Attachment Or Accessory Patents (Class 5/658)
  • Patent number: 7017208
    Abstract: A method is provided for permitting a module which is configured to perform a dedicated function on a bed to use a graphical interface. Graphic format data used by the module is downloaded, if necessary, and stored in a memory of the graphical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Weismiller, Joseph A. Kummer, Kenneth L. Kramer, Stephen R. Schulte, Philip D. Palermo, Daniel F. Dlugos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7017202
    Abstract: A cover furnishing, generally made of a single continuous piece of rectangular plastic or suitable material affixed to cover and conceal the underside of a top bunk or loft bed system to prevent particles from falling from the mattress or on a ceiling above the top bed. The board may depict characters, designs, artwork, textures, photographs or any other desired designs imaged onto the board via current acceptable printing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Seth J. Chisholm
  • Patent number: 6978499
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a transfer top adapted to carry a patient is transferable between a mobile base and a docking station in a hospital room. Thus, instead of transferring a patient between a stretcher and a hospital bed, the entire transfer top with the patient thereon is transferred between the mobile base and the docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dennis M. Lanci
  • Patent number: 6973688
    Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table is provided, the patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure; a base supporting the patient support surface; a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure; and a pivot arm having a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the monitor; a pivot release member provided on one of the monitor and the pivot arm for releasably securing the monitor and the pivot arm at predetermined angular positions with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Barker, Jeffrey W. Pattee, John Matthew Simmons
  • Patent number: 6957456
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for tilting a bed frame is disclosed. The apparatus raises and lowers an end of a bed frame between a horizontal position and an inclined position. The apparatus includes a power actuator connected to an extendable support bar. To raise or incline the bed, a support end of the extendable support bar contacts the floor while a lifting end raises the bed frame as the power actuator causes the extendable support bar to move from a retracted position toward an extended position. As the distance between the lifting end of the extendable support bar and the floor increases, the extendable support bar inclines the bed. To increase the rate at which the bed is inclined, ramps are placed between the extendable support bar and the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: JaRon, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Darling, Patrick J. Bartels
  • Patent number: 6952849
    Abstract: An organizer for a juvenile product is described. The organizer includes a frame including an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a top portion of the juvenile product. The organizer also includes a first compartment mounted to the frame and configured to receive a wet material. A first lid is disposed above the first compartment to move between an open position and a closed position and arranged to cover the first compartment in the closed position. The first lid is configured to seal the wet material within the first compartment when in the closed position. A second compartment of the organizer is configured to receive diaper changing materials, and the second compartment is mounted to the underside of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan M. Pacella
  • Patent number: 6944897
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for supporting accessories on a patent resting surface of an operation or examination table (10) comprising an accessory adapter (24) that can be slipped on the profile of the patient resting surface (14). Support elements (32) for accessories are fastened to said accessory adapter. The adapter (14) comprises two claws (26) adapted to encompass the longitudinal edges of the patient resting surface. Said claws are interlinked via a bracket (28) that extends across a width of the patient resting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Maquet GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Guido Koch
  • Patent number: 6941597
    Abstract: A holding device for medical instruments at a patient's bed, which are accommodated in suspension components. Holding devices for various medical instruments, such as respirators and accessories, infusion and secretion bags, measuring instruments and disposable articles, are used at patients' beds in many areas. A frequent drawback of prior-art holding devices is that the support at the patient's bed is unstable because the holding devices are suspended only loosely in a rail or handle. The holding device according to the present invention guarantees stable fastening at the patient's bed. It comprises a horizontal crossbeam (1), which is fixed on the sides of a peripheral strap (9) at the foot end of the patient's bed via, e.g., fixing means (3) designed as metal claws. Two vertical suspension carriers (2) with openings (6) for receiving suspension components have suspension sections (5) at their upper ends for suspension on the straps (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co., KGaA
    Inventor: Markus Hampe
  • Patent number: 6941598
    Abstract: A bed comprises a mattress supported on a support surface. The mattress has first and second inflatable cells for supporting a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ferrand, Marc M. Thomas, Lincoln J. Alvord, Stephen D. Smith, Steven N. Roe, Richard W. O'Connor, William A. Gilmartin, William Loh, William R. Fish, Jonathan Salsado, Charles W. Neder, William Silva, Wesley E. Grass
  • Patent number: 6938291
    Abstract: A music box of a play bed includes a box member used for playing music, and a toy hanger, on which several toys are hung for a small child to play in the play bed; the box member has two fitting holes as well as a fitting cavity on an upper side; hooks are respectively detachably connected with the fitting holes so that the box member can be hung on two adjacent upper horizontal rod parts of the bed frame; various types of hooks are available for suiting various types of bed frames whose rod parts have different shapes; the toy hanger is detachably connected with the fitting cavity at a lower end, and can fold such that it can be removed from the box member, and folded to occupy less space when it is not use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Pao-Hsien Cheng
