DK178012B1

DK178012B1 - BED SYSTEM WHICH CAN BE ATTACHED TO A HOSPITAL BED

Info

Publication number: DK178012B1
Application number: DK201470195A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Viorel Chicinas; Jens Goth; Morten Dahl
Original assignee: Gdv Technology Aps
Priority date: 2014-04-09
Filing date: 2014-04-09
Publication date: 2015-03-02

Abstract

There is provided a bed system that is simple to install on existing hospital beds and which does not require any modification of the existing bed. The bed system has a first and a second frame nested in a common pivot means, and actuators connected thereto in order to establish an angle formed between the frames, where they are rotatable about a longitudinal axis through activation of the actuators. The system is mounted on a base frame, which can be attached to an existing frame of a hospital bed.

Description

Bed system attachable to a hospital bedBed system attachable to a hospital bed

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONFIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to adjustable beds. More specifically this invention relates to beds where the frame and mattress are divided in a longitudinal fashion and are remotely controlled.The present invention relates to adjustable beds. More specifically, this invention relates to beds where the frame and mattress are divided in a longitudinal fashion and are remotely controlled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Elderly and disabled people who spend long periods of time in bed are susceptible to bedsores. These people must be turned frequently in order to reduce the likelihood of bedsores. At present, health and safety regulations stipulate that three people must be used to turn the occupant of the bed. This is not efficient. In addition, large strains are placed on the back of the people turning the person over.Elderly and disabled people who spend long periods of time in bed are susceptible to bedsores. These people must be turned frequently in order to reduce the likelihood of bedsores. At present, health and safety regulations stipulate that three people must be used to turn the occupant of the bed. This is not efficient. In addition, large strains are placed on the back of the people turning the person over.

In addition, elderly, disabled people and people with motor control problems are at risk of falling out of bed, whether asleep or awake. This is a further problem in that the person may not be able to get back into the bed or even to raise an alarm. Barriers can be placed on the sides of the beds but these barriers may cause injury to the person or one of their limbs by striking the barriers. A great number of disabled people find it impossible to either adjust their sleeping position or to arise from a prone position, i. e. at night when having retired to bed, without the help of another person which can be costly and inconvenient. In addition, the disabled person experiences a lack of independence.In addition, elderly, disabled people and people with motor control problems are at risk of falling out of bed, whether asleep or awake. This is a further problem in that the person may not be able to get back into the bed or even raise an alarm. Barriers can be placed on the sides of the beds but these barriers may cause injury to the person or one of their limbs by striking the barriers. A large number of disabled people find it impossible to either adjust their sleeping position or to arise from a prone position, ie at night when having retired to bed, without the help of another person which can be costly and inconvenient. In addition, the disabled person experiences a lack of independence.

It is of extreme importance that a disabled person has to be turned or to have their position adjusted at regular intervals to maintain good circulation, ease cramps and avoid bedsores, which can occur by remaining in one position for long periods.It is of extreme importance that a disabled person has to turn or have their position adjusted at regular intervals to maintain good circulation, ease cramps and avoid bedsores, which can occur by remaining in one position for long periods.

