DK202200764A1

DK202200764A1 - Mattress Extender and Health Care Bed Repositioning System

Info

Publication number: DK202200764A1
Application number: DKPA202200764A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Mads Nielsen Niels
Original assignee: European Caretech Aps
Priority date: 2022-08-16
Filing date: 2022-08-16
Publication date: 2024-02-19

Abstract

A mattress extender (10) for a health care bed repositioning system (2) of a health care bed (12) is disclosed. The mattress extender (10) comprises (6): - a housing (30) having two opposing side portions (31, 31’) and a rear side provided with an elongated opening (32) arranged and configured to receive a sheet (14) of the health care bed (12), - a rotatably mounted roller (34) extending between the two opposing side portions (31, 31’), wherein the roller (34) is provided with a repositioning device (8) comprising a motor (50) arranged and configured to rotate the roller (34) and hereby move the sheet (14). The two opposing side portions (31, 31’) are made from a soft material (6).

Description

DK 2022 00764 A1 1

Mattress Extender and Health Care Bed Repositioning System

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a mattress extender and a health care bed repositioning system for patient repositioning, and more particularly, to a safe and efficient system for repositioning a patient by moving the patient toward a head end of a bed.

Prior art

Health care bed repositioning systems for patient repositioning are widely used to safely move and handle patients under the safety, health and welfare at work.

WO 2016022558 A1 discloses a patient repositioning system comprising a mattress, two rows of spaced retainers extending along the length of the mattress, a sheet residing on the upper surface. Each of the rows of spaced retainers are adapted to capture a corresponding side of the sheet. The system comprises a pulling device that is operatively connected to the sheet and adapted to pull the sheet toward the head end with a patient residing thereon. Accordingly, the system can reposition the patient.

In the prior art such as WO 2016022558 A1, however, the pulling device is integrated in the front part of the mattress. The pulling device has the same width as the mattress. Therefore, when the pulling device is used in some beds, there is a risk of experiencing a crush injury to a finger (between the pulling device and the bed frame or the side rails).

Since the pulling device is integrated in the mattress. It is not possible to use the pulling device together with an existing mattress. Accordingly, it is required to replace the complete the existing mattress in order to use the desired patient repositioning feature.

DK 2022 00764 A1 2

Thus, there is a need for a device which reduces or even eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. It is an object to provide a solution that makes it possible to reuse an existing mattress and be able to reposition patients.

It is also an object to provide a solution that reduces or even eliminates the risk of experiencing a crush injury to a finger (between the pulling device and the bed frame or the side rails).

Some health care beds comprise an integrated bed extension allowing the length of the bed to be extended. Accordingly, the beds can be adjusted to meet specific patient needs. When a health care bed is extended a mattress extender is placed in extension of the existing mattress in order to fill out the space.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a mattress extender as defined in claim 1 and by a health care bed repositioning system as defined in claim 12. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The mattress extender according to the invention is a mattress extender for a health care bed repositioning system for a health care bed, wherein the mattress extender comprises a housing having two opposing side portions and a rear side, wherein the housing is provided with an elongated opening arranged and configured to receive a sheet of the health care bed and that mattress extender comprises a rotatably mounted roller extending between the two opposing side portions, wherein the roller is provided with a repositioning device comprising a motor arranged and configured to rotate the roller and hereby move the sheet.

DK 2022 00764 A1 3

Hereby, it is possible to provide a solution that enables repositioning of patients by using an existing mattress. By using the bed extension of the health care bed it is possible to extend the length of the health care bed and insert a mattress extender according to the invention in extension of the existing mattress.

The repositioning device is configured to reposition a patient supported on the sheet toward the head end of the health care bed.

In one embodiment, the mattress extender is box-shaped. It may be an advantage that the mattress extender has a uniform cross-sectional area along the entire length of the mattress extender.

In one embodiment, the motor is arranged inside the roller, wherein the motor configured to rotate the roller. Hereby, it is possible to reduce the size of the mattress extender and thus provide a mattress extender that is smaller than the prior art mattress extenders.

