U.S. patent application number 10/321978 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-11 for bed siderails.
Invention is credited to Brooke, Jason C..
Application Number | 20030167568 10/321978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23344381 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030167568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brooke, Jason C. |
September 11, 2003 |
Bed siderails
Abstract
Several patient supports are provided having a head end and a
foot end. The patient supports includes a frame, a deck being
supported on the frame, and a several embodiments of siderails
coupled to the deck.
Inventors: |
Brooke, Jason C.; (Mount
Pleasant, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Intellectual Property Group
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
2700 First Indiana Plaza
135 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
23344381 |
Appl. No.: |
10/321978 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60343031 |
Dec 20, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/430 ;
5/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/0509 20161101;
A61G 7/00 20130101; A61G 7/0514 20161101; A61G 7/0518 20161101;
A61G 7/0507 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/430 ;
5/428 |
International
Class: |
A47C 021/08 |
Claims
1. A patient support configured to support a patient thereon, the
patient support comprising a frame, a deck supported by the frame,
and a siderail coupled to the deck, the siderail including a rail
member and a support link, the rail member having a first end
slidably coupled to the deck and a second end spaced apart from the
first end, the support link having a first end pivotally coupled to
the rail member and a second end spaced apart from the first end
and pivotally coupled to the deck.
2. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the first end of the
rail member is slidably coupled to the deck by a friction
hinge.
3. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the rail member is
configured to move between a patient egress position and a raised
blocking position.
4. The patient support of claim 3, wherein the rail member has a
longitudinal axis that is horizontal when the rail member is in the
egress position.
5. The patient support of claim 3, wherein the rail member has a
longitudinal axis that deviates from being horizontal when the rail
member is in the raised blocking position.
6. The patient support of claim 3, wherein the rail member is
configured to assume an infinite number of positions intermediate
the egress position and the raised blocking position.
7. A patient support configured to support a patient thereon, the
patient support comprising a frame, a deck supported by the frame,
and a siderail coupled to the deck, the siderail including a rail
member configured to move between first and second positions and a
coupler configured to couple the rail member to the deck, the
coupler including a lock member and a slide member, the lock member
being configured to move between a locked position blocking
movement of the rail member and an unlocked position permitting
movement of the rail member, the slide member defining an involute
slot that guides the lock member during movement of the rail member
between the raised and lowered positions.
8. The patient support of claim 7, wherein the coupler further
comprises a hold member configured to block movement of the lock
member in the involute slot.
9. The patient support of claim 7, wherein the lock member is
biased toward the locking position.
10. The patient support of claim 7, wherein the rail member is
positioned to block egress of a patient when in the first position
and to permit egress of a patient when in the second position.
11. The patient support of claim 10, wherein the lock member, when
the rail member is in the first position, requires user action to
move to the locking position separate from movement of the rail
member to the first position.
12. A patient support configured to support a patient, the patient
support comprising a frame, a deck supported by the frame, and a
siderail coupled to the deck, the siderail including a rail member
having a longitudinal axis and laterally extending handle coupled
to the rail member.
13. The patient support of claim 12, wherein the handle has a
rounded cross-sectional profile.
14. The patient support of claim 12, wherein the handle extends
sideways away from the rail member
15. The patient support of claim 12, wherein the handle is
curl-shaped.
16. A patient support configured to support a patient, the patient
support comprising a frame, a deck supported by the frame, and a
siderail including a rail member, a slide track coupled to the
frame, and a slide configured to slidably couple the rail member to
the slide track, the rail member being removably coupled to the
slide.
17. The patient support of claim 16, wherein the slide is
configured to move between a plurality of positions on the slide
track and the siderail further includes a lock configured to fix
the slide relative to the slide track in at least one of the
plurality of positions.
18. The patient support of claim 16, wherein the rail member is
removably coupled to the slide by a pin.
19. The patient support of claim 16, wherein the rail member is
configured to assume a patient egress position and a patient
blocking position.
20. The patient support of claim 19, wherein the slide moves along
the slide track during movement of the rail member between the
patient egress position to the patient blocking position.
21. A patient support configured to support a patient, the patient
support comprising a frame, a deck supported by the frame, a
siderail coupled to the deck, a mattress, a first mattress
restraint positioned to block movement of the mattress on the deck
and defining an opening, and a second mattress restraint positioned
adjacent the opening of the first mattress restraint to block
movement of the mattress on the deck.
22. The patient support of claim 21, wherein the first and second
mattress restraints are positioned between the mattress and the
siderail.
23. The patient support of claim 21, wherein the first and second
mattress restraints are tubular.
24. The patient support of claim 21, wherein the first and second
mattress restraints are configured maintains a minimum distance
between the mattress and the siderail.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/343,031, filed Dec. 20, 2001 the
disclosure of which is incorporated expressly herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to patient supports, such as
hospital beds. More particularly, the present invention relates to
beds having siderails.
[0003] Many beds have patient rest surfaces that may be positioned
at a predetermined height above the floor. Such beds often include
siderails positioned to block egress of a person from the patient
rest surface. The patient rest surface of many such beds can be
lowered to reduce the distance between the patient rest surface and
the floor. Many beds can be adjusted to change the configuration of
the patient rest surface from a relatively flat bed position to a
chair-like position.
[0004] The siderails of these beds can typically be moved to a
lowered position permitting egress of a person from the patient
rest surface and a raised position blocking the egress of the
patient from the patient rest surface. Beds having siderails
positioned to block egress of a person positioned on a patient rest
surface are known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,077,843 to Foster L. Dale et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,157,800 to
Borders, and U. S. Pat. No. 5,129,177 to Celestina et al., all of
which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,010 to Ferrand et al.
