WO2019238903A1 - Lower limbs portion and birth furniture piece - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lower limbs portion (1) of a birth furniture piece (10) for supporting lower limbs of a mother during birth. The lower limbs portion (1) comprises a mattress structure (2) with an accommodating top surface (3) and a bottom surface (4). A distance between the top surface (3) and the bottom surface (4) defines a thickness (5, 5t, 5f) of the mattress structure (2). Furthermore, the lower limbs portion (1) comprises a thickness adjustment arrangement (6) configured to flexibly adjust the thickness (5, 5t, 5f) of the mattress structure (2). The present invention also relates to a birth furniture piece (10) comprising a frame portion (13), a back rest portion (11), a pelvis support portion (12) and a lower limbs portion (1) as above mentioned. The frame portion (13) supports the back rest portion (11) and the pelvis support portion (12). The frame portion (13) has a storage (14). The lower limbs portion (1) is movable relative to the frame portion (13). A thickness (5, 5t, 5f) of a mattress structure (2) of the lower limbs portion (1) is adjustable between a folded position (F) and an unfolded position (U) by a thickness adjustment arrangement (6) of the lower limbs portion (1). The lower limbs portion (1) is movable into the storage (14) of the frame portion (13) when the mattress structure (2) is in the folded position (F). A thickness of the pelvis support portion (12) is adoptable by the lower limbs portion (1) when the thickness (5) of the mattress structure (2) is adjusted towards the unfolded position (U).

Description

DESCRI PTION

Title

LOWER LIMBS PORTION AND BIRTH FURNITURE PIECE

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lower limb portion of a birth furniture piece for supporting the lower limbs of a mother during birth and to a birth furniture piece comprising such lower limb portion. Lower limb portion of that kind can be used as leg and foot rest of a birth furniture piece designed to actively promote labor and pushing stages of childbirth.

Background Art

[0002] In the last years or decades, in the developed world, the average age of a mother giving birth has increased significantly. The average mother is getting older, bigger and less mobile. For example, the average age for the first birth in Switzerland went up from age 25 in 1970 to age 31 in 2013. These factors have an influence on the birth process which in some cases can have negative implications to the mother as well as to the child.

[0003] In addition to that, for medical reasons or for convenience, it is common today to have an epidural anaesthesia during birth. This leads to mothers being physically incapable of following the instructions of the midwife and to participate in the birth process in an appropriate manner. On top, in many hospitals and other birth places the workload of midwives and doctors has increased in the last years. In the end, this leads to more women having an unplanned or planned caesarean section. However, many women wish a natural birth also to allow her and the child to have a successful birth experience.

[0004] During birth, the child’s head moves down with contractions. In order to do so, it is important that the child is properly positioned. A wrong position of the child can be a key factor that the birth is prolonged or stalled. If birth doesn’t progress in a given time period, it is common practice to perform a caesarean section at a certain point.

[0005] The better or the more appropriate the child is positioned in each stadium of birth, the faster and less cumbersome the birth process usually is. Therefore, during birth midwives typically guide the mother to do movements and get into positions for supporting a proper positioning of the child. Those movements and positions can be of high importance for the birth success. The positive impacts of continuously positioning the woman and moving her birth canal are proven in various scientific studies.

[0006] However, in case of a high workload or for other reasons of efficiency, the midwife is not capable of repositioning the birthing woman every few minutes. The active positioning and movement of the woman requires a high physical and time- consuming effort of the midwife. Also, the physical condition often does not allow to support the woman properly. As a consequence, the midwives’ skills often are not applied appropriately which again increases the chance of a prolonged birth or an unplanned caesarean section.

[0007] A system allowing to efficiently assist the mother being appropriately positioned and moved during birth such that a comparably smooth birth process such that the chance of an unplanned caesarean section can be reduced has been disclosed in WO 2018/007127 A1. In particular, this document describes a birth assisting module and a birth furniture piece equipped with such a module.