  • Patent number: 6895618
    Abstract: A table top for a patient trolley or gurney is provided with a removable armrest. The armrest is mounted on the table top by having an insertion piece received in an insertion opening on the edge of the table top. In the preferred embodiment, the table top has a plurality of insertion openings in the form of slots spaced along the edge of the table and the armrest has two sets of insertion pieces, with each set having a pair of insertion pieces extending at right angles to each other, so that the armrest can be mounted extending vertically relative to the plane of the table top or parallel to the plane of the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Jährling
  • Patent number: 6877175
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a bed covering to a bed includes an elongated member having an anchor at one end and a connector at the other end. The elongated member is placed between the mattress and the box spring with the anchor at the head of the bed and the connector near the foot of the bed, the connector being attached to the bed covering. When pulled toward the foot of the bed, the anchor firmly wedges itself between the mattress and box spring preventing the connector from moving and thereby keeping the bed covering in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Deidra B. Jeffries, Sandra B. Brazier
  • Patent number: 6871364
    Abstract: Support method and apparatus for providing a secure and stable method for a user/patient to transfer a body part, such as a foot, into and out of a bed independently, and thus enhance in-bed mobility. The support for the body part is by a rest member having an associated expandable member. The rest member is a platform configured to the body part being supported, and the expandable member is a bellows adhered to the platform and expandable by a compressor. In the method a body part is positioned on the rest member, which is expanded with the body part thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Leoutsakos
  • Patent number: 6862759
    Abstract: A patient support includes a base, and a support assembly coupled to the base. A patient support surface is coupled to the support assembly. A plurality of siderails are coupled to the support assembly. Each siderail includes a frame member and a movable member coupled to the frame member, wherein the movable member is movable to a position directly above the patient support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Hand, Dana H. Delk, Jack J. Brooks, Steven J. Doehler
  • Patent number: 6854139
    Abstract: A bed covering fastening system is disclosed that provides for removable attachment of items such as storage pockets to a bed covering. The system includes a two part-fastener, one part of which is integral with a bed covering and the other part of which is integral with an item to be attached to the bed covering. The fastener part integral with the bed covering is positioned so that that attached items will hang down along the side or end of a bed. There may be a number of fastener parts positioned in a spaced apart configuration around the bed covering so that an item may be attached to various locations on the bed covering and a number of items may be so attached. A reinforcing band may also be included on the bed covering to prevent tearing of the bed covering upon removal of the item. The invention also contemplates that the item may be attached to a top covering, which may be in turn be partly attached to a bottom covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Sheila Lamy
  • Patent number: 6842922
    Abstract: The invention preferably includes a platform for attaching to patient carrying devices such as litters. The platform preferably is capable of attaching to accessory clips connected to medical instruments that are useful for carrying for a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Eric M. Smeed
  • Publication number: 20040237202
    Abstract: An architectural system adaptable to patient acuity level has a headwall unit with a cavity, a ceiling unit, and a column coupled to the ceiling unit. The column is movable between a first position in which at least a majority of the column is situated in the cavity and a second position in which the column is situated outside the cavity. Various types of patient-care equipment is also disclosed. The patient-care equipment is included in, or is coupleable to, one or more of the ceiling unit, the headwall unit, or the column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dennis M. Lanci
  • Publication number: 20040237198
    Abstract: A shield structure is designed to provide a medical personnel with protection against the infectious disease. The shield structure comprises a headrest, a backrest extending from one end of the headrest, a protective plate extending uprightly from other end of the headrest, and a side guard fastened pivotally with one side edge of the headrest. The side guard and the protective plate serve to stop dispersion of the vomitus of a patient. The protective plate is provided with two through holes dimensioned to allow passage of two hands of the medical personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jui Kuang Yang
  • Publication number: 20040211006
    Abstract: The bed making apparatus lifts, push, and pull the bedding layer by layer so as to take bedding originally disorganized to a made up state. The apparatus includes a vision device that evaluates and detects the current state of the bedding sensors and a computing device that determines the process of the making the bed. Typically, a robotic arm or roving device traverses the surface of the bed and can be attached to the headboard of the bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Lang Dickerson
  • Patent number: 6807696
    Abstract: Device for adjusting the height of a cushion (1) with respect to the surface of a mattress or seat (12) of a bed/sofa (10) which has a headboard or backrest (13;113), comprising a strip of fabric (21) which is fastened to the cushion and one end of which is joined to a weight (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Flou S.p.A.
