Communication and bed function control apparatus
A control apparatus is provided for use by a person located on a bed to control at least one function. The bed includes a frame, and a patient support surface supported by the frame. The apparatus includes a control unit configured to control the at least one function.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/303,196, filed Nov. 25, 2002, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/291,882, filed Apr. 14, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,486,792, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/081,698, filed Apr. 14, 1998, the disclosures of which are all expressly incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a communication and bed function control apparatus for a hospital bed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a controller which is coupled to a hospital bed frame or to a siderail on the bed to improve access to controls by a person located on the bed.
Several types of controllers are known in the healthcare industry which permit a person located on a hospital bed to activate a number of communication and control functions, such as adjusting the bed, adjusting the mattress, calling the nurse, adjusting the room light or reading light, controlling the T.V. or audio functions, or controlling the telephone. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,592,153; 5,239,300; 5,542,138; and 4,680,790. These controllers typically include one or more push-button or pressure sensitive switches, or voice activated controls, to activate various communication and control functions.
According to one illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a communication and control apparatus is provided for use by person located on a bed to control at least one function, the bed including a frame, a patient support surface supported by the frame, and a siderail coupled to the frame and configured to extend above the patient support surface. The apparatus includes a control unit including a receiving portion and configured to control the at least one function. An extendable arm includes a first end pivotally coupled to the siderail and a second end pivotally coupled to the control unit, the arm being configured to support the control unit above the patient support surface. The arm is configured to be received within the receiving portion of the control unit when in a storage position, and the arm is configured to extend away from the receiving portion of the control unit when in an extended position.
Illustratively, the control unit is configured to removably couple to the siderail when in the storage position. Further illustratively, the siderail includes a first rail vertically spaced apart from a second rail, and the control unit includes receiving portions configured to removably receive portions of the first rail and the second rail when the control unit is in the storage position. Illustratively, the control unit further includes a receiving portion configured to receive the arm when the control unit is in the storage position.
Illustratively, the side rail includes an opening and the control unit includes control buttons which are accessible through the opening such that a health care provider positioned adjacent the bed is provided access to the control buttons when the control unit is in the storage position.
According to a further illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a communication and control apparatus is provided for use by a person located on a bed to control at least one function, the bed including a frame, and a patient support surface supported by the frame. The apparatus includes a siderail coupled to the frame and configured to extend above the patient support surface, the siderail defining a recessed portion. A control unit is configured to control the at least one function, the control unit being removably receivable in the recessed portion. An arm having a first end and a second end is configured to support the control unit above the patient support surface. A first connection is configured to operably connect the first end of the arm to the siderail and a second connection is configured to operably connect the second end of the arm to the control unit. The first connection and the second connection cooperate to permit movement of the control unit and the arm from a storage position within the recessed portion in the siderail to an extended position extending away from the siderail.
Illustratively, the control unit includes a first side and an opposing second side, the first side including a first control button positioned to face a patient located on the patient support surface and configured to actuate the at least one function, the second side including a second control button configured to control the at least one function. The second control button is accessible through an opening in the siderail to a health care provider positioned adjacent the bed when the control unit is in the storage position.
In a further illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a communication and control apparatus is provided for use by a person located on a bed to control at least one function, the bed including a frame, a patient support surface supported by the frame, and a siderail coupled to the frame and configured to extend above the patient support surface. The apparatus includes a housing having a first side facing a first direction and a second side facing a second direction generally opposite the first direction, the housing being movable between a first portion removably coupled to the siderail and a second position detached from the siderail. A switch is supported by the first side and configured to control the at least one function. A communication device is supported by the second side, the communication device being inactive in the first position and active in the second position. A communication link extends between the control unit and the siderail.
Illustratively, the communication link comprises a cord attached on a first end of the control unit and attached on a second end to the siderail, the cord being configured to carry a signal from the control unit to a signal receiving unit on the bed.
Further illustratively, the communication device comprises a telephone.
A further illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a communication and control apparatus for use by a person located on a patient support surface of a bed, the apparatus including a control unit having a switch configured to control one of the bed and another piece of equipment, a device coupled to the control unit and configured to facilitate voice communication with another person, and a cord coupled to the control unit and to a location on the bed, the cord having sufficient length to allow the control unit to be moved between a plurality of positions on the patient support surface.
Illustratively, the device configured to facilitate voice communication with another person is a telephone.
Further illustratively, the device configured to facilitate voice communication with another person is an intercom.
Illustratively, the switch is positioned on a first side of the control unit and the device configured to facilitate voice communication with another position is positioned on a second side of the control unit.
According to yet another illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a communication and control apparatus is provided for use by a person located on a bed to control at least one function, the bed including a frame, a patient support surface supported by the frame. The apparatus includes a siderail coupled to the frame and configured to extend above the patient support surface, the siderail including substantially vertical first and second members defining a gap. A control unit is configured to control the at least one function, the control unit configured to be removably received within the gap and provide a portion of the siderail. An arm having a first end and a second end is configured to support the control unit above the patient support surface. The first end and the second end of the arm cooperate to permit movement of the control unit and the arm from a first position wherein the control unit is received within the gap in the siderail to a second position where the control unit and the arm extend away from the siderail.
