And Lower Body Portions Of User Supported By Adjustable Section Patents (Class 5/618)
  • Publication number: 20100125953
    Abstract: A coordinative control method for adjusting the back and knee bottom sections of an adjustable bed or the like, and a computer program for implementing the method, are provided. Specifically, a method for adjusting the back and knee bottom section is provided, in which the angular positions thereof are adjusted according to a preset action pattern. The initial starting positions of the adjustable sections are taken into account, and adjusted to a position corresponding to the closest point on a curve representing angular movement of the sections during the adjustment process. Then, the sections are adjusted in a manner that prevents exertion of uncomfortable pressure upon the torso of a user, and prevents sliding of a user relative to the foot of the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: PARAMOUNT BED CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagaoka, Masao Horitani, Satoru Inoue
  • Publication number: 20100122415
    Abstract: An articulable occupant support system for supporting an occupant, includes an upper frame, an articulable assembly comprising at least one section articulable relative to the upper frame and a motion control system. The motion control system is arranged to govern motion of the articulable assembly based on a relationship relating scheduled motion of the sections to anthropometric information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Turner, Richard H. Heimbrock, Joseph A. Ernst
  • Patent number: 7716762
    Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support structure supporting a patient support surface that comprises separately adjustable torso and hip support structures. Lifting mechanisms are provided to elevate the torso and hip support structures to substantially reduce pressure on the sacral area of a patient resting on the patient support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Bedlab, LLC
    Inventors: Rodolfo W. Ferraresi, Eduardo Rene Benzo, Mario Cesar Eleonori
  • Patent number: 7703158
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Wilker, Jr., Aziz Ali Bhai
  • Publication number: 20100095456
    Abstract: A support apparatus (10) for use in supporting a person, particularly a bariatric patient. The apparatus (10) is selectively convertible between a seat configuration for supporting the person in a substantially seated position and a table configuration for supporting the person in a substantially prostrate position. The apparatus (10) is both vertically and angularly adjustable in either configuration. The apparatus (10) includes enhanced lateral support provided by telescoping support cylinders (74,76), and substantially automatically retracting foot support portions (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Troy D. Parson, John L. Fitzsimmons, Don Peach, Eric D. Boss
  • Patent number: 7698761
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary seat deck board and independently movable front and rear carriages powered by linear actuators supported by a stationary base. A head deck board is hingedly secured to the front carriage and moves with it. Leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together are supported by the rear carriage and move with it. Additional linear actuators move the head deck board and leg deck boards between horizontal and inclined positions independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Jacob J. Neuenswander, William R. Rohr
  • Patent number: 7690057
    Abstract: A prone cart for carrying a patient has a frame, a pair of independently powered and suspended drive wheels located centrally off the frame and an articuable body support having relatively moveable tray, chest support, abdominal support and leg support sections connected end to end for carrying a patient prone between a lowered position where the patient lies in a horizontal orientation to a raised position where the patient's head and chest are elevated with respect to the patient's abdomen and legs. Linkage mechanisms move the sections between the raised and lowered positions. A pair of independently suspended drive wheels mounted centrally of the frame is controllable so that each may each rotate independently in clockwise or counterclockwise sense so that the cart may be maneuvered in confined spaces with a zero turning radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Medical College of Wisconsin, University of South Florida
    Inventors: Pascal Malassigne, Jeffrey Harrow, Robert Jensen, John Erdman
  • Patent number: 7690060
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an articulated mattress that does not need any specific frame for its perfect functioning, mattress that may be provided with a massage device, pertaining to the general market, having particular application in the field of health and prevention and being included in the group of products that provide comfort and wellbeing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Victor Manuel Rodrigues Moreira
  • Publication number: 20100077549
    Abstract: A patient support is provided for supporting a patient. Patient support includes a frame, a deck, a mattress and siderails. The deck includes a panel having apertures that receive upside down U-shaped wire loops therein to removably couple the panel to the frame. Top portions of the wire loops extend above the panel and serve as restraint strap holders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: David W. Hensley, Jean-Bernard Duvert, Sebastien Gemeline, Patrick Weizman, Gary S. Siegle, Barbu Olivier, Le Boeuf Guenael
  • Patent number: 7685659
    Abstract: A patient support is disclosed as including a frame and a foot section having an upper surface, the foot section operatively coupled to the frame and movable between a use position for providing support for a patient and a lowered position for storage. The patient support is also disclosed as having an onboard storage location for the foot section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Heimbrock, David W. Hornbach
