WO2004045342A1 - Panel assembly - Google Patents

Panel assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004045342A1
WO2004045342A1 PCT/GB2003/004992 GB0304992W WO2004045342A1 WO 2004045342 A1 WO2004045342 A1 WO 2004045342A1 GB 0304992 W GB0304992 W GB 0304992W WO 2004045342 A1 WO2004045342 A1 WO 2004045342A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
panel
frame
panel structure
hollow
bed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2003/004992
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Stephen Hayes
Stephen Hollyoak
Original Assignee
Huntleigh Technology Plc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Huntleigh Technology Plc filed Critical Huntleigh Technology Plc
Priority to AU2003302010A priority Critical patent/AU2003302010A1/en
Publication of WO2004045342A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004045342A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
    • A61G7/0507—Side-rails
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C19/00—Bedsteads
    • A47C19/02—Parts or details of bedsteads not fully covered in a single one of the following subgroups, e.g. bed rails, post rails
    • A47C19/021—Bedstead frames
    • A47C19/022—Head or foot boards
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C21/00—Attachments for beds, e.g. sheet holders, bed-cover holders; Ventilating, cooling or heating means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses
    • A47C21/08—Devices for prevention against falling-out, e.g. detachable sidewalls

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the manufacture of panels for hospital beds or similar, in particular those formed by twin sheet process.
  • a known method of producing such panels as headboards and footboards for hospital beds involves cladding a metal armature with two vacuum-formed plastic covers as shown in Figure 6.
  • the plastic covers are fixed to the metal armature using double-sided tape and the two plastic covers are lap jointed together. This lap joint is then fully sealed, for example with adhesive to obtain a strong watertight joint required for hospital beds.
  • This method requires a large amount of labour and is difficult to produce with consistent quality.
  • the need for a substantial armature and a large labour input in assembly results in an expensive product.
  • the structure relies entirely on the metal armature for its strength.
  • the present invention seeks to make improvements.
  • the present invention provides a panel structure for a bed or similar, including a panel of thermoformed twin sheet hollow plastic welded substantially around the periphery, and a support frame, the support frame inserted within the hollow panel by means of apertures located on the panel , wherein the frame is secured within the hollow panel.
  • the panel structure comprises a bed headboard having a handle feature
  • the frame comprises a hollow tubular frame of an H' construction wherein the two legs of the frame are inserted into apertures on the hollow panel.
  • the frame is secured within the panel by means of foam or adhesive forcefully fed through the hollow tubular legs of the frame, the legs having openings at their ends within the panel .
  • the panel structure comprises a bed headboard and footboard.
  • the panel structure is a section of a platform for a bed.
  • each such section has a frame comprising a metal frame inserted into the hollow panel after thermoforming and incorporating the hinge points about which the panel structure can pivot. More preferably, the frame is secured within the panel by means of rivets or screws.
  • the panel structure is a side rail for a bed.
  • Figure 1 shows a plan view of a panel structure as a headboard for a bed according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a plan view of the components of the panel structure in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 shows a plan view of a panel structure as a section of a platform for a bed according to the present invention;
