ENDBOARD ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A person-support apparatus comprises a frame and an endboard. The frame is configured to move between a substantially horizontal position and a chair position. The endboard assembly includes a base coupled to the frame and an endboard removably coupled to the base. The endboard is coupled to a first portion of the base in a first position to define a first portion of a perimeter edge of the frame and coupled to a second portion of the base in a second position to define a second portion of the perimeter edge of the frame.

Description

This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/369,910 titled ENDBOARD ASSEMBLY filed on Aug. 2, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to endboards. More particularly, but not exclusively, one illustrative embodiment relates to an endboard assembly that can be configured to be used as an ingress/egress support.

People can require help when attempting to ingress/egress to/from a person-support apparatus. While various devices have been developed, there is still room for improvement. Thus a need persists for further contributions in this area of technology.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure can include a multi-piece endboard assembly that can be configured to be coupled to an end portion of a person-support apparatus in a first position to define a portion of a perimeter edge of an upper frame of the person-support apparatus, and coupled to the end portion in a second position to be used as an ingress/egress support.

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 endboard assembly coupled to a frame of the person-support apparatus according to one illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of an endboard panel of the endboard assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the endboard assembly of FIG. 1 showing a first endboard panel in a first position and a second endboard panel in a second position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the person-support apparatus of FIG. 1 in a relatively horizontal position with the first endboard panel in the first position and a second endboard panel in the second position where it can be used for ingress/egress to/from the side of the person-support apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of the person-support apparatus of FIG. 1 in a chair position showing the first and second endboard panels in the second position where they can be used for ingress/egress to/from the person-support apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the endboard assembly of FIG. 1 showing a portion of the first and second endboard panels overlapping in the first position according to another illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the endboard assembly of FIG. 1 showing the first and second endboard panels having a reduced thickness and being parallel to one another in the first position according to yet another illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective side view of the endboard assembly of FIG. 1, showing the first and second endboard panels in the second position and the headboard coupled to the endboard base according to still another illustrative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the person-support apparatus of FIG. 1 in the chair position with the first and second endboard panels in the second position and angled toward one another according to one illustrative embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the person-support apparatus of FIG. 10 with the first and second endboard panels and the siderails providing a continuous height surface to be gripped according to one illustrative embodiment of the disclosure.

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 multi-piece endboard assembly that can be configured to be coupled to an end portion of a person-support apparatus in a first position to define a portion of a perimeter edge of an upper frame of the person-support apparatus, and configured to be used as an ingress/egress support in a second position.

A person-support apparatus 10 according to one illustrative embodiment of the current disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1-10. 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. In some contemplated embodiments, 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. In some contemplated embodiments, the supports 14 can be lift mechanisms 14 that can move the upper frame 16 with respect to the lower frame 12. Also, in some contemplated embodiments, the person-support apparatus 10 can support a person-support surface 18 thereon.

The upper frame 16 can include an upper frame base 20, a deck 22, siderails 24, a headboard assembly 26, and a footboard assembly 28 as shown in FIGS. 1-10. The upper frame base 20 can be coupled to the supports 14 and can support the deck 22 thereon. The deck 22 can include multiple sections that can be movably coupled to the upper frame base 20 and/or one another and can be configured to move with respect to the upper frame base 20. In one illustrative embodiment, the upper frame base 20, the supports 14, and the deck 22 can be configured to cooperate with one another to move the deck 22 between a relatively horizontal position as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 8, and a chair position as shown in FIGS. 5, 9, and 10. The headboard assembly 26 can include a headboard HB1 that can be coupled to the head support section F1 of the person-support apparatus 10 and can be configured to define a portion of the perimeter edge of the upper frame 16.

