The present disclosure relates to a bed assembly for use during at-home care. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bed assembly that elevates the head section of the traditional consumer mattress.
The present disclosure is related to a bed assembly. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bed assembly that is compatible with a traditional consumer bed and can enhance the traditional consumer bed so it provides features of a traditional hospital bed. Such features include the ability to elevate the head section of the traditional consumer mattress using a mattress support having inflatable air bladders.
Extended hospitalization of a patient is an ongoing challenge due to the high cost incurred by the patient and the hospital. At-home care is also challenging due to the high cost, difficulty, and complexity of equipping the home for patient care. While several systems and methods exist for equipping the home for patient care, opportunity exists for continued development in this area.
The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.
According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a mattress support includes a first section and a second section configured to be coupled to the first section. Each of the first section and the second section include a base plate configured to be positioned on a box frame of a bed. A top plate is hingedly attached to the base plate. A bladder is positioned between the base plate and the top plate and inflatable to pivot the top plate. The base plate of each of the first section and the second section includes a plurality of posts and a plurality of apertures. The posts of the first section are insertable into the apertures of the second section, and the posts of the second section are insertable into the apertures of the first section to couple the first section to the second section.
In some embodiments, the bladder of the first section may be fluidly coupled to a first pump, and the bladder of the second section may be fluidly coupled to a second pump. The bladder of the first section may be fluidly coupled to the bladder of the second section. The bladder of the first section may be fluidly coupled to a pump.
In some embodiments, a third section may have a base that couples to the base of the second section. A plurality of sections may be configured to be coupled to one another. The plurality of sections may be sized to be coupled together to accommodate a width of a mattress.
In some embodiments, the top plate of each of the first section and the second section may include a plurality of apertures configured to receive a rod to couple the top plate of the first section to the top plate of the second section.
In some embodiments, the top plate and the bladder may nest within the base plate. The base plate and the bladder may nest within the top plate.
In some embodiments, a siderail may be coupled to at least one of the first section and the second section. The base plate may include a bore configured to receive the siderail. The bladder may include a bore configured to receive the siderail. The siderail may include an extendable arm. The extendable arm may be a telescoping arm.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a mattress support includes a first section and a second section configured to be coupled to the first section. Each of the first section and the second section includes a base plate configured to be positioned on a box frame of a bed. A top plate is hingedly attached to the base plate. A bladder is positioned between the base plate and the top plate and inflatable to adjust a height of the top plate. The bladder of the first section is fluidly coupled to the bladder of the second section. A pump is fluidly coupled to the bladder of the first section to inflate the bladder of both the first section and the second section.
In some embodiments, a third section may have a bladder that couples to the bladder of the second section.
In some embodiments, the first section, second section, and third section may be sized to be coupled together to accommodate a width of a mattress.
In some embodiments, the top plate and the bladder nest within the base plate. The base plate and the bladder may nest within the top plate.
In some embodiments, a siderail may be coupled to at least one of the first section and the second section. The base plate may include a bore configured to receive the siderail. The bladder may include a bore configured to receive the siderail. The siderail may include an extendable arm. The extendable arm may be a telescoping arm.
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a system for positioning a mattress support between a mattress and a box frame includes a first sleeve coupled to a head end of the mattress. A second sleeve is coupled to a foot end of the mattress. A cable extends between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. The cable is configured to be actuated such that tension is provided between the first sleeve and the second sleeve to lift the head end and the foot end of the mattress from the box frame.
In some embodiments, an anchor may be positioned on the mattress. The cable may extend between the first sleeve and the second sleeve over the anchor. The first sleeve may be positioned around the head end of the mattress. The second sleeve may be positioned around the foot end of the mattress.
In some embodiments, a first end of the cable may be secured to the first sleeve, and the second end of the cable may extend through an eyelet in the second sleeve. The cable may be configured to be pulled by the second end through the eyelet of the second sleeve. A first end of the cable may be secured to the second sleeve, and the second end of the cable may extend through an eyelet in the first sleeve. The cable may be configured to be pulled by the second end through the eyelet of the first sleeve. A winch may be provided to pull the cable. The cable may be configured to lift the head end of the mattress so that a mattress support is positionable between the head end of the mattress and the box frame.