[0008] In connection with birth furniture pieces, they commonly have a back rest portion, a pelvis portion and a leg portion mounted to a frame and adjustable relative to each other. Particularly, the leg portion typically can be adjusted in height and folded down to allow various positions of the mother during birth like lying, sitting and anything in between. Thereby, the frame often has a storage with an opening for receiving the leg portion when it is not required, such as while the mother is sitting.

[0009] A problem which may occur in such birth furniture pieces is that the back rest, pelvis and leg portions are often not correctly aligned when being adjusted. In particular, birth assisting modules as described in WO 2018/007127 A1 typically are comparably voluminous such that they do not fit to known leg portions suiting into storages of respective frames. Also, such modules may involve a variable height and movements such that they are not properly alignable with the leg portion. Moreover, the leg portions of existing pieces of birth furniture have a fixed shape which does not allow to flexibly conform to the specific anatomy of legs and feet of a woman giving birth or to the most appropriate and effective positional conditions in a given phase of the birth process.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a space-saving lower limbs portion of a birth furniture piece that allows for flexibly supporting the lower limbs of a mother during birth, such that the comfort of the mother in each different phase of the birth process and the overall efficiency of the birth process are enhanced based on her specific anatomy.

Disclosure of the Invention

[0011] According to the invention this need is settled by a lower limbs portion as it is defined by the features of independent claim 1 , and by a birth furniture piece as it is defined by independent claim 13. Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] In one aspect the invention is a lower limbs portion of a birth furniture for supporting lower limbs of a mother during birth, comprising a mattress structure with an accommodating top surface and a bottom surface. A distance between the top surface and the bottom surface defines a thickness of the mattress structure.

[0013] A thickness adjustment arrangement is configured to flexibly adjust the thickness of the mattress structure. Thus, different needs of the mother giving birth can be met during the whole birth process and the configuration of the birth furniture piece can be optimized to the individual anatomy of the mother. Such needs can also change in different phases of the birth process and a flexible adjustment of the thickness of the mattress structure ensures that the mother is not only at ease but also is continuously in the best position to promote a smooth delivery. Furthermore, the thickness adjustment arrangement allows providing a comparably thick lower limbs portion in use to align the lower limb support with a comparably high pelvis support portion. At the same time the lower limb portion can be provided comparably thin and compact when not being used such that it can efficiently be stored.

[0014] The lower limbs portion can be a substantially flat or plate-like element or unit. It can be equipped with a structure for being mounted to birth furniture piece such as a birthing bed. [0015] Further, the lower limbs portion advantageously is a single part construction or one single unit. Such a unit can be easily handled such positioned and manipulated. Particularly, compared to multi part construction such as compositions of mattress and lifting element, such single part construction or single unit allows for a safe and convenient operation of the lower limbs portion which can be specifically beneficial in situations where safety and performance is important such as in a birthing environment.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the term “lower limbs” relates to a section of the body of the mother below her torso. It particularly includes the legs and the feet of the mother. Thereby, the lower limbs can be supported by arranging the feet, the legs or some sections thereof on the lower limbs portion.

[0017] The term “birth furniture” as used herein relates to furniture shaped and designed for accommodating a mother during birth. A birth furniture piece can be a chair like or bed like furniture piece and particularly a birthing bed, a delivery bed, a delivery chair or a birthing chair. Such birth furniture piece usually has a pelvis support portion where the pelvis of the mother is placed during birth, a back rest portion for supporting the back of the mother and a lower limbs portion in order to allow the mother to be safely and comfortable positioned.

[0018] The mattress structure can be a mattress like unit having a comparably soft, compliant top surface for allowing convenient support of the legs of the mother. The soft top can be formed by a body made of a resilient and/or elastic material for providing a desired comfort, so that the limbs resting thereon can be accommodated ideally according to the mother’s anatomy. Said material can be a foam material, for instance of polymer or resin, a viscose material, a rubber material or the like, or any combination thereof.