In one embodiment, the motor comprises a motor housing, wherein the motor is attached to a structure of the mattress extender outside the roller in such a manner that the motor housing remains fixed to said structure of the mattress extender during operation of the motor, wherein the motor comprises a shaft that is fixed to or integrated in a rotatably shaft that is fixed to the inside of a wall of the roller. Hereby, the motor housing does not move relative to the mattress extender and the required energy to rotate the roller can be minimised.

In one embodiment, a gap is provided between the outside surface of the motor housing and the inside wall of the roller.

In one embodiment, the two opposing side portions are made from a soft material. Hereby, the risk of experiencing a crush injury to a finger

DK 2022 00764 A1 4 (between the pulling device and the bed frame) can be reduced or even eliminated.

In one embodiment, the mattress extender comprises a top portion made from a soft material. Hereby, the user comfort can be improved.

In one embodiment, the opposing side portions have a width of at least mm. 10 In one embodiment, the opposing side portions have a width of at least mm.

In one embodiment, the opposing side portions have a width of at least mm. 15

In one embodiment, the opposing side portions have a width of at least 30 mm.

In one embodiment, the opposing side portions have a width of at least 20 40 mm.

In one embodiment, the opposing side portions have a width of at least 50 mm.

In one embodiment, the soft material comprises a foam material. In one embodiment, the soft material comprises latex. In one embodiment, the soft material comprises fabric. In one embodiment, the soft material comprises polyfoam.

In one embodiment, the roller comprises a control box arranged inside the roller, wherein the control box is arranged and configured to control the motor, wherein the control box comprises:

DK 2022 00764 A1 a) a control connection structure configured to be electrically connected to receive an electrical connection member that is electrically connected to a cable connected to a remote control or a wireless transmitter or 5 b) a control connection structure having an integrated wireless receiver wirelessly connected to a wireless transmitter of a wireless remote control.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a more compact solution. By integrating the control box in the roller (arranging the control box inside the roller) space can be saved.

In one embodiment, the roller comprises a coupling that is arranged and configured to provide the roller in: a) a first configuration, in which the motor is coupled in such a manner that the roller rotates upon activation of the motor and b) a second configuration, in which the roller is uncoupled in such a manner that the roller can rotate upon without activation of the motor.

Hereby, it is both possible to use the motor to reposition a patient when required and rotate the roller with the motor being arranged in a configuration, in which the motor does not transfer torque to the roller.

In one embodiment, the coupling is arranged inside the housing of the motor. Hereby, it is possible to provide a simple and reliable mechanical coupling.

In one embodiment, the coupling is arranged next to the housing of the motor.

In one embodiment, the control box is arranged next to the coupling.

DK 2022 00764 A1 6

In one embodiment, at least one mounting member is attached to the rear side of the housing. Hereby, the housing can be attached to a section.

In one embodiment, the motor comprises a motor housing and a first shaft extending through the end portion of the roller, wherein the roller comprises another shaft extending through the opposite end portion of the roller, wherein the motor comprises a connection shaft extending from the motor housing, wherein the connection shaft is connected to a rotatably shaft that is fixed to the inside of a wall of the roller, wherein the motor housing is fixed to the first shaft, wherein the first shaft is connected to the housing of the mattress extender.

In one embodiment, the roller comprises a centrally arranged cylindrical portion extending between two tracked portions, wherein the tracked portions are configured to receive the guiding structures of the sheet.

The health care bed repositioning system according to the invention is a health care bed repositioning system comprising a health care bed and a mattress extender according to one of the preceding claims.

In one embodiment, at least one mounting member is attached to the rear side of the housing. Hereby, attachment of the rear side of the mattress extender to a section can be eased.

In one embodiment, at least one mounting member is attached to at least one of the side portions of the housing. Hereby, attachment of at least one of the side portions of the housing of the mattress extender to a section can be eased.

In one embodiment, a control member is provided at the at least one of the side portions of the housing, wherein the control member is configured to control the motion of the repositioning device by pushing,

DK 2022 00764 A1 7 turning or pulling the control member.

In one embodiment, a control member is provided at the at least one of the side portions of the housing, wherein the control member is configured to receive a wired remote control configured to control the motion of the repositioning device by pushing, turning or pulling the remote control.