    Inventor: Vico Magistretti
  • Publication number: 20040205892
    Abstract: A series of embodiments of attachments for a baby crib or other article of furniture provides various representations or caricatures of various animals or other objects or articles, e.g., “rubber ducky,” carousel animals, railroad train engine, etc. The present attachments comprise at least one, and preferably a series of, three dimensional or bas-relief panels shaped by padding, upholstery, and/or inflation, as desired. The panels are removably attached to a crib or the like by plastic ties, hook and loop material, buttons, or snaps, as desired. A coherent theme is provided where multiple panels are used. Upper, adult accessible storage pockets and/or lower, toddler accessible pockets are also provided in at least one of the panels of each set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Danielle Raphael-Davis, Haden Davis
  • Publication number: 20040199996
    Abstract: A system for supporting patient care equipment alongside a patient support is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of arms supported by a support structure. The arms may be pivoted to either side of the patient support. The arms may be stored in a console. At least one of the arms may carry service conduits that provide medical air, oxygen, vacuum, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, or electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: David C. Newkirk, Michael E. Cerimele, Mark A. Graham, Christian H. Reinke, Jonathan D. Turner
  • Patent number: 6799337
    Abstract: A series of embodiments of attachments for a baby crib or other article of furniture provides various representations or caricatures of various animals or other objects or articles, e.g., “rubber ducky,” carousel animals, railroad train engine, etc. The present attachments comprise at least one, and preferably a series of, three dimensional or bas-relief panels shaped by padding, upholstery, and/or inflation, as desired. The panels are removably attached to a crib or the like by plastic ties, hook and loop material, buttons, or snaps, as desired. A coherent theme is provided where multiple panels are used. Upper, adult accessible storage pockets and/or lower, toddler accessible pockets are also provided in at least one of the panels of each set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventors: Danielle Raphael-Davis, Haden Davis
  • Publication number: 20040177445
    Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck including a seat section and a foot section movable relative to the seat section. The bed further including a mechanism that control movement of the foot section relative to the seat section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Eugene E. Osborne, John W. Koenig, Glenn C. Suttman, Matthew Visca, Jack Wilker, Jeffrey R. Welling, Gregory W. Branson, Kenneth L. Kramer, Bruce E. Dickman, Dean M. Valvano, Robert A. Kinker, William L. Jacques, James K. Findlay, Francis C. Ganance
  • Publication number: 20040177444
    Abstract: A method and device that provides an easily repeatable way in which to insert pillows into pillowcases. A flexible relatively thin sheet of material is provided that is sized and configured so as to attain a generally U-shaped configuration for insertion into a pillowcase, thereby creating a three-dimensional cavity through which a pillow can be inserted. The device can then be easily extracted from the pillowcase by merely sliding it out once the pillow is in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Brad Blessman
  • Publication number: 20040177447
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method is provided for isolating a patient from the surrounding environment by providing an enclosure that defines a isolated patient environment separate from the surrounding environment. The system includes a patient support base and an elongated walled enclosure having a periphery that is engageable with the patient support base. Further, the walled enclosure includes an operable accessway for accessing a portion of the patient while in the isolated patient environment. Preferably, the operable accessway is positioned in the walled enclosure such that the patient's head is accessible while the patient is in the isolated patient environment. In another application, the walled enclosure is made from disposable material and also is pressure-equalizing between the isolated patient environment and the surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Tommy L. Love
  • Patent number: 6769143
    Abstract: A bedding storage container includes a pouch, and at least one strap attached to the pouch. The pouch has a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls thereby forming a storage area. The at least one strap adjustably attaches the pouch to a futon frame assembly. A lid is hingedly attached to the rear wall. The front wall has a lip as an upper edge thereof. The lid is selectably positionable over the lip. As desired, the lid has openings formed thereupon. The openings receive buttons attached to the front wall, thereby securing the container in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Preston O. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6766547
    Abstract: A wheeled patient support assembly that allows a patient and at least one medical attendant to be moved while the medical attendant(s) administer medical treatment to the patient comprising a patient support surface, rolling mechanisms or other means for moving the assembly over the floor, at least one attendant support platform(s) built into or connected with the assembly and constructed to support the weight of one or more attendant(s) and being positioned so the attendant(s) can safely stand on the platform section(s) and treat the patient while the assembly is being moved, and including safety railings to prevent the attendant(s) from falling off the assembly. Further, the assembly is designed and constructed to be stable to prevent it from tipping, leaning or becoming unstable while in use. The object of the invention is to allow a patient to be moved simultaneously while emergency medical care is administered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Paul J. Lagassey
