SIDERAIL WITH STORAGE AREA

Abstract

A person-support apparatus can include a frame, an endboard, a siderail, and a removable module. The frame is configured to support a person thereon. The endboard is coupled to the frame. The siderail is coupled to the frame. The siderail includes a siderail body with a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the frame and the second surface faces away from the frame. The removable module is configured to couple to at least one of the endboard and the siderail. The removable module includes a housing and an opening into the housing to define a storage area. The storage area includes at least one side and a bottom and is configured to at least one of dispense a fabric and removably retain one or more objects therewithin.

Description

This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/225,921 titled SIDERAIL WITH STORAGE AREA filed on Jul. 15, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to person-support apparatuses. More particularly, but not exclusively, one illustrative embodiment relates to a person-support apparatus including a siderail with a removable storage area.

People staying in hospitals can often bring personal belongings with them. The belongings can be collected by caregivers and stored until the person is discharged or the person requests an item. The belongings can be stored in a storage room that can include, for example, lockers, storage bins, drawers, and/or bags with identifying information, such as, the patient's room number, listed thereon, and/or a list of the items and/or bin, locker, or bag numbers and/or location put on the patient's medical chart. The people can also be provided with storage space for storing personal belongings or other objects in the rooms they are assigned to, for example, in various shelving units or other furniture storage areas, such as, drawers and/or closets. While various person-support apparatuses have been developed, there is still room for development. Thus a need persists for further contributions in this area of technology.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure can include a siderail with a removable storage area configured to receive and removably retain one or more objects therewithin.

Additional features alone or in combination with any other feature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims and those described in detail below, can comprise patentable subject matter. Others will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the illustrative examples in the drawings, wherein like numerals represent the same or similar elements throughout:

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a person-support apparatus with siderails coupled to a frame of the person-support apparatus according to one illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the siderail of FIG. 1, including a removable module according to one illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the siderail of FIG. 1, including a removable module according to another illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the siderail of FIG. 1, including a removable module according to yet another illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the removable module of FIG. 2, configured to be a storage area according to one illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of the removable module of FIG. 2, configured to be a fabric dispenser according to one illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the removable module of FIG. 2, showing the retainer and engagement surface.

FIG. 8 is a perspective bottom view of the removable module of FIG. 2, showing the retainer and engagement surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the present disclosure can take many different forms, for the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. No limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Various alterations, further modifications of the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the disclosure, as described herein, are contemplated.

One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure can include a siderail with a removable storage area configured to receive and removably retain one or more objects therewithin.

A person-support apparatus 10 according to one illustrative embodiment of the current disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. The person-support apparatus 10 can have a first section F1 or head support section F1, where the head of a person can be positioned and a second section S1 or a foot support section S1, where the feet of the person can be positioned. In one illustrative embodiment, the person-support apparatus 10 can be a hospital bed. It should be appreciated that the person-support apparatus 10 can also be a hospital stretcher or an operating table. The person-support apparatus 10 can include a lower frame 12 or base 12, a plurality of supports 14 coupled with the lower frame 12, and an upper frame 16 supported on the supports 14 above the lower frame 12. It should be appreciated that the supports 14 can be lift mechanisms 14 that can move the upper frame 16 with respect to the lower frame 12. It should also be appreciated that in one illustrative embodiment the person-support apparatus 10 can support a person-support surface 18 thereon.

The upper frame 16 can include an intermediate frame 20, a deck 22, and siderails 24 as shown in FIG. 1. It should be appreciated that the upper frame 16 can also include endboards EB1, such as, for example, a headboard HB1 and a footboard FB1, coupled to the first section F1 and the second section S1 of the person-support apparatus. The intermediate frame 20 can be coupled with the supports 14 and can support the deck 22 thereon as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The deck 22 can include a head portion 26, a seat portion 28, and a foot portion 30. The head portion 26, the seat portion 28, and the foot portion 30 can be movably coupled with each other and/or the intermediate frame 20.