Illustratively, the first and second members of the siderail each include a channel configured to removably receive the control unit.
In a further illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a control apparatus is provided for use by a person located on the bed to control at least one function, the bed including a frame, and a patient support surface supported by the frame. The apparatus includes a control unit configured to control the at least one function, and a selection switch configured to select the at least one function, the switch coupled to the control unit. The handle portion includes a longitudinal axis and is coupled to the control unit for rotation about the longitudinal axis and configured to control the function selected using the selection switch.
Additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring now to the drawings,
The attachment mechanism 34 shown in
Fasteners such as bolts 66 are configured to extend through apertures 58 formed in outer mounting plate 50, through apertures 68 formed in frame member 32 of the bed 10, and through apertures 52 of inner mounting bracket 48 to secure the attachment mechanism 34 to the bed 10. Illustratively, nuts 70 hold the bolts 68 in place. It is understood that other types of fasteners including rivets, screws, clamps, etc. may be used to secure the attachment mechanism 34 to the bed 10.
The control unit 46 is further illustrated in
The bed articulation control indicator 102 is also located on the panel 96. Separately illuminatable movement levels are shown at 104, 106, and 108. A nurse call button 110 extends across a top edge of the control unit 46. Nurse call button 110 may be illuminated or made from a different color material, if desired, to make the nurse call button 10 stand out from the remainder of the control unit 46. Illustratively, the nurse call button 110 is illuminated when it is activated. The location of the nurse call button 110 which extends substantially along an entire top edge of the control unit facilitates activation of the nurse call switch 110.
A microphone 112 is located on control panel 96 for phone use or for communicating with a remote nurse station. At least one speaker 114 illustratively is located within the control unit 46. Speakers 114 and microphone 112 permit hands-free use of the telephone or communications with the nurse station. The speakers 114 also provide radio and T.V. audio. A mounting bracket 113 is located on a rear surface 115 of control unit 46.
When the select button 84 is pressed, the controller scrolls through the various icons 98 on the control panel to provide a visual indication of which function is currently being controlled by the control unit 46. Once the particular icon 98 is illuminated, adjustments can be made using the up and down buttons 88 and 86.
Each time a select button 84 is pressed, the controller scrolls to the next function and highlights or illuminates the icon 98 corresponding to the function that is currently being controlled. An LED or other light source is used to provide illumination of the particular icon to provide the indication of the function being controlled. Once the radio icon, television icon, light control icon or other icon is illuminated, the up and down buttons 88 and 86 are pressed to adjust the volume, intensity of the light, etc. Individual level indicators 100 are then separately illuminated to provide an indication of the volume level or intensity level of the light, etc. When the bed functions 102 are selected, an operator presses the “+” up button 88 to raise the identified section of the bed 10. The “−” down button 86 is pressed to lower the identified section of the bed. Illustratively, buttons 84, 86 and 88 are momentary contact switches. Therefore, as long as the buttons 86 and 88 are held down, the bed function will continue to operate. When the buttons 86 and 88 are released, the bed function ceases to operate.
Another embodiment of a control unit 120 is illustrated in
Still another control unit 190 is illustrated in
A telephone handset 198 is positioned along top surface 200 of the control unit 190. Control unit 190 includes a body portion 201. Separate function selection switches 202 are provided for the T.V., radio, lights, etc. Up and down control switches 204 and 206 are located adjacent the function selection switches 202. Bed articulation control switches 208 are also located on the body portion 201. A card reader slot 211 is provided on the body portion 201. The card reader 211 is used to read a phone card, credit card, or debit card for using the T.V. or telephone. In addition, the reader 211 may be a smart card reader for reading information available on a conventional smart card. A nurse call button 212 extends along the entire front of body portion 201.
Another embodiment of a control unit 214 is illustrated in
Another embodiment of a control unit 238 is illustrated in
Another control unit 290 is illustrated in
A further control unit 316 is illustrated in
An additional control unit 338 is illustrated in
Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
Another control unit 382 is illustrated in
The control unit 382 includes separate function selection switches 392. Up and down control switches 394 and 396 are also located on the body portion 384. Speakers 398 are also located on the body portion 384. A nurse call switch 400 is located along a side of the control unit 382. Separate bed articulation control switches 402 are also provided. A microphone 404 is included for hands-free telephone and nurse communications.
Yet another control unit 406 is illustrated in
Another control unit 430 is illustrated in
Yet another embodiment of the control unit 450 is illustrated in
A touch screen control panel 468 is located in a center portion of control unit 450. A control screen 468 provides flexibility for controlling various types of menu driven functions. Different programs may be installed for operation of different functions. The screen 468 is also used for connection to an Internet site to play video game products. A computer mouse control apparatus or keyboard may be connected to the control unit, if desired. In addition, the control buttons on the control unit 450 may be used to control connection to the Internet or the video games. Control screen 468 may be a television screen, computer screen, or touch screen control panel.
