MXPA01005893A - Hospital bed mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

A mechanism for raising and lowering the height of a patient support surface of a bed (10) which includes a threaded shaft (68) upon which a pulley support (96) is raised and lowered and a chain (86) and pulley system which transfers vertical displacement of the pulley support (96) to the patient support surface. An articulating perimeter frame (34) for supporting a patient on a bed frame which includes a plurality of extruded elongate members (230) which are coupled together by hinges (132, 246) and corner members (240). The perimeter frame (34) receives and supports inserts (260, 262, 264) which receive head (48), seat (50) and foot (52) mattress sections. A pivotal push handle/tray combination (26) that is pivotally coupled to the end posts (77) of a bed and includes a mechanism for locking the handle/tray combination (26) into one of a plurality of positions.

Description

MECHANISM FOR HOSPITAL BED BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to various mechanisms for hospital beds. More particularly, the present invention relates to mechanisms for hospital beds that move a patient support plate of the bed, between a high position and a low position. The present invention also relates to a patient support articulation mechanism that includes a perimeter frame. In addition, the present invention relates to a rotary handle / wheel mechanism, which may be provided on each or both ends of a hospital bed. According to other configurations, features, modalities and alternatives of the present invention that will be apparent as the description thereof is continued below, the present invention provides a bed assembly, which has a patient support surface with a height able to adjust, the bed includes an end for the head or head and a foot end, and includes a pair of hollow support tubes at each end of the head and foot, a first carriage capable of being moved connected with the pair of Ref: 130507 hollow support tubes at the head and a second carriage capable of being moved connected with the pair of hollow support tubes at the foot end, a frame to support a patient support surface, the frame it has opposite ends, which are connected with the first and second carriages, and a mechanism for raising and lowering the first and second carriages and the frame with respect to the pairs of tubes Hollow support members, the mechanism includes a rotatable threaded shaft having a pulley support connected thereto to move along the axis. The present invention further provides a patient support assembly for a hinge bed that includes a bed frame, which is supported on opposite ends, a perimeter frame, which in turn includes a head section, a cross section seat, and a standing section, the seat section is connected to the head section by a pair of first joints and is connected to the foot section by a pair of second joints, a support bar that connects to the frame of bed and with each of the pair of first joints, and the inserts of head, seat and foot which are received within the respective sections of head, seat and foot of the perimeter frame. The present invention also provides a rotary push grab assembly for hospital beds that includes separate posts at one end of a bed, corner connectors provided at the top portions of the separate posts and a push handle connected, rotatably, between the corner connectors. Also the present invention further provides a hospital bed, which includes a head and a foot end, a pair of hollow support tubes at each of the head and foot ends, a first car having a pair of tubes separate external and which are capable of moving, they are also connected to the pair of hollow support tubes in the head and a second car that has a pair of separate external tubes that are able to move, are also connected to the pair of tubes of support hollows at the foot end, a frame for supporting a patient support surface, the frame has opposite ends, which are connected with the first and second carriages, a high / low mechanism for raising and lowering the first and second carriages and the frame with respect to the pairs of tubes of hollow supports, a perimeter frame, which includes a head section, a seat section, and a foot section, the section of as It is connected to the head section by means of a pair of first joints and is connected to the foot section by means of a pair of second joints., a support bar that connects to the frame and with each of the pairs of first joints, the head, seat and foot inserts, which are received inside the respective head, seat and foot sections of the perimeter frame, corner connectors are provided in the upper portions of at least one of the pairs of separate outer tubes and a push handle connected, rotatably between the corner connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which are given only as non-limiting examples, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hospital bed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the hospital bed of Figure 1 illustrating the manner in which the patient's support surface moves between a low position close to the floor and an elevated position (shown in lines) Fig. 3 is a perspective view with separate parts illustrating a header, which has a high / low mechanism mounted thereon for moving the intermediate support frame up and down and illustrating a combination wheelbarrow handle push able to be rotated connected to the head; Figure 4 is a perspective view with separate parts illustrating a high / low mechanism and the intermediate support frame in lower positions; Figure 5 illustrates an optional manually operated handle to control the high / low mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the high / low mechanism of agreement with the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a locking mechanism that is used to place the handle and push cart in a preselected position relative to the head or to the foot end; Figure 8a is a perspective view illustrating the details of the intermediate frame, which is coupled between the head and the foot end of the hospital bed; Figure 8b is an enlarged partially exploded perspective view of a rack assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 9-11 illustrate a ball-and-socket ball control mechanism capable of being adjusted, which is connected to the intermediate frame to control the articulation between a seat section and a foot section of a perimeter frame that provides a plate support; Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the details of the perimeter frame for supporting translucent radio panels, sleeping surface inserts and mattress sections for supporting a patient; Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along the plane XIII-XIII of Figure 1 illustrating additional details of the perimeter frame, the translucent radio panels, the sleeping surface inserts and the mattress sections of Figure 10; Figure 14 is a side elevation view of a slice assembly and braking mechanism of the present invention; Figure 15 illustrates a braking cushion that moves downwards by means of a pedal that engages with the floor and the brake of the slice; Figure 16 is a perspective view of a hospital bed according to an embodiment of the present invention that includes a pair of optional full-length side rails; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a hospital bed according to another embodiment of the present invention that includes optional half-length side rails; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a pendant control according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is configured to be located within a recess portion of the perimeter frame; Figure 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hospital bed according to the present invention; Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating the movement of the bed about a transverse axis to move a patient support surface between a Trendelenburg position and a reverse Trendelenburg position; Figure 21 is a side elevation view, with separate portions, illustrating a drive mechanism for articulating a patient support plate with a plate in a generally planar position; and Figure 22 is a side elevation view similar to Figure 17 in which the drive mechanism has been actuated to articulate the patient support plate.