In one embodiment, a mounting structure is provided at the at least one of the side portions of the housing, wherein the mounting structure comprises: - a slot allowing the sheet to pass through the slot and - a through-going bore arranged and configured to receive and guide a corresponding guiding structure attached to an edge portion of the sheet.

Hereby, it is possible to control the movement of the sheet in an easy and controlled manner.

In one embodiment, the motor is arranged in one end of the housing, wherein the motor comprises a first shaft extending through the end portion of the roller, wherein the roller comprises another shaft extending through the opposite end portion of the roller.

In one embodiment, the motor is rotatably mounted to the roller by means of a rotatably shaft that is fixed to the inside of the wall of the roller.

In a preferred embodiment, the motor is electrically operated and controlled by a control member.

In one embodiment, the motor is electrically operated and controlled by a wired remote control electrically or wirelessly connected to the control

DK 2022 00764 A1 8 member.

In one embodiment, the health care bed comprises a: - a support portion provided with wheels; - a first section, a second section and a third section, wherein the first section is provided at the foot of the health care bed, the third section is provided in the head end of the health care bed, while the second section is provided between the first section and the third section, wherein the third section is rotatably mounted to the support portion.

In one embodiment, the health care bed comprises one or more manually operated components arranged and configured to rotate of the third section relative to the support portion.

In one embodiment, the health care bed comprises one or more electrical actuators arranged and configured to rotate of the third section relative to the support portion.

In one embodiment, the health care bed comprises a plurality of brackets attached to one or more of the sections, wherein each bracket is L-shaped and comprises a bracket base plate, wherein a mounting structure is provided at the lateral side of each bracket, wherein the mounting structure comprises: - a slot allowing the sheet to pass through the slot and - a through-going bore arranged and configured to receive and guide a corresponding guiding structure attached to an edge portion of the sheet.

In one embodiment, each bracket base plate is provided with a bore or an attachment structure to ease the attachment of the bracket base plate to a section.

DK 2022 00764 A1 9

In one embodiment, each bracket base plate is welded, glued or fixed by means of mechanical attachment structures to a section or another structure.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1A shows a schematic top view of some of the main components of a health care bed repositioning system according to the invention;

Fig. 1B shows a side view of some of the main components of a health care bed repositioning system according to the invention;

Fig. 2A shows a side view of a health care bed repositioning system according to the invention;

Fig. 2B shows a mattress extender according to the invention;

Fig. 3A shows a view of the mattress extender according to the invention;

Fig. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a mattress extender shown in Fig. 3A;

Fig. 3C shows a cross-sectional view of the roller of a mattress extender according to the invention;

Fig. 4A shows a sheet of a health care bed repositioning system according to the invention;

Fig. 4B shows a prior art health care bed repositioning system;

Fig. 5A shows a mounting structure of a health care bed repositioning system according to the invention;

Fig. 5B shows the mounting structure shown in Fig. 5A attached to a bracket,

Fig. 5C shows how a sheet is attached to a mounting structure as

DK 2022 00764 A1 10 the one shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B;

Fig. 6A shows the main components of a mattress extender corresponding to the one shown in Fig. 3B;

Fig. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the roller of a mattress extender according to the invention;

Fig. 7A shows a perspective side view of mattress extender used in a health care bed repositioning system according to the invention;

Fig. 7B shows a side view of the mattress extender and the health care bed shown in Fig. 7A and

Fig. 8A shows a perspective top view of the mattress extender and health care bed repositioning system shown in Fig. 7A.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a schematic top view of some of the main components of a health care bed repositioning system 2 according to the invention is illustrated in Fig. 1A.

The health care bed repositioning system 2 is designed for being mounted and used in a health care bed. The health care bed repositioning system 2 is suitable for being used on a health care bed having a mattress 4. A side rail 52 extends along each of the side edges of the mattress 4.

The health care bed repositioning system 2 comprises a mattress extender 10 comprising a repositioning device 8 that is arranged and configured to receive and roll-up a sheet and hereby carry out a repositioning of a patient laying on the sheet of the health care bed. The repositioning device 8 is surrounded by a soft and resilient surrounding material 6. The surrounding material 6 may be a foam.