According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a system for positioning a mattress support between the head end of a mattress and a box frame includes a cable secured to a rod. The rod is configured to be advanced under the head end of the mattress between the head end of the mattress and the box frame. A first mattress support is positioned on a left side of the mattress and coupled to a first end of the cable. A second mattress support is positioned on a right side of the mattress and coupled to a second end of the cable. The cable is pulled to advance the first mattress support and the second mattress support under the head end of the mattress.
In some embodiments, the first mattress support and the second mattress support include angled sides that slide between the head end of the mattress and the box frame.
According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a mattress support system comprises a head end group. The head end group includes a first module and a second module configured to be coupled to the first module. Each of the first module and the second module is configured to be positioned under a mattress. Each of the first module and second module includes a lower plate, an upper plate, and a bladder structure. The lower plate is configured to be positioned on frame of a bed. The upper plate is hingedly attached to the base plate at a hinge point. The bladder structure is positioned between the base plate and the top plate and inflatable to pivot the top plate about the hinge point. The lower plate of each of the first module and the second module includes connectors to engage on a first side of the respective module and complementary connectors on a second side of the respective modules. The connectors on the first side of the first module and the complementary connectors on the second side of the second module interengaged to maintain the position of the second module relative to the first module. A hose interconnects the bladder structures of each of the first and second modules to provide open communication of fluid between the bladder structures.
In some embodiments, the mattress support system further comprises a fluid pump to provide fluid to the bladders structures to inflate the bladder structures and pivot the upper plates about the respective hinge points.
In some embodiments, the bladder structures include respective upper bladders and respective lower bladders, the upper bladder and lower bladder of each bladder structure being pneumatically communicative.
In some embodiments, the upper plates of each of the first and second modules are connected to move together about their respective hinge points.
In some embodiments, the support structure includes at least one mattress locator secured to one of the first and second modules.
In some embodiments, the mattress locator is secured by a ratchet lock. In some embodiments, the mattress locator includes a pair of locking sections. In some embodiments, the locking sections includes ratchet teeth. In some embodiments, the mattress support system further includes a ratchet lock with ratchet teeth engaged with the ratchet teeth of the locking section of the siderail support to secure the first and second modules together. In some embodiments, the ratchet lock includes two wings, each of the arms including the ratchet teeth, the wings moveable to engage and disengage with the teeth of the locking sections of the locking sections of the siderail supports.
In some embodiments, the support structure includes at least one siderail support secured to one of the first and second modules. In some embodiments, the siderail support includes a structure that functions as a mattress locator. In some embodiments, the siderail support includes receivers for receiving legs of a siderail. In some embodiments, the siderail support includes a pair of locking sections. In some embodiments, the locking sections includes ratchet teeth. In some embodiments, the mattress support system further includes a ratchet lock with ratchet teeth engaged with the ratchet teeth of the locking section of the siderail support to secure the first and second modules together. In some embodiments, the ratchet lock includes two wings, each of the arms including the ratchet teeth, the wings moveable to engage and disengage with the teeth of the locking sections of the locking sections of the siderail supports.
In some embodiments, the support structure includes at least one connector securing the first and second modules. In some embodiments, the connector includes a pair of locking sections. In some embodiments, the locking sections include ratchet teeth. In some embodiments, the mattress support system further includes a ratchet lock with ratchet teeth engaged with the ratchet teeth of the locking section of the connector to secure the first and second modules together. In some embodiments, the ratchet lock includes two wings, each of the arms including the ratchet teeth, the wings moveable to engage and disengage with the teeth of the locking sections of the locking sections of the connector.
In some embodiments, the mattress support system further includes a foot end group including a third module and a fourth module configured to be coupled to the third module. Each of the third module and the fourth module are configured to be positioned under a mattress. Each of the third module and fourth module includes a lower plate, an upper plate, and a bladder structure. The lower plate is configured to be positioned on frame of a bed. The upper plate is hingedly attached to the base plate at a hinge point. The bladder structure is positioned between the base plate and the top plate and inflatable to pivot the top plate about the hinge point. The lower plate of each of the third module and the fourth module includes connectors to engage on a first side of the respective module and complementary connectors on a second side of the respective modules. The connectors on the first side of the third module and the complementary connectors on the second side of the fourth module are interengaged to maintain the position of the fourth module relative to the third module. A hose interconnects the bladder structures of each of the third and fourth modules to provide open communication of fluid between the bladder structures.
