Mobile functional piece of furniture, and method for using same
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024703914
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-03-31
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing mobile infant bathtubs require significant storage space when not in use, collect dust, and are difficult to clean, making them less hygienic and less practical for medical settings.
A mobile functional furniture system with a receiving section for the infant bathtub and a functional section that can be used for storage or as a changing table, equipped with rollers for mobility, a ramp device for easy access, and a braking system to secure the furniture, allowing the bathtub to be stored hygienically and moved as needed.
The system allows for efficient storage and easy mobility of the infant bathtub, maintaining hygiene and versatility, enabling single-person operation and optimal use of space, while providing a changing table option during bathing.
Smart Images
Figure EP2024050978_25072024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Mobile functional furniture and method of use
[0002] Description
[0003] The present invention relates to a mobile functional piece of furniture, particularly for the medical field, comprising at least one receiving section and at least one functional section, wherein the receiving section comprises at least one receiving space for at least one mobile infant bathtub. The present invention also relates to a system comprising such a functional piece of furniture and a mobile infant bathtub. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for using such a system.
[0004] DE 10 2017 124 657 A1 discloses a mobile infant bathtub featuring a foldable or pivoting tub body with a closed inner surface. The closed surface without a drain makes the bathtub very hygienic, which is particularly desirable in neonatal and / or premature baby wards or in the field of neonatology. The tub body is mounted on a height-adjustable stand, which is attached to a mobile base. The pivoting tub body allows the water to be easily tipped into a sink after bathing without the need for a drain in the tub body.
[0005] While the infant bathtub described above is very convenient and popular, it requires a relatively large amount of storage space when not in use. Furthermore, the bathtub accumulates dust when not in use for extended periods, making cleaning before use difficult.
[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to further improve the usability of such a bathtub.
[0007] This object is achieved by a mobile piece of functional furniture having the features of claim 1, by a system having the features of claim 16, and by a method for using such a system having the features of claim 17. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment.
[0008] The mobile functional furniture according to the invention is intended in particular for the medical field. The mobile functional furniture comprises at least one receiving section and at least one functional section. The receiving section comprises at least one receiving space for at least one mobile infant bathtub.
[0009] The medical sector refers in particular to the professional medical sector, such as hospitals, doctor's offices, but also nursing.
[0010] The functional section is arranged in particular at least in sections on and / or on the receiving section.
[0011] To make the mobile functional furniture mobile, a sufficient number of casters are provided, which are preferably arranged on a bottom wall of the receiving section. In expedient developments, the receiving space or the receiving section is adapted to the dimensions or the shape and / or size of the baby bathtub to be accommodated therein.
[0012] The fusion section can, in particular, be provided by a surface on which, for example, care products can be placed. In particular, such a storage area also serves generally for storing materials or the like when the mobile functional furniture is not in use. Depending on its design, the functional section can also fulfill other functions.
[0013] The mobile functional furniture according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that a mobile infant bathtub can be accommodated in the functional furniture. This makes it possible to store the mobile infant bathtub in a space-saving manner when it is not needed. This is achieved in particular by the fact that the functional section is always usable, regardless of whether the infant bathtub is in use or not. This means that the otherwise unusable parking space for the infant bathtub can continue to be used by the functional furniture, for example as a storage area.
[0014] In addition, hygienic storage of the baby bathtub is guaranteed by placing it in the functional furniture.
[0015] Furthermore, the mobile functional furniture means that the mobile infant bath can be moved to a specific location together with the mobile functional furniture as required. For example, the storage position can be changed or the infant bath can be moved together with the functional furniture and thus with the functional section to a specific location, e.g. for bathing an infant or a toddler. Because the infant bath is moved together with the functional section, the infant bath can be moved particularly easily, for example by a single person, together with the functional furniture, which can provide additional functions in connection with bathing the child.
[0016] Preferably, the functional section is provided, at least in sections, by at least one changing table attachment. This ensures that the mobile functional furniture is particularly versatile. In particular, a changing table is provided at the same time as the bathtub, so that, together with the mobile infant bathtub, a suitable changing facility is also available for the children being bathed.
[0017] Particularly preferably, the receiving space is delimited by at least one floor barrier, at least one side wall, and / or at least one ceiling wall. Particularly if all sides of the receiving space are delimited, a particularly hygienic reception of the infant bathtub can be achieved.