[0005] According to the present invention, a patient support is
provided that is configured to support a patient thereon. The
patient support includes a frame, a deck supported by the frame,
and a siderail coupled to the deck. The siderail includes a rail
member and a support link. The rail member has a first end slidably
coupled to the deck and a second end spaced apart from the first
end. The support link has a first end pivotally coupled to the rail
member and a second end spaced apart from the first end and
pivotally coupled to the deck.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention,
another patient support is provided that is configured to support a
patient thereon. The patient support includes a frame, a deck
supported by the frame, and a siderail coupled to the deck. The
siderail includes a rail member configured to move between first
and second positions and a coupler configured to couple the rail
member to the deck. The coupler includes a lock member and a slide
member. The lock member is configured to move between a locked
position blocking movement of the rail member and a unlocked
position permitting movement of the rail member. The slide member
defines an involute slot that guides the lock member during
movement of the rail member between the raised and lowered
positions.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
patient support is provided that is configured to support a
patient. The patient support includes a frame, a deck supported by
the frame, and a siderail coupled to the deck. The siderail
includes a rail member having a longitudinal axis and laterally
extending handle coupled to the rail member.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
patient support is provided that is configured to support a
patient. The patient support includes a frame, a deck supported by
the frame, and a siderail. The siderail includes a rail member, a
slide track coupled to the frame, and a slide configured to
slidably couple the rail member to the slide track. The rail member
is removably coupled to the slide.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention,
another patient support is provided that is configured to support a
patient, the patient support includes a frame, a deck supported by
the frame, a siderail coupled to the deck, a mattress, and first
and second mattress restraints positioned to block movement of the
mattress on the deck, the first mattress defines an opening and the
second mattress restraint is positioned adjacent the opening of the
first mattress restraint.
[0010] Additional features of the invention will become apparent to
those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiments exemplifying the
best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The detailed description particularly refers to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment
patient support showing the patient support including a frame and a
head and foot end siderails in lowered positions permitting egress
of a person from the patient support;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the head and foot
end siderails in raised positions blocking egress of a person from
the patient support;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG.
1 showing the patient support in a chair position with head, thigh,
and foot sections of a deck in inclined positions and the head and
foot end siderails in the raised positions;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the deck in a
flat bed position, the head end siderail in the raised position,
and the foot end siderail in the lowered position;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment
patient support showing the patient support including a frame, a
deck in a flat bed position, a head end siderail in a blocking
position, and a foot end siderail in an egress position;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the patient
support in a chair position with head, thigh, and foot sections of
the deck in inclined positions, the head end siderail rotated to an
egress position, and the foot end siderail rotated to a blocking
position;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of the foot end siderail of FIG. 5,
with portions cut away, showing a coupler including a holding pin
or hold member supporting a lock member in an unlocked
position;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the foot end siderail of
FIG. 5 showing a spring urging the lock member downward;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the foot end
siderail rotated to the egress position;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the coupler of
the siderail of FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a slide plate of the
coupler shown in FIG. 10 showing the hold member in several
locations as the siderail moves from the blocking position to the
egress position;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 showing the hold member
in several locations as the siderail moves from the egress position
to the blocking;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment
patient support showing the patient support including a frame, a
deck in a flat bed position, and head and foot end siderails in
blocking positions;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 showing the head and
foot end siderails rotated to egress positions;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of patient support of FIG. 13
showing the patient support in a chair position with head, thigh,
and foot sections of the deck in inclined positions and the head
and foot end siderail rotated to the blocking position;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15 showing the deck in the
bed position and the head and foot siderails in the blocking
position;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the siderail of FIGS.
13;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment
patient support showing the patient support including a frame, a
deck in a flat bed position, and head and foot end siderails in
egress positions;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18 showing the head and
foot end side rails in a blocking positions;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of patient support of FIG. 18
showing the patient support in a chair position with head, thigh,
and foot sections of the deck in inclined positions and the head
and foot end siderail rotated to the blocking positions;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 20 showing the patient
support in the bed position with the head and foot end siderails in
the blocking positions;
[0033] FIG. 22 is an assembly view of a portion of a deck and a
siderail according to another embodiment of the present disclosure
showing the siderail including a slide coupled to the deck and rail
member aligned to be coupled to the slide;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the slide of FIG. 22;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 24-24 of
FIG. 22 showing the rail member coupled to the slide;
[0036] FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 24;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment patient
support showing the patient support including frame, a deck in a
flat bed position, a pair of head end siderails in a blocking
position, one foot end siderail in a blocking position, one foot
end siderail in a egress position, and a pair of mattress
restraints or bars positioned adjacent to a mattress;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a side elevation view of the patient support of
FIG. 30;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the pair of
mattress restraints positioned adjacent to the mattress;
[0040] FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of a fifth embodiment
patient support showing the patient support including a frame, a
deck in a flat bed position and head and foot end siderails in
egress positions;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a view similar to FIG. 29 showing the head and
foot end side rails in a blocking positions;
[0042] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of patient support of FIG. 29
showing the patient support in a chair position with head, thigh,
and foot sections of the deck in inclined positions and the head
and foot end siderail rotated to the blocking positions; and
[0043] FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 31 showing the patient
support in the bed position with the head and foot end siderails in
the blocking positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a patient support 10 is provided
including a frame 12 positioned on the floor, a deck 14 coupled to
the frame 12, a mattress 16 positioned on the deck 14, a headboard
18 coupled to the frame 12, a footboard 20 coupled to the frame 12,
and two pairs of head and foot end siderails 22, 24 coupled to the
deck 14. The frame 12 is configured to raise and lower the deck 14
relative to the floor and to move the deck 14 to the Trendelenburg
position, the Reverse Trendelenburg position, the Fowler's
position, a chair position, as shown in FIG. 3, and other
positions.
[0045] Each of the siderails 22, 24 includes a rail member 26, a
link 28 pivotally coupled to the deck 14 and the rail member 26, a
first pin 30 that pivotally couples the link 28 to the rail member
26, and a second pin 32 that slides on the deck 14 to slidably and
pivotally couple the rail member 26 to the deck 14. The rail member
26 is preferably constructed from a hardened or reinforced plastic,
or metal.
