Bed with extendable and retractable extensions

[0001] This U.S. utility patent application claims priority on and the benefit of provisional application 61/710,599 filed Oct. 5, 2012, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to bed with extendable and retractable extensions.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] It may be desirable for a bed to be designed that can be extended to accommodate the larger sizes needed in some situations.

[0006] Some examples include:

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,136 to Waters et al. is titled Combination Hospital Bed and Surgical Table. This patent shows a combination hospital bed and surgical table. It is comprised of: a frame having floor-engaging wheels, a substantially flat, substantially rectangular deck carried by the frame, suitable for holding a human patient in the supine position, the deck having a head end and a foot end and being divided into at least three sections, including a lengthwise center section bordered by two, opposite, lengthwise, side sections that are hingedly connected to the frame so that they each can swing from a horizontal position down to an underneath position, below the center section, thereby making the deck narrower to facilitate its use as a surgical table, and means for holding the side sections in their horizontal position. Preferred additional features include means for raising and lowering the deck to different heights, a drop leaf head support segment, built-in weighing means, channels underneath the bed surface for X-ray cassettes, and an articulated bed surface to permit the bed to be converted into Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, or other positions, even a sitting position.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,744 to Foster et al. is titled Hospital Bed with Inflatable and Collapsible side Edges and Laterally-Movable Side Guards. It teaches a hospital bed that has a frame mounted on a base. Articulating head, seat and leg patient support panels are mounted on the frame. Side guards are mounted on the panels. Patient support panels have longitudinal edges that are collapsible to narrow the bed for transporting a patient. The side guards are inwardly movable to contribute to the narrowing of the bed while still protecting the patient from falling out of the bed.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,370 to Foster et al. is titled Hospital Bed with Collapsing Wing. It shows a collapsing wing on a lateral side near the head end of a hospital bed. As the result of a laterally inwardly applied force, the wing collapses thereby allowing easier access to the center or furthermost side of the hospital bed or patient for a nurse or care provider. The wing is attached to the bed frame of the hospital bed by a spring loaded parallelogram linkage which permits the wing to move laterally within a generally horizontal plane as a result of the inward force. Once the inward force is removed, the linkage returns the wing to the full width hospital bed configuration. The wing is a U-shaped channel open toward the bed. The bed has a narrower U-shaped channel open toward the wing channel. The channels are connected by the parallelogram linkage. The wing channel nests over the frame channel when a laterally inward force is applied to the wing channel.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,406,729 to Hornbach et al. is titled Patient Support having Powered Adjustable Width. It shows a patient support for supporting a patient in a horizontal position is provided. The patient support includes a frame and a deck. The deck includes first and second ends and longitudinal sides extending there between. The deck also includes a first portion configured to extend laterally from the deck to widen the deck. An actuator is coupled to the deck and configured to move the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 7,743,441 to Poulos et al. is titled expandable Width Bed. It shows a variable width bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed has a frame, a deck supported on the frame, and a mattress on the deck. A portion of the mattress on one of head and seat deck sections expands to have an increased width. In an alternate embodiment, deck extender assemblies are provided at the sides of the bed. Each of the deck extender assemblies have supplemental mattresses connected thereto.

[0012] United States Published Application 2008/0000028 to Lemire et al. is titled Patient Support. It shows a patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or cot, includes a patient support deck that is directly coupled to elevation adjustment mechanisms without the need for an intervening frame. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may be placed outside the perimeter of the support deck to allow the support deck to be lowered to a greater extent and provide room for attaching side rails to the support deck. The width of the patient support deck may be adjusted by way of extenders, and the sleep surface may also be adjusted by way of foldable strips. A jack type of actuator may be used to pivot the different sections of the support deck with respect to each other. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may include vertical threaded shafts that rotatingly engage threaded collars and raise or lower the collars when the shaft and the collar rotate with respect to each other.

[0013] While each of these references show inventions that may work well for their intended purposes, none show the unique features having the advantages of the present invention.

[0014] Thus there exists a need for a bed with extendable and retractable sections that solves these and other problems.

[0015] The present invention relates to bed with extendable and retractable extensions. An articulating bed having four sections that articulate in conventional manner is provided. Two side extensions are provided that allow the deck width to be increased in width. Each extension has up to four pieces that act in unison and that are pivotally connected. The pivotal connections can be made of tabs formed from the side tubes of the respective sections. The first and fourth pieces have extension members that extend into preferably about half way through cross tubes of the first and fourth respective deck sections. The extension members can have glides that assist in the movement within the cross tubes. Pins can be provided to allow for rapid adjustment of the side extensions. Accessories can be removably pinned to the side extension for rapid removal.

