EP1658787B1

EP1658787B1 - Bed

Info

Publication number: EP1658787B1
Application number: EP05110880A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Timo Patja; Matti Savo
Original assignee: Temelex Oy
Current assignee: Temelex Oy
Priority date: 2004-11-19
Filing date: 2005-11-17
Publication date: 2010-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-17
Also published as: FI120962B; EP1658787A1; PL1658787T3; FI20045446L; FI20045446A0; DE602005020235D1; ATE462327T1

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustable bed, which comprises a frame (1), a mattress support, a head end member (2) and a foot end member (3). The frame (1) comprises two main parts (6, 7) articulated (8) to each other for turning the frame alternatively to its usage position and its transport and storage position. To easily turn the bed between said positions, the head end member (2) is articulated to the frame (1) through a first linkage system (4), the foot end member is articulated to the frame (1) through a second linkage system (5), and the bed comprises an elongated control means (9, 12) with a first end articulated to the first member (2, 3) and a second end articulated to the main part (6, 7) of the frame that is furthest away from the first member (2, 3), and the control means (9, 12) is arranged to force the first member (2, 3) to turn toward the main part (6, 7) of the frame that is furthest away from the first member as the main parts (6, 7) of the frame turn relative to each other.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to adjustable bed, such as a hospital bed or some other bed for patients, which comprises a frame, an at least two-part mattress support, a head end member and a foot end member which connect to the opposite ends of the frame, and the frame comprises a first main part located furthest away from the foot end member and a second main part located furthest away from the head end member, and the main parts are articulated to each other through a middle linkage system in the centre area of the frame for turning the frame alternatively to a first position, in which the first main part is at least approximately in line with the second main part in order to place the bed into a usage position, or to a second position, in which the first main part is at an acute angle to the second main part in order to place the bed in a transport and storage position, wherein the head end member is articulated to the frame with a first linkage system, the foot end member is articulated to the frame with a second linkage system, and the bed comprises an elongated control means that is at its first end articulated to the first of said end members and at its second end to the main part of the frame that is located furthest away from the first member, and the control means is arranged to turn the first member with respect to the main part of the frame that is located furthest from the first member as the main parts of the frame turn relative to each other,
Such a bed is known from published patent GB 04212 A . When folding this bed from a usage position to a storage position, the central portions of the main parts are lifted. In doing this, the head member and the foot member are being shifted around the fist linkage system and the second linkage system, respectively, until they are brought into substantially parallel relation to the main parts of the bed.
US 6,076,210 discloses a bed which can be turned from a transport position to a storage position. When the bed is turned to, which takes place by bending the bed manually, the head end member and foot end member of the bed settle horizontally with respect to the floor plane. The head end member and foot end member of the bed therefore require relatively much floor space unless the members are made quite small, in which case their operation as head end member and foot end member is limited.
Adjustable beds are used especially in hospitals and nursing homes. The beds used in the nursing homes are often called care beds. They can also be used at home.
From time to time, the beds of the invention need to be moved elsewhere in the building in which they are used. The beds are usually equipped with wheels, so the beds can be moved on their wheels by pushing. In such cases, the beds are in their normal usage position, and thus enable the patient to remain in the bed when the bed is moved. Moving beds is difficult and time-consuming, if the move requires the bed to be disassembled, set on a transport frame (formed by the head end member and foot end member of the bed, for instance), and reassembled. However, this needs to be done occasionally, because the beds are large and do not fit into an elevator, for instance. Thus, moving the bed using an elevator requires that the head end member and foot end member of the bed be detached and the bed disassembled into smaller parts. Reassembling the bed is also arduous and may be extremely difficult for some people.
The bed also needs to be made small when it is temporarily stored. Storing the bed in its normal usage position takes a lot of space, and often there is not much space available. Storing requires that the bed be disassembled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a novel adjustable bed, especially a patient bed that is easy to turn from its usage position into its transport and storage position, which requires only a little space, without having to disassemble the bed, and that is also easy to return to its usage position.
To implement this, the bed of the invention is characterized in that, the bed comprises an actuator for turning the bed from the usage position to the transport and storage position and in that the bed comprises an inclinable backrest and coupling means for making the actuator adjust the inclination of the backrest or alternatively to make the actuator turn the bed from the usage position to the transport and storage position.
The bed actuator is preferably a motor-operated telescopic element.
The elongated control means is preferably made up of a first control means whose first end is articulated by means of a first link to the foot end member that forms said first member, and whose second end is articulated by means of a second link to the first main part of the frame that forms the main part located furthest away from the foot end member, whereby the bed preferably also comprises a second elongated control means that comprises a first end and a second end, and the first end of the second control means is articulated by means of a first link member to the head end member and the second end of the second control means is articulated by means of a second link member to the second main part of the frame, and the second control means is arranged to turn the head end member with respect to the first main part of the frame as the main parts of the frame turn relative to each other. Such an arrangement of the control means makes it possible to control both members of the bed simultaneously and to easily turn the bed into the usage position or the transport and storage position.
Owing to the second control means, turning the bed from its storage (transport and storage) position to its usage position and vice versa is very easy and there is no need to control the turning by hand. The bed preferably also comprises wheels on which the bed rests on the floor when it is turned from the usage position to the storage position or vice versa. The storage position is thus also a transport position.
Preferred embodiments of the bed of the invention are disclosed in the attached claims 2 to 11.
The biggest advantage of the bed of the invention is that it can easily be turned from its usage position into its compact transport and storage position and vice versa without having to disassemble the bed by detaching there from its essential parts, such as the head end member and foot end member, or without having to disassemble its frame. The control means of the bed also serves as a component stabilizing the bed, which reduces the forces directed to the middle link when the bed is in its usage position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be described in greater detail by means of one of its preferred embodiments and with reference to the attached drawing, in which