[0019] The top surface of the mattress structure can be plane or have a shape adapted for receiving the lower limbs of the mother. A flat or plane top surface may be particularly beneficial since it allows to flexibly support any portion of the lower limbs of the mother in any position or orientation.

[0020] The bottom surface can have any shape suitable for the intended application of the lower limbs portion. In many situations, it is beneficial that the bottom surface is flat or plane. It can be made of a comparably hard and robust material capable of receiving a wear or stress induced by movements of the legs of the mother during birth. For example, said material can be wood, a hard plastic material or the like.

[0021 ] Preferably, the mattress structure has a torso end, a feet end and a length direction extending from the torso end to the feet end, and the thickness adjustment arrangement is configured to distinctly adjust the thickness of the mattress structure at different positions along the length direction of the mattress structure. In this connection, the term“distinctly” relates to an individual adjustment at the different positions. Like this, the mattress structure can have different thicknesses at different positions along the length direction. For example, the thickness adjustment arrangement may selectively provide a greater thickness at the feet end than at the torso end to allow the mother to counter-press the feet during birth.

[0022] Preferably, the thickness adjustment arrangement is configured to adjust the thickness of the mattress structure at a torso end region and at a feet end region independent from each other. The torso and feet end regions can particularly comprise or be, or coincide with, respectively the torso end and feet end above introduced.

[0023] Thus, it is possible to differentially adjust, at different positions along the length of the mattress structure, the level, or height, of the accommodating top surface of the leg portion of the birth furniture and/or the angle thereof with respect to the pelvis support portion, to better comply with the specific anatomy of the mother, improve her comfort and to overall ease the birth process.

[0024] Preferably, the thickness adjustment arrangement is positioned essentially within the mattress structure. Such arrangement allows for providing the mattress structure as a compact unit. Further, it allows the thickness adjustment arrangement to efficiently cooperate with the bottom and top surface in order to safely and solidly define the thickness.

[0025] The mattress structure may comprise a bottom plate, preferably rigid, with the bottom surface and a top plate, preferably soft, with the top surface. Thereby, the thickness adjustment arrangement preferably is positioned between the bottom plate and the top plate. Thanks to this, the structural stability and sturdiness of the lower limbs portion mounted on the birth furniture piece and the comfortable support of the lower limbs of the mother giving birth are guaranteed. Also such plate allow for an efficient interaction with the thickness adjustment arrangement.

[0026] The thickness adjustment arrangement can comprise an adjustment mechanism configured to mechanically vary the thickness of the mattress structure. Such mechanism may allow for precisely adjusting the thickness. Also it can be embodied in a robust way such that the overall lower limbs portion can be comparably robust.

[0027] The adjustment mechanism preferably comprises a lifting mechanics. The lifting mechanics can be advantageously positioned between, and coupled to, the bottom plate and the top plate such that, upon activation of the lifting mechanics, a distance between the bottom plate and the top plate is varied. As already explained, distances between the bottom plate and the top plate can be varied along the length direction of the mattress structure, so that a different thickness at respective different positions along the length direction can be achieved.

[0028] Preferably, the lifting mechanics comprises a torso portion located at a torso end region of the mattress structure and a feet portion located at a feet end region of the mattress structure. Thus, the differential thickness between torso end region and feet end region can be more efficiently created.

[0029] The adjustment mechanism can have a motor or drive, such as an electro- motor, or a hydraulic actuating system making use of hydraulic cylinders or similar coupled to the lifting mechanics such that the thickness of the mattress structure can be automatically varied.

[0030] However, preferably the thickness adjustment arrangement comprises a hand gear coupled to the lifting mechanics for such that the lifting mechanics is activatable by the hand gear. The hand gear preferably comprises a torso gear coupled to the torso portion of the lifting mechanics and a feet gear coupled to the feet portion of the lifting mechanics.

[0031 ] By way of example, the lifting mechanics can comprise a scissors lift mechanism including a plurality of pairs of arms pivotally interconnected at an intersection in a scissor-like fashion. As the arms pivot between generally vertical unstacked and horizontal stacked orientations relative to one another, the accommodating top surface of the lower limbs portion can be raised or lowered. For instance, two scissor columns comprising at least two pairs of arms can be employed, a first scissor column being located at a torso end region of the mattress structure and a second scissor column being located at a feet end region of the mattress structure. The motor or drive, or alternatively the hand gear, can cause pivoting of the pairs of arms to expand the lifting mechanics. Thus, the thickness of the mattress structure can be flexibly adjusted, achieving a different thickness at the torso end region and at the feet end region which accounts for different needs in the two distinct locations.

[0032] Preferably, the lower limbs portion comprises a cover in which the mattress structure is arranged. In order to better assist the adjustment of the thickness of the mattress structure between a folded position and an unfolded position of the lower limbs portion, the cover can advantageously be elastic, such that it can tightly encase the mattress structure both in its folded and unfolded position as well as in the intermediate positions taken.

[0033] Preferably, the thickness adjustment arrangement comprises a release structure configured to automatically reduce the thickness of the mattress structure. For example, such release structure can be embodied to unlock the thickness adjustment arrangement and thereby allowing gravity to fold the mattress structure. Like this, the mattress structure can conveniently and quickly be folded.

[0034] In another aspect the present invention is a birth furniture piece comprising a frame portion, a back rest portion, a pelvis support portion and a lower limbs portion as above described. The frame portion supports the back rest portion and the pelvis support portion. The lower limbs portion is made movable relative to the frame portion. A thickness of a mattress structure of the lower limbs portion is adjustable, between a folded position and an unfolded position, by a thickness adjustment arrangement of the lower limbs portion.

[0035] Further, the frame portion has a storage. The lower limbs portion is movable into the storage of the frame portion when the mattress structure is in the folded position. The storage can be embodied as a housing with an opening through which the lower limbs portion can be moved inside the housing. Alternatively, the storage can be a free space underneath the pelvis and/or back portion. [0036] Thanks to this configuration, the lower limbs portion is stowable, totally or just partially, in the storage of the frame portion, according to the current needs. In case a nurse of a doctor needs more proximity to the mother giving birth, the lower limbs portion can be stowed away, totally or by a sufficient portion in order to provide better access to the patient or to make more space. Whereas, as it is normally the case, if the mother needs to have support for legs and limbs to promote the birth process, the lower limbs portion can be extracted and unfolded, and used for lower limbs support during birth. The lower limbs portion does advantageously not fit into the storage of the frame when the mattress structure is in the unfolded position.

[0037] A thickness of the pelvis support portion can preferably be adopted by the lower limbs portion when the thickness of the mattress structure is adjusted towards the unfolded position. Thus, a gap between the lower limbs portion’s accommodating top surface and other parts of the birth furniture piece, such as the pelvis support portion, can be levelled. The leveling out of the lower limbs portion with respect to the other parts of the birth furniture piece can therefore be executed until a torso end region of the lower limbs portion is flush with the pelvis support portion. Alternatively, in case of special requirements and according to the circumstances, the mattress structure of the lower limbs portion can take on a thickness which leaves a desired gap between the accommodating top surface at the torso end region and the pelvis support portion.

[0038] Preferably, the pelvis support portion is formed by a birth assisting module comprising a pelvis mobilisation support, a movement mechanics and a drive unit. The pelvis mobilisation support is then coupled to the movement mechanics, and the movement mechanics is adapted to induce a controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilisation support.

[0039] Preferably, the controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilisation support of the birth assisting module moves the pelvis mobilisation support by at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 7 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 9 cm or at least 10 cm and preferably by at least 5 cm, and the drive unit is connected to the movement mechanics to actuate the movement mechanics.

[0040] By moving the pelvis of the mother in an appropriate form and to a sufficient extent, the child is guided through the necessary movements. This can essentially ease the birth process. Furthermore, the birth assisting module can assist the midwife during birth such that her load can be significantly reduced. Thus, by moving the pelvis of the mother during birth in an appropriate manner, the birth assisting module can prevent an unplanned caesarean section, can stimulate contraction for induction of the birth, can optimize preparation of the child's position before birth such as from 33 pregnancy weeks, reduce the duration of birth, can strengthen empowerment of the mother, can relax the mother during birth and can reduce physical complaint of the midwife such as usual chronic back disorders.

[0041 ] Preferably, the thickness adjustment arrangement of the lower limbs portion is configured to automatically move the thickness of the mattress structure to the folded position when the lower limbs portion is moved into the storage. Such an arrangement may ensure that the lower limbs portion always is in a proper state for being moved into the storage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042] The birth furniture piece and the lower limb portion according to the invention are described in more detail hereinbelow by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a birth furniture piece according to the invention provided with an embodiment of a lower limb portion according to the invention, wherein a mattress structure of the lower limb portion is in a folded position and the lower limb portion is partially extracted from a housing of a frame portion of the birth furniture piece;

Fig. 1 A shows a lateral view of the birth furniture piece of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the birth furniture piece of Fig. 1 , wherein the mattress structure of the lower limb portion is still in a folded position while the lower limb portion is completely extracted from the housing of a frame portion of the birth furniture piece;

Fig. 2A shows a lateral view of the birth furniture piece of Fig. 2;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the birth furniture piece of Fig. 1 , wherein the mattress structure of the lower limb portion has been unfolded in a way that the relative thickness is the same at a torso end region and at a feet end region;

Fig. 3A shows a lateral view of the birth furniture piece of Fig. 3;

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the birth furniture piece of Fig. 1 , wherein the mattress structure of the lower limb portion has been unfolded in a way that the relative thickness is distinctly different at the torso end region and at the feet end region; and

Fig. 4A shows a lateral view of the birth furniture piece of Fig. 4.

Description of Embodiments

[0043] In the following description certain terms are used for reasons of convenience and are not intended to limit the invention. The terms“right”,“left”,“up”,“down”,“under" and“above" refer to directions in the figures. The terminology comprises the explicitly mentioned terms as well as their derivations and terms with a similar meaning. Also, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "proximal", "distal", and the like, may be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions and orientations of the devices in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. The devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along and around various axes include various special device positions and orientations.

[0044] To avoid repetition in the figures and the descriptions of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. Omission of an aspect from a description or figure does not imply that the aspect is missing from embodiments that incorporate that aspect. Instead, the aspect may have been omitted for clarity and to avoid prolix description. In this context, the following applies to the rest of this description: If, in order to clarify the drawings, a figure contains reference signs which are not explained in the directly associated part of the description, then it is referred to previous or following description sections. Further, for reason of lucidity, if in a drawing not all features of a part are provided with reference signs it is referred to other drawings showing the same part. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements. [0045] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a birth furniture piece 10 according to the invention provided with an embodiment of a lower limb portion 1 according to the invention. In addition to the lower limb portion 1 , the birth furniture 10 comprises a frame portion 13, a back rest portion 11 and a pelvis support portion 12. The structure of the birth furniture piece 10 is such that the frame portion 13 supports the back rest portion 11 and the pelvis support portion, which are mounted thereon.

[0046] The frame portion 13 has a housing 14 with an opening 15 as storage. The lower limbs portion 1 is designed to be movable relative to the frame portion 13. In particular, in the portrayed configuration, the lower limbs portion 1 is partially stowed in the housing 14 of the frame portion 13 and only a portion thereof, including a feet end 8, is extracted and protrudes from the opening 15.

[0047] The lower limbs portion 1 comprises a mattress structure 2 with an accommodating top surface 3 and a bottom surface 4. A thickness 5 of the mattress structure 2 is defined as a distance between the top surface 3 and the bottom surface 4.

[0048] The mattress structure 2 comprises a rigid bottom plate 41 which is made integral with the bottom surface 4 and a top plate 31 which is made integral with the accommodating top surface 3. The top plate 31 is preferably soft for comfort of the lower limbs of the mother giving birth.

[0049] In Fig. 1 the mattress structure 2 of the lower limb portion 1 is in a folded position. A thickness adjustment arrangement 6 is positioned between the bottom plate 41 and the top plate 31 is set such that the thickness 5 is minimized to allow the passage inside the opening 15.

[0050] In Fig. 1 a cover 9 substantially wraps the mattress structure 2 which is therein arranged. The cover 9 is partially cut away to show an adjusting mechanism of the thickness adjustment arrangement 6. The adjusting mechanism comprises a lifting mechanics 61 which is represented as two arms of a scissor column, coupled to the bottom plate 41 and to the top plate 31 , in a horizontal stacked orientation. A hand gear 62 is coupled to and can activate the lifting mechanics 61.

[0051] It is apparent how in Fig. 1A, with the lifting mechanics 61 in a down position, there is maintained a substantial gap between the top surface 3, or the corresponding top surface of the enveloping cover 9, and the pelvis support portion 12. [0052] In Fig. 2 the mattress structure 2 of the lower limb portion 1 is still in a folded position and the lifting mechanics 61 of the adjustment mechanism is still in a down position, i.e. not activated or deployed, while the lower limb portion 1 has been totally extracted from the housing 14, passing through the opening 15. In the fully extracted configuration, the lower limb portion 1 is held to the frame portion 13 at a different level than in Fig. 1 and the gap between the top surface 3, or the corresponding top surface of the enveloping cover 9, and the pelvis support portion 12 is reduced, as evident from Fig. 2A.

[0053] In the fully extracted configuration of Fig. 2, the whole length of the mattress structure 2 is exposed and both the feet end region 8 and the torso end region 7 are visible. The adjustment mechanism has a release button 64 of a release structure and a safety bar 65 which are operated as explained below.

[0054] In Fig. 3, the lifting mechanics 61 of the adjustment mechanism has been activated by the hand gears 62. In particular, the hand gears 62 are manually counterclockwise pivoted about 90°. The thickness 5 of the mattress structure 2 has been adjusted such that an equal thickness is obtained at all the different positions along the length direction of the mattress structure 2, from the torso end region 7 to the feet end region 8. In fact, a torso gear 62t coupled to a torso portion of the lifting mechanics 61 and a feet gear 62f coupled to the feet portion of the lifting mechanics have been activated by a same amount. Consequently, the arms of a first scissor column 63t located at the torso end region 7 of the mattress structure 2, and the arms of a second scissor column 63f located at the feet end region 8 of the mattress structure 2 expand to ultimately lift the accommodating top surface 3 in a way that the top surface 3 is substantially horizontal. In this specific case, as said, the arms of both the first and the second scissor columns 63t, 63f are equally deployed, to an extent that the pelvis support portion 12 and the accommodating top surface 3 of the mattress structure 2 (or the cover 9 encasing the top surface 3) are substantially flush with each other. A thickness adjustment equalizing the level of the pelvis support portion 12 and that of the mattress structure 2, as can be appreciated from Fig. 3A, can be advantageously comfortable for the mother during some of the phases of the birth process.

[0055] Upon activation of the adjustment mechanism, the safety bar 65 is flapped down. In this position, when shifting the lower limb portion 1 into the housing 14 the safety bar 65 abuts the housing 14. Thereby, the thickness adjustment arrangement is activated such that it automatically moves the thickness of the mattress structure 2 to the folded position F. Like this, the safety bar 65 prevents that the mattress structure 2 or a portion thereof clashes with the housing 14.

[0056] For bringing the mattress structure 2 of the lower limbs portion 1 back to the folded position, the adjustment mechanism is arranged to the down position again. This can be achieved either by pivoting the hand gears 62 clockwise about 90°. Alternatively, the release button 64 can be pushed which unlocks the hand gears 62 such that the mattress structure 2 is folded by gravity. Like this, the release button 64 allows for a particularly fast folding of the mattress structure 2. Also, the safety bar 65 can activate the thickness adjustment arrangement to move the thickness of the mattress structure 2 to the folded position F similarly as by pushing the release button 64.

[0057] In Fig. 4, the lifting mechanics 61 of the adjustment mechanism has been activated by the hand gears 62 to achieve a positioning of the accommodating top surface 3 different from the case portrayed in Fig. 3.

[0058] In fact, in the case portrayed in Figs. 4 and 4A, the thickness 5 of the mattress structure 2 has been distinctly adjusted at different positions, namely at the torso end region 7 and at the feet end region 8, along the length direction of the mattress structure 2 such that the accommodating top surface 3 has a sloped configuration, angled with respect to the pelvis support portion 12. The torso gear 62t coupled to the torso portion of the lifting mechanics 61 has not been substantially activated whereas the feet gear 62f coupled to the feet portion of the lifting mechanics 61 has been activated by a desired amount. Consequently, the arms of the first scissor column 63t located at the torso end region 7 of the mattress structure 2 have not been deployed, while the arms of the second scissor column 63f located at the feet end region 8 of the mattress structure 2 have expanded to ultimately lift the accommodating top surface 3 in a way that the top surface 3 is substantially inclined. In this specific case, as said, the arms of the first and the second scissor columns 63t, 63f are differentially deployed, to an extent the accommodating top surface 3 of the mattress structure 2 (or the cover 9 encasing the top surface 3) is substantially upwardly sloping from the torso end region 7 to the feet end region 8. A greater thickness 5f of the mattress structure is obtained at the feet end region 8 and a smaller thickness 5t is kept at the torso end region 7. A certain gap is maintained between the pelvis support portion 12 and the torso end region 7 of the mattress structure 2. This allows the mother giving birth to push her feet against the lower limbs portion, which can be of advantage in some phases of the birth process.

[0059] This description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention should not be taken as limiting the claims defining the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description and the claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, it will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below.

[0060] The disclosure also covers all further features shown in the Figs individually although they may not have been described in the afore or following description. Also, single alternatives of the embodiments described in the figures and the description and single alternatives of features thereof can be disclaimed from the subject matter of the invention or from disclosed subject matter. The disclosure comprises subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or the exemplary embodiments as well as subject matter comprising said features.

[0061 ] Furthermore, in the claims the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The terms“essentially”,“about”,“approximately” and the like in connection with an attribute or a value particularly also define exactly the attribute or exactly the value, respectively. The term“about” in the context of a given numerate value or range refers to a value or range that is, e.g., within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be electrically or mechanically directly coupled, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAI MS

Claim 1 : Lower limbs portion (1 ) of a birth furniture piece (10), configured to support lower limbs of a mother during birth, comprising a mattress structure (2) with an accommodating top surface (3) and a bottom surface (4), wherein a distance between the top surface (3) and the bottom surface (4) defines a thickness (5, 5t, 5f) of the mattress structure (2), characterized by comprising a thickness adjustment arrangement (6) configured to flexibly adjust the thickness (5, 5t, 5f) of the mattress structure (2).

Claim 2: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of claim 1 , wherein the mattress structure

(2) has a torso end (7), a feet end (8) and a length direction extending from the torso end (7) to the feet end (8), and the thickness adjustment arrangement (6) is configured to distinctly adjust the thickness (5, 5t, 5f) of the mattress structure (2) at different positions along the length direction of the mattress structure (2).

Claim 3: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of claim 2, wherein the thickness adjustment arrangement (6) is configured to adjust the thickness (5, 5t, 5f) of the mattress structure (2) at a torso end region (7) and at a feet end region (8) independent from each other.

Claim 4: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness adjustment arrangement (6) is positioned essentially within the mattress structure (2).

Claim 5: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mattress structure (2) comprises a rigid bottom plate (41 ) with the bottom surface (4) and a soft top plate (31 ) with the top surface (3).

Claim 6: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of claim 5, wherein the thickness adjustment arrangement (6) is positioned between the bottom plate (41 ) and the top plate (31 ). Claim 7: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness adjustment arrangement (6) comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to mechanically vary the thickness (5, 5t, 5f) of the mattress structure (2).

Claim 8: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of claims 6 and 7, wherein the adjustment mechanism of the thickness adjustment arrangement (6) comprises a lifting mechanics (61 , 63t, 63f), wherein the lifting mechanics (61 , 63t, 63f) is positioned between and coupled to the bottom plate (41 ) and the top plate (31 ) such that, upon activation of the lifting mechanics (61 , 63t, 63f), a distance (5, 5t, 5f) between the bottom plate (41 ) and the top plate (31 ) is varied.

Claim 9: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of claim 8, wherein the lifting mechanics (61 ,

63t, 63f) comprises a torso portion (63t) located at a torso end region of the mattress structure and a feet portion (63f) located at a feet end region of the mattress structure.

Claim 10: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of claim 8 or 9, wherein the thickness adjustment arrangement comprises a hand gear (62) coupled to the lifting mechanics (61 , 63t, 63f) such that the lifting mechanics (61 , 63t, 63f) is activatable by the hand gear (62, 62t, 62f).

Claim 11 : The lower limbs portion (1 ) of claims 9 and 10, wherein the hand gear

(62) comprises a torso gear (62t) coupled to a torso portion of the lifting mechanics (61 , 63t) and a feet gear (62f) coupled to a feet portion of the lifting mechanics (61 , 63f).

Claim 12: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cover (9) in which the mattress structure (2) is arranged.

Claim 13: The lower limbs portion (1 ) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness adjustment arrangement (6) comprises a release structure (64) configured to automatically reduce the thickness of the mattress structure (2). Claim 14: Birth furniture piece (10) comprising a frame portion (13), a back rest portion (1 1 ), a pelvis support portion (12) and a lower limbs portion (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

the frame portion (13) supports the back rest portion (1 1 ) and the pelvis support portion (12),

the frame portion (13) has a storage (14),

the lower limbs portion (1 ) is movable relative to the frame portion (13), a thickness (5, 5t, 5f) of a mattress structure (2) of the lower limbs portion (1 ) is adjustable between a folded position (F) and an unfolded position (U) by a thickness adjustment arrangement (6) of the lower limbs portion (1 ),

the lower limbs portion (1 ) is movable into the storage (14) of the frame portion (13) when the mattress structure (2) is in the folded position (F), and

a thickness of the pelvis support portion (12) is adoptable by the lower limbs portion (1 ) when the thickness (5) of the mattress structure (2) is adjusted towards the unfolded position (U).

Claim 15: The birth furniture piece (10) according to claim 14, wherein

the pelvis support portion (12) is formed by a birth assisting module comprising a pelvis mobilisation support, a movement mechanics and a drive unit, the pelvis mobilisation support is coupled to the movement mechanics, and

the movement mechanics is adapted to induce a controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilisation support.

Claim 16: The birth furniture piece (10) of claim 15, wherein

the controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilisation support of the birth assisting module moves the pelvis mobilisation support by at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 7 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 9 cm or at least 10 cm and preferably by at least 5 cm, and

the drive unit is connected to the movement mechanics to actuate the movement mechanics.

Claim 17: The birth furniture piece (10) of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the thickness adjustment arrangement (6) of the lower limbs portion (1 ) is configured to automatically move the thickness of the mattress structure (2) to the folded position (F) when the lower limbs portion (1 ) is moved into the storage (14).