It can be seen that the width W; of the repositioning device 8 is smaller

DK 2022 00764 A1 11 than the distance W> (width) between the two opposing side rails 52, 52’ of the health care bed. Accordingly, the risk of crush injury to a finger between the bed frame 5 and the mattress extender 10 is eliminated.

Compared to the prior art solution, the invention provides a safer and hereby improved solution.

The widths W3, W4 of the side portions 31, 31’ of the mattress extender are indicated. It can be seen that the width W; of the first side portion 31 basically corresponds to the W4 of the (opposite) second side portion 10 31’. The width W; of repositioning device 8 is smaller than the width W> between the two opposing side rails 52, 52".

Fig. 1B illustrates a side view of some of the main components of a health care bed repositioning system according to the invention. The health care bed repositioning system comprises a health care bed 12 having a support portion 9. In one embodiment, the support portion 9 is provided with wheels.

The health care bed 12 comprises a first section 20, a second section 20’ and a third section 20". The first section 20 is provided at the foot end of the health care bed 12, the third section 20” is provided in the head end of the health care bed 12, while the second section 20' is provided between the first section 20 and the third section 20”.

The third section 20” is rotatably mounted to the support portion 9. Even though it is not shown, rotation of the third section 20” relative to the support portion 9 can be accomplished by using manually operated components or one or more actuators (preferably one or more electrical actuators).

A plurality of brackets 18 are attached to the edge portions of the first section 20. A single bracket 18 is attached to each of the edge portions

DK 2022 00764 A1 12 of the third section 20”. A mounting structure 16 provided at the lateral side of the top portion of each of the brackets 18.

A mattress extender 10 is provided at the distal end of the third section 20”. The mattress extender 10 comprises a repositioning device that is arranged and configured to receive and roll-up a sheet and hereby carry out a repositioning of a patient laying on a sheet of the health care bed 12. The repositioning device 8 is surrounded by a soft and resilient surrounding material 6. The mattress extender 10 comprises a mounting structure 16’. The mounting structures 16, 16’ are arranged and configured to receive a guiding structure (see Fig. 5C) and hereby guide the sheet being moved by means of the repositioning device.

The mattress extender 10 is attached to the third section 20” by means of a mounting member 24. At the side portion of the mattress extender 10, a control member 26 is provided. In one embodiment, the control member 26 is formed as a control member 26 that allows the user to control the motion of the repositioning device by pushing, turning or pulling the control member 26. In one embodiment, the control member 26 is placed elsewhere (e.g. at the underside of the mattress extender 10).

In one embodiment, the mattress extender 10 comprises a motor that is electrically operated and controlled by a remote control that is connected to a cable provided with an electrical connection member in its distal end.

In one embodiment, the mattress extender comprises an electrical socket (not shown) arranged and configured to receive the electrical connection member of the cable. In one embodiment, the electrical socket is provided on the underside of the housing of the mattress extender 10. In one embodiment, the remote control may be replaced by a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver (wireless remote control).

DK 2022 00764 A1 13

An elongated opening 32 extends along the rear portion of the mattress extender 10. The opening 32 is configured to receive the sheet being rolled on a roller placed inside the repositioning device (see Fig. 3A). The thickness of the opening 32 is preferably 8 mm or less. In one embodiment, the mounting structures 16’ of the mattress extender 10 can be omitted.

Fig. 2A illustrates a side view of a health care bed repositioning system 2 according to the invention. The health care bed repositioning system 2 corresponds to the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 1B.

The health care bed 12, however, comprises a mattrass 4 covered by a sheet 14 having edges provided with a guiding structure 22. In one embodiment, the guiding structure 22 is made by surrounding a cord or robe by the sheet 14, providing a double layer sheet portion and stitching the double layer sheet portion together. In one embodiment, the guiding structure 22 is a beaded edge.

The sheet 14 is slidably attached to the mounting structures 16 of the brackets 18 by means of the guiding structure 22. The mattrass 4 is arranged adjacent to the mattress extender 10.

Fig. 2B illustrates a mattress extender 10 according to the invention. The mattress extender 10 corresponds to the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 1B and Fig. 2A. The mattress extender 10 comprises a housing 30 having a first side portion 31 and a second side portion 31’. The first side portion 31 and the second side portion 31’ are made from a soft material. In one embodiment, the first side portion 31 and the second side portion 31’ are made from a foam material such as foam rubber.

