SIDERAIL ACCESSORY MODULE

Abstract

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 removably coupled to the siderail such that the removable module is positionable substantially within the grip opening. The removable module includes a gas blower configured to direct a flow of gas at least one of toward and away from a person-support apparatus.

Description

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 gas blower module coupled to the siderail.

Sometimes it is desirable to move air surrounding patient toward and/or away from a person-support apparatus. 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 assembly with an accessory module removably couplable thereto having a gas blower configured to direct flow of a gas at least one of toward and away from a person-support apparatus.

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 an accessory module coupled to a siderail according to one illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the accessory module of FIG. 1 coupled to the siderail and directing air toward the person-support apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the accessory module of FIG. 1 partially cut away to show the gas blower therein; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of the accessory module of FIG. 1 showing the coupling portion of the housing.

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 assembly with an accessory module removably couplable thereto having a gas blower configured to direct flow of a gas at least one of toward and away from a person-support apparatus.

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 on the upper frame 16.

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 endboard EB1, such as, for example, a headboard HB1 and/or a footboard FB1, coupled to the first section F1 and/or the second section S1 of the person-support apparatus 10. The intermediate frame 20 can be coupled to the supports 14 and can support the deck 22 thereon as shown in FIG. 1. 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 and 2. 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. 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 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, and a grip portion 42 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. At least a portion of the first surface 36 can be substantially parallel to at least a portion of the second surface 38. 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. 2 and 3. In one illustrative embodiment, the grip portion 42 can be located along the top portion ST1 and can include a grip 44 and a grip opening 46. The grip opening 46 can pass through the siderail body 32 and can be configured to allow a person to wrap at least a portion of their fingers/hand around the grip 44. In one illustrative embodiment, an upper portion of the grip opening 46 can define the bottom of the grip 44 and a lower portion of the grip opening 46 opposite the upper portion of the grip opening 46 can define a portion of the upper side surface 40a.

The siderails 24 can include an accessory module 48 or a removable module 48 that can be configured to be positionable within the grip opening 46 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. It should be appreciated that the accessory module 48 can be removably coupled to at least one endboard EB1. The accessory module 48 can include a housing 50 and a gas blower 52 coupled to the housing 50 as shown in FIGS. 2-4. It should be appreciated that the accessory module 48 can include a heating/cooling element (not shown) configured to heat/cool the air expelled by the gas blower 52. It should also be appreciated that the accessory module 48 can include a user interface (not shown) configured to activate/deactivate and/or control the speed of the gas blower 52, and/or control the temperature of the gas emitted by the gas blower 52. It should also be appreciated that the accessory module 48 can include a humidity control element (not shown) that can control the humidity in the gas emitted by the gas blower 52. It should also be appreciated that the accessory module 48 can include an air filter.

The housing 50 can be formed of a polymeric material and can be removably coupled to the person-support apparatus 10 through a connector (not shown). The housing 50 can have a front portion FP1 and a coupling portion CP1 as shown in FIG. 5. The thickness of the coupling portion CP1 can be equal to about the thickness of the grip 44 so that it can fit into the grip 44. In one illustrative embodiment, the front portion FP1 can be removably coupled to the coupling portion CP1. It should be appreciated that the front portion FP1 can be molded with the coupling portion CP1 or secured to the coupling portion CP1.

The coupling portion CP1 can include a retainer 54 and engagement surfaces 56 as shown in FIG. 4. In one illustrative embodiment, the retainer 54 can be a spring actuated mechanism that can be slidably or pivotably coupled to the housing 50 and movable relative to the housing 50 between extended and depressed or compressed positions. In another illustrative embodiment, the accessory module 48 can be configured to be press-fit or snapped into the grip opening 46. In yet another embodiment, the retainer 54 can be a flexible tab (not shown) that can be deflected when inserting the housing 50 into the grip opening 46 and return to a substantially non-deflected state to provide a snap fit and couple the accessory module 48 within the grip opening 46. In still other embodiments, the accessory module 48 can be coupled to the siderails 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 accessory module 48 can be removed by pushing or pulling the accessory module 48 in the opposite direction from which it was press-fit or snapped in. It should also be appreciated that the accessory module 48 can be configured to couple to at least one end board EB1. It should also be appreciated that the accessory module 48 can be generally rectangular shaped. It should also be appreciated that the accessory module 48 can have antimicrobial properties.

The gas blower 52 can be configured to direct a flow of gas at least one of toward and away from the person-support apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 2. It should be appreciated that the gas blower can include a nozzle (not shown) that can be used to aim the flow of gas and/or focus/unfocus the flow of gas. In one illustrative embodiment, the gas blower 52 can be an electric fan 52. The gas blower 52 can be configured to provide a fresh air to a person supported on the person-support apparatus 10. In one illustrative embodiment, the gas blower 52 can be powered by the person-support apparatus 10 through a power cable 58 connected to a data/power port (not shown) on the person-support apparatus 10. In another illustrative embodiment, the gas blower 52 can be powered wirelessly, such as, for example, through an inductive power arrangement (not shown) with one part of the inductive power circuit is in the accessory module 48 and the other part of the circuit is in the siderails 24. In still another illustrative embodiment, the gas blower 52 can be powered by a power supply (not shown), such as, for example, a battery, positioned within the housing 50.

