Adjustable Height Patents (Class 5/11)
  • Publication number: 20090049602
    Abstract: A new and useful system and method of raising and lowering a bed is provided. A bed system comprises a bed, and a balanced movement system for raising and lowering the bed and for maintaining the bed in a stopped position when application of force to the bed is stopped. The balanced movement system is (i) configured to enable the bed to be raised or lowered by application of force to the bed in a selected direction, and (ii) configured such that when application of the force ceases the bed will come to a stopped position and be maintained in the stopped position by the balanced movement system. In order to raise or lower the bed, a relatively modest force is applied (preferably manually) to the bed in a selected direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: John G. Gudenkauf
  • Publication number: 20090044332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for height adjusting patient support platforms, such as, for example, of a bed (e.g., the mattress support platform of a standard hospital bed with side rails), gurney, couch, chair, or recliner, to which a patient may be confined. The systems and methods are designed to lower the height of a patient support platform at least closer (and essentially all the way) to floor level in a relatively quick and controlled manner to reduce fall distances. Lowering the height of a patient support platform corresponding reduces the likelihood and significance of patient injuries resulting from falls when a patient attempts to exit the patient support platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Valence Broadband, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Parsell, Mark E. Rodgers
  • Publication number: 20080276369
    Abstract: A bed assembly includes a wheeled base, a sub-frame and mattress support frame. The sub-frame supports a plurality of electrically operated actuators which provide for raising and lowering of the bed. The bed can be lowered to a first low position in which the bed frame is around 38 to 45 centimetres above floor height and to a lower position in which the frame is around 30 centimetres above floor height. The bed is lowered to the first height upon receipt of a first command input and can only be lowered below that first height upon receipt of a second control input distinct from the first control input. Preferably, the bed is lowered at a slower speed from the first low height to its lowermost position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen Hayes, Stephen Hollyoak
  • Publication number: 20080271241
    Abstract: A chair for assistance in sexual intercourse is a gliding type rocker chair that has adjustable length legs, seat angle adjustment, an easily removable seat cover, and is foldable for storage. A cot for use with or without the chair is also foldable, with adjustable length legs and angular adjustment, and an easily removable cot cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Alan L. Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 7441289
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and that can be connected with a motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a manual crank that is removably attached to the bed end. The bed end may include an elevating mechanism that includes a cross-beam or similar structure for transmitting motive force between fixed and movable portions of the bed end. The bed end may also include a new slip nut assembly for transmitting motive force from a lead screw. The bed may further include a reversible corner plate for allowing the bed end to be used facing in either direction. The bed end may also include a plastic cover that is washable and scratch resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: Howard Loewenthal
  • Patent number: 7437786
    Abstract: On a lift bed comprising four, telescopic lifting columns, which can be connected by a reclining-surface frame (8), as well as by head (2), foot (3) and side elements (4), provision is made, to permit simple assembly and dismantling of the head, foot and side elements, for the lifting columns to each display a slit (5.4), which is parallel to the axis and points towards the adjacent side element (4), and for the reclining-surface frame (8) and the side elements (4) to display corresponding anchoring elements (4.3) that can be inserted into the slits (5.4) in sliding fashion from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Okin Gesellschaft fur Antriebstechnik mbH
    Inventor: Klaus Bellingroth
  • Patent number: 7428760
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism for raising and lowering a patient support including a base having two spaced posts extending upwardly, a sliding sleeve on each base post and a cross member fixed to and extending between the sleeves. An actuator is located between the base and the cross member to move the cross member vertically with respect to the base. A horizontal member located above the cross member is slidingly moveable with respect to the sleeves and includes guides to capture the sleeves. A pulley is provided on the cross member and supports a chain or belt, fixed to the base at a first end and at the other end to the horizontal support. As the actuator raises and lowers the cross member, the upper support is raised and lowered at a greater speed. On the base is a reversible fold down pole to assist the patient in raising and lowering themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Protean Global Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Barry Edward McCrimmon
  • Publication number: 20080209629
    Abstract: An ambulance cot comprising a kickstand having a lowered position and a raised position is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Abe Arnold, William Harry Benedict
  • Patent number: 7386900
    Abstract: A frame elevating mechanism having first and second frames vertically spaced from one another. The first frame is configured to be supported on a floor surface. The second frame has a pair of longitudinally spaced elongate guide tracks extending coextensively with each lateral side of the second frame. Lever arms are provided on the first frame and include at the distal ends thereof a follower member operatively coupled to a respective one of the guide tracks. Each of the aforesaid lever arms has thereon an elongate second guide track configured to receive thereon a distal end of one of the arms of a two arm lever pivotally mounted on the first frame. Drive mechanisms are provided which operatively engage the second arm of the two arm lever to effect a change in elevation of the second frame relative to the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Guy Lemire
  • Patent number: 7356890
    Abstract: A leveling bed assembly for a casket includes a support member having a first end and a second end. The support member pivots allowing the first end of the support member to be raised from a level position to a raised position. A support stop is in contact with the second end of the support member. A spring member is attached to the first end of the support member. The spring member flexes when the first end of the support member is in the raised position. A post supports the flexed spring member in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Sauder Woodworking Co.
