U.S. patent number 3,724,004 [Application Number 05/148,749] was granted by the patent office on 1973-04-03 for adjustable bed.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Jon Stiegelmeyer & Co., GmbH. Invention is credited to Gunter Behrens.
United States Patent |
3,724,004 |
Behrens |
April 3, 1973 |
ADJUSTABLE BED
Abstract
An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable
relative to the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on
the chassis at each end of the bed, and means articulatedly
connecting the linear actuators to the bed frame so that the bed
frame may be moved to various elevated and longitudinally tilted
positions, which means comprises an intermediate frame connected to
the bed frame and the chassis, differential units connecting the
intermediate frame to the linear actuators, said differential units
being rigidly interconnected whereby the bed frame and intermediate
frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axis relative to
the chassis, means arranged at the bed foot for ambilateral
pivoting displacement of the bed frame and intermediate frame about
the longitudinal axis, a split leg rest on the bed frame, a
supportable back rest articulated in cantilever fashion in said bed
frame, means for manipulating the back and leg rests, and at least
one securing rail provided on said bed frame and adapted to support
auxiliary appliances.
Inventors: |
Behrens; Gunter
(Herford/Westphalia, DT) |
Assignee: |
Jon Stiegelmeyer & Co.,
GmbH (Herford/Westphalia, DT)
|
Family
ID: |
22527183 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/148,749 |
Filed: |
June 1, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/611; 5/601;
378/209; 5/618 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G
7/002 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61G
7/002 (20060101); A61g 007/00 (); A61g
007/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;5/62,66-69,92,317,327
;250/68,71 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nunberg; Casmir A.
Claims
I claim:
1. An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable
relative to the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on
the chassis at each end of the bed and means articulatedly
connecting the linear actuators to the bed frame so that the bed
frame may be moved to various elevated and longitudinally titled
positions, said connecting means comprising an intermediate frame
connected to the bed frame and arranged between the bed frame and
chassis, and differential units connecting the intermediate frame
to the linear actuators whereby the bed frame and intermediate
frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axis relative to
the chassis in which two differential units perform the pivoting
displacements in two axial directions of the bed frame supported
through the intermediate frame, each unit comprising an outer axial
bearing in the longitudinal axis of the bed for reception of a
pivot bolt cottered within a cross-member of the intermediate frame
and a pivot bolt situtation in the transverse axis and
ambilaterally flange-coupled by a screw connection on the
differential unit whereof the insertion in downwardly suspended
bearing sockets provided in a central securing plate occurs with
play, a force-locked transverse coupling between the two
differential units fastened on thrust assemblies being provided by
a tubular rod which is coupled through links situated at both
extremieties to the differential units by means of screws.
2. An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable
relative to the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on
the chassis at each end of the bed, and means articulatedly
connecting the linear actuators to the bed frame so that the bed
frame may be moved to various elevated and longitudinally tilted
positions, said connecting means comprising an intermediate frame
connected to the bed frame and arranged between the bed frame and
the chassis, and differential units connecting the intermediate
frame to the linear acuators whereby the bed frame and intermediate
frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axis relative to
the chassis, a device for ambilateral oblique position setting
performed along the transverse axis of the bed frame in which a
spindle bearer equipped with a hand crank is secured by means of a
fastening strap or link and of a stud bolt and two set screws in a
shake proof manner on securing straps situated on the bed frame and
a driving spindle is coupled to a composite ball joint from which a
connection is established through a rod connected thereto, an
extensible extraining tube and another composite ball joint, to a
transversely situated transmission gear which is articulated on the
intermediate frame by means of links and has its extensible part
articulated through the links on a connecting tube between the
differential units.
3. An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable
relative to the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on
the chassis at each end of the bed, and means articulatedly
connecting the linear actuators to the bed frame so that the bed
frame may be moved to various elevated and longitudinally tilted
positions, said connecting means comprising an intermediate frame
connected to the bed frame and arranged between the bed frame and
chassis, and differential units connecting the intermediate frame
to the linear actuators whereby the bed frame and intermediate
frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axis relative to
the chassis, a device for displacement of a back rest consisting of
a worm drive equipped with a hand crank which is connected to a
pair of securing straps or links fastened on the bed frame by means
of two set or cap screws, the extensible part of the worm drive
being joined through links and by means of screws to a cross-member
which at each extremity has a guiding element with ball slide
bearings within an external sleeve, which slide longitudinally on a
guiding rod, which is fastened to the inner side of the bed frame
by means of links, the two slide elements being equipped with a
downwardly projecting link on which guiding or locating rods are
articulated at one end and the other extremities of the latter
being articulated on locating or guiding links by means of bolts,
and the locating links being firmly connected to the part of the
pivot bearing which for its part is firmly connected to the back
rest frame.
