AU1742699A - Articulating bed - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 DIVISIONAL APPLICATION

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NAME OF APPLICANT(S): PROBED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.

ROBERT WAYNE SUGGITT MICHAEL CHARLES JILLINGS ADDRESS FOR SERVICE- DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 1 Little Collins Str eet p u Melbourne, 3000. o* INVENTION TITLE:FE 9

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"Articulating be&' The following statement is a full descrip-tion of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 7> '7 qi0PERI\S1U6ff-951flW-22J la ARTICULATING BED FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to various apparatus and methods for rotating bedridden individuals, and more particularly to an improved bed utilizing a mechanical method of manipulating a multiple part platen, articulating under the patient to mechanically and automatically rotate the bedridden person from side to side to eliminate prolonged tissue compression and enhance cardiovascular activity throughout the body of the individual.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.

15 Ser. No. 07/885,621, filed May 19, 1992, now abandoned, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

:i According to traditional, prior art methods of turning people, most people are physically lifted and 20 turned by hand, and propped up with pillows, or rotated in special beds which require the patient to be strapped into the device the Striker Bed). Manual turning Ss risky to the care giver, frequently resulting in lower back stress or other damage. In addition, due to hospital overloading, the turning is often delayed, or -not accomplished in a timely manner, leading to problems to the bedridden person.

Other systems currently in use include waterbeds; problems are: 1. do not provide gross body motion; 2. the patients may not be able to tolerate the buoyant rocking motion of the bed; 3. the waterbed is notoriously difficult for patient transfer (to and from the bed); 4. a waterbed is extremely heavy; 5. waterbeds cannot provide relief for thin or obese patients, (common complications of quadriplegia); 6. small areas I of skin covering bony protuberances can still be compromised because of the tension in the surface of the water filled mattress.

2 Another common system is the alternating air pump mattress, consisting of parallel rows of pliant plastic tubes attached along the edges of the mattress. The tubes are alternated in their ccnnection so that every other tube is pressurized and then deflated in timed cycle. This device will provide some relief from pressure sores. Problems: 1. does not provide gross body motion; 2. relies on line power for operation; 3. not very effective for thin patients; and 4. not comfortable.

The third system is Flotation. This consists of a very expensive system of pumping air, alternating the inflation of a series of porous sacs upon which the person is supported. Problems: 1. does not provide 15 gross body motion; 2. some components are consumable; 3. relies on line power for operation; 4. exceptionally expensive to operate and maintain, and difficult to operate.

20 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an articulated Sbed comprising: a central platen comprising a headboard end, a footboard end, a first side platen edge and a second side platen edge; a headboard frame pivotally connected to a headboard end of the central platen at a headboard frame pivot point with a central platen headboard bar linkage; a footboard frame pivotally connected to the footboard end of the central platen at a.footboard frame pivot point with a central platen 3C footboard bar linkage; a first side platen hinged to the first side platen edge of the central platen, connected to the headboard frame with a first side platen headboard bar linkage and connected to the footboard frame with a first side platen footboard bar linkage; a second side platen hinged to second side platen edge of the central platen, connected to the headboard frame with a second side platen headboard bar linkage and 4: connected ro the footboard frame with a second side platen footboard bar linkage; and means for articulating at least one of the central platen headboard bar linkage and the central platen footboard bar linkage.

The present invention, "ARTICULATING BED" has eliminated all of the problems found in the previous devices discussed above, and the benefits are as follows: provides gross body motion by turning the patient slowly and safely; provides a rigid surface for ease of transfer; may be alternating current or battery powered; light, frame can be fitted with casters for 0 mobility; 15 is equally effective with normal, thin or obese patients; is simple to operate on an automatic or selfdirected schedule; multiple options include, head raiser, foot raiser, 20 built in bed pan; due to built in rigidity, and rotating side platens, no side rails are required, therefore no pinch point between the rotating bed and stationary longitudinal parts; and 25 bed can be fitted with a mechanism for varying platen elevation to suit care giver.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be more readily appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from the purely exemplary, and therefore not restrictive, embodiments illustrated in the following drawings, in which:

