U.S. patent application number 11/628016 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-01 for foldout bed module.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hill-Rom Services, Inc.. Invention is credited to Nathan I. Carver, Richard W. Chance, Julie A. Kern, Kenneth L. Kramer, Dennis Paul Laloge, Frederic Le Roy.
Application Number | 20070251165 11/628016 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35503617 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070251165 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kern; Julie A. ; et
al. |
November 1, 2007 |
Foldout Bed Module
Abstract
A foldout bed module for use in a healthcare facility includes a
plurality of service connectors and a foldout bed. The foldout bed
has a deck movable between a raised storage position and a lowered
use position. The service connectors are normally concealed behind
the deck when the deck is in the storage position.
Inventors: |
Kern; Julie A.; (Sunman,
IN) ; Kramer; Kenneth L.; (Greensburg, IN) ;
Chance; Richard W.; (Greenwood, IN) ; Carver; Nathan
I.; (Batesville, IN) ; Le Roy; Frederic;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Laloge; Dennis Paul;
(Batesville, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
11 SOUTH MERIDIAN
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Assignee: |
Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
300 Delaware Avenue, Suite 530
Wilmington
DE
19801
|
Family ID: |
35503617 |
Appl. No.: |
11/628016 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
May 31, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US05/18974 |
371 Date: |
November 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60576867 |
Jun 3, 2004 |
|
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|
60576868 |
Jun 3, 2004 |
|
|
|
60633476 |
Dec 6, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/173.1 ;
5/2.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 17/52 20130101;
A61G 12/005 20130101; A61G 7/05 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/173.1 ;
005/002.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 17/52 20060101
A47C017/52; E04B 1/00 20060101 E04B001/00; E04B 2/00 20060101
E04B002/00 |
Claims
1. A foldout bed module for use in a healthcare facility, the
foldout bed module comprising a plurality of service connectors and
a foldout bed, the foldout bed including a deck movable between a
raised storage position and a lowered use position.
2. The foldout bed module of claim 1, wherein the service
connectors comprise any one or more of electrical outlets, medical
gas outlets, vacuum outlets, and communication ports.
3. The foldout bed module of claim 1, wherein the service
connectors are concealed behind the deck when the deck is the
storage position.
4. The foldout bed module of claim 1, wherein the foldout bed
module includes a panel movable between a first position hiding at
least some of the service connectors from view and a second
position allowing access to the service connectors.
5. The foldout bed module of claim 1, wherein the deck includes
longitudinally spaced apart head, seat and leg sections, which are
tiltable relative to each other, and the deck is movable from a
generally coplanar bed configuration to an articulated chair
configuration.
6. The foldout bed module of claim 1, wherein the foldout bed
module includes a jump seat coupled to a bottom surface of the deck
and movable between a raised storage position and a lowered use
position.
7. The foldout bed module of claim 6, wherein the bottom surface of
the deck includes a seat-receiving cavity to receive the jump seat
when the jump seat is in the storage position.
8. The foldout bed module of claim 7, wherein a bottom surface of
the jump seat is substantially flush with the bottom surface of the
deck when the jump seat is received in the seat-receiving
cavity.
9. The foldout bed module of claim 6, further comprising a cushion
coupled to an upper surface of the jump seat.
10. The foldout bed module of claim 1, wherein the foldout bed
module includes a plurality of casters coupled to a bottom wall of
the foldout bed module.
11. The foldout bed module of claim 1, wherein the foldout bed
module includes a plurality of casters coupled to a side wall of
the foldout bed module.
12. The foldout bed module of claim 11, wherein the casters are
coupled to the side wall by a mounting assembly, and the mounting
assembly is movable between a storage position where the casters
are facing inwardly and a use position where the casters are facing
outwardly.
13. The foldout bed module of claim 12, wherein the side wall
includes a mounting assembly-receiving cavity to receive the
mounting assembly when the mounting assembly is in the storage
position.
14. The foldout bed module of claim 13, wherein an outwardly facing
surface of the mounting assembly is substantially flush with an
outwardly facing surface of the side wall when the mounting
assembly is in the storage position.
15. The foldout bed module of claim 1, wherein the foldout bed
module includes at least one guide coupled to a side wall of the
foldout bed module and extending generally along a height dimension
of the foldout bed module.
16. The foldout bed module of claim 1, wherein the foldout bed
module forms a portion of a modular wall in a healthcare facility,
the modular wall comprises a plurality of frame units configured to
form a grid of vertically and laterally spaced apart wall spaces
having a predetermined height and a predetermined width, and the
foldout bed module is positioned in one of the wall spaces.
17. A foldout bed module for use in a healthcare facility
comprising a foldout bed having a deck movable between a raised
storage position and a lowered use position and a jump seat coupled
to a bottom surface of the deck and movable between a raised
storage position and a lowered use position.
