Medical or non-medical variable-height double bed made up of two parts joined together

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical or non-medical variable-height double bed (1) which comprises a base (2) equipped with a frame (3) in two distinct parts (4, 5) on each of which are mounted a backrest (6, 8) and a leg rest (7, 9), the said frame (3) comprising removable first connecting pieces (24, 25) designed to join the said two parts (4, 5) together, keeping them snugly one beside the other. A chassis (35) comprises two parts (36, 37). Two scissor-stays (38, 39) are arranged respectively between the parts (4, 5) of the frame (3) and the parts (36, 37) of the chassis (35). The bed comprises two remote controls and an electronic interface system configured so that the first remote control can control actuation of the first backrest (6) and of the first leg rest (7) and the second remote control can control the actuation of the second backrest (8) and of the second leg rest (9) and so that the two remote controls can jointly and / or separately control the actuation of the two scissor-stays (38, 39) synchronously. The two parts of the chassis are preferably fixed together.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of height-adjustable double beds equipped with a frame, a bed base, and a bed base height adjustment system. The invention relates in particular to a medical double bed, although its application to other double beds with comparable characteristics is also conceivable.

[0002] Such a medical double bed allows, in particular, a couple, where at least one of the two people in the couple must be bedridden, to occupy the same bed. State of the art

[0003] A double hospital bed typically consists of a two-person bed base, a frame, and a motorized crossbar positioned between the frame and the bed base's structure. This motorized crossbar is designed to adjust the height of the bed base. The two positions on the bed base are arranged side-by-side on the frame. Each position has an independent, and possibly motorized, backrest and leg rest. Both backrests and leg rests are mounted on the frame. The term "frame" refers to the bed base's structure, which includes side rails and crossbars that support the two backrests and leg rests.

[0004] On such a double hospital bed, the motorized mechanisms for the crossbar, backrests, and leg rests are activated by two remote controls. The first remote control allows the first person, occupying the first position in the bed, to adjust the backrest and leg rests to change their incline and to adjust the crossbar to change the height of the bed frame. Similarly, the second remote control allows the second person, occupying the second position in the bed, to adjust the backrest and leg rests to change their incline and to adjust the crossbar to change the height of the bed frame.

[0005] A major drawback of current double hospital beds concerns their delivery and installation in patients' homes. Indeed, the design standards for a double hospital bed impose sizing and strength requirements that make the bed difficult to transport in a van and impossible for a single installer to handle due to its size and weight.

[0006] In addition, the bed base can tip to one side when the two people occupying the double medical bed have a significant weight difference or when only one of the two people is lying down.

[0007] The prior art published under numbers DE102011085669A1, EP3222170A1 and DE2011050361U1 relating to beds is also known.

[0008] Prior art DE102011085669A1 relates to a bed comprising a frame consisting of a single lengthwise section and two motorized crossbars arranged respectively at the head and foot of said single-section frame. These two crossbars together support one or two frames extending lengthwise along the bed, one of the two frames being removable to convert the bed from a double to a single. These two motorized crossbars allow the frame(s) to be tilted when not operated synchronously and, conversely, allow the height of the frame(s) to be adjusted when operated synchronously.

[0009] Prior art EP3222170A1 relates to a twin bed comprising at least two frames. Each frame has a motorized, articulated arm structure that supports a bed base. This structure allows the height of the bed base to be adjusted. A control box activates the motor to adjust the bed base height. The frame control boxes are interconnected by linking means. One control box is a master unit, and the others are slave units, so that the master unit can control the other slave units and synchronize the raising and lowering of all the bed bases arranged in the same horizontal plane.

[0010] Prior art DE2011050361U1 relates to a double bed comprising two frames, each equipped with an articulated arm structure fitted with two motors, one at the foot end and the other at the head end of the bed. Each articulated arm structure receives a bed frame. The two motors on the first frame and the two motors on the second frame are operated by a control box with a single control element to ensure simultaneous movement of both bed frames in the same plane. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks by designing a double medical bed whose disassembly is optimized so that, once disassembled, it can be transported in a van and a single operator is able to handle and assemble it at the home of bedridden individuals. The invention is defined by the following claims, in particular the main claim defining the essential features.

[0012] According to the invention, the medical double bed comprises a bed base which includes a first position and a second position. The first position includes a first backrest and a first leg rest, and the second position includes a second backrest and a second leg rest.

[0013] According to the invention, the bed base comprises a frame consisting of two distinct parts extending lengthwise along the bed. The term "frame" refers to the structure of the bed base on which the two backrests and two leg rests are mounted. The first part of the frame includes the first backrest and the first leg rest, and the second part of the frame includes the second backrest and the second leg rest. Furthermore, the frame includes at least one first removable connecting piece arranged to join said two parts of the frame together by holding them side by side.

[0014] According to the invention, the double medical bed comprises a frame which includes two distinct parts extending equally lengthwise.