The mattress extender 10 comprises top portion 28 made from a soft material. In one embodiment, the top portion 28 is made from a foam

DK 2022 00764 A1 14 material. The top portion 28 may be a separate member that is attached to the housing 30. In one embodiment, however, the top portion 28 is an integrated part of the housing 30.

Mounting members 24 are attached to the rear portion of the housing and to the end surface of each of the side portions 31, 31’. The mounting members 24 are arranged and configured to attach the mattress extender to an underlying structure. It can be seen that a control member 26 is provided at the first side portion 31. A mounting 10 structure 16’ is arranged at the first side portion 31. The mounting structures 16’ is arranged and configured to receive a guiding structure.

The rear side of the housing is provided with an elongated opening 32 that is arranged and configured to receive the sheet 14 of a health care bed 12.

Fig. 3A illustrates a mattress extender 10 according to the invention. The mattress extender 10 corresponds to the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 1B and Fig. 2A. The mattress extender 10 comprises a housing 30 that is partly surrounded by an outer portion 33 from a soft material, preferably a foam material such as foam rubber.

Two mounting members 24 are shown next to the mattress extender 10.

The mounting members 24 are designed to prevent the mattress extender 10 from moving when placed in a bed as shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 2A.

An elongated opening 32 is provided in the housing 30 of the mattress extender 10. The opening 32 extends along the length of the housing 30.

The mattress extender 10 comprises a motor (not shown) that is electrically operated and controlled by a remote control 62. The remote

DK 2022 00764 A1 15 control 62 is connected to a cable 60’ provided with an electrical connection member 66 in its distal end. The mattress extender 10 comprises a power cable 60 provided with an electrical plug 64 designed to be connected to the mains.

The mattress extender 10 comprises an electrical socket 68 arranged and configured to receive the electrical connection member 66’ of the cable 60' and the electrical connection member 66 of the power cable 60. The socket 68 is electrically connected to the motor by means of a cable.

In one embodiment, the electrical socket is provided on the underside of the housing 30. In one embodiment, the remote control 62 may be replaced by a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver (wireless remote control).

Fig. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mattress extender 10 shown in Fig. 3A. The mattress extender 10 basically corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 3A.

It can be seen that a roller 34 is arranged inside the housing 30. The roller 34 is rotatably mounted and driven by a motor that is integrated into the roller 34 (see Fig. 3C). The roller 34 comprises a centrally arranged cylindrical portion extending between two tracked portion 36, 36’. The tracked portions 36, 36’ are configured to receive the guiding structure of the sheet (see Fig. 4A).

The mattress extender 10 comprises an outer portion 33 that is preferably made from a soft material (e.g. a foam material). The outer portion 33 may comprise top portion formed as a separate member that is attached to the housing 30 or to side portions. The outer portion 33 may be an integrated part of the housing 30.

DK 2022 00764 A1 16

Fig. 3C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mattress extender according to the invention. The roller 34 comprises a motor 50 that is integrated in the roller 34. The motor 50 comprises a first shaft 48 extending through the end portion of the roller 34. The roller 34 comprises another shaft 46 extending through the opposite end portion of the roller 34.

The motor 50 is fixed to the first shaft 48. The first shaft 48 is attached to a structure outside the roller 34. Accordingly, the motor housing remains fixed during operation of the motor 50. The motor 50, however, comprises a shaft that is fixed to a rotatably shaft 44 that is fixed to the inside of the wall of the roller 34. Therefore, the motor 50 will rotate the roller 34 when being activated.

In one embodiment, the motor 50 is electrically operated and controlled by a control member as the one shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, or a wired remote control electrically or wirelessly connected thereto. In a preferred embodiment, a control box 56 is arranged inside the roller 34 adjacent to the motor 50.

Fig. 4A illustrates a sheet 14 of a health care bed repositioning system according to the invention. The sheet 14 comprises two rows of spaced guiding structures 22 extending along the length of the sheet 14. The guiding structures 22 are provided on each of the long edges of the sheet 14. The guiding structures 22 may be formed as beaded edge by way of example. Each of the guiding structures 22 may alternatively be designed as a single elongated, flexible structure. In an embodiment, the guiding structures 22 is made by surrounding a cord or robe by the sheet, providing a double layer sheet portion and stitching the double layer sheet portion together.