Detailed Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hospital bed according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 illustrates a hospital bed 10, which includes a head 12 and a foot end 14. Each of the head 12 and the foot end 14 includes separate hollow support tubes 16. A curved support member 17 is connects between the tubes 16 at both the head 12 and the foot end 14. The support members 17 provide stability for the tubes 16. The support members 17 are curved inwardly as shown in Figure 1, to reduce the likelihood that the support members 17 are in the form of a care assistant pushing the bed or in the form of a device located next to either end of the bed. Each support tube 16 has a slice assembly 18 coupled with its lower end. The movable covers 20 slide up and down in the direction of the double-headed arrows 22 on the tubes 16 in response to the movement of the high / low mechanism 24 as discussed below with reference to Figure 3. The covers 20 are connected to the tubes 77 so that they move up and down together with the tubes 77, which are placed on top of the tubes 16 as discussed below. A handle or push handle 26 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the tubes 77 at both the head 12 and the foot end 14. In Figure 1, the handle or push handle 26 is shown in FIG. a generally vertical orientation with downward rotation adjacent to the head 12. The push handle 26 that connects to the tubes 77 at the foot end 14 is shown in its outward-facing position to allow a care attendant to push the Bed 10, When the push handle 26 is in the generally horizontal position with outward rotation as shown adjacent the foot end 14, the push handle 26 can also be used as a cart to support items adjacent to the hospital bed 10. An elevated exterior perimeter border 27 of the handle 26 defines a recessed central portion to assist in holding the items on the truck. Figure 2 is an elevation view of the hospital bed of Figure 1 illustrating the manner in which the patient support surface moves between a low position close to the floor and an elevated position (shown in dotted lines) ). A pendant with manual control 30 (Figure 1) is connected to a controller, which is located in the controller housing 33 (Figure 1) to control the high / low motors 32 (Figure 1) and which are located at the head 12 and at the foot end 14 and the articulation motor 151 (Figure 2). The manual control pendant 30 is used to control the elevation of the patient support surface and the articulation of a perimeter frame 34, as discussed below. Another modality of the manual control pendant is illustrated in Figure 18, as discussed below. An intermediate frame 36 is configured to support the perimeter frame 34. The intermediate frame 36 is connected with the high / low mechanisms 24 which are located within the covers 20 adjacent both to the head and to the foot end 12 and 14, so respective, by means of the mounting brackets 38. Therefore, the intermediate frame 36 moves up and down with the 'covers 20, with the tubes 77 and with the push handles 26 according to the high / low mechanisms 24 move the bed between a low position, which is shown in solid lines in Figure 2, and a raised position shown in dotted lines in Figure 2. The perimeter frame 34 includes a header frame section 40, a section of seat frame 42, and a foot frame section 44. A mattress 46 which is located above the perimeter frame 34 also includes a head mattress section 48, a seat cushion section 50 and a foot cushion section 52 as discussed in detail below. Figure 3 is a perspective view with separate portions illustrating a header, which has a high / low mechanism mounted therein to move the intermediate support frame up and down and illustrating a combination of handle and forklift of rotating thrust connected to the head. Figure 4 is a perspective view with separate portions illustrating the high / low mechanism and the intermediate support frame at low positions. As illustrated in Figure 3, each of the tubes 16 is formed to include an elongated slot 54. The high / low mechanisms 24 are located both at the head 12 and at the foot end 14 of the bed 10. The engines 32, adjacent the head 12 and the foot end 14, are capable of being controlled, separately, so that the high / low mechanisms 24 in the head 12 and the foot end 14 operate independently. The high / low mechanisms 24 can be operated, simultaneously, in the same direction to raise or lower the intermediate frame 36. In addition, the high / low mechanisms 24 at the opposite ends of the bed 10 can be operated in opposite directions. moving the intermediate frame 16 either to a Trendelenburg position or to a reverse Trendelenburg position, if desired. Of course, if one of the high / low mechanisms 24 is either in its maximum high position or in its low / minimum position, the other high / low mechanism 24 operates by itself to move the intermediate frame 36 towards the Trendelenburg position or to the reverse Trendelenburg position. Each of the high / low mechanisms 24 has a carriage 56 that includes first and second outer tubes 77, which slide over the support tubes 16. An upper cross bar 60 and a lower cross bar 62 extend between the tubes 77. The upper cross bar 60 and the lower cross bar 62 include U-shaped cross sections, or other shapes that define a channel in that location. The vertical support bars 64 and 66 extend between the cross bars 60 and 62. The mounting brackets 38 for the intermediate frame 36 are connected to the vertical support bars 64 and 66. The covers 20 are located on top of the bottom part of cart 56 to hide and protect the high / low mechanisms 24 (Figure 1). A threaded shaft 68 is rotatably connected to the carriage 56. Specifically, the shaft 28 is connected to an upper support plate 70 and to a lower support plate 72 by means of the bearings 74. upper support 70 connects to upper crossbar 60 in channel 65 at that location, and lower support plate 72 connects to lower crossbar 62 in channel 67 