U.S. patent application number 09/862545 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for patient care system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hill-Rom, Inc.. Invention is credited to Alvord, Lincoln J., Ferrand, Robert J., Fish, William R., Gilmartin, William A., Grass, Wesley E., Loh, William, Neder, Charles W., O'Connor, Richard W., Roe, Steven N., Salsado, Jonathan, Silva, William, Smith, Stephen D., Thomas, Marc M..
Application Number | 20010029628 09/862545 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22585951 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010029628 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ferrand, Robert J. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2001 |
Patient care system
Abstract
A bed configured to support a patient having a weight comprises
a frame, a patient support, and a plurality of sensors coupled
between the frame and the patient support. Each of the plurality of
sensors is configured to generate an analog signal in response to a
portion of the weight of the patient on the patient support. The
bed also comprises a circuit coupled to the plurality of sensors to
receive the analog signals therefrom. The circuit includes a
plurality of analog-to-digital converters, each analog-to-digital
converter being coupled to one of the sensors to generate a
separate digital signal for each of the plurality of sensors, and a
processor coupled to the plurality of analog-to-digital converters
to determine the weight of the patient on the patient support.
Inventors: |
Ferrand, Robert J.;
(Burlingame, CA) ; Thomas, Marc M.; (Portola
Valley, CA) ; Alvord, Lincoln J.; (Redwood City,
CA) ; Smith, Stephen D.; (San Francisco, CA) ;
Roe, Steven N.; (Los Altos, CA) ; O'Connor, Richard
W.; (Palo Alto, CA) ; Gilmartin, William A.;
(Los Altos Hills, CA) ; Loh, William; (San Ramon,
CA) ; Fish, William R.; (San Jose, CA) ;
Salsado, Jonathan; (Sunnyvale, CA) ; Neder, Charles
W.; (Mountain View, CA) ; Silva, William;
(Fremont, CA) ; Grass, Wesley E.; (Atherton,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Intellectual Property Group
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
2700 First Indiana Plaza
135 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Assignee: |
Hill-Rom, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22585951 |
Appl. No.: |
09/862545 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09862545 |
May 22, 2001 |
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09318135 |
May 25, 1999 |
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09318135 |
May 25, 1999 |
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08831319 |
Apr 1, 1997 |
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5906016 |
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08831319 |
Apr 1, 1997 |
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08162514 |
Dec 3, 1993 |
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5802640 |
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08162514 |
Dec 3, 1993 |
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07864881 |
Apr 3, 1992 |
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5279010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/600 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/0516 20161101;
A61G 7/052 20161101; A61G 7/05 20130101; A61G 2203/20 20130101;
A61G 7/002 20130101; A61G 7/0507 20130101; A61G 2203/44 20130101;
A61G 7/0514 20161101; A61G 7/0509 20161101; A61G 7/05776 20130101;
A61G 7/0524 20161101; A61G 2203/74 20130101; A61G 7/0506 20130101;
A61G 7/0527 20161101; A61G 7/02 20130101; A61G 7/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/600 |
International
Class: |
A47B 071/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing support
surface; an inflatable mattress supported on said support surface;
and means for controlling fluid flow relative to said mattress
comprising: a first valve assembly having a first valve seat and a
first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat, a
second valve assembly having a second valve seat and a second valve
member movable relative to said second valve seat, said first and
second valve assemblies being configured to vary fluid flow through
each valve seat in proportion to the relative position of the
respective valve member to said valve seat, and means coupled to
said first and second valve assemblies for moving said first valve
member in a first direction relative to said first valve seat while
concurrently moving said second valve member in a second direction
relative to said second valve seat, the movement in said first and
second directions producing increasing restriction to fluid flow in
one of said valve seats and decreasing restriction to fluid flow in
the other of said valve seats.
2. A bed according to claim 1 wherein said first and second valve
seats are coaxial.
3. A bed according to claim 2 further comprising means movable
relative to said valve members for defining a channel, containing
said second valve seat, and extending through said first valve
member, said first valve member controlling fluid flow around said
channel-defining means adjacent to said first valve seat and said
second valve member controlling fluid flow through said
channel.
4. A bed according to claim 3 wherein said first and second valve
members are mounted fixedly relative to each other.
5. A bed according to claim 4 wherein said means defining a channel
includes a first tubular element for supporting said first valve
member, and a second tubular element disposed slidably and matingly
relative to said first tubular element for supporting said second
valve seat.
6. A bed according to claim 5 further comprising means for limiting
the travel of said first tubular element relative to said second
tubular element.
7. A bed according to claim 6 wherein said travel-limiting means
includes a protrusion extending from one of said first and second
tubular elements, and an edge of said other of said first and
second tubular elements positioned to be contacted by said
protrusion.
8. A bed according to claim 7 wherein said first tubular element
extends away from said second tubular element beyond said first
valve member and said second valve member is attached to said first
tubular member, and said second valve member seats in said second
valve seat when said first tubular element is moved away from said
second valve seat.
9. A bed according to claim 3 further comprising means for limiting
the travel of said first valve member relative to said second
channel means.
10. A bed according to claim 2 wherein said first and second valve
members are mounted fixedly relative to each other.
11. A bed according to claim 10 wherein said first and second valve
seats are in opposing relationship, said first and second valve
members are disposed substantially between said first and second
valve seats, and said moving means moves said valve members between
said first and second valve seats.
12. A bed according to claim 1 wherein said mattress comprises at
least one bladder having a width less than the width of said
mattress and a length less than the length of said mattress, said
one bladder being associated with a first body part supportable
substantially completely by said one bladder when said bladders in
said first set are maintained at a first pressure and supportable
substantially completely by at least one bladder in another set
when said bladders in said first set are maintained at a second
pressure substantially less than the pressure in said bladders of
said other set; and control means for controlling said application
of fluid at first and second pressures for first and second periods
of time, respectively, such that said first body part is
alternately supported substantially directly on said first set of
bladders and supported substantially indirectly by adjacent body
parts supported on other sets of bladders.
13. A bed comprising an air distribution system; means for defining
an upwardly facing support surface; and an inflatable mattress
supported on such support surface formed of individual inflatable
cells, said air distribution system comprising: a housing for
defining a first chamber to be in communication with a source of
pressurized fluid, a second chamber in communication with said
inflatable cell, a first fluid-flow port providing fluid
communication between said first and second chambers, and a second
fluid-flow port spaced from and in opposing relationship with said
first fluid-flow port for exhausting fluid from said first chamber;
a first valve member movable relative to said first fluid port for
controlling fluid flow between said first and second chambers; a
second valve member fixed relative to said first valve member and
movable relative to said second fluid port for controlling fluid
flow out of said second chamber; and actuator means coupled to said
first and second valve assemblies for moving said first and second
valve members between said first and second fluid ports.
14. A method of supporting a person on an inflatable cell of a
mattress comprising the steps of: providing communication between a
source of fluid under a positive pressure and the inflatable cell
through an inlet fluid-flow port; providing communication between a
negative pressure destination for fluid and the inflatable cell
through an outlet fluid-flow port; and varying the amount of fluid
passing through the second fluid flow port.
15. A method according to claim 14 further comprising the step of
maintaining the inlet fluid-flow port substantially
unrestricted.
16. A method according to claim 14 further comprising the step of
varying the amount of fluid passing through the inlet fluid-flow
port.
17. A method according to claim 16 wherein said steps of varying
said amount of fluid passing through the inlet and the outlet
fluid-flow ports are performed simultaneously.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the variation in fluid
flow through the inlet varies inversely proportionally to the
variation in fluid flow through the outlet.
19. A method according to claim 16 wherein said steps of varying
the amount of fluid passing through the inlet and the outlet
fluid-flow ports are performed independently.
20. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing support
surface; a mattress having an inflatable cell supported on said
support surface; a source of fluid at a first pressure; a fluid
destination at a second fluid pressure less than said first
pressure; a housing having a first valve seat defining a first
fluid flow port providing communication between fluid at said first
pressure and an inflatable mattress cell, and a second valve seat
spaced from said first valve seat and defining a second fluid flow
port providing communication between said cell and said fluid
destination; a first valve member movable relative to said first
valve seat for varying fluid flow from said source through said
first fluid port to said cell; a second valve member movable
relative to said second valve seat for varying fluid flow from said
cell through said second fluid port to said fluid destination;
first actuator means responsive to a first control signal and
coupled to said first valve member for moving said first valve
member relative to said first valve seat; and second actuator means
coupled to said second valve member for moving said second valve
member relative to said second valve seat in response to a second
control signal; said first and second actuator means being
independently controllable for controlling, in combination, the
fluid pressure in said cell.
21. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing support
surface; a mattress having an inflatable cell supported on said
support surface; a housing having a first wall; a replaceable valve
cartridge coupling a source of fluid and said cell comprising: a
first fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow path, a valve seat
in fluid communication with said fluid-flow path, a valve member
movable along a valve axis relative to and sealingly engageable
with said valve seat for restricting fluid flow through said valve
seat, one of said valve seat and valve member being fixed relative
to said first fluid-flow element, said valve member being manually
engageable for securing and removing said valve cartridge relative
to said first wall, and means for moving said valve member relative
to said valve seat; and means for attaching said first fluid-flow
element to said first wall by applying force on said first
fluid-flow element along said valve axis.
22. A bed according to claim 21 wherein said valve seat is fixed to
said first fluid-flow element in said first fluid-flow path and
faces toward said first wall, and said valve member is disposed
between said valve seat and said first wall and is attached to said
extension member by a shaft extending through said valve seat.
23. A bed according to claim 21 wherein said first wall has a first
fluid port, said fluid flow path of said first fluid-flow element
being in fluid communication with said first fluid port when said
valve cartridge is secured to said first wall.
24. A bed according to claim 21 wherein said housing includes a
second wall spaced from said first wall, and having an opening
sized to receive said cartridge.
25. A bed according to claim 24 further comprising means for
sealing said cartridge relative to said second wall opening.
26. A bed according to claim 25 further comprising a second valve
seat providing fluid communication between sail first fluid-flow
path and said exterior of said first fluid-flow element, and a
second valve member movable relative to said second valve seat, one
of said second valve seat and said second valve member being
positioned relative to the one of said first valve seat and said
first valve member for movement relative to said first fluid-flow
element.
27. A bed according to claim 26 wherein said first and second valve
seats are fixed relative to said first fluid-flow element, and said
first and second valve members are fixed relative to each other,
said first valve member and second valve member being movable
between a first position in which said first valve seat is closed
and said second valve seat is open, and a second position in which
said first valve seat is open and said second vale seat is
closed.
28. A bed according to claim 26 wherein said second valve seat is
positioned between said position of said first and second walls
when said cartridge is fixed to said first wall.
29. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing support
surface; a mattress having an inflatable cell supported on said
support surface; a housing having a first wall; a replaceable valve
cartridge for coupling a source of pressurized fluid to said cell,
comprising: a first fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow path,
a valve seat in fluid communication with said first fluid-flow
path, a valve member movable along a valve axis relative to and
sealingly engageable with said valve seat for restricting fluid
flow through said valve seat, one of said valve seat and valve
member being fixed relative to said first fluid-flow element, an
extension member fixed relative to said other of said valve seat
and valve member and manually engageable for securing and removing
said valve cartridge relative to said first wall, said first
fluid-flow element and said extension member being structured to
provide for said transference of force between said extension
member and said first fluid-flow element when force is applied to
said extension member relative to the first fluid-flow element
along said valve axis, and means for controlling movement of said
valve member relative to said valve seat; and means for attaching
said first fluid-flow element to said first wall by applying force
on said extension member along said valve axis relative to said
first fluid-flow element.
30. A bed according to claim 29 wherein said valve seat is fixed to
said first fluid-flow element in said first fluid-flow path and
faces away from said extension member, and said valve member is
disposed between said valve seat and said first wall and is
attached to said extension member by a shaft extending through said
valve seat.
31. A bed according to claim 29 wherein said first wall has a first
fluid port, said fluid flow path of said first fluid-flow element
being in fluid communication with said first fluid port when said
valve cartridge is secured to said first wall.
32. A bed according to claim 29 wherein said housing includes a
second wall spaced from said first wall, and having an opening
sized to receive said cartridge.
33. A bed according to claim 32 further comprising means for
sealing said cartridge relative to said second wall opening.
34. A bed according to claim 33 wherein said sealing means includes
a second valve seat forming said second wall opening, a second
valve member fixed relative to said cartridge, and means for moving
said second valve member relative to said second value seat when
said cartridge is fixed relative to said first wall.
35. A bed according to claim 34 wherein said second wall is fixed
relative to said first wall, said second valve member is fixed on
said extension means, and said means for moving said first valve
member relative to said first valve member concurrently moves sail
second valve member relative to said second valve seat.
36. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing support
surface; a mattress having an inflatable cell supported on said
support surface; and a valve assembly for controlling the flow of
fluid to said cell, comprising: a housing having a first wall, and
a second wall defining a fluid-flow port spaced from said first
wall and in communication with said cell, a base member
positionable through said fluid-flow port, means for attaching said
base member to said first wall, a valve member mounted and movable
relative to said base member and said second wall for selective
fluid sealing engagement with said fluid-flow port, and means for
moving said valve member relative to said fluid-flow port.
37. A bed according to claim 36 further comprising an extension
member fixed relative to said valve member, extending through said
fluid-flow port, and movable with said valve member relative to
said base member, said extension member being manually engageable
for securing and removing said base member relative to said first
wall.
38. A bed according to claim 37 wherein said base member and
extension member are structured to provide for said transference of
force between said extension member and said base member when force
is applied to said extension member relative to said base
member.
39. A bed according to claim 38 wherein said base member is
attachable to said first wall by applying force on said extension
member toward said base member.
40. A bed according to claim 37 wherein said base member and
extension member are tubular and extend coaxially along an axis
passing through said fluid-flow port.
41. A bed according to claim 40 wherein said extension member and
base member have respective surfaces in contact during movement of
said extension member relative to said base member to form a fluid
seal.
42. A bed according to claim 41 further comprising means for
limiting said travel of said extension member relative to said base
member.
43. A bed according to claim 42 wherein said travel-limiting means
includes a protrusion extending from one of said extension member
and said base member, and an edge of the other of said extension
member and said base member is positioned to be contacted by said
protrusion.
44. A bed according to 41 wherein said first wall has a second
fluid-flow port, said base member and extension member defining a
fluid-flow path in communication with said second fluid-flow port
and extending through said first fluid-flow port when said base
member is attached to said first wall.
45. A bed according to any of claims 1, 13, 21 or 36 wherein said
means for defining an upwardly facing support surface has a
longitudinal axis generally parallel to a support plane for a torso
of a person disposed in a supine or prone position on said support
surface; said bed further comprising: a base frame supportable
relative to a floor; and means for supporting said platform
relative to said base frame comprising means defining three axes of
pivoting of said platform relative to said frame, characterized in
that none of said three axes are perpendicular to said platform
plane, and on each axis there exists a first point that is closest
to a first of said other axes and a second point, spaced from said
first point, that is closest to the second of said other axes, and
means for pivoting said platform independently about each of said
three axes for varying the pitch, roll and distance of said
platform relative to said base frame.
46. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing support
surface; a mattress having a plurality of inflatable cells
supported on said support surface; and a modular connector system
for forming a sealed passageway between two of said cells
comprising: a receptacle mounted to one of said cells and having an
inner cavity, extending between the interior and the exterior of
said one cell, with first and second open ends, and a lip extending
inwardly around said receptacle first open end and defining an
opening, a disk positioned in said inner cavity of said receptacle
adjacent to said receptacle first open end and sealingly
positionable against said lip for closing said receptacle first
open end when positioned against said lip, and an insert mounted to
another of said cells having a main portion with an inner cavity
defining an insert passageway, extending between said interior and
exterior of said other cell, with first and second open ends, a
shoulder extending outwardly from adjacent to said insert first
open end, said main portion being sized to be received in said
second open end of said receptacle with said second open end of
said insert spaced from said lip, said space between said lip and
said insert second end defining a chamber in which said disk is
captured with said disk being movable between a first position
against said lip and a second position spaced from said lip, the
disk and insert second end being structured to allow fluid flow
between said insert and said disk when said disk is in said second
position, and sealingly engages said lip when said disk is in said
first position, said modular system forming a check valve
preventing fluid flow through said insert when said disk is in said
first position, and allowing fluid to flow through said insert when
said disk is in said second position.
47. A bed according to claim 46 wherein said second end of said
receptacle has a second lip extending inwardly about said second
opening, with said disk being positionable in a third position
sealingly against said second lip when said insert is not
positioned fin said receptacle, thereby preventing fluid flow
through said receptacle.
48. A bed according to claim 46 further comprising a reducer having
a passageway that is reduced relative to said passageway of at
least one of said insert and said receptacle, and means for
sealingly securing said reducer to said one of said insert and said
receptacle.
49. A bed according to claim 48 wherein said reducer has an
outwardly extending flange and at least one of said insert and said
receptacle has a groove in said respective inner cavity sized to
receive said flange.
50. A bed according to claim 49 wherein said insert has said groove
adjacent to said first end.
51. A bed according to claim 49 wherein said receptacle has said
groove in said opening of said lip.
52. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing support
surface; a mattress supported on said support surface and having
first and second inflatable cells, said first inflatable cell
having a wall defining an inlet for receiving pressurized fluid; an
outlet coupling member spaced from said first cell inlet for
transmitting fluid input through said first cell inlet; the second
inflatable cell having an inlet for receiving fluid for inflating
said second cell; and means selectively connectable to said outlet
coupling member for joining said second cell inlet to said outlet
coupling member, whereby fluid received in said first cell inlet is
also received in said second cell.
53. A bed according to claim 52 wherein said coupling member
includes valve means for closing said coupling member when said
joining means is not joining said second cell inlet to said outlet
coupling member.
54. A bed according to claim 53 wherein said valve means includes a
check valve that is defeated when said joining means is joining
said second cell inlet to said outlet coupling member.
55. A bed according to claim 52 wherein said first cell has a
second inlet for receiving pressurized fluid for inflating said
first cell, said bed further comprising conduit means providing
fluid communication between said first inlet and said outlet
coupling member, whereby said first cell is not inflated by
pressurized fluid received in said first inlet.
56. A bed according to claim 52 wherein said outlet coupling member
includes: a receptacle having an inner cavity with first and second
open ends providing a fluid passageway, and a lip extending
inwardly around said receptacle first open end, said lip having an
opening; a disk positioned in said inner cavity of said receptacle
adjacent to said receptacle first open end and sealingly
positionable against said lip for closing said receptacle first
open end when positioned against said lip; and means for capturing
said disk in said inner cavity; and wherein said joining means
includes an insert attached to said second cell and having a main
portion with an inner cavity defining an insert passageway with
first and second open ends, a shoulder extending outwardly from
adjacent to said insert first open end, said main portion being
sized to be received in said second open end of said receptacle
with said second open end of said insert spaced from said lip, said
space between said lip and said insert second open end defining a
chamber in which said disk is captured, with said disk being
movable between a first position against said lip and a second
position spaced from said lip; the disk and insert second open end
being structured to allow fluid flow between said insert and said
disk when said disk is in said second position, and sealingly
engages said lip when said disk is in said first position, and
thereby forming a check valve preventing fluid flow through said
insert when said disk is in said first position, and allowing fluid
to flow through said insert when said disk is in said second
position.
57. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing support
surface with at least two openings; means for providing fluid
communication between a source of fluid and said openings; a first
inflatable cell having a wall supported relative to said support
surface over said openings; a first inlet coupling member mounted
to said first cell wall adjacent to a first of said openings, said
first inlet coupling member being selectively securable to said one
opening for providing fluid communication between said panel
opening and the interior of said first cell; a second inlet
coupling member mounted to said first cell wall adjacent to said
second opening, said second inlet coupling member being selectively
securable to said second opening for providing fluid communication
between said panel opening and the interior of said first cell; an
outlet coupling member mounted to said first cell wall spaced from
said first and second inlet coupling members; conduit means
disposed within said first cell walls providing fluid communication
between said second inlet coupling member and said outlet coupling
member, whereby said first cell is not inflated by pressurized
fluid received in said second inlet coupling member; a second
inflatable cell supported relative to said support surface and
having an inlet for receiving pressurized fluid for inflating said
second cell; and a third inlet coupling member in fluid
communication with said second cell inlet and Selectively
connectable to said outlet coupling member for joining said second
cell inlet to said outlet coupling member, whereby fluid received
in said second inlet coupling member is conducted into said second
cell.
58. A bed according to claim 57 wherein said first cell is part of
a mattress supported on said platform means and having an upper
surface for supporting a person, and said second cell is a
restraining cushion having a first side that is generally
orthogonal to and longer than a second side when viewed from an end
of said mattress, said restraining cushion being selectively
positionable on said mattress with one of said first and second
sides on said mattress and said other of said first and second
sides facing inwardly toward a person supported on said mattress,
whereby said restraining cushion is positionable at different
positions along a person's body for providing different amounts of
space for a person supported on said mattress.
59. A bed comprising: means for defining at least two panels that
are relatively pivotable about a pivot axis; a mattress having at
least one inflatable cell supported on each of said panels; a first
housing mounted to a first one of said two panels and defining a
first fluid-flow path in fluid communication with said cell
supported on said first panel, said first housing having a first
fluid-flow port; a second housing mounted to said second one of
said two-panels for pivoting about said pivot axis relative to said
first housing, said second housing defining a second fluid-flow
path in fluid communication with said cell supported on said second
panel and having a second fluid-flow port generally facing said
first fluid-flow port; means joining said first and second
fluid-flow ports for communicating said first fluid-flow path with
said second fluid-flow path; and means supported relative to at
least one of said first and second housings for maintaining said
duct means generally in alignment between said first and second
fluid-flow ports during relative pivoting of said first and second
housings.
60. A bed according to claim 59 wherein said maintaining means is a
membrane extending between said first and second housings, said
membrane being attached along one edge to at least one of said
first and second housings adjacent to said pivot axis, and having
an opening through which said communicating means extends.
61. A bed according to claim 60 wherein said communicating means is
a bellows to allow extension or retraction in length between said
first and second openings.
62. A bed according to claim 61 wherein said bellows has
alternating sections of relatively large cross-sectional area and
relatively small cross-sectional area, said membrane opening
conforming generally to the size of said bellows at a section
having a small cross-sectional area.
63. A bed according to claim 62 wherein said first housing further
defines a third fluid-flow passageway and has a third fluid-flow
port in communication with said third fluid-flow passageway, said
third fluid-flow port being positioned distally of said pivot axis
relative to said first fluid-flow port; and said second housing
further defines a fourth fluid-flow passageway and has a fourth
fluid-flow port in communication with said fourth fluid-flow
passageway, said fourth fluid-flow port being positioned distally
of said pivot axis relative to said second fluid-flow port and
generally facing said third fluid-flow port; said bed further
including a second bellows extending between said third and fourth
fluid-flow ports, said membrane including a second opening through
which said second bellows extends, said second opening conforming
to a section of said second bellows having a relatively small
cross-sectional area.
64. A bed according to claim 63 wherein each bellows has a
plurality of sections with a reduced cross-sectional area, said
maintaining means including a plurality of said membranes with
first and second openings, each opening receiving a different
section of said first and second bellows having a relatively small
cross-sectional area.
65. A bed according to claim 59 wherein said mattress includes a
plurality of inflatable cells supported on each of said panels,
wherein an inflatable mattress comprising first and second
separately inflatable cells having contiguous faces extending, when
inflated, obliquely relative to said support surface, with said
Contiguous face of said first cell extending over said contiguous
face of said second cell; and means for securing said first and
second cells to said defining means with said first cell partially
supported on said second cell when a person is supported on said
mattress.
66. A bed comprising: means for defining at least two panes that
are relatively pivotable about a pivot axis; a mattress having at
least one inflatable cell supported on each of said at least two
panels; a first housing mounted to a first one of said two panels
and defining a first fluid-flow path, said first housing having a
first fluid-flow port and a second fluid-flow port spaced from said
first fluid-flow port, both said first and second fluid-flow ports
being in communication with said first fluid-flow path; a second
housing mounted to a second one of said two panels and defining a
second fluid-flow path having a third fluid-flow port in
communication with said second fluid-flow path and generally facing
said second fluid-flow port; means joining said second and third
fluid-flow ports for communicating said first fluid-flow path with
said second fluid-flow path; first means for coupling said first
fluid-flow path to said cell supported on said first panel; and
second means for coupling said second fluid-flow path to said cell
supported on said second panel.
67. A bed according to claim 66 wherein each of said first and
second coupling means comprise valve means for varying the amount
of fluid flowing between the respective one of said first and
second fluid-flow paths and said associated mattress cell.
68. A bed according to claim 67 wherein said mattress sections each
include a plurality of cells, and wherein each of said first and
second coupling means comprises a valve for each mattress cell.
69. A bed according to claim 67 wherein said first housing defines
a third fluid-flow path, a fourth fluid-flow port, and a fifth
fluid-flow port spaced from said fourth fluid-flow port, both said
fourth and fifth fluid-flow ports being in communication with said
third fluid-flow path, and said fifth fluid-flow port being
positioned distally of said pivot axis relative to said second
fluid-flow port; and said second housing defines a sixth fluid-flow
port, said sixth fluid-flow port being positioned distally of said
pivot axis relative to said third fluid-flow port and generally
facing said fifth fluid-flow port; said bed further including a
second one of said communicating means extending between said fifth
and sixth fluid-flow ports.
70. A bed according to claim 69 wherein each of said valve means
also couples the respective one of said third and fourth fluid-flow
paths to the respective cell.
71. A bed according to claim 70 wherein each valve means couples
the respective one of said first and second paths to both the
associated cell and the associated one of said third and fourth
paths.
72. A bed according to claim 70 wherein each valve means couples
the respective one of said third and fourth paths through the
respective one of said first and second paths to the associated
cell.
73. A bed according to claim 72 wherein each valve means comprises
channel means coupling the respective one of said third and fourth
paths with the associated cell.
74. A bed according to claim 73 wherein each housing has a first
wall separating said first path from said associated cell and
having a seventh fluid-flow port coupling said first path with said
associated cell, and a second wall spaced from said first wall,
separating said first and second paths, and having an eighth
fluid-flow port; and said valve means comprises a base member
defining a Valve-flow path-extending through said base member, and
positionable through said seventh fluid-flow port, means for
attaching said base member to said second wall with said eighth
fluid-flow port in fluid communication with said valve-flow path, a
first valve member mounted and movable relative to said base member
and said first wall for engaging selectively and sealingly said
seventh fluid-flow port, and means controllable for moving said
valve member relative to said seventh fluid-flow port.
75. A bed according to claim 74 wherein said valve means further
includes a second valve member movable With said first valve member
for closing said valve-flow path when said seventh fluid-flow port
is open.
76. A bed according to claim 70 wherein said valve means for
varying said amount of fluid flowing between said first fluid-flow
path and said associated mattress cell includes: a first valve
assembly having a first valve seat providing fluid communication
between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress
cell, and a first valve member movable relative to said first valve
seat; a second valve assembly having a second valve seat providing
fluid communication between said third fluid-flow path and said
associated mattress cell, and a second valve member movable
relative to said second valve seat; the first and second valve
assemblies being structured for varying fluid flow through each
valve seat in proportion to the relative position of the respective
valve member to said valve seat; and means coupled to said first
and second valve assemblies for moving said first valve member in a
first direction relative to said first valve seat while
concurrently moving said second valve member in a second direction
relative to said second valve seat, said movement in said first and
second directions producing increasing restriction to fluid flow in
one of said valve seats and decreasing restriction to fluid flow in
the other of said valve seats.
77. A bed according to claim 70 wherein said valve means for
varying said amount of fluid flowing between said first and third
fluid-flow paths and the associated mattress cell includes: a first
valve seat providing fluid communication between said first
fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell; a first valve
member movable relative to said first valve seat for controlling
fluid flow between said first fluid-flow path and said associated
mattress cell; a second valve seat in opposing relationship with
said first valve seat and providing fluid communication between
said third fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell; a
second valve member fixed relative to said first valve member and
movable relative to said second valve seat for controlling fluid
flow between said associated mattress cell and said third
fluid-flow path; and means for moving said first and second valve
members between said first and second valve seats.
78. A bed according to claim 70 wherein said valve means for
varying said amount of fluid flowing between said first fluid-flow
path and the associated mattress cell includes: a first valve seat
providing fluid communication between said first fluid-flow path
and said associated mattress cell; a first valve member movable
relative to said first valve seat for controlling fluid flow
between said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress
cell; a second valve seat providing fluid communication between
said third fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell; a
second valve member movable relative to said second valve seat for
controlling fluid flow between said associated mattress cell and
said third fluid-flow path; first means responsive to a first
control signal and coupled to said first valve member for moving
said first valve member relative to said first valve seat; and
second means responsive to a second control signal and coupled to
said second valve member for moving said second valve member
relative to said second valve seat, the first and second moving
means being independently controllable for controlling, in
combination, fluid pressure in said cell.
79. A bed according to claim 67 wherein said first housing has a
wall extending along said first fluid-flow path, and said
associated valve means comprises a replaceable valve cartridge
having a first fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow passageway,
a valve seat in fluid communication with said first fluid-flow
passageway, a valve member movable along a valve axis relative to
and sealingly engageable with said valve seat for restricting fluid
flow through said valve seat, one of said valve seat and valve
member being fixed relative to said first fluid-flow element, said
valve member being manually engageable for securing and removing
said valve cartridge relative to said wall, and actuator means for
moving sail valve member relative to said valve seat; and said bed
further comprising means for attaching said first fluid-flow
element to said wall by applying force on said first fluid-flow
element along said valve axis.
80. A bed according to claim 67 wherein said first housing has a
wall extending along said first fluid-flow path, and said
associated valve means comprises a replaceable valve cartridge
having a first fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow passageway,
a valve seat in fluid communication with said fluid-flow
passageway, a valve member movable along a valve axis relative to
and sealingly engageable with said valve seat for restricting fluid
flow through said valve seat, one of said valve seat and valve
member being fixed relative to said first fluid-flow element, an
extension member fixed relative to said other of said valve seat
and valve member and manually engageable for securing and removing
said valve cartridge relative to said wall, said first fluid-flow
element and said extension member being structured to provide for
said transference of force between said extension member and said
first fluid-flow element when force is applied to said extension
member relative to said first fluid-flow element along said valve
axis, and means for controlling movement of said valve member
relative to said valve seat; and said bed further comprising means
for attaching said first fluid-flow element to said wall by
applying force on said extension member along said valve axis
relative to said first fluid-flow element.
81. A bed according to claim 67 wherein said first housing has a
first wall, and a second wall saving a fluid-flow port spaced from
said first wall and in communication with said first fluid-flow
path; and said associated valve means comprises a base member
positionable through said fluid-flow port, means for attaching said
base member to said first wall, a valve member mounted and movable
relative to said base member and said second wall for engaging
selectively and sealingly said fluid-flow port, and means
controllable for moving said valve member relative to said
fluid-flow port.
82. A bed according to claim 66 wherein said second housing further
has an outlet port in fluid communication wish said second
fluid-flow path and spaced from said third fluid-flow port; said
bed further comprising: a valve member mounted pivotably relative
to said second housing for pivoting about a pivot axis between a
normal position in which said valve member sealingly closes said
outlet port, and a release position in which said valve member is
spaced from said outlet port, and thereby allowing fluid in said
second fluid-flow path to flow through said outlet port; first
means for securing said valve member in said normal position; and
second means for securing said valve member in said release
position.
83. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing support
surface; a mattress supported on said support surface and having
first and second inflatable cells; a housing for defining a first
fluid-flow path, and having a first fluid-flow port in
communication with said first fluid-flow path, and an upper wall
adjacent to said inflatable cells, said first fluid flow path being
adjacent to said upper wall, said housing further defining a second
fluid-flow path and having an intermediate wall positioned between
said first and second fluid-flow paths, and a second fluid-flow
port in communication with said second fluid-flow path; and means
for coupling selectively said first and second fluid-flow paths to
a cell.
84. A bed according to claim 83 wherein said intermediate wall is
spaced from said upper wall, and said second fluid-flow path is
disposed below said first fluid-flow path.
85. A bed according to claim 84 wherein said coupling means
comprises a base member positionable through said first fluid-flow
port, means for attaching said base member to said intermediate
wall, a valve member mounted and movable relative to said base
member and said first wall for engaging selectively and sealingly
said first fluid-flow port, and means controllable for moving said
valve member relative to said first fluid-flow port.
86. A bed according to claim 83 wherein said second fluid-flow path
is also adjacent to said upper wall and said intermediate wall
extends generally vertically between said first and second
fluid-flow paths.
87. A bed according to claim 83 wherein said coupling means
comprises: a first valve assembly having a first valve seat
providing fluid communication between said first fluid-flow path
and said associated mattress cell, and a first valve member movable
relative to said first valve seat; a second valve assembly having a
second valve seat providing fluid communication between said second
fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell, and a second
valve member movable relative to said second valve seat; the first
and second valve assemblies being structured for varying said fluid
flow through each valve seat in proportion to said relative
position of said respective valve member to said valve seat; and
means coupled to said first and second valve assemblies for moving
said first valve member in a first direction relative to said first
valve seat while concurrently moving said second valve member in a
second direction relative to said second valve seat, the movement
in said first and second directions producing increasing
restriction to fluid flow in one of said valve seats and decreasing
restriction to fluid flow in said other of said valve seats.
88. A bed according to claim 83 wherein said coupling means
comprises: a first valve seat providing fluid communication between
said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell; a
first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat for
controlling fluid flow between said first fluid-flow path and said
associated mattress cell; a second valve seat in opposing
relationship with said first valve seat and providing fluid
communication between said second fluid-flow path and said
associated mattress cell; a second valve member fixed relative to
said first valve member and movable relative to said second valve
seat for controlling fluid flow between said associated mattress
cell and said third fluid-flow path; and means for moving said
first and second valve members between said first and second valve
seats.
89. A bed according to claim 83 wherein said coupling means
comprises: a first valve seat providing fluid communication between
said first fluid-flow path and said associated mattress cell; a
first valve member movable relative to said first valve seat for
controlling fluid flow between said first fluid-flow path and said
associated mattress coil; a second valve seat providing fluid
communication between said second fluid-flow path and said
associated mattress cell; a second valve member movable relative to
said second valve seat for controlling fluid flow between said
associated mattress cell and said second fluid-flow path; first
means responsive to a first control signal and coupled to said
first valve member for moving said first valve member relative to
said first valve seat; and second means responsive to a second
control signal and coupled to said second valve member for moving
said second valve member relative to said second valve seat; the
first and second moving means being independently controllable for
controlling, in combination, said fluid pressure in said cell.