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Figure 1 illustrates a simplified line diagram end view of the mattress suppcrt mechanism assembled in accordance with the present invention to simply demonstrate the action of the individual members of the mechanism, the mattress supporn mechanism is shown rotated in an angle off of level; Figure 2 illustrates a view taken from the end showing the mattress support mechanism rotated clockwise and showing the frame, the platen sections, with their attached support members, a potential actuator, and the three bar linkages; Figure 3 illustrates a view taken from the end showing the mattress support mechanism rotated to the level or flat position and showing the frame, the platen sections, with their attached support members, a potential actuator, and the three bar linkages; Figure 3A illustrates a view taken from the right side showing the two end frames, (headboard and footboard), the platen sections in the flat or level position, and the dynamic support members attached to the support platens; Figure 4 illustrates a view taken from the end showing the mattress support mechanism rotated counterclockwise and showing the frame, the platen sections, with their attached support members, a potential actuator, and the three bar linkages; Figure 5 illustrates a cross section of the articulation point showing the opening for a cable to the patient allowing traction during articulation; Figure 6 illustrates a Main Program Routine according to the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates a Turn Routine according to the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates an Angle Position Routine

(AP

Routine) according to the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates a Level Routine according to the present invention;

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asis Figure 10 illustrates a Manual Switch Routine

(SW

Routine) according to the present invention; Figure 11 illustrates a Head raiser Routine

(HR

Routine) according to the present invention; Figure 12 the layout for the Panel according to the present invention; Figure 13 illustrates an end view of an embodiment according to the present invention; Figure 14 illustrates a partial cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13; Figure 15 illustrates a view of an embodiment according to the present invention; Figure 16 illustrates a partial side view of a portion of an embodiment according to the present invention; Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of a Sportion of an embodiment according to the present invention; Figure 18 illustrates an end view of a portion of an embodiment according to the present invention; Figure 19 illustrates an end view of a portion of an embodiment according to the present invention; Figure 20 illustrates an end view of a hinge according to the present invention; S 25 Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment of a control panel according to the present invention; Figures 22A, 22B and 22C illustrate end views depicting the movement of the sections; Figure 23 illustrates the keys on the control panel shown in Figure 21; Figures 24A and 24B illustrate light emitting diodes on the control panel shown in Figure 21; Figure 25 is a sectional end view showing the mechanism of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 26 is a sectional side view taken in the middle of Figure 25; and Figures 27 and 2 are Dersective views illustrating a side rail system useful with the present invention- DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

All the disclosed embodiments can be made using conventional compounds and procedures without undue experimentation- All the disclosed embodiments are useful.

The invention and various advantageous details thereof are explained more fully below with reference to exemplary embodiments and with the aid of the drawings.

in each of the drawings, parts the same as, or euivalent to each c-her, are referenced correspondingly.

A bed to enhance the comfort and health of bedridden persons, both at home and in hospital, with an articulating mattress surface especially designed to automatically and safely reposition the bedridden person 20 so as to optimize health and independence, including the virtual elimination of bed sores (decubitus ulcers) and other tissue and organ degeneration. This is accomplished with an articulated platen (mattress support) which is a rigid, stiffened surface composed of 25 three longitudinal parts supported and attached to .longitudinal structural members. These platen parts and their respective structural members are connected together by two longitudinal hinges.

Comnlex angular configurations are achieved by three bar linkages connected to each end of the platens, or their attached structural members. One bar link is attached to each platen part end. Each set of three bar linkages are hinged in such a way that a pivoted center section causes the cuter platen parts to move into a S- 35 predetermined angular relationship with the center platen. The three bar linkages at each end of the longitudinal platen parts are fixed to rigid frames. An .1 actuator causes rotation cf the cent.ro.. platen wfl2.I c urn causes relative rcazo"or tnc-e ouzside platens in order to s-upport one body of he person wflefl rotat-ed f rom side to side. The desian 4ssucn thaL the steeper -he angle, -he greater the support provided by the outer zolaten p~arts. The center of rcrar'ior of the central olaten is the apDproximate center line of; the persons body lying centered on a mattress supocrtec by the central platen. Therefore, an aaoditional benefit is that the person can be 1"n traction while beino rotated.

ILn this way, minimal force is r-eau~red to rotate the body and rotation can bDe made to occur ouicklv or extremely SiowI1V at the- nerso-'s discretionl, with the :2 o an optional co "teed controller. There is little or no sensation of motion to the body from being moved by tais mechanism. There is also no shear force applied to the skin because the body does not translate relative to the mattress durinc motion. This rotation can be controlled wit-h a orogrammable microprocessor based controller and associated custom software or with :he use of a single switch interface.