18. A conference room in a healthcare facility comprising a
plurality of foldout bed modules arranged along a wall of the
conference room, each foldout bed module comprising a plurality of
service connectors and a foldout bed including a deck movable
between a raised storage position and a lowered use position.
19. A modular wall in a healthcare facility comprising: a plurality
of frame units configured to form a grid of vertically and
laterally spaced apart wall spaces having a predetermined height
and a predetermined width, and a foldout bed module positioned in
one of the wall spaces to form a portion of the modular wall, the
foldout bed module comprising a plurality of service connectors and
a foldout bed, the foldout bed including a deck movable between a
raised storage position and a lowered use position.
20. The modular wall of claim 19, wherein each frame unit has a
plurality of connection points spaced apart from each other by a
predetermined height and a predetermined width to form a grid, and
the foldout bed module is coupled to at least one of the connection
points.
21. The modular wall of claim 20, wherein the foldout bed module
has a width substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of
the predetermined width and having a height substantially equal to
a multiple, including one, of the predetermined height.
22. The foldout bed module of claim 19, comprising a reading light
module positioned in one of the wall spaces next to the bed.
23. The foldout bed module of claim 19, comprising a monitor module
positioned in one of the wall spaces next to the bed.
24. The foldout bed module of claim 19, comprising an overbed table
module positioned in one of the wall spaces next to the bed.
25. The foldout bed module of claim 19, comprising a storage module
positioned in one of the wall spaces next to the bed.
26. The foldout bed module of claim 19, comprising a computer
module positioned in one of the wall spaces next to the bed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. Nos.
60/576,867 filed Jun. 3, 2004; 60/576,868 filed Jun. 3, 2004, and
60/633,476 filed Dec. 6, 2004, all of which are hereby incorporated
by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a foldout bed module for
use in a healthcare facility, and more particularly to a foldout
bed module including a plurality of service connectors and a
foldout bed that folds down.
[0003] Space within a patient room is always at premium. An extra
bed may be moved into the patient room when needed to accommodate a
visitor or a family member. Also, during times of high census or
emergency, a second patient bed may be moved into the patient room.
Extra furniture within the patient room, however, becomes an
obstacle for patients, caregivers and visitors. Extra furniture is
typically removed from the patient room when not needed to free up
the space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention comprises an apparatus that has one or
more of the following features or combinations thereof, which alone
or in any combination may comprise patentable subject matter.
[0005] A foldout bed module for use in a healthcare facility may
include a plurality of service connectors to provide services
associated with patient care and a hideaway or foldout bed. The
foldout bed includes a deck movable between a raised storage or
closed position and a lowered use or open position.
[0006] The service connectors may include electrical outlets,
medical gas outlets, vacuum outlets, and communication ports (such
as video, audio, data, etc.). Normally, the deck shields the
service connectors from view to provide a pleasing, home-like
appearance which is not likely to raise apprehension on the part of
a patient or a visitor. A panel may conceal the service connectors
when the bed is used as a visitor bed or a chair. The panel may be
swung open and slid along a narrow track adjacent a side wall of
the foldout bed module to a storage position.
[0007] The foldout bed may include a mattress support frame. The
mattress support frame may include longitudinally spaced-apart
head, seat and leg sections, which are tiltable relative to each
other. The mattress support frame may be movable to a chair
configuration in addition to a bed configuration to provide an
extra chair in the patient room. A siderail may be provided at each
side of the deck.
[0008] A gas spring or other such means may be provided to assist
the movement of the deck during its movement between the storage
and use positions. In some embodiments, the bed may include a
hydraulic actuator, an electric motor, and the like, to move the
deck between the storage and use positions.
[0009] A panel or facade may be provided to cover the foldout bed
in its storage position. Such a facade may be the underside of the
foldout bed. Such a facade may include artwork to create a pleasing
appearance. In some embodiments, doors or panels may be provided to
cover the foldout bed in its closed position. Such doors or panels
may be configured to be swung open and slid along respective narrow
tracks adjacent the side walls of the foldout bed module to their
storage positions.
[0010] A large conference room in a healthcare facility may be
equipped with a plurality of such foldout bed modules along one or
more of its walls so that the conference room may be quickly
converted into a patient ward with multiple patient beds during
times of high census or emergency. When closed, the foldout beds
are generally undetectable.
[0011] The foldout bed module may be incorporated into a modular
wall system, such as the one disclosed in PCT/US2005/xxxxxx,
entitled "MODULAR SYSTEM FOR CONSTRUCTING HOSPITAL WALLS" (attorney
docket number 7175-78000), filed concurrently herewith which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein. In such a modular wall
system, the foldout bed module may be configured as one of the
modules.
