US20010047546A1 - Height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base - Google Patents
Height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010047546A1 US20010047546A1 US09/739,910 US73991000A US2001047546A1 US 20010047546 A1 US20010047546 A1 US 20010047546A1 US 73991000 A US73991000 A US 73991000A US 2001047546 A1 US2001047546 A1 US 2001047546A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bed
- assist
- castor
- base
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 235000004443 Ricinus communis Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 126
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 240000000528 Ricinus communis Species 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 claims 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 abstract description 19
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000474 nursing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000747 cardiac effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000026058 directional locomotion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002028 premature Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C19/00—Bedsteads
- A47C19/04—Extensible bedsteads, e.g. with adjustment of length, width, height
- A47C19/045—Extensible bedsteads, e.g. with adjustment of length, width, height with entire frame height or inclination adjustments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/002—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons having adjustable mattress frame
- A61G7/012—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons having adjustable mattress frame raising or lowering of the whole mattress frame
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
- A61G7/0528—Steering or braking devices for castor wheels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
- A61G7/002—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons having adjustable mattress frame
- A61G7/005—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons having adjustable mattress frame tiltable around transverse horizontal axis, e.g. for Trendelenburg position
Definitions
- This invention relates to height and angle adjustable beds in general and more specifically to a bed which is typically found in a hospital or nursing care facility and commonly known in the medical and nursing care industries as a low height adjustable bed or a low bed.
- a unique aspect of the present invention is its movability in any direction on the floor plane while positioned at any user desired height or angle position. This includes heights which are substantially lower and higher than prior art industry standard low beds and positions such as the Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, or cardiac chair.
- the art of the present invention further provides a means for reducing the mechanical actuator force necessary for raising or lowering the bed.
- Prior art height and angle adjustable low bed designs provide front and rear lifting and support capabilities and further provide a bed rolling capability when maintained at a specific factory set height. (usually a fully lowered position)
- the conventional low bed design provides a wide range of bed height positioning including positioning very close to the floor.
- a typical low bed design further provides one or more support arm mechanisms pivotably attached onto the bed frame which extend near the head or foot of the bed.
- the support arms help to provide the aforesaid desirable low bed features and may contain rollers, but not castors, which bear upon the plane of the floor near the head or foot of the bed.
- Said support arms are typically controlled by one or more mechanical or hydraulic linear actuators which cause said support arms to pivot around each bed frame attachment point.
- prior art low bed designs require the support arms to be positioned at a specific angle relative to the bed before the bed may be rolled on the floor. That is, typically the prior art bed must be in a fully lowered position before it engages castors mounted on the bed frame and thereby may be rolled on the floor plane.
- the present art overcomes the aforesaid limitations of the prior art by utilizing a unique castor base arrangement which allows the user to adjust the height or angle of the bed to any desired level and further roll or move the bed on the two dimensional plane represented by the plane of the floor upon which the bed stands.
- the present art bed further allows a person to lock the bed and prevent movement in the two-dimensional floor plane at any user desired height or angle.
- Prior art beds also require an initial actuator force for raising or lowering the bed which is substantially greater than that of the present art. This occurs due to a mechanical disadvantage presented to the actuators when a low bed is in a nearly or fully lowered position.
- the present art bed provides an actuator assist spring mechanism which presents an initial force to the bed support arms when the bed is nearly or fully lowered. This initial force helps to overcome the mechanical disadvantage presented to the actuators and thereby reduces the force output required from the actuators.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a low bed which is stable and position lockable while providing the aforementioned features
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a low bed which utilizes castors instead of rollers while providing the aforementioned features;
- a still further object of the present invention is to provide a low bed incorporating one or more actuator assist spring mechanisms which reduce the forces required by the actuators used to raise or lower the bed.
- a height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base.
- the apparatus represents an improvement in conventional low bed designs by allowing movement in any direction on the floor plane while the bed is positioned at a user desired height or angle. It also provides an actuator assist spring mechanism which reduces the linear actuator force necessary to raise the bed.
- the apparatus comprises a bed frame having one or more pivotably attached support arms, one or more castor bases attached to said support arms opposite said bed frame attachment, one or more linear actuators attached between the bed frame and said support arms, and an actuator assist spring mechanism which reduces the linear actuator force necessary for lifting.
- the difficulty in providing a two dimensional floor plane bed movement while also maintaining bed stability at a user desired height/angle position is best exemplified by referring to the operation of a typical offset castor wheel.
- the center mounting axis of a castor wheel as typically used on an office chair is offset from its mounting stud in order to ensure proper tracking when the chair is pushed. That is, if the center axis is not offset, the castor will not have the necessary moment arm of force around its mounting stud axis in order to ensure positioning and tracking of the castor in the direction of applied force.
- the castor mounting stud must maintain a nearly perpendicular relationship with the floor plane in order to operate properly and avoid premature failure.
- the present art overcomes the aforesaid prior art limitations by placing a pivoting castor base on a base shaft which is mounted onto or between the bed support arms opposite the pivotal attachment points.
- Each castor base comprises a castor frame with three or more castors which are offset from the axis of the rotating member. That is the three or more castors mounted onto the castor base form a polygonal castor plane, such as a triangle, square, rectangle, etc. which maintains a parallel relationship with the floor plane when in use.
- a preferred embodiment utilizes four castors in a substantially rectangular configuration with two locking castors.
- the aforesaid base shaft comprises one or more shafts mounted onto a base tube supported by the support arms.
- the castor base mounted on said shafts is capable of pivoting in the same plane as the pivoting movement of the bed support arms.
- the offset castors mounted onto the castor base ensures a stable and firm wheeled base for the bed support arms while also allowing the wheeled base to pivot near the end of the bed support arms.
- the wheeled base maintains the necessary perpendicular relationship between each castor mounting stud and the floor plane. Since the base has pivoting castors, the bed end having the aforesaid base is able to move easily in any direction on the two dimensional plane of the floor. That is, each castor pivots on its castor mounting stud in order to follow and track in the direction of applied force.
- one or more of the castors contain a castor locking brake which is capable of locking the castor both rotationally and linearly. When locked, the castors prohibit movement of the bed on the floor plane. Nevertheless, when the preferred embodiment includes support arm wheels on the support arms not having the castor base, the bed may be raised or lowered while the castor base is locked. That is, in a preferred embodiment, the support arms near the foot of the bed contain the aforesaid castor base and the support arms near the head of the bed contain support arm wheels.
- FIG. 1 Another unique feature of the present invention is an actuator assist spring mechanism.
- conventional low bed designs typically provide one or more bed support arms pivotably attached to the bed frame.
- each bed support arm is forceably pivoted on its attachment point axis by a linear mechanical or hydraulic actuator.
- the linear actuator is typically positioned between a central portion of the support arms and the bed frame near the head or foot portions. As the bed is lowered, the linear actuator pivotably approaches an angle which is nearly parallel with the support arms. This means that only a small portion of the linear actuator force is perpendicular to the plane of the support arms which require rotational movement. That is the perpendicular force is represented by the equation:
- each support arm has an assist arm attached to the support arm near the pivot point with the bed frame. The assist arm acts as the compressing arm for the assist spring mechanism.
- the aforementioned frame, support arms, castor base, and associated components may be manufactured from a variety of materials which provide the structural strength necessary. These include but are not limited to materials such as iron, steel, aluminum, titanium, and magnesium along with alloys of such, and plastics, composites, and various woods.
- the castor and support arm wheels are typically a hard or soft molded plastic or rubber material.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the height and angle adjustable bed in an elevated position.
- FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the height and angle adjustable bed in a lowered position.
- FIG. 3 is a right side sectional plan view of an end of the height and angle adjustable bed having a castor base in a nearly lowered position.
- FIG. 4 is a bottom side plan view of the height and angle adjustable bed in a lowered position.
- FIG. 5 is a front side plan view of the height and angle adjustable bed in a lowered position showing a castor base.