[0018] Preferably, at least one ramp device is assigned to the receiving section. Using such a ramp device, the often relatively heavy infant bathtub can be driven or pushed into the receiving area relatively easily.
[0019] The ramp device is preferably foldable and / or pivotable or similarly mounted on the receiving section. This means that the ramp can be quickly and easily brought into a suitable position for moving the bathtub into and out of the receiving section or out of the receiving space. The receiving section preferably comprises at least one bottom wall, with the ramp device being integrated at least partially into the bottom wall. With such an embodiment, at least one section of the bottom wall can in particular be provided by the ramp device, with the ramp device then being able to be folded down or lifted up from the plane of the bottom wall.
[0020] Particularly preferably, at least one braking device with at least one operating device is assigned to the receiving section. This ensures that the mobile functional furniture can be parked safely without being accidentally moved.
[0021] In expedient embodiments, the ramp device is displaceable via at least one coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism can comprise, in particular, at least one deflection rod and / or preferably at least one holding element and / or at least one bearing device.
[0022] Preferably, the braking device and the ramp device are operatively connected to one another via at least one coupling mechanism. Such a configuration can, for example, ensure that the ramp is automatically displaced upon actuation of the braking device or upon actuation of the operating device of the braking device. Thus, in particular, it can be provided that the ramp is displaced downwards when the brake is applied and is raised or displaced again when the brake is released. Such a coupling mechanism can be provided, for example, by a corresponding linkage.
[0023] Preferably, at least one side wall is provided, at least in part, by at least one door. Such a door or a flap and / or the like can, for example, provide a loading opening for the bathtub.
[0024] In expedient embodiments, the door is operatively connected to the braking device and / or the ramp device via at least one coupling mechanism. Depending on the design, for example, the ramp can be automatically folded down when the doors are opened and / or retracted when the door or several doors are closed. Depending on the design, it can also be advantageous if the braking device is activated simultaneously with the door opening.
[0025] The braking device and / or the coupling mechanism preferably comprises at least one return aid. In particular, such a return aid comprises at least one preloading device, which is particularly intended to raise the ramp from the lowered loading position back (into the plane of the) floor wall.
[0026] The receiving section preferably comprises at least one intermediate floor with at least one guide. Such a guide serves, in particular, to retract the infant bathtub into the receiving space in a defined position.
[0027] In expedient developments, the bottom wall is supported at least in sections by the intermediate floor. In order to achieve particularly good stability of the bottom wall, on which the baby bathtubs, which can be relatively heavy depending on their design, rest, holding elements such as grab bars can support the bottom wall via the intermediate floor. Preferably, at least one securing device is assigned to the receiving section and in particular to the intermediate floor. Such a securing device serves in particular to fix the baby bathtub in a predefined position so that it cannot move back and forth uncontrollably when the mobile functional furniture is moved.
[0028] Particularly preferably, the securing device comprises at least one (preloaded) locking device. Such a locking device can be provided, for example, by a snap fastener or the like.
[0029] In expedient embodiments, the functional section is arranged so as to be rotatable on and / or at the receiving section. In particular, the functional section can be provided so as to be rotatable and / or pivotable. Depending on the design, for example, if the functional section is provided by a changing table attachment, this can be rotated, for example, depending on the parking position of the mobile functional furniture, so that, for example, the nursing staff and / or the parents can operate the changing table from the correct side.
[0030] Preferably, the functional section is height-adjustable, for which purpose the receiving section and / or the functional section comprises at least one height adjustment device. Such a design allows for particularly economical work on the functional furniture, since an optimal height of the functional section can be adjusted depending on the user's height.
[0031] The height adjustment device preferably comprises at least one pressure cylinder, a threaded rod and / or the like, which can be accommodated in particular on the intermediate floor.
[0032] The system according to the invention comprises at least one mobile piece of functional furniture, as described above, and at least one mobile infant bathtub. Such an infant bathtub comprises, in particular, at least one tub body, at least one stand, and at least one mobile foot. A preferably configured infant bathtub is described, for example, in DE 10 2017 124 657 A1, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0033] The system according to the invention also offers the advantages already described for the mobile functional furniture.
[0034] The method according to the invention is suitable for use with a system as described above. At least one ramp device is lowered in order to move at least one mobile infant bathtub into and / or out of the receiving space of the receiving section of the mobile functional furniture.
[0035] The method according to the invention also offers the advantages already previously described for the mobile functional furniture and the system.