The siderails 24 can include a siderail body 32 with a top portion ST1 and a bottom portion SB1, and a siderail linkage 34 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. In one illustrative embodiment, the siderails 24 can have a thickness TS1 of between about 1.5 inches and about 2 inches. It should be appreciated that the siderails 24 can have a thickness TS1 of less than 3 inches. The siderail linkage 34 can be coupled to the bottom portion SB1 of the siderail body 32 and can couple the siderails 24 to the deck 22 and/or the intermediate frame 20. In one illustrative embodiment, the siderails 24 can be coupled to the head portion 26 of the deck 22 (i.e., a first siderail 24a or a head siderail 24a) and/or coupled to the foot portion 30 of the deck 22 and/or the intermediate frame 20 (i.e., a second siderail 24b or a foot siderail 24b) as shown in FIG. 1.

The siderail linkage 34 can be configured to can facilitate movement of the siderails 24 between a deployed/operation position and a storage position. In the deployed/operation position, as shown in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the siderails 24 can be present above the upper frame 16. In the storage position, the siderails 24 can be moved to a lower position where at least a portion of the siderail 24 is below the deployed/operation position. It should be appreciated that the siderail linkage 34 can include a locking mechanism (not shown) that can maintain the siderails 24 in one of the operating and/or storage position when locked and can facilitate movement of the siderails 24 between the operating and storage position when unlocked.

The siderail body 32 can include a first surface 36, a second surface 38, a side surface 40 extending between the first surface 36 and the second surface 38, a grip portion 42, and a docking portion 44 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. It should be appreciated that the siderail 24 can include a caregiver interface (not shown) that can be operable to control various functionalities of the person-support apparatus 10. At least a portion of the first surface 36 and the second surface 38 can be substantially parallel to one another. The first surface 36 can be oriented such that the first surface 36 faces toward the upper frame 16 and the second surface 38 can be oriented such that the second surface 38 faces away from the upper frame 16.

The grip portion 42 can be configured to be gripped by a person to assist the person with ingress/egress to/from the person support apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. In one illustrative embodiment, the grip portion 42 can be located along the top portion ST1 and can include a grip 46 and a grip opening 48. The grip opening 48 can pass through the siderail body 32 and be configured to allow a person to wrap at least a portion of their fingers/hand around the grip 46. It should be appreciated that the grip portion 42 can include a grip opening cover (not shown) or net (not shown) that can be positioned within the grip opening 48 so that a person can partially wrap their fingers around the grip 46. In one illustrative embodiment, an upper portion of the grip opening 48 can define the bottom of the grip 46 and a lower portion of the grip opening 48 opposite the upper portion of the grip opening 48 can define a portion of the upper side surface 40a.

The docking portion 44 can be recessed into the siderail body 32 and can include a docking portion base 52, a docking portion back 54, and docking portion sides 56 as shown in FIG. 1. It should be appreciated that the docking portion 44 can extend from the siderail body 32. It should also be appreciated that the docking portion 44 can include portions that can be recessed into the siderail body 32 and extending from the siderail body 32. In one illustrative embodiment, the docking portion back 54 can be recessed into the siderail body 32 between about 0.75 inches and about 1 inch from the first surface 36 of the siderail 24 and can have a width of between about 6.5 inches and about 7 inches and a height of between about 3.5 inches and 4 inches extending from the docking portion base 52 to the upper side surface 40a. In another illustrative embodiment the docking portion 44 can be recessed into the siderail body 32 between about 0.75 inches and about 1 inch from the second surface 38 of the siderail 24 and can have a width of between about 6.5 inches and about 7 inches and a height of between about 3.5 inches and 4 inches extending from the docking portion base 52 to the upper side surface 40a. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the docking portion 44 can be recessed into the siderail body 32 between the first surface 36 and the second surface 38 such that the docking portion sides 56 can be located between the first surface 36 and the second surface 38 and the docking portion base 52 can be recessed from the upper side surface 40a between about 3.5 inches and about 4 inches. In still another illustrative embodiment, the docking portion 44 can be recessed and/or extending from at least one of the end boards EB1. It should be appreciated that the height, width, and depth of the docking portion 44 can be greater than or less than the previously stated amounts. It should also be appreciated that the docking portion 44 can be located on the head siderail 24a, the foot siderail 24b, and/or the endboards EB1. It should further be appreciated that the siderail body 32 can include more than one docking portion 44 thereon.

