Medical bed including an integrated power outlet.

Abstract

Medical bed (1) including an integrated power outlet (4, 5). Figure for abbreviation: figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Medical bed including an integrated power outlet.

[0001] The invention relates to medical beds or medicalized beds.

[0002] A medical bed or medical bed is here referred to as a bed equipped with features that facilitate care and ensure the safety of the patient.

[0003] Medical beds are intended for patients with loss of autonomy, and are installed at home (home care MAD, home hospitalization HAD), or in health, social or medico-social establishments (for example, nursing homes, accommodation establishments for dependent elderly people).

[0004] Home support (HAS) refers here to the means implemented to enable a person experiencing a loss of autonomy to remain in their home. These means include medical services (hygiene care, comfort care, treatments), as well as service provision (particularly housekeeping or ironing). This type of service is all the more important given that 50% of people over 70 live alone. Loss of autonomy can be temporary, following an accident or acute illness. Loss of autonomy can also be permanent, for people with disabilities or those suffering from chronic conditions. In 2015, in France, it was estimated that 2.5 million elderly people were experiencing a loss of autonomy, representing 15% of people over 60.

[0005] Home hospitalization (HAD) here refers to the continuation of medical care at the patient's home or in a group living facility, generally for a fixed period. The aim of home hospitalization is to shorten or avoid a hospital stay. The care provided may be short-term (e.g., chemotherapy), rehabilitation (e.g., in the case of orthopedic treatment or neurological disease), or palliative.

[0006] Medical beds are classified into different categories, according to their intended uses: acute care beds, intensive care beds, medically supervised accommodation beds, psychiatric beds, beds for HAD / MAD, bariatric beds for patients with a high BMI, greater than 45.

[0007] Depending on the types of patients, medical beds are equipped with various motors, for leg raises, backrest raises, and placement in a declined position, particularly for the prevention of pressure sores.

[0008] The declined position, allowing the bed base to be tilted so that the patient's head is lower than their feet, is also required in emergencies, when The patient's life is in danger and immediate blood flow to the brain is required. See, for example, document EP0494551 (SSI Medical, 1992).

[0009] Medical beds are equipped with casters, allowing the bed to be easily moved, for example to transport a patient with reduced mobility requiring special care to various locations. Thus, a patient on the bed can be taken, for example, from a room to an examination room.

[0010] A braking system allows the casters to be locked when the bed, having reached its destination, must remain stationary, for example during an examination or while the patient sleeps. The braking system can be actuated independently on each caster, as described in document WO00 / 51830 (Hill Rom, 2000), or can be centralized, with the locking occurring simultaneously on each caster, as described, for example, in document US2002 / 066142 (Osbome, 2002).

[0011] Medical beds with so-called "household" casters, which can be concealed, are also known. See, for example, document EP2189141B1 (Medicatlantic, 2012).

[0012] Medical beds are equipped with a system for adjusting the height of the bed base to help the patient get in and out of bed and to facilitate care. The means for adjusting the height of the bed base are generally based on crossbars.

[0013] Some medical beds, particularly those intended for people with Alzheimer's disease, are equipped with means to place the bed base in an ultra-low position, about twenty centimeters from the ground, limiting the risk of trauma in case of a fall.

[0014] Medical beds are often equipped with a tilting function called proclive, which allows the bed base to be tilted so that the patient's head is higher than their feet. The proclive function helps, in particular, to promote the drainage of pathological fluids and reduce the risk of regurgitation for patients with gastroesophageal reflux. Patients also appreciate the proclive function for comfort reasons; when combined with a hinged bed base, it allows the bed to be configured like an armchair, facilitating both routine activities while seated (meals, reading, receiving visitors) and moving from standing to sitting or vice versa. See, for example, documents EP2210577 (Medicatlantic, 2010) and EP2666449 (Medicatlantic, 2013).