The footboard assembly 28 can include a footboard base 30, a first footboard panel 32, and a second footboard panel 34 as shown in FIGS. 1-10. The first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be configured to cooperate together to form a footboard. In some contemplated embodiments, the headboard assembly 26 can be constructed similar to the footboard assembly 28. The footboard base 30 can be coupled to the second section S1 of the upper frame base 20 and can include longitudinal portions 36 that can extend from a lateral portion 38 along the sides of the upper frame base 20, and a plurality of positioning receptacles 40. In one illustrative embodiment, the footboard base 30 can be coupled to the upper frame base 20. In another illustrative embodiment, the footboard base 30 can be coupled to the deck 22. In another illustrative embodiment, the footboard base 30 can be coupled to a foot support section S1 of the upper frame 16 can be configured to expand and contract to increase and decrease the length of the upper frame 16, such as, the FlexAFoot™ mechanism sold by Hill-Rom, Inc. In some contemplated embodiments, the footboard base 30 can be coupled to the extended/retracted portion of the second section S1. In some contemplated embodiments, the longitudinal portions 36 can be coupled to the non-extended/retracted portion of the second section S1 and the lateral portion 38 can be coupled to the extended/retracted portion of the second section S1.

The positioning receptacles 40 can be configured to receive and removably retain a portion of the first footboard panel 32 and/or the second footboard panel 34 therein. In some contemplated embodiments, the positioning receptacles 40 can include a locking mechanism (not shown) that can be configured to cooperate with a portion of the first footboard panel 32 and/or the second footboard panel 34 to selectively lock the first footboard panel 32 and/or the second footboard panel 34 to the footboard base 30. In some contemplated embodiments, the locking mechanism can be similar to the locking mechanism disclosed in European Patent Application No. 08165200 to Hill-Rom S.A.S. In some contemplated embodiments, sensors (not shown) can be coupled to the positioning receptacles 40, the longitudinal portion 36 and/or the lateral portion 38 that can be configured to sense when the footboard is coupled to the footboard base 30.

The first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be configured a number of ways. In one illustrative embodiment, the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be positioned side-by-side to form a single footboard as shown in FIG. 1. In another illustrative embodiment, the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can include overlapping portions that can overlap one another as shown in FIG. 6. In some contemplated embodiments, the overlapping portions can have a reduced thickness. In some contemplated embodiments, the thickness of the overlapping portions is ½ the thickness of the non-overlapping portions. In another illustrative embodiment, the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be full sized footboards, i.e., extending from one end of the lateral portion 38 to the other, with reduced thicknesses as shown in FIG. 7.

The first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be coupled to the footboard base 30 and can be configured to be positioned in a first position and/or a second position. In the first position, the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be coupled to the lateral portion 38 of the footboard base 30 and can be configured to cooperate together to define a portion of the perimeter edge of the upper frame 16. In one illustrative embodiment, the upper frame 16 can be in the substantially horizontal position when the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 are in the first position.

In the second position, the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be coupled to the longitudinal portions 36 of the footboard base 30 and can be configured to assist a person ingressing/egressing to/from the person-support apparatus 10. In one illustrative embodiment, the upper frame 16 can be in the substantially horizontal position and the first footboard panel 32 and/or the second footboard panel 34 can be coupled to the lateral portions 38 to assist with ingress/egress to/from the side of the person-support apparatus 10. In another illustrative embodiment, the upper frame 16 can be in the chair position and the first footboard panel 32 and/or the second footboard panel 34 can be coupled to the longitudinal portions 38 to assist with ingress/egress to/from the side of the person-support apparatus 10. In some contemplated embodiments, the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be positionable between the siderail 24 and the upper frame 16 to prevent interference with the operation of the siderail 24 and allow the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 to move longitudinally with the foot support section S1. In some contemplated embodiments, the portion of the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 gripped by the person ingressing/egressing to/from the person-support apparatus 10 can be substantially the same height as the upper edge of the siderail 24 as shown in FIG. 10. In some contemplated embodiments, the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be angled in toward the upper frame 16 as shown in FIG. 9. In some contemplated embodiments, the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be required to be removed before the person-support apparatus 10 is able to be moved from the chair position to the substantially horizontal position. In another illustrative embodiment, the headboard HB1 can be coupled to the lateral portion 38 and the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be coupled to the longitudinal portions 36 to reduce gaps between the intermediate siderail 24 and the headboard HB1 as shown in FIG. 8. In some contemplated embodiments, instead of using the headboard HB1, the first footboard panel 32 can have a reduced thickness and include two panels positioned side-by-side and the second footboard panel 34 can have a reduced thickness and include only one panel to achieve a similar configuration.

