U.S. patent application number 11/628017 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-20 for family zone modules for hospital walls.
This patent application is currently assigned to Julie A. Kern. Invention is credited to Julie A. Kern, Kenneth L. Kramer.
Application Number | 20070289225 11/628017 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35503623 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070289225 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kern; Julie A. ; et
al. |
December 20, 2007 |
Family Zone Modules for Hospital Walls
Abstract
A modular wall system is provided for use in a healthcare
facility to divide the available floor space into rooms and to
support hospital equipment modules. The system includes a plurality
of frame units configured to rest on the floor and extend
vertically upwardly. The frame units form a grid of vertically and
laterally spaced apart wall spaces having a predetermined height
and a predetermined width. A plurality of family zone modules is
configured to be positioned in the spaces to form a wall of the
healthcare facility.
Inventors: |
Kern; Julie A.; (Sunman,
IN) ; Kramer; Kenneth L.; (Greensburg, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
11 SOUTH MERIDIAN
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Assignee: |
Kern; Julie A.
Kramer; Kenneth L.
|
Family ID: |
35503623 |
Appl. No.: |
11/628017 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
May 31, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US05/19085 |
371 Date: |
November 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60576855 |
Jun 3, 2004 |
|
|
|
60576868 |
Jun 3, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/36.1 ;
5/620 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 87/007
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/036.1 ;
005/620 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/00 20060101
E04H001/00 |
Claims
1. A modular wall system for use in a healthcare facility, the
system comprising: a plurality of frame units arranged in a
side-by-side relationship, and a plurality of family zone modules
coupled to the frame units to form a wall of the healthcare
facility.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of frame units form
a grid of vertically and laterally spaced apart wall spaces having
a predetermined height and a predetermined width, the plurality of
family zone modules are configured to be positioned in the wall
spaces to form the wall.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of
family zone modules have a width substantially equal to a multiple,
including one, of the predetermined width of the wall spaces and
have a height substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of
the predetermined height of the wall spaces.
4. The system of claim 1, 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, the
plurality of family zone modules are coupled to the frame units at
the connection points to form the wall.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein at least some of the plurality of
family zone modules have a width substantially equal to a multiple,
including one, of the predetermined width and have a height
substantially equal to a multiple, including one, of the
predetermined height.
6. The system of claim 4, comprising a plurality of supporting
members configured to be detachably coupled to the frame units at
the connection points, wherein the supporting members extend
generally horizontally away from the frame units in a cantilevered
fashion, and the plurality of family zone modules is configured to
be coupled to the supporting members to form the wall.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein each module includes at least one
pair of oppositely disposed guide tracks sized and positioned to
receive an associated pair of oppositely disposed supporting
members.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the family zone modules include
any one or more of the following: a hideaway bed module, a
microwave module, a refrigerator module, a cabinet module, a drawer
module, a fold-down seat module, a reading lamp module, a
television module, a fold-down worksurface module, a shelving
module, a wardrobe module, a decorative panel module, a whiteboard
module, a tacksurface module and a mood panel module.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the hideaway bed module includes
a deck coupled to an enclosure to move between a lowered use
position where the deck extends generally horizontally from the
enclosure and a raised storage position.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein, when the deck is in the storage
position, the outwardly facing underside of the deck provides a
surface usable to create a pleasing appearance.
11. The system of claim 9, comprising a mattress resting on an
upwardly facing surface of the deck.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the mattress is secured to the
deck to hold it in place when the deck is raised to the storage
position.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the mattress is an air
mattress.
14. The system of claim 9, wherein the hideaway bed module includes
a foot panel coupled to the deck to move between a lowered use
position where the foot panel rests on a floor to support the deck
and a raised storage position.
15. The system of claim 9, wherein the hideaway bed module includes
a reading light near the head end of the deck.
16. The system of claim 9, wherein the hideaway bed module includes
a gas spring to assist in the movement of the deck between the
storage and use positions.
17. The system of claim 8, wherein the fold-down seat module
includes a seat panel movable between a lowered use position and a
raised storage position.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the fold-down seat module
includes a brace to support the seat panel in the lowered use
position.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the fold-down seat module
includes a cushion resting on an upwardly facing surface of the
seat panel.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the cushion is secured to the
seat panel to hold it in place when the seat panel is raised to the
storage position.