Figures 1 to 3 are schematic views of the bed in its different positions, thus illustrating how to place the bed into different positions,
Figure 4 shows the bed of the invention in more detail than Figure 1 and in the same usage position as in Figure 1 but seen from the opposite side,
Figure 5 shows the bed of the invention in more detail than Figure 2 and in the same usage position as in Figure 2 but seen from the opposite side and obliquely from below,
Figure 6 shows the bed of the invention in more detail than Figure 3 and in the same transport and storage position as in Figure 3 but seen obliquely from the opposite side,
Figure 7 shows the bed of Figure 4 in its second usage position, and
Figure 8 illustrates the other half of the bed of Figure 1 seen obliquely from below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 to 3 are schematic views of the bed of the invention in different positions. The position in Figure 1 is the normal usage position, Figure 3 illustrates the storage-transport position, and the position in Figure 2 is an intermediate position, in which the bed is when it is being turned from the position in Figure 1 to the position in Figure 3.
The bed of Figures 1 to 3 comprises a frame 1 marked generally with reference number 1 and made up of two main parts, i.e. a first main part 6 and a second main part 7. The main parts 6 and 7 together with transverse supports form two mattress supports of the bed. The head end 2 and the foot end 3 are at right angles to the main parts 6, 7 of the frame, when the bed is in its usage position. One end of the frame 1 has a head end member 2 and the other, opposite end has a foot end member 3. The head end member 2 is by means of a first linkage system 4 fastened to the frame 1 in such a manner that the head end member may turn relative to the main part 6, see Figures 2 and 3. The foot end member 3 is by means of a second linkage system 5 fastened to the frame 1 in such a manner that the foot end member may turn relative to the main part 7, see Figures 2 and 3. At the opposite ends of the bed, there are stoppers (not shown), which prevent the head end member 2 from turning counter-clockwise relative to the main part 6 and the foot end member 3 from turning clockwise relative to the main part 7 from the position shown in Figure 1.
The main part 6 of the frame is articulated to the second main part 7 with a link 8 that may be called a middle linkage system, because it resides in the centre area of the frame 1. The middle linkage system 8 is exactly at the midpoint of the frame 1 (as shown in Figure 1) or close thereto, whereby its distance from the head end member 2 is 30 to 70%, or more preferably 40 to 60% of the length of the frame 1. Due to the middle linkage system 8, the main parts 6 and 7 of the frame may be turned into an acute angle to each other, see Figure 3.
Reference number 9 marks a first elongated control means, which is in the form of a rod or some other rigid element, whose first end is articulated with a link 10 to the foot end member 3 and whose second end is articulated with a link 11 to the first main part 6 of the frame. The purpose of the rod 9 is to keep the foot end member 3 at least approximately vertical when the bed is turned from the position of Figure 1 to the position of Figure 3 and vice versa. The rod 9 forces the foot end member 3 to turn in relation to the main part 7 of the frame (i.e. positive guidance) as the main part 7 of the frame settles at different angles to the main part 6 of the frame.
Reference number 12 marks a second elongated control means, which is in the form of a rod or some other rigid element, whose first end is articulated by means of a link member 13 to the head end member 2 and whose second end is articulated by means of a link member 14 to the main part 7 of the frame. The purpose of the rod 12 is to keep the head end member 2 at least approximately vertical and at least approximately parallel to the foot end member 3 when the bed is turned from the position of Figure 1 to the position of Figure 3 and vice versa. The rod 12 forces the head end member to turn in relation to the main part 6 of the frame (i.e. positive guidance) as the main part 6 of the frame settles at different angles to the main part 7 of the frame.
The control means 9 and 12 make the turning of the bed stable and controlled (positive guidance) and prevent the head end member 2 and foot end member 3 from turning with respect to the main parts 6, 7 of the frame.
