Side Guard Patents (Class 5/425)
  • Publication number: 20080066230
    Abstract: A safety bed including a bed frame, pivotally attached guard rails, and a vertically adjustable mattress support structure. The mattress support structure capable of being lowered within the confines of the bed frame to prevent a patient from crawling out of the safety bed. The mattress support structure capable of being raised within the bed frame to grant a health care provider access to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph H. Hallock, Gregg Weinschreider
  • Publication number: 20080034506
    Abstract: This invention relates to a folding mechanism for a playard, which comprises first and second joints substantially cylindrical in shape. The joints have arcuate plates and stops that cooperative with each other to effect the rotation between the joints, so that the changing table can be moved between an operation position and a storage position. This invention may avoid accidental collapse of the changing table, and enable the users to conveniently fold/unfold the changing table single handed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun-Min Chen, Jianqun Li
  • Patent number: 7293305
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a set of siderails configured to block egress of a patient from the patient support. A siderail through use of an adapter is configured to reduce gaps defined between the siderails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell L. Metz, Terry J. Stratman, David J. Ulrich, Francis C. Ganance
  • Publication number: 20070180624
    Abstract: An end panel 312 for a patient-support apparatus 310 includes a main portion 316 and one or more movable portions 330, 332. The movable portions 330, 332 are movable to provide a barrier 318 in a gap between a siderail 360 of the patient-support apparatus 310 and the main portion 316 of the end panel 312.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Newkirk, Kenneth W. Meyer, John B. Wilker, Richard H. Heimbrock, James L. Walke, Robert M. Zerhusen, Michael M. Frondorf
  • Publication number: 20070180616
    Abstract: A user module for a patient support is provided. The user module is coupled to a patient support barrier, such as a siderail or a footboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicant: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Newkirk, Brian T. Wiggins, James L. Walke, Jack B. Wilker, Carl William Riley, Robert Mark Zerhusen
  • Patent number: 7246388
    Abstract: A safety apparatus for a bed comprised of two safety panels and a cover. Each safety panel comprises a horizontal stabilizer and vertically-extending panel of a synthetic polymeric material with a density of from about 1 to about 10 pounds per cubic foot. The width of the stabilizer is less than about 20 per cent of the width of the mattress. Disposing the horizontal stabilizer underneath a mattress secures said the vertically-extending panel in a substantially-vertical orientation along a side of said bed. Another embodiment comprises the foregoing side panel safety apparatus in combination with a safety rail of said bed, further comprising said safety rail; wherein said horizontal stabilizer blocks a person in said bed from moving a part of said person's body into contact with said safety rail such that said body part becomes entrapped from said contact. Another embodiment comprises movable vertical sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel L. DiLiberto, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7237284
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed, in particular a hospital bed, fitted with a plurality of adjacent individual barrier elements along at least one of its longitudinal sides, the barrier elements extending vertically and each occupying a fraction of the length of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom S.A.S.