[0012] Additional features, which alone or in combination with any
other feature(s), such as those listed above and those listed in
the appended claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration
of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments
exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as
presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The detailed description particularly refers to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular wall having a
plurality of modules including a foldout bed module, and showing
the foldout bed module in an opened position having a foldout bed
moved to a lowered use position to provide access to a plurality of
service connectors;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the foldout bed module
in a closed position;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the foldout bed module
in the opened position in which the bed is moved to a chair
configuration;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a patient room showing a
conventional hospital bed and a foldout bed shown in phantom;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a conference room in a
healthcare facility configured to be quickly converted to a patient
ward having a plurality of foldout beds;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the FIG. 1 modular wall
showing a plurality of frame units, a plurality of hangers received
in the associated hanger-receiving openings in the frame units and
various modules removably supported by the hangers;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
foldout bed module in a closed position showing a jump seat coupled
to the underside of the deck;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the FIG. 7 foldout bed
module in the closed position showing the jump seat in an opened
position;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a third
embodiment of the foldout bed module in a closed position showing
four casters coupled to a bottom wall and four casters and two
guides coupled to a side wall of the foldout bed module;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic side elevation view of the FIG. 9
foldout bed module in the closed position;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the FIG. 9
foldout bed module in the closed position showing the foldout bed
module being slid up the stairs on the two guides; and
[0025] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of the foldout bed module in a closed position showing
four casters coupled to a bottom wall and four stowaway casters
coupled to a side wall of the foldout bed module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, modular wall 20 includes a plurality of
modules 22 including a foldout bed module 24. The foldout bed
module 24 includes a housing or shell 26, a plurality of service
connectors 28 and a hideaway or foldout bed 30. The foldout bed 30
includes a deck 50 coupled to the shell 26 for pivoting movement
between a lowered use position shown in FIG. 1 where the deck 50
extends generally horizontally from the foldout bed module 24 and a
raised storage position shown in FIG. 2 where the deck 50 is
received in a deck-receiving space or cavity 54 in the shell 26.
The deck 50 is movable between the lowered use position and the
raised storage position in a manner similar to the movement of a
well-known hideaway or Murphy bed. In the illustrated embodiment,
the wall 20 is of the type disclosed in the aforesaid
PCT/US2005/xxxxxx (attorney docket number 7175-78000).
[0027] As indicated above, extra furniture within a patient room 32
becomes an obstacle for the patient, caregivers and visitors. The
foldout bed 30, however, can be moved to the raised storage
position as shown in FIG. 2 to free up the floor space in the
patient room 32. The bottom surface 76 of the deck 50 may be
adorned with artwork 86 (best shown in FIG. 2) to provide a facade
similar to that of a hotel or a family room so that the patient,
family members and visitors find the hospital environment less
intimidating. In some embodiments, the foldout bed module 24 may
include a pair of doors or panels (not shown) for enclosing the
foldout bed 30. Each door may swing open and slide along a narrow
track adjacent a side wall 58, 60 of the shell 26 to a storage
position. In some embodiments, an overhead garage door-type
rollable door or panel (not shown) may be provided to enclose the
foldout bed 30.
[0028] The shell 26 includes a back wall 56, side walls 58, 60, a
top wall 62 and a bottom wall 64. The deck-receiving space 54 is
bounded by the side walls 58, 60, the top wall 62 and the bottom
wall 64. The front edges of the walls 58-64 define a forwardly
facing surface 66. When the bed 30 is closed, the bottom surface 76
of the deck 50 is generally flush with the forwardly facing surface
66 of the shell 26 so as to appear as a continuous part thereof as
shown in FIG. 2.
[0029] The deck 50 includes a head end 70, a foot end 72, an
upwardly facing surface 74 and the downwardly facing surface 76. A
mattress 78, such as, for example, an air mattress, rests on the
upwardly facing surface 74 of the deck 50. A plurality of straps
(not shown) secure the mattress 78 to the deck 50 to hold it in
place when the deck 50 is raised. It is understood that although
straps (not shown) are used in the illustrated embodiment to secure
the mattress 78 to the deck 50, other suitable fasteners may very
well be used. Some example of such fasteners are Velcro strips,
loop and tie fasteners, hook and eye fasteners, clips, snaps,
zippers, etc. A lower portion 106 of the shell 26 houses equipment
108 such as, for example, a compressor, a motor, a controller,
tubing, valves, etc. for inflating the air mattress 78.
[0030] It is contemplated that a plurality of hinges (not shown)
near the head end 70 of the deck 50 couple the deck 50 to the shell
26 so that the deck 50 pivots relative to the shell 26 about a
first laterally extending axis 80 between the raised storage
position and the lowered use position. A retainer or latch (not
shown) holds the deck 50 in the deck-receiving cavity 54 when the
deck 50 is raised. In the lowered use position, the deck 50 extends
generally outwardly from the shell 26, and the head end 70 of the
deck 50 is positioned near the back wall 56 of the foldout bed
module 24. The deck 50, when in the lowered use position, is
configured to be pulled outwardly to give a caregiver access to a
patient's head.
