EP2099402B1 - Nursing bed with a lateral movement of translation - Google Patents

Abstract

The bed (1) has a bidirectional lateral translation disengagement unit (20) for allowing the lateral displacement of a leg-rest (6) of a bedding plane with respect to a seat of the plane, or the lateral displacement of the seat with respect to the leg-rest, along a translation movement oriented in the direction transversal to the plane, for releasing the frontal access to the seat. A stable position adjusting unit (21) varies the stable position of the seat and/or the leg-rest with respect to the ground.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the general technical field of medical furniture intended to improve the comfort of the patient and to provide assistance to the nursing staff during care.

The present invention relates more particularly to a medical bed comprising a floor-bearing base and a sleeping surface, supported by said base, which comprises a backrest, a seat and a legrest.

PRIOR ART

It is known in the medical or paramedical sector, to have to accommodate and treat patients who have reduced mobility, for example following a trauma or simply because of their advanced age.

In such situations, the patient is usually forced to keep the bed for extended periods.

In order to improve the daily comfort of the patient, it has been imagined medical beds with an articulated sleeping plan, generally comprising a backrest, a seat and a legrest whose respective inclinations can be modified so as to change the lying plan between a flat configuration for rest and a configuration close to that of a chair to facilitate certain activities such as reading, conversation or taking meals.

However, the medical beds of the prior art, although they provide a certain comfort of life to patients, however, suffer significant inconvenience.

In particular, the articulation mechanisms of existing sleeping planes, especially if they are motorized, are particularly complex, heavy and bulky.

Generally, such mechanisms also occupy the entire volume located under the sleeping surface and can thus be an inconvenience when accessing the bed, both the patient himself and the nursing staff.

Thus, for example, when the patient is to be transferred to a wheelchair or placed in a standing position with a stand-up person, the approach of the bed is generally thwarted by the fact that said wheelchairs or verticalizers abut against the structure of said bed and can therefore be parked only at a distance from the sleeping plane.

It is then the responsibility of the caregiver to manipulate the patient, which can cause pain or injury to the patient, or cause low back pain in the care staff.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects assigned to the present invention are therefore intended to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a new medical bed that guarantees comfort optimized to the user while having excellent accessibility.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new medical bed whose structure is particularly simple, compact and lightweight:

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new medical bed that has a great versatility, both to meet the needs of the patient as to meet implementation constraints or care requirements.

Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new medical bed that has an optimized operating safety vis-à-vis the patient and the caregiver.

Finally, another object assigned to the invention is to provide a new medical bed that is particularly robust and stable.

• une base portant au sol,
• un plan de couchage soutenu par ladite base et comportant un dossier, une assise et un repose-jambes,

ledit lit médicalisé étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens de dégagement latéral en translation conçus pour permettre le déplacement latéral du repose-jambes par rapport à l'assise, ou inversement, de l'assise par rapport au repose-jambes, selon un mouvement de translation orienté dans une direction sensiblement transverse au plan de couchage, de sorte à dégager l'accès frontal à ladite assise, ainsi que des moyens de réglage d'assiette conçus pour faire varier l'assiette de l'assise et/ou du repose-jambes par rapport au sol.The objects assigned to the invention are achieved with the aid of a hospital bed according to claim 1 comprising:

• a base carrying on the ground,
• a sleeping surface supported by said base and comprising a backrest, a seat and a legrest,

said nursing bed being characterized in that it comprises means of lateral translation in translation designed to allow the lateral displacement of the legrest with respect to the seat, or vice versa, of the seat relative to the legrest, according to a translational movement oriented in a direction substantially transverse to the coating plane, so as to clear the front access to said seat, and trim means designed to vary the base of the seat and / or leg rest relative to the floor.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• La figure 1 illustre, selon une vue schématique en perspective, une variante de réalisation d'un lit médicalisé conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 2 illustre, selon une vue schématique de côté, une variante de réalisation d'un lit médical conforme à l'invention dans une configuration permettant à un patient de s'allonger.
• La figure 3 illustre, selon une vue schématique de côté, une variante de réalisation de lit médicalisé correspondant à celle de la figure 2 mais dans une configuration permettant au patient de s'asseoir et/ou de se lever du lit.
• La figure 4 illustre, selon une vue schématique de côté, une variante de réalisation de lit médicalisé conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 5 illustre, selon une vue partielle en perspective, une variante de réalisation de lit médicalisé conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 6 illustre, selon une vue partielle en perspective, une autre variante de réalisation de lit médicalisé conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 7, illustre, selon une vue partielle en perspective, une variante de réalisation de lit médicalisé conforme à l'invention.
• la figure 8 illustre, selon une vue partielle simplifiée de dessus, une variante de réalisation de moyens de dégagement latéral et de moyens de réglage d'assiette conforme à l'invention.
• La figure 9A illustre, selon une vue en coupe A-A, une partie du mécanisme représenté sur la figure 8.
• La figure 9B illustre, selon une vue en coupe B-B, une partie du mécanisme représenté à la figure 8.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, among which:

• The figure 1 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, an alternative embodiment of a hospital bed according to the invention.
• The figure 2 illustrates, in a schematic side view, an alternative embodiment of a medical bed according to the invention in a configuration for a patient to lie down.
• The figure 3 illustrates, in a schematic side view, an alternative embodiment of the nursing bed corresponding to that of the figure 2 but in a configuration allowing the patient to sit and / or get up from bed.
• The figure 4 illustrates, in a schematic side view, an alternative embodiment of the hospital bed according to the invention.
• The figure 5 illustrates, in a partial perspective view, an alternative embodiment of the medical bed according to the invention.
• The figure 6 illustrates, in a partial perspective view, another alternative embodiment of the medical bed according to the invention.
• The figure 7 illustrates, in a partial perspective view, an alternative embodiment of the medical bed according to the invention.
• the figure 8 illustrates, in a simplified partial view from above, an alternative embodiment of lateral clearance means and attitude adjustment means according to the invention.
• The Figure 9A illustrates, in a sectional view AA, a portion of the mechanism shown in FIG. figure 8 .
• The Figure 9B illustrates, in a sectional view BB, part of the mechanism shown in FIG. figure 8 .