4. An adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a bed frame tiltable
relative to the chassis, at least one linear actuator disposed on
the chassis at each end of the bed, and means articulatedly
connecting the linear actuators to the bed frame so that the bed
frame may be moved to various elevated and longitudinally tilted
positions, said connecting means comprising an intermediate frame
connected to the bed frame and arranged between the bed frame and
the chassis, and differential units connecting the intermediate
frame to the linear actuators whereby the bed frame and
intermediate frame are arranged to pivot about a longitudinal axis
relative to the chassis, a device for the setting displacement of a
leg rest consisting of a crank equipped worm drive which is
connected by means of two cap screws to a pair of securing links
arranged on a foot-side cross-member of the bed frame, the
extensible rod portion of the worm drive having its external
extremity connected to an angle lever which is secured in a bearing
situated on the inner side of the bed frame and an upstanding arm
being firmly joined to the cross-member having sliding rollers at
either side of which each rolls along slidingly in a short rail
situated in one of two arms of the leg rest during the occurrence
of the setting displacement, the cross-member having its extremity
opposed to that for the angle lever connected to the bed frame
through a lever strap and the bearing.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an adjustable bed and is an improvement
in and/or modification of the adjustable bed described in British
Pat. No. 1,233,521.
In adjustable beds the reclining surface or the bed frame may be
displaced from the horizontal position to different heights and/or
tilted about the longitudinal and/or transverse axes of the bed by
means of manually operated or controllable actuators, so that the
bed may be used for the most varied medical treatments.
PRIOR TECHNIQUES
It is also known that the portions of the reclining surface, such
as the back and leg supports, may be placed in different relative
positions.
It is known moreover that these beds may be equipped with means
which, in case of need, render it possible to fit thereto specific
complementary appliance intended for the actual treatment of the
patient.
In addition, it is known that the reclining surface or the bed
frame may be so constructed or equipped that all parts of the
patient's body are available for X-ray photography.
Known beds so equipped are already constructed to be suitable to
some considerable degree, for varied requirements in the treatment
of patients and of accident victims.
Nevertheless, the overall configuration of such beds is inadequate
in particular for the administration of important forms of
therapeutic treatment and thus for the potential complementation of
therapeutic facilities.
There are no means and equipment facilities suitable for all
requirements. This applies primarily in respect of intensive
therapy treatment of patients.
In the majority of cases, operating devices are not easy to see and
can only be manipulated in an onerous manner or with considerable
effort. The means employed for the pivoting or displacing movements
of the bed frame and reclining surface portions, especially at
their labile settings, do not ensure the required shock-free
positioning of the patient. This has a very unfavorable effect, in
particular during treatment of heart cases and accident victims,
and can endanger the lives of the patients. Finally, in the case of
the known adjustable beds, the means used for X-ray examination of
the patient are inadequate for high efficiency, especially in
respect of reliable, simple and time-saving manipulation of the
equipment systems.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED
The requirements for an adjustable bed for intensive care which
meets modern medical criteria, are:
1. Optimum mobility of displacement of the reclining surface or bed
frame in the longitudinal as well as transverse axes, in
combination with means for individually displacing the separate
parts of a divided reclining surface frame (Trendelenburg position,
cardiac position, among others).
2. Vertical displacement of the bed frame from a position of
minimum height to one of maximum height.
3. Shock-free mounting of all displacing elements. 4. Accessibility
to the patient from all sides of the bed, to assist examination,
treatment and therapeutic measures.
5. Suitability for X-ray and transillumination by means of an image
converter, and X-ray treatment on all parts of the body, without
disturbing the patient.
6. Neat and uncomplicated operating devices for convenient and
time-saving manipulation to suit momentary requirements.
7. Means for secure and strain-free support of the patient in all
positions of the reclining surface.
