US2913738A

US2913738A - Invalid's bed

Info

Publication number: US2913738A
Application number: US599465A
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles W Wise
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1956-07-23
Filing date: 1956-07-23
Publication date: 1959-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 1976-11-24

Description

C. W. WISE INVALID'S BED Nov. 24, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 23, 1956 C. W. WISE INVALID'S BED Nov. 24, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 25, 1956 l MM5 w m e WM u m 5 m ,am f c h.. Y B ala. ,L2 0 5w. k1 A .mf M

Nov. 24, 1959 Filed July 23. 1956 Yc. w. WISE 2,913,738

INVALID'S BED 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. ffnen.: M Mie Nov. 24, 1959 c. w. WISE' INVALID'S BED fg I 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 25, 1956 INVENToR. Cyaan: W W/.fe BY; a n "i a rroeA/svf United States Patent O The present invention relates generally to an invalids bed and more particularly to an invalids bed which is adapted to support a patient in various reclining positions between a supine and a sitting position.

The difficulties involved in handling partially or completely paralized bed-ridden patients, especiallypatients having a heavy body structure, are well known. With existing invalid handling equipment it is generally necessary to employ several nurses` in order to attend to the invalids needs.

It is a major object of the present invention to provide a foldable invalids bed which permits a single nurse to readily manipulate an invalid so as to attend to his every need.

It is another object of the invention to provide a foldable invalids bed which is capable of supporting an invalid in various reclining positions and is power-driven between such positions. Although various4 forms of invalid beds have been heretoforeproposed which have been capable of supporting a patient in various reclining positions, such beds must generally be manipulated between positions by a nurse rather than the patienthimself. Thus,'where a nurse is not constantly in attendance, the invalid must wait until the nurse becomes available.

A further object is to provide a power-driven invalids bed of the aforedescribed nature which may be controlled by the invalid himself. f

Yet a further object is to provide a foldable invalids ice 2 tailed description', when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein: l

Figure l is a side elevational view ofI a preferred form of invalid bed embodying the present invention, said bed being arranged `to support the invalid in a supin: condition;

Figure 2 is aside elevational view in reduced scale showing the operation of said bed as it moves towards a position wherein the invalid is supported in a seated condition;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view similar to Figure 2- but showing the parts of said bed arranged to support the invalid in a seated condition;

Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on line 4'4 of Figure V9;`

Figure 5 is an enlarged plan view taken partly in horizontal section from the point designated 5 in Figure l;

l Figure 6 is an enlarged view taken partly in section showing the encircled area designated 6 in Figure 1;

Figure 7 isY a plan view of the front half of said bed particularly disclosing the power-operated means employed to move the parts of said bed` from one position to another; v

Figure 8 is a plan view of the rear half of said bed forming a right-handfcontinuation of Figure 7; v

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view taken on line 9-9 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is anenlarged vertical sectional view taken on line 10-10 of Figure `7;

Figure 1l is a view similar to Figure l0 but showing thepartsv therein disposed in a diierent position; Figure l2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on line 12-12 of Figure 7;

Figure 13 is a side elevational view of a modified form Aof invalid bed embodying the'present invention, the parts bed incorporating an integral patient lift adapted to automatically raise the invalid off the beds mattress as the parts of the bed are moved from a position to supf port the patient in a supine condition to a position wherein he will be supported in a seated condition. With the patient raised free of the mattress the linen may be readily changed. Additionally, a portable commode may be inserted and removed from underneath the patient.

Another object is to provide an invalids bed of the aforedescribed nature having special means for locking it against movement relative to the ground or floor when it is arranged in ak seat-defining position wherebythe invalid may be safely unloaded therefrom.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide an invalids bed of the aforedescribed nature which is simple in design and rugged of construction.

An additional object is to provide an invalids bed which is compact in size and comparatively light in weight whereby it may be easily moved from one location to another. Thus, the invalid may join others in various activities such as dining, watching television, etc.

A particular object of the invention is to provide a foldable invalids bed which is usable as a conventional wheel chair when arranged in its chair-defining position. When so arranged, the invalid may maneuver the device exactly as he would a conventional wheel chair.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following deof said bed being arranged to support an invalid in a supine condition.

Figure 14` `is` aside elevational view similar to Figure 13, but showing said invalid'bed with its Yparts arranged to support "an invalid in a seated condition;

Figure 15 is anI enlarged vertical sectional view taken on line 15-15 of Figure 14; and

Figure l16 is a vertical sectional view taken on lin 16-16 of Figure 15.

