the leg extension for lengthwise sliding movement at the body support section. Preferably, the slide bearing comprises a body defining an internal passageway through which a part of the leg extension is capable of sliding. Preferably, the device comprises two lock bearings and two slide bearings mounted at the cross beam of the leg section such an arrangement is advantageous to provide sufficient structural support for the leg extension and to allow the leg extension to be pulled or pushed lengthwise relative to the leg section via the single hand of a user.

Preferably, the leg extension comprises at least one rod extending in a lengthwise direction of the bed configured to slide through the passageway within the bearing. Preferably, the leg extension comprises a plurality of rods projecting from a widthwise extending cross beam. Preferably, each rod comprises at least one hole, depression or notch into or against which the biased member is configured to contact and releasably lock the leg extension at the body support section.

Preferably, the cross beam comprises an aperture into which the lock bearing is mounted, the lock bearing having a first mounting flange configured to sit within a channel formed in the cross beam. Such an arrangement is convenient to mount the bearings internally within the cross beam via a simple assembly process in which each bearing is capable of being inserted into the aperture and being configured to click-lock in position when fully mated within the cross beam.

Preferably, the bearing comprises at least one rod support flange projecting in a lengthwise direction of the bed to increase the area of touching contact between the leg extension and the lock bearing. Such a configuration is advantageous to increase the cantilever mounting support of the leg extension, when extended, so as to withstand the vertical downward loading forces on the leg extension resultant from the weight of a patient's lower legs and feet. Each flange comprises a generally planar moulded extension of the bearing body that may be resiliently compressed into the passageway as the bearing is mounting into position within the cross beam such that the flanges are configured to expand radially outward from the passageway on reaching their fmal fully mated position so as to lock the bearing at the cross beam.

Preferably, the leg extension comprises a cross beam extending in a widthwise direction of the bed from which a plurality of rods extend in lengthwise direction of the bed, at least one or a plurality of the rods slidably mounted through the cross beam via at least one or a plurality of respective lock bearings. Preferably, the leg extension comprises a cross beam extending in a widthwise direction of the bed and from which a plurality of the rods extend in the lengthwise direction of the bed each of the rods being slidably mounted through the cross beam of the leg extension via respective bearings. Preferably, the bed comprises a plurality of lock bearings and a plurality of slide bearings.

Optionally, each lock bearing and each slide bearing may comprise a width extending in a widthwise direction of the bed that is greater than a height extending in a generally vertical direction wherein the resiliently biased member is provided at a lower wall of the bearing.

Optionally, the body support section comprises: an upper body support section extending in a first lengthwise half of the bed and a lower body support section extending at least in a second lengthwise half of the bed. Optionally, the lower body support section is configured to articulate between different angled orientations and/or raised and lowered positions relative to the mattress platform.

Brief description of drawings

A specific implementation of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a care bed having articulated upper and lower body support sections and an integral lengthwise extending foot extension according to a specific implementation of the present invention; Figure 2 is a magnified perspective view of the foot end of the bed of figure 1; Figure 3 is an underside perspective view of the lower body support sections of the bed of figure 2 with the foot extension in a lengthwise extended configuration; Figure 4 is a further perspective view of the lower body support sections of figure 3 with a cross beam of a lower leg support section removed for illustrative purposes; Figure 5 is a further underside perspective view of a part of the lower leg support section and leg extension with a cross beam removed for illustrative purposes; Figure 6 is a further perspective view of the lower body support sections of figure 5 with selected components removed for illustrative purposes; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the lower leg support sections of the bed of figure 1 actuated to an inclined and elevated position and with the foot extension retracted into the lower leg section; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a bearing that slidably mounts the foot extension at the lower leg support section of figure 7; Figure 9 is a lower perspective view of a cross beam of the lower leg support section with the bearing of figure 8 removed for illustrative purposes; Figure 10 if a further underside perspective view of the lower body support sections of figure 6 with the cross beam and bearing removed for illustrative purposes.

Detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention Referring to figure 1 a patient care bed 100 suitable for a rehabilitation or healthcare environment (including but not limited to care facilities where medical supervision or monitoring is provided such as nursing homes, geriatric facilities, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals etc.,) comprising a mattress platform 101 formed, in part, by a pair of lengthwise extending beams spaced apart across a width of the bed 100 and extending between a first (head) end 107 and a second (foot) end 108. An upper body support section 102 is mounted generally between mattress platform 101 in an upper lengthwise half of bed 100 closer to head end 107. A lower body support section 103, 104, 106 is similarly mounted between mattress platform 101 in at least a lower lengthwise end of bed 100 closer to foot end 108. A head/foot board 109 extends generally vertically at the first and second bed ends 107, 108. A pair of rolling casters 110 are mounted at lowermost corners of each end 107, 108 to allow bed 100 to be manoeuvred on the ground within the healthcare environment.