  • Patent number: 6763535
    Abstract: A unitary pillow display appearing as different pillows of varying sizes, shapes, and textures. The single unitary pillow display appears formed of a number of individual and non-joined pillows, and mimics the contemporary decorating technique of stacking a plurality of different pillows on a furniture surface. Variations in the material of the pillow sham heighten the illusion by providing the possibility of radical differences in coverings of varying parts of the display. The sham may enclose the unitary display in a highly permanent manner, or it may have an opening, with optional closure means, to allow it to slip over the display. The display may have sleeping pillow recesses in the body of the display. The display may be provided with a wide variety of optional accessories, such as pockets and means for hanging storage of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Charlene C. Mann
  • Publication number: 20040133985
    Abstract: A mattress lifter having a base member and tubular lifting elements pivotably supported thereby. Handles at opposite ends enable the homemaker to lift the mattress with ease and convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Louis J. Drakos, John P. Drakos
  • Patent number: 6760938
    Abstract: A bed board includes a plurality of distance bars each having a “]” or generally “C”-shaped configuration with two ends, each end having a distance bar rabbet; a plurality of trips each having a “V” shape with an outer flank having a groove and an inner flank having a protrusion configured for engaging a corresponding one of the ends of the distance bars; and a plurality of side pillars each having a plurality of side pillar rabbets, each of the side pillar rabbets is configured for receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of trips and one of the ends of the distance bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Luhao Leng
  • Patent number: 6735795
    Abstract: A retrofitting system designed to convert an adult-size bed into an infant/toddler bed is disclosed. The retrofitting system comprises first a template is being placed on a twin, full, queen, king-or larger size bed with an underside of the template fitted to an underside of a mattress. The system further comprises a number of interconnecting geometrical shape structures connected to the template on the bed. The template and geometrical shape structures can be disassembled and assembled (with or without accessories) into furniture (storage cabinet, diaper change table, chair, table, and others), toys (easel, activity center, car, slide, picnic table, wagon, snake, puzzle board and others) and other useful items, such as a security gate or storage cabinet for providing storage spaces for baby clothing, diapers, lotion, towels, baby powder, baby wipe etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Doris Man-yee Lau
  • Patent number: 6735799
    Abstract: A fluid supply apparatus (10) includes a housing (12), a fluid supply (114) located within the housing (12), a first hanger (60) coupled to the housing (12), and a second hanger (62) coupled to the housing (12). The first hanger (60) is configured to couple the housing (12) to a footboard (82) in a first orientation, and the second hanger (62) is configured to couple the housing (12) to the footboard (82) in a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig D. Ellis, Kenith W. Chambers, Stephen E. Glover, Kerry J. Mensching
  • Patent number: 6728985
    Abstract: An ambulatory assist arm apparatus for use with a patient support having a support surface and a frame includes a mounting bracket and a body. The mounting bracket is adapted for attachment to a first side of the frame when in a first position, and to a second side of the frame when in a second position. The body includes a first end defining a grip and a second end removably and pivotally connected to the mounting bracket by a pivot member for movement between a use position wherein the grip is positioned above the support surface when the mounting bracket is mounted in either the first or second positions, and a storage position wherein the grip is adjacent a first end of the frame when the mounting bracket is in either the first or second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Brooke, Roger D. Dalton, Reza Hakamiun
  • Patent number: 6725484
    Abstract: Bed equipped with different types of fittings having a horizontal support plane for supporting a mattress spring, a mattress, pillows and blankets and a person and including a first and a second pair of vertical legs (15, 16, 17, 18) arranged respectively near the bed headboard and the bed footboard, which extend upwardly and which are joined together by a first stiff structure (19) arranged on the lower part thereof forming the bed peripheral edges (20, 21) and the horizontal support plane. A second stiff structure (22), is arranged on the upper part of the vertical legs spaced vertically from the first stiff structure (19) in such a manner as to allow easy access to the bed. The second stiff structure (22) having peripheral edges (22, 23, 24, 25) adapted to support at least a television receiver (27, 32), a bar (28) for supporting gym equipment and a lamp (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Gary August Drenik
  • Patent number: 6725483