The present invention relates to an improved bed, and more particularly to a bed which is adapted for use .with bedridden persons wno require turnina to iimize prolonged tissue comoression oarapiecics, puadriplearics, MS patiJents, certain burn patients, or any other persons who are unable to turn themselves for any reason). Turning of these individuals is often reauired for the prevention of decubitus ulcers 3C (bedsores) for the enhancement of the cir-culatory systems, respi-ratoryv system, and thne internal organs.

This device was developed 'i th a sensitivity towards hmnneeds, srecIfIcaliv f-or those people leaving the critical care environment and reintearatinq with.n society after catastrophic injury. The needs of the average 4 quadr iplegic in a home setting can be a tremendous p-hysical and emotional burden on tne raTmriLv. As a esu!L OZ thei Anue or aab 1 es e r~e suSceptj~oj-e Z00 a lot of zrb e-.oSSec 7 cct thle enforced sedentary r--tv',n the least a: which is decubituS ullcers. ieu~ s a condition in which the skndies as a -sul of being denied blood flow (orolonged tissue ccrtzression causes this condition). Tbis dead tiJssue is sloughed off, leavino a hole (in the worst- cases. and creates an ideal path fo op ortunistic inf;ection An able-bodied nersol will move periodicab~v while sleeping, and this random motion prevents the skin in a:Ny on-e area from breaking down.

This invention attemcts to nimic the bodNI's natural nocturnal mctaon by major rezosi.tzonOOO (mass bodv movement) suffiCient red-istribute skin, loadino. The motion is timed, r-atner r-andom, and the rate is adjustable to permit tcaccommodation of a wide variety of sleeping patterns. The test units were used by quadripleic who wouid otherwise have reauired extended hospital care or constant attention at home. Due to the motions provided by this artaculating bed, these bedridden Dersons have incurred fewer skin problems and other related comolications such as swelling of Limbs, and urinary and cardiovascular infections. Hospitals will apply this technology to improve patient care, reduce care cost- and lower tne inc~den'ce of back problems in their nursina Saf Abed constructed accordincr to tne present invention is aeneraiIY described as being comprised of an articulated nl1aten which i S. deie i~ as a rid stiffened surface. Th surface acts to suppDort a mattress. The r-attre5s mav be a several narts as shown in Fig 1, 2, 3, 3A, and A- items numbered 15, 16 and 16 or as a sinale unic The artIculated platen is constructed o f rhe arts 2, 2; and 3 and is capable at continuouS, commolex, controllable configurations.

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The n Iaten zart-Sz1 2 and 2' are connected to two IIbilgitudiLnaI hinges D and D' wiich are connected to the inni-r e- e a7L: 3 outer edges of I. D and Z'tr heoa--' a-rLjcUlatj-cn oints.

comdL-'ex cc~-i iu az---zns are achieved by three connected bar linkae 3, 4 and hinged in such a way that a niv-,ozed ce~v -0-t section I causes the bar Ilriages4 ad 4'int a nredtermined anqiar relations~nic with the center- platen section 1, which in t-,urn control the positioni of olaten narts a and 4'.

lkr zI'c u Ia z o0 cintS A, -q and B' are rigidly fixed to a rectangular frame 9.-A actuator 13 causes rotation of oar an-Kaao 3 hihin turn causes relative rotation of bar l1inkaqes 4 and and colaten Darts 2 and 21 about oo Lnts S and and C, C' resnec-tivelv.

Rotational r.o'nts C C' and D, D, will- translate in soace. The rotational coinz -A is the anoroximate center I ine o f a bodv 19 lying centtered on a mattress supported by plat-en part 1 in this wav, mninimal- force is required to rotate the body and rotation can be made to occur ranidlv or extremely slowly through the electronic controlling mechanism- There is little or no sensation of': motion to the body from heing moved by this mechan"ism_ Th!-ere isalso no shearing force applied to the skin because the body does not translate relative to tne matt-ress auring motion. As Dlaten Dart 1-D' continues to rotate clockwise, platen part 2' continues to rotate countercockwise until a 90 degree angle forms at articulation point D' and platen part 2' and its relati-ve mattress section, 16' firml-y suoports the body tte szeenest_ Doi" of rotation.

