Apparatus for holding and moving hammock in incubator

Abstract

To provide an improved apparatus and an incubator for holding and moving a hammock in the incubator for a preterm or neonate.SOLUTION: An apparatus (11) for holding and moving a hammock (13) in an incubator (1) for a preterm or neonate (3) comprises fastening means (25) configured to fasten the hammock on a fastening portion (7) of the incubator so that a lying surface (27) of the hammock extends in an incubator chamber (5) of the incubator; a movement arm (29) having a receiver (31) for receiving a portion of the hammock; a mechanism (33) configured to couple the movement arm with a coupling portion (9) of the incubator, so that the movement arm can be moved to and from relative to the coupling portion, as a result of which the hammock fastened on the fastening portion and received by the receiver can be set in a rocking movement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding and moving a hammock in an incubator for a premature or newborn baby. The present invention further relates to a hammock suitable for use with such an apparatus, and to an incubator for a premature or newborn baby. [Background technology]

[0002] Incubators for premature or newborn babies may comprise an incubator chamber in which the premature or newborn baby can be placed to protect it from environmental influences. Such an incubator chamber is usually heatable. The premature or newborn baby is usually placed on a flat sleeping surface in the incubator chamber. Alternatively, a hammock can be used. Such a hammock has the advantage, compared to a flat sleeping surface, of closely wrapping the premature or newborn baby, similar to when he or she is in the mother's womb. This may have a positive effect on the premature or newborn baby. However, due to limited space, fitting a hammock in the incubator chamber may entail certain difficulties. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] One object of the present invention may be viewed as providing an improved apparatus for holding and moving a hammock in an incubator for a premature or newborn baby. Another object of the present invention may be viewed as providing an improved hammock for use with such an apparatus, and an improved incubator for a premature or newborn baby. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] These problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a device for holding and moving a hammock in an incubator for a premature or newborn baby, the incubator comprising an incubator chamber for accommodating a premature or newborn baby, a mounting part and a connecting part, the device comprising attachment means designed to attach the hammock to the mounting part, whereby the sleeping surface of the hammock extends into the incubator, an exercise arm having a receiving part for receiving a portion of the hammock, and a mechanism designed to connect the exercise arm to the connecting part, whereby the exercise arm can be moved reciprocally relative to the connecting part, thereby causing a rocking movement of the hammock attached to the mounting part and received by the receiving part.

[0006] Such a device has the advantage that the hammock can be moved back and forth in a controlled manner using a mechanism to produce a rocking movement. This allows the hammock to be moved back and forth using a corresponding drive even when the incubator chamber is closed. In addition, the device can be implemented with low construction costs. Another advantage is that the device requires a small space, which allows easy access to the premature or newborn baby or other object in the incubator chamber. The device also allows easy operation and efficient cleaning.

[0007] A "rocking motion" may generally be understood as a rocking motion suitable for soothing a premature or newborn baby sleeping in a hammock. Such a rocking motion may be produced, for example, by swinging the hammock from side to side and / or by raising and lowering a first end of the hammock relative to a second end of the hammock.

[0008] The portion of the hammock accommodated by the accommodation portion may be the head end, the foot end, or the portion of the hammock located between the head end and the foot end.

[0009] For example, the attachment means can be designed such that the head and / or foot end of the hammock can be attached to the attachments. In particular, the attachment means can be designed such that the hammock can be attached by its head and foot ends to opposing walls of the incubator chamber. In addition, the attachment means can be designed such that the hammock can be attached to different vertical positions within the incubator chamber, i.e. the height of the hammock can be adjusted.

[0010] Such height adjustment can be achieved, for example, by means of one or several (for example two) vertically adjustable crossbars, to which a hammock is attached respectively. For this, each crossbar can be guided along two vertical posts. The crossbar can then be fixed in a specific vertical position by clamping it between the two posts. For this, the crossbar can be designed as a telescopic bar. For example, the telescopic bar can be designed to have a (central) grip area and to lengthen by rotating the grip area in a specific rotational direction, so that the telescopic bar is clamped between the two posts.