90. A bed according to claim 83 wherein said coupling means
comprises a replaceable valve cartridge having a fluid-flow element
defining a fluid-flow passageway, a valve seat in fluid
communication with said fluid-flow passageway and one of said first
and second fluid-flow ports, a valve member movable along a valve
axis relative to and sealingly engageable with said valve seat for
restricting fluid flow through said valve seat, one of said valve
seat and valve member being fixed relative to said fluid-flow
element, said valve member being manually engageable for securing
and removing said valve cartridge relative to one of said walls,
means for moving said valve member relative to said valve seat; and
said bed further comprising means for attaching said fluid-flow
element to said one wall by applying force on said fluid-flow
element along said valve axis.
91. A bed according to claim 83 wherein said coupling means
comprises a replaceable valve cartridge having a fluid-flow element
defining a fluid-flow passageway, a valve seat in fluid
communication with said fluid-flow passageway, a valve member
movable along a valve axis relative to and sealingly engageable
with said valve seat for restricting fluid flow through said valve
seat, one of said valve seat and valve member being fixed relative
to said fluid-flow element, an extension member fixed relative to
said other of said valve seat and valve member and manually
engageable for securing and removing said valve cartridge relative
to said wall, said fluid-flow element and said extension member
being structured to provide for the transference of force between
said extension member and said fluid-flow element when force is
applied to said extension member relative to said fluid-flow
element along said valve axis, and means for controlling movement
of said valve member relative to said valve seat; and said bed
further comprising means for attaching said fluid-flow element to
said wall by applying force on said extension member along said
valve axis relative to said fluid-flow element.
92. A bed according to claim 83 wherein said housing further has an
outlet port in fluid communication with one of said first and
second fluid-flow paths and spaced from said corresponding one of
said first and second fluid-flow ports; said bed further comprising
a valve member mounted pivotably relative to said housing for
pivoting about a pivot axis between a normal position in which said
valve member sealingly closes said outlet port, and a release
position in which said valve member is spaced from said outlet
port, thereby allowing fluid in said one fluid-flow path to flow
through said outlet port; first means for securing said valve
member in said normal position; and second means for securing said
valve member in said release position.
93. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing support
surface; a mattress having an inflatable cell supported on said
support surface; a housing to define a fluid plenum in
communication with said air mattress and having an outlet port; a
valve member mounted pivotably relative to said housing for
pivoting about a pivot axis between a normal position in which said
valve member sealingly closes said outlet port, and a release
position in which said valve member is spaced from said outlet
port, and thereby allowing fluid in said plenum to flow through
said outlet port; first means for securing said valve member in
said normal position; and second means for securing said valve
member in said release position.
94. A bed according to claim 93 wherein said securing means
comprises first stop means engageable with said housing for
maintaining said valve member in said normal position, said valve
member being movable relative to said housing along said pivot axis
for disengaging said stop means relative to said housing.
95. A bed according to claim 94 wherein said housing further
defines an exhaust chamber in communication with said air mattress
and an exhaust port, and said valve member includes a duct and an
external port for providing an exhaust passageway from said exhaust
port to said external port spaced from said exhaust port, said duct
being in communication with said exhaust port when said valve
member is in said normal position, and being spaced from said
exhaust part when in said release position.
96. A bed according to claim 94 wherein said securing means
comprises second stop means engageable with said housing for
maintaining said valve member in the release position, said second
stop means engaging said housing when said valve member is moved
along said pivot axis for disengaging said first stop means.
97. A bed comprising: a platform with an upper surface; a mattress
supported on said platform upper surface for supporting a person,
said mattress including a plurality of sets of separately
inflatable cells distributed along said upper surface, with each of
said sets including at least one cell, and each of said cells
having an inlet for inflating said cell; a plurality of sets of
means for producing a flow of air, with each set of producing means
having at least one of said producing means, and with each of said
producing means being mounted relative to said platform and having
an inlet for receiving air and an outlet for outputting air having
pressure greater than the pressure at said inlet; and a plurality
of duct means with each duct means being for coupling a set of
producing means to said inlet of each of said cells in only one of
said sets of cells, whereby there is a one-to-one correspondence
between said sets of cells and said sets of producing means.
98. A bed according to claim 97 wherein at least one set of
producing means includes a plurality of producing means coupled in
series, whereby the maximum pressure produced by said set of
producing means is greater than the maximum pressure of each
individual producing means.
99. A bed according to claim 97 wherein said platform includes a
plurality of relatively movable panels, and each of said panels
includes at least one of said sets of cells, and each of said sets
of producing means is fixedly mounted relative to the one of said
panels supporting the associated set of cells.
100. A bed according to claim 99 wherein each of said panels
supports a plurality of sets of cells and has fixedly mounted under
it the corresponding plurality of sets of producing means.
101. A bed according to claim 98 wherein at least one of said
producing means in at least one of said sets of producing means is
responsive to a control signal for producing the output air at a
selected pressure, said bed further comprising means for generating
said control signal to be representative of said selected
pressure.
102. A bed according to claim 101 wherein each of said producing
means in each of said sets is responsive to a respective control
signal for producing said selected pressure independent of the
pressures produced by the other sets of producing means.
103. A bed according to claim 101 wherein said one producing means
is a fan having a motor that rotates at a speed proportional to
said applied voltage and the resulting cell pressure is
proportional to the motor rotational speed, whereby said control
signal is the applied voltage, and said selected pressure is
produced by applying the applied voltage at a level that produces
said selected pressure.
104. A bed according to claim 103 wherein said generating means
includes means for determining the applied voltage appropriate for
producing a selected pressure.
105. A bed according to claim 103 further comprising baffle means
disposed in each of said duct means for reducing said transmission
of sound waves through said duct means into said cells.
106. A bed according to claim 105 wherein said baffle means each
comprises a resilient flap extending into said associated one of
said duct means, said flap being unattached along at least one edge
for bending when a pressure differential exists on opposite sides
of said flap.
107. A bed according to claim 106 wherein said baffle means each
substantially closes said associated one of said duct means when no
pressure differential exists on opposite sides of said flap.
108. A bed according to claim 97 wherein each of said duct means
comprises a passageway extending through the platform associated
with and supporting each cell inflated by said duct means, said bed
further comprising gate means slidable relative to said associated
platform between a first position in which said passageway is
closed and a second position in which said passageway is open.
109. A bed according to claim 108 wherein each of said duct means
includes means for sealing each of the associated passageways
relative to said upper surface when each associated gate means is
in said first position for preventing cleansing fluids applied to
said upper surface from passing through said passageway.
110. A bed according to claim 108 wherein said duct means includes
means for securing said associated cell to said passageway and said
gate means anchors said connector means in said passageway when
said gate means is in said second position.
111. A bed according to claim 110 wherein said gate means is
slidable to a third position in which said gate means releases said
securing means and said securing means must be removed from said
passageway before said gate means can be slid to said first
position.
112. A bed according to claim 97 wherein said sets of cells include
a plurality of sets of primary cells having an upper surface for
supporting a person and a plurality of sets of base cells laterally
supporting said primary cells, with at least one of said sets of
primary cells and said sets of base cells laterally supporting said
at least one set of primary cells being inflated by different ones
of said sets of producing means.
113. A bed according to claim 97 further comprising baffle means
disposed in at least one of said duct means for reducing the
transmission of sound waves through said one duct means into said
cells.
114. A bed comprising: a platform with an upper surface; a mattress
supported on said platform upper surface for supporting a person,
said mattress including at least one inflatable cell having an
inlet for inflating said cell; means for producing a flow of air at
a pressure greater than ambient air pressure; duct means coupling
said producing means to said cell inlet, said duct means including
a passageway extending through said platform; and gate means
slidable relative to said platform between a first position in
which said passageway is closed and a second position in which said
passageway is open.
115. A bed according to claim 114 wherein said gate means includes
means for sealing said passageway relative to said upper surface
when said gate means is in said first position for preventing
cleansing fluids applied to said upper surface from passing through
said passageway.
116. A bed according to claim 114 wherein said duct means includes
means for securing said inlet of said cell to said passageway and
said gate means anchors said securing means in said passageway when
said gate means is in said second position.
117. A bed according to claim 116 wherein said gate means is
slidable to a third position in which said gate means releases said
securing means and said securing means must be removed from said
passageway before said gate means can be slid to said first
position.
118. A bed according to claim 117 wherein said securing means has
an end that extends into said passageway and has a flange element
extending laterally of said end, and said gate means comprises
plate means slidable below and parallel to said upper surface
wherein said plate means has an oblong opening having an enlarged
end sized to freely receive said end of said securing means,
including said flange element, said opening further having a
locking end with a reduced dimension appropriate for engaging said
flange element when said end of said securing means extends into
said enlarged end of said opening and said plate means is slid from
said third position in which said enlarged end of said opening is
in line with said passageway with said end of said securing means
in said opening to said second position in which said locking end
is in line with said passageway and said flange element is engaged
by said plate means.
119. A bed according to claim 115 wherein said gate means comprises
plate means slidable below and parallel to said upper surface
wherein said sealing means comprises a plug that matingly fits into
said passageway, said plate means including means for resiliently
urging said plug toward said upper surface.
120. A bed according to claim 119 wherein said urging means
comprises a resilient member fixed at one end to said plate means
and fixed at the other end to said plug.
121. A bed according to claim 114 further comprising baffle means
disposed in said duct means for reducing said transmission of sound
waves through said duct means into said cell.
122. A bed comprising: a generally planar platform formed as a
plurality of relatively articulatable panels, each panel having an
upper surface and a lower surface; a mattress supported on said
platform upper surface for supporting a person, said mattress
including a plurality of sets of separately inflatable cells
distributed along said upper surface of each of said panels, with
each of said sets including at least one cell, and each of said
cells having a lower surface supported on a panel upper surface and
an inlet located in said lower surface for inflating said cell;
each of said panels having passageways extending between said upper
and lower surfaces in line with said cell inlets; hollow connectors
attached to said cells in line with said inlets for conducting air
into said cells, said connectors having a flange end spaced from
said cells with a flange extending laterally from said flange end;
a fan for each set of cells mounted relative to said lower surface
of the panel supporting the associated set of cells, each of said
fans rotating at a speed proportional to the level of an applied
voltage, whereby the pressure in the associated set of cells is
directly proportional to the level of the applied voltage; a duct
coupling each fan outlet to said lower end of said passageways of
said cells inflated by said fan; control means for applying an
applied voltage to each fan corresponding to a target air pressure
for the associated set of cells; and plate means associated with
each passageway and slidable relative to the associated panel, each
of said plate means including an oblong opening having an enlarged
end sized to freely receive said flange end of the associated one
of said connectors, said opening further having an anchoring end
with a reduced dimension appropriate for engaging said flange when
said flange end of said connector extends into said enlarged end of
said opening and said plate means is slid from a position in which
said enlarged end of said opening is in line with said passageway
to a position in which said anchoring end is in line with said
passageway and said flange is engaged by said plate means.
123. A bed according to claim 122 wherein one of said panels is a
seat panel having sets of cells for supporting the seat of a person
supported on said mattress, and at least one of said sets of said
sells supported on said seat panel is inflated by two of said fans
coupled in series, whereby the cell pressure produced by said two
series-coupled fans is greater than the cell pressure produced by
each individual fan.
124. A method of inflating a plurality of cells of a mattress
supported on a bed platform comprising the steps of: dividing the
plurality of cells into exclusive sets of cells; mounting one fan
means for each set of cells under the platform and under the
associated cells; coupling each fan to the associated set of cells;
and applying a voltage to each fan for inflating the associated set
of cells.
125. A method according to claim 124 where the cell pressure is
directly proportional to the voltage applied to the associated fan
means, and wherein said method further comprises the steps of
selecting a different cell pressure and changing the applied
voltage to a voltage appropriate for producing the different cell
pressure.
126. A bed comprising: first means for defining an upwardly facing
support surface; a mattress supported on said support surface; a
frame extending in a generally vertical plane mounted relative to
an end of said first defining means and having horizontally spaced,
generally vertically extending channels; a table positionable
adjacent to said channels and having a guide element extending into
each channel, which guide elements are slidable relative to said
channels for moving said table between a storage position in which
said guide elements are positioned in lower regions of said
channels, and a raised position in which said guide elements are
positioned at upper regions of said channels; means for coupling
said table to said guide elements for pivoting said table about a
pivot axis between an upright position in which said table is
generally vertically disposed and a lowered position in which said
table is generally horizontally disposed; and first means for
limiting said pivoting of said table relative to said channels in a
first direction.
127. A bed according to claim 126 further comprising second means
for limiting said pivoting of said table relative to said channels
in a second direction opposite from said first direction.
128. A bed according to claim 126 further comprising a base for
supporting said first defining means, and second means mounting
said frame to said base for pivoting about a generally vertical
axis whereby the position of said table when in a lowered position
is adjustable relative to said base.
129. A bed comprising: a platform supported above a floor and
having a foot end and opposite sides; an inflatable mattress
supported on said platform and having a predetermined thickness, an
upper surface, and a foot end on said foot end of said platform; a
stand-up board extending between said sides of said platform; and
means for mounting said stand-up board on said foot end of said
platform adjacent to said mattress, said mounting means being
adjustable for varying said angle of said stand-up board relative
to said platform.
130. A bed according to claim 129 wherein said mounting means is
releasable for removing said stand-up beard from said platform.
131. A bed according to claim 129 further comprising means for
moving said stand-up board from a support position in which said
stand-up board extends above said mattress for contact by said feet
of a person when said platform is tilted up with said foot end
down, and a storage position in which said stand-up board is
positioned below said upper surface of said mattress.
132. A bed according to claim 131 further comprising a frame
supported on said platform, and said moving means includes hinge
means coupling said board to said frame and means for securing said
board in said support position.
133. A bed according to claim 132 wherein said hinge means includes
a hinge rod about which said panel pivots, said moving means
further including a slide member having a slot through which said
rod extends, said slide member being movable relative to said rod
between a support position in which said panel is prevented from
moving on said hinge means and a hinge position in which said panel
is allowed to pivot on said rod.
134. A bed comprising: a platform supported above a floor and
having a foot end and opposite sides; an inflatable mattress having
a predetermined thickness supported on said platform and having a
foot end on said foot end of said platform; a stand-up board
extending between said sides of said platform; means for mounting
said stand-up board on said foot end of said platform adjacent to
said mattress; and means for moving said stand-up board from a
support position in which said stand-up board extends above said
mattress for contact by said feet of a person when said platform is
tilted up with said foot end down, and a storage position in which
said stand-up board is positioned below the upper surface of said
mattress.
135. A bed according to claim 134 wherein said stand-up board
further includes a frame supported on said platform, and said
moving means includes hinge means coupling said stand-up board to
said frame and means for securing said stand-up board in said
support position.
136. A bed according to claim 135 wherein said hinge means includes
a hinge rod about which said stand-up board pivots, said moving
means further including a slide member having a slot through which
said rod extends, said slide member being movable relative to said
rod between a support position in which said stand-up board is
prevented from moving on said hinge means and a hinge position in
which said stand-up board is allowed to pivot on said rod.
137. A bed comprising: a platform supported relative to the floor
and having opposite ends and opposite sides extending between said
ends, and having an upper surface on which a person is supported
above the floor; a base end board mounted adjacent to and extending
generally along the length of one end of said platform, said base
end board having a side portion adjacent to each side of said
platform, and an intermediate portion between said side portions,
said side portions extending above said upper surface of said
platform and said intermediate portion extending upwardly to a
level below said level of said side portions; a panel positionable
above said intermediate portion and extending upwardly adjacent to
said side portions of said end board; and means for supporting said
panel on said end board with said panel being manually removable
from said position above said intermediate portion of said end
board for providing access to said platform over said intermediate
portion of said end board.
138. A bed according to claim 137 wherein said end board and panel
have conforming surfaces.
139. A bed according to claim 137 further comprising means for
supporting said panel on an end of said platform.
140. A bed according to claim 139 further comprising means for
tilting said platform toward a vertical orientation with the end on
which said panel is supported being lower than the other end, and
wherein said means for supporting said panel on said end of said
platform supports said panel transverse to said upper surface of
said platform, said end of said platform on which said panel is
supported being said lower end, whereby a person supported on said
platform stands on said panel when said platform is in a tilted
position.
141. A bed according to claim 137 wherein at least one side portion
of said base end board has an upper surface and an opening in said
surface; said bed further comprising extendable support bar means
mounted in said side portion of said base end board and having an
upper end, said bar means being extendable between a recessed
position in which said upper end is disposed adjacent to said board
opening, and a raised position in which said upper end is supported
substantially above said board opening with said bar means
extending through said board opening.
142. A bed comprising: means having opposite ends and being
supported above a floor for supporting a person; a board mounted
adjacent to one end of said supporting means and extending above
said one end of said supporting means, said board having ends at
spaced locations along said one end and a predetermined thickness
adjacent to at least one end of said board, said one end of said
board having an upper surface and an opening in said upper surface;
and support bar means mounted in said one end of said board and
having an upper end, said bar means being extendable between a
recessed position in which said upper end is disposed adjacent to
said board opening, and a raised position in which said upper end
is supported substantially above said board opening with said bar
means extending through said board opening.
143. A bed according to claim 142 wherein said upper end of said
bar means is disposed substantially below said upper surface when
said upper end is in said recessed position, said bar means further
having means mounted on said upper end providing for engagement by
the hand of a person for raising said bar means to said raised
position.
144. A bed according to claim 142 further comprising equipment
support means mounted to said bar means for collapsing along said
bar means for storage when said bar means is in said recessed
position, and for extending outwardly from said bar means when said
bar means is raised sufficiently to position said support means
above said upper surface of said board.
145. A bed according to claim 144 further comprising means for
extending said support means outwardly from said bar means when
said support means is raised through said board opening.
146. A bed according to claim 145 wherein said opening is of a
predetermined size that is greater than said size of said bar means
and said extending means includes leverage means mounted to said
support means and engageable by said opening when said support
means is collapsed along said bar means for extending said support
means outwardly as said leverage means passes through said
opening.
147. A bed comprising: a base supportable on a floor; a frame
supported on and extending upwardly above said base when said base
is on a floor; support bar means mounted to said frame and having
an upper end, said bar means being extendable between a recessed
position in which said bar means is disposed adjacent to said
frame, and a raised position in which said upper end is supported
substantially above said bar means; and equipment support means
mounted to said bar means for collapsing along said bar means for
storage when said bar means is in said recessed position, and for
extending outwardly from said bar means when said bar means is
raised sufficiently to position said support means above said
frame.
148. A bed according to claim 147 wherein said frame includes an
upper opening through which said bar means extends, said bed
further comprising means for extending said support means outwardly
from said bar means when said support means is raised through said
opening.
149. A bed according to claim 148 wherein said opening is of a
predetermined size that is greater than said size of said bar means
and said extending means includes leverage means mounted to said
support means and engageable by said frame means when said support
means is collapsed along said bar means for extending said support
means outwardly as said leverage means passes through said
opening.
150. A bed comprising: an elongate platform for supporting a
person; an end frame mounted relative to an end of said platform;
an elongate equipment support member mounted on said end frame for
movement relative to said end frame; means movable relative to said
end frame for holding selectively said support member substantially
in a fixed position relative to said end frame when said holding
means is in a holding position; and means selectively operable for
preventing movement of said holding means from said holding
position, and thereby preventing inadvertent movement of said
support member from said fixed position.
151. A bed according to claim 150 wherein said preventing means is
further movable relative to said holding means between a first
position preventing movement of said holding means from said
holding position and a second position allowing movement of said
holding means away from said holding position.
152. A bed according to claim 151 wherein said preventing means
comprises an element mounted relative to said end frame, said
element being positioned adjacent to said holding means when said
preventing means is in said first position and said element is
spaced from said holding means when said preventing means is in
said second position, whereby said element prevents movement of
said holding means from said holding position when said element is
adjacent to said holding means.
153. A bed according to claim 152 wherein said holding means
comprises a lever pivotable relative to said end frame to said
holding position for engaging said support member when said support
member is in said fixed position and said element is in said second
position, said element preventing pivoting of said lever from said
holding position when said element is in said first position.
154. A bed according to claim 153 wherein said element is fixed
relative to said end frame, and said holding means and said support
member are movable together relative to said end frame with said
lever in said holding position.
155. A bed according to claim 154 further comprising a manually
engageable handle mounted on said end frame and movable for moving
said lever relative to said holding position, and said handle is
not movable relative to said end frame when said preventing means
is in said first position.
156. A bed according to claim 155 wherein said lever pivots about a
pin fixed to said end frame, said lever having a slot through which
said pin extends for allowing movement of said lever relative to
said pin and in line with the length of said support member and
thereby allowing movement of said lever relative to said
element.
157. A bed according to claim 154 wherein said holding means is
movable by moving said support member longitudinally relative to
said end frame.
158. A bed according to claim 150 further comprising a manually
engageable handle mounted on said end frame and movable for moving
said holding means relative to said holding position, said handle
not being movable relative to said end frame when said preventing
means is preventing movement of said holding means from said
holding position.
159. A bed comprising: an elongate platform configured to support a
person and having a foot end; a foot board mounted adjacent to said
foot end of said platform and having a chamber and a stop element
adjacent to said chamber; a cylindrical equipment support pole
mounted in said chamber of said foot board for movement
longitudinally relative to said foot board between a storage
position in which said pole is recessed in said foot board and a
support position in which a portion of said pole extends above said
foot board; a pivot pin mounted to said foot board adjacent to said
stop element; and a lever having a pole-engageable arm and a foot,
said lever being mounted in said foot board for pivoting about said
pin relative to a holding position in which said arm engages said
pole for holding said pole relative to said lever in said support
position, said lever further being movable for a limited distance
relative to said pin while in said holding position together with
said pole between a lock position in which said foot engages said
stop element, preventing said lever from pivoting from said holding
position and a release position in which said foot does not engage
said stop element and allows pivoting of said lever away from said
holding position, thereby removing said pole-engageable member from
engagement with said pole, and releasing said pole for movement
away from said support position.
160. A bed according to claim 159 further comprising a handle
mounted on said foot board and manually moveable for moving said
lever relative to said holding position, said handle not being
movable relative to said foot board when said ever is in said lock
position, and being movable relative to said foot board when said
lever arm is in said release position.
161. A bed comprising: a base frame; a platform configured to
support a person; means disposed at only three substantially
horizontal, spaced-apart positions for supporting said platform on
said base frame; and a load cell mounted on each of said supporting
means for sensing the weight supported by the respective supporting
means.
162. A bed comprising: a base frame; a platform configured to
support a person; means disposed at a plurality of space-apart
positions for supporting said platform on said base frame; means
for sensing said weight supported by each supporting means of a
person supported on said platform; means responsive to said weight
supported by each of said supporting means for determining said
position of said person on said platform.
163. A bed according to claim 162 wherein said platform has
opposite ends and opposite sides extending between said ends and an
upper surface configured to support a person; said bed further
comprising: a base end board mounted on said base frame adjacent to
and extending generally along said length of one end of said
platform, said base end board having a side portion adjacent to
each side of said platform, and an intermediate portion between
said side portions, said side portions extending above said upper
surface of said platform and said intermediate portion extending
upwardly to a level below the level of said side portions; a panel
positionable above said intermediate portion and extending upwardly
adjacent to said side portions of said end board; and means for
supporting said panel on said end board with said panel being
manually removable from said position above said intermediate
portion of said end board for providing access to said platform
over said intermediate portion of said end board.
164. A bed according to claim 162 wherein said platform has
opposite ends; said bed further comprising: a board mounted to said
base frame adjacent to one end of said platform and extending above
said one end of said platform, said board having an upper surface
and an opening in said upper surface; and extendable support bar
means mounted in said board and having an upper end, said bar means
being extendable between a recessed position in which said upper
end is disposed adjacent to said hoard opening, and a raised
position in which said upper end is supported substantially above
said board opening with said bar means extending through said board
opening.
165. A bed comprising: a platform configured to support a person; a
bar mounted relative to said platform; means for adjusting a
feature of the person's environment; and a control unit mountable
on said bar for controlling said adjusting means, including: a
first housing having a front face and a rear face, a first control
mounted in said front face of said housing, a web having first and
second oppositely disposed margins, said web being attached to said
housing along said first margin, and means for attaching said web
along said second margin relative to said housing, there being a
sufficient distance between said first and second margins to wrap
around said bar with said second margin attached relative to said
housing.
166. A bed according to claim 165 wherein said web is resilient and
said attaching means is sufficiently strong to attach said second
margin of said web relative to said housing with said web in
tension.
167. A bed according to claim 166 wherein said web is integral with
said front face of said housing.
168. A bed according to claim 167 further comprising a second
housing attached to said second margin of said web and having a
front face and a rear face, said rear faces of said housings being
adjacent to each other when said web is wrapped around said bar,
and a second control mounted in said front face of said second
housing.
169. A bed according to claim 168 wherein said attaching means
attaches said first housing to said second housing.
170. A bed according to claim 169 wherein said first and second
housings have tops and said web extends from said top of said first
housing to said top of said second housing.
171. A bed according to claim 170 wherein at least one of said
first and second controls has at least one display for displaying
information and said front face is generally disposed in a plane,
and said display is positioned at an angle transverse to said plane
of said front face.
172. A bed according to claim 171 wherein said display is recessed
behind said plane of said front face.
173. A bed according to claim 169 wherein said first and second
housings are structured to form with said web a cavity for
receiving said bar.
174. A bed comprising: means for supporting a person; a bar mounted
relative to said platform means; means controllable for adjusting a
feature of the person's environment; and a control unit mountable
on said bar for controlling said adjusting means, including: a
first housing having a front face and a rear face, a first control
mounted in said front face of said housing, a second housing having
a front face and a rear face, and means for attaching said first
housing and said second housing to said bar with said rear face of
said first housing facing said rear face of said second
housing.
175. A bed according to claim 174 wherein said attaching means
provides pivoting of said first housing relative to said second
housing.
176. A bed according to claim 175 further comprising means for
attaching said first housing to said second housing with said rear
face of said first housing facing said rear face of said second
housing when said first housing and second housing are attached to
said bar.
177. A bed comprising: a frame configured to support a person above
a floor; a plurality of support wheels supporting said frame on the
floor; and a guide wheel assembly comprising: a guide wheel, means
for mounting said guide wheel relative to said frame with said
guide wheel contacting the floor, and means for coupling said guide
wheel to said mounting means for resiliently urging said wheel
sufficiently toward the floor for maintaining said wheel in contact
with the floor while said support wheels support said frame on the
floor.
178. A bed according to claim 177 wherein said frame is elongate,
and said mounting means mounts said guide wheel for rotation about
an axis transverse to said length of said frame.
179. A bed according to claim 178 wherein said mounting means
further comprises means for retracting said guide wheel to a
position above the floor.
180. A bed comprising: a frame configured to support a person above
a floor; a plurality of support wheels supporting said frame on the
floor; and a guide wheel assembly comprising: a guide wheel, and
means for mounting said guide wheel relative to said frame with
said guide wheel contacting the floor, including means for
retracting said guide wheel from a guide position in contact with
the floor to a retracted position above the floor.
181. A bed according to claim 180 wherein said wheel is rotatable
about a wheel axis and said retracting means is operable for
pivoting said wheel about a pivot axis spaced from said wheel
axis.
182. A bed according to claim 180 wherein said retracting means is
further operable for returning said wheel from said retracted
position to said guide position.
183. A bed according to claim 180 further comprising means for
pivoting said support wheels about a vertical axis, and means for
locking simultaneously said support wheels in a fixed position
relative to said vertical axis.
184. A bed according to claim 183 wherein said retracting means
includes manually actuatable lever means for pivoting said guide
wheel, said lever means also being coupled to said locking means
for locking said support wheels when said guide wheel is in said
guide position, and unlocking said support wheels when said guide
wheel is in said retracted position.
185. A bed comprising: means for supporting a person; a base member
mountable relative to said supporting means; a guard rail for
providing a barrier to a person exiting said supporting means;
means for mounting said guard rail to said base member for
vertically changing the elevation of said guard rail between a
barrier position above the level of said platform means, and a
storage position below the level of said platform means; and energy
storage means coupling said guard rail and said base member for
storing energy when said guard rail is lowered from said barrier
position toward said storage position, and for releasing the energy
by applying an upward force on said guard rail when said guard rail
is raised toward said barrier position.
186. A bed according to claim 185 wherein said base member includes
a first guide means and said mounting means includes a first member
slidable vertically relative to said guide means with said first
member moving downwardly guided by said guide means when said guard
rail is lowered, and said energy storage means includes coil spring
means having a first end coupled to said guard rail and a second
end coupled to said base member.
187. A bed according to claim 186 wherein said mounting means
further includes a second guide means coupled to said first member
and a second member connected to said guard rail and slidable
vertically relative to said first member wherein said second member
moves downwardly guided by said second guide means when said guard
rail is lowered, said mounting means further including cable means
coupling said first member, second member and base member for
transferring energy between said first and second members as said
guard rail is moved vertically between said barrier position and
said storage position.
188. A bed according to claim 187 further comprising lock means for
locking said first member relative to said second member.
189. A bed according to claim 188 wherein said lock means includes
a resilient arm fixed relative to one of said first and second
members and coupling means for coupling selectively said arm
relative to said other of said first and second members, and means
for flexing said arm and thereby uncoupling said arm relative to
said other member, thereby allowing movement between said first and
second members.
190. A bed according to claim 185 wherein said guard rail includes
a bar; said bed further comprising a control unit mountable on said
bar for controlling functions comprising: a first housing having a
front face and a rear face; first controls mounted in said front
face of said housing; a web having first and second oppositely
disposed margins, said web being attached to said housing along
said first margin; and means for attaching said web along said
second margin relative to said housing, there being a sufficient
distance between said first and second margins to wrap around said
bar with said second margin attached relative to said housing.
191. A bed comprising: a platform configured to support a person; a
base member mountable relative to said platform; a guard rail for
providing a barrier to a person exiting said platform; elevation
changing means mounting said guard rail to said base member for
vertically changing the elevation of said guard rail between a
barrier position above the level of said platform, and a storage
position below the level of said platform; and lock means for
locking said guard rail relative to said base member, including (a)
means for coupling selectively said guard rail and said mounting
means, (b) a lock member movable between a lock position in which
said guard rail is locked in position relative to said base member
and an unlocked position in which said guard rail is movable
relative to said base member, (c) trigger means, and (d) cable
means coupling said rigger means to said lock member, said trigger
means being operable for moving said lock member between said lock
position and said unlocked position.
192. A bed according to claim 191 wherein said guard rail includes
a bar; said bed further comprising a control unit mountable on said
bar for controlling functions comprising: a first housing having a
front face and a rear face; first controls mounted in said front
face of said housing; a web having first and second oppositely
disposed margins, said web being attached to said housing along
said first margin; and means for attaching said web along said
second margin relative to said housing, there being a sufficient
distance between said first and second margins to wrap around said
bar with said second margin attached relative to said housing.
193. A bed comprising: means for supporting a person; a base member
fixedly mountable relative to said supporting means; a guard rail
for providing a barrier to a person exiting said supporting means;
and mounting means mounting said guard rail to said base member for
vertically changing the elevation of said guard rail between a
barrier position above the level of said supporting means, and a
storage position below the level of said supporting means,
including a sleeve member fixedly attached to said base member and
having a vertically disposed first passageway, a hollow first shaft
slidingly received in said first passageway of said sleeve member,
a second shaft fixedly attached to said guard rail and slidingly
received in said first shaft, and means coupling said sleeve
member, first shaft and second shaft for moving said first shaft
relative to said sleeve member and relative to said second shaft
when said guard rail is moved relative to said base member.
194. A bed according to claim 193 wherein said first shaft is at a
raised position relative to said sleeve member when said guard rail
is in said barrier position, and is at a lowered position relative
to said sleeve member when said guard rail is in said storage
position.
195. A bed according to claim 194 wherein said first shaft has a
lower end extending below said sleeve means and an upper end
extending above said sleeve means, said bed further comprising
means for coupling said lower end of said first shaft and said
sleeve member for storing energy when said guard rail is lowered
from said barrier position toward said storage position, and
releasing the stored energy by applying an upward force on said
first shaft relative to said sleeve member when said guard rail is
raised toward said barrier position.
196. A bed according to claim 195 wherein said coupling means
further includes cable means coupling said sleeve member, first
shaft and second shaft for transferring energy between said first
and second members as said guard rail is moved vertically between
said barrier position and said storage position.
197. A bed comprising: a frame supported on a floor; a platform
configured to support a person; means for supporting said platform
on said frame, including first and second hydraulic ram means, each
ram means having opposite ends attached to said frame and said
platform, respectively, with the respective ends of said first and
second ram means attached to said frame being spaced apart, said
first and second ram means being operable for lowering said
platform toward a lowered position adjacent to said frame; and
means for transferring weight from said platform directly to said
frame when said platform is in a lowered position.
198. A bed according to claim 197 wherein said transferring means
transfers weight from said platform to said frame for a range of
positions of said platform along said frame.
199. A bed according to claim 198 wherein said first and second ram
means are operable for moving said platform relative to said frame
along said range of positions.
200. A bed according to claim 199 wherein said transferring means
includes a rail mounted to one of said platform and frame and a
weight-transferring member mounted to the other of said platform
and frame, with said rail moving relative to said
weight-transferring member during movement of said platform
relative to said frame along said range of positions.
201. A bed according to claim 197 further comprising: a plurality
of support wheels for supporting said frame on the floor; a guide
wheel; means for mounting said guide wheel relative to said frame
with said wheel contacting the floor on which said frame is
supported; and means for coupling said guide wheel to said mounting
means for resiliently urging said wheel sufficiently toward the
floor for maintaining said wheel in contact with the floor while
said other wheels support said frame on the floor.
202. A bed according to claim 197 further comprising: a plurality
of support wheels for supporting said frame on the floor; a guide
wheel; and means for mounting said guide wheel relative to said
frame with said guide wheel contacting a floor on which said frame
is supported, including means for retracting said guide wheel from
a guide position in contact with the floor to a retracted position
above the floor.
203. A bed comprising: a platform configured to support a person,
and including first and second panels having respective upwardly
facing support surfaces and adjacent edges; and means for varying
the angle of said first panel relative to said second panel and
changing the distance between said respective adjacent edges of
said first and second panels.
204. A bed according to claim 203 wherein said means for varying
and changing includes a first means for pivoting said first panel
relative to said second panel, and a second means for varying the
distance between said respective adjacent edges of said first and
second panels.
205. A bed according to claim 204 wherein said first means pivots
said first panel relative to said second means.
206. A bed according to claim 204 further comprising a third means
for pivoting said second panel relative to said second means.
207. A bed according to claim 204 wherein said second means
comprises a first arm coupled to said first means, a second arm
coupled to said second panel, and means for coupling said first arm
to said second arm.
208. A bed according to claim 207 wherein said first and second
arms are pivotably mounted to a base member and said coupling means
controls the relative movement of said first and second arms.
209. A bed according to claim 208 wherein said coupling means
comprises a link interconnecting said first and second arms.
210. A bed according to claim 208 wherein said coupling means
comprises a first pinion fixedly attached to said first arm and a
second pinion fixedly attached to said second arm, said first and
second pinions having meshing teeth.