- FIG. 6 is a left side sectional plan view of an end of the height and angle adjustable bed in an elevated position showing a castor base.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional elevation view from beneath the height and angle adjustable bed in an elevated position looking toward an end portion of the bed showing a castor base and support arms.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation view of the actuator assist spring mechanism and support arm viewed from beneath the height and angle adjustable bed in an elevated position.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional elevation view of the actuator assist spring mechanism and support arm viewed from beneath the height and angle adjustable bed in a lowered position.
- FIGS. 1 - 9 a height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base 10 .
- the height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base 10 is uniquely capable of providing movement in any direction on the floor plane while positioned at any user desired height or angle.
- the bed 10 further provides a unique actuator assist spring mechanism 40 which minimizes the linear actuator 36 force necessary for height and angle adjustment.
- FIG. 1 The drawings show the apparatus comprising a bed frame 12 having a head, foot, top, bottom, right, left, and central portion, one or more bed support arms 16 , one or more castor bases 22 , one or more linear actuators 36 , and one or more actuator assist spring mechanisms 40 .
- Each support arm 16 is pivotably attached 20 near a central portion 14 of the bed frame 12 and extends outward toward the head or foot of the bed 10 .
- a support flange 15 is attached to the bottom of said bed frame 12 and said support arm 16 is pivotably held by said flange 15 with a support shaft 21 .
- the support shaft 21 is typically a bolt placed through a flange hole 13 and an arm hole 27 .
- the support shaft 12 may be any other shaft form which allows pivoting of the support arm 16 .
- Alternative embodiments may forego use of said flange 15 and pivotably mount said support arm 16 directly onto the bed frame 12 .
- a pair of bed support arms 16 are used near each end of the bed 10 for a total of four. That is, a support arm 16 is placed on each side of the bed 10 and directed toward each end for optimum bed 10 stability.
- the preferred embodiment ties each pair of support arms 16 together with a crossarm 23 and a base tube 18 .
- Each crossarm 23 and base tube 18 are attached between the pair of support arms 16 by welding each in place.
- the crossarm 23 and base tube 18 may also be attached by any other attachment means such as bolts, rivets, or adhesives.
- Alternative embodiments may use a single bed support arm 16 on one or both ends which is centrally and pivotably mounted and also of sufficient structural strength to support the bed 10 .
- each support arm 16 pair on the support shafts 21 allows the bed 10 to be raised or tilted as desired.
- a linear actuator 36 forceably pivots each pair of support arms 16 .
- the linear actuator 36 is typically a hydraulic cylinder or motorized mechanical linear force actuator.
- a first end of the linear actuator 36 is pivotably attached onto the crossarm 23 and a second end of the linear actuator 36 is pivotably attached onto the bed frame 12 near an end of the bed 10 . That is, near the head or foot of the bed 10 which lies above the pivoting support arms 16 .
- each support arm 16 has an assist arm 17 integrally attached near the pivotable attachment point 20 near the central portion 14 of the bed frame 12 .
- the assist arm 17 is an extension of the support arm 16 and positioned at a generally perpendicular angle relative to the support arm 16 in a preferred embodiment.
- Alternative embodiments may incorporate the assist arm 17 parallel with and as an integral part of the support arm 16 .
- the assist arm 17 serves as a compressor for the actuator assist spring mechanism 40 when the bed 10 is nearly or fully lowered.
- the actuator assist spring mechanism 40 serves to provide an initial pivoting force on the support arms 16 when the bed 10 is near or at a fully lowered position.
- the actuator assist spring mechanism 40 is mounted between the assist arm 17 and an assist guide 50 mounted onto the bed frame 12 .
- Alternative embodiments may forego use of the assist guide 50 by incorporating its function within the bed frame 12 .
- This unique feature minimizes the initial force required by the linear actuator 36 to raise the bed 10 . That is, due to the aforesaid mechanical disadvantage which each linear actuator 36 has as it becomes more closely parallel and aligned with the support arms 16 , the force required by each linear actuator 36 to raise the bed 10 increases toward infinity.
- the actuator assist spring mechanism 40 provides enough force onto the assist arm 17 in order to assist pivoting of the support arms 16 into an angle relative to the linear actuator 36 which substantially reduces the mechanical disadvantage of the linear actuator 36 .
- This unique feature substantially reduces the size, weight, and output force requirement of the linear actuator 36 .
- the actuator assist spring mechanism 40 comprises a spring shaft 42 , an assist spring 44 and one or more shaft keepers 46 .
- the spring shaft 42 mounts through an arm slot 25 in the assist arm 17 and a guide hole 52 in the assist guide 50 .
- a shaft keeper 46 onto the ends of each spring shaft 42 is placed a shaft keeper 46 , such as an enlarged end, a nut and washer, C-clip, etc. to ensure that the spring shaft 42 does not withdraw from the arm slot 25 or the guide hole 52 .
- the assist spring 44 is typically a coil spring which is placed onto said spring shaft 42 between said arm slot 25 and guide hole 52 and is larger in diameter than the width of said slot 25 or the diameter of said hole 52 .
- Alternative embodiments may place the assist arm 17 at other angles relative to the support arms 16 or incorporate the assist arm 17 together with the support arm 16 .
- the aforesaid Alternative embodiments will not depart from the scope and spirit of the present invention provided that the actuator assist spring 44 is compressed and allowed to assist raising movement of the support arms 16 when the bed 10 is in a nearly fully lowered position.
- Further alternative embodiments may incorporate other types of assist springs such as leaf springs or torsion bars without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- the base tube 18 is of generally tubular form and rigidly attached between said support arms 16 .
- the castor base 22 comprises a castor frame 24 pivotably mounted and attached onto the base tube 18 with a base shaft 26 .
- the base shaft 26 typically comprises a bolt placed through a frame ear 58 on said castor base 22 and mated with a threaded insert mounted into the base tube 18 .
- the aforementioned form of base shaft 26 is used on each support arm 16 .
- Each support arm wheel 19 is also held with a base shaft 26 when used.
- Alternative embodiments may forego use of the base tube 18 and mount said base shafts 26 directly onto one or more support arms 16 .
- the castor frame 24 may form any planar polygonal form but defines a substantially rectangular “H” form in the preferred embodiment.
- the castor frame 24 comprises a substantially “H” shaped member having two frame arms 56 rigidly connected in perpendicular relation via a frame support angle 60 .
- Each frame arm 56 also has a frame ear 58 rigidly connected and extending downward from near the midpoint of each frame arm 56 .
- each frame ear 58 is pivotably held onto said base tube 18 with a base shaft 26 , typically a bolt, through an ear hole 59 in each frame ear 58 .
- the aforementioned shaft 26 and ear 58 combination thereby pivotably holds the entire castor base 22 .
- Alternative embodiments may pivotably hold the castor frame 24 onto each support arm 16 with a variety of methods including but not limited to shaft and bearing assemblies, ball joint arrangements, flexible couplings, or torsion bars, provided each is capable of supporting the working load of the bed 10 .
- Alternative embodiments may also forego utilization of the frame support angle 60 without departing from the spirit of the present art. That is, each frame arm 56 may be allowed to pivot independently upon its own base shaft 26 .
- the castor frame 24 is mounted at least three castors 28 with the preferred embodiment having four castors 28 , one mounted at each end of the frame arms 56 , that is, at the edges of the “H” form.
- the castor mounting stud 30 is rigidly held in an arm hole 61 within each frame arm 56 .
- Alternative embodiments may weld or rigidly affix the castor mounting stud 30 to the frame arm 56 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further alternative embodiments may allow the castor mounting stud 30 to rotate within the arm hole, provided the user does not require rotational locking of the castor mounting stud 30 .
- two of the aforesaid castors 28 have an integral castor locking brake 32 which at the user's option may lock the castor 28 to prevent castor wheel 34 movement and also prevent rotational movement on the castor mounting stud 30 .
- Alternative embodiments may provide one or more integral castor locking brakes 32 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- a unique feature of the present invention in all of its embodiments is the ability of the castor base 22 to provide a pivoting but structurally stable planar polygonal base which includes integrally mounted castors 28 .
- the pivoting feature relative to the support arms 16 ensures a substantially perpendicular relation between the castor mounting stud 30 and the plane of the floor, thereby further ensuring optimum castor operation.