  • Publication number: 20100064439
    Abstract: A hospital bed includes a base, a lifting mechanism, a rotating frame configured to rotate horizontally relative to the base, and a patient support surface pivotally secured to the rotating frame. The patient support surface includes a back section, a seat section, and foot section that articulate relative to each other. The patient support surface translates from a bed configuration to a side-egress chair configuration. The foot section includes a plurality of panels that translate relative to each other from a substantially co-planar relationship when the patient support surface is in a bed configuration to a relationship where one of the foot section panels is substantially orthogonal to another foot section panel when the patient support surface is in a chair configuration. A mattress supported by the patient support surface has a retractable foot portion that adjusts its length in response to translation of the foot section panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Sohrab Soltani
  • Patent number: 7676862
    Abstract: A siderail assembly for a hospital bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed is a chair bed having a first deck section, a second deck section and a third deck section. A pair of siderails are operably connected to the third deck section of the bed. In another embodiment, the siderail coupled to the third deck section remains stationary relative to the third deck section during movement of the third deck section between the generally horizontal and the substantially vertical position. The siderail is configured to be gripped by a patient while the patient is entering and exiting the chair bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kreg Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Poulos, Patrick Harris, Sohrab Soltani
  • Publication number: 20100005591
    Abstract: A hospital bed convertible to a side egress chair bed includes a base having opposite end portions; a lifting mechanism secured to the base between the end portions; a rotating frame mounted on the lifting mechanism and configured to rotate horizontally relative to the base; and a patient support surface pivotally secured to the rotating frame. The patient support surface includes a back panel, a seat panel, and a leg panel that are configured to articulate relative to each other from a co-planar configuration to a chair configuration. The leg panel includes a first section pivotally connected to the seat panel and a second section that is separable from the leg panel first section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Nikou Manouchehri
  • Publication number: 20100005592
    Abstract: A bed is provided having a non-pivotal actuation mechanism for a foot deck to assist the bed in being converted to a chair bed and lowered close to the floor even when the foot deck is in a generally vertical position. In one embodiment, the bed has a longitudinal gap between the intermediate deck section and the foot deck section. As the foot deck transitions to the generally vertical position from the generally horizontal position the gap between the intermediate frame section and the foot deck section is decreased. In an alternate embodiment a foot deck side rail is operably connected to the foot deck section and driven by the non-pivotal actuation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Craig Poulos, Luke Westra, Patrick Harris
  • Publication number: 20090313758
    Abstract: A hospital bed is disclosed. The bed includes at least one tiltable deck section, and a linkage assembly configured to facilitate tilting of the at least one deck section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas J. Menkedick, Eugene E. Osborne, Robert M. Zerhusen, David A. Albersmeyer, Roger S. Philbeck, Aziz Ali Bhai, Nicholas C. Batta, Terry L. Richter, Tom Riggs, Kenith W. Chambers, Steven J. Schwartz, Matthew R. Knue, Steve A. Dixon, Joshua W. Shenk, Brent Goodwin, Andrew F. Skinner, Gregory J. Figel, James R. Stolpmann, James K. Findlay, Glenn C. Suttman, Brian J. Hoffman, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, David W. Hornbach, Paul R. Weil, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey R. Welling, Eric R. Meyer, Jack Wilker, JR., David P. Lubbers, Roberta M. Murnyack, Cami S. Scheele
  • Publication number: 20090293197
    Abstract: This invention relates to a bed including a frame with a substantially planar frame support surface. The bed also includes a width adjustment accessory with a mounting member and an extension member, the extension member providing a substantially planar extended support surface. The mounting member is configured to be attached relative to the frame so that the extended support surface is substantially planar with the frame support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: JOERNS HEALTHCARE INC.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Larson, James R. Risk, Jr., Troy T. Clendenning
  • Bed
    Patent number: 7621008
    Abstract: The bed is equipped with a back lift mechanism and comprises a thigh support mechanism for supporting only the thighs of a user. The bed further comprises cooperative means for performing a thigh lifting action of said the thigh support mechanism in cooperation with the back lift mechanism in back lifting action. The thigh support mechanism has a thigh support member, which has one end, proximal to the waist section of the bed, pivotally mounted on the bed frame to support only the thighs. The thigh support member has a width smaller than that of the bed frame and is provided only at the central region of the width of the bed frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Molten Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Matsuura, Maki Mimura