GENERAL ARRANGEMENT Referringto the drawings, the preferred form of invalid bed embodying the present invention is shown in Figures l through l2 and includes a frame F having a base member B and a foldable body-supporting member S. The base member B is formed with ground-engaging means, such as wheels W. This base member B includes a xed portion, generally designated 22, and a longitudinally movable portion,v generally designated 24. The body-supporting member S includes a back portion 26, a buttock portion 2S and a leg portion 30. The front and rear ends of the `buttock portion 28 are respectively pivotally interconnected'to the rear end of the leg portion 30 and the front end of the back portion 26. Poweroperated means P are interposed between the base memberf B and the body-supporting member S. Control means IC for the power-operated means P are mounted on the base member within reach of an invalid I resting upon the mattress 31 of the body-supporting member S. The power-operated means P is adapted to move the body-supportingl member S from its kposition of Figure l wherein it will support an invalid in a supine .condition to its seat-defining position of Figure 3 wherein it will support the invalid in a seated condition. The preferred form of invalid bed embodying the present Yinvention also 3 incorporates a patient lift L which, as shown in Figure 3, is adapted to lift the invalid I -o the mattress 31 of the body-supporting member S.

The base mmberB of frame F `More particularly, the fixed portion 22 of the frames base member B includes a pair of parallel, horizontally extending side elements 32. These side elements 32 are secured at their rear ends to the lower end of a pair of vertically extending back elements 34. The upper ends of `each of the back elements 34 are in turn affixed to the` rear ends of a pair of top elements 36.y The front end of the top elements 36 are connected to the rear ends of the side elements 32 and to the lower end .of the bottom elements 22 by a pair of downwardly and rearwardly extending diagonal elements 38.-, A second pair of diagonal elements 38. A second pair-of diagonal braces 40 extend upwardly and rearwardly from the front yend .of the side elements 32 to the intermediate portion of the rst-mentioned diagonal elements 38. A pair of vertical front elements 42 extend downwardly from theffront end of the top elements 36 yto `the rear portion of the diagonal elements 40. Preferably, each of these elements will be of tubular construction and will have their contacting portions rigidly connected as by welding.

Tubular cross-pieces

44, 45 and 46 are provided to rigidly interconnect the aforedescribed rigid elements. The rearmost pair of wheels W are affixed to 4the rear portion of the side elements 32. Preferably, these wheels will be of the castoring type. A pair lof forwardly and upwardly extending gusset elements 48 are rigidly affixed to the inner front portion of the top elements 36 for a purpose to be set forth hereinafter.

The longitudinally movable portion 24 of the frames base member B includes a pair offtubular lower elements 50 which are telescopically slidably disposed -within the aforedescribed side elements 32 of the frames iixed portion 22. The front pair of wheels W are connected to the front end of these side elements v50. The front end of each of these side elements 50 are rigidly affixed as by welding to a cross-piece 51. A pair of upstanding brackets 52 are affixed to -the cross-piece 51 inwardly from its ends. A pair of rearwardly and upwardlyextending levers 53 have their lower ends pivotally .connected to the brackets 52 by pivot pins 54, as shown `in Figure 7. The rear ends of these levers 53 are each rigidly affixed to a sleeve 56 wherein is disposed a pivot pin 58 as is ilikewise shown in Figure 7. A second pair of sleeves 57 are rigidly connected to the rear ends of a second pair of levers 60 having their front ends pivotally secured to the intermediate portion of the leg portion of the frames body supporting-member S by pivot pins 62. The pivot pins 58 extend through the sleeves 57. The intermediate portion of each of the levers 53 is pivotally connected to the lower end of a third pair of levers 64, the latter having their upper ends pivotally connected to the frames body supporting member S in a manner to be set forth hereinafter.

The pivot pins 58 each extend through a flat switch plate 66 interposed between the rear ends of the

levers

53 and 60. This plate 66 is rigidly aixed 'as by welding to the front ends of a first lever or brace 68 and a second shorter lever or brace 70. Each of the pair of

braces

68 and 70 have their rear ends pivotally connected to the frames body-supporting member S in a manner to be described hereinafter. A cross-piece 72 rigidly interconnects the rear portions of the braces 68.

Referring `now to Figure 6, the end of each of the lower elements 50 disposed within the side elements 32 will carry rollers 74. Additionally, `thezfront vends of the side elements 32 will be formed with similar rollers 76. Thisarrangement permits :relative movement between the slde elements 32 and the lower elements 50 to occur 'smoothly with a minimum of;fiictionalresistance.

4v The body-supporting member S of frame F The frames body-supporting member S includes three longitudinally aligned pairs of rail elements designated 80, 82 and 84, which dene the sides of the back 26, buttock 28 and leg 30 portions, respectively. The front ends of the rail elements 82 are connected to the rear ends of the rail elements 84 by a pair of hinges 86. A similar pair of hinges 88 pivotally connects the rear end of the rail elements 82 with the front ends of the rail elements 80. Referring to Figure 5, each of these hinges are of identical construction and they include a plurality of generally rectangular plate elements 90. The major portion of these plate elements 90 are rigidly secured within the confines of the rail elements and 82 by a plurality of rivets 91. The portion of these plate elements which protrude through the ends of their respective rail elements are formed with horizontally aligned bores 92. It will be observed that the plate elements 90 are staggered whereby they will intert. A pivot kbolt 93 is disposed within the aligned bores 92. The pivot bolt 93 extends through and is threadedly secured within a short internally threaded sleeve 94. As shown in Figure l, a cross-piece 95 rigidly interconnects the braces 70 below the pivot bolt 93. The sleeve 94 is rigidly afxed as by welding to the upper end of the short brace 70. Referring now to Figure 7, it should be noted that the hinges 86 are generally similar to the aforedescribed hinges 88. It will be observed, however, that the pivot bolts 96 employed with the hinges 8,6 are threadedly secured to the outer ends of a cross-brace 98. A generally V-shaped pusher element 100 has its outer ends rigidly afxed as by Welding to the outer portions of the cross-brace 98. Referring again to Figure l, the outer portions of the cross-brace 98 are integrally formed with downwardly extending ears 102. These ears 102 are are pivotally al'lixed to the upper ends of the aforede- Vscribed pair of levers 64 by pins 103.