- Attachment of the mounting stud 30 near or onto the ends of the frame arms 56 provides maximum separation between the castors 28 , thereby providing the most stable castor base.
- a castor 28 will not function properly if its mounting stud 30 deviates appreciably from a perpendicular relationship with the plane of the floor onto which it rolls.
- the castor base 22 with its attached castors 28 may be pivotably attached to the support arm 16 ends with any method or apparatus that allows the rigid base 22 to pivot. Again, this includes but is not limited to shaft and bearing assemblies, ball joint arrangements, flexible couplings, or torsion bars, provided each is capable of supporting the working load of the bed 10 .
- the preferred embodiment places a castor base 22 on a pair end of support arms 16 and a pair of support arm wheels 19 on the opposite pair end of support arms 16 .
- This preferred embodiment allows the user to move the bed 10 end, generally the foot, having the castor base in any direction on the floor plane.
- the support arm 16 ends having support arm wheels 19 thereafter follow the directional movement of the castor base 22 in an arcing or linear motion on the floor plane.
- Alternative embodiments may utilize a castor base 22 at the ends of each support arm 16 pair.
- This alternative provides further freedom of movement on the floor plane by allowing both the head and foot of the bed 10 to be moved in any direction on the floor plane.
- the aforesaid alternative embodiment presents further complexities related to castor 28 locking and braking. That is, with the preferred embodiment, locking of one castor 28 on the castor base 22 fixes the bed 10 into position on the floor plane.
- the support arm wheels 19 cannot move laterally relative to the head-foot bed 10 axis, i.e. left to right, and a locked castor 28 prohibits any floor plane movement of the castor base 22 , including linear movement in the head-foot bed 10 axis.
- complete bed 10 position locking requires that at lease one castor locking brake 32 on each castor base 22 be activated.
- this alternative embodiment prohibits bed 10 height adjustment when both castor bases 22 are locked.
- the user causes the linear actuator to raise or lower the support arm 16 at each end for the desired bed 10 height and angle.
- force is applied in the desired movement direction on the castor base 22 end of the bed 12 .
- Each castor 28 then rotates upon its mounting stud 30 in order to align each castor wheel 34 with the direction of desired travel and the castor wheel 34 begins to rotate.
- the castors 28 may be locked in all axis via the action of the integral castor locking brake 32 . This prevents the castor base 22 from moving in any direction and thereby secures the bed 10 in a fixed location.
- the support arm wheels 19 may rotate when the castor base 22 is locked, the bed 10 may be raised or lowered when in a castor 28 is in a locked position.
- a height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base is shown and described.
- the apparatus allows bed movement on the plane of the floor when adjusted to any desired height.
- the apparatus also allows bed height and angle adjustment when locked into position.
- Further innovative concept is provided by utilization of an actuator assist spring mechanism in conjunction with the bed support arms.
- the actuator assist spring mechanism reduces the required linear actuator force output.
Abstract
A height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base which utilizes a unique pivoting base having castors and a unique support arm assist spring mechanism. The pivoting castor base allows movement of the bed in any direction on the plane of the floor when also positioned at any user desired height while also providing a stable and lockable support for the bed. The support arm spring mechanism provides an initial assist force when the bed is in a nearly or fully lowered position and thereby minimizes the force required by the linear actuators used to raise the bed.
Description
- This application claims priority of Provisional Patent Application No. 60/200,902, filed May 1, 2000.
- This invention relates to height and angle adjustable beds in general and more specifically to a bed which is typically found in a hospital or nursing care facility and commonly known in the medical and nursing care industries as a low height adjustable bed or a low bed. A unique aspect of the present invention is its movability in any direction on the floor plane while positioned at any user desired height or angle position. This includes heights which are substantially lower and higher than prior art industry standard low beds and positions such as the Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, or cardiac chair. The art of the present invention further provides a means for reducing the mechanical actuator force necessary for raising or lowering the bed.
- Prior art height and angle adjustable low bed designs provide front and rear lifting and support capabilities and further provide a bed rolling capability when maintained at a specific factory set height. (usually a fully lowered position) The conventional low bed design provides a wide range of bed height positioning including positioning very close to the floor. A typical low bed design further provides one or more support arm mechanisms pivotably attached onto the bed frame which extend near the head or foot of the bed. The support arms help to provide the aforesaid desirable low bed features and may contain rollers, but not castors, which bear upon the plane of the floor near the head or foot of the bed. Said support arms are typically controlled by one or more mechanical or hydraulic linear actuators which cause said support arms to pivot around each bed frame attachment point. Unfortunately, prior art low bed designs require the support arms to be positioned at a specific angle relative to the bed before the bed may be rolled on the floor. That is, typically the prior art bed must be in a fully lowered position before it engages castors mounted on the bed frame and thereby may be rolled on the floor plane.
- The present art overcomes the aforesaid limitations of the prior art by utilizing a unique castor base arrangement which allows the user to adjust the height or angle of the bed to any desired level and further roll or move the bed on the two dimensional plane represented by the plane of the floor upon which the bed stands. The present art bed further allows a person to lock the bed and prevent movement in the two-dimensional floor plane at any user desired height or angle.
- Prior art beds also require an initial actuator force for raising or lowering the bed which is substantially greater than that of the present art. This occurs due to a mechanical disadvantage presented to the actuators when a low bed is in a nearly or fully lowered position. The present art bed provides an actuator assist spring mechanism which presents an initial force to the bed support arms when the bed is nearly or fully lowered. This initial force helps to overcome the mechanical disadvantage presented to the actuators and thereby reduces the force output required from the actuators.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a low bed that is movable in any direction on the plane of the floor while positioned at a user desired height and/or angle;
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a low bed which is stable and position lockable while providing the aforementioned features;
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a low bed which utilizes castors instead of rollers while providing the aforementioned features;
- A still further object of the present invention is to provide a low bed incorporating one or more actuator assist spring mechanisms which reduce the forces required by the actuators used to raise or lower the bed.
- To accomplish the foregoing and other objects of this invention there is provided a height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base. The apparatus represents an improvement in conventional low bed designs by allowing movement in any direction on the floor plane while the bed is positioned at a user desired height or angle. It also provides an actuator assist spring mechanism which reduces the linear actuator force necessary to raise the bed. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises a bed frame having one or more pivotably attached support arms, one or more castor bases attached to said support arms opposite said bed frame attachment, one or more linear actuators attached between the bed frame and said support arms, and an actuator assist spring mechanism which reduces the linear actuator force necessary for lifting.
- The difficulty in providing a two dimensional floor plane bed movement while also maintaining bed stability at a user desired height/angle position is best exemplified by referring to the operation of a typical offset castor wheel. The center mounting axis of a castor wheel as typically used on an office chair is offset from its mounting stud in order to ensure proper tracking when the chair is pushed. That is, if the center axis is not offset, the castor will not have the necessary moment arm of force around its mounting stud axis in order to ensure positioning and tracking of the castor in the direction of applied force. For proper operation, the castor mounting stud must maintain a nearly perpendicular relationship with the floor plane in order to operate properly and avoid premature failure. If a conventional castor is mounted directly onto the end of a low bed support arm, when the arm is moved about its bed frame support axis, the castor stud will not maintain a position which is perpendicular with the floor plane. This non-perpendicular positioning will cause the castor to jam and prohibit the castor from tracking and functioning as expected.
- The present art overcomes the aforesaid prior art limitations by placing a pivoting castor base on a base shaft which is mounted onto or between the bed support arms opposite the pivotal attachment points. Each castor base comprises a castor frame with three or more castors which are offset from the axis of the rotating member. That is the three or more castors mounted onto the castor base form a polygonal castor plane, such as a triangle, square, rectangle, etc. which maintains a parallel relationship with the floor plane when in use. A preferred embodiment utilizes four castors in a substantially rectangular configuration with two locking castors.
