GB2596288A

GB2596288A - Patient enclosure device

Info

Publication number: GB2596288A
Application number: GB2009461.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Buckley Dale
Original assignee: Korbadesign Uk Ltd
Current assignee: Korbadesign Uk Ltd
Priority date: 2020-06-22
Filing date: 2020-06-22
Publication date: 2021-12-29
Also published as: GB202009461D0; WO2021259917A1

Abstract

A patient enclosure device 2 for use with a bed 4 to enclose a dedicated patient area 14 on top of the bed. The patient enclosure device comprises a transparent hood 16, defining a patient chamber 18, and a sheet-shaped bottom part 20. The hood and the bottom part are sealingly connected. The bed comprises a platform 8 and the bottom part of the patient enclosure device covers the platform. The bottom part may be flexible, allowing it to assume a non-planar shape. It may assume a first or second operative state when connected to the transparent hood, where a boundary portion is arranged in a folded (first state) or unfolded (second state) configuration so that it remains sealed to the periphery of the hood when the platform is raised from a lying position to a raised position. The bottom part may be impermeable to viruses. The hood may have rigid walls. At least one elongated connection member 24, 26, 28, 30 may seal an edge portion of the hood against an edge portion of the bottom part. The connection may be a double seal arrangement. A moveable support structure 36 may position the hood relative to the bed.

Description

Patient enclosure device TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a patient enclosure device for being associated to a bed. More specifically, the patient enclosure device is adapted to enclose a dedicated patient area 5 on top of the bed. Such a patient enclosure device is for example applicable in intensive care of a patient in a hospital.

Such a patient enclosure device may be used to protect members, such as doctors and nurses, in a medical team treating a patient with a highly contagious disease and/or to 10 protect a patient who is immunocompromised.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is one example of such a highly contagious disease. Most people infected with the COVI D-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes The medical teams and patients may have mouthguards, respiratory masks and protective clothing to protect themselves and other people in the vicinity. There is however a desire for improvement in the protection of individuals both with regard to safety and comfort.

SUMMARY

A first object of the invention is to achieve a patient enclosure device, which is safe with regard to protection of members in medical teams treating a patient with a highly contagious disease and/or to protect a patient who is immunocompromised. Further, the invention aims for improving the comfort for the members in the medical teams and the patient.

The object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. Thus, it is achieved by a patient enclosure device for being associated to a bed in a way that the patient enclosure device encloses a dedicated patient area on top of the bed, wherein the patient enclosure device comprises a transparent hood adapted for defining a patient chamber above the dedicated patient area, * a sheet-shaped bottom part adapted for defining the patient chamber below the dedicated patient area, wherein the transparent hood and the sheet-shaped bottom part are adapted to be 10 sealingly connected to each other around the dedicated patient area on the bed.

Thus, the transparent hood is open downwards and the sheet-shaped bottom part is adapted for closing the open end of the transparent hood thereby defining the patient chamber as a closed occupant space. Thus, the transparent hood and the sheet-shaped bottom part serve together as a barrier between the patient chamber and the surroundings. In other words, the transparent hood and the sheet-shaped bottom part jointly defines a substantially closed environment.

According to one example, the transparent hood is a rigid structure and may alternatively 20 be termed a cabin, housing or casing. This design creates conditions for a good comfort for the patient in that he/she can move around freely inside the hood.

According to one example, the transparent hood comprises walls defining the patient chamber in horizontal directions and a roof defining the patient chamber in a vertical 25 direction upwards.

The patient enclosure device is preferably adapted for treatment of a patient. More specifically, the transparent hood may be provided with access openings to allow access for nursing care and therapeutic and diagnostic treatment. Further, the patient enclosure 30 device may be adapted for venfilation/oxygenization of the patient chamber.

The sheet-shaped bottom part forms a floor of the patient chamber. According to one example, the sheet-shaped bottom part is made of a single sheet. According to one example, the sheet-shaped bottom part is anchored at its periphery to the transparent 35 hood. According to a further example, the sheet-shaped bottom part is a so-called protective sheet. According to one example, the sheet-shaped bottom part comprises one layer of thinner tissue and one layer of strong, resilient plastic. In this way, any body fluids may be absorbed, wherein spreading of the disease is minimized. Further, the sheet-shaped bottom part may be provided with a leakage barrier along the long side.