BEST MODE OF REALIZING THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a medical bed 1 for accommodating a patient to allow him to rest and / or receive care.

In particular, the medical bed 1 according to the invention may be specifically adapted for hospital use.

For example, the medical lift 1 may be specifically designed for " acute care ", such as resuscitation or waking.

The medical bed 1 can also be adapted for obstetrical use, and thus form for example a delivery table or a maternity bed.

Moreover, the medical bed 1 can of course be adapted to the corpulence of the patient, and in particular be designed for the reception of obese patients in endocrinology services.

Finally, the medical bed 1 can also be adapted, in a form possibly simplified from the mechanical point of view and / or more elaborate on the aesthetic plan, for home use by individuals or in homes for long stays, such as retirement homes or psychiatric institutions.

Thus, the medical bed 1 according to the invention may comprise, for example, tilting functions in proclive / declivity, lateral decubitus, or various accessories such as serum rods, anti-fall barriers, storage lockers , etc ...

The hospital bed 1 according to the invention comprises a base 2 carrying the floor so as to provide a stable support to the bed 1.

Of course, the " base " generally designates the base of the bed, which can be fixed to, retained by, or abut against, any suitable support element, fixed or mobile, such as floor, wall or ceiling.

In addition, the medical bed 1 comprises a sleeping surface 3, supported by said base 2, said sleeping plane 3 comprising a backrest 4, a seat 5 and a legrest 6.

For the purposes of the invention, the sleeping surface 3 is sufficiently wide to completely accommodate the body of the patient so that the latter can rest, and in particular sleep in an acceptable comfort, on said sleeping plane 3, such as that is illustrated on the figure 2 .

Preferably, the coating plane 3 comprises for this purpose a bed base 7, formed for example of a frame lined with slats, a suspension mesh, or a shell of polymeric or composite material, said bed base 7 being covered in whole or in part with padded mattress type support 8.

According to an alternative embodiment, the mattress 8 may be intrinsically armed so as to be self-supporting.

For convenience of description, it will be considered in the rest of the text that the bed 1 rests on a flat and horizontal floor, that the sleeping surface 3 can adopt at least a substantially horizontal configuration in which it allows a patient to lie down substantially. parallel to the ground and that the bed 1, and more particularly the sleeping surface 3, then has a longitudinal extension direction (XX ') which substantially corresponds to the head-foot extension axis of the patient, and a direction of transverse extension (YY ') substantially perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal extension (XX') and forming with the latter a plane (P) substantially parallel to the ground.

Furthermore, the base 2 preferably comprises elevating means 10 designed to vary generally the altitude of the coating plane 3, such as a column, crisscross or compass mechanism.

As shown on the figure 4 , the base 2 may comprise a lower chassis 11 bearing on the ground, for example by means of rollers 12, and an upper frame 14 to which the coating plane 3 is attached, the lifting means 10 being interposed between the lower frame 11 and the upper frame 14 to ensure vertical mobility of the upper frame 14 relative to the lower frame 11.

As such, it is remarkable that the bed 1 according to the invention can be specifically designed for use in residential settings for people with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, applications for which the face The upper sleeping surface 3 is preferably located less than 30 cm, and preferably less than 20 cm from the ground to limit the effects of possible falls.

To do this, it is conceivable to have two columns of elevation forming gallows substantially in the head and footboard, beyond the frame, so as not to clutter the space located under the sleeping plane 3 itself.

According to an alternative embodiment, the frames 11, 14, and in particular the upper frame 14, may be formed by a welded frame comprising longitudinal members 14L and cross members 14T forming for example a substantially planar and rectangular frame, although any other form can be considered.

• des moyens de dégagement latéral en translation 20 (ci-après « moyens de dégagement ») conçus pour permettre le déplacement latéral du repose-jambes 6 par rapport à l'assise 5, ou inversement, le déplacement latéral de l'assise 5 par rapport au repose-jambes 6, selon un mouvement de translation orienté dans une direction sensiblement transverse au plan de couchage 3, de sorte à dégager l'accès frontal à ladite assise 5,
• ainsi que des moyens de réglage d'assiette 21 conçus pour faire varier l'assiette de l'assise 5 et/ou du repose-jambes 6 par rapport au sol.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the medical bed 1 comprises:

• translation lateral clearance means 20 (hereinafter " disengagement means ") designed to allow the lateral displacement of the legrest 6 with respect to the seat 5, or vice versa, the lateral displacement of the seat 5 relative to at the legrest 6, in a translation movement oriented in a direction substantially transverse to the coating plane 3, so as to disengage the frontal access to said seat 5,
• as well as trim adjustment means 21 designed to vary the attitude of the seat 5 and / or the legrest 6 relative to the ground.

Particularly advantageously, such a combination of clearance means 20 and trim adjustment means 21 allows bed 1 according to the invention, as will be detailed below, to offer the patient one or more settings of comfort, including upright or seated positions, while allowing access to the sleeping surface when necessary, for example when the patient wishes to lift, relieve her legs, or when the caregiver wishes to provide leg care.

More specifically, the bed according to the invention is able on the one hand to facilitate the access of the patient to the bed, and more particularly to simplify the recovery of support of the patient when it is lifted, and secondly to provide the caregiver has free access to the legs, including the back of the legs, said patient to provide hygiene (toilet) or health care (dressing repair).

Within the meaning of the invention, the coating plane 3 is separated, or at least divisible, along a separation line (II) on either side of which the seat 5 has a separation edge 5S seat facing a 6S legrest separation edge.

Preferably, the separation line (II) extends over the entire width L2 of the coating plane, and preferably substantially parallel to the transverse extension direction (YY ') of the bed 1.

Preferably, the starting point of the separation line (II) lies between 50% and 80% of the " flat " length L1 of the coating plane 3 (which is for example equal to 2 meters), preferably between 60% and 75% of said length, and particularly preferably about 72.5% of said length L1. Said proportions therefore correspond to the ratio of the distance measured flat between the head end of the coating plane 3 and the seat separation edge 5S by the total flat length L1 of said coating plane 3.