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.
60/576,855 filed on Jun. 3, 2004, and 60/576,868 filed on Jun. 3,
2004, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to adaptable clinical
environments, and particularly to a modular system for constructing
walls in a clinical environment.
[0003] Conventional methods for constructing walls in a healthcare
facility utilize timber, steel and dry wall which are more or less
permanently secured to the floor and/or the ceiling of the
healthcare facility. Such traditional methods of construction
involve long and unreliable construction times due to the
difficulties in scheduling the various craftsmen such as
carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians and the like to
complete the construction work. The rooms and spaces constructed
using such traditional methods are not readily reconfigurable. Any
such reconfiguration requires tearing down the existing walls. Such
reconfiguration is not only costly, time consuming and disruptive,
but produces a lot of dirt, dust and noise. The material that is
removed is generally not reusable, and has to be disposed of.
[0004] Modular wall systems for dividing open spaces into cubicles
and rooms are well known. Examples of such systems are disclosed in
U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2002/0104271 and U.S. Pat. No.
6,405,491, both of which are entitled "Modular Patient Room."
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention comprises a system that has one or
more of the following features or combinations thereof, which alone
or in any combination may comprise patentable subject matter.
[0006] A system for constructing walls may include a plurality of
frame units having connection points and a plurality of family zone
modules coupled to the frame units at the connection points to form
a wall. The frame units may form a grid of vertically and laterally
spaced apart connection points having a predetermined vertical
spacing and a predetermined lateral spacing. At least some of the
plurality of family zone modules may have a width substantially
equal to a multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral
spacing and a height substantially equal to a multiple, including
one, of the predetermined vertical spacing.
[0007] Some examples of family zone modules are a visitor hideaway
bed module, a microwave module, a refrigerator module, a cabinet
module, a drawer module, a foldout seat module, a reading lamp
module, a television module, a shelving module, a wardrobe module,
a decorative panel module, a whiteboard module, a tacksurface
module and a mood panel module. It will be understood that this
list is only illustrative, and not intended to be exhaustive.
[0008] Additional features, which alone or in combination with any
other feature(s), such as those listed above 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 various embodiments exemplifying
the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently
perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The detailed description particularly refers to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an elevation view showing a modular wall having a
plurality of family zone modules;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the modular
wall of FIG. 1 showing a plurality of frame units having
hanger-receiving openings, a plurality of hangers received in the
associated hanger-receiving, and various family zone modules
removably supported by the hangers;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a hideaway bed module;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a microwave module;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a refrigerator module;
[0015] FIG. 6 is perspective view of a cabinet module;
[0016] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of drawer modules;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a foldout seat module;
[0018] FIG. 10 is perspective view of a reading lamp module;
and
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a module having a
guide track for slidably receiving a hanger secured to the frame
unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a modular system 20 for constructing
walls. Illustratively, the modular wall system 20 includes a
plurality of infrastructure components 22 and a plurality of
modules, such as the family zone modules 24, coupled to the
infrastructure components 22 to form a wall 26. Such a system 20
may, for example, be used for constructing walls in a healthcare
facility such as a private patient room 28.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the family zone modules 24
illustratively include a hideaway bed module 200 (as best shown in
FIG. 3), a microwave module 202 (as best shown in FIG. 4), a
refrigerator module 204 (as best shown in FIG. 5), a cabinet module
206 (as best shown in FIG. 6), a drawer module 208 (as best shown
in FIGS. 7, 8), a fold-down seat module 210 (as best shown in FIG.
9), a reading lamp module 212 (as best shown in FIG. 10), a
television module 214, a fold-down worksurface module 216, a
shelving module 218, a wardrobe module 220, a decorative panel
module 222, a whiteboard module 224, a tacksurface module 226 and a
mood panel module 228. It will be understood that this list is only
illustrative, and not intended to be exhaustive. Also shown in FIG.
1 are a chair 230 resting on a floor 152 in the family area of the
patient room 28 and a window 232 in a conventional wall 160 near to
the family area of the patient room 28.
