Modular multifunctional wheeled device for disabled persons and a set of such devices

Abstract

A modular multifunctional wheeled device for disabled persons, in particular taking a form of a wheeled stretcher, a mobile bed, a wheelchair, an examination couch, or a rehabilitation couch, with a three-sectional frame bearer and a wheeled assembly, characterized in that the three-sectional frame bearer 1 comprises a back rest section, footrest section and seat section, mobile relative to each other, and that may be arranged in one plane or in three different planes, the seat section being equipped with a wheeled assembly 2 of an adjustable height, the frame bearer 1 is equipped with at least one latch 14, 14', 14", at least on one side, connecting a neighboring modular, multifunctional wheeled device for disabled persons, and, on the opposite side, the frame is equipped, with at least one receiving means for receiving said latch 14, 14', 14" of a neighboring modular multifunctional wheeled device, the device being equipped with an assembly for manual or electrical, via a remote control, controlling the position of the sections of the frame bearer.

Description

Field

[0001] This invention relates to a modular multifunctional wheeled device for disabled persons, in particular taking a form of a wheeled stretcher, a mobile bed, a wheelchair, an examination couch, a rehabilitation coach, etc., with a three-sectional frame bearer, and a wheeled assembly. Also, the invention relates to a set of said multifunctional wheeled devices for disabled persons. The device belongs to the field of equipment used in hospitals, care facilities, sanatoriums, and other centers for disabled persons, persons with temporarily limited motor functions, or persons in an advanced age. Also, the device may be useful for home care or in rehabilitation centers.

[0002] The device is multifunctional, because mobile cooperating parts of the device may be arranged in different positions. When individual parts - usable sections (being in direct contact with the patient) are arranged in one plane, the device takes a form of a bed (stretcher). When said sections are arranged in different planes, in a broken line, one obtains a form of an armchair, or intermediate arrangements are possible (semirecumbent) or, e.g., in simple sit.State of the Art

[0003] Rehabilitation devices or rescue equipment are known having mobile usable parts, that take a form of a wheelchair or a bed, and also devices with a mobile seat and back rest, that can be transformed from the armchair configuration into a verticalization plane. Also, devices are known, such as wheeled rescue stretcher having a usable frame collapsible into a chair (www.quirumed.com).

[0004] From Polish application P.357520 a hospital bed is known for therapy and rehabilitation, in which three sections have a smooth control of their relative positions. The hospital bed for therapy and rehabilitation is characterized in that a bearer is mounted in the middle of the back support, to which, on a swivel, a free end of an electric motor actuator with a supplier is hinged, coupled with another actuator fixing the position of the footrest, the control of these actuators being executed by the patient by means of a four-button remote control hanged onto a bed guard rail.

[0005] From the utility design of PL65448Y1 a rehabilitation bed is known consisting of a seat supporting structure, lateral back rests with armrests, rear rest, and wheels, characterized in that the structure is constituted by three frames: a front one, a middle one, and rear one, of which the middle frame is a frame bearer of the seat and thigh rest, whereas the rear frame and the front frame are slidable by a linear drive with a toothed belt with an electric motor.

[0006] From PL212728B1 a mobile armchair of a wheelchair is known moved, with a person seating on it, from the chair chassis onto another suitable base or vice versa. Usable chair elements having contact with a patient are mobile and their position may be adjusted to the position, seating or lying, of the patient.

[0007] The document US6125484A describes a modular bed frame which includes one or more pairs of complimentary side-rails, with attached cross-bars, that may be linked in a manner so as to support a plurality of box-spring and mattress sizes.

[0008] The document US2013340167A1 discloses a versatile patient care and transport assembly having a patient support frame constructed of multiple sections, each including pluralities of individual patient sensors, and which can be cooperatively tilted or otherwise inter-articulated to a variety of support positions.

[0009] The document EP0406178 concerns a wheeled stretcher aimed in particular at enabling the easy transference of a patient from bed to stretcher and vice versa.

[0010] However, modular, multifunctional wheeled device as in the invention now to be described are neither disclosed nor suggested in these documents.Summary of the invention

[0011] The invention is defined in independent claim 1 and relates to a modular, multifunctional wheeled device for disabled persons, in particular taking a form of a wheeled stretcher, a mobile bed, a wheelchair, an examination couch, a rehabilitation coach, with a three-sectional frame bearer with sections being mobile relative to each other and a wheeled assembly, with a possibility of changing the height of the frame bearer with a lever of gas lift mechanism, wherein the three-sectional frame bearer comprises an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section, mobile relative to each other, that may be arranged in one plane or in three different planes, relative to each other, the middle section is equipped with the wheeled assembly of an adjustable height, the lower section of the three-sectional frame bearer is equipped on the lateral edge of a longitudinal element at least one latch, preferably a crayfish latch, and the middle section of the three-sectional frame bearer is equipped, on the lateral edge of a longitudinal element, with at least one latch, preferably a crayfish latch, and the upper section of the three-sectional frame bearer is equipped, on the lateral edge of a longitudinal element, with at least one latch, preferably a crayfish latch, whereas the opposite sections of the frame bearer are equipped with the receiving means that cooperate with the latches and receive these latches, the device is equipped with an assembly for manual controlling the position of the sections of the frame bearer or electrical controlling the position of the sections of the frame bearer, via a remote control.

[0012] Preferred embodiments are defined in dependent claims 2 to 8.

[0013] The invention is based on the idea of having a single simple device that has a lot of functions, depending on the needs. The device is designed as simply as possible, to make it possible to use it not only by qualified personnel, but also by support paramedic personnel, or persons in an environment of disabled persons.

[0014] The improved structure is, in particular, focused on ensuring flat surfaces of the wheelchair / armchair, and a flat surface in the bed configuration (rest configuration), this making it possible to perform rehabilitation procedures. Also, the invention ensures technical means for assembling neighboring devices modularly, for example in pairs.

[0015] The modular rehabilitation device is an innovative device for patients with various diseases, facilitating changing the body position more frequently, and thus supporting the rehabilitation of persons with motor disabilities and affecting the health recovery, inter alia, for patients after medical procedures. The device according to the invention is based on a foldable three-sectional frame bearer installed on a stable base in a form of the wheeled assembly, making it possible to change position easily, from the lying configuration to the armchair configuration with lowered legs, the wheeled assembly comprising at least four wheels assisted electrically, and a central wheel lock, thus making it possible to maneuver the device.

[0016] The device according to the invention is a combination of a hospital bed with a wheelchair, whereby the medical rehabilitation procedures, and the transport of the patient may be performed more easily. The modular rehabilitation device may be used for rehabilitation and treating patients, inter alia, with motor disabilities and for ensuring more frequent change of the position and moving the patient freely. As a result, one obtains an improvement of rehabilitation, a facilitation of medical and rehabilitation procedures, an increase of a disabled person's autonomy, elimination of the necessity of rising, for the lying position, through a side of the leg, elimination of the necessity of moving a patient onto the rehabilitation bed, eliminating any swellings and improvement of blood circulation of the patient.

[0017] The device follows a natural motion of the patient's body and makes it possible to seat in an upright or semirecumbent position. An appropriate combination of coupling elements with structure elements makes it possible to obtain a desired position of the device, including its angular position. The use of the device is simple, both for personnel as well as for patients. This gives a possibility, to patients, of autonomous ambulation. In the rehabilitation and medical treatment process of ill persons, older persons, not ambulating independently, one of the key elements, along with an appropriate selection of exercises corresponding to an undergone disease, is the need of being autonomous and independent in everyday activities. This improves the patient's metal wellness and improves the motivation in the rehabilitation. Using the device, the patients will better motivated and it will be a significant support for the medical personnel.

[0018] The set according to the invention, including, for example, two devices joint to each other, facilitates the transport of the patients, but also improves the motivation of the patients, because a process of motor rehabilitation, desiring an effort and own motivation, has better results when is performed in pairs, when a mutual control or competition of the patients is possible.

[0019] The subject matter of the invention is illustrated in an embodiment in a drawing, in which: Fig. 1shows a general perspective view of the device without a mattress, the sections of the frame bearer being arranged in one plane, i.e., the device is in a configuration of a wheeled stretcher and a rehabilitation bed, Fig. 2shows a general view of a device in a configuration of Fig. 1 equipped with a mattress divided into sections corresponding to sections of the frame bearer, Fig. 3shows a general view of a device in a configuration of a chair / wheelchair, without a mattress, the wheeled assembly having a lowered configuration, Fig. 4shows a device in the configuration of Fig. 3 equipped with a mattress divided into sections, Fig. 5shows device in the configuration of Fig. 4, additionally equipped with armrests located on both sides of the device, on latches, Fig. 6shows rear view of a device in configuration of Fig. 3 equipped, from the bottom of the seat, with a motor mounting structure and a motor, Fig. 7shows a set of two devices, i.e., combined two devices in the configuration of Fig. 1, without mattresses.

[0020] The invention is illustrated by the following embodiments, without any limitation thereof.Detailed description

[0021] A modular, multifunctional wheeled device in an embodiment is composed of a three-sectional frame bearer 1, defining a usable plane being in contact with a patient, and of a wheeled assembly 2, the following three sections of the frame bearer, i.e., a lower section (foot supporting frame), a middle section (seat frame), and an upper section (back seat frame) are connected to each other with elements ensuring mutual mobility of these sections, for example by hinges. Every said section comprises stiff structural elements. In an embodiment these elements are longitudinal and transverse elements joined to each other at a right angle. The lower section of the frame bearer comprises longitudinal elements: a right one 3a and a left one 3b, and transverse elements: a lower one 6 and an upper one 7, the middle section comprises longitudinal elements: a right one 4a and a left one 4b and a transverse element 8, and the upper section comprises longitudinal elements: a right one 5a and a left one 5b and transverse elements: a lower one 9 and an upper one 10. The frame bearer 1 is equipped with two symmetrical footrests 11 mounted on the lower ends of the lower section, and is equipped with a transport grip 12 mounted to the upper end of the upper section. The wheeled assembly 2 is equipped, on vertical columns, in their upper parts, with levers 13 of a gas lift mechanism, and the wheeled assembly may be equipped with one or two levers 13. The gas lift makes it possible to adjust the height of the position of the frame bearer, and each of the two axes of the wheeled assembly may be lowered and lifted separately. In the case of a wheeled assembly having two levers 13, each of them controls a separate axis of the wheeled assembly. The frame bearer 1 is equipped with at least one lateral, relative to the surface defined by the bearer frame, latch 14, 14', 14" fixing a neighboring device equipped with a latch receiving means cooperating with the latch 14, 14', 14''.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, individual sections of the frame bearer are equipped with latches 14, 14', 14'', preferably crayfish latches, i.e., each of the three sections of the frame bearer is equipped with a latch, i.e., the lower section is equipped with a latch 14 of the footrest frame, that is located on a lateral edge of the longitudinal element 3b, the middle section is equipped with a latch 14' of the seat frame, that is located on a lateral edge of the longitudinal element 4b, the upper section is equipped with a latch 14'' of the back rest frame, that is located on lateral a edge of the longitudinal element 5b. to each of the latches 14, 14', 14" receiving means are assigned that receive these latches, i.e., the opposite sections of the frame bearer are equipped with the receiving means that cooperate with the latches 14, 14', 14" and receive these latches. When joining two devices in order to obtain a set, the latches of the first device cooperate with the receiving means that is located on the lateral edge of a neighboring device. In this manner one may join two devices, such that they adhere to each other with the lateral edges. Also, the latches 14, 14', 14" are intended to mount, exchangeably, the armrests, the left one 17a and a right one 17b, that are to be seated by the latches. The size of the armrests 17a, 17b is suited to configure the device into the armchair configuration, i.e., the ends of the armrests bridge two neighboring latches on one side of the frame bearer - the latch 14' of the seat frame and the latch 14" of the back rest frame, creating, in this manner, the armrest, and also, additionally, stabilizing the position of the device in the armchair configuration. The latches 14, 14', 14" are used either for joining the armrests 17a, 17b or mutual joining two devices into a set. The three sections of the frame bearer are connected to each other by means of mobile elements 15 joining these sections together. Said elements 15 work as hinges and ensure both a foldable positioning of the three sections relative to each other as well as their positioning in one plane. The joining element 15 cooperate with the electrical control of the position of the three sections of the frame bearer relative to each other. The frame bearer of the device is equipped with a mattress divided into sections corresponding to individual sections of the frame bearer, i.e., the mattress is composed of a lower portion 16a seated on the frame supporting leg, a middle portion 16b seated on the seat frame, and a upper part 16c seated on the back rest frame. Under the frame bearer 1 a motor mounting structure 18 is located, on which one can mount a motor 19, that drives actuators ensuring the electrical control of the individual sections of the frame bearer. The device is equipped with corresponding equipment for controlling the position of the device manually (manually, mechanically) and / or, additionally, is equipped with a remote control for controlling this position. All the settings of the device may be done manually / by force and / or electrically, if it is equipped with a motor that is an optional equipment. For a person skilled in the field it will be obvious how to ensure this unusual configuration functionality of the device. Similar arrangements are used in rehabilitation beds of a controlled position of the back rest, footrest, and central portion.

[0023] For the present invention, the terms lower, upper, left, right, on the left side, right side, relate to a position of a user and his / her body parts, i.e., the part in the region of users legs is a the lower part, the part in the head region is an upper part. The elements located aside have positions on a side of a user seating or lying.

[0024] The structure of a three-sectional frame bearer (usable frame) is easy to be provisioned by a person skilled in the field, because analogous solutions are known in the art. The device according to the invention may be equipped with any structures of this type, i.e., for example the frame bearer may be composed of three single-element, cuboidal profiles, or may be produced as a metal grid having secured edges.

[0025] The wheeled assembly is a solution known and used, for example, in rescue wheeled stretcher. Every axis of the wheeled assembly is separately mobile and ensures an oblique arrangement of the device by setting a different height of every axis. The wheeled assembly has a regulated height and ensures lowering of the device, when it is to play a function of an armchair, and lifting, when it is to play a function of a bed.

[0026] A footrest in the lower part of the frame bearer may be disassembled, and also rotationally mobile (in order to free the patient's feet more easily) and constitutes an additional grip stretcher (in the bed configuration) opposite to the grip located in the upper part of the device, at the patient's head.

[0027] The latches for connecting two or three devices into a set may have opposite configuration, i.e., they can be arranged on the opposite side of the device, than it has been shown in an embodiment of the invention in the drawing. Correspondingly, also, a latch receiving means are located on the opposite side. Thereupon, on one side of the device latches are located whereas on second side blocking means for blocking the latches or receiving means for receiving the latches. The technical means constituting the latches and receiving means for receiving the latches, i.e., securing the position of the latches in the closed position may have different forms, but must cooperate with each other in order to obtain the closed position (blocked in the joined position) and opened (releasing the latch and allowing to disjoin neighboring device according to the invention). One may use a crayfish latch or a latch equipped with profiles of a shape adjusted to the receiving openings, inducing a blockade of the closed position, released with various types of convex protections. Specifically, the latch may have concave profiles, and the receiving means may have concave bays, accepting the convex hooked show.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the frame bearer is composed of longitudinal elements and transverse elements, the number of the transverse elements may be different, depending on the needs and most frequent settings of the device. It is possible to remove and add transverse elements, for example, when the device is to be used for overweight patients.

[0029] The armrests j oining the sections of the device may have different shapes, they may be arched or foldable. In the simplest embodiment, the armrests are equipped with the same type of the latch receiving means the device is equipped. Then, correspondingly, the left armrest is equipped with a latch receiving means, a right armrest comprises latches, because the left edge of the device comprises the latch receiving means. So, the arrangement of the latches and latch receiving means is alternate. Thereupon, in this simplest embodiment, when one obtains a set of two devices, there is no armrest seated therebetween, because the latches and the receiving means, cooperating with each other, are intended to join two devices together. However, in another, more complex variant of the invention, the armrests may be equipped, on one side, with latches, and, on the other side, with latch receiving means, and, in such a variant, may be mounted between two devices joined with each other into a set. In this embodiment, the armrests included into the set between the two devices have latches and receiving means of another type and different structure, comparing to the latches of the first type, described in the above variant, when it is not possible to include the armrest between the two devices joined into a set.

[0030] The mattress seated on a device according to the invention is, preferably, disassembled in order to maintain hygiene. The mattress is composed of sections adjusted to sections of the frame bearer - the usable one.

