FR2918872A1 - Medicalized bed for mobility impaired patient in hospital, has releasing unit allowing displacement of head section and/or leg section with respect to frame, and adjustment unit varying extent of range of frame on ground - Google Patents

Abstract

The bed (1) has a carrying frame (2) provided with roller type support bodies (3) forming a range at the ground, and a lying plane (4) supported by the frame. The plane is separable into head and leg sections (5, 6). A releasing unit (20) allows the displacement of the head section and/or the leg section with respect to the frame for releasing the access to the sections at the level of separation edges (5S, 6S) of the sections. A range adjustment unit (21) varies the extent of the range of the frame on the ground.

Description

CHASSIS WITH VARIABLE RANGE FOR MEDICALIZED BED

  The present invention relates to the general technical field of medical furniture specially designed to facilitate its use by caregivers and / or patients with reduced mobility.

  The present invention relates more particularly to a medical bed comprising a support frame provided with one or more support members forming a ground bearing, and a sleeping plane supported by said carrier frame, said sleeping plane being dissociable in a first section and a second section following a separation surface on either side of which said sections each have a respective separation edge.

  In the medical or paramedical sector, it is common for healthcare staff to be confronted with patients who have reduced mobility, following trauma or simply because of their advanced age.

  In such situations, the health care worker is often required to move or lift the patient's limbs in order to provide hygiene or health care.

  In particular, it is known to have to assist such patients to allow their transfer from an extended station to a standing station.

  However, this assistance at sunrise requires the observation of special care during its execution to avoid compelling or even harming the patient.

  In addition, it tends to mobilize nursing staff for tasks that are not strictly medical in nature. B70437 / FR Finally, manual lifting is a repetitive task that exposes caregivers to back injuries that cause occupational diseases.

  That is why it was imagined medical beds with an articulated sleeping plan comprising a backrest, a seat and a legrest, and motorized drive means designed to convert the sleeping surface into a kind of chair, so that the caregiver can give the patient initially lying an intermediate sitting position and limit the extraction effort to provide that necessary to move from sitting to standing.

  Such articulated beds, although they generally contribute to slightly simplifying the task of the nursing staff nevertheless suffer from several disadvantages.

  In the first place, because of the complexity of the movements implemented at the level of the coating plane, the mechanical structure of the articulated beds of the prior art is generally complex, heavy, expensive, and delicate maintenance.

  In addition, movement management generally requires a complex motor driven by a relatively sophisticated electronic control, which increases the size and cost of the bed.

  Such beds are therefore usually reserved for hospital-type establishments that receive patients requiring important or urgent care during short or medium-term stays, and are not, however, suitable for so-called long-stay establishments, such as houses. retirement, or home-based care for individuals. B70437 / FR Next, the extraction of a patient from the articulated sleeping plane when the latter is configured as an armchair, even if it generally requires less effort than the assistance to the complete transition from a supine posture to a posture. still requires the caregiver to lean toward the patient and exercise significant lumbar effort.

  In addition, when the bed is in the chair configuration, the legrest is generally tilted to the ground, which frequently causes the falling to the ground, or the contact with the ground, bedding elements and therefore poses a double problem of hygiene on the one hand and mobilization of the nursing staff for the repair of the bed on the other hand. Finally, the generally complex and bulky structures articulated beds of the prior art tend to impede access to the bed, and therefore the patient. In particular, it is common that accessories normally intended to be approached closer to the bed, such as verticalizers, care trolleys, or wheelchair-like locomotion devices, abut against the bed structure and not may therefore be parked only at a distance from the sleeping surface. The objects assigned to the present invention therefore seek to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a new medical bed that has an optimized accessibility for both the patient and the caregiver, as well as excellent stability.

  Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new medical bed that has a simple and lightweight structure.

  Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new medical bed whose cost is particularly moderate. B70437 / FR Another object assigned to the invention is to propose a new medical bed whose operation is particularly safe, reliable and intuitive.

  Another object assigned to the invention is to provide a new medical bed that has an optimized user comfort for both the patient 5 and the caregiver. The objects assigned to the invention are achieved with the aid of a medical bed comprising a support frame provided with one or more support members forming a ground bearing, and a sleeping plane supported by said support frame said coating plane being dissociable into a first section and a second section, along a separation surface on either side of which said sections each have a respective separation edge, said medical bed being characterized in that comprises: on the one hand release means adapted to allow movement of one and / or the other of the first and second sections relative to the carrier frame so as to clear access to at least one of said sections at its separation edge, and, secondly, range adjustment means designed to vary the extent of the ground reach of the carrier frame.

  Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, among which:

  - Figure 1 shows, in a perspective view, an alternative embodiment of a medical bed according to the invention. B70437 / FR - Figure 2 illustrates, in a perspective view, another alternative embodiment of a hospital bed according to the invention.

  - Figure 3 illustrates, in a detail view in perspective, an alternative embodiment of range adjustment means according to the invention.

  5 - Figure 4 illustrates, in a schematic front view, an alternative embodiment of the medical bed according to the invention.