at that location. The threaded shaft 68 engages with the motor 32, which rotates the threaded shaft in any direction about its longitudinal axis 84. Figure 5 illustrates an optional manually operated handle for controlling the high / low mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. A hexagonal nut 76 is formed on the upper part of the threaded shaft 68 to provide greater manual actuation capability using a manually operated crank 78 shown in Figure 5. A removable cover 75 can be provided to cover the nut 76 if you wish. The handle 78 includes a hexagonal opening 80 and a handle 82 to allow rotation of the threaded shaft about the shaft 84 in any direction as illustrated by the double headed arrow 86 in Figure 5. It is understood that the hexagonal shapes are could be used for the nut 76 and for the opening 80 as long as the shapes allow the crank 78 to clutch and rotate the threaded shaft 68. Referring back to Figure 3, a chain 86 engages, securely, with the upper end 88 of each of the support tubes 16. A chain 86 extends downward through each tube 16 and around the rollers 90. Each chain 86 then extends downwardly within of the channel 67 towards the rollers 92 and upwards on the rollers 94, which are connected, in a rotating manner, with a support able to be moved 96. Each chain 86 then extends downwards and engages, safely, with the lower support 72 by means of the fastener 98. The support capable of being moved 96 includes a pair of spaced plates 100 and an internally threaded member 102, which is located on the threaded shaft 68. The rollers 90, 92 and 94 are they make, illustratively, from plastic material that provides quieter operation of the high / low mechanisms. The rollers 90, 92 are rotatably coupled between the opposing side support plates 63 of the lower cross bar 62. It is understood that a similar cable, band or band or a similar articulation element can be used instead of the string 86, if desired. In addition, the sprockets that engage with the chain 86 can be used in place of the rollers 90, 92 and 94, if desired. As the threaded shaft 68 is rotated by the motor 32 or by the manual crank 78, the capable moving support 96 moves up or down on the threaded shaft 68. Limit switches (not shown), are mounted on crossbars 60 and 62. Support capable of being moved 96 is configured to engage with limit switches (not shown), which in turn control the operation of motors 32 to limit movement of support 96.

The chains 86 that interlock on the rollers 94 on the support 96 provide twice the amount of movement of the carriage 56 relative to the tubes 16, as well as the amount of movement of the support 96 relative to the axis 68. carriage 56 is shown in its high position in Figure 3. When the shaft 68 is rotated by means of the motor 32 or by means of the crank 78 to move down the support capable of being moved 96 in the direction of the arrow 104, carriage 56 moves down twice the distance in the direction of arrow 106. This high / low mechanism 24 allows the patient support surface hospital bed to move between a low position, shown in lines continued in Figure 2, so that the upper part of the perimeter frame 34 is about 33 cm above the floor 108. When the threaded shafts 68 are rotated to move up the support capable of being moved 96 on the shafts 68, the trucks 56 in l a header 12 and at the foot end 14 move upwards in the direction of arrow 110 in Figure 12 towards the dotted elevated position. The range of movement of the intermediate frame 36 is, illustratively, about 50 cm. In the embodiment illustrated, the positioning of the rollers 92 on the lower cross bar 62 is selected such that the plates 100 and rollers 94 are configured to fit between the rollers 92 within the channel 67 of the lower cross bar 62 when the support capable of being moved 96 moves towards its low position. In other words, the plates 100 and the rollers 94 enter the channel 67 of the lower cross bar 62 as best represented in Figure 4. Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the high / low mechanism according to the present invention. Those reference numbers by numbers similar to Figures 3-5 perform the same or similar function. In the embodiment of the invention, which is depicted in Figure 6, the movable support 112 engages the threaded shaft 68 by the bearing 114. Each chain 86 extends downwardly on an outer roller 116 coupled with the lower cross member 62. The chain 86 then extends upwardly on the outer rollers 118 coupled with the support capable of being moved 112. The chains 86 then extend downwardly on the inner rollers 120 coupled with the cross bars 62, up on the inner rollers 122 coupled with the support capable of being moved 112, and down with the fasteners 98. The chain configuration that is illustrated in Figure 6, provides movement of the carriage 56 relative to the tubes 16 that is four times larger than the amount of movement of the support capable of being moved 112 relative to the threaded shaft 68. As discussed previously with reference to the Figur to 3, the push handles 26 are rotatably connected to the tubes 77, which extend upwardly of the carriage 56. The corner connectors 79 are connected to the tubes 77 and the push handles 26 are connected, rotationally, with the corner connectors 79 for rotating about the shaft 81. The push handles 26 include a generally rectangular body portion 83, which is configured to define an interior region 85. The grip openings 87 are formed in the opposite corners of the rectangular body portion 83. Figure 7 illustrates a locking mechanism, which is used to position the handle and the push cart in a preselected position relative to the head or to the foot end. As shown in Figure 7 the corner connectors 79 include a locking member 89 formed to include the separate notches 91, 93 and 95. A locking arm 97 that engages the push handle 26 includes a tab 99 that is normally deflects towards one of the notches 91, 93 or 95 by means of a spring 101 adjacent to each end of the locking arm 97. The locking arm 97 is connected to a support 103 by means of a bolt 105, which extends towards an opening 107 that is formed in the support 103. A drive portion 109 extends through the rectangular body portion 83 so that a care attendant has access to the actuator 109 as best illustrated in the drawings. Figures 1 and 3. When the actuator 109 is pressed in the direction of the arrow 111 towards the handle 26, the locking arm 97 also moves in the direction of the arrow 111 to release the locking tab 99 from one of the slots. 