According to one example, the patient enclosure device is adapted for being associated to a hospital bed and more specifically to a variety of bed types. The bed may comprise a body structure and a platform for holding a mattress or similar cushioning layer. The body structure is adapted to hold the platform at a distance from the ground/floor and normally has wheels in engagement with the ground/floor for movement of the bed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sheet-shaped bottom part is at least partly flexible in a way allowing it to assume a non-planar shape. Thus, according to this embodiment, the sheet-shaped bottom part is not rigid. According to one example, the 15 sheet-shaped bottom part may form a semi-flexible material.

In this way, the sheet-shaped bottom part may conform to the shape of a platform of the bed, on which a mattress may be located. More specifically, the platform of the bed may comprise a plurality of sections and be arranged in different positions for different body postures of the patient. The different positions of the platform may comprise a substantially flat configuration corresponding to a lying position of the patient and an inclined configuration corresponding to a sitting position of the patient, in which a platform section provides back support. The sheet-shaped bottom part may, due to its flexibility, conform to the different platform configurations so that it forms a continuous sheet between the peripheries of the platform at a head end and a foot end of the platform.

Further, in this way, the sheet-shaped bottom part may conform to the shape of different types of platforms with different shapes and/or sizes.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet-shaped bottom part has a size, which is significantly larger than a cross section area of the patient chamber at a lower portion of the transparent hood.

According to one example, the edges of the sheet-shaped bottom part are connected to 35 the lower portion of the transparent hood. In case the lower portion of the transparent hood has substantially the same shape and size as the dedicated patient area and the sheet-shaped bottom part is arranged in a single layer in a flat configuration over the complete dedicated patient area, there will be some excess material of the sheet-shaped bottom part. This excess material of the sheet-shaped bottom part may be folded or wrinkled in such a first state of the sheet-shaped bottom part and may be unfolded/unwrinkled in a second state.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet-shaped bottom part is adapted to assume a first operative state when it is connected to the transparent hood, in which a boundary portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part is arranged in a folded configuration, and wherein the sheet-shaped bottom part is adapted to assume a second operative state when it is connected to the transparent hood, in which at least a section of the boundary portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part is arranged in an unfolded configuration.

According to one aspect of the last-mentioned embodiment, a main portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part, which is adjacent the boundary portion and is adapted for covering the dedicated patient area, is flat when the sheet-shaped bottom part is in the first operative state. Thus, the main portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part may conform to a planar support surface of the bed. In the second operative state, the sheet-shaped bottom part may conform to a projecting configuration of the support surface of the bed, in which at least a portion of the support surface projects from a plane defining the planar configuration. Thus, the sheet-shaped bottom part may assume a bulged configuration in the second operative state. The first operative state of the sheet-shaped bottom part may correspond to that the sheet-shaped bottom part is arranged on the bed platform when the bed platform is in the substantially flat configuration. Further, the second operative state of the sheet-shaped bottom part may correspond to that the sheet-shaped bottom part is arranged on the bed platform when the bed platform is in the inclined configuration.

For example, the bed may be arranged so that the support surface may be formed by a first planar surface portion and a second planar surface portion. When the support surface is arranged in a first state, the first planar surface portion and the second planar surface portion are arranged in line on the same level, wherein they jointly assume the planar configuration. When the support surface is arranged in a second state, the first planar surface portion and the second planar surface portion extend in planes at an angle relative to one another. According to one example, the sheet-shaped bottom part is adapted to substantially conform to a platform of the bed defining the support surface of the bed in a lowered state, and to substantially conform to the platform of the bed in a raised state.

