US20020088056A1

US20020088056A1 - Lying arrangement

Info

Publication number: US20020088056A1
Application number: US09/757,829
Authority: US
Inventors: Fritz Krempel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-06-05
Filing date: 2001-01-10
Publication date: 2002-07-11
Also published as: DE19925627A1; EP1057466A2; EP1057466A3

Abstract

A lying arrangement (10) comprises a lying means (12) with a frame (16), a framework (18) which bears the frame (16), and a base (20) which is connected to the frame (16). A mattress element (22) is located on the base (20). In order that the user does not have to leave his/her lying position in order to relieve himself/herself, and that relieving himself/herself is as comfortable as possible, the invention proposes to provide a cutout (58) in the mattress (22) and a cutout (56) in the base (20) in the region of the cutout (58) of the mattress (22). Also provided is a WC facility (14) with a WC (70), which can be arranged beneath the cutouts (56, 58), and a tubular and essentially vertical lead-in element (76), at least certain regions of which can be introduced into the cutouts (56, 58) in the mattress (22) and base (20).

Description

The present invention relates to a lying arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such lying arrangements are known, for example, from DE 41 17 277. The framework used in the latter document stands on the floor and bears the lying means with the frame, on which, in turn, the base is supported. The mattress element is located on the base and, for example, a patient may, in turn, lie on the mattress element.

The disadvantage with such lying arrangements, however, is that the user, in order to relieve himself/herself, has to move away from the lying arrangement to a toilet some distance away. This is unpleasant, in particular, for the elderly and for invalids and usually requires the help of a number of people. Alternatively, it is possible for a WC facility, generally a pot, to be positioned on the mattress element, as a result of which the user can relieve himself/herself in the lying position. However, this is also generally regarded as unpleasant by the user.

The object of the present invention is that to develop a lying arrangement of the type mentioned in the introduction such that the user can remain in the lying means of the lying arrangement and can relieve himself/herself comfortably and largely independently.

This object is achieved by a lying arrangement with a lying means, which comprises:

a) a frame;

b) a framework which bears the frame;

c) a base which is connected to the frame; and

d) a mattress element resting on the base:

wherein the lying arrangement further has:

e) a cutout in the mattress;

f) a cutout in the base in the region of the cutout of the mattress:

g) a WC facility with a WC which can be arranged beneath the cutouts and a tubular and essentially vertical lead-in element at least certain regions of which can be introduced into the cutouts in the mattress and base.

The lying arrangement according to the invention takes as its departure point the idea that it is only possible, in particular, for elderly and very frail users of a lying means to relieve themselves comfortably if it is at all possible for them not to have to move out of their lying position. It has also been found that a relatively small cutout in the mattress and in the base does not reduce the springing comfort of the lying means to any great extent. Soiling of the mattress or of the base can be avoided in that the WC facility is positioned as closely as possible against the user's bottom. This is made possible by the tubular lead-in element, which can be introduced through the cutouts in the mattress and in the base and is connected to the WC.

All that is thus required, in the case of the lying arrangement according to the invention, is for the user to move his/her bottom over the cutout in the mattress and in the base and for the lead-in element to be introduced into the cutouts in the mattress and base. This makes it possible for the user to relieve himself/herself comfortably, safely and largely independently.

This has considerable cost advantages, in particular, in hospitals and also in nursing homes, since users can relieve themselves in a much shorter period of time, and with a smaller number of carers, than has been possible hitherto. Particularly with patients who are sensitive to pain, no lifting is necessary since the patient can relieve himself/herself without having to be moved out of the horizontal position to any great extent.

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in subclaims.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the WC facility comprises a mobile module on which the WC is arranged. It is thus possible, if required, for the WC facility to be guided up to the lying means and moved away from the same, for example for the user to be examined.

It is particularly advantageous, if the mobile module comprises a washing facility with a sanitary fitting, because this means that the user no longer has to go to a washbasin to wash; rather, the washbasin easily comes to the user.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the mobile module comprises a hand shower with an extensible hose.