The front end of the rail elements 84 are secured to an opstanding foot piece 106. A diagonal support lever 108 may be interposed between the rail element 84 Vand this foot piece. Ground anchoring means, such as suction cups 110 are fixed to the front of the foot piece 106. As shown in Figures l, 8 and 9, rear ends of the rail elements 80 are connected to an upstanding head piece 112 at a point inwardly of their outer ends. The head piece 112 includes a lower portion 113 ViXedly secured to the rail elements `80 and a collapsible upper portion 114 that has its lower end pivotally attached by a hinge 115 to the upper end of the fixed portion 113. This permits the upper portion 114 to be folded between itsvcollapsed positions of Figure l and its upright position of Figure 9. The upper portion 114 is retained in its upright yposition by means of a locking block 116.disclosed in Figure 4. This locking block 116 includes an actuating handle 118 by means of which it can be slid between its solid outline position of Figure 4 to its dotted outline position therein. When the block 116 is arranged in its lowermost position its bottom portion is disposed within a socket 120 formed in the fixed portion 113 and the two

portions

113 and 114 are locked together. In order vto permit the upper portion 114 to be folded rearwardly to its collapsed position, block 116 is raised so as to remove its -bottom portion from the socket1120'. A diagonal cross-piece 120 maybe interposed between the rear portion of the side rails elements and the upper portion of the lower head piece element `113. As shown in Figure 8, the intermediate portions of the rail elements 80 are pivotally afxed to the gussets .48 by pivot `bolts 121. i

erally designated 130, of identical construction. The in- "termediateportion of each of `these arms is pivotally .a portable commode (not shown).

carried between the bifurcations of a supporting bracket 132 by a pivot pin 134, the brackets 132 being rigidly aixed to the outer portions of the rear surfaces of the lower portion 113 of the head piece 112 as shown in Figures l and 8. The front ends of the arms 130 are each aixed to a flexible element such as a chain 136. The chains 136 have their opposite ends secured to the sides of a sling 138 which conforms to the buttock of the patient I. Preferably, the sling 138 will be formed with an aperture 140 whereby it may be employed with The intermediate portion of the chains 136 are affixed to the sides of a back-rest auxiliary sling 142. The rear ends of the arms 130 are atlixed to a second pair of chains of equallength 144. The lower ends of these chains 144 are secured to the cross-piece 146 of the frames base member B. Referring to Figure 3, the length of the

chains

136 and 144 should be such that with the bed disposed in its chair-defining position, the sling 138 will be supported above the buttock portion 28 of the frames body-supporting member S. i

The power-operated means P The power-operated means P includes a conventional electric motor 150 disposed within a generally rectangular housing 152. The mid-portion of the front and rear walls of `this housing 152 are formed with a pair of aligned ball bearings 154 which rotatably support the ends of a longitudinally extending internal threaded drive sleeve 156. An externally threaded post 158 is carried within the drive sleeve 156 and rotation of the latter effects concurrent axial movement of this post. The front end of the threaded post 158 is rotatably affixed to the rear end of the V-shaped force-transfer element 100 described hereinabove. A driven sprocket 160 is keyed to the frontportion of the drive sleeve 156. This driven sprocket 160 is connected to a similar drive sprocket 162 by a chain 164. The drive sprocket 162 is keyed to the output shaft 163 of a gear box 166. The input shaft of this gear box 166 is coupled to the drive shaft 168 of the electric motor 150. As shown particularly in Figures and 11, a motor lost-motion unit, generally designated 170, is provided between the

sprockets

160 and 162 for a purpose to be described hereinafter. This lostmotion unit includes a generally T-shaped rocker element 172 having its center leg pivotally secured to the front Wall of the housing 152 by a pivot pin 174. The crossbar of this rocker element rotatably supports a pair of idler sprockets 176 and 178, with the mid-portion of the chain 164 passing between the facing sides of these idler sprockets. The teeth of the idler sprockets 176 and 178 are engaged with the links of the chain 164. The side walls of the housing 152 are formed with short sleeves 180 which receive the inner ends of the pivot bolts 56. A nut 182 is aiiixed to the inner ends of each of these pivot bolts 56. As shown in Figures 1, 7 and 12, a flat plate 184 is mounted above the path of the threaded post 156. This plate 184 serves to prevent lint from falling into the threads of this post.