The removable module 58 can be removably coupled to the siderail 24 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. It should be appreciated that the removable module 58 can be removably coupled to at least one endboard EB1. In one illustrative embodiment, at least a portion of the removable module 58 can be received and removably retained within the docking portion 44 of the siderail 24 as shown in FIG. 2. In another illustrative embodiment, the removable module 58 can be configured to be press-fit or snapped into the grip opening 48 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-4. It should be appreciated that the removable module 58 can be removed by pushing or pulling the module 58 in the opposite direction from which it was press-fit or snapped in. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the removable module 58 can be configured to couple to at least one end board EB1. In still other embodiments, the removable module 58 can be coupled to the siderail 24 and/or the end boards EB1 with hangers, hooks, clamps, fasteners (not shown), such as, screws, interlocking members, or other fastening elements. It should be appreciated that the removable module 58 can be generally rectangularly shaped. It should also be appreciated that the removable module 58 can be disposable. It should be further appreciated that the removable module 58 can have antimicrobial properties.

The removable module 58 can be configured to serve different purposes as shown in FIGS. 5-6. In one illustrative embodiment, the removable module 58 can be a storage module 58 that can be configured to store personal belongings within reach, which can reduce the time spent by the caregiver in fetching the personal belongings of a person. The one or more personal belongings can be or can include at least one of eye glasses, jewelry, dentures, photos, music playing devices, headphones, cellular phones, magazines, books, personal organizers, pens/pencils, tissues, or toiletries, or other personal electronic devices, personal belongings or objects. The one or more personal belongings can also include caregiver objects, such as, medical diagnosis equipment, medications, treatment or medication administering devices, syringes, bandages, recording materials, pens/pencils, or other caregiver devices, equipment, or materials. In another embodiment, the removable module 58 can be a tissue or antimicrobial wipe dispenser as shown in FIG. 6. It is within the scope of this disclosure to provide a retrofit removable module 58 that can be particularly formed to fit within a particularly-sized opening of a particular siderail 24. In one illustrative embodiment, the removable modules 58 can be sized and shaped to accommodate the size and shape of any opening of an existing siderail 24. For example, a removable module 58 can be configured to generally follow the shape of the grip 46 and upper side surface 40a. Such a retrofit removable module 58 can also be sized and shaped to provide an interference-fit within the opening of the particular siderail 24 for which they were made.

The removable module 58 can include a housing 60 with a front portion FP1 and a coupling portion CP1 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The housing 60 can be formed of a polymeric material. The front portion FP1 can include an opening 62 into a storage area for personal belongings or fabric that can be dispensed from the removable module 58, and a retaining element 64. The front portion FP1 can be configured to have a thickness TM1 of about 0.5 inches as shown in FIGS. 7-8. It should be appreciated that at least a portion of the front portion FP1 can be removable.

The retaining element 64 can be configured to retain personal belongings or other objects within the removable module 58 as shown in FIGS. 1-8. In one illustrative embodiment, the retaining element 64 can be or can include at least one of a strap or band, such as, a hook and loop fastener strap or an elastic band. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the retaining element 64 can be a cover (not shown). It should be appreciated that at least a portion of the cover can be transparent. In still another illustrative embodiment, the retaining element 64 can be a protrusion or flange (not shown) that can be integrated into the housing 60. In other illustrative embodiments, the retaining element 64 can be a rod (not shown), a net (not shown), or other retaining mechanisms.

The retaining element 64 can be configured to extend across at least a portion of the width of the opening 62 in the housing 60 as shown in FIGS. 1-8. In one illustrative embodiment, the retaining element 64 can extend across the opening 62 in the housing 60 such that there is a clearance space 66 between the retaining element 64 and the perimeter edge of the opening 62. The clearance space 66 can be configured to provide access to the storage area for cleaning purposes.

The coupling portion CP1 can include a retainer 68 and engagement surfaces 70 as shown in FIGS. 7-8. The coupling portion CP1 can have a thickness TC1 equal to about the thickness of the grip 46. It should be appreciated that the coupling portion CP1 can extend beyond one of the first surface 36 and the second surface 38 about 0.5 inches when the removable module 58 is coupled to the siderail 24. The retainer 68 can be a spring actuated mechanism that can be slidably or pivotably coupled to the housing 60 and movable relative to the housing 60 between extended and depressed or compressed positions. It should be appreciated that the retainer 68 can be a latch, a friction lock, a screw, suction or vacuum retainer, or other retaining element that can be configured to couple and release the removable module 58 from the siderail 24. It should also be appreciated that the removable module 58 can be slidably coupled with the housing 60 such that the removable module 58 rides within a track (not shown). In one illustrative embodiment, the retainer 68 can engage at least a portion of the docking portion 44 to maintain at least a portion of the removable module 58 within the docking portion 44. In another illustrative embodiment, the retainer 68 can operate to couple the removable module 58 within the grip opening 48 of the siderail 24 by providing an interference fit between the removable module 58 and the grip 46 and upper side surface 40a. In order to provide an interference fit, the retainer 68 can be moved to the compressed position to allow the removable module 58 to be positioned by a user within the grip opening 48 of the siderail 24. Once released, a spring (not shown) can bias the retainer 68 toward the extended position to provide an outward force on one of the grip 46 and the upper side surface 40a to maintain the removable module within the grip opening 48.