    Inventor: Myrl D. Sauder
  • Patent number: 7302716
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and can be connected with an existing motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a gear box having first and second input shafts that are selectively covered by a movable cover. The bed end may include a frame having drain openings for draining water from the bed end when the bed end is washed. The bed end may also include an end cap that is fastened to the frame in a unique manner, and that helps to maintain a panel of the bed end cover in a curved or bowed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Snyder, Howard Loewenthal, Andrew Spriegel, Gerold Goertzen, Robert Puckett, Kevin Wysocki
  • Patent number: 7296310
    Abstract: An adjustable mattress foundation comprises a lower frame, an upper frame, and a plurality of movable supports attached to the lower frame or the upper frame. The movable supports are adapted to maintain the upper and lower frames in spaced apart relation and are further adapted to permit vertical movement of the upper frame into a plurality of spaced apart relations relative to the lower frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Derek Scott Kozlowski, Mark Alan Hornung, Jonathan Paul Kane
  • Patent number: 7150056
    Abstract: A frame elevating mechanism having first and second frames vertically spaced from one another. The first frame is configured to be supported on a floor surface. The second frame has a pair of longitudinally spaced elongate guide tracks extending coextensively with each lateral side of the second frame. Lever arms are provided on the first frame and include at the distal ends thereof a follower member operatively coupled to a respective one of the guide tracks. Each of the aforesaid lever arms has thereon an elongate second guide track configured to receive thereon a distal end of one of the arms of a two arm lever pivotally mounted on the first frame. Drive mechanisms are provided which operatively engage the second arm of the two arm lever to effect a change in elevation of the second frame relative to the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Guy Lemire
  • Patent number: 7134155
    Abstract: An adjustable bed carriage for supporting a main bed frame above a substantially planar floor. The adjustable bed carriage has one or more first legs, each with an upper end slidably attached to a first end of the main bed frame, and one or more second legs, each with an upper end pivotably attached to a second end of the main bed frame. Each first leg is paired with a second leg, and they are pivotably connected to each other at a central pivot located substantially at a midpoint of each. The carriage also includes a first caster base with one or more first casters for engaging the floor, the first leg being attached to the first caster base. Also, the carriage has a second caster base with one or more second casters for engaging the floor, the second leg being attached to the second caster base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: M.C. Healthcare Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Freeborn, Ted House, Geoff Rutherford, Hualian Chen
  • Patent number: 7096523
    Abstract: The present invention is a bed loft comprising a pair of end assemblies and at least one support beam for receiving a support beam prong. Each end assembly comprises a first post and a second post. The first post comprises at least one support beam prong for insertion into the support beam, at least one end assembly prong for insertion into an end assembly support beam, and a receiver for holding a foot of a bedpost. The second post comprises at least one end assembly support beam for receiving an end assembly prong and a receiver for holding a foot of a bedpost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Eric D. Hennings, Donald R. Hennings
  • Patent number: 6983495
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and that can be connected with a motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a manual crank that is removably attached to the bed end. The bed end may include an elevating mechanism that includes a cross-beam or similar structure for transmitting motive force between fixed and movable portions of the bed end. The bed end may also include a new slip nut for transmitting motive force from a lead screw. The bed may further include a reversible corner plate for allowing the bed end to be used facing in either direction. The bed end may also include a plastic cover that is washable and scratch resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Snyder, Howard Loewenthal, Andrew Spriegel, Gerold Goertzen, Robert Puckett
  • Patent number: 6941594
    Abstract: A bed includes a main frame unit which rests on a floor and a mattress/box spring elevator unit that is movably connected to the main frame unit by a plurality of links so the mattress/box spring elevator unit can be moved relative to the main frame unit. The mattress/box spring elevator unit includes a first subframe unit connected to the main frame unit by springs and by the links, and a second subframe unit connected to the first subframe unit by a turntable so the second subframe unit can be rotated with respect to the first subframe unit. A mattress and box spring can be mounted on the mattress/box spring elevator unit and moved up from the main frame unit and then rotated as needed to change bedding on the mattress and box spring without requiring movement of the main frame unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Clinton L. Mosley