- In a preferred embodiment, the aforesaid base shaft comprises one or more shafts mounted onto a base tube supported by the support arms. The castor base mounted on said shafts is capable of pivoting in the same plane as the pivoting movement of the bed support arms. The offset castors mounted onto the castor base ensures a stable and firm wheeled base for the bed support arms while also allowing the wheeled base to pivot near the end of the bed support arms. Thus, as the bed support arms are lowered or raised, the wheeled base maintains the necessary perpendicular relationship between each castor mounting stud and the floor plane. Since the base has pivoting castors, the bed end having the aforesaid base is able to move easily in any direction on the two dimensional plane of the floor. That is, each castor pivots on its castor mounting stud in order to follow and track in the direction of applied force.
- In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the castors contain a castor locking brake which is capable of locking the castor both rotationally and linearly. When locked, the castors prohibit movement of the bed on the floor plane. Nevertheless, when the preferred embodiment includes support arm wheels on the support arms not having the castor base, the bed may be raised or lowered while the castor base is locked. That is, in a preferred embodiment, the support arms near the foot of the bed contain the aforesaid castor base and the support arms near the head of the bed contain support arm wheels.
- Another unique feature of the present invention is an actuator assist spring mechanism. As aforesaid, conventional low bed designs typically provide one or more bed support arms pivotably attached to the bed frame. Typically each bed support arm is forceably pivoted on its attachment point axis by a linear mechanical or hydraulic actuator. The linear actuator is typically positioned between a central portion of the support arms and the bed frame near the head or foot portions. As the bed is lowered, the linear actuator pivotably approaches an angle which is nearly parallel with the support arms. This means that only a small portion of the linear actuator force is perpendicular to the plane of the support arms which require rotational movement. That is the perpendicular force is represented by the equation:
- F p =F l sin Θ
- where Fp is the force perpendicular to the plane of the actuated support arms, Fl is the linear actuator force, and Θ is the angle between the plane formed by the support arms and the linear actuator. Thus, when the support arms and the linear actuator approach a parallel configuration, Θ becomes smaller and approaches zero. This means that a much smaller portion of the linear actuator force Fl is available to pivot the support arms on their axis. At a lowered position, the linear force needed to raise the support arms can be many times the bed supporting weight thereby necessitating use of a high force actuator.
- The present art overcomes the aforementioned high force actuator requirement by incorporating one or more actuator assist spring mechanisms between the bed frame and each support arm. Each assist spring compresses upon bed lowering, thus providing a portion of the lifting force necessary when the bed is raised. The added assist allows the present art low bed to utilize a smaller force linear actuator than would be necessary without the assist spring. In a preferred embodiment, each support arm has an assist arm attached to the support arm near the pivot point with the bed frame. The assist arm acts as the compressing arm for the assist spring mechanism.
- The aforementioned frame, support arms, castor base, and associated components may be manufactured from a variety of materials which provide the structural strength necessary. These include but are not limited to materials such as iron, steel, aluminum, titanium, and magnesium along with alloys of such, and plastics, composites, and various woods. The castor and support arm wheels are typically a hard or soft molded plastic or rubber material.
- Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the invention should now become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the height and angle adjustable bed in an elevated position.
- FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the height and angle adjustable bed in a lowered position.
- FIG. 3 is a right side sectional plan view of an end of the height and angle adjustable bed having a castor base in a nearly lowered position.
- FIG. 4 is a bottom side plan view of the height and angle adjustable bed in a lowered position.
- FIG. 5 is a front side plan view of the height and angle adjustable bed in a lowered position showing a castor base.
- FIG. 6 is a left side sectional plan view of an end of the height and angle adjustable bed in an elevated position showing a castor base.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional elevation view from beneath the height and angle adjustable bed in an elevated position looking toward an end portion of the bed showing a castor base and support arms.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation view of the actuator assist spring mechanism and support arm viewed from beneath the height and angle adjustable bed in an elevated position.
- FIG. 9 is a sectional elevation view of the actuator assist spring mechanism and support arm viewed from beneath the height and angle adjustable bed in a lowered position.
- Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS.1-9 a height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling
base 10. The height and angle adjustable bed having a rollingbase 10 is uniquely capable of providing movement in any direction on the floor plane while positioned at any user desired height or angle. Thebed 10 further provides a unique actuatorassist spring mechanism 40 which minimizes thelinear actuator 36 force necessary for height and angle adjustment. - The drawings show the apparatus comprising a
bed frame 12 having a head, foot, top, bottom, right, left, and central portion, one or morebed support arms 16, one ormore castor bases 22, one or morelinear actuators 36, and one or more actuator assistspring mechanisms 40. Eachsupport arm 16 is pivotably attached 20 near acentral portion 14 of thebed frame 12 and extends outward toward the head or foot of thebed 10. In a preferred embodiment, asupport flange 15 is attached to the bottom of saidbed frame 12 and saidsupport arm 16 is pivotably held by saidflange 15 with asupport shaft 21. Thesupport shaft 21 is typically a bolt placed through aflange hole 13 and anarm hole 27. In alternative embodiments, thesupport shaft 12 may be any other shaft form which allows pivoting of thesupport arm 16. Alternative embodiments may forego use of saidflange 15 and pivotably mount saidsupport arm 16 directly onto thebed frame 12. - In a preferred embodiment, a pair of
bed support arms 16 are used near each end of thebed 10 for a total of four. That is, asupport arm 16 is placed on each side of thebed 10 and directed toward each end foroptimum bed 10 stability. The preferred embodiment ties each pair ofsupport arms 16 together with acrossarm 23 and abase tube 18. Eachcrossarm 23 andbase tube 18 are attached between the pair ofsupport arms 16 by welding each in place. Thecrossarm 23 andbase tube 18 may also be attached by any other attachment means such as bolts, rivets, or adhesives. Alternative embodiments may use a singlebed support arm 16 on one or both ends which is centrally and pivotably mounted and also of sufficient structural strength to support thebed 10. - The pivoting of each
support arm 16 pair on thesupport shafts 21 allows thebed 10 to be raised or tilted as desired. In a preferred embodiment, alinear actuator 36 forceably pivots each pair ofsupport arms 16. Thelinear actuator 36 is typically a hydraulic cylinder or motorized mechanical linear force actuator. In a preferred embodiment, a first end of thelinear actuator 36 is pivotably attached onto thecrossarm 23 and a second end of thelinear actuator 36 is pivotably attached onto thebed frame 12 near an end of thebed 10. That is, near the head or foot of thebed 10 which lies above the pivotingsupport arms 16. - In a preferred embodiment, each
support arm 16, has anassist arm 17 integrally attached near thepivotable attachment point 20 near thecentral portion 14 of thebed frame 12. Theassist arm 17 is an extension of thesupport arm 16 and positioned at a generally perpendicular angle relative to thesupport arm 16 in a preferred embodiment. Alternative embodiments may incorporate theassist arm 17 parallel with and as an integral part of thesupport arm 16. Theassist arm 17 serves as a compressor for the actuator assistspring mechanism 40 when thebed 10 is nearly or fully lowered. As aforesaid, the actuator assistspring mechanism 40 serves to provide an initial pivoting force on thesupport arms 16 when thebed 10 is near or at a fully lowered position. In the preferred embodiment, the actuator assistspring mechanism 40 is mounted between theassist arm 17 and anassist guide 50 mounted onto thebed frame 12. Alternative embodiments may forego use of theassist guide 50 by incorporating its function within thebed frame 12. This unique feature minimizes the initial force required by thelinear actuator 36 to raise thebed 10. That is, due to the aforesaid mechanical disadvantage which eachlinear actuator 36 has as it becomes more closely parallel and aligned with thesupport arms 16, the force required by eachlinear actuator 36 to raise thebed 10 increases toward infinity. Thus, the actuator assistspring mechanism 40 provides enough force onto theassist arm 17 in order to assist pivoting of thesupport arms 16 into an angle relative to thelinear actuator 36 which substantially reduces the mechanical disadvantage of thelinear actuator 36. This unique feature substantially reduces the size, weight, and output force requirement of thelinear actuator 36. - The actuator