  • Figure 4 shows a plan view of the components of the panel structure in Figure 3 ; and Figure 5 shows a plan view of a panel structure as a side rail for a bed according to the present invention.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show a panel structure consisting of a twin-sheet thermoformed hollow panel 1 and a support frame 2, the support frame 2 preferably provided with location spigots to enable the panel structure to be mounted as a headboard for a bed.
  • the twin-sheet process produces a hollow plastic panel 1 welded around its periphery and around any desired internal features such as handles 3 or similar aperture.
  • the two sheets comprising the panel can be brought together and heat welded by the process in order to add rigidity and strength.
  • the resulting panel 10 results in a strong, rigid but lightweight structure.
  • Apertures 14 are cut through the bottom edge of the panel 1, 10 in order to allow the insertion of a support frame 2.
  • the support frame is of an H' construction where the two legs 4, 5 of the frame 2 are inserted deep into the hollow panel 1 leaving the two shorter legs 6, 7 to project beyond the panel 1. These shorter legs 6, 7 are used to attach the panel structure to a bed, for example as a headboard or footboard.
  • the support frame 2 is secured within the hollow panel 1 by injecting a foam or adhesive through the open ends of the upright hollow tubular legs 4, 5 of the frame 2.
  • the ends of the upright legs 4, 5 are crimped closed and holes 8 are cross-drilled in the upper part of the legs.
  • the injected foam or adhesive is forced to extrude out though the cross-drilled holes 8 and subsequently diffuse out into the void inside the panel 1.
  • the foam or adhesive then anchors the frame 2 rigidly to the panel 1 providing a solid structure.
  • the amount of foam/adhesive can be varied so that only sufficient is used to anchor the frame 2 to the panel 1 or alternatively, the whole void of the panel 1 is filled to generate a stiffer structure.
  • the open ends of the upright legs 6, 7 are plugged with a plastic cap 9 to prevent ingress of fluid.
  • Figures 3 & 4 show a panel structure 10 as a section of a bed platform to provide a lightweight, rigid and easily cleaned structure.
  • the two sheets comprising the panel 10 are brought together in certain areas and heat welded to add rigidity and strength.
  • the resulting panel 10 results in a strong, rigid but lightweight structure.
  • Apertures 14 are cut through the bottom edge of the panel 10 in order to allow the insertion of the metal frame 11.
  • the frame 11 further incorporates hinge points 12 about which the panel structure 10 can pivot .
  • the frame 11 is fixed in place by using rivets or screws 13 going through one of the walls of the panel and into the metal frame 11.
  • the metal frame is shown as a tubular construction but can take the form of metal pressings or plates.
  • the inserted metal frame 11 can include additional metal plates to allow for the attachment of other structures or items to the panel structure by fastening through the wall of the panel into the plates.
  • Figure 5 shows a panel structure consisting of a twin-sheet thermoformed hollow panel 15 and a support frame 16, the support frame 16 located on the bed frame to enable the panel structure to be mounted as a side rail for a bed.
  • the twin-sheet process produces a hollow plastic panel 15 welded around its periphery and around any desired internal, features such as handles 17 or similar aperture.
  • panel structures incorporating hollow panels and support frames can be used to provide any support surface on beds, trolleys or couches or similar as well as the manufacture of headboards and footboards and also safety sides.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

