GB2540933A

GB2540933A - Side rail assembly for a care bed

Info

Publication number: GB2540933A
Application number: GB1513057.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Heywood David; Thompson Samuel
Original assignee: SIDHIL Ltd
Current assignee: SIDHIL Ltd
Priority date: 2015-07-24
Filing date: 2015-07-24
Publication date: 2017-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-24
Also published as: GB2540933B; GB201513057D0

Abstract

A side rail assembly comprising elongate carriers suitable to extend upright at two lengthwise ends of a bed, shuttles mounted to slide along the carriers and a side rail extending between the carriers wherein the side rail has an upper bar 109 with a portion 108 which dips downwardly in use and a lower bar 110 and wherein there are mountings with releasable attachment means to secure the side rail to the shuttles such that it can only be mounted with the upper bar above the lower bar. Braces may extend between the upper 109 and lower 110 bars and differently shaped sockets and lugs may be used to prevent incorrect mounting. The device is designed to allow a user to exit a care bed more easily whilst retaining barriers at either end.

Description

Side Rail Assembly for a Care Bed

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a side rail assembly for a care bed and in particular, although not exclusively, to a side rail assembly that facilitates patient ingress and egress at the bed and that may be mounted at the bed in only one orientation to avoid an incorrect mounting position.

Background art

Beds for patients in hospitals 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 development for patients who do not require acute medical care. Community care beds typically comprise upper and lower side rails that extend lengthwise between the bed ends. The height of the side rails is required to be adjustable so as to allow bed occupants to conveniently and comfortably enter and exit the bed. In particular, current standards require the uppermost portion of the side rail be positioned at a predetermined minimum height above the top of the mattress to safely and securely contain the bed occupant when desired (for example when the occupant is asleep or may be otherwise susceptible to unintentionally fall from the bed). Additionally, the side rails are required to be lowered to minimum predetermined height below the top of the mattress to allow carer access and patient ingress and egress on and off the bed at regular intervals.

However, conventional side rail arrangements are disadvantageous in a number of respects. In particular, whilst conventional arrangements may be suitable to satisfy the designated standard, they are not optimised with regard to patient care and in particular comfort and convenience during ingress and egress at the bed. Accordingly, what is required is a care bed side rail assembly eonfigured to be raised and lowered in the vertical direction that allows on the one hand the safe and reliable containment of a bed oeeupant when desired whilst allowing the oeeupant to ingress and egress the bed eonveniently and eomfortably.

Summary of the Invention

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a side rail assembly for a care bed that is optimised to safeguard the patient or bed occupant when desired and to allow the occupant to ingress and egress the bed conveniently and comfortably at regular intervals.

It is an objective to provide a care bad with a moveable side rail that may be adjusted in the vertical or height direction of the bed between a raised upper position and a eorresponding lowered position. It is a further specific objective to provide a side rail assembly having a modular construction to allow the care bed including the side rail to be assembled and disassembled at different locations such as care institutions. It is a further specific objective to provide a modular constructed care bed that ensures correet assembly of the various components including in particular the intended orientation of the side rail relative to other eomponents of the bed including such as the bed frame and more specifically the upright earners between which the side rails are moimted at each end of the bed.

The objectives are achieved by providing a side rail assembly for a eare bed in which the side rail eomprises a first lengthwise extending edge that is profiled or more profiled relative to a second lengthwise extending edge. In partieular, the upper edge is profiled specifically so as to comprise a region that is recessed dovrawardly relative to an uppermost portion of the side rail edge to provide an access section for the bed occupant to enter and exit the bed over the side rail. The profiled section is specifically shaped to avoid catching the upper leg and posterior region of an occupant as they slide off the mattress over the side rail in its lowered position.

The objectives are achieved also by providing respective mountings between the side rail and support carriers between which the side rail may be slidably mounted only when the first edge is positioned uppermost relative to the second edge. Accordingly, during initial assembly of the bed and for example following servicing or maintenance, personnel cannot mount incorrectly the side rail in wrong orientation. Accordingly, the present side rail may be secured in position only in the desired orientation with the first edge positioned uppermost relative to the second edge.