  - Figure 5A illustrates, in a detail view in side section, an alternative embodiment of range adjustment means according to the invention.

  Figure 5B shows, in a cross-sectional view A-A, the span adjustment means shown in Figure 5A.

  - Figures 6A, 6B, 6C show, in schematic views from above, different embodiments of scope adjustment means according to the invention.

  The present invention relates to a medical bed 1 for accommodating a patient to allow him to rest and / or receive care.

  In particular, the medical bed 1 according to the invention may be specifically adapted for hospital use, and more particularly for acute care such as resuscitation or waking.

  The bed 1 can also be adapted for obstetrical medicine, and in particular to form a delivery table or a maternity bed. B70437 / FR The bed 1 can of course be adapted according to the corpulence of the patient, and more particularly be sized to accommodate obese patients in endocrinology service.

  The medical bed 1 can also be adapted, in a form possibly simplified from the mechanical point of view and / or more elaborate from the aesthetic point of view, for use at home by individuals or in homes for long stays such as retirement homes or psychiatric institutions.

  Of course, the medical bed 1 according to the invention may comprise, for example, proclive / declivity tilting functions, in the lateral decubitus position, or else various accessories such as serum rods, fall barriers, lockers, storage, etc.

  The medical bed 1 according to the invention comprises a support frame 2, said support frame 2 being provided with one or more support members 3 15 forming a floor span.

  Within the meaning of the invention, the support member (s) 3 may be formed for example by wheels or skids, sliding or otherwise non-slip, so that the support frame forms a structure capable of supporting the bed 1 and to ensure its stability, especially when a patient is there.

  In addition, the medical bed 1 comprises a sleeping surface 4 supported by said supporting frame 2, said lying plane 4 being dissociable into a first section 5 and a second section 6 along a separation surface (II) of part and of another of which said first and second sections 5, 6 each have a respective separation edge. B70437 / FR Specifically, the first section 5 has a first separation edge 5S vis-à-vis a second separation edge 6S apartment to the second section 6. Within the meaning of the invention, the first and second edges separation can indifferently be contiguous or otherwise partially or completely separated from one another by a gap.

  In the sense of the invention, the sleeping surface 4 is sufficiently wide to completely accommodate the body of the patient, so that the latter can rest, including sleeping in an acceptable comfort on said sleeping plane.

  Preferably, the coating plane 4 comprises for this purpose a bed base 7, formed for example of a frame lined with slats, a suspension mesh or a shell of polymer or composite material, said bed base 7 being covered all or part of a padded support 8 of the mattress type.

  According to an alternative embodiment, the mattress 8 may be intrinsically armed so as to be self-supporting.

  For convenience of description, it will be considered in the remainder of the text that the bed 1 rests on a flat and horizontal floor, that the sleeping surface 4 can adopt at least one substantially horizontal configuration in which it allows a patient to lie substantially parallel to the floor, and that the bed 1, and more particularly the sleeping surface 4, then has a longitudinal extension direction (XX ') which substantially corresponds to the head-foot extension axis of the patient, as well as a direction of transverse extension (YY ') substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension axis (XX') and forming therewith a plane substantially parallel to the ground. B70437 / FR Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sleeping surface 4 comprises a backrest 10, a seat 11, and a legrest 12.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the backrest 10 is pivotally articulated with the seat 11 at a gluteal articulation 14 of axis (Y1Y'1) substantially horizontal, that is to say parallel to the ground, and perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal extension (XX ') of the bed 1, and more precisely of the coating plane 4.

  On the other hand, the seat 11 and the legrest 12 preferably articulate relative to one another according to a popliteal pivot link 15 having a substantially horizontal axis (Y2Y2 ') and parallel to the direction of rotation. transverse extension (YY ') of the sleeping plane.

  By popliteal, it is indicated that the link 15 is located substantially above the hock, between the thighs and calves, so as to allow the folding of the legs of the patient at the knee.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the gluteal articulation 14 can also be split into two parallel pivot joints spaced from each other so as to avoid the pinching of the patient during the raising of the backrest 10 by compared to the seat 11 or vice versa.

  Thus, the medical bed 1 in accordance with the invention can advantageously have a single-piece, monopoly, two-ply, or three-ply sleeping surface.

  Of course, the articulated versions of the sleeping plan have the advantage of offering the patient one or more positions of comfort, including a sitting position allowing him for example to take his meals, to converse with a visitor, to read, or watch TV.

  Preferably, the separation surface (II), considered to be substantially perpendicular to the coating plane 4 when the latter is lying flat, parallel to the ground, divides the coating plane 4 at about 50% to 80%, preferably about 60%. % to 75%, and particularly preferably to about 72.5% of the length of said coating plane.

  In other words, the separation surface (II) preferably defines a first head section 5 on which rests the upper part of the patient included at least between the buttocks and the head, and secondly a second section 6 of foot on which rests all or part of the lower limbs of the patient. Thus, the proportions indicated above correspond to the ratio of the distance measured flat between the head of the coating plane and the leading separation edge 5S by the total length of said coating plane (typically close to 2 meters). In what follows, the second section 6 will be likened to a foot section, and the first section 5 to a head section, without this constituting a limitation of the invention.