A panel structure consisting of a twin-sheet thermoformed hollow panel (1) and a support frame (2). The panel (1) is welded around its periphery and around any desired internal features, e.g. handles (3) or can be brought together and heat welded to add rigidity and strength. Apertures (14) are cut in the panel (1, 10) to allow the insertion of a hollow support frame (2). which is secured within the hollow panel (1) by injecting foam/adhesive through the frame (2). The injected foam or adhesive is forced out though holes (8) within the frame to diffuse inside the panel (1) to anchor the frame (2) rigidly to the panel (1) thereby providing a solid structure. The frame can also be fixed by rivets or screws. The panel structures can be used to provide support surfaces on beds, trolleys or couches, bed headboards/footboards and safety sides.

Description

Panel Assembly
The present invention relates to the manufacture of panels for hospital beds or similar, in particular those formed by twin sheet process.
A known method of producing such panels as headboards and footboards for hospital beds involves cladding a metal armature with two vacuum-formed plastic covers as shown in Figure 6. The plastic covers are fixed to the metal armature using double-sided tape and the two plastic covers are lap jointed together. This lap joint is then fully sealed, for example with adhesive to obtain a strong watertight joint required for hospital beds. This method requires a large amount of labour and is difficult to produce with consistent quality. Also, the need for a substantial armature and a large labour input in assembly results in an expensive product. Furthermore, the structure relies entirely on the metal armature for its strength. The present invention seeks to make improvements.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a panel structure for a bed or similar, including a panel of thermoformed twin sheet hollow plastic welded substantially around the periphery, and a support frame, the support frame inserted within the hollow panel by means of apertures located on the panel , wherein the frame is secured within the hollow panel.
Preferably, the panel structure comprises a bed headboard having a handle feature, more preferably, the frame comprises a hollow tubular frame of an H' construction wherein the two legs of the frame are inserted into apertures on the hollow panel. Preferably, the frame is secured within the panel by means of foam or adhesive forcefully fed through the hollow tubular legs of the frame, the legs having openings at their ends within the panel .
In a preferred embodiment, the panel structure comprises a bed headboard and footboard. In another preferred embodiment, the panel structure is a section of a platform for a bed. Preferably, each such section has a frame comprising a metal frame inserted into the hollow panel after thermoforming and incorporating the hinge points about which the panel structure can pivot. More preferably, the frame is secured within the panel by means of rivets or screws. In another embodiment, the panel structure is a side rail for a bed.
The present invention is described below, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a plan view of a panel structure as a headboard for a bed according to the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a plan view of the components of the panel structure in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a panel structure as a section of a platform for a bed according to the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a plan view of the components of the panel structure in Figure 3 ; and Figure 5 shows a plan view of a panel structure as a side rail for a bed according to the present invention.
Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show a panel structure consisting of a twin-sheet thermoformed hollow panel 1 and a support frame 2, the support frame 2 preferably provided with location spigots to enable the panel structure to be mounted as a headboard for a bed.
The twin-sheet process produces a hollow plastic panel 1 welded around its periphery and around any desired internal features such as handles 3 or similar aperture. As shown in Figure 3, the two sheets comprising the panel can be brought together and heat welded by the process in order to add rigidity and strength. The resulting panel 10 results in a strong, rigid but lightweight structure. Apertures 14 are cut through the bottom edge of the panel 1, 10 in order to allow the insertion of a support frame 2. The support frame is of an H' construction where the two legs 4, 5 of the frame 2 are inserted deep into the hollow panel 1 leaving the two shorter legs 6, 7 to project beyond the panel 1. These shorter legs 6, 7 are used to attach the panel structure to a bed, for example as a headboard or footboard. The support frame 2 is secured within the hollow panel 1 by injecting a foam or adhesive through the open ends of the upright hollow tubular legs 4, 5 of the frame 2. The ends of the upright legs 4, 5 are crimped closed and holes 8 are cross-drilled in the upper part of the legs. The injected foam or adhesive is forced to extrude out though the cross-drilled holes 8 and subsequently diffuse out into the void inside the panel 1. The foam or adhesive then anchors the frame 2 rigidly to the panel 1 providing a solid structure. The amount of foam/adhesive can be varied so that only sufficient is used to anchor the frame 2 to the panel 1 or alternatively, the whole void of the panel 1 is filled to generate a stiffer structure. The open ends of the upright legs 6, 7 are plugged with a plastic cap 9 to prevent ingress of fluid.
Figures 3 & 4 show a panel structure 10 as a section of a bed platform to provide a lightweight, rigid and easily cleaned structure. In this example, the two sheets comprising the panel 10 are brought together in certain areas and heat welded to add rigidity and strength. The resulting panel 10 results in a strong, rigid but lightweight structure. Apertures 14 are cut through the bottom edge of the panel 10 in order to allow the insertion of the metal frame 11. The frame 11 further incorporates hinge points 12 about which the panel structure 10 can pivot . Instead of the foam or adhesive as in the previous example, the frame 11 is fixed in place by using rivets or screws 13 going through one of the walls of the panel and into the metal frame 11. The metal frame is shown as a tubular construction but can take the form of metal pressings or plates. The inserted metal frame 11 can include additional metal plates to allow for the attachment of other structures or items to the panel structure by fastening through the wall of the panel into the plates. Figure 5 shows a panel structure consisting of a twin-sheet thermoformed hollow panel 15 and a support frame 16, the support frame 16 located on the bed frame to enable the panel structure to be mounted as a side rail for a bed. As with the headboard or footboard above, the twin-sheet process produces a hollow plastic panel 15 welded around its periphery and around any desired internal, features such as handles 17 or similar aperture.
The above examples of panel structures incorporating hollow panels and support frames can be used to provide any support surface on beds, trolleys or couches or similar as well as the manufacture of headboards and footboards and also safety sides.

