JP6787652B2 - A system that changes the width of the bed and user holding device - Google Patents

Description

This application is a partial continuation of International Application No. PCT / US 2014/042342 (filed June 13, 2014), with priority given to US Patent Provisional Application No. 61 / 835,534 (filed June 15, 2013). Claim rights and incorporate each into this specification by reference.

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable user retention system. More specifically, one of the conceivable embodiments, but not limited, relates to a user holding device and mattress whose length and / or width can be configured according to the user being held thereby. Although various length and / or width adjustable user retention systems have been developed, there is still room for improvement. Thus, the need for further contributions continues in this technical field.

In one possible embodiment, a first controller configured to control the function of the user retention device and receive a first input corresponding to the function of the user retention device via the first user interface. And a second controller configured to control the user holding surface and receive a second input corresponding to the function of the user holding surface via the second user interface, the first controller and the second. At least one on the second user interface if the controllers are configured to receive input signals corresponding to the functions of the user holding surface and the user holding device during telecommunications with each other. Includes a control system that disables one input function.

Another possible embodiment is a user holding device with at least one width and length extension assembly, at least one length and width extension assembly configured to be held on the user holding device. User retention device, including a user retention device, including a controller configured to operate at least one width and length extension assembly of the user retention device and the user retention surface in response to input from the user. At least one of the length and width expansion assemblies for the user-holding surface is contracted unless there is a corresponding to at least one width and length expansion assembly in either the fully contracted position or the fully expanded position. Includes a user retention system that stays in place.

Another possible embodiment is a user holding device that includes a first size adjusting assembly, a user holding surface that is held on the user holding device and includes a second size adjusting assembly, and a first user holding device. The size-adjustable assembly, the second size-adjustable assembly of the user-holding surface, is equipped with a controller that is configured to change its size in response to input from the user. Includes a user retention system such that the size adjustment assembly for the user retention surface remains in the retracted position unless the corresponding size adjustment assembly is in either the fully retracted position or the fully expanded position.

Additional features, including those listed above and / or those listed in the claims, are believed to constitute a patentable subject matter alone or in combination with any other feature, for those skilled in the art. It will become apparent by considering the following detailed description of the various embodiments that illustrate the best ways to carry out the embodiments currently understood.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by the present invention and which form a part thereof, serve to explain some aspects of the subject matter described in the claims, and together with the explanation, explain the principles of the subject matter described in the claims. Fulfill. The attached drawings are as follows.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a width-adjustable user retention system configured according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper frame base, the deck section, and the deck extension when the upper frame is viewed from below. 3A and 3B are side perspective views of the upper deck section when the head deck section expansion part is mounted / expanded (Fig. 3A) and stored / contracted (stored) (Fig. 3B) as viewed from above the segment. Is. In this figure, the deck panel placed on top of the deck framework is removed to show the internal components. 3A and 3B are side perspective views of the upper deck section when the head deck section expansion part is mounted / expanded (Fig. 3A) and stored / contracted (stored) (Fig. 3B) as viewed from above the segment. Is. In this figure, the deck panel placed on top of the deck framework is removed to show the internal components. Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the upper deck section, showing the electric expansion / storage system and manual release assembly. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a manually released assembly according to one possible embodiment. FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the clasp in the engaged state, and the deck expansion portion can be electrically expanded / retracted in the state where the clasp is engaged with the lead screw. Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the clasp in the disengaged state, allowing the deck extension to move independently of the lead screw when one of the clasps is not meshed with the lead screw. FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the manual release assembly. FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the mattress and liquid supply system configured to be held on the user holding device. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a mattress configured for use in variable width user retention devices made according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a system configured to vary the width of a user retention device made according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein. FIG. 12 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a system configured to vary the width of a user retention device made according to one or more principles disclosed herein. FIG. 13 is a diagram of a control interface having a retract button used by the user to reduce the width of the user holding device and an expansion button used to extend the width of the user holding device. 14A and 14B are schematic representations of deck extensions that are offset according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein, with the upper deck extension being the lower deck extension when the deck extension is expanded. It expands later from (Fig. 14A), and when the deck expansion part contracts, the upper deck contracts first (Fig. 14B). 14A and 14B are schematic representations of deck extensions that are offset according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein, with the upper deck extension being the lower deck extension when the deck extension is expanded. It expands later from (Fig. 14A), and when the deck expansion part contracts, the upper deck contracts first (Fig. 14B). FIG. 15 is a flowchart of how to monitor the connection between the bed controller and the mattress controller. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing a first method of varying the width of a user holding device made according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein. 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing a first method of varying the width of a user holding device made according to one or more of the principles disclosed herein. 18 and 18B, 19 and 19B are flowcharts showing a second method of changing the width of the user holding device. 18 and 18B, 19 and 19B are flowcharts showing a second method of changing the width of the user holding device. 18 and 18B, 19 and 19B are flowcharts showing a second method of changing the width of the user holding device. 18 and 18B, 19 and 19B are flowcharts showing a second method of changing the width of the user holding device. Figure 20 is a bottom view of the upper deck section framework consisting of a support configured as a laterally extending C channel and a vertically extending beam, and a deck extension consisting of spar nested within the C channel. The part is also shown. FIG. 21 is similar to FIG. 20, but slightly rotated. FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the motor assembly. FIG. 23 is a diagram of a lead screw. FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view of the bed structure, via the left motor assembly, the left wing or deck extension driven by the left motor assembly via the left lead screw, the right motor assembly, via the right lead screw. It has four deck sections, including a right wing or deck extension driven by a right motor assembly. FIG. 25 is a schematic plan view of a bed structure with four deck sections and left and right shared motor assemblies attached to one of those sections. The left and right deck width extensions of that section are driven directly by the left and right motor assemblies, respectively, and the left and right width extensions of the adjacent deck section connect the directly driven extensions to the indirectly driven extensions. It is indirectly driven by the motor assembly through the link. FIG. 26 is a schematic plan view of a bed structure with four deck sections and left and right shared motor assemblies attached to one of those sections. The left and right deck width extensions of the section are driven directly by the left and right motor assemblies, respectively, and the left and right proximity width extensions are through links that connect the directly driven extensions to the indirectly driven proximity extensions. It is indirectly driven by the motor assembly, and the left and right remote width extensions are indirectly driven by the motor assembly through a link connecting the remote extension to the proximity extension.

The embodiments of the subject matter described in the claims and their various features and advantages are described in more detail with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples described and / or described in the accompanying drawings, as described below. Will be detailed in. The features described in the drawings are not necessarily drawn in proportion to their actual size, and even if they are not explicitly described herein, the features of one embodiment will be recognized by those skilled in the art. It should be noted that it can be used in embodiments. Descriptions of well-known parts and processing techniques may be briefly mentioned or omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the claimed subject matter described. The examples used herein are to facilitate an understanding of how the subject matter described in the claims can be implemented, and further by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the subject matter of the claims described herein. It is only intended to be feasible. Therefore, the examples and embodiments herein are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims as defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. In addition, it should be noted that similar reference numbers represent similar parts throughout some representations of the drawings. It is understood that the subject matter described in the claims is subject to change and is not limited to the particular methods, protocols, devices, devices, materials, applications, etc. described herein. It is also understood that the terms used herein are used for the purposes of describing only certain embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter described in the claims. Unless otherwise defined, all terminology and terminology used herein has the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The variable width user retention system 100 according to one possible embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-19. U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11/774847, 11/775083, 13/468424, 14/168538 disclosing variable width user retention devices, related systems and usage are incorporated herein by express reference. ing. The user retention system 100 includes a width-adjustable user retention device 110, a width-adjustable user retention surface or mattress 112 configured to be retained on the user retention device 110, and a user retention device 110. Includes a control system 114, which is configured to control the adjustment of the width of the mattress, and a mattress 112. In one possible embodiment, the user holding device 110 is shown as a bed frame in FIG. 1, whereas in another embodiment the user holding device 110 is to hold a wheelchair, stretcher, or user. It can be any other device configured in. In another possible embodiment, the lengths of the user retention device 110 and the mattress 112 are adjustable. In one example, the user retention device 110 and mattress 112 can be adjusted using the Flexafoot ^TM feature sold by Hill-Rom.