211. A bed according to claim 208 wherein said second means further
includes a first support member extending away from said first
panel and a second support member extending away from said second
panel with each support member having a distal portion spaced from
said respective panel, and a fourth means for varying the distance
between said respective distal portions of said support panels.
212. A bed according to claim 203 wherein said varying and changing
means rotates said first panel about an axis of rotation spaced
from said first panel.
213. A bed according to claim 212 wherein said varying and changing
means also rotates said second panel about said axis of
rotation.
214. A bed according to claim 213 wherein said axis of rotation is
also spaced from said second panel.
215. A bed according to claim 212 wherein said axis is spaced above
said first panel.
216. A bed according to claim 215 wherein said axis corresponds to
the position of the hip joint of a person supported on said
platform.
217. A bed according to claim 203 wherein said varying and changing
means varies the angle and changes the distance concurrently.
218. A bed according to claim 203 wherein said varying and changing
means joins said first and second panels together.
219. A bed according to claim 203 further comprising: a base frame
supportable relative to a floor; a swing arm for supporting said
platform above said frame; means for allowing pivoting of said
platform relative to said swing arm; a first adjustable-length arm
opposing said swing arm and extending between said frame and said
allowing means; second and third adjustable-length arms extending
between said frame and said platform spaced from said allowing
means, and having upper ends spaced from said allowing means and
pivotally attached relative to said platform; and means for varying
the lengths of said first, second and third arms independently for
pivoting said platform about three transverse axes.
220. A bed according to claim 219 wherein each of said panels has
an edge opposite from the respective adjacent edge, and said
allowing means is coupled to said adjacent edge of one of said
first and second panels and said second and third arms are both
coupled to said opposite edge of said one panel.
221. A bed comprising: means for defining an upwardly facing
support surface, including first and second panels having
respective adjacent edges; and means for rotating said first panel
relative to said second panel about an axis of rotation spaced from
said first panel.
222. A bed according to claim 221 wherein said rotating means also
rotates said second panel about said axis of rotation.
223. A bed according to claim 221 wherein said axis of rotation is
also spaced from said second panel.
224. A bed according to claim 221 wherein said axis is spaced above
said first panel.
225. A bed according to claim 224 wherein said axis corresponds to
the position of the hip joint of a person supported on said
bed.
226. A bed according to claim 224 further comprising: a base frame
supportable relative to a floor; a swing arm for supporting said
defining means above said frame; means for allowing pivoting of
said defining means relative to said swing arm; a first
adjustable-length arm opposing said swing arm and extending between
said frame and said allowing means; second and third
adjustable-length arms extending between said frame and said
defining means, and having upper ends spaced from said allowing
means and pivotally attached relative to said defining means; and
means for varying the lengths of said first, second and third arms
independently for pivoting said defining means about three
transverse axes.
227. A bed according to claim 226 wherein each of said panels has
an edge opposite from the respective adjacent edge, and said
allowing means is coupled to said adjacent edge of one of said
first and second panels and said second and third arms are both
coupled to said opposite edge of said one panel.
228. A bed comprising: a platform configured to support a person,
and including first and second panels having respective upwardly
facing support surfaces and adjacent edges; a first support member
extending from said first panel and having a distal portion spaced
from said first panel; a second support member extending from said
second panel and having a distal portion spaced from said second
panel; adjustable-length rod means pivotably connected to said
respective distal portions for varying the distance between said
respective distal portions; a base member carried on said rod
means; a first arm having a first end pivotably connected to said
first panel and a second end pivotably connected to said base
member; a second arm having a first end pivotably connected to said
second panel and a second end pivotably connected to said base
member; and means for coupling said first arm to said second arm
for providing corresponding movement of said first and second arms
relative to said base member.
229. A bed according to claim 228 wherein said coupling means
comprises a link interconnecting said first and second arms.
230. A bed according to claim 228 wherein said coupling means
comprises a first pinion fixedly attached to said first arm and a
second pinion fixedly attached to said second arm, said first and
second pinions having meshing teeth.
231. A hydraulic valve for controlling fluid flow between two
chambers comprising: means for defining a channel for conducting
fluid between said two chambers and including a restricted opening
through which fluid flows; means movable relative to said defining
means for varying the size of said opening through which fluid
flows; and means for moving linearly one of said defining means and
said varying means relative to the other; said opening having a
cross-sectional area through which fluid flows that varies linearly
as said defining means and said varying means move linearly
relative to each other.
232. A hydraulic valve according to claim 231 wherein said defining
means and said varying means are movable along a channel axis and
said opening extends along said axis.
233. A hydraulic valve according to claim 232 wherein said opening
has a uniform width along said axis.
234. A hydraulic valve according to claim 231 wherein said defining
means includes a port separate from said opening in fluid
communication with said channel and one of said two chambers, and
said varying means is movable relative to said port and extends
sealingly into said port when said opening is at least partially
restricted.
235. A hydraulic valve for controlling fluid flow between two
chambers comprising: a housing for defining a channel for
conducting fluid between said two chambers, including a protrusion
extending into one of said chambers and in which said channel
exists, said protrusion having an opening through which fluid
flows; a gate member for restricting selectively said opening; and
means for moving linearly one of said gate and said housing
relative to the other; said opening having an unrestricted
cross-sectional area that varies linearly as said gate and said
housing move linearly relative to each other.
236. A hydraulic valve according to claim 235 wherein said housing
and said gate member are movable along a channel axis and said
opening extends axially along a predetermined length.
237. A hydraulic valve according to claim 236 wherein said opening
has a uniform width along at least a portion of its length.
238. A hydraulic valve according to claim 235 wherein said housing
includes a port separate from said opening and in fluid
communication with said channel and one of said two chambers, and
said gate member is movable relative to said port and extends
sealingly into said port when said opening is at least partially
restricted.
239. A hydraulic valve for controlling fluid flow between two
chambers comprising: a housing for defining a cylindrical channel
for conducting fluid along a channel axis between the two chambers,
including a protrusion extending into one of the chambers and in
which said channel exists, said protrusion having an open end and a
restricted slit adjacent to said open end, said slit extending
through said channel wall with a uniform width along said channel
axis for conducting fluid between the one chamber and said channel;
a plunger disposed in said channel and having an enlarged end for
closing said open end, and a reduced-diameter shaft extending from
said enlarged end in said channel for allowing fluid to flow in
said channel between said shaft and said channel wall, said plunger
being movable along said channel axis for varying the size of said
slit through which fluid flows, said enlarged end sealing said open
end of said channel during movement of said plunger; and means for
moving linearly said plunger along said channel axis, whereby the
size of said slit through which fluid flows varies linearly as said
plunger is moved linearly along said channel axis.
240. A bed comprising: a platform configured to support a person; a
base frame supported on a floor for supporting said platform; and
means for moving hydraulically at least a portion of said platform
relative to said frame; said moving means comprising a hydraulic
cylinder, hydraulic fluid, and a valve for regulating the flow of
fluid relative to said cylinder; said valve comprising: means for
defining a channel having an opening extending along an axis for
conducting fluid; means movable along said axis relative to said
defining means for varying the proportion of said opening through
which fluid flows; and means for moving said varying means relative
to said defining means with the size of said opening through which
fluid flows varying linearly with movement of said varying
means.
241. A bed according to claim 240 wherein said valve opening has a
uniform width along said axis.
242. A bed according to claim 240 wherein said defining means
includes a port separate from said opening in fluid communication
with said channel, and said varying means is movable relative to
said port and extends sealingly into said port when said opening is
at least partially restricted.
243. A bed according to claim 242 wherein said varying means
includes a gate member extendable from a closed position closing
said opening and said port to an open position beyond said port in
which said opening and at least a portion of said port are
unrestricted.
244. A bed according to claim 240 further comprising: a swing arm
for supporting said platform above said frame; means for allowing
pivoting between said platform and said swing arm; a first
adjustable-length arm including one of said hydraulic cylinders,
opposing said swing arm, and extending between said frame and said
allowing means; second and third adjustable-length arms, each
including one of said hydraulic cylinders, and extending between
said frame and said platform, and having upper ends spaced from
said allowing means and pivotally attached relative to said
platform; said moving means being controllable for varying the
lengths of said first, second and third arms independently for
pivoting said platform about three transverse axes.
245. A bed according to claim 240 wherein said platform includes
first and second panels having respective upwardly facing support
surfaces and adjacent edges; said bed further comprising means
coupled to said moving means for varying the angle of said first
panel relative to said second panel and changing the distance
between said respective adjacent edges of said first and second
panels.
246. A bed comprising: a platform configured to support a person; a
base supported on a floor for supporting said platform; and means
for moving hydraulically at least a portion of said platform
relative to said base; said moving means comprising a hydraulic
cylinder, hydraulic fluid, and a valve for regulating said flow of
fluid relative to said cylinder; said valve comprising: means for
defining two fluid chambers; a housing having a wall defining a
cylindrical channel for conducting fluid along a channel axis
between said two chambers, including a protrusion extending into
one of said chambers and in which said channel exists, said
protrusion having an open end and a restricted slit adjacent to
said open end, said slit extending through said channel wall with a
uniform width along said channel axis for conducting fluid between
said one chamber and said channel; a plunger disposed in said
channel and having an enlarged end for closing said open end, and a
reduced-diameter shaft extending from said enlarged end in said
channel for allowing fluid to flow in said channel between said
shaft and said channel wall, said enlarged end being movable along
said channel axis for varying said size of said slit through which
fluid flows, said enlarged end sealing said open end of said
channel during movement along said slit; and means for moving
linearly said plunger along said channel axis, whereby said
proportion of said slit through which fluid flows varies linearly
as said plunger is moved linearly along said channel axis.
247. A bed according to claim 246 wherein said plunger further
comprises a flange attached to said shaft opposite from said open
end for sealing said passageway relative to said channel, said
fluid applying offsetting forces to said flange and to said
enlarged end.
248. A bed according to claim 247 wherein said moving means further
includes an unpressurized reservoir of hydraulic fluid and said one
chamber is in direct fluid communication with said reservoir, said
enlarged end thereby receiving reduced fluid pressure.
249. A bed comprising: a platform configured to support a person; a
base frame supported on a floor for supporting said platform; and
means for moving hydraulically at least a portion of said platform
relative to said frame, said moving means comprising: a hydraulic
cylinder, hydraulic fluid, a directional valve for controlling said
extension and retraction of said cylinder, a reservoir for
containing a supply of hydraulic fluid, and a regulating valve
coupled between said directional valve and said reservoir for
regulating the flow of fluid between said cylinder and said
reservoir.
250. A bed according to claim 249 wherein said regulating valve
comprises: means for defining a channel having an opening extending
along an axis for conducting fluid; means movable along said axis
relative to said defining means for varying the proportion of said
opening through which fluid flows; and means for moving said
varying means relative to said defining means with the size of said
opening through which fluid flows varying linearly with movement of
said varying means.
251. A bed according to claim 250 further comprising: a swing arm
for supporting said platform above said frame; means for allowing
pivoting of said platform relative to said first member; a first
adjustable-length arm including one of said hydraulic cylinders,
opposing said swing arm, and extending between said frame and said
allowing means; and second and third adjustable-length arms, each
including one of said hydraulic cylinders, and extending between
said frame and said platform spaced from said allowing means, and
having upper ends spaced from said allowing means and pivotally
attached relative to said platform; said moving means being
controllable for varying the lengths of said first, second and
third arms independently for pivoting said platform about three
transverse axes.
252. A bed according to claim 250 wherein said platform includes
first and second panels having respective upwardly facing support
surfaces and adjacent edges; said bed further comprising means
coupled to said moving means for varying the angle of said first
panel relative to said second panel and changing the distance
between said respective adjacent edges of said first and second
panels.
253. A bed comprising: a base frame supportable relative to a
floor; a platform configured to support a person; a fixed-length
swing arm having a lower end pivotably attached to said frame and
an upper end coupled to said platform for supporting said platform
above said frame; means for allowing pivoting of said platform
relative to said swing arm; a first adjustable-length arm opposing
said swing arm and extending between said frame and said allowing
means; second and third adjustable-length arms extending between
said frame and said platform and having upper ends spaced from said
allowing means and pivotably attached relative to said platform;
and means for varying the lengths of said first, second and third
arms independently for pivoting said platform about said three
transverse axes.
254. A bed according to claim 253 wherein said second and third
arms have lower ends attached pivotably to said swing arm at least
one-fourth the length of said swing arm from said lower end of said
swing arm.
255. A bed according to claim 253 wherein said first arm has a
lower end pivotably attached to said frame and spaced from said
lower end of said swing arm, and an upper arm pivotably attached to
said swing arm.
256. A bed according to claim 255 wherein said upper end of said
first arm is attached to said swing arm at least one-fourth the
length of said swing arm from said upper end of said swing arm.
257. A bed according to claim 256 wherein said upper end of said
first arm is attached closer to said upper end of said swing arm
than said lower ends of said second and third arms are attached to
said swing arm.
258. A bed according to claim 257 wherein said platform comprises a
plurality of relatively articulatable panels and said upper ends of
said second and third arms and said allowing means are attached to
a first one of said panels.
259. A bed according to claim 258 wherein said first panel and a
second one of said panels have respective upwardly facing support
surfaces and adjacent edges; said bed further comprising means for
varying the angle of said first panel relative to said second panel
and changing the distance between said respective adjacent edges of
said first and second panels.
260. A bed according to claim 259 wherein said allowing means is
coupled to said adjacent edge of said first panel.
261. A bed comprising: a base frame supportable relative to a
floor; a platform for supporting a person; a swing arm having a
lower end pivotably attached to said frame and an upper end coupled
to said platform for supporting said platform above said frame; a
first length-adjustable arm having a lower end pivotably attached
to said frame and spaced from said lower end of said swing arm, and
an upper arm pivotably attached to said swing arm; means for
allowing pivoting of said platform relative to said swing arm;
second and third adjustable-length arms extending between said
frame and said platform spaced from said allowing means, and having
upper ends spaced from said allowing means and pivotably attached
relative to said platform; and means for varying the lengths of
said first, second and third arms independently for pivoting said
platform means about three transverse axes.
262. A bed according to claim 261 wherein said second and third
arms have lower ends attached pivotably to said swing arm at least
one-fourth the length of said swing arm from said lower end of said
swing arm.
263. A bed according to claim 261 wherein said upper end of said
first arm is attached to said swing arm at least one-fourth the
length of said swing arm from said upper end of said swing arm.
264. A bed according to claim 263 wherein said upper end of said
first arm is attached closer to said upper end of said swing arm
than said lower ends of said second and third arms are attached to
said swing arm.
265. A bed according to claim 264 wherein said platform means
comprises a plurality of relatively articulatable panels and said
upper ends of said second and third arms and said allowing means
are attached to a first one of said panels.
266. A bed according to claim 265 wherein said first panel and a
second one of said panels have respective upwardly facing support
surfaces and adjacent edges; said bed further comprising means for
varying the angle of said first panel relative to said second panel
and changing the distance between said respective adjacent edges of
said first and second panels.
267. A bed according to claim 266 wherein said allowing means is
coupled to said adjacent edge of said first panel.
268. A method for controlling a changeable feature of a bed having
multiple changeable features and a controller for changing the
features, comprising the steps of: receiving a feature command for
changing a first feature of the bed; associating with the first
feature a second feature having first and second alternative
states; determining whether the second feature is in the first
state; and changing the first feature according to the command if
the second feature is in the first state; and changing a feature of
the bed in a first way that is different than said step of changing
the first feature according to the command, if the second feature
is in the second state.
269. A method according to claim 268 wherein said step of changing
a feature of the bed that is different comprises generating an
alarm indicating that the second feature is in the second
state.
270. A method according to claim 269 said step of generating
further comprises the step of displaying a phrase stating that the
second feature is in the second state.
271. A method according to claim 268 wherein said step of receiving
comprises receiving a feature command for changing the first
feature in a selected way, and said step of changing a feature of
the bed in a first way comprises changing the first feature in a
way different than the selected way.
272. A method according to claim 271 wherein the selected way for
changing the first feature is for changing the first feature at a
selected rate, and said step of changing the first feature in a
different way comprises changing the first feature at a rate
different than the selected rate.
273. A method according to claim 268 wherein said step of changing
a feature of the bed that is different comprises receiving a
confirming command requesting the change of the first feature while
the second feature is in the second state, and in response to the
received confirming command, changing the first feature while the
second feature is in the second state.
274. A method according to claim 273 wherein said step of receiving
a confirming command comprises the step of receiving the feature
command a second time.
275. A method according to claim 273 wherein said step of receiving
a confirming command comprises the step of continuously receiving
the feature command for a minimum period of time.
276. A method according to claim 268 wherein said step of
associating includes associating with the first feature a third
changeable feature of the bed also having first and second
alternative states, and said step of determining include
determining whether the third feature is in the first state, said
step of changing the first feature comprises changing the first
feature if both of the second and third features are in the
respective first states, and said step of changing a feature of the
bed in a first way comprises changing a feature of the bed in a
first way that is different than said step of changing the first
feature according to the command if both of the second and third
features are in the respective second states.
277. A method according to claim 276 further comprising the step of
changing a feature of the bed in a second way that is different
than said step of changing a feature of the bed in a first way if
the second feature is in the first state and the third feature is
in the second state.
278. A method according to claim 277 wherein said step of receiving
comprises receiving a feature command for changing the first
feature in a selected way, and said step of changing a feature of
the bed in a second way comprises changing the first feature in a
way different than the selected way.
279. A method according to claim 277 wherein said step of changing
a feature of the bed in a second way comprises receiving a
confirming command requesting the change of the first feature while
only one of the second and third features is in the respective
first state, and in response to the received confirming command,
changing the first feature according to the feature command while
only one of the second and third features is in the respective
first state.
280. A bed comprising: a first feature associated with the bed and
being changeable between first and second states; a second feature
also associated with the bed and being changeable between first and
second states; means for manually inputting commands, including a
feature command for changing said first feature; and a controller
coupled to said first and second features and said inputting means
for determining whether said second feature is in the first state,
for changing said first feature according to the input command if
said second feature is in the first state, and for changing a
feature of the bed in a first way that is different than changing
said first feature according to the input command if said second
feature is in the second state.
281. A bed according to claim 280 wherein said bed further
comprises means responsive to an alarm signal for generating an
alarm indicating that said second feature is in the second state,
and said controller changes a feature of the bed in a first way by
generating the alarm signal when an input feature command is
received and said second feature is in the second state.
282. A bed according to claim 281 wherein said generating means
generates the alarm by displaying a phrase stating that said second
feature is in the second state.
283. A bed according to claim 280 wherein said inputting means is
for inputting a feature command for changing said first feature in
a selected way, and said controller changes a feature of the bed in
the first way by changing said first feature in a way that is
different than the selected way if said second feature is in the
second state.
284. A bed according to claim 283 wherein the selected way for
changing said first feature is for changing said first feature at a
selected rate, and said controller changes said first feature at a
rate different than the selected rate.
285. A bed according to claim 280 wherein said inputting means is
also for inputting a confirming command requesting the change of
said first feature while said second feature is in the second state
and said controller changes a feature in the first way by receiving
an input confirming command, and in response to the received
confirming command, changing said first feature while said second
feature is in the second state.
286. A bed according to claim 285 wherein said inputting means is
for inputting the confirming command by inputting the feature
command a second time.
287. A bed according to claim 285 wherein said inputting means is
for inputting the confirming command by inputting the feature
command continuously for a minimum period of time.
288. A bed according to claim 280 wherein said bed further
comprises a third changeable feature also having respective first
and second alternative states, and said controller is further
responsive to the received feature command for determining the
state of said third changeable feature, changes said first feature
according to the command if both of said second and third features
are in the respective first states, and changes a feature of the
bed in the first way if both of said second and third features are
in the respective second states.
289. A bed according to claim 288 wherein said controller changes a
feature of the bed in a second way that is different than the first
way if said second feature is in the first state and said third
feature is in the second state.
290. A bed according to claim 289 wherein said inputting means is
further for inputting a feature command for changing the first
feature in a selected way, and said controller changes a feature of
the bed in the second way by changing said first feature in a way
different than the selected way if said second feature is in the
first state and said third feature is in the second state.
291. A bed according to claim 289 wherein said inputting means is
further for inputting a confirming command requesting the change of
said first feature while only one of said second and third features
is in the respective first state, and said controller changes a
feature of the bed in the second way by receiving an input
confirming command and changing said first feature while only one
of said second and third features is in the respective first state.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 07/864,881 filed on Apr. 3, 1992, which application is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/641,697
filed on Jan. 16, 1991, which application is a division application
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/511,842 filed on Apr. 20,
1990, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,967, which application is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/172,264 filed
Mar. 23, 1988, now abandoned.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to beds, and more
particularly, to a bed and associated features facilitating care of
a patient supported on the bed.
CONTENTS
[0003] The Background of the Invention, Summary of the Invention,
and Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments sections have
the following section headings.
[0004] 1. Pneumatic System
[0005] 2. Footboard Gate
[0006] 3. Stand-Up Board
[0007] 4. Headboard
[0008] 5. Weight-Sensing System
[0009] 6. Control Unit
[0010] 7. Transport Guide Wheels
[0011] 8. Guard Rail Elevation System
[0012] 9. Swing Arm Extension Brace
[0013] 10. Platform Joint
[0014] 11. Hydraulic Valve
[0015] 12. Platform Support
[0016] 13. Multifunction Control
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Hospital bed designs have recently been undergoing a
transformation. Early beds were very basic devices providing
limited patient support and care features. More recently, bed
designs have been taking advantage of technological developments to
provide improvements in bed articulation, mattress inflation,
patient access, convenience and control. The following patents
illustrate some of the designs that are currently known.
[0018] 1. Pneumatic System
[0019] Valves are an integral part of a mattress inflation system.
Recently, valves have been designed in which a metal alloy that
changes shape in response to a change in temperature is used as the
valve actuator. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,540,479 issued to Thompson for a
"Heat Motor and Valve", a valve using a heat-expanding rod to open
a biased-closed valve seat is disclosed. Willson et al., in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,613,732 entitled "Temperature-Responsive Valve
Operators", discloses various valve configurations utilizing
temperature-responsive operators made with a shape-memory alloy
such as a nickel and titanium alloy. The disclosed configurations
include single and double poppet designs, as well as coaxial,
single poppet designs.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,265 issued to Sakakibara et al. for
"Electrically Operated Switching Valve" discloses the use of a
warped plate controlled by a heat-activated element for selectively
valving opposing ports relative to an intermediate port. Suzuki, in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,587 entitled "Shape-Memory Electromechanical
Drive" discloses the use of two shape-memory springs to move a
slide member to couple alternate outer ports with a central
port.
[0021] A valve member that alternately opens and closes by
heat-generating electrical current acting on a spring-biased linear
alloy element is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,973,024 issued to
Homma for "Valve Driven By Shape Memory Alloy". Hori, in Japanese
Pat. No. JP61-17789 entitled "Valve Device", discloses a
valve-opening device activated by a shape-memory alloy spring. The
valve is held closed by a coaxial bias spring.
[0022] These valve assemblies provide for effective valving, but
there remains a need for a valve assembly that is able to inversely
vary the flow of air or other fluid through respective inlet and
outlet ports, and to independently control the flow of air through
input and output ports, and that is self-contained for convenient
installation and removal from a fluid-chamber housing.
[0023] Inflatable mattress cushions or cells are often connected to
a support surface of a base platform or frame. This connection may
be provided by a connector having an inner channel or passageway,
that attaches the cell to a port extending through the support
surface. Further, it is known to connect two cells together with a
passageway formed in the connection to allow air to flow between
the connected cells. An example of such an arrangement is disclosed
by Pertchik in U.S. Pat. No. 4,255,824 for "Cushion for Decubitus
Ulcers". Pertchik discloses a seat cushion formed of a plurality of
elongate cells that are connected at contact points to provide
inflation of all the cells from a single inlet.
[0024] Hunt et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,885 entitled "Support
Appliance for Mounting on a Standard Hospital Bed", discloses male
and female parts of a connector assembly for connecting mattress
cells to a mattress base inlet or outlet. Another form of connector
for a mattress cell is shown in FIG. 6 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,413
issued to Goodwin for "Low Air Loss Bed".
[0025] Hunt et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,968 entitled "Patient
Support Appliances" also discloses a connector of an air tube to a
housing (FIG. 4). This is a quick release connection to allow rapid
deflation for cardiac arrest procedures. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,414
entitled "Modular Low Air Loss Patient Support System and Methods
for Automatic Patient Turning and Pressure Point Relief", Thomas et
al. also disclose in FIGS. 5 and 6 a connector for connecting a
mattress cell to the platform.
[0026] These connectors are constructed to be usable in a specific
application, but do not permit use in various connections. For
instance, there remains the need for fluid-transmitting connectors
that are usable for coupling a cell to a support platform and for
coupling cells together, with the integrity of the base cell
remaining when a satellite cell is disconnected. Further, there is
a need for a connector that can accommodate a reducer for
connecting a tube to a cell.
[0027] When used on an articulating bed, the fluid supply and
exhaust systems used for inflating and deflating mattress cells
must either be formed integrally as part of the bed platform, or
must be provided by external hoses or ducts. These arrangements
result in bending and wear of connecting hoses, and exposure of
external tubes to wear and contact by other moving parts.
[0028] The present invention makes use of expandable passageways,
similar to bellows, for coupling manifolds supported on adjoining,
articulating panels. Bellows-like support cells are known to be
used in hospital beds. For instance, Hunt et al., in U.S. Pat. No.
4,099,276 entitled "Support Appliances Having Articulated Sections"
shows the use of inflatable bellows to raise and lower the head end
of a bed platform. Similar structures are also shown in patent '885
issued to Hunt et al., identified previously. A bellows-type
mattress cell is disclosed by Sato in U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,547
entitled "Pneumatic Mat with Sensing Means".
[0029] There thus remains the need for a flexible passageway
structure that can connect air passageways of adjoining bed panels,
that conforms with the panel structure, is reliable, and expands
and contracts in response to movement of the adjoining panels.
[0030] There also is a need for a simple efficient structure for
conveying pressurized and exhaust fluids to mattress cells, and
along articulated panels. As was mentioned, flexible tubes are
usually used to connect mattress cells to an air supply and exhaust
port. For example, Hunt et al., in patent '885, and Goodwin, in
patent '413, disclose the use of a flexible tube serving each
mattress section. Goodwin shows them as being external to the bed
platform, while Hunt et al. show them to be within the platform.
Also, Evans, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,671 entitled "Controllably
Inflatable Cushion", discloses individual cushions inflated in
groups or zones with supply lines and exhaust lines serving each
zone being controlled by a three way valve.
[0031] U.S. Pat. No. 4,945,590 issued to Ogura for "Valve for Fluid
Mat and Apparatus for Controlling an Attitude Assumed by Fluid
Mat", discloses air mattress supply ducts that are positioned
between relative positive and negative pressure air chambers.
Separate solenoid valves connect each air supply duct with each of
the air chambers.
[0032] Harkleroad et al. discloses, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,920
entitled "Air Mattress Pumping and Venting System", a pressure
control system in which sensors control a venting valve and a pump
for maintaining the mattress pressure between predetermined high
and low values. The use of a valve having a rotatable disk for
alternately connecting air supply and discharge pipes to two
mattress sections is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,016 issued to
Mori et al. for an "Air-Mat Apparatus".
[0033] With the development of elaborate inflatable mattresses and
articulating support platforms, it became difficult to take
immediate action when a patient needed CPR or other procedures to
treat a life-threatening condition. Various means have been
developed to make the bed become a hard, flat surface to
facilitate, rather than impair these procedures.
[0034] For instance, in British Patent No. GB 2 141 333 entitled
"Low Air Loss Support Appliance", Hunt et al. disclose in FIG. 2
and on page 2, lines 67-74, a quick release manifold that allows
deflation from all ports.
[0035] In patent '968, Hunt et al. disclose an air distribution
chamber for supplying air to mattress cells. An exhaust plate on
the chamber is manually moved to open an exhaust hole for rapidly
deflating the mattress. An air pump must be separately turned off,
but a switch activated by the handle to the exhaust plate transmits
a signal to open the exhaust valves used on the head & foot
articulating bellows. FIG. 12 of patent '414 issued to Thomas et
al. discloses the use of a CPR switch connected to a circuit
board.
[0036] Various forms of cushions and mattresses have been designed
in order to provide improved support for a patient. Viesturs et
al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,078 entitled "Body Supporting
Mattress", disclose an elongate inner cell supported on a pad
having a peripheral inflated tube. Generally U-shaped cells that
alternate and are offset for use in turning a patient are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,654 issued to Vrzalik for a "Method and
Apparatus for Alternating Pressure of a Low Air Loss Patient
Support System". In U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,249 entitled "Patient
Supoort Structure", Goodwin discloses a more conventional low air
loss mattress formed of upright cells extending across the width of
the bed.
[0037] Such mattresses as shown by Goodwin and Vrzalik are prone to
bend or lean into an adjoining cell location when the adjoining
cell is deflated. This tends to reduce the effectiveness of
controlling the support pressure and location, which is necessary
in the avoidance and treatment of bed sores, and also in the
articulation of the bed.
[0038] It is also known to provide mattresses that have multiple
layers. Grant, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,019 entitled "Dual Layer
Cellular Inflatable Pad", describes a pad formed of offset layers
of interdigitated inflatable sections. Welch, in U.S. Pat. No.
4,193,149 entitled "Beds and Mattresses", discloses a similar
mattress, except the layer cells are aligned and separated by a
preformed foam. Such mattresses assure resilient support for a
patient, but provide limited control of support by adjacent
cells.
[0039] Various cushions are also known for restraining a person. An
elaborate example is disclosed by Boyce in U.S. Pat. No. 3,218,103
entitled "Pneumatic Restraint System". This patent discloses a
chair having inflatable bands shiftable in position for selectively
restraining a person. A restraining device that is releasably
attached to a support platform for placement across the body of an
infant is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,205,669 issued to Hamann for
"Diaper-Changing Aid".
[0040] There thus remains a need for a means for restraining
persons on a bed. In particular, it is desirable to have lateral
cushions that conform to the sides of a patient, and selectively
inflatable cushions that are positionable over a patient for
keeping the patient in the bed.
[0041] The pneumatic system of a conventional hospital bed
typically includes a single pressurized air source with valves and
ducts or other conduits providing distribution to the cushions in a
mattress. Examples of such systems are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,799,276, 4,949,413, 4,993,920 and 5,044,029. A review of these
patents shows the extent that people have gone in controlling air
flow from a single source. The air flow is divided and distributed
to cushions supported on several relatively articulatable panels.
There typically are elaborate valves to control the amount of air
flow and extensive flexible conduits and/or plenums to distribute
the allocated air to each set of cushions. The air distribution
system described herein with reference to FIG. 2 is an example of a
more simplified air distribution scheme, but even it imposes
significant structural requirements on the bed panels to form the
air flow paths.
[0042] The manner in which the cushions are attached to or
supported on the platform panels may also be involved. For instance
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,879,776 and 3,909,858 illustrate elaborate
structures for attaching inflatable cushions to a bed platform for
anchoring the cushions and providing an air passageway for
inflating them.
[0043] There thus is a need for a pneumatic system that is simple
in structure, readily serviced, and provides pressure control to
individual sets of cushions supported on relatively articulatable
panels.
[0044] 2. Footboard Gate
[0045] In most any patient care environment in which the patient is
bedridden, it is desirable, and often necessary to provide support
for equipment, documents, and other materials. Where it is
sufficient to use a shelf or horizontal platform for this, a
movable tray on a stand separate from the bed is often utilized. In
order to limit the amount of accessories around the bed or to
provide a convenient table in the vicinity of the bed, various
schemes have been developed.
[0046] Slivoski, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,328 entitled "Mattress
Extension", discloses a bed having a foot-end kick board that
swings upward to form a platform. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,344,445
entitled "Side Panel Construction for Stretcher-Beds", Crawford
discloses a side guard panel that converts into a platform.
[0047] A board extending across an intermediate portion of a bed is
disclosed by Donald in U.S. Pat. No. 535,945 entitled "Detachable
Foot Rest and Table for Beds". The board is positionable as a
table, and may be pivoted down to act as footboard for a person
sitting in bed or extended beyond the foot of the bed for storage.
A somewhat similar concept is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,724,555
issued to Poehner et al. for a "Hospital Bed Footboard". This
footboard pulls out and pivots up to form a horizontal table. An
alternative embodiment simply swings up to a horizontal, over-floor
position and can slide partially over the foot of the bed.
[0048] 3. Stand-Up Board
[0049] The extended articulation capabilities of some beds includes
the ability to raise the head of the bed, and correspondingly lower
the foot of the bed until the bed is sufficiently inclined to allow
the patient to exit the bed from a standing position. In order to
accommodate this, it is necessary for the bed to have a footboard
that is strong enough to hold the weight of the patient, and yet
small enough that it will allow the mattress to be lowered near the
floor.
[0050] A bed developed by England and described in U.S. Pat. No.
3,997,926 entitled "Bed with Automatic Tilting Occupant Support",
is positionable in a stand-up position. A foot rest is shiftable
between an inoperative position spaced from the end of the bed to
an operative position adjacent to the end of the bed when the bed
is inclined. The foot rest is disposed at an obtuse angled relative
to the platform.
[0051] This footboard has limited capabilities, and is always a
part of the bed platform. Considering the infrequency that beds are
used to raise a patient to a standing position, it is desirable to
have a footboard that is adjustable, can serve different functions,
and can be removed if desired.
[0052] 4. Headboard
[0053] When CPR or other emergency procedures are performed on a
patient the attending personnel desire to be as close as possible
to the patient. Surgical tables, for instance, are built without
any form of side barriers. Beds, however, are normally used to
support a patient when such procedures are not being performed, and
therefore have restraining elements, such as side rails, headboards
and footboards. It is conventional to provide a side rail that
collapses below the level of the mattress to facilitate care by a
nurse, doctor or other attendant. The number of attendants that can
reasonably access a patient is limited to the number that can
conveniently stand along the sides of a bed. There is thus a need
for providing increased access to a patient supported in a bed.
[0054] Also, for some forms of equipment, tables or trays are not
adequate. For instance, intravenous (IV) equipment typically must
be suspended above a patient to allow gravity to convey a fluid
from a container to an intravenous needle. Also, traction devices
must have an anchor connected to the bed frame. These requirements
have led to other support configurations.
[0055] In an article entitled "Problems of Patient Support: The Air
Fluidised Bed as a Solution", pp. 269-275, Hargest discloses in
FIGS. 1 and 2 conventional traction and equipment-supporting
apparatus. Peck et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 3,063,066 entitled
"Sidegate for Beds", discloses an extension rod mounted to a corner
post cap for supporting equipment.