[0031] A pair of legs 82 are pivotally coupled to the deck 50 near
the foot end 72 to pivot between a raised storage position where
the legs 82 lie in respective leg-receiving cavities (not shown) in
the downwardly facing surface 76 of the deck 50 and a lowered use
position where the legs 82 extend generally perpendicularly to the
downwardly facing surface 76 of the deck and rest on a floor 68 of
the patient room 32 to support the foot end 72 of the deck 50.
Illustratively, hinges (not shown) near the foot end 72 couple the
legs 82 to the deck 50 so that the legs 82 pivot relative to the
deck 50 about a second laterally extending axis 84. In some
embodiments, the height of the deck 50, when the deck 50 is in the
lowered use position, is adjustable. In such event, a bracket (not
shown) pivotally supporting the head end 70 of the deck 50 and the
legs 82 supporting the foot end 72 of the deck 50 are vertically
adjustable.
[0032] When the legs 82 are received in the leg-receiving cavities
in the deck 50, downwardly facing surfaces of the legs 82 are
generally coplanar with the downwardly facing surface 76 of the
deck 50 so as to appear as a continuous part thereof. Retainers or
locks (not shown) hold the legs 82 in the leg-receiving cavities.
Latches (not shown) lock the legs 82 in the lowered use position
where the legs 82 rest on the floor 68 to support the foot end 72
of the deck 50.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the deck 50 includes an articulating
mattress support frame 90 in the illustrated embodiment. The
mattress support frame 90 includes longitudinally spaced apart
head, seat and foot sections 92, 94, 96, which are tiltable
relative to each other. The articulating mattress support frame 90
is configured to be movable from a coplanar bed configuration shown
in FIG. 1 to an articulated chair configuration shown in FIG. 3. In
the chair configuration, the bed 30 provides an extra chair for a
visitor or a patient. The bed 30 includes a pair of siderails 98 on
the opposite sides of the deck 50. The siderails 98 act as arm
rests in the chair configuration. It will be appreciated that a
variety of mechanisms may be used to provide for articulation of
the head and foot sections 92, 96 relative to the seat section 94.
Such mechanisms are widely known in the art to convert the beds to
chairs. U.S. Pat. No. 6,163,903 illustrates a bed that is
convertible to a chair, and is hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0034] A gas spring or other such means (not shown) may be provided
to assist in the movement of the deck 50 between the storage and
use positions. It will be appreciated that the deck 50 may be
supported by springs, counter balance mechanisms, hydraulic
actuators, gas springs, and the like to assist the caregiver in
moving the deck 50 between the storage and use positions. In some
embodiments, an actuator (not shown) such as, for example, an
electric motor, may be provided to move the deck 50 between the
storage and use positions.
[0035] Each siderail 98 is movable between a storage position below
the deck 50 and a use position alongside the deck 50 as shown in
FIG. 1 and 3 with respect to the right siderail 98. A footboard 100
may be coupled to the deck 50 near the foot end 72. An overhead
light 102 is located on the back wall 56 of the shell 26. A switch
(not shown) for operating the overhead light 102 may be located on
one of the side walls 58, 60 of the shell 26. In some embodiments,
the overhead light 102 is automatically turned on the when the deck
50 is lowered to the use position.
[0036] The service connectors 28 are mounted on the back wall 56 of
the shell 26 near the head end 70 of the deck 50 to provide one or
more services to a patient supported on the deck 50. Some of the
service connectors 28 are electrical power outlets 112 to supply
electrical power. Some of the service connectors 28 are medical gas
outlets 114 to provide medical gases, such as, for example, any one
or more of oxygen, nitrogen, and air. Some of the service
connectors 28 are negative pressure outlets 116 to supply vacuum.
Some of the service connectors 28 are data communication ports 118
to transmit data, such as, for example, any one or more of audio
data, video data, and informational data. A plurality of service
lines and conduits are routed from equipment located remotely from
the patient room to the associated service connectors 28. The
service lines may be routed through one or more of the ceiling, the
floor or the walls of the patient room 32.
[0037] The service connectors 28 are normally concealed behind the
deck 50 when the deck 50 is the raised storage position as shown in
FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, a panel 120 is provided to conceal the
service connectors 28 when the foldout bed 30 is used as a visitor
bed or chair. When the service connectors 28 are needed, the panel
120 is configured to be swung open and slid along a narrow track
adjacent a side wall 58, 60 of the foldout bed module 24 to a
storage position. Alternatively, a pull down screen (not shown) or
an overhead garage door-type rollable door or panel (not shown) may
be used to conceal the service connectors 28 when the foldout bed
30 is used as a visitor bed or chair. Such a screen may be mounted
to the underside of the top wall 62.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the back wall 56 includes a rail or
slide 122 for supporting, for example, bottles for bodily fluids
(not shown), accessory baskets (not shown) etc. The rail 122 allows
the bottles, baskets etc. to be repositioned along the rail 122.