[0011] A combination of two-point attachment of the hammock at the head end and one-point attachment at the foot end (or vice versa) is also conceivable: for example, two-point attachment can be achieved using a (cross) bar or another elongated element with similar stability, and / or one-point attachment can be achieved using a string.

[0012] The movement arm can be designed, for example, in the form of a post, a fork or a bracket. It is also possible for the movement arm to have an opening designed so that a hand can be inserted through the opening. This improves access to the inside of the incubator or incubator chamber.

[0013] Alternatively, the movement arm can be at least partially formed by at least one rope or at least one cable. In this case, the accommodation of the movement arm can be a first end of a rope attached to a part of the hammock. For example, the second end of the rope can be attached to a base plate of the mechanism (see below). The rope can be appropriately redirected, for example once or several times, and / or its length can be adjustable. The movement arm can preferably be designed such that a pulling force is applied to the hammock by the rope or cable, the horizontal component of which is much larger (for example at least twice or at least three times larger) than the vertical component, causing the hammock to reciprocate with respect to the linkage, resulting in a predominantly horizontal swinging movement. Alternatively, the pulling force can only act horizontally.

[0014] The receiving part can be understood as a part of the movement arm, in other words the receiving part can reciprocate together with the movement arm when the movement arm is reciprocated relative to the connection part, i.e. moved in opposite directions to each other.

[0015] Alternatively, the housing can be movably supported relative to the exercise arm, in which case the exercise arm and the housing can be mechanically coupled to each other such that movement of the exercise arm in a particular direction is translated into a corresponding movement of the housing (and therefore of the part of the hammock housed by the housing).

[0016] A second aspect of the invention relates to a hammock for use with the devices described above and below, comprising a sleeping surface designed to be able to change its shape (precisely) by raffining at least a portion of the sleeping surface, and a raffining device designed to raffinize at least a portion of the sleeping surface to different degrees and to hold it raffined in specific positions.

[0017] Such a hammock can be easily and reliably adapted in shape to various needs and situations. In addition, the hammock can be easily attached and removed. Another advantage is that the means for adapting the shape of the hammock take up little space in the incubator chamber.

[0018] The hammock may be designed, for example, by its head end and / or its foot end to be attached to an incubator for a premature or neonatal baby, such as the incubator attachments described above and below, such that its sleeping surface extends into the incubator chamber of the incubator.

[0019] A "sleeping surface" can generally be understood as a kind of mat or net. The sleeping surface can be made, for example, from (woven) textile materials and / or plastic. For hygiene reasons, the sleeping surface or the hammock (as a whole) can be designed so that it can be washed and / or autoclaved at a temperature of at least 60° C., in particular at least 90° C. The sleeping surface can be at least partially flat and / or at least partially curved depending on the selected longitudinal position of the holding elements. For example, an at least partially curved sleeping surface can at least partially surround the premature baby or newborn baby lying thereon in a tube-like or trough-like manner.

[0020] A third aspect of the invention relates to an incubator for a premature or newborn baby. The incubator comprises an incubating chamber for accommodating the premature or newborn baby. Further, the incubator may comprise the attachments, connections and devices as described above and below. Additionally or alternatively, the incubator may comprise a hammock as described above and below.

[0021] The incubator chamber may be heatable and / or may be designed so that there is a particular humidity level therein, for example at least 70 percent.

[0022] The attachment portion may be distinct from the coupling portion. Alternatively, the attachment portion may comprise at least a portion of the coupling portion (or vice versa).