In some embodiments, the head end group and the foot end group are interconnected by at least one tether to prevent head end group and the foot end group from being pushed away from one another by the pressure of a mattress.
In some embodiments, the support structure includes at least one connector securing the third and fourth modules. In some embodiments, the connector includes a pair of locking sections. In some embodiments, the locking sections include ratchet teeth.
In some embodiments, the mattress support system further includes a ratchet lock with ratchet teeth engaged with the ratchet teeth of the locking section of the connector to secure the third and fourth modules together. In some embodiments, the ratchet lock includes two wings, each of the arms including the ratchet teeth, the wings moveable to engage and disengage with the teeth of the locking sections of the locking sections of the connector.
According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a mattress support system comprises a first group including a first module and a second module configured to be coupled to the first module, at least one coupler extension, and at least one hose. Each of the first module and the second module are configured to be positioned under a mattress. Each of the first module and second module include a lower plate an upper plate and a bladder structure. The lower plate is configured to be positioned on frame of a bed. The upper plate is supported on the lower plate to permit the upper plate to pivot relative to the lower plate at a pivot point. The bladder structure is positioned between the base plate and the top plate and inflatable to pivot the top plate about the pivot point. The upper plate of each of the first module and the second module includes brackets positioned on an upper surface of the respective upper plate. The at least one coupler extension is positionable in at least one bracket of a first module and in at least one bracket of second module to interengage the two modules. The hose interconnects the bladder structures of each of the first and second modules to provide open communication of fluid between the bladder structures.
In some embodiments, the mattress support system further comprises a fluid pump to provide fluid to the bladders structures to inflate the bladder structures and pivot the upper plates about the respective pivot points.
In some embodiments, the bladder structures include respective upper bladders and respective lower bladders, the upper bladder and lower bladder of each bladder structure being pneumatically communicative.
In some embodiments, interengagement of the modules by the at least one coupler extensions causes the upper plates of each of the first and second modules to move together about their respective pivot points.
In some embodiments, the coupler extension includes a plurality of apertures. The apertures may positioned to receive pins that are supported on the coupler extension and configured to engage a bracket to prevent movement of the coupler extension relative to the bracket when the coupler extension is positioned in the bracket.
In some embodiments, the mattress support system includes at least one mattress locator secured to one of the first and second modules.
In some embodiments, the mattress locator is secured by a bracket on an upper surface of an upper plate of at least one of the first or second module.
In some embodiments, the support system includes at least one siderail support secured to one of the first and second modules. The siderail support may a structure that secures first and second modules together. The siderail support may include receivers for receiving legs of a siderail.
In some embodiments, the lower plate includes a bracket and when the bladders structure is inflated, a lower edge of the upper plate engages the bracket to define the pivot point about which the upper plate pivots, the bracket restraining movement of the upper plate relative to the lower plate.
Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and/or those listed in the 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.
The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
An illustrative bed assembly 10 is shown in
A mattress support 40 is positioned between the head end 16 of the frame 12 and the head end 22 of the mattress 20 to raise the head end 22 of the mattress 20. The mattress support 40 includes a base plate 42 having a bottom surface 44 and a top surface 46. The bottom surface 44 of the base plate 42 is positioned in contact with the frame 12. The top surface 46 of the base plate 42 faces upward from the frame 12. A top plate 50 is coupled to the base plate 42. An end 52 of the top plate 50 is coupled to an end 54 of the base plate 42 via a hinge 48 so that the top plate 50 is rotatable relative to the base plate 42 about the ends 52 and 54. The top plate 50 includes a top surface 56 and a bottom surface 58. The head end 22 of the mattress 20 is positioned on the top surface 56 of the top plate 50. The bottom surface 58 of the top plate 50 faces downward from the mattress 20.
An elevation assembly 70 is positioned between the base plate 42 and the top plate 50. The elevation assembly 70 is coupled to the bottom surface 58 of the top plate 50 and the top surface 46 of the base plate 42. In the illustrative embodiment, the elevation assembly 70 includes an air bladder 72 positioned within an expandable envelope 74. In some embodiments, the elevation assembly 70 may include a plurality of air bladders 72 positioned within an expandable envelope 74. The air bladder 72 is inflatable to angle the top plate 50 relative to the base plate 42, thereby raising the head end 22 of the mattress 20.