    Abstract: An overhead support for receiving medical appliances comprises an extension arm and appliance receiving means and is modified for receiving various chassis-mounted appliances on said appliance receiving means. To this end the appliance receiving means is level-adjustable such that it receives a medical appliance carried on a chassis by grabbing the chassis from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, John W. Ruehl, John C. Gray, Edward W. Catton
  • Publication number: 20040074000
    Abstract: A toy storage cover for a portable play yard includes four outer panels shaped to surround the outer walls of the play yard attached at their top edges to four inner panels shaped to line the play yard. A floor panel joins the inner panels and is secured to the floor of the play yard by a mattress pad shaped to fit within the inner panels above the floor of the play yard. A series of pockets are attached to the outer panels of the cover. The pockets have smaller pockets within them or on their outer surfaces. Tie-down straps, fitted foot pockets or attachments through the play yard walls are used to secure the cover to the play yard. The toy storage cover may be adapted to play yards of various designs, cribs or other open topped containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas Tharalson, Diana Tharalson, Bruce Martin
  • Patent number: 6704956
    Abstract: An equipment support for use with a patient assist apparatus having a signal source includes a receptacle adapted to mount to the patient assist apparatus having a plurality of contacts adapted to receive signals from the signal source and a cavity, and a support body or pole having an equipment mount on one end and a plug on the other end for being removably inserted into the cavity. The plug includes a plurality of contacts that are connected to conductors that extend through the support body to the equipment mount to provide the signals from the signal source to equipment mounted on the equipment mount. The plug contacts and receptacle contacts are arranged such that all of the plug contacts contact their corresponding receptacle contacts as the plug is inserted into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl W. Riley, Troy D. Action
  • Patent number: 6704952
    Abstract: A storage locker for a sleeping cot (L) comprises a rigid container (90) of predetermined height, length, width, and cross-sectional shape, with a top (91), a bottom (92), a front (93), a back (94), a right end (95), a left end (116) and a recessed handle assembly (104). Vertical partitions (117, 119, and 120), and horizontal partitions (124, 126, and 128) within container (90) bound drawers (106), open-face compartments (108), and closed-faced compartments (118 and 121) fronted by access doors (110). Drawers (106) and doors (110) are locked closed by conventional cam locks (114). Container end apertures (96) facilitate optional attachment of prior-art foldable beverage container holder(s) (172) using various conventional fasteners including variable depth push fasteners (180). And apertures (100 and 101) in top 91 of container 90 facilitate its demountable attachment to a variety of sleeping cots (C) using conventional u-bolt assemblies (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Eugene Daniel Kurtz
  • Patent number: 6704955
    Abstract: A method for attaching a bed covering to a bed includes: (a) providing a bed having a mattress disposed on top of a box spring, (b) providing a bed covering; (c) providing a device for attaching the bed covering to the bed, the device including: an elongated member having first and second ends; a connector attached to the first end; an anchor connected to the second end; (d) positioning the anchor so that it abuts at least one of the side wall of the mattress and the side wall of the box spring; (e) placing the elongated member between the mattress and the box spring; and, (f) attaching the connector to the bed covering, wherein the connector is sandwiched between the mattress and the box spring. In another embodiment, the box spring is replaced by a support surface. In another embodiment, the anchor has nubs which horizontally engage both the mattress and the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: Deidra B. Jeffries, Sandra B. Brazier
  • Publication number: 20040040091
    Abstract: A holding device for medical instruments at a patient's bed, which are accommodated in suspension components. Holding devices for various medical instruments, such as respirators and accessories, infusion and secretion bags, measuring instruments and disposable articles, are used at patients' beds in many areas. A frequent drawback of prior-art holding devices is that the support at the patient's bed is unstable because the holding devices are suspended only loosely in a rail or handle. The holding device according to the present invention guarantees stable fastening at the patient's bed. It comprises a horizontal crossbeam (1), which is fixed on the sides of a peripheral strap (9) at the foot end of the patient's bed via, e.g., fixing means (3) designed as metal claws. Two vertical suspension carriers (2) with openings (6) for receiving suspension components have suspension sections (5) at their upper ends for suspension on the straps (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Markus Hampe
  • Patent number: 6691350
    Abstract: An accessory holder is provided for use with a patient support. The holder is configured to position an accessory relative to the patient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew W. Weismiller
  • Patent number: 6687930