[0022] It should be understood that although the illustrative wall
26 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of family zone modules 24,
the modular wall may very well include other module types such as,
for example, patient care modules, footwall modules, clinical wall
modules, hygiene zone modules and the like (not shown). Some
examples of the patient care modules are a vital signs module, a
service delivery module, a bed locator module, a monitor module, a
viewbox module, a sharps disposal module, a computer/keyboard
module, a tube drop module, a waste management module, a light
module, and a clock module. Such patient care modules are disclosed
in Serial No. PCT/US2005/______, entitled "Patient Care Modules for
Hospital Walls," (attorney docket no. 7175-78002) which is assigned
to the same assignee as the subject application and which is hereby
incorporated by reference herein. The term "hospital equipment
module" is used broadly, and includes a patient care module, a
footwall module, a clinical wall module, a family zone module, a
hygiene zone module, a door module, a window module, a fold-out bed
module, a vital signs module, an equipment storage module, and the
like.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the infrastructure components 22 include
frame units 100 and a plurality of supporting members 102. In the
illustrated embodiment, the supporting members 102 are hangers
configured to be detachably coupled to the frame units 100. Each
frame unit 100 includes a pair of vertical members 110 and a pair
of horizontal members 112 extending between the vertical members
110 near the top and the bottom of the frame units 100 to form a
generally rectangular structure with an open space or cavity 114 in
the middle that extends between the front and back sides 116, 118
of the frame unit 100. Illustratively, the vertical and horizontal
members 110, 112 are made from tubular members having generally
rectangular cross section.
[0024] The vertical members 110 of each frame unit 100 have a first
plurality of connection points 120 facing the front side 116 of the
frame unit 100 and a second plurality of connection points 120
facing the back side 118 of the frame unit 100. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first plurality of connection points 120 is a first
plurality of hanger-receiving openings 120 extending along the
depth dimension and facing the front side 116 of the frame unit
100. Likewise, the second plurality of connection points 120 is a
second plurality of hanger-receiving openings 120 extending along
the depth dimension and facing the back side 118 of the frame unit
100. The hanger-receiving openings 120 are sized and shaped to
receive the hangers 102. When inserted, the hangers 102 fit into in
the hanger-receiving openings 120 in the frame units 100 so that
they firmly lock in place. Illustratively, both the hangers 102 and
the hanger-receiving openings 120 are generally rectangular in
cross section. The hangers 102 extend generally horizontally away
from the frame units 100 in a cantilevered fashion. As explained
below, the lengths of the hangers 102 generally match the depth of
the respective modules 24 supported by such hangers 102.
[0025] The center-to-center lateral spacing 130 between the
hanger-receiving openings 120 in the vertical members 110 of each
frame unit 100 along the width dimension or the x-axis is fixed.
Illustratively, the center-to-center lateral spacing 130 between
the hanger-receiving openings 120 is about 2 feet (about 60
centimeters). The center-to-center vertical 132 spacing between the
hanger-receiving openings 120 in the vertical members 110 of each
frame unit 100 along the height dimension or the z-axis is also
fixed. Illustratively, the center-to-center spacing 132 between the
hanger-receiving openings 120 along the height dimension is about 2
feet (about 60 centimeters).
[0026] Thus, the first and second plurality of hanger-receiving
openings 120 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined
width 130 and a predetermined height 132 to form 2 feet-by-2 feet
(about 60 centimeters-by-60 centimeters) grids on the opposite
sides 116, 118 of the frame units 100. Each module 24 has a width
substantially equal to a discrete multiple, including one, of the
predetermined width (2 feet or about 0.60 meter in the illustrated
example) and a height substantially equal to a discrete multiple,
including one, of the predetermined height (2 feet or about 0.60
meter in the illustrated example).
[0027] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a first plurality
of modules 24 is supported by the hangers 102 on the front side 116
of the frame units 100. A second plurality of modules 24 is
supported by hangers 102 on the back side 118 of the frame units
100. As shown in FIG. 11, each module 24 includes a pair of
oppositely disposed guide tracks or channels 140 near the upper end
of the module 24 and a pair of oppositely disposed guide tracks or
channels 140 near the lower end of the module 24. The upper and
lower pairs of guide tracks 140 slidably receive the corresponding
hangers 102 secured to the vertical members 110 of the frame units
100. The guide tracks 140 and the hangers 102 are sized to provide
a sliding fit. Suitable latches are used for securing the modules
24 to the hangers 102.