Claims

Claims :
1. A panel structure for a bed or similar, comprising a panel of thermoformed twin sheet hollow plastic welded substantially around the periphery, and a support frame, the support frame inserted within the hollow panel by means of apertures located on the panel, wherein the frame is secured within the hollow panel.
2. A panel structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a hollow tubular frame of an λH' construction wherein the two legs of the frame are inserted into apertures on the hollow panel.
3. A panel structure as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein the frame is secured within the panel by means of foam or adhesive forcefully fed through the hollow tubular legs of the frame, the legs having openings at their ends within the panel .
4. A panel structure as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the panel structure comprises a bed headboard.
5. A panel structure as claimed in claim 4 wherein the bed headboard has a handle feature .
6. A panel structure as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the panel structure comprises a bed footboard.
7. A panel structure as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the panel structure is a section of a platform for a bed.
8. A panel structure as claimed in claim 7 wherein the panel structure has a frame incorporating hinge points about which the panel structure can pivot .
9. A panel structure as claimed in claim 7 or 8 wherein the frame is secured within the panel by means of rivets or screws .
10. A panel structure as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the panel structure is a side rail for a bed.
PCT/GB2003/004992 2002-11-19 2003-11-17 Panel assembly WO2004045342A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003302010A AU2003302010A1 (en) 2002-11-19 2003-11-17 Panel assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0226918A GB0226918D0 (en) 2002-11-19 2002-11-19 Panel assembly
GB0226918.1 2002-11-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004045342A1 true WO2004045342A1 (en) 2004-06-03

Family

ID=9948079

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2003/004992 WO2004045342A1 (en) 2002-11-19 2003-11-17 Panel assembly

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2003302010A1 (en)
GB (2) GB0226918D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2004045342A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018084699A1 (en) * 2016-11-02 2018-05-11 Marel Stork Poultry Processing B.V. Poultry container door corner part, poultry container door frame, poultry container door and poultry container
GB2601895A (en) * 2020-10-20 2022-06-15 Hs Products Ltd Headboard

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2671910A (en) * 1948-08-06 1954-03-16 Superior Sleeprite Corp Headboard for beds
FR1260640A (en) * 1957-01-25 1961-05-12 Assembly process for bed backs and beds manufactured by this process
DE29507355U1 (en) * 1995-05-03 1995-07-20 Fa. AKS Aktuelle Krankenpflege Systeme, 53842 Troisdorf Nursing bed
DE29700111U1 (en) * 1997-01-07 1997-03-06 L. & C. Arnold GmbH, 73614 Schorndorf Bed head, especially for sick or nursing beds

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB876688A (en) * 1959-06-24 1961-09-06 A V P Ind Ltd Improvements in or relating to headboards for divans and beds
DE9407325U1 (en) * 1994-05-03 1994-08-11 Joh. Stiegelmeyer GmbH & Co KG, 32051 Herford Side rest for a bed, in particular a hospital bed
US5577277A (en) * 1995-03-30 1996-11-26 Safety 1St, Inc. Collapsable bed side rail
US6460955B1 (en) * 1998-09-09 2002-10-08 Fisher & Paykel Limited Cabinet, parts thereof and associated methods
US6134731A (en) * 1999-04-01 2000-10-24 Bel-Art Products, Inc. Adjustable support apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2671910A (en) * 1948-08-06 1954-03-16 Superior Sleeprite Corp Headboard for beds
FR1260640A (en) * 1957-01-25 1961-05-12 Assembly process for bed backs and beds manufactured by this process
DE29507355U1 (en) * 1995-05-03 1995-07-20 Fa. AKS Aktuelle Krankenpflege Systeme, 53842 Troisdorf Nursing bed
DE29700111U1 (en) * 1997-01-07 1997-03-06 L. & C. Arnold GmbH, 73614 Schorndorf Bed head, especially for sick or nursing beds

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018084699A1 (en) * 2016-11-02 2018-05-11 Marel Stork Poultry Processing B.V. Poultry container door corner part, poultry container door frame, poultry container door and poultry container
NL2017708B1 (en) * 2016-11-02 2018-05-18 Marel Stork Poultry Proc Bv Poultry container door panel, poultry container door frame, poultry container and assembly of a poultry container and a poultry container front panel
EP3534696A1 (en) * 2016-11-02 2019-09-11 Marel Stork Poultry Processing B.V. Poultry container door corner part, poultry container door frame, poultry container door and poultry container
US11213016B2 (en) 2016-11-02 2022-01-04 Marel Stork Poultry Processing B.V. Poultry container door panel, poultry container door frame, poultry container and assembly of a poultry container and a poultry container front panel
GB2601895A (en) * 2020-10-20 2022-06-15 Hs Products Ltd Headboard

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0326753D0 (en) 2003-12-17
GB2395657A (en) 2004-06-02
GB2395657B (en) 2005-02-02
AU2003302010A1 (en) 2004-06-15
GB0226918D0 (en) 2002-12-24

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