This development makes it possible, on account of the hand shower with an extensible hose, for the user to be able more easily to reach and wash some parts of his/her body than is possible with the water tap.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the washing facility is installed on the mobile module such that it can be pivoted about an essentially vertical axis and/or about an essentially horizontal axis.

Such a washing facility is a particularly space-saving design and is advantageous, in particular, during movement of the mobile module.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the washing facility comprises a commercially available camper-van wash basin. This is an inexpensive exemplary embodiment.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the WC facility comprises a means by which the WC can be adjusted in height.

An optimum position of the WC facility in relation to the user of the lying arrangement can thus be set.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the WC facility comprises a stationary part which is arranged essentially beneath the cutouts in the mattress and base, and the lead-in element can be introduced from above, through the cutouts, as far as the stationary part.

This development specifies an alternative to the mobile module: in particular when very frequent use of the WC facility is expected, it is advantageous if the WC facility is of stationary design. In this case, the lead-in element is guided in from above, through the cutout, as far as the stationary part.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the stationary part is fastened on the frame or on the base.

This development renders the lying arrangement particularly stable.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the WC facility comprises a waste-water tank which can be pulled out for disposal purposes.

The disposal of the waste water is made easier by this development, because the waste-water tank may simply be pulled out of the stationary part and disposed of, for example, in a toilet some distance away.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the frame can be adjusted in height.

The comfort and the flexibility of the lying arrangement in conjunction with the WC facility are improved by the frame-height adjustability. In particular when use is made of a WC facility which is mobile but cannot be adjusted in height, the lead-in element can be introduced optimally into the cutouts by way of a height-adjustable frame.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that

a) the framework at the head end and at the foot end. comprises in each case a rolling device which is connected to the frame and at the bottom end of which at least one wheel is arranged;

b) the rolling devices are connected in a vertically displaceable manner in each case to a standing device via a connecting device;

c) provided at the head end and at the foot end in each case is an electric motor which interacts with the respective rolling devices and the standing devices and can displace these in relation to one another.

A height-adjustable frame which has the advantage that, in normal operation of the lying means, that is to say when the latter is not being moved, the frame, as in the case of a normal bed, stands on the standing devices. The frame is thus borne reliably with a low level of vibration. For transporting the lying means, the frame is lowered until the rolling devices come into contact with the floor and the bed can thus be moved.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the electric motors at the foot end and at the head end can be actuated independently from one another.

The electric motors at the foot end and at the head end can thus be actuated independently of one another, and it is also possible for the frame as a whole to be positioned obliquely, as a result of which the comfort of the lying arrangement is increased further.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that it comprises a moisture barrier with a water-outflow opening, which can be positioned on the mattress such that the water-outflow opening is located over the cutouts in the mattress and base.

The moisture barrier allows the user to wash in the lying position and, e.g. in conjunction with a hand shower even to shower in the lying position, without the mattress getting wet.

A particularly inexpensive and reliable refinement of the present invention is possible by the use of a commercially available camper-van WC

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the WC has a spray device and a blower device for rectal cleaning and drying purposes.

The comfort and the hygiene of the lying arrangement are thus increased further and rectal care may be provided automatically once the user has relieved himself/herself.

The water flow, e.g. for flushing the toilet, for the water tap of the washbasin or for the hand shower may be produced by at least one electric pump.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that at least the fresh-water tank of the WC facility can be connected to a compressed-air accumulator, which produces the water flow

Since, however, compressed-air connections are provided in a large number of nursing-home rooms and hospital wards, it is thus possible for the water pressure necessary for the water flow to be produced by the fresh-water tank of the WC facility being connected to a compressed-air accumulator.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that it comprises a mobile service module which comprises a radio and/or a telephone and/or a lockable cabinet and/or a drinks container and/or a light and/or a pull-out tray and/or a socket.