assist spring mechanism 40 comprises aspring shaft 42, anassist spring 44 and one ormore shaft keepers 46. Thespring shaft 42 mounts through anarm slot 25 in theassist arm 17 and aguide hole 52 in theassist guide 50. In a preferred embodiment, onto the ends of eachspring shaft 42 is placed ashaft keeper 46, such as an enlarged end, a nut and washer, C-clip, etc. to ensure that thespring shaft 42 does not withdraw from thearm slot 25 or theguide hole 52. Alternative embodiments may place the shaft keeper(s) 46 at only one end or forego use of the shaft keeper(s) 46 completely and hold thespring shaft 42 by other means such as pins, mating grooves, or a frictional fit without departing from the scope of the present art. Theassist spring 44 is typically a coil spring which is placed onto saidspring shaft 42 between saidarm slot 25 and guidehole 52 and is larger in diameter than the width of saidslot 25 or the diameter of saidhole 52. Thus when thebed 10 is lowered, theassist arm 17 compresses theassist spring 44 against theassist guide 50, thereby providing an initial force on eachsupport arm 16 during bed raising. - Alternative embodiments may place the
assist arm 17 at other angles relative to thesupport arms 16 or incorporate theassist arm 17 together with thesupport arm 16. The aforesaid Alternative embodiments will not depart from the scope and spirit of the present invention provided that the actuator assistspring 44 is compressed and allowed to assist raising movement of thesupport arms 16 when thebed 10 is in a nearly fully lowered position. Further alternative embodiments may incorporate other types of assist springs such as leaf springs or torsion bars without departing from the spirit of the present invention. - As aforesaid, onto the
support arms 16 opposite saidpivotal attachment 20 is mounted abase tube 18 onto which is pivotably mounted acastor base 22 or one or moresupport arm wheels 19. Thebase tube 18 is of generally tubular form and rigidly attached between saidsupport arms 16. Thecastor base 22 comprises acastor frame 24 pivotably mounted and attached onto thebase tube 18 with abase shaft 26. Thebase shaft 26 typically comprises a bolt placed through aframe ear 58 on saidcastor base 22 and mated with a threaded insert mounted into thebase tube 18. In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned form ofbase shaft 26 is used on eachsupport arm 16. Eachsupport arm wheel 19 is also held with abase shaft 26 when used. Alternative embodiments may forego use of thebase tube 18 and mount saidbase shafts 26 directly onto one ormore support arms 16. - The
castor frame 24 may form any planar polygonal form but defines a substantially rectangular “H” form in the preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, thecastor frame 24 comprises a substantially “H” shaped member having twoframe arms 56 rigidly connected in perpendicular relation via aframe support angle 60. Eachframe arm 56 also has aframe ear 58 rigidly connected and extending downward from near the midpoint of eachframe arm 56. As aforesaid, eachframe ear 58 is pivotably held onto saidbase tube 18 with abase shaft 26, typically a bolt, through anear hole 59 in eachframe ear 58. Theaforementioned shaft 26 andear 58 combination thereby pivotably holds theentire castor base 22. Alternative embodiments may pivotably hold thecastor frame 24 onto eachsupport arm 16 with a variety of methods including but not limited to shaft and bearing assemblies, ball joint arrangements, flexible couplings, or torsion bars, provided each is capable of supporting the working load of thebed 10. Alternative embodiments may also forego utilization of theframe support angle 60 without departing from the spirit of the present art. That is, eachframe arm 56 may be allowed to pivot independently upon itsown base shaft 26. - Onto the
castor frame 24 is mounted at least threecastors 28 with the preferred embodiment having fourcastors 28, one mounted at each end of theframe arms 56, that is, at the edges of the “H” form. In a preferred embodiment, thecastor mounting stud 30 is rigidly held in anarm hole 61 within eachframe arm 56. Alternative embodiments may weld or rigidly affix thecastor mounting stud 30 to theframe arm 56 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further alternative embodiments may allow thecastor mounting stud 30 to rotate within the arm hole, provided the user does not require rotational locking of thecastor mounting stud 30. In a preferred embodiment, two of theaforesaid castors 28 have an integralcastor locking brake 32 which at the user's option may lock thecastor 28 to preventcastor wheel 34 movement and also prevent rotational movement on thecastor mounting stud 30. Alternative embodiments may provide one or more integralcastor locking brakes 32 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. - A unique feature of the present invention in all of its embodiments is the ability of the
castor base 22 to provide a pivoting but structurally stable planar polygonal base which includes integrally mountedcastors 28. The pivoting feature relative to thesupport arms 16 ensures a substantially perpendicular relation between thecastor mounting stud 30 and the plane of the floor, thereby further ensuring optimum castor operation. Attachment of the mountingstud 30 near or onto the ends of theframe arms 56 provides maximum separation between thecastors 28, thereby providing the most stable castor base. - As aforesaid, a
castor 28 will not function properly if its mountingstud 30 deviates appreciably from a perpendicular relationship with the plane of the floor onto which it rolls. In light of the aforementioned requirement for proper operation, thecastor base 22 with its attachedcastors 28 may be pivotably attached to thesupport arm 16 ends with any method or apparatus that allows therigid base 22 to pivot. Again, this includes but is not limited to shaft and bearing assemblies, ball joint arrangements, flexible couplings, or torsion bars, provided each is capable of supporting the working load of thebed 10. - The preferred embodiment places a
castor base 22 on a pair end ofsupport arms 16 and a pair ofsupport arm wheels 19 on the opposite pair end ofsupport arms 16. This preferred embodiment allows the user to move thebed 10 end, generally the foot, having the castor base in any direction on the floor plane. Thesupport arm 16 ends havingsupport arm wheels 19 thereafter follow the directional movement of thecastor base 22 in an arcing or linear motion on the floor plane. - Alternative embodiments may utilize a
castor base 22 at the ends of eachsupport arm 16 pair. This alternative provides further freedom of movement on the floor plane by allowing both the head and foot of thebed 10 to be moved in any direction on the floor plane. Nevertheless, the aforesaid alternative embodiment presents further complexities related tocastor 28 locking and braking. That is, with the preferred embodiment, locking of onecastor 28 on thecastor base 22 fixes thebed 10 into position on the floor plane. By design, thesupport arm wheels 19 cannot move laterally relative to the head-foot bed 10 axis, i.e. left to right, and a lockedcastor 28 prohibits any floor plane movement of thecastor base 22, including linear movement in the head-foot bed 10 axis. If acastor base 22 is substituted for thesupport arm wheels 19,complete bed 10 position locking requires that at lease onecastor locking brake 32 on eachcastor base 22 be activated. Furthermore, this alternative embodiment prohibitsbed 10 height adjustment when bothcastor bases 22 are locked. - In operation, the user causes the linear actuator to raise or lower the
support arm 16 at each end for the desiredbed 10 height and angle. When thebed 10 requires movement, force is applied in the desired movement direction on thecastor base 22 end of thebed 12. Eachcastor 28 then rotates upon its mountingstud 30 in order to align eachcastor wheel 34 with the direction of desired travel and thecastor wheel 34 begins to rotate. If equipped with a pair ofsupport arm wheels 19, said wheels follow and track thecastor base 22 movement. When placed at a desired location, thecastors 28 may be locked in all axis via the action of the integralcastor locking brake 32. This prevents thecastor base 22 from moving in any direction and thereby secures thebed 10 in a fixed location. Moreover, since thesupport arm wheels 19 may rotate when thecastor base 22 is locked, thebed 10 may be raised or lowered when in acastor 28 is in a locked position. - From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that all objects of the present invention are realized. A height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base is shown and described. The apparatus allows bed movement on the plane of the floor when adjusted to any desired height. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus also allows bed height and angle adjustment when locked into position. Further innovative concept is provided by utilization of an actuator assist spring mechanism in conjunction with the bed support arms. The actuator assist spring mechanism reduces the required linear actuator force output.
- In view of the above, it will be seen that the objects and features of this invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made of the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described. Rather it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (11)
1. A height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base which is capable of rolling upon a floor plane comprising:
a bed frame having a head, foot, right, left, and central portion; and
one or more bed support arms pivotably attached to said bed frame; and
at least one linear actuator pivotably attached to at least one of said support arms and said bed frame; and
at least one castor base pivotably attached to at least one of said support arms near the floor plane; and
said castor base comprising a castor frame having three or more castors mounted thereon in a substantially polygonal form, whereby said castors of said polygonal form rest upon the floor plane and maintain said castor base stable yet moveable in the floor plane.