[0046] The rail member 26 is oblong in shape and includes handle
portions 34 that cooperate to define first and second handle
apertures 36, 38 that extend through the rail members 26. The first
handle apertures 36 are preferably in oval-shaped and positioned at
the interior ends of the rail members 26. The second handle
apertures 38 are preferably longer and thinner than the first
handle apertures 36 and are positioned substantially within the
upper portions of the rail members 26.
[0047] The first pin 30 is preferably positioned at the center of
mass of the rail member 26. This positioning balances the rail
member 26 on the first pin 30 so that less effort is required to
rotate the rail member 26 about the first pin 30. The second pin 32
is preferably positioned on the exterior ends of the rail members
26 as shown in FIG. 1. The link 28 is preferably a long and narrow
bar made of steel or another metal and is pivotally coupled to the
deck 14 and the rail member 26 at each of its respective ends.
[0048] The deck 14 includes slots 40 in which the second pins 32
slide during movement of the rail members 26 between the lowered
egress positions, as shown in FIG. 1, and the raised blocking
position, as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably, the second pins 32 fit
snugly in the slots 40 so that movement of the second pins 32 in
the slots 40 is restricted. This restriction maintains the rail
members 26 in their respective positions until enough force is
applied to the second pins 32 to move them in the slots 40
permitting raising and lower of the rail members 26.
[0049] The slots 40 are preferably horizontal. The formation of the
slots 40 in the deck 14 creates a track 42 for the second pins 32
to travel along and holds the second pins 32 therein. According to
the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the pin
includes a roller that rides in the track 42 to provide the sliding
and rotating movement of the rail member 26 on the deck. According
to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the
attachment of the rail members 26 to the deck is accomplished by
track type friction hinges.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the siderails 20, 22 move between
the raised blocking position and the lowered egress position.
Additionally, the siderails 20, 22 are configured to move to an
infinite number of intermediate positions between the blocking and
egress positions. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the siderails 22, 24
is able to move independently to the other siderails 22, 24.
[0051] In operation, the siderails 22, 24 are placed in the lowered
egress position to facilitate ingress and egress from the patient
support 10. Once a patient has entered the patient support 10, a
care provider raises the siderails 22, 24 to the raised blocking
position to block the patient from egressing from the patient
support 10.
[0052] The siderails 22, 24 are raised by the care provider
grasping and raising one of the handle portions 34 of the rail
members 26. The interior ends of the rail are raised by the links
28 rotating relative to the rail member 26 and the deck 14. The
exterior ends of the rail members 26 are restrained from raising by
second pins 32 that are constrained to ride in the tracks 42.
However, the exterior ends of the rail members are permitted to
move inward away from the respective head and foot boards 18, 20
during the raising of the siderails 22, 24. These constraints cause
the rail member 26 to rotate from a substantially horizontal
position, as shown in FIG. 1, to an inclined position, as shown in
FIG. 2.
[0053] The siderails 22, 24 are lowered by pressing downward upon
the interior ends of the rail members 26. During lowering, the
second pins 32 move along the track 42 within the slots 40 away
from the point where the respective links 28 connect to the deck
14.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the deck 14 is configured to move to a
chair position with head, thigh, and foot sections inclined to
support a patient's back in an inclined position and to raise the
patients lower leg's and feet. During movement of the deck to the
chair and other positions, the siderails 22, 24 maintain their
position relative to the section of the deck 14 to which that
siderail 22, 24 is coupled.
[0055] When the head section is raised to the fully inclined
position, as shown in FIG. 3, the rail member 26 of the siderail 22
is substantially horizontal. After the head section is lowered back
to a substantially horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 4, the
rail member 26 of the siderail 22 is positioned back at an angle of
45.degree. relative to horizontal.
[0056] A second embodiment patient support 110 is shown in FIGS. 5.
Patient support 110, similar to the patient support 10 shown in
FIGS. 1-4, includes the frame 12 positioned on the floor, the deck
14 coupled to the frame 12, the mattress 16 positioned on the deck
14, the headboard 18 coupled to the frame 12, the footboard 20
coupled to the frame 12, and a pair of head and foot ends siderails
122, 124 coupled to the deck 14.
[0057] Each pair of the siderails 122, 124 includes a rail member
126 and a coupler 128 that pivotally couples the rail member 126 to
the deck. The coupler 128 includes a lock 129 that is configured to
block pivoting of the rail member 126. The rail member 126 includes
a top rail member 130, three slats 132, 134, 136 and a support bar
138 that couples the top rail member 130 and slats 132, 134, 136 to
the coupler 128. The top rail member 130 is preferably made of wood
and the slats 132, 134, 136 and the support bar 138 are preferably
made of steel.
[0058] The coupler 128 further includes a pivot pin 140 that
extends through support bar 138. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, pivot
pin 140 permits support bar 138 and the remainder of the rail
member 126 to rotate thereabout between the raised, blocking
position and the lowered, egress position.
[0059] The support bar 138 is preferably a rectangular tube that
defines a cavity 142 therein. The support bar 138 includes a pair
of slots 144 (only one shown) on opposite sides of the support bar
138 through which a latch pin 146 extends. The support bar 138 also
has a hold pin aperture 148 defined therein. The hold pin aperture
148 is preferably round and sized to receive a portion of a spring
biased hold pin or hold member 150 coupled to support bar 138.
[0060] The lock 129 includes an lock member 152 positioned in the
cavity 142 of support bar 138, a spring 154 positioned to bias the
lock member 152 toward pivot pin 140, a slide member or cam plate
156, and the spring biased hold pin 150. The lock member 152
includes a tubular member 158 and a latch pin 160 that extends
through tubular member 158 and slots 144. As shown in FIG. 7, a
lower sidewall of tubular member 158 is open so that hold pin 150
extends into tubular member 158 and contacts latch pin 160. The
latch pin 160 is preferably a round rod that is rigidly coupled to
a lower end of tubular member 158.