8. Complete mobility of the sick-bed for all medical
disciplines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention consists in an adjustable bed comprising a chassis, a
bed frame tiltable relative to the chassis, at least one linear
actuator disposed on the chassis at each end of the bed, and means
articulatedly connecting the linear actuators to the bed frame so
that the bed frame may be moved to various elevated and
longitudinally tilted positions, which means comprises an
intermediate frame connected to the bed frame and arranged between
the bed frame and the chassis, and differential units connecting
the intermediate frame to the linear actuators whereby the bed
frame and intermediate frame are arranged to pivot about a
longitudinal axis relative to the chassis.
In a preferred arrangement, the invention is characterized by the
configuration and equipment of a universal sick-bed having a
combination of known and new features, wherein the bed frame is or
may be equipped with a supportable back rest articulated in freely
floating manner, a built-in split leg rest, and with securing rails
for complementary appliances and removable devices for reception of
adjustable head and foot frames, side grilles among other things,
as well as with a cover permeable to X-rays and insertible shaped
pads or cushions, which bed frame is arranged to be pivotable about
two axes by means of an intermediate frame on differential units or
swivel joints which are connected and rigidly coupled to the
extensible part of the actuator units, the vertical displacement
and the oblique position adjustment to either side in the direction
of the longitudinal axis being performed in each case by an
actuator unit fastened or articulated at the head and foot sides on
the chassis, whereas handles arranged for operation from the foot
side of the bed are employed for ambilateral pivoting of the bed
frame and intermediate frame, together with the devices fitted
thereto in the direction of the transverse axis, as well as for the
setting displacements of the back rest and leg rest.
In such an adjustable bed, the now extended extreme positional
settings of the bed frame or of the reclining surface may be
reached simply, rapidly and conveniently, by means of four
operating elements.
Vertical and oblique position adjustments of the reclining surface
are concomitantly performed by means of an electro-hydraulic
assembly controllable by means of a "manipulator" or manual
switching set equipped with six actuating keys, which may also be
operated easily by the patient, or by means of an electric motor
controllable in the same manner.
The intrinsic nature of the structural efficiency of the adjustable
bed renders it possible to employ a hydraulic foot-pump for the
aforesaid setting displacements.
Operation is considerably simplified or facilitated, and a neat
arrangement is provided with precludes any erroneous manipulation
of the operating elements, by means of manipulating devices
incorporated for the displacements of the reclining frame around
the transverse axis of the bed and for the setting displacements of
the back and leg rests, which devices are arranged in a series
layout and equipped with an indicator for the type of
displacement.
Of special advantage is the incorporation of the differential units
or of the swinging links on the extensible parts of the two
actuator units which allow reliable and shockfree double pivotal
displacement of the bed frame in both axial directions. The
coupling of two differential units increases stability and
simplifies the displacing drive system.
Easy accessibility of the bed for unimpeded care of the patient is
attained by the fact that the bed forms a plane surface in the
initial position and removable head or foot side frames as well as
the guide grilles are fitted only if required. It is of
considerable advantage that the head or foot frames which can be
clamped to securing rails and adjusted in height, are arranged to
be adjustable to oblique positions or to be downwardly foldable,
and that their removal from the bed frame is therefore unnecessary
in most cases.
Step brackets are arranged on the bed frame to secure the rest pads
of the reclining surface.
The fitting of optional ancillary applicances such as assistors,
transfusion stand, chart panel, leg and arm rails, immobilizing
devices, drawing appliances, holders and bearing rails for X-ray
cassettes, among other things, is substantially simplified and the
possibility of fitting these is increased in many ways, by the
incorporation of clamping or securing rails right around the bed
frame.
In this connection, it is advantageous furthermore that as a result
of the purpose-linked and mutually matching configuration of all
devices, optional positional changes and pivotal displacements may
also be performed together with all auxiliary appliances, on the
bed frame.
An effective decubitus prophylaxis may also be performed even
without employing a decubitus mattress, by frequent pivotal
displacements of the bed frame about the longitudinal axis.
All displacing elements and displacing devices are so constructed
and arranged that a shock-free reclining position of the patient is
assured. For maintaining this reclining position during heart
massage, among other things, provision is made for an overhanging
back rest to be supported by means of a telescopic bearer which is
fastened on the head-end clamping rail. This provides a firm
support for the back of the heart patient who is to be treated.