The flexibility and the comfort of the lying arrangement are increased further by such a mobile service module The provision of a drinks holder, in particular, is advantageous for users of the lying means who have impaired muscular functions.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the service module comprises an extension arm on which straps can be arranged The straps allow the patient to be supported in a “floating” manner on straps on the extension arm, with the result that, for example in conjunction with a hand shower and a moisture barrier, he/she can be washed easily and comfortably without a large number of people being required for this purpose.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that arranged on the crossbeam is a strap-winding device on which the straps can be wound up.

The height at which the user “floats” can thus easily be changed by the development.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the framework and the slatted base are produced from a rustproof metal and the electric motors are protected against water and the connecting device is sealed against the ingress of water.

The hygiene of the lying arrangement is thus improved further. In particular, it is possible for such a lying arrangement to be cleaned in bed-washing installations.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the cutout in the mattress can be closed by a complementary mattress segment

So during normal use of the lying arrangement, the user is not aware of the presence of the cutout.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the cutouts are offset laterally from the longitudinal axis of the mattress.

The user normally lies essentially along the longitudinal axis of the lying means. If the cutouts are arranged to the side of the longitudinal axis, the user is even less aware of the presence of the cutouts and the comfort is thus increased further.

A further development of the invention provides a lying arrangement, which is characterized in that the lead-in element comprises an additional element which, at its end directed towards the user, has an essentially radially outwardly projecting collar.

According to the requirements of the user, the lead-in element of the WC facility may comprise differently shaped additional elements. It is conceivable to make available a whole set of additional elements which are optimized for specific situations. As standard, it is favourable if the additional element has a radial collar at its end directed towards the user.

According to a still further development, the lead-in element is connected releasably to the WC. It is thus also possible for the WC facility to be used, without the lead-in element, as an entirely normal mobile WC.