Fig. 4B illustrates a prior art health care bed repositioning system comprising a health care bed 112. A patient 100 is positioned on the health care bed 112. The health care bed 112 comprises a mattress 104

DK 2022 00764 A1 17 surrounded by a frame 105. A prior art repositioning device 108 is integrated in the head end of the mattress 104.

There is a risk of crush injury to a finger between the pulling device and the bed frame 105 (or a side rail if such is used).

Fig. 5A illustrates a mounting structure 16 of a health care bed repositioning system according to the invention. The mounting structure 16 comprises a slot 38 allowing a sheet to pass through the slot 38. The mounting structure 16 comprises a through-going bore 40 arranged and configured to receive and guide a guiding structure as the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 2A or Fig. 4A.

Fig. 5B illustrates the mounting structure 16 shown in Fig. 5A attached to a bracket 18. The bracket 18 is L-shaped and comprises a bracket base plate 19. The bracket base plate 19 may be provided with a bore or an attachment structure (not shown) in order to ease the attachment of the bracket base plate 19 to a section (as shown in Fig. 1B). The bracket base plate 19 may be welded, glued or fixed by means of mechanical attachment structures to a section or another structure.

Fig. 5C illustrates how a sheet 14 is attached to a mounting structure 16 as the one shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B. The sheet 14 is provided with a guiding structure 22 extending along the edge of the sheet 14. The guiding structure 22 engages the bore 40 of the mounting structure 16 while the sheet 14 provided next to the guiding structure 22 passes through the slot of the mounting structure 16. The mounting structure 16 ensures that the sheet 14 is remained in a configuration, in which it can be rolled on the roller of the repositioning device of the health care bed repositioning system.

Fig. 6A illustrates the main components of a mattress extender 10 corresponding to the one shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 6B illustrates the

DK 2022 00764 A1 18 components shown in Fig. 6A, however, in larger detail. The mattress extender 10 comprises a housing 30 provided with an elongated opening 32 that extends along the rear portion of the mattress extender 10. In one embodiment, the housing 30 comprises a top portion 28 constituting a lid that is moveably attached (e.g. rotatably attached) to the remaining portion of the housing 30.

The mattress extender 10 comprises an outer portion 33 made from a soft material. The outer portion 33 is designed to cover the front side, the top side and the side portions of the housing 30. A bore 40, 40’ is provided in each of the side portions of the housing 30.

The mattress extender 10 comprises a roller 34 that comprises a motor 50 that is integrated in the roller 34. The motor 50 may be a gear motor.

The motor comprises a first shaft 48 extending through the end portion of the roller 34. The roller 34 comprises another shaft 46 extending through the opposite end portion of the roller 34.

The motor 50 comprises a motor housing that is fixed to the first shaft 48. The first shaft 48 is mechanically connected to the housing 30 of the mattress extender 10. Thus, the motor housing is fixed to the housing 30 of the mattress extender 10. Accordingly, the motor housing remains fixed during operation of the motor 50. The motor 50, however, comprises a shaft that is fixed to a rotatably shaft 44 that is fixed to the inside of the wall of the roller 34. Therefore, the motor 50 will rotate the roller 34 when being activated. The opening 32 is configured to receive the sheet being rolled on a roller 34.

The motor 50 is electrically operated and controlled by a remote control 62. The remote control 62 is connected to a cable 60’ provided with an electrical connection member 66 in its distal end. The mattress extender

DK 2022 00764 A1 19 10 comprises an electrical socket 68 arranged and configured to receive the electrical connection member 66’ of the cable 60’ and the electrical connection member 66’ of the power cable 60. In one embodiment, the electrical socket 68 is provided on the underside of the housing 30. In one embodiment, the remote control 62 may be replaced by a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver (wireless remote control). . An electrical plug 64 is arranged in the end of the cable 60. The electrical plug 64 is designed to be connected to the mains. Accordingly, the mattress extender 10 can be powered through the cable 60.