2. The height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base as set forth in further comprising:
claim 1
an assist arm mounted onto at least one of said bed support arms near said pivotal attachment with said bed frame; and
an actuator assist spring mechanism located between said assist arm and said bed frame, whereby said actuator assist spring mechanism provides an assist force onto said support arm when said bed frame is placed in a nearly or fully lowered position.
3. The height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base as set forth in further comprising:
claim 1
two or more support arm wheels each rotatably mounted onto a base shaft; and
said base shafts mounted onto at least one of said support arms near the floor plane and also opposite said castor base.
4. The height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base as set forth in , said castor frame further comprising:
claim 1
two or more frame arms each having two ends; and
each of said frame arms having an arm hole near each of said ends, whereby a castor mounting stud may mount within; and
two or more frame ears, each frame ear mounted onto a frame arm; and
each of said frame ears having an ear hole; whereby a base shaft integrally mounted with each of said bed support arms may pivotably attach said castor base through said ear holes.
5. The height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base as set forth in , said castor frame further comprising:
claim 4
said frame arms rigidly connected together with a frame support angle to form a substantially “H” shaped member.
6. The height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base as set forth in , said one or more of said castors further comprising:
claim 1
a castor locking brake capable of pivotably locking said castor on a castor mounting stud and rotationally locking a castor wheel.
7. The height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base as set forth in , said one or more of said castors further comprising:
claim 4
a castor locking brake capable of pivotably locking said castor on said castor mounting stud and rotationally locking a castor wheel.
8. The height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base as set forth in the actuator assist spring mechanism further comprising:
claim 2
a spring shaft having two ends and placed through an assist spring; and
an assist guide integrally mounted onto said bed frame, said assist guide having a guide hole therein of smaller diameter than an outside diameter of said assist spring and through which one of said ends of said spring shaft is placed; and
an arm slot in said assist arm, said arm slot having a width less than said outside diameter of said assist spring and through which another of said ends of said spring shaft is placed; and
at least one shaft keeper near at least one of said spring shaft ends, whereby said shaft keeper holds said spring shaft in place within said guide hole and said arm slot and further allows compression of said assist spring between said assist arm and said assist guide to create said assist force onto said support arm when said bed frame is placed in a nearly or fully lowered position.
9. A height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base comprising:
a bed frame having a head, foot, right, left, top, bottom and central portion; and
four support flanges mounted on said bottom portion of said bed frame near said central portion whereby two support flanges are mounted near the left portion and two support flanges are mounted near the right portion, each of said support flanges having a flange hole; and
four bed support arms each having two ends and an arm hole near one of said ends, each of said bed support arms pivotably attached to one each of said support flanges with a support shaft placed through each of said arm holes and said flange holes; and
a first crossarm rigidly mounted between two support arms nearest the foot portion of the bed; and
a second crossarm rigidly mounted between two support arms nearest the head portion of the bed; and
a first base tube having two ends and rigidly mounted between two support arms nearest the foot portion of the bed and opposite said support flanges; and
a second base tube having two ends and rigidly mounted between two support arms nearest the head portion of the bed and opposite said support flanges; and
a first linear actuator pivotably attached between said first crossarm and said bed frame near said foot portion; and
a second linear actuator pivotably attached between said second crossarm and said bed frame near said head portion; and
four base shafts each mounted within and extending from one each of said ends of each of said first and second base tubes; and
a castor base pivotably attached to said base shafts extending from said first base tube; and
said castor base comprising a castor frame having four castors mounted thereon in a substantially polygonal form, whereby said castors of said polygonal form rest upon a plane of a floor and maintain said castor base stable yet moveable in the plane of said floor; and
two support arm wheels each rotatably mounted onto one each of said base shafts extending from said second base tube.
10. The height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base as set forth in further comprising:
claim 9
four assist arms each rigidly mounted onto one each of said bed support arms near said pivotal attachment with said bed frame, each of said assist arms having an arm slot having a width; and
four assist guides each rigidly mounted onto said bed frame near one each of said assist arms, each of said assist guides having a guide hole having a diameter; and
four actuator assist spring mechanisms each located between and through one each of said assist arms and one each of said assist guides;
each of said actuator assist spring mechanisms comprising a spring shaft having a first and a second end, said first end placed through said arm slot and said second end placed through said guide hole, an assist spring of greater diameter than said width of said arm slot and said diameter of said guide hole moveably mounted onto said spring shaft between said assist guide and said assist arm, and at least one shaft keeper on at least one of said ends of said spring shaft, whereby said assist spring compresses when said bed frame is placed in a nearly or fully lowered position and thereby provides an assist force onto each of said support arms.
11. A height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base comprising:
a bed frame having a head, foot, right, left, and central portion; and
one or more bed support arms pivotably attached to said bed frame; and
at least one linear actuator pivotably attached to at least one of said support arms and said bed frame; and
an assist arm mounted onto at least one of said bed support arms near said pivotal attachment with said bed frame; and
an actuator assist spring mechanism located between said assist arm and said bed frame, whereby said actuator assist spring mechanism provides an assist force onto said support arm when said bed frame is placed in a nearly or fully lowered position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/739,910 US6405393B2 (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2000-12-19 | Height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US20090200P | 2000-05-01 | 2000-05-01 | |
US09/739,910 US6405393B2 (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2000-12-19 | Height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010047546A1 true US20010047546A1 (en) | 2001-12-06 |
US6405393B2 US6405393B2 (en) | 2002-06-18 |
Family
ID=26896208
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/739,910 Expired - Lifetime US6405393B2 (en) | 2000-05-01 | 2000-12-19 | Height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6405393B2 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005117798A2 (en) * | 2004-05-27 | 2005-12-15 | Janzer Joerg | Couch |
US7013510B1 (en) * | 2004-04-14 | 2006-03-21 | Raye's, Inc. | Low profile hospital bed |