[0028] The lower horizontal member 112 of each frame unit 100 has a
pair of vertically extending through openings 150 for securing the
frame unit 100 to the floor 152 of the healthcare facility.
Likewise, the upper horizontal member 112 of each frame unit 100
has a pair of vertically extending through openings 150 for
securing the frame unit 100 to the ceiling 154 of the healthcare
facility where the frame unit 100 extends from the floor 152 to the
ceiling 154. Any suitable fasteners 156, such as studs, pins,
screws or nuts and bolts, may be used for securing the frame units
100 to the floor 152 and to the ceiling 154. In the illustrated
embodiment, the frame units 100 are secured to a base board 158,
instead of the floor 152, so that the modules 24 can be protected,
for example, from mops, floor cleaning equipment etc. The base
board 158 is, in turn, secured to the floor 152. Illustratively,
the base board 158 is about 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) high.
[0029] In the illustrative embodiment, each frame unit 100 is
coupled to the adjoining frame units 100 on either side thereof. In
addition, the frame unit 100 closest to an existing conventional
wall 160 of the healthcare facility is secured thereto. To this
end, the vertical members 110 of each frame unit 100 have a
plurality of laterally extending through openings 162. Any suitable
fasteners 164, such as studs, pins, screws or nuts and bolts, may
be used for securing each frame unit 100 to the adjoining frame
units 100 on the opposite sides thereof and to the adjoining
existing wall 160.
[0030] Utility lines 172 may be routed from the mechanical room of
the healthcare facility into the patient room 28. These utility
lines 172 may typically be routed through one of the floor 152, the
ceiling 154 or the wall 26 of the patient room 28. The horizontal
members 112 have vertically extending through slots or cutouts 170
through which utility lines 172 enter the open space or the cavity
114 defined by the frame members 110, 112. The utility lines 172
are then routed from the open space 114 to the associated modules
24. Illustratively, the utility lines 172 include data lines, gas
lines, vacuum lines, AC/DC power lines, hot and cold water lines
and plumbing lines.
[0031] In addition, laterally extending through openings (not
shown) may be formed in the vertical members 110 of the frame units
100 for passing the utility lines 172 from an open space 114 in one
frame unit 100 to an open space 114 in the next adjacent frame unit
100 on either side thereof. From the open spaces 114 in the next
adjacent frame units 100, the utility lines 172 are then routed to
the associated modules 24. The open space 114 in the frame units
100 may be filled with sound and/or thermal insulation
material.
[0032] The family zone modules 24 have a width substantially equal
to a discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral
spacing 130 between the hanger-receiving openings 120.
Illustratively, the predetermined lateral spacing 130 between the
hanger-receiving openings 120 is about 2 feet (about 60
centimeters). Thus, the width of the family zone modules 24 may be
about 2 feet (about 60 centimeters), 4 feet (about 120
centimeters), 6 feet (about 180 centimeters), etc. The family zone
modules 24 have a height substantially equal to a discrete
multiple, including one, of the predetermined vertical spacing 132
between the hanger-receiving openings 120. Illustratively, the
predetermined vertical spacing 132 between the hanger-receiving
openings 120 is also about 2 feet (about 60 centimeters). Thus, the
height of the family zone modules 24 may be about 2 feet (about 60
centimeters), 4 feet (about 120 centimeters), 6 feet (about 180
centimeters), 8 feet (about 240 centimeters), etc.
[0033] While the width and the height of the modules 24 are a
discrete multiple, including one, of the predetermined lateral
spacing 130 and the predetermined vertical spacing 132 between the
openings 120, the depth of the modules 24 may, however, vary
depending on their functionality. For example, the decorative panel
modules 222 are about one inch (2.54 centimeters) deep. As
previously indicated, the lengths of the hangers 102 generally
match the depth of the associated modules 24 supported by said
hangers 102. Thus, the length of the hangers 102 used for
supporting 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) deep decorative panel modules
222 would also be about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). Such modular
wall system 20 is disclosed in PCT/US2005/______, entitled "Modular
System for Constructing Hospital Walls," (attorney docket no.