  In addition, although the separation surface (II) can define a broken separation line on the surface of the coating plane 4, for example cutting a corner of said coating plane 4, said separation surface (II) preferably passes through said sleeping surface 4 transversely over its entire width.

  The surface of the second section 6 thus preferably represents 20% to 50%, more preferably 25% to 40%, and particularly preferably B70437 / FR approximately 27.5% of the total upper surface of the coating plane 4 .

  In a particularly preferred manner, the separation surface (II) coincides with the popliteal bond 15, that is to say that the separation line corresponding to the intersection of said separation surface (II) with the coating plane 4 is substantially rectilinear and located at the knee of the patient's knee. Thus, the second section 6 may advantageously be formed by the legrest 12, and the first section 5 may correspond to the seat 11, possibly accompanied by the backrest 10. According to an important characteristic of the invention, the medical bed 1 comprises on the one hand release means 20 designed to allow the displacement of one and / or the other of the first and second sections 5, 6 relative to the carrier frame 2 so as to clear access to one at least 15 of said first and second sections 5, 6 at its separation edge 5S, 6S, and on the other hand, span adjustment means 21 designed to vary the extent of the chassis floor span. carrier 2.

  Within the meaning of the invention, the release means 20 are arranged to allow the displacement of the first section 5 relative to the carrier frame 2 and / or the displacement of the second section 6 relative to said support frame 2, so that that the relative displacement of the first section 5 with respect to the second section 6 (or conversely) which results makes it possible to sufficiently distance the first section 5 of the second section 6 to provide the patient with direct access to the first or the second section 6 second section.

  More particularly, the release means 20 according to the invention can advantageously allow the retraction of the foot section 6.

  870437 / FR to allow the patient, initially installed on the head section, to leave bed 1 by crossing frontally, both legs at a time, the 5S head separation edge with his legs freely hanging in the vacuum over said head separation edge 5S, then by placing its feet on the ground, or on any stable structure, footboard type or stand base, arranged substantially vertically above said head separation edge 5S. In other words, the release means 20 according to the invention may advantageously constitute lifting assistance means.

  The release means 20 may also facilitate access to the lower limbs of the patient for the purpose of providing hygiene (toilet) or health care (repair of dressings).

  More particularly, the disengagement means 20 within the meaning of the invention preferably make it possible to disengage the head separation edge 5S over at least 50% of its total length L2, which preferably corresponds to the width of the coating plane 4. in a particularly preferred manner over at least 66% of its length L2, and even more preferably over at least 75%, or even more than 90% of its length.

  It is remarkable that by dissociable, it is indicated that the coating plane 4 can be formed either of a first section 5 and a second section 6 intrinsically distinct, and possibly articulated with each other, is formed of a first and a second section 5, 6 which may be alternately secured to each other so as to form a single unit kinematically, or dissociated from one another, with the aid of a any reversible fastening means (fitting, bolted joint, snap, etc.). In addition, although the release means 20 can be arranged to allow the complete removability of one of the sections 5, 6 of the coating plane 4, that is to say its complete separation from the further section and its removal by removal of the carrier frame 2, the release means 20 preferably comprise a permanent mechanical connecting member 30 which permanently connects at least a portion of the first section 5 to at least a portion of the second section 6.

  In other words, the permanent mechanical connecting member 30 makes non-removable bed 1 all or part of one or other of the sections 5, 6 while preventing, in normal operation, the complete mechanical dissociation between said first section 5 and second section 6 themselves and / or between one or other of said sections 5, 6 and the carrier frame 2.

  Advantageously, the disengagement means 20 are then preferably able to guide in displacement, according to a predetermined trajectory, one of the sections 5, 6 with respect to the frame and / or relative to the other section.

  In addition, although it is conceivable that the release means 20 allow for example the foot section 6 to fold or fall back under the head section 5, they preferably comprise a retaining member 23, such as a jack or a notched rod, designed to substantially maintain the attitude of the section 5, 6 when the latter is released laterally, and more particularly to keep the corresponding portion of the sleeping plane 4 substantially horizontal during its movement.

  Thus, it is advantageous to avoid the falling of the bedding elements disposed on the movable section 5, 6, or the contact thereof with the floor. B70437 / FR As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bed base 7 may be attached at least in part to a support frame 24 while the support cylinder 23 connects the second section 6 to a support point MO belonging to 24. In order to compensate for the distance and / or the variation of orientation of the second section 6 during its lateral clearance, the support point MO of the retaining ram 23 advantageously has one or more degrees. freedom, for example in rotation by means of a ball joint (Figure 1) or in translation by means of a socket (Figure 2).

  According to an alternative embodiment, the permanent mechanical connection member 30 forms a pivot-type joint 31 of axis (Z1Z'1) substantially normal to the ground.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, the clearance means 20 may advantageously form means for lateral opening of the foot section 6 making it possible laterally to disengage the second foot section 6 with respect to the first head section. 5, a bit like a door.