The user holding device 110 is a lower frame 116, an upper frame 118 movably supported above the lower frame 116 by a support (not shown) connected to the lower frame 116, and a head end 124 of the user holding device 110. The headboard 120 and the footboard 122 of the foot end 126 of the user holding device 110 are provided (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The support is configured to raise or lower at least a part of the upper frame 118 in relation to the lower frame 116. The lower frame 116 is placed on at least one caster wheel 128 in this embodiment to allow transport of a person held on the user holding device 110. The upper frame 118 includes an upper frame base 130 connected to a support, a multi-deck section 132, a multi-deck extension 134, a multi-deck panel 136 held on the deck section 132 and the deck extension 134, and side rails 138. Has. The side rails 138 are connected to the deck extension 134 and adjusted to define the peripheral portion of the user holding device 110.

Deck sections 132 are movably coupled to the upper frame base 130 and are interoperably and mutually and in multiple configurations, including substantially coplanar configurations, tilted configurations, chair configurations, and various other configurations. It is configured to be articulated with respect to. Deck section 132 includes upper body deck section 140, seat deck section 142, thigh deck section 144, and foot deck section 146 (see Figures 1 and 2). Each deck section 132 has a corresponding extension 134 (upper deck extension 148, seat deck extension 150, thigh) that can be extended and stowed from the deck section 132 to increase or decrease the width of the user holding device 110. Includes deck extension 152) and foot deck extension 154). In this embodiment, the seat, thigh, and foot deck extensions 150, 152, and 154 are interconnected and configured to interlock and expand and retract, but in other embodiments. The seat, thigh, and foot deck extensions 150, 152, and 154 can be extended / stowed independently of each other.

In one possible embodiment, the user provides input to the control system 114 to expand / store the deck expansion 134 using the electric expansion / storage system 156 or to manually release the assembly 158. By activating and releasing the deck expansion 134 from the electric expansion / storage system 156, it is possible to manually expand / retract the deck expansion 134. The electric expansion / storage system 156 includes a lead screw 160 that is rotatably coupled to the deck section 132 and is configured to be rotated by a motor 162. In one possible embodiment, the seat, thigh, and foot deck expansions 150, 152, and 154 are interconnected and extended / retracted using a single motor 162 and a single lead screw 160 (1). See Figures 14A and 14B). In one embodiment, the motor 162 is connected to the upper deck section 140 and activated by the control system 114 in response to user input to expand / retract the upper deck extension 148 and the lead screw 160. To rotate.

The manually released assembly 158 includes a separable threaded clasp 164, a clasp separator 166, a cable 168, and a handle 170 (see Figures 4-8). In some possible embodiments, the clasp 164 is configured to engage and hold a carrier that includes a threaded hole that is configured to engage the lead thread 160 rather than being threaded. .. The threaded clasp 164 includes a first clasp member 172 and a second clasp member 174 that are located substantially perpendicular to the lead thread 160, which are placed on the lead thread 160 in the meshing position when adjacent to each other. It is configured to engage (Fig. 6) and release from the lead screw 160 at the release position (Fig. 7) when separated from each other. The clasp 164 is moved from the meshing position to the release position by the clasp separator 166 when the manual release handle 170 is activated, and the deck expansion part 134 can be manually expanded / contracted independently of the movement of the lead screw 160. .. The first clasp member 172 has a main body portion 176, a first guide 178 protruding from the bottom surface of the main body 176, a second guide 180 protruding from the upper surface of the main body 176, a female screw meshing portion 182, and a guide shaft 184. The first guide 178 is configured to move along guide slot 186A on the deck expansion frame 188 as the first clasp member 172 moves relative to the second clasp member 174. In some possible embodiments, the first clasp member 172 moves along a path that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the lead screw 160. The first guide 178 works with slot 186A to maintain the alignment of the first and second clasp members 172 and 174. The second guide 180 is configured to move within the guide slot 190 within the second clasp member 174 and in conjunction with the second clasp guide slot 190, the first and second clasp members 172 and 174. It is configured to maintain the alignment of. The lead thread meshing portion 182 includes a threaded curved end 192 that extends from the body portion 176 and is configured to mesh with the thread on the lead thread 160. The guide shaft 184 extends to the opposite side of the threaded body portion 182 and is configured to move through holes 194 on the deck expansion frame 188 as the first clasp member 172 moves between the engagement and release positions. There is. The spring 196 is arranged around the guide shaft 184 and is configured to deflect the first clasp member 172 to a position where the first clasp member 172 and the second clasp member 174 engage the lead thread 160. When the manual release assembly 158 is activated, the first clasp member 172 moves away from the second clasp member 174 towards the release position and the spring 196 compresses between the body part 176 and the deck expansion frame 188. Will be done. When the manually released assembly is no longer actuated, the spring 196 stretches and the first clasp member 172 moves towards the second clasp member 174 and reengages with the lead screw 160.

The second clasp member 174 is fixed to the deck expansion portion 134, the main body portion 198, the first guide 200 protruding from the bottom surface of the main body portion 198, the guide slot 190 recessed along the upper surface of the main body portion 198, and It has a receiving portion 202 (see Figures 5-7). Like the first guide 178, the first guide 200 works with slot 186B to maintain alignment of the first and second clasp members 172 and 174. The receiving portion 202 is U-shaped, and the recess of the screwless base 206 of the body portion 198 is defined as the slot 204. In this embodiment, the base 206 is the end of the first clasp member 172 because the second clasp member 174 is secured to the deck extension 134 and the lead thread 160 remains adjacent to the base 206. It doesn't have screws like 192. Since the lead screw 160 remains positioned adjacent to the base 206, it must rotate freely with respect to the second clasp member 174 when the first clasp member 172 is released from the lead thread 160. The lead screw meshing portion 182 is located in slot 204, the second guide 180 is located in guide slot 190, and the end 192 and base when the first and second clasp members 172 and 174 are in the meshing position. 206 meshes with lead screw 160. In some possible embodiments, the first and second clasp members 172 and 174 both move relative to the deck expansion frame 188, and in such an embodiment the base 206 is threaded and parented. It may be designed to engage the screw 160.

The clasp separator 166 is rotatably coupled to the deck expansion frame 188 so that the first clasp member 172 moves relative to the deck expansion frame 188 and the second clasp member 174 as the clasp separator 166 rotates. It is configured (see Figures 4-8). In one possible embodiment, a clasp separator 166 and a threaded clasp 164 are connected to opposite sides of the deck expansion frame 188 (such as top and bottom). The clasp separator 166 in this embodiment is semi-circular and the follower 210 (clasp connected to the first guide 178) as the clasp separator 166 rotates and the first clasp member 172 moves relative to the deck expansion frame 188. Includes a bent guide 208 to which (such as tools) move. In some possible embodiments, the clasp separator 166 is circular and includes two curved guides that engage a follower connected to a first clasp member 172 and a second clasp member 174, first and second. Clasp members 172 and 174 both move against the deck expansion frame 188, releasing the lead screw 160. The spring 212 is connected between the clasp separator 166 and part of the deck expansion frame 188, and when the manual release assembly 158 fails, the clasp separator 166 is released in the open position (first clasp portion 172 is the lead screw). It is configured to return from the meshing position (the first clasp portion 172 meshes with the lead screw 160) from (does not mesh with 160).