The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawing, in which: [0064]
FIG. 1 shows a partly sectional and broken-away side view of a lying arrangement; [0065]
FIG. 2 shows a partly broken-away and sectional view of the lying means of the lying arrangement from the front; [0066]
FIG. 3 shows a view of the lying means from FIG. 2 from beneath; [0067]
FIG. 4 shows a view of the washbasin from FIG. 1 from above; [0068]
FIG. 5 shows a partly sectional view of the WC facility from FIG. 1 from above; [0069]
FIG. 6 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an additional element; [0070]
FIG. 7 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an additional element; [0071]
FIG. 8 shows a moisture barrier; [0072]
FIG. 9 shows a view of a service module from the front; and [0073]
FIG. 10 shows a partly sectional side view of the service module from FIG. 9 and of a lying means.[0074]
In FIG. 1, a lying arrangement is designated [0075] 10 overall. It comprises a lying means 12, in the present case a bed, and a WC facility 14.
The [0076] bed 12 will be explained in detail first of all, with further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
The [0077] bed 12 comprises a frame 16, a framework 18 which bears the frame 16, and a base 20, in this case an electrically adjustable slatted base, which can best be seen in FIG. 3, and a mattress 22 resting on the slatted base 20. The bed 12 has an essentially rectangular surface area, at the corner points of which, above the framework 16, in each case one corner post 24 is arranged. In the longitudinal direction of the bed 12, side elements 26, 28 and 30 run between the posts 24, the side elements 28 and 30 being releasable from the posts 24. At the head end and at the foot end of the bed 12, transversely running boards 32 are fastened between the posts 24. The posts 24, the side elements 26, 28 and 30 and the boards 32 form the frame 16.
The [0078] framework 18 of the lying arrangement 10 is constructed as follows (FIG. 2):
Fastened on the [0079] frame 16, in the vicinity of its corner points, in each case, is a vertical support 34, at the bottom end of which an essentially horizontal plate 36 is installed. Arranged on the underside of the latter, in turn, are castors 38 which can pivot about a vertical axis. The support 34, the plate 36 and the castors 38 form a rolling device 40.
A standing [0080] device 42, which in the present case is designed as a foot, is installed in a vertically displaceable manner on each of the supports 34 via a linear bearing (not illustrated). The foot 42 can be displaced vertically in relation to the support 34 via an electric motor 44. Those functional elements of the framework 18 which have just been described are concealed behind a box-like covering 46 which is of lamellar construction, with the result that they can be adapted to the different lengths of the framework 18.
The [0081] slatted base 20 and the mattress 22 will now be discussed in detail (FIGS. 2 and 3):
The [0082] slatted base 20 is a commercially available adjustable slatted base which can be adjusted in the conventional manner at a plurality of articulation points (not illustrated in the drawing) and by an electric motor (not illustrated either). It comprises slats 48 and side parts 50. The slats 48 have been removed from a central region 52, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the slatted base 20. Instead, a board 54 is fastened on the side parts 50. A round cutout 56 is provided in said board in a laterally offset position in the transverse direction of the slatted base 20.
The [0083] mattress 22 rests on the slatted base 20 and on the board 54. At the location of the cutout 56 in the board 54, a round cutout 58 is likewise introduced in the mattress 22, and the internal diameter of said Cutout 58 corresponds to the internal diameter of the cutout 56.
The [0084] WC facility 14 is illustrated to particularly good effect in FIGS. 1, 4 an 5:
It comprises a [0085] carriage 60 which can be moved on castors 62. The carriage 60 is closed outwardly over the entire surface area by a cladding 64 and comprises a base part 66 and a vertical extension arm 68. Accommodated in the base part 66 is a camper-van WC 70 which in its pedestal 72, which is located essentially within the cladding 64, has a removable waste-water tank 74. Extending from the top side of the pedestal 72 is an essentially vertical) funnel-like lead-in element 76 which is connected releasably to the pedestal. A line 78 connects the pedestal 72 of the WC 70 to a fresh-water tank 80. Provided laterally, on the cladding 74 of the carriage 60, is a flap 82 (FIG. 5) through which the interior of the carriage 60 is accessible from the outside, for example for maintenance purposes or for emptying or removing the waste-water tank 74.
A weight-compensated [0086] articulation arm 86 with two members 88 and 90 is fastened on the extension arm 68 via a fastening flange 84. The fastening flange 84 can be pivoted about a vertical axis 92 in relation to the extension arm 68 A rod mechanism (which cannot be seen in the figure) ensures that the member 90 is always in the same horizontal position irrespective of the angle of inclination of the member 88.
