GB1281595A - A bed and liquid-containing cushion - Google Patents

Abstract

1281595 Water beds JOBST INSTITUTE Inc 21 Aug 1969 [28 Aug 1968, 26 March 1969] 41867/69 Headings A4J and A4M A water bed comprises a waterproof envelope carried by a support surface of a bed frame and a reservoir in communication with the envelope, means being providing for raising and lowering the reservoir and for retaining the reservoir in the raised position whereby water may pass between the envelope and the reservoir to selectively raise or lower a patient on the envelope. In one embodiment, Fig.1, the envelope 15 communicates through a conduit 26 with the reservoir 25 which is raised or lowered by an elevating mechanism 29 driven by an electric motor. Alternatively the elevating mechanism may comprise a system of cables and counterweights. In other embodiments reservoirs are defined by longitudinal side portions of the envelope. In one such form, Fig. 6, the side reservoirs are raised and lowered manually, the envelope 36 is provided with side edge pockets 38 fitted with rails 39 the protruding ends of which may be supported on hooks 44 in the raised position. In another form, Fig. 7, 9, the reservoirs formed by the sides of the envelope 111 are supported on and secured to side boards 123 hinged to a base panel 121 of the bed. The side boards 123 are movable between a substantially horizontal lowered position and a vertical, raised position and may be locked in intermediate positions by sliding bolts 126 selectively engageable in holes 129 in the headboard 116 and footboard 117. A foamed plastics pad 132 is secured to the bed base 121 between the sideboards 123. In another embodiment, Fig.14 (not shown), the bed includes water filled envelopes only in the regions of the buttocks and heels of the patient.