91, 93 or 95. When the locking tab 99 is released, the push handle 26 can be rotated about the shaft 81 as illustrated by the double-headed arrow 113 in Figure 7. Therefore, it is possible to rotate the push handle 26 toward the generally horizontal position shown adjacent the foot end 14 of bed 10 in Figure 1. A care attendant can then take the push handle 26 adjacent the openings 87 to engage the bed 10. The push handles 26 also provide a cart to support articles adjacent to the bed when the push handles are in the horizontal position. When the actuator 109 is released, the springs 101 automatically force the locking tab 99 into the next slot 91, 93, or 95 to lock the push lugs 26 in place. The push handle 26 adjacent to the head 12 is capable of being easily removed to provide access to a patient's head. Illustratively, removable fasteners or a retaining element (not shown) can be provided so that the corner connectors 79 are quickly removed from the tubes 77 adjacent the header 12. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view. perspective that illustrates details of the intermediate frame, which is connected between the head and the end of the foot of the hospital bed. As illustrated in Figure 8, the intermediate frame 36 includes a pair of guardrails 124 extending longitudinally between the high / low mechanisms 24 in the head 12 and the foot end 14 of the bed 10. The rails 124 include the channels 125. According to one embodiment, the guardrails 124 have a U-shaped cross section defining the channels 125. The ends of the guardrails 124 are connected to the supports 38. A fixed support bar 126 extends transversally between the rails 124 and engages with the rails 124 by the brackets 128. The end plates 130 engage the opposite ends of the support bar 126. Each end plate 130 is rotatably connected to a link 132, which includes a first and second joint members 134 and 136 by a turn connection 138. The links 132 connect to the perimeter frame 44, as discussed below with reference to Figure 12. U n front carriage 140 is movably connected to the intermediate frame 36. The front carriage 140 includes the plates 142 having rollers 143 (Figure 9), which are located within the rails 124. A cross bar 144 extends between the plates 142. A cylinder 146 is rotatably connected with a cross bar 148 by a connector 150. The cross bar 148 is rigidly connected to the rails 124 by the supports 152. The cylinder 146 includes a piston capable of being moved 154, which is rotatably connected, to the cross bar 144 by a turning connection 156. The front lifting arms 158 are also connected, rotatably, to each end of the crossbar 144 by the turning connections 160. The opposite ends 159 of the front lift arms 158 are connected to the front section 40 of the perimeter frame 34 by the turn connections 162 as best shown in Figure 2. L The front section pivot joint 132 is fixed relative to the intermediate frame 36 by means of the support bar 126, of the brackets 128 and by means of the end plates 130. When the piston 154 extends from the cylinder 146 in the direction of the arrow 164 by driving the motor 151, the front carriage 140 moves in the direction of the arrow 164, by means of which causes the lifting arms 158 to move the front section 40 of the perimeter frame 34, together with the front section 48 of the mattress 46, upwards in the direction of the inclined position shown in Figure 1 It is understood that other types of drive mechanisms may be used to provide movement of the plates 142 and the cross bar 144, if desired. It is well known in the art of hospital beds that the electric-powered xaotors with different types of transmission elements include guide screw drives and different types of mechanical joints can be used to cause the relative movement of the parts of hospital beds. and stretchers. As a result, the term "drive mechanism" is intended to cover all types of mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic mechanisms for raising and lowering parts of bed 10, including manual crank mechanisms of all types, and including combinations thereof such as hydraulic cylinders in combination with electromechanical pumps to pressurize the fluid received by the hydraulic cylinders. A ball carriage 170 is provided and includes the plates 172, which have rollers (not shown) located within the rails 124 for relative movement with the longitudinal axis of the bed 10. A cross bar 174 extends between the plates 172. An articulation arm 176 is rotatably connected to each of the plates 172 of the front carriage 140 by a turning connection 178. Each arm 176 extends over a bolt 180, which is connected to the plate 172. of the ball carriage 170. The arm 176 includes a plurality of angled grooved portions 182, 184, 186 (Also shown in Figure 10) which are configured to slide on and to engage with the pin 180 and to connect the carriage of ball joint 17Q with front carriage 140.

