Medical bed including a transport trolley and two side rails held deployed at the front of the trolley

Abstract

A medical bed comprising a bed transport trolley, the bed components being mounted on the trolley when the bed is in transport configuration, the bed comprising means for securing two bed rails to the trolley, characterized in that the securing means ensure a constant distance between the two rails, preventing the rails from colliding during movement of the bed in transport configuration. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: A medical bed comprising a transport trolley and two side rails held deployed at the front of the trolley

[0001] The invention relates to medical beds or medicalized beds. The technical field of medical 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 positioning in a downward-facing position, particularly for the prevention of pressure sores.

[0008] The declining position, which allows 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 at risk and immediate blood flow to the brain is necessary. 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 in 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 often rented to meet a temporary need.

[0016] Medical beds are designed for easy cleaning. Each time a patient is transferred from one to another, the patient is required to have a medical bed that is easy to clean. medical bed to another patient, or each time a patient / resident leaves, an operation Medical bed cleaning is most often carried out by washing, rinsing, and disinfection, or sometimes by a steam process (for example, Sanivap®). Before any cleaning operation, the medical bed is disconnected from the power supply.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] Depending on the applications, specific normative requirements must be met.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] Medical beds are also subject to an obligation of maintenance and quality control, as well as to materiovigilance.

[0024] Medical beds have a mass that can reach up to one hundred kilograms. The transport and storage of medical beds

[0025] Medical beds are designed so that their assembly and disassembly are easy, the beds being stored in a compact disassembled position.

[0026] The company Dupont markets medical beds under the brand name Medilight®, the elements of the medical bed (bed base, half-slatted base, head and foot panels) being transported and stored on a transport trolley, the trolley being used only during the transport or storage of the bed and forming a detachable part, which must be disassembled and kept for the entire duration of the use of the bed, before any subsequent transport or storage of the medical bed.

[0027] Medical beds stored and transported for delivery on a dismountable trolley are also offered by the companies Invacare (under the name Alegio), Home Medical Service (Euro range), Herdegen (under the name Ampli Plus).

[0028] Such a design has many drawbacks. In particular, the trolley can be forgotten or lost. The trolleys are not interoperable and are specific to each manufacturer, or even to each type of bed from each manufacturer, forcing rental companies or care facilities to stock a large number of different trolleys.

[0029] Medical beds are also known whose structure is equipped with housings for mounting bases fitted with casters, the bases being removable, the bed being able to be stored and transported in a horizontal or vertical position. See document FR3073734 (Sotec, 2019). Such medical beds are marketed by the company Sotec under the name XD2.

[0030] Removable bases are spare parts intended to be disassembled and stored, with the same disadvantages as detached transport trolleys.

[0031] Various designs have been proposed in the prior art to overcome these drawbacks.

[0032] According to a prior art design, the medical bed is formed by assembling two bed sections, each equipped with swivel casters. The bed is transported and stored in a compact position in which the two bed sections are placed with their sleeping surfaces facing each other. Reference may be made, for example, to documents FR2769832 (Sunrise, 1999) and FR3049456 (Dupont, 2017). Assembling and disassembling such medical beds proves to be laborious.

[0033] According to a second advantageous design of the prior art, the medical bed comprises a bed base defining a front frame and a rear frame, the rear frame being pivotally mounted relative to the front frame between an extended position in which the side rail sections of the rear frame are in line with the side rail sections of the front frame, and a folded position in which the rear frame forms an angle of substantially 90° with the front frame. The medical bed thus includes an integrated transport trolley on which the components of the medical bed (two half-slatted bases, a headboard panel, a footboard panel, and a trapeze bar) are removably mounted. Reference may be made, for example, to documents EP2116217B1 (Medicatlantic, 2012), EP2450017 (Medicatlantic, 2012), EP2695591B1 (Medicatlantic, 2014), and FR3146265 (Home Medical Service, 2024).Such medical beds require no additional transport trolley, and their ergonomic design allows the installer to maintain the recommended postures to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Such medical beds have been... designed and marketed with great success for years by the company Winncare under the brand X'Press ®.

[0034] According to a variant of this second design, the medical bed includes a base forming an integrated transport trolley, the trolley being partially retractable and able to be detached if necessary. Reference may be made, for example, to documents EP2583653B1 (Medicatlantic, 2015), EP3836878B1 (HMS, 2022). Medical bed rails

[0035] Medical bed rails are a specific means of restraint, used on medical prescription, and are essentially designed to prevent a person from falling during sleep or transport, and not to prevent them from voluntarily getting out of bed.

[0036] Barriers are prescribed in particular when there are significant risks of falling, due to agitation or dementia, linked to cerebral, tumoral or vascular pathologies.

[0037] The aging of the population has been accompanied by an increase in the number of patients in a state of acute confusion, or neurodegenerative diseases.

[0038] According to Public Health France, these neurodegenerative diseases are mainly Alzheimer's disease (affecting approximately 1 million people in France in 2019), Parkinson's disease (affecting 180,000 people in France in 2020), Levy's body dementia and multiple sclerosis (each affecting approximately 80,000 people in France, with a large number of patients probably not being diagnosed).

[0039] The standards EN 60601-2-38, NF EN 1970, then EN 60601-2-52 specified the dimensional requirements for medical bed rails.

[0040] Bed rails for medical beds can be classified according to different criteria.

[0041] A primary criterion for classifying medical bed rails is their extension along the side of the bed. One category extends along the entire edge of the bed to be protected and is referred to as "full-length." This type of rail offers the advantage of maximum patient safety. A second category of rail covers only a portion of the bed. Half-rails, generally mounted in pairs, side by side, are commonly used to protect the entire side of the bed. In this way, each half-rail can be operated independently of the other half-rail on the same side of the bed; for example, one half-rail can be raised while the other remains lowered.

[0042] A second criterion for classifying medical bed rails is their kinematics, in particular their degrees of freedom, defining the movements possible, in particular between an extreme extended position and an extreme compact position.

[0043] We know of barriers or half-barriers mounted pivoting about a horizontal lateral axis, and able to be slid under the sleeping surface, as for example described in documents EP 991344 (Voelker, 2000), or EP 3000455 (Benmor Medical, 2016).

[0044] We also know of barriers or half-barriers mounted mobile in vertical planes, in particular mounted telescopically, as for example described in documents FR2986951 (Sotec, 2013), FR3006159 (Edena, 2014).

[0045] We also know of barriers or half-barriers mounted mobile by pivoting in vertical planes, implementing a deformable parallelogram type system, as for example described in documents DE9216881U1 (Stiegelmeyer, 1993), EP1053705 (Sunrise Medical, 2000), EP1552772 (Teknion, 2005), FR2885504 (Hill Rom, 2006), FR2976791 (Edena, 2012), FR2979818 (Medicatlantic, 2013), EP2854602 (Linet, 2015), EP3494840 (Vermeiren, 2019), FR3086863 (Jaffres, 2020). Technical problems underlying the invention

[0046] The invention relates to the transport of medical bed rails, advantageously on an integrated trolley.

[0047] The invention relates in particular to the transport of deformable parallelogram barriers, mounted movably in vertical planes.

[0048] The invention advantageously relates to the transport of ¾ type barriers, extending over three-quarters of the length of the bed.

[0049] In the prior art, it has been proposed to place the bed rails on the bed transport trolley. See, for example, documents DE102017102919 (Stiegelmeyer, 2018) or EP3360527 (Stiegelmeyer, 2018). Straps can be used to try to hold the bed rails in place on the trolley.

[0050] Some manufacturers deliver the barriers in a cardboard box, brought in by means of straps or bundled on the trolley carrying the bed elements.

[0051] It has also been proposed to place the bed rails on the sides of the transport trolley. See, for example, document EP2583653B1 (Winncare, 2015).

[0052] In the design described by document EP2583653, the bed rails are placed in the folded state, on each lateral side of the transport trolley, the rails protruding upwards above the chassis wheels, the vertical footprint of the bed, in its storage and transport position, thus being greater than the length of the bed chassis.

[0053] These earlier designs have drawbacks.

[0054] In particular, the barriers protrude in height, with several resulting inconveniences.

[0055] Firstly, the barriers hinder loading the bed into a van or passing through doorways. While the standard height for interior building doors is now 204 cm, many older dwellings have lower doors.

[0056] For example, Winncare markets XXL beds under the X'Press brand, the maximum height of which, in transport and storage position, is 165 cm for a 120 cm bed. This height is due to the presence of the lifting arm mounted on the transport trolley integrated into the bed. When bed rails have been specified and are delivered with the bed, the rails extend approximately 20 cm beyond the bed's height. As a result, the bed cannot be loaded into a commercial vehicle of type L1H1 or L2H1, which has a height of 170 cm, nor can it be loaded into an H2 van, which has a height of approximately 180 cm. Furthermore, the bed may not fit through the doorways of some older buildings.

[0057] Secondly, the barriers hinder the fitting of a protective cover over the bed. The bed is therefore not protected from dust and splashes during storage and transport.

[0058] It is of course possible for technicians to dismantle the barriers of the bed transport trolley, to place them on the ground, with the risks of damage to the barriers that follow, as well as the risks of people falling by tripping on the barriers.

[0059] Document FR3073734 (Sotec, 2019) describes a medical bed comprising a frame, attachment points being provided on the frame for storing bed rails, these attachment points not being described. Objects of the invention

[0060] A first object of the invention is a medical bed comprising a transport trolley, advantageously integrated, on which transport barriers are mounted in a removable manner, the trolley carrying the barriers being more compact than in prior art devices, and allowing loading into a van and passage through doorways, including doors lower than standard height doors.

[0061] The invention thus finds advantageous application for uses in MAD or HAD, the medical bed being adapted to the situations that a technician often encounters when delivering a medical bed to the patient's home: transporting the bed in a utility vehicle, passing the bed through narrow corridors, passing the bed through a low door.

[0062] Another object of the invention is a medical bed corresponding to the first object above, and not including any mounting accessories to be added.

[0063] Another object of the invention is a medical bed meeting at least one of the above objects, the assembly and disassembly of the barriers on the trolley being carried out without tools.

[0064] Another object of the invention is a medical bed meeting at least one of the above objects, the barriers being held firmly on the trolley before their dismantling, the risks of accidental detachment of the barriers being excluded, in particular in the event of jolts or shocks during transport in a utility vehicle.

[0065] Another object of the invention is a medical bed fulfilling at least one of the above objectives, the assembly and disassembly of the bed being carried out without the need for any accessories. The risk of forgetting such accessories when the technician retrieves the bed is thus avoided.

[0066] Another object of the invention is a medical bed fulfilling at least one of the above objectives, the side rails being securely and firmly attached to the trolley before being removed, thus eliminating the risk of vibration of the rails on the trolley. The risk of scratches or paint damage when components collide is also eliminated, such scratches being undesirable points of corrosion in a medical environment. Furthermore, the transport of the beds is more discreet, as the shocks and noises of colliding components can disturb the driver of the van or truck transporting the medical beds. The movement of the beds through the corridors to the patient's room is also quieter, contributing to a favorable perception of the bed's quality and safety for the patient and their family, as well as for the nursing and care staff.

[0067] Another object of the invention is a medical bed meeting at least one of the above objects, the assembly and disassembly of the barriers being intuitive.

[0068] Another object of the invention is a medical bed meeting at least one of the above objects, the means of mounting the barriers on the trolley being protected against possible shocks during transport or use of the bed.

[0069] Another object of the invention is to provide a kit comprising parts to be mounted on a medical bed trolley, the assembly of the kit parts being carried out as needed.

[0070] For these purposes, it is proposed, according to a first aspect, a medical bed comprising a bed transport trolley, the bed elements being mounted on the trolley when the bed is in transport configuration, the bed comprising means for holding two bed rails on the trolley, the holding means ensuring a constant spacing between the two rails, preventing the rails from colliding when moving the bed in transport configuration.

[0071] These provisions offer many advantages.

[0072] Friction and impacts between the barriers are avoided, eliminating the risk of damage to the barrier coatings, which could facilitate corrosion. Noise generated by impacts between the two barriers during bed transport is also eliminated. The perceived safety and quality of the medical bed are improved during transport to the patient's room.

[0073] Advantageously, the trolley is integrated into the bed structure which includes a folding base, formed of a front part and a rear part mounted articulated to the front part, the rear part being mounted pivoting relative to the front part between two positions, namely a deployed position in which the side rails of the rear part are in line, advantageously in alignment, with the side rails of the front part, and a folded position in which the rear part forms an angle substantially equal to 90° with the front part.

[0074] The technician therefore does not have to worry about bringing or storing a spare part forming a transport trolley for each bed to be installed or transported, the trolley being an integral part of the bed structure.

[0075] In some implementations, the trolley is integrated into the bed, and is removable and / or partially retractable under the sleeping surface.

[0076] Advantageously, the bed comprises two articulated barriers in a deformable parallelogram, and comprises two half-bed bases, each half-bed base being mounted on the trolley when the bed is in transport configuration, the means for retaining the two barriers on the trolley comprising a clamping means to a half-bed base.

[0077] Advantageously, the means for retaining the two barriers on the trolley include a wedge mounted on a sleeve of the half-bed frame, the clamping means being suitable for clamping said wedge.

[0078] In advantageous implementations, the same clamping means is mounted on each of the two barriers.

[0079] Advantageously, the bed comprises two articulated barriers in a deformable parallelogram, each barrier comprising a mounting axis on the bed structure, the means for retaining the two barriers on the carriage comprise a lower support ensuring a gravity locking of the mounting axis.

[0080] No additional manual step is therefore required to ensure the locking of the barrier in the mounted position on the bed, in its transport trolley configuration.

[0081] Advantageously, the bed comprises two articulated barriers in a deformable parallelogram, each barrier comprising two uprights and at least one bar articulated to the two uprights, the means for retaining the two barriers on the carriage comprising a separator clip with two housings, each housing receiving an upright of one of the two barriers.

[0082] In some implementations, the separator clip is arranged in the upper part of the bed in transport trolley configuration.

[0083] The separator clip ensures a constant spacing of the two barriers in the upper part of the bed in transport trolley configuration.

[0084] Advantageously, each housing of the separator clip receives an amount from one of the two barriers by snapping.

[0085] Advantageously, the means for retaining the barriers on the trolley comprise a support having two housings, each of the two housings serving to support one of the barriers, the support being arranged in the lower part of the bed in transport trolley configuration, and ensuring a constant spacing of the two barriers in the lower part of the transport trolley.

[0086] In certain embodiments, the bed comprises two hinged barriers in a deformable parallelogram, each comprising two uprights and at least one bar hinged to the two uprights, each of the two housings of the lower support receiving one of the two barriers with snap-fitting of an upright.

[0087] In certain implementations, the medical bed includes two articulated barriers in a deformable parallelogram, each barrier comprising bars articulated to a head post and a foot post called a flag, the means of retaining the barriers on the bed in trolley configuration comprising a plurality of elements capable of maintaining a spacing between the two barriers.

[0088] Advantageously, the means for holding the barriers on such a bed in trolley configuration are suitable for maintaining a constant spacing between the two barriers.

[0089] Advantageously, the means for retaining the barriers on the bed in trolley configuration include - a lower support equipped with two slots, each slot being suitable for receiving a barrier flag, - an upper separator clip comprising two slots, each slot being suitable for receiving a barrier post - two lower supports spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

[0090] The two barriers can thus be held securely on the medical bed in transport trolley configuration, at several points.

[0091] Advantageously, each lower support is suitable for receiving a barrier mounting pin on the bed structure.

[0092] 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:

[0093] [Fig. 1] is a view of a medical bed with an integrated transport trolley, the bed being shown in its transport trolley configuration, the mounting and fixing areas bed rails being indicated by circles, namely two IV circles in the upper part, two V circles and one VI circle in the lower part of the bed in its transport trolley configuration;

[0094] [Fig. 2] is a view analogous to [Fig. 1], with two bed rails mounted on the bed in its transport trolley configuration, the mounting and fixing areas of the bed rails being indicated by circles, namely two circles VII and one circle XI in the upper part, two circles VIII and one circle IX in the lower part of the bed in its transport trolley configuration;

[0095] [Fig.3] is a view of the medical bed shown in [Fig.2], seen on the front opposite to that of [Fig.2], the mounting and fixing areas of the head and foot panels of the bed being indicated by circles XII;

[0096] [Fig.4] is a detailed view of the mounting areas of the barriers indicated by the circles IV in [Fig.1], [Fig.4] illustrating the placement of retaining wedges at the end of the male sleeves of the foot half-beds;

[0097] [Fig.5] is a detailed view of the mounting areas of the barriers indicated by the circles V of [Fig.1], [Fig.5] illustrating the installation of buttonhole lower supports;

[0098] [Fig.6] is a detail view of the barrier mounting area indicated by circle VI of [Fig.1], [Fig.6] illustrating the mounting of a lower central support;

[0099] [Fig.7] is a detailed view of the barrier assembly in the area indicated by circles VII of [Fig.2], [Fig.7] illustrating the positioning of the jaws on the retaining wedge shown in [Fig.4] and the tightening of this wedge by screwing;

[0100] [Fig.8] is a detail view of the barrier assembly in the area indicated by circles VIII of [Fig.2], [Fig.8] illustrating the insertion of the barriers into the lower buttonhole supports as shown in [Fig.5] and the gravity descent of the barriers into the restricted section of the buttonhole supports;

[0101] [Fig.9] is a detail view of the assembly of a first barrier in the area indicated by circle IX of [Fig.2], [Fig.9] illustrating the support of the first barrier on the lower central support shown in [Fig.6];

[0102] [Fig. 10] is a detail view of the mounting of a second barrier in the area indicated by circle IX of [Fig.2], [Fig. 10] illustrating the support of a second barrier on the lower central support shown in [Fig.6];

[0103] [Fig. 11] is a detail view of the barrier assembly in the area indicated by circle XI of [Fig.2], [Fig. 11] illustrating the positioning of a spreader clip;

[0104] [Fig. 12] is a detail view of the assembly of the headboard and footboard panels in the area indicated by circle XII of [Fig.3];

[0105] [Fig. 13] is a detail view illustrating the mounting of the spreader clip shown in [Fig.11] on the lower central support shown in [Fig.6];

[0106] [Fig. 14] is a detail view illustrating the placement of the retaining wedges shown in [Fig.4], in the retaining housings of the head and foot of bed panels shown in [Fig. 12].

[0107] The medical bed 1 shown in figures 1 to 3 is advantageously equipped with an integrated transport trolley.

[0108] In one embodiment, the medical bed includes a folding bed base, formed of a front frame and a rear frame mounted hinged to the front frame, each frame comprising a section of each side member of the bed base, the rear frame being mounted pivotally relative to the front frame between two positions, namely a deployed position in which the side member sections of the rear frame are in line, advantageously in alignment and continuity with the side member sections of the front frame, and a folded position in which the rear frame forms an angle substantially equal to 90° with the front frame.

[0109] When the rear frame is positioned at 90°, the bed is in a transport trolley configuration and advantageously rests on four casters, preferably each steerable and equipped with a brake. The rear frame separates a front section from a rear section. The bed elements are removably mounted on the front and / or rear sections, on either side of the rear frame. The bed elements are arranged substantially vertically.

[0110] The medical bed 1 is thus represented in figures 1 to 3 in disassembled position, that is to say in a state in which it is when it is stored or moved to be transported to its place of use for a patient, this state being called "transport trolley configuration", or more simply "transport trolley".

[0111] The medical bed 1 comprises two half-bed bases, namely a front half-bed base 2 (or head portion) and a rear half-bed base 3 (or foot portion).

[0112] The medical bed 1 comprises a frame, a crossbar allowing height adjustment of the bed base, and a mechanism for moving the crossbar. The frame comprises a first frame 4 equipped with casters 5, on which is mounted a second frame 6 which includes at its free end two casters 7.

[0113] The casters 5, 7 are advantageously directional, i.e. mounted freely on an axis, and each equipped with a brake, operated by foot.

[0114] The second frame 6 is movable between a raised position (as shown in figures 1 to 3), in which the second frame 6 is substantially vertical and perpendicular to the first frame 4 of the frame, and a position of use of the bed for the patient, in which the second frame 6 is substantially horizontal and extends in the same plane as the first frame 4.

[0115] The assembly of the medical bed 1 comprises the following steps.

[0116] In a first step, the headboard 8 and footboard 9 of the bed are detached, as well as the front half-bed 2 and the rear half-bed 3, these elements being placed on the floor.

[0117] In a second step, the first frame 4 and the second frame 6 of the medical bed frame 1 are pivoted relative to each other, so as to form the horizontal chassis of the bed, supported on the ground on the casters 5, 7.

[0118] An electric motor for operating the crossbar is connected to the mains, and the crossbar is placed at its maximum height, the head half-bed frame and the foot half-bed frame 2, 3 then being assembled on the crossbar.

[0119] Bed rails and possibly a trapeze bar are then placed on the bed.

[0120] The dismantling of the elements of the medical bed is carried out in the reverse order of the steps above, the bed elements being placed on the integrated trolley formed when folding the first frame 4 relative to the second frame 6 of the frame.

[0121] The assembly and disassembly of the medical bed are advantageously carried out by a single person, intuitively and without specific tools.

[0122] The medical bed 1 includes two side rails 10, 11.

[0123] In France, the decree of 12 April 2017 amending the registration procedures Medical beds listed in Article L. 165-1 (LPP) of the Social Security Code stipulate that bed rails must be provided if the medical prescription specifies it, all rails must comply with the requirements of standard NF EN 60601-2-5, bed rails must be provided for medical beds for children up to 146 cm in height.

[0124] Bed rails are therefore not systematically delivered with beds in France, and should only be delivered with the medical bed if the medical prescription explicitly mentions it.

[0125] The present invention advantageously meets these regulatory constraints, by providing on the medical bed, in its transport trolley configuration, means for mounting bed rails.

[0126] These assembly means are advantageously supplied in the form of a kit, i.e., a set of parts delivered with instructions for self-assembly, the assembly of the kit being advantageously carried out using simple hand tools, such as an open-end wrench and a hex key. The assembly of the kit is thus quick and economical.

[0127] In the embodiment shown, the bed rails 10, 11 are of the ¾ rail type, hinged, folding, with a deformable parallelogram.

[0128] Each barrier 10, 11 comprises three bars 12, 13, 14, each of the three bars being mounted hinged to a head post and a foot post.

[0129] As an example, for a 200 cm long hospital bed, the length of the side rails 10, 11 in their used position on the bed is 147 cm, the spacing between the bars 12, 13, 14 is 10 cm, the height of the side rail 10, 11 relative to the bed base is 38 cm, and there is a space of approximately 50 cm separating the footboard and the foot post (referred to as the "flag"). If necessary, a fixed footboard will be placed in this space.

[0130] A small space, less than 4 cm, separates the head post from the headboard panel when the barrier is in the deployed position for use.

[0131] In the folded position on each side of the medical bed, the barriers 10, 11 extend to a low height relative to the bed base, for example on the order of 6 cm.

[0132] Folding the barriers 10, 11 allows them to be retracted, to partially disappear from view, the folded barriers not hindering entry and exit from the bed, and facilitating care.

[0133] The barriers 10, 11 are advantageously formed by assembling metal tubes, for example made of steel or aluminum alloy, advantageously coated, for example with an epoxy film or paint.

[0134] The barriers 10, 11 are mounted in a removable manner on the medical bed 1 in transport trolley configuration, the barriers being advantageously arranged substantially vertically, and frontally.

[0135] The mounting means advantageously comprise, for each barrier 10, 11, at least one of the following elements: - a clamping jaw 20 shown in [Fig.7] placed on a retaining wedge 21 mounted in zone IV of [Fig.1], the retaining wedge 21 being arranged on a sleeve 22 of the foot half-bed frame 3, as shown in [Fig.4]; - a lower lateral support 30 mounted in zone V of [Fig.1], as shown in [Fig.5], an axis 31 of the barrier 10, 11 coming to be placed in a slot 32 of the support 30, the axis 31 then having to descend by gravity into the restricted section 33 of the slot 32, as shown in [Fig.8]; - a central lower support 40 mounted in zone VI of [Fig.1], as shown in [Fig.6], the barrier 10, 11 bearing in a housing 41, 42 of the support 40, as shown in figures 9 and 10.

[0136] Advantageously, the mounting means further include a separator clip 50, mounted in area XI of [Fig.2], as shown in [Fig.11], the separator clip 50 being placed between the two barriers 10, 11, maintaining a gap between the two barriers 10, 11.

[0137] Advantageously, as shown in [Fig. 13], when the barriers are not mounted on the trolley, the separator clip 50 is placed on the central lower support 40.

[0138] As can be seen in particular in figures 4, 5, 7, 8, the means of retaining 20, 21, 30, of a first barrier 10 are similar and symmetrical to the means of retaining the second barrier 11. The assembly and disassembly of the barriers 10, 11 is thus intuitive and quick to learn.

[0139] The barriers 10, 11 are advantageously held on the trolley in the deployed position, and extend only a short height beyond the other bed elements placed on the trolley, as shown in [Fig.2].

[0140] The barriers 10, 11 are advantageously placed in a frontal and visible position on the bed in its transport trolley configuration. This avoids the risk of forgetting to put the barriers in place.

[0141] As an indication, the maximum height of the bed, in its transport trolley configuration in Figures 2 and 3, is around 160 cm, allowing transport in a small utility vehicle of type Hl, and also allowing passage through low doors in old housing, for entry into the patient's room.

[0142] The bed in transport trolley configuration as shown in figures 2 and 3 can also be placed in a protective cover.

[0143] The placement of the barriers 10, 11 on the bed in transport trolley configuration can be carried out as follows.

[0144] In a first step, the retaining wedges 21 are placed at the ends of the sleeves 22 of the foot half of the bed frame 3, as shown in [Fig. 4]. This insertion is, for example, achieved by force or by snapping. The retaining wedges 21 are, for example, made of a polymer material, such as injection-molded polypropylene, or of an elastomer.

[0145] In a second step, the shaft 31 of a first barrier 10 is inserted into a lower lateral support 30 with a slot, as shown in [Fig.8]. This shaft 31 then slides under the effect of gravity into the restricted section 33 of the support 30.

[0146] In a third step, the first barrier 10 is placed against one of the recesses 41 of the central lower support 40. The support 40 is advantageously provided with elastic deformable blades, one upright of the barrier 10 snapping into the recess 4L

[0147] In a fourth step, the clamping jaw 20 of the barrier 10 is screwed against the retaining wedge 21, as shown in [Fig.7].

[0148] In a fifth step, the second barrier 11 is placed in the other lower lateral support, and is then positioned on the lower central support 40, in the second housing 42, as shown in [Fig. 10]. The two housings 41, 42 of the Support 40 ensures a permanent spacing of barriers 10, 11 in the lower part.

[0149] In a sixth step, the separator clip 50 is arranged in the upper part, as shown in [Fig. 11]. The two housings 51, 52 of the separator clip 50 are of complementary shapes to the tubes of the uprights of the barriers 10, 11, the separator clip 50 ensuring a permanent spacing of the barriers 10, 11 in the upper part.

[0150] The removal of barriers 10, 11, from a delivery state of the medical bed represented in [Fig.2] and 3 can be obtained as follows.

[0151] In a first step, the head and foot panels 8, 9 are removed from the bed in transport trolley configuration.

[0152] Where appropriate, the gantry is also removed from the transport trolley.

[0153] Then, the clamping jaw 20 of a first barrier is loosened and released from the retaining wedge 21. The first barrier is then lifted manually to remove it from its housing in the central lower support 40, and to remove the shaft 31 of the first barrier from its lateral support 30.

[0154] The second barrier is then removed in the same way as the first barrier.

[0155] The separator clip 50 is advantageously stored on the central lower support 40 by press-fit insertion, as shown in [Fig. 13]. The retaining wedges 21 are advantageously placed in recesses 60 used to hold the foot and head panels, as shown in Figures 12 and 14.

[0156] The invention has many advantages.

[0157] The bed rails are placed on a bed in a transport trolley configuration, the bed preferably including an integrated trolley. The technician therefore does not need to bring a trolley when retrieving the hospital bed for transport to a storage location or to another patient's living space. This avoids the risk of forgetting a trolley and the inconvenience of storing numerous different trolleys, specific to each type of bed.

[0158] The barriers are placed on a bed in a transport trolley configuration, the bed being equipped with means for mounting and securing the barriers. The technician therefore does not need to bring any barrier mounting accessories. The risk of forgetting accessories is thus avoided.

[0159] The side rails are placed on a bed in a transport trolley configuration, with the side rails in the deployed position. The maximum height of the bed in the transport trolley configuration is thus kept low, allowing transport in a small utility vehicle, such as a light commercial van, and enabling passage through low doorways, below the standard height, often found in older homes. The bed is therefore suitable for use in home care and hospital-at-home settings. The height of the The bed in transport trolley configuration is advantageously around 160 cm. The side rails are kept in the deployed position during transport with the bed in transport trolley configuration, and cannot accidentally fold back during transport of the bed.

[0160] The means for mounting and securing the bed rails to the transport trolley configuration are supplied as a kit, with all the kit parts advantageously being assembled using hand tools, such as an open-end wrench and an Allen wrench. It is thus possible to equip an existing bed in trolley configuration, if necessary, for the temporary use of bed rails, as prescribed by a doctor. If required, the kit parts can be removed from one bed and placed on another bed that needs to be moved.

[0161] The means for mounting and securing the barriers on the bed in the transport trolley configuration ensure that the barriers are held firmly, eliminating the risk of accidental detachment during transport. Accidental translational movements of the barriers, perpendicular to their front storage plane, are prevented.

[0162] The mounting and securing means for the bed rails in the transport trolley configuration ensure that the rails are held in place with a constant spacing between them, thus preventing them from colliding. This eliminates the risk of damage from friction, as well as noise during transport and movement of the bed. The perceived quality and safety of the medical bed are therefore high. The occurrence of corrosion due to deterioration of the rail coating (epoxy, paint) is thus prevented. The rails, and advantageously the entire bed in the transport trolley configuration carrying the rails, can be cleaned using disinfection machines, for example, those marketed under the Rehawash® brand.

[0163] The means for mounting and holding the barriers on the bed in transport trolley configuration are compatible with a conventional mounting of the barriers in the folded position, on each lateral side of the trolley, for example when the technician has a high-height truck, such as an H3 type van.

[0164] When using the kit, the detachable parts (spacer clip, retaining wedges) are advantageously placed in storage locations, avoiding the risk of loss.

[0165] The kit parts are keyed, eliminating the risk of incorrect assembly.

[0166] The central lower support prevents any impact or friction of the barriers against the ground, for example when the bed in transport trolley configuration passes a threshold or a step, a sidewalk.

[0167] The buttonhole side supports ensure automatic retention, the barriers positioning themselves by gravity within the restricted section of the buttonholes. No operation No manual locking is required. This reduces the risk of the barriers accidentally detaching.

[0168] The barriers are held in place on the bed in transport trolley configuration by means located at several points and at different heights: lower locking in slotted supports, upper clamping by jaws on wedges, lower central support, upper spreader clip. Advantageously, the barrier retention means are a different color from the other bed components, drawing the technician's attention to the barrier mounting areas.

Claims

Demands

1. Medical bed (1) comprising a bed transport trolley, the bed elements being mounted on the trolley when the bed is in transport configuration, the bed (1) comprising means for retaining two bed rails (10, 11) on the trolley, characterized in that the retaining means ensure a constant spacing between the two rails (10, 11), preventing the rails (10, 11) from colliding during the movement of the bed (1) in transport configuration.

2. Medical bed (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the trolley is integrated into the structure of the bed (1) which comprises a folding base, formed of a front part and a rear part mounted articulated to the front part, the rear part being mounted pivoting relative to the front part between two positions, namely a deployed position in which the side rails of the rear part are in line, advantageously in alignment, with the side rails of the front part, and a folded position in which the rear part forms an angle substantially equal to 90° with the front part.

3. Medical bed (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising two barriers (10, 11) articulated in a deformable parallelogram, and comprising two half-bed bases (2, 3), each half-bed base (2, 3) being mounted on the trolley when the bed (1) is in transport configuration, characterized in that the means for retaining the two barriers (10, 11) on the trolley comprise a clamping means to a half-bed base.

4. Medical bed (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the means for retaining the two barriers (10, 11) on the trolley comprise a wedge (21) mounted on a sleeve (22) of the half-bed base, the clamping means being able to clamp said wedge (21).

5. Medical bed (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the same clamping means (20) is mounted on each of the two barriers (10, 11).

6. A medical bed (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising two barriers (10, 11) articulated in a deformable parallelogram, each barrier (10, 11) comprising a mounting axis (31) on the structure bed, characterized in that the means for retaining the two barriers (10, 11) on the trolley include a lower support (30) ensuring a gravity locking of the mounting axis (31).

7. Medical bed (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising two barriers (10, 11) articulated in a deformable parallelogram, comprising two uprights and at least one bar articulated to the two uprights, characterized in that the means for retaining the two barriers (10, 11) on the trolley comprise a separating clip (50) with two housings (51, 52), each housing (51, 52) receiving an upright of one of the two barriers (10, 11).

8. Medical bed (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the separator clip (50) is disposed in the upper part of the bed (1) in transport trolley configuration, and ensures a constant spacing of the two barriers (10, 11) in the upper part of the bed (1) in transport trolley configuration.

9. Medical bed (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each housing (51, 52) of the separator clip (50) receives an amount from one of the two barriers (10, 11) by snapping.

10. Medical bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the means for retaining the barriers (10, 11) on the trolley comprise a support (40) having two housings (41, 42), each of the two housings (41, 42) serving to support one of the barriers (10, 11), the support (40) being arranged in the lower part of the bed (1) in transport trolley configuration, and ensuring a constant spacing of the two barriers (10, 11) in the lower part of the transport trolley.

11. Medical bed (1) according to claim 10, provided with two barriers (10, 11) articulated in a deformable parallelogram, each comprising two uprights and at least one bar articulated to the two uprights, characterized in that each of the two housings (41, 42) of the lower support (40) receives one of the two barriers (10, 11) with snap-fitting of an upright.

12. A medical bed (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising two hinged, deformable parallelogram-shaped side rails, each side rail (10, 11) comprising bars (12, 13, 14) hinged to a head post and a foot post referred to as a flag, the means for securing the side rails (10, 11) on the bed in trolley configuration comprising a plurality of elements capable of maintaining a spacing between the two barriers (10, 11).

13. Medical bed (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the means for holding the barriers (10, 11) on the bed in trolley configuration are capable of maintaining a constant spacing between the two barriers.

14. Medical bed (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the means for retaining the barriers (10, 11) on the bed in trolley configuration comprise a lower support (40) provided with two housings (41, 42), each housing being suitable for receiving a flag of a barrier, an upper separator clip (50) comprising two housings, each housing being suitable for receiving a post of a barrier, two lower supports (30) separated from each other in a horizontal direction.

15. Medical bed according to claim 14, characterized in that each lower support (30) is able to receive a barrier mounting shaft (31) on the bed structure.