An im-orant consideratiion in this 1-mrroved bed diesian Is best shown in Fia 5, with reference to Fig. 2. A very competent structural section is develoned between the various pin Jointed sections azzached to thme three bar linkages 3, 4-and their locked conditions or attachment to the frame 9 (articulation points A, B, and and thei--r mechanical attachment to-insert blocks 5, 6 and which are =imly anchored. int 0 te zlze szuctural 7 me mber s 7',8and S' s stru-ctural arranaement Constrains tne bed fo lo iudn-=1 mcvemenr eliminatina the need :or adiuitional, stactionrv mechanjoal restraints.Th 'ctosts 17 are necessar- only to ob-tain comfortable -eaghts for ur"e care paeano as an a t Lr a z iv e complement wihmatching pieces to cover the headboard and foot board to cover the comoonenots and transation the unit into an atrac-ve piece of furniture. The min,1imum st-ructural nzartv is mnaantaanec. while the nlaten is level-, andia n fact- t"o structural 4 integrizv of tesystem increases wito increasing rotational aniqie, as the sectiton moaurus--- 1ncreases iwa-iz increases in I :rotat-ional angle. The minimum,. st-ruct-ural i4nteqrirtv as 15 maintand while thne z- Is level, and ontions such as the head and leg r-aiser can be added without afrectina this integritv. Since there are no other mechanical constraints reauired, the big advantage as excellent access of the care giver to the patient, and safety as there are no nossible cinch cc'ints between dynamic memnbers and stationarv members.

In IG.5, ith refernce to Fig. 2, 3, and 4, Point A is constructed as froliows: Channel frame 9, an extruded clevis section 10 a-a anchored to 9, a hollow oin 14 suooorted by the clevis 10, supports the bar linkage 3 and as const-ruct~ed of a lubricated bushing materiall for wear naurnoses whale the bar lin'Kage rotates the platen. -As mentioned previously, articulation zno nt Ais -i line witrh the aints body, the hollow zim 14 allowina cablas to nass tor-ouar tne neaa lrame and foot frame, enabling t~he aietto be olaced i-n traction whil'--e being rotated. The distnc beginning at articulation uomaz A and excendina Peroendicular to and tminating at the line connectina D and D' may be adjustablte to ensure that the natient's central body line is in lone wit*r-h Az to suit the above mentioned t-raction.. situation- 7771%, COMPUTER CONTROLS: electronics This improved articulating bed design utilizes a hybrid digital/analog converter to determine rotational speed and position. The actuator is servo controlled by the microprocessor to allow for constant rotational speed under varying load conditions as the body is turned.

Three separate timer (Fig. 12) adjustments allow the user to predefine the amount of time spent in any of three possible positions. Setting the timer to "0" dwell time for any one position will cause the controller to move the platen in such a way as to bypass that position. The acceleration and the maximum speeds are adjustable. Under program control, the platen will "soft" start and "soft" stop to reduce inertial jarring of the user. The end angle in the two side laying positions is adjustable by two controls.

When setting the most comfortable angle, the motor will "servo" or move to match the control settings.

AUTOMATIC CONTROL. The controller will determine when to start the rotation based upon the settings of the timers and angle settings. No other input is required as the schedule is repeated until the controller enters an error condition or is turned off.

MANUAL CONTROL- A single switch interface (via a pendant push button, not shown) is integral to the function of the device. Automatic operation can be overridden at any time by a momentary selection of this switch. The user can cause the bed to rotate to the next position or to any intermediate position by activating this control.

PANEL CONTROL. The main control panel Fig. 12 has the three timer and two angle knobs as well as an ON/OFF, AUTO/MANUAL and JOG position switches. An attendant has complete control over the function of the bed through this panel. The pendant push button is connected by a removable connector at this panel.

Additionally, any single switch interface including

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environmental controllers can be attached at this connection for those users unable to use the pendant push button.

Attached are Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11, which show in block form electronic routines for the following: Fig. 6 Main Program, Fig. 7 Turn Routine, Fig. 8 Angle Position Routine (AP Routine), Fig. 9 Level Routine, Fig. 10 Manual Switch Routine (SW Routine), and Fig. 11 Head raiser Routine (HR Routine). Accordingly, the present bed offers a number of advantages as described in detail above.

Referring to Figure 13, bar linkage 3 can be extended so that it rotates between two fixed supports.

By extending bar linkage 3 to rotate between two fixed supports in the bottom frame, the physical competency and integrity of the structural section is enhanced.