[0015] Medical beds are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, with the beds being stored in a compact, disassembled position. Reference may be made, for example, to documents FR2769832 (Sunrise, 1999), EP1658787 (Temelex, 2006), EP2116217B1 (Medicatlantic, 2012), EP2450017B1 (Medicatlantic, 2012), EP2695591B1 (Medicatlantic, 2014), EP2583653B1 (Medicatlantic, 2015), FR3049456 (Dupont, 2017), FR3073734 (Sotec, 2019), EP3836878B1 (HMS, 2022).

[0016] Medical beds are often rented to meet a temporary need.

[0017] Medical beds are designed for easy cleaning. Each time a patient is transferred from one to another, the medical bed is designed for easy cleaning. When a medical bed is moved to another patient, or each time a patient / resident leaves the bed, it is cleaned, most often by washing, rinsing, and disinfecting, or sometimes by a steam cleaning process (for example, Sanivap®). Before any cleaning operation, the medical bed is disconnected from the power supply.

[0018] Medical beds are subject to CE marking, are classified as class 1 medical devices, and are subject to compliance with European standards, in particular EU Regulation 2017 / 745, as well as the requirements of standard NF EN 60601-2-52.

[0019] The normative obligations common to medical beds relate in particular to the positioning and resistance of the barriers, the lowering time of the backrest in case of emergency, electrical conformity.

[0020] Medical beds are equipment with IPX4 protection. As such, medical beds are not subject to tests for the penetration of solid particles, such as dust, and the beds are protected against water splashes from all directions. Reference can be made to standard EN 60529.

[0021] Depending on the applications, specific normative requirements must be met.

[0022] For example, for intensive care provided in a hospital as well as for short-term care provided in a medical facility, beds must allow a door threshold clearance of more than 20 mm, and have head and foot panels that can be quickly retracted in case of emergency.

[0023] For example, for home care, where medical beds are used in the treatment of an injury, disability or illness, the electrical insulation must be Class II. Class II electrical insulation here refers to the fact that the medical beds have reinforced electrical insulation and do not require grounding to provide protection against electric shock.

[0024] Medical beds are also subject to an obligation of maintenance and quality control, as well as to materiovigilance.

[0025] Medical beds have a mass that can reach up to one hundred kilograms.

[0026] Medical beds have one or more electrical power cables. In order to prevent damage to these cables, during use of the medical bed, by shearing or pinching, an electrical cable support is usually provided, most often in the form of a hook.

[0027] US patent 11938070 (Cagle, 2024) describes a hospital bed power cable holder, the holder being attached to a bed headboard or footboard, the power cable being stored on the holder when moving the bed.

[0028] State-of-the-art medical beds have several disadvantages.

[0029] In particular, around the hospital bed, the number of devices requiring a power supply for comfort or care can be high, as the hospital bed itself uses one, and often two, power supplies. This situation is particularly problematic when hospital beds are installed in a bedroom of a house, where the number of electrical outlets is often limited.

[0030] As a result, the use of power strips is frequent, these being placed under the hospital bed, despite the risk of fire in case of contact with liquids. The use of extension cords is also frequent, with the resulting risks of falls or cable breakage.

[0031] The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of prior art medical beds, by offering beds that combine safety and comfort.

[0032] For these purposes, a medical bed including an integrated power outlet is proposed according to a first aspect.

[0033] By power outlet, we mean here a female device such as an electrical power outlet, with or without ground, where appropriate with at least one USB port, in particular USB Type C, a female device comprising internal parts or contacts, and into which a movable connector, or male plug, of complementary shape is placed.

[0034] The term "power outlet" here also refers to a male device into which a mobile connector or female plug of complementary shape is placed.

[0035] By power outlet, we mean here in particular the electrical supply outlets in which plugs of type A (two pins, without earth) or type B (three pins, with earth), or type C (two pins, without earth), or even of types D to O, are inserted.

[0036] By power supply socket, we mean here a connector allowing to connect electrical devices to the electrical network, by plugging in a movable connector (plug).

[0037] The term "power outlet" here also refers to a double power outlet, i.e., a set of two adjacent power outlets, or a set comprising a power outlet and a USB outlet adjacent to the power outlet.

[0038] By integrated, we mean here that the socket is advantageously incorporated and forms a whole with the medical bed.

