Multifunction bed

Details Multifunction bed Multifunction bed

1999-10-29

2001-08-14

Trettel, Michael F. (Department: 3628)

Beds

Invalid bed or surgical support

C005S612000, C005S618000, C005S08110C, C005S086100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06272702

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multifunction bed used for nursing, and in particular, to a multifunction bed the form of which can be automatically switched between a bed and a wheelchair, and wherein this form change enables a person lying on the bed to change from a horizontal position to a sitting position appropriate for wheelchair movement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Various nursing beds have been developed and provided that are used in hospitals for patients who require nursing. Such nursing beds allow patients to lie thereon in a horizontal state, and some are configured so as to be bent into the form of a reclining seat.
In a conventional nursing bed, a separate wheelchair must be made available for moving a patient to another location, and further, a lifting device must be made available for helping the patient into the wheelchair.
At the same time, numerous efforts are underway to research and develop multifunction nursing beds offering the functions of both a bed and a wheelchair. Such multifunction nursing beds have a complex structure and constitute large and expensive devices.
Furthermore, the multifunction nursing beds developed through conventional research activity require a complex control means to change the horizontal bed form into a wheelchair form, or vice versa. Such a control means is cumbersome to operate.
Furthermore, these conventional multifunction nursing beds are prone to numerous problems with operational safety during the changing process between a horizontal bed form and a wheelchair form.
The present invention thus attempts to solve the above-noted problems of conventional multifunction nursing beds, and is intended to provide a safe, reliable multifunction bed having a simple structure that is more compact and affordable than existing versions, and that can be automatically changed between a bed form and a wheelchair form using very simple operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to achieve this object, the present invention specifically configures a multifunction bed comprising a fixed U-shaped bed having a U-shaped cut-out section and a movable auxiliary bed that is detachably fitted in the U-shaped cut-out section of the fixed U-shaped bed.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the movable auxiliary bed can travel on underlying wheels and is configured so as to be changed between a bed form in its horizontal position and a wheelchair form having a backrest section, a seat section, and a leg-rest section.
In addition, according to the present invention, when a person lying on the bed simply touches a switch, the bed can be changed from its horizontal bed form to its wheelchair form, and during this change, the person lying on the bed is gradually moved to a sitting position.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a multifunction bed wherein, in order to prevent the person lying on the bed from being pushed forward while the movable auxiliary bed is being changed to its wheelchair form, the seat section is inclined according to the inclination of the backrest section, such that part of the seat section closer to the leg-rest section is located higher than the opposed part, thereby allowing the buttocks of the person lying on the bed to sink relative to the horizontal bed form.
In addition, according to the present invention, the movable auxiliary bed can be changed to its wheelchair form within the fixed U-shaped bed using a power transmission section placed on the fixed U-shaped bed.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, a self-lock means is used to change to the wheelchair form, and after the bed form has been changed to the wheelchair form and when a drive source is stopped, the self-lock means automatically maintains that form in a stable condition.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the drive source is a rotation drive motor, and the self-lock means comprises a worm gear mechanism comprising a worm and a worm wheel.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the drive source is a rotation drive motor, and the self-lock means comprises a power transmission mechanism including a one-way clutch.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the drive source is a rotation drive motor, and the self-lock means comprises a power transmission mechanism including a ratchet wheel mechanism.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the drive source is a rotation drive motor, and the self-lock means comprises a screw-type power transmission mechanism.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the drive source is a hydraulic drive system, and the self-lock means includes a check valve mechanism for the hydraulic drive system.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a multifunction bed comprising a link mechanism for individually interlocking and connecting the backrest, seat, and leg-rest sections to a body frame so that using the link mechanism, a single drive source can deform a horizontal bed section of the movable auxiliary bed into the backrest, seat, and leg-rest sections of the wheelchair.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the movable auxiliary bed is fitted in the fixed U-shaped bed in order to return to its original horizontal position, the user sitting in the wheelchair automatically returns to a lying position.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, when the movable auxiliary bed in the wheelchair form is simply pressed into the U-shaped cut-out section of the fixed U-shaped bed, it is automatically joined and fixed to a power transmission section placed on the fixed U-shaped bed.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the bed form for the horizontal position, auxiliary wheels automatically extend via the link mechanism to stabilize the bed's position, thereby preventing the user from being rotated even when the user's weight rests on his/her tiptoes.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the bed form, an armrest is housed in the rear of the backrest section, whereas in the wheelchair form, the armrest extends forward.
Furthermore, according to the present invention, an inlet guard of the fixed U-shaped bed can be opened, closed, and locked.


REFERENCES:
patent: 2564083 (1951-08-01), Stechert
patent: 2607929 (1952-08-01), Balluff
patent: 3010121 (1961-11-01), Breach
patent: 3112001 (1963-11-01), Wise
patent: 3138805 (1964-06-01), Piazza
patent: 3936893 (1976-02-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 4285541 (1981-08-01), Onishi
patent: 4987620 (1991-01-01), Sharon
patent: 5555582 (1996-09-01), Jerideau
patent: 7-93938 (1995-10-01), None

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