  • Patent number: 7610638
    Abstract: A bed comprises a frame and a deck coupled to the frame. The deck includes a back section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section. An actuator is coupled to the back section to move the back section from a horizontal position to an elevated position relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Kramer, David W. Hornbach, David A. Albersmeyer, Gerald D. Eckstein, Michael W. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20090260160
    Abstract: The product demonstration system of the present invention is used to familiarize a person with a product. The product demonstration system includes an audio/visual component that is capable of delivering a recording, an adjustable support that is capable of supporting the person, and a control. The control is operably connected to the adjustable support and the audio/visual component to move the adjustable support and deliver the recording in a coordinated manner to highlight the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Dag Landvik
  • Patent number: 7596820
    Abstract: An actuator for beds, slatted beds or chairs of the type accommodating, in a cabinet, two drive units based on a spindle and a spindle nut configured as an adjustment element, cooperating with an arm of a rotary shaft for a backrest section and a legrest section, respectively, in the bed, the mattress support or the chair. The two spindles are rotational interconnected and are driven by a common reversible electric motor. By having just one motor and one transmissions, as well as no switching mechanism between the two spindles, a simple and inexpensive structure is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Jens J. Nielsen, Norbert Klinke
  • Patent number: 7587770
    Abstract: The article of manufacture is a therapy table. The table has a head rest, arm rests and two cushions that are shaped similar to the human body. The head rest and arm rests are adjustable to fit a person either lying in a supine or prone position. The head rest and arm rests can also be adjusted to fit patients of different sizes. The table is designed so that its bed can go from a flat position to a dynamic convex position. An electronic linear actuator moves a lift cam which pushes on the center section of the table moving the table into a convex position which becomes rigid due to support from the curved surface of lift cam. This motion distracts the facet joints minimally which allows for a much easier and much more general repositioning of the vertebrae. The height of the table is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventors: Richard E. Reser, Steve Corthell
  • Patent number: 7581265
    Abstract: A roll-in chair cot which is movable between a chair position, a fully lowered cot height position, a fully elevated cot height position, and an intermediate cot height position is disclosed. With the chair cot positioned in the intermediate position, the chair cot is approximately bed height such that a patient may be laterally transferred from the bed to the chair cot in a generally supine position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Ferno-Washington, Inc.
    Inventors: Elroy E. Bourgraf, Elroy E. Bourgraf, Jr., Irvin Pollock
  • Publication number: 20090211028
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes an articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together and supported from a frame located above a stationary base. A intermediate cushioning layer, including a pocketed coil spring assembly, is secured to the deck boards. A mattress or similar structure resides on top of the intermediate cushioning layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Darrell A. Richmond, William R. Rohr
  • Patent number: 7571501
    Abstract: The invention provides as a connecting element at least one flexural pull element (29) disposed between the pivotable back element (13) and leg element (15) of the support (12). Such a flexural pull element, which can be a cord or belt, for example, can be arranged in a space-saving manner under the support (12) and integrated in a frame (11) of the bed or cot. Thus, no space is taken up by the pull element beneath the frame (11). The invention thereby provides a connecting element of simple and space-saving design which allows for the simultaneous pivoting of the back element (13) and leg element (15) of the support (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas GmbH + Co. Technik + Innovation KG
    Inventors: Klaus Jansen, Dietmar Weidler
  • Publication number: 20090193587
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary seat deck board and independently movable front and rear carriages powered by linear actuators supported by a stationary base. A head deck board is hingedly secured to the front carriage and moves with it. Leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together are supported by the rear carriage and move with it. Additional linear actuators move the head deck board and leg deck boards between horizontal and inclined positions independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Jacob J. Neuenswander, William R. Rohr
  • Patent number: 7568247
    Abstract: A bariatric bed having extensible side portions and extensible end portions which facilitate an expansion of the overall width and length of the bed to comfortably support an obese patient, the side portions capable of being retracted to reduce the overall width of the bed to fit through a standard hospital door opening, the bed including a plurality of load cells which transmit a signal to a weigh scale to provide a readout of the weight of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Gendron, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic W. Strobel, Steven W. Cotter
  • Patent number: 7562458