[0015] According to the invention, the medical double bed comprises two motorized crossbars which are arranged, the first, between the first part of the frame and the first part of the chassis and, the second, between the second part of the frame and the second part of the chassis.

[0016] According to the invention, the double medical bed comprises two control devices, preferably two remote controls, and an electronic interface system. The electronic interface system includes control means configured so that the first control device can control the actuation of the first backrest and, preferably, the first leg rest, and the second control device can control the actuation of the second backrest and, preferably, the second leg rest. Furthermore, these control means are configured so that the two control devices can control, either one or the other, the actuation of the two crossbars in a synchronized manner.

[0017] In one embodiment of the double medical bed, the first and second backrests are motorized. Furthermore, the electronic interface system's control means are configured so that the first control unit can operate the first backrest and the second control unit can operate the second backrest. In a preferred embodiment of the double medical bed, the first and second leg rests are also motorized. In addition, the electronic interface system's control means are configured so that the first control unit can operate the first leg rest and the second control unit can operate the second leg rest.

[0018] Preferably, the control devices are remote controls, but one can consider, for example, a voice recognition system or an optical recognition system.

[0019] Preferably, in addition to the cross braces, the backrests and leg rests are motorized. However, it is possible to have only the backrests and cross braces motorized, with the leg rests operated manually. As a last resort, it is also possible to have only the cross braces motorized, with the backrests and leg rests operated manually.

[0020] Those skilled in the art will understand that the aforementioned features, with a two-part frame and a two-part chassis, allow the dimensions of the double hospital bed to be halved before assembly, thus reducing the width and weight of the bed base and chassis by half. The presence of at least one connecting piece ensures that the two frame parts remain firmly joined, advantageously maintaining frame continuity without risk of creating a gap between them, even when only one person is lying in their designated place in the bed or when there is a considerable weight difference between the two people lying in their respective places.Furthermore, the presence of two cross braces, each positioned between a section of the frame and a section of the chassis, allows for better distribution of forces. This prevents the frame from tilting when only one person is lying in bed or when there is a significant weight difference between two people lying in their respective positions; the two connected sections of the frame thus remain in the same horizontal plane. Moreover, the interface system ensures simultaneous and synchronized operation of the two cross braces for raising or lowering the bed frame, which also helps to keep the two sections of the frame side by side in a horizontal plane.In addition, this prevents a height difference between the two parts of the frame from occurring, which could lead to a risk of shearing an arm or leg if one of the bed occupants were to position their arm or leg between the two parts of the frame, which are separated from each other, while the other occupant was adjusting the height of their part of the bed base.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the double medical bed, the frame includes two connecting pieces arranged between the two frame sections, respectively at their two longitudinal ends. This ensures proper support between the two frame sections and, moreover, facilitates the installation of these two connecting pieces due to their positioning at the frame's ends.

[0022] According to the aforementioned embodiment of the double medical bed, each part of the frame comprises two side rails. Furthermore, each first connecting piece is configured to fit into the two adjacent longitudinal ends of the side rails of the two parts of the frame. In other words, one of the two first connecting pieces is fitted into the adjacent longitudinal ends of the two side rails at one longitudinal end of the bed, and the other of the two first connecting pieces is fitted into the adjacent longitudinal ends of the two side rails at a second longitudinal end of the bed. Preferably, each first connecting piece comprises a plate and two first pins extending parallel to each other on the same face of the plate, the first two pins being configured to fit into the two adjacent longitudinal ends of the side rails of the two parts of the frame, respectively.

[0023] Of course, one could provide for one or two first connecting pieces arranged elsewhere than at the longitudinal ends of the frame and having a different design from the one mentioned above, or even provide for more than two first connecting pieces distributed along the length between the two parts of the frame and having various designs adapted to cooperate with the two parts of the frame.

[0024] Thus, according to another variant of the first connecting piece, for a double medical bed in which each part of the frame comprises two side rails, at least one first connecting piece includes an inverted U-shaped connecting bracket configured to receive the two adjacent side rails of the two frame parts joined side by side. This connecting bracket is equipped with locking means to hold the two adjacent side rails within the inverted U-shape. Preferably, according to this variant, the frame comprises two first connecting pieces on the adjacent side rails of the two frame parts.

[0025] According to another variant, it will of course be possible to provide two first connecting pieces of the plate type with pin, fitted to the adjacent longitudinal ends of the side rails of the two parts of the frame arranged one next to the other and, one or two other first connecting pieces of the connecting clevis type receiving the two adjacent side rails of the said two parts of the frame arranged one next to the other.

[0026] According to a preferred design of the double hospital bed, the frame includes at least one additional removable connecting piece designed to be mounted between the two parts of the frame to secure them together, with or without a gap between these two parts, depending on the various possible design variations of the frame. This strengthens the two parts of the frame and also helps to hold the two parts of the bed frame together, reducing stress on the first connecting piece. This facilitates movement of the frame, which is mounted on casters to make the double hospital bed mobile. Furthermore, it prevents the two parts of the frame from separating while the two parts of the bed frame remain joined, which could mechanically lock the two cross braces.Preferably, the chassis includes two second connecting pieces.

[0027] Preferably, according to the aforementioned embodiment of the double medical bed, each part of the frame comprises two side rails. Furthermore, at least one second connecting piece is arranged between the adjacent side rails of the two parts of the frame when the two parts of the frame are placed side by side.

[0028] According to a first embodiment, at least one second connecting piece comprises a bar positioned transversely on the bed and fitted with hooks at its ends. This bar is of a length adapted so that the hooks engage respectively in the adjacent side rails of the two chassis sections when the two frame sections are placed side by side. The length of the bar will depend on the distance between the two adjacent side rails of the two chassis sections.

[0029] According to a second, preferred embodiment, at least one second connecting piece comprises a plate arranged transversely and of a length suitable for being fixed by means of fastening, for example by screws, between the adjacent side members of the two parts of the chassis, when the two parts of the frame are juxtaposed. Preferably, according to this second embodiment, two plates are fixed to the ends of said adjacent side members.

[0030] Other variants of second connecting pieces could be considered within the framework of the invention. For example, a bar could be provided with two parallel pins at its ends extending on the same face of the bar, in a manner comparable to those on the plate for the first connecting piece mentioned above, these pins fitting into the ends of the adjacent side rails on the chassis parts, the spacing between these two pins depending on the spacing existing between the two adjacent side rails of the two chassis parts.

[0031] In one embodiment, the double hospital bed comprises a headboard panel attached to one end of the frame and a footboard panel attached to the other end. Furthermore, two connecting elements are arranged between the headboard panel and the two frame sections, and two connecting elements between the footboard panel and the frame sections. This reinforces the connection between the two frame sections, in addition to the at least one connecting element described earlier. Consequently, the headboard and footboard panels can be considered as further variations of the two connecting elements, as they contribute to securing the two frame sections by holding them together.

[0032] According to the aforementioned embodiment of the double hospital bed, the headboard panel comprises a first inner face and two second pins extending from the first inner face to the lateral sides of said headboard panel. Similarly, the footboard panel comprises a second inner face and two third pins extending from the second inner face to the lateral sides of said footboard panel. The second pins are configured to fit into the spaced side rails of the two frame sections at its first end, and the third pins are configured to fit into the spaced side rails of the two frame sections at its second end.

[0033] According to a first embodiment, the electronic interface system comprises a first electronic interface box to which the first and second backrests are connected, and, when these are motorized, the first and second leg rests as well. The electronic interface system also comprises a second electronic interface box to which the first and second cross braces are connected. Furthermore, the electronic interface system includes a distribution electronic box to which the first and second control devices (preferably, both remote controls) are connected.The electronic control unit is connected to the first electronic interface box to control, firstly, the operation of the first backrest and leg rest based on instructions received from the first remote control, and secondly, the operation of the second backrest and leg rest based on instructions received from the second remote control. Furthermore, the electronic control unit is connected to the second electronic interface box to control the simultaneous operation of the first and second crossbars for raising or lowering the bed base, based on instructions received from either the first or second remote control.

[0034] According to a second, preferred embodiment, the electronic interface system comprises a single electronic interface unit to which are connected the first and second control devices (preferably, both remote controls), the first and second backrests when these are motorized, the first and second leg rests when these are motorized, and the first and second cross braces. The electronic interface unit controls, on the one hand, the actuation of the first backrest and leg rest based on instructions received from the first control device and, on the other hand, the actuation of the second backrest and leg rest based on instructions received from the second control device.In addition, the electronic interface box controls the simultaneous actuation of the first crossbar and the second crossbar for raising or lowering the bed base, according to the instructions received from the first control unit or the second control unit.

[0035] According to the double hospital bed of the invention, the two parts of the frame are each mounted on four casters. In a preferred embodiment, each part of the frame comprises two side rails. Two casters are mounted on each of the two adjacent side rails of the two parts of the frame, at a distance from the ends of said adjacent side rails. Two casters are mounted on each of the two distant side rails (those on the lateral sides) of the two parts of the frame, preferably at the ends of said distant side rails. This arrangement of casters on the two parts of the frame advantageously allows for the attachment of headboard and footboard panels to the ends of the frame without any interference from the casters.

[0036] In one design of a double hospital bed, each frame section comprises two longitudinally extending portions that are removably joined together using interlocking mechanisms. This further reduces the size and weight of the disassembled frame sections during transport and handling.

[0037] Preferably, according to the aforementioned embodiment, the double medical bed comprises two transport trolleys, each transport trolley being configured to receive and support in a side-lying position one of the two parts of the chassis to which one of the cross members and one of the two parts of the frame remain attached.

[0038] According to one design of a double hospital bed, the electronic interface system is configured to prevent the simultaneous activation of both crossbars when a command to raise or lower the frame is received simultaneously by both remote controls. Variations are possible. In one variation, the electronic interface system could be configured so that the first of the two remote controls activated takes precedence over the simultaneous activation of both crossbars. In a second variation, one of the two remote controls could be designated as the "master" remote, while the other would be designated as the "slave" remote, with the master remote having priority over the slave remote. Brief description of the figures

[0039] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is supported by figures, including: There figure 1illustrates a first realization of the structure of the double medical bed according to the invention with the bed base in the raised position and the backrests and leg rests in inclined positions; The figure 2 illustrates the structure of the double medical bed according to this first realization of the figure 1 with the bed base in the lowered position and the backrests and leg rests in flat positions, in the plane of the frame; The figure 3 corresponds to the figure 2 , with the various connecting parts illustrated in exploded view; The figure 4 illustrates a first method of constructing a first connecting piece that fits between the two parts of the frame; The figure 5 illustrates a first embodiment of a second connecting piece that attaches to both parts of the chassis; The figure 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a first connecting piece that attaches to the two parts of the frame; The figure 7highlights the presence of two interface boxes under the two parts of the bed frame; The figures 8 And 9 respectively illustrate two portions that make up one of the two parts of the frame; The Figure 10 illustrates a section of the disassembled double hospital bed stored on a support trolley; The figure 11 illustrates a complete double hospital bed, including a headboard panel and a footboard panel; The figure 12 This illustrates the headboard panel or the footboard panel, whose designs are identical or similar. figure 13 illustrates a second realization of the structure of the double medical bed, varying slightly from that of the figure 1 There figure 14 illustrates a second embodiment of a second connecting piece that attaches to both parts of the chassis, as implemented in the variant embodiment of the figure 13 . Detailed description

[0040] In the following description, the medical double bed that is the subject of the invention is referred to as "bed", unless otherwise indicated.

[0041] In the rest of the description, the same references will be used to designate the same characteristics or their equivalents, in the case of several variant implementations.

[0042] The terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "lateral", "high", "low", "superior", "lower"... which may be used, will be used in consideration of the position of the bed in normal mode of use, with bedridden persons lying lengthwise along the said bed.

[0043] In view of the figures 1 and 2The bed 1 comprises a bed base 2, which includes a frame 3 consisting of two parts 4, 5 arranged side by side. On the first part 4 of the frame are mounted a first backrest 6 and a first leg rest 7. Similarly, on the second part of the frame 5 are mounted a second backrest 8 and a second leg rest 9. Each part 4, 5 of the frame 3 extends lengthwise along the bed 1. The backrests 6, 8 and the leg rests 7, 9 can be tilted independently of each other, as is already the case on currently available medical double beds.

[0044] In view of the figures 1, 2 , 8 And 9 Each part 4, 5 of frame 3 is composed of two portions 10, 11 which extend lengthwise along bed 1. A first portion 10, illustrated in figure 8 , is positioned at the foot of bed 1 and receives the leg rest 7, 9; a second portion 11, illustrated in figure 9, is positioned at the head of the bed 1 and receives the backrest 6, 8. We observe on these figures 8 And 9 that the backrests 6, 8 are each operated by a motorized electric actuator 12, 13 and that the leg rests 7, 9 are also each operated by a motorized electric actuator 14, 15. The implementation of motorized backrests and leg rests on single or double medical bed frames is well known; those skilled in the art can refer to it to apply it to the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3. One could consider a variant of bed 1 in which only the backrests 6, 8 would be motorized, the leg rests 7, 9 being operated manually, without the assistance of a motorization.

[0045] In light of these figures 1, 2 , 8 And 9The first section 10 comprises two first sections of longitudinal members 16, 17, and the second section 11 comprises two second sections of longitudinal members 18, 19. The ends 16a, 17a of the first sections of longitudinal members 16, 17 fit respectively into the ends 18a, 19a of the second sections of longitudinal members 18, 19, thus forming the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3, these parts 4, 5 each having two longitudinal members 20, 21, 22, 23. It can be seen on the figures 1 to 3 that the longitudinal member 21 of the first part 4 of the frame 3 is adjacent to the longitudinal member 22 of the second part 5 of the frame 3 and, conversely, that the longitudinal member 20 of the first part 4 of the frame 3 is distant from the longitudinal member 23 of the second part 5 of the frame 3.

[0046] On the figure 3, we observe that the frame 3 includes two different designs of first connecting pieces 24, 25 participating in the joining of the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3 so as to guarantee the maintenance of these two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3 glued side by side in the same plane, with the longitudinal member 21 of the first part 4 of the frame 3 adjoining the longitudinal member 22 of the second part 5 of the frame 3.

[0047] In view of the figures 1 to 3 Two first connecting pieces 24 are positioned respectively at the two longitudinal ends 3a, 3b of the frame 3. This first connecting piece 24 comprises a plate 26 and two pins 27, 28 which extend perpendicularly from the inner face 29 of the plate 26, as illustrated in the figure 4At the first longitudinal end 3a of the frame 3, the pins 27, 28 of one of the first two connecting pieces 24 fit respectively into the first longitudinal ends 21a, 22a of the two longitudinal members 21, 22 belonging respectively to the first part 4 and the second part 5 of the frame 3. Similarly, the pins 27, 28 of the other of the first two connecting pieces 24 fit into the second longitudinal ends 21b, 22b of said two longitudinal members 21, 22.

[0048] In view of the figures 1 to 3 Two other first connecting pieces 25, of a different design from that mentioned above for the first connecting pieces 24, are positioned on the two adjacent longitudinal members 21, 22 belonging respectively to the first part 4 and the second part 5 of the frame 3. As illustrated by the figure 6This first connecting piece 25 consists of a connecting clevis 30 having an inverted U-shape of dimensions adapted to receive the two longitudinal members 21, 22 glued to each other in the same plane, as shown in the figures 1 and 2 This connecting bracket 30 comprises a base 31 and two arms 32, 33; a bolt 34 is placed between the two arms 32, 33, as shown in the figure 6 Once the connecting bracket 30 is positioned on the two longerons 21, 22, the bolt 34 is placed between the two arms 32, 33, passing under said two longerons 21, 22. Thus, the two longerons 21, 22 remain perfectly joined together, pressed against each other and in the same plane. On the figures 1 and 2These first connecting pieces 25 are placed near the longitudinal ends 3a, 3b of the frame 3, for example between 20 cm and 40 cm from said longitudinal ends 3a, 3b, which will facilitate their installation without having to climb onto the bed base 2. However, these first connecting pieces 25 could be placed in other locations along the two side rails 21, 22. It would also be possible to provide for a first connecting piece 25 placed in the central part of the two side rails 21, 22, as a replacement or in addition to the first two connecting pieces 25 placed near the longitudinal ends 3a, 3b of the frame 3.

[0049] The placement of the first two connecting pieces 24 at the longitudinal ends 21a, 22a, 21b, 22b of the two side members 21, 21, and the placement of the other two connecting pieces 25 on the two side members 21, 22, ensures perfect integration of the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3 by keeping them glued side by side in the same plane. This prevents any separation or difference in height between the two side members 21, 22, thus avoiding any risk of pinching or shearing of a limb (arm, leg, hand, foot, or finger) of one of the bedridden individuals, particularly when the load distribution on the frame 3 is not uniform, which is generally the case when only one of the two individuals is bedridden or when there is a significant weight difference between the two bedridden individuals.

[0050] As illustrated opposite the figures 1 and 2The bed comprises a frame 35 consisting of two separate parts 36, 37 of identical design. A first crossbar 38 is arranged between the first part 36 of the frame 35 and the first part 4 of the bed base frame 3. Similarly, a second crossbar 39 is arranged between the second part 37 of the frame 35 and the second part 5 of the bed base frame 3. Both the first crossbar 38 and the second crossbar 39 are actuated by means of two respective motorized electric actuators 40, 41. The two parts 36, 37 of the frame 35 are each mounted on four casters 42, ensuring easy mobility of each part 36, 37, both when the frame 35 is assembled and when it is disassembled.The implementation of a motorized cross brace between a chassis and a bed base frame is well known on single medical beds; those skilled in the art can refer to it to implement the cross braces 38, 39 between the parts 36, 37 of the chassis 35 and the parts 4, 5 of the frame 3. The presence of these two cross braces 38, 39 advantageously allows for the homogeneous distribution of support under the frame 3 formed by the assembly of the two parts 4, 5 of said frame 3; this homogeneity of support under the frame 3 allows it to be maintained more or less in a horizontal plane despite the presence of only one person out of two in the bed or a significant difference in weight between the two people in the bed.

[0051] As illustrated opposite the Figures 1 And 3The two parts 36, 37 of the chassis 35 are joined together by means of two second connecting pieces 43. The first part 36 of the chassis comprises two longitudinal members 44, 45, and the second part 37 of the chassis 35 also comprises two longitudinal members 46, 47. The longitudinal member 45 of the first part 36 of the chassis 35 is positioned near the longitudinal member 46 of the second part 37 of the chassis 35, close to each other, while the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3 are held assembled, glued side by side, as shown in the figure 1 The longeron 44 of the first part 36 of the chassis 35 is distant from the longeron 47 of the second part 37 of the chassis 35, as shown by the figure 1 .

[0052] As illustrated by the figure 5The second connecting piece 43 includes a bar 48 which is positioned transversely under the bed 1 when said second connecting piece 43 is placed between the two parts 36, 37 of the frame 35. This second connecting piece 43 further includes two inverted U-shaped hooks 49, 50, which are arranged respectively at the two ends 48a, 48b of the bar 48. These hooks 49, 50 each have a locking pin 51, 52. The length of the bar 48 is dimensioned so that the spacing between the two hooks 49, 50 corresponds to the spacing between the two adjacent side members 45, 46 of the two parts 36, 37 of the frame 35, so that these two hooks 49, 50 are housed respectively on said adjacent side members 45, 46. locking pins 51, 52 being placed under said longitudinal members 45, 46 so as to fix the second connecting piece 43 on these two longitudinal members 45, 46.

[0053] THE Figures 13 and 14illustrate a preferred implementation of bed 1, in which the second connecting piece 43 consists of a simple plate 430 arranged transversely and fixed by screws between the first ends 45a, 46a of the two adjacent side members 45, 46; the same applies between the second ends 45b, 46b of said side members 45, 46 where another second connecting piece 43 is arranged. The plate 430 and the center-to-center distance between the holes 431, 432 used for the passage of the fixing screws 433, 434 are dimensioned to correspond to the spacing between the two adjacent side members 45, 46 of the parts 36, 37 of the chassis 35, when the two parts 4, 5 of the frame are juxtaposed. It can be seen on this variant of bed 1, in figure 13The internal casters 421, 422 are arranged on the two adjacent side rails 45, 46, offset inwards from the first ends 45a, 46a of said side rails 45, 46, while the external casters 423, 424 are arranged at the first ends 44a, 47a of the two side rails 44, 47 located on the lateral sides of the frame 35. This allows a trim panel (not shown) to be attached to the cross members 53, 54 of the frame sections 36, 37, at the foot of the bed 1a. The same applies to the four other casters 425, 426, 427, 428 arranged on the frame sections 36, 37 at the head of the bed 1b.

[0054] An electronic interface system is implemented on the bed by means of an electronic interface box 55 fixed, for example, to a crossbar 56 of one of the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3 of the bed base 2, on the side of the headboard 1b, as illustrated in the Figures 1 And 7The bed 1 also includes two remote controls (not shown) similar to those found on traditional double medical beds; these two remote controls are arranged respectively on either side of the bed 1 so that they are accessible, one, by the first person lying on a first mattress (not shown) placed on the first part 2a of the bed frame 2 including the first backrest 6 and the first leg rest 7 and, the other, by the second person lying on a second mattress (not shown) placed on the second part 2b of the bed frame 2 including the second backrest 8 and the second leg rest 9. The first and second remote controls are connected to the interface box 55, preferably by means of electrical connection cords, although a wireless connection is also possible.

[0055] These remote controls preferably include six buttons, like traditional remote controls. The first two buttons control the inclination of the backrest 6 or 8; the second two buttons control the inclination of the leg rest 7 or 9 when these are motorized; and the third two buttons control the height of the bed base 2. A four-button remote control could be used in a version where only the first and second backrests 6, 8 and the crossbars 38, 39 are motorized, or even a two-button remote control in a version where only the crossbars 38, 39 are motorized.

[0056] For this purpose, the interface box 55 includes an electronic control module equipped with a programmable memory card. This electronic control module is programmed to receive information from the first remote control when the first person presses one of the buttons on that first remote control and to activate the following accordingly: the motorized electric cylinder 12 of the backrest 6, when one of the first two buttons of the first remote control is activated; the motorized electric cylinder 14 of the leg rest 7, when one of the second two buttons of the first remote control is activated; simultaneously the two motorized electric cylinders 40, 41 of the two cross braces 38, 39, when one of the third two buttons of the first remote control is activated.

[0057] Similarly, this electronic control module is programmed to receive information from the second remote control when the second person presses one of the buttons on that second remote control and to activate it accordingly: the motorized electric cylinder 13 of the backrest 8, when one of the first two buttons of the second remote control is activated; the motorized electric cylinder 15 of the leg rest 9, when one of the second two buttons of the second remote control is activated; simultaneously the two motorized electric cylinders 40, 41 of the two cross braces 38, 39, when one of the third two buttons of the second remote control is activated. The simultaneous and synchronized control of the two motorized electric jacks 40, 41 of the two cross members 38, 39, guarantees that the frame 3 can be raised and lowered while maintaining it in a horizontal plane and avoids creating a height difference between the first part 4 and the second part 5 of the frame 3, so as to prevent any risk of shearing of a limb of one of the bedridden persons, the said height difference being moreover made impossible by the presence of the first connecting pieces 24 put in place between the said first part 4 and second part 5 of the frame 3. Preferably, the electronic control module of the interface box 55 is programmed so that when both remote controls are activated simultaneously to adjust the bed height, the actuation of the two motorized electric actuators 40, 41 of the two crossbars 38, 39 is deactivated. However, the electronic control module of the interface box 55 could be programmed so that one of these two remote controls is the master and the other the slave, so that one of the remote controls has priority over the other for adjusting the height of the bed base 2. The module could also be programmed to electronic control of interface box 55 so that the first remote control activated takes priority over the other remote control with regard to the height adjustment of the position of the bed base 2.

[0058] As illustrated opposite the Figures 11 and 12The bed 1 comprises a headboard panel 57 mounted at the first end 3a of the frame 3 and a footboard panel 58 mounted at the second end 3b of the frame 3. Each panel 57, 58 comprises two pins 59, 60 on its two lateral sides 57a, 57b, 58a, 58b, these two pins 59, 60 extending from the inner faces 61, 62 of said panels 57, 58. The two pins 59, 60 of the headboard panel 57 fit respectively into the first longitudinal ends 20a, 23a of the two side rails 20, 23 located between the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3. Similarly, the two pins 59, 60 of the footboard panel 58 fit respectively into the second ends longitudinal 20b, 23b of the two longitudinal members 20, 23 distant from the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3.Besides dressing the bed 1, it is understood that these two panels 57, 58 also help to keep the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3 together, glued side by side in the same plane.

[0059] In relation to the Figure 10 , bed 1 is equipped with two transport trolleys 63 (only one illustrated on the Figure 10Each transport trolley 63, placed flat on the floor, receives, in a horizontal position on its side, one of the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3 and one of the two parts 36, 37 of the chassis 35, to which the corresponding cross member 38, 39 is attached. Preferably, part 4, 5 of the frame 3 also remains attached to the cross member 38, 39, but a variant of the transport trolley 63 could be provided requiring the disassembly of part 4, 5 of the frame 3 with respect to the cross member 38, 39 for their separate attachment to said trolley 63. Once the bed 1 is assembled, the two transport trolleys 63 are removed for storage in a cupboard, for example.Each transport trolley 63 comprises two independent support structures 64, 65, each mounted on casters 66, 67 and each comprising a vertical upright 68, 69 to which is fixed one end 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b of part 4, 5 of the frame 3, to which the respective cross brace 38, 39 and part 36, 37 of the respective chassis 35 are attached. For this purpose, the vertical uprights 68, 69 each comprise two horizontal pins (not shown), similar to the two pins 59, 60 on the headboard or footboard panel 57, 58 shown in Figure 1. figure 12 , however, with a vertical arrangement and a half-space between these two pins so that they can be fitted into the respective ends 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a, 20b, 21b, 22b, 23b of the longitudinal members 20, 21, 22, 23 of one of the two parts 4, 5 of the frame 3 mounted on said transport trolley 63; wing nuts 70 (illustrated for example in figures 3 And 13) then ensure the locking between the two vertical uprights 68, 69 and the two respective ends 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b of said part 4, 5 of frame 3.

[0060] The preceding description highlights the features and advantages of bed 1 according to the invention. This description is not exhaustive, as variations may be envisaged within the scope of the invention.

[0061] In particular, one can plan for a bed 1 with only the backrests 6, 8 and the crossbars 38, 39 motorized or, at the extreme limit, a bed 1 with only the crossbars 38, 39 motorized.

[0062] A variant of the electronic interface system can also be provided, comprising two electronic interface boxes connected to a distribution electronic box. The motorized electric actuators 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the backrests 6 and 8 and the leg rests 7 and 9 are connected to the first electronic interface box, the electric actuators 40 and 41 of the cross braces 38 and 39 are connected to the second electronic interface box, and the remote controls are connected to the distribution electronic box. Activating one of the first two buttons and / or one of the second two buttons on the first remote control activates, respectively, the motorized electric actuator 12 of the first backrest 6 and / or the motorized electric actuator 14 of the first leg rest 7 via the distribution electronic box and the first electronic interface box.Similarly, pressing one of the first two buttons and / or one of the second two buttons on the second remote control activates the motorized electric actuator 13 of the second backrest 8 and / or the motorized electric actuator 15 of the second leg rest 9, respectively, via the electronic control unit and the first electronic interface unit. Furthermore, pressing one of the third two buttons on either the first or second remote control simultaneously activates the two motorized electric actuators 40 and 41 of the two cross braces 38 and 39 via the electronic control unit and the second electronic interface unit.

[0063] Other control devices can also be provided as a replacement or complement to remote controls, for example a voice recognition system or an optical recognition system, in case one or the other of the bedridden persons is unable to move their arms, or even to speak.

Claims

1. Medical or non-medical variable-height double bed (1), which comprises a bed base (2) that comprises a first station and a second station, the first station including a first backrest (6) and a first leg rest (7) and the second station including a second backrest (8) and a second leg rest (9), characterised in that said double bed (1) comprises: - a frame (3) that comprises two distinct parts (4, 5) extending in the longitudinal direction of the bed (1) and including both the first backrest (6) and the first leg rest (7) and the second backrest (8) and the second leg rest (9), each part (4, 5) of the frame (3) comprising two side members (20, 21, 22, 23), said frame (3) comprising at least one first removable connecting piece (24, 25, 57, 58) arranged between the adjacent side members (21, 22) of the two parts (4, 5) of the frame (3) to secure said two parts (4, 5) of the frame (3) together, keeping them stuck one beside the other, - a chassis (35) which comprises two distinct parts (36, 37) extending in longitudinal direction, - two motorised scissor-stays (38, 39) that are arranged, the first scissor-stay (38), between the first part (4) of the frame (3) and the first part (36) of the chassis (35) and, the second scissor-stay (39), between the second part (5) of the frame (3) and the second part (37) of the chassis (35) and, - two control members, preferably two remote controls, and an electronic interface system comprising control means configured so that the two control members can each control the actuation of the two scissor-stays (38, 39) synchronously.

2. Double bed (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first backrest (6) is motorised and the second backrest (8) is motorised, the control means of the electronic interface system being configured so that the first control member can control the actuation of the first backrest (6) and the second control member can control the actuation of the second backrest (8).

3. Double bed (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first leg rest (7) is motorised and the second leg rest (9) is motorised, the control means of the electronic interface system being configured so that the first control member can control the actuation of the first leg rest (7) and the second control member can control the actuation of the second leg rest (9).

4. Double bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame (3) comprises two first connecting pieces (24) which are each arranged between two adjacent longitudinal ends (21a, 22a, 21b, 22b) of the side members (21, 22) respectively to the two longitudinal ends (3a, 3b) of said frame (3).

5. Double bed (1) according to claim 4, wherein each first connecting piece (24) is configured to fit into the two adjacent longitudinal ends (21a, 22a, 21b, 22b) of the side members (21, 22) of the two parts (4, 5) of the frame (3).

6. Double bed (1) according to claim 5, wherein each first connecting piece (24) comprises a plate (26) and two first pins (27, 28) extending parallel on a same face (29) of the plate, the two first pins being configured to fit respectively into the two adjacent longitudinal ends (21a, 22a, 21b, 22b) of the side members (21, 22) of the two parts (4, 5) of the frame (3).

7. Double bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one first connecting piece (25) comprising an inverted U-shaped connecting cap (30) configured to receive the two adjacent side members (21, 22) of the two parts of the frame, said connecting cap (30) being provided with locking means (34) so as to hold said two side members (21, 22) in the inverted U-shape.

8. Double bed (1) according to claim 7, wherein the frame (3) comprises two first connecting pieces (25) on the adjacent side members (21, 22) of the two parts (4, 5) of the frame.

9. Double bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the chassis (35) comprises at least one second connecting piece (43) arranged to be mounted between the two parts (36, 37) of said chassis (35) in order to secure them by holding them next to each other.

10. Double bed (1) according to claim 9, wherein each part (36, 37) of the chassis (35) comprises two side members (44, 45), 46, 47), the at least one second connecting piece (43) being arranged between the adjacent side members (45, 46) of the two parts (36, 37) of the chassis (35), when the two parts (4, 5) of the frame (3) are juxtaposed.

11. Double bed (1) according to claim 10, wherein the at least one second connecting piece (43) comprises a plate (430) arranged transversely and with a length adapted to be fixed by means of fastening means between the adjacent side members (45, 46) of the two parts (36, 37) of the chassis (35).

12. Double bed (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the chassis (35) comprises two second connecting pieces (43).

13. Double bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which comprises a headboard panel (57) arranged at a first end (3a) of the frame (3) and a footboard panel (58) arranged at a second end (3b) of the frame (3), first assembly means being arranged between the headboard panel (57) and the two parts (4, 5) of the frame (3) and second assembly means being arranged between the footboard panel (58) and the two parts (4, 5) of the frame (3).

14. Double bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the electronic interface system comprises a single electronic interface unit (55) to which the first and second control members, the first and second scissor-stays (38, 39), optionally the first and second backrests (6, 8) when these are motorised and optionally the first and second leg rests (7) when these are also motorised are connected, the interface unit (55) incorporating said control means.

15. Double bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the two parts (36, 37) of the chassis (35) are each mounted on four castors (42).

16. Double bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each part (4, 5) of the frame (3) comprises two parts (10, 11) that extend longitudinally and are removably assembled together by means of interlocking means (16a, 17a, 18a, 19a).

17. Double bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, which comprises two transport carriages (63), each transport carriage (63) being configured to receive and support in a longitudinal position on its side one of the two parts (36, 37) of the chassis (35) to which one of the scissor-stays (38, 39) and one of the two parts (4, 5) of the frame (3) are joined.

18. Double bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the electronic interface system is configured to neutralise the simultaneous actuation of the two scissor-stays (38, 39) when information for raising or lowering the frame (3) is received simultaneously by the two remote controls.

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