The motor 50 may be an electrical gear motor.

The roller 34 comprises another shaft 46 extending through the opposite end portion of the roller 34. The roller 34 comprises a centrally arranged cylindrical portion extending between two tracked portion 36, 36’. The tracked portions 36, 36’ are configured to receive the guiding structure of a sheet (see Fig. 4A).

The motor comprises a connection shaft 58 extending from the motor housing. In one embodiment, a connection shaft is connected to a rotatably shaft 44 that is fixed to the inside of the wall of the roller 34.

Accordingly, the motor 50 will rotate the roller 34 when being activated.

The motor 50 comprises a motor housing that is fixed to the first shaft 48. The first shaft 48 is connected to the housing 30 of the mattress extender 10 and thus the motor housing is fixed to the housing 30 of the mattress extender 10. Therefore, the motor housing remains fixed during operation of the motor 50.

A coupling may be arranged next to the housing of the motor. The coupling may be arranged and configured to couple the motor 50 to the

DK 2022 00764 A1 20 first shaft 48 and to uncouple the motor 50 from the first shaft 48, respectively.

A control box 56 is arranged next to the motor 50. The control box 56 comprises the electrical components required to control the motor 50. In one embodiment, the control box 56 comprises an integrated power supply.

Fig. 7A illustrates a perspective side view of mattress extender 10 according to the invention used in a health care bed repositioning system 2 according to the invention. Fig. 7B illustrates a side view of the mattress extender 10 and the health care bed 12 shown in Fig. 7A. Fig. 8A illustrates a perspective top view of the mattress extender 10 and health care bed repositioning system 2 shown in Fig. 7A.

The health care bed repositioning system 2 comprises a health care bed 12 having several sections 20’, 20” placed on a support portion 9. A side rail 52 extends along each of the two side portions of the health care bed 12. The section 20” arranged closes to the head end of the health care bed 12. This section 20” is arranged in an inclined configuration. Rotation of this section 20” relative to the support portion 9 may either be done by means of manual means or by means of an actuator (e.g. an electric actuator).

A mattress 4 is placed on the sections 20’, 20”. The mattress 4 is placed on the sections 20’, 20” is attached to the sections 20’, 20” by means of mounting structures 16, wherein each mounting structure 16 is attached to or integrated into a bracket 18 that is fixed to one of the sections 20’, 20".

In Fig. 7A it can be seen that the mattress extender 10 is attached to the outermost section 20” by means of mounting members 24 attached to

DK 2022 00764 A1 21 and extending from the rear side of the mattress extender 10. The mounting members 24 are attached to the outermost section 20”. The mounting members 24 may be brought into engagement with the outermost section 20” or one or more structures attached to the outermost section 20".

The mattress extender 10 is arranged next to and bears against the head end portion of the mattress 4. The mattress extender 10 has the same height (thickness) as the mattress 4 in order to make it as comfortable as possible for patients to use the health care bed 12.

A sheet 14 is placed on and attached to the mattress 4. Each of the two long side edges of the sheet 14 are secure to mounting structures 16 arranged along the side portions of the mattress 4. When the sheet 14 is secured in this manner, the health care bed repositioning system 2 is ready to be used.

The mattress extender 10 comprises a housing provided with an elongated opening 32 that extends along the entire length the rear portion of the mattress extender 10. The opening 32 is configured to receive the sheet 14 in such a manner that the sheet 12 is being rolled on a roller placed inside the repositioning device (see Fig. 3A, Fig. 6A and

Fig. 6B).

Upon rotation of the roller, the sheet 14 is pulled toward the head end of the bed 12 with enough pulling force to pull a patient supported on the sheet 14. Hereby, the use of manual handling for moving the patient can be minimised.