FR2911300A1 (en) * | 2007-01-17 | 2008-07-18 | Edmond Angosto | Load transporting device for e.g. injured person, has assembly with support points each having adjustable individual suspension that supports part of load transmitted to assembly of points, where one point is in contact with ground |
US20110289681A1 (en) * | 2010-05-27 | 2011-12-01 | Joerns Healthcare, Inc. | Caster arrangement for a bariatric lift device |
WO2014066962A1 (en) * | 2012-10-09 | 2014-05-08 | Klinger Marcelo Fernando | Stretcher |
CH708357A1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-30 | Sbb Ag Recht & Compliance | Dolly. |
WO2015188018A1 (en) * | 2014-06-04 | 2015-12-10 | Land America Health & Fitness Co. Ltd | Apparatus, system, and method for leg articulation in an adjustable height bed |
CN105144974A (en) * | 2013-06-26 | 2015-12-16 | 朱海燕 | Mowing machine |
US20160038360A1 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2016-02-11 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Bed having rack and pinion powered width expansion |
CN111227512A (en) * | 2020-02-04 | 2020-06-05 | 潍坊科技学院 | Be applicable to art design academic drawing device |
GB2587540A (en) * | 2014-10-31 | 2021-03-31 | Stryker Corp | Leg assembly for height adjustable patient support |
US11419429B2 (en) * | 2020-01-20 | 2022-08-23 | Chia-Yen Huang | Adjustable bed frame |
Families Citing this family (49)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7461857B2 (en) * | 2001-08-24 | 2008-12-09 | Darling Iii Charles W | Multipurpose clamps for utility table/cart/stretcher |
AU2001291575A1 (en) * | 2000-09-29 | 2002-04-08 | Carroll Intelli Corp. | Height adjustable bed and automatic leg stabilizer system therefor |
US6457192B2 (en) | 2000-10-04 | 2002-10-01 | Harrison Choi | Air bed with elevated and self-expanding support structure |
ATE261745T1 (en) | 2001-03-05 | 2004-04-15 | Brainlab Ag | PROCESS FOR CREATION OR UPDATING A RADIATION PLAN |
CA2435684A1 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2004-01-19 | Basic American Medical Products, Inc. | Height and angle adjustable bed |
US6976696B2 (en) * | 2002-08-30 | 2005-12-20 | Neomedtek | Transportable medical apparatus |
US6941600B2 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2005-09-13 | M.C. Healthcare Products Inc. | Adjustable bed carriage |
US7134155B2 (en) * | 2002-10-25 | 2006-11-14 | M.C. Healthcare Products Inc. | Adjustable bed carriage |
GB2423245B8 (en) | 2003-03-11 | 2015-01-21 | Chg Hospital Beds Inc | Steerable ultra-low patient bed |
CA2424605A1 (en) * | 2003-04-04 | 2004-10-04 | M.C.Healthcare Products Inc. | Directional lock |
US6954951B2 (en) * | 2003-12-12 | 2005-10-18 | Leonard Lieboff | Spica cast gurney |
US6957456B2 (en) * | 2004-02-11 | 2005-10-25 | Jaron, Llc | Bed lift |
US7003828B2 (en) * | 2004-06-25 | 2006-02-28 | Carroll Hospital, Inc. | Leveling system for a height adjustment patient bed |
US7421748B1 (en) | 2004-07-02 | 2008-09-09 | Graham-Field Health Products, Inc. | Support frame with articulating structures |
US20060196006A1 (en) * | 2004-07-06 | 2006-09-07 | Willis Douglas G | Articulated caster |
US7506405B2 (en) * | 2004-07-06 | 2009-03-24 | Martin Mobile Company, Llc | Quad-caster carriage with forklift attachment |
US7146683B1 (en) * | 2004-07-06 | 2006-12-12 | Martin Mobile Company, Llc | Articulated caster |
US7003829B2 (en) * | 2004-07-26 | 2006-02-28 | Byung Ki Choi | Stretcher with gear mechanism for adjustable height |
US8321976B1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2012-12-04 | Gf Health Products, Inc. | Height adjustable apparatus with control arm |
US7849538B1 (en) | 2005-06-30 | 2010-12-14 | Gf Health Products, Inc. | Height adjustable apparatus |
US7676868B2 (en) * | 2005-11-17 | 2010-03-16 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Birthing bed foot support release handle |
CN201119618Y (en) * | 2007-02-15 | 2008-09-24 | 厦门进雄企业有限公司 | Folding support and cross frame |
US8845264B2 (en) * | 2007-04-02 | 2014-09-30 | NOA Medical Industries, Inc. | Bed transport and utility dolly |
JP2011524206A (en) | 2008-06-13 | 2011-09-01 | ヒル−ロム サービシーズ,インコーポレイティド | Bedside article support apparatus and system |
EP2347745B1 (en) * | 2008-11-07 | 2016-06-29 | Matunaga Manufactory Co. Ltd. | Six-wheeled stretcher |
US8484780B1 (en) | 2008-11-19 | 2013-07-16 | Gf Health Products, Inc. | Height adjustable apparatus with radius arm and idlers |
US20110010854A1 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2011-01-20 | Zerhusen Robert M | Siderail with storage area |
KR20190129144A (en) | 2010-01-13 | 2019-11-19 | 페르노-와싱턴, 인코포레이티드. | Powered roll-in cots |
US9510982B2 (en) | 2010-01-13 | 2016-12-06 | Ferno-Washington, Inc. | Powered roll-in cots |
US9999558B2 (en) | 2011-04-11 | 2018-06-19 | Usine Rotec Inc. | Piece of furniture, such as an adjustable bed, having an adjustable platform |
PL2696833T3 (en) | 2011-04-11 | 2018-03-30 | Usine Rotec Inc. | A piece of furniture, such as an adjustable bed, having an adjustable platform |
US8800080B2 (en) | 2011-09-01 | 2014-08-12 | Drive Medical Design & Mfg. | Long term care bed |
US9415503B1 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2016-08-16 | Joseph R. Ferragonio | Portable tool box |
WO2014015255A2 (en) | 2012-07-20 | 2014-01-23 | Valentino Nicholas V | Automated systems for powered cots |
DK2928436T3 (en) | 2012-12-04 | 2019-05-20 | Ferno Washington | PAGE ARRANGEMENTS AND COMPONENTS FOR MADRAS DETERMINATION TO PATIENT TRANSPORT DEVICES |
PL2961368T3 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2018-12-31 | Ferno-Washington, Inc. | Powered roll-in cots having wheel alignment mechanisms |
EP2777672B1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-11-23 | Hill-Rom S.A.S. | Person support apparatus |
WO2015032003A1 (en) | 2013-09-06 | 2015-03-12 | Chg Hospital Beds Inc. | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
US10188569B2 (en) | 2013-09-06 | 2019-01-29 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support usable with bariatric patients |
DK3068358T3 (en) | 2013-11-15 | 2018-12-10 | Ferno Washington | CARRIER WITH AUTOMATIC ACTIVATION |
KR20160144412A (en) | 2014-04-04 | 2016-12-16 | 페르노-와싱턴, 인코포레이티드. | Methods and systems for automatically articulating cots |
US10111790B2 (en) | 2014-06-13 | 2018-10-30 | Medical Depot, Inc. | Long term care bed |
CA2902102C (en) | 2014-08-27 | 2023-02-14 | Umano Medical Inc. | Systems for patient support surface orientation and displacement |
US9994072B2 (en) | 2014-09-17 | 2018-06-12 | Medical Depot, Inc. | Patient care bed |
US10918216B2 (en) | 2016-03-04 | 2021-02-16 | Atkinson Ergonomic Solutions | System and method for raising a bed off the floor |
US11147726B2 (en) | 2016-08-01 | 2021-10-19 | Stryker Corporation | Person support apparatus system |
US11020293B2 (en) | 2016-08-01 | 2021-06-01 | Stryker Corporation | Multi-function person handling equipment |
US10842701B2 (en) | 2016-10-14 | 2020-11-24 | Stryker Corporation | Patient support apparatus with stabilization |
US11766130B2 (en) | 2020-08-07 | 2023-09-26 | Atkinson Ergonomic Solutions, Inc. | Lift system including a lock assembly and release device |
Family Cites Families (35)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US997284A (en) | 1910-06-18 | 1911-07-11 | Gaius C Fuller | Folding bed. |
US1622447A (en) | 1925-10-15 | 1927-03-29 | George J Kalberer | Caster |
US2095948A (en) | 1935-11-02 | 1937-10-12 | Landers Frary & Clark | Vacuum cleaner truck |
US2197273A (en) | 1937-11-15 | 1940-04-16 | Decre & Company | Wheel mounting for land vehicles |
US2451353A (en) | 1945-03-10 | 1948-10-12 | Ford Instr Co Inc | Ball caster |
US2713179A (en) | 1953-05-08 | 1955-07-19 | Acorn Company | Dolly caster |
US3305876A (en) | 1966-06-30 | 1967-02-28 | Clyde B Hutt | Adjustable height bed |
US3433500A (en) | 1967-08-28 | 1969-03-18 | Roll Rite Corp | Universal caster |
US3644944A (en) | 1970-05-20 | 1972-02-29 | Ferno Washington | Ambulance cot construction |
US3802002A (en) * | 1971-06-09 | 1974-04-09 | C Jonas | Beds |