    Inventors: David W. Hensley, Sébastien Gemeline, Yann Dollo
  • Patent number: 7231678
    Abstract: A side rail pad system that provides modifications and components operable in association with hospital beds and the like that are designed to articulate. The system improves upon the structural shape of the side rails used in association with the articulating bed frames and provides an arrangement of side rail pads that are positioned between the side rails and the existing mattress platform. The side rail pads are positioned on the bed frame with flexible hinges in a manner that allows their alternate movement between a placement that fills the space between the side rails and the mattress when the side rails are in a raised position, and a placement away from the side of the mattress when the side rails are rotated into a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Parker
  • Patent number: 7222377
    Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a set of siderails configured to block egress of a patient from the patient support. The siderails are configured to reduce gaps defined between the siderails and the other components of the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Robert T. Fussner, Jackie Robertson, Gregory W. Branson, Brian T. Wiggins, Doug H. Smith, John P. Biondo, Kendra K. Doyle, Richard B. Stacy, Michael V. Bolden, Reza Hakamiun, Clement J. Koerber, Sr., Michael J. Gosmeyer, James E. Gilbert, Donald L. Mobley, Dennis S. Flessate, David J. Ulrich, Jeffrey R. Welling, Gary W. Ferdon, Virgil J. Niese, Benjamin Salvatini, Patrick J. Minnelli, David W. Hornbach
  • Patent number: 7213282
    Abstract: A crib accessory and assembly comprising a bumper portion comprising: an outer panel, an inner panel, and a padding disposed between the outer and the inner panels. At least one of the outer and the inner panels comprises a plurality of slits distributed along a portion of a length of the respective panel, and an attachment element is looped through at least a portion of the plurality of slits. The attachment element comprises a terminal end comprising a securing element, wherein the securing element attaches the attachment element to a receiving portion located on at least one of the outer and inner panels. The crib accessory further comprises a mattress cover comprising a bottom side flanked by a side wall, wherein the side wall connects the bottom side of the mattress cover to the bumper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Caroline A. Wojtowicz
  • Patent number: 7200882
    Abstract: A movable control panel for a patient support is provided. The patient support includes a support structure which is movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to a patient support. A controller is coupled to the support structure for movement between a deployed position and a stored position. A mechanism for coupling the controller to the support structure is also provided. The controller includes control switches that are operable to adjust a position of the patient support. The coupling mechanism is operable to move the controller between the deployed position and the stored position in response to movement of the support structure between the raised position and the lowered position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Patent number: 7197779
    Abstract: Side rail assemblies for beds are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to adjustable side rail assemblies. The side rail assemblies discussed herein have an under-mount frame support for supporting a brace member, which has a coupling assembly for coupling a rail guard to the brace member, and hence to the under-mount frame support. The rail guard is movable to a non-blocking position to permit ingress and egress to a bed and to a blocking position to limit ingress and egress to the bed. In the blocking position, the rail guard may be used by a user to upright himself or herself from a lying position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Medical Equipment & Supplies Discount Center Inc., Two
    Inventor: Mohtasham Shalikar
  • Patent number: 7181788
    Abstract: A bed rail structured to minimize the gap between the mattress and the bed rail and including a leg portion and a rail portion. The rail portion extends upwardly on a first side of the mattress to extend beyond the sleeping surface of the mattress and prevent a person from rolling out of bed. The leg portion is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring and extends toward a second side of the mattress. In one embodiment, the leg portion includes a distal end that is engaged to the second side of at least one of the mattress and box spring such that the distal end and rail portion hug the mattress. In another embodiment, the bed rail includes a relatively rigid cover depending from an upper portion of the rail portion to the sleeping surface so as to cover a gap that may exist between the first side of the mattress and the rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Nathan A Dusheck
  • Patent number: 7178184
    Abstract: A bed rail structured to minimize the gap between the mattress and the bed rail and including a leg portion and a rail portion. The rail portion extends upwardly on a first side of the mattress to extend beyond the sleeping surface of the mattress and prevent a person from rolling out of bed. The leg portion is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring and extends toward a second side of the mattress. In one embodiment, the leg portion includes a distal end that is engaged to the second side of at least one of the mattress and box spring such that the distal end and rail portion hug the mattress. In another embodiment, the bed rail includes a relatively rigid cover depending from an upper portion of the rail portion to the sleeping surface so as to cover a gap that may exist between the first side of the mattress and the rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Nathan A Dusheck