In other words, the area of the legrest preferably represents 20 to 50% of the surface of the coating plane 3, preferably between 25% and 40% of said area, and particularly preferably about 27.5% of the area of said coating plane 3.

In addition, the legrest is preferably integrally formed kinematically.

Of course, the seat 5 and the legrest 6 can be indifferently contiguous at their respective separation edges or separated by a gap between said separation edges 5S, 6S.

Thus, the frontal access to the seat 5 means, in the sense of the invention, as the possibility of access to the bed and more specifically to the sleeping plane 3, crossing the separation edge 5S seat.

Within the meaning of the invention the bed 1 can be arranged to allow the exclusive displacement of a seat 5 movable relative to the base 2 and relative to a leg rest 6 fixed (that is to say, not likely to move away laterally with respect to the base 2), or the exclusive displacement one of a leg rest 6 movable relative to the base 2 and relative to a fixed seat 5, or the alternating movement, at the option of the user, seat 5 or leg rest 6.

As such, the bed can be provided with selective locking means 15, such as pins, for reversibly locking the translation of the seat 5 and / or that of the leg rest 6 relative to the base 2, especially when the element concerned is substantially in line with the base 2, and more precisely the upper frame 14.

The relative translation movement of the seat relative to the legrest is preferably substantially rectilinear.

In addition, although the relative lateral release direction of the seat 5 relative to the legrest 6 may be located obliquely to the transverse extension direction (YY ') of the bed 1, said translational movement is preferably substantially parallel to said transverse extension direction (YY '), that is to say substantially parallel to the ground and orthogonal to the longitudinal extension axis (XX') of the bed 1.

Moreover, the release means 20 are advantageously, in the sense of the invention, provided with a guiding member designed to ensure the displacement in guided lateral translation, according to a predetermined captive trajectory, of the seat 5 and / or the leg rest 6.

Preferably, the relative lateral displacement of the leg rest 6 relative to the seat 5 makes it possible to discover the seat separation edge 5S over at least 50% of its length, which preferably corresponds substantially to the width L 2 of the plane coating 3, particularly preferably on at least 66% of its length L2, and still more preferably on at least 75%, or even 90% of its length L2.

In other words, the release means 20 according to the invention advantageously allow laterally off the leg rest 6 relative to the seat 5, or vice versa, so as to pass the bed 1 of a first configuration P1, called " group configuration ", represented in solid lines on the figure 1 and wherein the legrest 6 is located substantially in the longitudinal extension of the backrest 4 and the seat 5, to a second configuration P2 called " clearance configuration ", shown in dashed lines on the figure 1 and wherein the legrest 6 is offset laterally with respect to the seat 5 so as to provide direct access to the sleeping surface 3.

Advantageously, as illustrated on the figure 3 , the lateral clearance opens a front passage that allows the patient to move his legs over the seat separation edge 5S and more precisely over the edge formed between the upper plane of the seat 5 and the edge of corresponding separation 5S.

Thus, the patient can either let his legs hang freely, for example to allow the caregiver to provide care at the feet and calves, or resume its support on the ground, having engaged frontally both his knees at once over the 5S separation edge, in order to get up.

As such, it is remarkable that the lateral clearance means 20, and more generally the bed 1, are arranged such that in the clearance configuration, the seat 3 is overhanging, that is to say that the space located above said seat 5 set back from the separation edge 5S, that is to say under the thighs of the patient, is cleared so as to allow the patient to place his feet in contact with the ground. withdrawal of said separation edge 5S, according to a natural position which minimizes the muscular effort to provide to get up from the sleeping surface 3.

The lateral release means 20 according to the invention therefore advantageously constitute lifting aid means.

Furthermore, it is remarkable that, although the lateral release means 20 can be arranged to allow the complete separation, for example by disengagement, the leg rest 6 and the seat 5 to make said leg rest 6 removable of the bed, the lateral disengagement means 20 preferably constitute, by construction, a permanent connection which renders not completely separable, in normal operation, the seat 5 of the legrest 6.

By " plate " is meant the inclination that forms the plane of the seat 5, on which the patient sits, with respect to the horizontal reference plane of the ground, respectively the inclination that the plane of the legrest 6 form relative to said horizontal plane of the ground.

More specifically, the attitude adjustment means 21 can be adapted to modify the roll angle, that is to say the angle formed, in a plane normal to the direction of longitudinal extension (XX '). between the projection of the seating plane 5 and the direction of transverse extension (YY ').

Preferably the attitude adjusting means 21 for modifying the pitch angle of the seat, that is to say the angle formed, in a plane normal to the direction of transverse extension (YY '), by the projection of the seating plane 5 and the direction of longitudinal extension (XX ').

Of course, the attitude adjustment means 21 may also be designed to vary the attitude of the legrest 6, for example in roll and preferably in pitch, independently of or in conjunction with the seating attitude. .

Although the attitude adjustment function can possibly be performed from a proclive / declivity mechanism or lateral decubitus located between the lower frame 11 and the upper frame 14 and arranged to vary the attitude of the sleeping plane 3 as a whole, the trim adjustment means 21 according to the invention will preferably be " clean " to the seat and / or the legrest, that is to say separate or independent of such mechanisms so to allow, as will be detailed below, a change of attitude of the seat and / or the legrest independently of the change of attitude of the other components of the sleeping plan 3.

In particular, the trim adjustment means 21 are preferably designed to vary the attitude of the seat 5 and / or the legrest 6 with respect to the upper frame 14.

According to a preferred embodiment, the translational lateral clearance means 20 and the attitude adjustment means 21 have a common member 22 which is designed both to provide lateral displacement guiding of the seat 5, respectively of the seat. leg rest 6, and to allow the modification of the base of said seat 5, respectively of said leg rest 6.

Particularly advantageously, the common member 22 in accordance with the invention is multifunctional and participates kinematically in the two functions of lateral clearance in translation on the one hand and attitude adjustment on the other hand, which makes it possible to resort to a single structure, shared by the release means 20 and the trim adjustment means 21, and thus to simplify and lighten the mechanical structure of the bed.