GB1498950A (en) * | 1974-10-08 | 1978-01-25 | Searle & Co | Stretcher trolleys |
US3967342A (en) | 1975-01-13 | 1976-07-06 | Gerico, Inc. | Suspended swivel wheel arrangement for baby carriages and the like |
US3980334A (en) | 1975-01-31 | 1976-09-14 | Burt Weil | All level cart with swivel casters |
DE2538411C3 (en) | 1975-08-29 | 1980-07-24 | Binz Gmbh & Co, 7073 Lorch | Stretcher storage frame with liftable, spring-loaded stretcher platform |
US4052097A (en) | 1976-04-19 | 1977-10-04 | Burt Weil | Cart for high deck ambulances |
US4282628A (en) | 1977-10-25 | 1981-08-11 | Herder N.V. | Tilted axle caster |
US4289324A (en) | 1978-06-01 | 1981-09-15 | Edwin A. Nemeth | Folding tricycle wheel for folding golf cart |
GB2068301A (en) * | 1980-01-15 | 1981-08-12 | Cape Eng Co Ltd | Patient carrying trolley |
US4327460A (en) | 1980-11-04 | 1982-05-04 | Wolff John G | Caster assembly with variable pitch bearing |
FR2506153A1 (en) | 1981-05-25 | 1982-11-26 | Petit Sa | Stretcher and trolley carried by ambulance - has set of wheels on trolley mounted on articulated supports which fold up on entry to ambulance |
DE3631409A1 (en) | 1986-09-16 | 1988-03-24 | Utila Geraetebau | Stretcher with chassis |
US4759098A (en) | 1986-11-17 | 1988-07-26 | Hong-Fu Zun | Direction setting device for rollers of a baby walker |
US4748715A (en) | 1987-07-20 | 1988-06-07 | General Electric Company | Adjustable roller assembly |
FR2631548B1 (en) * | 1988-05-19 | 1991-02-22 | Louit Sa | AUTONOMOUS INTENSIVE CARE AND RESUSCITATION MODULE |
US5172451A (en) | 1991-12-06 | 1992-12-22 | Sunshon Molding Co., Ltd. | Front caster device for infant stroller |
US5347680A (en) | 1993-02-08 | 1994-09-20 | Northrop Corporation | Spring retracting caster |
US5377372A (en) | 1993-03-31 | 1995-01-03 | Hill-Rom Company, Inc. | Hospital bed castor control mechanism |
US5432966A (en) * | 1993-11-03 | 1995-07-18 | Ferno-Washington, Inc. | Adjustable ambulance cot with trolley mechanism |
US5507069A (en) | 1994-04-20 | 1996-04-16 | Willis; Douglas G. | Articulated caster |
US5538386A (en) | 1994-06-10 | 1996-07-23 | Scheibel; Craig C. | Self-loading material or equipment transporter |
US5562167A (en) | 1995-06-05 | 1996-10-08 | Honey Bee Manufacturing Ltd. | Implement caster wheel |
US5898961A (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1999-05-04 | Hill-Rom, Inc. | Mobile support unit and attachment mechanism for patient transport device |
US5628377A (en) | 1995-06-16 | 1997-05-13 | M I C, Societe Anonyme | Goods-handling cart with stabilizing wheels |
DE69634574T2 (en) | 1995-09-13 | 2006-03-30 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc., Batesville | TRANSFER SYSTEM FOR ONE PATIENT |
US6601251B2 (en) * | 2000-05-30 | 2003-08-05 | Gerald S. Paul | Height adjustable medical bed including intermediate upper and lower stop positions |
-
2000
- 2000-12-19 US US09/739,910 patent/US6405393B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7013510B1 (en) * | 2004-04-14 | 2006-03-21 | Raye's, Inc. | Low profile hospital bed |
US20060123545A1 (en) * | 2004-04-14 | 2006-06-15 | Johnson Michael K | Low profile hospital bed |
US7334277B2 (en) | 2004-04-14 | 2008-02-26 | Raye's, Inc. | Low profile hospital bed |
WO2005117798A2 (en) * | 2004-05-27 | 2005-12-15 | Janzer Joerg | Couch |
WO2005117798A3 (en) * | 2004-05-27 | 2006-02-09 | Joerg Janzer | Couch |
FR2911300A1 (en) * | 2007-01-17 | 2008-07-18 | Edmond Angosto | Load transporting device for e.g. injured person, has assembly with support points each having adjustable individual suspension that supports part of load transmitted to assembly of points, where one point is in contact with ground |
US20110289681A1 (en) * | 2010-05-27 | 2011-12-01 | Joerns Healthcare, Inc. | Caster arrangement for a bariatric lift device |
US8438677B2 (en) * | 2010-05-27 | 2013-05-14 | Joerns Healthcare, Llc | Caster arrangement for a bariatric lift device |
WO2014066962A1 (en) * | 2012-10-09 | 2014-05-08 | Klinger Marcelo Fernando | Stretcher |
US20220287895A1 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2022-09-15 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Belt driven width expansion of a bed |
US11376177B2 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2022-07-05 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Powered width expansion of articulated bed deck |
US10603233B2 (en) | 2013-02-05 | 2020-03-31 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Method of powered width expansion of a bed |
US20160038360A1 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2016-02-11 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Bed having rack and pinion powered width expansion |
US9763840B2 (en) * | 2013-02-05 | 2017-09-19 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Bed having rack and pinion powered width expansion |
CN105144974A (en) * | 2013-06-26 | 2015-12-16 | 朱海燕 | Mowing machine |
CN105165231A (en) * | 2013-06-26 | 2015-12-23 | 朱海燕 | Blade height adjustable grass trimmer |
CN105144975A (en) * | 2013-06-26 | 2015-12-16 | 朱海燕 | Lawn mower with blade height adjustable |
EP2826693A3 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-04-22 | Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB | Conveyor trolley |
CH708357A1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-30 | Sbb Ag Recht & Compliance | Dolly. |
WO2015188018A1 (en) * | 2014-06-04 | 2015-12-10 | Land America Health & Fitness Co. Ltd | Apparatus, system, and method for leg articulation in an adjustable height bed |
GB2587540A (en) * | 2014-10-31 | 2021-03-31 | Stryker Corp | Leg assembly for height adjustable patient support |
GB2587540B (en) * | 2014-10-31 | 2021-06-23 | Stryker Corp | Leg assembly for height adjustable patient support |
US11065168B2 (en) | 2014-10-31 | 2021-07-20 | Stryker Corporation | Leg assembly for height adjustable patient support |
US11419429B2 (en) * | 2020-01-20 | 2022-08-23 | Chia-Yen Huang | Adjustable bed frame |
CN111227512A (en) * | 2020-02-04 | 2020-06-05 | 潍坊科技学院 | Be applicable to art design academic drawing device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6405393B2 (en) | 2002-06-18 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6405393B2 (en) | Height and angle adjustable bed having a rolling base | |
EP0714648B1 (en) | Wheelchair frame and castor assembly | |
US6253397B1 (en) | Deployable siderails for a wheeled carriage | |
US6886199B1 (en) | Surgical table | |
US20050015878A1 (en) | Surgical tables | |
US5503416A (en) | Undercarriage for X-ray diagnostic equipment | |
US8065768B2 (en) | Equipment support rail for hospital bed | |
US8789662B2 (en) | Wheeled carriage with brake lock system | |
US8695996B2 (en) | Medical emergency crash cart | |
US6578854B2 (en) | Personal mobility vehicle incorporating tilting and swiveling seat and method for use while playing golf | |
US9364375B2 (en) | Patient transport platform | |
US6460205B1 (en) | Caster brake mechanism | |
WO2017089515A1 (en) | Mechanical system for stabilization on the floor for vehicles on castors | |
US20190000238A1 (en) | Adjustable bed systems with rotating articulating bed frame | |
US8845264B2 (en) | Bed transport and utility dolly | |
US20050057010A1 (en) | Pedal control of brake and auxiliary wheel deployment via side and end articulation | |
US8196237B2 (en) | Patient support brake system | |
US10123921B2 (en) | Patient support apparatus | |
EP3624748B1 (en) | Reversible lift spring for raising and lowering a medical bed fifth wheel | |
US4680819A (en) | Invalid hoists | |
JP2020528323A (en) | Adjustable furniture | |
US20220151848A1 (en) | Bed Base Frame | |
EP0559940A1 (en) | Supporting appliance | |
US7210736B1 (en) | Tray attachment for wheelchairs | |
EP3846663A1 (en) | Adjustable bed systems with rotating articulating bed frame |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: NOA MEDICAL INDUSTRIES, INC., MISSOURI Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MEGOWN, MICHAEL W.;REEL/FRAME:013922/0560 Effective date: 20021105 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |