U.S. patent application number 10/923335 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for bed rail with entrapment-resistant side panel.
Invention is credited to Lorne Jason Clute.
Application Number | 20060037140 10/923335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35694677 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060037140 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Clute; Lorne Jason |
February 23, 2006 |
BED RAIL WITH ENTRAPMENT-RESISTANT SIDE PANEL
Abstract
A bed rail for mounting to the side of a bed includes a pair of
support legs and an entrapment-resistant side panel. The side panel
includes a rigid frame enclosed within a flexible bed rail cover.
The frame is generally rectangular in shape, having upper,
intermediate, and lower horizontal rods, spanning first and second
vertical shafts. The intermediate rod is preferably attached to the
bed rail covering by means of a sheath, and located so as to
restrain outward lateral excursions of said bed rail covering in
the region between the lower and upper rods. The lowermost ends of
the vertical shafts are pivotally connected to outer ends of the
support legs. The support legs have inner ends installed between
the mattress and the box spring. Anchor straps extend between the
outer ends of the support legs and an anchor plate on the other
side of the bed.
Inventors: |
Clute; Lorne Jason; (Alamo,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
R. MICHAEL WEST LAW OFFICES OF;R. MICHAEL WEST, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
455 CAPITOL MALL; SUITE 405
SACRAMENTO
CA
95814-4603
US
|
Family ID: |
35694677 |
Appl. No.: |
10/923335 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/430 ;
5/426 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/0518 20161101;
A61G 7/051 20161101; A61G 7/0507 20130101; A47C 21/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/430 ;
005/426 |
International
Class: |
A47C 21/08 20060101
A47C021/08 |
Claims
1. A bed rail comprising: a. a bed rail frame including bed rail
legs adapted to fit between a bed box spring and a bed mattress,
each of said rail legs having an outer end extending to one side of
the bed, said bed rail frame further including an elongated side
panel frame having a horizontal axis, said side panel frame
extending vertically above said bed mattress and comprised of a
lower rod, an upper rod, and an intermediate rod between said lower
and upper rods, said lower and upper rods having end extremities
interconnected to a first vertical shaft and a second vertical
shaft extending from said outer ends of said rail legs; and, b. a
flexible bed rail covering, said bed rail covering being
substantially co-extensive with said side panel frame and including
sleeves sized and configured to accommodate and substantially cover
said lower rod, said upper rod, and said first and second vertical
shafts, said bed rail covering further including an intermediate
sheath to accommodate said intermediate rod, said intermediate
sheath extending substantially between said first and second
vertical shafts and having closure means at each end thereof to
restrain said intermediate rod from longitudinal movement.
2. (canceled)
3. A bed rail as in claim 1 in which said closure means comprises a
hook and loop fastener.
4. A bed rail as in claim 1 in which said lower, intermediate and
upper rods are each comprised of two rod sections, each being
detachably interconnected at respective adjacent ends to form a
single rod.
5. A bed rail as in claim 1 including a head corner assembly and a
foot corner assembly, said corner assemblies interconnecting said
side panel frame with said bed rail legs.
6. A bed rail as in claim 5 further including an anchor strap, said
anchor strap comprised of a head strap and a foot strap, said head
strap having one end connected to said head corner assembly and
said foot strap having one end connected to said foot corner
assembly, said head strap and said foot strap extending between and
across said bed box spring and bed mattress to join and terminate
in an anchor plate, said anchor plate having an upper portion
extending over said bed mattress and a lower portion extending over
said bed box spring.
7. A bed rail as in claim 1 in which said bed rail covering is
plastic, vinyl or fabric.
8. In a bed rail having a bed rail frame including bed rail legs
adapted to fit between a bed box spring and a bed mattress, each of
said rail legs having an outer end extending to one side of the
bed, said bed rail frame further including an elongated side panel
frame having a horizontal axis, said side panel frame extending
vertically above said bed mattress and comprised of a lower rod and
an upper rod, said lower and upper rods having end extremities
interconnected to a first vertical shaft and a second vertical
shaft extending from said outer ends of said rail legs, a flexible
bed rail covering, said bed rail covering being substantially
co-extensive with said side panel frame and including sleeves sized
and configured to accommodate and substantially cover said lower
rod, said upper rod, and said first and second vertical shafts, the
improvement comprising: an intermediate rod between said lower and
upper rods, extending substantially between said first vertical
shaft and said second vertical shaft, said intermediate rod being
attached to said bed rail covering by an intermediate sheath
extending substantially between said first and second vertical
shafts and having closure means at each end thereof to restrain
said intermediate rod from longitudinal movement, said intermediate
rod being located so as to restrain outward lateral excursions of
said bed rail covering in the region between said lower and upper
rods.