DK 2022 00764 A1 22

List of reference numerals 2 Health care bed repositioning system 4 Mattress 6 Surrounding material (e.g. foam) 8 Repositioning device 9 Support portion

Mattress extender 12 Health care bed 10 14 Sheet 16, 16' Mounting structure 18 Bracket 19 Bracket base plate 20, 20', 20” Section 22 Guiding structure (e.g. beaded edge) 24 Mounting member 26 Control member 28 Top portion 30 Housing 31, 31’ Side portion 32 Opening 33 Outer portion 34 Roller 36, 36' Tracked portion 38 Slot 40, 40' Bore 42 Roller shaft 44 Rotatably shaft 46 Shaft 48 Motor shaft

Motor 52, 52' Side rail

DK 2022 00764 A1 23 54 Coupling 56 Control box 58 Connection shaft 60, 60’ Cable (wired connection) 62 Remote control 64 Electrical plug 66, 66’ Electrical connection member 68 Socket

Wi, Wa, W3, Wa Width 100 Patient 104 Mattress 105 Frame 108 Prior art repositioning device 112 Prior art health care bed

Claims

DK 2022 00764 A1 24 Claims

1. A mattress extender (10) for a health care bed repositioning system (2) for a health care bed (12), wherein the mattress extender (10) comprises (6): - a housing (30) having two opposing side portions (31, 31’) and a rear side, characterised in that the housing (30) is provided with an elongated opening (32) arranged and configured to receive a sheet (14) of the health care bed (12) and that mattress extender (10) comprises (6) a rotatably mounted roller (34) extending between the two opposing side portions (31, 317), wherein the roller (34) is provided with a repositioning device (8) comprising a motor (50) arranged and configured to rotate the roller (34) and hereby move the sheet (14).

2. A mattress extender (10) according to claim 1, wherein the motor (50) is arranged inside the roller (34), wherein the motor (50) is configured to rotate the roller (34).

3. A mattress extender (10) according to claim 2, wherein the motor (50) comprises a motor housing and is attached to a structure of the mattress extender (10) outside the roller (34) in such a manner that the motor housing remains fixed to said structure of the mattress extender (10) during operation of the motor (50), wherein the motor (50) comprises a shaft that is fixed to or integrated in a rotatably shaft (44) that is fixed to the inside of a wall of the roller (34). 4, A mattress extender (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two opposing side portions (31, 31’) are made from a soft material (6).

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5. A mattress extender (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opposing side portions (31, 317) have a width (Ws) of at least 15 mm.

6. A mattress extender (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roller (34) comprises a control box (56) arranged inside the roller (34), wherein the control box (56) is arranged and configured to control the motor (50), wherein the control box (56) comprises: a) a control connection structure configured to be electrically connected to receive an electrical connection member that is electrically connected to a cable connected to a remote control (62) or a wireless transmitter or b) a control connection structure having an integrated wireless receiver wirelessly connected to a wireless transmitter of a wireless remote control.

7. A mattress extender (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roller (34) comprises a coupling (54) that is arranged and configured to provide the roller (34) in: a) a first configuration, in which the motor (50) is coupled in such a manner that the roller (34) rotates upon activation of the motor (50) and b) a second configuration, in which the motor (50) is uncoupled in such a manner that the roller (34) does not rotate upon activation of the motor (50).

8. A mattress extender (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one mounting member (24) is attached to the rear side of the housing (30).

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9. A mattress extender (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (50) comprises a motor housing and a first shaft (48) extending through the end portion of the roller (34), wherein the roller (34) comprises another shaft (46) extending through the opposite end portion of the roller (34), wherein the motor (50) comprises a connection shaft (58) extending from the motor housing, wherein the connection shaft (58) is connected to a rotatably shaft (44) that is fixed to the inside of a wall of the roller (34), wherein the motor housing is fixed to the first shaft (48), wherein the first shaft (48) is connected to the housing (30) of the mattress extender (10).

10. A mattress extender (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the roller (34) comprises a centrally arranged cylindrical portion extending between two tracked portion (36, 36’), wherein the tracked portions (36, 36") are configured to receive the guiding structure (22) of the sheet (14).

11. A health care bed repositioning system (2) comprising a health care bed (12) and a mattress extender (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

12. A health care bed repositioning system (2) according to claim 10, wherein the health care bed (12) comprises a: - a support portion (9) provided with wheels; - a first section (20), a second section (20') and a third section (20), wherein the first section (20) is provided at the foot of the health care bed (12), the third section (20”) is provided in the head end of the health care bed (12), while the second section (20”) is provided between the first section (20) and the third section (20”), wherein the third section (20”) is rotatably mounted to the support portion (9).