  • Patent number: 6941600
    Abstract: An adjustable bed carriage for supporting a main bed frame above a substantially planar floor. The adjustable bed carriage has a first leg with an upper end slidably attached to a first end of the main bed frame and a second leg with an upper end pivotably attached to a second end of the main bed frame. Each of the first leg and the second leg are pivotably connected to each other at a central pivot located substantially at a midpoint of each, to permit pivoting movement of each of the first leg and the second leg about the central pivot in opposite directions. The pivoting movement of the legs moves the adjustable bed carriage between a fully extended condition and a fully collapsed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: M.C. Healthcare Products Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Freeborn, Ted House, Geoff Rutherford
  • Patent number: 6934981
    Abstract: A combination bassinet, bedside sleeper and changing table apparatus including a supporting frame having a rocking feature convertible through adjustable locking casters for easy rolling. A fabric member comprised of sidewalls and a skirt is draped over the frame. The apparatus may be placed against one side of an adult bed for easy access by a parent. The bedside sleeper is secured to the parents' bed with safety straps. One sidewall may be lowered to facilitate access to an infant by removal of a removably mounted sidewall/skirt supporting rod. The apparatus is adjustable in height to align the bedside sleeper with the parents' bed and when used as a changing table to accommodate for differences in the height of the parent. The bassinet is provided with a removable, adjustable hood for shielding light from the baby's eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Simplicity, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Waldman, Jerome Drobinski
  • Patent number: 6834404
    Abstract: Apparatus for lifting or/and lowering persons has two interconnected X-frames each with two pivotally connected members arranged in an upright position in spaced parallel relationship, a support supported by the members, and one of two inflatable bags surrounding the pivotal connections so that portions of the bags lie between members, whereby inflation and deflation of the bags, opens the X-frames in scissors-fashion and allows the frames to close in a similar fashion thereby raising and lowering the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Mangar International Limited
    Inventor: Richard Edmond Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6820294
    Abstract: A wheeled carriage having a patient support deck elevatable by a pair of hydraulic jacks controlled by a foot pedal arrangement. Brakes are provided for the wheels on the wheeled carriage activatable by additional foot pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Shiery, Stan Palmatier, Jerry Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20040221386
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and that can be connected with a motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a manual crank that is removably attached to the bed end. The bed end may include an elevating mechanism that includes a cross-beam or similar structure for transmitting motive force between fixed and movable portions of the bed end. The bed end may also include a new slip nut assembly for transmitting motive force from a lead screw. The bed may further include a reversible corner plate for allowing the bed end to be used facing in either direction. The bed end may also include a plastic cover that is washable and scratch resistant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Howard Loewenthal
  • Patent number: 6779210
    Abstract: A patient's bed has a mattress support 6 carried by two bed ends each of which has a rise and fall travel beam. The beams stay parallel to the ground but adopt any inclination in response to an electric screw drive operated from a hand held cable connected control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Hugh Kelly
  • Publication number: 20040148698
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and can be connected with an existing motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a gear box having first and second input shafts that are selectively covered by a movable cover. The bed end may include a frame having drain openings for draining water from the bed end when the bed end is washed. The bed end may also include an end cap that is fastened to the frame in a unique manner, and that helps to maintain a panel of the bed end cover in a curved or bowed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Snyder, Howard Loewenthal, Andrew Spriegel, Gerold Goertzen, Robert Puckett, Kevin Wysocki
  • Publication number: 20040078894