The mountings that moveably mount the side rail at the bed may comprise a key and socket arrangement with respective halves of the mountings provided at i) each end of each side rail and ii) a part of the care bed frame and in particular the bed end sections such that the keys may be mated into the respective sockets exclusively when the side rails are positioned in the desired predetermined orientation. The present mounting assembly therefore provides a safeguard to eliminate incorrect mounting of the side rails at the bed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a side rail assembly for a care bed comprising: elongate carriers for positioning to extend generally upright at each lengthwise end of the bed; shuttles mounted to be capable of sliding along at least a part of a length of the respective carriers; at least one side rail having a first lengthwise extending edge that is profiled or more profiled in a plane perpendicular to the length of the side rail relative to a second lengthwise extending edge; mountings to releasably mount the side rail at the shuttles such that the side rail extends lengthwise between each end of the bed; wherein the mountings are configured to allow the side rail to be mounted at the shuttles only when the first edge is positioned uppermost relative to the second edge.

Preferably, the first edge, and in particular the upper beam of the side rail that defines the first edge comprises a stepped section that is recessed to sit below a remainder of the first edge and in particular an uppermost part of the side rail. Preferably, the stepped section extends less than or equal to half of a total length of the side rail. Optionally, the stepped section is positioned centrally in a lengthwise direction of the side rail. The respective 'raised^ ends of the upper side rail therefore assist with containing the occupant in the bed when the side rail is the raised position whilst the central recessed section greatly facilitates ingress and egress to and from the mattress by the occupant. In particular, the recessed section is configured to sit below the upper surface of the mattress with the upper side rail in its lowered position so as to not catch the legs and posterior of the bed occupant as they ingress and egress the bed. Preferably, the first and second edges are defined by a respective first and second beam extending lengthwise along the side rail.

Optionally, the assembly may further comprise a plurality of braces extending between and transverse or perpendicular to the first and second beams. Optionally, the side rails may be formed by a single piece component. Optionally, the side rail may be formed by bars, one or more panels or plates, a mesh, or screen.

Optionally, each of the mountings may comprise a first part provided at each lengthwise end of the side rail and a second part provided at each respective shuttle. Preferably, the first part comprises a first and second lug and the second part comprises at least one socket to receive one of the respective first and second lugs. Preferably, the first and second lugs may comprise different shaped profiles or have the same shaped profile but are arranged in different orientations relative to one another. Preferably, the lugs comprise an oval cross sectional profile having a length that is greater than a corresponding width. Alternatively, the lugs may comprise any cross sectional shape profile having a length greater than a width. Optionally, the lugs may be different so as to comprise one or more different keying elements that may engage only the corresponding key receiving sockets provided at the shuttle. Preferably, where the shuttles comprise at least one socket, the socket may be configured such that only the first lug may be received within the socket and not the second lug. Optionally, the socket may be defined, in part, by at least one flange that projects outwardly from the shuttle to define a pair of jaws to receive only the first lug and not the second lug.

Preferably, each of the shuttles comprise a lock to lock the position of each shuttle and each side rail relative to the carriers in a lengthwise direction of the carriers.

Preferably, the assembly comprises a first upper side rail and a second lower side rail each mounted respectively at each carrier via respective first upper and second lower shuttles, the first upper side rail comprising the profiled first lengthwise edge. Optionally, the first and second shuttles are coupled together such that the first and second side rails are capable of sliding collectively along the carriers in a lengthwise direction of the carriers. Optionally, the first and second shuttles may be coupled together such that the first and second side rails are eapable of sliding independently of one another along the carriers in a lengthwise direetion of the carriers.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a care bed comprising a side rail assembly as elaimed herein.

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 aecompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of selected components of a community care bed having a side rail assembly adjustable in a heightwise direetion of the bed according to a specific implementation of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a further perspective view of the care bed of figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an end region of a side rail and a mounting by which the side rail is coupled to one end of the care bed of figure 2;

Figure 4 is a further magnified perspective view of the side rail end and mounting of figure 3;

Figure 5 is a further perspective view of the mounting and upper and lower side rail coupled to the bed end;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a shuttle part of the mounting of figure 5;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of selective components to mount the side rail at the bed end;

Figure 8 is a further perspective view of the mounting components of figure 5;

Figure 9 is a perspective view from the end of the care bed of figure 2.

Detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention

Referring to figures 1 and 2, a community care bed 100 comprises the first lengthwise end indicated generally by reference 103 and a second opposite lengthwise end indicated generally by reference 104. Each end 103,104 is connected by a frame indicated generally by reference 112. A mattress (not shown) is capable of being positioned to be supported by frame 112 between ends 103, 104 via mattress supports (not shown) that may comprise articulating sections to allow the mattress to be positionally adjusted. Each bed end 103, 104 is defined, in part, by a pair of upright posts 107 positioned at each comer of the bed 100. Each post 107 extends upwardly from frame 112 and comprises a swivel caster 105 (mounted at a lowermost end) to allow bed 100 to be manoeuvred within a care environment such as a hospital or care centre.

Bed 100 further comprises a pair of side rail assemblies that extend the full length of bed 100 between ends 103,104. Each assembly comprises a first upper side rail indicated generally by reference 101 and a second lower side rail indicated generally by reference 102 positioned directly underneath first side rail 101. Each pair of side rails 101,102 is mounted at each respective post 107 via a carrier beam 106 aligned parallel with each post 107 and extending generally vertically with bed 100 orientated in normal use and with casters 105 resting on level ground. Each of the first and second rails 101,102 is secured via its lengthwise end to each carrier beam 106 so as to allow each side rail 101,102 to slide in a vertical height direction of bed 100 to and from casters 105 and frame 112.

Each of the first upper side rails 101 (and each of the second lower side rails 102) is formed by two elongate tubes 109, 110. Each tube 109,110 comprises a generally circular cross sectional profile extending the full length of bed 100 between ends 103, 104. According to the specific implementation, each lower tube 110 is straight between its first and second ends whilst upper tube 109 comprises a central section indicated generally by reference 108 that is recessed or stepped downwardly so as to comprise a reduced height of the upper side rail 101 at the lengthwise central region. Each side rail 101, 102 is mounted slidably at each respective carrier beam 106 via a mounting indicated generally by reference 111.

Referring to figure 2, a length B of the lowered stepped section 108 is less than 50% of the total (complete) length A of side rail 101 between the bed ends 103, 104. According to the specific implementation, length B is in range 45 to 49% of length A.

Referring to figure 3, each upper side rail 101 accordingly comprises two end sections 306 formed from straight tube lengths 300 an end 307 of which defines one end of side rail 101. Each tube length 300, at a junction 301 with the central stepped section 108, is bent downwardly to form respective declined sections 302. According, two tube sections 303 are aligned transverse to straight tube length 300 at an approximate angle of 20° to 24° to the horizontal. The upper tube 109 comprises two iurther curved sections 304 that transitions into a tube central section 305 that is aligned generally parallel with each straight tube length 300. Accordingly, an uppermost edge 308 of upper tube 109 at central recessed section 108 (corresponding to tube section 305) is positioned below the upper edge 308 at each end section 306 by a distance less than half of the height of side rail 101 (at the end sections 306). Accordingly, upper edge 308 of upper side rail 101 at central section 108 is approximately 50% lower than the relative position of upper edge 308 at end sections 306 (relative to a height of upper rail 101) in a vertical direction.

The lower tube 110 of upper rail 101 comprises a corresponding lower edge 309 that is straight between the respective ends 311 of lower tube 110. Due to the curved and declined sections 302, 303,304, tube 109 at central section 108 extends closer to the lower tube 110 relative to end sections 306. Each tube 109,110 is coupled via tubular braces 310 aligned perpendicular to tubes 109,110 such that upper rail 101 is formed as a unitary assembly comprising tubes 109, 310,110.

Referring to figures 4 to 6, each end of upper rail 101 is detachably coupled to a respective carrier beam 106 via a respective mounting 111. The second lower rail 102 is also coupled to carrier beams 106 via a corresponding moxmting arrangement that is similar to the mounting 111 associated with upper rail 101. Each mounting 111 comprises a first part provided at each respective end 307, 311 of each tube 109,110. In particular, a lug 404 projects axially from upper tube end 307 and a corresponding lug 405 projects axially fi*om lower tube end 311. According to the specific implementation, each lug 404,405 is formed as a short axial extension of each respective tube 109,110 but comprises a different cross sectional profile to that of tubes 109,110. In particular, each lug 404,405 comprises a generally oval cross sectional profile of the same dimensions. However, the length of the oval of the upper lug 404 extends in a horizontal plane whilst the length of the oval of lower lug 405 is aligned in the vertical plane, parallel to carrier beam 106. Accordingly, the respective ovals of the upper and lower lugs 404,405 are aligned perpendicular to one another. A shuttle 401 is slidably mounted at each carrier beam 106. In particular, each shuttle 401 is slidably located within a channel 400 extending lengthwise along carrier beam 106 to at least partially entrap shuttle 401 so that it is capable of moving only in the vertical direction to and from base 112. Each shuttle 401 (mounted at each opposite lengthwise end of upper side rail 101) comprises a first upper mounting region 406 and a second lower mounting region 407. Upper region 406 is configured to receive upper lug 404 and lower region 407 is configured for positioned adjacent lower lug 405. Upper region 406 is defined by a respective upper and lower flange 402a, 402b. Each flange 402a, 402b projects laterally outward from shuttle 401 so as to project from chaimel 400. In particular, and referring to figure 6, flanges 402a, 402b defines a pair of jaws 600 positioned opposed to one another that represent upper and lower abutments to at least partially define upper mount region 406. Aceordingly, upper lug 404 is configured to be accommodated within mount region 406 between jaws 600. In particular, a vertical separation of jaws 600 is slightly greater than a width of the oval of upper lug 404 but is less than the corresponding length of the oval (of upper lug 404). Accordingly, upper side rail 101 may be mounted at shuttle 401 exclusively when upper lug 404 is presented to mount region 406. That is, the jaws (defined by flanges 402a, 402b) prevent the mounting of lower lug 405 at upper mount region 406. Accordingly, the geometrical relationship between flanges 402a, 402b and respective upper and lower lugs 404, 405 defines a mounting arrangement that ensures side rail 101 is mounted correctly between carrier beams 106 in an orientation where upper tube 109 is positioned above lower tube 110 such that the upper tube end sections 306 represent the uppermost parts of side rail 101.

Referring to figure 5, the corresponding lower shuttle 501 is mounted vertically below upper shuttle 401 within each carrier beam channel 400. The upper and lower shuttles 401, 501 are connected via bent bar coimectors 500 such that the shuttles 401, 501 are capable of sliding as a unified assembly within channels 400. Additionally, each of the shuttles 401, 501 are also capable of limited independent movement relative to one another. In particular, upper shuttle 401 may be lowered in the height direction relative to lower shuttle 501. Accordingly, upper rail 101 may be lowered relative to lower rail 102 or both rails 101,102 may be lowered together to allow ingress and egress of a bed occupant to and from the mattress (not shown).

Referring to figures 7 and 8, each lug 404,405 is secured at each respective tube end 307, 311 via a coupling region 701 that is formed co-axially and connected with each respective lug 404,405 via a radially flared annular flange 703. Each coupling region 701 is configured to be mounted and received within the hollow body of each tube 109,110 so as to mount each lug 404,405 coaxially at the end of each tube 109,110. Each region 701 comprises a central bore 704 to reeeive a respective finger 700 that projects perpendicular from shuttle 401 to be co-located within the hollow body of tube 109,110 when side rail 101 is mounted to shuttle 401. Coupling region 701 eomprises a set of splines 705 extending radially outward and lengthwise on region 701 to mate against the internal facing surface of each tube 109,110. One spline 705 comprises a radially flared tooth 702 configured to sit within a mouth 800a, 800b recessed into the respective ends 307,311 of each tube 109, 110 as illustrated in figure 8. The mouth 800a formed within upper tube 109 is positioned generally at the tube side being rotated at 90° relative to the position of mouth 800b formed within lower tube 110 that is aligned on the downward facing lowermost edge 309. Accordingly, due to the mating between teeth 702 and the respective mouths 800a, 800b, it is possible only for production and installation service personnel to install lugs 404,405 in their respective perpendicular alignment with the length of the oval of the upper lug 404 being perpendicular to the length of the oval of the lower lug 405 as described. Such an arrangement is advantageous during initial assembly of the bed 100 and in the event that bed 100 is dismantled and reassembled, for example before and after transportation between care institutions.

Referring to figures 4 and 9, shuttle 401 (and lower shuttle 501) may be positionally locked in the height direction within carrier beam channel 400 via a lock actuator indicated generally by reference 403. Actuator 403 comprises a body having a hooked end 900 that is pivotally spring biased relative to the main body of shuttle 401 so as to pivot laterally within channel 400 relative to carrier beam 106. Carrier beam 106 comprises an upper and lower opening 901 at a rear wall 902. Accordingly, shuttle 401 and in turn the upper and lower side rails 101,102 may be positionally locked in the height direction relative to carrier beam 106 by hooked end 900 pivoting into and through opening 901. A stepped notch 903 of hooked end 900 is configured to overlay the lower edge of opening 901 to secure the lock actuator 403 in position. The latching mechanism may be released by initially lifting side rail 101 in order to compress the latch actuator 403. The side rail 101 may then be lowered. Such an arrangement provides a safety mechanism for a user in which the hooked end 900 is depressed and released through opening 901 to enable shuttle 401 to slide in a vertical direction within channel 400. According to further embodiments, a dampening mechanism (such as a spring or elastomer) may be positioned relative to shuttle 401 and carrier beam 106 to arrest undesirable rapid or uncontrolled downward movement of the upper shuttle 401 (for example towards lower shuttle 501).

The present care bed 100 is accordingly configured to provide a side rail assembly and in particular an upper side rail 101 that allows a user to ingress and egress the bed 100 conveniently and comfortably and to avoid an occupant catching or scraping the rear region of the thighs as the occupant slides over upper rail 101. This is achieved via the stepped section 108. Easy and reliable mounting of the upper rail 101 at the carrier beams 106 is achieved via the safeguard mounting assembly 111 that ensures tube 109 (and in particular upper lug 404) is always mounted at mount region 406. The failsafe mounting assembly 111 is accordingly compatible with different side rail shape profiles in which an upper tube 109 comprises a different shape and configuration and in particular an uppermost edge 308 profile relative to a lower tube 110 and a profile of a lowermost edge 309. Due to the circular cross section of tube 109, edge 308 is accordingly curved to as to present a smooth surface over which a patient may slide when mounting and dismounting the mattress.

Claims

1. A side rail assembly for a care bed comprising: elongate carriers for positioning to extend generally upright at each lengthwise end of the bed; shuttles mounted to be capable of sliding along at least a part of a length of the respective carriers; at least one side rail having a first lengthwise extending edge that is profiled or more profiled in a plane perpendicular to the length of the side rail relative to a second lengthwise extending edge; mountings to releasably mount the side rail at the shuttles such that the side rail extends lengthwise between each end of the bed; wherein the mountings are configured to allow the side rail to be mounted at the shuttles only when the first edge is positioned uppermost relative to the second edge.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first edge comprises a stepped section that is recessed to sit below a remainder of the first edge.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the stepped section extends less than half of a total length of the side rail.

4. The assembly as claimed in claims 2 or 3 wherein the stepped section is positioned centrally in a lengthwise direction of the side rail.

5. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first and second edges are defined by a respective first and second beam extending lengthwise along the side rail.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 5 comprising a plurality of braces extending between and transverse or perpendicular to the first and second beams.

7. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each of the mountings comprise a first part provided at each lengthwise end of the side rail and a second part provided at each respective shuttle.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 7 when the first part comprises a first and second lug and the second part comprises at least one socket to receive one of the respective first and second lugs.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the first and second lugs comprise different shaped profiles or have the same shaped profile but are arranged in different orientations relative to one another.

10. The assembly as claimed in claims 8 or 9 wherein the at least one socket is configured such that only the first lug may be received within the socket and not the second lug.

11. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the socket is defined, in part, by at least one flange that projects outwardly from the shuttle to define a pair of jaws to receive only the first lug and not the second lug.

12. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the shuttle comprises a lock to lock the position of the shuttle and the side rail relative to the carriers in a lengthwise direction of the carriers.

13. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a first upper side rail and a second lower side rail each mounted respectively at each carrier via respective first upper and second lower shuttles, the first upper side rail comprising the profiled first lengthwise edge.

14. A care bed comprising a side rail assembly as elaimed in any preceding elaim.

14. The assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the first and second shuttles are coupled together such that the first and second side rails are capable of sliding collectively along the carriers in a lengthwise direction of the carriers.

15. The assembly as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the first and second shuttles are coupled together such that the first and second side rails are capable of sliding independently of one another along the carriers in a lengthwise direction of the carriers.

16. A care bed comprising a side rail assembly as claimed in any preceding claim. Claims

1. A side rail assembly for a care bed comprising: elongate carriers for positioning to extend generally upright at each lengthwise end of the bed; shuttles mounted to be capable of sliding along at least a part of a length of the respective carriers; at least one side rail having a lengthwise extending upper region and a lengthwise extending lower region wherein the upper region comprises a central section that is stepped downwardly such that the side rail comprises a reduced height between the upper region and the lower region at the central section relative to respective end sections; mountings to releasably mount the side rail at the shuttles such that the side rail extends lengthwise between each end of the bed; wherein the mountings are configured to allow the side rail to be mounted at the shuttles only when the upper region is positioned uppermost relative to the lower region.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the central section extends less than half of a total length of the side rail.

3. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the upper and lower regions are defined by a respective first and second beam extending lengthwise along the side rail.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 3 comprising a plurality of braces extending between and transverse or perpendicular to the first and second beams.

5. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each of the mountings comprise a first part provided at each lengthwise end of the side rail and a second part provided at each respective shuttle.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 5 when the first part comprises a first and second lug and the second part comprises at least one socket to receive one of the respective first and second lugs.

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the first and second lugs comprise different shaped profiles or have the same shaped profile but are arranged in different orientations relative to one another.

8. The assembly as claimed in claims 6 or 7 wherein the at least one socket is configured such that only the first lug may be received within the socket and not the second lug.

9. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the socket is defined, in part, by at least one flange that projects outwardly from the shuttle to define a pair of jaws to receive only the first lug and not the second lug.

10. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the shuttle comprises a lock to lock the position of the shuttle and the side rail relative to the carriers in a lengthwise direction of the carriers.

11. The assembly as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a first upper side rail and a second lower side rail each mounted respectively at each carrier via respective first upper and second lower shuttles, the first upper side rail comprising the lengthwise extending upper and lower regions.

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first and second shuttles are coupled together such that the first and second side rails are capable of sliding collectively along the carriers in a lengthwise direction of the carriers.

13. The assembly as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the first and second shuttles are coupled together such that the first and second side rails are capable of sliding independently of one another along the carriers in a lengthwise direction of the carriers.