  According to another variant embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the permanent mechanical connection member 30 can form a slide 32 of axis substantially parallel to the ground and preferably substantially parallel to the transverse direction of extension (YY ') of the bed 1.

  Of course, the invention is in no way limited to a movement of the movable foot section 6 relative to a fixed head section 5, and can for example be applied to clearance means 20 comprising a turret designed to allow the pivoting of all or part of the head section 5, and more precisely of the seat 11, with respect to the section of B70437 / FR foot 6, and more precisely to the leg rest 12, around a substantially vertical axis .

  The release means 20 may also be provided with a carriage allowing the translation and the lateral extraction of the seat 11, as well as possibly the backrest 10, relative to a leg rest 12 fixed in a direction corresponding to the transverse extension direction (YY ') of the bed.

  Furthermore, in the sense of the invention, the extent of the ground reach of the carrier frame 2 corresponds to the area of the projected area that the support members 3 define on the ground, and in particular, in the case of quasi-punctual support members 3, for example of the caster type, with the area bounded on the ground by the fictitious perimeter of which said support members 3 form the vertices.

  Within the meaning of the invention, the span adjustment means 21 make it possible to dynamically adjust the arrangement of the support frame 2, as a function of the needs, in particular as a function of the configuration of the clearance means 20, and more specifically in terms of function of the respective positions occupied by the first and / or second section 5, 6 relative to said carrier frame 2, so as firstly to adapt the footprint of the floor of the bed to facilitate its access, and secondly to improve the stability of the bed 1 by optimizing its balancing, in particular with regard to the risks of tipping.

  More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the span adjustment means 21 may be designed to reversibly pass the carrier frame 2 of a contracted configuration P1, shown in solid lines on the said figures, in which the extent of its ground reach corresponds to a first area, to a second expanded configuration P2, shown in dotted lines in the figures,

  B70437 / FR in which the extent of its reach on the ground corresponds to a second area larger than the first.

  Of course, the range adjustment means 21 preferably provide a continuous adjustment of the extent of the floor reach of the frame 2, with the possibility of adopting several, if not all, intermediate configurations between two extreme configurations which correspond substantially to the fully deployed and fully retracted configurations respectively.

  In addition, the modes of extension of the ground reach of the carrier frame 2 according to the invention are not limited.

  Thus, according to an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 or 6A, the span adjustment means 21 comprise an elongation / shortening member 40 designed to allow extension and / or longitudinal reduction. the ground reach of the undercarriage 2.

  According to another variant embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6B, the span adjustment means 21 may comprise a widening / shrinking member 41 designed to allow the extension and / or the transverse reduction of the ground span of the carrier chassis 2.

  Of course, the span adjustment means 21 may be designed to allow both the modification of the extent of the ground reach of the carrier frame 2 according to a longitudinal component and a transverse component without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Preferably, the span adjustment means 21 comprise at least one movable element 42 which is arranged to move at least one of the support members 3, 3A, 3B, ie transport the latter to change the spatial position occupied by its surface contact with the ground.

  More precisely, as is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6A to 6C, the movable member 42 may be formed by a connecting element, of the arm type, connecting the at least one support member 3, 3A, 3B mobile with the carrier frame 2 and be arranged to move away and / or bring said movable support members of the fixed support members of said support frame 2.

  Of course, according to an alternative embodiment not shown, it can be envisaged that the span adjustment means 21 comprise elements making it possible to increase, or reduce, the effective contact surface between the carrier frame 2 and the ground, concomitantly with the displacement of the movable member 42, and are not only arranged to deport a movable fulcrum whose contact surface on the ground is substantially invariant.

  In addition, the movable member 42 may be driven by a translational movement, rotation or a combination of these movements.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 6C, the support frame 2 may comprise two spars 50, 51 hinged in pivot connection with a vertical axis relative to a fixed rear crossmember 52, so as to form a fork in a lug. goose whose angular aperture can be modified by the extension or contraction of a front cross member 53 expandable.

  However, as is illustrated in particular in Figures 1 to 5B, 6A or 6B, the movable member 42 is preferably guided in translation relative to the carrier frame 2, and particularly preferably arranged to be driven by a movement substantially rectilinear, preferably substantially parallel to the ground.

  B70437 / FR Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 to 5B, the carrier frame 2 comprises one or more longitudinal members 50, 51 tubular and / or one or more crosspieces 52, 53 tubular, forming for example a frame welded preferably substantially rectangular (although other shapes may be envisaged) and parallel to the ground.

  Particularly advantageously, the movable member 42 can then be slidably mounted inside one of said longitudinal members 50, 51 or crosspieces 52, 53 tubular which then takes the place of liner 54, so as to form a telescopic rod.

  Thus, it is possible to achieve precise, rigid, and particularly resistant to bending guidance, using a particularly simple and inexpensive structure.