The intermediate frame 36 includes a ball-and-socket adjustment mechanism 188 having a rack 190, which is located on each rail 124. The racks 190 include a plurality of teeth 192, which are configured to be engaged by a gear or pinion 194. The pinions 194 are connected by means of a cross bar 196. The pinions 194 are rigidly connected to the crossbar 196. In an alternative embodiment, if the pinions 194 were not used, the racks 190 could be coupled together by the crossbars 198 and 200. The teeth of the rack 190 are not required in this embodiment alternative. An angle indicator 202 connects to each rack 190 and is configured to indicate various angle adjustments of the ball joint that are marked on the outside of the channels 124 as indicated by the markers 204. Figure 8b is a view in elongated, partially exploded view of a rack assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. The zipper 190 in Figure 8b includes a central portion 191, which has teeth 192 formed on a top surface. The central portion 191 is secured between the side plates 193 and 195. As shown, the side plates 193 and 195 have a height that is larger than the top edges of the teeth 192 so that the teeth 192 are recessed between the side plates. 193 and 195. The central portion 191 can be made of any suitable material that is resistant, such as metals, plastics, etc. The side plates 193 and 195 are made from metal or other suitable materials that will resist wear of the tabs 218 that slide along the ramp 216 of the rack 190 and the top surfaces ~ 197 of the side plates 193 and 195 as discussed below. As depicted, the side plates 193 and 195 are connected together or connected to the central portion 191 by the threaded fasteners 199. In an alternative embodiment the central portion 191 is in an insert which is received in a U-shaped channel. which includes, in addition to the side plates 193 and 195, a lower part (not shown). The position of the racks 190 is adjustable to control which of the notches 182, 184, 186, or if any, engages the bolts 180 in the ball carriage 170. In one embodiment, an operator can rotate the wheels 206. which are coupled with the shaft 196 on each side of the intermediate frame 36 to move the racks 190 to a different position along the rails 124. In other words, the rotation of the wheels 206 moves the racks 190 relative to the pinions fixed 194. In another alternative embodiment, the pinions 194 are replaced by any convenient mechanical connection to move the zippers 190 relative to the intermediate frame 136 to adjust the point at which the notches 182, 184 and 186 on the arms 176 engage the 180 bolts to control the ball joint. The adjustment teeth 206 on the outside of the intermediate frame 36 are optional. In another embodiment, the pinions 194 cooperate to move the racks 190 on opposite sides of the intermediate frame 36 without the set teeth 206. In this embodiment, an operator uses an angle indicator 202 to longitudinally slide the racks 190. As an operator moving the angle indicator 202 on one side of the intermediate frame 36, the rack 190 connected to the angle indicator 202 also moves, which causes the pinions 194 to rotate on both sides of the intermediate frame 36. Therefore, both racks 190 move longitudinally relative to the intermediate frame 36 in response to the operator moving only one of the angle indicators 202. In another alternative embodiment, the pinions 194 can be replaced by means of a convenient mechanical connection to move the zippers 190 with respect to to the intermediate frame 136 to adjust the point at which the notches 182, 184 and 186 on the arms 176 engage the bolts 180 to control the ball joint. For example, crossbars 198 and 200 may be used to interconnect zippers 190 in this embodiment. The operator again moves the angle indicator 202. Because the racks 190 are interconnected by the crossbars 198 and 200 in this embodiment, movement of one of the angle indicator 202 and the rack 190 on one side of the rack 36 causes the corresponding movement of the rack 190 and of the angle indicator 200 on the opposite side of the frame. A ball-and-socket arm 210 is connected to each end of the cross-bar 174 of the ball-and-socket carriage 170 on opposite sides of the intermediate frame 36 by means of the turn-in connections 212. The opposite ends of the ball-lifting arms Patella 210 engages the seat section 42 of the perimeter frame 34 via the turn connections 214 as shown in Figure 2. Figures 9-11 illustrate a ball-and-socket joint control mechanism that can be adjusted and engaged with the intermediate beater to control the articulation between a seat section and a foot section of a perimeter frame that provides a support plate. As shown in Figures 9-11, when the engine 151 is driven to extend the piston 154 of the cylinder 146, the plates 142 and the rollers 143 move within the rails 124 in the direction of the arrow 164 shown in FIG. Figure 9. The position of the racks 190 determines which of the notches 182, 184 or 186, or if any, engages with the bolts 180. The racks 190 include a front ramp 216 and the lift arms 176 include a tongue 218. lifting tab 218 is positioned to make contact and to slide along ramp 216 and the upper surface of one or both side plates 193 and 195 of rack 190, to pass over teeth 192 in central portion 191 of the zipper 190. When the zippers 190 are in the position shown in Figure 9, the indicators 202 are, in the pivot joint position of 20 °. In this example, as the front carriage 140 moves in the direction of the arrow 164, the arms 176 move over the ramp 216 so that the first angled notch 182 captures the bolts 1-80 and pulls the ball carriage 170 in the direction of the arrow 164. Therefore, the lifting arms 210 begin to raise the seat and foot sections 42 and 44 of the perimeter frame upward to provide a ball joint angle of 20 °. When the racks 190 are moved so that the indicator 202 aligns with the 15 ° mark, the arms 176 move the ramps 216 downwardly after the second notch 184 engages with the bolts 180. This causes a backward movement of the legs. ball plates 172 and lifting arms 210. Therefore, when the piston 154 is fully extended, the ball joint angle is only about 15 °. Figure 10 shows the indicator 202 in the 10 ° position with the racks 190 moved upwards in the direction of the arrow 164. In this rack position, the arms 176 do not move down on the ramp 216 until it is aligned the third groove 186 with the bolts 180. Thus, the ball joint is only articulated 10 ° during the total extension of the piston 154.