[0061] The hold pin 150 is positioned to contact and hold the latch
pin 160 in a desired position. The hold pin 150 includes a pin
member 162 that is positioned to contact the latch pin 160 and a
mount 164 coupled to the support bar 138. The pin member 162 is
substantially cylinder-shaped and includes a rounded end. The pin
member 162 is positioned to extend through hold pin aperture 148 so
that the rounded end is positioned adjacent to the latch pin
160
[0062] The pin member 162 slides relative to the mount 164. A
spring (not shown) is positioned in the mount 164 to bias the pin
member 162 toward the latch pin 160. Thus, if enough force is
applied to the pin member 162, it will move toward the mount.
However, the spring will bias the pin member 162 away from the
mount 164 when the force is removed.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the cam plate 156 is preferably
formed from a substantially flat piece of metal or other rigid
matter and includes a semicircular upper flange 166 and a lower
flange 168. The lower flange 168 is welded or otherwise coupled to
the deck 14 to rigidly support the upper flange 166 on the deck
14.
[0064] The semi-circular flange 166 includes a pivot pin-receiving
aperture 170 and a latch pin-receiving slot 172. The pin-receiving
aperture 170 is circular and sized to receive the pivot pin 140 of
the rail member 126 therein so that the pivot pin 140 is free to
rotate therein. Thus, the pivot pin 140 pivotally couples the rail
member 126 to the cam plate 156 which is rigidly coupled to the
deck 14. This coupling permits the siderails 122, 124 to rotate
between the raised, blocking position and the lowered, egress
position.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 11, the latch-pin receiving slot 172 is
sized to permit travel of the latch pin 160 therein and includes a
first lock notch portion 174, a second lock notch portion 176, a
curved involute portion 178, and a clearance notch portion 180. The
first and second notch portions 174, 176 extend radially inwardly
from the involute portion 178 at an angle of approximately
90.degree. from each other. The involute portion 178 extends
between the first 174 and second 176 notch portions and has a
radius of curvature that decreases as the involute portion 178
extends from the first notch portion 174 to the second notch
portion 176.
[0066] The first and second notch portions 174, 176 have a depth of
approximately one and a half times the diameter of the latch pin
160. The clearance portion 180 has a depth of approximately the
diameter of the latch pin 160. The involute portion 178 has a width
slightly larger than the diameter of the latch pin 160. The lock
pin 160 extends through the slot 172 of the cam plate 156.
[0067] FIGS. 7 and 8 show the siderail 24 the raised, blocking
position. When in this position, the latch pin 160 is positioned
above the pin-receiving aperture 170 as shown in FIG. 11. The pin
member 162 initially holds the latch pin 160 from dropping into
first notched portion 174. However, when a caregiver pushes down on
the latch pin 160, enough force is provided to move the pin member
162 against the bias of the spring. This movement of the pin member
162 of the hold pin 150 permits the latch pin 160 to drop into the
first notched portion 174. When positioned in the first notch
portion 174, the latch pin 160 blocks movement of the rail member
126 from the raised, blocking position.
[0068] To move the rail member 126 to the lowered, egress position,
a caregiver must first remove the latch pin 160 from the first
notch portion 174. The user moves the latch pin 160 upward so that
the latch pin 160 moves into contact with the pin member 162. This
contact pushes the pin member 162 against the bias of the spring
permitting the pin member 162 to move past the pin member 162 and
out of first notch portion 174 so that the latch pin 160 is
positioned above the pin member 162 in the involute portion 178.
Because the latch pin 160 is positioned in the involute portion
178, a user can rotate the rail member 126 to the lowered, egress
position.
[0069] When the latch pin 160 moves past the pin member 162, the
spring pushes the pin member 162 inwardly in direction 164. In this
position, the pin member 162 keeps the latch pin 160 from falling
back into the notched portion. The raising of latch pin 160 also
raises the lock member 152 and compresses spring 154. The
compression of spring 154 does not exert enough force on the lock
member to overcome the bias exerted on the pin member 162 by the
hold spring. Thus, the latch pin 160 remains in the involute
portion 178 of slot 172.
[0070] To move the rail member 126 to the lowered, egress position,
the caregiver pushes on the rail member 126 so that it rotates in a
clockwise direction 184 about pivot pin 140. As the rail member 126
rotates, the lock pin 160 travels within the slot 172 as shown in
FIG. 11.
[0071] Because the involute portion 178 has a radius of curvature
that decreases as it extends in the clockwise direction, the latch
pin 160 is pushed toward the pivot pin 140 as it rotates with the
rail member 126 in the clockwise direction 184. Initially, the
latch pin 160 contacts an edge 186 of upper flange 166 that defines
involute portion 178. As the latch pin 160 continues to rotate with
the rail member 126, the edge 186 pushes the latch pin 160 closer
to the pivot pin 140 because the distance of the edge 186 from the
pivot pin 140 decreases.
[0072] After a predetermined degree of rotation, the pivot pin 140
is pushed past the pin member 162 permitting the spring 154 to push
the latch pin 160 into contact with an inner edge 188 opposite
outer edge 186. As the rail member 126 is rotated further, the
latch pin 160 is positioned over second notch portion 176 and the
spring 154 pushes the latch pin 160 down into second notch portion
176. When positioned in the second notch portion 176, the latch pin
160 blocks rotation of the rail member 126 from the lowered, egress
position.
[0073] To move the rail member 126 back to the raised, blocking
position, the latch pin 160 must first be removed from the second
notch portion 176 to permit rotation of the rail member 126 in a
counterclockwise direction 190. To move the latch pin 160 from the
second notch portion 176, a caregiver pulls the latch pin 160 into
the clearance notch 180, as shown in FIG. 12. During this movement,
the latch pin 160 passes over the pin member 162 of hold member 150
which prevents the latch pin 160 from dropping back into the second
notch 176 after the user releases it.
[0074] Because the latch pin 160 is no longer positioned in the
second notch portion 176, a caregiver can rotate the rail member
back to the raised, blocking position. When the rail member 126 is
first rotated in the counterclockwise direction 190, latch pin 160
contacts outer edge 186. This pushes latch pin 160 inwardly forcing
the pin member 162 against the bias of the hold member spring.
[0075] Eventually, latch pin 160 rides past the pin member 162 and
spring 154 forces latch pin 160 against inner edge 188. However,
because the inner edge is spaced apart further from the pivot pin
140 as it extends away from second notch portion 176, it pushes the
latch pin 160 back over the pin member 162. With further rotation,
the latch pin 160 is again held in position by the pin member 162.
Thus, when the rail member 126 is fully rotated to the raised,
blocking position, the latch member 160 is prevented from falling
down into the first notch portion 174 and prevents automatic
locking of the rail member 126. To lock the rail member 126 in the
raised, blocking position, the car giver must push down on latch
pin 160 until it is pushed past the pin member and it drops into
the first notch portion 174 with the assistance of spring 154.
[0076] The locking of rail member 126 into either the raised,
blocking position or the lowered, egress position, allows the rail
member 126 to remain fixed relative to the section of the deck 14
to which the rail member 126 is attached. For example, as shown in
FIG. 6, when the patient support 110 articulates to a chair
position, the support arm 138 of the rail member 126 remains
parallel to the section of the deck to which it is coupled.
[0077] As shown in FIGS. 13-16, a patient support 210, similar to
the patient support 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6, is provided. Patient
support 210 includes the frame 12 positioned on the floor, the deck
14 coupled to the frame 12, the mattress 16 positioned on the deck
14, the headboard 18 coupled to the frame 12, the footboard 20
coupled to the frame 12, and pairs of head and foot end siderails
222, 224 coupled to the deck 14.
[0078] Siderails 222, 224 are coupled to the deck 14 via a coupler
preferably similar to the coupler 128 shown in FIGS. 5-12.
According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure,
other couplers, such as clocking siderails, hinges, or other
couplers known to those of ordinary skill in the art are
provided.
[0079] Each siderail 222, 224 includes a rail member 226 and a
handle 228. The rail member 226 and the handle 228 are preferably
constructed from hardened or reinforced plastic, or metal. The rail
member 226 is of a sufficient height and width to prevent a patient
from egressing from the patient support 210 when the siderails 222,
224 are a raised, blocking position as shown in FIG. 13. A
caregiver rotates the siderails 222, 224 to a lowered, egress
position, as shown in FIG. 14, to permit a patient to egress from
patient support 210.
[0080] The handle 228 is curl-shaped and is approximately circular.
As shown in FIG. 14 for foot end siderail 224, the handle 228
defines a plane 230. When siderails 222, 224 are in the raised,
blocking position, the plane 230 is parallel to the section of the
deck 14 to which it coupled. When a siderail 222, 224 is in the
lowered, egress position, the plane 230 is perpendicular to the
section of the deck 14 to which the siderail 222, 224 is
coupled.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 17, handle 228 is substantially
perpendicular to rail member 226 and outwardly sideways or
laterally away from rail member 226. When the siderails 222, 224
are in the raised, blocking position, each handle 228 provides an
easily graspable surface. Because of the circular configuration,
handle 228 can be grasped by a person at many angles. For example,
a patient may grasp handle 228 while standing to the left, right,
or in front of the handle 228 as still get a full grip on handle
228. Handle 228 also presents an easily graspable surface that
facilitates the moving of siderails 222, 224 between the raised,
blocking position and the lowered, egress position.
[0082] When one of the siderails 222, 224 is in the lowered, egress
position permitting egress or ingress of a person to or from
patient support 210, the other siderail 224, 224 is preferably in
the raised, blocking position so that the handle of the respective
siderail 224, 222 that is in the raised, blocking position is
positioned within easy reaching distance of the person. Therefore,
the person can rely on the sturdy support provided by the
respective handle 228 during egress and ingress from and to the
patient support 210.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 15, the deck 14 may be articulated into a
chair position or other differently elevated position. Upon
articulation of the deck 14, the siderails 222, 224 maintain their
position relative to the section of the deck 14 to which that
siderail 222, 224 is coupled.
[0084] As shown in FIGS. 18-21, a patient support 310, similar to
the patient support 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6, is provided. Patient
support 310 includes the frame 12 positioned on the floor, the deck
14 coupled to the frame 12, the mattress 16 positioned on the deck
14, the headboard 18 coupled to the frame 12, the footboard 20
coupled to the frame 12, and pair of head and foot end siderails
322, 324 coupled to the deck 14.
[0085] Each siderail 322, 324 includes a rail member 326 and a pair
of links 328 that are pivotally coupled to rail members 326 and
deck 14. The rail members 326 are preferably constructed from
hardened or reinforced plastic or metal and are preferably oblong
in shape. Each rail member 326 includes a pair of oblong apertures
330 that permit a patient or caregiver to grasp a top portion 332
of rail member 326.
[0086] The links 328 are elongated members preferably constructed
of steel. The links 328 are approximately as long as the mattress
16 is high. First ends of the links 328 are pivotally coupled to
the rail members 326 and second ends of the links 328 are pivotally
coupled to the deck 14. The links 328, rail member 326, and deck 14
cooperate to provide a parallel 4-bar linkage that maintains the
rail member 326 in a horizontal position during raising and
lowering.
[0087] When in the lowered, egress position, the rail members 326
are positioned below the rest surface of the mattress 16 and do not
block egress of a person from the patient support 310. When in the
raised position, a portion of the rail member 326 extends above the
mattress 16 to block egress of a patient from the patient support
310. Preferably, the siderails 322, 324 further includes a latch
that maintains the siderail in either the raised, blocking position
or the lowered, egress position.
[0088] The deck 14 may be articulated into a chair position, as
shown in FIG. 20, or other position. Upon articulation of the deck
14, the siderails 322, 324 maintain their position relative to the
section of the deck 14 to which that siderail 322, 324 is
coupled.
[0089] As shown in FIGS. 22-24, another siderail 422 is provided
coupled to a section of deck 14. The siderail 422 includes a rail
member 424, a slide track 426, and a slide 428. The rail member 424
is coupled to the slide 428 which slides on the track 426 between a
plurality of positions.
[0090] The rail member 424 includes a support arm 430, three slats
434, 436, 438, and a top rail member 432. An attachment pin 440 and
a position pin 442 extend perpendicularly from support arm 430 and
couple the rail member 424 to slide 428. The attachment pin 440 is
closer to the proximal end of the support arm 430 than is the
position pin 442.
[0091] The attachment pin 440 is preferably cylinder-shaped and
includes a lock recess 444, as shown in FIG. 24, for retaining the
attachment pin 440 in slide 428. The attachment pin 440 has a first
end 446 that is fixedly coupled to the support arm 430 and a second
end 448 spaced apart from the first end 446. The first end 446 has
a first diameter 450.
[0092] The second end 448 of attachment pin 440 is rounded to
assist a user during insertion of pin 440 into slide 428. The lock
recess 444 is positioned adjacent to the second end 448. The lock
recess 444 had a second diameter 454 that is less than first
diameter 450. A pair of shoulders 460 are provided at the locations
where the second diameter 454 transitions to the first diameter
450.
[0093] The position pin 442 is preferably a cylindrical post of
multiple diameters similar to the attachment pin 440. The position
pin 442 has a first end 462 that is fixedly coupled to the support
arm 430 and a second end 464 spaced apart from the first end 462.
The position pin 442 has a first diameter 466, preferably equal to
the first diameter 450 of the attachment pin 440. The position pin
442 is shorter than the attachment pin 440.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 26, the slide track 426 includes two rails
470, 472, a base plate 474, a first end plate 476, and a second end
plate 478. The base plate 474 is preferably a long rectangular
piece of metal coupled to the frame 12 of the patient support 10 by
a bracket 480. The base plate 474 has a first end 482 positioned
nearest the headboard 18 end of the patient support 10 and a second
end 484 positioned nearest the footboard 20 end of the patient
support 10.
[0095] The base plate 474 includes a plurality of pin-receiving
apertures 486. According to the preferred embodiment, there are two
pin-receiving apertures 486 defined in the base plate 474, one near
each end 482, 484. According to alternative embodiments of the
present disclosure, additional pin-receiving apertures are provided
at regular or other intervals, such as two inches, along the base
plate 474.
[0096] The first and second end plates 476, 478 are preferably
smaller pieces of flat rectangular metal plate that are coupled to
the respective first and second ends 482, 484 of the base plate
474. The first and second ends plates 476, 478 are longer than the
base plate 474 is wide so that the first and second end plates 476,
478 extend beyond the base plate 474 when centered on first and
second ends 482, 484 of the base plate 474.
[0097] The rails 470, 472 are preferably constructed from metal
cylindrical rods of constant diameter 488. The rails 470, 472 have
a length 489 equal to a length 491 of the base plate 474. The rails
470, 472 extend between the first and second end plates 474, 476
and are parallel so that they have a constant distance
therebetween. The rails 470, 472 are also parallel to the base
plate 474.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 23, the slide 428 includes two shuttles or
guided sleeves 490, 492, an attachment housing 494, a first spring
biased pin 496, a second spring biased pin 498, and a pin-receiving
plate 500. The sleeves 490, 492 are preferably constructed of metal
and are shaped as cylindrical tubes. The sleeves 490, 492 have an
inner diameter 502 and an outer diameter 504. The inner diameter
502 is sized to be slightly larger than the diameter 488 of the
rails 470, 472 so that the sleeves 490, 492 slide on the rails 470,
472. The outer diameter 504 is sized to provide clearance from the
base plate 474 as the sleeves 490, 492 travel along the rails 470,
472. The receiving plate 500 is preferably a flat metal rectangle
with rounded corners having a longitudinal axis 506.
[0099] The plate 500 has an attachment bore 508 and a position bore
510 defined therein. The bores 508, 510 are at opposing ends of the
plate 500. Further, the bores 508, 510 are spaced apart so as to
have a distance between then that is equal to the distance between
the attachment pin 440 and the position pin 442. Further, the
attachment bore 508 is circular and of a diameter equal to the
diameter of the attachment bore 512 of the attachment housing 494.
The position bore 510 is circular and of a diameter slightly larger
than the diameter 466 of the position pin 442.
[0100] The receiving plate 500 is coupled to the attachment housing
494 so that an attachment pin-receiving aperture 508 is aligned
with an attachment pin-receiving aperture 512 of attachment housing
494, preferably by welding, using a fastener, or other coupling
method. The plate 500 is positioned so that such that the
longitudinal axis 506 is parallel to the rails 470, 472 and
position pin-receiving aperture 510 is positioned toward the
headboard 18 relative to the attachment bore 508 that is positioned
toward the footboard 20.
[0101] The attachment housing 494 is preferably a rectangular metal
bar. The housing 494 includes attachment pin-receiving aperture 512
and a spring biased pin-receiving aperture 514 defined therein. The
attachment housing 494 is rigidly coupled to both sleeves 490, 492.