[0039] In other, less advantageous implementations, the power outlet is attached to the medical bed structure, for example added, applied to a headboard or footboard, possibly in a removable manner.

[0040] Integrating a power outlet (and preferably several power outlets) into the medical bed offers many advantages.

[0041] Firstly, it is possible to connect various electrical devices for care, monitoring, transfer, or comfort for the patient to the medical bed, such as, for example, a compressor for an anti-bedsore mattress, an oxygen concentrator, a tracheal aspirator, a patient lift, a standing frame, a medical monitoring device.

[0042] It is therefore possible to connect several electrical devices to the medical bed, according to the needs of each patient, without using multi-sockets or extension cords.

[0043] It is thus possible to guarantee the safety and comfort of patients, even when the hospital bed is installed in a room with only a small number of wall-mounted electrical outlets. The applicant has observed that the average number of available outlets in a bedroom of a house is two.

[0044] The integration of power outlets in the medical bed allows the simultaneous connection of several devices, for example six devices, in a room.

[0045] It is therefore not necessary to carry out additional electrical socket installation work in the room prior to the delivery of the medical bed.

[0046] Secondly, it is possible to connect various electrical maintenance devices to the medical bed, such as, for example, surface cleaning devices (household vacuum cleaner, steam cleaner), or household appliances (for example, iron), comfort devices (for example, misting fan, lighting lamp, coffee maker, kettle, social robot, mobile phone, tablet, computer).

[0047] A home helper can thus perform their tasks while remaining close to the bedridden and frail person, increasing social interaction and interpersonal exchanges. These arrangements are all the more advantageous when the home helpers' intervention times are short. Increasing the duration and quality of social interactions helps reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

[0048] Thirdly, visitors can connect their electrical devices to the hospital bed, facilitating interaction with the patient. In particular, visitors can connect their mobile phones, tablets, or computers, or even digital photo frames. These features improve interaction between the patient and visitors, such as family members (children, grandchildren).

[0049] The integration of power outlets into the medical bed makes it possible to avoid the use of multiple outlets, with the risks of accidental disconnection that result from the use of multiple outlets.

[0050] Integrating the power outlets into the medical bed eliminates the need for exposed power cables. This removes the risk of accidental disconnection, as well as the risk of cables falling or being pulled out.

[0051] The electrical outlets integrated into the medical bed are advantageously equipped with devices for protection against overloads and short circuits.

[0052] Advantageously, the medical bed includes several integrated power outlets, allowing several electrical devices to be plugged in at the same time.

[0053] Advantageously, the medical bed includes at least one power outlet integrated into a head panel and / or at least one power outlet integrated into a foot panel and / or at least one power outlet integrated into a side rail panel.

[0054] In the expression and / or, the sign “ / ” is used to designate an alternative between the simultaneous presence of sockets in two different panels of the medical bed, or the presence of sockets in one panel of the medical bed.

[0055] Integrating a power outlet into a medical bed headboard panel allows patients to easily use devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets, for example, to recharge these devices without having to get up. Other electrical devices such as razors and hair dryers can also be plugged in.

[0056] Integrating a power outlet into a medical bed footboard allows for the connection of electrical devices by nursing staff (for example, a compressor for a pressure-relieving mattress) or cleaning staff (for example, a vacuum cleaner or an iron). Advantageously, a cover conceals the power outlet when it is not in use; the cover is, for example, mounted to slide or pivot. The aesthetics of the footboard are thus not affected by the integration of one or more power outlets.

[0057] Advantageously, the power outlet(s) are integrated in the upper part of the footboard panel, i.e. at a great height relative to the floor, allowing a connector to be plugged in and unplugged without the need to bend down.

[0058] Advantageously, the power outlet does not protrude beyond the panel's surface; that is, it does not extend beyond, exceed, or extend beyond the panel's surface. The power outlet is thus discreet and elegant. These arrangements preserve the panel's aesthetic appeal and reduce the risk of damage to the power outlet. The presence of integrated outlets does not compromise the overall design of the hospital bed.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the bed includes a power outlet mounted on a retractable bracket in a bed panel, between a folded-down position in which the bracket is hidden from view, and a deployed position in which the bracket protrudes from the bed panel, allowing a plug to be connected to the power outlet.