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a universal, or interchangeable, bed end that can be used at either end of the bed and that can be connected with a motor drive assembly. The bed end may include a manual crank that is removably attached to the bed end. The bed end may include an elevating mechanism that includes a cross-beam or similar structure for transmitting motive force between fixed and movable portions of the bed end. The bed end may also include a new slip nut for transmitting motive force from a lead screw. The bed may further include a reversible corner plate for allowing the bed end to be used facing in either direction. The bed end may also include a plastic cover that is washable and scratch resistant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Snyder, Howard Loewenthal, Andrew Spriegel, Gerold Goertzen, Robert Puckett
  • Patent number: 6704949
    Abstract: A combination bassinet, bedside sleeper and changing table apparatus including a supporting frame having a rocking feature convertible through adjustable locking casters for easy rolling. A fabric member comprised of sidewalls and a skirt is draped over the frame. The apparatus may be placed against one side of an adult bed for easy access by a parent. The bedside sleeper is secured to the parents' bed with safety straps. One sidewall may be lowered to facilitate access to an infant by removal of a removably mounted sidewall/skirt supporting rod. The apparatus is adjustable in height to align the bedside sleeper with the parents' bed and when used as a changing table to accommodate for differences in the height of the parent. The bassinet is provided with a removable, adjustable hood for shielding light from the baby's eyes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Simplicity, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Waldman, Jerome Dropinski
  • Patent number: 6684424
    Abstract: A mobile veterinary gurney having a base frame member supporting a plurality of wheels, an elevation scissor frame member mounted on the base frame, and a gurney table mounted on the elevation scissor frame, there being mounted on the elevation scissor frame member a manually actuated, pressurized gas cylinder cooperative with the base frame member for controlling the opening and closing of the elevation scissor frame member and allowing the elevation of the gurney table to be locked at a selected height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Jehn
  • Patent number: 6678907
    Abstract: The bed (10) is provided with a height-adjustable lower frame (14) comprising a plurality of supporting legs (16) and with an upper frame (12) connected with said lower frame. Each supporting leg (16) comprises at its lower end (38) a swivelling and/or guide roller (40) which is received by the supporting leg (16) and is enclosed by a supporting edge (52) of the supporting leg (16) at the lower end (38) of the latter. Said roller (40) is retained by a retaining element (42,44) which is displaceably guided along the supporting leg (16) for the purpose of moving the roller (40) out of the lower end (38) of the supporting leg (16) beyond the supporting edge (52) of the latter and into the lower end (38) of the supporting leg (16). A lifting means (56) is movable out of the upper end (68) of the supporting leg (16) and into the upper end (68) of the supporting leg (16), said lifting means (56) comprising a fastening element (76) which is connected with the upper frame (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Voelker Moebelproduktionsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Voelker, Karlheinz Baumeister
  • Patent number: 6675409
    Abstract: A stand can support a conventional four-posted bed at an elevation substantially higher than floor level and provides open access to the greatly increased space beneath the bed. From above, the stand has a straight-sided-U shape with a leg at each corner. Two legs at the head and at the foot of the bed are connected by cross braces such that the stand has two opposing H-shaped end units. A a single longitudinal horizontally disposed truss extending along one side of the bed rigidly and strongly connects the end units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Campus Loft Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. O'Dell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6651273
    Abstract: Lift bed with a bed frame carried on at least two carriages, whereby each carriage is supported movably on a guide rail arranged vertically for moving the bed frame in the vertical direction and whereby each carriage consists of two parts which are supported in a mutually tiltable manner via a horizontal axle running parallel to the bed-frame width; the two carriage parts of each carriage are joined by an adjustment device clamping them together so that the bed frame mounted on the first carriage part is adjustable in the horizontal position; the adjustment device exhibits an overload device which gives way on reaching a predefined limit load and releases the connection and whereby also an end-stop is provided which holds the bed frame in a slightly angled position after release of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gerhart W. Vilsmeier
  • Patent number: 6629322
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manual assisted vertical lift bed used for increased sleeping capacity, storage and space in a confined living space. The lift bed may also provide safe operation for lowering and raising the lift bed through use of a bed frame, safety devices, and movement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Skyline Corporation
    Inventor: Myron D. Monroe
  • Patent number: 6581221
    Abstract: A support is provided for a bed or the like which provides one hundred percent unobstructed floor space therebelow. The support may be used for supporting a pair of vertically spaced beds or a bed having a desk or sofa positioned therebelow. The support comprises upstanding first and second end frames which are horizontally spaced-apart and which have guardrails secured to the upper ends thereof. Cross supports extend between the guardrails for supporting a bed thereon. Accessory supports optionally extend between the first and second end frames for supporting a desk or sofa thereon. The support may be quickly assembled and disassembled without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Terry L. Rosenquist
  • Patent number: 6560792
    Abstract: A support is provided for a bed or the like which provides one hundred percent unobstructed floor space therebelow. The support may be used for supporting a pair of vertically spaced beds or a bed having a desk or sofa positioned therebelow. The support comprises upstanding first and second end frames which are horizontally spaced-apart and which have guardrails secured to the upper ends thereof. Cross supports extend between the guardrails for supporting a bed thereon. Accessory supports optionally extend between the first and second end frames for supporting a desk or sofa thereon. The support may be quickly assembled and disassembled without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Terry L. Rosenquist
  • Patent number: 6550082
    Abstract: An adjustable co-sleeper nest is described. The invention, in a first embodiment, comprises a baby crib having a removable front wall and four supporting rails attached to the back and side walls of the crib structure. A platform having a back wall, first and second side walls, and a reduced height front wall formed of flexible material is adjustably suspended from the supporting rails. A mattress pad is supported upon the platform structure within the walls of the platform. The platform and mattress pad extend beyond the side walls of the crib for a predetermined distance so that the mattress will fit snugly against the edge of a parental bed. Devices are provided for adjusting and securing the height of the co-sleeper platform. Straps are provided for securing the crib to the side of the parental bed. In a second embodiment, the co-sleeper nest is free-standing within an existing crib, bearing against the rear wall of the crib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Arms Reach Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Tharalson, Diana Tharalson
  • Patent number: 6550081
    Abstract: A lift bed has a vertically adjustable bed frame and a pulling device for moving the bed frame in the vertical direction. The lift bed includes two carriages which has secured to an end face of the bed frame horizontally spaced from one another, each of said carriages being supported such that it is movable on a vertical guide rail by means of rollers. The carriages are connected via a pull chain or a toothed belt to a counterweight and each pull chain or each toothed belt is guided over a drive wheel at the upper end of the respective guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Gerhart W. Vilsmeier
  • Publication number: 20020046423
    Abstract: A lift bed comprising a vertically adjustable bed frame and a pulling device for moving said bed frame in the vertical direction, said lift bed comprising two carriages which are secured to an end face of the bed frame such that they are horizontally spaced from one another, each of said carriages being supported such that it is movable on a vertical guide rail by means of rollers, said two carriages being each connected via a pull chain or a toothed belt to a counterweight; each pull chain or each toothed belt is guided over a drive wheel at the upper end of the respective guide rail; the drive wheels are rigidly coupled via a coupler rod; the coupler rod is connected to a main reel which is arranged in vertically spaced relationship with a counterreel; the main reel and the counterreel are interconnected by a drive belt, said drive belt being used for rotatably driving the coupler rod; and the counterreel is adapted to be driven selectively in one direction or the other by means of a motor coupled to a redu
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: Gerhart W. Vilsmeier
  • Patent number: 6314595
    Abstract: A bunk bed or a high rise (loft) bed framing system. The framing system incorporates interlocking tubular rails and posts for constructing the framing system. The tubular rails and posts are of varying diameters which fit into corner posts. The tubular rails and posts form an integrated ladder system and an integrated safety rail system when the framing system is assembled. The ladder system and the safety rail system provide added safety to the user while providing further stability, stiffness and durability to the framing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Joel F. Price
  • Patent number: 6276010
    Abstract: An ambulance cot having a wheeled base, a horizontally oriented patient litter support disposed on the base and having an elongate guide extending lengthwise thereof. A support mechanism is provided for supporting the patient litter support for vertical movement relative to the base while being maintained in the generally horizontal orientation. A device is provided for selectively locking the patient litter support at selectively different vertical elevations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher B. Way, Clifford E. Lambarth
  • Patent number: 6148456
    Abstract: A first playpen enclosure that converts easily to a bassinet, changing table or bed-side crib or "co-sleeper" that attaches securely to the parents' bed. A second enclosure support system maintains a padded enclosure and rigid floor panel at one or more predetermined levels below the top of the playpen to form the bassinet and co-sleeper. The second enclosure has a back, two sides, a bottom and a front flap that converts into a front wall for use in the bassinet mode and overhangs the front horizontal rail for use in the co-sleeper mode. The upper front corners are segmented into a movable section and a fixed section to facilitate lowering the front horizontal rail to at least one lower second position to accommodate various parental bed heights. Extensions of the fixed section are affixed to the front vertical rails and accept the movable sections in several positions to secure the rail in the second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventors: Douglas Tharalson, Diana Tharalson, Bruce Martin
  • Patent number: 6012185
    Abstract: A pair of stackable, nestable blocks for elevating the leg of a bed to a plurality of selectable heights employs first and second blocks that each have upper and lower ends, with recesses being provided in at least one of the ends of each block that can be oriented upwardly to receive and support the foot or lower end region of a bed leg. Each block has a different length, which enables each block, used separately, to support the bed leg at a different height. Recesses of differing depths preferably are provided in opposite ends of at least one of the blocks, whereby the block or blocks that have dual-depth recesses can be inverted to provide bed leg support at two different heights. One of the two blocks preferably has a larger size than the other and is provided with recess(es) large enough to receive and support one or both of the end regions of the other of the blocks, whereby the smaller-size block can be stacked and nested atop the larger-size block to provide still more bed leg elevation heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Rest Right, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Woods, Myron E. Ullman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6006378
    Abstract: A bed permits changing of bedclothes without moving the person on it and without substantial burden for either the patient or the care-taker. A left and a right carriage member 5 and 6, wheels 15 to 18 and a shaft 7 constitute a carriage. The carriage supports mats 11 and 12 via balancing members 3 and 4 and shafts 1 and 2 and advances the mats 11 and 12 along rails 31 and 32. The mat 12 is stretched between the rails 31 and 32 by fasteners. The balancing members 3 and 4 are rotatably coupled by a shaft to downward extensions 5a and 6a of the carriage members 5 and 6. The shafts 1 and 2 are rotatably mounted in the balancing members 3 and 4. With advancement of the carriage caused by turning a grip 26, the slides 52 and 54 cause the old mat 12 to be released from the fasteners and wound on the shaft 2, while also causing the new mat 11 to be coupled to the fasteners and stretched between the rails 31 and 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Mitsuru Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5987673
    Abstract: An extendable hand control for a stretcher undercarriage (10) which has height adjustable legs (11, 12). It comprises a handle (19) fitted to an end of a tube (20), slidable within an undercarriage frame member (21). The handle has an associated lever (15) which operates a control cable (14) for adjusting the height of the height adjustable legs (11, 12) . The arrangement includes a locking bar (26) within the slidable tube (20) which sets the maximum extendable position of the handle and the fully retractable position of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn S Smith
  • Patent number: 5953776
    Abstract: One requirement imposed on a patient table is that it may occupy only a small floor surface area. Therefore, a patient table having a compact base is required. For a variety of applications, moreover, it is desired that the table is also constructed to be very rigid in the direction of adjustment of its height. To this end, the height adjustment system supporting the table is provided with a drive mechanism which consists of two mutually parallel threaded spindles (54, 56) which pass through an associated nut (50, 52) and expand in two mutually opposed directions. The two threaded spindles are preferably driven by a single motor (70). In order to achieve adequate rigidity in the horizontal direction, the hinge is constructed so as to comprise two arms (28, 30) only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Leonardus C. M. Sanders, Johannes H. A. Van De Rijdt, Johan W. Rust
  • Patent number: 5943714
    Abstract: A vertically-displaceable bed platform suspended from a ceiling having a platform with two forward and two rearward engagement regions, and four pulley members each disposed an equal vertical distance from the engagement regions such that two correspond with the forward regions and two with the rearward regions. Four cables are each connected to one of the engagement regions, with a first pair of cables connected to the forward region about the corresponding forward pulleys and joining the corresponding rearward pulleys, and a second pair of cables connected to the rearward regions about the rearward pulleys to join with the first pair of cables. The joined pairs of cables are attached to a counterweight, such that downward motion of the counterweight causes an equal reduction in the four vertical distances and retraction of the platform in the direction of the ceiling to a fully retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: David Dignam
  • Patent number: 5898817
    Abstract: An infant warmer for use in a Healthcare environment for the examination and treatment of newborn babies. A column supports an infra-red radiant heater above a support surface on which the baby is positioned. The support source is cantilevered from the column. The column is carried by a base section which is provided with wheels to allow the infant warmer to be easily transported. The base section includes an automated height adjustment mechanism which allows a user to easily adjust the height of the support surface by raising; or lowering the column. The infant warmer is made in a modular fashion to be easily customised for any particular environment or special requirement by constructing the column from a "U" shaped extrusion which allows various Healthcare modules to be inserted as required to suit particular requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Maxwell Salmon, Christopher Peter Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 5884348
    Abstract: A crib selectively serving as a baby bed and also as a playpen includes a bed floor member and respective panels enclosing the periphery of the bed floor member (13). At least one panel (12) is height-controllably supported by a base support (20) that also supports the bed floor member. In case of using the crib as a baby bed, the panel (12) is brought to a low position for enabling a mother or the like to readily care for the baby. In case of using the crib as a playpen, the panel is brought to a high position for safety reasons. The height of the bed floor member is also adjustable between high and low positions by adjusting the base support, which for example includes pivotable, tiltable or removable leg frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventors: Ichiro Onishi, Kenzou Kassai
  • Patent number: 5842586
    Abstract: A height adjustable bed and storage unit for small living quarters in which substantially vertical posts are fixedly attached to the floor and ceiling of the living quarters. Each post includes a mating structure for mating to a cross-member at a plurality of vertical positions, the cross-member being utilized for holding a platform substantially horizontally. The cross-member is releasable from the mating structure without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Gordon Melby
  • Patent number: 5802634
    Abstract: An adjustable bed, suitable for use from infancy to adulthood includes a bed frame body having pivoting end panels and a height adjustable base. In one adjusted position, with the end panels pivoted to near vertical and the height adjustable base fully raised, the bed is swingable like a cradle, with the bed frame body swingably suspended from the height adjustable base. By lowering the height adjustable base, the near vertical end panels contact the floor, and the bed is useful as a playpen for an infant or a chair for an adult. By pivoting the end panels to intermediate or horizontal positions, the bed becomes useful as a lounge chair or as a bed for a child. With the height adjustable base at its lowest, and the end panels pivoted to horizontal positions, the bed may be used as a rigid support for an adult mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Aprica Kassai Kabushikikaisha
    Inventors: Ichiro Onishi, Kenzou Kassai
  • Patent number: 5797152
    Abstract: A bedstead for single beds, which can be assembled pairwise, adjacent to one another, into a double bed, particularly hotel beds, with a peripheral bed frame, which surrounds the region for accommodating at least one mattress and encircles the mattress in a lower part, is configured in such a way that the bed frame consists of least one narrow-walled metal plate which, at least at the longitudinal sides of the bedstead, is set so far to the inside with respect to the outline of the mattress(es), that its external surfaces do not protrude beyond the outline of the mattress, in order to make it possible that the mattress is held securely and stably on the bedstead and that the transition between the two mattresses is almost gapless in the assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Gerhard Wiesch
  • Patent number: 5732425
    Abstract: A therapeutic table has a base, a bed-like table top, adjustable legs to provide height adjustment of the table top, a gas spring which provides an upward lift on and at least substantially neutralizes weight of the table top and a lock having numerous locking positions for locking the table top at different heights to which it is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Shun Leung