More specifically, since a foot end portion of the platform may assume the same position in both states, the first planar surface portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part covering the foot end portion may have substantially the same, or somewhat larger, size and shape as the foot end portion. Further, since a head end portion of the platform may assume a lowered position in the first state and a raised position in the second state, the second planar surface portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part covering the head end portion may be provided with excess material in addition to the size of the head end portion for bulging out in the raised position.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sheet-shaped bottom part is formed from a single piece of material. Further, the sheet-shaped bottom part may be formed by one and the same the same material composition. According to an alternative, the sheet-shaped bottom part may be formed by different material in different portions. For example, the sheet-shaped bottom part may be formed by a first material in a main portion adapted for the dedicated patient area on the bed and a second material in second boundary portions on either sides of the main portion. The main portion may then be substantially stationary arranged relative to a corresponding support surface defining the dedicated patient region in both states. The boundary portions on the other hand, may be folded/wrinkled when not in use in the first state and unfolded/unwrinkled when in use in the second state.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet-shaped bottom part is formed by a material, which is impermeable for parasites, such as virus. In addition, also the transparent hood is formed by a material, which is impermeable for parasites, such as virus. By sealingly connecting the sheet-shaped bottom part and the transparent hood around the dedicated patient area, a closed occupant space is achieved, which is secure for the patient and the medical team. This design creates conditions for a good comfort for members in the medical teams in that their protective clothing and other protective measures may be adapted accordingly.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet-shaped bottom part is adapted to be rigidly fastened to the transparent hood in a fastening region around the dedicated patient area.

According to one example, the fastening region between the sheet-shaped bottom part and the transparent hood around the dedicated patient area is formed by the same arrangement as the one forming a sealing connection between the sheet-shaped bottom part and the transparent hood.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the transparent hood comprises rigid walls, which at a lower end, that is adapted to face the bed, has a shape in cross section defining the boundaries of the dedicated patient area on the bed.

Normally, the bed has a rectangular shape, with a longer extension in a longitudinal direction of the bed between a head end and a foot end and a shorter extension in a transverse direction of the bed between a right hand side and a left hand side. According to one example, the transparent hood comprises four rigid walls, which form a rectangular shape in cross section at the lower end with substantially the same size or somewhat larger size as the rectangular dedicated patient area of the bed. According to one example, the transparent hood comprises a roof connected to the four rigid walls for closing the patient space in an upwards direction.

According to one example, the sheet-like bottom part has a long extension in a first direction bridging a distance between a first wall and a second wall of the transparent hood on opposite sides of the patient chamber and a short extension in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction, bridging a distance between a third wall and a fourth wall of the transparent hood on opposite sides of the patient chamber.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the patient enclosure device comprises at 30 least one elongated connection member, which is adapted for sealingly connecting an edge portion of a wall of the transparent hood to an edge portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part.

The at least one elongated connection member may be formed by a metal profile with the same cross section along its complete length, such as an extruded profile.

According to one example, the sheet-shaped bottom part is adapted to be rigidly fastened 5 to the transparent hood in a fastening region around the dedicated patient area of the bed via the at least one elongated connection member.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one elongated connection member forms a frame adapted to surround the dedicated patient area of the bed, 10 wherein the frame extends in a plane. According to one example, the at least one elongated connection member forms a rectangular frame.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the sheet-shaped bottom part is connected to the at least one elongated connection member via a double seal arrangement. Further, 15 the transparent hood is connected to the at least one elongated connection member in a sealingly secure way.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the patient enclosure device comprises a moveable support structure, which is adapted to position the transparent hood relative to 20 the bed.

According to one example, the moveable support structure is adapted to hold the transparent hood at a distance above the floor. According to one example, the moveable support structure is adapted to move the transparent hood in a vertical direction for positioning of the transparent hood relative to the bed. Further, the support structure may comprise floor engaging members (wheels) adapted for movement of the transparent hood in a horizontal direction for positioning of the transparent hood relative to the bed.

According to one example, the transparent hood is arranged in the operative position relative to the bed without being fastened to the bed. Thus, the bed may be secured in a desired position on the floor (via its support structure) and the transparent hood may be secured in its corresponding desired position on top of the bed (via its support structure). According to an alternative, the transparent hood is adapted for being (removably) fastened to a hospital bed in the form of an intensive care bed.

According to a further aspect of the invention, it regards a combination of a bed and a patient enclosure device, wherein the patient enclosure device is designed according to any one of the preceding embodiments and examples, wherein the bed comprises a platform, which defines the dedicated patient area, wherein the platform is adapted for supporting the patient and wherein the sheet-like bottom part is adapted to be arranged so that it covers the platform.

According to one preferred embodiment, the bed comprises a mattress positioned on the platform, wherein the sheet-like bottom part is arranged between the platform and the 10 mattress.

Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a patient enclosure device according to a first embodiment in a disassembled state in association with a bed.

Fig. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the patient enclosure device according to the first embodiment in association with the bed.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the patient enclosure device according to the first 25 embodiment in an assembled state in association with the bed.

Fig. 4a is a side view of the patient enclosure device according to the first embodiment in association with the bed, wherein the bed is arranged in a non-inclined position.

Fig. 4b is a side view of the patient enclosure device according to the first embodiment in association with the bed, wherein the bed is arranged in an inclined position Fig. 5a is a top view of a sheet-shaped bottom part, which forms a part of the patient enclosure device according to the first embodiment, in a non-operative state.

Fig. 5b is a perspective view of the sheet-shaped bottom part in fig. 5a in an intermediate state.

Fig. 5c is a perspective view of the sheet-shaped bottom part in fig. 5b in an operative 35 state.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a rectangular frame formed by a plurality of elongated profiles, which forms a part of the patient enclosure device according to the first embodiment, for sealingly connecting the transparent hood and the sheet-shaped bottom part.

Fig. 7a is a cross section of the elongated connection member according to fig. 6, wherein the transparent hood is connected to the connection member and the sheet-shaped bottom part is preassembled to the elongated connection member.

Fig. 7b is a cross section of the elongated connection member according to fig. 7a, wherein the transparent hood and the sheet-shaped bottom part are connected to the 10 elongated connection member.

Fig. 8a-c schematically disclose in a perspective view from above three consecutive mounting steps for mounting a frame according to a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a patient enclosure device 2 according to a first embodiment in a disassembled state in association with a bed 4.

The bed 4 comprises a body structure 6 and a platform 8 for supporting a mattress 10.

The body structure 6 is adapted to hold the platform 8 at a distance from the ground/floor and has wheels 12 in engagement with the ground/floor for movement of the bed. The platform 8 defines a dedicated patient area 14 on top of the bed 4. More specifically, the platform 8 has a rectangular shape with a size similar to the size of the mattress 10.

The patient enclosure device 2 is adapted to enclose the dedicated patient area 14 on top of the bed 4. The patient enclosure device 2 comprises a transparent hood 16 adapted for defining a patient chamber 18 above the dedicated patient area 14 on the bed 4. Further, the patient enclosure device 2 comprises a sheet-shaped bottom part 20 adapted for defining the patient chamber 18 below the dedicated patient area 14 on the bed. Further, the transparent hood 16 and the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 are adapted to be sealingly connected to each other around the dedicated patient area 14 on the bed.

The patient enclosure device 2 comprises a frame 22 adapted to surround the dedicated patient area 14, wherein the frame extends in a plane. The frame 22 has a rectangular 35 shape and is formed by four straight elongated connection members 24,26,28,30, which are arranged along the sides of the rectangle. The elongated connection members 24,26,28,30 are adapted for sealingly connecting an edge portion 32 of a wall of the transparent hood 16 to an edge portion 34 of the sheet-shaped bottom part 20.

Further, the patient enclosure device 2 comprises a body structure 36 adapted to hold the transparent hood 16 at a distance from the ground/floor. The body structure 36 is further adapted to adjust a height of the transparent hood 16 above the ground/floor. Further, the body structure 36 has wheels 38 in engagement with the ground/floor for movement of the transparent hood 16. The wheels are preferably provided with a secure locking arrangement for locking the wheels and thereby achieve a stationary position of the transparent hood 16. Thus, the transparent hood 16 may be moved both horizontally and vertically relative to the bed 4.

It may be noted that the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 is at least partly flexible in a way allowing it to assume a non-planar shape. Further, the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 is formed by a material, which is impermeable for parasites, such as virus. The sheet-shaped bottom part 20 may be formed by a polymer, such as a thermoplastic polymer, such as nylon or polypropylene. The sheet-shaped bottom part 20 comprises a main portion 40 in the form of a rectangle and four boundary portions 42,44,46,48 adjacent the main portion 40 and extending on either side of the main portion 40. Each one of the four boundary portions 42,44,46,48 is arranged in a folded configuration. A free edge of each one of the four boundary portions 42,44,46,48 is adapted to be connected to one of said elongated connection members 24,26,28,30.