[0060] By plug, we mean here in particular a male device comprising rods or pins, for example made of brass, for example two in number, which are inserted into corresponding sockets of a power outlet integrated into the medical bed, the power outlet forming a female plug.

[0061] By retractable we mean here the possibility of making disappear, conceal, hide, remove or mask at least partially from view.

[0062] In certain embodiments, a power outlet support is mounted to slide within a bed panel. The power outlet is thus retractable and concealed by sliding the support within a bed panel, advantageously within a portion of the bed panel's thickness.

[0063] In certain embodiments, a power outlet support is pivotally mounted on a bed panel. Advantageously, the support pivots through a stroke of approximately 90°, between a storage position and a usage position.

[0064] In some implementations, the bed includes at least two power outlets mounted on the same retractable support.

[0065] Advantageously, the medical bed includes at least one integrated power outlet, with grounding.

[0066] In some implementations, the medical bed further includes at least one USB port, for example of the USB-C type.

[0067] In certain specific embodiments, the medical bed includes a power outlet mounted on a support equipped with a sealing flap, advantageously pivotally mounted on the support. The flap protects the power outlet from liquid splashes.

[0068] Advantageously, the medical bed includes an electrical power cable and an automatic cable rewinder.

[0069] In some implementations, the self-retracting reel is mounted on a retractable bracket in a bed panel.

[0070] Automatic winding is obtained for example by manually operating a control button.

[0071] The headboard panels and / or footboard panels comprising one or more integrated sockets are advantageously quick-removable from the structure of the medical bed.

[0072] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments given below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0073] [Fig-1] is a partial perspective view of a head panel or foot panel of a medical bed, in an implementation;

[0074] [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view of a head panel of a medical bed, in an implementation and initial state of use;

[0075] [Fig.3] is a view analogous to [Fig.2], the head panel being shown in a second state of use of the medical bed;

[0076] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a medical bed according to a particular implementation;

[0077] [Fig.5] is a front view of a foot panel of a medical bed, equipped with a compressor for anti-bedsore mattresses, in an implementation.

[0078] The figures illustrate the principles implemented in the present invention, the dimensions of the elements possibly being modified to facilitate understanding.

[0079] We refer first to [Fig.1].

[0080] The medical bed 1 comprises a chassis mounted on wheels. In the embodiment shown, the medical bed is provided with household wheels.

[0081] The medical bed 1 includes a head panel 2.

[0082] In one embodiment, the head panel 2 is made of solid wood.

[0083] In other embodiments, the head panel 2 is made of chipboard, or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard, a composite material made of wood fibers and a synthetic binder, sometimes called medium density fiberboard, or medium).

[0084] In other embodiments, the head panel 2 is made of melamine, i.e. a chipboard or MDF panel on which is glued a decorative paper impregnated with heat-sealing resin, with wood imitation finishes, for example maple, elm, or oak finish.

[0085] In other embodiments, the head panel 2 is made of polymer material, for example polypropylene.

[0086] The head panel 2 is provided with a support 3, on which two power sockets 4, 5 are mounted.

[0087] In the embodiment shown, the two power outlets 4, 5, integrated into the head panel 2, include an earth and two openings leading to internal contacts, a male connector, of complementary shape (not shown) fitting into the outlets 4, 5.

[0088] In the embodiment shown, the two sockets 4, 5 are oriented along a vertical plane, parallel to the edge 6 of the head panel 2. A person standing on the On the side of the medical bed 1, a male connector (or plug) can easily be connected to one of the sockets 4, 5.

[0089] In the embodiment shown, the support 3 is mounted to slide on the head panel 2, the support 3 being shown in the out-of-use position.

[0090] In the compact, retracted position, the support is at least partly housed in the thickness of the head panel 2, and is retracted.

[0091] In an advantageous embodiment, in the retracted position, the support is totally housed within the thickness of the head panel 2, which has a substantially continuous and smooth apparent surface.