Reference number 15 indicates an actuator, which is in the form of a spindle motor - telescopic element combination, for turning the bed from the position of Figure 1 to the position of Figure 3 and vice versa. The actuator 15 is at its first end articulated with a link member 16 to the head end member 2 and it is at its second end articulated with a link member 17 to the main part 6 of the frame. The actuator 15 is thus arranged to lift the middle linkage system 8 upward and the foot end member 3 and head end member 2 closer to each other when the length of the actuator is increased by rotating its motor. The foot end member 3 and the head end member 2 are arranged to move toward each other and away from each other in an essentially parallel manner. In Figure 1, the actuator 15 is in its collapsed position; in Figure 2, the actuator 15 is longer than in the situation of Figure 1; and in the situation of Figure 3, the actuator 15 is extended to nearly its maximum length. Instead of a spindle motor - telescopic element combination, the actuator can preferably be some other motor-operated actuator. It is also possible to replace the motor-operated actuator with a mechanical, manually operated actuator that serves as a hoist. Instead of the telescope arrangement, it is possible to use for instance a toothed bar for setting the main parts 6, 7 of the frame at different angles to each other. The bed can also be turned with a gas spring.
In the example of the figures, the torque required to turn the bed is achieved when the angle α formed by a line drawn through the points of the link member 13 and 8 and a line drawn through the points of the link member 16 and 17 is sufficiently large. Because of this, the link member 17 is preferably at midpoint between the linkage system 4 and the link 8.
As a person skilled in the art understands, the exact location of the link 10 and linkage system 5 in the foot end member 3 may vary, as may also the location of the link 5, linkage system 4 and link member 16 in the head end member 2. A person skilled in the art also understands that the exact location of the link 11 and link member 14 in the frame may vary. The exact location of the links in the bed will, therefore, not be described in greater detail in this context. However, Figures 1 to 7 provide one correct starting point for designing the location of the links. As the Figures show, the link 11 and the second link member 14 are preferably located close to the middle linkage system on opposite sides thereof, the link member 13 is preferably located below the linkage system 4, and the link member 16 is preferably located slightly below the link member 13, and the link 10 is preferably below the linkage system 5.
Figures 1 to 8 show that the bed has wheels 18 to 21, as is usually the case with hospital beds and other patient beds. Due to the wheels 18 to 21, the bed can be pushed in the usage position of Figure 1 along the floor or the like, but the wheels also facilitate the turning of the bed accordion-like along the floor into the transport and storage position of Figure 3, and this can be done with only a small moving force.
Figure 7 shows that the bed comprises an inclinable backrest 23 that can also be called a breast board. With the actuator 15, the backrest 23 can be inclined into different angles relative to the main part 6 of the frame. This requires that the backrest 23 be locked to the frame of the bed, and more exactly to the main part 6 of the frame. For this locking, the bed comprises locking bolts 24 or some other suitable coupling means settable in locking holes 25 (sleeves) or the like, see Figure 8. When the coupling means are connected, the actuator 15 is arranged to move not only the backrest 23, but also the main part 6. The same actuator 15 is thus arranged to alternatively adjust the inclination angle of the backrest 23 and turn the bed into the transport and storage position.
Figure 8 also shows that the main parts 6 and 7 of the frame are detachably lockable with each other with corresponding locking bolt - locking hole coupling means 27, 28, for instance. The same locking bolt 24 can then be used for locking.
The links 4, 5, 10, 13, and 16 of the bed may all preferably be pin-to-hole links.
In Figures 4, 6, and 8, reference number 26 indicates the arm of the locking bolt 24 with which the bed can be locked into the position of Figure 6, in which it can easily be pushed on the wheels.
The invention is described above by means of only one example, and therefore we wish to emphasize that it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the bed of the invention can in detail be implemented in many different ways within the scope of the attached claims. Accordingly, the frame may have more than two main parts. When there are more than two main parts, the structure of the bed becomes more complex, which is, however, a disadvantage. The second, rod-like control means 12 is not absolutely necessary, especially, if it is replaced with an elongated actuator 15 that controls the movement of the head end member 2 relative to the main part 6 of the frame. Should either the head end member 2 or the foot end member 3 be without control, there would be a need to hold the unsupported end member by hand when the bed is turned into its storage position. It is therefore preferable that both members 2, 3 be controlled by control means of a kind. It is possible to arrange the actuator 15 on the opposite half of the bed to that shown in the figures, in which case it is articulated to the foot end member 3 and the main part 6 of the frame (in which case the rod 9 is not necessary). Although different terms (link members, links, etc.) have been used above for the numerous links of the bed (for the purpose of distinguishing them), the links may have similar constructions.