  • Patent number: 7150058
    Abstract: An assist handle can easily be retrofit to the sleep surface frame of an existing articulating bed. The handle comprises an assist handle, a handle mount that is adapted to be supported by the bed for supporting the assist handle for movement relative to the bed, and one or more latch configurations for latching the assist handle in one or more fixed positions relative to the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Rabska, Todd C. Kramer
  • Patent number: 7137160
    Abstract: A bed (10) includes a base (12) and a frame assembly (14). A head end support assembly (16) and a foot end support assembly (18) are coupled between the base (12) and the frame assembly (14). The frame assembly (14) includes first and second side frame members (80, 82) located above the base (12). The bed (10) also includes a plurality of latch mechanisms (160) coupled to the first and second side frame members (80, 82), and a patient support surface (162) configured to be coupled to the first and second side frame members (80, 82) by the plurality of latch mechanisms (160). A rotational drive mechanism (130) is coupled to the foot end support assembly (18) to rotate the frame assembly (14) about its longitudinal axis to a prone position. A proning surface (250) is coupled to the frame assembly (14) to support a patient in the prone position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Hand, Richard Robinson, Matthew R. Cavanaugh, Jack J. Brooks, Vincent L. Babson, Steven J. Doehler, Eric Weidner
  • Patent number: 7137158
    Abstract: A bed rail structured to minimize the gap between the mattress and the bed rail and including a leg portion and a rail portion. The rail portion extends upwardly on a first side of the mattress to extend beyond the sleeping surface of the mattress and prevent a person from rolling out of bed. The leg portion is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring and extends toward a second side of the mattress. In one embodiment, the leg portion includes a distal end that is engaged to the second side of at least one of the mattress and box spring such that the distal end and rail portion hug the mattress. In another embodiment, the bed rail includes a relatively rigid cover depending from an upper portion of the rail portion to the sleeping surface so as to cover a gap that may exist between the first side of the mattress and the rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: Mark A Flannery, Nathan A Dusheck
  • Patent number: 7127755
    Abstract: A side panel safety apparatus for a bed, and a related method comprises: a horizontal stabilizer for placement at least partially underneath a mattress of said bed; and a vertically-extending panel attached substantially perpendicularly thereto; wherein: placement of said horizontal stabilizer at least partially underneath said mattress secures said vertically-extending panel in a substantially-vertical orientation along a side of said bed. One embodiment further comprises a cover covering both said mattress and said horizontal stabilizer. Another embodiment comprises the foregoing side panel safety apparatus in combination with a safety rail of said bed, further comprising: said safety rail; wherein: said horizontal stabilizer blocks a person in said bed from moving a part of said person's body into contact with said safety rail such that said body part becomes entrapped from said contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas J. Stacy, Henry Fialkowski, Jr., Samuel L. DiLiberto, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7107635
    Abstract: A fitted bed sheet has a pair of roll guards mounted thereon to prevent a toddler or other person from rolling out of bed. Each roll guard is removably disposed in a slip cover mounted on the sheet by a flexible strip of material, which allows each roll guard to move between a first position atop the sheet and a second position beside the sheet with the roll guard hanging from the flexible strip. Each roll guard is securable in the raised position by the linking of fastener strips having hook and loop fasteners mounted on the slip cover and fabric loops mounted on the sheet. Each roll guard is removably mounted to the sheet via a zipper between the sheet and the flexible strip of material mounted on the slip cover. A plurality of elastic straps is mounted axially on the bottom of the sheet to help secure the sheet on a mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Jodi M. Henry, Judith O. Mugnaini
  • Patent number: 7089609
    Abstract: A sub-assembly for a multiple bed unit having an elongate bed rail and a bed end including a pair of spaced, substantially vertical posts affixed to a side of the bed rail. Each of the posts includes a rail connector for receiving a rail of another bed. A multiple bed unit includes a first bed having a pair of bed ends, a side rail and a sub-assembly connected between and supported by the bed ends, and a second bed having a bed end and at least one side rail connected between the bed end of the second bed and the bed end of the sub-assembly of the first bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: J Squared, Inc. d/b/a University Loft Company
    Inventor: James N. Jannetides
  • Patent number: 7086101