Thus, when the sleeves 490, 492 move along the rails 470, 472, the
housing 494 and sleeves 490, 492 move together. The attachment
pin-receiving aperture 512 includes an inner diameter that is
slightly larger than the first diameter 450 of the attachment pin
440 of the rail member 424. The spring biased pin-receiving
aperture 514 is defined in a lower side of the attachment housing
494 opposite the side that is coupled to the sleeves 490, 492.
[0102] The first spring-biased pin 496 includes an inner housing
516, an outer housing 518, a pin member 521 positioned in a
pin-receiving aperture 520 in the inner housing 516, and a spring
519. The outer housing 518 is preferably a cube and constructed
from metal. The outer housing 518 is fixedly coupled to the side of
the attachment housing 494 containing the pin-receiving aperture
514 so that the pin-receiving aperture 520 of the inner housing 516
aligns with the pin-receiving aperture 514 of the attachment
housing 494. According to the preferred embodiment, the first pin
housing 496 and the attachment housing 494 are constructed of one
solid piece as shown in FIG. 28 and the inner housing 516 is
positioned in the outer housing 518 during assembly.
[0103] The pin-receiving aperture 520 of the inner housing 516 is
preferably circular and of a constant diameter 522 that is slightly
larger than the pin-receiving aperture 514 of the attachment
housing 494. A shoulder 524 is provided at the location where the
pin-receiving aperture 520 of the pin housing 496 meets the
pin-receiving aperture 514 of the attachment housing 494.
[0104] The pin member 521 includes a knob 526, a shaft 528, and a
coil spring retention pin 530. The shaft 528 is preferably a metal
cylinder having a first end 532 and a second end 534 spaced apart
from the first end 532. The shaft 528 is preferably of a diameter
less than the diameter of the pin-receiving aperture 514 of the
attachment housing 494. The shaft 528 is longer than the combined
lengths of both pin-receiving apertures 514, 520. The knob 526 is a
graspable disk, preferably of metal, that is attached to the first
532 end of the shaft 528. The knob 526 is preferably of a diameter
larger than the diameter of the shaft 526, but smaller than a side
of the first pin housing 496. The spring retention pin 530 is
preferably positioned near the second end 534 of the shaft 528.
[0105] The spring 519 has a first end 536 and a second end 538
spaced apart from the first end 536. The spring 519 has a diameter
slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 528 of the pin 160,
but smaller than the length of the retention pin 530. The spring
519 is placed around the pin member 521 so that the pin member 521
is positioned within the coils of the spring 519 and the second end
538 of the spring 519 abuts the retention pin 530.
[0106] The inner housing 516 is preferably cylindrical, made of
metal, and has a multi-diameter bore 540 defined therein. The inner
housing 516 is of a diameter sized to snugly fit within the outer
housing 496. The bore 540 is comprised of a first section 542 and a
second section 544, each having a different diameter. The first
section 542 of the bore 540 is positioned toward the first end 532
of the shaft 528, defines a circle, and is sized to have a diameter
slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 528 so as to allow
the shaft to move therein. The second section 544 of the bore 540
has a larger diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of
the spring 519. A shoulder 546 is defined at the location where the
two sections 542, 544 meet.
[0107] When in use, the pin 521 and the spring 519 are positioned
in the inner housing 516 which is positioned in the outer housing
518. The first end 536 of the spring 519 abuts the shoulder 546 and
the second end 538 abuts retention pin 530 to compress the spring
519 therebetween. The compression of the spring 519 biases the pin
member 521 upwardly in direction 548 into attachment pin-receiving
aperture 512 and lock recess 444 of attachment pin 440. When pin
member 521 is positioned in lock recess 444, attachment pin 440 is
blocked from removal from attachment pin-receiving aperture 512 so
that siderail 422 cannot be removed from deck 14.
[0108] When a user applies a downward force to the pin 521 in a
direction 550 that is greater than the force provided by the spring
519, the pin 521 moves to a second position (not shown). When in
the second position, the pin 521 no longer blocks movement of the
attachment pin 440 from the attachment pin-receiving aperture 512
so that siderail 422 can be removed from deck 14.
[0109] The second spring-biased pin 498 is similar to first
spring-biased pin 496 and includes a pin member 547 that is biased
upwardly in direction 548 and aligns with apertures 486 in plate
474. The spring-biased pin 498 is coupled to a side of the
attachment housing 494 such that the second pin housing 498 is
centered over the base plate 474 and a bottom edge 552 of the
second spring-biased pin 498 slides on the base plate 474.
[0110] When the second spring-biased pin 498 is positioned over
either of the pin-receiving apertures 486 in base plate 474, pin
member 547 snaps into the respective aperture 486 and blocks
sliding of siderail 422. To slide siderail 422 to the other
position, pin member 547 is pulled downwardly in direction 550 to
remove the opposite end of pin member 547 from the respective
aperture 486. When pin member 547 is removed, a care provider can
slide the siderail 422 to the other position.
[0111] In operation, the rail member 424 is coupled to the slide
428 to provide slidable siderail 422. To attach the rail member
424, the second end 448 of the attachment pin 440 is inserted into
the attachment bores 508, 512 of respective receiving plate 500 and
attachment housing 494. The position pin 442 is also inserted into
the position pin-receiving aperture 510 of the receiving plate
500.
[0112] As the second end 448 of the attachment pin 440 moves into
the attachment pin-receiving apertures 512, in the direction of
arrow 554, it contacts the second end 534 of the shaft 528 of the
pin member 160. The second end 448 urges the pin 521 in direction
550 and into the second position. The attachment pin 440 continues
to travel into the attachment bore 512 until the attachment pin 440
becomes fixed.
[0113] When the lock recess 444 of the attachment pin 440 is
aligned with the pin bore 514 of the attachment housing 494, the
second end 534 of the shaft 528 of the pin 521 is urged into the
lock recess 444 by spring 519. Once the rail member 424 is attached
to the slide 428, a caregiver can move the rail member 424 along
the slide track 426 if second spring-biased pin 498 is released as
described above. After moving the rail member 424 to the desired
position, the spring-biased pin 498 snaps pin member 547 back into
the respective aperture 486 to lock the position of rail member
424.