The control means C The control means C serves to control the operation of the electric motor 150. This control means C includes a switch box 190 which is rigidly aixed to the xed portion 22 of the frames base member B. This switch box 190 is connected by suitable wiring 192 to the electric motor 150. Additional Wiring 194 connects the switch box 190 with a patient-operable switch 196. Preferably, this switch 196 will be of the type that is constantly biased towards an olf position, and will remain in an on position only so long as its actuator button 197 is maintained depressed. The interior of the switch box 190 contains suitable conventional electric switching means for starting and stopping the flow of electric current to the electric motor 150. This electric current is adapted to reach the switch box 190 by means of a cord (not shown) engageable with la source of domestic electric current, which cord may be connected with the switch box at a socket 198. Referring to Figure l, a pair of

microswitches

202 and 204 are mounted on the switch plate 62. These microswitches are connected to the electric motor by a win'ng 206 and they cooperate with the manually actuated switch button 197 in a manner to be set forth hereinafter for controlling the operation `of the electric motor 150. Preferably, a master switch 207 is provided on the switch box 190 in order that a nurse may prevent an invalid from operating the bed against orders.

Operation of they bed shown in Figures 1 through 12 Referring to Figure 1, the parts of the invalid bed are shown arranged in position to support the invalid I in a supine condition, lthe back portion 26, buttock portion 28 and leg portion 30 of the body-supporting member S being disposed in horizontal alignment. Generally, at this time the head piece 112 will be arranged with its collapsible `upper portion 114 in the upstanding position of Figure 9. If the invalid I desires to assume the partially reclining position of Figure 2, he will depress the actuator button 197 of the patient-operable switch 196 so as to cause the electric motor 1.50 to be energized. Referring now to Figure 7, such energization of the electric motor 150 will effect rotation of the drive sprocket 162 through the gear box 166` Rotation of the drive sprocket 162 will effect concurrent rotation of the driven sprocket through the chain 164. Rotation of the driven sprocket 160 will in turn effect concurrent rotation of the drive sleeve 156. Rotation of the drive sleeve 156 will effect axial movement of the threaded post 158 towards the right relative to Figures l, 2, 3 and 7. Axial movement of the threaded post 156 will elect concurrent movement in the same direction of the pusher element 100. In this manner the cross-piece 98 of the body-.supporting member S will be pulled to the right from its position of Figure 1 to its position of Figure 2 so as to cause the back buttock and leg portions of the body-supporting member S to be folded to their positions of the latter figure. When the body-supporting member S has assumed its position of Figure 2, the patient will release the actuator button 197 so as to cut olf further flow of electric current to the motor 150. The bodysupporting member S will then remain locked in its position of Figure 2.

Assuming now that the patient wishes the bed to assume its chair-defining position of Figure 3, instead of releasing the actuator button 197 so as to stop the electric motor 150 when the body-supporting member S has reached its position of Figure 2, he can permit the motor to continue to run until the body-supporting member S has reached its position of Figure 3. this position, the actuator leaf 210 of the microswitch 202 will engage the upper surface of the lever 60 of the frame F so as to automatically cut olf further ilow of electric current to the motor 150. The frame will then remain inits chair-defining position of Figure 3 until electric current is again directed to the motor 150. When the patient wishes the bed to resume its position of Figure l, he need only again depress the button 197 of the patient-operable switch 196 and the bed will return towards its position of Figure l. When it has reached this position, the actuator leaf 212 of the second microswitch 204 will engage the underside of the lever 53 so as to automatically shut-olf further ow of electric current to the motor 150. It should be observed that operation of the motor 150 may be controlled by the nurse or other attendant by means of the switch 196.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 1l, it is desirable for the` shaft of the electric motor 150 to be permitted to. rotate through several degrees before the load is applied thereto. This permits the use of a smaller electric As the latter reaches motor than would be the case where the motor must immediately upon energization be required to exert work. Thus, the present invention contemplates a lost-motion connection between the shaft of the electric motor and the drive sleeve 156. Referring first to Figure 10, it will be observed that with the electric motor at rest the chain 164 is arranged as shown in this figure. The length of the upper and

lower bights

214 and 216 of the chain 164 is greater than the distance between the centers of the drive sprocket 162 and the driven sprocket 160. The mid-portions of these

chain bights

214 and 216 are urged loosely towards one another by the idler sprockets 176 and 178 of the lost-motion unit 170. When the electric motor 150 is initially energized, the drive sprocket 162 may be assumed to undergo clockwise motion relative to Figures l and 11. The initial rotation of the drive sprocket 162 will not effect immediate rotation of the driven sprocket 160, however, because of the slack condition of the chain 164. Rotation cannot be transferred from the drive sprocket 162 to the driven sprocket 160 until the upper bight 214 of the chain 164 has been tightened, as shown in Figure 1l. Tightening of this chain will cause the rocker element 172 to pivot clockwise about its pivot pin 174 from its position of Figure l0 to that of Figure ll, such movement causing the lower idler sprocket 176 to move upwardly and thereby remove the slack in the lower chain bight 216. The upper chain bight 214 will then be straightened because of the tension it exerts between the drive sprocket 152 and the driven sprocket 160. During the time the chain 164 is being tightened, the motor 150 is free to reach its starting torque without a load.