The handle 170 is swivelly connected to the deck expansion frame 188 for easy user access (see Figures 4-8). The cable 168 is connected to the side of the handle 170 and the clasp separator 166, and when the user pulls the handle 170, a rotational moment about the axis of rotation of the clasp separator 166 is created to create a clasp separator for the deck expansion frame 188. The 166 is configured to turn. When the user releases the handle 170, the rotational moment created by the cable 168 disappears, the spring 196 stretches (the spring 212 is compressed), and a reverse rotational moment is created around the axis of rotation of the clasp separator 166. Then, the first clasp member 172 engages with the lead screw 160. In some possible embodiments, the cable 168 can be configured to connect directly to the first clasp member 172 and move it relative to the deck expansion frame 188.

The mattress 112 has a mattress score 214, mattress side bolsters 216 on either side of the mattress score 214, and a cover 218 covering the mattress score 214 and the side bolster 216 (see FIGS. 9 and 10). In some possible embodiments, the mattress 112 also has a length bolster at the foot of the mattress 112 (such as those used with the Flexafoot ^TM feature sold by Hill-Rom). In some conceivable embodiments, the mattress 112 may be part of a mattress replacement system (MRS system). An example of a mattress replacement system is the Envison® E700 Low-Air Loss Therapy Surface sold by Hill-Rom. In some possible embodiments, the mattress score 214 comprises a combination of static components (such as a static liquid bag or foam) and dynamic components (such as an inflatable liquid bag 220) and at least on the mattress side bolster 216. Some include one inflatable liquid bag 220 or chamber.

The liquid bag 220 supplies liquid to inflate the bag 220 or exchanges liquid with a liquid supply system 222 configured to create a vacuum to contract the bag 220. In one possible embodiment, the liquid supply system 222 is from a user who wants the control system 114 to sense an increase or decrease in the width of the user retention device 110 or to increase or decrease the width of the user retention device 110 or the mattress 112. The liquid bag 220 in the mattress side bolster 216 is configured to expand / contract in response to receiving input. The liquid supply system 222 includes a liquid supply device or gas blower 224 connected to the liquid bag 220 by a hose 226. In some conceivable embodiments, the liquid feeder 224 is a compressor or pump. The liquid supply device 224 is housed in a mattress control box 228 suspended from the footboard 122.

The control system 114 (see FIGS. 11-13) is from the user to expand / retract the deck extension 134 or to change the width of the user retention structure 100 to expand / contract the side bolster 220. It is configured to control the operation of the electric expansion / storage system 156 and the liquid supply system 222 in response to inputs. In some conceivable embodiments, other functions such as joint movement , height adjustment, therapy, alarm, etc. of the user holding device 110 and / or the mattress 114 can be controlled by the control system 114. The control system 114 includes a user retention device controller or bed controller 230, a user retention device control interface or bed control interface 232, a user retention device sensor or bed sensor 234, a mattress controller 236, a mattress control interface 238, and a mattress sensor 240. including. The bed controller 230 is manually operated in response to user input received via the bed control interface 232 or to change the width of the deck section 134 (actuation of manual release assembly 158 or deck extension 134 or It is configured to control at least one function of the user holding device 110 in response to the operation of manually expanding / retracting the deck expansion portion 134 by pushing and pulling the side rail 138). The bed controller 230 includes a bed controller processor 242 and a bed controller memory 244. The bed control interface 232 communicates with the bed controller processor 242, which is configured to receive a signal indicating the selection of button 248. The bed controller memory 244 receives from the steps performed by the bed controller processor 242 and the position of at least one deck expansion 134, the position threshold indicating full expansion or contraction, the bed sensor 234 and the bed control interface 232. It is configured to store information about the status of the user retention device 110, including the information provided. In one possible embodiment, if the deck extension 134 is fully contracted or expanded, it hits a mechanical stop and causes a current surge in the motor 162, which is recorded by the bed controller 230 and the deck extension 134 Used to determine if it is fully expanded or contracted.

The bed sensor 234 is configured to sense the characteristics of the bed component, such as the position of the deck extension 134 (fully expanded / retracted), the position of the side rails 138 (mounting / storage), and the orientation of the deck section 132. There is. Bed sensor 234 may include potentiometers, limit switches, Hall effect sensors, and other similar sensing devices and techniques. The bed sensor 234 can be connected to the extension 134 and / or the motor 162 and can sense the position of the deck extension 134 with respect to the deck section 132. In one possible embodiment, the potentiometer is mounted on the shaft of the motor 162 to sense the movement of the deck extension 134 and allow the bed controller 230 to track the position of the extension 134. In some possible embodiments, the sensor 234 includes a force sensor, a pressure sensor, a user retention device 110, and other sensors configured to sense the characteristics and condition of other systems and components.

The bed control interface 232 (see FIGS. 1 and 11-13) is attached to the side rails 138 but is removable in one possible embodiment. The bed control interface 232 includes a display 246 configured to display warnings and visible messages, and at least one button 248 to control the expansion and storage of at least one deck extension 134. The display 246 in one embodiment is a screen of a liquid crystal display (LCD), but other techniques may be used in other embodiments. The button 248 is a physical push button, but in other embodiments, the display 246 is a touch screen and the button 248 is displayed on the touch screen. The bed control interface 232 (see Figure 13) uses a button 248 that commands both expansion and storage, whereas in other embodiments the bed control interface 232 uses one button 248E that commands expansion and another that commands storage. May have button 248R. The control interface 232 also has indicator lights 250E and 250R. When the extension 134 is fully expanded, the light 250E lights up in a stable green and the light 250R turns off. When the extension 134 is fully retracted, the light 250R lights up in a stable green and the light 250E turns off. When the expansion part 134 is in the intermediate state (not fully expanded or fully retracted), one or both of the lights 250E and 250R are lit in amber.

The mattress control interface 238 (see Figures 11 and 12) is connected to the mattress control box 228 to display warnings and visible messages. In some possible embodiments, warnings and visible messages provide information about the state of therapy provided by the mattress 112, the liquid feeder 224, and the mattress 112. In one conceivable embodiment, the mattress control interface 238 is created similar to the bed control interface 232 above and includes at least one button 258 for controlling the expansion and storage of the display 256 and the side bolster 216. The mattress control interface 238 may also include buttons for controlling other functions of the mattress 112, such as activating / deactivating therapy and increasing or decreasing pressure in the liquid bag 220.

The mattress controller 236 provides the liquid supply system 222 in response to user input provided via the mattress control interface 238 (or the bed control interface 232 if the mattress controller 236 and the bed controller 230 are communicating with each other). It is configured to control. The mattress controller 236 includes a mattress controller processor 252 and a mattress controller memory 254 (see Figures 11 and 12). The mattress controller memory 254 provides information about the steps that can be performed by processor 252 and the condition of the mattress 112, including the pressure inside the side bolster 216, the pressure threshold indicating the full expansion or contraction of the side bolster 216, and the mattress sensor 240 or mattress. It is configured to store the information received from the control interface 238. The mattress controller 236 is surrounded by a mattress control box 228 and is electrically connected to a liquid feeder 224, a mattress control interface 238, and a mattress sensor 240. In some possible embodiments where the mattress 112 is integrated with the user retention device 110, the mattress controller 236 is placed with the bed controller 230 or the bed controller 230 is the user retention device 110 and the mattress 112. Combined with the bed controller 230 so that it can be used to control both functions.

The mattress sensor 240 is configured to sense various characteristics of the mattress component, such as liquid pressure in the side bolster 216 (fully expanded / retracted), and provide the sensed information to the mattress controller 236. In one possible embodiment, the mattress sensor 240 may determine the expansion level of the side bolster 216 (whether the mattress controller 236 is fully contracted, fully expanded, or partially expanded). Includes a pressure transducer that provides a signal indicating the pressure within the side bolster 216. In another possible embodiment, the mattress sensor 240 is a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, force sensor, etc. that is coupled to the mattress 112 to sense the user's characteristics on the mattress 112, liquid bag 220, and / or mattress 112. Includes sensors. When the deck extension 134 is manually contracted, the side rails 138 exert pressure on the side bolsters 216 as the user presses the side rails 138 against the mattress 112, thereby indicating pressure spikes from the pressure transducer 240. The signal is transmitted. When the mattress controller 236 determines that the spike has exceeded a predetermined threshold, the mattress controller 236 causes the liquid feeder 224 to initiate contraction of the side bolster 216.