[0056] The use of telescoping posts or members in beds are well
established. U.S. Pat. No. 3,081,463 issued to Williams et al. for
"Motor Operated Hospital Bed" discloses telescoping corner posts
supporting end panels. A cable system provides motorized
activation. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,020 issued to Nelson for
an "Adjustable Height Bed", discloses a bed with leg posts having a
spring-biased telescoping outer sleeve that raises and lowers with
the bed platform. Hillenbrand et al., in U.S. Pat. No. 3,237,212
entitled "Retractable Bed", also discloses a bed with leg posts
having spring-biased telescoping outer sleeves that raise and lower
the bed platform.
[0057] U.S. Pat. No. 3,742,527 was issued to Johnston et al. for a
"Hospital Bed" having hydraulically driven telescoping corner legs
and a guard rail with manually telescoping support legs. In U.S.
Pat. No. 4,686,727 entitled "Convenience Bar Assembly for Hospital
Bed", Wilkinson discloses a vertical bar and cross member for
supporting various controls and patient equipment.
[0058] The equipment supports thus known in the art are either
disposed on the bed in usable position, where they get in the way
of the patient and nurses when not used, or they must be removed
and stored, and thus may not be readily available when needed.
[0059] 5. Weight-Sensing System
[0060] One of the advantages of the newer technologies has been the
ability to monitor the patient while in the bed. An example of this
is a system in which the weight of the patient is monitored while
on the bed. The weight of the bed itself is compensated for in
order to derive the patient's weight.
[0061] One such system is used in a bed made by Kinetic Concepts,
Inc. of San Antonio, Tex. That bed has a display for showing the
patient weight and change in weight.
[0062] The conventional structure providing this capability is the
use of a stress gauge at each of four corners of the bed. Examples
of this structure are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,136 issued
to Waters et al. for "Combination Hospital Bed and Surgical Table"
(col. 5, lines 13-25, col. 1, lines 58-60); and U.S. Pat. No.
4,926,951 issued to Carruth et al. for "Weigh Bed". This latter
patent discloses a weigh system in which a load cell at each of
four corners is supported on a base frame using a ball to transmit
the vertical weight without creating any lateral torque. Horizontal
position is maintained by three tie rods connecting the weigh frame
to the base frame to prevent twisting of the weigh frame for
certain patient or bed orientations.
[0063] One problem with such systems is that warp inevitable exists
in either or both the bed frame or the base frame. This warping
results in inconsistencies in the stress on the stress gauges, and
therefor produces inherent inaccuracies or complexities that must
be compensated for in some other way.
[0064] Not only is it useful to measure the weight of a patient
without requiring the patient to leave the bed, it is also
desirable to monitor the movement of a patient on the bed. Fleck et
al., in U.S. Pat. No. 4,539,560 entitled "Bed Departure Detection
System", discloses the use of tape switch detectors in a mattress
to detect a person's departure from a bed. Restlessness of a person
in the bed can be detected through the use of two or three tape
switches.
[0065] Peck et al. devised a system for sensing the departure of a
patient from the bed of the invention by a decrease in pressure in
a lower bladder, as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,744
entitled "Inflatable Bed".
[0066] 6. Control Unit
[0067] As the complexity of beds and patient care systems increase,
the complexity of control of the patient support system also
increases. The control of some features, such as bed configuration,
are made available to the patient, and control of other features,
such as mattress pressure, air flow and temperature, are made
available only to the attending personnel. Various control designs
have been developed to accommodate these two control needs.
[0068] An air suspension bed identified by the proprietary name
TheraPulse.TM. of Kinetic Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex.,
includes a hand-held bed controller provided with a hook for
hanging the controller on a side rail. The bed also has controls
extending from the face of the footboard for use by attendants.
Pauna discloses a control panel mounted on a guard rail in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,821,348 entitled "Convertible Bed and Bathroom
Combination".
[0069] In U.S. Pat. No. 3,839,753 entitled "Hospital Bed", Benoit
et al. disclose a nurse control panel located in the footboard and
covered by a panel cover. These controls are in addition to patient
controls. Drew et al. disclose various control units built into
guard rails in U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,015 entitled "Side Guard for Bed
Including Means for Controlling Remote Electrical Devices".
[0070] This patent also mentions that removal, interchange, and
replacement of the various controls is possible since the various
controls are modular components. The controls may be easily
replaced if service is required, or moved from one side to the
other depending on the physical affliction of the patient. In
patent '654, Vrzalik also discloses a control unit attached to the
bottom of the footboard and control switches mounted in the
footboard.
[0071] Except for the pendant control unit of Kinetics Concepts,
such control units are mounted in fixed positions. The pendant
control unit requires two hands to use, and is limited to controls
made available to the patient. There thus remains the need for a
controller that provides both attendant as well as patient controls
that is variable in position and even capable of being hand held or
removable in order to clear the patient area of the bed.
[0072] 7. Transport Guide Wheels
[0073] One of the concerns with the newer, more elaborate beds is
the strength and agility attendants need to maneuver them to
different locations within a hospital. Typically, beds are provided
with a wheel at each corner, with each wheel being free to turn
about a vertical axis. This wheel arrangement is convenient for
adjusting the orientation of a bed within a room, but makes turning
corners and traveling along a straight line, such as when moving
down a hallway, difficult.
[0074] Paramedic gurneys exist that have a fifth, center wheel that
is fixed in alignment with the length of the gurney and is slightly
below the plane of the four corner wheels. This assures that the
fifth wheel is always in contact with the floor. However, the
resulting rocking effect when weight is shifted from one end to the
other is particularly undesirable in a permanent bed.
[0075] There is thus a need for a wheel system for hospital beds
that allows maneuverability and yet assists in the movement of the
bed significant distances.
[0076] 8. Guard Rail Elevation System
[0077] As has been mentioned, beds typically have guard rails that
can be fixed in a position above the mattress level, in order to
keep patients from inadvertently exiting the bed. During times of
attendance, it is desirable to remove the guard rail from its
position. This is typically accommodated by making the guard rail
removable or, more commonly, adjustable so that it can be pivoted
or otherwise lowered below the level of the mattress.
[0078] One way that guard rails are lowered is by the use of
telescoping support members, such as is described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,439,880 issued to Koncelik et al. for "Geriatric Bed Construction
with Sideguards".
[0079] Cable and pulley systems are also used in various movable
bed mechanisms in order to facilitate movement of a portion of the
bed. For instance, Williams et al. disclose a cable-activated
telescoping end panel in patent '463. Hunt et al., in patent '276,
disclose the use of a cable and spring to operate a valve
controlled by rotation of a pulley around which the cable is
wound.
[0080] As is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,171 entitled
"Hospital Bed Rail Assembly", Einsele et al. developed a rail that
pivots sideways to a lower position. It includes a spring, a cable
and a cam link to resist gravity when lowered and raised.
[0081] There remains the need for a heavy duty side guard that
raises and lowers in place, and is easy to operate with one
hand.
[0082] 9. Swing Arm Extension Brace
[0083] Hydraulic operation provides a readily controlled way to
move articulating bed members. For example, Morrison developed a
hydraulic ram for moving a pin resting on the edges of travel
slots, as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,462,772 entitled
"Center-Pivoting Bed". This structure is confined to movement in
the slots. Where a hydraulic arm is free to pivot it can experience
a large bending moment when extended horizontally. It is therefore
desirable to take advantage of the controllability of hydraulic arm
movement while minimizing the size of the arm necessary to support
a leveraged weight that can exist on the arm.
[0084] 10. Platform Joint
[0085] Healthy people typically spend approximately one third of
their time sleeping. People of what may be considered less than
optimum health spend even greater amounts of time reclining. Beds
of various forms have been developed in order to provide comfort to
the user. This is particularly true of patients in hospitals and
health care facilities, as well as those in homes who, for various
reasons, are bed ridden.
[0086] Once one is in bed for extended periods of time in a
situation or condition that does not allow movement in order to
maintain comfort, complications, such as bed or pressure sores may
develop. One way that this condition has been alleviated is to
build beds having support surfaces that can be moved into various
orientations and configurations. Representative examples of such
beds are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,081,463 issued to Williams
et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,709 issued to Kerwit; U.S. Pat. No.
4,099,276 issued to Hunt et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,996 issued to
Nahum; U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,647 issued to Goodwin; U.S. Pat. No.
4,935,968 issued to Hunt et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,967 issued
to Ferrand; and French Pat. No. 87 16722 issued to Pupovic.
[0087] Each of these patents disclose beds having platforms formed
of a set of panels that pivot for assuming configurations
corresponding to various positions of a person's legs and torso.
Each of these provide a back panel that supports a person's torso
and a seat portion that supports the person's hips or hips and
thighs.
[0088] These panels are typically hinged together or caused to
pivot about a fixed joint corresponding to the hip joint. It has
been observed that the surface length of the buttocks increases
when a person moves from a flat reclining position to a sitting
position. Fixed joints do not allow for this variation in body
surface length, thereby requiring the reclining person to adjust
her or his body to accommodate it. If the person is immobile, such
accommodation is not possible. There therefore remains a need for a
bed interpanel joint that is not fixed, but rather compensates for
changes in the body surface during bending.
[0089] 11. Hydraulic Valve
[0090] Many different forms of hydraulic valves exist for
controlling fluid flow and fluid pressure. These valves typically
involve a gate or plunger that closes an opening or other fluid
passageway when in a closed position, and rapidly opens to
relatively full flow conditions. There is thus very little
intermediate control of the fluid flow.
[0091] In order to control fluid flow rate over a range of
positions of adjustment, proportionally adjustable hydraulic valves
have been developed. These valves provide for continuous variation
of a fluid opening over a range of adjustment positions. Although
the change in opening varies proportionally with adjustment
position, the relationship between the two is very complex, with
control determined typically by measurements of the fluid flow or
the effect of the fluid flow, independent of adjustment
position.
[0092] Articulating beds, and in particular hospital beds may use a
hydraulic system to control movement of a support surface, such as
a bed platform or hinging panels forming the platform, relative to
a base supported on a floor. The platform may be moved as a unit,
or the panels may move relative to each other. In such a bed, it is
desirable to vary the speed of articulation of the support surface.
For instance, it is desirable to raise the head panel slower than
it is lowered. If the bed is capable of standing up a patient, it
is desirable to use different stand up speeds for patients with
different conditions.
[0093] It is useful to tilt a bed from side to side. For patients
with pulmonary complications, tilting the bed from side to side
slowly for long periods of time helps them breathe. However, if a
bed needs to be tilted to position a patient for transfer to a
stretcher, the bed must be tilted more quickly. Also for emergency
applications, such as CPR or Trendelenburg, it is desirable to get
the bed in a particular configuration very quickly. Since the bed
could be in any allowable configuration at the time of the
emergency request, the cylinders must all move at one speed for
normal use, and another speed for emergency use.
[0094] It is seen that speed control over a wide range is
desirable. Conventional valves typically of the spool type and have
a wide dynamic range of operation. The portion of the range
applicable to articulation speeds for beds is a small portion of
that range. These valves also have flow rates that vary relative to
valve shaft position according to complex equations. As a result
they are themselves expensive and also require expensive systems to
control them.
[0095] There thus is a need for an hydraulic articulating system
that provides control within a limited range that is economical,
and is controllable simply.
[0096] 12. Platform Support
[0097] Various apparatus have been developed for supporting a bed
platform. Current designs provide for changing the elevation and
attitude of the platform relative to the base frame. Conventional
systems use linear drives on parallel linkages or one or more
hydraulic cylinders positioned to change the pitch and roll of the
bed relative to a central universal joint.
[0098] A simplified platform support system was developed by
Ferrand, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,967, that involves a
triangulation support system providing full platform articulation
using three platform supports. The patent discloses the use of a
universal joint mounted to the platform and supported on two
opposing hydraulic arms. A pair of laterally opposing side arms are
spaced from the universal joint. Coordinated adjustment in the
lengths of the various hydraulic arms adjusts the three basic forms
of platform orientation: pitch, roll and elevation.
[0099] Although providing a simple and effective system for
articulating a platform, the three-axis support system as disclosed
by Ferrand requires the use of two heavy-duty base hydraulic rams
for supporting the universal joint. A compact universal joint, as
disclosed, results in a mechanically weak point when the forces of
an articulating bed platform are applied to it. By attaching the
upper ends of both base rams to the universal joint, the available
range of motion of the platform is equal to the adjustable length
of the rams. Further, by mounting the two side arms to the base
frame or to the base of the adjacent base ram, elevation changes in
the bed are further limited by the length of throw of the two side
arms. The attachment of the universal joint and the side legs to
different, relatively hingeable panels also requires the use of a
control system that must account for changes in orientation between
the associated panels. There thus is a need for a three-axis
support system that is more economical to produce and easier to
use.
[0100] 13. Multifunction Control System
[0101] As beds become more sophisticated with an increasing variety
of different features, the use of the various features becomes more
complicated and it becomes increasingly difficult to coordinate the
various features and keep track of the state each feature is in at
a given time. Such coordination becomes increasingly important when
the bed is used to support a patient in a critical condition.
[0102] Beds presently exist which allow an attendant to lockout the
control of bed movement by the patient in order to assure that the
bed is maintained in a selected support configuration. An example
is where the patient is held in traction and the orientation and
firmness of the mattress must stay the same. Also, if the bed has
an equipment-support table that extends over the mattress, certain
movements of the mattress could upset the table. As yet another
example, it would be unsafe to tilt the mattress sideways if one or
more of the "downhill" guardrails is not in an upright position.
There is therefore a need for a bed having controls that assist in
the coordination of various features of the bed to assure proper
patient treatment and safety.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0103] The various features of the present invention satisfy these
heretofore unrealized needs.
[0104] 1. Pneumatic System
[0105] For example, in one aspect of the invention, a valve for
controlling fluid flow comprises a first valve assembly having a
first valve seat and a first valve member movable relative to the
first valve seat. A second valve assembly has a second valve seat
and a second valve member movable relative to the second valve
seat. The first and second valve assemblies are structured for
varying the fluid flow through each valve seat in proportion to the
relative position of the respective valve member to the valve seat.
An actuator is coupled to the first and second valve assemblies for
moving the first valve member in a first direction relative to the
first valve seat while concurrently moving the second valve member
in a second direction relative to the second valve seat. The
movement in the first and second directions produces increasing
restriction to fluid flow in one of the valve seats and decreasing
restriction to fluid flow in the other of the valve seats. Precise
control of the fluid flow through the two valve seats is thereby
achieved.
[0106] The present invention also provides various valve assemblies
and air distribution paths for effectively and controllably
inflating cells of an air mattress. For instance, in one air
distribution system made according to the invention for a bed
having an inflatable mattress formed of individual inflatable
cells, a housing defines a first chamber in communication with a
source of pressurized fluid and a second chamber in communication
with an inflatable cell. A first fluid-flow port provides fluid
communication between the first and second chambers, and a second
fluid-flow port spaced from and in opposing relationship with the
first fluid-flow port exhausts fluid from the first chamber. A
first valve member is movable relative to the first fluid port for
controlling fluid flow between the first and second chambers. A
second valve member is fixed relative to the first valve member and
movable relative to the second fluid port for controlling fluid
flow out of the second chamber. An actuator is coupled to the first
and second valve assemblies for moving the first and second valve
members between the first and second fluid ports.
[0107] The present invention also provides a method of controlling
the pressure in an inflatable cell of a mattress. This method
includes the steps of providing communication between a positive
pressure source and the inflatable cell through an inlet fluid-flow
port, and providing communication between a negative pressure
destination and the inflatable cell through an outlet fluid-flow
port. The amount of fluid passing through the second fluid flow
port is then varied.
[0108] In yet another aspect of the invention, a valve assembly is
provided for controlling the pressure of a fluid in a control
chamber. The assembly comprises a source of fluid of at least a
first pressure, and a destination of fluid at a second pressure
less than the first pressure. A housing has a first valve seat
defining a first fluid flow port providing communication between
the fluid source and the control chamber. A second valve seat is
spaced from the first valve seat and defines a second fluid flow
port providing communication between the control chamber and the
fluid destination. A first valve member is movable relative to the
first valve seat for varying the fluid flow from the fluid source
through the first fluid port to the control chamber. A second valve
member is movable relative to the second valve seat for varying the
fluid flow from the control chamber through the second fluid port
to the fluid destination. A first actuator is responsive to a first
control signal and is coupled to the first valve member for moving
the first valve member relative to the first valve seat. A second
actuator is responsive to a second control signal and is coupled to
the second valve member for moving the second valve member relative
to the second valve seat. The first and second actuators are
independently controllable for controlling, in combination, the
fluid pressure in the control chamber.
[0109] In yet another feature of the present invention, a valve
assembly is provided comprising a housing having a first wall and a
replaceable valve cartridge. The valve cartridge includes a first
fluid-flow element defining a fluid-flow path, a valve seat in
fluid communication with the first fluid-flow path, and a valve
member movable along a valve axis relative to and sealingly
engageable with the valve seat for restricting fluid flow through
the valve seat. One of the valve seat and valve member is fixed
relative to the first fluid-flow element, and the valve member is
manually engageable for securing and removing the valve cartridge
relative to the first wall. The valve cartridge also includes
apparatus for controlling movement of the valve member relative to
the valve seat. A means is provided for attaching, preferably
manually, the first fluid-flow element to the first wall by
applying force on the first fluid-flow element along the valve
axis.
[0110] Another valve assembly made according to the invention also
includes a housing having a first wall and a replaceable valve
cartridge. The cartridge includes a first fluid-flow element
defining a fluid-flow path, a valve seat in fluid communication
with the first fluid-flow path, and a valve member movable along a
valve axis relative to and sealingly engageable with the valve seat
for restricting fluid flow through the valve seat. One of the valve
seat and valve member is fixed relative to the first fluid-flow
element, and an extension member is fixed relative to the other of
the valve seat and valve member and manually engageable for
securing and removing the valve cartridge relative to the first
wall. The first fluid-flow element and the extension member are
structured to transfer force between the extension member and the
first fluid-flow element when force is applied to the extension
member relative to the first fluid-flow element along the valve
axis. The cartridge further includes a mechanism for controlling
movement of the valve member relative to the valve seat. A means is
also provided for attaching the first fluid-flow element to the
first wall by applying force on the extension member along the
valve axis relative to the first fluid-flow element.
[0111] Another valve assembly according to the invention includes a
housing having a first wall, and a second wall having a fluid-flow
port spaced from the first wall. A base member is positionable
through the fluid-flow port. A means is provided for attaching the
base member to the first wall. A valve member is mounted and
movable relative to the base member and the second wall for
engaging selectively and sealingly the fluid-flow port. A means is
also provided that is controllable for moving the valve member
relative to the fluid-flow port.
[0112] In a different aspect of the invention, a modular connector
system is provided for forming a sealed passageway between two air
chambers. It includes a receptacle having an inner cavity with
first and second open ends, and a lip extending inwardly around the
first open end. The lip has an opening. A disk is positioned in the
inner cavity of the receptacle adjacent to the first open end and
sealingly positionable against the lip for closing the first open
end when positioned against the lip. An insert has a main portion
with an inner cavity defining an insert passageway with first and
second open ends, and a shoulder extending outwardly from adjacent
to the first open end. The main portion is sized to be received in
the second open end of the receptacle with the second open end of
the insert spaced from the lip. The space between the lip and the
insert second end define a chamber in which the disk is captured.
The disk is movable between a first position against the lip and a
second position spaced from the lip.
[0113] The disk sealingly engages the lip when the disk is in the
first position. The modular system thus forms a check valve
preventing fluid flow through the insert when the disk is in the
first position, and allowing fluid to flow through the insert when
the disk is in the second position.
[0114] The present invention also provides apparatus for inflating
cells of a mattress. It includes a first inflatable cell having a
wall and a first inlet mounted in the first cell wall for receiving
pressurized fluid. An outlet coupling member is mounted to the
first cell wall spaced from the first inlet for transmitting
pressurized fluid input through the first inlet. A second
inflatable cell has an inlet for receiving pressurized fluid for
inflating the second cell. A means is provided that is selectively
connectable to the outlet coupling member for joining the second
cell inlet to the outlet coupling member. Pressurized fluid
received in the first inlet is thereby received in the second
cell.
[0115] In another apparatus for inflating cells of a mattress made
according to the invention, a source of pressurized fluid is
provided. A panel having at least two openings supports a plurality
of inflatable cells. Fluid communication is provided between the
source and openings. A first inflatable cell has walls supported on
the panel over the openings. A first inlet coupling member is
mounted to the first cell wall adjacent to a first of the openings.
The first inlet coupling member is selectively securable to the one
opening for providing fluid communication between the panel opening
and the interior of the first cell wall. A second inlet coupling
member is mounted to the first cell wall adjacent to the second
opening. The second inlet coupling member is selectively securable
to the second opening for providing fluid communication between the
panel opening and the interior of the first cell wall.
[0116] An outlet coupling member is mounted to the first cell wall
spaced from the first and second inlet coupling member. A conduit
is disposed within the first cell walls for providing fluid
communication between the second inlet coupling member and the
outlet coupling member. The first cell is not inflated by
pressurized fluid received in the second inlet coupling member. A
second inflatable cell has an inlet for receiving pressurized
fluid. A third inlet coupling member is in fluid communication with
the second cell inlet and selectively connectable to the outlet
coupling member for joining the second cell inlet to the outlet
coupling member. Pressurized fluid received in the second inlet
coupling member is thereby conducted into the second cell.
[0117] As another feature of the present invention, an air
distribution apparatus comprises a first housing defining a first
fluid-flow path. This first housing also has a first fluid-flow
port. A second housing is supported for pivoting about a pivot axis
relative to the first housing. This second housing defines a second
fluid-flow path and has a second fluid-flow port generally facing
the first fluid-flow port. A flexible duct joins the first and
second openings for communicating the first fluid-flow path with
the second fluid-flow path. A guide is supported relative to at
least one of the first and second housings and is attached to the
duct for maintaining the duct generally in alignment between the
first and second openings during relative pivoting of the first and
second housings.
[0118] An air distribution system according to the invention is for
use in a bed having an inflatable mattress with first and second
sections. The sections are relatively pivotable about a pivot axis
disposed generally between the sections and are formed of
individual inflatable cells. The air distribution system includes a
first housing defining a first fluid-flow path and having a first
fluid-flow port and a second fluid-flow port spaced from the first
fluid-flow port. Both the first and second fluid-flow ports are in
communication with the first fluid-flow path. The first housing has
an upper surface adjacent to the first mattress section.
[0119] A second housing associated with the second mattress section
defines a second fluid-flow path and has a third fluid-flow port in
communication with the second fluid-flow path. The third fluid-flow
port generally faces the second fluid-flow port. The second housing
has an upper surface adjacent to the second mattress section. A
duct joins the second and third fluid-fluid-flow ports for
communicating the first fluid-flow path with the second fluid-flow
path. A first coupling couples the first fluid-flow path to a cell
in the first mattress section, and a second coupling couples the
second fluid-flow path to a cell in the second mattress
section.
[0120] In yet another air distribution system of the invention for
use in a bed having an inflatable mattress formed of individual
inflatable cells, a housing defines a first fluid-flow path and has
a first fluid-flow port in communication with the first fluid-flow
path. The housing has an upper wall adjacent to the inflatable
cells. The first fluid flow path is adjacent to the upper surface.
The housing further defines a second fluid-flow path and has an
intermediate wall positioned between the first and second
fluid-flow paths. The housing also has a second fluid-flow port in
communication with the second fluid-flow path. A coupling couples
selectively the first and second fluid-flow paths to a cell.
[0121] A patient support system made according to the present
invention comprises a platform having a generally planar upward
facing support surface and an inflatable mattress. The mattress
comprises first and second separately inflatable cells having
contiguous faces extending, when inflated, obliquely relative to
the support surface, such that the contiguous face of the first
cell extends over the contiguous face of the second cell. Securing
means secure the first and second cells to the platform, whereby
the first cell is partially supported on the second cell when a
person is supported on the mattress. Individual cell support
thereby results, regardless of the extent of inflation of adjacent
cells.
[0122] The present invention also provides a relief mechanism for
deflating an air mattress. A housing defines a fluid plenum in
communication with the air mattress and has an outlet port. A valve
member is mounted pivotably relative to the housing for pivoting
about a pivot axis between a normal position in which the valve
member sealingly closes the outlet port, and a release position in
which the valve member is spaced from the outlet port. This allows
fluid in the plenum to flow through the outlet port. A first
securing means secures the valve member in the normal position. A
second securing means secures the valve member in the release
position. A simple, yet effective means is thereby provided for
rapidly deflating the air mattress.
[0123] In yet another aspect of the invention, a bed having a
distributed-source pneumatic system for inflating a mattress is
provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a bed
comprising a platform with an upper surface and a mattress
supported on the platform upper surface for supporting a person.
The mattress includes a plurality of sets of separately inflatable
cells or cushions distributed along the upper surface, with each of
the cushions having an inlet. A plurality of sets of means for
producing a flow of air, such as fans, are mounted relative to the
platform. Ducts couple one set of fans to a corresponding set of
cushions whereby there is a one-to-one correspondence between the
sets of cushions and the sets of fans.
[0124] In the preferred form of the invention, the platform has a
plurality of relatively articulatable panels. The panels have
passageways aligned with the cushion inlets. Cylindrical connectors
mounted to the cushions at the inlets extend into the passageways,
and have ends with flanges spaced from the cushions. The fan for
each set of cushions is mounted under the panel near the cushions
to be inflated, and operates at a speed linearly proportional to
the level of an applied voltage. The pressure produced by each fan
is thus directly proportional to the level of the applied voltage.
A controller applies a voltage to each fan corresponding to a
target air pressure for the associated set of cushions.
[0125] An anchor plate associated with each passageway is slidable
relative to the associated panel. Each plate includes an oblong
opening-having an enlarged end sized to freely receive the flange
end of the associated one of the connectors. The opening further
has a cam-shaped anchoring end with a reduced dimension appropriate
for engaging the flange when the flange end of a connector extends
into it. The connector is anchored by inserting it through the
enlarged end of the opening. The plate is then slid to a position
in which the cam-shaped anchoring end of the opening is in line
with the passageway and the flange is engaged by the cam-shaped
shoulder of the plate forming the anchoring end of the opening.
This sliding action also draws a rubber seal into engagement
between the connector and the plate.
[0126] Such a pneumatic system can be seen to be readily
serviceable, permitting easy installation and removal of the
cushions. Further, the use of separate fans dedicated to the
various sets of cushions provides simple operation and structure,
and ease of controlling the sets of cushions individually. Further,
fans can be provided in series to increase the range of pressures
realizable in each set of cushions.
[0127] 2. Footboard Gate
[0128] According to the invention, preferably embodied in a
footboard, a collapsible table assembly for a hospital bed includes
a frame extending in a generally vertical plane mounted to an end
of a bed and having horizontally spaced, generally vertically
extending channels. A table is positionable adjacent to the
channels and has a guide element extending into each channel. The
guide elements are slidable relative to the channels for moving the
table between a storage position in which the guide elements are
positioned in lower regions of the channels, and a raised position
in which the guide elements are positioned at upper regions of the
channels.
[0129] The table is pivotably coupled to the guide elements for
pivoting the table about a pivot axis extending through the
channels when the table is in the raised position. In the raised
position, the table pivots between an upright position in which the
table is generally vertically disposed and a lowered position in
which the table is generally horizontally disposed. A stop limits
the pivoting of the table relative to the channels. A convenient,
built-in storable table is thereby always available for servicing
the needs of a patient.
[0130] In yet another aspect of the invention, a gate is provided
for a hospital bed, which gate comprises a platform having opposite
ends for supporting a patient above a floor, and a board mounted
adjacent to one end of the platform. Apparatus is provided for
pivoting the board about a generally vertical axis, whereby the
board is movable between a first position in which the board is
adjacent to the one end of the bed and a second position in which
the board is pivoted away from the one end of the bed. Access to
the end of the bed is thereby provided. Further, when a storable
table or set of controls is attached to it, the position of such
items is variable.
[0131] In a more specific aspect of the invention, a hospital bed
comprises a base frame supported on a floor, and a platform for
supporting a patient and having a foot end and opposite sides, each
side meeting the foot end at a corresponding corner. The platform
is supported on the base frame by apparatus for tilting the
platform toward an upright position in which the platform has a
generally vertical orientation with the foot end adjacent to the
base frame. A first board is mounted to the base frame and extends
adjacent to the foot end of the platform. The board pivots about a
generally vertical axis positioned adjacent to a first one of the
corners. The board is thereby movable between a first position in
which the board is adjacent to the foot end of the bed and a second
position in which the board is pivoted away from the foot end of
the bed. When the board is in the second position and the platform
is tilted toward the upright position, the board is positioned for
use as a support by a patient in the bed.
[0132] 3. Stand-Up Board
[0133] Another feature of the present invention is usable in a
hospital bed having an elongate platform supported above a floor,
which platform has a foot end and opposite sides. An inflatable
mattress is supported on the platform and has a predetermined
thickness, an upper surface, and a foot end on the platform foot
end. The invention provides a stand-up board assembly having a
stand-up board extending between the sides of the platform, and
means for mounting the stand-up board on the foot end of the
platform adjacent to the mattress. The mounting means is preferably
adjustable for varying the angle of the stand-up board relative to
the platform.
[0134] The invention also provides a stand-up board assembly
comprising a stand-up board extending between the sides of the
platform, and means for mounting the stand-up board on the foot end
of the platform adjacent to the mattress. Further, means are
provided for moving the stand-up board from a support position in
which the stand-up board extends above the mattress for contact by
the feet of a person when the platform is tilted up with the foot
end down, and a storage position in which the stand-up board is
positioned below the upper surface of the mattress. The stand-up
board is thereby readily available for use, but storable below the
level of the mattress.
[0135] 4. Headboard
[0136] The present invention also provides a hospital bed with a
platform supported relative to the floor, which platform has
opposite ends and opposite sides extending between the ends and an
upper surface on which a patient is supported above the floor. A
base end board is mounted adjacent to and extending generally along
the length of one end of the platform. The base end board has a
side portion adjacent to each side of the platform, and an
intermediate portion between the side portions. The side portions
extend above the upper surface of the platform and the intermediate
portion is below the level of the side portions. A panel is
positionable above the intermediate portion to extend upwardly
adjacent to the side portions of the end board. An apparatus
supports the panel on the end board. The panel is manually
removable from the end board for providing access to the platform,
and thereby, to a patient supported by the platform, over the
intermediate portion of the end board.
[0137] Another hospital bed made according to the invention
comprises a platform that has opposite ends and is supportable
above a floor for supporting a patient. A board is mounted adjacent
to one end of the bed and extends above the level of the platform
along the one end of the bed. The board has ends at spaced
locations along the one end of the platform and has a predetermined
thickness adjacent to at least one end of the board. The one end of
the board has an upper surface and an opening in the upper surface.
Also, an extendable support bar is mounted in the one end of the
board and has an upper end. The bar is extendable between a
recessed position in which the upper end is disposed adjacent to
the board opening, and a raised position in which the upper end is
supported substantially above the board opening, with the bar
extending through the board opening. Such an extendable bar is
usable for supporting patient equipment and accessories.
[0138] More specifically, the present invention also provides a
patient equipment support apparatus comprising a base supportable
on a floor, and a frame supported on and extending upwardly above
the base. An extendable support bar is mounted to the frame and has
an upper end. The bar is extendable between a recessed position in
which the bar means is disposed adjacent to the frame, and a raised
position in which the upper end is supported substantially above
the bar. Apparatus for supporting equipment is mounted to the bar.
This apparatus is collapsible for storage with the bar in the
recessed position. It is extendable outwardly from the bar when the
bar is raised sufficiently to position the support apparatus above
the frame.
[0139] The present invention also includes a release lockout on an
equipment support member, such as a traction pole, mounted on an
end frame of the bed. It includes apparatus movable relative to the
end frame for holding the support member substantially in a fixed
position relative to the end frame. A release element is movable
for disengaging the holding apparatus for allowing movement of the
support member. A lock mechanism is selectively operable for
preventing movement of the release element. This thereby prevents
inadvertent movement of the support member from the fixed
position.
[0140] In the preferred embodiment, the release element is a handle
conforming with an outer edge of the end frame. The lock mechanism
prevents the operation of this handle. Thus, when a patient is held
in traction on the bed an attendant will not inadvertently move the
handle and release the support member, allowing it to collapse into
the end frame.
[0141] 5. Weight-Sensing System
[0142] The present invention also provides a scale having a base
frame, a weigh frame overlying the base frame, and means disposed
at three substantially horizontal, spaced-apart positions for
supporting the weigh frame on the base frame. A load cell mounted
on each of the supporting means senses the weight supported by the
respective supporting means. The three support points define a
plane of support that is relatively insensitive to variations in
manufacture of the base and weigh frames.
[0143] Extending this concept, the present invention also provides
an apparatus for sensing the position of an object. It includes a
base frame, a support frame overlying the base frame and having a
surface for supporting an object, and means disposed at at least
two spaced-apart positions for supporting the support frame on the
base frame. A means, such as a load cell, for sensing the weight
supported by each supporting means of an object is supported on the
support frame surface. Also a processor responsive to the weight
supported by each of the supporting means determines the position
of the object on the support frame surface.
[0144] 6. Control Unit
[0145] A control unit made according to the invention is mountable
on a bar, such as a guard rail, for controlling functions
associated with patient care. The unit includes a first housing
having a front face. Controls are mounted in the front face of the
housing. A web has first and second oppositely disposed margins.
The web is attached to the housing along the first margin and
relative to the housing along the second margin. There is a
sufficient distance between the first and second margins to wrap
around the bar with the second margin attached relative to the
housing.
[0146] Another aspect of a control unit made according to the
invention and mountable on a bar for controlling functions
associated with patient care comprises a first housing having a
front face and a rear face. Controls are mounted in the front face
of the housing. A second housing is attached to the second margin
of the web and has a front face and a rear face. The first and
second housings are attached to a bar with the rear face of the
first housing facing the rear face of the second housing. Such a
control unit provides conveniently accessibly back-to-back patient
and attendant controls.
[0147] 7. Transport Guide Wheels
[0148] Another aspect of the invention is a guide wheel assembly
usable in a hospital bed having a frame for supporting a patient
above a floor and a plurality of support wheels supporting the
frame on the floor. The assembly includes at least one guide wheel,
and preferably two, means for mounting the guide wheel for rotation
relative to the frame so that the wheel contacts a floor on which
the frame is supported, and means coupling the guide wheel to the
mounting means for resiliently urging the wheel sufficiently toward
the floor for maintaining the wheel in contact with the floor while
the other wheels contact the floor. Thus, the benefits of a guide
wheel are realized while maintaining support on all the wheels.
[0149] In a different guide wheel assembly, means are provided for
retracting the guide wheel from a guide position in contact with a
floor to a retracted position above the floor. The guide wheel is,
or the guide wheels are thereby usable selectively.