Wheelchair users find it difficult to straighten their legs easily in bed. Frequently, disabled people or their helpers will place a pillow below their knees in order to raise their knees and to maintain the legs in a more comfortable slightly bent position. However, the pillow becomes more compact and the support provided reduces and, also, the pillow does not provide support across the full width of the bed. Furthermore, the pillow position may move and stable support is not provided. US2,113,286 discloses a hospital bed where the frame and mattress are divided longitudinally and each section pivots 90 degrees from the horizontal. The hospital bed has guardrails and the pivotal movement is accomplished in a manual fashion. The bed is secured in an angular position through the use of support members resting in notches. US3,230,554 discloses a motion regulator device to control the relative movement of objects. This device uses a motorized power screw to regulate relative motion in mechanical systems. The device relates specifically to the application of such devices to adjustable beds, chairs or sofas to regulate relative movement between various sections thereof. US4,658,451 discloses a carrier for supporting a person in different postural positions. It contains a hydraulic drive means for pivoting the main rest area to allow the patient to be turned over, supported on their side or transferred. EP 0674893 A2 describes a hospital bed system for turning a patient comprising a first and a second frame nested in a pivot means defining a longitudinal axis of the hospital bed. The frames can be adjusted individually by screw actuators. EP 0674893 A2 does not envisage a flexible system which is simple to install on existing hospital beds, and which does not require any modification of existing beds.Wheelchair users find it difficult to straighten their legs easily in bed. Frequently, disabled people or their helpers will place a pillow below their knees in order to raise their knees and maintain the legs in a more comfortable slightly bent position. However, the pillow becomes more compact and the support provided reduces and, also, the pillow does not provide support across the full width of the bed. Furthermore, the pillow position may move and stable support is not provided. US2,113,286 discloses a hospital bed where the frame and mattress are divided longitudinally and each section pivots 90 degrees from the horizontal. The hospital bed has guardrails and the pivotal movement is accomplished in a manual fashion. The bed is secured in an angular position through the use of support members resting in notches. US3,230,554 discloses a motion regulator device to control the relative motion of objects. This device uses a motorized power screw to regulate relative motion in mechanical systems. The device relates specifically to the application of such devices to adjustable beds, chairs or sofas to regulate relative movement between various sections thereof. US4,658,451 discloses a carrier for supporting a person in different postural positions. It contains a hydraulic drive means for pivoting the main rest area to allow the patient to be turned over, supported on their side or transferred. EP 0674893 A2 describes a hospital bed system for turning a patient comprising a first and a second frame nested in a pivot means defining a longitudinal axis of the hospital bed. The frames can be adjusted individually by screw actuators. EP 0674893 A2 does not envisage a flexible system which is simple to install on existing hospital beds, and which does not require any modification of existing beds.

None of the above disclosures, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. There is a need for a simple bed system that can move specific body parts in order to avoid bed sores. Such a bed system should be easy to attach to existing hospital beds.None of the above disclosures, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. There is a need for a simple bed system that can move specific body parts in order to avoid bed sores. Such a bed system should be easy to attach to existing hospital beds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONSUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the problems associated with the prior art by providing a system that is simple to install on existing hospital beds and which does not require any modification of the existing bed. Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention specific body parts, such as lower and upper extremeties, can be moved independently.The present invention solves the problems associated with the prior art by providing a system that is simple to install on existing hospital beds and which does not require any modification of the existing bed. Moreover, in one embodiment of the present invention specific body parts, such as lower and upper extremities, can be moved independently.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bed system attachable to a hospital bed for turning a patient in order to avoid pressure sores, said bed system comprising: • a first and a second frame nested in a common pivot means, said pivot means defining a longitudinal axis of the hospital bed onto which the system is attached, said first and second frame each have a top, bottom inner and outer frame member; • a first and a second actuator connected to said first and second frame via one or more extension rods; • control means for turning the first and second frame independently, whereby an angle formed between said first and second frames is controlled, said first and second frames being rotatable about said longitudinal axis through activation of the first and second actuator; and • a base frame having attachment means for attachment of the bed system to an existing frame of a hospital bed.According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bed system attachable to a hospital bed for turning a patient in order to avoid pressure sores, said bed system comprising: • a first and a second frame nested in a common pivot means, said pivot means defining a longitudinal axis of the hospital bed onto which the system is attached, said first and second frame each having a top, bottom inner and outer frame member; • a first and a second actuator connected to said first and second frames via one or more extension rods; • control means for turning the first and second frames independently, whereby an angle formed between said first and second frames is controlled, said first and second frames being rotatable about said longitudinal axis through activation of the first and second actuators; and • a base frame having attachment means for attaching the bed system to an existing frame of a hospital bed.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the one or more extension rods comprises a first rod connected to the actuator, said first rod being fixedly attached to a second rod in a hinge on the base frame, which second rod extends to a joint, wherein a third rod is connected to the second rod, said third rod pivotally connected to the first or second frame in the outer frame member allowing the first or second frame to be nested.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the one or more extension rods comprise a first rod connected to the actuator, said first rod being fixedly attached to a second rod in a hinge on the base frame, which second rod extends to a joint, a third rod is connected to the second rod, said third rod pivotally connected to the first or second frame in the outer frame member allowing the first or second frame to be nested.