[0023] Various embodiments of the present invention are described below, which should not be understood as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0024] In general, reciprocation of the motion arm relative to the linkage may involve translation and / or rotation of the motion arm.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the reciprocating movement of the movement arms relative to the joints can include translation of the movement arms in mutually opposite translational directions, or rotation of the movement arms in mutually opposite rotational directions, or a combination of translation of the movement arms in mutually opposite translational directions and rotation of the movement arms in mutually opposite rotational directions. In other words, the mechanism can be designed to support the movement arms on the joints in such a way that they can be displaced in mutually opposite directions along at least partially linear and / or at least partially curved trajectories. Additionally or alternatively, the mechanism can be designed to support the movement arms on the joints in such a way that they can be rotated in mutually opposite directions about a rotation axis. The rotation axis can be aligned, for example, parallel or transverse to the longitudinal direction of the hammock. It is possible that the rotation axis is on the central axis of the hammock.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the device can be designed such that when the movement arm is reciprocated relative to the articulation, the parts of the hammock accommodated by the accommodation are reciprocated relative to the accommodation, for example along the accommodation, in which case the parts of the hammock accommodated by the accommodation can be displaceable and / or rotatable in opposite directions relative to the accommodation.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the device can be designed such that when the movement arm is moved in a first direction relative to the articulation, the part of the hammock accommodated by the accommodation is moved in a second direction different from the first direction. This allows a particularly simple construction of the device, in particular compared to the embodiment in which the hammock is supported rotatably (on both sides) about its central axis. The first and second directions can be mutually different rotational directions or mutually different translational directions. Alternatively, the first direction can be a translational direction and the second direction a rotational direction (or vice versa).

[0028] According to one embodiment, the receiving part may include an edge (Kante) for contacting the hammock. The edge may be designed such that when the movement arm is moved in a first direction, the hammock in contact with the edge is moved along the edge in a second direction. The edge may form a slope along which the hammock can slide when the movement arm reciprocates. In other words, an "edge" may be understood as an oblique edge that extends obliquely with respect to a (virtual) horizontal or vertical line when the device is in an operable state. The edge may extend at least partially linearly and / or at least partially curvedly in its longitudinal direction. For example, the edge may be designed such that when the hammock in contact with the edge is moved along the edge in a second direction, the position of the hammock with respect to the first direction does not change significantly. In this way, additional, and under certain circumstances disadvantageous, accelerations of the hammock in the first direction and / or in a direction opposite to the first direction during the swinging movement may be avoided.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the receptacle may include a slot for hanging the hammock. In that case, the edge may be formed by at least a part of the outer contour of the slot. In other words, the edge may at least partially define the slot. The slot may be closed or open.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first direction can extend crosswise or obliquely to the second direction. In other words, the first direction and the second direction can be perpendicular to each other. However, the first and second directions can also be at an angle different from 90 degrees, i.e. extend obliquely to each other. Alternatively, the first and second directions can be opposite to each other.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the first direction may be a vertical direction or a horizontal direction.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the device can be designed such that when the exercise arm is returned in a third direction opposite to the first direction, the portion of the hammock accommodated by the accommodation portion is returned in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the mechanism may include a base plate and a swivel device. In that case, the exercise arm is attached by one end to the base plate and may have a receiving part at its free end. The base plate may be attached to the connection part via the swivel device so as to be swivelable in mutually opposite directions. By "swivel device" it is possible to understand, for example, a joint, a lifting column, or a combination of at least two of these examples. For example, the base plate may form a seesaw with the swivel device. By "seesaw (Wippe)" it is possible to understand, in general, an element which can be rotated back and forth around a rotation axis by a certain angle of less than 90 degrees, preferably an angle of 0 to 45 degrees, particularly preferably an angle of 0 to 20 degrees. The exercise arm may be fixedly connected to the seesaw. In other words, the exercise arm may be attached to the seesaw so as to be reciprocated together with the seesaw when the seesaw reciprocates.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the device may further comprise an additional sleeping surface (different from the sleeping surface of the hammock) for the premature baby or newborn. The additional sleeping surface may be formed by a part of the base plate and / or a part of the mattress arranged on the base plate. In other words, the base plate or at least a part of it may be designed as a flat sleeping surface for the premature baby or newborn. The premature baby or newborn may thus be placed on the sleeping surface of the hammock or on the additional sleeping surface as required. For example, if the premature baby or newborn should be placed on the additional sleeping surface, the hammock may simply be pushed aside or removed.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the mechanism can include an electric drive for the controlled reciprocation of the exercise arm relative to the articulation. The electric drive can include an electric motor and additionally a transmission for converting the rotation of the drive shaft of the electric motor into a rotation and / or translation of the exercise arm relative to the articulation. This makes the operation of the device more comfortable. The electric drive can additionally further include a timer designed to cause the hammock to move in a swinging motion for a predefined time. Furthermore, the electric drive can be designed in such a way that a maximum displacement of the swinging motion can be specified. This makes it possible to operate the device partially or fully automatically. The electric drive can be designed, for example, to drive one or more lifting columns. A pneumatic drive for the controlled reciprocation of the exercise arm relative to the articulation is also possible.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the attachment means can include an exercise arm. In other words, the exercise arm can be designed to attach the hammock, for example its head end or foot end, directly or indirectly to the attachment part. For example, the exercise arm can be attached by one end to the attachment part and have a receiving part at its free end.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the attachment means comprises at least one of the following attachment means: a rope receiving part for clamping non-slipably at least one rope-like element attached to the hammock, a hook receiving part for hanging at least one hook-like element attached to the hammock, a loop receiving part for hanging at least one loop-like element attached to the hammock, a knot, a perle. A "rope-like element" can be understood as an elongated element for transmitting tensile forces, for example in the form of a rope, a string, a cord, a thread, a ribbon, a wire, a chain, or a combination of at least two of these examples. A "rope receiving part" can be understood as, for example, a correspondingly shaped groove or a clip (which can be closed by a spring force). For example, the groove can have on its inner wall, in particular on its mutually opposing inner walls, a number of rib-like projections and recesses for increasing the friction between the groove and the clamped rope. A "hook-like element" can be understood as, for example, a hook suitable for hooking into a corresponding hook receiving part, or a rectangular or spherical element. A "hook receiving portion" can be understood, for example, as a loop- or eyelet-shaped receiving portion. A "loop element" can be understood, for example, as a loop or eyelet. A "loop receiving portion" can be understood, for example, as a hook- or pin-shaped receiving portion.

[0038] For example, the rope receiving section can have two inner walls aligned in a V-shape with respect to one another to form a funnel-shaped recess for clamping the rope-like element. Such a funnel-shaped recess has the advantage that rope-like elements of different diameters can be clamped in the rope receiving section without the rope receiving section having to be adapted accordingly. In that case, each inner wall can have a ridge consisting of a number of parallel grooves for contacting the rope-like element. The rope-like element can thus be clamped between the two ridges. The grooves of the two ridges can each be aligned in such a way that the more the clamped rope-like element is pulled in a certain pulling direction obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the clamped rope-like element, in particular parallel to its longitudinal direction, the deeper the clamped rope-like element is pushed by the grooves into the funnel-shaped recess. In other words, each groove can form, viewed in the pulling direction, a descending slope along which the rope-like element is guided when pulled in the pulling direction towards the bottom of the funnel-shaped recess. This self-reinforcing effect makes it possible to ensure a particularly secure attachment of the rope-like elements.

[0039] The rope accommodation can be attached, for example, to the head wall or foot wall of the incubator chamber, for example by screwing it thereto. Alternatively, the rope accommodation can be connectable to a mating piece by means of a plug-in connection, for example by fitting the rope accommodation vertically and / or horizontally into a mating piece attached to the head wall or foot wall.

[0040] The plug-in connection can additionally be lockable by means of a locking element, which can be supported on the incubator, for example on the head wall or on the foot wall and / or on the rope receiving part and / or on the counterpiece, so as to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, in which case the locking element can be designed such that in the locked position it locks the plug-in connection, whereby release of the plug-in connection is not possible, and in the unlocked position it unlocks, whereby release of the plug-in connection is possible.

[0041] For example, the locking element can be designed as part of a flap for closing an access opening in the head wall or foot wall. A flap can be supported in the head wall or foot wall so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position. The flap can then be designed to close the access opening (airtight) in the closed position and to open it in the open position, so that for example a hand can be inserted through the access opening into the interior of the incubator chamber. The closed position can correspond to a locked position and / or the open position can correspond to an unlocked position. In other words, the flap can be designed so that the plug-in connection can be locked by moving the flap to the closed position and / or unlocked by moving the flap to the open position.

[0042] The locking element may, for example, comprise a protrusion (e.g. in the form of a needle) protruding from the flap, which may be movable together with the flap. The protrusion may be movable into the locked position by moving the flap into a closed position, in which the protrusion may form-fittingly engage in a rope-receiving portion fitted onto the counterpiece, e.g. a recess or hole in the rope-receiving portion, whereby the plug-in connection is locked. Conversely, the protrusion may be movable into the unlocked position by moving the flap into an open position, in which case the protrusion may release the rope-receiving portion, whereby the plug-in connection is unlocked.

[0043] A variant is also conceivable in which the plug-in connection is designed in such a way that the locking element is moved into and / or held in the locked position by the tensile force exerted on the rope receiving part by the hammock.

[0044] The above description may also apply correspondingly to loop receiving portions and / or hook receiving portions.

[0045] It is also possible that the attachment means comprises a crossbar at the head end and / or at the foot end of the hammock and / or one or more attachment receptacles for attaching the crossbar to the attachment part. Each crossbar can be inserted, for example, into a corresponding tunnel or into one or more loops of the hammock. The longitudinal direction of the crossbar can then run transversely (transversely) to the longitudinal direction of the hammock. The attachment receptacles can have, for example, various attachment points for attaching, in particular hanging, the crossbar, or more precisely the exposed part of the crossbar. The various attachment points may differ from one another in their vertical and / or horizontal position. For example, the attachment points can be formed by grooves and / or hooks. This allows, inter alia, an easy adaptation of the height and / or length of the hammock. Instead of the crossbars, strings or other suitable elongated elements can also be used.

[0046] The crossbar can be designed, for example, to prevent parts of the hammock that contact the crossbar in the inserted state, such as the tunnel or loop(s) of the hammock, from unintentionally shifting out of position in their longitudinal direction relative to the crossbar.

[0047] For this purpose, the crossbar can have, for example, one or more thickened sections, in which the crossbar is significantly enlarged in its width direction (i.e. perpendicular to its longitudinal direction) compared to the rest of the crossbar. Such thickened sections can be realized, for example, by suitable (for example V-shaped) folds or bends of the crossbar.

[0048] For example, such a thickened spot can be positioned centrally between the two ends of the crossbar (defining the length of the crossbar) and a corresponding cavity can be formed in the material of the hammock (e.g. as a hole) to accommodate the thickened spot. The cavity can be centrally located across the width of the hammock (i.e. transverse to its length) so that the hammock, when the thickened spot is accommodated by the cavity (e.g. inserted through the hole), is centered with respect to the crossbar and is held in this centered position even when the hammock is shuttled by a mechanism with a premature or newborn baby therein.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, such thickened points can be positioned other than in the center, for example at each end of the crossbar, to prevent the edge portions of the hammock that contact the crossbar from unintentionally shifting into the center of the crossbar.

[0050] Furthermore, the device can comprise a sensor for detecting the position of the crossbar relative to the mounting and an evaluation unit for evaluating a sensor signal generated by the sensor. The sensor can preferably be formed as a reed switch which is opened or closed if the crossbar is correctly mounted. Simple mechanical switches or optical sensors are also possible, however. The evaluation unit can be designed to determine whether the crossbar is correctly mounted in the incubator by evaluating the sensor signal and to generate a control signal for controlling at least one function of the incubator, for example for controlling a fan and / or a display, depending on the result of this evaluation.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the device, particularly the mechanism, may be designed to fix the movement arm at a specific position relative to the joint.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the device may further comprise at least one further movement arm with a further housing for housing a further part of the hammock. In this case, the mechanism may be designed to couple the further movement arm to a further connection of the incubator, so that the further movement arm can be reciprocated relative to the further connection, and the device may be designed to make the hammock attached to the attachment and housed by the housing and the further housing a swinging movement by reciprocating the movement arm and the further movement arm. In other words, the hammock can be properly swung with multiple movement arms attached to various parts of the hammock. This allows a better control of the swinging movement compared to the embodiment with only one movement arm. The part of the hammock housed by the housing and the other part of the hammock housed by the further housing may be the same part of the hammock or different parts of the hammock. The connection and the further connection may be the same part of the incubator or different parts of the incubator. The device may also comprise a plurality of such further movement arms, for example three or four. The attachment means can comprise a separate movement arm or separate movement arms, for example the hammock can be attached to a base plate via four (corner) posts as movement arms.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the sleeping surface may be designed to have a tunnel and to be able to change its shape by squeezing the tunnel, in which case the squeezing device may comprise an elongated tension element, which extends through the tunnel and thus allows the tunnel to be squeezed along said tension element, and a retaining element, which may be attached to an end of the tension element protruding from the tunnel and which holds the tunnel squeezed in a specific position.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the constriction device may include a fastener for constricting the sleeping surface.

[0055] The tunnel can be connected to the sleeping surface in such a way that by narrowing the tunnel the length and / or width and / or cross-sectional shape of the sleeping surface changes. By narrowing the tunnel accordingly, it is possible to adjust, for example, how closely the sleeping surface envelops a premature baby or a newborn baby sleeping in a hammock. By narrowing the tunnel, it is shortened. This also changes the shape of the sleeping surface. For example, this makes the sleeping surface more arched and / or shorter and / or narrower. Conversely, if the tunnel is lengthened by correspondingly positioning the retaining element or elements, i.e. it is narrowed less, the sleeping surface becomes flatter and / or longer and / or wider. The length of the tunnel can be set, for example, by the position of the retaining element or elements relative to the longitudinal direction of the tension element.

[0056] By "retaining element" one can understand, for example, a clip or a so-called cord stopper, also called a cord lock or tanka, or other clamping element. Such a retaining element can be particularly simply and securely attached to the tension element in various longitudinal positions. In addition, such a retaining element is particularly inexpensive. The retaining element can, for example, comprise a spring for applying an appropriate clamping force. The retaining element can be designed such that it cannot slip into the tunnel or become displaced relative to the tension element during the intended use of the hammock. For example, the maximum outer diameter of the retaining element can be greater than the maximum inner diameter of the opening of the tunnel.

[0057] By "tension element" it is generally understood to mean an elongated element for transmitting tension, for example in the form of a rod (e.g., a bar), a string, a rope, a cord, a thread, a ribbon, a wire, a chain, or a combination of at least two of these examples. The tension element may also be designed, for example, to attach a hammock to the mounting of an incubator.

[0058] The tunnel can be formed, for example, by a (turned) hem, a loop, an eyelet, a void in the material of the sleeping surface, or a combination of at least two of these examples. In particular, the tunnel can be designed as a continuous or occasionally interrupted tunnel passage. The tunnel, viewed in its longitudinal direction, can extend in the direction of the length and / or width of the hammock. In other words, the tunnel, viewed in its longitudinal direction, can extend at least partially parallel, transverse or oblique to the longitudinal direction of the hammock. Additionally or alternatively, at least one longitudinal part of the tunnel can be part of the outer edge of the sleeping surface, i.e. the outer contour of the sleeping surface.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the tunnel may include a longitudinal portion that forms at least a part of the outer edge of the sleeping surface.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the tunnel may include a longitudinal portion extending transversely or diagonally to the longitudinal direction of the sleeping surface.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the tunnel may include a longitudinal portion extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sleeping surface.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the tunnel may include a longitudinal portion that extends centrally between two opposing ends of the hammock and / or connects the two opposing ends of the hammock to one another.

[0063] The longitudinal direction of the sleeping surface refers in particular to the direction in which the sleeping surface is unwound and / or relaxed and / or laid flat in the hammock position.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the sleeping surface of the hammock can have arcuate edges at its head and / or foot ends, which has the advantage that a premature or newborn baby can sink deeper into the hammock compared to embodiments with straight edges.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the hammock may further comprise a second retaining element that may be attached to a second end of the tension element protruding from the tunnel in order to hold the tunnel in a squeezed state between the two retaining elements. In other words, the tunnel that is held in a squeezed state may extend between a (first) retaining element attached to the tension element and a second retaining element attached to the tension element, both retaining elements defining the effective length of the tunnel.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the sleeping surface can have a further tunnel and can be designed in such a way that the shape can be changed by squeezing the further tunnel. In this case, the squeezing device can further comprise a further elongated tension element that extends through the further tunnel and thereby squeezes the further tunnel along the further tension element, and a further holding element that can be attached to an end of the further tension element that protrudes from the further tunnel and holds the further tunnel squeezed in a certain position. The sleeping surface can comprise several such further tunnels. For example, the sleeping surface can be designed in such a way that the width of the sleeping surface can be changed by squeezing the tunnel and the length of the sleeping surface can be changed by squeezing the further tunnel. The shape of the sleeping surface can thus be adapted in a simple way to different realities and needs.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the incubator may comprise a cradle for supporting the incubator chamber. In that case, the mounting part may comprise a part of the cradle. In other words, the mounting means of the device may be designed to attach the hammock to the cradle. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling part may comprise a part of the cradle. In other words, the mechanism of the device may be designed to movably connect the movement arm to the cradle. The cradle may have, for example, one or more casters for moving the incubator and / or one or more lifting columns for vertical adjustment of the incubator chamber.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the incubator chamber may be defined in height by a floor and a ceiling, and / or in length by a head wall and a foot wall, and / or in width by a front wall and a rear wall, where the attachment or connection or attachment and connection may include at least one of the following parts of the incubator chamber: floor, ceiling, head wall, foot wall, front wall, rear wall.

[0069] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which neither the description nor the drawings should be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0070] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an incubator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a portion of the exercise arm according to FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a seesaw-like device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a hammock according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows the outer contour of a hammock according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0071] The figures are schematic and not to scale. When the same reference signs are used in different drawings, these signify features that are the same or have the same functionality.

[0072] 1 shows an incubator 1 for a premature or newborn baby 3. The incubator 1 comprises an incubator chamber 5 for accommodating the premature or newborn baby 3, an attachment part 7, a connection part 9 and a device 11 for holding and moving a hammock 13 within the incubator chamber 5.

[0073] Additionally, the incubator 1 may include a platform 15 for supporting the incubator chamber 5. The platform 15 may have a number of casters 16 for moving the incubator 1 and / or one or more lifting columns for vertical adjustment of the incubator chamber 5.

[0074] In this example, the incubator chamber 5 is defined in height by the floor 17 and ceiling 19, in length by the head wall 21 and foot wall 23, and in width by the front and back walls (not shown).

[0075] For example, mounting portion 7 can include a head wall 21 and a foot wall 23, and / or connecting portion 9 can include a floor 17. Mounting portion 7 or connecting portion 9 can additionally or alternatively include other portions of incubator 1, such as a portion of cradle 15.

[0076] The incubator chamber 5 may be heatable and / or may be designed to regulate the humidity within it.

[0077] The device 11 is provided with attachment means 25 designed to attach the hammock 13 to the attachment portion 7, here the head wall 21 and the foot wall 23, so that the sleeping surface 27 of the hammock 13 extends into the incubator 5.