Referring again to Figure 1, assuming that it is desired to lift the patient L from the mattress 31, the

slings

138 and 142 of the patient lift L will be placed beneath the invalid I, the latter resting upon his back. Thereafter, if the body-supporting member S is folded to its chair-defining position of Figure 3, the invalid will be automatically raised to his position shown in Figure 3. As noted hereinabove with the patient so arranged, a portable commode may be inserted below and removed from the patient I. Additionally, it is readily possible to change the linen at this time.

With further reference to Figure 3, it will be observed that when the bed is arranged in its chair-defining position of this figure, the foot piece 106 is disposed parallel to the floor 218 with the suction cups 110 engaging the surface of the latter. Thus, the bed will be securely locked against inadvertent movement over the surface of the oor 218 while the invalid lies safely removed therefrom.

The modified form of invalid bed of Figures 13 through 16 Referring now to Figures 13 through 16 there is shown a modified form of invalid bed embodying the present invention which is usable as a conventional wheel chair when arranged in its chair-defining position. The modified form includes a frame F having a base member B' and a foldable body-supporting member S. The base member B', however, is provided with spoked wheels 250 of the type found on conventional wheel chairs. This wheel 250 replaces the comparatively small rear wheel disclosed in the bed of Figures 1 through l2. The manner whereby the wheel 250 is connected to the base member B of the frame is fully disclosed hereinafter. The remaining parts of the modified form of bed are generally similar to those of the bed disclosed in Figures l through 12 and they bear primed reference numerals corresponding to the parts of the latter. It should be yparticularly noted that although the modified form of bed may include a patient lift L of the type disclosed hereinbefore, in the interest of clarity the embodiment shown in the drawings does not incorporate this device.

Cil

The rear wheel 250 includes an axle 252, the intermediate portion of which is affixed to a generally rectangular carriage member 254. Each of the corners of this carriage member 254 rotatably carries a roller 256 having a concave peripheral surface 258. These rollers 256 rotate along a horizontally extending track 260 defined by a pair of upper and

lower frame elements

262 and 264. The position of the carriage 254 relative to the track 260 is controlled by means of a toggle arm 266 having its intermediate portion secured to the fixed member 22' of the frames base member B by a pivot pin 268. The lower portion of this toggle arm 266 is formed with an elongated slot 270 wherein is slidably disposed a follower 272. This follower 272 is affixed to the inner end of the rearwheels axle 252. The upper end of the toggle arm 266 is pivotally connected to a shorter link 273. The upper end of this link 273 is pivotally connected to the intermediate portion of the brace 64' of the longitudinally movable member 24 of the frames base B'. With this arrangement, movement of the body-supporting member S' from its position of Figure 13 to its chair-defining position of Figure 14 will automatically effect concurrent forward movement of the wheel 250 from its rearwardly disposed position of Figmre 13 to its forwardly disposed position of Figure 14. When the rear wheel 250 is disposed in its rearwardly located position of Figure 13, the center of gravity of the invalid is located a distance sufficiently forward of the axis of this wheel as to provide a stable platform for the invalid. If the rear wheel 250 were permitted to remain in this rearwardly located position when the bed was arranged in its chair-defining position of Figure 14, however, the rear wheel could not be readily manually engaged by the invalid. Accordingly, he could not manipulate the bed in the manner of a conventional wheel chair. Additionally, the rear wheels 250 would present an obstacle to an attendant attempting to push the chair.

It should be particularly noted that the body-supporting member S incorporates a pair of jointed side rails R, each having its front end pivotally connected to the intermediate portion of the rail element 82 of the lbuttock portion 28 of the body-supporting member S', and having its rear end affixed to the intermediate portion of the rail element of the back portion 26. The side rail R consists of a generally L-shaped front element 290, a straight rear element 292 and a straight intermediate element 294. The front and rear ends of the intermediate element 294 are pivotally connected to the rear end of the front element 290 and the end of the rear element 292 remote from the rail element 82. Referring now to Figure 14, it will be observed that the elements of the guard rail R pivots so as to provide an arm-rest when the bed is disposed in its chair-defining position of this figure. It should likewise be noted that the fixed member 22 of the frames base member B is provided with hand rails 296 which may be readily grasped by attendant in order that he may readily exert a pushing action on the bed when it is arranged in its chair-defining position of Figure 14.

Various modifications and changes may be made with respect to the foregoing detailed description without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims. By way of example, it is possible to substitute a manually cranked means for the electric motor 150.