    Abstract: The invention relates to a form of a passive or active annunciator that solves the problem of reminding a caregiver to reposition a patient at risk for aspiration usually located in an adjustable bed to some predetermined angular position. The annunciator may take the form of an inclinometer (100) that measures the angle of the bed (160) relative to a local gravity reference or a goniometer that measures the angle between the horizontal (140) and elevated portions (130) of the bed. The invention reminds the caregiver of the patient at risk for aspiration to maintain or reestablish the elevation of the torso of the patient at risk for aspiration to at least 30 degrees up to 45 degrees above the local horizontal to prevent or reduce the incidence of aspiration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Louis Clark, Jr., Michael David Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090178201
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes an articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together and supported from a frame movable relative to a stationary base. An lumbar support assembly, including a linear actuator operatively coupled to one of the deck boards, includes a plate which may be raised or lowered through an opening the articulated deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Leonard D. Lujan, William R. Rohr
  • Patent number: 7559102
    Abstract: A sliding subframe mounted to the derriere-supporting section of an articulating bed is adapted to translate the rotational axis of the torso-supporting section of the bed toward the headframe as the torso-supporting section is raised to an inclined position, and back toward the footboard as the torso-supporting section is lowered to a level position. This mechanism reduces compression of the lumbo-sacral area of the patient during bed articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Bedlab, LLC
    Inventors: Eduardo Rene Benzo, Rodolfo W. Ferraresi, Mario Cesar Eleonori
  • Patent number: 7552733
    Abstract: An adjustable treatment support comprises at least three generally planar rigid support members mountable to one another in different angular orientations to provide a support structure having a variety of configurations. Individual support members are mountable to one another to provide a support structure suitable for use with a bed to provide an extending head support for massage and other types of body work. Individual support members may also be configured to provide a support structure suitable for use with a subject in a seated position at a chair adjacent a table. The individual support members are collapsible or detachable for convenient storage and transport. Kits comprising a plurality of support members, a bag for storing and transporting them, instructional materials, music and other relaxation accessories are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Schubert, III
  • Patent number: 7552490
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of a positioning system are described to position an upper-half of a body relative to a head-end of a couch. The positioning system may be a patient positioning system and may include a treatment couch, a leg rest coupled to the treatment couch, and a drive mechanism coupled to the leg rest. The patient positioning system may also include a treatment couch, having a base portion of a treatment couch and plurality of detachable portions of the treatment couch. The plurality of detachable portions to adjust a height of the treatment couch to accommodate differing heights of patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael J. Saracen, Aaron W. Carrano, John W. Allison, Gopinath R. Kuduvalli
  • Publication number: 20090151073
    Abstract: A bed having a frame and a deck is disclosed. The deck has at least a horizontal position and a chair position. The deck has an adjustable-length foot section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20090121660
    Abstract: The present invention provides a handheld adjustable bed remote control that may comprise a circular group of input buttons. A first input button in the circular group of input buttons, upon activation, may control a head position of an adjustable bed. A second input button in the circular group of input buttons, upon activation, may control a foot position of the adjustable bed. A centrally located button may be positioned at an approximate center of the circular group of input buttons. The central button, upon activation, may cause the adjustable bed to return to a flat position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
  • Publication number: 20090113632
    Abstract: A system for medical imaging and a patient support system for medical diagnosis are provided. The system includes a gantry mounted on the base. The gantry has an annular support. A detector head is fixed to the inner surface of the annular support. The annular support rotates along an axis of the inner space, and is prevented from moving in horizontal and vertical direction and moving angularly. The patient support system has a patient bed system having a plurality of configurations. The contact surface of the patient has a couch back support, a thigh support and a leg support. A controller is provided for angular movements of the supports, and for vertical/horizontal movements of the supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Iain STARK
  • Publication number: 20090100600
    Abstract: Reclining chairs or beds may be made of pivoting parts and have motorized adjustment drives. The chairs or beds are designed to minimize opportunity for injury to the user caused by incorrect adjustments by limiting the pivoting movement of the parts of the recliners or beds. Injuries can also be minimized by placing the small-volume adjusting device underneath the recliner or the bed, and by essentially ensuring that the distance between the motors remains unchanged during the adjustment of the recliner or the bed, so that the contour of the adjusting device, even after an adjustment, is essentially the same as the contour of the seating surface of the recliner or bed, thereby minimizing the chances of a user getting a hand or foot caught in the adjusting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Fried-Jan Unger