  Preferably, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the liner 54 may contain one or more plain bearings 55 formed by, for example, self-lubricated bearings and / or slip and friction-resistant liner. PTFE type (Teflon O).

  Of course, it is conceivable to thus nest substantially coaxially several nesting elements to form the telescopic rod according to the invention.

  Preferably, a third intermediate section (not shown) may be interposed between the liner 54 and the movable member 42, said intermediate section being arranged to present overlapping areas with both the liner 54 and the movable member. 42 to enhance the rigidity of the telescopic rod while providing greater travel to the support member 3 moved by said movable member 42. B70437 / FR According to a preferred embodiment, which may constitute an invention apart entire, regardless of the location of the span adjustment means at the carrier frame, the span adjustment means 21 comprise a reversible coupling member 60, 60 ', 60 "which is adapted to alternately allow coupling and separation of the movable member 42 and the movable support member 3, 3A, 3B that the latter can cause displacement.

  More precisely, as is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the coupling member 60 is preferably arranged to engage the automatic fixing of the support member 3 to the movable member 42 when the latter is deployed in position. leaving the liner 54, and secondly to automatically detach the support member 3 of the movable member 42 when the latter retracts into said liner 54.

  Thus, the movable member 42 is able to embark the support member 3 to extend the ground reach of the chassis to an expanded configuration, and to release said support member 3 when the carrier frame returns to its configuration contracted.

  Advantageously, such an arrangement makes it possible, when the movable element 42 is in the retracted position, to reduce the stresses of deformation which are exerted on the latter, the support force of the bed, and more specifically of the supporting frame 2, being transmitted directly from the support member 3 to the element of said support frame 2 the strongest, that is to say to the tube (spar or cross) of greater section. In other words, such an arrangement makes it possible to relieve the mobile element 42 by transfer of support from said movable element towards a fixed element of the carrying chassis 2.

  Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the reversible coupling member 60 comprises a latch 61 prestressed by a spring 62

  870437 / FR and guided in translation in a housing 63 formed in a base 64 to which is connected the support member 3.

  Preferably, the latch 61 has two legs 65, 66, the first leg forming a latch intended to engage in a recess 67 formed in the movable member 42, and the second leg 66 forming a control finger for co-operating with a ramp 68, formed for example at the end of the sleeve 54, to push the latch 61 in its housing 63 against the spring 62 when the base 64 enters said sleeve 54.

  Thus, with reference to the alternative arrangement shown in FIG. 5A, when the mobile element 42, initially retracted into the jacket 54, slides along the transverse axis (YY ') to exit the crossbar 53 (this is ie to the right in the figure), it first engages around a shouldered section 64A of the base 64, thus gradually taking support on the latter.

  When the movable element abuts against the shoulder 64B of the shoulder portion, it then pushes the base 64 out of the sleeve 54. In doing so, the actuating finger 66 slides along the plain bearing 54 and engages on the ramp 68 along which it descends as the extraction of the base 64 from the jacket 54, so that the lock 61, forming a kind of slider, gradually leaves its housing 63, under the thrust of the spring 62.

  At the same time, the first leg 65 of the latch 61 enters the recess 67, so that it prevents separation of the base 64 and the mobile element 42 threaded on the latter, at least along the transverse axis ( YY '). 870437 / FR 20 Thus, when the movable member 42 is recalled from its deployed position, inside the sleeve 54 to move the frame in the contracted position, the latch 65 abuts against the rim 67A of the recess 67, so that the movable member 42 drives the support member 3 in its wake.

  When the end of said movable member 42 re-enters the inside of the sleeve 54, the operating finger 66 raises the ramp 68 and pushes the latch 61 against the spring 62, which finally releases the movable member 42 the base 64 by extraction of the latch 65 out of the recess 67.

  Of course, the present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment of reversible coupling member 60, which may for example include any type of equivalent means, including mechanical or electromechanical.

  It is remarkable that a reversible coupling member 60 according to the invention is particularly suitable for producing bidirectional or bilateral range adjustment means, for example able to extend the range of the carrier frame 2 alternatively to the left of the carrier. bed or to the right of the bed as needed.

  Such an arrangement may be particularly suitable for a variant embodiment of bed 1 designed to allow the opening in lateral translation of the second section 6 with respect to the second section 5.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the medical bed 1 according to the invention may comprise at least a first support member 3A and a second support member 3B, while the reach adjustment means 21 comprise on the one hand a bidirectional movable element 42 arranged to be able to be deployed in a first direction FI or in a second direction F2 B70437 / FR 21 opposite, and secondly a first reversible coupling member 60 'and a second reversible coupling 60 "which cooperate respectively with the first support member 3A and the second support member 3B so that the movable member 42 can alternatively embark one or the other of said first and second support members 3A, 3B, and drop the opposite support member in the direction F1, F2 in which it unfolds.

  Of course, this arrangement substantially symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane of the bed may be implemented regardless of the means used to guide the movable member 42, but it is however particularly suitable for the telescopic rod system described above.