[0016] According to one advantage of the present invention, the extension members are moveable within cross-tubes of the deck. This allows for the side extension pieces to remain generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the cross tubes. Maintaining this orientation prevents binding of the side extensions as the bed is articulated.

[0017] According to another advantage of the present invention, the side extensions telescopingly connect to the deck via the inside of the respective structural member. In this regard, any vertical load experienced by the deck is isolated from and has no effect on the inward and or outward movement of extensions.

[0018] Related, and according to another advantage of the present invention, the extension member contacts both the top and bottom of the cross tube (directly or via glide) to provide a strength to resist twisting of the side extensions. In a preferred embodiment, the extension member is generally square which provides for structural support of the extension member to resist twisting and bending.

[0019] Related, and according to a still further advantage of the present invention, the extension members can extend in the preferred embodiment to nearly the middle section of the cross-tube. This provides a large amount of stiffness to the side extensions to prevent twisting thereof.

[0020] According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, glides can be provided to reduce friction between the extension member and the cross tubes. The glides can be low friction material which can slide, roll or otherwise encourage easy movement of these components.

[0021] According to a still further advantage of the present invention, in one embodiment, the extension members of opposite sides extensions can be joined in a manner wherein movement of one side extension is mirrored by the opposite side extension simultaneously.

[0022] According to a still further yet advantage of the present invention, the side extensions can be unlocked for adjustment from the underside of the deck. In this regard, advantageously, any weight on the deck or other obstructions from above the deck surface will not encumber the ability to quickly adjust the side extensions (for example, to move the bed through a narrow door frame).

[0023] According to a still further advantage of the present invention, the side perimeters of the side extensions are substantially tubular along the length. This provides strength to the side extensions that allow for accessories to be adequately supported.

[0024] According to a still further advantage yet of the present invention, an accessory, such as a side rail, can be supported by a strong tube when connected to the extensions yet easily removable form the side extension preferably by removing one or more pins. In this regard, the accessory is removable independent of extensions and without tools.

[0025] According to a still further advantage of the present invention, the individual pieces of each side extension are joined together with one or more tabs. The tab is preferably formed from the outside wall of the tubular side members wherein the remainder (top, bottom and inside surface) are removed. This allows the side extension to act as an assembly.

[0026] According to a still further advantage of the present invention, the principles of the invention can be applied to a longitudinally expanding and retracting deck as well.

[0027] Other advantages, benefits, and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the invention and studying the drawings.

[0042] While the invention will be described in connection with one or more preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0043] Turning now to FIGS. 1-14, it is seen that a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0044] As can be seen, an articulating bed 5 having sides 6 and 7, ends 8 and 9, a head board 11 and a foot board 12 is shown. A deck 20 having four sections 30, 40, 50 and 60 is also provided.

[0045] The first section 30 has a perimeter frame 31. The perimeter frame can be made of angle material having a vertical section and horizontal section. A cross tube 32 is provided. The cross tube 32 has an inside 33 and an outside. It further has a top 34 and a bottom 35. Cross tube preferably extends laterally across the first section 30 and has ends 36 and 37 and a middle section 38. In the preferred embodiment, the cross tube 32 can have a generally square shaped profile. Yet, it is understood that other profiles could be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

[0046] The second section 40 does not articulate. It has sides that are parallel with the sides of the other sections.

[0047] The third section 50 has a perimeter frame similar to the frame of the first section.

[0048] The fourth section 60 likewise has a perimeter frame 61. It also has a cross tube 62.

[0049] Cross tube 32 and cross tube 62 are spaced apart a predetermined amount. It is understood that while the cross tubes are shown in relation to the first and fourth sections, that they could be located elsewhere without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

[0050] Two side extensions 100 and 200 are illustrated. In the preferred embodiment, the side extensions move independent of each other. Yet, it is understood that they could be joined in a manner wherein they are simultaneously expanded and retracted relative the deck 20.

[0051] Side extension 100 has four pieces 110, 130, 140 and 150. Each piece preferably has the same lateral width. The side extension has a top 101, a bottom 102, and inside 103 and outside 104 and opposed ends 105 and 106, respectively. The top 101 is preferably substantially planar.

[0052] The first piece 110 has a side tube 111 that is preferably made of square tubing. A tab 112 is at one end of the tubing. The tab 112 is preferably formed from the outer side wall of the square tubing, wherein the top, bottom and inside side wall are removed. Tab 112, as seen in an isolation view in FIG. 13, has a connection hole there through.

[0053] An extension member 120 is provided. The extension member 120 has a first end 121 and a second end 122. The second end 122 can extend to the middle 38 (or near the middle) of the cross tube when the side extension 100 is in the retracted position. The extension member can be formed of square tubing that is received within the inside of the cross tube. A glide 125 can be provided. The glide can be a low friction material that slide, or can comprise rollers or other structures that facilitate movement of the extension member within the cross tube. A connector such as a pin 127 can be provided for fixing the extension member within the cross-tube. Three holes 126 can be formed through the extension member enabling retracted, intermediate and extended positions. The extension member 120 (either directly or through an intermediate component such as a glide) can contact the inside of the cross tube a substantial distance inside of the end of the cross-tube. This prevents up/down as well as forward/rearward twisting of the side extension.

[0054] The pin also allows the side extension to be in either of the retracted, intermediate or extended position.

[0055] The second piece 130 has a side tube 131 with two end tabs 132 and 133.

[0056] The third piece 140 has a side tube 141 with two end tabs 142 and 143.

[0057] The fourth piece has a side tube 151 with one end tab 152. The fourth piece also has an extension member 155 that is movably received in telescopic fashion with cross tube 62.

[0058] It is seen that the pieces are pivotally connected to adjacent pieces by bolting or otherwise connecting the pieces via the respective tabs. In this regard, the pivotal connections are strong and secure, and are also located at the outside 104 of the side extension 100. As seen in FIG. 11, overlapped tabs 143 and 152 are pivotally joined.

[0059] Tab 112 is preferably overlapped with and connected to tab 132. Tab 133 is preferably overlapped with and connected to tab 142. Tab 143 is preferably overlapped with and connected to tab 152. These pivotal connections allow the extension 100 to articulate relative each other and to move uniformly between retracted, intermediate and extended positions.

[0060] Further, given that the extension members are received within cross tubes interior of the ends of the cross tubes to promote movement of the side extension perpendicular to the deck side, binding of the side extension is prevented.

[0061] The second side extension 200 is preferably a mirror image of the first side extension 100. Side extension 200 has four pieces 210, 230, 240 and 250. Each piece preferably has the same lateral width. The side extension has a top 201, a bottom 202, and inside 203 and outside 204 and opposed ends 205 and 206, respectively. The top 201 is preferably substantially planar.

[0062] The first piece 210 has a side tube 211 that is preferably made of square tubing. A tab 212 is at one end of the tubing. The tab 212 is preferably formed from the outer side wall of the square tubing, wherein the top, bottom and inside side wall are removed. An extension member 220 is provided. The extension member 220 has a first end 221 and a second end 222. The second end 222 can extend to the middle 38 (or near the middle) of the cross tube when the side extension 200 is in the retracted position. Three holes 226 can be formed through the extension member enabling retracted, intermediate and extended positions. The extension member can be formed of square tubing that is received within the inside of the cross tube. A glide can be provided. The glide can be a low friction material that slide, or can comprise rollers or other structures that facilitate movement of the extension member within the cross tube. A connector such as a pin can be provided for fixing the extension member within the cross-tube in one of the three holes 226.

[0063] The second piece 230 has a side tube 231 with two end tabs 232 and 233.

[0064] The third piece 240 has a side tube 241 with two end tabs 242 and 243.

[0065] The fourth piece has a side tube 251 with one end tab 252. The fourth piece also has an extension member 255 that is movably received in telescopic fashion with cross tube 62.

[0066] It is seen that the pieces are pivotally connected to adjacent pieces by bolting or otherwise connecting the pieces via the respective tabs. In this regard, the pivotal connections are strong and secure, and are also located at the outside 204 of the side extension 200.

[0067] Tab 212 is preferably overlapped with and connected to tab 232. Tab 233 is preferably overlapped with and connected to tab 242. Tab 243 is preferably overlapped with and connected to tab 252. These pivotal connections allow the extension 200 to articulate relative each other and to move uniformly between retracted, intermediate and extended positions.

[0068] The bed 5 can have a width of approximately 36 inches when the side extensions are both in the retracted position, approximately 39 inches when in the intermediate position and approximately 42 inches when in the extended position. It is understood that the lateral dimension could be changed without departing from the broad aspect of the present invention. Also there could be more intermediate positions or no intermediate position without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

[0069] An accessory such as a side rail 300 can be provided. The side rail 300 can be pinned with pins 301 such that it is removably attached to the outside of either side extension. The substantially tubular perimeter of each side extension provides a strong base for the accessories to be connected to.

[0070] It is further appreciated that each side extension can have more or fewer than four pieces without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

[0071] The pin 127 also allows the side extension to be in either of the retracted, intermediate or extended position by being selectably inserted into selected holes that pass through the extension members. It is appreciated that two pins hold each side section in place (four pins total) in a preferred embodiment. Yet, it is appreciated that other connection or fastening devices may be used without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention. It is also understood that more or fewer positions could be present without departing from the broad aspects of the present invention.

[0072] Thus it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the invention, a bed with extendable and retractable sections that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages as set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.