    Abstract: An infant co-sleeper has a central cloth bedding portion defining a generally rectilinear area for receiving an infant and two pockets on opposite sides of the generally rectilinear area for receiving removable padding to form barriers on either side of the generally rectilinear area for confining an infant there between. First and second removable padding member are received in the pockets of the central cloth bedding portion to maintain an infant on the central cloth bedding portion. The generally rectilinear area of the co-sleeper can itself define a pocket for receiving backing materials such as absorbent or reinforcing pads. A process of breast feeding the confined infant from the co-sleeper is disclosed where the head of an infant in the co-sleeper is placed adjacent the breast of a nursing human and the padding partially withdrawn to provide infant access to the nursing breast while still confining the infant to the co-sleeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventors: Lisa Welch, Viktor Nehring
  • Patent number: 7076818
    Abstract: A patient support or bed is disclosed having a frame, a mattress, and a plurality of siderails. A detector is disclosed that detects a position of a siderail relative to a portion of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Kummer, Gregory W. Branson, Eric R. Meyer, Brad Wilson, Tanya Taber, Ken Chambers, Mike Frondorf, John Vodzak, Jim Stolpmann, Roger Dalton, Ken Smith, Jeffrey A. Heyser
  • Patent number: 7073219
    Abstract: A side rail; a patient support assembly, such a hospital bed, a stretcher and the like, provided with such a side rail; a method of operating associated thereto; and a kit for assembling the side rail. The side rail includes support bars and at least one cross bar being substantially positioned within a same vertical plane, substantially parallel to a corresponding side portion of the assembly. The support bars are rotatable with respect to the corresponding side portion about respective axes being parallel to a transverse axis of the assembly, and first and second ends of the at least one cross bar are rotatable with respect to the support bars about respective axes being parallel to the transverse axis, so that the side rail be operated between raised and lowered configurations along the same vertical plane and so that the side rail be collapsible in the lowered configuration, within the same vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Teknion Concept
    Inventors: Stéphan Poulin, Christian Gauvin, Florimond Laporte, Bruno LaVerdière, Vincent Rochette, Jean Rodrigue
  • Patent number: 7073220
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and siderails supported by the frame. A latch member is configured to prevent vertical movement of the siderail. A latch position indicator is configured to provide an indication of the position of the latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Simmonds, Brent Goodwin, James K. Findlay
  • Patent number: 7055193
    Abstract: A bed guard assembly includes one or more side panels, an end panel coupled to the one or more side panels, and stabilizers for placement beneath a mattress, coupled to the one or more side panels. Each side panel includes a rigid outer side frame and fabric material attached to the rigid outer side frame. The end panel includes a rigid outer end frame and fabric material attached to the rigid outer end frame. Each side panel and/or the end panel can also include a substantially horizontal rigid member spanning an interior of the outer side frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Summer Infant, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Macari, Steven Gibree
  • Patent number: 7051384
    Abstract: A foldable bed comprising a frame for supporting a mattress, foldable between a sleeping position and a storage position, and a guardrail in hinged connection with the frame for pivoting movement of the guardrail relative to the frame between an upright guard position wherein the guardrail is angularly oriented relative to the frame and a nested position wherein the guardrail is in flush abutment with the frame. The guardrail may have a mounting tab and a slot in the frame for insertion of the mounting tab of the guardrail into the frame for pivoting movement of the guardrail relative to the frame between an upright guard position wherein the guardrail is angularly oriented relative to the frame and a nested position wherein the guardrail is in flush abutment with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Edmond Paul Guillot, William Charles Hiatt, Max Dene Richards
  • Patent number: 7028352
    Abstract: A patient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a set of siderails configured to block egress of a patient from the patient support. The siderails are configured to reduce gaps defined between the siderails and the other components of the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, Robert T. Fussner, Jackie Robertson, Gregory W. Branson, Brian T. Wiggins, Doug H. Smith, John P. Biondo, Kendra K. Doyle, Richard B. Stacy, Michael V. Bolden, Reza Hakamiun, Clement J. Koerber, Sr., Michael J. Gosmeyer, James E. Gilbert, Donald L. Mobley, Dennis S. Flessate, David J. Ulrich, Jeffrey R. Welling, Gary W. Ferdon, Virgil J. Niese, Benjamin Salvatini, Patrick J. Minnelli, David W. Hornbach
  • Patent number: 7017208
    Abstract: A method is provided for permitting a module which is configured to perform a dedicated function on a bed to use a graphical interface. Graphic format data used by the module is downloaded, if necessary, and stored in a memory of the graphical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7013508