The design of the overhanging back rest in conjunction with the
configuration of the bed frame, permits transillumination of the
patient as far as the groin, by means of image converters. The
transillumination of the lower limbs, say in the case of complex
extensions, is also possible without any difficulty, if the patient
is laid with the head towards the foot end. The special
displaceability of the bed and of the parts of the reclining
surface also permits a comfortable resting position for the
patient, even in this case.
X-ray photographs may be taken without difficulty throughout the
bed area, since means are provided for securing and fitting X-ray
cassettes against free-standing reclining surface supports.
The bed may be employed, especially in intensive care wards, in
conjunction with a pace-maker electrode with "a.v. block" under
image converter control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be further described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of an adjustable bed,
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bed shown in FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 is an end view in the direction A in FIG. 1,
FIGS. 4 to 11 are diagrammatic illustrations of various positions
of the bed frame or of the reclining surface,
FIG. 12 is a side view of a differential unit or swinging link on
the extensible part of a linear actuator unit,
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the differential unit shown in FIG.
12,
FIG. 14 is a side view of a displacing device for oblique position
adjustment of the bed frame in the direction of the transverse
axis,
FIG. 15 is an end view in the direction of the arrow A in FIG.
14,
FIG. 16 is a plan view of the displacing device shown in FIG.
14;
FIG. 17 is a side view of the displacing device for the back rest
taken along the line A-B in FIG. 18,
FIG. 18 is a plan view of the displacing device according to FIG.
17,
FIG. 19 is a side view of guiding elements for guiding rods of the
displacing device according to FIGS. 17, 18 in enlarged
illustration (detail "A", FIG. 17),
FIG. 20 is a side view of the displacing device for the leg rest
taken along line A-B in FIG. 21,
FIG. 21 is a plan view of the displacing device according to FIG.
20,
FIG. 22 is a foot-end elevation of the bed frame, in detail,
illustrating dials for indicating movement of handcranks of the
displacing elements,
FIG. 23 shows an indicating device for the oblique position
adjustment of the bed frame in the direction of the transverse
axis,
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a foot board with fastening and
displacing device,
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a covered back rest,
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a head support inserted in the
back rest,
FIG. 27 is a side view of a cassette holder clamped on the bed
frame,
FIG. 28 is a plan view of the back rest with gauging or locating
bars or abutment rails clamped on the securing rails, for X-ray
cassettes,
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a holder for an oxygen cylinder
arranged on the chassis, and
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the bed or reclining frame with
the side grilles clamped on and a foot bow inserted, with shaped
pads inserted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The adjustable bed shown in the drawings essentially comprises a
bed frame 16, 20 supported on a chassis. The chassis has a central
pair of parallel longitudinal beams 2, the ends of each beam being
joined to cross-members 2a and 2b. The cross-members 2a and 2b are
each equipped at their ends with castors 2c which may be locked for
immobilization, straight forward movement, and steered movement, by
means of a simple lever thrust.
At the head-end of the bed a telescopic actuator unit 1 which has
to bear the major load, is fastened to the two longitudinal beams 2
by means of angular butt straps 3; at the foot-end an actuator unit
4 is pivotally arranged on a thick bolt 7 on the longitudinal beams
2 by means of straps or links 5, and an inter-welded spacing sleeve
6. Upper end plates 8 of the actuator units are each secured to a
differential unit or swinging link 9. The two differential units 9
are rigidly interconnected by means of a tube 10 dimensioned
commensurately with the high stresses, through straps or links 11
and bolts and nuts 11a. An intermediate frame 13 is arranged on the
differential units 9, on spindles 14, and is guarded against
lateral tipping together with the bed frame 16, 20 connected
thereto by means of a transmission gear 15 held by securing links
15a on the intermediate frame 13. Swinging links 12 for the
extensible part of the transmission gear 15 employed for oblique
positioning are also arranged on the connecting tube 10.