7175-78000) which is assigned to the same assignee as this
application and which is hereby incorporated by reference
herein.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, the hideaway bed module 200 includes a
deck 250 coupled to an enclosure or cabinet 252 for pivoting
movement between an upwardly extending storage position where the
deck 250 is received in a deck-receiving space or cavity 254 in the
enclosure 252 and an outwardly extending use position where the
deck 250 extends generally horizontally from the cabinet 252. The
deck 250 is movable between the upwardly extending storage position
and the outwardly extending use position in a manner similar to the
movement of the well known Murphy bed.
[0035] Space within a patient room is always an issue in the
planning of a healthcare facility. Freestanding items within the
room can become obstacles for the patient, caregivers and the
visitors. The deck 250 can be moved to the out-of-the-way storage
position when not in use to free the floor space for the caregivers
to access the patient. The undersurface 276 of the deck 250 may
have artwork so that, when the deck 250 is in the upwardly
extending storage position, the artwork provides a pleasing,
home-like appearance which is not likely to raise apprehension on
the part of the patient or a visitor.
[0036] The enclosure 252 includes a back wall 256, a pair of side
walls 258 and 260, a top wall 262 and a bottom wall 264. The
deck-receiving space 254 is bounded by the side walls 258, 260, the
top wall 262 and the bottom wall 264. The front edges of the walls
258-264 define a forwardly facing surface 266. The deck 250
includes a head end 270, a foot end 272, an upwardly facing surface
274 (also referred to as inwardly facing surface 274) and a
downwardly facing surface 276 (also referred to as outwardly facing
surface 276). A mattress 278, such as, for example, an air
mattress, rests on the upwardly facing surface 274 of the deck 250.
A plurality of straps (not shown) secure the mattress 278 to the
deck 250 to hold it in place when the deck 250 is raised to the
storage position. It is understood that although straps (not shown)
are used in the illustrated embodiment to secure the mattress 278
to the deck 250, 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.
[0037] A plurality of hinges (not shown) near the head end 270 of
the deck 250 couple the deck 250 to the enclosure 252 so that the
deck 250 pivots relative to the cabinet 252 about a first laterally
extending axis 290 between the raised storage position and the
lowered use position. A retainer or latch (not shown) holds the
deck 250 in the deck-receiving cavity 254 when the deck 250 is
raised. In the raised storage position, the outwardly facing
surface 276 of the deck 250 is generally flush with the outwardly
facing surface 266 of the enclosure 252 so as to appear as a
continuous part thereof. In the lowered use position, the deck 250
extends generally outwardly from the enclosure 252. In the lowered
use position, the head end 270 of the deck 250 is positioned near
the back wall 256 of the enclosure 252.
[0038] A foot panel 292 is pivotally coupled to the deck 250 near
the foot end 272 thereof to pivot between a raised storage position
where the foot panel 292 lies in a foot panel-receiving cavity 294
in the downwardly facing undersurface 276 of the deck 250 and a
lowered use position where the foot panel 292 rests on the floor
152 to support the foot end 272 of the deck 250. A plurality of
hinges (not shown) near the foot end 272 of the deck 250 couple the
foot panel 292 to the deck 250 so that the foot panel 292 pivots
relative to the deck 250 about a second laterally extending axis
296.
[0039] When the foot panel 292 is received in the foot
panel-receiving cavity 294 in the deck 250, an outwardly facing
surface 298 of the foot panel 292 is generally coplanar with the
outwardly facing surface 276 of the deck 250 so as to appear as a
continuous part thereof. The foot panel 292 includes a handle 300
to enable a caregiver to move the foot panel 292 between the raised
and lowered positions. A retainer or lock (not shown) holds the
foot panel 292 in the foot panel-receiving cavity 294. A latch (not
shown) locks the foot panel 292 in the lowered use position where
the foot panel 292 rests on the floor 152 to support the foot end
272 of the deck 250. The terms "retainer", "latch" and "lock" are
used interchangeably.