The mattress controller 236 and the bed controller 230 communicate with each other to act on the expansion / contraction of the deck expansion 134 and the side bolster 216. In some possible embodiments, the mattress controller 236 uses the bed controller 230 as a communication hub to convey information about the mattress 112 to caregivers, electronic medical record systems, and other devices and systems via a nurse call system. Some are configured to do so. In the mattress replacement system, the mattress controller 236 communicates with the bed controller 230 via a wired or wireless connection. In one possible embodiment, the mattress controller 236 sends a warning signal to the bed controller 230 to activate the warning on the control box 228 to warn a person in or near the patient's room, instead of a nurse. Notify caregivers remotely via a call system. In other possible embodiments, the mattress controller 236 provides patient location information, therapy history (which can be used for compliance tracking), cushion pressure (which can be used to detect problems and leaks in the liquid feeder 32), and / or mattress 16 or Other information about the patient on it is cared for via a nurse call system, other caregiver warning system, electronic medical record system, or user retention device 110, or other medical device communicating with the user retention device 110. Can be communicated to others.

In one possible embodiment, while the mattress controller 236 is electrically communicating with the bed controller 230, the mattress control interface 238 on the control box 228 is disabled and the user retention device using the bed control interface 232. The functions of 210 and mattress 112 are controlled. In some possible embodiments, no information is displayed if the mattress control interface 238 on the control box 228 is disabled. In another possible embodiment, the mattress control interface 238 can display information and / or errors, but the control function is locked out and the user cannot use it to control the operation of the mattress 112. In some possible embodiments, the bed control interface 232 can be locked out instead of the mattress control interface 238. In some possible embodiments, the control of expanding / contracting the side bolster 216 from the bed control interface 232 and the mattress control interface 238 is disabled (because this feature is part of the width adjustment algorithm).

The mattress controller 236 and the bed controller 230 confirm that they are connected to each other by exchanging status signals on a regular basis. When communication between the bed controller 230 and the mattress controller 236 is interrupted, the mattress control interface 238 on the control box 228 is enabled (reactivated) and the user can control the operation of the mattress 112. In some possible embodiments, visible and / or audible indicators are used to signal that communication between bed controller 230 and mattress controller 236 has been lost or interrupted, and loss of communication is perceived as an event rather than a state. Will be done. In another possible embodiment, the side bolster 216 contracts and retracts when communication between the bed controller 230 and the mattress controller 236 is interrupted. The user can then extend the side bolster 216 to the desired position by pressing the corresponding button 258 on the mattress control interface 238. In another possible embodiment, if communication between the bed controller 230 and the mattress controller 236 is lost, the deck expansion / contraction function is locked out and the user uses the electric expansion / storage system 156 to access the deck section 134. Non-shrinkable, the mattress controller 236 keeps the mattress 112 in the state it was in before the mattress controller 236 lost communication with the bed controller 230.

During operation, the bed controller 230 and mattress controller 236 make sure they are connected to each other, and if so, the mattress controller 236 disables mattress control interface 238 and turns all mattress control functions to bed control interface 232. .. Upon receiving an input indicating that the bed control interface 232 wants the user to increase or decrease the width of the user retention device 110 and the mattress 112, the bed controller 230 receives an electric expansion / storage system on the user retention device 110. Activate 156 to move the deck extension 134 as desired and provide the mattress controller 236 with information corresponding to the user's desired operation. The mattress controller 236 uses information from the bed controller 230 to control the operation of the liquid feeder 224 to inflate / contract the side bolster 216. If the user does not fully expand or retract the deck expansion 134, the bed controller 230 signals the mattress controller 236 and the mattress controller 236 retracts and retracts (or is fully retracted) the side bolster 216. Keep). The user can manually override the contraction / retract of the side bolster 216 by controlling the mattress 112 directly from the mattress control interface 238. In some possible embodiments, the side bolster 216 contracts and retracts when communication between controllers is interrupted.

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart 260 of a method of monitoring the connection between the bed controller 230 and the mattress controller 236 based on one possible embodiment. In one possible embodiment, the procedure for monitoring the connection between the bed controller 230 and the mattress controller 236 loops continuously. In operation 262, it is confirmed whether the controllers are communicating with each other between the bed controller 230 and the mattress controller 236. This can be done if either controller does not receive periodic status signals from each other. If the controller is in communication, the mattress 112 is controlled via the mattress control interface 238 and the user retention device 110 is controlled via the bed interface 232 in step 264. The controller returns to monitoring the connection status between each other in operation 262.

If the controller is communicating, the mattress control interface 238 is disabled (or information and warnings are displayed but at least the function control button is deactivated), and the mattress 112 is step 266 through the bed control interface 232. Be controlled. The controller returns to the monitoring of the connection status between the controllers in operation 268, and determines whether the communication between the controllers is interrupted. If communication between the controllers is not interrupted, the mattress control interface 238 remains disabled, the mattress 112 continues to be controlled via the bed control interface 232 in step 270, and the controller monitors the communication connection status in action 268. Return. In one possible embodiment, if communication is interrupted, action 272 will generate a visible and / or audible warning to signal that communication between the controllers has been interrupted and the mattress controller 238 will display the state of the mattress 112. Keeping the state just before the communication between the controllers is interrupted, the bed controller 230 disables the electric width expansion function in the operation 274 before proceeding to the operation 264. In another possible embodiment, a visible and / or audible warning is generated when communication is interrupted, signaling that communication between controllers has been interrupted, and the mattress controller 236 launches the side bolster 216 before proceeding to operation 264. Shrink and store.

Flow charts 276 of a method of increasing or decreasing the width of the user holding device 110 based on one possible embodiment are shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, respectively. In operation 278, the bed controller 230 determines if the deck extension 134 is fully expanded. If the deck extension 134 is fully expanded, the bed controller 130 senses that the retract button 248R is selected at operation 280, after which the system will detect a predetermined time (2 seconds in one embodiment, the other). In the embodiment, it waits in operation 282 (unspecified time). The bed controller 230 sends a signal to the mattress controller 236 to contract the mattress side bolster 216 in action 284. The mattress controller 236 monitors the contraction of the mattress side bolster 216 in motion 286. The mattress controller 236 determines in motion 288 whether the mattress side bolster 216 is fully contracted. In one embodiment, the mattress controller 236 compares the pressure obtained from the signal supplied by the pressure transducer 240 with a predetermined threshold (in one embodiment the user defines it via the control interface 232). Make this decision. In another embodiment, the mattress controller 236 determines if the mattress side bolster 216 is fully contracted by tracking the time spent contracting the mattress side bolster 216. If the mattress controller 236 determines that the mattress side bolster 216 is not fully contracted, motion 290 sends the corresponding signal to the bed controller 230. The bed controller 230 sends a signal to the control interface 232 so that the continuous contraction of the mattress side bolster 216 is audible / visible on the display 246. If it determines that the mattress controller 236 is fully contracted at block 290, it communicates with the bed controller 230. The bed controller 230 sends a signal to the control interface 232, which causes the full contraction of the mattress side bolster 216 to be audible / visible on the display 246 in action 292. The bed controller 230 then checks if the retract button 248R was selected in action 294. If this button is not selected, the bed controller 230 signals the control interface 232 and displays a message informing that the mattress side bolster 216 has contracted. When the bed controller 58 determines that the retract button 248R has been selected, it signals the motors 162 connected to the upper deck sections 140 and the lower deck sections 142, 144, and 146 to begin retracting the deck extension 134. Then, the bed controller 230 monitors the actuation of the deck extension 134 at operation 296. In one possible embodiment, if deck section 132 is in a joint motion configuration, deck extension 134 is blocked from retracting. In another possible embodiment, the joint movement of deck section 132 is disabled during expansion / storage of expansion portion 134. In yet another embodiment, the expansion / storage of the deck expansion portion 134 and the expansion / contraction of the side bolster 216 are performed substantially simultaneously.