[0150] 8. Guard Rail Elevation System
[0151] As yet another aspect of the present invention, a guard rail
assembly is provided for a hospital bed having a platform for
supporting a patient. It includes a base member mountable relative
to the platform, and a guard rail for providing a barrier to a
patient exiting the bed. Means are provided for mounting the guard
rail to the base member for vertically changing the elevation of
the guard rail between a barrier position above the level of the
platform, and a storage position below the level of the platform.
Energy storage means couples the guard rail and the base member for
storing energy when the guard rail is lowered from the barrier
position toward the storage position, and releasing the energy by
applying an upward force on the guard rail when the guard rail is
raised toward the barrier position.
[0152] A collapsing guard rail assembly also according to the
invention, means for mounting the guard rail to the base member,
which mounting means includes a sleeve member fixedly attached to
the base member and having a vertically disposed first passageway.
A hollow first shaft is slidingly received in the first passageway
of the sleeve member, and a second shaft is fixedly attached to the
guard rail and slidingly received in the first shaft. The first
shaft moves relative to the sleeve member and relative to the
second shaft when the guard rail is moved relative to the base
member. An extended distance of travel is thereby provided for the
guard rail, allowing it to be moved below the upper surface of a
bed platform.
[0153] 9. Swing-Arm Extension Brace
[0154] In an articulated hospital bed according to yet another
feature of the invention, a support apparatus includes first and
second hydraulic rams. Each ram has opposite ends attached to the
frame and platform, with the respective ends of the first and
second rams attached to the frame at spaced apart locations. The
rams are operable for lowering the platform toward a position
adjacent to the frame. A means provides for transferring weight
from the platform directly to the frame when the platform is in a
lowered position. In this way, the rams are relieved of a
substantial amount of weight, so that they can be built of smaller
structural members, and the rams can be extended further than would
otherwise be possible.
[0155] 10. Platform Joint
[0156] The present invention also provides an interpanel joint that
provides a change in the separation between adjacent panels with a
change in the respective angle between the panels.
[0157] More specifically the present invention provides a bed
comprising a platform having first and second panels with
respective adjacent edges. An articulating joint couples the first
panel to the second panel for varying the distance between the
respective adjacent edges of the panels while the angle between the
panels is varied.
[0158] The articulating joint preferably includes a first support
member that extends from the first panel and has a distal portion
spaced from the first panel. Correspondingly, a second support
member extends from the second panel and has a distal portion
spaced from the second panel. An adjustable-length rod is pivotably
connected to the respective distal portions for varying the
distance between them. A base member is carried on the rod
means.
[0159] A first arm has a first end pivotably connected to the first
panel and a second end pivotably connected to the base member, and
a second arm has a first end pivotably connected to the second
panel and a second end pivotably connected to the base member. An
element couples the first arm to the second arm for providing
corresponding movement of the first and second arms relative to the
base member. In one embodiment this coupling element comprises a
link interconnecting the first and second arms intermediate the arm
ends. In another embodiment, the coupling element comprises a first
pinion fixedly attached to the first arm and a second pinion
fixedly attached to the second arm. The first and second pinions
have meshing teeth so that movement of one produces a corresponding
movement in the other. Such movement results in variation in the
distance between the adjacent edges of the two interconnected
panels.
[0160] When the two adjacent panels are pivoted from a flat or
coplanar orientation to a mutually angled orientation, the adjacent
edges of the panels move apart. The amount of movement is set to
correspond to the change in surface length of a typical person's
body, thereby maintaining the comfort and support of a person
reclining on the platform.
[0161] 11. Hydraulic Valve
[0162] The present invention also provides a hydraulic valve that
varies fluid flow linearly with the linear displacement of a valve
element. More particularly, the present invention provides a
hydraulic valve for controlling fluid flow between two chambers. It
includes means defining a channel for conducting fluid between the
two chambers and has a restricted opening through which the fluid
flows. A valve element is movable relative to the means defining
the channel for varying the size of the opening. A moving means
moves linearly one of the means defining the channel and the means
for varying the size of the opening relative to the other. The
opening has a cross-sectional area through which fluid flows that
varies linearly as the means defining the channel and the means for
varying the size of the opening move linearly relative to each
other.
[0163] The hydraulic valve preferably includes a housing defining a
cylindrical channel for conducting fluid along a channel axis
between the two chambers. The housing has a protrusion extending
into one of the chambers and through which the channel extends. The
protrusion also has an open end and a restricted slit adjacent to
the open end. The slit extends through the channel wall with a
uniform width in the axial direction for conducting fluid between
the one chamber and the channel.
[0164] A plunger is disposed in the channel and has an enlarged end
for closing the channel open end. A reduced-diameter shaft extends
from the enlarged end in the channel for allowing fluid to flow in
the channel between the shaft and the channel wall. The plunger is
movable along the channel axis for varying the size of the slit
through which the fluid flows. The enlarged end seals the open end
of the channel during movement of the plunger. The plunger is
linearly moved along the channel axis, whereby the size of the slit
through which fluid flows varies linearly.
[0165] This hydraulic valve is relatively simple to manufacture and
operate. It provides relatively precise control of flow volumes,
for use in driving hydraulic motors or moving hydraulic rams, such
as are used to control articulated beds. Accordingly, the present
invention provides a bed having a support surface for supporting a
person and a base supported on a floor for supporting the support
surface. A hydraulic system moves the support surface relative to
the base using a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic fluid, and a valve
for regulating the flow of fluid relative to the cylinder. The
valve is controllable for varying the speed of articulation of the
support surface. Preferably, the valve is a linearly adjustable
valve according to the invention as described above.
[0166] The use of a valve of this nature in a bed offers the
advantage of operating at a range of fluid flow rates suitable for
bed articulation, it is simple to manufacture and operate, and
provides a backup valve in case of failure of check valves also
typically in the hydraulic system.
[0167] 12. Platform Support
[0168] The present invention provides for an improved platform
support system. More specifically, the present invention provides
for an improved three-axis support system having features that make
the bed easier to control and less expensive to produce.
[0169] In one aspect of the invention this is provided by the use
of a fixed-length swing arm having a lower end pivotably attached
to the frame and an upper end coupled to the platform for
supporting the platform above the frame. A means, preferably a
universal joint, is provided for allowing pivoting of the platform
relative to the swing arm. A first length-adjustable arm further
supports the means for allowing pivoting relative to the frame.
Second and third adjustable-length arms extend between the frame
and the platform. These arms have upper ends that are pivotably
attached relative to the platform at locations spaced from the
means for allowing pivoting. Means are provided for varying the
lengths of the first, second and third arms independently for
pivoting the platform about three transverse axes. By making the
swing arm fixed in length, only three length-adjustable arms are
required to articulate the platform, thereby reducing the
complexity and manufacturing expense of the bed.
[0170] Another feature of the invention provides that the first
adjustable-length arm be attached to the swing arm, whether or not
the swing arm has a fixed length. Preferably the point of
attachment is well below the upper end of the swing arm so that the
upper end of the swing arm moves further for a given change in the
length of the first arm. A greater range of motion is thereby
provided in the swing arm for a given change in the length of the
first arm. Conversely, a shorter first arm provides an equivalent
range of motion as a longer first arm that is attached to the means
for allowing pivoting.
[0171] In yet another aspect of the invention, the second and third
arms have lower ends mounted well up onto the swing arm. This
configuration results in movement of the second and third arms when
the swing arm is moved, and requires less motion by the second and
third arms during compound motions with the swing arm. Further,
control is simplified since the base of motion of the second and
third arms is a proportion of the swing arm movement.
[0172] 13. Multifunction Control System
[0173] The present invention also provides for coordination between
the changing of various features on a bed in order to assure proper
patient treatment and safety.
[0174] In one aspect of the invention, this is provided by a method
that starts with receiving a feature command for changing a first
feature of the bed. A feature includes any changeable aspect of a
bed, such as the position of a physical structure, the amount of
pressure in a mattress cell, or whether a general function lockout
exists.
[0175] A second feature is associated with the first feature and a
determination is then made as to whether the second feature is in a
first state. As used herein, the state of a feature depends on the
feature and may be a position if the feature relates to a moveable
structure, a condition such as the pressure of inflation of a
mattress cell, or a logical state such as whether traction lockout
has been activated.
[0176] If the second feature is in the first state, the first
feature is changed according to the command. If the second feature
is not in the first state, the first feature is not changed
according to the command. Rather, a feature is changed that is
different than changing the first feature according to the command.
This change of a feature that is different may be generating an
alarm to indicate that the second feature is not in the first
state. This alarm could be audible, visible, and even a display of
a phrase stating that the second feature is not in the first state.
In this way the person entering the command is told why the
attempted feature change was not made.
[0177] This method is also useful where an input command is for
changing the first feature in a selected way. In this case, if the
second feature is not in the first state, the different changing of
a feature includes changing the first feature in a way different
than the selected way. This method is useful for moving the bed
when a patient is being set up for traction. It is desirable in
such an instance to move the mattress at a slower rate than normal
in order to make small, controlled changes in the mattress
position.
[0178] In some instances changes may be allowed if the user is
aware of the state of an associated feature. The method according
to the invention in such a case then includes determining whether a
confirming command has been input requesting the change of the
first feature while the second feature is not in the first state.
The first feature is then changed if the confirming command is
input. This method is useful where an equipment-support table is
positioned over the bed and the attendant wants to raise the
mattress toward the table.
[0179] The present invention also contemplates a bed having the
capability of performing these steps. In particular, it includes
first and second features associated with the bed and being
changeable between respective first and second states. The bed
includes sensor means coupled to the second feature for determining
whether the second feature is in the first state. Input means, such
as control switches, are used for manually inputting a feature
command for changing the first feature. A controller coupled to the
first feature and the sensor means is provided for changing the
first feature according to the input command if the second feature
is in the first state. If the second feature is not in the first
state, the first feature is not changed according to the command.
Adequate outputs are also preferably provided for the audio,
visual, and verbal alarm condition displays.
[0180] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description
of the preferred embodiments of the invention, described for
purposes of illustration but not limitation, and as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0181] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hospital bed made according
to the various features of the present invention.
[0182] FIG. 2 is a side cross section showing the pneumatic system
of the bed of FIG. 1.
[0183] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the left end of FIG. 2 showing
the blower mounting.
[0184] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-section of a portion
of FIG. 2.
[0185] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2.
[0186] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a spacer used in the bellows
assembly of FIG. 5.
[0187] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing two bed sections
articulated.
[0188] FIG. 8 is a further enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2
showing a rocker-arm valve in a bed section.
[0189] FIG. 9 is a general diagram showing a lateral cross-section
through a bed section having an alternative air chamber
structure.
[0190] FIG. 10 is a side view of a dual poppet valve, usable in the
pneumatic system of FIG. 2 for providing independent high and low
pressure control.
[0191] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing yet another
embodiment of a valve assembly.
[0192] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a valve member arm in the
valve assembly of FIG. 11.
[0193] FIG. 13 is a cross-section showing a first cartridge valve,
usable in the pneumatic system of FIG. 2, in a first operative
position.
[0194] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing the first
cartridge valve in a second, intermediate position.
[0195] FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing the first
cartridge valve in a third operative position.
[0196] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing the first
cartridge valve being installed.
[0197] FIGS. 17 and 18 are views similar to FIG. 8 of a second
cartridge valve assembly in two operating positions.
[0198] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the cartridge valve of FIG.
17.
[0199] FIG. 20 is a top view of the cartridge valve of FIG. 19.
[0200] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a portion of a second
embodiment of a mattress made according to the invention.
[0201] FIG. 22 is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the
structure of the mattress of FIG. 21.
[0202] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a restraining cushion system
made according to the invention.
[0203] FIG. 24 is an end view of a bed showing the restraining
cushion system of FIG. 23 in use.
[0204] FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate connector assemblies made
according to the invention for use in the cushions of the previous
figures.
[0205] FIG. 27 is a cross-section of a cell modified to provide
communication of the air supply with a secondary cell.
[0206] FIG. 28 is an end view of a bed showing the use of an
alternative restraining belt system.
[0207] FIG. 29 is a top view of the bed of FIG. 28.
[0208] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a pneumatic release valve
made according to the invention.
[0209] FIGS. 31 and 32 are partial fragmented, cut-away isometric
views of a bed end made according to the invention showing two
operating positions of the release valve of FIG. 30.
[0210] FIGS. 33 and 34 are plan views of a portion of the underside
of the bed end of FIGS. 31 and 32 showing further structure of the
release valve of FIG. 30.
[0211] FIG. 35 is a flow chart of the basic operation of the
release valve of FIG. 30.
[0212] FIG. 36 is a schematic illustration of a bed having a
distributed-source pneumatic system made according to the present
invention.
[0213] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a portion of a hospital bed
platform incorporating the pneumatic system of FIG. 36.
[0214] FIG. 38 is a cross section taken along line 38-38 in FIG.
37.
[0215] FIG. 39 is a cross section taken along line 39-39 in FIG.
37.
[0216] FIG. 40 is an exploded view of a portion of a panel of the
platform of FIG. 37.
[0217] FIGS. 41A-41C are simplified cross sections taken along
corresponding lines in FIG. 37 showing three operative positions of
a slider assembly used in the panels of FIG. 37.
[0218] FIG. 42 is an isometric view of a slider used in the bed of
FIG. 37.
[0219] FIG. 43 is an enlarged cross section taken along line 43-43
in FIG. 39.
[0220] FIGS. 44A and 44B are perspective views of a flex valve of
FIG. 43 showing two operating positions of valve flaps.
[0221] FIG. 45 is an isometric view of a footboard assembly made
according to the invention.
[0222] FIG. 46 is a partial view of the footboard assembly of FIG.
45 showing alternative positions of a storable table.
[0223] FIG. 47 is an enlarged fragmentary partial view of the
mounting assembly for the storable tables of FIGS. 45 and 46.
[0224] FIG. 48 is an exploded view of a portion of the mounting
assembly of FIG. 47.
[0225] FIGS. 49, 50 and 51 illustrate various operating positions
of the storable table of FIG. 45.
[0226] FIG. 52 is a plan view of a portion of the bed showing
alternative footboard gate positions.
[0227] FIG. 53 is a partial isometric of a corner of the bed with a
footboard gate in a swing-out position.
[0228] FIG. 54 is an enlarged view of the foot-lever-operated
detent mechanism of FIG. 53.
[0229] FIG. 55 is a partial isometric of the foot end of the bed in
a tilted position with a stand board and the footboard gates in a
"hand rail" position.
[0230] FIG. 56 is an isometric view of the two footboard gates of
the invention.
[0231] FIG. 57 is a partial fragmented view of the latching
assembly for securing the footboard gates of FIG. 56.
[0232] FIG. 58 is an enlarged view of a latch mechanism of the
latching assembly of FIG. 57.
[0233] FIGS. 59 and 60 are plan views of the latch mechanism of
FIG. 58 in two operative positions.
[0234] FIG. 61 is an isometric view of the platform extension
member and an unfolded stand up board positioned for
installation.
[0235] FIG. 62 is a view similar to FIG. 61 showing the stand up
board partially folded.
[0236] FIG. 63 is a view similar to FIG. 62 showing the stand up
board folded and installed.
[0237] FIG. 64 is a view reverse to the view of FIG. 63 showing the
unfolded stand up board in alternative positions relative to the
platform extension.
[0238] FIG. 65 is an isometric view of a headboard made according
to the invention with a panel removable for providing patient
access.
[0239] FIG. 66 is a view similar to FIG. 65 with the removable
panel partially lifted out of the headboard frame.
[0240] FIG. 67 is a view similar to FIG. 55 showing the headboard
panel used as a stand up board.
[0241] FIG. 68 is a fragmented cross section of a corner of the
headboard of the invention showing the structure of a telescoping
equipment support assembly.
[0242] FIG. 69 is an enlarged side view of a portion of FIG. 68
showing a lock opening.
[0243] FIG. 70 is a cross section taken along line 70-70 of FIG.
68.
[0244] FIG. 71 is a view similar to FIG. 70 showing a different
operative position.
[0245] FIGS. 72, 73 and 74 are partial views of the equipment
support assembly of FIG. 68 in stages of setup.
[0246] FIG. 75 is an enlarged cross section of the equipment
support assembly of FIG. 68.
[0247] FIG. 76 is an enlarged exploded view of a torsion bushing
used in the equipment support assembly of FIG. 68.
[0248] FIGS. 77, 78 and 79 are enlarged cross-sections of a portion
of the equipment support assembly of FIG. 68 illustrating operation
of a telescoping rod bushing.
[0249] FIG. 80 is an exploded view of a traction pole support
assembly made according to the invention.
[0250] FIG. 81 is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly of
FIG. 80 showing the traction pole in a recessed position.
[0251] FIG. 82 is view similar to that of FIG. 81 showing the
traction pole in a released, pop-up position.
[0252] FIG. 83 is a view similar to that of FIG. 82 showing the
traction pole in a deployed position for use as a traction
anchor.
[0253] FIG. 84 is a view similar to that of FIG. 83 showing a
release lock mechanism engaged to prevent inadvertent release of
the traction pole from the deployed position.
[0254] FIG. 85 is a plan view of the base frame supporting the
three-point weigh frame.
[0255] FIG. 86 is a simplified isometric of a corner of the base
and weigh frames of FIG. 85 showing of a single weight-sensing load
cell used between the weigh frame and base frame.
[0256] FIG. 87 is a circuit schematic illustrating the electrical
structure of the load cell of FIG. 86.
[0257] FIG. 88 is a partial cross-section taken along line 88-88 in
FIG. 86.
[0258] FIG. 89 is a partial cross-section taken along line 89-89 in
FIG. 86.
[0259] FIG. 90 is a simplified illustration of the weigh system of
the invention.
[0260] FIG. 91 is a block diagram of the weigh system of FIG.
85.
[0261] FIG. 92 is a flow-chart illustrating operation of the weigh
system of FIG. 85.
[0262] FIGS. 93 and 94 are isometric views of different sides of a
saddle-bag controller made according to the invention.
[0263] FIG. 95 is an enlarged isometric view of the saddle-bag
controller of FIG. 93 installed on a guard rail.
[0264] FIG. 96 an isometric exploded, partial fragmented view
showing the components of the controller of FIG. 93.
[0265] FIGS. 97 and 98 are enlarged, partial cross sections
illustrating structure and installation of a circuit board in the
controller of FIG. 93.
[0266] FIG. 99 is a cross-section of the controller of FIG. 93.
[0267] FIG. 100 is a top view of the controller of FIG. 93 when
installed on a guard rail with a partial fragmented cut away
section.
[0268] FIGS. 101, 102, and 103 are partial isometric views showing
the structure of a guide wheel assembly and castor actuator
according to the invention in different positions.
[0269] FIG. 104 is a view similar to FIG. 101 with the guide wheel
removed to show the linkage assembly of the guide wheel
assembly.
[0270] FIG. 105 is an isometric view of a guard rail assembly made
according to the invention in an intermediate position.
[0271] FIGS. 106, 107 and 108 are side views of the guard rail
assembly of FIG. 105 in different positions.
[0272] FIG. 109 is a side view of the bed articulated into a low
sitting position and showing a mechanism for transferring weight
directly between the platform and weigh frame.
[0273] FIG. 110 is an isometric view of a portion of the structure
of FIG. 109 showing the weight-transferring mechanism.
[0274] FIG. 111 is a partial isometric view of one embodiment of a
bed made according to the invention with two joined panels in
coplanar orientation.
[0275] FIG. 112 is an enlarged view of the articulating joint of
the bed of FIG. 111.
[0276] FIGS. 113, 114 and 115 are side views of the bed of FIG. 111
showing the two panels in different angular orientations.
[0277] FIG. 116 is a view similar to FIG. 111 showing the panels
positioned as shown in FIG. 115.
[0278] FIG. 117 is a view similar to FIG. 111 of the preferred
embodiment.
[0279] FIG. 118 is a view similar to FIG. 116 of the embodiment of
FIG. 117.
[0280] FIGS. 119, 120 and 121 are side views of the bed of FIG. 117
showing two panels in different angular orientations.
[0281] FIG. 122 is an exploded isometric view of a hydraulic valve
made according to the invention.
[0282] FIG. 123 is a longitudinal cross section of the housing of
the valve of FIG. 122.
[0283] FIG. 124 is a simplified illustration in partial cross
section showing the valve of FIG. 122 with the plunger in an open
position.
[0284] FIG. 125 is a view similar to FIG. 124 showing the plunger
in a closed position.
[0285] FIGS. 126A-126C are enlarged partial cross sections of a
portion of the housing and plunger illustrating three operative
positions.
[0286] FIG. 127 is a perspective view of a hospital bed made
according to the invention.
[0287] FIG. 128 is a schematic of a hydraulic circuit
representative of circuits used in the bed of FIG. 127.
[0288] FIG. 129 is a simplified perspective view of an articulating
platform support system made according to the invention.
[0289] FIG. 130 is a side view of the system of FIG. 129 showing
the platform in a raised position.
[0290] FIG. 131 is a view similar to FIG. 130 showing the platform
in a lowered position.
[0291] FIG. 132 is a view similar to FIG. 130 showing the platform
in a Trendelenburg position achieved by reducing only the length of
the main cylinder ram.
[0292] FIG. 133 is a generalized block diagram illustrating the
processor-controlled feature-interlock system according to the
invention.
[0293] FIGS. 134A and 134B comprise a flow chart illustrating
various steps for operating the interlock system of FIG. 133.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0294] General Overview
[0295] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bed 100 made according to
the invention is shown. Bed 100 includes a pneumatic system 102 for
controllably inflating a mattress 104 supported on a platform 106
formed of mutually articulating links or panels 108, 109, 110 and
111. Panel 108 is at what is referred to as the head of the bed,
and panel 111 is at the foot of the bed. Panel 111 also includes an
extension portion 112 that includes an equipment housing 113. Each
panel has a top plate 115 with a top, supporting surface 115a, and
a subtending tray 117.
[0296] Platform 106 is supported above a base assembly 120 by a
supporting apparatus 122 that includes opposing hydraulic supports
124 and 126 mounted at spaced locations on the base assembly and at
a common universal mounting hidden from view. This structure is
like the structure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,967 issued to
Ferrand for "Patient Support System". Support 124 is referred to as
a drive cylinder and support 126 is referred to as a swing arm.
Additionally, there are opposing roll cylinders at the foot end of
the bed, such as cylinder 128.
[0297] The base of the hydraulic supports are mounted to a weigh
frame 132 forming part of a position-sensing weigh system 133. The
weigh frame has a wishbone shape and extends from a central support
134 at the head of the bed to two lateral supports 135 and 136,
shown specifically in FIG. 85, at the foot of the bed, by
structural members 138 and 140. The platform and support system are
supported on the weigh frame at the foot of the bed by a yoke
member 144.
[0298] Base frame 142 includes a footboard assembly 146, a
headboard assembly 148, and connecting side rails 150 and 152. At
each corner of the bed frame, such as corner 153 or 154 shown in
FIG. 1, the junction between the end (foot or head) board and
associated side rail, is a castor assembly 156 having a castor 158
and a mounting apparatus 160 that allows free pivoting of the
castor about a vertical axis 161, and is lockable to capture the
castors in a position in alignment with the longitudinal length of
the bed for use during transport.
[0299] Disposed at the middle of each side rail is a guide wheel
assembly 162 connected by an actuator rod 163 to a foot pedal lever
164, particularly shown in FIG. 101.
[0300] A basket 166 supported at each front corner of the base
frame carries supporting operating and control equipment, shown
generally at 168.
[0301] Footboard assembly 146 includes a footboard frame 170, left
and right footboard table assemblies, such as assembly 172 having a
storable table 174, an extendable equipment support assembly 176,
and a footboard panel 178 having a built-in control unit 180 for
controlling various bed and patient related functions.
[0302] Headboard assembly 148 similarly has an extendable equipment
support assembly 176 with an extendable upper bar 182 having
equipment support apparatus 184 and received in an intermediate bar
186 adjustable in position relative to the headboard panel 188. An
emergency procedure access or intermediate panel 190 is removable
from the headboard.
[0303] Bed 100 also has patient guard rail assemblies, such as
assemblies 192 and 193, positioned along the platform sides.
Assembly 192 includes an extended guard rail 195 and assembly 193
includes a smaller guard rail 196, as shown. Guard rail 196 is
shorter than guard rail 195 primarily to allow relative
articulation of panels 109-111 into sitting or folded positions.
Each guard rail assembly includes an elevator mechanism 197 hidden
by telescoping housings 198 and 199.
[0304] The manipulation and control of the bed, and other patient
care systems, are provided by a portable "saddle-bag" controller
200 that wraps around a guard rail, such as guard rail 195, as
shown. This controller provides an outer, attendant-operated
control panel 201, and an inner, patient-operated control panel
202.
[0305] 1. Pneumatic System
[0306] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, pneumatic or
air distribution system 102 is shown in further detail. System 102
includes a source of pressurized fluid, such as a blower 204 that
forces air through a channel 206 heated by a heater 208. Blower 204
is also referred to as inflating means or a pressurized fluid
source. The heated air is directed serially through respective
trays 117 of each of panels 108-111, as shown. Each panel includes,
generally a basin or outer tray 210, and an inner tray assembly 212
that includes a lower tray section 214, an intermediate tray
portion 216, and an upper tray section 218. Each tray assembly,
also referred to generally as a housing, defines manifolds used for
distributing air to and from individual cells, such as upper cells
220 and base cells 222 of mattress 104.
[0307] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, mattress 104 has
alternating cells 220 and 222. As viewed in FIG. 2, both types of
cells are generally triangle shaped, with a base of a cell 222
supported on the associated platform, and a point of a cell 220
supported on the platform. Since cells 220 are larger than cells
222, they extend above the base cells. The upper or patient support
surface 224 of the bed is thus formed by the upper, exposed
surfaces of cells 220. The larger cells thus have faces or sides,
such as side 220a, that extend at an oblique angle to the platform
and over the tops of the lower cells, and the adjacent side walls
of adjacent cells touch.
[0308] During articulation of the bed, different combinations of
upper and base cells are deflated to allow pivoting of the
associated panels. When a base cell is deflated, the upper cell is
then allowed to pivot over. This is generally avoided. However,
when an upper cell is deflated, the adjacent upper cells do not
move to fill in the gap, because the intervening base cell acts as
a wedge to keep it from moving. Thus, so long as the base cells are
inflated, the upper cells are independently pressure-controllable,
without altering the cell position. Since the face of the base cell
is supported on the platform, it also does not bend. Thus, a very
stable cushion system is provided with this combination cell
structure.
[0309] The cells have fluid-flow ports, such as port 226 formed by
the combination of cell fabric or envelope, such as a breathable or
waterproof fabric as are well known, and an insert connector 228,
to be described further with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. The
insert connector sealingly snaps into a coupling port 230 extending
through the upper plate of the associated platform. Below port 230
is a control chamber 232 that has substantially the same pressure
as the associated cell.
[0310] The control chamber is defined by the platform plate and
tray assembly 212. It has an inlet fluid-flow port 234 and an
outlet or exhaust fluid-flow port 236. Mounted relative to the
inlet and outlet ports is a valve assembly 237, for selectively
controlling the air pressure in the associated mattress cell. One
or a plurality of control chambers may be associated with each
cell.
[0311] The panels are all made with the same base components of top
plate, outer tray, inner tray assembly and associated sealing
materials. As has been mentioned, the top plate has an array of
coupling ports for connection with associated mattress cells, there
being a control chamber and valve assembly for each coupling
port.
[0312] Each panel provides a pair of air or fluid-flow travel paths
238 and 240 along the length of the bed, with path 238 providing
higher pressurized air and path 240 providing reduced pressure
(exhaust) air. Path 238 is provided by a pressure chamber 242
formed by lower and intermediate tray sections 214 and 216. Path
240 is provided by an exhaust chamber 244 formed by intermediate
and upper tray sections 216 and 218.
[0313] Each travel path in a panel has a corresponding inlet and
outlet. In the case of higher pressurized air path 238, the outer
tray has an inlet 210a and an outlet 210b, and lower tray section
216 has corresponding aligned inlet 214a and outlet 214b. In the
case of path 240, outer tray 210 has an inlet 210c and an outlet
210d and intermediate tray section 216 has a corresponding aligned
inlet 216a and outlet 216b.
[0314] Note that for foot end panel 111 the path 240 outlet is
sealed, and for head end panel 108, the path 238 outlet is also
sealed, during normal operation. Also, a cylindrical supply cavity
246, also referred to as means coupling the path to the cells, or
channel means, couples pressure chamber 242 to each control chamber
232 via inlet port 234.
[0315] Although not shown, sensor receptors and processor
controllers are also preferably mounted in or on the trays, with
associated pressure and temperature sensors mounted in the
corresponding control chambers. The trays are preferably formed
with troughs for holding such devices.
[0316] An enlarged cross-section, as viewed along an axis 248 of
rotation of air blower 204, is shown in FIG. 3. The blower housing
is generally cylindrically shaped. It seats, during operation in a
pair of parallel mounting panels, such as panel 250, having curved
edges conforming to the blower housing, and with associated plates,
not shown, forming channel 206. The plate and mounting panel edges
are lined with a suitable resilient liner 252 for forming an air
seal.
[0317] Equipment housing 113 includes a removable cover 254 mounted
on a fixed wall 256. Removal of cover 254 provides access to the
blower. The blower is held in position by a rod 258 having a
resilient sleeve 260. The rod is held in place against the blower
housing by lodgement in an aperture 262 in each of the mounting
panels. Aperture 262 has an offset kidney shape to allow
positioning the rod in the apertures for holding the motor, as
shown by solid lines during operation. The position of the rod in
phantom lines illustrates the position when the rod is positioned
by sliding it through the enlarged end of the apertures while the
blower is held in position near the mounting panel edges. This
mounting structure provides for rapid access for removal or
installation of the blower.
[0318] The pneumatic system 102 also includes a bellows assembly
264 for providing fluid communication between associated fluid-flow
ports in the adjacent panels, as shown. Each bellows assembly, also
referred to generally as duct means, includes an upper connecting
bellows 266, a lower connecting bellows 268, and a guide assembly
270. The bellows are each formed of a resilient material with
alternating enlarged sections, such as sections 266a and 268a, and
reduced sections 266b and 268b. These alternating sections result
in folds in the bellows, as is common of bellows structures, allows
the bellows to expand and contract. Also, by nesting the folds of
one bellows in the creases of the other, they can be made with a
relatively larger passageway for airflow. The ends of the bellows
are mounted sealingly to the respective inlet and outlet ports of
the outer tray 210, as shown in FIG. 4 to form sealed passageways
for the air flow as has been described.
[0319] FIG. 5 shows the position of the bellows when the associated
top plates coextend in a plane, i.e., the platform support surface
is flat. Even in this configuration, the bellows are each longer
than they are thick. FIG. 7 shows the relative positions of the
bellows when the associated platform panels are relatively pivoted
about a pivot axis defined by a common pivot rod 272. The bellows,
in this example, extend along a substantial arc. Correspondingly,
when the panels are relatively pivoted the other direction, the
bellows must accommodate very close spacing between the adjacent,
connected outer tray ports.
[0320] Because of their resilience, these bellows tend to droop.
Guide assembly 270 provides support to the bellows as they are
expanded and contracted during articulation of the associated
platform panels. It includes a pair of flexible collars, such as
collar 274, spaced apart on pivot rod 272. A plurality--in this
case six--of planar spacers 276 support the bellows. As is shown in
FIG. 6, each of these spacers or membranes has an opening 278
through which the collar passes, an opening 280 through which the
upper bellows passes, and another opening 282 through which the
lower bellows passes. Bellows openings 280 and 282 are sized and
positioned to conform with the reduced sections 266a and 268a of
the respective bellows when the bellows are intermeshed. The
spacers are preferably positioned at alternate reduced sections and
are preferably made of a reasonably rigid material, such as
plastic. The guide assemblies thus hold the respective bellows in
alignment with the corresponding fluid-flow ports of the outer tray
to maintain uninterrupted air flow while allowing substantially
unlimited flexure of the bellows as they are expanded and
contracted by the articulating of the associated platform
panels.
[0321] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged illustration of a valve assembly
237 and associated housing provided by tray assembly 212. Upper
tray section 218 includes a box 218a open at the top adjacent to
connector 228 to form control chamber 232. The bottom of the box
has inlet and outlet ports 234 and 236. Two opposing sides of the
box, including side 218b, have "L" shaped grooves 218c. for receipt
of a pivot rod 284. A valve frame 286 pivots on the rod and has two
vertical cavities 288 and 290, open from the bottom, as shown in
the figure. A corresponding pair of recesses 292 and 294 exist in
the floor of the box between ports 234 and 236. These recesses are
aligned with respective cavities 288 and 290.
[0322] A plain, compression spring 296 is positioned in cavity 290,
the upper end of which is held in position by a screw 298, and the
lower end of which is seated in recess 292. A
temperature-responsive spring 300, preferably made with a
shape-memory alloy such as a nickel and titanium alloy, is
positioned in cavity 288 with a lower end seated in recess 292. The
upper end is attached to a metal screw 302, that is also connected
to an electrical conductor 304. Another electrical conductor 306 is
connected to the foot of spring 300.
[0323] On the lower surface of the ends of valve frame 286 are
respective valve members 308 and 310 positioned at a slight angle
relative to each other so that they will lie flush on the rims or
valve seats forming valve ports 234 and 236, sealing them. Because
both valve members are on a single pivoting frame, only one port is
closable at a time. As one port is opened, the other closes. This
results in three general operative positions for the valve
assembly: closed inlet port, closed outlet port, and both ports
open.
[0324] FIG. 9 shows conceptually an alternative manifold structure
usable in a pneumatic system made according to the present
invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has air flow paths that
are vertically spaced, i.e., the exhaust path is above the pressure
path. In the embodiment of FIG. 9 these fluid flow paths are
horizontally spaced.
[0325] More specifically, a housing 307 defines an upper surface
307a that corresponds to the platform upper surface having a port,
not shown, coupling a mattress cell to a cell controlled-pressure
(P) chamber 308 shown below it. Chamber 308 is disposed over a
pressurized-fluid supply or high pressure (H) chamber 309 and an
exhaust or low pressure (L) chamber 310, as shown. Chambers 309 and
310 are separated from chamber 308 by a wall 311, and chamber 309
is separated from chamber 310 by a wall 312. At the junction
between walls 311 and 312 is a valve assembly 313 for controlling
fluid passage from the high pressure chamber into the control
chamber and from the control chamber into the low pressure chamber.
Valve assembly 313 could be any suitable structure, such as valve
assembly 237 shown in FIG. 2.
[0326] An alternative valve assembly 323 is shown in FIG. 10. In
this embodiment there are high pressure (H), controlled pressure
(P), and low pressure (L) chambers shown generally at 324, 325 and
326, respectively. An inlet port 327 provides communication between
chambers 324 and 325, and an outlet port 328 provides communication
between chambers 325 and 326. These ports are valve seats that are
controlled by valve members 329 and 330. Movement of these valve
members is controlled by actuators 331 and 332, respectively. These
actuators are also preferably of a temperature-responsive material
as was described for the actuator of FIG. 8. In the embodiments
shown, temperature-responsive, cantilevered arms 333 and 334,
respectively, are fixed at one end, and have the corresponding
valve members 329 and 330 attached to the distal end. Controlled
heat sources 336 and 337 provide the necessary control over the
flexure of the cantilevered arm to control opening and shutting of
the respective ports.