The upper 102 and lower 103, 104, 106 body support sections are configured to articulate relative to mattress platform 101 so as to be inclined (relative to the horizontal) and/or raised vertically and maintained in a generally horizontal position depending upon the needs of the patient. Articulation of the different body support sections 102, 103, 104, 106 is provided by corresponding actuators controlled electronically.

Referring to figures 1 and 2, the lower body support section 103, 104, 106 comprises a thigh section 103 pivotally coupled via pivot mountings 105 to a leg section 104. A leg extension 106 is slidably mounted at leg section 104 and is capable of lengthwise adjustment between leg section 104 and bed foot end 108. Leg section 104 comprises a cross beam 202 extending widthwise across bed 100 and being aligned perpendicular to mattress platform 101. Leg extension 106 similarly comprises a corresponding cross beam 200 aligned parallel to leg section cross beam 202 and a plurality of rods 201 extending lengthwise along bed 100 and extending perpendicular from cross beam 200. Each rod comprises a first end 204 rigidly mounted at cross beam 200 and a second free end 203. Rods 201 are mounted for sliding actuation through leg section cross beam 202 via respective bearings 300, 301. Bed 100 comprises a pair of inner slide bearings 300 and a pair of flanking lock bearings 301 mounted towards each lengthwise end of leg section cross beam 202. As illustrated in figures 3 and 4, each of the bearings 300, 301 is rigidly mounted within cross beam 202 and defines an internal passageway through which the rods 201 are capable of sliding as the leg extension is actuated between a fully extended orientation of figures 1 to 4 and a retracted configuration as illustrated in figure 7.

Referring to figure 8, each lock bearing 301 comprises a plastic moulded body 800 having a generally hollow configuration in which a single body wall comprises an external surface 802 and an internal surface 803 that defines an elongate passageway 806 extending through bearing 301 between its first and second lengthwise ends. The bearing body 800 accordingly comprises an upper wall defining passageway roof 808, a lower wall defining passageway floor 809 and side walls defining passageway sides 810. According to the specific implementation, roof 808 and floor 809 are generally planar with sides 810 being semi-circular such that the cross sectional profile of body 800 that defines internal passageway 806 between the first and second lengthwise ends is generally elliptical. A flange 500 projects generally downward from the external surface 802 of body 800 immediately below floor 809. An actuator housing 501 also extends from the region immediately below floor 809 externally relative to passageway 806 and is mounted adjacent flange 500. A dish shaped recess 807 is formed at a mid-length region within floor 809 immediately above actuator housing 501. A ball 600 is mounted to project vertically from actuator housing 501 from the centre of recess 807 such that an upper region of ball 600 projects into passageway 806 from the region of floor 809. A spring (not shown) is housed within actuator housing 501 and is positioned to act on ball 600 that is otherwise mounted in floating relationship at an upper region of actuator housing 501. Accordingly, ball 600 is resiliently biased vertically upward from recess 807 into the internal region of passageway 806 via the spring mounted internally within housing 501.

Body 800 further comprises a pair of support flanges 804 that project lengthwise from one end of body 800. Each flange 804 comprises a shoulder 805 extending in the widthwise direction of bearing 301 at the floor 809 and roof 808 between sides 810. A corresponding shoulder 801 extends continuously around an opposite end of body 800 (relative to shoulders 805). Each of the shoulders 801, 805 are configured to sit against respective external surfaces of the leg section cross beam 202 to mount bearing 301 in fixed position at the leg section 104. In particular, each flange 804 may be resiliently compressed into passageway 806 allowing bearing 301 to be installed conveniently and then to click-lock into position within cross beam 202. In particular, and referring to figure 9, cross beam 202 comprises a plurality of apertures 900 shaped and dimensioned to receive bearing body 800. Apertures 900 are formed in respective front 902 and rear 904 faces of beam 202. A groove 901 is also formed in a lower surface 907 of cross beam 202. Accordingly, shoulders 801, 805 are configured to sit against front and rear surfaces 902, 908 respectively whilst flange 500 is configured to sit within groove 901.