[0040] A reading light 302 and a switch 304 are located on the back
wall 256 of the enclosure 252. The switch 304 operates the reading
light 302. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the reading light
302 is automatically turned on the when the deck 250 is lowered to
the use position. The lower portion 306 of the enclosure 252 houses
equipment such as, for example, a compressor, a motor, a
controller, tubing, valves, etc. for inflating the air mattress
278.
[0041] Illustratively, the enclosure 252 is about 4 feet (about 120
centimeters) wide, 8 feet (about 240 centimeters) high and 1 foot
(about 30 centimeters) deep; the lower portion 306 is about 4 feet
(about 120 centimeters) wide, 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) high
and 1 foot (about 30 centimeters) deep; the foot panel 292 is about
2 feet (about 60 centimeters) high, and the deck 250 is about 6.5
feet (about 195 centimeters) long. When the deck 250 is lowered to
a horizontal position, the head end 270 of the deck 250 extends
about 1 foot (about 30 centimeters) into the enclosure 252 and the
rest of the deck 250 extends about 5.5 feet (about 165 centimeters)
outside the enclosure 252. The hangers 102 securing the hideaway
bed module 200 to the vertical members 110 of the frame units 100
are about 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) long.
[0042] It is noted that all family zone modules 24, including the
hideaway bed module 200, have a width substantially equal to a
discrete multiple of the predetermined lateral spacing 130 (2 feet
or about 60 centimeters in the illustrated embodiment) between the
hanger-receiving openings 120. Also, all family zone modules 24,
including the hideaway bed module 200, have a height substantially
equal to a discrete multiple of the predetermined vertical spacing
132 (2 feet or about 60 centimeters in the illustrated embodiment)
between the hanger-receiving openings 120.
[0043] In operation, the caregiver releases the latch holding the
foot panel 292 in the foot panel-receiving cavity 294 and moves the
foot panel 292 to the extended position to lock it in place. The
caregiver then releases the latch holding the deck 250 in the
deck-receiving cavity 254 and moves the deck 250 to the lowered use
position so that the foot panel 292 rests on the floor 152 to
support the foot end 272 of the deck 250. The head end 270 of the
deck 250 is supported by the hinges (not shown) pivotally coupling
the deck 250 to the enclosure 252. The procedure is reversed to
move the deck 250 to the raised storage position.
[0044] A gas spring or other such means may be provided to assist
the movement of the deck 250 between the storage and use positions.
In other embodiments, springs, counter balance mechanisms,
hydraulic actuators, electric motor, and the like, may be used to
assist the caregiver in moving the deck 250 between its storage and
use positions.
[0045] As indicated above, although not shown in FIG. 3, all family
zone modules 24, including the hideaway bed module 200, include a
pair of oppositely disposed guide tracks or channels 140 near the
upper end of the modules 24 and a pair of oppositely disposed guide
tracks or channels 140 near the lower end of the modules 24 as
shown in FIG. 11. The upper and lower pairs of guide tracks 140
slidably receive the corresponding hangers 102 secured to the
vertical members 110 of the frame units 100. The guide tracks 140
and the hangers 102 are sized to provide a sliding fit. Suitable
latches are used for securing the modules 24 to the hangers
102.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, the microwave module 202 includes a
cabinet or housing 320 having a back wall 322, a pair of side walls
324 and 326, a top wall 328, a bottom wall 330, an upper shelf 332
and a lower shelf 334. A first compartment 336 is bounded by the
top wall 328, the upper shelf 332 and the side walls 324 and 326.
The first compartment 336 houses a conventional microwave oven 338.
A second compartment 340 is bounded by the upper shelf 332, the
lower shelf 334 and the side walls 324 and 326. A utensil drawer
342 is slidably mounted in the second compartment 340. A third
compartment 344 is bounded by the lower shelf 334, the bottom wall
330 and the side walls 324 and 326. A slide-out worksurface 346 for
food preparation, etc. is mounted in the third compartment 344. The
microwave oven 338 includes a door 348 and a plurality of controls
350. The utensil drawer 342 and the worksurface 346 each include a
handle 352 and 354, respectively. An electrical line 356 is routed
from an electrical outlet to the microwave oven 338.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 5, the refrigerator module 204 includes a
small conventional refrigerator 360 for family use and patient
nourishment. The refrigerator 360 includes a door 362 having a
handle 364. A power cord 366 is routed to the refrigerator 360.