During the actuation of the deck expansion portion 134, the bed controller 230 determines whether to shift the deck expansion portion 134 by the operation 298. In one possible embodiment, the bed controller 230 may determine whether to shift the deck extension 134 based on the information sensed by the bed sensor 234 (eg, in one embodiment the bed sensor 234 has a limit switch). In another embodiment, the bed sensor 234 includes a potentiometer connected to the motor 162, and the controller 230 can be used to calculate the position of the extension 134). In another possible embodiment, the bed controller 230 checks to see if the motor 162 is synchronized when the actuation of one extension 134 lags behind the other extension 134, thereby causing the deck extension 134. It is possible to judge whether it is shifted. There are several ways to shift deck section 134. In one possible embodiment, the upper deck extension 148 is stored faster than the lower deck sections 150, 152, and 154 and is extended slower than the lower deck sections 150, 152, and 154. The expansion portion 134 is offset so that the side rails 138 connected to it are not coplanar until the 134 is fully expanded. In another conceivable embodiment, the lower deck extensions 150, 152, and 154 and the upper deck extension 148 are expanded / retracted at substantially the same speed, but of the lower deck extensions 150, 152, and 154. The storage is started a predetermined time after the storage of the upper deck expansion portion 148, and the expansion of the lower deck expansion portions 150, 152, and 154 is started a predetermined time before the storage of the upper body deck expansion portion 148. By shifting the movement of the deck section 134, interference does not occur between the side rails 138 connected to the deck section 134 when the user holding device 110 is jointly operated.

The bed controller 230 monitors the end of the move indicating that full containment of the deck extension 134 has been achieved based on current readings from the potentiometer and / or motor 162 in operation 300. In one possible embodiment, each extension 134 is extended / stored up to its limit, regardless of the shift of the extension 134. In another possible embodiment, the extension 134 is expanded / stowed until the first extension 134 reaches its limit, keeping the extension 134 staggered. When the bed controller 230 determines that the deck expansion 134 has reached full expansion / retract, the bed controller 230 signals the motor 162 to stop the actuation. If the bed controller 230 determines that the deck extension 134 is not fully expanded / retracted when a particular condition occurs, the bed controller 230 causes the user retention device 110 or mattress 112 to lock out various functions. Can be done. In one possible embodiment, these conditions occur if the user releases the button 248 or disconnects the bed power cord before the extension 134 is fully expanded / retracted, or the user holds. In some cases, the device 110 is driven by a battery system (in one embodiment, the mattress controller 236 and the liquid supply device 224 are not powered by the battery of the user holding device 110, and the user holding device 110 Side bolster 216 cannot expand / contract while battery operated). When any of the above conditions occur, the bed controller 230 locks out joint movements in deck section 132, generates audible alerts, and / or flashes an amber light 250 on the bed control interface 232. The bed controller 230 also senses movement of the expansion portion 134 after the bed controller 230 signals the motor 162 to expand / retract the expansion portion 134, for example if the expansion and storage limits are not reached within a predetermined time. Failure code for bed control interface 232 if not, if motor 162 is disconnected from the circuit, if the signal on bed sensor 234 or mattress sensor 240 is out of range or the expansion and storage limits are met at the same time. Is configured to generate or use a diagnostic LED. When a fault code is generated, the bed controller 230 may alert the user by locking out the width extension and / or generating an audible warning or blinking the light 250. In some possible embodiments, the sensors 234 and 240 are monitored in real time and the position of each extension 134 is always calculated, whether moving or stationary. In this embodiment, if the deck expansion portion 134 is not fully expanded / retracted, the control system 114 determines if the expansion portion 134 is substantially aligned. If they are not aligned, the joint movement of the deck section 132 is blocked (specifically, the ascent of the upper deck section 140 is blocked).

In operation 302, the bed controller 230 determines whether the deck extension 134 is completely retracted. In one possible embodiment, if the deck extension 134 is not fully extended or retracted, the bed controller 230 will generate audible and / or visible warnings, disabling joint movement of deck section 132. In this embodiment, the ascent of the upper deck section 140 can be disabled while the descent of the upper deck section 140 remains enabled. In another possible embodiment, if the deck extension 134 is not fully expanded or retracted, the bed controller 230 signals the mattress controller 236 to retract the side bolster 216. When the deck extension 134 is fully retracted, the bed controller 230 checks to determine if the expansion button 248E is selected in action 306. When the bed controller 230 determines that the expansion button 248E is selected, it sends a signal to the upper deck width motor 162 and the lower deck width motor 162 to start the expansion of the deck expansion portion 134, and the bed controller 230 is the deck expansion portion. Monitor 134 situations with operation 308. During the actuation of the deck expansion portion 134, the bed controller 230 determines the deviation of the deck expansion portion 134 by the operation 310. If the bed controller 230 determines that the deck extension 134 is not displaced, it signals the control interface 232 to display an error message. In some possible embodiments, the controller 230 can change the speed at which the motor 162 expands or retracts the extension 134 to produce the desired deviation. When the bed controller 230 determines that the deck extension 134 has been displaced, the bed controller 230 achieves an end of move indicating full containment at motion 144 based on current readings from the potentiometer 234 and / or motor 162. Monitor if it was done. When the bed controller 230 determines that it has reached the full expansion of each deck expansion 134, the bed controller 230 signals the motor 162 to stop the actuation. If the bed controller 230 determines that the deck extension 134 is not fully expanded, the bed controller 230 will continue to monitor whether the motor 162 has been displaced in step 310.

If the bed controller 230 determines in action 312 that the deck extension 134 is fully expanded, the bed controller senses in action 314 that the expansion button 248E is selected, after which the system operates for a given period of time (one). In the embodiment, it waits for 2 seconds, and in other embodiments, it waits in operation 316 for an unspecified time). The bed controller 230 sends a signal to the mattress controller 236 to inflate the mattress side bolster 216 in action 318. Mattress controller 236 monitors the expansion of mattress side bolster 216 at motion 320. The mattress controller 236 determines in motion 322 whether the mattress side bolster 216 is fully inflated. In one embodiment, the mattress controller 236 compares the pressure obtained from the signal supplied by the pressure transducer 240 with a predetermined threshold (in one embodiment the user defines it via the control interface 232). Make this decision. In another embodiment, the mattress controller 236 determines if the mattress side bolster 216 is fully inflated by tracking the time spent inflating the mattress side bolster 216. At operation 322, if the mattress controller 236 determines that the mattress side bolster 216 is not fully inflated, it sends the corresponding signal to the bed controller 230. The bed controller 230 sends a signal to the control interface 232, which causes the continuous expansion of the mattress side bolster 216 to be audible and / or visible on display 246 in operation 324. If it determines that the mattress controller 236 is fully inflated, it communicates with the bed controller 230. The bed controller 230 sends a signal to the control interface 232, which causes the full expansion of the mattress side bolster 216 to be audible and / or visible on display 246 at operation 326.

In this embodiment, the mattress side bolster 216 is configured to switch between a fully inflated state and a fully contracted state. In one embodiment, the full inflatable pressure indication is a preset point of the pressure relief device based on the patient's weight held by the mattress 112. In another embodiment, the pressure indicating full expansion can be input by the user via the control interface 232. In another possible embodiment, the pressure indicating full expansion is a function of the position of expansion portion 134.