I claim:

1. An invalids bed, comprising: a frame having a base member and a body-supporting member formed of a plurality of longitudinally aligned, pivotally interconnected portions; means interposed between said base member and said body-supporting member operable to fold said portions between a horizontally aligned position wherein an invalid may be supported in a supine rmafias condition and an alternate angularly displaced chairdening position wherein said invalid may be supported in a seated condition; andan invalid lift including a pair of arms having their intermediate portion pivotally attached to one end of said body-supporting member, a pair of tension elements connecting the rear of said arms to said base member, sling means for receiving the buttocks of said invalid, Aand a second pair of tension ele? ments connecting the front of said arms to the sides of said sling means whereby said invalid will be automatically raised off said body-supporting member as it is moved from said horizontally alignedposition to said chair-deiining position. v Y

2. An invalids bed, comprising: a frame having .a base member and a body-supporting member formed of a plurality of longitudinally aligned,.pivotally interconnected portions; an electric motor interposed between said base member and said body-supporting member, said motor being operable to fold said portions between a horizontally aligned positionwherein `an invalid may be supported in a supine condition and an alternate-,angularly displaced chair-defining position wherein said invalid may be supported in a seated condition; switch means for controlling said electric motor; and an invalid lift `including a pair of arms having their intermediate portion pivotally attached to one end of said body-supporting member, a pair of tension elements connecting the rear 'of said arms to said base member, sling means for receiving the buttocks of said invalid, and a second pair of tension elements connecting the front of said arms to the sides of said sling means whereby said invalid will be automatically raised olf said body-supporting-member as itis moved from said horizontally aligned'position to said chair-defining position. A

3. An invalids bed, comprising: a frame having a base member and a body-supporting member formed of a plurality of longitudinally aligned, relatively foldable portions; a pairof horizontal tracks `formed on said base member; front wheels on said base member; a pair of rear wheels of greater diameter than said front wheels, each of said rear wheels having an axle; means interposed between said base member `and said body-supporting member operable to fold said portions between a horizontally aligned position wherein an invalid may be supported in a supine condition and an alternate angularly displaced, chair-defining position wherein said invalid may be supported in a seated condition; a carriage slidable along each of said tracks and attached to one of said axles; and a pair of toggle arms, each formed at its lower portion with a slot thatslidably receives one of y said axles, the intermediate portion of each of said toggle arms being pivotally axed to said base member and the upper end of each toggle arm being operatively connected to said body-supporting member whereby said rear wheels will be automatically moved forwardly relative to said base member as said body-supporting member is moved from said horizontally aligned position to said chair-dening position.

4. An invalids bed, comprising: a frame having a base r member and a body-supporting member formed of a` plurality of longitudinally aligned, relatively foldable portions; front wheels on said base member; a pair of rear wheels of greater diameter than said front wheels, each of saidl rear wheels having an axle; a pair of jointed side rails formed on the sides of said body-supporting member; means interposed between said base member and said body-supporting member operable to fold said portionsI between a horizontally aligned position wherein `an invalid maybe supported in a supine condition and an alternate angularly displaced, chair-dening position' wherein said invalid maybe supportedin afseated condition; a* horizontally extending track formed onl each side of said base member; a carriage slidable along each `of said tracks and attached to one of said axles; and a pair of toggle arms each formed at its lower portion lalternate angularly displaced l Y 10 with a slot that slidably receives one of said axles, the intermediate portion of each of said toggle arms being pivotally aixed to said base member and the upper end of each toggle arm being operatively connected to said body-supporting member whereby said rear wheels will be automaticallymoved forwardly relative to said base member asv said body-supporting member is moved from said horizontally aligned position to said chair-dening position, said side rails pivoting so as to define a pair of arm rests during such movement.

5. An invalids bed comprising: a frame having a base member and a body-supporting member formed of a plurality of longitudinally aligned, pivotally interconnected portions including a buttocks-receiving portion; means interposed between said base member and said bodysupporting member operable to fold said portions between a horizontally aligned position wherein an invalid may be supported in a supine condition and an alternate angularly displaced, chair-denng position wherein said invalid may be supported in a seated condition; and an invalid lift including arm means attached to said bodysupporting member and sling means suspended from said arm means for receiving the buttocks of said invalid, the vertical distance bewteen said arm means and said sling when said body-supporting member is disposed in 'a chair-defining position being less than the vertical dismotor interposed between said base member and said body-supporting member, said electric motor being operable to fold said portions between a horizontally aligned position wherein an invalid may be supported in a supine condition and an alternate angularly displaced chair-delining position wherein said invalid may be supported in a seated condition; switch means for controlling said electric motor; and an invalid lift including arm means attached to said body-supporting member and sling means suspended from said arm means for receiving the buttocks of said invalid, the vertical distance between said arm means and said sling when said body-supporting member is disposed in a chair-defining position being less than the vertical distance between said arm means and the buttocks-receiving portion of said body-supporting member whereby saidv invalid will be automatically raised ott said body-supporting member as said body-supporting member is moved from said horizontally aligned position to said chairadening position.

7. An invalids bed comprising: a frame having a base member and a body-supporting member formed of a plurality of longitudinally aligned, relatively foldable portions; front wheel means and rear wheel means, said rear wheel means being of greater diameter than said front wheel means; mounting means on said base member for said front wheel means and for said rear wheel means, said mounting means permitting said front and rear wheel means to be moved longitudinally along said base mem-` ber; means interposed between said base member and said body-supporting member operable to fold said portions between a horizontally aligned position wherein an invalid may be supported in a supine condition and an chair-defining position wherein said invalid may be supported in a seated condition; and meansinterposed between said frame and said front and rear wheel means that automatically effect rearward movement of said front wheel means relative to said frame and concurrent forward mo'vement of said rear wheel means relative to said frame as said body- 11 supporting member is moved from said horizontally aligned position to said chair-defining position.