The engagement surfaces 70 can be shaped to conform to the contour of the grip 46 and/or the upper side surface 40a as shown in FIGS. 7-8. In one illustrative embodiment, at least a portion of the engagement surfaces 70 can be curved to engage a portion of the grip 46. In another illustrative embodiment, at least a portion of the engagement surfaces 70 can be shaped to conform to the contour of the docking portion 44. It should be appreciated that a portion of the engagement surfaces 70 can form a flange 72 that can be configured to assist in maintaining the removable module 58 within the grip opening 48. The engagement surface can have a thickness equal to the thickness of the grip 46. It should be appreciated that the engagement surface can have a thickness of greater than or less than the thickness of the grip 46.

Many other embodiments of the present disclosure are also envisioned. For example, a person-support apparatus can include a frame, an endboard, a siderail, and a removable module. The frame is configured to support a person thereon. The endboard is coupled to the frame. The siderail is coupled to the frame. The siderail includes a siderail body with a first surface and a second surface. The first surface faces the frame and the second surface faces away from the frame. The removable module is configured to couple to at least one of the endboard and the siderail. The removable module includes a housing and an opening into the housing to define a storage area. The storage area includes at least one side and a bottom and is configured to at least one of dispense a fabric and removably retain one or more objects therewithin.

In another example, a person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a siderail, and a removable module. The frame is configured to support a person thereon. The siderail is coupled to the frame. The siderail includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is oriented such that the first surface faces toward the frame and the second surface is oriented such that the second surface faces away from the frame. At least one of the first surface and the second surface has a docking portion. The removable module is coupled to the docking portion of the siderail. The removable module includes a housing with an opening therein that defines a storage area. The storage area includes a bottom and at least one side. The storage area is configured to receive and removably retain at least one object therewithin.

In yet another example a siderail assembly comprises a siderail and a removable module. The siderail has a siderail body and a grip portion. The grip portion includes a grip and a grip opening located between the grip and the siderail body. The removable module is configured to removably couple with the siderail between the grip portion and the siderail body. The removable module includes a housing with an opening therein that defines a storage area. The storage area includes a bottom surface and at least one side. The storage area is configured to receive and removably retain an object therewithin.

In still another example, a method of retrofitting a siderail with a removable storage module comprises the steps of coupling the removable storage module to the siderail and modifying the width of the siderail with the removable storage module such that the overall width of the siderail with the removable storage coupled thereto is less than about three inches.

Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrative embodiment, proof, or finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described can be more desirable, it nonetheless can not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same can be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.

In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” “at least a portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all possible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected. While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same are to be considered as illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications and variations can be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while multiple inventive aspects and principles can have been presented, they need not be utilized in combination, and various combinations of inventive aspects and principles are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above.

Claims

1. A person-support apparatus, comprising:

a frame configured to support a person thereon;

an endboard coupled to the frame;

a siderail coupled to the frame, the siderail including a siderail body with a first surface and a second surface, the first surface facing toward the frame and the second surface facing away from the frame; and

a removable module configured to couple to at least one of the endboard and the siderail, the removable module including a housing with an opening into the housing to define a storage area, the storage area including at least one side and a bottom, the storage area being configured to at least one of dispense a fabric and removably retain an object therewithin.

2. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the overall thickness of the siderail when the removable module is coupled to the siderail is less than about three inches.

3. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable module includes a coupling portion with a retainer and an engagement surface, wherein the retainer and the engagement surface cooperate with a portion of the siderail to couple the removable module to the siderail.

4. The person-support apparatus of claim 3, wherein the retainer provides an interference fit to couple the removable module to the siderail.