9. A bed rail comprising: a. a bed rail frame including a head
corner assembly and a foot corner assembly, each of said corner
assemblies having a bed foot extending horizontally therefrom which
is adapted to fit between a bed box frame and a bed mattress, each
of said corner assemblies having a shaft extending vertically
therefrom, said bed rail frame further including a lower rod and an
upper rod, arranged in spaced relation and extending between said
shafts; b. a flexible bed rail covering, said bed rail covering
extending horizontally between said shafts and vertically between
said lower rod and said upper rod, said bed rail covering further
including sleeves sized and configured to accommodate and
substantially cover said lower rod, said upper rod, and said first
and second vertical shafts; and, c. an intermediate rod between
said lower and upper rods, said intermediate rod being attached to
said bed rail covering by an intermediate sheath having closure
means at each end thereof to restrain said intermediate rod from
longitudinal movement and located so as to restrain outward lateral
excursions of said bed rail covering in the region between said
lower and upper rods.
10. (canceled)
11. A bed rail as in claim 9 in which said closure means comprises
a hook and loop fastener.
12. A bed rail as in claim 9 in which said lower, intermediate and
upper rods are each comprised of two rod sections, each being
detachably interconnected at respective adjacent ends to form a
single rod.
13. A bed rail as in claim 9 further including an anchor strap,
said anchor strap comprised of a head strap and a foot strap, said
head strap having one end connected to said head corner assembly
and said foot strap having one end connected to said foot corner
assembly, said head strap and said foot strap extending between and
across said bed box spring and bed mattress to join and terminate
in an anchor plate, said anchor plate having an upper portion
extending over said bed mattress and a lower portion extending over
said bed box spring.
14. A bed rail as in claim 9 in which said bed rail covering is
plastic, vinyl or fabric.
15. A bed rail comprising: a. a bed rail frame including a head
corner assembly and a foot corner assembly, each of said corner
assemblies having a bed foot extending horizontally therefrom which
is adapted to fit between a bed box frame and a bed mattress, each
of said corner assemblies having a shaft extending vertically
therefrom, said bed rail frame further including a lower rod and an
upper rod, arranged in spaced relation and extending between said
shafts; b. a flexible bed rail covering, said bed rail covering
extending horizontally between said shafts and vertically between
said lower rod and said upper rod, said bed rail covering further
including sleeves sized and configured to accommodate and
substantially cover said lower rod, said upper rod, and said first
and second vertical shafts; and, c. restraint means attached to
said bed rail covering and located between said lower and upper
rods, said restraint means being sufficiently rigid so as to
restrain outward lateral excursions of said bed rail covering in
the region between said lower and upper rods, said restraint means
comprising an intermediate rod extending substantially between said
shafts and being attached to said bed rail covering by an
intermediate sheath having closure means at each end thereof to
restrain said intermediate rod from longitudinal movement.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. A bed rail as in claim 15 in which said closure means comprises
a hook and loop fastener.
19. A bed rail as in claim 15 in which said lower, intermediate and
upper rods are each comprised of two rod sections, each being
detachably interconnected at respective adjacent ends to form a
single rod.
20. A bed rail as in claim 15 further including an anchor strap,
said anchor strap comprised of a head strap and a foot strap, said
head strap having one end connected to said head corner assembly
and said foot strap having one end connected to said foot corner
assembly, said head strap and said foot strap extending between and
across said bed box spring and bed mattress to join and terminate
in an anchor plate, said anchor plate having an upper portion
extending over said bed mattress and a lower portion extending over
said bed box spring.