8. An invalids bed comprising: a frame having a base member and a body-supporting member formed of a plurality of longitudinally aligned, relatively foldable portions; front wheel means and rear wheel means, said rear wheel means being of greater diameter than said front wheel means; a longitudinally telescopic connection interposed between said front wheel means and said base member; a horizontally extending track formed 011 said base member; a carriage slidable along said track and carrying said rear wheel means; means interposed between said base member and said body-supporting member operable to fold said portions between a horizontally aligned position wherein an invalid may be supported in a supine condition and an alternate angularly displaced chair-defining position wherein said invalid may be supported in a seated condition; and means interposed between said body-supporting member and said front wheel means and between said body-supporting member and said carriage that automatically effects rearward longitudinal movement of said front wheel means relative to said frame and forward movement of said rear wheel means relative to said frame as said body-supporting member is moved from said horizontally aligned position to said chairdening position.

9. An invalids bed comprising: a frame; a body-supporting member having a back portion, a buttock portion and a leg portion, said portions having their adjoining ends pivotally interconnected so as to be movable between a horizontally aligned normal position wherein an invalid may be supported in a supine condition and an alternate angularly displaced chair-defining position wherein said invalid is adapted to be supported in a seated condition; means pivotally securing the intermediate portion of said back portion to said frame; first lever means having its upper end attached to said frame at the point of pivotal interconnection of said frame to said back portion, said lever extending downwardly and forwardly relative to said point when said bed is in said normal position; second lever means having its upper end attached to said frame at the point of pivotal interconnection of the buttock and back portions of said body-supporting member, said second lever means extending downwardly and forwardly relative to said second-mentioned point when said bed is in said normal position; plate means rigidly affixed to the free ends of said first and second lever means; third downwardly and rearwardly extending lever means having one end pivotally afiixed to an intermediate portion of the leg portion of said body-supporting member and its opposite end pivotally attached to said plate means; drive means carried by said plate means; and pusher means pivotally connected to said body-supporting member at the point of pivotal interconnection of the leg and buttock portions thereof, said pusher means extending downwardly and rearwardly relative to said frame so as to be received by said drive means whereby actuation of said drive means will effect bodily movement of said pusher means away from said drive means so as to effect concurrent movement of said body-supporting member from said horizontally aligned position to said alternate angularly displaced position.

10. The combination set forth in claim 9 wherein said drive means includes an internally threaded sleeve and said pusher means includes a threaded post that is encompassed by said sleeve.

11. The combination set forth in claim 10 wherein said plate means carries an electric motor that is drivingly connected to said sleeve.

12. An invalids bed comprising: a frame having a fixed rear portion and a front portion that is longitudinally attached to and movable relative to said fixed portion; a body-supporting member having a back portion, a buttock portion and a leg portion, said portions having their adjoining ends pivotally interconnected so as to be movable between a horizontally aligned normal position wherein an invalid may be supported in a supine condition and an alternate angularly displaced chairdefining position wherein said invalid is adapted to be supported in a seated condition; means pivotally securing an intermediate portion of said back portion to the fixed portion of said frame; first lever means having one of its ends pivotally attached to the fixed portion of said frame at the point of pivotal interconnection of the latter to said back portion, said lever extending downwardly and forwardly relative to said point when said bed is in said normal position; second lever means having its upper end attached to the fixed portion of said frame at the point of pivotal interconnection of the buttock and back portions of said body-supporting member, said second lever means extending downwardly and forwardly relative to said second-mentioned point when said bed is in its normal position; plate means rigidly affixed to the free ends of said first and second lever means; third downwardly and rearwardly extending lever means having one end pivotally aixed to the intermediate p ortion of the leg portion of said body-supporting member and its opposite end pivotally attached to said plate means; drive means carried by said plate means; pusher means pivotally connected to said body-supporting member at the point of pivotal interconnection of the leg and buttock portions thereof, said pusher means extending downwardly and rearwardly relative to said frame so as to be received by said drive means whereby actuation of said drive means will effect bodily movement of said pusher means away from said drive means so as to effect concurrent movement of said body-supporting member from said horizontally aligned position to said alternate angularly displaced position; rear wheel means on the fixed portion of said frame; front wheel means on the front portion of said frame; and linkage means interconnecting said body-supporting member, said plate means and the front portion of said frame whereby said front wheel means will undergo automatic rearward longitudinal movement relative to said frame as said body-supportmg'member is moved from said horizontally aligned positlon to said alternate angularly displaced position and forward longitudinal movement relative to said frame as said body-supporting member is moved from said alternate position to said horizontally aligned position.

13. The combination set forth in claim 12 wherein said linkage means includes a first normally downwardly and forwardly extending link having its upper end pivotally affixed to said plate means and its lower end pivotally afiixed to the front portion of said frame, and a second normally downwardly and rearwardly extending link having its upper end pivotally connected to said body-supporting member adjacent the point of interconnection of the latters leg and buttock portions and its lower end pivotally affixed to the intermediate portion of said first link.