A [0087] washbasin 94 with a water tap 96 is fastened at that end of the member 90 which is directed away from the member 88. The water tap 96 can be pivoted within a limited angle range 98 (FIG. 4) about a vertical axis 100 and is connected to the fresh-water tank 80 via a line 102. The outflow 104 of the washbasin 94 is connected to the waste-water tank 74 of the WC via a line 106. Otherwise, the washbasin 94 is a conventional camper-van washbasin. In an exemplary embodiment which is not illustrated, the WC facility is installed on the frame of the bed rather than on a carriage. In this case, it is possible for either the entire WC or else just the waste-water tank to be pulled out in a drawer-like manner from a securing means, installed in the frame, for maintenance and disposal purposes. The WC facility arranged on the frame of the bed does not comprise a washbasin. This may be arranged, if appropriate, separately from the WC facility but, in accordance with the abovedescribed construction, such that it can be moved on a carriage.
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate [0088] additional elements 148 and 150, which interact with the lead-in element 76. The additional element 148 comprises a cylindrical tube 152, at the top end side of which a slightly upwardly curved, radially outwardly extending collar 154 is integrally formed. The additional element 150 is constructed similarly to the additional element 148 with a tube 156 and a collar 158. However, on the outer border of the collar 158, a radially inwardly curved covering 160 is integrally formed in a sub-region of the border.
A [0089] moisture barrier 162 can be seen in FIG. 8. This comprises. similarly to the additional elements 148 and 150, a tube 164 and a collar 146 integrally formed thereon. A moisture-impermeable base layer 168 is integrally formed on said collar and is of approximately the same length as the mattress 22. The base layer 168 may consist of a thin plastic or, if appropriate, of a sheet material.
It is also possible, if appropriate, for the [0090] additional elements 148 and 150 and the moisture barrier 162 to be produced from a material which is only to be used once.
You are now referred to FIGS. 9 and 10, in which a [0091] service module 108 is illustrated in detail.
The [0092] service module 108 comprises a carriage 110 which can be moved on wheels 112 and castors 114. The carriage 110 comprises a rectangular casing which is hollow inside. The interior of the casing is accessible through doors 116. A crossbeam-like extension arm 118 is fastened on the carriage 110 and comprises a region 120, which extends vertically from the carriage 110, and a horizontal region 124, which is integrally formed on via a bend 122. The extension arm 118 may be, for example, a curved cylindrical tube. A crossbar 126 is fastened at that end of the horizontal region 124 of the extension arm 118 which is directed away from the curved section 122. Four downwardly directed eyelets 128 are installed, in turn, on said crossbar.
Approximately half way up the [0093] extension arm 118, a service unit 130 is fastened on the vertical region 120. Said service unit comprises, on one side, a compartment 132 and, on the other side, two drawers 134 and 136, of which the drawer 134 can be locked. Two sockets 138 are arranged between the compartment 132 and the drawers 134 and 136. The top side of the service unit 130 serves as a table 140, on which a telephone 142 and a lamp 144 are positioned. Beneath the drawers 134 and 136, a radio alarm 146 is suspended on the service unit 130 (for reasons of clarity, telephone 142, lamp 144 and radio alarm 146 are not illustrated in FIG. 10). A drinks holder 147 is provided laterally alongside the drawers 134 and 136.
The lying [0094] arrangement 10 is used as follows:
When the user of the [0095] bed 12 has to relieve himself/herself, he/she asks for the WC facility 14 to be brought up to the bed 12 (if it is not already there in the first place). The electric motors 44 of the framework 18 (see FIG. 2) are then activated such that the frame 16, including the slatted base 20, mattress 22 and the user (not illustrated) lying on the mattress 22 moves upwards. As soon as a sufficient amount of free space has been produced between the underside of the slatted base 20 and the floor (not designated), the WC facility 14, with the carriage 60, is pushed into the position beneath the bed 12, illustrated in FIG. 1. such that the lead-in element 76 is located precisely beneath the cutouts 56 and 58 in the mattress 22 and in the board 54.
In the case where the cutouts have been closed by a plug-like part (not illustrated in the drawing), this has to be removed at this stage at the latest. [0096]
[0097] Electric motors 44 are then actuated such that the frame 16, slatted base 20 and mattress 22 with the user lying thereon move downwards again and the cutouts 56 and 58 are thus pushed over the lead-in element 76. As soon as the top edge of the lead-in element 76 is located approximately level with the mattress 22, the lowering operation is stopped.
It is also possible if required, for the electric motors at the head end and at the foot end to be actuated differently within a specific range, a certain oblique positioning of the [0098] bed 12 thus being possible.
In an exemplary embodiment which is not illustrated, the WC facility can be adjusted in height. In this case, the lead-in element is introduced into the cutouts by way of an adjustment of the height of the WC facility. [0099]
In the case where the WC facility is fastened on the bed, this case not being illustrated in the drawing either, it is necessary to use, for example, the additional elements illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 and for these to be positioned on the lead-in element from above, through the cutouts, in order to provide a hygienic and clean passage through the cutout. [0100]