[0092] In other embodiments, not shown, the support is mounted pivotally, over a stroke of approximately 90°, between a retracted position and a deployed position.

[0093] In the embodiment of [Fig. 1], the support 3 further houses a self-retracting reel, a control button 7 allowing a winding of a power cable 8.

[0094] Reference is now made to Figures 2 and 3, which illustrate the inner face of the head panel 2 seen in [Fig. 1]. In [Fig. 3], a support 10 with an integrated power socket is shown in the deployed position. In [Fig. 2], this support 10 is in the retracted position and is concealed within the thickness of the head panel 2.

[0095] In the embodiment of [Fig.3], the support 10 is provided with a power outlet for supplying power to a mobile communication terminal, such as, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet, or even a computer, for example, a laptop.

[0096] Advantageously, as shown in [Fig.2], in the retracted position, the support 10 is totally hidden from view and is retracted by sliding it into the thickness of the head panel 2.

[0097] In other embodiments, the support is pivotally mounted over a stroke of approximately 90° relative to the plane of the head panel 2.

[0098] It is understood that the supports 3, 10 mounted on the head panel 2 can, alternatively, be mounted on the foot panel 11, or even on the head panel 2 and the foot panel 11. Mounting on the foot panel 11 allows easy connection for people visiting the patient or providing care or services.

[0099] The foot panel 11 advantageously includes one or more integrated power outlets 12, 13, allowing the connection of a connector (plug) of an appliance such as a household vacuum cleaner, for example, as shown in [Fig. 4]. The outlets 12, 13 are preferably located in the upper part of the foot panel 11, preventing people from having to bend down to make the connections.

[0100] Advantageously, the sockets 12, 13 are provided with a shutter cover 14, mounted to slide or pivot, masking the sockets 12, 13 from view and protecting them from possible liquid jets.

[0101] We now refer to [Fig.5].

[0102] A foot panel 11 of a medical bed advantageously includes a compressor 17 for an anti-bedsore mattress.

[0103] The term compressor here refers to an air generator, comprising a motor and / or a turbine.

[0104] The term "anti-bedsore mattress" here refers to mattresses providing continuous air support, equipped with elements that inflate or deflate according to the patient's movements.

[0105] The term anti-bedsore mattress also refers to mattresses forming alternating air support, called dynamic supports.

[0106] An alternating pressure support or mattress topper includes cells that inflate and deflate in cycles, for example of ten minutes, a compressor generating the airflows within the support.

[0107] A static air support or mattress overlay is most often formed of an envelope, for example of neoprene, comprising chambers filled with air, the pressure within the overlay being adjusted according to the body mass index of the patient, a compressor constantly regulating the pressure within the overlay, and correcting the effects of changes in the patient's position, and the effects of changes in temperature.

[0108] Dynamic supports, allowing alternation between pressure and depression, are useful after pressure ulcer surgery or high risk of pressure ulcers, particularly for people who are bedridden for more than 15 hours a day or who cannot move on their own.

[0109] Examples of placement of air compressors for anti-bedsore mattresses of medical beds are presented in documents US2005081300 (Span America, 2005), FR2990479 (Asklé Santé, 2013), FR2978650 (Asklé Santé, 2013), EP3354249 (Kap Medical, 2018), US2020146909 (Hill Rom, 2020).

[0110] In some prior art designs, the compressor is placed on the ground, with the resulting risks: damage following an impact, a person falling and tripping while hitting the compressor, the compressor's power cable being torn off, damage to the mattress's air supply duct.

[0111] In other prior art designs, the compressor is supported on the footboard of the medical bed, most often by suspension hooks, with no measures taken to protect the power cord and the air supply duct to the mattress. Crushing the air supply ducts of the pressure-relieving mattress reduces the mattress's effectiveness, increasing the risk The development of bedsores is possible. A pinched electrical power cable can lead to its accidental breaking, with resulting risks of electrocution.