  Furthermore, according to an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, one or more of the support members 3 may be formed by a retractable stand 70 arranged to come into contact with the ground only after the movable member 42 has performed its movement, said stand 70 being operable recessed for example by means of a lever 71 to avoid unnecessary friction of the support member 3 against the ground during the displacement of said movable member 42.

  However, especially in the case where the support member 3 is formed by a wheel, the support member 3, 3A, 3B mobile is preferably permanently on the ground, including during the reconfiguration phases of the Extent of the ground reach of the carrier frame 2. This minimizes the total number of support members necessary to ensure the stability of said undercarriage.

  Of course, the release means 20, the span adjustment means 21, as well as any means for adjusting the trim and / or the inclination of the backrest, the seat 11, and the leg rest 21 can be manual or equipped with motorization devices.

  B70437 / FR Thus, as is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the range of adjustment means 21 may comprise a jack 80 connecting a fixed portion of the carrier frame 2 to one or more movable elements 42, possibly coupled by a cross member 53 forming a drawbar.

  It is furthermore possible to decouple the drive from the moving elements 42, and, for example, to variants that are substantially similar to those of FIGS. 1 and 2, to separately motorize each of the longitudinal members 50, 51 in order to retract only only one of said longitudinal members 50, 51 at a time, preferably that situated on the opposite side to the side towards which the foot section 6 is moved, in order to preserve an extended longitudinal reach that is stable under all circumstances.

  According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the motorization members may comprise a rack mechanism, said rack being fixed to the movable member 42 parallel to its translation axis, projecting through an oblong slot cut through the wall of the 54, and meshing on a pinion possibly driven by a worm engages with a motor attached to the spar or the cross member forming said liner. Such an arrangement has the advantage of improving the compactness of the range adjustment means 21.

  In addition, such a constructive arrangement is particularly suitable for the animation of bidirectional range adjustment means, since the moving direction of the movable element can then be freely chosen according to the direction of rotation of the motor, and that its running is limited only by the length of the rack, which can be easily dimensioned to provide the necessary travel without increasing the overall bulk of the mechanism (unlike the cylinders where an increase in the stroke implies an elongation not only of the rod but also the shirt).

  B70437 / FR Preferably, the clearance means 20 and the range adjustment means 21 being motorized, they are slaved to each other so that the displacement of the first and / or second section 5, 6 with respect to the undercarriage 2 is preceded (in time), is accompanied, or is followed automatically, a change in the extent of the ground span of the carrier frame 2.

  Such a servo can take several forms, depending on the mode of use used.

  According to a first mode of operation, called access release mode, which is particularly adapted to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 6A, and more generally to beds comprising longitudinal span adjustment means, the carrier chassis 2 is in the deployed configuration when the patient is lying on the sleeping surface 4 and goes into a contracted configuration when the bed is in the assist position to lift (or care), with the foot section 6, and more precisely the leg rest 12, released laterally.

  According to this first mode of operation, the carrier frame is reconfigured, and more particularly the mobile elements 42 (or at least one of the movable elements) recalled in their respective longitudinal members 50, 51, in order to clear the space located at the plumb with the seat 11 when the separation edge 5S of said seat is cleared.

  In other words, the clearance of the 5S head separation edge is accompanied by a reduction in the range extent.

  Thus, when the legrest 12 is pushed laterally, it is possible to bring a care module or a verticalizer type accessory to B70437 / FR closer to the patient installed on the seat 11. In addition, the patient can him -Even recover by resuming support in a natural way on his feet placed under the seat 11, set back from the plumb with the separation edge 5S. In either case, the carrier frame 2 presents no obstacle to the maneuver.

  According to a second mode of operation, said mode of support, which is particularly adapted to the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 6B, and more generally to the beds 1 having transverse bearing adjustment means, the support frame 2 is in configuration contracted when the patient is lying on the sleeping surface 4, and goes into deployed configuration when the first section 5 (or the second section 6) is disengaged laterally, that is to say that the lateral clearance of the separation edge 5S head is accompanied by an increase in the scope range.

  More specifically, the movable elements 42 extend transversely, extending the reach to the ground on the same side of the bed as that by which the second section 6 emerges when it is cantilevers laterally canted along the slideway 32. tilt torque generated by said cantilever is thus compensated by the crushing of the carrier frame which indirectly supports the second section 6.

  Such a mode of operation, although it is adapted to the lateral clearance of the leg rest 12, is however particularly indicated when the movable section must support heavy loads, as is the case on embodiments allowing lateral displacement, relative to the carrier frame 2, the head section 5 on which the patient sits.

  It is furthermore remarkable that, as shown in FIG. 4, the accompaniment of the movable section 5, 6 of the lying plane by a reach extension to the ground can be only partial, the race of

  B70437 / FR mobile elements 42 being preferably distinct and laterally lower than that of said movable section in order to optimize access to the bed 1 by limiting the bulk of the carrier frame 2 at the base of the seat or the seat legs.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6B, the movable members 42 may be arranged to increase the reach of the frame 2 by overflowing only over a portion, and not over the entire length of the spar 50 and / or the length of the movable head section, such that the area of increase of the range of the ground reach has an area smaller than the projected area of the ground of the displaced section.