The user of the lying [0101] arrangement 10 then moves out from the longitudinal axis of the bed 12 such that his/her bottom is located above the cutouts 56 and 58 and the lead-in element 76 located in the cutouts 56 and 58. The user can then relieve himself/herself without having to move out of the lying position.
In order to ensure even better hygiene as the user is relieving himself/herself, it is possible to use the [0102] additional elements 148 and 150 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. When the additional element 148 is used, a circular region around the cutout 58 of the mattress 22 is generally protected. The additional element 150 is advantageous in terms of hygiene in particular when male users are urinating.
Once he/she has relieved himself/herself, in an exemplary embodiment which is not illustrated, the user can activate an automatic rectal cleaning and drying facility. This is installed in the WC and comprises a spray device and a hot-air blower. [0103]
If the user wishes to wash himself/herself, the [0104] washbasin 94 is simply pivoted about the pivot axis 92 such that it is located in the position just above the user's body, this position being illustrated in FIG. 1. Without moving from the lying position, the user can then actuate the water tap 96, as a result of which water passes out of the fresh-water tank 80, via the line 102, to the water tap 96 and passes out of the latter. The water provided in the fresh-water tank 80 may be preheated water The waste water flows out of the washbasin 94, via the outflow 104 and the line 106, into the waste-water tank 74 of the WC 70.
In the present exemplary embodiment, the water flow is produced by an electric pump (not illustrated). In an exemplary embodiment which is not illustrated, however, it is also possible for the fresh-[0105] water tank 80 to be connected to a pressure accumulator, as a result of which, when valves (not illustrated) are opened as required, water flows correspondingly.
In an exemplary embodiment which is not illustrated, a hand shower is provided instead of the water tap, said hand shower being connected to the fresh-water line via an extensible hose- In this case, the use of the [0106] moisture barrier 162 illustrated in FIG. 6 is advisable. The moisture barrier 162 is, in the same way as the additional elements 148 and 150, positioned on top of the mattress 22 such that the tube 164 is introduced into the lead-in element 76. The user can then clean himself/herself using the extensible hand shower without having to get out of bed and without any risk of the mattress 22 becoming wet. The waste water is led, via the moisture barrier 162 and the tube 164, into the lead-in element 76 and, from there, into the waste-water tank 74.
Once the user has relieved himself/herself and washed, the [0107] WC facility 14 can be removed again from the bed 12 by, if appropriate, the additional elements 148 and 150 and/or the moisture barrier 162 being removed, the bed 12 being moved upwards and the WC facility 14 being moved back. If required, it is also possible for the cutouts 56 and 58 to be closed by the complementary plug-like element (not illustrated), with the result that, when not relieving himself/herself, the user is not disturbed by the cutouts 56 and 58.
If necessary, the lead-in [0108] element 76 may be removed, with the result that the WC facility 14 can be used as a normal mobile WC.
If required, it is also possible for the [0109] service module 108 to be moved up to the bed 12 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 10. If appropriate, it is possible for the WC facility 14 and the service module 108 to be moved up to the bed 12 at the same time from different sides. The service unit 130 with its elements is arranged at such a height that it can easily be reached by the user lying in bed 12 Since the side elements 28 and 30 of the frame 16 of the bed 12 (see FIG. 2) can be removed, it is possible for the service unit 130 to be moved into the space within the outer boundary of the bed 12.
In order for the user to be transferred to another bed, straps (not illustrated) are fastened on the [0110] eyelets 128 of the crossbar 126 and are guided through beneath the user. If the slatted base 20 with the mattress 22 is then lowered, as described above, by actuation of the motors 44, the user “floats” in the strap slings, with the result that he/she can easily be moved into another bed or, for example, the bedding can be changed without the patient having to be moved out of the lying position.
In an exemplary embodiment which is not illustrated, strap winding-up units are arranged on the [0111] eyelets 128, with the result that it is possible to change the height at which the user is supported in the strap slings. This is particularly advantageous when the bed itself does not have a means for setting the height of the frame.
The essential elements of the [0112] bed 12, the WC facility 14 and the service module 108 are produced from wood in the present exemplary embodiment, this providing a “bio atmosphere” which is pleasant specifically for invalids. Furthermore, as comprehensive a use as possible of natural rather than metallic materials does not adversely affect the natural electromagnetic field to any particular extent. For “rougher” operating environments or when, for reasons of hygiene, the arrangement has to be cleaned frequently, if appropriate even in so-called bed-washing installations, it is then also possible, however, for the essential elements to be produced from rustproof metal e.g. stainless steel or aluminium, and for mechanical and electrical components to be encapsulated correspondingly.