  • Patent number: 7520005
    Abstract: A rotating and sitting-up bed includes a height-adjustable base and a support frame, which is connected to the base by means of a rotating articulated element. The support frame can be rotated by 90 degrees relative to the vertical axis with the help of the rotating articulated element. The support frame is divided into a back section, a center section, a thigh section, and a lower-leg section. In the rotated position, the support frame can fold into a Z shape, wherein the back part projects upwards starting from the center section and the lower-leg part hangs downwards from the thigh part. In addition, a crank mechanism ensures that the thigh part is raised by a few cm at its front edge, which is adjacent to the back of the knee of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Barthelt
  • Patent number: 7522062
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary frame, a first head deck mattress support member supported by the frame, a second seat deck mattress support member supported by the frame and pivotally coupled to the head deck mattress support member, a sensor assembly adapted to detect a sound associated with human snoring, and a motorized drive assembly operatively coupled to the sensor assembly and to the first mattress support member. The adjustable bed may be such that detection of the snoring sound actuates the motorized drive assembly thereby causing relative movement of the first mattress support member with respect to the second mattress support member. The sensor assembly may further be adapted to recognize a sound associated with snoring of a particular person and actuation of the motorized drive assembly may move the first mattress support member between an inclined position and a horizontal flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: L&P Property Managment Company
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Patent number: 7520006
    Abstract: A patient support including a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The frame includes a deck support and a deck supporting the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Menkedick, Eugene E. Osborne, Robert M. Zerhusen, David A. Albersmeyer, Roger S. Philbeck, Aziz Ali Bhai, Nicholas C. Batta, Terry L. Richter, Tom Riggs, Kenith W. Chambers, Steven J. Schwartz, Matthew R. Knue, Steve A. Dixon, Joshua W. Shenk, Brent Goodwin, Andrew F. Skinner, Gregory J. Figel, James R. Stolpmann, James K. Findlay, Glenn C. Suttman, Brian J. Hoffman, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, III, David W. Hornbach, Paul R. Weil, Kenneth L. Kramer, Jeffrey R. Welling, Eric R. Meyer, Jack Wilker, Jr., David P. Lubbers, Roberta M. Murnyack, Cami S. Scheele
  • Publication number: 20090094746
    Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support structure supporting a patient support surface that comprises separately adjustable torso and hip support structures. Lifting mechanisms are provided to elevate the torso and hip support structures to substantially reduce pressure on the sacral area of a patient resting on the patient support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Rodolfo W. Ferraresi, Eduardo Rene Benzo, Mario Cesar Eleonori
  • Patent number: 7512998
    Abstract: A wheelchair and an examination table is provided wherein there is provided a connector or connector assembly for connecting the wheelchair to the examination table. Once connected to the examination table, the wheelchair and patient sitting therein can be elevated, after which side frames of the wheelchair can be removed in order to facilitate examination of the patient. In addition, once elevated and the side frames removed, with the aid of a movable back that forms a part of the examination table, the back of the wheelchair can be reclined or positioned in various positions to facilitate examination and procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Martin Manufacturing Company, LLC
    Inventors: Willis E. Martin, Alexander Bradford Earle, Stanley A. Brantley, Jr., Junius Warren White, Shawn Lane, Deepak Devasagayam
  • Patent number: 7496979
    Abstract: A vertically moveable patient table is provided with a footrest extension that may be locked in either an operative, extended position or a stowed position beneath an adjacent leg section of the table. In the stowed position the footrest extension actuates a switch which permits the table to be moved freely up and down. However, when the footrest extension is in any position other than stowed, movement of the table is restricted to prevent accidental contact of the footrest extension with a floor or other supporting surface as the table is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Midmark Corporation
    Inventor: James Christopher Hempker
  • Publication number: 20090044340
    Abstract: A linear actuator for a piece of furniture, namely a bed or chair comprising a housing (8) of plastic consisting of two parts (8a, 8b) with a joining edge (8c) in the longitudinal direction of the housing. In both ends of the housing there is a transverse through aperture (10) for receiving a pivot shaft in the piece of furniture, and with an openable cover (9) for mounting the actuator on the shafts. In connection with the apertures there is a drive comprising a reversible motor, which over a transmission drives a spindle, and where a spindle nut fixed against rotation and constructed as a sliding element is mounted on said spindle. The pivot shaft in the piece of furniture has an arm which rests loosely against the end of the spindle nut when the actuator is mounted on the piece of furniture so that the pivot shaft is rotated for raising of a section in the piece of furniture in one direction of movement of the spindle and for lowering the section under its weight in the other direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jens Jorgen. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7484254