[0031] Persons skilled in the art know preferable materials used within the device, both in terms of steel or aluminum structures, as well as the materials used for the mattress, and, also, electronic components and control systems for controlling the position of the device. Individual steel elements may be secured by coatings of plastics, rubber, or a foam, for guaranteeing the safety.List of references

[0032] 1 - three-sectional frame bearer 2 - wheeled assembly 3a, 3b - longitudinal elements of the footrest frame (of the lower section) 4a, 4b - longitudinal elements of the seat frame(of the middle section) 5a, 5b - longitudinal elements of the back rest frame (of the upper section) 6, 7 - transverse elements of the footrest frame 8 - transverse elements of the seat frame 9, 10 - transverse elements of the back rest frame 11 - footrest 12 - transport grip 13 - lever of the lift mechanism 14 - latch of the footrest frame 14' - latch of the seat frame 14" - latch of the back rest frame 15 - mobile elements joining sections of the frame bearer 16a, 16b, 16c - parts of the mattress (lower, middle, upper) 17a, 17b - armrests: 17a - left, 17b - right 18 - motor mounting structure 19 - motor

Claims

1. A modular, multifunctional wheeled device for disabled persons, in particular taking a form of a wheeled stretcher, a mobile bed, a wheelchair, an examination couch, a rehabilitation coach, with a three-sectional frame bearer (1) with sections being mobile relative to each other and a wheeled assembly, with a possibility of changing the height of the frame bearer with a lever (13) of gas lift mechanism, wherein the three-sectional frame bearer (1) comprises an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section, mobile relative to each other, that may be arranged in one plane or in three different planes, relative to each other, the middle section is equipped with the wheeled assembly (2) of an adjustable height, the lower section of the three-sectional frame bearer (1) is equipped on the lateral edge of a longitudinal element (3b) with at least one latch (14), preferably a crayfish latch, and the middle section of the three-sectional frame bearer (1) is equipped on the lateral edge of a longitudinal element (4b), with at least one latch (14'), preferably a crayfish latch, and the upper section of the three-sectional frame bearer (1) is equipped, on the lateral edge of a longitudinal element (5b), with at least one latch (14"), preferably a crayfish latch, whereas the opposite sections of the frame bearer (1) are equipped with receiving means that cooperate with the latches (14, 14', 14") and receive these latches (14, 14', 14"), the device is equipped with an assembly for manual controlling the position of the sections of the frame bearer (1) or electrical controlling the position of the sections of the frame bearer (1), via a remote control.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: the lower section of the three-sectional frame bearer (1) comprises longitudinal elements, a right one (3a) and a left one (3b), and transverse elements, a lower one (6) and an upper one (7), the middle section comprises longitudinal elements, a right one (4a) and a left one (4b), and a transverse element (8), and the upper section comprises longitudinal elements, a right one (5a) and a left one (5b), and transverse elements, a lower one (9) and an upper one (10), whereas the frame bearer (1) is equipped with two symmetrical footrests (11) mounted on the lower ends of the lower section, and frame bearer (1) is equipped with a transport grip (12) mounted to the upper end of the upper section.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein on the latch (14') of the middle section and on the latch (14") of the upper section of the three-sectional frame bearer (1) a first armrest (17a) is mounted equipped, correspondingly on its ends, with a means for receiving the latch (14') of the middle section and a means for receiving the latch (14") of the upper section, and wherein, on the opposite side, on the receiving means of the middle section and on the receiving means of the upper section of the three-sectional frame bearer (1), a second armrest (17b) is mounted equipped, correspondingly on its ends, with a latch (14') to be received in the receiving means of the middle section and a latch (14") to be received in the receiving means of the upper section.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the first and second armrests (17a, 17b) are arched or foldable.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the mattress seated on the three-sectional frame bearer (1) may be disassembled and comprises a fixing means for fixing it to the three-sectional frame bearer (1).

6. The device according to claim 2, wherein the footrests (11) and the transport grip (12) function together as opposite grips, when the device takes a form of a bed or a stretcher.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the wheeled assembly (2) comprises a central wheel lock.

8. A set of at least two modular multifunctional wheeled devices, as defined in claims 1, 2 or 5 to 7, for disabled persons, in particular taking a form of a wheeled stretcher, a mobile bed, a wheelchair, an examination couch, or a rehabilitation couch, with a three-sectional frame bearer (1) and a wheeled assembly (2), whereas on one side of the device latches are located and on second side of the device receiving means for receiving the latches are located, whereas the latches and the receiving means cooperate with each other in order to block in the joined position or to release the latch and allow to disjoin neighboring device.

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