The back wall 56 may include communication equipment (not shown)
such as, for example, a phone, a nurse call button, code buttons,
and the like near the head end 70 of the bed 30.
[0039] Illustratively, the shell 26 is about 4 feet (about 1.2
meters) wide, 8 feet (about 2.4 meters) high and 1 foot (about 0.30
meters) deep; the lower portion 106 is about 4 feet (about 1.2
meters) wide, 2 feet (about 0.60 meters) high and 1 foot (about
0.30 meters) deep; the legs 82 are about 2 feet (about 0.60 meters)
high, and the deck 50 is about 6.5 feet (about 1.95 meters) long.
When the deck 50 is lowered to a horizontal position, the head end
70 of the deck 50 extends about 1 foot (about 0.30 meters) into the
shell 26 and the rest of the deck 50 extends about 5.5 feet (about
1.65 meters) outside the shell 26.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the foldout bed module
24, the modules 22 forming the wall 20 include a reading light
module 130, a monitor module 132, a folding overbed table module
134 and drawer modules 136 in the illustrated embodiment. The
modules 130-136 are stacked vertically next to the bed 30 as shown
in FIG. 1. The reading light module 130 includes a reading light
140 supported by an articulating arm assembly 142. The monitor and
entertainment module 132 includes a monitor 144 supported by an
articulating arm assembly 146. The overbed table module 134
includes an overbed table 148 supported by an articulating arm
assembly 150. The articulating arm assemblies 142, 146 and 150 are
each configured to support the associated reading light 140,
monitor 144 and overbed table 148 for movement between a storage
position and a use position.
[0041] The articulating arm assembly 142 includes a first radial
arm 160 pivotable outwardly from a wall member 162, and a second
radial arm 164 carried by and pivotable on the first radial arm
160. The reading light 140 is supported on the second radial arm
164. The articulating arm assembly 146 includes a first radial arm
170 pivotable outwardly from a wall member 172, a second radial arm
174 carried by and pivotable on the first radial arm 170 and a
third radial arm 176 carried by and pivotable on the second radial
arm 174. The monitor 144 is supported on the third radial arm 176.
The articulating arm assembly 150 includes an outer telescopic arm
180 pivotable outwardly from a wall member 182, an inner telescopic
arm 184 slidably received in the outer telescopic arm 180 for axial
movement along a longitudinal centerline of the outer telescopic
arm 180, and a radial arm 186 carried by and pivotable on the inner
telescopic arm 184. The overbed table 148 is supported on the
radial arm 186.
[0042] The outer appearance of the modular wall 20 is similar to
that of hotel or family room type furniture, yet the modular wall
20 is configured to provide various services needed for patient
care. The outer surfaces of the modular wall 20 may be made of wood
or have a faux-wood finish to them. The modular wall 20 may be
adorned with intricate trim. Thus, when the modular wall 20 is
incorporated into a patient room, the overall appearance of the
room is relaxing, friendly and welcoming for the patient and other
family members who may be spending significant amounts of time in
the room.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows the patient room 32 having the foldout bed
module 24 incorporating the foldout bed 30. In addition, the
patient room 32 includes a conventional patient bed 42, a toilet
room 44, a counter 46 and a sink 48. The foldout bed 30 provides an
extra bed for a second patient in the room 32 during times of high
census or emergency. The extra bed is also available for use by a
family member or a visitor. The foldout bed 30 can be moved to a
chair configuration (as best shown in FIG. 3) to provide a chair in
the patient room 32. The foldout bed 30 can be closed to free up
the floor space in the room 32 when not needed. FIG. 5 shows a
large conference room 190 in a healthcare facility. The conference
room 190 has a large conference table 192 and a plurality of
foldout bed modules 24 incorporating the foldout beds 30 along one
or more of its walls 194, so that the conference room 190 may be
quickly converted into a patient ward with multiple patient beds
during times of high census or emergency. When closed, the foldout
beds 30 are out of the way.
[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the foldout bed module 24,
the reading light module 130, the monitor module 132, the overbed
table module 134 and the drawer modules 136 form the modular wall
20 in a hospital or a healthcare facility. Illustratively, the wall
20 is of the type disclosed in the aforesaid PCT/US2005/xxxxxx,
(attorney docket no. 7175-78000). As shown in FIG. 6, the wall 20
includes a plurality of infrastructure components 202. The
infrastructure components 202 include a plurality of frame units
204 and a plurality of supporting members 206. In the illustrated
embodiment, the supporting members 206 are hangers configured to be
detachably coupled to the frame units 204.