[0036] Preferably, the ramp device is raised and / or lowered by actuating the braking device and / or by opening a door. This is achieved, in particular, via a corresponding coupling mechanism.
[0037] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiment which is explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0038] The figures show:
[0039] Fig. 1 is a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile functional piece of furniture according to the invention in a perspective view; Fig. 2 is a further purely schematic perspective view of the embodiment according to Figure 1;
[0040] Fig. 3 is a purely schematic representation of the functional section of the embodiment according to Figure 1 in a perspective view;
[0041] Fig. 4 is a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a mobile functional piece of furniture according to the invention in a perspective view;
[0042] Fig. 5 is a purely schematic representation of the embodiment according to Figure 4 in a perspective view with one side wall omitted;
[0043] Fig. 6 is a further purely schematic representation of the embodiment according to Figure 4 in a perspective view with one side wall omitted;
[0044] Fig. 7 four purely schematic representations of an embodiment of a system according to the invention in a perspective view from the side with the side wall omitted;
[0045] Fig. 8 is a purely schematic detailed representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention in a perspective view with raised ramp device;
[0046] Fig. 9 is a purely schematic detailed representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention in a perspective view with a lowered ramp device; Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile functional piece of furniture according to the invention in different perspective views;
[0047] Fig. 11 is a purely schematic detailed representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention in a perspective view;
[0048] Fig. 12 shows a further purely schematic detailed representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention in a perspective view;
[0049] Fig. 13 is a purely schematic detailed representation of an embodiment of a mobile functional piece of furniture according to the invention in a perspective view;
[0050] Fig. 14 is a purely schematic detailed representation of an embodiment of a mobile functional furniture according to the invention in a perspective view from below with the ramp device closed; and
[0051] Fig. 15 is a further purely schematic detailed representation of an embodiment of a mobile functional furniture according to the invention in a perspective view from below with the ramp device opened / lowered.
[0052] In Figure 1, a system 200 according to the invention comprising a mobile functional piece of furniture 1 according to the invention and an infant bath 100 accommodated therein, but not visible in Figure 1, is shown purely schematically in a perspective view.
[0053] It can be seen that the mobile functional furniture 1 has a receiving section 2 for receiving an infant bathtub 100 and a functional section 3. In the embodiment shown here, the functional section 3 is designed as a changing table attachment 5.
[0054] This offers many advantages. On the one hand, an infant bathtub 100 can be hygienically accommodated in the receiving space 4 provided by the receiving section 2. This allows for hygienic storage and keeping of the infant bathtub 100 when not in use.
[0055] Furthermore, the infant bathtub 100 can be moved together with the mobile functional furniture 1 to a required location, for example, where a child is to be bathed. There, the mobile infant bathtub 100 can be removed or moved out of the mobile functional furniture 1 and used to bathe a toddler or an infant. Since the mobile functional furniture 1 has a functional section 3 designed as a changing table attachment 5, a changing table is also on site at the same time as the bathtub 100 is transported.
[0056] Depending on the design, functional section 3 can also be provided by other components or functions. In particular, a functional section 3 is also provided if only a storage area is provided.
[0057] In the exemplary embodiments shown here, the receiving section 2 is formed by a bottom wall 6, side walls 7 and a ceiling wall 8 or provides a receiving space 4 for the infant bathtub or the mobile infant bathtub 100 at least via these walls 6, 7, 8, wherein the receiving space 4 is adapted to the dimensions of the infant bathtub 100.
[0058] Figure 2 shows a purely schematic representation of the exemplary embodiment already shown in Figure 1 from a different perspective. Figure 3 shows a purely schematic representation of the functional section 3 or the changing table attachment 5 being rotatably mounted on the receiving section 2. This allows the changing table attachment 5 to be rotated depending on the position or parking position of the mobile functional furniture 1 so that the changing table attachment 5 can be operated by a user from the correct side.
[0059] In order to rotate the changing table attachment 5 relative to the receiving section 2 in the embodiment shown, a locking pin 21 is pulled up on the left and right, whereby the changing table attachment 5 can be moved.
[0060] Figure 4 shows, purely schematically, that the functional section 3 is height-adjustable. Depending on the extension height, the extended side wall 7a is exposed to a greater or lesser extent. This allows an optimal position or height of the changing table attachment 5 or the functional section 3 to be achieved at all times.
[0061] In order to better illustrate this, Figures 5 and 6 show a view into the receiving space 4 of the receiving section 2, wherein it can be seen that in addition to the side walls 7, the bottom wall 6 and the ceiling wall 8, an intermediate floor 15 is also provided in the embodiment shown here.
[0062] For adjusting the height of the functional section 3, a height adjustment device 19 is provided, which in the embodiment shown is supported on the intermediate floor 15.
[0063] Figure 5 shows a lower position of the height adjustment device 19, and Figure 6 indicates an elevated position of the functional section 3. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, the height adjustment device 19 is extended, with the height adjustment device 19 here comprising extendable height adjustment elements 28. Such height adjustment elements 28 can, for example, comprise pressure cylinders and / or threaded rods and / or other known telescopic systems.
[0064] In the embodiment shown here, the height adjustment device 19 is motorized, although the motor is not shown in detail. To easily adjust the height of the functional section 3, and in this case, the changing table attachment, a control element 22 is provided, which is designed here as a foot switch 29.
[0065] Figures 5 and 6 also show that the floor wall 6, on which a mobile infant bathtub rests in the system 200 according to the invention, is supported by support elements 26 on the intermediate floor. This allows even heavier tubs 100 to be accommodated safely and stably in the mobile functional furniture.
[0066] Figure 7 also shows, purely schematically, that the receiving section 2 comprises an intermediate floor 15 in which a guide 16 is provided. In this case, in connection with a mobile infant bathtub 100, it is shown that the guide 16 enables a defined position of the mobile bathtub 100 in the receiving space 2. In the illustrated embodiments, the guide 16 is designed such that secure guidance in the intermediate floor 15 is ensured for the stand 102 of the mobile infant bathtub 100.
[0067] Figures 8 and 9 show purely schematically in two perspective views how the ramp device 9 can be moved downwards in order to move the mobile infant bathtub 100 out of the receiving space 4 of the receiving section 2 or back into the receiving section 2. For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the braking device 10 is actuated via the operating device 11, whereby the ramp device 9 is automatically moved down or lowered via a coupling mechanism 12 (not visible in the perspectives shown). As soon as the ramp 9 rests on the floor, the mobile infant bathtub 100 can be moved out of the receiving space 4.
[0068] If the ramp device 9 is to be raised again, the actuating device 11 of the braking device 10 can be actuated, whereby the ramp device 9 is raised again by the coupling mechanism 12.
[0069] To assist a user, particularly when raising the ramp device 9, a return aid 14 is provided in the illustrated embodiment, which is provided here by a spring or a preloading device. The return aid 14 is not visible in the illustrated perspectives.
[0070] Depending on the design of the coupling mechanism 12, it may also be provided that when the door 13 is opened or, in the case of several doors, when the doors 13 are opened, the ramp device 9 is lowered and / or the braking device 10 is actuated.
[0071] Figure 10 shows the functionality of the system according to the invention or of the mobile functional furniture 1 according to the invention in conjunction with a mobile baby bathtub 100.
[0072] The mobile infant bathtub 100 comprises in the illustrated embodiment a tub body 101 which is arranged on a stand 102, wherein the stand 102 is arranged on a mobile base 103. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, to remove the bathtub 100 or to move the mobile infant bathtub 100 out of the mobile functional furniture
[0073] I the doors 13 of the functional furniture are opened. By opening the doors 13, the receiving space 4 of the receiving section 2 becomes accessible.
[0074] When the braking device 10 is actuated via the control device
[0075] II, in the embodiment shown here, the ramp device 9 is automatically lowered, via which the mobile infant bathtub 100 can be easily moved out of the receiving space 4 of the receiving section 2 of the mobile functional furniture 1.
[0076] Depending on the design, the brake can also be applied and the ramp 9 lowered by opening the doors 13, or the actions can be linked or synchronized via appropriate couplings.
[0077] Figures 11 to 13 show the guide 16 in the intermediate floor 15 once again in a purely schematic manner. In the illustrated embodiment, a securing device 17 is provided, which is assigned to the intermediate floor 15 or the guide 16.
[0078] In the embodiment shown, the securing device 15 comprises a locking device 19, wherein the securing device 17 is provided here in the form of a snap closure, so that the infant bathtub 100 is automatically fixed by the securing guide device 17 when it is moved into the end position.
[0079] Figures 14 and 15 show perspective detailed views with enlarged sections from below of the bottom wall 9 with the ramp device 9 integrated here into the bottom wall 6.