14. The combination set forth in claim l2 wherein said drive means includes an internally threaded sleeve and said pusher means includes a threaded post that is encompassed by said sleeve.

15. The combination set forth in claim 13 wherein said drive means includes an internally threaded sleeve and said pusher means includes a threaded post that is encompassed by said sleeve.

16. The combination set forth in claim 14 wherein said plate means carries an electric motor that is drivingly connected to said sleeve.

17. The combination set forth in claim 15 wherein said plate means carries an electric motor that is drivingly connected to said sleeve.

18. An invalids bed, comprising: a frame; a bodysupporting member having a back portion, a buttock portion and a leg portion, said portions Ihaving their adjoining ends lpivotally interconnected so as to be movable between a horizontally aligned normal position wherein an invalid may be supported in a supine condition and an alternate angularly displaced chair-defining position wherein said invalid is adapted to be supported in a seated condition; means pivotally securing the intermediate portion of said back portion to said frame; structural means depending from said back portion when said bed is in its normal position; lever means having one end pivotally aixed to the intermediate portion of said leg portion, with the opposite end of said lever means being pivotally affixed to said structural means at a point spaced downwardly from said back portion; drive means carried by said structural means; and pusher means pivotally connected to said body-supporting member at the point of pivotal interconnection of the leg and buttock portions thereof, said pusher means extending downwardly and rearwardly relative to said frame so as to be received by said drive means whereby actuation of said drive means will effect bodily movement of said pusher means away from said drive means so as to eiect concurrent movement of said body-supporting member from said horizontally aligned position to said alternate angularly displaced position.

19. The combination set forth in claim 18 wherein said drive means includes an internally threaded sleeve and said pusher means includes a threaded post that is encompassed by said sleeve.

20. The combination set forth in claim 19 wherein said structural means carries an electric motor that is drivingly connected to said sleeve.

21. An invalids bed, comprising: a frame having a xed rear portion and a front portion that is longitudinally attached to and movable relative to said tixed portion; a body-supporting member having a back portion, a buttock portion and a leg portion, said portions having their adjoining ends pivotally interconnected'so as to be movable between a horizontally aligned normal position wherein an invalid may be supported in a supine condition and an alternate angularly displaced chairdeiining position wherein said invalid is adapted to be supported in a seated condition; means pivotally securing intermediate portion of said back portion to the fixed portion of said frame; structural means depending from said back portion when said bed is in its normal position; lever means having one end pivotally aixed to the intermediate portion of said leg portion, with the opposite end of said lever means being pivotally afxed to said structural means at a point spaced downwardly from said back portion; drive means carried by said structural means; pusher means pivotally connected to said bodysupporting member at the point of pivotal interconnection of the leg and buttock portions thereof, said pusher means extending downwardly and rearwardly relative to said frame when said bed is in its normal position so as to be received by said drive means whereby actuation of said drive means will effect bodily movement of said pusher means away from said drive means so as to effect concurrent movement of said body-supporting member from said horizontally aligned position to said alternate angularly displaced position; rear wheel means on the fixed portion of said frame; front wheel means on the front portion of said frame; and linkage means interconnecting said body-supporting member, said structural means and the front portion of said frame whereby said front wheel means will undergo automatic rearward longitudinal movement relative to said frame as said bodysupporting member is moved from its normal position to its alternate position.

22. The combination set forth in claim 21 wherein said linkage means includes a irst normally downwardly and forwardly extending link having its upper end pivotally aixed to said structural means and its lower end pivotally aixed to the front portion of said frame, and a second normally downwardly and rearwardly extending link having its upper end pivotally connected to said bodysupporting member adjacent to the point of interconnection of the latters leg and buttock portions and its lower end pivotally afxed to the intermediate portion of said iirst link.

23. The combination set forth in claim 21 wherein said drive means includes an internally threaded sleeve and said pusher means includes a threaded post that is encompassed by said sleeve.

24. The combination set forth in claim 22 wherein said drive means includes an internally threaded sleeve and said pusher means includes a threaded post that is encompossed by said sleeve.

2 5. The combination set forth in claim 23 wherein said structural means carries an electric motor that is drivingly connected to said sleeve.

26. The combination set forth in claim 24 wherein said plate means carries an electric motor that is drivingly connected to said sleeve.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,984,311 Lamar Dec. 11, 1934 2,438,093 Miller Mar. 16, 1948 2,500,744 Beem Mar. 14, 1950 2,560,465 McVicker et al. July 10, 1951 2,607,929 Ballut Aug. 26, 1952 2,639,623 Ausherman May 26, 1953 2,694,437 Glaser Nov. 16, 1954 2,823,731 Miller Feb. 18, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 2,889 Great Britain July 2, 1881 11,636 Great Britain June 19, 1914 356,636 Great Britain June 17, 1921 505,226 Great Britain May 8, 1939 786,531 France June 8, 1935