Referring to
The elevation assembly 70 raises and lowers the mattress support 40 between a lowered position 80, shown in
Referring to
The bladder 72 of the each of the left half 100 and right half 102 is illustrated in broken lines. Each half 100, 102 includes its own bladder 72. Each bladder 72 is coupled to a pump 130 to inflate and deflate the respective bladder 72. That is, a left bladder 132 is coupled to a left pump 134 by a hose 136, and a right bladder 138 is coupled to a right pump 140 by a hose 142. Each pump 134 and 140 is independently operable so that the left bladder 132 and the right bladder 138 are independently inflated and deflated. The left bladder 132 and the right bladder 138 may be inflated/deflated to different pressures. Alternatively, the left bladder 132 and the right bladder 138 are inflated to the same pressure so that the left half 100 and the right half 102 are raised to the same height. An optional control panel 150 may be utilized to inflate/deflate the bladders 132, 138. The control panel 150 may include controls 152 to independently operate the left bladder 132 and the right bladder 138. The control panel 150 may be retroactively secured to the bed frame 12. Optionally, the control panel 150 may be positioned next to the bed 10 such that the control panel 150 is within reach of the bed 10. Alternatively or additionally, the control panel 150 may be incorporated into a patient pendant that is within reach of the bed 10. In some embodiments, the controls 152 operate the left bladder 132 and the right bladder 138 in unison. The control panel 150 may include a meter 154 that measures the pressure in each of the left bladder 132 and the right bladder 138. The pressure and/or a height of the left half 100 and the right half 102 may be displayed on a display 156 of the control panel 150. In yet another embodiment, the controls 152, meter 154, and display 156 are incorporated into the pumps 134, 140.
Referring to
An optional control panel 280 may include controls 282 to operate the bladders 264, 266, and 270. The control panel 280 may be retroactively secured to the bed frame 12. Optionally, the control panel 280 may be positioned next to the bed 10 such that the control panel 280 is within reach of the bed 10. Alternatively or additionally, the control panel 280 may be incorporated into a patient pendant that is within reach of the bed 10. The control panel 280 may include a meter 284 that measures the pressure in each of the bladders 264, 266, and 270. The pressure and/or a height of the section 252, 254, 256 may be displayed on a display 286 of the control panel 280. In yet another embodiment, the controls 282, meter 284, and display 286 are incorporated into the pump 276.
The left half 304 has a left side 310 that is positioned outside of the mattress 20 and the bed frame 12. The left side 310 extends upward from a bottom panel 312 and includes an angled outer surface 316 that facilitates sliding the mattress support 300 under the mattress 20 if the mattress support 300 is inserted from the right side of the mattress 20. The left side 310 may be configured to support a siderail. A nest 314 is defined by the left side 310 and the bottom panel 312. A left top plate 320 is nested within the nest 314 and coupled to the bottom panel 312 via a hinge 322. A top surface 324 of the left top plate 320 is substantially planar with a top surface 326 of the left side 310. A bladder (not shown) is positioned between the bottom panel 312 and the top plate 320. The bladder and the top plate 320 are nested within the base 302. The bladder is configured move the top plate 320 relative to the bottom panel 312, as described above.
The right half 306 has a right side 340 that is positioned outside of the mattress 20 and the bed frame 12. The right side 340 extends upward from a bottom panel 342 and includes an angled outer surface 346 that facilitates sliding the mattress support 300 under the mattress 20 if the mattress support 300 is inserted from the left side of the mattress 20. In some embodiments, the bottom panel 342 is coupled to the bottom panel 312. The right side 340 may be configured to support a siderail. A nest 344 is defined by the right side 340 and the bottom panel 342. A right top plate 350 is nested within the nest 344 and coupled to the bottom panel 342 via a hinge 352. A top surface 354 of the right top plate 350 is substantially planar with a top surface 356 of the right side 340. In some embodiments, the right top plate 350 is coupled to the left top plate 320, as described below. A bladder (not shown) is positioned between the bottom panel 342 and the top plate 350. The bladder and the top plate 350 are nested within the base 302. The bladder is configured move the top plate 350 relative to the bottom panel 342, as described above.