An operator can grip the control unit 470 and pivot control unit 470 outwardly from the siderail 472 as illustrated in
Another embodiment of the present invention similar to
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to a certain illustrated embodiment, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and as defined in the following claims.
Claims
1. A control apparatus for use by a person located on a bed to control at least one function, the bed including a frame, and a patient support surface supported by the frame, the apparatus comprising:
- a control unit configured to control at least one function; and
- a handle portion including a longitudinal axis, the handle portion being supported by the control unit for rotation about the longitudinal axis and operable to control the at least one function upon rotation of the handle.
2. The control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rotatable handle portion is configured to provide an up and down control for the at least one function.
3. The control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit is supported by an arm coupled to the bed, the arm being configured to support the control unit above the patient support surface.
4. The control apparatus of claim 1, wherein handle is spaced apart from the control unit.
5. The control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a device coupled to the control unit and configured to permit voice communication with another person.
6. The control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of select switches located on the control unit, each select switch representing a separate one of a plurality of controlled functions, the handle being operable to control a function selected using one of the plurality of select switches.
7. The control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit controls a plurality of functions including at least one of calling a nurse, turning on a light in a room, turning on a reading light, controlling a TV, controlling a radio, placing and receiving telephone calls, controlling drapes, controlling doors, adjusting a height of the bed, adjusting a configuration of an articulating deck on the bed, adjusting a mattress located on the bed, connecting to the Internet, and controlling a video game.
8. The control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit is formed to include a central aperture, the handle portion being located within the central aperture.
9. The control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a reading light coupled to one of the control unit and the handle portion.
10. The control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a housing having a plurality of side surfaces, each side surface including a perimeter edge, and further comprising a nurse call button located on one of the side surfaces of the housing and extending along the perimeter edge.
11. A control apparatus for use by a person located on a bed to control at least one function, the bed including a frame, and a patient support surface supported by the frame, the apparatus comprising:
- a control unit configured to control at least one function; and
- a reading light coupled to the control unit.
12. The control apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a handle portion including a longitudinal axis, the handle portion being supported by the control unit for rotation about the longitudinal axis and operable to control the at least one function upon rotation of the handle.
13. The control apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit is supported by an arm coupled to the bed, the arm being configured to support the control unit above the patient support surface.
14. The control apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a device coupled to the control unit and configured to permit voice communication with another person.
15. The control apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit controls a plurality of functions including at least one of calling a nurse, turning on a light in a room, turning on the reading light, controlling a TV, controlling a radio, placing and receiving telephone calls, controlling drapes, controlling doors, adjusting a height of the bed, adjusting a configuration of an articulating deck on the bed, adjusting a mattress located on the bed, connecting to the Internet, and controlling a video game.
16. The control apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit includes a housing having a plurality of side surfaces, each side surface including a perimeter edge, and further comprising a nurse call button located on one of the side surfaces of the housing and extending along the perimeter edge.
17. A control apparatus for use by a person located on a bed to control at least one function, the bed including a frame, and a patient support surface supported by the frame, the apparatus comprising:
- a control unit configured to control at least one function, the control unit including a housing having a plurality of side surfaces, each side surface including a perimeter edge; and
- a nurse call button located on one of the side surfaces of the housing and extending along the perimeter edge.
18. The control apparatus of claim 17, wherein the nurse call button extends outwardly beyond the perimeter edge of the housing.
19. The control apparatus of claim 17, wherein the nurse call button is located at a corner of the housing so that the nurse call button extends along two adjacent side surfaces of the housing.
20. The control apparatus of claim 17, further comprising handle portion including a longitudinal axis, the handle portion being supported by the control unit for rotation about the longitudinal axis and operable to control the at least one function upon rotation of the handle.
21. The control apparatus of claim 17, wherein the control unit is supported by an arm coupled to the bed, the arm being configured to support the control unit above the patient support surface.
22. The control apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a device coupled to the control unit and configured to permit voice communication with another person.
23. The control apparatus of claim 17, wherein the control unit controls a plurality of functions including at least one of calling a nurse upon actuation of the nurse call button, turning on a light in a room, turning on a reading light, controlling a TV, controlling a radio, placing and receiving telephone calls, controlling drapes, controlling doors, adjusting a height of the bed, adjusting a configuration of an articulating deck on the bed, adjusting a mattress located on the bed, connecting to the Internet, and controlling a video game.
24. The control apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a reading light coupled to the control unit.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 11, 2004
Publication Date: Jan 13, 2005
Inventors: Jeffrey Moster (Cincinnati, OH), Robert Zerhusen (Cincinnati, OH), Michael Hamilton (West Harrison, IN), David Hornbach (Brookville, IN), Scott Corbin (Sunman, IN), Stephane Rivallant (Pornichet)
Application Number: 10/916,294