The reclining frame or bed frame 16 is rigidly coupled to the
intermediate frame 13 by means of tubular brackets 17, 18. The back
rest 20 is articulated in cantilever fashion to the bed frame 16 by
means of pivot bearings 21. On the transverse member of the back
rest 20 is arranged a plug-in socket 70 for reception of a square
plug 89 of a head support 90 (FIG. 26). A securing or clamping rail
24 is also arranged on the same cross-member, on which auxiliary
appliances may be fitted. Clamping rails 22, 23 are also arranged
laterally on the back rest 20 and on the bed frame 16, in a known
manner. Three pairs of links or straps 19, which serve to receive
three worm drives 67, 35, 49, which point towards the middle of the
bed, are fastened on the foot-end cross-member of the bed frame 16.
Moreover, the foot-end cross-member may also be provided with a
clamping rail.
All the reclining portions, back rest 20, central portion and a leg
rest 47, are equipped with plywood panels 25, 26, 27, 28 permeable
to X-rays and whose underside is kept free of metal for direct
contact with X-ray cassettes.
The basic positions of the bed or reclining frame 16, 20, 46
obtainable by means of the four displacing devices, are shown
diagrammatically in FIGS. 4 to 11.
FIG. 4 illustrates a reversed "Trendelenburg" position up to
approximately 23.degree..
FIG. 5 illustrates the "Trendelenburg" position up to approximately
23.degree..
FIG. 6 illustrates the head-low position down to approximately
20.degree.. The back rest 20 articulated in cantilever fashion on
the bed frame 16 is correspondingly arranged to be downwardly
foldable.
FIG. 7 illustrates a comfortable reclining position,
FIG. 8 illustrates the cardiac position.
FIG. 9 illustrates the horizontal reclining position, the low
position of approximately 62 cms being indicated in broken lines
and the high position of approximately 90 cms being indicated in
solid lines.
FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a laterally tipped positions of the bed
frame 16, 20 towards the left, and the right respectively, up to
approximately 30.degree..
As stated in the following description, any alternative combination
of the displacing adjustments is possible, and thus of the
positional settings of the reclining surface between the extremes
specified.
The differential unit or swinging link illustrated in FIGS. 12 and
13 has a stable frame 9 for reception of pivot bearing bolts 14, 64
acting in two orthagonal axial directions and of a coupling 10, 11
for connection to a second differential unit. The substantially
dimensioned connecting member 10 has links 11 at either side, which
links are each connected by screws 11a to the frame 9. A pivot
bearing 66 associated with the bearing bolt 14, which is equally
firmly cottered to the cross-member of the intermediate frame 13,
is employed for pivoting displacements in the direction of the
transverse axis about the longitudinal axis, and is arranged on the
frame 9 in the longitudinal axis of the bed. The two opposed
bearing bolts 64 are fastened on the frame 9 by means of
countersunk screws 65 and are employed for the pivoting
displacements in the direction of the longitudinal axis to
establish the oblique longitudinal positions of the bed frame 16,
20. Bearing plates 63 extend downwardly for the oblique setting
displacements, with play, on the bolt 64. A plate 61 is fastened by
means of cap or set screws 62 on a top plate 60 arranged on the
extensible part of the telescopic actuator units 1, 4.
The rigidly coupled differential units or swinging links ensure
stable and shock-free mounting of the intermediate frame 13, with
the bed frame 16, 20. To this end, unimpeded, simultaneous,
alternate-sided extending and retracting displacement of the
telescopic actuator units 1, 4 to obtain positional settings of the
bed frame 16, 20 by means of the bearings 63, 64 in the direction
of the longitudinal axis, and by means of the bearings 14, 66 in
the direction of the transverse axis, have been rendered possible
in a surprisingly simple manner.
In the displacing device illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 for ambilateral
oblique position setting of the bed frame 16, 20 together with the
intermediate frame 13, a crank spindle bearer 67 provided with a
manual fastening crank 30 is fastened to the pair of links 19
arranged on the foot-end transverse member of the bed frame 16. The
crank spindle bearer 67 is connected to the upper link 67a by means
of the stud bolt 67b, and to the pair of securing links 19 by means
of lateral set screws 19a. The drive is transmitted from the
driving spindle 67 through a combination type ball joint 31, a rod
33 coupled to ball joint 31, an extensible entraining tube 32
having a further combination type ball joint 31 connected thereto,
to the gear 15 arranged on the intermediate frame 13 by means of
securing straps or links 15a, the extensible part 15b of said gear
being articulated to the pair of pivot links 12 fastened on the
connecting tube 10.