The first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can include a footboard body 42, a plurality of adjustment pegs 44, a first grip portion 46, and a second grip portion 48 as shown in FIG. 2. In some contemplated embodiments, the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be similarly constructed. The footboard body 42 can have an upper portion 50, a lower portion 52, a first side portion 54, and a second side portion 56, and can include a first surface 60, a second surface 62, and a perimeter edge 64 extending between the first surface 60 and the second surface 62. Also, in some contemplated embodiments, a coupler 58 can be located along the second side portion 56 and can be configured to couple the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 together. In some contemplated embodiments, the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 can be interchangeable. The plurality of adjustment pegs 44 can be located along the lower portion 52 of the footboard body 42. In one illustrative embodiment, the plurality of adjustment pegs 44 can be three (3) metal rods that can extend from the lower portion 52 and can be configured to be received within the positioning receptacles 40 to removably couple the first footboard panel 32 and the second footboard panel 34 to the footboard base 30.

The first grip portion 46 can be located along the upper portion 50 and second grip portion 48 can be located along the first side portion 54 as shown in FIG. 2. The first grip portion 46 can include a first grip opening 66 that can cooperate with the perimeter edge 64 to define a first grip 68. The first grip 68 can be configured to be gripped by a person transporting the person-support apparatus 10 and/or by a person to remove the first footboard panel 32 and/or the second footboard panel 34 from the footboard base 30 when the first footboard portion and/or the second footboard panel 34 are in the first position. The second grip portion 48 can be located along the first side portion 54 and can include a second grip opening 70 that can cooperate with the perimeter edge 64 to define a second grip 72. The second grip 72 can be configured to be gripped by a person ingressing/egressing to/from the person-support apparatus 10 when the first footboard panel 32 and/or the second footboard panel 34 are in the second position.

Many other embodiments of the present disclosure are also envisioned. For example, a person-support apparatus comprises a lower frame, an upper frame, and an endboard assembly. The upper frame is movably supported above the lower frame by a support. The upper frame is configured to move between a substantially horizontal position and a chair position. The endboard assembly includes a base coupled to an end of the upper frame and an endboard coupled to the base. The endboard is coupled to the base in a first position to define a perimeter edge of the upper frame and coupled to the base in a second position to assist with ingress/egress to/from the person-support apparatus.

In another example, an endboard assembly, comprises an endboard base, a first endboard portion, and a second endboard portion. The endboard base is coupled to the foot support portion of a person-support apparatus. The endboard base includes a lateral portion and first and second longitudinal portions that can extend from the lateral portion. The first endboard portion is coupled to the lateral portion in a first position and one of the first and second longitudinal portions in a second position. The second endboard portion is coupled to the lateral portion in a first position and the other of the first and second longitudinal portions in a second position.

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 move between a substantially horizontal position and a chair position; and

an endboard assembly including a base coupled to the frame and an endboard removably coupled to the base, wherein the endboard is coupled to a first portion of the base in a first position to define a first portion of a perimeter edge of the frame and coupled to a second portion of the base in a second position to define a second portion of the perimeter edge of the frame.

2. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the endboard assists with at least one of ingress and egress to/from a side of the person-support apparatus when the endboard is in the second position and the frame is in the substantially horizontal position.

3. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the endboard assists with at least one of ingress and egress to/from an end of the person-support apparatus when the endboard is in the second position and the frame is in the chair position.

4. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the base is coupled to an end of the frame and the second portion of the base is coupled to a side of the frame, the first portion and the second portion including at least one receptacle configured to receive a portion of the endboard to couple the endboard to the base.

5. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the endboard includes a first endboard body and a second endboard body, the first endboard body being configured to overlap a portion of the second endboard body when the first endboard body and the second endboard body are in the first position.

6. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the endboard includes a first endboard body and a second endboard body, the first endboard body being configured to overlap the entire second endboard body when the first endboard body and the second endboard body are in the first position.

7. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the endboard includes a first endboard body and a second endboard body, the first endboard body and the second endboard body being angled toward one another when the first endboard body is coupled to the second portion of the base and the second endboard body is coupled to a third portion of the base in the second position, the second portion and the third portion being substantially parallel to one another and spaced apart.

8. The person-support apparatus of claim 1, wherein a portion of the endboard is positioned between a siderail coupled to the frame and the frame.

9. The person-support apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a siderail coupled to the upper frame, wherein the endboard is configured to cooperate with the siderail to define a substantially continuous height surface to be gripped when at least one of ingressing and egressing to/from the person-support apparatus when the endboard is in the second position.

10. An endboard assembly, comprising:

an endboard base coupled to the foot support section of a person-support apparatus, the endboard base including a lateral portion and first and second longitudinal portions that extend from the lateral portion and are spaced apart;

a first endboard body coupled to the lateral portion in a first position and one of the first and second longitudinal portions in a second position; and

a second endboard body coupled to the lateral portion in a first position and the other of the first and second longitudinal portions in a second position.

11. The endboard assembly of claim 10, wherein the endboard base includes a plurality of receptacles configured to removably receive a portion of the first endboard body and the second endboard body to removably couple the first endboard body and the second endboard body to the endboard base

12. The endboard assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one receptacle on the first longitudinal portion is tilted toward the second longitudinal.

13. The endboard assembly of claim 10, wherein the lateral portion defines an end perimeter edge of the person-support apparatus and the first and second longitudinal portions define first and second side perimeter edges of the person-support apparatus.

14. The endboard assembly of claim 10 further comprising a locking mechanism configured to selectively prevent at least one of the first endboard body and the second endboard body from being removed from the endboard base.

15. A person-support apparatus, comprising:

a frame configured to move between a planar position and a chair position;

an endboard base including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the first portion being coupled to an end of the frame, the second portion extending from the first portion and being coupled to a first side of the frame, the third portion extending from the first portion and being coupled to a second side of the frame, the second portion and the third portion being spaced apart;

a first endboard body coupled to the first portion of the endboard base in a first position and the second portion of the endboard base in a second position; and

a second endboard body coupled to the first portion of the endboard base in a first position and the third portion in a second position, wherein the first endboard body and the second endboard body are configured to assist a person with at least one of ingress and egress to/from the person-support apparatus.

16. The person-support apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a third endboard body coupled to a second end of the frame opposite the first endboard body and second endboard body when the first endboard body and second endboard body are in the first position, and coupled to the first portion of the endboard base when the first endboard body and second endboard body are in the second position.

17. The person-support apparatus of claim 15, wherein a portion of the first endboard body overlaps a portion of the second endboard body when the first endboard body and the second endboard body are in the first position.

18. The person-support apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a siderail coupled to the frame, at least one of the first endboard body and the second endboard body are configured to cooperate with the siderail to define a substantially continuous height surface to be gripped when at least one of ingressing and egressing to/from the person-support apparatus.

19. The person-support apparatus of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first endboard body and the second endboard body assists with at least one of ingress and egress to/from a side of the person-support apparatus when the at least one of the first endboard body and the second endboard body is in the second position and the frame is in the substantially horizontal position.

20. The person-support apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a locking mechanism configured to maintain at least one of the first endboard body and the second endboard body in at least one of the first position and the second position.