18 and 19 are block diagrams 328 showing a second method of varying the width of the bed 110 according to another possible embodiment. In FIG. 18, block 330 tests whether bed controller 230 senses that the retract button 248R has been pressed. If not, proceed to block 358 (Figure 19) and test if the bed controller 230 senses that the expansion button 248E has been pressed. However, if the test for block 202 reveals that the retract button 248R has been pressed, the process proceeds to block 332. Pressing button 248R or 248E will generate a command to change the width of bed 110. These commands have opposite polarities: store and expand.

Block 332 tests whether deck extension 134 is at the storage limit. If it is at the limit, it ends here except for the tests of blocks 330 (Fig. 18) and 358 (Fig. 19). If the deck extension 134 is not at the storage limit, proceed through paths 334A and 334B to blocks 352 (Fig. 18B) and 336 (Fig. 18), respectively. Consider path 334A first. At block 352, the bed controller 230 monitors whether the deck extension 134 (which is moved by the user pressing and holding the retract button 248R) is displaced. If not, go to block 356 and change the speed of motor 162 to shift deck section 134. When staggered, it branches into block 350 (see Figure 18). Consider path 334B here. Pause or delay for a short time (1-2 seconds) at block 336, but continue to monitor if the retract button 248R is still held down. If the user holds down the retract button 248R throughout the pause, proceed to block 338. On the other hand, if the user releases the retract button 248R during the pause period, he / she will not proceed to block 338. The pause period allows you to distinguish between a genuine user command or accidentally lightly pressing the retract button 248R.

Block 338 tests whether the side bolster 216 has begun to contract. If not started, bed controller 230 issues a "shrink" command to mattress controller 236 at block 340. The mattress controller 236 responds by initiating the contraction of the side bolster 216. At block 342, mattress controller 236 monitors the progress of contraction and proceeds to block 344. Block 344 tests whether the contraction is complete as a result of the treatment of blocks 340 and 342, or as a result of arriving directly at block 344 from block 338. If testing at block 344 reveals that the contraction is not complete, the contraction process is continued and a visible and / or audible display is provided to signal continuous contraction. One embodiment of the visible display is a flashing yellow light of any one of the lights 250E and 250R as described above. When testing at block 344 reveals that the contraction is complete, proceed to block 348, where the mattress controller 236 signals the bed controller 230 to signal that the contraction is complete and visibility into the fact that the contraction is complete. And / or audible display. One embodiment of the visible display is the stable green lighting of the light 250R as described above.

Whether following paths 334A through blocks 352 and 354 or paths 334B through blocks 336 and beyond, block 350 is reached, where the deck extension 134 is tested to see if it is at the storage limit. If not at the limit, return to block 330. If it is at the limit, the method ends, but it continues to monitor whether the expand and retract buttons 248E and 248R are pressed.

The section outlined in FIG. 19 is similar to some of the methods disclosed in FIG. 18, but shows how the user responds when pressure is applied to the expansion button 248E. In Figure 19, block 358 tests whether bed controller 230 senses that the expansion button 248E has been pressed. If not detected, the method ends, but the tests for blocks 358 and 330 (see Figure 18) continue to run. If testing block 358 reveals that the expansion button 248E has been pressed, proceed to block 360.

Block 360 tests whether deck expansion 134 is at the expansion limit. If it is at the limit, it ends except to continue testing blocks 330 and 358. If deck extension] 134 is not at the storage limit, proceed through paths 362A and 362B to blocks 380 (Fig. 19B) and 364 (Fig. 19), respectively. Consider path 362A first. At block 380, the bed controller 230 monitors whether the deck extension 134 (which is moved by the user pressing and holding the expansion button 248E) is displaced. If not, go to block 384 and change the speed of motor 162 to shift deck section 134. If it is shifted, it branches to block 378 (Fig. 19). Consider path 362B here. Pause or delay for a short time (1-2 seconds) at block 364 but continue to monitor if the expansion button 248E is still held down. If the user holds down the expansion button 248E throughout the pause, proceed to block 366. On the other hand, if the user releases the expansion button 248E during the pause period, it will not proceed to block 366. The pause period allows you to distinguish between a genuine user command or accidentally lightly pressing the retract button 248R.

Block 366 tests whether the side bolster 216 has begun to contract. If not started, bed controller 230 issues an "inflate" command to mattress controller 236 at block 368. The mattress controller 236 responds by initiating the expansion of the side bolster 216. At block 370, mattress controller 236 monitors the progress of expansion and proceeds to block 372. Block 372 tests whether the expansion is complete as a result of the treatment of blocks 368 and 370, or as a result of arriving directly at block 372 from block 366. If testing at block 372 reveals that the expansion is not complete, the expansion process is continued and a visible and / or audible display is provided to signal continuous expansion. One embodiment of the visible display is a flashing yellow light of any one of the lights 250E and 250R as described above. When testing on block 372 reveals that the expansion is complete, proceed to block 376, where the mattress controller 236 signals the bed controller 230 to signal that the expansion is complete and visible the fact that the expansion is complete. And / or audible display. One embodiment of the visible display is the stable green lighting of the light 250E as described above.

Whether you follow blocks 380 and 382 from pass 362A or the appropriate blocks from pass 362B to block 364 onwards, you reach block 378, where you test whether you are at the limit of deck expansion 134 expansion. If not at the limit, return to block 358. If it is at the limit, the method ends, but it continues to monitor whether the expand and retract buttons 248E and 248R are pressed.

As mentioned above, the deck extension 134 can be manually expanded and retracted. In the case of manual operation, the step of determining whether the expand or retract button 248E or 248R was pressed (blocks 330 and 358) does not give a "yes" response. On the other hand, the bed controller 230 can still monitor the current reading and the signal of the potentiometer 240 to track the position of the deck extension 134, including whether the deck extension 134 is at the expansion limit or storage limit. Therefore, the manual operation is initiated by the bed controller 230, which senses whether the expansion button 248E or retract button 248R is pressed (blocks 330, 358), instead it is initiated by a change in the current reading or potentiometer signal. To. As in the case of push button operation, the width change command is generated by manual operation. The command when the user pushes the deck extension 134 (or the component attached to the deck extension 134) to retract the deck extension 134 is a storage command. The command when the user pulls the deck extension 134 (or the component attached to the deck extension 134) to extend the deck extension 134 is an extension command. Store and extend commands have opposite polarities.

Figures 18 and 19, which are related to the above description, explicitly describe storage and expansion. More generally, this method monitors commands that change the width of the deck and determines the polarity of the commands (blocks 330, 358). This method verifies that the deck extension 134 is not at a limit contrary to the polarity of the command (blocks 330, 358) and activates the electric expansion / storage system 156 to move the deck extension 134 in a direction that matches the polarity of the command. (Implicit in blocks 352, 380) and sent a liquid supply control signal (not explicitly shown, but as a result of blocks 340, 368) to match the liquid supply device 224 to the polarity of the command. Operate in a way. The liquid supply control signal is transmitted in response to the mattress control signal (outputs of blocks 340, 368). The mattress control signal is generated in response to a command.

In this method, blocks 342, 370 monitor the response of the mattress 112 to the operation of the liquid feeder 224. As the deck expansion portion 134 approaches the limit that matches the polarity of the command, the operation of the electric expansion / storage system 156 is suppressed. This issuance step is subject to the continued existence of the command during the hibernation period (blocks 336, 364). In addition, a step is included that provides an indicator that distinguishes between completed and incomplete width adjustments (blocks 346, 374).

Primarily with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8, embodiments of the upper body section deck extension 148 (also referred to as the wing) include a spar 402 that extends laterally and a rail 404 that extends laterally and extends vertically. Including. The bridge 406 straddles the innermost spurs 402B and 402C in the two longitudinal directions. As described above, the clasp 164 and the clasp separator 166 are attached to the wing.

With reference to FIGS. 4-8 and 20-23, an embodiment of the upper frame 118 of the user holding device is an upper body deck with a support that is configured as a laterally extending C-channel 410. Includes section 140. Wings spar 402A, 402B, 402C, 402D are nested within the corresponding C channels 410A, 410B, 410C, 410D, respectively, allowing the spar to move horizontally with respect to the channel. Although the illustrated embodiment includes four wing spar and four C channels, the same number of other quantities of spar and channel can be used depending on the design requirements. Friction-reducing elements (not shown) such as rollers are used to reduce friction between the spar and the C-channel. The upper deck section framework also includes a beam 412 that extends vertically. The beam 412C coincides with the deck section centerline 416 and is also called the center beam.

The support block 418 protrudes upward from each beam other than the center beam. Two support blocks 418B, 418D are partially shown in FIG. 20, one extending from the flange portion of the beam 412B and the other extending from the flange portion of the beam 412D. Two more support blocks 418A, 418E are also partially shown in FIG. 21, one extending from beam 412A and the other extending from beam 412E. A hole (not shown) extends through each support block so that the axis of the hole is parallel to the lead thread axis (see FIG. 23). Bushings (not shown) are placed in the holes of each support block. One or more motor mounting brackets 422 support the left and right motor assemblies 424L, 424R from the center beam (on the user retention system, the head is closer to the head edge of the user retention system, and the feet are on the user retention system. Left and right as seen from the eyes of a person sleeping on his back so that it is closer to the end of the foot).

Since the system is symmetrical, only one of the left and right motor assemblies (right motor assembly) and its related elements will be described on behalf of them. Therefore, in this description, the suffixes L and R are added to the reference numbers only as needed. Referring to FIG. 22, motor assembly 424 representing left and right includes a motor 162 having an output shaft 426 and a worm gear 428 at the ends of the shaft. The shaft and worm rotate about a motor shaft 432 that extends substantially parallel to the centerline 416. The motor assembly also includes a pinion 434 with a pinion shaft 436 that meshes with the worm and rotates about a pinion shaft rotation shaft 438. A gear train is defined by a worm and a pinion.

Referring to FIG. 23, the inner end of the lead thread 160 includes a spline 450. The lead thread also includes drive threads 452 interrupted by inner and outer unthreaded segments 454, 456. The terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the closer and farther lateral distances from the centerline 416, respectively. The spline meshes with the pinion shaft 436. The lead screw extends away from the motor assembly through the clasp 164 to the same side as the bed, and the drive thread 452 is positioned to engage the screw at the threaded end 192 of the clasp member 172 (Figure 5). The lead thread also extends through the bushings in the two support blocks 418 on the same side of the bed.

Referring to FIG. 20, the inner ring 464 circumscribes the inner threadless segment 454 of the lead thread. The outer ring 466 circumscribes the outer threadless segment 456 of the lead thread. For unthreaded segments and rings, the outer ring 466 is on the lead thread just inside the outer support block 418A (see Figure 21) or 418E, and the inner ring 464 is the support block 418B or 418D (Figure 20). It is arranged so that it comes just outside the inner support block such as). The diameter of each ring is such that the ring cannot pass through the bushing in the adjacent support block. As a result, the ring prevents the lead screw from moving parallel to its own axis 420.

When the clasp 164 engages as shown in Figure 6, the clasp acts as a lead thread receiver. The actuation of the first or forward (forward rotation) motor moves the corresponding clasp, thus moving the wing to which the clasp is secured laterally outward. When the motor is actuated in the second or reverse direction (opposite direction of the first rotation), the corresponding clasps and wings move horizontally inward. The terms "forward" and "reverse" are used to refer in the opposite direction of rotation.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a bed structure with four deck sections: upper body section 140, seat section 142, thigh section 144, and foot section 146, all of which have corresponding extended wings 148, The width can be adjusted by 150, 152, 154. Each deck section has a width W and an outer edge 472. The structure includes eight motor assemblies 424, two on each of the four deck sections. The two motor assemblies are associated with only one of the four sections and operate exclusively for that section. One of the two motor assemblies drives the left lead thread and left wing of that section, and the other drives the right lead thread and right wing of the same section. Generally, if the bed has at least two deck sections, and at least two of them are width-adjustable sections, each section is driven by its own pair of motor assemblies. Each motor has its corresponding wing between the mounting position where the lateral tip 470 of the wing is outside the outer edge 472 of the corresponding deck section and the stowage position where the lateral tip 470 is inside its mounting position. It can be moved with (shadowed in one of the foot section extension 154 in Figure 24). When the wing is stowed, its outer tip 470 may be outside, inside, or substantially laterally aligned with the outside edge 472 of the corresponding deck section.

In the variant of FIG. 25, the wings of at least two deck sections are movable by a common or shared motor assembly. For example, the right motor assembly 424R is connected to the thigh deck segment 144. Wing 152R in section 144 is a direct drive wing because it is driven directly by the motor assembly. The seat section wing 150R is an indirect drive wing connected to the wing 152R directly driven by a link 474 that transmits the lateral movement of the direct drive wing 152R to the indirect drive wing 150R. The wing 154R in the foot section is also an indirect drive wing. The motor assembly 424R of section 144 is considered a shared motor assembly because its driving energy is shared by at least two wings, the direct drive wing 152R and the indirect drive wing 150R and / or 154R. Since the wings 150R and 154R are directly adjacent to the direct drive wings, they are considered to be close-indirect drive wings. Section 144 can be considered as a direct drive section. Section 140 can also be considered as a direct drive section, where wing 148 is not connected to a vertically adjacent wing like wing 150, but that wing 148 can be considered as a direct drive wing. Sections 142 and 146 can be regarded as both an indirect drive section and an indirect drive proximity section.

FIG. 26 shows a variant in which the wings of at least two adjustable width segments are movable by a common or shared motor assembly. The motor assembly 424R is mounted on the seat deck segment 142. Wing 150R in section 142 is a direct drive wing because it is driven directly by the motor assembly 424R. The wing 152R in the thigh section is an indirect drive wing connected to the direct drive wing 150R by a link 474 that transmits the lateral movement of the direct drive wing 150R to the indirect drive wing 152R. Wing 154R in the foot section is also an indirect drive wing, but the wing 154R is a remote indirect because it is not adjacent to the direct drive wing (wing 150R) but to another indirect drive wing (wing 152R). Considered a drive wing. Section 142 can be considered as a direct drive section. Section 140 can also be considered as a direct drive section, where wing 148 is not connected to a vertically adjacent wing like wing 150, but that wing 148 can be considered as a direct drive wing. Section 144 can be considered as both an indirect drive section and an indirect drive proximity section to distinguish it from section 146. The wing 152 can also be considered an indirect drive proximity wing to distinguish it from the indirect drive wing, or wing 154. Section 146 can be considered an indirect drive section, or an indirect drive remote section to distinguish it from section 144.

"A" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of the text of the subject description (especially in the context of the following claims) are referred to herein by other means or by context. Unless there is a clear contradiction, it should be construed to include both the singular and the plural. The description of the range of values herein serves as an easy way to refer to each of the separate values within that range individually, unless otherwise indicated herein. For the purposes, each separate value is incorporated herein as if it were described individually herein. Moreover, as the scope of protection sought is defined by the claims described herein and any equivalents to which they are entitled, the above description is for illustration purposes only and is intended to be limiting. It's not something I did. All examples, or exemplary terms (eg, "etc.") provided herein are for the purpose of better describing the subject matter and unless otherwise stated, the subject matter of the present subject matter. It does not limit the scope. In both the claims and the description, the use of the term "based on" and similar phrases to indicate a consequential condition is not intended to exclude other consequential conditions. Nothing in the specification should be construed as indicating that any non-claiming element is essential to the practice of the claimed invention.

The disclosures of any references and publications cited above are to the same extent as if they were individually incorporated by reference, and are explicitly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims (40)

It ’s a bed
The first deck section, including the central part,
A direct-drive wing on the left and a direct-drive wing on the right, both movably connected to the central portion of the first deck section,
A left-hand thread receiver attached to the left-hand direct-drive wing and a right-hand thread receiver attached to the right-hand direct-drive wing.
The left motor assembly and the right motor assembly, both mounted in the center of the first deck section,
The left lead screw connected to the left motor assembly and the left lead thread receiver, and the right lead thread connected to the right motor assembly and the right lead thread receiver.
It has at least one second deck section adjacent to the first deck section.
The second deck section has left and right indirect drive wings, which are such that the lateral movement of the direct drive wing causes the lateral movement of the indirect drive wing. The bed, which is connected to. The central portion of the first deck section includes the left and right outer edges, the direct drive wing includes a lateral tip, and the lateral direction of the direct drive wing when the direct drive wing is in the retracted position. The bed according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the bed is outside the outer edge of the central portion of the first deck section. The central portion of the first deck section includes the left and right outer edges, the direct drive wing includes a lateral tip, and the lateral direction of the direct drive wing when the direct drive wing is in the retracted position. The bed of claim 1, wherein the tip of the bed substantially coincides with the outer edge of the central portion of the first deck section. The central portion of the first deck section includes the left and right outer edges, the direct drive wing includes a lateral tip, and the lateral direction of the direct drive wing when the direct drive wing is in the retracted position. The bed according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the bed is inside the outer edge of the central portion of the first deck section. The first deck section includes a framework consisting of channels spaced vertically spaced, and each wing comprises spurs arranged one-to-one with the channels vertically spaced. The bed according to claim 1, wherein each spar and a corresponding channel are nested in each other, and the spar can move laterally with respect to the channel. The bed of claim 1, wherein the motor assembly includes a gear train. The bed
At least one remote deck section that is not adjacent to the first deck section but adjacent to the second deck section, the remote deck section having left and right indirect drive remote wings and said indirect drive remote. The wing is coupled to the indirect drive wing of the second deck section such that lateral movement of the direct drive wing causes lateral movement of the indirect drive remote wing of the remote deck section. , The bed according to claim 1. The bed according to claim 1, wherein the lead screw receiver is a clasp that can engage with or disengage from the lead screw. Each lead screw receiver includes a first clasp portion movably connected to the direct drive wing and a second clasp portion fixedly connected to the direct drive wing.
The lead screw receiver is
a) The lead screw receiver meshes with the lead screw of the direct drive wing and is moved by the lead screw of the direct drive wing so that the direct drive wing is moved with respect to the first deck section. State and
b) When the lead screw receiver is released from the lead screw, the disengaged state and
The bed according to claim 1, which is configured to move between. The bed according to claim 9, wherein the direct drive wing can move independently of the lead screw by releasing the lead screw receiver from the lead screw. The bed according to claim 9, wherein the first clasp portion includes a threaded end that engages with the lead screw in the meshed state and is released from the lead screw in the released state. The bed of claim 9, wherein the second clasp portion comprises an unthreaded slot configured to mesh with the lead screw. Each release unit includes a clasp separator that is rotatably coupled to the direct drive wing, and as the clasp separator rotates with respect to the direct drive wing, the first clasp portion becomes the second clasp portion. The bed according to claim 9, which is moved against the bed. 13. The bed of claim 13, wherein the clasp separator comprises at least one guide slot. 13. The bed of claim 13, wherein the clasp separator comprises two guide slots and is configured to move both clasp portions relative to the direct drive wing. The bed according to claim 9, further comprising a control system that determines the meshing state of the lead screw receiver and provokes a response as an action of the meshing state. The bed according to claim 16, wherein the response includes a warning of the meshing condition of the lead screw receiver to the user. A control that senses the position of at least one of the direct drive wing and the indirect drive wing and warns the user when the position sensed wing is not fully expanded or retracted. The bed according to claim 1, comprising the system. The bed according to claim 1, wherein the bed comprises a control system including a limit switch configured to sense that at least one of the direct drive wing and the indirect drive wing is in the mounting position or the retracted position. The bed
The first controller configured to control the function of the user holding device, and the first controller configured to receive the first input corresponding to the function of the user holding device via the first user interface. With one controller
Equipped with a second controller configured to control the function of the user retention surface,
The second controller
a) When the first controller is not communicating with the second controller, it receives a second input corresponding to the function of the user holding surface via the second user interface, and
b) When the first controller is communicating with the second controller, it receives a third input corresponding to the function of the user holding surface via the first controller, and the second controller receives the first input corresponding to the function of the user holding surface. The bed according to claim 1, wherein the bed is configured to control the function of the user holding surface in response to the third input when the controller is communicating with the second controller. The first controller is configured to receive a fourth input corresponding to the function of the user holding surface via the first user interface when the first controller is communicating with the second controller. The bed according to claim 20. The bed according to claim 20, wherein the second user interface is disabled when the first controller is communicating with the second controller. The bed according to claim 20, wherein the second user interface is activated when communication between the first controller and the second controller is interrupted. 20. The bed of claim 20, wherein the second user interface is configured to display information when the first controller is communicating with the second controller. 20. The bed of claim 20, wherein the second user interface is configured to lock out functional controls when the first controller is communicating with the second controller. 20. The claim 20, wherein at least one functional control of the second user interface for controlling the user holding surface is disabled when the first controller is communicating with the second controller. bed. The bed according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the first user interface and the second user interface displays an error when the first controller is not communicating with the second controller. It is a system that changes the width of the user holding device.
A bed controller that is configured to receive command signals that represent width change commands, and
The first motor, which is configured to be controlled by the bed controller, and the first motor, which is configured to change the width of at least a part of the first deck section of the holding device.
A second motor configured to be controlled by the bed controller, comprising said second motor configured to change the width of at least a portion of the second deck section of the holding device.
The bed controller controls the first motor and the second motor so that the first deck section reaches the width change limit for the first time and the second deck section reaches the width change limit for the second time. , The first time and the second time are not the same, a system that changes the width of the user holding device. 28. The system of claim 28, which controls the first motor and the second motor to operate at different speeds. The first motor is controlled to change the width of at least a part of the first deck section in the first time, and the second motor is at least a part of the second deck section in the second time after the first time. 28. The system of claim 28, which is controlled to change the width of the. 28. The system of claim 28, wherein the bed controller activates the first motor, waits for a predetermined time, and then activates the second motor. The first deck section and the second deck section are blocked from joint movement until at least a part of the first deck section and at least a part of the second deck section reach the width change limit. Item 28. 32. The system of claim 32, wherein the width change limit is defined by a deck expansion wing in a fully extended or fully retracted position. The distal ends of the extended wings of the first deck section and the distal ends of the extended wings of the second deck section are not adjusted so that the distal ends of each extended wing reach their respective width change limits at different times. The system of claim 32, wherein the bed controller generates a warning if. A mattress controller configured to communicate with the bed controller,
A liquid supply device configured to be controlled by the mattress controller,
A mattress configured to be supported by the deck section, at least one chamber connected to the liquid supply device with liquid, the liquid supply device receiving a liquid supply control signal from the mattress controller. 28. The system of claim 28, comprising a mattress configured to be inflated by the liquid feeder. 35. The system of claim 35, wherein the bed controller further comprises a bed controller processor. 36. The system of claim 36, wherein the mattress controller further comprises a mattress controller processor configured to communicate with the bed controller. 35. The system of claim 35, wherein the bed controller sends a motor control signal to the motor to stop the actuation of at least one deck section expansion wing based on a signal representing pressure in the chamber. 35. The system of claim 35, wherein the mattress controller sends the liquid supply control signal to the liquid supply device in response to the mattress control signal received from the bed controller. 28. The system of claim 28, wherein the command signal is generated in response to a manual operation to change the width of at least a portion of the deck section.

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