More particularly, the common member 22 may advantageously on the one hand form a fulcrum ensuring the support of the seat 5 and / or the leg rest 6, on the other hand allow the articulation of the seat 5 relative to the upper frame 14 or else the leg rest 6 relative to the seat 5, and finally ensure the translation of the seat 5 relative to the leg rest 6 and / or the base 2, respectively of the leg rest 6 with respect to the seat 5.

In other words, the common member 22 may advantageously be interposed between the base 2 and the seat 5, or between the seat 5 and the legrest 6, according to the embodiment variant retained.

In a particularly preferential manner, as illustrated in particular in figures 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 , the common member 22 forms a sliding pivot connection whose axis (Y ₁ Y ' ₁ ) corresponds to the direction of lateral displacement of the seat 5, respectively of the legrest 6, that is to say s extends substantially parallel to the transverse extension direction (YY ') of the bed 1.

Advantageously, such a solution makes it possible to obtain, by means of a single and simple mechanical connection, both a slideway capable of guiding the element of the lying plane which is movable in translation, and a pivot articulation allowing relative tilting. the seat relative to the leg rest, the junction is effected by said mechanical connection.

Thus, advantageously, a part of the clearance means 20, and more specifically the guide member of the release means 20 coincides with a portion of the trim adjustment means 21, and more particularly is merged with a hinge member of these.

In particular, as illustrated in particular in Figures 5 to 7 , the common member 22 may comprise firstly a tubular element 23 substantially oriented along the axis (Y ₁ Y ' ₁ ) of the sliding pivot connection, said tubular element 23 having one or more openings 24 formed through the thickness of its wall, and, on the other hand, a slider 25, such as a log, arranged to be threaded into said tubular element 23, said slider being provided with one or more projecting fastening elements 26 designed to traverse the tubular element 23 through the opening or openings 24 in order to connect said slider 25 to a mechanical member of the bed, such as, for example, the seat 5 or the legrest 6.

Preferably, the tubular element 23 is hollowed out in an elongated cylindrical chamber, of circular base, forming a jacket which allows the displacement in translation and in rotation of the slide 25.

Of course, the connection between the slider 25 and the tubular element 23 can be achieved by means of one or more plain bearings, ball bushings, roller cages, or any other equivalent means.

In order to guarantee sufficient clearance of the flange 5S of the seat, the opening 24 preferably extends substantially parallel to the axis (Y ₁ Y ' ₁ ) of the sliding pivot connection and runs over most of it. that is to say at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and particularly preferably over the entire length of the tubular element 23.

The opening 24 may in particular be formed by a groove parallel to the generator axis of the tubular element.

Advantageously, such an arrangement not only makes it possible to benefit from a large lateral travel but also makes it possible to produce the tubular element 23 by means of a profile section, such as that illustrated on FIG. Figure 9B and finally to facilitate the assembly and / or removal of the sliding pivot connection for maintenance operations. Advantageously, such a profile may for example be obtained by extrusion.

In order to optimize the robustness and accuracy of the guidance, said tubular element 23 will preferably extend substantially over the entire width of the coating plane 3, and will consequently have a length close to L 2.

Preferably, the common member 22 is also at least partially integral with the seat 5.

More specifically, the tubular element 23, or the slider 25, is preferably attached to the slatted portion 7 which corresponds to said seat 5.

Thus, the common member 22 is preferably inseparable from the seat 5, and more particularly has at least one portion mounted in connection with the seat 5, so that all degrees of freedom between the seat 5 and the relevant part of the common organ 22 are deleted.

Moreover, as illustrated in the Figures 2, 4 and 5 to 8 , the trim adjustment means 21 preferably comprise a popliteal joint 27 allowing tilting of the leg rest 6 relative to the seat 5.

Within the meaning of the invention, said popliteal joint 27 is formed by a pivot connection of substantially horizontal axis and parallel to the transverse direction (YY ') of extension of the coating plane 3, so as to allow the " break " of the sleeping surface 3 in a movement that corresponds substantially to the natural fold of the knees.

Thus, the bed 1 according to the invention can offer the patient a comfort position in which the continuity of the sleeping surface 3 provides support at the same time at the thighs, by the seat 5, and calves, by 6. Advantageously, such a position of comfort corresponds to a natural relaxation of the knee joint, without shearing the hock.

In a particularly preferred manner, the common member 22 forms the popliteal joint 27.

Advantageously, the axis of the popliteal joint 27 can therefore coincide with the axis (Y ₁ Y ₁ ') of lateral clearance.

Preferably, the trim adjustment means 21 are designed to allow selection by the user, and especially by the patient, of the tilt angle β formed between the seat 5 and the legrest 6, preferably at level of the popliteal joint 27, in a range between 0 ° and 60 °, and preferably between 0 ° and 90 °.

By convention, the tilting angle β corresponds to the angle formed, in a plane substantially normal to the direction of transverse extension (YY '), from the prolongation before the projection of the plane of seating 5 towards the projection of the leg rest 6, as shown on the figure 4 .

It is conceivable that, as illustrated on the figure 5 , the openings 24 formed in the tubular element 23 allows the free tilting β between the seat 5 and the legrest 6 that when the bed is in cluster configuration P1.

Thus, for example, the opening 24 may comprise, towards the ends of the tubular element 23, substantially vertical and narrow grooves in which the projecting fastening means 26 can engage only when the bed base portion corresponding to the rest legs 6 is in alignment with the bed base section corresponding to the seat 5.

However, the attitude adjustment means 21 and the lateral clearance means 20 are preferably designed to allow the maintenance a tilting angle β between the seat 5 and the legrest 6 which is substantially between 50 ° and 70 °, and preferably substantially between 0 ° and 90 °, during the relative lateral displacement of the seat 5 and the legrest 6.