Referring to FIG. 6, the cabinet module 206 includes a cabinet 370
having an interior space for storage. The cabinet 370 includes
doors 372 pivotally coupled to the cabinet 370 for enclosing the
interior space. Each door 372 has a knob 374. The illustrative
cabinet 370 is 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) wide, 4 feet (about
120 centimeters) high and 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) deep. It is
understood that although the illustrative cabinet 370 is 2 feet
(about 60 centimeters) wide, 4 feet (about 120 centimeters) high
and 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) deep, the cabinet 370 may very
well be 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) wide, 2 feet (about 60
centimeters) high and 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) deep, or 2 feet
(about 60 centimeters) wide, 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) high and
1 foot (about 30 centimeters) deep, or 2 feet (about 60
centimeters) wide, 4 feet (about 120 centimeters) high and 1 foot
(about 30 centimeters) deep, etc.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the drawer modules 208 include a
housing 380 having a back wall 382, a pair of side walls 384 and
386, a top wall 388, a bottom wall 390, an upper shelf 392 and a
lower shelf 394. A first compartment 396 is bounded by the top wall
388, the upper shelf 392 and the side walls 384 and 386. A second
compartment 398 is bounded by the upper shelf 392, the lower shelf
394 and the side walls 384 and 386. A third compartment 400 is
bounded by the lower shelf 394, the bottom wall 390 and the side
walls 384 and 386. Each compartment 396-400 includes a slide-out
drawer unit 402 having a knob 404 for storage. The illustrative
housing 380 is 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) wide, 2 feet (about 60
centimeters) high and 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) deep. In the
FIG. 7 embodiment, each compartment 396-400 is about 8 inches
(about 20 centimeters) high. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, however, the
upper two compartments 396 and 398 are each 6 inches (about 15
centimeters) high, while the lower compartment 400 is 1 foot (about
30 centimeters) high. It is understood that although the
illustrative housing 380 is 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) wide, 2
feet (about 60 centimeters) high and 2 feet (about 60 centimeters)
deep, the housing 380 may very well be 2 feet (about 60
centimeters) wide, 4 feet (about 120 centimeters) high and 2 feet
(about 60 centimeters) deep, or 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) wide,
6 feet (about 180 centimeters) high and 1.5 feet (about 45
centimeters) deep, etc.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 9, the foldout seat module 210 includes a
flip-down seat panel 410. A pair of braces 412, such as cables,
ropes, chains, or articulated linkages, supports the seat panel 410
in a horizontal use position. The seat panel 410 is pivotable from
the horizontal use position to a vertical storage position. The
foldout seat module 210 has a suitable retaining mechanism to lock
the seat panel 410 in the storage position. A plurality of hinges
(not shown) couple the seat panel 410 to a frame member 414 for
pivoting movement between the raised storage position and lowered
use position. The upwardly facing surface 416 of the seat panel 410
supports a cushion 418. When the seat panel 410 is in the storage
position, the forwardly facing surface 420 of the seat panel 410 is
substantially coplanar with the forwardly facing surface 422 of the
frame member 414 so as to appear to be a part thereof.
[0050] A plurality of straps (not shown) secure the cushion 418 to
the seat panel 410 to hold it in place when the seat panel 410 is
raised to the storage position. It is understood that although
straps (not shown) are used in the illustrated embodiment to secure
the cushion 418 to the seat panel 410, 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.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 10, a reading lamp module 212 includes a
cube 430 having a back wall 432, a pair of side walls 434 and 436,
a top wall 438 and a bottom wall 440. The walls 432-440 define an
interior space or cavity 442. A reading light 444 is mounted on an
articulating telescopic arm 446 for movement between an extended
use position where the reading light 444 is outside the cavity 442
and a retracted storage position where the reading light 444 is
withdrawn into the cavity 442. The proximal end 448 is coupled to
the back wall 432. An electrical line 450 is routed to the reading
light 444.