21. A bed rail as in claim 15 in which said bed rail covering is
plastic, vinyl or fabric.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to apparatus designed to
prevent patients or children from falling out of beds. More
particularly, the invention pertains to a portable bed rail
construction, employing a vertical side panel having imbedded rigid
structure to resist outward lateral forces imposed by a disabled
person or a child.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Bed rails have been used for many years in hospitals and
health care facilities to restrain patients, and in particular, to
prevent them from falling out of a bed or making other damaging
movements. Many of these bed rails are structurally integrated with
the bed, and generally include some adjustability feature, so they
can be raised and lowered with respect to the bed mattress. A Bed
Rail Mechanism, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,089, granted to
Solomon et al., is representative of this type of bed rail.
[0005] One problem which has been recognized with bed rails is the
gap which exists or which can be formed, between a mattress and a
bed rail. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,666, a Gap-Filling Pad Disposable
Between A Mattress And A Bed Rail is shown. FIG. 1 of the '666
patent illustrates how a patient can become entrapped between a bed
rail and a mattress, and possibly suffocate.
[0006] It has also been recognized that the structure of bed rails
themselves can present dangers to patients. Accordingly,
elastomeric bed rail covers have been devised having a flap
extending between the cover and the bed, preventing bed occupants
from extending arms or legs through the gap between the mattress
and the bed rail. Such a bed rail cover is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
5,481,772, issued to Glynn et al.
[0007] Smaller bed rails are also popular for use with infant or
youth beds. Some of these smaller bed rails are both collapsible
and portable. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,490, granted to
Wu, a Collapsible Bed Rail Structure is shown. Another design for
Portable, Foldable Bed Rail is illustrated in Des. No. 391,792,
issued to Scherer et al. And, U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,756, granted to
Nowak et al., discloses a Portable Bed Rail having first and second
foot members, insertable into vertical members of a side panel.
[0008] The smaller, collapsible bed rails have their own safety
issues. Typically, such bed rails have lower and upper support rods
spanning vertical shafts forming a generally rectangular bed rail
panel. The bed rail panel is covered with a plastic or fabric panel
cover, which may include a mesh insert in its central portion. A
potentially dangerous situation may be posed by outward deflection
of the flexible panel cover, in the region above the mattress
itself. In this region, between the lower and upper rods, the
flexible panel cover is largely unsupported, and forces imposed by
the patient or small child rolling into the panel may cause it to
flex outwardly and create a suffocating pocket. The present
invention is directed toward addressing and solving this
problem.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The bed rail of the present invention includes a bed rail
frame and a compliant and flexible bed rail covering. The bed rail
frame includes bed rail legs sized and configured to fit between a
bed box spring and a bed mattress. The rail legs have outer ends
extending to one side of the bed, and inner ends extending toward
the center region of the bed.
[0010] The bed rail frame further includes a generally rectangular
side panel frame, oriented so that its elongated axis is
horizontal. The side panel frame is hingeably attached at two
corners to the rail legs extending between the box spring and the
bed mattress. The side panel frame has a normal working position
extending vertically, above and normal to the plane of the bed
mattress. However, the hinged mounting arrangement also has a
lowered locked position, whereby the panel frame may be rotated
180.degree. to extend vertically downwardly, out of the way.
[0011] The side panel frame is comprised of a lower rod, an upper
rod, and an intermediate rod between the lower and upper rods. All
three rods are arranged in parallel, spaced relation. The lower and
upper rods have end extremities interconnected to a first vertical
shaft and a second vertical shaft extending from the outer ends of
the rail legs. In effect, the lower and upper rods form the
elongated sides of the rectangular frame, and the vertical shafts
form the transverse ends of the frame.
[0012] The flexible bed rail covering, made from plastic, vinyl or
fabric, is substantially co-extensive with the side panel frame.
The covering includes lower, intermediate and upper horizontal
sleeves arranged in parallel, spaced relation. The covering also
includes a pair of vertical sleeves. These sleeves are sized and
configured to accommodate and substantially cover the lower rod,
the intermediate rod, the upper rod, and the first and second
vertical shafts. Being structurally integrated with the bed rail
covering, the intermediate rod is particularly effective to
restrain outward lateral excursions of the bed rail covering in the
otherwise unsupported region which exists between the lower and
upper rods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, right-front perspective view of a
bed and the bed rail of the present invention, portions of the
mattress being broken-away to show the support legs and anchor
strap;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an end elevational view, showing the bed rail legs
inserted between the box-spring and the mattress, the solid and
broken-line representations of the side panel frame and covering
respectively illustrating its raised and lowered positions;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of a head corner
assembly, showing the coupler of the lower rod retracted in
preparation for connection to the head corner assembly;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view as in FIG. 3, but with
the lower rod in near alignment with the grooved shaft of the
corner hinge assembly;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view as in FIG. 4, but
showing the coupler released thereby connecting the lower rod to
the head corner assembly;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view, showing the manner
of assembling the lower and upper rods, and installing the
intermediate rod within its sheath;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a left front perspective of the head corner
assembly, with the locking collar lifted free from its receptacle,
showing the direction of rotation of the first vertical shaft
toward a horizontal position;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view as in FIG. 7, showing the head
corner assembly in a horizontal nested position for storage or
transport;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the foot corner assembly,
showing the other end of the lower rod being translated into
engagement with the keyed receiver;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pin detent locking
coupler used to join halves of the lower, middle and upper
rods;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a detail inset of one end of the intermediate rod
within the sheath;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a first alternative method of attaching the
intermediate rod to the vertical shafts; and,
[0025] FIG. 13 is a second alternative method of attaching the
intermediate rod to the vertical shafts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] Turning now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1,
the bed rail 11 of the present invention generally comprises a bed
rail frame 12 and a bed rail covering 13. Frame 12 includes bed
rail legs 14 adapted to fit between a bed box spring 16 and a bed
mattress 17. Bed rail legs 14 have an outer end 18 extending to one
side of the bed and an inner end 19 extending toward the middle
portion of the mattress 17.
[0027] Bed rail frame 12 further includes an elongated side panel
frame 21, having a horizontal axis. During normal use, side panel
frame 21 extends vertically above bed mattress 17, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. However, owing to its pivotal mounting arrangement,
to be discussed more fully below, side panel frame 21 may also be
rotated downwardly into a lowered position, as shown in broken line
in FIG. 2. Side panel frame 21 is comprised of a lower rod 22, an
upper rod 23, and an intermediate rod 24 located therebetween.
[0028] Preferably, and for ease of assembly and disassembly, each
of the rods is comprised of two detachably connected sections. FIG.
10 is representative of the detachable coupling which may be
employed, incorporating a swaged end 28 fitted with a spring-loaded
pin 29. An aperture 31 is provided in the adjacent end of a section
of rod 22. Upon depressing pin 29, swaged end 28 may be inserted
into the adjacent rod section, until pin 29 registers with aperture
31 and locks therein. Other well known expedients including pin and
groove interlocking elements, rotational friction clamps, or
telescoping rods may be used interchangeably to connect the rod
sections.
[0029] As shown most clearly in FIG. 6, side panel frame 21 also
includes a first vertical shaft 26 and to a second vertical shaft
27. Upper end extremities of shafts 26 and 27 are connected to
respective ends of upper rod 23. Although the ends of upper rod 23
are curved downwardly, so as to fit over shafts 26 and 27,
different arrangements could be employed. For example, the rod and
shafts could meet and connect in the corner of the frame 21, or the
shafts could be extended and curved around to meet a straight shaft
23.
[0030] Respective lower end extremities of shafts 26 and 27 are
pivotally connected to a head corner assembly 32 and a foot corner
assembly 33. Corner assemblies 32 and 33 include a spring-biased
retainer collar 34 provided with side bars 36. Collar 34 may be
raised vertically (See, FIG. 7), so that side bars 36 are lifted
free from apertures 37. This allows shafts 26 and 27 to be rotated
forwardly into a compact horizontal position when the bed rail and
its components are disassembled for storage or transport (See, FIG.
8). Or, shafts 26 and 27 may be rotated downwardly into a vertical
position, when the bed rail frame 12 is out of operating position
(See, FIG. 2). However, when bed rail frame 12 is in a normal
operating position, side bars 36 nest fully within apertures 37,
providing a rigid right-angle interconnection between the frame 12
and the supporting legs 14.
[0031] Corner assemblies 32 and 33 also include means to
interconnect with lower rod 22. For that purpose, head corner
assembly 32 is provided with a grooved shaft 38, extending inwardly
toward foot corner assembly 33. And, foot corner assembly 33 is
provided with a keyed receiver 39, directed inwardly toward head
corner assembly 32. During assembly of the bed rail frame, the two
sections of lower rod 22 are interconnected, as shown in FIG. 10.
Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the end of the rod 22 having a v-shaped
groove 41 is inserted into keyed receiver 39 so that the groove 41
is in alignment with corresponding v-shaped key 42. The other end
of rod 22 is provided with a resiliently biased coupler 43. A
spring-loaded button 44 adjacent the coupler 43 is depressed, and
the coupler is slightly withdrawn axially to cover the button (See,
FIG. 3). The end of the rod 22 is swung into axial alignment with
the grooved shaft 38, and the coupler 43 is then extended axially
to engage the shaft 38. When button 44 emerges into cutout 46, it
pops up and prevents disengagement between the coupler and the
shaft.
[0032] Bed rail covering 13 is made from a flexible material, such
as plastic, vinyl or fabric. Bed rail covering 13 is generally
rectangular in configuration, and is substantially co-extensive
with side panel frame 21. Bed rail covering 13 includes internal
sleeves which are sized and configured to accommodate and
substantially cover the lower rod 22 and the upper rod 23 and the
first and second vertical shafts 26 and 27. During the assembly of
the rods 22 and 23 with the first and second vertical shafts 26 and
27, these components are passed through these sleeves and connected
together in the manner described above. This forms the side panel
frame 21 within the covering 13, providing a side panel for the bed
rail 11 which is rigid around its periphery but resilient and
compliant in the region between the rods 22 and 23.
[0033] A rectangular insert 47, made from a foraminous netting
material, is also provided in the region between the rods 22 and
23. Insert 47 allows the patient or child to see through the side
panel, and also provides some degree of safety against suffocation
by someone whose face rests against it. However, the resiliency and
compliancy of this substantially unsupported material allows the
insert to be pushed outwardly and perhaps stretched to form a
pocket into which a patient or child could become entrapped. To
prevent such an occurrence, intermediate rod 24 is provided. After
pre-assembling its two sections, rod 24 it is inserted into an open
end 48 of a sheath 49. The other end of sheath 49 is closed. With
rod 24 fully installed in its sheath, closure flap 51 is wrapped
over the end of rod 24, and secured in place by means of hook and
loop pieces 52 and 53. Rod 24 thereby provides an imbedded rigid
structure within the side panel, effective to resist outward
lateral forces imposed by a disabled person or a child.
[0034] Preferably, rod 24 is slightly longer than the distance
between vertical shafts 26 and 27. Thus, when forces are applied
against rod 24, those forces will be applied through the ends of
the rod against shafts 26 and 27. However, rod 24 may be
manufactured so that its overall length is less than the distance
between shafts 26 and 27, and the bed rail 11 of the present
invention will still perform satisfactorily.
[0035] Owing to the structural integration of rod 24 with bed rail
covering 13, no direct physical interconnection between rod 24 and
first vertical shaft 26 and second vertical shaft 27 needs to be
made. However, for a first alternative construction, shown in FIG.
12, intermediate rod 24 is provided with an end pin 54 and shaft 27
includes an aperture 56. Corresponding structure is provided on the
other end of rod 24 and on shaft 26. Additionally, the sheath
accommodating rod 24 will be open at both ends, so that pin 54 may
be inserted in aperture 56 to provide a direct physical connection
between rod 24 and the remainder of side panel frame 21. And, a
second alternative construction is shown in FIG. 13. In this
arrangement, a "T" coupling 57 is provided on shaft 27. The open
end of rod 24 is simply inserted into the open side of the coupling
57. Again, corresponding structure on shaft 26 will accommodate the
other end of rod 24.
[0036] To assure that bed rail 11 will not shift or otherwise
disengage from the bed, a y-shaped anchor strap 58 is provided.
Strap 58 has a first side 59 connected to head corner assembly 32,
and a second side 61 connected to foot corner assembly 33. Strap 58
also includes a leg 62 which extends across to the other side of
the bed. Leg 62 terminates in anchor plate 63. Adjustment means
(not shown) allows strap 58 to be pulled taught against anchor
plate 63, securing bed rail 11 in place.
[0037] It will be appreciated, then, that I have disclosed herein a
bed rail construction with an entrapment-resistant side panel,
having an imbedded rigid structure in the bed rail covering which
effectively resists outward lateral forces imposed by a disabled
person or a child.
* * * * *