Referring to Figure 14, the central platen headboard bar linkage 3 can be seen to rotate about the headboard frame pivot point in an aligned position adjacent the headboard frame between a first parallel headboard support 110 and a second parallel headboard support 120. Similarly, the central platen footboard bar linkage can be constrained to rotate about the footboard frame pivot point in an aligned position adjacent the footboard frame between a first parallel footboard support and a second parallel footboard support.

Referring to Figure 15, aluminum extrusions are used for as platen segments. Two segments can be joined back to back to form the center platen 1 and individually form side platens 2 and 2'.

Referring to Figure 16, the head gatch feature (raising the head of the patient) is shown. The platen sections are positioned in a flat position. In this embodiment, the platens are provided with a hinge that is-across the other plane and perpendicular to the 4; .4 t .4 13 living hinge axis. The structures to support the bed are guided by the extruded legs of the platen sections.

Referring to Figure 17, no fixed sub frames are required. Further, no fixed structural side rails are required because of the inherent rigidity of the working Darts which are all housed in the head and foot boards of the bed.

Referring to Figure 18, a slot for a continuous polymeric "living hinge" 130 can be provided as an integral part of the platen extrusion. All of the support members for the platen sections are part of the extrusion. A single section will support 400 pounds in the middle of a 78" length.

Referring to Figure 19, the slot for the polymeric 15 hinge 130 can be seen with greater detail. A sub frame for the platens can be provided if desired although it is not required.

Referring to Figure 20, the continuous polymeric hinge 160 is custom designed and extruded for this S" 20 application. It is easy to.install and replace by merely sliding it into or out of the extruded slots 130.

The continuous polymeric hinge 160 is very strong, has a long life, is absolutely silent, and never needs to be lubricated.

Further features of the present invention are shown in Figures 25 and 26. The general operation of. the bed of this embodiment is similar to that of the previous embodiments described herein. Thus, the bed includes three pivotally-joined platen sections. Bar linkage 3 30 is mounted on the center section, and is joined to actuator 13 in a manner similar to that discussed previously. The mechanism is housed within the footboard (or headboard) of the bed, which includes major faces 171 and 173. The face 171 is provided with 35 an opening 170 through which extends the pipe which S* joins the linkage 3 to the center platen section. The opening is of sufficient size and shape to accommodate .3-c .o ~r r o oo a r the full range of motion of the pipe as actuator 13 moves the linkage 3 to establish different configurations for the bed. While the opening 170 has been provided with a rectangular shape in the illustrated embodiment, other shapes can also be used.

Each end of the platen is provided with an end cover 172, which is fixed to the platen. The cover 172 generally has a configuration of a broad and shallow cup, with the open side of the cup facing away from the platen. A central portion of the cover is provided with an opening which permits the passage of the pipe between linkage 3 and the center section of the platen.

Essentially, the cover 172 occupies the space between the center section of the platen and the face of the 15 headboard or footboard, to reduce the possibility of a "pinch point" between the two and to reduce the possibility of a patient being injured by having a hand or foot accidentally reach through the opening 170 and into the operating mechanism. The size and shape of the cover are sufficient to ensure that the opening 170 remains covered over the entire range of motion of the platen. By occupying at least a very substantial portion of the space between the platen and the face of the headboard or footboard, the cover also serves to 25 help maintain the mattress in the proper position.

Thus, the cover helps to prevent the mattress from sliding against the headboard or footboard, where the motion of the bed might cause undue wear. The cover can be made of plastic, or any material which is sufficiently strong to provide the protective function noted above, but preferably has some flexibility so that it is not so rigid as to mar the face 171 if it happens to contact the face 171 during use.

The face of the cover 172 facing the platen may be provided with a channel-like depression 174. This channel allows the easy and secure passage of drainage tubes around the edge of the platen, i.e. from above the

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,r level of the bed to below the level of the bed. It is especially useful that this is located near the center of rotation, which reduces the chances for tangling or other damage to the tubes.

It also is useful to have the lower portion of linkage 3 supported by bearing 176. That is, in its lower section, the linkage 3 passes between two opposed faces of the bearing 176, which snugly contact the faces of the linkage. The faces of the bearing may be made from any suitable lubricant type material, for example ultra-high molecular weight plastic or fluorinated polymers such as those of the TEFLON type. The support for the lower portion of linkage 3 provides improved structural stability, and thus contributes to the 15 ability of the present bed to maintain sufficient strength without structural members other than the platen sections themselves. As discussed above, eliminating structural members reduces potential pinch points which could injure the patient.