[0052] Reference is made to FIG. 1 for a description of the
television module 214, the fold-down worksurface module 216, the
shelving module 218, the wardrobe module 220, the decorative panel
modules 222, the whiteboard module 224, the tack surface module 226
and the mood panel module 228. The television module 214 includes a
television set 460, a DVD player 462 and a VCR 464. The worksurface
module 216 includes a flip-down panel 466 pivotable between a
horizontal use position and a vertical storage position. Braces
(not shown), such as cables, ropes, chains, or articulated
linkages, may be provided to support the panel 466 in the use
position. A plurality of hinges (not shown) pivotably couple the
panel 466 to a frame member 468. When the panel 466 is in the
horizontal use position, the upwardly facing surface of the panel
466 provides a worksurface. When the panel 466 is in the storage
position, the panel 466 is received in a panel-receiving opening in
the frame member 468 so that the outwardly facing surface of the
panel 466 is substantially aligned with the forwardly facing
surface of the frame member 468 so as to appear to be a part
thereof. A handle 470 is mounted to the undersurface of the panel
466 to enable the caregiver to open and close the panel 466. The
worksurface module 216 may include a retainer to hold the panel 466
in the storage position.
[0053] The shelving module 218 includes an enclosure 472 configured
to form a storage space 474 bounded by a back wall, a pair of side
walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The wardrobe module 220
includes a cabinet 476 configured to form an interior space bounded
by a back wall, a pair of side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall.
The cabinet 476 may include a laterally extending hanger rod (not
shown) for supporting a plurality of hangers. The cabinet 476
includes doors 478 pivotally coupled to the cabinet 476 for
enclosing the interior space. Each door 478 has a handle 480. The
illustrative cabinet 370 is 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) wide, 4
feet (about 120 centimeters) high and 2 feet (about 60 centimeters)
deep.
[0054] The decorative panel modules 222 may be provided for closing
or covering the modular spaces. The decorative panel modules 222
provide a pleasing, home-like appearance which is not likely to
raise apprehension on the part of the patient or a visitor. The
decorative panel modules 222 provide a variety of decorative
finishes such as, for example, laminates, plastic sheets, vinyl
wall covering, wood veneer, paintable surface and the like.
Illustrative decorative panel modules 222 are about 1 inch (2.54
centimeters) deep. The whiteboard module 224 may include a recessed
ledge 482 along a lower edge thereof for holding writing
implements. The tack surface module 226 includes a tack surface
comprising fabric or cork. The tack surface module 226 may be
oriented horizontally or vertically. The mood panel module 228
includes a backlit panel controlled by the patient or a visitor to
project mood enhancing colors and scenes thereon. The mood panel
module 228 may be oriented horizontally or vertically.
[0055] As indicated above, although not shown in FIGS. 3-10, each
family zone module 24 includes a pair of oppositely disposed guide
tracks or channels 140 near the upper end of the module 24 and a
pair of oppositely disposed guide tracks or channels 140 near the
lower end of the module 24 as shown in FIG. 11. The upper and lower
pairs of guide tracks 140 slidably receive the corresponding
hangers 102 secured to the vertical members 110 of the frame units
100. The guide tracks 140 and the hangers 102 are sized to provide
a sliding fit. Suitable latches are used for securing the modules
24 to the hangers 102.
[0056] Also, it will be noted that the family zone modules 24 have
a width substantially equal to a discrete multiple, including one,
of the predetermined lateral spacing 130 between the
hanger-receiving openings 120. The family zone modules 24 have a
height substantially equal to a discrete multiple, including one,
of the predetermined vertical spacing 132 between the
hanger-receiving openings 120. While the width and the height of
the modules 24 are a discrete multiple, including one, of the
predetermined lateral spacing 130 and the predetermined vertical
spacing 132 between the openings 120, the depth of the modules 24
may, however, vary depending on their functionality.
[0057] It will be noted that many of the family zone modules 24 can
also be used to form a footwall of the patient room. The footwall
zone modules are designed around the needs of the patient as it
relates to his or her belongings, information and entertainment.
Thus, examples of family zone modules 24 that can also be used as
footwall zone modules are, for example, cabinet module 206, drawer
modules 208, television module 214, shelving module 218, decorative
panel module 222, whiteboard module 224, tacksurface module 226 and
mood panel module 228.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
* * * * *