Storable push handle and bed side panel latch pin mechanism for patient support device

Abstract

A patient support device includes a push handle that enables the support device to be moved and positioned as required by a patient. The invention also relates to a system and method for efficient manufacturing and enhanced push handle use. The patient support device includes a bed side panel that can be manipulated to a vertical position with a latch pin made by crimping.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 645459, filed May 10, 2024, pursuant to 35 U.S. SC §119(e), which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] This invention relates to the use of patient support devices and their accessories. It also relates to systems and methods for the efficient manufacture and use of different components of patient support devices.

[0004] Typically, such patient support devices are used to provide a supportive surface for treatment, recovery, or rest for patients or other individuals. Many such patient supports include a frame, a platform supported by the frame, a mattress, bed side panels configured to prevent the patient from getting off the mattress, and controls configured to control one or more features of the bed.

[0005] Most patient support devices, including hospital beds and stretchers, are constructed with components that can be propelled in both forward and reverse directions. These transport devices typically include some type of electrical input device and have a handle that can activate it. When not in use, these transport devices need to be stowed away so that they do not obstruct access for caregivers or hinder patient care. These transport devices need to be manufactured in an efficient and ergonomic manner to improve patient care.

[0006] Similarly, most patient support devices include bed side panels to ensure patient safety and improve patient care. A "bed side panel" typically includes a side panel member, a linkage configured to allow vertical movement of the side panel member between a raised and a lowered position, and a latching mechanism configured to hold the side panel member in at least one of the raised and lowered positions. Importantly, the latching pins are manufactured and implemented in an efficient and error-free manner that is ideal for patient care.

[0007] Therefore, this invention relates to an efficient method for manufacturing components of patient support devices. Furthermore, this invention relates to components that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of patient support devices. To improve cost, time, convenience, and patient safety, this invention describes systems and methods for improving patient care. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention includes one or more features recited in the appended claims and / or the following features, which, individually or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a patient support device includes: a frame having a plurality of support portions including a head portion, a seat portion, a thigh portion, and a foot portion, wherein the frame supports a mattress; and a push handle including a first tube configured to slide within a second tube along a sliding groove located in the first tube. The push handle may be configured to fold into a gap notch surrounding a pin, wherein the pin is positioned in the sliding groove when the push handle is retracted.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the pin may be positioned off-center from the axis, and the first tube is configured to slide within the second tube along the axis.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the pin may be a sliding pin.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first tube may not include welded components.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the sliding groove may be cut by a tubular laser.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first tube may be configured to fold around the pin such that the angle between the first tube and the second tube is less than 90 degrees when the push handle is retracted.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the length of the push handle can be adjusted by sliding the first tube along the sliding groove into the second tube.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the gap is positioned at the top of the second tube, and the top is the end through which the first tube slides into the second tube.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the diameter of the first tube is smaller than the diameter of the second tube.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the patient support device may include an intravenous injection rod, the intravenous injection rod including a first component configured to slide within a second component along a groove located in the first component.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, a patient support device includes: a frame having a plurality of support portions including a head portion, a seat portion, a thigh portion, and a foot portion, wherein the frame supports a mattress; and a bed side panel configured to be attached to the frame on a latching surface by one or more latching pins consisting of first and second components. Each of the latching pins in the patient support device is manufactured by a method excluding welding.

[0020] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first component may be a bracket and the second component may be a shaft.

[0021] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the support may include tabs configured to secure the bed side panel in a vertical position.

[0022] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the shaft may include an engagement portion configured to interact with a locking hook to secure the bed side panel in a vertical position.

[0023] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the latch pin may be manufactured by crimping.

[0024] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the latch pin can be manufactured by pressing the second component to displace material toward the inner diameter of the first component.

[0025] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the latch surface may be free of any welding spatter.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a latching pin includes: attaching a first part of the latching pin to a second part of the latching pin; and displacing material toward the outer surface of the second part or toward the inner diameter of the first part.

[0027] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method may further include creating an interference fit between the first component and the second component.

[0028] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the first component may be a bracket and the second component may be a shaft.

[0029] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method may not include welding.

[0030] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method may include crimping.

[0031] Additional features, either alone or in combination with any other features, such as those listed above and / or those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the detailed description of the various embodiments below, which exemplify the best mode of implementation currently known. Attached Figure Description

[0032] For a detailed description, please refer to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a patient support device including a push handle;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a push handle including a socket and a handle;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the sliding groove in the handle of the push handle shown;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the push handle in its stowed position;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a sliding pin used to attach a handle to a push handle socket, such that the handle is configured to rotate about the sliding pin.

[0038] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the latching pins used in patient support;

[0039] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a latching pin that is configured to keep the patient support device in a vertical position;

[0040] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the use of a latching pin in the latching assembly of a patient support device;

[0041] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a latching pin that includes a shaft and a bracket pressed together;

[0042] Figure 10 for Figure 9 The cross-section of the latch pin shown; and

[0043] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a crimp latch pin. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic patient support device 10, embodied in a hospital bed, is shown. Figure 1 The hospital bed 10 has a frame 20, which includes a base frame 22 supported on casters 24. The fixed base frame 22 further supports a weight-bearing frame 30, and an adjustable positioning mattress supports an upper frame 34, which in turn supports a mattress 18. The illustrative mattress 18 is an inflatable patient support surface including inflatable areas such as a head area 36, ​​a seat area 38, a thigh area 40, and a foot area 42. The hospital bed 10 also includes a headboard 12 at the head end 46, a footboard 16 at the foot end 48, and movable side panels 14 attached to the upper frame 34. The hospital bed 10 also includes a user interface 54 positioned on one of the side panels 14. Figure 1 The bed 10 in the embodiment is typically configured to adjustably position the upper frame 34 relative to the base frame 22 to adjust the position of the patient supported on the mattress 18.

[0045] Conventional structures and devices can be provided to adjustably position the upper frame 34, and such conventional structures and devices may include, for example, linkages, drives, and other moving components and devices connecting the base frame 22 and the weighing frame 30 and / or the weighing frame 30 and the upper frame 34. For example, the position of the upper frame 34 and the mattress 18 relative to the base frame 22 or the weighing frame 30 can be controlled via a patient control hook 56 or a user interface 54. The upper frame 34 can be adjusted to, for example, be in a general tilt from the head end 46 to the foot end 48 of the bed, or vice versa. Furthermore, the upper frame 34 can be adjusted to position the head portion 44 of the mattress 18 between a minimum and maximum tilt angle, for example, 0-65 degrees relative to a horizontal plane or a flat bed state, and the upper frame 34 can also be adjusted to position the seat portion (not shown) of the mattress 18 between a minimum and maximum flex angle, for example, 0-35 degrees relative to a horizontal plane or a flat bed state. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the upper frame 34 or portions thereof can be adjusted to be positioned in other orientations, and such other orientations are contemplated in the present invention.

[0046] To assist in the movement of the patient support device 10, the push handle 52 is positioned at the head end 46 of the patient support device 10. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the push handle 52 is fixed to the upper frame 34, and the height of the push handle 52 is adjusted by using a lifting assembly to adjust the height of the upper frame 34. The patient support device 10 may also include an oxygen cylinder holder for supporting the oxygen cylinder. The orientation of the sides and ends of the patient support device 10 is determined by the orientation of the patient supported in a supine position on the patient support device 10, such that the right side panel 14 is positioned on the patient's right side and the left side panel 14 is positioned on the patient's left side. The head end 46 is oriented at the end of the patient support device 10 where the patient's head will be in a supine position.

[0047] The lifting assembly is operated via a raising pedal 58, which allows the user to manually activate the raising pedal 58 to raise the lifting assembly. In some embodiments, the raising pedal 58 may require multiple activations to move the lifting assembly, but in other embodiments, the lifting assembly can be driven by a single activation of the raising pedal 58. A lowering pedal 60 can be actuated to lower the lifting assembly, thereby lowering the upper frame 34.

[0048] The patient support device 10 includes a braking / steering mechanism supported by a base frame 22. The braking / steering mechanism is of a type known in the art and is capable of switching the operation of the casters 24 between a fully locked, neutral, and steering position. In the fully locked position, rotation of the casters 24 is prevented, and rotation about a vertical axis is also prevented. In the neutral position, the casters 24 rotate freely. In the steering position, at least one of the casters 24 is rotationally locked to act as a guide wheel to assist in steering the patient support device 10.

[0049] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the push handle 52 may include a handle 62 (e.g., a first tube 62), a socket 64 (e.g., a second tube 64), and a grip 78. The diameter of the handle 62 is smaller than the diameter of the socket 64, and it can be nested within the socket 64 when not in use. The handle 62 has a sliding groove 66. The handle 62 is configured to slide into and out of the socket 64 along the sliding groove 66.

[0050] The length of the push handle 52 can be adjusted by sliding the handle 62 along the sliding groove 66 into the socket 64. The handle 62 can extend out of the socket, allowing the push handle 52 to be positioned as follows: Figure 2 The upright usage position is shown.

[0051] Handle 62 and socket 64 are attached by a pivot pin 68, which is configured to move along a sliding groove 64. The sliding groove 64 is parallel to axis 74 and then bends off-center. Pivot pin 68 is positioned off-center from axis 74, and handle 62 is configured to slide along axis 74 into socket 64. Pivot pin 68 is positioned at a distance 75 from the edge of handle 62. Distance 75 is less than the radius of handle 62. Figure 5 As shown, the pivot pin is configured to extend through the socket 64 and the handle 62. The pivot pin 68 may be a sliding pin 68. The length of the sliding groove 66 may vary depending on the lengths of the handle 62 and the socket 64.

[0052] When the push handle 52 is not used to move the patient support device 10, it can be held in the retracted position by sliding the handle 62 into the socket 64. Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the socket 64 includes a gap notch 70 on its top 72. The top 72 of the socket 64 is the side where the handle 62 slides into the socket 64. When the handle 62 slides into the socket 64, the push handle 52 can be folded to a retracted position around the pivot pin 68 and through the gap notch 70. To pivot the push handle 52 downwards to the unobstructed retracted position, first push the handle 62 backwards so that the pivot pin 68 is aligned with the axis 74, and then move it downwards so that the handle 62 slides around the pivot pin 68 and along the sliding groove 66 into the socket 64.

[0053] When the push handle 52 is folded into the retracted position, the angle 76 between the handle 62 and the socket 64 can be less than 90 degrees, ensuring that the handle 62 does not obstruct patient care. The handle 62 can be laser-cut rather than manufactured by welding multiple components, thereby reducing manufacturing-related complexity and cost. In some embodiments of the patient support device 10, other components can be similarly designed, including but not limited to an intravenous infusion rod comprising two nestable components.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the patient support device 10 may include four bed side panels 14. Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the bed side panel 14 includes a side panel member 82 and a linkage assembly 84, which is connected between the side panel member 82 and the head portion 44 or weighing frame 30. The linkage assembly 84 is configured to allow vertical movement of the side panel member 82 relative to the patient support device 10. Each side panel member 82 is movable between an upper position and a lower position. Each side panel member 82 includes a body 85 that defines a barrier when in the raised position. The body 85 may include a thermoplastic material supported by a rigid internal frame.

[0055] The linkage assembly 84 includes a latch pin 80 configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. Figure 9 As shown, typically, the latch pin 80 comprises two separate components. The latch pin 80 includes a head member or bracket 86 that connects to the body member or shaft 88. The bracket 86 includes a tab 90, and the shaft 88 includes an engagement portion 89 for securing the bed side panel 14 in place. Figure 7 As shown, the latch pin 80 is pivotally connected to the bed side panel 14. The latch pin 80 in the unlocked position allows vertical movement of the side panel member 82, and the latch pin 80 in the locked position allows the bed side panel 14 to be held in a vertical position. The patient support device 10 may include a latch position indicator operatively connected to the latch pin 80 and configured to provide indication that the latch pin 80 is in the unlocked position.

[0056] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the latch pin 80 is configured to engage the torsion spring 94 and extends through a hole 92 in the lower mounting member 98 of the linkage assembly 84 to engage the locking hook 96 at the engagement portion 89. The latch pin 80 secures the bed side panel 14 in a vertical position and prevents accidental locking. The tab 90 and the torsion spring 94 help secure the bed side panel 14. If the locking hook 96 does not fully engage the latch pin 80 at the engagement portion 89, the latch pin 80 can rotate, thereby releasing the bed side panel 14 and returning it to a lower position.

[0057] The latching pin 80 is manufactured by crimping. The support 86 and shaft 88 include geometries that allow them to be crimped together rather than welded together. The crimping creates an interference fit between the support 86 and shaft 88, with the support 86 attached to the shaft 88 by displacing material toward the outer surface of the shaft 88. Furthermore, the crimping ensures that the connection between the support 86 and shaft 88 can withstand the torque applied to the tab 90 when the latching pin is used to support the bed side plate 14 in the patient support device 10. Figure 10 The cross-section of the crimped latch pin 80 is shown.

[0058] In some embodiments, the shaft 88 and / or the bracket 86 may deform when they are attached to form the latch pin 80. In some embodiments, the shaft 88 may be pressed into the bracket 86 to displace material toward the inner diameter of the bracket 86. In both embodiments, the possibility of weld spatter is eliminated. In some embodiments, the shaft 88 may be a pin 88. Therefore, the risk of incorrectly locking the bed side plate 14 due to damage to the latch surface in the event of weld spatter is minimized. Other components of the patient support device 10 may be manufactured by crimping rather than welding.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a step-by-step schematic diagram of a method 100 for manufacturing a crimped latch pin 80. The method 100 for manufacturing a crimped latch pin 80 includes placing a first component (e.g., a bracket 86) of the latch pin 80 into a crimping device in step 102. The method 100 also includes placing a second component (e.g., a shaft 88) of the latch pin 80 into the crimping device in step 104. The method 100 includes applying pressure to the first or second component in step 106 to form a crimped latch pin 80. The crimped latch pin 80 is removed from the crimping device in step 108. The latch pin 80 can be used to lock various components of a patient support device 10, including but not limited to a bed side panel 14.

[0060] While the present invention relates to specific embodiments, it is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the subject matter set forth in the appended claims. For example, the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and foregoing description, which are to be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive. Other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this invention. These modifications may relate to other features known in the art and may be used to substitute for or supplement the features already described herein. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plural.

Claims

1. A patient support device, comprising: The frame has multiple support sections, including a head section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section, wherein the frame supports the mattress. The push handle includes a first tube configured to slide within a second tube along a sliding groove located in the first tube. The push handle is configured to fold into a gap notch surrounding a pin, the pin being positioned off-center from the axis, and the first tube being configured to slide along the axis within the second tube when the push handle is retracted.

2. The patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the pin is positioned in the sliding groove located in the first tube.

3. The patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the pin is a sliding pin.

4. The patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the first tube does not include welded components.

5. The patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding groove is cut by a tubular laser.

6. The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the first tube is configured to fold around the pin such that the angle between the first tube and the second tube is less than 90 degrees when the push handle is retracted.

7. The patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the push handle can be adjusted by sliding the first tube along the sliding groove into the second tube.

8. The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the gap notch is located at the top of the second tube, and wherein the first tube is configured to slide into the second tube through the top.

9. The patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first tube is smaller than the diameter of the second tube.

10. The patient support device of claim 1, wherein the patient support device includes an intravenous injection rod, the intravenous injection rod including a first component configured to slide within a second component along a groove located in the first component.

11. A patient support device, comprising: The frame has multiple support sections, including a head section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section, wherein the frame supports the mattress. The bed side panel is configured to be attached to the frame on the latch surface by one or more latch pins consisting of a first component and a second component, and Each of the latching pins is manufactured by a method that does not involve welding.

12. The patient support device according to claim 11, wherein the first component is a bracket and the second component is a shaft.

13. The patient support device of claim 12, wherein the support includes tabs configured to secure the bed side plate in a vertical position.

14. The patient support device of claim 12, wherein the shaft includes an engagement portion configured to interact with a locking hook to secure the bed side plate in a vertical position.

15. The patient support device of claim 11, wherein the one or more latching pins are manufactured by crimping.

16. The patient support device of claim 11, wherein the latch pin is manufactured by pressing into the second component to displace material toward the inner diameter of the first component.

17. The patient support device of claim 11, wherein the latch surface is free of any welding spatter.

18. A method of manufacturing a latching pin, comprising: Attach the first part of the latch pin to the second part of the latch pin; Displace the material toward the outer surface of the second component or toward the inner diameter of the first component, and An interference fit is created between the first component and the second component.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the latch pin is manufactured by crimping.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first component is a bracket and the second component is a shaft.

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