[0327] Valve members 329 and 330 are hemispherical. With this
shape, as they approach the respective port, a portion of the
member enters the port before it seats on the valve seat, as shown
by valve member 329. An alternative form of the valve members is a
cone-shape, as is shown in dashed lines by alternative valve
members 339 and 340. These valve members extend well into the
respective ports, prior to sealing them off. They thus provide
significant control for varying the flow through the ports, thereby
allowing pressure control through restriction of the port. The air
flow restriction at each valve port is proportional to the distance
of the valve member from the valve seat. Additionally, they are
particularly effective for reducing the noise of air passing
through the valve. Conventional flat valve seats, as shown in FIG.
8, simply open and close the associated valve ports.
[0328] One advantage of having a double-sealing valve assembly,
such as assembly 323, is that changes in the cell pressures, while
they are sealed can be used to identify the location of the
patient. Each cell that supports a portion of a patient's body has
a pressure that is higher than the cell pressure when it does not
support a patient's body. If the cells are inflated to respective
predetermined pressures before a patient is supported, the
distribution of the patient's body on the various cells is readily
determined once the patient is on the mattress. Further, changes in
the cell pressures while the cells are kept sealed are then due to
changes in the patient's position. The relative pressure changes
can then be used to determine the patient's new position.
[0329] Yet another valve assembly 314 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
A port or valve seat 315 is coupled to a low pressure chamber L. An
opposing port or valve seat 316 is coupled to a high pressure
chamber H. Corresponding valve members 317 and 318 are attached to
a cantilevered bimetallic arm 319 having a heat-responsive layer
320 and a non-heat responsive layer 321. Layer 321 biases the arm
to close port 316. Layer 320 is heated by an electrical heating
element 322, causing it to bend toward port 315. Arm 319 thus
provides a single activator for concurrently opening one port while
closing the other. Valve assembly 314 thus provides equivalent
function to valve assembly 237 shown in FIG. 8.
[0330] FIGS. 13-16 illustrate yet another valve assembly 342
particularly useful in a patient support system as shown in FIG. 2.
Assembly 342 includes a dual-acting cartridge valve 344 mounted in
a housing 346 having a lower wall 347 and an upper wall 348. Lower
wall 347 separates a high pressure chamber 350 from a low pressure
chamber 352, and has an inlet port 353 defined in part by a
circumferential ridge 354 that extends upward from the plane of the
wall. Ridge 354 has an outer diameter D.sub.1.
[0331] Wall 348 separates low pressure chamber 352 from a
controlled-pressure chamber 356. This wall has an air-flow port 357
formed by an upwardly extending ridge 358. Ridge 358 has an inner
diameter D.sub.2 greater than diameter D.sub.1.
[0332] Cartridge valve 346 includes a base member 360, also
referred to as a fluid-flow element or channel means, is generally
tubularly shaped about a vertical axis 362, as viewed in the
figure. It includes a lower end 360a having an inner diameter sized
to frictionally receive ridge 354, and thereby provide means for
attaching the base member to wall 347, and means for sealing
cartridge valve 346 relative to inlet port 353. An inner passageway
364 extending through base member 360 has a reduced size at
inwardly extending, and downwardly facing valve seat 360d. The
exterior of the upward end of the base member is preferably
cylindrical about axis 362.
[0333] An upper end 360b has arms 360c that extend across
passageway 364 to provide lateral support for the member, and to
serve as a base for a spring 366. The spring surrounds a shaft 368
that extends along axis 362 and is attached at its lower end to a
tapered valve member 369 that is sealingly seatable on valve seat
360d. The lower end of spring 366 contacts the upper surface of
valve member 369, as shown.
[0334] The upper end of shaft 368 is connected to an extension
member 370, also tubular shaped, that fits around the upper end of
the base member and is slidable relative to the base member along
axis 362. A second spring 372 surrounds the upper end of shaft 368
and extends between extension member 370 and the top sides of arms
360c. Although not shown, spring 372 is preferably made of a
temperature-responsive alloy for controlling movement of the
extension member relative to the base member. Lower spring 366 is
fabricated from normal spring material, and tends to keep the inlet
open, thereby keeping the associated mattress cell inflated. This
opens and closes the valve provided by valve seat 360d and valve
member 369.
[0335] The top surface of ridge 358 is also a valve seat 374.
Extension member 370 has a radially extending, circumferential
flange 370a with a lower surface 370b that sealingly seats against
valve seat 374. Flange 370a is thus also a valve member. The
extension member upper end 370d has slits 370e that allow air
flowing up through passageway 364 out into controlled-pressure
chamber 356.
[0336] It is seen in looking at FIG. 13 that flange 370a is seated
on valve seat 358, preventing travel of air between chamber 356 and
chamber 352; and valve member 369 is spaced from valve seat 360d.
Also, in this position, the bottom edge 370c of the extension
member is seated against an outward extending protrusion or
shoulder 360e of the base member. The shoulder thus serves as a
stop or means to limit the sliding of the extension member relative
to the base member. As will also be seen, the cartridge valve 344
is manually installed in the position shown by applying pressure on
the extension member toward the base member. Shoulder 360e directly
transfers the applied force from the extension member to the base
member, without distorting the springs from their normal operating
range.
[0337] In FIG. 14 the cartridge valve is shown with the extension
member in an intermediate position in which neither of valve seats
360d and 370b are closed. Air is thereby allowed to flow from
high-pressure chamber 350 through passageway 364, into
controlled-pressure chamber 356, and out into low-pressure chamber
352, as shown by the flow arrows.
[0338] FIG. 15 shows cartridge valve 344 in a terminal position in
which extension member 370 is in a fully raised position relative
to the base member. Travel of the extension member upwardly is
stopped by the seating of valve member 369 against valve seat 360d.
Air flow port 357 is open. The mattress cell associated with valve
assembly 342 is thereby deflated, being allowed to have the same
internal pressure as the low-pressure chamber.
[0339] Cartridge valve 344 thus provides full control of the
pressure in chamber 356 by selective or combined communication with
the pressure chambers 350 and 352. It is a flow-force-balanced,
open-center, dual-poppet, throttle valve. The inlet and outlet
ports are controlled simultaneously and are inversely configured.
As the input port is opened, the outlet port is closed, and visa
versa.
[0340] The flow forces on the valve are balanced. An increase in
flow through the inlet tends to close the inlet, and therefore open
the outlet. At the same time, an increase in the flow through the
outlet tends to close the outlet, and therefore open the inlet.
Since the same flow passes through both inlet and outlet, changes
in flow have little effect on the net forces on the springs. With
the forces netting to zero, the drive or control force is
minimized.
[0341] As has been mentioned, cartridge valve 244 is manually
installable and removable in housing 346. FIG. 16 further
illustrates the position of the cartridge valve during installation
or removal. The base member is positioned into port 357 until the
lower end 360a seats on ridge 354, after which pressure is applied
until the position shown in FIG. 14 is reached. Upon removal,
pressure is applied upwardly on the extension member until the
position shown in FIG. 15 is reached. During removal, the force
applied to the extension member is mechanically transferred to the
base member via shaft 368 and valve member 369.
[0342] An alternative cartridge valve assembly 374 is shown in
FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20. Assembly 374 includes a dual-acting
cartridge valve 375 mounted in a housing 376 having an upper wall
377 adjacent to the top surface of a bed section, an intermediate
wall 378, and a lower wall, not shown. A low pressure chamber 379
exists between the upper and intermediate walls. A high pressure
chamber is below the intermediate wall. An insert connector 228
connects a mattress cell, such as a cell 222 to valve 375 via a
pressure-controlled chamber 381. Wall 377 has an opening 377a
coupling chambers 381 and 379. Wall 378 has a raised section 378a
with an inward flange 378b with an internal opening 378c coupling
chambers 379 and 380. Four raised tabs, such as tabs 378d and 378e,
are spaced around raised section 378a.
[0343] Cartridge valve 375 includes an outer sleeve 384 having
radially extending feet, such as feet 384a and 384b at the lower
edge, corresponding to tabs 378d and 378e. Sleeve 384 is rotated
during installation on wall 378 so that the feet are frictionally
secured under the tabs, as is shown in FIG. 17 and illustrated in
FIG. 20.
[0344] A set of four exhaust ports, such as ports 384c and 384d are
disposed at spaced locations around the upper periphery of the
walls of sleeve 384. A recessed top 384e has a central bore 384f
sized for receipt of a shaft 386. Disposed radially outwardly from
bore 384f are a plurality of vents, such as vents 384g and 384h. A
radially-extending, raised mounting flange 384i is sealingly seated
on wall 377.
[0345] A generally cylindrical insert 388 is sized for sliding
inside sleeve 384. Insert 388 is open at the top and has a well
portion 388a extending downward from the bottom. Well portion 388a
has a closed bottom 388b covered with a resilient pad 389, sized to
close opening 378c when seated on flange 378b, as is shown in FIG.
18. There are a plurality of lateral openings, such as openings
388c and 388d, in well portion 388a. The upper edge 388e of insert
388 is low enough to leave exhaust ports 384c and 384d uncovered
when pad 389 is seated on flange 378b.
[0346] Shaft 386 has a lower end 386a attached to bottom 388b. The
shaft extends slidingly through bore 384f to a top end 386b
threaded to receive a bolt 390 anchoring a washer 392. A
heat-sensitive spring 394 is disposed between washer 392 and sleeve
top 384e. Spring 394 is heated by electricity from wires 395. A
standard compression spring 396 is disposed between sleeve top 384e
and insert bottom 388b. Spring 394 urges insert 388 to the lower or
exhaust position shown in FIG. 18 in which the high pressure
opening 378c is closed and exhaust ports 384c and 384d are
open.
[0347] When spring 394 is heated, it expands, raising insert 388
and opening inlet opening 378c. In the fully raised position, as is
shown in FIG. 17, top edge 388e extends above exhaust ports 384c
and 384d, closing them. This top edge preferable seats against a
resilient O-ring 398 positioned inside sleeve 384 against top 384e.
In this raised position, the pressure in the pressure chamber is
increased, since the exhaust ports are closed and communication is
provided with high pressure chamber 380.
[0348] An alternative mattress structure is shown in FIGS. 21 and
22. FIG. 21 shows a mattress section 400 as is mounted on a single
platform link or panel, such as one of panels 108-111. Such a
section may be mounted on each of the four panels to form a bed
having a uniform mattress. Clearly, the mattress sections can be
varied to achieve a combination of capabilities.
[0349] Mattress section 400 includes 30 individual cells 401 that
may be individually controllable, as is described in the previously
referenced U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,967. Each cell has an insert
connector 228, as was described with reference to FIG. 2, for
connection to a coupling port of the top plate of a platform panel.
The cells have a four-sided, inverted frustum-pyramidal shape, as
shown, and are matingly received in correspondingly shaped cups,
shown generally at 402.
[0350] Cups 402 are formed in a base mattress cell 404 that is
maintained at a constant, fully inflated pressure. Alternatively,
cell 404 could be formed of a semi-rigid material that has similar
pliability and strength as an inflated cell. Thus, when an
individual cell 401 is deflated, the surrounding cells are
prevented from flexing into the now "empty" cup by the strength of
the adjoining cup walls.
[0351] The present invention also includes a cushion system for
restraining the movement of a person on a bed. These cushions are
shown in FIGS. 23-29. In particular, FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate a
restraining belt system 410 including three inflatable cushions
411, 412 and 413. These cushions are supported serially by a belt
414 that is held on a common, upper face of the cushions by
respective sleeves 416, 417 and 418. Belt 414 is preferably
slidable in the respective sleeves relative to the cushions. At
each end of belt 414 are hook and loop fabric pieces 419 and 420
for securing the belt through a slot 421 in the platform panel
edge, as is shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 24 shows an end view of the
restraining belt system 410 fastened to a bed panel 109.
[0352] Cushions 411 and 413 are each connected to cushion 412 by a
connector assembly 422, including an insert coupling member or
connector 228 and a connector coupling member or receptacle 423,
described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.
Cushions 411 and 413 are thereby inflated directly from cushion
412. Receptacle 423 also functions as a check valve, so that when
the end cushions 411 and 413 are disconnected, cushion 412 stays
inflated, as is shown in FIG. 28.
[0353] Cushion 412 is inflated via a tube 424 that extends through
sleeves 417 and 418, and along belt 414 to an insert connector 228
with a tube reducer 440 for attachment to the tube. The tube is
connected to cushion 412 by a tube connector assembly 425. The tube
end insert connector 228 is connected to a connector receptacle 423
mounted in a base mattress cell 222', as is shown in FIG. 1 and in
FIG. 27.
[0354] FIG. 25 illustrates a connector assembly 422 formed of an
insert connector 228 and a connector receptacle 423, such as is
used between cushions 411 and 412 or between cushions 412 and 413.
Connector receptacle 423 includes an outer member 427 having a
general U-shape with walls 427a forming an inner cavity and having
an open end 428 and an inward-directed lip or flange 427b defining
a reduced opening 429. Around opening 429 is a recess 427c. Just
inside walls 427a from open end 428 is a slight groove 427d sized
to receive a corresponding ridge 430a of a seal member 430.
Positioned inside outer member 427 in a disk chamber or cavity
between flange 427b and a shoulder 430b of seal member 430 is a
disk 431 that is freely movable therebetween. When pressed against
shoulder 430b, such as when the insert connector is removed, a seal
is formed, maintaining the pressure in a cell or cushion the
connector receptacle is mounted in. When an insert connector 228 is
inserted into an opening 432 extending through seal member 430, as
is shown in the figure, the disk is held away from shoulder 430b,
allowing air to flow around it.
[0355] Insert connector 228 includes a ring 434 having an inner
diameter D.sub.3 and inward-directed flange 434a defining a reduced
diameter D.sub.4. An insert member 436 defines a passageway 437. At
one end is an outward-directed flange 436a having a shoulder 436b.
Flange 436a is received by friction fit in the recess formed by
flange 434a of ring 434. Extending away from flange 436a are a
plurality of fingers 436c having longitudinally extending slits
438. These slits allow the fingers to flex inwardly during
insertion and removal from a connector receptacle, and allow for
the passage of air around disk 431 when received in a connector
receptacle. Adjacent to the end 436d associated with flange 436a is
an inner groove 436e. The diameters of groove 436e and recess 427c
are the same.
[0356] FIG. 26 shows a tube connector assembly 425 for connection
to a tube 424, as shown in FIG. 23. Assembly 425 includes disk-like
reducer 440 having an outer diameter sized to be received with a
friction fit in a recess 427c or a groove 436e, as is shown in
phantom lines in FIG. 25, or in a reducer mounting ring 443, as is
shown in FIG. 26. An inner opening 441 is defined by walls 440a
threaded to receive a tube adaptor 442 that is connectable to a
tube, such as tube 424.
[0357] FIG. 27 shows a cross section of a cell 222' cut away to
show the internal structure. Cell 222' is inflated through an inlet
port 226 defined by an insert connector 228 connected to a coupling
port of the top plate of a panel, as has been described with
reference to FIG. 2. However, cell 222' also has a second insert
connector 228' to which is attached a reducer assembly 426.
Assembly 426 is connected to a conduit or tube 444, the other end
of which is connected to a second reducer assembly 426 mounted on a
connector receptacle 423, also referred to as an outlet coupling
member, mounted on the end of cell 222', as shown. Tube 444 thus is
means for joining insert connector 228' to receptacle 423 in the
end of cell 222'. The insert connector shown on the end of tube 424
in FIG. 27 is insertable in receptacle 423 to provide inflation of
the restraining cushions shown in FIGS. 23 and 24.
[0358] FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate an alternative restraining system
446 that includes all the parts of belt system 410 except the outer
cushions 411 and 413. As a result, for clarity of illustration,
those parts that are common to belt system 410 have the same
reference numbers. Replacing the outer cushions are extended side
cushions 448 and 449. As particularly shown in FIG. 28, these side
cushions have a right-triangle cross section, preferably in the
ratio 3-4-5. In the preferred embodiment short sides 448a and 449a
have lengths of 6 inches, long sides 448b and 449b have lengths of
8 inches, and hypotenuses 448c and 449c have lengths of 10 inches.
A protective stretch or web of a fabric tether 450 is generally
coextensive with the hypotenuse and is attached along the length of
the hypotenuse, as shown.
[0359] Each side cushion is inflated via a connector receptacle 423
that functions as a check valve to prevent leaking after inflation.
Alternatively, the side cushions can be left connected to an
inflating tube all the time.
[0360] As shown in FIG. 29, when restraining belt system 446 is
used to contain the legs of a patient 451, long sides 448b and 449b
are placed against the top surface of the mattress. However, when
the belt system is used to restrain the torso, since the torso is
wider on the bed and extends higher above the bed than the legs,
the short sides 448a and 449a are placed on the mattress surface,
thereby accommodating the variations in the patient's body
structure without using different cushions.
[0361] FIGS. 30-35 illustrate the structure and operation of a
pneumatic release valve 472 mounted on the head end of panel 108,
as shown in FIG. 2. Valve 472 includes a housing 474 with an
elongate box section 474a that has an inner chamber 475 that
couples an exhaust inlet port 474b to an exhaust outlet port 474c.
Housing 474 is pivotally coupled to panel 108 by rings 474d and
474e mounted on the top surface and supported on a pivot rod 476.
From each end of box section 474a extends a handle 474f providing
for manual manipulation of the valve.
[0362] As particularly shown in FIG. 30, extending under outer tray
210 of panel 108 is a U-shaped frame 474g having tapered nipples
474h and 474i. Mounted on each of these nipples is a roller 477 for
engaging a recess 478a of a boss 478 extending down from the bottom
of tray 210. The recess functions as a detent to hold housing 474
in the operative position. When housing 474 is slid sideways along
rod 476, the rollers move out of the recess and past the edges of
bosses 478, thereby freeing the valve housing to pivot outwardly
away from the face of the tray.
[0363] When in the engaged or operative position shown in FIG. 31,
the housing seals the high pressure chamber in the bottom of tray
210 and transmits the exhaust air from outlet port 216b through
inner chamber 475 and through the sides of tray 210 in an open
chamber 480 existing between the outer tray and the inner tray
assembly, to be disbursed out holes not shown in the opposite side
of the outer tray. When in the release position shown in FIG. 32,
outlet ports 216b and 214b are both open to the atmosphere, thereby
dumping all air from the blower and mattress cells.
[0364] When housing 474 is moved to the side to disengage rollers
477 from the respective boss 478, a switch 482 is activated. As
shown in the flow chart of FIG. 35, this switch is connected to the
bed processor for turning the blower off and opening all the
valves. This completely collapses the mattress, providing a firm
surface for the patient on the platform top plate. The handle 474f
may then be further pulled open against a hydraulic switch 484 that
lowers the bed to a flat position so long as pressure is applied to
it. When pressure is released, the housing returns to the
free-hanging open position and no further hydraulic operation takes
place.
[0365] A pneumatic system 750 made according to an alternative
embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 36-44. System
750 includes a bed platform 752 formed of a plurality of mutually
articulatable panels, including head panel 754, chest panel 755,
seat panel 756, thigh panel 757, and foot panel 758. Platform 752
is supported relative to a floor such as is shown for bed 100.
[0366] Each panel has a plurality of passageways, such as
passageways 756a-756h in the seat panel. Each passageway extends
through the panel for providing air to mattress 104 formed of a
plurality of sets of upper, large cushions 220 and base, smaller
cushions 222, as has been described. For instance, head panel 754
has a fan 760 that inflates large cushion 1L, a fan 761 that
inflates large cushion 2L, and a fan 762 that inflates small
cushions 1S and 2S. Thus cushions 1L and 2L form cushion sets 764
and 765, and cushions 1S and 2S form set 766. Thus, as used herein,
a set of cushions can have one or more cushions. Panels 755, 757
and 758 are structured similarly to panel 754, as shown in FIG. 36.
However, seat panel 756 is structured a little differently.
[0367] Seat panel 756 has fans 768-771, also referred to as means
for producing air flow. Fans 768 and 769 are mounted under the
right end of the seat panel (when viewed from the foot of the bed)
and fans 770 and 771 are mounted under the left end, as shown. Fans
768 and 770 are referred to as primary fans and fans 769 and 771
are referred to as secondary fans. Primary fan 768 has an inlet for
receiving ambient air and an outlet connected through a duct 772 to
secondary fan 769. Fan 769 then provides pressurized air for
inflating a set 773 of cushions 5S and 5L. Fans 770 and 771 are
similarly connected in series for inflating a set 774 of cushions
6S and 6L.
[0368] The fans thus are combined in what may be referred to as
sets of one or more fans. For example, fan 764 in the general sense
forms a fan set 780 and series fans 770 and 771 form a set 781.
[0369] These fans are all identical and the motors are similar in
structure to conventional muffin fan motors. They are driven by
brushless DC, 4 coil, 12 volt, 15 watt motors, such as a motor
available from PAPST, a company located in Heiligenstadt, Germany.
These motors have a free speed that is proportional to the back
emf. That is, the motor and fan blades rotate at a speed in which
the back emf equals the applied voltage. The resulting pressure in
the cushions is directly proportional to the rotational speed.
Thus, the resulting pressure is substantially linearly related to
the applied voltage.
[0370] The relationship between the applied voltage and the
resulting pressure is selected from predetermined voltage/pressure
data corresponding to typical fan performance. These values are
either stored directly in a memory 776 for a CPU 777 using an
appropriate input/output device 778, or are used to determine a
continuous or incremented function and the function is stored in
memory. A selected pressure, as input on device 778 or based on an
appropriate pressure control program, is then used to determine or
compute a corresponding applied voltage for each fan on platform
752.
[0371] Each individual fan produces a maximum cushion pressure of
about 15 mm Hg. Each set of series connected fans produces a
maximum pressure of about 30 mm Hg. The increased pressure that may
be produced in the seat portion of the mattress is necessary to
support the substantial weight of a person's torso when the panels
are articulated to support the person in a sitting position.
[0372] It will be appreciated that other configurations of
cushions, sets of cushions, fans, and sets of fans may be used
depending upon the application involved. For instance a single,
primary fan, such as blower 204 could be used to generate a base
amount of air pressure, and then distributed fans could be used to
apply incremental pressure increases for the various sets of
cushions.
[0373] The specific embodiment of bed pneumatic system 750 is shown
in FIGS. 37-44. Platform 752 is shown in particular in FIG. 37. In
addition to the platform panels and the associated passageways, a
slider assembly 782 is built into the underside of each panel, with
four identical sliders, such as slider 784, also referred to as
gate means. For simplicity of presentation, only the structure
associated with seat panel 756, cushion set 774, and fan set 781
will be described. The corresponding structure that is used for
inflating the other sets of cushions will then be apparent from
FIG. 36.
[0374] FIGS. 38 and 39 show lateral and longitudinal cross sections
taken along lines 38-38 and 39-39, respectively, in FIG. 37, with
the addition of cushions and a foam pad 788 on the panel. Each pad
includes identical passageways 788a in alignment with and
corresponding to passageways 756e-756h. A housing 790 encloses the
fans and ducts, except for appropriate openings, such as opening
790a that allows ambient air into the fans.
[0375] The slider assembly further includes a slide base 792 having
broad channels 792a-792d sized to slidingly support sliders 784.
The slide base at each slider station also has passageways
792e-792h aligned with the corresponding passageways in the panel.
Mounted below each base passageway is a shoulder, such as shoulder
792i that is formed as an arc slightly greater than 180.degree.
sized to snugly receive a resilient coupling element 794, as
particularly shown in FIG. 43.
[0376] Each fan is suspended from a rigid nozzle of one of two
types. The nozzle extends from a fan outlet to a coupling element
794. The top of each nozzle is secured in an element 794 by mating
circumferential ribs and grooves, not shown. Correspondingly, the
bottom end of each nozzle has knobs that lock into corresponding
grooves in the associated fan housing, also not shown, using well
known "push and turn" structure.
[0377] The nozzles come in various forms. A nozzle 796, shown for
supporting fan 770, has a laterally extending section to which an
end of a duct 798 attaches. The opposite end of the duct is
attached to the inlet of fan 771. The top of nozzle 796 is blocked
by a diaphragm formed across the top of coupling element 794. Thus
pressurized air exiting primary fan 770 is entirely diverted to the
inlet of fan 771.
[0378] Fan 771 is also supported by a nozzle 796. However, it is
supported by a coupling element 800 that is open upwardly, as shown
in FIG. 43, for allowing inflation of cushion 6S. The lateral
section is connected to another duct 802 that terminates in a
lateral section of third rigid nozzle 804. The bottom of nozzle 804
is closed, thereby forcing the pressurized air upwardly into
cushion 6L.
[0379] The detail of slider assembly 782 is shown in further detail
in FIGS. 40-42. Each slider 784 includes an elongate plate member
784a and an enlarged handle end 784b. A couple of resilient wings,
such as wing 784c, have outwardly extending projections, such as
projection 784d. These wings are positionable selectively and
alternatively in corresponding notches, such as notches 792j-792k
shown in the sides of base 792 forming channel 792c. These notches
then correspond to three positions of the slider in the slide
channel, as is illustrated in FIGS. 41A-41C.
[0380] The fabric forming each cushion is secured by a connector
assembly 806 formed of a connector 808 and securing collar 810. The
fabric is sandwiched between an outwardly extending lip 808a and
the collar, as shown in FIG. 43. The cushion inlet is aligned with
connector 808 to allow inflation of the cushion, similar to
connector 228 described previously with reference to FIG. 25. The
connector is generally cylindrical with lip 808a formed at one end
and with a radially outwardly extending flange 808b at the other
end. The flange end of the connector passes freely through the
passageways in foam pad 788 and panel 756.
[0381] The slider has an elongate opening 784e disposed centrally
in plate 784a. This opening includes a reduced-width anchoring
section 784f and an enlarged access section 784g. Access section
784g is sized sufficiently large to allow the flange end of the
connector to pass freely through it, as is shown in FIG. 41B. The
sides of anchoring section 784f form cam-shaped shoulders 784h that
capture flange 808b of the connector when the flange end is
positioned in anchoring section 784f of opening 784e.
[0382] The cushions are thus mounted to the panels by inserting the
flange end of the connector through the pad and panel passageways
and through the enlarged access section of opening 784e of the
slider plate. Projection 784d is located in middle notch 792k when
the access section of opening 784e is aligned with the panel
passageway as shown in FIG. 41B.
[0383] With the flange end of the connector extending through the
access section of opening 784e, slider 784 is pushed inwardly by
handle 784b until projection 784d sets in notch 784j. The connector
is then anchored in anchor section 784f of the opening, as is shown
in FIG. 41A. The end of each cushion not having an inlet is held in
place by a connector assembly 806 having a plug, not shown, to
prevent leakage of air out of it. This is the position for normal
use of the bed with the cushions inflated. When it is desired to
remove the cushions, the reverse procedure is followed.
[0384] The sliders also have a third operating position. This
corresponds to the position of the slider when projection 784d sets
in notch 7921, as is shown in FIG. 41C. Slider plate 784a also has
a tongue 784i generally coplanar with and formed in the distal end
of the plate. This tongue is attached to the distal end of the
plate and extends toward opening 784e, as shown. The tongue is
movable resiliently transverse to the plane of the plate. The free
end of the tongue is formed as a plug 784j that is matingly
received in platform passageway 792g. The tongue is biased so that
plug 784j is urged into the passageway when slider 784 is in this
third position.
[0385] There also is a seal 812 positioned in the panel passageway
to make a fluid seal between the panel and plug. With the cushions
removed and the panel passageways plugged and sealed, the panel top
surface may then be cleaned with fluids without the fluids getting
into the ducts and fans situated below the panels.
[0386] Referring again to FIG. 43, connector 808 preferably has
attached, such as by a suitable adhesive, to lip 808a a flex valve
814. Valve 814 includes an outer lip 814a that is in contact with
the top of lip 808a, as shown. A reduced diameter inner portion
814b is received on inset shoulder 808c. The center of valve 814 is
formed of four flaps, such as flap 814c. Valve 814 is made of
flexible rubber so that flaps 814c may flex upwardly or downwardly
to allow air flow either direction past them.
[0387] FIG. 44A shows valve 814 in a steady-state condition as
would exist when the pressure in the associated cell is equal to
the pressure generated by the fan. FIG. 44B shows valve 814 with
flaps 814c bent upwards, as would occur when the associated cell is
being inflated. The flaps also bend downwardly when the cell is
being deflated.
[0388] Valve 814 does not control the flow of air into and out of
the cell. When the flaps are in the normal or unflexed position, as
is shown in FIGS. 43 and 44A, they form a block in the passageway
into the cell. More specifically, they function as sound baffles,
diminishing the transmission of sound waves from the associated fan
into the cell when the cell is inflated by reflecting the sound
waves back toward the fan.
[0389] It is thus seen that the distributed fan system just
described provides a simple yet effective way to independently
control the various sets of cushions making up mattress 104. The
different sets of cushions are thus capable of being inflated
independently and with different pressures without requiring the
use of a large blower, such as blower 204 as described with
reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, and without the
associated valves and structure to accommodate the valves. Further,
rapid deflation of the cushions is possible by simply turning the
fans off and allowing the air to bleed through the fans.
Additionally, relatively accurate pressure levels are achieved by
the proper selection of the voltages applied to the fan motors,
thereby avoiding the need for a dynamic feedback system that
requires the use of air pressure sensors in each set of cushions
and a controller that is responsive to the sensed pressures to
adjust the valve or fan operation.
[0390] 2. Footboard Gate
[0391] FIGS. 45-60 illustrate a footboard assembly 146 generally
described previously with regard to FIG. 1. As mentioned assembly
146 includes a table assembly 172 mounted on each frame 170. A
footboard panel 178 is mounted on each frame, and supports a
storable table 174.
[0392] As is shown in FIG. 45, a each table 174 is shiftable from a
storage position in which the table is disposed vertically adjacent
to the footboard panel, as shown by the table on the right in the
figure, to an elevated position as shown by the table on the
left.
[0393] Once the table is in the elevated position, it is pivotable
about a pivot axis 490 between an outboard position shown in solid
lines and an inboard position shown in the horizontal dashed lines.
As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 49, 50 and 51, table 174 is
pivotally mounted by a hinge assembly 489 to a bracket at each edge
of the table, such as bracket 492, that is mounted for sliding
receipt in a slot 493 in a hollow channel member 494. Channel
member 494 is attached to a vertical member, such as member 491 of
footboard frame 170. Bracket 492 is attached to a pin 486 that
rides in the slot. Bracket 492 is pivotally attached by a
connecting pin 487, that also extends through slot 493, to a slide
element 488 slidingly received in channel member 494.
[0394] A lock extension 493a of the slot is positioned near the top
to accommodate a repositioning of the bracket so that pin 486 is
supported in it when the table is in the raised position, as is
shown in FIGS. 42 and 38. Slot 493 is offset outwardly from the
footboard panel at the bottom to hold the base of the table against
the footboard panel during storage, as is shown in FIG. 49. FIG. 50
shows the table at an intermediate position during elevation.
[0395] The top of bracket 492 has opposing shoulders or stops 492b
and 492c for supporting the table in the inboard and outboard
positions.
[0396] FIGS. 52 and 53 show different views of footboard assembly
146. Each footboard panel 178 is pivotable about a vertical axis,
such as axis 496 by a hinge 497. A detent mechanism 498 is operable
by activation of a mechanical release by a foot pedal 499 for
selectively fixing the footboard panel in three positions as shown
particularly in FIG. 52. As shown generally in FIG. 53, and in
greater detail in FIG. 54, an arm 495, fixed to foot pedal 499,
pivots relative to a gate frame member 501 to raise a spring-biased
detent member 507 out of the one of indents 513a, 513b or 513c, of
a frame plate 513, in which it is positioned.
[0397] In a normal position, as represented by the solid lines, the
footboard panels are in line and adjacent to the foot of the bed.
When pivoted 90.degree., the panels or gates extend outwardly from
the foot of the bed in what will be seen to be a "hand rail"
position. When the panel is in this position, the table may be
positioned outboard from the foot of the bed, not unlike the
outboard position when the footboard panel is in the normal
position, or alternatively, out from the corner of the bed, as
shown in dashed lines at the top of FIG. 52.
[0398] Panel 178 is further pivotable another 90.degree. to a side
position, generally normal to the side of the bed. The table is
positionable along the side of the bed, over guard rail 196 when it
is lowered.
[0399] The requirement for having pivoting footboard gate panels is
evident in FIG. 55, which figure shows a bed platform partially
raised toward a standing position, as is described in the
previously referenced patent to Ferrand. When used to stand the bed
up, the footboard gate panels must be opened to allow for the foot
of the bed to be lowered toward the floor. Also, by locking the
footboard panels in the "hand rail" position, a patient getting in
or out of the bed while the platform is in the standing position
can use the footboard panels as supports or handrails to provide
stability. The foot-end hand rails are positioned for convenient
use during this procedure as well.
[0400] FIGS. 56-60 illustrate a latching assembly 452 for holding
footboard panels 178 and 178'. Assembly 452 is controlled by a
handle 453 that allows the two panels to swing independently when
it is pulled outwardly from its position in the base of panel 178,
as shown. Handle 453 is connected to a pivot rod 454 that has
mounted on it two latch mechanisms, such as latch mechanism
455.
[0401] Latch mechanism 455 includes a mounting bracket 456 that is
mounted on a footboard gate frame member 457. Pivot rod 454 extends
pivotably through a hole, not shown, in the bracket. A slot 456a
guides the travel of a first guide pin 458 that extends through it.
A second guide pin 459, spaced from slot 456a is fixedly mounted to
bracket 456. A latch plate 460 rests on bracket 456 and has a slot
460a through which second guide pin 459 extends. Plate 460 also has
a hole, not shown, through which first guide pin 458 extends.
[0402] Plate 460 extends through a slot 178a in the side of panel
178, and when in the closed or locked position, also extends
through a corresponding slot 178a' in the other panel. The distal
end 460b of plate 460 is formed as a laterally extending hook that
extends through a corresponding slot 461a of a frame member 461.
Pivot rod 454 extends through a corresponding slot 460c in the
plate that allows movement of the plate relative to the rod.
[0403] An eccentric drive arm 462 is fixedly mounted to the rod. A
drive link 463 is pivotally connected at one end to arm 462 and
attached to first guide pin 458 at the other end. When the pivot
rod is rotated, latch plate 460 is moved in line with slots 456a,
460a, and 460c. When handle 453 is flush in panel 178 in a storage
position, hook end 460b engages the edge of frame member 461, as is
shown in FIG. 59. When the handle is pulled out, as shown in FIG.
56, the hook end disengages frame member 461, allowing the two
footboard gates to swing open.
[0404] 3. Stand-Up Board
[0405] It will be noticed in FIG. 55 that a stand board assembly
500 is mounted to the foot of the platform. A stand board 502 is
mounted on a frame 503 to extend above the top surface of the
mattress. The structure of the stand board assembly is shown more
clearly in FIGS. 61-64. Frame 503 includes a pair of legs 505 and
506 that are positionable in corresponding openings 508 and 509 of
platform extension portion 112. Each leg has a mounting hole 510
and 511 for receipt of a securing pin 512 that is positioned in one
of the associated positioning holes 514, 515 and 516 or 517, 518
and 519 in a corresponding side plate 520 or 521 of the platform
extension portion.
[0406] A fixed stand board plate 523 is fixedly attached to legs
505 and 506 so that it is positioned adjacent to the platform
surface during use. Stand board 502 is pivotally mounted to the
tops of legs 505 and 506 by a pivot rod 525.
[0407] Board 502 is pivotable from an upright position, shown in
FIG. 61 to a storage or collapsed position shown in FIG. 63. A pair
of pivot locking members 527 are elongate and have closed slots 528
through which rod 525 extends. It will be noted that the slot
extends close to the lower end of the member, but only midway up
it. When the stand board is in the upright position, member 527 is
in a lock position in which rod 525 is in the upper end of the
slot. The member is held in this position by gravity and extends
along both the stand board and the fixed plate.
[0408] When members 527 are raised to an unlock position, the
locking member is pivotable about rod 525, thereby also allowing
stand plate 502 to pivot. FIG. 62 shows the locking member in the
unlock position, and pivoting with stand board 502 relative to
fixed plate 523. The position of the stand board when fully pivoted
to the storage position is shown in FIG. 63.
[0409] Positioning holes 514 and 517, holes 515 and 518, and holes
516 and 519 are correspondingly positioned so that stand board 502
may be positioned at various angles relative to the platform. FIG.
64 illustrates, in a view opposite to the view of FIG. 63, in
phantom and solid lines the various angles that the stand board may
have. The position of the stand board in solid lines corresponds to
an angle greater than 90.degree., so that when the mattress is
tilted just shy of 90.degree. from the floor, the stand board will
be approximately parallel to the floor. In the opposite position
shown, corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 63, the stand
board is substantially normal to the platform. An intermediate
position is also available, as shown.
[0410] 4. Headboard
[0411] FIGS. 65 and 66 illustrate a headboard assembly 148 made
according to the invention. This assembly includes base end board
188 having raised side portions 188a and 188b, and a low
intermediate portion 188c. The side portions extend well above the
mattress of the bed, as shown in FIG. 1, and the intermediate
portion preferably extends below the level of top plate 115 when
the bed is in the lowest position. A removable panel 190 fills the
space left open by intermediate portion 188c and is fixedly
positionable on the intermediate portion, as shown in FIG. 65.
Panel 190 preferably conforms with the size and shape of end board
188 to form a uniform head board assembly.
[0412] As shown in FIG. 66 panel 190 is removable from end board
188. To accomplish this, panel 190 has a pair of subtending legs
533 and 534 that are received in mating holes 535 and 536 in the
intermediate portion of the end board. Alternatively, the removable
panel can have the holes, and the end panel the legs. In order to
provide lateral stability to the panel and to allow weight to be
applied to it during use and transport of the bed, the panel upper
sides preferably include respective wings 190a and 190b. The facing
edges of side portions 188a and 188b have corresponding slots 540
and 541 into which the wings are received when the panel is lowered
into position in end board 188.
[0413] Also, to facilitate removal of the end panel, it preferably
has means for gripping the panel, such as by an elongate hand slot
542.
[0414] With the embodiment of the footboard panel illustrated, legs
533 and 544 preferably correspond in size and length to legs 505
and 506 of the stand board assembly just described. If so, panel
190 may be used in lieu of stand board assembly 500. The use of
panel 190 as a stand board is illustrated in FIG. 67. It could also
be made angularly adjustable using the same structure as provided
for the stand board assembly.
[0415] As has been described with reference to FIG. 1, located in
each corner of the bed, imbedded in the edges of the foot and head
boards, are equipment support assemblies, such as assemblies 176
and 176'. Assembly 176' associated with the foot board will
typically not have equipment support apparatus 184, as it is
generally to be used for traction or other heavy types of
equipment.
[0416] The structure of equipment support assembly 176 is shown in
further detail in FIGS. 68-79. In FIG. 68, a channel base member
550 is fixedly mounted in a side portion of base board 188 of the
head board assembly 148. It has a square cross section, as shown in
FIG. 70 and has a series of downwardly angled, generally triangle
shaped openings 552. Each opening 552 extends from a corner 550a to
the middle of a side, such as side 550b. Each triangular opening
terminates in a recess 552a at its lowest point, and has upwardly
directed sides formed by upper edge 550c and lower edge 550d. The
base member ends in a top opening 550e positioned below the top
surface of the base head board.
[0417] Intermediate hollow rod 186 is disposed within base member
550, as shown in FIG. 70 for sliding vertically. A pin 555 is
mounted in a bushing assembly 556 attached to the bottom end of rod
186 to extend radially from the rod, as shown particularly in FIGS.
76-79. The rod is rotated so that pin 555 is moved from recess 552a
to the corner of the base member, as shown in FIG. 71. In this
position the intermediate rod can be freely moved up and down
relative to the base member. As shown in FIG. 77, a bushing 556 is
mounted in the base of rod 186 which applies a counterclockwise
torque to the rod relative to the base member. This torque urges
pin 555 into the triangular openings 552 and once in an opening,
toward the associated recess 552a. This causes the intermediate rod
to be somewhat self positioning if allowed to rotate in base member
550 while being lifted. If the rod is not allowed to rotate, it can
be lifted freely to any position. When being lowered, the pin will
further be directed into a triangular opening recess by the angle
of edges 550c and 550d.
[0418] Referring to FIG. 76 bushing assembly 556 includes a base
unit 557 having an anchor pin 558 in the lower portion. A base
section 557a is hollow and has an exterior constructed to fit into
base member 550 and yet too large for intermediate bar 186. The
base unit has an upper portion 557b sized to fit within bar 186, as
shown in FIG. 77. The upper portion os also hollow and has opposite
circumferential slots 557c and 557d.
[0419] A hollow insert unit 559 has a lower portion 559a that fits
into upper portion 557b of the base unit. Pin 555 extends through
lower portion 559a sufficiently far to also extend through slots
557c and 557d and out through one side of intermediate bar 186, as
has been discussed.
[0420] The upper portion 559b of the insert unit is in the form of
resilient fingers 559c. Upper portion 559b is releasably insertable
in a snap bushing 562, a base end 562a having a cavity 562b
conforming with the upper portion. Insert unit 559 is held in place
on inner shoulder 557e between the upper and lower portions by a
spring 560 that is attached to pins 555 and 558. The spring is
twisted before assembling assembly 556 so that pin 555 is given a
counter clockwise torque, from a perspective above the assembly.
This causes pin 555 to rotate into recesses 552 in base member 550
as has been described.
[0421] Support assembly 176 is stored in a collapsed position with
upper bar 182 positioned in insert unit 559, as is shown in FIG.
77. Bushing assembly 556, attached to intermediate bar 186, is
seated in the bottom of base member 550. When upper bar 182 is
lifted out of the headboard, intermediate bar 186 rises with it,
due to the connection provided by insert unit 559 in cavity 186c of
the intermediate bar.
[0422] When pin 555 enters the first opening 552, the intermediate
bar rotates under the torsion of spring 560 into the associated
recess 552a. This stops the initial upward travel of the
intermediate bar at a position suitable for attaching traction
equipment to the top of it. Further upward force on upper bar 182
releases it from the intermediate bar, as shown in FIG. 78.
[0423] Snap bushing 562 extends up into the bottom end of upper bar
182 to an upper end 562c from which it extends back down to a
trigger 562d. This trigger extends out through an opening 182b in
the side of the upper bar. As the upper bar is pulled up out of
intermediate bar 182, the trigger is deflected inwardly as it
passes through a spacer bushing 564 at the top of the intermediate
bar. After it passes the spacer bushing it snaps back out through
opening 182b. The upper bar is held in an extended position, as
shown in FIG. 79, by the seating of trigger 562d on the top of
spacer bushing 564.
[0424] As has been mentioned, mounted in the top of upper rod 182
is equipment support apparatus 184. The upper end of rod 182 has a
slot 182a that receives opposing, generally planar, equipment
support arms 570 and 571. These arms are mounted to rod 182 for
pivoting about a pivot rod 572 between a storage position in slot
182a, as is shown in FIG. 72, and an equipment support position, as
is shown in FIGS. 2, 68 and 74. The distal ends of the arms have an
upwardly opening slot 570a and 571a. At an intermediate location
along the underside of the arms are intermediate slots 570b and
571b. These slots are for supporting various patient related
equipment, such as IV bottles.
[0425] As is shown particularly in FIG. 75, the distal ends of arms
570 and 571 have a general width W that corresponds to the width of
rod 182. The arm distal ends thereby pass through spacer bushing
564 readily. However, curved protrusions 570c and 571c extend
outwardly from the sides of the arms opposite from the direction
they pivot away from the top of rod 182. These protrusions are
sized to engage bushing 564 when rod 182 is lifted out of
intermediate rod 186. When the protrusions engage the bushing they
are forced into slot 182a, and this forces the tops of the arms out
of slot 182a in order to accommodate passage of the protrusions
past the bushing.
[0426] This automatic extension of the equipment support arm ends
is illustrated in FIGS. 72-74. In FIG. 72, the tops of the arms,
housed in slot 182a, have passed through bushing 564, but
protrusions 570c and 571c have not contacted the bushing. In FIG.
73, the protrusions have contacted the bushing and have been forced
into the slot, thereby moving the tops of the arms out of the slot.
The arms are then moved into a full open position, determined by
the contact of the arms on the lower edge of the slot, by
gravitational or manual pull to the position shown in FIG. 74.
[0427] As is shown in FIG. 75, when arms 570 and 571 are returned
to their storage position, a limit pin 573 prevents the arms from
pivoting past the vertical position.
[0428] It will also be noted that the very tip of upper rod 182 has
a hollow cylindrical handle 574 mounted to it. This handle also
preferably has in inward directed upper lip 574a and opposing holes
574b and 574c. The lip and holes provide means for gripping the top
of rod 182 with a finger when the handle is in a storage position
flush with or below the top surface of the headboard, as is shown
in FIGS. 65 and 66.
[0429] Referring now to FIGS. 80-84, a traction pole assembly 1100
is shown. Assembly 1100, shown in exploded view in FIG. 80,
includes a short heavy-duty pole 1102 used for an anchor or base to
which traction apparatus, not shown, is secured. Assembly 1100 is
mounted in a corner section 1104 of a foot board frame, similar to
equipment support assembly 176 just described. Corner section 1104
has a hollow channel 1104a sized to snugly receive a pillar 1106.
At the top of corner section 1104 is a circular opening 1104b sized
to slidingly receive pole 1102. Just below the top and extending
around three adjacent sides of the corner section is a cutout 1104c
sized to receive a U-shaped release handle 1108. A partition 1110
closes the bottom end of channel 1104a and provides a support for
the bottom of pillar 1106.
[0430] Pillar 1106 also defines a channel 1106a extending through
its length that is sized to slidingly receive pole 1102. A
horizontal slot 1106b extending through a side face 1106c is sized
to receive a bottom plate 1112 that forms a floor in the channel.
Side 1106c of the pillar has four parallel flanges 1106d-1106g
extending perpendicularly from it and along the length of the
pillar, as shown. Coaxial holes 1106h-1106k are positioned in these
flanges just below the top of the pillar to support a pivot pin
1114. A generally square opening 11061 extends through pillar side
1106c just above the line of pin 1114, as shown particularly in
FIGS. 81-84.
[0431] A lever 1116 is pivotably supported on pin 1114, as is a
bias spring 1118. Spring 1118 biases lever 1116 toward a
pole-engaging or holding position, as shown in FIG. 83. The lever
has an upwardly extending arm 1116a, a horizontally extending,
pole-engaging arm 1116b, also referred to as holding means, and a
downwardly extending pivot base 1116c. Base 1116c has a lateral
pivot bore 1116d that receives pin 1114 and is elongate vertically,
as shown particularly in FIG. 83. On the bottom inside surface
1116e of base 1116c, that is, the surface facing pillar 1106, there
is a ridge 1116f also referred to as a foot.
[0432] Pole 1102 is hollow and cylindrical, with open ends. The
lower end 1102a has four equally spaced slots, such as slot 1102,
sized to receive the edges of upwardly extending wings, such as
wing 1120a of a bushing 1120. Bushing 1120 supports pole 1102 and
in turn is attached to and supported on a pop-up spring 1122. The
bottom of spring 1122 rests on and is attached to bottom plate
1112. Wings 1120a of the bushing are sized to slide down the
corners of pillar channel 1106a, which channel has a square cross
section in a horizontal plane. These wings then, when in position
on the bottom of the pole, keep the pole in alignment in the pillar
and keep the pole from rotating.
[0433] Mounted on bushing 1120 is a one-inch long, 900 gauss
reed-switch magnet 1124. This magnet activates a magnetically
sensitive reed switch 1126 mounted to pillar 1106 just above bottom
plate 1112. When pole 1102 is in a recessed or storage position, as
shown in FIG. 83, the magnet is close to the reed switch, causing
the switch to close. The reed switch assembly thus functions as a
sensor 1128 for determining whether the traction pole is in the
recessed position, a first state, or in a raised position above the
recessed position, a second state. The use of this sensor, like
other sensors built into the bed, is described below in the section
having the heading Multifunction Control System.
[0434] Pole 1102 also has small, circumferentially opposed slots,
such as slot 1102c near upper end 1102d. Each slot receives a
biased tongue 1130a of a cap 1130 that is thereby fixedly
positioned within upper end 1102d of the pole. The cap simply
closes the end of the pole and provides a smooth surface that is
safe to handle.
[0435] An upper bushing 1132 is fixedly mounted in the upper end of
channel 1106a of the pillar. The pillar has opposite lateral slots,
such as slot 1106d, adjacent to the upper edge of the pillar. These
slots receive corresponding biased tongues, such as tongue 1132a,
which secure the bushing in the pillar. Bushing 1132 has an inner
circular channel 1132b sized to slidingly receive pole 1102. This
bushing thus stabilizes the pole within pillar 1106.
[0436] Disposed intermediate the ends of pole 1102 are axially
spaced-apart, circumferentially elongate lock slots 1102e and
1102f. These slots are sized and aligned to receive the distal end
of pole-engaging arm 1116b of lever 1116, as shown in FIGS. 81 and
83. When the lever engages a lock slot, the pole is locked in
vertical position relative to the pillar and end frame. However, in
this configuration, lever 1116 may be moved vertically in a range
of movement defined by the height P of pivot bore 1116d.
[0437] When pole 1102 is in the recessed position, as shown in FIG.
81, the pole top cannot be manually grasped. Pop-up spring 1122
holds the pole and lever combination in a slightly raised position
with pin 1114 nested in the bottom of pivot bore 1116d and
pole-engaging arm 1116b of the lever extends into lock slot 1102e.
By pulling side wings 1108a and 1108b of release handle 1108, which
handle has a U-shaped finger loop 1108c extending from a base
portion 1108d, upper arm 1116a of the lever, which extends through
loop 1108c, is pulled away from the pole. This pulls pole-engaging
arm 1116b out of slot 1102e, allowing spring 1122 to pop upper end
1102d of the pole up above the top of end frame section 1104, to
the position shown in FIG. 82.
[0438] It will be noted that when the lever is pivoted with the
pivot pin in the bottom of pivot bore 1116d, the lever is free to
rotate in the space between pillar side 1106c and the opposing face
of the end frame section.
[0439] With the top of the pole now extending above the top of the
end frame, the pole may be manually grasped and raised until
pole-engaging arm 1116 becomes aligned with and snaps into lock
slot 1102f under the force of bias spring 1118, as is shown in FIG.
83. Pop-up spring 1122 is held in tension when the pole is raised
to this level, so there is a downward force on the pole. In this
deployed or support position of the pole, pivot pin 1114 is in the
lower portion of pivot bore 1116d of the lever. The pole and lever
are also in what is referred to as a release position.
[0440] When the pole is released, the downward force of spring 1122
pulls the pole along with now attached lever 1116 to a slightly
lower position relative to pillar 1106. The pole then ends up in
the position shown in FIG. 84, also referred to as a lock position.
In this position, pivot pin 1114 is now in the upper portion of
pivot bore 1116d. If the lever is pivoted about pin 1114 by outward
pull on handle 1108, ridge 1116f on pivot base 1116c of the lever
immediately contacts a blocking portion 1106m on side 1106c of the
pillar. The lever thus cannot be pivoted when the pin is in the
upper portion of the pivot bore. Portion 1106m is also referred to
as an element, which along with ridge 1116f are referred to as
preventing means.
[0441] When the pole is in the lock position shown in FIG. 84 then,
an attendant or other person cannot inadvertently pull release
handle 1108. The release mechanism (handle 1108 and lever 1116) is
thereby defeated by this structure, making the position of the
traction poles very secure.
[0442] In order to lower the traction pole it is simply a process
of reversing the previously described steps used to deploy the
pole. That is, the pole is raised slightly from the lock position
shown in FIG. 84 to the release position shown in FIG. 83. With the
pivot pin now in the lower portion of the pivot bore, the lever is
free to pivot about the pin. This is accomplished by pulling the
release handle away from the pole while holding the pole in this
raised position. This pulls the lever away from the holding
position. While holding the release handle out, pole-engaging arm
1116b is held out of slot 1102f, and the pole is lowered. The
release handle is then released. Bias spring 1118 pulls lever 1116
and handle 1108 back toward the holding position. If it is desired
to store the traction pole, the top of the pole is pushed down
against the force of spring 1122. The end of arm 1116b rides on the
surface of the pole, as shown in FIG. 82, until upper lock slot
1102e is encountered. The pole is now returned to the storage
position shown in FIG. 81.
[0443] It is seen that traction pole assembly 1100 provides a
traction or heavy equipment pole that is very convenient, easy to
use, and further provides the benefit of locking out the function
of the release handle when the pole is deployed, thereby preventing
inadvertent lowering of the pole during use.
[0444] 5. Weight-Sensing System
[0445] FIGS. 85-92 illustrate weigh system 133. The mechanical
structure is shown in plan view in FIG. 85. Weigh frame 132 is
shown supported on base frame 142. The weigh frame is formed of
structural members 138 and 140 forming a wishbone shape that
extends from central support 134 at the head of the bed to lateral
supports 135 and 136 at the foot of the bed.
[0446] Each support includes a load cell 576 mounted in a block
578, as is shown in isometric view in FIG. 86 and in cross-section
along lines 88-88 and 89-89 in FIGS. 88 and 89, respectively, for
lateral foot support 136. Block 578 is elongate and is supported at
one end on a base plate 580 and a shim 581 by suitable bolts. The
other end supports a wing 140a of the structural member, as shown.
The load cell is mounted centrally in the block, with conventional
structure to generate an electrical signal on wires 582
representative of the weight supported by the block. The generation
of the weight signal is based on a bridge network having fixed
resistors 585, 586 and 587. The load cell acts as a variable
resistance. The driving voltage is shown as Vin. The sensed output
voltage is Vout.
[0447] FIG. 90 shows in a simplified, symbolic drawing the overall
structure of weigh system 133. The load cells associated with each
of supports 134, 135 and 136 generate separate signals that are
input to respective analog-to-digital converters 590, 591 and 592.
The separate digital weight signals are then input into a computer
or CPU shown generally at 593.
[0448] A more detailed diagram is shown in FIG. 91. This diagram
shows an amplifier 595, 596 and 597 coupling the load cell of each
support to the respective A/D converter. CPU 593 is connected to
various accessories, including memory devices, such as hard and
floppy disk drives 598 and 599. An input device 600, such as a
keyboard, is used to input calibration information. A monitor
display 601 provides a visual display of data and instructions for
inputting calibration data. Based on movement of the patient, as
described below, the CPU generates a pre-exit alarm and an exit
alarm on output devices 602 and 603.
[0449] The operation of weigh system 13 is provided in FIG. 92.
When the bed is first installed the weigh system is calibrated by
placing a standard weight at three spaced-apart locations on the
mattress. The mattress should be placed in a horizontal orientation
in order to avoid unusual torques on the load cells. The locations
are arbitrary, but for the best results they should be as far apart
as possible. In each instance, the total weight equals the sum of
the weights read by the three sensors. The basic equation for each
sensor is
y[i]=g[i](x-h[i]) (1)
[0450] where y=patient weight, x=the A/D converter output, and g[i]
and h[i] are constants. In words, x is a sensed value proportional
to the total weight sensed by the load cell, h[i] is the sensed
value corresponding to the weight of the bed without a patient, and
g[i] is a constant to convert the digital signal into a weight unit
of measure, such as pounds.
[0451] Initially, then, three equations are formed by removing all
patient loading. The three equations are
1 0 = g[1](x[0,1] - h[1]) (2) 0 = g[2](x[0,2] - h[2]) (3) 0 =
g[3](x[0,3] - h[3]) (4) These equations reduce to h[1] = x[0,1] (5)
h[2] = x[0,2] (6) h[3] = x[0,3]. (7)
[0452] With a standard weight applied to the three locations, three
more equations are derived based on the equation for total sensed
loading (patient) weight
y=y[1]+y[2]+y[3]. (8)
[0453] The three resulting equations are 1 y = i = 1 3 g [ i ] ( x
[ 1 , i ] - h [ i ] ) ( 9 ) y = i = 1 3 g [ i ] ( x [ 2 , i ] - h [
i ] ) ( 10 ) y = i = 1 3 g [ i ] ( x [ 3 , i ] - h [ i ] ) ( 11
)
[0454] where x[j,1] for j,i=1,2,3 are the respective A/D converter
readings and y is the standard weight.
[0455] Using a standard Gauss-Jordan or other appropriate
elimination method, equations (5)-(7) and (9)-(11) are solved to
obtain values for g[1], g[2], g[3], h[1], h[2], and h[3].
[0456] When a patient is initially put in the bed, the patient's
weight is measured and set equal to y.sub.o. Thereafter, the
dynamic weight of the patient, y, is measured. In determining if
the patient has left the bed, the ratio of measured weight to
original weight is determined and compared to a constant E[1],
which is some value less than one, such as 0.75. This value can be
adjusted to make the system appropriately sensitive. It should not
be set to activate the exit alarm if the patient momentarily
unweights the bed, such as by shifting position or holding on to
the guard rails or traction equipment.
[0457] While a change in total weight flags an exit condition, a
change in weight distribution flags a pre-exit condition, such as a
patient positioned next to a side or end of the bed. If the patient
is lying in the middle of the bed, y[1]=y[3], or y[1]-y[3]=0, where
y[1] and y[3] correspond to the two laterally spaced load cells at
the foot of the bed. If the patient moves to the left or to the
right, y[1]-y[3]<>0. Thus, a pre-exit condition exists when 2
y [ 1 ] - y [ 3 ] y 0 > E [ 2 ] ( 13 )
[0458] where E[2] is a constant nominally set to 1.00, and adjusted
to make the system more or less sensitive. Although logic would
seem to indicate that the constant should have a value less than
1.00, since some of the weight will be on the head load cell, i.e.,
y[2]>0, experience indicates that the dynamics of the system
require the value suggested.
[0459] If desired other pre-exit conditions could be determined.
For instance, if the patient approaches the head of the bed, y[2]
increases and y[1] and y[3] decrease. Thus, a further pre-exit
condition exists: 3 y [ 2 ] - ( y [ 1 ] + y [ 3 ] ) Y 0 > E [ 3
] ( 14 )
[0460] If the patient approaches the foot of the bed, y[2]
decreases and y[1] and y[3] increase. The corresponding pre-exit
condition is 4 y [ 1 ] + y [ 3 ] - y [ 2 ] y 0 > E [ 4 ] ( 15
)
[0461] When the mattress is articulated, the center of mass of both
the bed and the patient move. It may be desirable to alter the
values of the constants corresponding to the configuration of the
articulated bed, although this has not been determined at the time
of this writing.
[0462] After a pre-exit or exit alarm has sounded, the system
preferably waits for the nurse or other attendant to reset the
alarm. This requires an acknowledgement that the alarm has
occurred. Once reset, the system returns to a monitoring procedure
until the next alarm condition is identified.
[0463] 6. Control Unit
[0464] FIGS. 93-100 illustrate the structure of portable
"saddle-bag" controller 200. Outer, nurse-operated, and inner,
patient-operated control panels 201 and 202 are formed in a
unitary, resilient membrane 606. Panels 201 and 202 are coupled
together by a support portion 606a. Mounted behind panel 201 is a
housing 608 containing a circuit board 610 on which are mounted
LEDs 612 and other conventional circuit components, not shown. The
circuit board includes an embedded metallic ground plane 614.
Similarly, behind panel 202 is mounted a housing 616, also
enclosing a circuit board 618 with LEDs 620 and embedded ground
plane 622.
[0465] The backs of housings 608 and 616 have hook-and-loop fabric
strips, such as strips 624 and 625 that hold the housings together
when placed around a guard rail, such as rail 195 shown in FIG.
95.
[0466] The housing backs also have mating cones and cavities, such
as cone 627 and cavity 628. This provides for alignment of the
housings when they are folded against each other. The outer edges
of the housings also preferably have recesses 608a and 616a to
provide a place to grip the housings when it is desired to separate
them. Also disposed along the side edges are channels, such as
channels 608b and 616b shown in FIG. 100. This figure shows a view
of the top of controller 200 when mounted on a rail, with a
fragmentary section removed to show the structure adjacent to the
guard rail.
[0467] Channels 608b and 616b receive a corresponding ridge 195a in
the guard rail for preventing pivoting of the controller when
buttons are pushed. If membrane 606 requires sufficient stretch
when the controller is positioned on a guard rail, the resulting
friction grip has been found to adequately support the controller
without engaging ridge 195a. A control and power cord 630 joins
outer housing 608 to the bed CPU.
[0468] Outer panel 201 has a plurality of flexible control buttons,
such as button 632. Similarly, inner panel 202 has buttons, such as
button 634. When pressed, these buttons have conductive hidden
surfaces that contact a conductor array on the corresponding
circuit board to function as a switch using well known
techniques.
[0469] FIGS. 96-99 illustrate how the circuit boards are attached
to membrane 606. FIG. 96 shows an exploded view of the membrane,
circuit board 618 and housing 616. The inside surface of the
membrane has a plurality of elongate tabs, such as tab 636, that
extend toward the circuit board. The circuit board has
corresponding slots, such as slot 637, sized to snugly receive the
tabs. FIGS. 97 and 98 show the position of the circuit board
relative to a tab prior to and after installation.
[0470] It is found that if the circuit board side edge is
positioned under the corresponding portion of a lip 606b that
extends inwardly around panel 202 and then pivoted down, the tabs
readily feed into the slots, initially by a top corner, after which
they are easily manually pulled through. Conventional cylindrical
pillars are found to be very difficult to align with corresponding
circular holes in the circuit board. Thus, the circuit board of the
invention is substantially easier to install.
[0471] FIG. 99 shows a simplified cross-section of controller 200
in a folded position, as it would appear when wrapped around a
guard rail. An electrical conductor ribbon 635 wraps around the
arch formed by support portion 606a. Preferably the stretch has a
channel formed in it to accommodate this conductor ribbon. The
upper margins 608c and 616c of the housings adjacent to the support
stretch are arched to form, with the stretch, a channel 636
conforming to the curve of the guard rail.
[0472] The housings are fastened to membrane 606 by legs, such as
legs 608d and 616d having tapered feet 608e and 616e, respectively,
that snap into corresponding apertures 638 and 639 in the
respective circuit boards. The outer housing margin is pulled
against the outer surface of lip 606b to form a seal.
[0473] Light is transmitted from LEDs mounted on the circuit boards
in two ways. In both ways, openings, such as openings 640 and 641,
exist in the ground plane of the circuit board. LEDs are mounted on
the protected inside surface of the circuit board adjacent to the
rigid housing. The light passes through the circuit board and
associated openings, which results in diffuse light being directed
toward membrane 606.
[0474] In positions corresponding to the LEDs and associated
button, the membrane is formed as a bridge, such as bridge 606c.
These bridges serve three functions. They support the button in
suspension over the circuit board; they are flexible, allowing the
buttons to be pressed against the circuit board; and by the
thinness of them, light from the LEDs is transmitted through them,
illuminating the margins of the buttons.
[0475] Illumination of legends on the membrane are provided by the
same circuit board structure. However, instead of leaving the
membrane thin, since flexibility is typically not desirable in
these locations, a relatively rigid and transparent plastic filler,
such as filler 642, as a backing to support the otherwise flexible
bridge. In this way, the continuity of the membrane is maintained,
while providing illumination in rigid regions.
[0476] 7. Transport Guide Wheels
[0477] FIGS. 101-104 illustrate guide wheel assembly 162. There is
a guide wheel assembly on each side of the bed, and they are
connected together by actuator rod 163, manually controlled by foot
pedal lever 164. As is conventional, lever 164 has opposing pedals
644 and 645 used to move a guide wheel 646 from a storage position
shown in FIG. 101, to an engaged position shown in FIG. 103. The
guide wheel is mounted to a support rod 648 extending slidingly
through an opening 650a in a flange 650b of a wheel mounting frame
650. The top of the rod passes through a second opening 650c in an
upper flange 650d. Flange 650d has a mass sufficient to counter the
weight of wheel 646 when the wheel is in the storage position. A
disk 652 is attached to the rod between flanges 650b and 650d. A
compression spring 653 is positioned around rod 648 and between
disk 652 and flange 650d. The spring urges disk 652 toward flange
650b, and thereby, urges wheel 646 toward flange 650b, and thereby
toward the floor when the wheel is in the engaged position.
[0478] Wheel mounting frame 650 is coupled to actuator rod 163 via
a mechanical linkage system 654 connected to an arm 650e subtending
from flange 650b toward wheel 646. A sleeve 656 is connected to the
back of wheel mounting frame 650 and receives actuator rod 163 for
pivoting of the guide wheel thereabout.
[0479] A wheel link 658 is pivotally attached at a pivot pin 659 to
the bottom of arm 650e. The opposite end is attached at a pivot pin
657 to a generally triangular coupling plate 660 pivotally mounted
by pivot pin 661 to bed frame side rail 152. A spacer block 662 is
fixedly mounted to the bed rail between plate 660 and the rail, and
has a sloping surface 662a with a rounded bulge 662b. A tension
spring 663 is connected at one end to pivot pin 657 and at the
other end to a mounting pin 667 fixedly attached to the distal end
of spacer block 662. A connecting link 664 also is pivotally
connected at a pivot pin 665 to a third point on coupling plate
660, as shown, and has a rounded recess 664a conforming with
rounded bulge 662b.
[0480] The opposite end of connecting link 664 is pivotally
attached by a pivot pin 666 to the end of an arm 668a of a V-shaped
drive link 668. The base of drive link 668 is fixedly attached to
actuator rod 163.
[0481] The other arm 668b has a pin 669 attached to it so that it
extends outwardly. The pin engages an L-shaped slot 670 in an
upstanding arm 671a of a castor-actuating plate 671. Plate 671 has
elongate, horizontal slots, such as slot 671b that receive mounting
pins 672. Plate 671 thus rides on pins 672 during horizontal
movement of the plate during actuation of the guide wheel assembly
by pedal lever 164.
[0482] The distal ends of plate 671 have a vertical slot 671c. A
castor-actuating rod 674 is attached to a radially extending arm
675, the distal end of which is attached to a pin 676 that slides
up and down in slot 671c. Movement of rod 674 secures the corner
castors, such as castor 678 by means of a castor actuator 679, as
is conventionally known, and commercially available.
[0483] In operation, the guide wheels are normally stored in the
storage position shown in FIG. 101. The counterweight of flange
650d keeps the wheels from swinging down toward the floor and
spring 663 is relaxed. Also, in this mode, castor-actuating plate
671 is in the left-most position, as viewed in the figure, and the
V-shaped drive link is in the position shown, with pin 669 in the
upper portion of slot 670. Arm 675 is in a position rotated to the
left, which locks the castors in position. Connecting link 664 is
in an extended position against surface 662a of the spacer block
with recess 664a engaged by bulge 662b. Foot pedal lever 164 is in
a generally horizontal position.
[0484] To engage the guide wheels, pedal lever 164 is rotated
clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 101, by applying force to pedal 644.
This rotates actuator rod 163 and V-shaped link 668 clockwise. Pin
669 pushes against the side of L-shaped slot 670, sliding
castor-actuating plate 671 to the right. This rotates castor rod
674 counterclockwise, freeing the castors to pivot. When arm 668b
pivots far enough down, pin 669 slides out of slot 670, and
movement of plate 671 stops.
[0485] During this movement, coupling plate 660 pivots clockwise,
causing frame 650 and guide wheel 646 to pivot counterclockwise,
lowering the wheels until they come in contact with the floor. This
is an intermediate position in which the wheel support rod 648 is
not quite vertically disposed, but in which spring 663 is generally
aligned over pivot pin 661.
[0486] As the pedal lever is pushed further, the wheel is rolled
along the floor, with the weight of the bed causing spring 653 to
compress, so that downward pressure is applied on the guide wheels,
and it is maintained in contact with the floor. This assures the
traction necessary for guiding the bed while the castors are
free-wheeling. When this position of the wheel is reached, coupling
plate 660 has pivoted further, so that tension spring 663 has moved
over pivot pin 661 of the coupling plate, and thereby locks the
plate in this position. The spring force and leverage prevents
counterclockwise rotation of coupling plate 660, and thereby,
raising of the wheel. A boss or flap 660a extends out from the
plane of coupling plate 660 so that wheel link 658 engages it and
is stopped from further rotational movement in this direction. This
final position is shown in FIG. 103. Reverse movement of the pedal
lever returns the wheel to the storage position, and locks the
castors.
[0487] It has been found that movement of a bed having a freely
pivoting castor at each corner is very difficult to control,
particularly when the bed is moved along straight stretches, such
as along a corridor. By adding a fifth wheel and preferably a sixth
wheel to the bed frame, which wheels are secured in alignment for
motion along the longitudinal length of the bed, the bed is much
easier to control.
[0488] 8. Guard Rail Elevation System
[0489] FIGS. 105-108 illustrate guard rail assembly 192 having
guard rail 195 and elevator mechanism 197 housed in housing 199 (as
is shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 106 shows assembly 192 in a raised or
barrier position without housing 199. FIG. 108 shows it in a
lowered or storage position, and FIG. 107 shows it in an
intermediate position. FIG. 105 is an isometric view of the
assembly of FIG. 107.