A further aspect of this invention is shown in Figures 27 and 28. In this aspect, the bed is provided with a side rail 182, which is hingedly mounted on the outermost edge of the side platen. A bearing block 180 is retractably and rotatably carried on the headboard of the bed, and includes an open channel which accepts the endmost vertical post of the side rail. The side rail is able to slide longitudinally with respect to the bearing block, but is not permitted to move laterally with respect to the bearing block. Comparing Figures 27 and 28, it can be seen that as the center platen is rotated from the flat position, the side platen also rotates. However, the engagement of the side rail with the bearing block, in cooperation with the hinged mounting of the side rail on the side platen, keeps the i 35 side rail in a suitable position.- This is made possible by the rotatable mounting of the block on the headboard, *I s

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no r I r

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I ,ri r ,r ,r r r r ,r r r in conjunction with the ability of the side rail post to slide longitudinally with respect to the block.

The size of the block and the spacing between the end post of the side rail and the headboard are chosen so that the block can be retracted toward the headboard a distance sufficient to free the end post from the channel of the block. Once the block has been retracted and the end post freed from the channel, the side rail can be rotated downward, to provide better access to the patient, facilitate getting the patient into and out of the bed, etc. Since the channel is open, the block can be pulled away from the end post. The mechanism for retracting the block has no special requirements. For example, the block can be mounted on a spring-loaded shaft, which urges the block into engagement with the end post. A lever or handle can be provided for retracting the block against the action of the spring.

Since the head is the heaviest end of the patient, it will often be sufficient to support the side rails 20 only at the headboard end. Similarly, in cases where only a partial side rail is used, the support at the headboard end is generally all that is required.

However, it would be possible to support a full side rail at both the headboard end and the footboard end 25 using a similar mounting block arrangement at each end.

in this case, it may be desirable to provide a mechanism which permits the simultaneous release of the blocks at both ends.

Referring to Figure 21, the present invention permits computerized operation for a lateral turning bed equipped with a head gatch (head raising section). The foot board contains the microprocessor based main controller board. The actuators which control the rotational axis of the bed are located in the foot and head boards. These actuators are connected to the center section of the platen.: This allows the center section to rotate plus or minus 30 (thirty) Lb i i.

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car rr r r r r r r 17 degrees, while the appropriate outer section rotates up to support and contain the sleeper. This provides a surface to transfer weight onto, as well as prevents the user from falling out of the bed. The end views depicting the movement of the sections are illustrated in Figs. 22A, 22B and 22C.

The control panel functions as the operator interface. It contains a micro controller which controls the LCD display, LED indicators, and the keypad. It connects to a motor control board via a serial communication link.

Referring to Figure 23, the control panel keys have embedded snap dome switches for reliable and tactile operation. Each switch has an icon depicting its 15 function. Referring to Figures 24A and 24B, there are LED's which light up depending on the mode of operation.

Referring again to Figures 1-4, as platen part 1-D' continues to rotate clockwise, platen part 2' can continue to rotate counterclockwise until an angle of up to 90 degrees forms at articulation point D' and platen part 2' and its relative mattress section 16' sufficiently supports the body at the steepest point of rotation to prevent skin shearing. This rotation can be controlled with a programmable microprocessor based 25 controller and associated custom software and/or with the use of a single switch interface.

The present invention provides all of the requirements for the reduction and prevention of decubitus ulcers (bedsores) and increased overall health as long as some basic principles are understood and adhered to. The causes of bedsores can be eliminated in a simple manner by mimicking the body's natural tendency to move around while sleeping. Any catastrophic injury or any disease-which-reduces this motion can only have a negative effect upon overall health.

The present invention is equipped with a computer controller which will allow most users to achieve

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18 complete freedom from night-time attendants, and a larger degree of independence. The mattress of the present invention articulates and thereby repositions the user onto a partial side laying position. Weight is redistributed from loaded areas to unloaded areas under a timed schedule which is completely programmable (time, angle and speed), and automatic.

The present invention looks like a normal bed, with a headboard, foot board and mattress. However, located under the mattress section is a frame (referred to as the platen) including three sections joined together with flexible joints.

The present invention can be a 12 volt-powered device and is supplied with its own separate power supply. This includes: a) a weatherproof box, b) a 12 volt sealed lead acid battery, c) a 12 volt, 1 amp smart charger, d) a 15 amp circuit breaker and e) an on/off switch. To operate the bed, plug the AC power wire into a wall socket. This powers the battery charger. Plug the 12 volt wire into the socket in the bottom channel of either the head or foot board, which ever is closest to the power supply. Turn the power switch to on- The power light on the control panel will light up. In the event of a power failure the battery backup will supply power to the bed for a period of 2 to 10 days depending on the frequency of turning.

The present invention is equipped with a manual operating mode. To enter the manual operating mode depress the "MAN" switch. This will set the front panel status to the following: LCD: Blank Auto LED: off Manual LED: on Error LED: (dependent on error conditions) S 35 Power LED: on I In the manual mode, the operation of the bed is controlled by the rotate right and rotate left switches 19 on the front nanel. The rotational switches are used to rotate the bed left or right a full speed. The controller will stop operation of the actuator when the switch is released or until a limit switch is activated.

The present invention is equipped with an automatic operating mode. To enter the automatic operating mode depress the "AUTO" switch. This command will start the auto mode. This will set the front panel status to the following: LCD: remaining time before next action Auto LED: on Manual LED: off Error LED: (dependent on error conditions) Power LED: on The bed is then controlled automatically according to the current operational parameters. The parameters are explained in more detail in the section on programming operation. In automatic mode, the bed movement switches rotate left, rotate right) are not functional.

Depressing either of these switches in the automatic mode will not product a response.

When the automatic mode is entered, the control algorithm will be initiated from the current position of the bed. For example, if the bed has been manually 25 rotated to any position to the left, the control algorithm will start at the Left Dwell Point. The programming switches will be active, and any parameters which are modified and saved while in the automatic mode will be effective immediately.

PROGRAMMING OPERATION i Programming of the various parameters is accomplished by using the switches, LED's andzLCD display as outlined below. There is a visible LED with text on the Control Panel for each parameter which can be modified by the operator. For the purpose of operating the present invention, the left and right angles are determined to be the side that the user is

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-4E rotated to, with the user's feet at the control panel end. The list of parameters follows.

Left Dwell: this is the period of time which the bed remains at the left angle position. This period is adjustable from 0 minutes to 4:00 hours.

Center Dwell: this is the period of time which the bed remains at the center (flat) position. Similarly, this period of time is adjustable from 0 minutes to 4:00 hours.

Right Dwell: this is the period of time which the bed remains at the right angle position. Again, this period of time is adjustable from 0 minutes to 4:00 hours.

Left Angle: this is the angle to which the bed will rotate to in the left position. It is adjustable from 1 degree to 30 degrees.

Right Angle: this is the angle to which the bed will rotate to in the right position. Similarly, it is adjustable from 1 degree to 30 degrees.

S 20 Speed: this is the relative speed at which the bed will rotate. It is adjustable from 15% to 100%.

The switches that are used for carrying out the programming operation include: PROG: Enters the Programming mode; Up Arrow: Increases the value of the parameter; Down Arrow: Decreases the value of the parameter; Next: selects the next parameter; Save: saves the new parameters; and Quit: cancels the programming mode without saving changes.

The programming mode can be initiated at any time. All of the other operational switches will remain active when the programming mode has started.

The programming mode is initiated by pressing the "PROG" switch, and holding for 3 seconds. The left L Zk dwell parameter and time LEDs will light up, and the LCD display will show the current value of this parameter.

The operator can then use the uo arrow to increase the parameter or the down arrow to decrease the parameter.

Pressing the "Next" switch will then cycle the operator to the center dwell parameter, and the center and time LEDs will light up. Again, the LCD display will show the existing value of the parameter.

The operator can then cycle through all of the parameters in similar fashion by pressing the "Next" switch. When the last parameter speed) is being displayed, the subsequent operation of the "Next" switch will cycle back to the left parameter.

The operator can exit from the programming mode at 15 any time by pressing either the "Save" switch or the "Quit" switch. The "Save" switch will save the updated parameters into EPROM for future use. The "Quit" switch 'i will end the programming mode without saving any modifications to the parameters.

After finishing the programming, all parameter LEDs will be off. If the operator exits programming in the k manual mode, then the LCD will be blank. Alternatively, if the operator exits programming in the automatic mode, then the LCD will show the time remaining in the current position. The user should not be transferred onto, or off of, the bed unless the bed is level and the controller is off or in the manual mode.