Finally, when the indicator 202 is located in the position of 0o the end portions 221 of the arms 176 remain on the racks 190 until all the notches 182, 184, 186 have passed the pins 180. Therefore, the arms Lift 210 does not move to raise the seat section 42 and the foot section 44 up. Figure 11 illustrates an automatic readjust feature of ball joint adjusting mechanism 188. Illustratively, in Figure 11, the 10 ° ball joint adjustment was initially made so that notches 186 in arms 176 clutch with the pins 180 to articulate the kneecap around 10 °. Before the piston 154 retracted, however, the rack moved to the 0 ° position. As the piston 154 retracts, the front carriage 140 moves in the direction of the arrow 220 of Figure 10 and pushes the arms 176 and the ball carriage 170 in the direction of the arrow 220. As the arms 176 move in the direction of the arrow 220, the arms 176 push the racks 190 in the direction of the arrow 220. Once the seat frame section 42 and the foot frame section 44 are in the horizontal position, the ball carriage 170 stops moving in the direction of arrow 220. At that point, arms 176 have pushed racks 190 to the proper position for the 10 ° ball joint (or the other ball joint adjustment that was initially made) . Further retraction of the piston 154 causes the arms 176 to move upward in the direction of the arrow 222 on the ramps 216 of the racks 190 due to the angle of the notches 182, 184 and 186. As shown in Figures 2 and 8, a roller 224 is rotatably engaged with the foot section 44 of the frame 34 by the support 226. The rollers 224 slide on the top of the rails 124 as the foot section of the frame 34 moves toward the head 12 during the ball joint. The stops 225 shown in Figure 2 provide support for the head frame section 40 in its horizontal position. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the details of the perimeter frame to support translucent radio panels, sleeping surface inserts and mattress sections for supporting a patient. Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along plane XIII-XIII of Figure 1, illustrating additional details of the perimeter frame, the translucent radio panel, the sleeping surface insert, and the mattress of Figure 10. As illustrated, the perimeter frame 34 is formed from the lengths of an extruded member 230, which has a cross section as best illustrated in Figure 13. Illustratively, the extruded member 230 includes an outer shaped portion. semicircular 232 and an inner portion in rectangular shape 234. It is understood that other shapes are possible according to the present invention. The rectangular portion 234 includes an inwardly extending flange 236 and a slotted upper projection 238. The extrusion member 230 can be formed from a convenient metal or plastic material. The head section 40, the seat section 42 and the foot section of the perimeter frame are all formed from the same extruded members 230 which are cut to different lengths. The corner portions 240 include the ends 242 which have the same cross-sectional configuration as the semicircular portion 232 and the rectangular portions 234 of the extruded frame members 230. Thus, the ends 242 of the corner portions 240 slide. within the openings of the extruded members 230 to secure the corner portions 240 with the frame sections 40, 42, and 44. The head frame section 40 and the section of foot frame 44 of the perimeter frame 34 have identical shapes to facilitate the manufacture of the hospital bed 10. The hinge members 134 and 136 extend to the rectangular portions 234 of both the head frame section 40 and the section of seat frame 42 for attaching the head frame section 40 to the seat frame section 42. A flexible cover 244 surrounds each hinge 132. Similar joints 246 are located between the seat frame section 42 and the foot frame section 44. The joints 246 include a first articulation member 248, which is configured to be inserted into the rectangular portion 234 of the seat frame section 42. A second hinge member 250 is configured to be inserted into the rectangular portion 234 of the foot frame section 44. flexible covers 252 are configured to surround the joints 246. All of the articulation members 134, 136, 248 and 250 are identically shaped. Therefore, the configuration of the joints 132 and 146 also facilitates the manufacture of the bed 10.

The translucent radio panels 254, 256, and 258 are connected to the head section 40, with the seat section 42, and with the foot section 44, respectively, of the perimeter frame 34. The support surface inserts 260 , 262, and 264 are located in the header section 40, in the seat section 42, and in the foot section 44 of the perimeter frame 34, respectively. Each of the support surface inserts 260, 262, and 264 includes a lower surface 266, an upwardly extending side wall 268, and an outwardly extending flange 270. The flanges 270 of the Inserts 260, 262 , and 264 are located on the projections 238 -of the extruded members 230 as depicted in Figure 13. The side walls 268 extend downward along the periphery of the support surface and the bottom surfaces 266 extend over the translucent radio panels 254, 256, or 258. Illustratively, the support surface inserts 260, 262, and 264 are formed from molded plastic material. The inserts 260, 262, and 264 facilitate cleaning by providing a surface capable of being cleaned that captures fluids or other contaminants. The mattress sections 48, 50 and 52 are located in the inserts 260, 262, and 264, respectively. Sailboat strips (not shown) can be provided between the mattress sections 48, 50 and 52 and the inserts 260, 262, and 264 to secure the mattress sections 48, 50 and 52 in place. As best shown in Figure 12, the seat cushion section 50 includes an inclined edge surface 274, which is located adjacent the foot section 52. This inclined edge 274 facilitates movement during the ball joint. In an alternative embodiment, the mattress sections 48, 50 and 52 can be seated directly on the translucent radio panels 254, 256, and 258, respectively. In yet another embodiment, the mattress sections may be formed with a rigid lower convenient portion 272 as shown in Figure 13. Such reinforced mattress sections 48, 50 and 52 may be seated directly in the header section 40 in the section of seat 42, and in the foot section 44, respectively, of the perimeter frame 34 with the rigid support parts that engage with the flanges 236. When the reinforced bottom part 272 is used, the inserts 260, 262, and 264 they can be used without the translucent radio panels 254, 256, and 258 to facilitate the cleaning of the bed.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a stronger material can be used for support surface inserts 260, 262, and 264. In this embodiment the mattress sections 48, 50 and 52 can be located directly above the inserts 260, 262, and 264, respectively, without the translucent radio panels 254, 256, and 258. The flexible parts (not shown) or other convenient retainers are used to hold the panels 254, 256, and 258 and the inserts 260, 262, and 264 in a proper position in the perimeter frame 34. Figure 14 is a side elevational view of a slice assembly and a braking mechanism of the present invention. Figure 15 illustrates a braking cushion that moves downward by means of a pedal to engage with the floor and with the brake of the slice. Each slice assembly 18 includes an outer cylindrical portion 280, which is rotatably connected to the support tubes 16. A washer 282 is located between the support members 17 and the cylindrical portion 280. The slice 284 is connected to the lateral support members 286, which extend outwardly from the cylindrical portion 280 about an axis of rotation 288. The shaft 288 is spaced apart from the central axis 290 of the cylindrical portion 280 and the tubes 16 by means of a distance enough so that an outer edge 292 of the slice 284 separates from the