As illustrated in
The right top plate 350 includes a top surface 400 that is configured to support the mattress 20. Although the right top plate 350 may be formed from foam, the right top plate 350 is rigid so that the right top plate 350 and the top surface 400 do not deform under the weight of the mattress 20. A bottom surface 402 of the right top plate 350 is coupled to the bladder 392 such that the bladder 392 pushes against the bottom surface 402 to raise the right top plate 350. A side wall 404 extends between the top surface 400 and the bottom surface 402. A pair of apertures 406 extends into the right top plate 350 from a pair of openings 408 formed in the side wall 404. The apertures 406 are configured to receive a post or rod (not shown).
Referring to
Because the left top plate 320 is coupled to the right top plate 350, the left top plate 320 and the right top plate 350 move in unison. That is, the left top plate 320 and the right top plate 350 are raised and lowered to the same height simultaneously. If the bladder 392 under the right top plate 350 is inflated more quickly than the bladder 392 under the left top plate 320, the left top plate 320 will still rise along with the right top plate 350 until the bladder 392 under the left top plate 320 catches up to the bladder 392 under the right top plate 350. Likewise, if the bladder 392 under the left top plate 320 is inflated more quickly than the bladder 392 under the right top plate 350, the right top plate 350 will still rise along with the left top plate 320 until the bladder 392 under the right top plate 350 catches up to the bladder 392 under the left top plate 320. It will be appreciated that the same principles regarding the unitary movement of the left top plate 320 and the right top plate 350 also apply to movement of the plates 320, 350 when the bladders 392 are being deflated.
Referring to
A right end 490 of the base 460 includes a plurality of posts 492 extending from an outer surface 494. A plurality of apertures 496 extend into the right end 490 from openings 498 formed in the outer surface 494. Each aperture 496 is positioned next to a post 492. That is, the apertures 496 are positioned between the posts 492 so that the apertures 496 and the posts 492 alternate along the right end 490.
The right half 454 includes a base 502 having an outer frame 504. The outer frame 504 includes a head end 506 and a foot end 508. A right side 510 extends between the head end 506 and the foot end 508. The right side 510 may be configured to receive a siderail, as described herein. The head end 506, the foot end 508 and the right side 510 form a nest 520. A bladder 522 is positioned within the nest 520. The bladder 522 is coupled to a hose 524 that extends from the bladder 522 to a hose 526 extending through the foot end 508 of the base 502. An inlet hose 528 extends outward from the foot end 508 of the base 502 and is coupled to the hose 526. The inlet hose 528 is configured to couple to the outlet 480 of the base 460 of the left half 452. A top plate 540 is positioned over the bladder 522 and within the nest 520. The bladder 522 is configured to raise and lower the top plate 540, as described herein.
A left end 542 of the base 502 includes a plurality of posts 544 extending from an outer surface 546. A plurality of apertures 548 extend into the left end 542 from openings 550 formed in the outer surface 546. Each aperture 548 is positioned next to a post 544. That is, the apertures 548 are positioned between the posts 544 so that the apertures 548 and the posts 544 alternate along the left end 542.
The left half 452 is illustrated coupled to the right half 454 in
The inlet hose 528 of the right half 454 is inserted into the outlet 480 of the left half 452 to create a fluid flow path from the left half 452 to the right half 454 by way of the hoses 476 and 526. In some embodiments, the pump may couple to the hose 526. In such an embodiment, the air may flow from the hose 526 of the right half 454 into the hose 476 of the left half 452. In some embodiments, each half 452, 454 may include an inlet to couple to the pump. The inlet of the half 452, 454 that is not coupled to the pump may be closed with a plug or shut off valve (not shown). Air from the pump travels through hoses 476 and 526 to the bladders 472 and 522 to inflate and deflate the bladders 472, 522. In some embodiments, each half 452, 454 may be couple to a separate pump. In such embodiments, the two pumps may jointly inflated or deflate the bladders 472, 522. Alternatively, the connection between the inlet hose 528 and the outlet 480 may be eliminated so that each pump individually inflates and deflates the respective half 452, 454.