Further it is preferred that the attachment means on the base frame is adapted to be attached on the longitudinal or transversal bars of a hospital bed, said attachment means has a recess for receiving the longitudinal or transversal bars and fastening means for securing it thereto.Further, it is preferred that the attachment means on the base frame be adapted to be attached to the longitudinal or transversal bars of a hospital bed, said attachment means has a recess for receiving the longitudinal or transversal bars and fastening means for securing it thereto.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the first and/or second actuator is based on an electrical actuator attached to the one or more extension rods, preferably to the first rod.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and / or second actuators are based on an electrical actuator attached to the one or more extension rods, preferably to the first rod.

The control means is preferably programmed to move the first and a second frame up and down, while ensuring a minimum angle therein between of at least 40 degrees.The control means is preferably programmed to move the first and second frames up and down, while ensuring a minimum angle therein between at least 40 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided transversally extending and slidably support members secured on the top frame members so that the support members can slide in the longitudinal axis of the first and/or second frame. This is particularly suitable for patients that need additional support in the heel regions.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there are provided transversally extending and slidably support members secured on the top frame members so that the support members can slide in the longitudinal axis of the first and / or second frame. This is particularly suitable for patients who need additional support throughout the region.

In a second aspect the present invention provides an integrated hospital bed comprising a hospital bed, and at least two bed systems of the present invention. In this way different body parts can be moved independently.In a second aspect the present invention provides an integrated hospital bed comprising a hospital bed, and at least two bed systems of the present invention. In this way different body parts can be moved independently.

In a third aspect the present invention provides an integrated hospital bed comprising a hospital bed, and at least two bed systems of the present invention, wherein longitudinal connection bars are provided to interconnect the one or more extension rods so as to establish parallel movement of the frame parts in the entire length of the bed. In this embodiment the entire bed is moved because of the connection bars. This is illustrated in Figure 3.In a third aspect the present invention provides an integrated hospital bed comprising a hospital bed, and at least two bed systems of the present invention, longitudinal connection bars are provided to interconnect the one or more extension rods so as to establish parallel movement of the frame parts throughout the length of the bed. In this embodiment, the entire bed is moved because of the connection bars. This is illustrated in Figure 3.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the bed system. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the bed system when mounted on a hospital bed. FIG. 3 is perspective view of an embodiment where more bed systems are arranged along the longitudinal axis.LETTER DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the bed system. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the bed system when mounted on a hospital bed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment where more bed systems are arranged along the longitudinal axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown the bed system (1) that is ready to be attached to a hospital bed for turning a patient in order to avoid pressure sores. The bed system (1) has a first (2) and a second (3) frame nested in a common pivot means (4). The pivot means (4) defines a longitudinal axis of the hospital bed onto which the system (1) is attached. The first (2) and second (3) frame each has a top (5), bottom (6) and outer (5) frame member. A first (8) and a second (9) actuator are connected to the first (2) and the second (3) frame, respectively, via one or more extension rods (10, 11, 12). Control means (not shown) are provided for moving the first (2) and second (3) frame independently, whereby an angle formed between said first (2) and second (3) frames is controlled. The figure also shows the base frame (13) having attachment means (10) for attachment of the bed system (1) to an existing frame of a hospital bed.Referring to Figure 1, the bed system (1) is shown ready to be attached to a hospital bed for turning a patient in order to avoid pressure sores. The bed system (1) has a first (2) and a second (3) frame nested in a common pivot means (4). The pivot means (4) defines a longitudinal axis of the hospital bed onto which the system (1) is attached. The first (2) and second (3) frame each has a top (5), bottom (6) and outer (5) frame member. A first (8) and a second (9) actuator are connected to the first (2) and the second (3) frame, respectively, via one or more extension rods (10, 11, 12). Control means (not shown) are provided for moving the first (2) and second (3) frames independently, whereby an angle formed between said first (2) and second (3) frames is controlled. The figure also shows the base frame (13) having attachment means (10) for attaching the bed system (1) to an existing frame of a hospital bed.

Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1, where it has been mounted on an existing hospital bed on longitudinal bars (17). Both Figures 1 and 2 show a first rod (10) connected to the actuator, where this first rod (10) is fixedly attached to a second rod (11) in a hinge (15) on the base frame (13), which second rod (11) extends to a joint (16), wherein a third rod (12) is pivotally connected to the second rod (11). In order to provide optimal movement the third rod (12) is pivotally connected to the first (2) or second (3) frame in the outer (7) frame member allowing the first or second frame to be nested.Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1, where it has been mounted on an existing hospital bed on longitudinal bars (17). Both Figures 1 and 2 show a first rod (10) connected to the actuator, where this first rod (10) is fixedly attached to a second rod (11) in a hinge (15) on the base frame (13), which second rod (11) extends to a joint (16), while a third rod (12) is pivotally connected to the second rod (11). In order to provide optimal movement the third rod (12) is pivotally connected to the first (2) or second (3) frame in the outer (7) frame member allowing the first or second frame to be nested.

Figure 3 shows an two bed systems of the present invention connected by longitudinal connection bars (18) provided to interconnect the one or more extension rods (10, 11, 12) so as to establish parallel movement of the frame parts (2, 3) in the entire length of the bed. In this embodiment the entire bed is moved because of the connection bars. Figure 3 also shows transversally extending support members (18) that are slidably secured on the top (5) frame members. These support members are slidable in the longitudinal axis of the a first (2) and second (3) frame.Figure 3 shows two bed systems of the present invention connected by longitudinal connection bars (18) provided to interconnect the one or more extension rods (10, 11, 12) so as to establish parallel movement of the frame parts (2, 3) in the entire length of the bed. In this embodiment, the entire bed is moved because of the connection bars. Figure 3 also shows transversally extending support members (18) that are slidably secured on the top (5) frame members. These support members are slidable in the longitudinal axis of the first (2) and second (3) frames.

Claims

A bed system (1) attachable to a hospital bed to rotate a patient to avoid pressure ulcers, the bed system (1) comprising: • a first (2) and a second (3) frame encased in common rpm (4) ), said rotary means (4) define a longitudinal axis of the hospital bed to which the system (1) is attached, said first (2) and second (3) frames each having a top (5), bottom (6) and outer (7) frame member , A first (8) and a second (9) actuator connected to the first (2) and second (3) frame via one or more extension bars (10, 11, 12); Control means for independently moving the first (2) and second (3) frames, thereby controlling an angle formed between the first (2) and second (3) frames, wherein the first (2) and second (3) frames is rotatable about the longitudinal axis by actuation of the first (8) and second (9) actuators; and • a bottom frame (13) with fasteners (14) for securing the system to an existing frame of a hospital bed.

Bed system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said one or more extension bars (10, 11, 12) comprise a first rod (10) connected to the actuator (8), said first rod (10) being secured to a second rod ( 11) in a hinge (15) on the bottom frame, said second rod (11) extending to a joint (16), wherein a third rod (12) is connected to said second rod (11), wherein said third rod (12) is pivotally connected to the first (2) or second (3) frame of the outer frame (7), allowing the first (2) or second (3) frame to be tilted.

Bed system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fasteners (14) of the base frame (13) are arranged to be fastened to longitudinal or transverse bars (17) of a hospital bed, said fasteners (14) having a recess receive the longitudinal or transverse rods (17) and fasteners for attachment thereto.

Bed system (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first (8) and / or second (9) actuator is based on an electric actuator attached to one or more extension bars (10, 11, 12). ).

Bed system (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the control means are programmed to move the first (2) and a second (3) frame up and down, while at least the minimum angle therebetween is at least 40 degrees.

Bed system (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein one or more transverse support members (18) are slidably secured on top of (5) frame members, the supporting members being slidable in the longitudinal axis of a first (2). ) and / or another (3) framework.

7. Integrated hospital bed comprising: • a hospital bed; At least one bed system (1) according to any one of claims 1-6.

8. Integrated hospital bed comprising: • a hospital bed; At least two bed systems (1) according to any one of claims 1-6; wherein longitudinal connecting rods (18) are provided to connect one or more extension rods (10, 11, 12) so as to establish parallel movement of the frame members throughout the length of the bed.