    Abstract: A bed arrangement (10) has an articulated mattress support (30), a support frame (40) for the articulated mattress support, and a power assembly (50) for raising and lowering flexible sections (30b, 30c, 30d) of the articulated mattress support. The support frame (40) is adjustably mounted in a stationary outer frame (20) and has a size smaller than the articulated mattress support (30). The power assembly (50) is mounted on the support frame (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hilding Anders International AB
    Inventors: Rikard Eriksson, Mikael Johansson
  • Patent number: 7484257
    Abstract: Electromotive furniture drive for displacing parts of a piece of furniture relative to one another. The drive includes a drive element that can linearly move along a linear motion axis. This drive is provided for pivoting a pivotal element, which can pivot about a pivot axis and which, when the furniture drive is in a mounted position, is actively connected to a part of the piece of furniture to be displaced. An element may be provided that, during the displacing motion, maintains the engagement between the drive and the pivotal element at a point P that is essentially fixed along the linear motion axis. The furniture drive can be easily and economically produced and has a sturdy design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cimosys AG
    Inventors: Johannes Schneider, Rolf Farmont
  • Publication number: 20090019640
    Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a stationary base having side rails with channels. A frame movable relative to the base has rollers which ride in these channels. An articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together is supported by the frame when horizontal. A plurality of links pivotally secured to brackets secured to the head and leg deck boards and pivotally secured to the base limit travel of the head and leg deck boards. Additional links pivotally secured to brackets secured to the foot deck board and to the movable frame limit movement of the foot deck board. An actuator assembly is operatively coupled to the frame and includes a linear actuator. Activation of the actuator inclines the deck boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: L&P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Jacob J. Neuenswander
  • Patent number: 7478447
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device (10) for beds, mattresses, armchairs and the like, which comprises support elements (12) that extend at an angle to the adjusting direction (A), especially on both sides, and that form together a plane of support (12A), and at least one drive device (24) for modifying the inclination of the plane of support, said drive device comprising at least one pivotable raising lever (14). In order to provide an adjusting device that is simple in design, at least one pivotable raising lever (14) is combined with a plurality of bar members (16A-G) that can be pivoted relative one another so that the general raising movement is combined with the ergonomic detail movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Cimosys AG
    Inventors: Michael Wilming, Rolf Farmont, Johannes Schneider
  • Patent number: 7472442
    Abstract: An adjustable bed including a stationary frame is supported above a floor. An articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together is spaced above the frame with connectors. The connectors include generally inverted U-shaped tubes pivotally secured to the frame and secured to the deck boards. A gas spring is operatively coupled to the head deck board and pivotally secured to the frame. Activation of the gas spring in cooperation with the operator moves the deck boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Publication number: 20090000033
    Abstract: A vertically moveable patient table is provided with a footrest extension that may be locked in either an operative, extended position or a stowed position beneath an adjacent leg section of the table. In the stowed position the footrest extension actuates a switch which permits the table to be moved freely up and down. However, when the footrest extension is in any position other than stowed, movement of the table is restricted to prevent accidental contact of the footrest extension with a floor or other supporting surface as the table is lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: James Christopher Hempker
  • Publication number: 20080313811
    Abstract: The invention provides a bed on which a patient and so forth can take a posture for sitting on a chair, in particular, a bed for allowing the posture for sitting on a chair to be taken, effectively usable even by those having the back in the shape of the round back, Kyphosis or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Kyozo Nomura
  • Patent number: 7464419
    Abstract: A wheelchair and an examination table is provided wherein there is provided a connector or connector assembly for connecting the wheelchair to the examination table. Once connected to the examination table, the wheelchair and patient sitting therein can be elevated, after which side frames of the wheelchair can be removed in order to facilitate examination of the patient. In addition, once elevated and the side frames removed, with the aid of a movable back that forms a part of the examination table, the back of the wheelchair can be reclined or positioned in various positions to facilitate examination and procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Martin Manufacturing Company, LLC
    Inventors: Willis E. Martin, Alexander Bradford Earle, Stanley A. Brantley, Jr., Junius Warren White, Shawn Lane, Deepak Devasagayam