The actual pivotal support of the bed frame 16, 20 in the direction
of the transverse axis is provided through the pair of links 15a.
During extension and retraction of the gear 15, the intermediate
frame 13 with the bed frame 16, 20 is moved from the horizontal
position to the required oblique position, in counter-abutment to
the pair of links 12 which are rigidly and indirectly coupled to
the differential unit 9.
These oblique setting displacements are independent of the
displacing movements in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
Accordingly, simultaneous positional adjustment of the reclining
surface may be performed in both orthagonal axial directions. A
further increase in the variety of positions between the extremes
shown in FIGS. 4 to 11 for the setting of the reclining surface is
thus rendered possible.
In the device illustrated in FIGS. 17- 19 for the displacement of
the back rest 20 articulated in a cantilever fashion to the bed
frame 16, a worm drive 35 provided with a hand crank 34 is fastened
to the pair of links 19 by means of screws 19a, the pair of links
19 fastened to the bed frame 16 at the foot end being additionally
stabilized and supported by the intermediate frame 13, as shown in
FIG. 17. The worm gear 35 is connected to the top end of the
extensible part and by means of a screwbolt 38 to links 37 fastened
to a cross-member 36. The cross-member 36 has ambilaterally
arranged guiding elements 39 each of which slides longitudinally
under the action of the worm drive 34, 35 on a guiding rod 43
secured on the bed frame 16 at the inward side, by means of
securing straps or links 43a. Ball sliding bearings 42 are situated
in the outer sleeve 41 of the guiding units 39. A link rod 44 is
articulated to a downwardly projecting connecting spindle 40; the
other end of the link rod is joined by a bolt 46 to a linking strap
45 which is firmly connected to the inward bearing portion of the
pivot bearing 21, which is in turn connected to the back rest 20 by
means of a securing arm, and the outward bearing portion of the
bearing 21 is fixedly coupled by an arm to the bed frame 16.
Since the guiding and articulation of the back rest provided by
cross-member 36 and guiding elements 39 operates along both
longitudinal sides, a reliable transmission of the smooth setting
displacements and a high degree of stability are achieved, which
assures a shock-free reclining position. Due to the configuration
of the guiding elements 39 and to the prevention of twisting by the
bearing articulations 21, the setting displacement is not impeded.
Moreover, a wide space free of iron is assured below the back rest
20, ensuring that the area is suitable for X-ray therapy.
In the device for displacement of the leg rest 47, 47a (FIG. 20)
articulated to the bed frame 16, the two parts 47, 47a are
interconnected by hinges 47b, and a worm drive 49 provided with a
crank 48 is fastened by the screws 19a to the pair of securing
links 19 arranged on the bed frame 16. The extensible part of the
worm drive 49 has its free extremity articulated to the short arm
of an angle lever 50 which in turn is articulated to the inward
side of the bed frame 16 by means of a bearing 50a. The longer arm
of the angle lever 50 is firmly connected to a cross-member 51a the
two ends of which are provided with sliding rollers 51; the rollers
51 are each arranged to slide in a short slide rail 52 situated on
the two arms 47a of the leg rest 47 during setting displacements.
Remote from the angle lever 50, the cross-member 51a is connected
to the bed frame 16 (FIGS. 20, 21) by a lever strap 50b and through
the bearing 50a.
The convenient and effortless smooth upward and downward movement
of the leg rest 47 is rendered possible by this displacing
device.
The layout of the hand cranks 30, 34, 48 arranged on the foot-end
cross-member of the bed frame 16 for actuation of the displacing
elements, as illustrated in FIG. 22, is simplified by the neat and
convenient indicator dials 73, 74, 75 for the setting
displacements.
The indicator illustrated in FIG. 23, comprises a pointer 76
arranged on the spindle 14 and a corresponding an arcuate graduated
scale 77 arranged on the foot-end cross-member of the differential
unit 9. Upon operating the crank 30, the angle of the resulting
oblique position of the reclining surface may be read off clearly
on the graduated scale 77.
An electro-hydraulic assembly 58 is secured to the longitudinal
beams 2 of the chassis by means of angular straps 58a is provided
for the actuation of the telescopic actuator units 1, 4 (FIGS.