[0045] Each frame unit 204 includes a pair of vertical members 208
and a pair of horizontal members 210 extending between the vertical
members 208 near the top and the bottom of the frame units 204 to
form a generally rectangular structure with an open space or cavity
214 in the middle that extends between the front and back sides of
the frame unit 204. The center-to-center spacing between the
vertical members 208 of a frame unit 204 is about 2 feet (about
0.60 meters). The center-to-center spacing between the horizontal
members 210 is about 8 feet (about 2.40 meters). In those locations
of the infrastructure components 202 where the pass-through modules
24 are present, the frame members 210 adjacent the floor 46 are
omitted. Illustratively, the vertical and horizontal members 208,
210 are made from tubular members having generally rectangular
cross section.
[0046] Illustratively, the vertical members 208 of each frame unit
204 have a first plurality of connection points 212 facing the
front side of the frame unit 204 and a second plurality of
connection points 212 facing the back side of the frame unit 204.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first plurality of connection
points 212 are a first plurality of hanger-receiving openings 212
extending along the depth dimension facing the front side of the
frame unit 204 and the second plurality of connection points 212
are a second plurality of hanger-receiving openings 212 extending
along the depth dimension facing the back side of the frame unit
204. The hanger-receiving openings 212 are sized and shaped to
receive the hangers 206. When inserted, the hangers 206 fit into
the hanger-receiving openings 212 in the frame units 204 so that
they firmly lock in place. Illustratively, both the hangers 206 and
the hanger-receiving openings 212 are generally rectangular in
cross section. The hangers 206 extend generally horizontally away
from the frame units 204 in a cantilevered fashion. The lengths of
the hangers 206 generally match the depth of the respective modules
22 supported by such hangers 206.
[0047] The center-to-center lateral spacing between the
hanger-receiving openings 212 in the vertical members 208 of each
frame unit 204 along the width dimension or the x-axis is fixed.
Illustratively, the center-to-center lateral spacing between the
hanger-receiving openings 212 is about 2 feet (about 60
centimeters). The center-to-center vertical spacing between the
hanger-receiving openings 212 in the vertical members 208 of each
frame unit 204 along the height dimension or the z-axis is also
fixed. Illustratively, the center-to-center spacing between the
hanger-receiving openings 212 along the height dimension is about 2
feet (about 60 centimeters). Thus, the hanger-receiving openings
212 form a 2 feet-by-2 feet (about 0.60 meters-by-about 0.60
meters) grid in the illustrated embodiment.
[0048] The modules 22 have a width substantially equal to a
discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral
spacing between the hanger-receiving openings 212 (2 feet or about
0.60 meters in the illustrated example). Also, the modules 22, have
a height substantially equal to a discrete multiple, including one,
of the predetermined vertical spacing between the hanger-receiving
openings 212 (2 feet or about 0.60 meters in the illustrated
example). A first plurality of modules 22 may be supported by the
hangers 206 on the front side of the frame units 204. A second
plurality of modules 22 may be supported by hangers 206 on the back
side of the frame units 204. Each module 22 includes a pair of
oppositely disposed guide tracks (not shown) near the upper and
lower ends of the module 22. The guide tracks slidably receive the
hangers 206 secured to the frame units 204. Latches (not shown) may
secure the modules 22 to the hangers 206.
[0049] The lower horizontal member 210 of each frame unit 204 has a
pair of vertically extending through openings 220 for securing the
frame unit 204 to a floor 222 of the healthcare facility. Likewise,
the upper horizontal member 210 of each frame unit 204 has a pair
of vertically extending through openings 220 for securing the frame
unit 204 to a ceiling 224 of the healthcare facility where the
frame unit 204 extends from the floor 222 to the ceiling 224. Any
suitable fasteners 226, such as studs, pins, screws or nuts and
bolts, may be used for securing the frame units 204 to the floor
222 and to the ceiling 224. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, the frame
units 204 are secured to a base board 228, instead of the floor
222, so that the modules 22 can be protected, for example, from
mops, floor cleaning equipment etc. The base board 228 is, in turn,
secured to the floor 222. In those locations of the infrastructure
components 202 where the pass-through modules are present, the
lower horizontal frame members 210 and the base board 228 adjacent
the floor 222 are omitted.
[0050] In the illustrative embodiment, each frame unit 204 is
coupled to the adjoining frame units 204 on either side thereof. In
addition, the frame unit 204 closest to an existing conventional
wall of the healthcare facility is secured thereto. To this end,
the vertical members 208 of each frame unit 204 have a plurality of
laterally extending through openings 232. Any suitable fasteners
234, such as studs, pins, screws or nuts and bolts, may be used for
securing each frame unit 204 to the adjoining frame units 204 on
the opposite sides thereof and to the adjoining existing
conventional wall.