Many other embodiments of the present disclosure are also envisioned. For example, a person-support apparatus comprises a frame, at least one of an endboard and a siderail, and a removable module. The at least one of the enboard and the siderail is coupled to the frame. The at least one of the enboard and the siderail includes an outer perimeter surface defining a perimeter of the at least one of the endboard and the siderail and an inner surface defining an opening in the at least one of the endboard and the siderail. The removable module includes a housing and a gas blower. The housing includes a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface extending between the first surface and the second surface. A portion of the housing is configured to engage the inner surface of the at least one of the endboard and the siderail to couple the removable module to the at least one of the endboard and the siderail. The gas blower is coupled within the housing and configured to direct a flow of gas at least one of toward and away from the person-support apparatus.

In 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 removably coupled to the siderail such that the removable module is positionable substantially within the grip opening. The removable module includes a gas blower configured to direct a flow of gas at least one of toward and away from a person-support apparatus.

In yet another example, an endboard assembly comprises an endboard and a removable module. The endboard has a endboard body and a grip portion. The grip portion includes a grip and a grip opening located between the grip and the endboard body. The removable module is removably coupled to the endboard such that the removable module is positionable substantially within the grip opening. The removable module includes a gas blower configured to direct a flow of gas at least one of toward and away from a person-support apparatus.

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;

at least one of an endboard and a siderail coupled to the frame, at least one of the enboard and the siderail including an outer perimeter surface defining a perimeter of the at least one of the endboard and the siderail and an inner surface defining an opening in the at least one of the endboard and the siderail;

a removable module including: a housing including a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, a portion of the housing being configured to engage the inner surface of the at least one of the endboard and the siderail to couple the removable module to the at least one of the endboard and the siderail; and a gas blower coupled within the housing and configured to direct a flow of gas at least one of toward and away from the person-support apparatus.

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

3. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the portion of the housing configured to engage the inner surface includes a retainer and an engagement surface, the retainer and the engagement surface being configured to cooperate with the inner surface of the at least one of the endboard and the siderail to couple the removable module thereto.

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

5. The person-support apparatus of claim 3, wherein a portion of the inner surface cooperates with a portion of the outer perimeter surface to define a grip, a portion of the engagement surface is shaped to conform to the contour of a portion of the grip.

6. The person-support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a temperature adjusting element configured to at least one of heat and cool the gas emitted by the gas blower.

7. The person-support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a humidity element configured to adjust the humidity in the gas emitted by the gas blower.

8. The person-support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a user interface configured to receive an input from a user to control at least one function of at least one of the removable module and the person-support apparatus.

9. The person-support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the user interface is configured to control the rate at which gas is emitted from the gas blower.

10. The person-support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the user interface is configured to control at least one of a temperature adjusting element and a humidity element to at least one of heat, cool, and adjust the humidity of the gas emitted from the gas blower.

11. The person-support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a filter coupled within the removable module and configured to remove impurities suspended in the gas emitted by the gas blower.

12. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable module is configured to be inserted into the opening and engage a portion of the inner surface to removably couple the removable module to the at least one of the endboard and the siderail such that the removable module is positionable substantially within the opening.

13. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a coupling portion with a hanger configured to engage a portion of the outer perimeter surface such that the removable module is positionable substantially within the opening.

14. 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 removably coupled to the siderail such that the removable module is positionable substantially within the grip opening, the removable module including a gas blower configured to direct a flow of gas at least one of toward and away from a person-support apparatus.

15. The siderail assembly of claim 14, wherein the overall thickness of the siderail when the removable module is coupled to the siderail is less than about three inches.

16. The siderail assembly of claim 14, wherein the removable module includes a retainer and an engagement surface, wherein at least one of the retainer and the engagement surface cooperate with a portion of the grip portion and the siderail body to couple the removable module to the siderail.

17. The siderail assembly of claim 16, wherein the retainer provides an interference fit to couple the removable module to the siderail.

18. The siderail assembly of claim 16, wherein a portion of the engagement surface is shaped to conform to the contour of a portion of the grip.

19. The siderail assembly of claim 14 further comprising a temperature adjusting element configured to at least one of heat and cool the gas emitted by the gas blower.

20. The siderail assembly of claim 14 further comprising a humidity element configured to adjust the humidity in the gas emitted by the gas blower.

21. The siderail assembly of claim 14 further comprising a user interface configured to receive an input from a user to control at least one function of at least one of the removable module and the person-support apparatus.

22. The siderail assembly of claim 21, wherein the user interface is configured to control the rate at which gas is emitted from the gas blower.

23. The siderail assembly of claim 21, wherein the user interface is configured to control at least one of a temperature adjusting element and a humidity element to at least one of heat, cool, and adjust the humidity of the gas emitted from the gas blower.

24. The siderail assembly of claim 14 further comprising a filter coupled within the removable module and configured to remove impurities suspended in the gas emitted by the gas blower.

25. An endboard assembly, comprising:

an endboard having an endboard body and a grip portion, the grip portion including a grip and a grip opening located between the grip and the endboard body, and

a removable module removably coupled to the endboard such that the removable module is positionable substantially within the grip opening, the removable module including a gas blower configured to direct a flow of gas at least one of toward and away from a person-support apparatus.

26. The person-support apparatus of claim 25, wherein the removable module includes a housing with a coupling portion having a retainer and an engagement surface, the retainer and the engagement surface being configured to cooperate with at least one of the endboard body and grip portion to removably couple the removable module thereto.

27. The person-support apparatus of claim 25 further comprising a temperature adjusting element configured to at least one of heat and cool the gas emitted by the gas blower.

28. The person-support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a user interface configured to receive an input from a user to control at least one function of at least one of the removable module and the person-support apparatus.

29. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable module is configured to be inserted into the grip opening and engage a portion of at least one of the endboard body and grip portion to removably couple the removable module to the endboard such that the removable module is positionable substantially within the grip opening.