Claims

1. Lying arrangement with a lying means, which comprises;

a) a frame;

b) a framework which bears the frame;

c) a base which is connected to the frame; and

d) a mattress element resting on the base;

characterized in that the lying arrangement has:

e) a cutout (58) in the mattress (22):

f) a cutout in the base (20) in the region of the cutout (58) of the mattress (22);

g) a WC facility (14) with a WC (70), which can be arranged beneath the cutouts (56. 58), and a tubular and essentially vertical lead-in element (76), at least certain regions of which can be introduced into the cutouts (56, 58) in the mattress (22) and base (20).

2. Lying arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the WC facility (14) comprises a mobile module (60) on which the WC (70) is arranged.

3. Lying arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the mobile module (60) comprises a washing facility (94) with a sanitary fitting (96).

4. Lying arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the mobile module comprises a hand shower with an extensible hose.

5. Lying arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the washing facility (94) is installed on the mobile module (60) such that it can be pivoted about an essentially vertical axis (92) and/or about an essentially horizontal axis.

6. Lying arrangement according to claims 3, characterized in that the washing facility comprises a commercially available camper-van wash basin (94).

7. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that the WC facility comprises a means by which the WC can be adjusted in height.

8. Lying arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the WC facility comprises a stationary part which is arranged essentially beneath the cutouts in the mattress and base, and the lead-in element can be introduced from above, through the cutouts, as far as the stationary part.

9. Lying arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the stationary part is fastened on the frame or on the base.

10. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that the WC facility (14) comprises a waste-water tank (74), which can be pulled out for disposal purposes.

11. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that the frame (16) can be adjusted in height.

12. Lying arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that

a) the framework (18), at the head end and at the foot end, comprises in each case a rolling device (40) which is connected to the frame (16) and at the bottom end of which at least one wheel (38) is arranged;

b) the rolling devices (40) are connected in a vertically displaceable manner in each case to a standing device (42) via a connecting device;

c) provided at the head end and at the foot end in each case is an electric motor (44), which interacts with the respective rolling devices (40) and the standing devices (42) and can displace these in relation to one another.

13. Lying arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the electric motors (44) at the foot end and at the head end can be actuated independently from one another.

14. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that it comprises a moisture barrier (162) with a water-outflow opening, which can be positioned on the mattress (22) such that the water-outflow opening is located over the cutouts (56, 58) in the mattress (22) and base (20).

15. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that the WC is a commercially available camper-van WC (70) with a waste-water tank (74).

16. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that the WC has a spray device and a blower device for rectal cleaning and drying purposes.

17. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that there is provided at least one electric pump which produces a water flow.

18. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that at least the fresh-water tank of the WC facility can be connected to a compressed-air accumulator, which produces the water flow.

19. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that it comprises a mobile service module (108), which comprises a radio (146) and/or a telephone (142) and/or a lockable cabinet (134) and/or a drinks container and/or a light (144) and/or a pull-out tray and/or a socket (138).

20. Lying arrangement according to claim 19, characterized in that the service module (108) comprises an extension arm (118, 126) on which straps can be arranged.

21. Lying arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that arranged on the crossbeam is a strap-winding device on which the straps can be wound up.

22. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that the framework and the slatted base are produced from a rustproof metal and the electric motors are protected against water and the connecting device is sealed against the ingress of water.

23. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that the cutout in the mattress can be closed by a complementary mattress segment.

24. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that the cutouts (56, 58) are offset laterally from the longitudinal axis of the mattress (22).

25. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that the lead-in element (76) comprises an additional element (148, 150) which, at its end directed towards the user, has an essentially radially outwardly projecting collar (154, 158).

26. Lying arrangement according to claim°1, characterized in that the lead-in element (76) is fastened releasably on the WC (70).