[0080] In the embodiment shown here, the ramp device 9 is displaceably mounted on the bottom wall 6 by means of hinges 23, the ramp device 9 being in the closed or raised position in Figure 14 and in the open or lowered position in Figure 15.
[0081] Figures 14 and 15 show a purely schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a coupling mechanism 12. The bearing devices 26 are fastened to the base wall 6, in which an actuator 25, designed as a deflection rod 25, is accommodated. An operating device 11 is provided at each end of the deflection rod 25, which in this case also actuates the braking device 10. Depending on the embodiment, other actuators 25, such as a lifting cylinder or a cable pull or the like, may also be provided.
[0082] On the underside 30 of the ramp device 9, two holding elements 24 are fastened, in which the deflection rod 25 is held.
[0083] Because the deflection rod 25 is designed at an angle here, the ramp device 9 is held in the raised position in one end position of the deflection rod 25, flush with the bottom wall 6, and is lowered into the open position in the other end position of the deflection rod 25. List of reference symbols
[0084] 1 mobile functional furniture 29 foot switches
[0085] 2 Recording section 30 bottom
[0086] 3 Function section 100 Infant bathtub
[0087] 4 Receiving space 101 Tub body
[0088] 5 Changing table attachment 102 Stand
[0089] 6 floor wall 103 feet
[0090] 7 Side wall 200 system
[0091] 7a driven side wall
[0092] 8 Ceiling wall
[0093] 9 Ramp equipment
[0094] 10 Braking device
[0095] 11 Control device
[0096] 12 Coupling mechanism
[0097] 13 Door
[0098] 14 Reset aid
[0099] 15 intermediate floor
[0100] 16 Guide
[0101] 17 Safety device
[0102] 18 locking device
[0103] 19 Height adjustment device
[0104] 20 rolls
[0105] 21 safety pin
[0106] 22 Control element
[0107] 23 Hinge
[0108] 24 Holding element
[0109] 25 Act or / Deflection rod
[0110] 26 warehouse facilities
[0111] 27 Interception element
[0112] 28 Height adjustment element
Claims
Claims:
1. Mobile functional furniture (1), in particular for the medical field, comprising at least one receiving section (2) and at least one functional section (3), wherein the receiving section (2) comprises at least one receiving space (4) for at least one mobile infant bathtub (200), characterized in that the receiving section (2) is assigned at least one ramp device (9), which is displaceably received on the receiving section (2) and that the receiving section (2) comprises at least one bottom wall (6) and that the ramp device (9) is at least partially integrated into the bottom wall (6).
2. Functional furniture (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional section (3) is provided at least in sections by at least one changing table attachment (5).
3. Functional furniture (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving space (4) is delimited by at least one bottom wall (6), at least one side wall (7) and / or at least one ceiling wall (8).
4. Functional furniture (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving section (2) is assigned at least one braking device (10) with at least one operating device (11).
5. Functional furniture (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ramp device (9) is displaceable via at least one coupling mechanism (12).
6. Functional furniture (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the braking device (10) and the ramp device (9) are at least one coupling mechanism (12) are operatively connected to one another.
7. Functional furniture (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one side wall (7) is provided at least in sections by at least one door (13).
8. Functional furniture (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the door (7) is operatively connected to the braking device (10) and / or the ramp device (9) via at least one coupling mechanism (12).
9. Functional furniture (1) according to one of the preceding claims 5 to 8, wherein the braking device (10) and / or the coupling mechanism (12) comprises at least one return aid (14).
10. Functional furniture (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving section (2) comprises at least one intermediate floor (15) with at least one guide (16).
11. Functional furniture (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the bottom wall (6) is at least partially supported on the intermediate floor (15).
12. Functional furniture (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one securing device (17) is assigned to the receiving section (2), in particular the intermediate floor (15).
13. Functional furniture (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the securing device (17) comprises at least one locking device (18).
14. Functional furniture (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional section (3) is rotatably received on and / or at the receiving section (2).
15. Functional furniture (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional section (3) is provided so as to be height-adjustable, for which purpose the receiving section (2) and / or the functional section (3) comprises at least one height-adjusting device (19).
16. System (200) comprising at least one mobile functional furniture item (1) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one mobile infant bathtub (100).
17. Method for using a system (200) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one ramp device (9) is lowered in order to move at least one mobile infant bathtub into the receiving space of the receiving section of the mobile functional furniture and / or move it out of this.
18. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the ramp device (9) is raised and / or lowered by actuating the braking device (10).