[0051] Utility lines 242 may be routed from the mechanical room of
the healthcare facility into the patient room 32. These utility
lines 242 may typically be routed through one of the floor 222, the
ceiling 224 or the wall 20 of the patient room 32. The horizontal
members 210 have vertically extending through slots or cutouts 240
through which utility lines 242 enter the open space or the cavity
214 defined by the frame members 208, 210. The utility lines 242
are then routed from the open space 214 to the associated modules
22. Illustratively, the utility lines 242 include data lines, gas
lines, vacuum lines, AC/DC power lines, hot and cold water lines
and plumbing lines.
[0052] In addition, laterally extending through openings (not
shown) may be formed in the vertical members 208 of the frame units
204 for passing the utility lines 242 from an open space 214 in one
frame unit 204 to an open space 214 in the next adjacent frame unit
204 on either side thereof. From the open spaces 214 in the next
adjacent frame units 204, the utility lines 242 are then routed to
the associated modules 22. The open space 214 in the frame units
204 may be filled with sound and/or thermal insulation material.
Thus, the modular wall 20 comprises a plurality of frame units 204
configured to form a grid of vertically and laterally spaced apart
wall spaces having a predetermined height and a predetermined
width, and a plurality of modules 22, such as the modules 24, 130,
132, 134, and 136, are positioned in the associated wall
spaces.
[0053] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the foldout bed
module 24. Like elements in the two embodiments have generally
similar reference numbers. Thus, in the second embodiment, numeral
324 designates the foldout bed module, numeral 330 designates the
foldout bed, numeral 350 designates the deck, numeral 376
designates the bottom surface of the deck, and numeral 386
designates the artwork, and so on. A jump seat 300 is coupled to
the bottom surface 376 of the deck 350. The jump seat 300 provides
a temporary seating surface for a patient, caregiver or visitor
when the foldout bed 330 is in the closed position as shown, for
example, in FIGS. 7 and 8. This eliminates the need for a separate
chair in the room 32 that would need to be moved out to free up the
floor space in the room 32.
[0054] The jump seat 300 includes a seat portion 302 coupled to the
bottom surface 376 of the deck 350 by hinges 304 for movement
between a raised closed position shown in FIG. 7 and a lowered
opened position shown in FIG. 8. The closed and opened positions of
the seat portion 302 are also referred to herein as the storage and
use positions, respectively. The bottom surface 376 of the deck 350
includes a seat-receiving cavity 306 for receiving the seat portion
302 when the seat 300 is closed. When the seat 300 is closed, a
bottom surface 308 of the seat portion 302 is generally flush with
the bottom surface 376 of the deck 350 so as to appear as a
continuous part thereof. A cushion 310 is coupled to an upper
surface 312 of the seat portion 302 by suitable fasteners, such as
straps, Velcro strips, and the like, to hold the cushion 310 in
place when the seat portion 302 is raised. A pair of retainers 314
holds the seat portion 302 in the seat-receiving cavity 306 when
the seat 300 is closed. A handle 316 is coupled to the bottom
surface 308 of the seat portion 302 to facilitate opening and
closing of the jump seat 300.
[0055] FIGS. 9-11 are a diagrammatic representation of a third
embodiment of the foldout bed module 24. Like elements in the
various embodiments have generally similar reference numbers. Thus,
in the third embodiment, numeral 424 designates the foldout bed
module, numeral 426 designates the shell, and numerals 456, 458,
460, 462 and 464 respectively designate the back wall, the left
side wall, the right side wall, the top wall and the bottom wall of
the shell 426. The foldout bed module 424 incorporates a foldout
bed. However, the foldout bed is not shown in FIGS. 9-11 for
clarity of illustration.
[0056] Four casters 400 are coupled to the bottom wall 464 of the
shell 426 adjacent to the four corners thereof. The casters 400
facilitate movement of the foldout bed module 424 along a floor 402
when the foldout bed module 424 is to be moved in an upright
position as shown, for example, in FIG. 10. Each caster 400
includes a wheel 404 that has a portion protruding from the bottom
wall 464 of the shell 426 to engage the floor 402. In the
illustrated embodiment, a majority of each caster 400 is located
inside the shell 426 to shield it from view. In some embodiments,
the casters 400 are ball casters. The casters 400 permit movement
of the foldout bed module 424 in all directions when the foldout
bed module 424 is upright.