The sheet-shaped bottom part 20 has a size, which is significantly larger than a cross section area of the patient chamber at a lower portion 32 of the transparent hood 16. One example of such a sheet-shaped bottom part 20 will be further described below in connection with figures 5a, b and c.

The transparent hood 16 may be made from a highly resistant transparent plastic which can be steam and ozone sterilized. Preferably, the transparent hood 16 is made of an anti-microbial grade of plastic.

The transparent hood 16 comprises a door 17 for access to the interior of the hood. The 35 door 17 has an extension in a longitudinal direction of the transparent hood 16 covering a complete long side of the transparent hood. The door 17 thereby forms a side wall of the transparent hood. The door 17 is connected to an adjacent section of the hood via a hinge with a hinge axis in the longitudinal direction of the transparent hood 16.

The transparent hood 16 further comprises a plurality of ports 19 in at least one side wall of the transparent hood 16 to allow the medical team to access and care for a patient in a controlled environment without risk of contamination. The ports 19 are formed by so-called iris ports have sealing covers with screw turn to ensure that a sterile environment is maintained.

The transparent hood 16 further comprises an inlet 21 for entry of fresh air into the transparent hood 16 and an outlet 23 for exit of contaminated air from the transparent hood 16 on an opposite side of the hood relative to the inlet. Further, the patient enclosure device 2 may comprise an air filtration system (not shown) associated to the outlet 23.

The transparent hood 16 further comprises an opening closable via a door 25 for entry/exit of a transfer cabinet to allow food or medication or medical tests to be transferred to/from the patient chamber without any contamination risk.

Further, the patient enclosure device 2 comprises a control system with a display and keyboard for controlling the operation and functions of the patient enclosure device 2.

The transparent hood 16 further comprises two top bars 29,31 extending in the longitudinal direction of the transparent hood 16 and at a spacing in a transverse direction of the hood. A wall 33 of the transparent hood 16 extends between the two top bars 29,31, thereby forming a roof of the hood. The patient enclosure device 2 may in this way be adapted for a mobile X-ray unit 35. The top bars 29, 31 are spaced so as to allow the mobile X-ray unit to operate while the patient is inside the transparent hood 16. Further, an X-ray cassette storage may be provided underneath the mattress 20. The transparent hood 16 can be raised so that the medical team may access the X-ray cassette without opening the transparent hood 16.

Further, the patient enclosure device 2 is adapted to work with either positive pressure or negative pressure. In positive pressure mode an oxygen rich environment can be created 35 reducing the need for intubation. The air inlet 21 may be closed and extracted air is filtered through the medical filtration system. In negative pressure mode the air inlet 21 is open and the extraction rate is increased to create a required negative pressure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the patient enclosure device 2 according to the 5 first embodiment in association with the bed 4. Fig. 2 discloses that the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 is positioned directly on top of the platform 8 of the bed. Thus, the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 is positioned between the platform 8 and the mattress 10. The patient enclosure device 2 is adapted to enclose the dedicated patient area 14 on top of the bed 4 in that the transparent hood 16 is arranged above the platform and in a sealing 10 tight manner relative to the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 via the rectangular frame 22.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the patient enclosure device 2 according to the first embodiment in an assembled state in association with the bed 4.

Fig. 4a is a side view of the patient enclosure device 2 according to the first embodiment in association with the bed, wherein the bed 4 is arranged in a non-inclined position. The body structure 36 and the wheels 38 that holds the transparent hood 16 are arranged so that the transparent hood 16 may be positioned vertically above the bed 4. More specifically, the wheels 38 are arranged at either short side of the body structure 36 of the transparent hood 16. In a similar manner, the wheels 12 of the body structure 6 of the bed are arranged at either short side of the bed 4. Further, the wheels 38 of the body structure 36 of the transparent hood 16 on the short sides of the hood are arranged at a larger distance in a longitudinal direction of the hood 16 than a distance between the wheels 12 of the body structure 6 of the bed 4 in a longitudinal direction of the bed. In this way, the hood 16 may be moved sideways from a position next to the bed to a position on top of the bed without collision between the hood or its associated body structure and the bed.