  According to a third mode of operation called rocker mode, the ground range can be extended on the opposite side to the emerging side of the section 5, 6 mobile.

  More particularly, it is perfectly conceivable to use the movable elements 42 as rockers that unfold opposite the emergence side of the legrest 12 so as to compensate at least in part the tilting torque generated by the cantilevered said leg rest 12.

  Preferably, the range adjustment means 21 are further provided with detection members 90, such as end-of-travel sensors 91, for example infrared photodetector cells or microswitches, designed to inform the user about the configuration of the undercarriage 2.

  More precisely, it will be possible to use switches fixed to the longitudinal members or the crosspieces so as to detect the contact of the onboard support member 3 or the movable member 42 when the latter reaches a predetermined position, extended or retracted. B70437 / FR In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the detection members 90 may comprise the signaling elements 92, for example sound, powered by a circuit comprising two switches associated in series and controlled respectively by the element mobile 42 and the foot section 6 for example.

  Thus, when the two switches are closed (configuration movable member 42 retracted and reconstitution of the coating plane 3 by bringing the foot section 6 and the head section 5 closer together), the signaling means emits a sound signal that alerts the user, thus preventing the latter to change mechanically the configuration of the sleeping plan while the carrier frame 2 is not in a configuration to ensure the stability of the bed 1 and the patient wishes to lie down.

  More particularly, with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 or 2, it is conceivable to emit a sound signal when the caregiver tries to reconstruct the sleeping surface 4 by folding the legrest 12 in the alignment of the backrest 10 and of the seat 11 while the carrier frame 2 is still in contracted configuration, that is to say that its movable elements 42 are returned in their respective shirts 54 and therefore can not compensate for the torque that would generate the weight legs applied to the lever arm corresponding to cantilever offset said leg rest 12 relative to the front cross member 53.

  Of course, the elements of the carrier frame 2 will be dimensioned so as not to pinch or imprison a member of the patient or caregiver during the transition from contracted configuration to the deployed configuration. B70437 / FR In addition, the mobile elements 42 may carry a visual marking, for example a fluorescent panel that appears when said mobile elements are deployed, said visual marking being such as to immediately attract the attention of the user to remind him of the need to retract the moving parts before bringing the patient down from the bed.

  Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the medical bed 1 comprises mobility means 95 interposed between the carrier frame 2 and the sleeping surface 4 and designed to vary overall the attitude and / or altitude of the plane of 4 lying relative to that of said carrier frame 2, and therefore relative to the ground.

  More particularly, the mobility means may comprise a pitch modification mechanism, that is to say an inclination mechanism with respect to the horizontal, of the sleeping plane 4 of proclive / declivity type (pitch) or lateral decubitus. (roll).

  However, according to a particularly preferred embodiment, as shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the mobility means 95 comprise a lifting means 96, such as a lifting column, a cross mechanism or a compass mechanism , designed to vary generally the altitude of the sleeping plane 4 relative to that of said undercarriage 2.

  More specifically, the mobility means 95 can provide the mechanical connection between the carrier frame 2 and the upper support frame 24 to which the bed frame 7 is attached, preferably at the glide link 14.

  In this respect, it is remarkable that the functionality and the range of travel of the range adjustment means 21 according to the invention B70437 / FR are not structurally and necessarily conditioned or determined by the configuration of the mobility means 95. in other words, the attitude and / or altitude adjustment of the sleeping plane 4 is advantageously independent, and in particular does not interfere incompatible with the adjustment of the ground reach of the undercarriage 2.

  In particular, it is thus possible to lower the sleeping surface 3, and more particularly the upper support frame 24, closer to the ground, and for example to about 20 cm to 25 cm from the ground, which makes the bed suitable on the condition of patients with dementia, such as Alzheimer.

  Furthermore, the lifting means 96 is preferably designed to be able to bring the upper plane of the seat 5 to about 35 cm to 50 cm from the ground, to allow the patient to put his feet on the ground when the seat edge is cleared.

  Thus, the bed according to the invention advantageously allows to reconcile the comfort of the patient with that of the nursing staff while ensuring excellent stability of the bed and good accessibility to the latter during its daily use.

  In particular, such a bed can offer a real chair position, or chair, in which the patient is perfectly supported at the level of his back and thighs, and can possibly put feet on the ground, while enjoying a release of the back portion of his legs.

  Such an arrangement not only facilitates the lifting of the patient, without causing discomfort for the latter nor vicious lumbar position for the caregivers who accompany it, but also provides direct access to the calves and heels so that the caregiver has B70437 / EN 10 two hands free to provide care, without the need to lift and maintain the patient's legs above the mattress.

  The bed according to the invention therefore enjoys excellent ergonomics.

  In addition, its simple, lightweight and compact structure helps to minimize its manufacturing cost, simplify its transport and its installation, especially for individuals.