shaft 290 and from an edge 281 of the cylindrical part 280. This eccentric slice 284 allows the cylinder 280 and the tubes 16 to be located closer to the floor 108 to reach a lower position of the intermediate frame 36 relative to the floor 108. A braking cushion 294 engages the shaft 296, by means of a fastener 298. The braking pad 294 is capable of being moved from the retracted position, shown in Figure 14, to an extended position illustrated in Figure 15, to engage with floor 108 and with the bed brake 10. A brake pedal 300 is connected to the post 296. When the brake pedal 300 moves downward in the direction of the arrow 302, the brake pad 294 moves to its extended position which is depicted in Figure 15. A spring 304 is configured to assist in downward movement of the braking pad 294. When the operator moves the pedal 300 upwardly, a bolt (not shown) secures the braking pad 294 in position retracted Figure 16 is a perspective view of a hospital bed according to an embodiment of the present invention that includes a pair of optional full length side rails. Optional full length side rails 306 include side railing frames 317 having support arms 319 which support tubular rails 321. Side railing frames 317 are either rotatably or non-rotatably connected to the frame perimeter 34 or with the intermediate frame 36 on the opposite sides of the bed 10. The support arms 319 extend upwards and can optionally be bent slightly inwards, as shown. Figure 17 is a perspective view of a hospital bed according to another embodiment of the invention that includes optional half-length side rails. The optional half-length side railings 307 and 308 engage the opposite ends of the bed 10 adjacent to the header section 40 and the foot section 44, respectively, of the perimeter frame 34. Figure 17 also shows a pair of patient assist devices 309 having handles to assist a patient in entering and exiting the bed 10. The patient assist device 309 includes telescopic legs to compensate for variation in height of the intermediate frame 36 off of the floor 108. illustrative mummies, the patient assist device 309 is coupled with one of the side rails 307, 308, with the perimeter frame 34, or with the intermediate frame 36. A table is also illustrated that is above the bed 311 in the Figure 18. The table above bed 311 may include a pedestal located on the floor. The table above the bed 311 can also be coupled with one of the perimeter frame 34 or with the intermediate frame 36. Another embodiment of the manual pendant control 313 is illustrated in Figure 18. In the embodiment of Figure 18, the pendant is configured to be located within a recessed portion 315 formed in the perimeter frame 34. The pendant 313 can be rotatably coupled with the perimeter frame 34, or the pendant 313 can be removed from the perimeter frame for use an operator The pendant 313 includes a pedestal, rotatably coupled with the pendant 313, to allow it to rest in an inclined position shown in Figure 18. The pedestal is rotatably coupled with the pendant 313 so that it fits into the recessed portion of the perimeter frame 34 when the pedestal is folded against the pendant 313.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 19-22. A hospital bed 310 includes a base 312, which has a plurality of slices 314. The base includes curved support portions 316, which are configured to receive side support members 318. Each of the side support members 318 includes a curved support surface 320 engaging with the support surface 316 of the base 312. A support frame 322 includes a pair of spaced-apart side frame members 324, which engage with the supports 318. A header 326 and one end 328 are engaged with the opposite ends of the frame members 324. A hinge plate 330 also engages the frame members 324. The plate 330 includes a head section 332, a seat section 334, a section of adjustment 336, and a foot section 338. Each of the plate sections 332, 334, 336 and 338 are rotatably connected to an adjacent plate section by suitable joints. The seat section 334 includes the guide posts 340 that extend outwardly from both side portions of the seat section 334. A guide bar 342 engages with each of the frame members 324. The guide bars 342 define a slot 334 receiving the posts 340 coupled with the seat frame section 334. A convenient drive mechanism (not shown) engages between the base 312 and the support frame 322 to rotate the support frame 322 and the plate 330 around an axis of transverse rotation so that the plate 330 can move between a Trendelenburg position and a reverse Trendelenburg position. A threaded drive shaft 346 is rotatably coupled to the header frame section 332 via the connector 348. A motor 350 is coupled to the drive shaft 346. The motor 350 is rotatably coupled to the motor. support frame 322 by connector 352. Opposite sides of adjustment sections 336 of plate 330 are rotatably connected to hinge arms 354 via turn connections 356. Opposite ends of hinge arms 354 are rotatably engaged with the frame members 324 by the turn connection 357. The opposite side portions of the head section 332 of the plate 330 engage the hinge arms 358 via the turn connections 360. The opposite ends of the link arms 358 are rotatably coupled to the side frame members 324 by the turn connections 362. Figure 21 illustrates the plate in a configuration. generally flat. When the motor 350 is actuated, the threaded shaft 346 moves in the direction of the arrow 364. This causes the plate 330 to move in the direction of the arrow 364 to the position shown in Figure 22. Because the header section 334 articulates with the frame members 324, the header section 334 is turned upward in the direction of the arrow 366 of FIG. 21. The adjustment section 336 is turned upwards in the direction of the arrow 368 and the foot section 338 is turned up in the direction of the arrow 370 so that the plate 330 moves towards its articulated position shown in Figure 22, as the threaded shaft 346 moves in the direction of the arrow 364. A support post 372, which engages the foot section 338, slides on the frame members 324 as the plate 330 moves towards its articulated position. It is understood that rollers could be used in place of posts 372. In addition, slot 344 is preferably formed by a band in a frame member so band 334 is not exposed.

The articulating arms 354 and 358 move inward in the central direction of the bed 10 in another embodiment. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular means, materials and modalities, from the foregoing description a person skilled in the art can easily verify the essential characteristics of the present invention and various changes and modifications can be made to adapt the different uses and characteristics without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention which is described by the claims that follow.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Claims (31)

1. Claims Having described the invention as background, the property of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A bed assembly having a patient support surface with a height capable of being adjusted, characterized in that it comprises: an end for the head or head and a standing end; a pair of hollow support tubes at each end of the head and foot; a first carriage capable of being moved, which is connected with the pair of hollow support tubes in the head and a second carriage capable of being moved which connects with the pair of hollow support tubes at the foot end; a frame for supporting a patient support surface, the frame having opposite ends, which are connected to the first and second carriages; and a mechanism for raising and lowering the first and second carriages and the frame with respect to the pairs of hollow support tubes, the mechanism includes a rotatable threaded shaft having a pylon support connected thereto to move along the length of the axis.