    Abstract: An enclosure bed apparatus including a frame having legs connected to an upper structure, and a canopy affixed to the frame so as to define a three dimensional space therein. The upper structure includes side bars and end bars arranged in a generally rectangular configuration. The canopy includes a pair of sleeves at opposite sides of a top thereof which respectively receive the side bars of the upper structure therein. The canopy has vertical sleeve members extending downwardly so as to receive portions of the legs therein. The canopy has a pair of horizontal sleeves extending outwardly from a top thereof suitable for receiving respective end bars therein. The frame is arranged so as to be exterior of the three dimensional space defined by the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Safe-T-Care Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norman B. Eads, Barry Bearden
  • Patent number: 6684419
    Abstract: A bedside lower extremity lifting apparatus is comprised of a support frame coupled to a platform. The support platform can be selectively raised and lowered by an actuator assembly coupled between the support frame and the platform. The lifting apparatus is configured to be positioned adjacent a conventional patient support structure such as a mattress-type bed or patient table and can be properly used and operated in conjunction with the bed with or without modification thereto. When the platform is in its lowered position, the platform and support frame have a relatively low profile so as to allow a user to comfortably sit on the edge of the bed. A user control is provided to allow the user to selectively raise and lower the platform as desired. By sitting on the edge of the bed and raising the platform to a sufficiently elevated position, the user is able to raise his or her legs to a height that allows the user to more comfortably maneuver their legs onto the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Frank W. Perla
  • Patent number: 6668401
    Abstract: A foot free pillow for use on a bed comprising a pillow with a body portion having a wedge shaped cross section, a tapered point formed at the apex of said triangular wedge shaped cross section, said tapered point conforming to the contours of the periphery of a mattress. Also a protrusion can be attached to the body portion at the vertex of the wedge shaped cross section, wherein said protrusion forms a notch allowing said protrusion to be secured against a sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: Oren Waters
  • Patent number: 6665898
    Abstract: A Device for Correcting a Sagging Bed is disclosed. The device may be configured to be placed under the center region of a sagging or new mattress, after which the device is inflated to correct the sagging portion, or to provide additional support. The device may further be divided up into two or more chambers in order to prove additional control and adjustment. The device further may include between two and four lobes extending outwardly at ninety degrees from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Gordon
  • Patent number: 6658678
    Abstract: An article adapted to be releasably attached to a bed railing, the article having a housing defining an opening for slidingly receiving a portion of the railing, when the housing is mounted on the railing. The article also has a first pawl movably connected to the housing and arranged to be moved from a retaining position, in which the pawl is adapted to block the opening to prevent removal of the railing from the opening, to a release position to enable removal of the article from the railing member. Further, the article has a spring connected to the housing and bearing against the pawl to bias the pawl towards its retaining position with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan R. Hotaling, Carl J. Conforti
  • Patent number: 6658679
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a lightweight, portable guard to separate two people sleeping in a common area. The invention serves to block a great deal of the noise attendant to snoring, and to shield to some degree the transmission of airborne spray emanating from the mouth of a sleeper, and optionally to shield light reaching the sleeper. The device is portable, inflatable with air or a similar innocuous fluid, and easily deflatable for compact storage after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Henry Weibert
  • Publication number: 20030172462
    Abstract: A sleep support system for comfortably supporting a user during sleep. More particularly, a sleep support system for face-down sleep in essentially a sitting position. The system is adapted for use with equipment and fixtures commonly found in patient recovery rooms, such as hospital beds and over-bed tables. The system provides comfortable head and arm support with a plurality of user-selectable positional adjustments. The system is foldable and portable. The system may be adapted for use with a wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: Todd Damon Hoggatt, Emily Jo Hoggatt
  • Patent number: 6618876
    Abstract: A bed headboard assembly that is entirely independent of support associated with any other part of a bed structure such as the mattress, spring or bed frame, embodies a generally soft, panel-like member having length and width dimensions that are substantially greater than its thickness. A fabric container encloses the panel and has an access opening for inserting and removing the panel. The access opening can be dosed with a zipper or hook-and-loop closure device. A rigid support member is coupled to the panel member parallel to one edge, so that the panel can be suspended from the support when said support is hung on a wall next to a bed. Decorative patterns on the outer surface of the fabric container and pocket recesses in either the fabric or the panel or both, enhance the functions of the headboard for visual appeal and for the convenience of a user of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen Murphy, William R. Grose