1-3). High-pressure hoses lead from the electro-hydraulic system 58
to the actuator units 1, 4, together with unions leading to the
working cylinders, are protected against possible damage by
protective caps 56. Control is conveniently exercised by means of a
manual electric switch carrying safe low voltage and provided with
a displaceable connecting lead, so that the actuation of the
displacing elements can also be performed effortlessly by the
patient himself. To this end the hand switch comprises six
actuating push-buttons for the six kinds of movement of the bed
frame, i.e., "Parallel position up -- down," "head side up --
down," "foot side up -- down."
The adjustable bed may alternatively be provided with driving means
other than the electro-hydraulic system, for example an electric
motor or a hydraulic foot pump.
The removable and adjustable installation of a head or foot board
84 (FIG. 24) is performed by means of a clamping device 80 adapted
to be connected to the clamping rail 22. The device 80 is
associated with a displacing device 81 which allows oblique
position setting or downward folding of the foot or head board 84
by operation of a clamping lever 82. The foot board is removably
threaded over a tubular connection projecting from the base of the
displacing device 81. The vertical setting of the head or foot
portion can be performed by means of clamping wing-nuts or screws
83.
FIG. 24 also illustrates the convenient arrangement of the cranks
30, 34, 48 and the indicator dials 73, 74, 75.
FIG. 25 shows a telescopic prop 87 for the overhanging back rest
20, clamped on to the head-end clamping rail 24. The vertical
setting is performed by means of a clamp 88. A hard panel 86, for
example of plywood, is placed on a back rest pad 85. The conditions
necessary for heat massage are thus fully satisfied, the prop 87
providing a shock-free base and the panel 86 supplying a hard
support, as required.
FIG. 26 shows a head support 90 fitted on the back rest 20. A
hinged prop 89 has a portion inserted in a square socket 70
situated at the head-end below the back rest 20, and immobilized by
means of a clamping lever 89a.
In FIG. 27 a cassette holder is fastened to the clamping rails 22
by means of a clamp 91. An X-ray cassette is pressed unimpededly
against the plywood panels 27, 25, 26 at any optional point
throughout the reclining surface by means of a holding device
comprising a securing rod 93 adjustable by means of a clamp 92 and
a cassette support 94. The fastening and securing of a cassette
holder for X-ray cassettes which are to be clamped vertically is
performed in a similar manner.
In FIG. 28 abutment rails 97, 99 situated on the clamping rails 23,
24 by mean of clamps 96, 98 are arranged in the area of the back
rest 20 for location of an X-ray cassette, the longer rail 99 being
clamped on from the head-end and the shorter rail from either end.
After adjustment of the locating or abutment elements 97, 99, the
X-ray cassette may then be pressed against the covering plywood
panel 25 by means of the cassette holder, as shown in FIG. 27,
while in abutment against the rods 97, 99.
For storage or fitting of a compressed gas cylinder, for example a
cylinder 102 for supplying the patient with oxygen, there is
provided supporting brackets 101 are screwed to fastening straps
100 provided on a longitudinal beam 2 of the chassis, as
illustrated in FIG. 29.
The patient will be liable to slide away from a central position on
the bed, at an oblique position setting of the reclining surface up
to 30.degree. in either direction of the transverse axis. To
prevent this happening special shaped cushions 105, 106, which must
be repositioned on changing the oblique position, are arranged
between the patient and side grilles 103 clamped on the clamping
rails 22, 23, before cranking to the tipped position. FIG. 30 shows
the arrangement of a two-piece cushion 106 and of the side grilles
103. The oblique position setting of the reclining surface in the
direction of the transverse axis may be applied particularly in
cases of pulmonary atelectasis, and decubitus prophylaxis.
The universal application of the bed desirable in the nursing
technique of hospitals, for all cases within the most diverse
medical treatments is accomplished completely by the appropriate
combination of known functional parts with new means and features
in the sick-bed according to the invention. This applies in
particular for intensive care wards. Compliance with the demand for
reclining surfaces which wrought to overhang and carry substantial
loads and to be tippable up to 30.degree. relative to the
longitudinal axis in the direction of the transversal axis, with
shock-free mounting of the bed frame on stable differential units
which allow of separate and combined pivotal displacements in two
axial directions, is particularly advantageous.
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