[0490] Mechanism 197 includes a telescoping mounting assembly 682,
an energy storage assembly 683, and a lock assembly 684. The
telescoping assembly includes a base member 685 fixedly mounted to
platform panel 109. Base member 685 includes sleeves 686 and 687,
and adjoining plate 688. A pair of cable anchor blocks 689 and 690
are mounted to the outer surfaces of sleeves 686 and 687,
respectively, adjacent to plate 688. Hollow, tubular intermediate
members 691 and 692 are slidingly received in sleeves 686 and 687.
Plate-like stabilizing members 693 and 694 are fixed at each end to
the opposite ends of members 691 and 692 and extend there between
outside of sleeves 686 and 687.
[0491] The inside edges of the upper ends of the stabilizing
members have plates 695 and 696 extending downwardly for supporting
a first pair of pulleys 697 and 698. The inside edges of the lower
ends of the stabilizing members are joined by a plate 699 having
upwardly extending bars 700 and 701. These bars have a vertical
series of holes, such as hole 702. A set 704 of coil leaf springs
705, 706, 707 and 708 are mounted for rotation about a rod 709
between bars 700 and 701. The ends 705a, 706a, 707a and 708a are
mounted to plate 688, as shown. A second pair of pulleys 710 and
711 are mounted to the lower ends of bars 700 and 701 opposite from
spring set 704, and in line with pulleys 697 and 698.
[0492] Upper, tubular inner telescoping members 712 and 713 are
attached at upper ends to guard rail 195. The lower ends are
received, slidingly in the upper ends of intermediate members 691
and 692. Extending parallel with and between members 712 and 713
are bars 715 and 716. These bars are also parallel to, and overlap
bars 700 and 701, as shown.
[0493] Mounted between bars 715 and 716 is lock assembly 684. This
assembly locks the position of the guard rail relative to
intermediate members 691 and 692. A trigger plate 718 is mounted
between the upper ends of bars 715 and 716 for pivoting. Plate 718
is accessible through hand holes in the guard rail housings, such
as hole 720 shown in FIG. 1. Attached to the edges of the sides of
plate 718 are trigger cables 721 and 722. These cables extend down
along bars 715 and 716 to small pulleys 724 and 725. A brace bar
727 extends between the lower ends of bars 715 and 716. Mounted
inside cavities 727a and 727b in the upper ends of bar 727 are
spring-biased pins 729 and 730. These pins extend through holes
715a and 716a and into aligned holes in bars 700 and 701, such as
hole 702. The pins are connected to cables 721 and 722 by
connectors 731 and 732.
[0494] By manually pivoting trigger plate 718, cables 721 and 722
are pulled upwardly. This in turn pulls pins 729 and 730 out of
holes 702, releasing the upper members 712 and 713 from
intermediate members 691 and 692.
[0495] To the outer lower ends of bars 715 and 716 are mounted a
second set of anchor blocks 734 and 735. A pair of cables 737 and
738 extend from blocks 734 and 735 upward and around upper pulleys
697 and 698, and downward and around lower pulleys 710 and 711.
From pulleys 710 and 711, the cables extend to base anchor blocks
689 and 690. As a result of the cable/pulley mechanism, when the
upper telescoping member is locked in position relative to the
intermediate telescoping member, the intermediate member is locked
in position relative to the base member, and therefore the mattress
platform. The cable/pulley mechanism also regulates the rate of
movement of the intermediate and upper telescoping members relative
to the base member, as is illustrated in the illustration of the
guard rail assembly in the figures.
[0496] Additionally, the set 704 of springs act to store energy
when the guard rail is lowered and return the energy when it is
raised. As shown in FIG. 106, when the guard rail is in the fully
raised position, bottom plate 699, adjacent to which the springs
are mounted, is adjacent to plate 688 to which the spring ends are
fastened and which is fixed relative to the bed platform. When the
trigger is activated and the guard rail lowered, plate 699 drops
below plate 688, causing the springs to uncoil. When the guard rail
is in the lowest position, plates 688 and 699 are separated a
maximum distance corresponding to the travel distance of the
intermediate members 693 and 694 relative to sleeves 686 and 687.
The springs have thus stored the maximum amount of available
energy, since the springs are biased to form a tight coil. In this
position the top of the guard rail is adjacent to base member 685
which is mounted to the side of the platform tray. The top of the
guard rail is thus below the top surface of the platform, making
the mattress and patient fully accessible.
[0497] When it is desired to return the guard rail to the raised
position, the reverse procedure is followed. The trigger is
activated to release the guard rail. A manual force is applied to
lift the guard rail. The stored energy of the springs is applied in
a direction to also raise the guard rail, assisting in returning
the springs to a fully coiled condition. As the guard rail is
raised, the springs recoil, thereby recovering the spring energy.
Thus, the person raising the guard rail only has to apply a force
corresponding to the weight of the guard rail less the spring
force. This makes an otherwise heavy guard rail relatively
manageable, both as to the "braking" force applied by the springs
during lowering of the guard rail, and as to the "assisting" force
applied when the guard rail is raised, permitting single-handed
operation.
[0498] 9. Swing Arm Extension Brace
[0499] Finally, FIGS. 109 and 110 illustrate an improvement on the
apparatus for supporting the bed platform above the base frame, and
in particular in the preferred bed, above the weigh frame. FIG. 109
shows a side view of bed 100 with platform 106 articulated in a low
sitting position. Supporting apparatus 122 has the capability of
moving the platform toward the head of the bed, in order to
maintain the position of the patient relative to the head of the
bed. When such a low position is used, drive support 124 and swing
arm 126 extend toward each other at a very wide relative angle.
This angle puts substantial stress on these support arms.
[0500] In order to reduce the amount of stress, a means 740 for
transferring weight directly from the platform to the weigh frame
is provided. As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 110, platform 106
is hingedly attached to swing arm 126 by a yoke 742. Yoke 742 is
pivotable relative to the swing arm about pivot 744 and is hinged
relative to the platform about a hinge axis 746. The yoke thus
functions generally as a universal joint coupling the swing arm to
the platform. Drive cylinder 124 is then pivotally attached to the
upper end of the swing arm near the yoke.
[0501] Yoke 742 includes downwardly extending shoulders 742a and
742b in line with the weigh frame rails 138 and 140. Covering the
lower faces of shoulders 742a and 742b are friction-reducing covers
748 and 749. In order to fully benefit from this weight
transferring system, it is preferably that platform 106 be
laterally supported horizontally, i.e., without any roll. This puts
both of covers 748 and 749 in contact with the weigh frame. As
shown by the phantom lines in FIG. 109, the swing arm is then
extended and the drive cylinder ram shortened to position the bed
closer to the head of the bed. This movement back and forth along
the weigh frame is also represented by the arrows shown in FIG.
110. The strength of swing arm 126 and drive cylinder ram 124 can
thereby be reduced, since a substantial amount of force is removed
from them through the use of weight-transferring means 740.
[0502] 10. Platform Joint
[0503] A bed according to the present invention also has a joint
between platform panels that varies the distance between the panels
as the angle between the panels varies. One embodiment of this
feature of the invention is shown in FIG. 111 as a partial bed 820.
Bed 820 includes a generally upwardly directed support surface or
platform 822 formed of a first, back panel 824 and a second, seat
panel 826. Panels 824 and 826 have respective adjacent edges 824a
and 826a. Coupling panels 824 and 826 along these adjacent edges is
an articulating seat joint 828.
[0504] Bed 820 also includes, typically, additional panels joined
to panels 824 and 826 for supporting the full length of a person's
body, as well as a frame for supporting the platform above the
floor, as is shown in FIG. 111. A mattress cushion 825, of some
form is supported on the platform, as shown in dash-dot outline in
FIG. 115.
[0505] These other panels do not require the length-varying
features provided by the present invention to the extent the seat
joint does. Thus, although the invention is described herein
specifically with reference to the seat joint, it will be
understood that it can be applied equally well to other joints, and
can be readily designed to provide different amounts of expansion
or contraction of the joint, or different positions of the axis of
panel rotation.
[0506] Joint 828 forms what may be considered to be an expanding
hinge. Thus, instead of hinging each panel at a common axis, they
are hinged about respective axes 830 and 832, as shown, which axes
move away from each other as the panels move from a coplanar or
flat orientation for reclining, as shown in FIGS. 111, 112, and
113, through an intermediate sitting position shown in FIG. 114, to
a full sitting position, as shown in FIGS. 115 and 116.
[0507] Panels 824 and 826 actually rotate about an axis 831 of
rotation, identified specifically in FIG. 115. This axis coincides
with the hip joint of a person 833 supported on the bed. As a
result, axes 830 and 832 move along an arc 835, shown in dashed
lines in FIGS. 113-115.
[0508] The structure of joint 828 includes a drive assembly 834 for
pivoting the two panels relative to each other, and a
separation-varying hinge assembly 836 for varying the distance
between the adjacent edges of the two panels, on each end of joint
828. The structure of one set of assemblies 834 and 836 are
described, it being understood that the description applies to the
structure on both ends.
[0509] Drive assembly 834 includes two support members 838 and two
support members 840 fixedly attached to and extending downwardly
from the underside of panels 824 and 826, respectively. The bottom
ends of the support members bracket and support, for pivoting
movement, respective support blocks 842 and 844. An extension rod
846 is attached at one end to block 844 and passes through a bore,
not shown, in block 842. A hydraulic drive cylinder 848, attached
at one end to block 842, drives rod 846 outwardly or inwardly to
vary the separation between blocks 842 and 844.
[0510] Slidingly mounted on rod 846 is a base member 850. A first
pair of link arms 852 and 853 are mounted at one end to base member
850 for pivoting about an axis 856 adjacent to block 844, as shown.
The upper ends of arms 852 and 853 are pivotably mounted to panel
824 for pivoting about hinge axis 830. Similarly, a second pair of
link arms 854 and 855 are hingedly connected to base member 850 for
pivoting about an axis 858 adjacent to block 842 and to panel 826
for pivoting about axis 832.
[0511] Link arms 852-855 also have corresponding facing and meshing
pinions 852a-855a, respectively. The teeth of these pinions mesh as
arms 852, 853 and 854, 855 pivot about axes 856 and 858,
respectively.
[0512] The operation of bed 820, and more specifically, joint 828,
is illustrated by the progression in relative angular displacement
of panels 824 and 826 shown in FIGS. 108-110. FIG. 108 shows panels
824 and 826 in a coplanar orientation, as would be appropriate for
a person in a reclining position. With the panels in this
orientation, the adjacent edges 824a and 826a are separated by a
relatively small distance A and the teeth of pinions 852a-855a are
meshed at the lower ends of the arc of teeth. Also, link arms
852-855 are in a generally upright orientation.
[0513] As drive cylinder 848 extends rod 846 out, panel 824 pivots
upwardly about axis 830, as shown by the progression illustrated by
FIGS. 114 and 115, as axis 830 moves along arc 835. FIG. 114
represents what may be considered an intermediate sitting position
with adjacent edges 824a and 826a separated by a distance B greater
than distance A. FIGS. 115 and 116 represent a full sitting
position with adjacent edges 824a and 826a separated by an even
greater distance C. The outline of a person 833 sitting in bed 820
is shown in FIG. 115.
[0514] The link arms also pivot about the respective axes 830 and
832, with axis 830 moving in arc 835 which is defined by the
dimensions of arms 852-855. The two panels in effect both rotate
about axis 831 and move away from a centerline 862 of joint 828.
The pinions 852a-855a extend along a sufficient arc to allow for
the relative movement of the panels through a desired range of
angles. This angle is also limited by the length of arms 852-855,
since as axes 830 and 832 approach a line 864 passing through axes
856 and 858, there is less leverage for moving the arms, and in the
limit there ceases to be any increase in separation of the panels
ac axes 830 and 832 move parallel with centerline 862.
[0515] It will also be appreciated that the joint expansion
described and corresponding to the progression through FIGS.
113-115, when reversed, results in a joint contraction. Also, by
simply reversing the alignment of the upper ends of arms 852-855,
so that arms 852 and 853 terminate at axis 830 and arms 854 and 855
terminate at axis 832, and extending the lengths of the arms with a
reverse bend so that axes 830 and 832 are spaced apart when the
panels are flat, the joint would contract as the angle between the
panels is decreased from 180.degree..
[0516] FIGS. 117-121 illustrate a bed 870 that is another
embodiment of the invention. The structure of bed 870 is preferred
to that of bed 820 due to its mechanical simplicity and ease of
manufacture. Bed 870 has some basic structural elements that are
the same as those of bed 820. Thus, for simplifying the description
of the bed, those structural features that are the same are given
the same reference numbers as are used for bed 820. In this regard,
bed 870 includes platform 822 comprising panels 824 and 826 that
hinge about hinge axes 830 and 832, respectively, and support
mattress 825. Drive assembly 834 includes support members 838 and
840 with blocks 842 and 844, respectively on the distal ends of the
support members. Extension rod 846 is driven by cylinder 848 for
varying the separation between the blocks.
[0517] A seat joint 872 is different than seat joint 828 described
above. Joint 872 includes link arms 874, 875, 876 and 877 hingedly
connected at upper ends, such as ends 874a and 876a to panels 824
and 826 for pivoting about axes 830 and 832, respectively. Axes 830
and 832 move along arc 835 as the panels rotate about axis 831.
Link arm 874 is connected at an intermediate point to a base member
878 for pivoting about an axis 880. Link arm 876 is connected at a
lower end 876b to base member 878 for pivoting about an axis 882 so
that the link arms cross, as shown.
[0518] Lower end 874b of link arm 874 extends below base member 878
and is connected to one end of a coupling arm 884 for pivoting
relative to the coupling arm. The other end of arm 884 is connected
for pivoting to link arm 876 intermediate the link arm ends. The
coupling arm functions as a coupling means similar to pinions
852a-855a of joint 828. This link arm, in combination with the
connections between the lower ends of the link arms and the base
member, assure that the link arms move concurrently in opposite
rotation directions when the associated panels 824 and 826 are
mutually pivoted.
[0519] The operation of bed 870 is similar to the operation of bed
820, as is shown by FIGS. 117-121. FIGS. 117 and 118 show in
isometric view and FIGS. 119-121 show in side view different
operative positions of panel 824 relative to panel 826. FIG. 119
shows the platform in a reclining position, FIG. 120 shows the back
panel in a slightly inclined position, and FIG. 121 shows the back
panel in a nearly upright, sitting position. The function of bed
870 is very similar to the function of bed 820.
[0520] It will be noted that arm 874 has a general arched form
extending away from coupling arm 884. The arch provides additional
clearance allowing the panels to be placed at a more transverse
angle, as shown in FIG. 121. Link arm 876 has a bend at the point
of connection of the coupling arm. This structure of joint 872,
including the dimensional lengths of and connections between the
respective linkages, is selected so that both panels move
substantially equivalently as the relative angles between the
panels is changed. By varying the relative dimensions of these
elements, other relative changes are possible.
[0521] 11. Hydraulic Valve
[0522] FIGS. 122-125 illustrate a hydraulic valve 910 made
according to another aspect of the invention. FIG. 124 in
particular illustrates simplistically valve 910 relative to a
partition 912 that divides a first fluid chamber 914 from a second
fluid chamber 916. Valve 910 controls the flow of fluid between
these two chambers. The form and structure of the chambers and
partitions is according to the requirements of each particular
application.
[0523] Valve 910 includes a housing 918 defining a longitudinal
bore 920 including a channel 920a in an end 918a extending into
chamber 916 and through which fluid flows. Bore 920 terminates with
an enlarged cylindrical chamber 920b in an end 918b opposite from
end 918a. Next to chamber 920b is a threaded intermediate chamber
920c. Channel 920a terminates at a port 922 at the tip of housing
end 918a. An opening or slit 924 extends through the side of
housing end 918a parallel with a channel longitudinal axis 926.
Slit 924 has a uniform width along its length axially. Two opposing
outlet ports 928 and 930 extend radially in housing 918, are spaced
from slit 924, and provide fluid communication between chamber 914
and channel 920a.
[0524] Valve 910 also includes a plunger 932 sized to be received
in bore 920. It includes a gate end 932a that moves slidingly and
sealingly in channel 920a. A shaft 932b adjacent to gate end 932a
has a reduced diameter, thereby forming a fluid passageway 934
between the walls forming channel 920a and shaft 934b. A section
932c also slidingly and sealingly moves through channel 920a and
defines the end of passageway 934. An enlarged cylinder end 932d is
received in chamber 920b. An intermediate threaded cylinder portion
932e is threadedly received within chamber 920c.
[0525] Rotation of plunger 932 relative to housing 918 is provided
by a motor 936, such as a stepper motor that provides precise
control of plunger rotation. The plunger thus advances along axis
926 a known amount for each rotation. As is seen in FIGS. 126A-126C
in particular, this changes the axial position of plunger gate end
932a an incremental amount, thereby opening or closing slit 924 by
the same amount. The size of the slit that is unrestricted by gate
end 932a thus varies linearly with movement of the plunger along
axis 926.
[0526] FIG. 124 shows plunger 932 in its fully extended position.
The plunger extends sufficiently through end port 922 to open the
port slightly. This position is used when it is desired to allow a
relatively large flow of fluid.
[0527] FIG. 126A shows an enlarged view of the portion of valve 910
associated with channel 920a, similar to FIG. 124 except that gate
end 932a is just even with the distal end of housing 918, thereby
closing port 922 and leaving slit 924 open with a length L. As the
plunger is withdrawn or moved to the left as viewed in these
drawings, slit 924 is closed a predetermined amount for each
rotation of the plunger in threaded chamber 920b.
[0528] FIG. 126B shows gate end 932a in an intermediate position,
having moved a distance P.sub.1 equal to a length L.sub.1 that slit
924 is closed. When the plunger is withdrawn a distance P.sub.2,
the slit is closed by a length L.sub.2 equal to L and equal to
P.sub.2, as shown in FIG. 126C. The reverse procedure opens the
slit to increase fluid flow linearly with the axial displacement of
the plunger along axis 926.
[0529] FIG. 127 is a perspective view of a hospital bed 940,
similar to bed 100 shown in FIG. 1, having a hydraulic system with
a valve 910. Bed 940 includes a base frame 942 supported on a
floor. A platform 944 on which is positioned a mattress 946
supports a person. Platform 944 is divided into a plurality of
panels, such as panels 948 and 950. These panels, as well as the
platform generally, are also referred to as support surfaces. The
panels are hinged, such as at hinge joint 952, with the pivoting of
the panels about the hinge joints controlled by respective
hydraulic circuits, such as circuit 954 shown in FIG. 128. The bed
also contains hydraulic circuits like circuit 954 for controlling
movement of the platform generally. For instance, hydraulic
cylinders 956 and 958 shown in FIG. 127 are used to control the
side-to-side tilt of the platform.
[0530] Referring specifically to FIG. 128, hydraulic circuit 954
includes a hydraulic cylinder 960 having fluid ports 962 and 964. A
hydraulic line 966 connects ports 962 and 964 to respective check
valves 968 and 970. Line 966 connects the two check valves to a
directional valve 972 that selectively connects a pressure source
974 and an unpressurized fluid reservoir tank 976 to check valves
968 and 970. A regulating valve 978 is positioned in line 966
between directional valve 972 and tank 976. Valve 978 is thus
usable for controlling fluid flow from cylinder 960 regardless of
whether the cylinder is being extended or retracted, as determined
by the position of directional valve 972. Since the check valves
are either open or closed, they do not provide for variation in the
fluid flow rate through them. In this configuration, only one
regulating valve is required to control operation of the cylinder
in either direction.
[0531] Valve 978 is preferably the same as valve 910 described with
reference to FIGS. 122-126. In such use chamber 914 corresponds to
the line coupled to the directional valve and chamber 916
corresponds to the line coupled to the tank. In this configuration
the exposed face of enlarged gate end 932a has low pressure fluid
applied to it. It will also be noted that the pressure of fluid in
passageway 934 is applied to the opposing faces of the inside of
end 932a and seal 932c. The valve is thereby pressure-balanced. As
a result, a smaller torque (less energy) is required to turn
plunger 932, permitting a more light-weight, less-expensive drive
motor 936. A bed control system can then control the speed of
movement of all of the parts of a bed platform by coordinating the
positions of the respective plungers in each of the regulating
valves.
[0532] This configuration has a further advantage of providing a
backup for the in-line check valve. If the check valve fails, the
regulating valve can be closed to hold the position of the
associated support member. Additionally, when enlarged end 932a is
extended out of end port 922, fluid passes through the port
allowing the valve to be flushed with fluid. This allows any
particles in the fluid to flow through the valve, thereby reducing
the likelihood of clogging. Further, the valve can be made in a
sufficiently small size to mount unobtrusively under the bed
platform. This design is then compact and lightweight, and allows
use of a smaller cylinder than would otherwise be required.
[0533] 12. Platform Support
[0534] Referring now to FIGS. 129-132, a bed 1150 made according to
another aspect of the invention has an improved three-axis support
system 1152. This support system is mounted on a base frame 1154
for supporting a platform 1156. This base frame is substantially
the same as weigh frame 132 shown in FIG. 85. Platform 1156
includes a central seat panel 1158 and head and foot panels 1160
and 1162, respectively. Panels 1158 and 1160 are coupled together
by an expanding platform joint, such as joint 828 as described with
reference to FIGS. 115-116 or joint 872 described with reference to
FIGS. 117-121. This joint, referred to as joint 828 for
consistency, is not shown in FIG. 129 for simplicity of
illustration, but is shown in FIGS. 130-132.
[0535] Support system 1152 includes a fixed-length swing arm 1164
formed of parallel members 1165 and 1166. Arm 1164 is pivotally
mounted at a lower end 1164a to the foot end of base frame 1154 for
pivoting about an axis 1167. The upper end 1164b is attached to a
universal joint 1168, also referred to as means for allowing
pivoting of the swing arm relative to the platform. Joint 1168
includes a base plate 1170 connecting the upper ends of members
1165 and 1166. An upwardly opening yoke 1172 is pivotingly coupled
to base plate 1170 and pivot disk 1174, as shown, for lateral
pivoting of the platform about an axis 1176. Upwardly extending
arms 1172a and 1172b are pivotably connected to the upper edge of
panel 1158 for pivoting about lateral axis 1178. Joint 1168 thus
provides pivoting about transverse axes 1176 and 1178, which
together, function as a universal joint to provide pivoting about
other axes passing through the joint, as is also described and
illustrated in FIG. 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,023,967.
[0536] A main cylinder ram 1180 is pivotably connected at a lower
end 1180a to base frame 1154 at the head of the bed for pivoting
about an axis 1181. The upper end 1180b is pivotably connected
between swing arm members 1165 and 1166 via a mounting assembly
1182 attached to the two members, for pivoting about an axis 1183.
Mounting assembly 1182 is positioned well below the upper end of
the swing arm, and preferably is between one-fourth and one-half
the way down from the upper end.
[0537] A pair of hydraulically driven side arms 1184 and 1186 are
mounted between the platform and the swing arm. More particularly,
the side arms have lower ends 1184a and 1186a pivotably attached to
the outer face of members 1165 and 1166, respectively, for pivoting
about a common axis 1187. Upper ends 1184b and 1186b are pivotably
attached to the foot-end edge of panel 1158 for pivoting about an
axis 1188. The lower ends of the side arm, similar to the ram
connection, are preferably mounted to the swing arm members between
one-fourth and one-half the length of the swing arm up from the
lower end of the swing arm. As will be seen with reference to FIGS.
130-132, this provides a significant amount of movement of the side
arms with the swing arm, yet still provides sufficient separation
from joint 1168 to provide a stable base for supporting platform
1156. It is also preferable to mount the side arms lower on the
swing arm than the point of attachment of the upper end of the ram
in order to provide an increased range of movement through use of
the side arms, and to provide a broader overall base of support for
the platform.
[0538] The hydraulic cylinders in ram 1180 and side arms 1184 and
1186 are part of a hydraulic system 1190 having circuits similar to
circuit 954 described previously with reference to FIGS. 127 and
128. System 1190, controlled by a controller 1192 contained in a
housing 1193, generally includes the elements of a conventional
hydraulic system as described in the noted figures. In particular,
system 1190 preferably includes a linear valve 978 for each
circuit, as described previously with reference to circuit 954
shown in FIG. 128. These valves are driven by suitable stepper
motors, not specifically shown.
[0539] FIG. 130 shows bed 1150 with platform 1156 supported in a
level and partially raised position. With a relatively small amount
of shortening of the length of ram 1180, less than ten percent of
its length in FIG. 130, the platform is lowered to about one-fourth
the distance from base frame 1154, as shown in FIG. 131. If the ram
was attached to joint 1168, it would have been necessary to shorten
the length of the ram by about twenty percent. It can thus be seen
that by mounting the upper end of the ram down about one third of
the way from the upper end of the swing arm, approximately twice
the movement of the upper end of the swing arm, and therefore the
platform is achieved. However, the ram must be made more robust in
order to take the increased forces resulting from the corresponding
reduced angle between the swing arm and the ram.
[0540] It will also be observed that it was only necessary to
shorten the length of the side arms slightly in order to maintain
the platform in a level orientation during movement to the lowered
position. FIG. 132 shows the orientation of the platform if the
lengths of the side arms are held constant and the ram is
shortened. The head of the platform angles down about ten degrees.
If the lower ends of the side arms were mounted on the frame, they
would not lower with the swing arm, and less lowering of the bed
would have been possible. Thus, a greater range of movement of the
ram is available than would be possible if the swing arms were
mounted on the frame or at the bottom of the swing arm.
[0541] It will also be noted that the side arms and the universal
joint are connected to opposite edges of seat panel 1158. The
orientation of the platform is controlled by simply adjusting the
orientation of the single seat panel. The orientation of the head
and foot panels is provided by separate, independently controlled
hydraulic arms, omitted from the drawing for simplicity of
illustration. The seat panel is therefore controlled much more
simply.
[0542] 13. Multifunction Control System
[0543] The present invention also provides for coordination between
the changing of various features on a bed in order to assure proper
patient treatment and safety. FIG. 133 illustrates a
processor-controlled, feature-interlock system 1000 providing this
coordination. System 1000 is driven by a controller 1001 including
a conventional microprocessor or CPU 1002 accessing ROM and RAM
memories shown generally at 1004. Commands for controlling
processor-controlled features of the bed are input by various input
devices shown generally at 1006. These typically include a patient
or bed-side control unit, such as controllers 201 and 202, shown in
FIG. 93 specifically and in FIG. 1 generally, or such as built-in
control unit 180 in the foot board panel shown in FIG. 1 and which
includes a character display, not specifically identified.
[0544] Various sensor switches, shown generally at 1008, are used
to determine whether various features are in respective first
states. As was discussed with reference to FIG. 80, an example of
such a sensor is a magnetic-field sensitive reed switch for
determining whether a traction pole-is in a fully recessed, storage
position, i.e., a first state, or is not in this position, such as
when it is raised for use as a traction anchor. In the preferred
embodiment of the bed, when the traction pole is deployed, various
mattress or platform movements are not allowed, such as side tilt,
lateral rotation, and stand-up. These latter movements are
considered changeable features of the bed, and are shown generally
at 1010.
[0545] If the change in the selected feature is not allowed, it is
preferable that suitable alarms, shown generally at 1012 be
provided to notify the user. These may include an audio or tone
alarm 1013, a simple visual alarm 1014, such as a warning light, or
a verbal display 1014, which typically includes LEDs or LCDs to
form a phrase of alphanumeric characters describing the alarm
condition. This latter display is preferably in the foot board
display 180 accessible to nurses and other attendants.
[0546] System 1000 also includes conventional sensor switches 1008
used to determine the state of the retractable steering wheels,
side guardrails, standup stabilizers (not shown), foot board
equipment table and, as has been mentioned, the foot board traction
poles. The following table lists various selectable actions that
can be taken with regard to the bed, and an associated list of
conditions required in order for the action to be taken, or used to
determine whether or how the action is to be taken.
2TABLE DESIRED ACTION REQUIRED CONDITION(S) A. Elevation and
Articulation If Foot-end Traction Pole is Change up, (Proceed at
Slower Linear and Angular Rates). B. Change Pitch Steering Wheels
are Retracted. Side Rails are Up. Foot-end Traction Pole is Down.
C. Change Roll Down-hill Side Rails are Up. (side tilt) Footboard
Equipsient Table is Stored. Foot-end Traction Support Poles are
Down. D. Put Mattress Platform in Steering Wheels are Retracted.
Standup Position Side Rails are Up. Standup Stabilizers are
installed. Foot-end Traction Poles are Down. E. Standup Preparation
Standup Stabilizers are installed. Foot-end Traction Poles are
Down. F. Foot Up/Down Footboard Equipment Table is Stored. G. Knee
Up/Down Footboard Equipment Table is Stored. H. Head Up/Down
Footboard Equipment Table is Stored. I. Trendelenburg Position
Footboard Equipment Table is Stored. (OK with confirmation) J.
Deploy Foot-end Traction Mattress Air Flow On. Support Pole
[0547] It is seen that system 1000 provides variations in a general
method of controlling the bed. Basically, when a command is entered
to produce a desired action, a determination is made as to whether
there is an associated condition that must be satisfied. If there
is, the associated sensor is used to determine the state of the
conditioning feature. If the condition is satisfied the action is
taken, If not, the action is not taken.
[0548] If not taken, then either an alarm is generated and no
action is taken, the action is taken in a modified form, or the
action is taken if the user confirms that it is desired to take the
action in spite of the coexisting condition. These steps are more
specifically detailed in the accompanying flow chart shown in FIGS.
134A and 134B.
[0549] The system is started and initialized at a start step 1018.
Initially, a clearing procedure 1020 determines whether a required
condition of an action has changed after the action has taken
place. This prevents the defeat of the interlock system by changing
the state of a required condition to a forbidden state after
performing the desired action. In this procedure, the various state
sensor switches are monitored, as is represented by step 1022. For
purposes of simplicity the various well known steps of sequencing
through a series of elements until the routine has been applied to
all them is not illustrated. It will be understood that such common
steps are followed even though not specifically identified in this
flow chart.
[0550] For each sensor output, a determination is made at step 1024
as to whether the associated feature is in a potential alarm
condition. That is, if the feature must be in a first state in
order to allow the change of a second feature and the first feature
is not in the first state, then a potential alarm condition exists.
If it does, then a check must be made of the status of the
associated second feature at step 1026.
[0551] If the second feature is in changed state that would not be
allowed if the first feature is not in the first state, as
determined in step 1028, then an alarm condition exists. An
existing function, such as a change in the pitch of the mattress,
is then stopped at step 1030 and an alarm generated at step 1032.
The alarm continues and the function remains terminated until the
offending condition no longer exists. This is determined at step
1034 where, if no alarm condition exists, a determination is made
as to whether an alarm is already on. If so, it is terminated at
step 1036. If not, and after any alarm is terminated, the procedure
moves to the main interlock procedure 1038 which is activated when
change commands are entered into the system.
[0552] The first step, step 1040, in the interlock procedure is to
monitor the input of commands by a user to change a feature of the
bed. As shown in the above table, the available commands include
change in elevation, change in pitch or roll of the mattress,
change in the foot, knee and head sections of the mattress, move to
a standup or trendelenburg position, as well as others.
[0553] If no command is being input, as identified by step 1042,
then a determination is made at step 1044 as to whether an
associated alarm is on. If it is, it is terminated at step 1046.
Then, if all command inputs have been scanned, as determined at
step 1048, the procedure returns to step 1022 to begin the process
over again. Each command input preferably is scanned every 120
milliseconds. If all of the command inputs have not been scanned,
then processing returns to step 1040.
[0554] If it is determined in step 1042 that a command is being
input, then a look-up table is used to determine what, if any
associated feature conditions need to be checked. The sensor inputs
for these features are monitored at step 1050 and a determination
is made at step 1052 as to whether any of them are not allowed.
Again, if there is no alarm condition, and an alarm is not on for
the condition, as determined at step 1054, then the feature is
changed according to the command at step 1056. If an alarm exists
then it is stopped at step 1058 and then the feature is changed.
Processing then goes to step 1048 to see if additional command
inputs are to be scanned, as described previously.
[0555] If an alarm condition exists as determined in step 1052,
then a determination is made in step 1060 as to whether this is a
situation in which the requested feature change is allowed if the
user confirms that the change should be made in spite of the
offending condition. If it is permitted with confirmation, then the
input is checked to see if a confirmation is entered during step
1062. If confirmation is input, such as by reentering the command,
or inputting the command continuously for a period of time, such as
5 seconds, then the feature is changed according to the command, as
provided in step 1056. An example of this situation is where the
equipment table on the footboard is deployed over the bed and a
command is entered to position the mattress in a Trendelenburg
position. In such a case, there is a continuing need for use of the
equipment table, so movement is allowed after confirmation that the
attendant is aware of the existence of the table while the mattress
position is being changed.
[0556] If an alarm condition still exists after steps 1060 and
1072, then an alarm is generated if the alarm does not already
exist. This may also result when a compound condition exists, such
as where a traction lockout exists. Then, a change that might be
allowed with confirmation is not allowed at all. This procedure is
thus effective where more than one condition must be satisfied, as
is shown in the table.
[0557] Otherwise, a determination is made as to whether an alarm
already exists, as provided in step 1064. If not, a timed alarm is
generated at step 1066 and processing returns to step 1048 to scan
any other command inputs. If it is determined in step 1064 that an
alarm already exists, then in step 1068 a determination is made as
to whether the alarm has existed long enough, preferably for a
total time of 30 seconds. If the time has not elapsed, processing
returns to step 1048 directly. If the time period for the alarm has
elapsed, the alarm is terminated as step 1070 before returning to
step 1048.
[0558] Returning to step 1060, if the offending condition is not
allowed, even with confirmation, then a determination is made at
step 1072 as to whether the feature can be changed in a way altered
from the intended or usual way of making the change. If not, the
procedure advances to step 1064 to provide an alarm. If so, then
the feature is changed in the altered manner at step 1074, and
processing then continues at step 1048. As shown in the above
table, an example of this is where the traction pole is up. It is
assumed that the patient is being put in traction, and therefore
the changes in bed positioning is provided at slower linear and
angular rates than would normally be the case.
[0559] The above procedures provide for coordinated changes in the
features, which typically are functions for moving the mattress or
changing the inflation of the mattress. Where certain conditions
require that no changes be made at all, such as when the patient is
in traction, then these procedures accommodate that. Also, where
certain conditions could result in an accident to equipment, the
bed or the patient, then these procedures provide a way to prevent
them from occurring. Further, various approaches are provided,
depending on the nature of, significance of, or relationship
between the respective features. This provides for flexibility in
the way different offending conditions are handled. The result is a
safer bed and more effective treatment of the patient.
[0560] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that many
variations in form and detail may be made in the preferred
embodiments as illustrated and described above without varying from
the spirit and scope of the invention that the claims define or are
interpreted or modified according to the doctrine of equivalents.
The preferred embodiments of the various features of the invention
are thus provided for purposes of explanation and illustration, but
not limitation.
* * * * *