This improved articulating bed design utilizes pulse width modulation to determine rotational speed and position. The actuator is servo controlled by the microprocessor to allow for controllable rotational speed under varying load conditions as the body is turned. Setting the timer to dwell time for any one position will cause the controller to move the platen in such a way as to by-pass that position. The acceleration and the maximum speeds are adjustable.

Under program control, the platen will "soft" start and j 1

X.

"soft" stcp to reduce inertial jarring of the user. The end angle in the two side laying positions is adjustable by two controls.

Numerous modifications and variations are possible in addition to those specifically described above.

Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the following appended claims.

For example, there are alternative drive possibilities for actuating the dynamic portions of the bed. One such alternative is placing a gear segment on the bottom of element 3 and mounting a worm gear and a small drive motor in the guide at the bottom of the frame.

The foregoing descriptions of preferred embodiments S are provided by way of illustration. Practice of the present invention is not limited thereto and variations therefrom will be readily apparent to the skilled without deviating from the spirit of the present invention.

20 While there is shown and described herein certain specific combinations embodying this invention for the purpose of clarity of understanding, the same is to be considered as illustrative in character, it being understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown and described. It will be manifest to those skilled in the art that certain changes, various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated in the scope of the appended claims.

The entirety of everything cited above or below is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

4 aU 1 fi1 22a Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

s

A

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Claims (9)

1. -n articulated bed comprising: a central platen comprising a headboard end, a footboard end, a first side platen edge and a second side platen edge; a headboard frame pivoally connected to the headboard end of the central platen at a headboard frame pivot point with a central platen headboard bar linkage; a footboard frame pivotally connected to the footboard end of the central platen at a footboard frame o pivot point with a central platen footboard bar linkage; a first side platen hinged to the first side platen edge of the central platen, connected to the headboard frame with a first side platen headboard bar linkage and connected to the footboard frame with a first side platen footboard bar linkage; a second side platen hinged to second side platen edge of the central platen, connected to the headboard frame with a second side platen headboard bar linkage and connected to the footboard frame with a second side platen footboard bar linkage; and means for articulating at least one of the central platen headboard bar linkage and the central platen footboard bar linkage.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the central platen headboard bar linkage rotates about the headboard frame pivot point in an aligned position adjacent the headboard frame between a first parallel headboard support and a second parallel headboard support.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the central platen foot board bar linkage rotates about the Sfootboard frame pivot point in an aligned position adjacent the footboard frame between a first parallel footboard support and a second parallel footboard support-

4. The aDDaratus of claim i wherein the first side platen is continuously hinged to the first side a ;1 24 platen edge of the central platen with a continuous polymeric hinge and the second side platen is continuously hinged to the second side platen edge of the central platen with a continuous polymeric hinge.

The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a programmable microprocessor based controller.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said programmable microprocessor based controller controls said apparatus based on a set of variables, said set of variable comprising: a left dwell period of time during which the apparatus remains at a left angle position, a center dwell period of time during which the apparatus remains at a center position, a right dwell period of time during which the apparatus remains at a right angle position, a left angle which determines the left angle position, a right angle which determines the right angle position, and speed.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a separate power supply comprising: a weatherproof box; a 12 volt sealed lead acid battery; a 12 volt, 1 amp, smart charger; a 15 amp circuit breaker; and an on/off switch.

8. An apparatus comprising: a central platen comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a first side platen edge and a second side platen edge; a first frame pivotally connected to the proximal end of the central platen with a central platen proximal bar linkage; a second frame pivotally connected to the distal end of the central platen with a central platen distal bar linkage; r ci i r r i -r e i ,Ir- I-i be F -ii: ,I a first side platen hinged to the first side platen edge of the central platen, connected to the first frame with a first side platen proximal bar linkage and connected to the second frame with a first side platen distal bar linkage; a second side platen hinged to the second side platen edge of the central platen, connected to the proximal frame with a second side platen proximal bar linkage and connected to the second frame with a second 10 side platen distal bar linkage; and means for articulating at least one of the central platen proximal bar linkage and the central platen distal bar linkage. S 15

9. An articulated bed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 22nd day of February, 1999. PROBED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC. and ROBERT WAYNE SUGGIT and MICHAEL CHARLES JILLINGS By their Patent Attorneys: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE I'-