    Abstract: A bed rail assembly includes a joint device connecting two top tubes, a pair of corner members mounted to free ends of the top tubes, two vertical tubes mounted to and depending from the corner members, and a pair of knuckle devices mounted to lower ends of the vertical tubes. Horizontal support tubes extend from the knuckle devices in a direction substantially normal to a plane defined by the top tubes and the vertical tubes. Extensions project from the knuckle devices to receive and fix support tube thereby forming a rectangular frame onto which a cover is attached to shield the frame. Each knuckle device includes a movable member movably connected to a base of the knuckle device to allow collapse of the bed rail. A Y-shaped belt and an L-shaped retention member are used to secure the bed rail assembly to a mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Sung-Tsun Wu
  • Patent number: 6990697
    Abstract: A bed rail for mounting to the side of a bed includes a pair of support legs and an entrapment-resistant side panel. The side panel includes a rigid frame enclosed within a flexible bed rail cover. The frame is generally rectangular in shape, having upper, intermediate, and lower horizontal rods, spanning first and second vertical shafts. The intermediate rod is preferably attached to the bed rail covering by means of a sheath, and located so as to restrain outward lateral excursions of said bed rail covering in the region between the lower and upper rods. The lowermost ends of the vertical shafts are pivotally connected to outer ends of the support legs. The support legs have inner ends installed between the mattress and the box spring. Anchor straps extend between the outer ends of the support legs and an anchor plate on the other side of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Lorne Jason Clute
  • Patent number: 6983496
    Abstract: A system for attachment to a child's crib combining a side rail and a ramp structure that serve to prevent the child from rolling out during sleep, and at the same time provide a means for the child to climb or crawl into or out from the crib. Components include a side rail fixed to the crib at each end by removable straps or the like, and rigidly connected to a pair of legs that slide between the mattress and box spring of the crib. A generally larger ramp component extends pivotally outward and downward from the side rail component to a point in contact with the floor. Embodiments include multiple hinged components within the ramp system to allow alternate positioning of the ramp (in whole or in parts) in an extended or a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Alfred Hernández
  • Patent number: 6971132
    Abstract: A mattress for use in hospital, nursing homes, and the like, incorporates hand supports with hand grips built into the sides of the mattress. Raised bolsters built into the top surface of the mattress adjacent to its lateral edges help to prevent the patient from falling out of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Fred M. Feinsod
  • Patent number: 6961972
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided to aid a person entering end exiting a bed. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft and a member mounted normally to an end of the elongated shaft. The member is in the same plane as the shaft and is centered relative to the end. The elongated shaft and the member are shaped so as not to have a closed loop. The elongated shaft has a bracket to mount to a bed with the plane parallel to a side of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Gordon Zachary Pendell
  • Patent number: 6959463
    Abstract: A bed guard assembly includes a number of end panels, flexible connecting material for placement beneath a mattress, and connection pieces. The connection pieces connect the flexible connecting material to the end panels such that at least one end panel opposes another end panel when the flexible connecting material is disposed beneath a mattress. The end panel includes a rigid frame, a substantially horizontal rigid segment spanning an interior of the outer frame, and a fabric cover. The connection pieces are adjustable, and include a mechanism for pulling taut the connecting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Summer Infant, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Macari
  • Patent number: 6957455
    Abstract: The safety bumper is useable with a child's bed. The safety bumper is receivable by and placeable on a mattress, and comprises a fitted mattress engaging portion and a bumper portion. The mattress engaging portion includes a ring-like underside surface engaging portion for engaging the underside surface of the mattress. The mattress engaging portion defines an opening. An endless side surface engaging portion is provided for engaging each of the first and second opposed side surfaces, and the first and second opposed end surfaces of the mattress. An elastic member is capable of extending chordally along the underside surface of the mattress between a pair of opposed points of the endless side surface engaging portion. The bumper portion comprises an endless ring capable of being disposed adjacent to the first and second opposed side surfaces, and the first and second end surfaces of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Anita Misson
  • Patent number: 6952846
    Abstract: A bed rail structured to minimize the gap between the mattress and the bed rail and including a leg portion and a rail portion. The rail portion extends upwardly on a first side of the mattress to extend beyond the sleeping surface of the mattress and prevent a person from rolling out of bed. The leg portion is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring and extends toward a second side of the mattress. In one embodiment, the leg portion includes a distal end that is engaged to the second side of at least one of the mattress and box spring such that the distal end and rail portion hug the mattress. In another embodiment, the bed rail includes a relatively rigid cover depending from an upper portion of the rail portion to the sleeping surface so as to cover a gap that may exist between the first side of the mattress and the rail portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Nathan A. Dusheck
  • Patent number: 6951036
    Abstract: A siderail assembly for a bed which includes a frame having thereon at least one pivotally supported arm for movement between first and second positions, the arm having at a distal end thereof a first connection location. A siderail support frame is pivotally connected to the distal end of the arm and has thereon at least one upstanding and elongate guide member. A siderail carriage frame is supported for movement along a length of the guide member toward and away from the siderail support frame and has thereon at least one second connection location. An elongate link is pivotally connected to and extends between the first and second connection locations to effect movement of the siderail carriage frame along the guide member toward and away from the siderail support frame in response to a pivotal movement of the arm relative to the frame to change the spacing between the siderail carriage frame and the siderail support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Guy Lemire
  • Patent number: 6941598
    Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress supported on a support surface. The mattress has first and second inflatable cells for supporting a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas, Lincoln J. Alvord, Stephen D. Smith, Steven N. Roe, Richard W. O'Connor, William A. Gilmartin, William Loh, William R. Fish, Jonathan Salsado, Charles W. Neder, William Silva, Wesley E. Grass
  • Patent number: 6938289
    Abstract: A bed siderail support assembly which includes a frame, a support deck mounted on the frame and having upwardly and downwardly facing sides. The support deck has a head end, a foot end and opposite lateral edges extending between the head end and the foot end. At least one siderail is oriented along side of at least one of the lateral edges and a connecting mechanism is provided which is configured to connect the siderail to either the frame or the downwardly facing side of the support deck. The connecting mechanism includes a support configured for securement to either the frame or the support deck, an elongate toothed rack longitudinally movably mounted on the support, a pair of parallel arms pivotally mounted on the support, a toothed pinion gear on each arm supported for meshing engagement with the toothed rack and a mount pivotally secured to each of the arms and being configured to support a bed siderail thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventor: Marco Morin
  • Patent number: 6934984
    Abstract: A bed rail is disclosed for use with a mattress. The bed rail is configured to be clamped to the mattress with a clamping force. A clamping force indicator is used to provide information about the clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Marsden, Kurt Nygren
  • Patent number: 6928673
    Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a siderail apparatus for a siderail of a hospital bed is provided that is configured to be coupled to the siderail. Preferably, the siderail apparatus is padded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James Robert Risk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6922861
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for holding and supporting an infant, which consists of a base including a proximal extremity, an opposing distal extremity, and an edge therebetween. The base has an inclined surface extends from the proximal extremity to the edge, and a generally horizontal surface extends from the edge to the distal extremity. A body-supporting harness assembly, located atop the inclined surface, is attached to the base and is movable between a first body supporting position away from the general horizontal surface and a second position toward the generally horizontal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Michelle L. Mathis
  • Patent number: 6920655
    Abstract: A multi-purpose mat has open and folded configurations. The mat includes a base and a plurality of sidewalls disposed about a periphery of the base. A first resilient flexible slat is disposed within one of the sidewalls and a second resilient flexible slat is disposed within the remaining sidewalls. The slats provide means for reinforcing the sidewalls and also provide a spring-like effect that allows the mat to automatically rollout into the open configuration from the folded configuration. The sidewalls fold about the periphery of the base; the sidewalls moving from a position generally adjacent to the base to a position generally perpendicular to and extending generally upwardly from the base when the mat is moved from the folded configuration to the open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: James A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6912743
    Abstract: A the bed device for soothing an infant while the infant is resting. The the bed device includes a base member being designed for being positioned in the crib. The base member is designed for supporting the infant when the infant is placed on the base member. A side wall upwardly extends from the base member. The side wall and the base member define a receiving space. The receiving space is designed for receiving the infant when the infant is placed on the base member whereby the side wall is positioned around the sides of the infant to provide the infant with sense of security when the infant is sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Frances R. Weil