5. The person-support apparatus of claim 3, wherein a portion of the engagement surface is shaped to conform to the contour of a portion of a grip on the siderail.

6. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable module is configured to receive and removably retain at least one personal belonging therein.

7. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fabric is an antimicrobial wipe.

8. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable module is configured to removably couple with a docking portion of the siderail.

9. The person-support apparatus of claim 9, wherein the docking portion is located on one of the first surface and the second surface of the siderail body.

10. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the siderail includes an opening through the siderail body, the removable module being configured to be inserted into the opening and frictionally engage a portion of the perimeter edge of the opening to removably couple the removable module to the siderail.

11. The person-support apparatus of claim 10, wherein the opening is a grip opening located between a grip and the siderail body.

12. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable module includes a retaining element extending across at least a portion of the opening, the retaining element being configured to removably retain at least one object in the removable module.

13. The person-support apparatus of claim 12, wherein the retaining element is spaced apart from the bottom of the storage area such that the retaining element defines a lower portion of the opening and an upper portion of the opening.

14. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a coupling portion with a hanger configured to hang the removable module from the siderail.

15. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fabric is an antimicrobial wipe.

16. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable module is configured to receive and removably retain at least one of a personal object and a caregiver object therein.

17. A siderail assembly, comprising:

a siderail including a siderail body with a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface extending between about the first surface and about the second surface, the first surface being oriented such that the first surface faces toward the frame and the second surface being oriented such that the second surface faces away from the frame, at least one of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface having a docking portion integrated therein; and

a removable module including a housing with an opening therein to define a storage area and a coupling portion being configured to removably couple the removable module to the docking portion, the storage area including a bottom and at least one side, the storage area being configured to receive and removably retain at least one object therewithin.

18. The siderail assembly of claim 17, wherein the storage area is configured to dispense a fabric.

19. The siderail assembly of claim 18, wherein the fabric is an antimicrobial wipe.

20. The siderail assembly of claim 17, wherein the removable module includes a retaining element extending across at least a portion of the opening, the retaining element being configured to removably retain at least one object in the storage area.

21. The siderail assembly of claim 17, wherein the coupling portion includes a retainer configured to engage a portion of the siderail to removably couple the removable module to the siderail.

22. The siderail assembly of claim 17, wherein the removable module is configured to receive and removably retain at least one of a personal belonging and a caregiver object therein.

23. A siderail assembly, comprising:

a siderail having a siderail body and a grip portion, the grip portion including a grip and a grip opening located between the grip and the siderail body; and

a removable module configured to removably couple with the siderail between the grip portion and the siderail body, the removable module including a housing with an opening therein that defines a storage area, the storage area including a bottom surface and at least one side, the storage area being configured to receive and removably retain an object therewithin.

24. The siderail assembly of claim 23, wherein the storage area is configured to dispense a fabric.

25. The siderail assembly of claim 24, wherein the fabric is an antimicrobial wipe.

26. The siderail assembly of claim 23, wherein the overall thickness of the siderail when the removable module is coupled to the siderail is less than about three inches.

27. The siderail assembly of claim 23, wherein the removable module includes a retaining element extending across at least a portion of the opening, the retaining element being configured to removably retain at least one object in the removable module.

28. The siderail assembly of claim 23, wherein the removable module is configured to receive and removably retain at least one of a personal belonging and a caregiver object therein.

29. A retrofit kit for a person-support apparatus, comprising:

a removable module including housing with an opening therein that defines a storage area and a coupling portion configured to removably couple the removable module to at least one of a siderail and an endboard of the person-support apparatus, the storage area including a bottom surface and at least one side surface extending from the bottom surface, the storage area being configured to removably retain at least one object therein.

30. The retrofit kit of claim 29, wherein the siderail includes a siderail body with a grip portion, the grip portion including a grip and a grip opening, the coupling portion being configured to removably retain the removable module within the grip opening.

31. The retrofit kit of claim 29, wherein the siderail includes a first surface and a second surface, at least a portion of the removable module extending from at least one of the first surface and the second surface of the siderail such that the combined thickness of the siderail and the removable module is less than about 3 inches.

32. The retrofit kit of claim 29, wherein the removable module includes a retainer that extends at least partially across the opening.

33. The retrofit kit of claim 29, wherein the removable module is configured to receive and removably retain at least one of a personal belonging and a caregiver object therein.