A bladder 632 is positioned within the cavity 620 between the base plate 604 and the top plate 602. A bottom 634 of the bladder 632 is coupled to a top surface of the base plate 604. In some embodiments, the bottom 634 of the bladder 632 is coupled to the base plate 604 by a strap 636 (shown in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
It should be noted that the apertures 700 may also be utilized to secure the mattress support 680 to another mattress support 680. That is, a pair of mattress supports 680 may be positioned next to one another and inflated so that the apertures 700 of the two mattress supports 680 are aligned. Similar to the embodiment shown in
The legs 738 and 758 of siderails 730 and 750, respectively, are configured to be inserted into apertures formed in a side of a mattress support described herein. For example,
The posts 784 and 804 of siderails 780 and 800, respectively, are configured to be inserted into apertures formed in a side of a mattress support described herein. For example,
Referring to
A cable 860 extends between the head end sleeve 854 and the foot end sleeve 856. A first end 862 of the cable 860 is coupled to the head end sleeve 854, and a second end 864 of the cable 860 extends through an eyelet 866 in the foot end sleeve 856. In some embodiments, the first end 862 of the cable 860 is coupled to the foot end sleeve 856, and the second end 864 of the cable 860 extends through an eyelet in the head end sleeve 854. The cable 860 extends over an anchor 870 positioned on the mattress 20. The anchor 870 provides leverage to the cable 860 so that the cable can lift the head end 16 and the foot end 18 of the mattress 20.
When the system 850 is initially installed, the head end 16 and the foot end 18 of the mattress 20 are positioned on the frame 12, as illustrated in
Referring to
As illustrated in
The cable 904 is drawn by activating the winch 920 to advance the first half 922 of the mattress support 924 toward the second half 926. Likewise, the second half 926 of the mattress support 924 is advanced toward the first half 922. As the first half 922 and the second half 926 advance, the angled surface 930 facilitates wedging the first half 922 and the second half 926 between the mattress 20 and the box frame 12. The first half 922 and the second half 926 continue to advance until each half 922, 926 is positioned between the mattress 20 and the box frame 12, as illustrated in
Referring now to
Referring to
The upper plates 1012 are configured to be integrated and secured by various modular connectors. In addition, the plates 1012 are configured to support and secure mattress locators 1034 as shown in
Referring again to
The connector 1086 includes two arms 1088, 1090 that are connected by a beam 1094. The arm 1090 is formed to include interior ratchet teeth 1092 which are complementary to the ratchet teeth 1084 of the ratchet lock 1040 as shown in
Referring now to
Another embodiment of a mattress support system 1200, similar to the embodiment of the mattress support system 1000 and that can be used in the same way that the modules of the system 1000 or the structures of system 40, is described is shown in
The upper plate 1222 is formed to include an upper edge 1310 and a body 1314 defining a pair of side edges 1316 of each of the modules 1210. The upper plate 1222 is further formed to include an at least one bracket 1254 configured to receive an at least one coupler extension 1256 therein. As shown in
Illustratively, each of the modules 1210 includes an at least one bracket 1254 embodied as a pair of upper brackets 1318 positioned near the upper edge 1310 of the upper plate 1222, a pair of middle brackets 1320 spaced apart therefrom, and a pair of lower brackets 1322 positioned near the lower edge 1312 of the upper plate 1214. It should be appreciated that the at least one bracket 1254 may be embodied as any number of brackets and the positioning of such brackets 1254 may be varied. The brackets 1254 may be formed substantially similar to those configured to receive a coupler extension 1256 such that the brackets 1254 may receive any one of a coupler extension 1256, a siderail support 1242, and/or a mattress locator 1234.
The pair of outer modules 1326 are formed to further include a single bracket 1324 coupled thereto. Illustratively, the single bracket 1324 is spaced apart from and located between the middle brackets 1320 and the lower brackets 1322. The single bracket 1324 is further located such that it is positioned at the side edge 1316 nearest the middle module 1328 coupled thereto. The outer modules 1326 are further formed to receive the siderail support 1242 and/or the mattress locator 1234 within the pair of middle brackets 1320. Illustratively, only one of the outer modules 1326 of the group of modules 1226 positioned at the head end of the bed 1204 is coupled to the siderail support 1242 and the remaining outer module 1326 is coupled to the mattress locator 1234. Further, both of the outer modules 1326 of the group of modules 1228 positioned at the foot end of the bed 1204 are coupled to a pair of mattress locators 1234, illustratively. It should be appreciated that any combination of mattress locaters 1234 and siderail supports 1242 may be coupled to either group of modules 1226, 1228.
The middle module 1328 includes an additional pair of brackets 1330 positioned between the middle brackets 1320 and the lower brackets 1322 and horizontally aligned with the single bracket 1324 of the pair of outer modules 1326. Illustratively, the single bracket 1324 of the outer modules 1326 and the additional pair of brackets 1330 of the middle module 1328 cooperate such that one of the additional pair of brackets 1330 and a single bracket 1324 of one of the outer modules 1326 receive a shared coupler extension 1256 therein.
As such, the brackets 1254 are coupled to the upper plates 1214. Further, the brackets 1254, the upper plates 1214, and the outer covers 1024 are formed into include a plurality of apertures 1238 therein and extending therethrough. The plurality of apertures 1238 of the brackets 1254 are formed to align with the plurality of apertures 1238 formed in the upper plates 1214 and the outer cover 1024 such that a coupling mechanism (not shown) may be positioned therein. Illustratively, such coupling mechanisms are formed as a pin sized to extend through the upper plate 1214, the bracket 1254, and the outer cover 1024 such that the three aforementioned elements 1214, 1254, and 1024 are coupled together.
As shown in
Turning to
The outer bracket 1332 is formed to include a top edge 1334, a bottom edge 1336 spaced apart therefrom, a body 1336 extending therebetween and thereby defining a pair of side edges 1338. Illustratively, the top edge 1334 and a portion of the body 1338 of the outer bracket 1332 are coupled to the middle module 1228 and outer module 1226 and configure the two modules 1226, 1228 to move simultaneously in response to the air bladder 1216. The bottom edge 1336 remains uncoupled from the modules 1210, illustratively.
The brackets 1254 of
Although this disclosure refers to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the subject matter set forth in the accompanying claims.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/739,343, filed Oct. 1, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/841,487, filed May 1, 2019, both of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
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5036852 | Leishman | Aug 1991 | A |
5060174 | Gross | Oct 1991 | A |
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5065154 | Kaiser et al. | Nov 1991 | A |
5086290 | Murray et al. | Feb 1992 | A |
5103108 | Crimmins | Apr 1992 | A |
5124991 | Allen | Jun 1992 | A |
5137033 | Norton | Aug 1992 | A |
5144284 | Hammett | Sep 1992 | A |
5153584 | Engira | Oct 1992 | A |
5170522 | Walker | Dec 1992 | A |
5184112 | Gusakov | Feb 1993 | A |
5195198 | Travis | Mar 1993 | A |
5253656 | Rincoe et al. | Oct 1993 | A |
5269388 | Reichow et al. | Dec 1993 | A |
5276432 | Travis | Jan 1994 | A |
5311625 | Barker et al. | May 1994 | A |
5345630 | Healy | Sep 1994 | A |
5353012 | Barham et al. | Oct 1994 | A |
5415167 | Wilk | May 1995 | A |
5432967 | Raftery | Jul 1995 | A |
5490295 | Boyd | Feb 1996 | A |
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5577278 | Barker et al. | Nov 1996 | A |
5621931 | Hamilton | Apr 1997 | A |
5715548 | Weismiller et al. | Feb 1998 | A |
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6009873 | Neviaser | Jan 2000 | A |
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6111509 | Holmes | Aug 2000 | A |
6125350 | Dirbas | Sep 2000 | A |
6131219 | Roberts | Oct 2000 | A |
6133837 | Riley | Oct 2000 | A |
6142592 | Grittke et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6183417 | Geheb et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
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Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
1987293 | Jun 1968 | DE |
S5438512 | Mar 1979 | JP |
H01238859 | Sep 1989 | JP |
H04297257 | Oct 1992 | JP |
WO-0057829 | Oct 2000 | WO |
2013134638 | Sep 2013 | WO |
2014117128 | Jul 2014 | WO |
Entry |
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“Connect.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connect. |
“Bracket.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bracket. |
Extended European Search Report, European Application No. 19200203.8, completed Nov. 20, 2019, (7 pages). |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20200100969 A1 | Apr 2020 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62841487 | May 2019 | US | |
62739343 | Oct 2018 | US |