[0057] Four casters 406 are coupled to the right side wall 460 of
the shell 426 as shown, for example, in FIG. 10. Two casters 406
are coupled to the right side wall 460 near a top end 408 of the
shell 426, and two casters 406 are coupled to the right side wall
460 near a bottom end 410 of the shell 426. Casters 406 facilitate
movement of the foldout bed module 424 along the floor 402 when the
foldout bed module 424 is to be moved with its right side wall 460
facing the floor 402. Each caster 406 includes a wheel 412 having a
portion that protrudes from the right side wall 460 of the shell
426. A majority of each caster 406 is located inside the shell 426
to shield it from view. In some embodiments, the casters 406 are
ball casters. The casters 406 permit movement of the foldout bed
module 424 in all directions when the foldout bed module 424 is on
its side. Although the casters 406 are shown attached to the right
side wall 460, they may very well be attached to the left side wall
458 as shown, for example, in FIG. 12 or the back wall 456 of the
shell 426.
[0058] Two plates or guides 414 are coupled to the right side wall
460 of the shell 426. The guides 474 extend generally parallel to
the height dimension of the shell 426 between the casters 406 at
the opposite ends 408, 410 of the shell 426. The lateral spacing
between the guides 414 is about the same as the lateral spacing
between the casters 406. The guides 414 facilitate movement of the
foldout bed module 424 when the foldout bed module 424 is to be
moved up or down stairs 416 with its right side wall 460 facing the
stairs 416 as shown in FIG. 10. Handles 418 are coupled to the
shell 426 near top and bottom corner edges 420 to assist in
movement of the foldout bed module 424 along the floor 402 or up
and down the stairs 416.
[0059] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic representation of a fourth
embodiment of the foldout bed module 24. Like elements in the
various embodiments have generally similar reference numbers. Thus,
in the fourth embodiment, numeral 524 designates the foldout bed
module, numeral 526 designates the shell, and numerals 556, 558,
560, 562 and 564 respectively designate the back wall, the left
side wall, the right side wall, the top wall and the bottom wall of
the shell 526. The foldout bed module 524 incorporates a foldout
bed. However, the foldout bed is not shown in FIG. 12 for clarity
of illustration. The fourth embodiment 524 is generally similar to
the third embodiments 424.
[0060] Four casters 500 are coupled to the bottom wall 564 of the
shell 526 adjacent to the four corners thereof. The casters 500
facilitate movement of the foldout bed module 524 along a floor 502
when the foldout bed module 524 is to be moved in an upright
position. Each caster 500 includes a wheel 504 that has a portion
protruding from the bottom wall 564 of the shell 526 to engage the
floor 502. A majority of each caster 500 is located inside the
shell 526. In some embodiments, the casters 500 are ball casters.
The casters 500 permit movement of the foldout bed module 424 in
all directions when the foldout bed module 524 is upright.
[0061] Four casters 506 are coupled to the left side wall 558 of
the shell 526. Two casters 506 are coupled to the left side wall
558 near a top end 508 of the shell 526 by a top mounting assembly
570, and two casters 506 are coupled to the left side wall 558 near
a bottom end 510 of the shell 526 by a bottom mounting assembly
570. The top and bottom mounting assemblies 570 are generally
mirror images of each other. Each mounting assembly 570 includes a
mounting plate 572 coupled to the left side wall 558 by hinges (not
shown) for movement between a storage position (not shown) and a
use position shown in FIG. 12. In some embodiments, the casters 506
are ball casters. The casters 506 permit movement of the foldout
bed module 524 in all directions when the foldout bed module 524 is
on its side.
[0062] The left side wall 558 includes a plate-receiving cavity 576
for receiving the mounting plate 572 when the mounting plate 572 is
moved to the storage position. When the mounting plate 572 is moved
to the storage position, a bottom surface of the mounting plate 572
is generally flush with the left side wall 558 so as to appear as a
continuous part thereof. A retainer (not shown) holds the mounting
plate 572 in the plate-receiving cavity 576 when the mounting plate
572 is moved to the storage position. A latch (not shown) locks the
mounting plate 572 in the use position.
[0063] Casters 506 facilitate movement of the foldout bed module
524 along the floor 502 when the foldout bed module 524 is to be
moved with its left side wall 560 facing the floor 502. Although
the casters 506 are shown attached to the left side wall 558, they
may very well be attached to the right side wall 560 as shown in
FIGS. 9-11 or the back wall 556 of the shell 526. Handles 518 are
coupled to the shell 526 near top and bottom corner edges 518 to
assist in movement of the foldout bed module 524 along the floor
502 or up and down stairs. Unlike the foldout bed module 424, the
foldout bed module 524 does not include guides. However, the
foldout bed module 524 may very well be modified to include
guides.
[0064] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have
been shown by way of example in the drawings and have herein been
described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there
is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular forms
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended
claims.
[0065] There is a plurality of advantages of the present invention
arising from the various features of the embodiments described
herein. It will be noted that alternative embodiments of the
present invention may not include all of the features described yet
still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such
features. Those of ordinary skill in the art may readily devise
their own implementations of a device that incorporates one or more
of the features of the present invention and fall within the spirit
and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *