ITTV980064A1 - BED, ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITIES OF THE TYPE WITH ARTICULATED STRUCTURE OF BED PLAN AND MEANS FOR HANDLING AND CONTROL OF AT LEAST - Google Patents

Description

Patent for industrial invention

International Classification: A 47 C

Title:

BED, PARTICULARLY FOR COMMUNITIES, OF THE TYPE WITH ARTICULATED BED PLAN STRUCTURE AND MEANS FOR HANDLING AND CONTROL OF AT LEAST SAID BED PLAN.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a bed, particularly for the community, of the type with an articulated bed base structure and means for moving and controlling at least said bed surface.

The innovation finds particular if not exclusive application in the technical furnishing sector for the hospital sector, such as specifically hospitals, clinics and nursing homes, for long-term care and rest homes and in any case in all those cases where it is it is necessary to have an easy means of transport and a more comfortable and therapeutic stay in bed for patients.

State of the art.

The traditional hospital bed is known. Generally, it consists of a rigid frame, mostly made of metal, to which a headboard or backrest and a footboard are associated at the ends. Almost all the beds currently in circulation are also of the technical type, in the sense that they must meet specific requirements, mostly standard, required by hospitals. This is the case, for example, of beds, equipped at the bottom with wheels to allow mobility from one place to another, as it is often required to provide, if necessary, side containment sides, and which, substantially, have an accident prevention function preventing the patient from accidentally escaping from the perimeter of the bed surface, such as to contain the elderly.

It is also known that the frame can be structured differently to allow the patient's support surface to be moved, such as from a coplanar starting position, to a different one, by lifting one end with respect to the other, alternatively of both according to the patient's needs. A traditional support surface, whether it is hospital beds or for domestic use, covers the entire surface delimited by the bed frame and consists of one, but also more, substructures that are sometimes interconnected and elastically yielding. This is the case of the traditional network, where the ends of the links, peripherally, are engaged either along the frame of the bed, or alternatively along the perimeter of at least a second but dynamic frame which interacts with the said first, which in the case of species is static. These solutions have remained practically unchanged for years, up to recent times, where the operators of the sector have found their absolute inadequacy. With the intention of solving some of the problems found in the previous solutions, more advanced second beds have taken over, which instead of the traditional mesh, have proposed the use of transversal slats, slightly convex, whose ends are they engage in corresponding sheaths, introduced along the internal perimeter of a support frame, or alternatively engaged above or below it. But the use of this solution in hospital beds is not tolerated at all, above all because in the specifications it is generally foreseen that the bed as a whole must be subjected to a washing and sterilization process. Consequently, the use of metal meshes has always been a preferential condition, which together with the remaining parts could be easily subjected to this operation.

The technical needs of particular sectors of the hospital sector are also well known, such as in the case of resuscitation and long-term care wards, where the traditionally designed bed is completely inadequate. In this case, in fact, unlike traditional beds, it must be equipped with a surface that can be adjusted in several points, so that we have mattress support platforms, divided into two or at most three elements hinged to each other, respectively one which corresponds to the backrest, and one for the footboard - in a more or less long version - which also includes the part affected by the pelvis. Alternatively, comprising a third element shorter than the previous ones and which interposing between the two, at the end affects the central band for the pelvis area.

The invention concerns that category of beds with articulated, adjustable tops, towards which the attention of operators in the sector is currently most directed. Traditionally, the adjustment of the backrest, for example, is obtained in an extremely simple way, stably pivoting one end of the dynamic frame part along the soffit of the longitudinal members of the static frame. As regards the movement of the backrest comprising a dynamic frame, offering a greater or lesser inclination with respect to the remaining part of the network, it is ensured by various devices, including electromechanical ones, which can work both on the element connecting the part of the dynamic frame to that of the static frame, which alternatively comprise levers which can also be activated autonomously, on one side engaged along the dynamic frame of the backrest, while the opposite end is hinged to the static frame.

The traditional tops, which have characterized these beds up to now, are of common derivation, so that they consist of a flat metal mesh painted with epoxy resins. The drawback of this structure is substantially from the fact that it does not allow, like other metal solutions, a satisfactory treatment in an autoclave, and in any case due to frequent washing with detergents and disinfectants it tends to deteriorate in a short time. Secondly, a contribution to the deterioration of the structure can be observed in long-term care beds, due to the effect of natural contact with physiological liquids, such as urine. A third problem, no less important than the previous ones, is the fact that patients, confined to bed for long periods, can be subject to the formation of pressure sores, which are particularly unwanted and painful.

To overcome these problems, a first foreign company in the sector has already replaced the traditional metal mesh with a thermoformed plastic platform. The same, having to be removed, is simply placed on a corresponding perimeter metal frame, which, being mobile, acts as a support, associated according to known techniques to the static structure of the bed. A second feature is given by the particular conformation of the panels that make up the articulated platform, which have a series of openings for the ventilation of the mattress from the bottom upwards and vice versa, and a series of protrusions, which allow to keep slightly raised. the mattress with respect to the floor. Said symmetrical projections arranged in parallel rows, are spaced by openings, and by longitudinal slats, in this case two, which divide said projections into three rows, creating between them also longitudinal ventilation channels.

Among the drawbacks that can be encountered, there is the so-called -shirt effect-, a phenomenon typically found not only in articulated beds, but also in seating. This phenomenon, following the inclination of the back with respect to the remaining part of the body that remains flat, determines the localized lifting of the patient's clothes, especially at the lumbar level, leaving a part of the body uncovered, therefore particularly subject to air currents. and in any case at a rapid temperature variation. Furthermore, since the partial lifting of the patient is frequent, several times during a day, it is for example the case of the administration of meals, just as frequent is the possibility of undergoing the rapid cooling of the part of the body that remains uncovered, which is it can cause persistent intramuscular pain, especially in long-term patients, such as the typical back pain.

A second but not negligible aspect concerns the patient's posture. Although this can be adjusted locally by acting on the bed surfaces, it can never be optimized, especially due to the insufficiency of the joint provided along the traditional bed surfaces that support the mattress. This is the frequent case, for example, of the patient raised with his back, who, being in this condition, tends to slowly slide forward. This position will prove to be progressively unsuitable and uncomfortable the longer the patient remains in this situation, until he is forced to return to the original position by forcing his joints, and in particular his arms, along the edges of the bed. A second negative aspect concerns the hypothesis in which this, to be raised, must subsequently lie down horizontally. In this circumstance, the patient is at least forced to lift the body to move back to the original position. This aspect is not so inconvenient if the patient is in strength, however it becomes so, at the moment in which the patient, for example the elderly, is incapacitated. In this case, the intervention of at least one assistant is required, who, lifting the patient from under the armpits, brings him back to his original position, allowing him to rest properly.

The object of the present invention is also that of obviating the aforementioned drawbacks.

This and other purposes are achieved with the present innovation according to the characteristics set out in the attached claims, solving the problems set forth by means of a bed, particularly for communities, of the type with an articulated bed base structure and means for moving and controlling at least said bed surface, consisting of a base equipped with pivoting wheels and relative joint stop, from whose base, pivoted laterally, arms also of the electrically moved type, supporting a frame, consisting of headboard and footboard with joined cantilevered top and covered supports , to which frame is associated an articulated bed surface with relative folding sides, and composed of four elements, three of which can be reclined, by means of electromechanical means for registering the position, respectively consisting of a back element, a relaxation element hinged to the fixed central element to the frame, and a foot element, hinged to said element relaxation, and again in which both in correspondence with the extrados of at least one side, and preferably with the extrados of a footboard, control panels are provided for the movement, even independent, and at least the control of the frame and of the articulated bed surface associated with it.

Benefits.

In this way, through the remarkable creative contribution whose effect constitutes an immediate technical progress, various are achieved; benefits. In the first place, it is possible to mention the fact that a particularly functional bed is obtained, provided with an unusual capacity for adjusting the bed surface. From the practical side, it is conferred by being able to intervene on the three reclining elements, obtaining particularly ergonomic positions and optimizing their therapeutic purposes. As far as the interaction of the backrest with the relaxation element is concerned, proportionally to the extent of the lifting, it allows at least to reduce if not eliminate the shirt effect, avoiding the patient from sliding forward and therefore from breaking down his clothes. This facility derives from the fact that despite the raised position assumed, it is possible to avoid the sliding forward even of the mattress, or towards the footboard, being able to enjoy a comfortable stop along the edge of the foot element that stops its progression. . This condition has the advantage of also facilitating the repositioning of the bed-mattress base in the original position, allowing you to correctly resume the original appearance, without dismantling the bed and therefore without resorting to the intervention of any assistant.

Further advantages are attributable to the fact that the frame is equipped with removable ends, supporting the footboard, obtaining an elongated bed configuration, unusual compared to the standard dimensions, as well as, again as regards the footboard, in the fact of providing a comfortable shelf. with relative side for the containment of the blankets, therefore always remaining at hand. This condition is particularly useful both with the bed in motion and with the bed allocated. In the first case, in fact, they do not cause any discomfort to the patient, whereas in traditional solutions, the attendant was forced to place them on the bed and therefore on the patient himself, sometimes causing no little discomfort if not pain by weighing down the sheets. In the second case, on the other hand, they are visible and always ready when needed, even in environments without available cabinets, avoiding the attendants or the people who assist patients from frantic searches.

Particularities are also attributable to the peculiar interaction of the bed base with the bed surface, which allows it to be raised or vice versa of the said surface, independently of the registration of the bed base joint, as well as of the sides, which, in the case in particular, being tilting, they can assume at least three positions, one of which is raised, one intermediate, and one completely lowered, and this again independently of the position of the bed surface.

Finally, the configuration of the bed surface only is particularly designed to give greater ergonomics, facilitating the ventilation of the surfaces to the advantage of a correct rest of the patient.

These and other advantages will appear from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment solution with the help of the enclosed schematic drawings, the details of which are not to be construed as limiting but merely as examples.

Drawings.

Figure 1., represents a side view of the assembly, with the frame and relative bed surface in the lowered position, being placed against the base of the bed.

Figure 2., represents a side view of the assembly, but with the frame and the relative bed surface in a raised position, separated from the base of the bed, the articulated surface of which is represented according to one of the possible configurations.

Figure 3., represents a view of the bed assembly, taken from the side of the back or headboard.

Figure 4., represents a cross-sectional view of the bed plane only.

Figure 5. is a plan view of the bed-frame assembly, to which a relative headboard and a footboard are associated.

Figure 6. is a plan view of the bed base alone, supporting and moving the frame and the relative bed surface associated with it.

Figure 7 is a view in particular of the bed assembly, taken at an angle.

Figure 8. is a perspective view of the articulated bed surface only. Figures 9 and 9a are perspective views of a headboard / footboard, respectively assembled and disassembled.

Finally, Figures 10 to 21 hypothesize control panels with the display of the different positions that the frame can assume as well as the different configurations of the bed surface.

Description of a possible solution.

With reference also to the figures, it can be seen that a bed (A), particularly intended for the hospital compartment, essentially comprises a frame (1), consisting of two parallel longons (11), whose ends, insisting perpendicularly, respectively engage a headboard backrest (2) and a footboard (3). The said frame is provided with a dynamic end, in the sense that it can allow the bed (A) to be lengthened, drawing the footboard (3) towards it, from a position (b) to a more rearward position (b1). it is made possible by providing for the interaction, provided at one end of the longitudinal members (l1), of two segments (12) of the longitudinal member, which, being coaxial, can be removed from the former, engaging the footboard (3). By cooperating with them, locking means, not illustrated or other equivalent means, can also be provided, meaning also means aimed at increasing friction in order to stabilize the position of said footboard (3), once the desired distance has been reached.

As regards the headboard (2) and the footboard (3), it is noted that they are obtained by essentially assembling two elements, respectively a base crosspiece (4) to a panel above the same (5). While the crosspiece (4) has the ends (4l) shaped like a "C", the upper panel (5) has rounded handles (51) on the side, between which a solid central portion (6) is interposed. In the case of the footboard (3), said solid central portion (6), on the extrados of the panel, creates a deck support surface (61), being of the type hinged, along the base, to said central portion (6) or providing suitable mutual interlocking means, in this case to be removed. The union of the panel (5), to the lower crosspiece (4), is ensured by two pins (7), one on each side and quite developed, which, with a termination, are introduced vertically along the ends of the panel (5), on the other hand, they coaxially affect a bushing (8), which by crossing said ends (41) shaped like a "C", holds wheels (9) in place which, being protruding, act as bumpers.

A bed surface (a1) is associated with the frame thus obtained (1), which is designed to support the patient by interposing a convenient mattress. Said bed surface (a1) is substantially made up of four elements, interconnected with each other, and respectively a first, rather large (10), consisting of the back element, a second (102), given by the central element fixed, a third (103), consisting of the relaxation element, and finally a fourth element (104), consisting of the foot element. All four of said elements, respectively (101, 102, 103 and 104), can be of the type obtained by molding plastic material, and comprise on the surface of the lowered areas, cooperating with the first transverse openings, respectively (111), interposed, and openings (112) developed longitudinally in proximity to the sides of said elements. Each element is also provided along its lengths with at least one corresponding handle (12), and in the sole case of the foot element (10 <4>), the transverse end section is affected by an overhang (13) which acts as a stop at least for the mattress, preventing it from sliding when the said bed surface (a <1>) is inclined. As regards the articulation of the bed surface (a <1>), it is also noted that the central element (10 <2>) is fixed being engaged to the longitudinal members (1 <1>) of the frame. With respect to the same (10 <2>) a first element is hinged, the so-called backrest (10 <1>), which can thus be raised from a horizontal plane to an inclined plane with a maximum opening angle of approx. 70 °. On the other side, again with respect to the fixed central element (10 <2>), a relaxation element (10 <3>) is hinged, which is also movable from a horizontal plane, to an inclined plane with an angle of maximum opening of approx. 40 °, as opposed to the back element (10 <1>). Finally, the fourth element (10 <4>), or foot elements. The latter is hinged on one side to the previous one (10 <3>), and can be raised from the original horizontal plane to a second plane, always horizontally, but at a different height compared to the previous one. Finally, this element (10 <4>) can also be inclined, from the front, by means of suitable means of support. As regards the electromechanical or possibly manual means for moving the said elements (10 <1>, 10 <3> and IO <4>), these are housed in the area below the said bed surface (a <1>) and can act to obtain even specific configurations independently from each other, favoring not necessarily synchronous recordings of the individual elements.

With the purpose of delimiting the containment seat of the bed surface (a <1>), and in this case also with an accident prevention function, the said bed surface (a <1>) is assisted by lateral sides (16). More in detail, said sides (16) are four in number, arranged two by two and mirror each other, involving the longitudinal side of both the back element (10 <1>) and the foot element ( 10 <4>). Even more in detail, arms (14), respectively a pair of arms ( 14) for each longitudinal side, both of the back element (10 <1>) and, again, of the foot element (10 <4>). The hinging of the arms (14) to the substructure of the elements concerned is obtained by means of the localized interposition of a "U" bracket (15), previously fixed on the extrados of the element concerned and along the edge. In this way, the lower end of each arm (14), being substantially "L" -shaped, transversely affects said "U" bracket (15), and being constrained to it by means of retaining means, consequently allows its rotation . On the other side, the two arms (14) that support the corresponding side (16), obtain a sort of parallelogram, allowing the side (16) to be translated, always horizontally, from a low to a high position, passing through an intermediate position.

The entire bed bunk (A), more particularly the bed base (a <1>) and support frame assembly, is supported by a mobile type bed base (a <2>). This, rather reduced in size and largely contained within the limits defined by the perimeter of the bed surface (a <1>), provides a central portion developed longitudinally (17) inside or under which associated electromechanical movement mechanisms are provided, i which determine the movement, even independent or synchronous, of two joints, (18) and (18 <1>) which respectively support the front and rear part of the bed surface assembly (a <1>) frame (1). At the head, with respect to said central portion (17), transversal elements (19) are provided, which, at the bottom, hinge wheels (20), whose stop is delegated to a single-control pedal (21) placed by a side of said bed base (a <2>).

Finally, the movement, both of the bed surface only (a <1>), and in particular of the single joints (10 <1>, 10 <3> and 10 <4>) by acting on the elements that form it, and the movement of the 'bed base assembly (a <1>) frame (1), set in place by the bed base (a <2>), is guaranteed by one or more gearmotors possibly cooperating with hydraulic or pneumatic systems, enslaved by a logic unit that determines, by means of convenient postponements, the individual movements. Said programming and command logic unit (22) i possibly also subdivided into two cooperating units, is located along the extrados of at least one of the external elements of the bed (A) and provides in addition to the individual activation keys (22 <1> ) also of the display icons (22 <2>) of the function and of the specific configuration thus provided.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS 1. Bed, particularly for communities, of the type with an articulated bed surface structure and means for moving and controlling at least said bed surface, characterized in that it provides a base (a <2>), equipped with swiveling wheels (20 ) and relative common stop, from the base of which the arms (18) and (19) protrude, pivoted laterally, also of the electrically operated type, supporting a frame (1), composed of headboard (2) and footboard (3), to which is associated an articulated bed surface (a <1>) with relative folding sides (16), and composed of four elements, of which three reclining (10 <1>, 10 <3> and 10 <4>), respectively consisting of a backrest element (10 <1>), a relaxation element (10 <3>), hinged to the central element (10 <2>), fixed to the frame, and a foot element (10 <4>),, hinged to said relaxation element (10 <3>). 2. Bed structure, according to claim 1., characterized in that the movement, both of the bed surface (a <1>), and in particular of the single joints (10 <1>, 10 <3> and 10 < 4>) by acting on the elements that form it, that the movement of the bed base assembly (a <1>) frame (1), set in place by the bed base (a <2>), is ensured by one or more gearmotors if necessary cooperating with hydraulic or pneumatic systems, enslaved to a logic unit which determines, by means of convenient postponements, the individual movements. 3. Bed structure, according to claims 1. and 2., characterized in that said programming and control logic unit (22), possibly also divided into two cooperating units, is located along the extrados of at least one of the external elements of the bed (A) and provides, in addition to the individual activation keys (22 <1>), also display icons (22 <2>) of the function and of the specific configuration thus provided. 4. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame is made up of two parallel longons (1 <1>), the ends of which, insisting perpendicularly, respectively engage a headboard or backrest (2) and a footboard (3), dynamic, which can be extended from a position (b) to a more rearward position (b <1>), providing for the interaction, provided at one end of the longitudinal members (l <1>), of two longone segments (l <2>), which being coaxial, can be removed from the former, engaging the footboard (3). 5. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the headboard (2) and the footboard (3) are obtained by essentially assembling two elements, respectively a base crosspiece (4) to a panel above the same (5 ). 6. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the crosspiece (4) has the ends (4 <1>) shaped like a "C", while the upper panel (5) forms rounded handles on the side ( 5 '). between which a solid central portion (6) is interposed, and in which the union of the panel (5), to the lower crosspiece (4), is ensured by two pins (7), one on each side which, with a termination they are introduced vertically along the ends of the panel (5), on the other hand they coaxially affect a bushing (8), which, crossing said ends (4 <1>) shaped like a "C", holds the bumper wheels (9) in place. 7. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that in the footboard (3), said solid central portion (6), on the extrados of the panel, forms a blanket support surface (6 <1>), being of the type hinged, along the base, to said central portion (6) or providing suitable mutual interlocking means, in this case to be removed. 8. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that a bed surface (a <1>) is associated with the frame thus obtained (a <1>) substantially consisting of four elements, interconnected with each other, and respectively a first, rather large (10 <1>), consisting of the back element, a second (10 <2>), given by the fixed central element, a third (IO <3>), consisting of the relaxation element, and finally a fourth element (10 <4>), consisting of the foot element, all of the type obtained by molding of plastic material, comprising on the surface of the lowered areas, cooperating with the first transverse openings, respectively (11 <1>) , interposed with openings (11 <2>) developed longitudinally in proximity to the sides of said elements. 9. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the elements (10 <1>, I1 <0> and 10 <4>) are provided along the sides, with a corresponding handle (12), monolithic, and only in the case of the foot element (10 <4>), the transverse end section is affected by an overhang (13) which acts as a stop. 10. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that with respect to the central element (10 <2>), fixed, being engaged to the longitudinal members (l <1>), a backrest element (10 <1>) is hinged ), which can thus be raised from a horizontal plane to an inclined plane with a maximum opening angle of approx. 70 °, on the other side, again with respect to the fixed central element (10 <2>), a relaxation element (10 <3>) is hinged, which is also movable from a horizontal plane to an inclined plane with a maximum opening angle of approx. 40 °, as opposed to the back element (10 <1>). 11. Bed structure according to the preceding claims, characterized in that a fourth element (10 <4>), or foot element is hinged on one side to the relaxation element (10 <3>) and can be raised from the horizontal plane original to a second floor always horizontally, but at a different height than the previous one. Finally, this element (10 <4>) can also be inclined, from the front, by means of suitable means of support. 12. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromechanical or possibly manual means for moving said elements (10 <1>, 10 <3> and 10 <4>), are received in the area below the said bed surface (a <1>) and can act to obtain even specific configurations independently from each other, favoring not necessarily synchronous recordings of the single elements. 13. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that said bed surface (a <1>) is assisted by lateral sides (16), four in number, arranged two by two and mirrored each other. the other, involving the longitudinal side of both the back element (10 <1>) and the foot element (10 <4>). 14. Bed structure according to the preceding claims, characterized in that on the underside of the back element (10 <1>), and on the underside of the foot element (10 <4>), there are externally pivoted arms (14), respectively a pair of arms (14) for each longitudinal side, both of the back element (10 <1>) and, again, of the foot element (10 <4>); said hinging of the arms (14) to the substructure of the elements concerned, being obtained by means of the localized interposition of a "U" bracket (15), previously fixed on the extrados of the element concerned and along the edge, so that the lower end of each arm (14), being substantially "L" shaped, transversely affects said "U" bracket (15), while on the other side, the two arms (14) which support the corresponding side (16), obtain a parallelogram, allowing the side (16) to be translated, again horizontally, from a low to a high position, passing through an intermediate position. 15. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the bed base (a <1>) and support frame (1) assembly is supported by a bed base (a <2>), of the mobile type , dimensionally reduced and largely contained within the limits defined by the perimeter of the bed surface (a <1>), comprising a central portion developed longitudinally (17) inside or under which there are associated electromechanical movement mechanisms, which determine the movement, also independent or synchronous, of two joints (18) and (18 <1>), which respectively support the front and rear part of the bed surface assembly (a <1>) frame (1). 16. Bed structure, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that at the head, with respect to said central portion (17), transversal elements (19) are provided, which, at the bottom, hinge wheels (20) at the ends, the stop of which is delegated to a single-control pedal (21) placed on one side of said bed base (a <2>).