2. 2. A bed assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the first and second carriages comprises external tubes that slide on top of the pairs of hollow support tubes.
3. A bed assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the first and second carriages includes an upper cross bar and a lower cross bar, which extend between the outer tubes.
4. A bed assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the threaded shaft capable of being rotated is connected, rotatably at the opposite ends thereof with the upper cross bar and with the lower cross bar.
5. A bed assembly according to claim 4, further characterized in that at least two upper pulleys are coupled to the pulley support to further move along the threaded shaft.
6. 6. A bed assembly of. according to claim 5, characterized in that the mechanism further includes a flexible articulation element that is coupled between the support capable of being moved and the upper portions of the hollow support tubes.
7. 7. A bed assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the mechanism further includes at least two lower pulleys that engage with the lower cross bar and the flexible articulation element is wound in a serpentine manner between the first and second pulleys .
8. 8. A bed assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the flexible articulation element extends towards the hollow support tubes.
9. 9. A bed assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the flexible articulation element is a chain.
10. A bed assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism comprises an electric motor.
11. 11. A bed assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism includes a manual crank.
12. 12. A patient support assembly for an articulation bed, characterized in that it comprises: a bed frame, which is supported at the opposite ends; a perimeter frame, which includes a head section, a seat section, and a foot section, the seat section is connected to the head section by a pair of first joints and is connected to the foot section by means of a pair of second joints; a support bar that connects to the bed frame and to each of the pair of first joints; and the head, seat and foot inserts which are received within the respective head and foot sections of the perimeter frame.
13. A patient support assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the perimetric frame is formed from a plurality of elongated and extruded members, which are coupled together by means of the first and second pair of joints and portions thereof. corner.
14. A patient support assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the plurality of elongated and extruded members have a cross-sectional shape including a semicircular portion and a rectangular portion, the semicircular portion is oriented outwardly.
15. 15. A patient support assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that each of the head, seat and foot inserts has upper flanges projecting outwardly and the plurality of elongated and extruded members have upper projections to receive the eyelashes. The upper ones protrude outward from the head, seat and foot inserts.
16. 16. A patient support assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the pair of second articulations does not connect directly with the bed frame.
17. 17. A patient support assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the head section of the perimetric frame is coupled to the bed frame by a first pair of pivot arm members.
18. 18. A patient support assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the bed frame includes a pair of parallel rails and a front carriage, which is movable along the pair of parallel rails, and the first pair of swing arm members engage with the front carriage for movement thereof.
19. 19. A patient support assembly according to claim 18, further characterized in that it comprises an actuator for moving the front carriage along the pair of parallel rails.
20. 20. A patient support assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the bed frame further includes a ball-and-socket cart, which engages with the seat section of the perimeter frame by a second pair of swing arms.
21. 21. A patient support assembly according to claim 20, further characterized in that it includes a pair of articulation arms, which engage at one end with the front carriage and include opposite ends having a plurality of notches formed therein. place to engage with the ball carriage.
22. 22. A patient support assembly according to claim 21, further characterized in that it includes a ball-and-socket adjustment mechanism, which in turn comprises a pair of racks capable of moving along the pair of parallel rails, the position of the racks determines which of the plurality of notches engages with the ball carriage.
23. 23. A swing push handle assembly for hospital beds, characterized in that it comprises: separate posts at one end of a bed; corner connectors provided on the top of the separate posts; and a push handle that engages, rotatably, between the corner connectors.
24. 24. A swing push handle assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the push handle comprises a structure of substantially rectangular shape that is capable of rotating about one side.
25. 25. A push push handle assembly according to claim 23, characterized in that the push handle comprises a wheelbarrow.
26. 26. A swing push handle assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the push handle includes gripping openings along an opposite side to a side portion.
27. 27. A push-pull handle assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that the gripping openings are the adjacent corners of the push handle.
28. 28. A push-pull handle assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the push handle includes an external raised perimeter edge.
29. 29. A push-pull handle assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the push handle comprises a hollow portion and an inclined locking mechanism which locks the push handle in a position of the plurality of turning positions. .
30. 30. A push-pull handle assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises an inclined locking arm engaging with a notch of a plurality of notches provided in each of the corner connectors
31. 31. A hospital bed, characterized in that it comprises: one end for the head or head and one end of the foot; a pair of hollow support tubes at each end of the head and foot; a first carriage having a pair of separate outer tubes, which are movable and which couple with the pair of hollow support tubes at the head and a second carriage having a pair of separate outer tubes, which are susceptible of moving and connecting with the pair of hollow support tubes of the foot end; a frame for supporting a patient support surface, the frame having opposite ends, which are connected to the first and second carriages; and a mechanism for raising and lowering the first and second carriages and the frame with respect to the pairs of hollow support tubes; a perimeter frame, which includes a head section, a seat section, and a foot section, the seat section is connected to the head section by a pair of first joints and is connected to the foot section by means of a pair of second joints; a support bar that connects to the frame and with each of the pair of first joints; the head, seat and foot inserts which are received within the respective head and foot sections of the perimeter frame; corner connectors that are provided on top of at least one tube of the pair of separate outer tubes; and a push handle connected, rotatably, between the corner connectors.