[0112] In order to overcome these disadvantages, the foot panel 11 of the medical bed 1 shown in [Fig.5] advantageously includes an integrated power outlet 12 and a passage opening 15 for the air circulation pipes 16 connecting the anti-bedsore mattress to the compressor 17.

[0113] In the embodiment shown, the power outlet 12 is advantageously located on a first lateral part of the foot panel 11 (here on the right when the foot panel 11 is viewed from the front), and the passage opening 15 is located on a second lateral part of the foot panel 11 (here on the left), the power outlet 12 and the passage opening 15 being placed on either side of the location for the compressor 17.

[0114] The risks of pinching the electrical power cable 20 of the compressor 17 are thus eliminated, the entire length of the cable 20 being located high above the ground and positioned at the front of the bed, in front of the foot panel 11.

[0115] The risks of crushing the supply pipes 16 of the anti-bedsore mattress are greatly reduced, the supply pipes 16 being arranged high above the ground, at the front of the bed, in front of the foot panel 11, before communicating directly with the anti-bedsore mattress, after passing through the passage opening 15.

[0116] Shuttering covers 18, 19 are used to conceal the socket 12 and the passage opening 15 from view when the compressor 17 is not in use, preserving the design of the foot panel 11, and forming protection against liquid splashes.

[0117] The invention offers many advantages.

[0118] The medical bed equipped with integrated power outlets offers a new experience for patients, caregivers and visitors alike, this new experience combining safety, comfort and connectivity.

[0119] People moving around the bed no longer have to worry about unplugging or pulling out a power cord, or tripping or falling by getting their feet caught in an extension cord or power strip.

[0120] The integration of several power outlets makes it possible to increase the number of electrical devices that can be plugged into the medical bed at the same time, both around the head of the bed and the foot of the bed, or around a side rail, making it possible to ensure care and services adapted to each patient, and to facilitate quality social interactions with the patient.

[0121] A large number of electrical care, comfort or service devices can be connected simultaneously to the medical bed, which can be installed in a conventional living room, equipped with a small number of wall-mounted electrical power outlets.

[0122] Power outlets, advantageously positioned in the upper part of the headboard and / or footboard panels, allow for easy and more ergonomic plugging and unplugging than with conventional wall outlets, which are often located at a low height from the floor. These arrangements improve ergonomics for caregivers and reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

[0123] Since the integrated power outlets are advantageously concealed, for example mounted on a sliding support, the aesthetics of the hospital bed are not affected. The design is further preserved when the outlets are advantageously fitted with a cover, concealing them from view and protecting them against liquid splashes.

[0124] Placed at a height accessible from the bed, a mobile communication terminal charger, such as a phone or tablet, is discreetly integrated into the headboard panel, and allows patients to recharge their devices without having to get up.

[0125] Integrated into the foot panel, the power outlets allow caregivers to plug in medical devices (e.g., a compressor for a pressure-relieving mattress). A sliding or pivoting cover conceals the outlets from view and protects them from liquid splashes.

Claims

Demands

1. Medical bed (1) characterized in that it includes an integrated power outlet (4, 5).

2. Medical bed (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a power outlet integrated into a head panel (2) and / or a power outlet integrated into a foot panel (11) and / or a power outlet integrated into a side rail panel.

3. Medical bed (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it includes a power outlet mounted on a support (3, 10) retractable in a panel of the bed, between a folded-down position in which the support (3, 10) is hidden from view, and a deployed position in which the support (3, 10) protrudes from the bed panel, allowing a plug to be connected to the power outlet.

4. Medical bed (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a power outlet support (3, 10) is slidably mounted in a panel of the bed.

5. Medical bed (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a power outlet support is pivotally mounted on a panel of the bed.

6. Medical bed (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least two power outlets (4, 5) mounted on the same retractable support (3).

7. Medical bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it includes an earthed power outlet.

8. Medical bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a USB socket.

9. Medical bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a power outlet mounted on a support provided with a sealing flap, advantageously pivotally mounted on the support.

10. Medical bed (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electric power cable (8) and a self-retracting reel for this cable.

11. Medical bed (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the self-retracting reel is mounted on a retractable support in a panel of the bed.