Fig. 4b is a side view similar to fig. 4a, wherein the bed 4 is arranged in an inclined position. More specifically, the platform 8 of the bed 4 comprises a plurality of sections 50,52, which may be arranged in different positions relative to one another corresponding to different desired body postures of the patient. The different positions of the platform 8 comprises a substantially flat configuration, see figure 4a, corresponding to a lying position of the patient and an inclined configuration, see figure 4b, corresponding to a sitting position of the patient, wherein one of the platform sections 52 provides for back support. The sheet-shaped bottom part 20 may, due to its flexibility, conform to the different platform configurations so that it forms a continuous sheet between the peripheries of the platform at a head end 54 and a foot end 56 of the platform.

More specifically, the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 is adapted to assume a first operative 5 state when it is connected to the transparent hood 16, in which a boundary portion 42 of the sheet-shaped bottom part is arranged in a folded configuration, see figure 4a, and wherein the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 is adapted to assume a second operative state when it is connected to the transparent hood 16, in which at least a section of the boundary portion 42 of the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 is arranged in an unfolded 10 configuration, see figure 4b. In this way, the patient chamber 18 is safely sealed irrespective of the position/inclination of the bed 4. In other words, the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 allows the bed 4 to be in dynamic motion without hindering any operation.

Fig. 5a is a top view of the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 in a non-operative state. The sheet-shaped bottom part 20 has a rectangular shape with cut-out corners. More specifically, the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 comprises a rectangular and flat main portion 40, which is adapted to cover the complete platform 8 of the bed. Further, the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 comprises four boundary portions 42,44,46,48 extending from each side of the rectangular main portion 40. Each one of the four boundary portions 42,44,46,48 extends along the complete length of its associated side of the rectangular man portion 40 and has a rectangular shape.

According to one example, the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 has a total length of 4000 mm and a total width of 3000 mm.

Fig. 5b is a perspective view of the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 in fig. 5a in an intermediate state. Each one of the four boundary portions 42,44,46,48 has been folded relative to the main portion 40, see arrows. Two side edges 58,60 of two adjacent boundary portions 42,48, which edges 58,60 define the cut out corners, have been connected, such as via welding. In a similar manner the two side edges of two adjacent boundary portions have been welded together at each one of the other cut out corners. The four boundary portions 42,44,46,48 now form a joined circumferential rectangular structure 90.

Fig. 5c is a perspective view of the sheet-shaped bottom part in fig. 5b in an operative state. The circumferential rectangular structure 90 is now folded, see arrows, at about midway between the main portion 40 and the free edge 92 so that the free edge 92 is positioned about at the same level as the main portion 40. The free edge 92 may now be connected to the frame 22 in a sealing manner.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the rectangular frame 22 formed by a plurality of elongated profiles 24,26,28,30 for sealingly connecting the transparent hood 16 and the sheet-shaped bottom part 20.

The elongated connection member 26 comprises a first connection section 62 extending in a longitudinal direction of the elongated connection member 26 for a sealing engagement with an edge portion of a wall of the transparent hood 16. Further, the elongated connection member 26 comprises a second connection section 64 extending in a longitudinal direction of the elongated connection member for a sealing engagement with an edge portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part 20. The first connection section 62 faces in a first transverse direction of the elongated connection member 26 and the second connection section 64 faces in a second transverse direction of the elongated connection member 26. Further, the first transverse direction of the elongated connection member faces in a perpendicular direction relative to the second transverse direction of the elongated connection member 26. Further, each one of the first connection section 62 and the second connection section 64 defines an elongated opening for receipt of the edge portion of the wall of the transparent hood 16 and the edge portion of the sheet-like bottom part 20, respectively.

More specifically, the elongated connection member 26 has a rectangular shape in cross section. Further, the elongated openings 62, 64 has an interior widened section 65, which is in communication with the outside via a thinner section 67 in the form of a slot.

More specifically, the elongated connection member 26 has a square shape in cross section. Further, the elongated connection member 26 is provided with elongated openings on each four sides. Further, the elongated openings on the four sides of the elongated connection member 26 has the same shape and size in cross section.

The elongated connection members 24,26,28,30 has the same cross section shape. The rectangular frame 22 further comprises four corner portions 66,68,70,72. Each one of the corner portions 66,68,70,72 connects two adjacent elongated connection members 24,26,28,30 in a perpendicular relationship. Each one of the corner portions 66,68,70,72 has a cross section shape similar to the cross section shape of the elongated connection members 24,26,28,30. Each one of the corner portions 66,68,70,72 is rigidly connected to an end of its associated elongated connection members 24,26,28,30. The connection may be achieved via an adhesive applied in the interface between the corner portion and its associated elongated connection member or a separate locking member, such as the rib 80, see below. In this way, each one of the transparent cover 16 and the sheet-like bottom part 20 may be sealingly connected to the rectangular frame 22 also at the corners of the frame.

Fig. 7a is a cross section of the elongated connection member 26 according to fig. 6. A wall of the transparent hood 16 is connected to the connection member 26 and the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 is preassembled to the elongated connection member. Fig. 7b is a cross section of the elongated connection member according to fig. 7a, wherein the transparent hood and the sheet-shaped bottom part are connected to the elongated connection member.

Each one of the transparent hood 16 and the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 is connected to the at least one elongated connection member 26 in a sealingly secure way. The sheet-shaped bottom part 20 is connected to the elongated connection member 26 via a double seal arrangement 74. The seal arrangement 74 comprises an adhesive strip 76 arranged along a free edge of the sheet-shaped bottom part 20. The adhesive strip 76 is adapted to engage with an outer surface of the elongated connection member 26. Further, a section 78 of the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 adjacent the free edge is adapted to be received in the elongated aperture 64 of the elongated connection member 26 in a folded configuration, see also fig. 7b. Further, the seal arrangement 74 comprises an elongated rib 80, which has an engagement surface 82 with a complimentary shape to the aperture 64 for holding the folded section 78 of the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 in the aperture while being pressed between facing surfaces of the rib 80 and the aperture 64.

The transparent hood 16 is connected to the elongated connection member 26 via an 35 elongated sealing strip 84. The elongated sealing strip 84 has a h-shape in cross section, wherein a wall of the transparent hood is received between adjacent parallel legs of the strip in a sealing secure way. Further, the strip 84 is received in the aperture 62 in a sealing secure way. The elongated sealing strip 84 may be formed by flexible rubber.

The elongated connection member 26 is preferably formed by a metallic material, such as aluminium, and may be formed by extrusion.

Fig. 8a-c schematically disclose in a perspective view from above three consecutive mounting steps for mounting a frame 86 according to a second embodiment. In contrast to the frame design shown in figure 6, there is no corner portion 66,68,70,72. Instead, the frame 86 comprises four elongated connection members 88,90, which are designed with a beveled end. Each elongated connection member 88,90 has an end surface 92,94 which extends in a plane directed at 45 degrees relative to an extension direction of the elongated connection member. Two such elongated connection members 88,90 are arranged in a perpendicular relationship so that the end surfaces 92,94 meet.

Further, the elongated connection members 88,90 are provided with means 96,98,100,102,104,106 for fastening the two elongated connection members 88,90 in a perpendicular relationship. The fastening means 96,98,100,102,104,106 are adapted for a male-female connection. More specifically, a first one of the elongated connection members 88 comprises at least one projection 96,98 extending from the end surface 92 in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the elongated connection member 88. In the shown embodiment, the elongated connection member 88 comprises two such projections 96,98 in the form of pins. A second one of the elongated connection members 90 comprises at least one opening 100,102 extending from the end surface 94 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated connection member 90. In the shown embodiment, the elongated connection member 90 comprises two such openings 100,102 in the form of through holes. The size and position of the pins 96,98 and the through holes 100,102 are matched so that the pins 96,98 may be received in the through holes 100,102 when the two elongated connection members 88,90 are arranged in the perpendicular relationship. Further, the pins 96,98 has such a length that they protrude from an opposite side surface of the elongated connection member 90 when the two elongated connection members 88,90 are arranged in the perpendicular relationship. A locking cover 104,106 is fitted to each free end of the pins 96,98 for locking the two elongated connection members 88,90 in the perpendicular relationship. More specifically, each end of the pin comprises a thread 108,110 and the associated locking cover has a correspondingly shaped nut 120,122, which is rotationally rigidly arranged in a body of the locking cover, for engagement with the thread of the pin.