  Finally, its intuitive operation and stability help to ensure its operational safety. B70437 / EN

Claims (19)

  1 medical bed (1) comprising a carrier frame (2) provided with one or more support members (3, 3A, 3B) forming a ground bearing, and a sleeping surface (4) supported by said frame carrier (2), said coating plane (4) being dissociable into a first section (5) and a second section (6), along a separation surface (II) on either side of which said sections (5, 6) each have a respective separation edge (5S, 6S), said medical bed (1) being characterized in that it comprises: on the one hand release means (20) designed to allow the displacement of one and / or the other of the first and second sections (5, 6) relative to the carrier frame (2) so as to clear the access to at least one of said sections (5, 6) at its edge. separation, and on the other hand, span adjustment means (21) adapted to vary the extent of the ground reach of the carrier frame (2).   2 - medical bed according to claim 1 characterized in that the range adjustment means (21) comprises an elongation member / shortening (40) designed to allow the extension and / or the longitudinal reduction of the ground reach of the carrier frame (2).   3 - medical bed according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the range adjustment means (21) comprise an enlargement / shrinkage member (41) designed to allow the extension and / or the transverse reduction of the range to carrier chassis floor (2). B70437 / EN   4 - medical bed according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the span adjustment means (21) comprise at least one movable member (42) arranged to drive in displacement at least one of the support members (3). ).   5 - medical bed according to claim 4 characterized in that the movable member (42) is guided in translation relative to the carrier frame (2).   6 - medical bed according to claim 5 characterized in that, the carrier frame (2) having one or more longitudinal members (50, 51) tubular and / or one or more crosspieces (52, 53) tubular, the movable member (42). ) is slidably mounted within one of said tubular longitudinal members (50, 51) or crosspieces (52, 53) which serves as a liner (54) so as to form a telescopic rod.   7 - medical bed according to one of claims 4 to 6 characterized in that the span adjustment means (21) comprise a reversible coupling member (60, 60 ', 60 ") designed to alternately allow the coupling and the separation of the movable member (42) and the support member (3, 3A, 3B) that can cause displacement.   8 - medical bed according to claims 6 and 7 characterized in that the reversible coupling member (60, 60 ', 60 ") is arranged on the one hand to engage the automatic attachment of the support member (3, 3A, 3B) to the movable member (42) when the latter deploys out of the jacket (54), and secondly to automatically detach the support member (3, 3A, 3B) from the movable member (42) when the latter retracts into said liner (54).   9 - medical bed according to one of claims 7 or 8 characterized in that it comprises at least a first and a second member B70437 / FRdsupport (3A, 3B), and in that the range adjustment means ( 21) comprise on the one hand a bidirectional movable element (42) arranged to be able to be deployed in a first direction (FI) or in a second direction (F2) opposite, and secondly a first and a second reversible coupling member (60 ', 60 ") cooperating respectively with the first support member (3A) and the second support member (3B) so that the movable member (42) can alternatively embark either said first and second support members (3A, 3B), and release the opposing support member, in the direction (FI, F2) in which it deploys.   10 - medical bed according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the release means (20) comprise a permanent mechanical connecting member (30) which permanently connects at least a portion of the first section (5) to the least part of the second section (6).   11 - medical bed according to claim 10 characterized in that the permanent mechanical connecting member (30) forms a hinge type pivot (31) axis (Z1Z'1) substantially normal to the ground.   12 - medical bed according to claim 10 characterized in that the permanent mechanical connecting member (30) forms a slide (32) of axis substantially parallel to the ground, and preferably substantially parallel to the direction of transverse extension (W ') of the sleeping surface (4).   13 - medical bed according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the release means (20) and the span adjustment means (21) are motorized, for example by means of jacks (80) or rack mechanisms and worm, and slaved to each other so that the displacement of the first and / or second B70437 / FRsection (5, 6) relative to the carrier frame (2) is preceded, is accompanied or automatically followed by a modification of the extent of the ground reach of the undercarriage.   14 - medical bed according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the range adjustment means (21) are provided with a detection member (90), such as a limit sensor (91), designed to inform the user about the configuration of the undercarriage (2).   15 - medical bed according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the separation surface (II) divides the coating plane (4) transversely to about 50% to 80%, preferably about 60% to 80%, and particularly preferably about 72.5% of its length.   16 - medical bed according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the sleeping surface (4) comprises a backrest (10), a seat (11) and a legrest (12), the seat (11) and the legrest (12) articulating in a popliteal pivot connection (15).   17 - medical bed according to claims 15 and 16 characterized in that the separation surface (1) coincides with the popliteal bond (15).   18 - medical bed according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises mobility means (95) interposed between the carrier frame (2) and the sleeping surface (4) and designed to vary the overall attitude and / or the altitude of the coating plane (4) relative to that of said carrier frame (2).   19 - medical bed according to claim 18 characterized in that the mobility means (95) comprise a lifting means (96), such as B70437 / FRqu'a column or a mechanism with braces or compass, designed to vary overall the altitude of the lying plane (4) relative to that of said undercarriage (2). B70437 / EN