Advantageously, the tilting angle β which is maintained during the relative lateral movement of the seat 5 and the legrest 6 can be freely selected by the user within a predetermined range, which allows a direct transition between the grouped configuration. and the clearance configuration, even when the sleeping surface 3 is initially in a comfort position in which the legrest 6 is folded towards the ground relative to the seating plane 5.

For this purpose, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, the tubular element 23 may have an opening 24 of greater width than that of the projecting fastening elements 26 so as to allow the angular displacement of said fastening elements 26.

In particular, as illustrated in the figures 6 , 7 or 9B the tubular element 23 may have a " C " profile having an opening arc 24 whose angle at the center of the advantage δ is preferably between 30 ° and 150 °, and particularly preferably between 60 ° and 120 °.

Such a constructive arrangement advantageously allows the establishment of fastening means 26 extended and in particular substantially covering the entire width L2 of the legrest 6 on the one hand and the entire range offered by the element tubular 23 on the other hand, while ensuring free movement in tilting of the leg rest 6 relative to the seat 5 regardless of the value of the lateral offset between these two elements.

Thus, the robustness of the popliteal connection 27 and of the bed base 7 as a whole is improved together while simplifying and reducing the overall structure of the bed 1.

Advantageously, as illustrated on the Figure 9B , the opening 24 of the tubular element, and more particularly the upper lip 23S of the profile will be arranged such that, when the projecting fastening elements 26 abut against it, the tilting angle β is greater than or equal to to zero. In other words, the common member 22, when forming the popliteal joint 27, is preferably designed to prevent inversion of the knee fold, and more particularly to block the movement of said popliteal connection 27 to the knee. beyond the deflection of the natural knee joint.

Furthermore, it is remarkable that the maintenance of a non-zero tilting angle β between the seat 5 and the legrest 6 advantageously allows the edges of the mattress elements 8 which correspond to the separation edges 5S, 6S to be completely dissociated. during the relative lateral displacement of the seat 5 and the legrest 6, which prevents any friction between said mattresses during translation, and therefore any premature wear, even if they are thick.

According to a preferred embodiment, the trim adjustment means 21 are designed to allow the free selection by the user of the elevation angle α of the seat 5 in a range between 0 ° and 30 °, and preferably substantially between -10 ° and + 45 °.

By convention, as illustrated on the figure 4 , the elevation angle α is measured, in a plane of projection normal to the transverse direction of extension of the bed (YY '), between the horizontal and the projection of the plane of seating 5, and counted positively in the trigonometric sense.

Preferably, the attitude adjustment means 21 and the lateral clearance means 20 are arranged to allow the maintenance of a positive elevation angle α of the seat, preferably between 0 ° and 30 °, during the relative lateral displacement of the seat 5 with respect to the legrest 6.

Thus, advantageously, it is possible to proceed to the release of the access to the seat 5 while maintaining said raised seat that is to say to maintain the patient's knees higher than his buttocks so as to retain said patient for prevent any risk of falling by sliding off the sleeping surface.

It is remarkable that the bed according to the invention can thus advantageously allow the free choice of the elevation of the seat, both in cluster configuration and clearance configuration, or even during the transition between said configurations.

For this purpose, the seat 5 is preferably hinged, with respect to the base 2, in a pivot connection axis substantially parallel to the direction of transverse extension (YY '), and in particular, can be divided into " a buttocks section 5 'and a " thigh section " 5 ", said thigh section 5" articulating in pivot connection of thighs 28 of axis (Y ₂ Y ₂ ') with said butt section 5 '.

In addition, the seat 5, and more particularly its butt section 5 ', is articulated preferably with the backrest 4 by means of a buttock pivot connection 29 of axis (Y ₃ Y ₃ ') substantially parallel to the transverse extension direction (YY ') of the bed.

More generally, the bed 1 according to the invention may advantageously be a monopli bed, two-ply or three-ply.

In a manner similar to that described above, the trim adjustment means 21 are preferably designed to allow the rectification of the backrest 4 relative to the seat 5, about the axis (Y ₃ Y ₃ ' ), at a rectification angle γ substantially between 0 ° and 90 °, and at least between 0 ° and 45 °.

By convention, the recovery angle γ corresponds to the angle formed, in a plane substantially normal to the direction of transverse extension (YY '), from the rear extension of the projection of the plane of seating 5 towards the projection of the leg rest 6, as shown on the figure 4 .

As such, it is remarkable that, the recovery angle γ of the backrest 4 is measured relative to the seat plane 5 (as the tilting angle β of the legrest 6), the adjustment of an angle elevation α of positive seating, for example + 10 ° combined with the selection of a recovery angle γ zero (that is to say that the plane of the file is placed substantially in alignment with the plane of sitting 5) returns to placing the sleeping surface 3 in a sloping position. It is thus conceivable that the trim adjustment means 21 fulfill the functions of proclive / declivity, which simplifies the structure of the bed 1 and reduce its cost of manufacture.

In a particularly preferred manner, the trim adjustment means 21 and the lateral clearance means 20 are designed to allow the adjustment of the elevation angle α of the seat 5, or the rectification angle γ of the backrest. 4, when the bed 1 is in the disengagement configuration, that is to say that these comfort settings remain available even when the legrest 6 has been removed from the seat 5 and the patient's legs are not resting more on this one.

Preferably, the attitude adjustment and lateral clearance means are designed to allow the independent adjustment of both the elevation angle α of the seat 5 and the recovery angle γ of the backrest 4 when the bed is in the release configuration.

Thus, the patient can advantageously have an adjustable chair and accessible when the bed is in the release configuration.

According to the embodiment variant illustrated in figure 7 the displacement of a leg rest 6 movable relative to a base 2 and a seat 5 remaining vertically above said base 2 is advantageously allowed, whatever the angle of elevation of the seat and the tilting angle of the legrest, by the use of 14L longer stringers of the upper frame 14 shortened, which are interrupted substantially in line with the popliteal connection 27. This constructive arrangement advantageously makes it possible to cross the legrest 6 the upper chassis without hitting the rails 14L and without having to raise it before him or the seat, to place it entirely above said rails 14L.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the upper longitudinal members 14L may have a movable structure longitudinally, and more particularly extensible, for example telescopic, so as to be able to deploy to come to support the sleeping plane 3 when the bed is in a clustered configuration and to retract in order to clear the passage at the legrest 6 when passing into the clearance configuration.

Moreover, according to an embodiment variant illustrated on the figure 6 , the seat 5, and preferably the backrest 4, are mounted on a movable carriage 30 guided laterally relative to the upper frame 14, for example by means of one or more rails 31.

It is remarkable that, in order to rationalize the production, it is conceivable to use as support for said carriage 30 two rails using profiles and logs identical to those used to form the tubular element 23 and the slide 25 constituting the common element 22.

According to such an alternative embodiment, insofar as on the one hand it is the seat 5 which is laterally offset to present its flange 5S in overflow left or right of the base, and more particularly in overflow of the upper frame 14, and on the other hand where the legrest 6 remains at the base of said base 2 during the release operations, it is perfectly possible to maintain any tilt angle β whatever the elevation angle α (positive) chosen for the seat.

Indeed, insofar as the legrest 6 must not be embarked laterally, the upper frame 14 is not an obstacle, and the legrest 6 can therefore be inclined to the ground before and during the movement of the carriage mobile 30 without ever annoying said displacement.

In other words, it is possible, thanks to the bed according to the invention to place the patient in a sitting position in a chair (of the " chaise longue " type in a group configuration), then to transfer it laterally, always in a seated position , so as to gradually release his legs from the support of the leg rest, then to make him resume his natural supports under the seat, from the same chair configuration, to help him get up. The task of the nursing staff is greatly simplified.

Advantageously, the bed 1 according to the invention makes it possible to maintain the comfort settings, that is to say more particularly the adjustment of the elevation angle α of the seat 5, tilting β of the legrest 6 and γ recovery of the folder 4, operational at any time, whether the bed is in a group configuration or in a clearance configuration.

In addition, the attitude adjustment means - so comfort - according to the invention may advantageously be independent of each other and independent of the retracted configuration or clearance of the bed 1.

Moreover, in order to guarantee the holding in position and / or the animation of the various articulated elements mentioned above, the trim adjustment means 21 preferably comprise one or more retaining members 40, 40 ', 40 "of variable length, such as cylinders 41, 41 ', 41 "or toothed rods, each of which connects a bearing element 42, 42', 42" integral with the base 2 to a respective levitation element 43, 43 ', 43 ". seat 5 and / or leg rest 6 and / or backrest 4.

As illustrated on the figures 6 and 7 , the support elements 42, 42 ', 42 "may advantageously be formed by rods joining transversely the longitudinal members 14L of the upper frame 14, substantially parallel to the transverse direction (YY') of the bed 1.

Similarly, the levitation elements 43, 43 ', 43 "may advantageously be formed by rods joining transversely the lateral elements of the portions of the bed base 7 which correspond respectively to the seat, the legrest and the backrest, substantially parallel to the transverse direction (YY ') of the bed 1.

Of course, the support elements will be placed at an altitude lower than that of the junction points of the respective pivot connections of the seat, the legrest or the backrest, in order to create triangular structures allowing the appearance of a lifting torque capable of lifting the levitation elements.

As such, the support elements may possibly be lowered to allow a movement of an element of the sleeping surface 3, such as the legrest 6 or the backrest 4, below the level of the upper frame 14.

In a particularly preferred manner, the retaining member 40, 40 ', 40 "is mounted to be movable in translation, and more particularly as a sliding pivot, with respect to the bearing element 42, 42', 42" and / or the levitation element 43, 43 ', 43 "so as to accompany at least partially the lateral displacement of the leg rest 6 relative to the seat 5 or vice versa.

Preferably, the mobility in translation is free, so that the retaining member 40, 40 ', 40 "is spontaneously driven in displacement by the movable member (seat or leg rest) when it abuts against said means of support during its transition from the cluster configuration to the clearance configuration.

It is remarkable in this respect that the joint use of two differential movements in lateral translation, one with respect to the support element 42, 42 ', 42 "and the other with respect to the lift element 43, 43 ', 43 ", advantageously makes it possible to maximize the relative course of the seat 5 with respect to the legrest 6 by minimizing the residual space requirement of the connection formed by the retaining member 40, 40', 40" .

Preferably, the retaining member 40, 40 ', 40 "is provided with a guide reinforcement 45, 45', 45" intended to prevent the bending or bracing of said support member during its displacements by relative to the support member 42, 42 ', 42 "and / or the lift member 43, 43', 43". Of course, in order not to thwart the primary function of the support member, said guide member 45, 45 ', 45 "is extensible and retractable in the same direction as said support member.

In a particularly preferred manner, as illustrated in the figures 6 and 7 the guide reinforcement 45, 45 ', 45 "is formed by a telescopic frame.

Of course, the width of the telescopic frames is not limited, and may in particular vary depending on whether the element of the sleeping surface that is associated with the corresponding support means is intended to be laterally movable or, conversely, fixed. In the latter case, the telescopic frame may advantageously extend over the entire width of the inter-longitudinal space 14L to form an abutment blocking the lateral translation of the corresponding element of the coating plane relative to the base, as is the case of the telescopic frame 45 'associated with the leg rest 6 on the figure 6 .

Moreover, as illustrated in the figures 6 , 7 and 8 , the lateral translational clearance means 21 are preferably bidirectional and arranged to alternatively allow the displacement of the seat 5 and / or the leg rest 6 on the left or right side of the bed, at the discretion of the user or according to the congestion constraints, transient or durable, related to the configuration of the room in which the bed 1 is implanted.

Such a bed therefore has a great versatility of use.

As illustrated on the figure 8 such bidirectional release means may comprise on the one hand a telescopic support rod 50 and on the other hand movable hinges 51, designed to be alternately embarked and deposited by the terminal section of said telescopic rod 50, to accompany the movement of guns 53 attached to the legrest they support by means of hinges 52.

Such an arrangement makes it possible to reinforce the mechanical strength of the connection between the seat and the legrest.

Furthermore, according to an alternative embodiment not shown, the seat 5 and the legrest 6 can be dissociable, for example at the level of the popliteal connection.

For this purpose, the sleeping surface 3, and more particularly the bed base 7, may be provided with reversible connecting members, respectively fixed to the seat 5 and the legrest 6, and for example located substantially at the edges. respective separation of these.

Said connecting members are designed to be alternately coupled, in an association configuration in which they realize a mechanical connection, for example of embedding type or pivot connection (in this case, poplitated), and separated, in a dissociation configuration in which the degree or degrees of freedom that had been removed in association configuration are restored, that is to say in which it removes the direct junction existing between the seat and the legrest.

In other words, it is possible alternatively to dissociate or reconstruct the sleeping surface 3, and more particularly the bed base 7, when the bed is in a clustered configuration.

According to such an alternative embodiment, it is possible to " drop " the leg rest on the base 2 before moving the bed in clearance configuration.

More particularly, it is conceivable to rest the legrest 6 on the upper frame 14, and dissociate it from the seat 5, so that the legrest is abandoned (and maintained) substantially flat on said frame while the seat 5 is translated to the outside.

Advantageously, it is also possible to provide securing means arranged to oppose the lateral movement of the leg rest 6 when it is no longer connected directly to the seat 5.

Preferably, according to such an alternative embodiment, the seat is provided with own trim adjustment means that allow to increase its elevation angle, that is to say, to tilt slightly rearward of so as to raise its separation edge 5S above the separation edge 6S of the legrest at the time of operating the lateral translation.

The operation of a bed 1 according to the invention will now be briefly described, with reference to an embodiment substantially similar to that of the invention. figure 6 , but comprising telescopic upper rails 14L (not shown) for clearing the space located in the lateral extension of the popliteal joint 27.

Initially, the patient is lying flat on the sleeping surface 3. The elevation angle α, tilt β and rectification γ are all substantially zero.

When the patient wishes to go into a sitting position, he lowers the legrest 6, that is to say increases the tilting angle β, by reminding the corresponding levitation element 43 'downwards by retracting the rod of the cylinder 41 '.

Together, it raises the file 4, that is to say increases the rectification angle γ, by deploying the cylinder 41 "which pushes the corresponding levitation element 43" relative to the support element 42 " .

In this respect, the various members of the attitude adjusting means 21 may advantageously be electronically controlled to propose a joint and coordinated operation of several constituent elements of the coating plane 3, depending on the desired configuration (bed, chair, release. ..)

From this group configuration of chair type (or " chaise longue "), the caregiver can help the patient to get up, or access the back of the legs to provide care, by following the steps below.

First, it slightly raises the seat 5 backwards by raising the thigh section 5 "and tilting it around the thigh joint 28, that is to say, increases the angle of elevation α by deploying the cylinder 41 corresponding.

During this elevation, the legrest 6 is driven following the seat 5 via the popliteal connection 27. The pivot connections provided between the support member 40 'of the legrest 6 of a On the other hand, the corresponding supporting elements 42 'and levitation 43' advantageously allow the movement to develop, forming with the seat 5 and the upper frame 14 a structure close to a parallelogram. Of course, it is also possible to enslave the cylinder 41 ', associated with the leg rest 6, the cylinder 41 which animates the seat 5 so as to maintain the tilting angle β during the elevation of said seat 5.

Once the seat has been raised, for example at 10 °, 20 ° or 30 °, the caregiver retracts the telescopic upper beam 14L located on the side corresponding to the intended direction of disengagement (for example to the right of the bed) so as to clear the passage side for the patient's legs when they leave the legrest.

The carer then unlocks the movable carriage 30 by extracting the locking pin 15, then pulls on said carriage 30, for example at a side handle (not shown) specially provided for this purpose on the side edge of the bed base 7 .

The carer can thus extract the carriage 30 in lateral overhang of the bed 1, and more precisely cantilevered with respect to the base 2, by making it progressively slide along the rails 31, for example to the right on the figure 6 .

When moving the carriage 30, it causes the seat 5 and the backrest 4 that it supports, while the legrest 6 remains fixed, in line with the base 2, retained by the frame 45 'of its support means 40 'which abuts on the inner face of the spar 14L right. This results in a relative displacement of the tubular element 23 which is released progressively from the log 25 by sliding along the latter, at constant altitude, to accompany the seat.

When the frame of the seat 5 strikes the upper part (and more precisely the outside of the left upright) of the telescopic frame 45 framing the retaining jack 41 associated with said seat, said frame 45 is driven in translation along the support rod 42, until the outside of its right amount strikes the inner edge of the top spar 14L right. The telescopic frame 45 can thus advantageously constitute a limit stop preventing for example accidental total disengagement of the carriage 30 from its rails 31.

The bed is then in clearance configuration, as shown on the figure 6 .

Of course, the patient is trained at the same time as the seat 5 on which he is located, so that his legs are gradually pulled laterally off the legrest 6 to hang freely over the separation edge 5S .

If necessary, the caregiver can then adjust the overall height of the seat using the elevator means 10 to bring the patient's feet to the ground so that it finds a natural and stable support.

In addition, it is conceivable to place the seat concomitantly in the tilted position forward, that is to say to give it a negative elevation angle α, so as to " empty " the patient out of his seat .

Thus, the bed 1 according to the invention has a great simplicity, both structure and use, and ensures the safety of the patient and the caregiver.

In addition, it helps to improve the quality of life in a medical environment, both by facilitating mobility and patient activity and by simplifying care.

In particular, such a bed can offer a real chair position, or chair, in which the patient is perfectly supported at the level of his back and thighs, while enjoying a clearance of the rear portion of his legs.

Such an arrangement not only facilitates the lifting of the patient without discomfort for the latter or vicious lumbar position for the caregivers who accompany it, but also provides direct access to the calves and heels so that the caregiver has both hands free to provide care, without the need to lift and maintain the patient's legs above the mattress.

The bed according to the invention therefore enjoys excellent ergonomics.

Finally, the bed according to the invention is able, if necessary, to substantially maintain the horizontal attitude of the legrest during the frontal release of the seat, thus preventing the falling of the bedding elements or preserving them at all. less of an anti-hygienic contact with the ground.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The invention finds its industrial application in the design and manufacture of medical beds.

Claims (20)

1. Nursing bed (1) comprising a base (2) supported on the ground and a sleeping surface (3) supported by said base (2) and comprising a back rest (4), a seat part (5) and a leg rest (6), said nursing bed being characterized in that it comprises means for clearance with a lateral movement of translation (20), used to enable the leg rest (6) to move laterally in relation to the seat part (5), or vice versa, the seat part (5) in relation to the leg rest (6), according to a movement of translation oriented in a direction which is essentially transversal to the sleeping surface (3), in such a way as to clear the front access to said seat part (5), and attitude regulating means (21) for varying the attitude of the seat part (5) and/or the leg rest (6) in relation to the ground.
2. Nursing bed according to claim 1 characterized in that the means for clearance with a lateral movement of translation (20) and the attitude regulating means (21) have a common member (22) both for guiding the seat part (5), or the leg rest (6), in lateral movement, and enabling the modification of the attitude of said seat part, or of said leg rest respectively.
3. Nursing bed according to claim 2 characterized in that the common member (22) forms a sliding pivot joint wherein the axis (Y₁Y₁') corresponds to the direction of lateral movement of the seat part (5), or of the leg rest (6) respectively.
4. Nursing bed according to claim 3 characterized in that the common member (22) comprises firstly a tubular element (23) substantially oriented along the axis (Y₁Y₁') of the sliding pivot joint and having one or a plurality of openings (24) provided through the thickness of the wall thereof, and, secondly, a slide (25), such as a billet, arranged to be inserted into said tubular element (23), said slide (25) being provided with one or a plurality of projecting fixing elements (26) devised to pass through the tubular element (23) via the opening (s) (24) so as to connect said slide (25) to a mechanical member of the bed, such as the seat part (5) or leg rest (6).
5. Nursing bed according to claim 4 characterized in that the opening (24) extends substantially parallel to the axis (Y₁Y₁') of the sliding pivot joint and extends over the main part, and preferably all, of the length of the tubular element (23).
6. Nursing bed according to any of claims 2 to 5 characterized in that the common member (22) is at least partly rigidly connected to the seat part (5).
7. Nursing bed according to any of the above claims characterized in that the attitude regulating means (21) comprise a popliteal joint (27) enabling the tilting of the leg rest (6) with respect to the seat part (5).
8. Nursing bed according to any of claims 2 to 6 and claim 7 characterized in that the common member (22) forms the popliteal joint (27).
9. Nursing bed according to claim 7 or 8 characterized in that the seat regulating means (21) are devised to enable the free selection by the user of the tilting angle (β) formed between the seat part (5) and the leg rest (6) within a range between 0° and 60°, and preferably between 0° and 90°.
10. Nursing bed according to any of claims 7 to 9 characterized in that the attitude regulating means (21) and the lateral clearance means (20) are devised to enable holding a tilting angle (β) between the seat part and the leg rest substantially between 50° and 70°, and preferably substantially between 0° and 90°, during the relative lateral movement of the seat part (5) with respect to the leg rest (6).
11. Nursing bed according to any of the above claims characterized in that the attitude regulating means (21) are devised to enable the free selection by the user of the angle of elevation (α) of the seat part (5) within a range between 0° and 30°, and preferably substantially between -10° and +45°.
12. Nursing bed according to any of the above claims characterized in that the attitude regulating means (21) and the lateral clearance means (20) are arranged to enable holding a positive angle of elevation (α) of the seat part (5), preferably between 0° and 30°, during the relative lateral movement of said seat part with respect to the leg rest.
13. Nursing bed according to any of the above claims characterized in that the attitude regulating means (21) are devised to enable the straightening of the back rest (4) with respect to the seat part (5), along a straightening angle (γ) substantially between 0° and 45°, and preferably between 0° and 90°.
14. Nursing bed according to claim 11 or 13 characterized in that the attitude regulating means (21) and the lateral clearance means (20) are devised to enable the adjustment of the angle of elevation (α) of the seat part (5) and/or the straightening angle (γ) of the back rest (4) when the bed is in the open configuration, the front access to the seat part being cleared.
15. Nursing bed according to any of the above claims characterized in that the attitude regulating means (21) comprise one or a plurality of support members (40, 40', 40") of variable length, such as cylinders (41, 41', 41") or notched rods, each connecting a support element (42, 42', 42") rigidly connected to the base (2) to a respective lift element (43, 43', 43") rigidly connected to the seat part (5) and/or the leg rest (6).
16. Nursing bed according to claim 15 characterized in that the support member (40, 40', 40") is mounted mobile in translation with respect to the support element (42, 42', 42") and/or the lift element (43, 43', 43") so as to be able to accompany at least partially the lateral movement of the leg rest (6) with respect to seat part (5) or vice versa.
17. Nursing bed according to claim 16 characterized in that the support member (40, 40', 40") is provided with a guiding reinforcement (45, 45', 45") to prevent the flexion or buttressing of said support member during the movements thereof with respect to the support element (42, 42', 42") and/or the lift element (43, 43', 43"), said guiding member (45, 45', 45") being extendable along the same direction as the support member.
18. Nursing bed according to claim 17 characterized in that the guiding reinforcement (45, 45', 45") is formed by a telescopic frame.
19. Nursing bed according to any of the above claims characterized in that the means for clearance with a lateral movement of translation (21) are two-directional and arranged to enable alternately the movement of the seat part (5) and/or the leg rest (6) on the left-hand side or right-hand side of the bed.
20. Nursing bed according to any of the above claims characterized in that the base (2) comprises a lower frame (11) supported on the ground, an upper frame (14) whereon the sleeping surface (3) is fastened, and lifting means (10) providing the vertical mobility of the upper frame (14) with respect to the lower frame (11), the attitude regulating means (21) being used to vary the attitude of the seat part (5) and/or the leg rest (6) with respect to said upper frame (14).

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