Each one of the elongated connection members 88,90 comprises a first connection section 112,114 extending in a longitudinal direction of the elongated connection member for a sealing engagement with an edge portion of a wall of the transparent hood 16. Further, each one of the elongated connection members 88,90 comprises a second connection section 116,118 extending in a longitudinal direction of the elongated connection member for a sealing engagement with an edge portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part 20. The first connection sections 112,114 and the second connection sections 116,118, respectively, are arranged so that the ends meet at the interface between the two elongated connection members 88,90. Each one of the sheet-shaped bottom part 20 and the edge portion of a wall of the transparent hood 16 may be connected to the elongated connection members 88,90 in a similar way as has been described above in association to figures 7a and 7b.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize 20 that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

For example, the cross section shape of the elongated connection member may differ from the design described above and shown in the figures. For example, one or several of the connection sections of the elongated connection member may be formed by projections instead of cavities. Further, the design of the sealing arrangement between the transparent hood and the elongated connection member may differ from what is described and above and shown in the figures. Similarly, the design of the sealing arrangement between the transparent hood and the elongated connection member may differ from what is described and above and shown in the figures. Further, a plurality of the elongated connection members forming sides of the rectangular frame may be formed by a single element, wherein the single element is bent at the corner joining two such straight portions.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A patient enclosure device for being associated to a bed in a way that the patient enclosure device encloses a dedicated patient area on top of the bed, wherein the patient enclosure device comprises: a transparent hood adapted for defining a patient chamber above the dedicated patient area; and a sheet-shaped bottom part adapted for defining the patient chamber below the dedicated patient area; wherein the transparent hood and the sheet-shaped bottom part are adapted to be sealingly connected to each other around the dedicated patient area.
2. A patient enclosure device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet-shaped bottom part is at least partly flexible in a way allowing it to assume a non-planar shape.
3. A patient enclosure device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet-shaped bottom part has a size, which is significantly larger than a cross section area of the patient chamber at a lower portion of the transparent hood.
4 A patient enclosure device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet-shaped bottom part is adapted to assume a first operative state when it is connected to the transparent hood, in which a boundary portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part is arranged in a folded configuration, and wherein the sheet-shaped bottom part is adapted to assume a second operative state when it is connected to the transparent hood, in which at least a section of the boundary portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part is arranged in an unfolded configuration.
A patient enclosure device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet-shaped bottom part is formed by a material, which is impermeable for parasites, such as virus.
6 A patient enclosure device according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet-shaped bottom part is adapted to be rigidly fastened to the transparent hood in a fastening region around the dedicated patient area.
7 A patient enclosure device according to any preceding claim, wherein the transparent hood comprises rigid walls, which at a lower end, that is adapted to face the bed, has a shape in cross section defining the boundaries of the dedicated patient area.
8 A patient enclosure device according to any preceding claim, wherein the patient enclosure device comprises at least one elongated connection member, which is adapted for sealingly connecting an edge portion of a wall of the transparent hood to an edge portion of the sheet-shaped bottom part.
9 A patient enclosure device according to claim 8, wherein the at least one elongated connection member forms a frame adapted to surround the dedicated patient area, wherein the frame extends in a plane.
10. A patient enclosure device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the sheet-shaped bottom part is connected to the at least one elongated connection member via a double seal arrangement.
11. A patient enclosure device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the patient enclosure device comprises a moveable support structure, which is adapted to position the transparent hood relative to the bed.
12. A combination of a bed and a patient enclosure device, wherein the patient enclosure device is designed according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bed comprises a platform, which defines the dedicated patient area, wherein the platform is adapted for supporting the patient and wherein the sheet-shaped bottom part is adapted to be arranged so that it covers the platform.
13. A combination of a bed and a patient enclosure device according to claim 12, wherein the bed comprises a mattress positioned on the platform, wherein the sheet-like bottom part is arranged between the platform and the mattress.