  • Patent number: 6895618
    Abstract: A table top for a patient trolley or gurney is provided with a removable armrest. The armrest is mounted on the table top by having an insertion piece received in an insertion opening on the edge of the table top. In the preferred embodiment, the table top has a plurality of insertion openings in the form of slots spaced along the edge of the table and the armrest has two sets of insertion pieces, with each set having a pair of insertion pieces extending at right angles to each other, so that the armrest can be mounted extending vertically relative to the plane of the table top or parallel to the plane of the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Jährling
  • Patent number: 6874181
    Abstract: A therapeutic bed (1) comprises a patient support platform (7) rotatably mounted on a base frame (4) for rotation about a longitudinal pivot axis between a supine support position and a prone support position. The base frame (4) is in turn mounted on a wheeled chassis (2) by pivot linkages (5) which allow tilting and raising and lowering of the base frame (4) on the chassis (2). Drive interlocks prevent rotation of the patient support platform (7) unless side rails (25) are locked on the patient support platform (7) and patient support flaps (40, 41) extending between the side rails (25) are locked together to secure a patient on the patient support platform (7). Guides (51) are provided at each end of the patient support platform (7) at the longitudinal rotational axis to guide patient care lines between a patient on the patient support platform (7) and associated devices externally of the patient support platform (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Una Connolly, Chinnathamby Vijayendran, Patrick Joseph Connolly
  • Patent number: 6874179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bed, in particular a hospital bed, fitted with a plurality of adjacent individual barrier elements along at least one of its longitudinal sides, the barrier elements extending vertically and each occupying a fraction of the length of the bed. It is essentially characterized by the fact that there are at least two of said barrier elements (5, 5?) and they are hinged relative to each other about an axis (XX?) that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bed so that in an overlapping position they are contiguous relative to each other and occupy, transversely, substantially the same space as a single element, whereas in the deployed position, they extend in parallel and substantially in line with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom S.A.S.
    Inventors: David W. Hensley, Sébastien Gemeline, Yann Dollo
  • Patent number: 6859961
    Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus and method including a bed and a therapeutic mattress having a cover therefor. The bed has a frame and a therapeutic mattress with a plurality of inflatable air chambers; a cover on the mattress has a generally planar extent sufficient for covering at least a portion of the mattress; a plurality of spaced apart bolsters extend upwardly from the top surface of the cover adjustably connected and oriented generally parallel to a periphery of the mattress; a plurality of connectors is positioned on the cover and are engageable with the mattress and/or the bed frame to thereon secure the cover; the plurality of bolsters includes at least two bolsters sufficiently spaced apart along a lateral periphery of the mattress to therebetween leave a gap to aid ingress and egress of a person, and at least one bolster positioned along the foot of the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: John William Barr
  • Patent number: 6851142
    Abstract: A bed having a base, a pedestal oriented between a top side of the base and a patient support deck to facilitate elevational movement of the support deck. The patient support deck includes a seat section which includes a deck plate. A pair of laterally spaced support brackets are provided on the patient support deck. Coupling elements are supported on each of the support brackets. Separate patient supporting devices are configured to operatively connect to a selected one of the two coupling elements is provided. A guideway is provided on each of the support brackets, the guideway supporting a frame and having a track thereon. A receptacle is mounted on the track and for movement relative to the frame, the receptacle being stowable beneath the deck plate and deployable so that the receptacle is oriented immediately below the perineal edge of the seat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Stryker, Mike Hernandez, Steve Smargiasso, William Bleeker, Jr., Jeff Lewandowski
  • Patent number: 6848130
    Abstract: A bed pad wedge system for inhibiting a person from falling out of bed. The system includes a fitted mattress pad fastened to a mattress. Each lateral edge of the fitted pad has pockets located therein that contain foam rubber wedges having the shape of an obtuse triangle. The pockets are installed on an underside of the fitted pad and are facing an outer edge of the mattress. The triangular foam rubber wedges are each encased in a slippery material to aid in installing the wedges in the pockets. A third wedge or triangle may be installed in the middle of a mattress between the outer wedges that are located at each edge of the mattress. The wedge system may be covered by standard sheets and bedding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: William H Wilson