Claims

An adjustable bed, such as a hospital bed or some other bed for patients, which comprises a frame (1), an at least two-part mattress support, a head end member (2) and a foot end member (3) which connect to the opposite ends of the frame, and the frame (1) comprises a first main part (6) located furthest away from the foot end member (3) and a second main part (7) located furthest away from the head end member (2), and the main parts (6, 7) are articulated to each other through a middle linkage system (8) in the centre area of the frame (1) for turning the frame alternatively to a first position, in which the first main part (6) is at least approximately in line with the second main part (7) in order to place the bed into a usage position, or to a second position, in which the first main part (6) is at an acute angle to the second main part (7) in order to place the bed in a transport and storage position, wherein the head end member (2) is articulated to the frame (1) with a first linkage system (4), the foot end member (3) is articulated to the frame (1) with a second linkage system (5), and the bed comprises an elongated control means (9, 12) that is at its first end articulated to the first of said end members (2, 3) and at its second end to the main part (6, 7) of the frame that is located furthest away from the first member (2, 3), and the control means (9, 12) is arranged to turn the first member (2, 3) with respect to the main part (6, 7) of the frame that is located furthest from the first member as the main parts (6, 7) of the frame turn relative to each other, characterised in that the bed comprises an actuator (15) for turning the bed from the usage position to the transport and storage position and in that the bed comprises an inclinable backrest (23) and coupling means (24, 25) for making the actuator (15) adjust the inclination of the backrest or alternatively to make the actuator turn the bed from the usage position to the transport and storage position.
An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the actuator (15) is an elongated element that comprises a first end and a second end, and the first end is articulated by means of a first link member (16) to the head end member (2) and the second end is articulated by means of a second link member (17) to the first main part (6) of the frame.
An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the elongated element is a telescopic element.
An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that a spindle motor with threads is connected to the telescopic element for adjusting the length thereof.
An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the coupling means (24, 25) are locking bolts which are adapted to be set in locking holes.
An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the elongated control means (9) is made up of a first control means whose first end is articulated by means of a first link (10) to the foot end member (3) that forms said first member, and whose second end is articulated by means of a second link (11) to the first main part (6) of the frame that forms the main part located furthest away from the foot end member.
An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that it comprises a second elongated control means (12) which comprises a first end and a second end, and the first end of the second control means is articulated by means of a first link member (13) to the head end member (2), and the second end of the second control means is articulated by means of a second link member (14) to the second main part (7) of the frame, and which second control means is arranged to turn the head end member relative to the first main part (6) of the frame as the main parts (6, 7) turn relative to each other.
An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the elongated control means is made up of a second control means (12) whose first end is articulated by means of a first link member (13) to the head end member (2) that forms said first member, and whose second end is articulated by means of a second link member (14) to the second main part (7) of the frame that is furthest away from the head end member (2).
An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the first control means (9) is arranged to turn the foot end member (3) relative to the second main part (7) by positive guidance.
An adjustable bed as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that the second control means (12) is arranged to turn the head end member (2) relative to the first main part (6) by positive guidance.
A bed as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the bed comprises four wheels (18 to 21).