[0114] A caregiver moves the rail member 424 toward headboard 18 to
permit additional access to a patient. To permit full access, the
rail member 424 is removed by pulling on the knob 526 of the pin
member 521 to release first spring-biased pin 496 from retaining
attachment pin 440. The pin 521 is moved to the second position so
as to remove the second end 534 of the shaft 528 of the pin 521
from the lock recess 444 of the attachment pin 440. The caregiver
then pulls the rail member 424 in direction 556 until the position
pin 442 and the attachment pin 440 are removed from the receiving
plate 500.
[0115] As shown in FIGS. 26-28, a patient support 610, similar to
the patient support 10 shown in FIGS. 1-6, is provided. Patient
support 610 includes the frame 12 positioned on the floor, the deck
14 coupled to the frame 12, the mattress 16 positioned on the deck
14, the headboard 18 coupled to the frame 12, the footboard 20
coupled to the frame 12, a pair of head and foot end siderails 622,
624 coupled to the deck 14, and mattress restraints or entrapment
prevention bars 626 coupled to the deck 14.
[0116] Each siderail 622, 624 includes a rail member 628 and pair
of support links 630 pivotally coupling the rail members 628 to the
deck. The rail members 628 and support arms 630 are preferably made
of steel and are oblong in shape having a bottom 632 and a top
634.
[0117] Rail members 628 are pivotally coupled to first ends 636 of
support links 630. Second ends 638 of support links 630 are
pivotally coupled to the deck 14 by axles 640.
[0118] Entrapment prevention bars 626 are provided that are
positioned between the support links 630 and the mattress 16 when
siderails 622, 624 are in the raised, blocking position. The
entrapment prevention bars 626 include a base plate 642, a lower
bar 644, and an upper bar 646. The base plate 642 is a flat strip
of metal that defines a plane. The base plate 642 includes
bolt-receiving apertures 648 sized to receive bolts 650. The bolts
650 extend through base plate 642 and deck 14 to secure entrapment
prevention bars 626 to deck 14.
[0119] The lower bar 644 is a metal rod with two ninety-degree
bends therein that is welded or otherwise coupled to base plate
642. The bends are both made in the same direction such that the
bent rod defines a plane. Each end of the lower bar 644 is attached
to the base plate 642 such that the plane defined by the lower bar
644 is perpendicular to the plane defined by the base plate 642.
The bends in the lower bar 644, when attached to the base plate
642, define a height and a length for the lower bar 644. The upper
bar 646 is similar to the lower bar 644 except that the height and
length of the upper bar 646 are larger than their corresponding
parts of the lower bar 644 so that the upper bar 646 is positioned
over the lower bar 644.
[0120] The siderails 622, 624 are preferably "clocking" siderails
that swing in a longitudinal plane. The entrapment bars 626 snugly
abut the mattress 16 and, along with the headboard 18 and footboard
20, prevents the mattress 16 from shifting position longitudinally
and laterally upon the deck 14. The entrapment bars 626 also help
prevent objects from working their way between the support links
630 and mattress 16.
[0121] The deck 14, at the urging of the frame 12 may be
articulated into a chair other different positions. Upon
articulation of the deck 14, the siderails 622, 624 and entrapment
guards 626 maintain their position relative to the section of the
deck 14 to which they are coupled.
[0122] As shown in FIGS. 29-32, a patient support 710, similar to
the patient support 310 shown in FIGS. 18-21, is provided. Patient
support 710 includes the frame 12 positioned on the floor, the deck
14 coupled to the frame 12, the mattress 16 positioned on the deck
14, the headboard 18 coupled to the frame 12, the footboard 20
coupled to the frame 12, and pair of head and foot end siderails
722, 724 coupled to the deck 14.
[0123] Each siderail 722, 724 includes a rail member 726, a pair of
links 728 that are pivotally coupled to rail members 726 and deck
14, a parallel link 729 spanning the pair of links 728, and a cross
link 731 coupling the parallel link 729 and the deck 14. The rail
members 726 are preferably constructed from hardened or reinforced
plastic or metal and are preferably oblong in shape. Each rail
member 726 includes a pair of oblong apertures 730 that permit a
patient or caregiver to grasp a top portion 732 of rail member
726.
[0124] The pair of links 728 are elongated members preferably
constructed of steel. The pair of links 728 are approximately as
long as the mattress 16 is high. First ends of the pair of links
728 are pivotally coupled to the rail members 726 and second ends
of the pair of links 728 are pivotally coupled to the deck 14. The
pair of links 728, rail member 726, and deck 14 cooperate to
provide a parallel 4-bar linkage that maintains the rail member 726
in a horizontal position during raising and lowering.
[0125] Each pair of links 728 is further coupled to the parallel
link 729 that spans between each of the pair of links 728. The
parallel link 729 is also coupled to the cross link 731. The cross
link 731 is also coupled to the deck 14 to extend between the deck
14 and the parallel link 729.
[0126] When in the lowered, egress position, the rail members 726
are positioned below the rest surface of the mattress 16 and do not
block egress of a person from the patient support 710. When in the
raised position, a portion of the rail member 726 extends above the
mattress 16 to block egress of a patient from the patient support
710. Preferably, the siderails 722, 724 further include a latch
that maintains the siderail in either the raised, blocking position
or the lowered, egress position.
[0127] The deck 14 may be articulated into a chair position, as
shown in FIG. 31, or other position. Upon articulation of the deck
14, the siderails 722, 724 maintain their position relative to the
section of the deck 14 to which that siderail 722, 724 is
coupled.
[0128] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to preferred embodiments, variations and modifications
exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and
defined in the following claims.
* * * * *