Referring to figure 6, with bearing 301 mounted in position at cross beam 202, each rod 201 is capable of sliding through cross beam 202 via bearings 301, 300. Referring to figure 10, each rod 201 comprises a first hole 903 provided towards first mounted end 204 and a second hole 904 positioned towards rod free end 203. As ball 600 is positioned to sit proud within bearing passageway 806, ball 600 is capable of sliding along a downward facing surface 905 of rod 201 until it reaches hole 903 or 904. When ball 600 engages hole 903, 904 it is forced vertically from floor recess 807 into the respective hole 903, 904 so as to releasably lock leg extension 106 at leg section 104. Accordingly, leg section 106 may be adjusted by a user simply grasping a region of the leg extension 106 and moving it lengthwise by applying a pushing or pulling force to overcome the interaction and seating of ball 600 at least partially within one of the holes 903, 904. As illustrated in figure 10, ball 600 is acted on by a spring provided at a sealed unit 906 mounted internally within actuator housing 501.

The subject invention is advantageous by providing a semi-automated locking and releasable leg extension movable lengthwise relative to a leg section 104 by a user via a single hand operation. Additionally, by mounting the locking actuator mechanism of bearing 301 internally within body 800 of bearing 301, the subject invention is optimised for infection and bacteria control by minimising external bacteria entrapment zones. The present bearing assembly 301 and leg extension 106 are convenient to operate as the user is not required to access the region immediately under the leg section 104 in order to adjust the leg extension 106.

Additionally, the present invention is further advantageous by providing an automatically retracting leg extension 106 that significantly reduces the risk of fingers, hands or other body parts being trapped between the leg extension 106 and the foot end 108 of bed 100 including in particular head board 109 and mattress platform 101. That is, should leg extension 106 be brought into contact with an obstruction as the leg section 104 is articulated, the leg extension 106 is configured to automatically retract into the leg section 104 due to the resistance force provided by the obstruction overcoming the spring acting on ball 600.

Claims

Claims 1. A bed for a patient comprising: a mattress platform extending lengthwise between first and second ends of the bed; a body support section extending lengthwise along at least a part of the mattress platform; a leg extension slidably adjustable in a lengthwise direction of the bed at the body support section to lengthen the body support section; at least one lock bearing to slidably mount the leg extension at the body support section having a resiliently biased member to releasably lock the leg extension at the body support section.
2. The bed as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bearing comprises a body defining an internal passageway through which a part of the leg extension is capable of sliding.
3. The bed as claimed in claim 2 wherein the biased member projects into the passageway to at least partially obstruct the passageway and bear against part of the leg extension capable of sliding through the passageway.
4. The bed as claimed in claims 2 or 3 wherein the body support section comprises a cross beam extending widthwise across the bed, the lock bearing mounted at least partially internally within the cross beam such that the leg extension is capable of sliding through the cross beam via the lock bearing.
5. The bed as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising at least one slide bearing being devoid of a resiliently biased member to mount the leg extension for lengthwise sliding movement at the body support section.
6. The bed as claimed in claim 5 wherein the slide bearing comprises a body defining an internal passageway through which a part of the leg extension is capable of sliding.
7. The bed as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 2 wherein the leg extension comprises at least one rod extending in a lengthwise direction of the bed configured to slide through the passageway within the bearing.
8. The bed as claimed in claim 7 wherein the rod comprises at least one hole, depression or notch into or against which the biased member is configured to contact and releasably lock the leg extension at the body support section.
9. The bed as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 4 wherein the cross beam comprises an aperture into which the lock bearing is mounted, the lock bearing having a first mounting flange configured to sit within a channel formed in the cross beam.
10. The bed as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the bearing comprises at least one rod support flange projecting in a lengthwise direction of the bed to increase the area of touching contact between the leg extension and the lock bearing.
11. The bed as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 4 and claim 7 wherein the leg extension comprises a cross beam extending in a widthwise direction of the bed from which a plurality of rods extend in lengthwise direction of the bed, at least one of the rods slidably mounted through the cross beam via at least one respective lock bearing.
12. The bed as claimed in claim 11 wherein the leg extension comprises a cross beam extending in a widthwise direction of the bed and from which a plurality of the rods extend in the lengthwise direction of the bed each of the rods being slidably mounted through the cross beam of the leg extension via respective bearings.
13. The bed as claimed in any preceding claim when dependent on claim 5 comprising a plurality of lock bearings and a plurality of slide bearings.
14. The bed as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lock bearing comprises a width extending in a widthwise direction of the bed that is greater than a height extending in a generally vertical direction wherein the resiliently biased member is provided at a lower wall of the bearing.
15. The bed as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the body support section comprises: an upper body support section extending in a first lengthwise half of the bed and a lower body support section extending at least in a second lengthwise half of the bed.
16. The bed as claimed in claim 15 wherein at least the lower body support section is configured to articulate between different angled orientations and/or raised and lowered positions relative to the mattress platform.