[0078] The device 11 further comprises an exercise arm 29 having a receiving portion 31 for receiving a portion of the hammock 13, and a mechanism 33 designed to connect the exercise arm 29 to the connection portion 9, here the floor 17, so that the exercise arm 29 can be moved back and forth relative to the connection portion 9, thereby causing a swinging movement of the hammock 13 attached to the mounting portion 7 and received by the receiving portion 31 (indicated by the curved double-headed arrow). In this example, the exercise arm 29 can be moved back and forth vertically (indicated by the straight double-headed arrow). Additionally or alternatively, a horizontal reciprocating movement of the exercise arm 29 or a mutually opposing rotational movement of the exercise arm 29 is possible to produce a swinging movement. The device 11 can also comprise a plurality of exercise arms (see FIG. 3).

[0079] The mechanism 33 may additionally comprise an electric drive for controlled, in particular automatic, reciprocation of the movement arm 29 .

[0080] As shown in Figure 1, the hammock 13 can be attached to the mounting part 7 by attachment means 25 independent of the exercise arms 29. However, it is also possible that the exercise arms 29 serve as one of the attachment means 25 (see Figure 3).

[0081] The attachment means 25 may, for example, include one or more of the following receiving portions: a rope receiving portion for clamping at least one rope-like element attached to the hammock 13 in a non-slippery manner, a hook receiving portion for hanging at least one hook-like element attached to the hammock 13, and a loop receiving portion for hanging at least one loop-like element attached to the hammock 13.

[0082] Furthermore, the mounting means 25 may be designed to mount the hammock 13 at various vertical positions within the incubator chamber 5, i.e. to adjust the height of the hammock 13.

[0083] In this example, the device 11 is designed such that, when the movement arm 29 is moved in a reciprocating manner relative to the link 9, the portion of the hammock 13 accommodated by the accommodation 31 is moved in a reciprocating manner relative to the link 9. In addition, the device 11 is designed such that, when the movement arm 29 is moved in a first (here vertical) direction y relative to the link 9, the portion of the hammock 13 accommodated by the accommodation 31 is moved in a second (here horizontal) direction x different from the first direction y (see FIG. 2).

[0084] As shown in Figure 2, this relative movement can be achieved, for example, by using a beveled edge of the slot 35 for hanging the hammock 13, for example an end of the hammock 13 that is particularly narrow compared to the sleeping surface 27. Figure 2 shows how the hammock 13 hung in the slot 35 is horizontally reciprocated by the vertical reciprocation of the movement arm 29 to produce a rocking movement.

[0085] The slot 35 can be designed, for example, as a void in the material of the exercise arm 29. Contrary to the illustration in FIG. 2, one end of the slot can also be left open to allow easy hanging of the hammock 13.

[0086] The slot 35 extends here substantially linearly, viewed in its longitudinal direction, and obliquely to the two directions x, y. Alternatively, the slot 35 can extend at least partially curvilinearly, i.e. be more or less curved.

[0087] In particular, the slots 35 can be designed in such a way that the position of the hammock 13 relative to the first direction y, here its height, remains unchanged or barely changes when the hammock 13 hung thereon is moved in the second direction x along the slots 35. In this way, additional vertical accelerations of the hammock 13 during swinging, which may be undesirable in certain situations, can be avoided.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 3, embodiments of the device 11 are also possible in which the hammock 13 can be fixedly connected to the housing 31, so that no relative movement between the hammock 13 and the housing 31 can occur.

[0089] In this example, the mechanism 33 comprises a base plate 37 to which the movement arm 29 is attached by one end, and a swivel device in the form of a joint 39, via which the base plate 37 can be swivelably attached to the connection 9, here the floor 17, in opposite directions to form a seesaw. The movement arm 29 then has a receiving portion 31 at its free end. Alternatively or additionally, the swivel device can comprise, for example, one or more lifting columns to form a seesaw.

[0090] Additionally, the device 11 can comprise another exercise arm 41, which is attached by one end to the base plate 37 at a certain distance relative to the exercise arm 29 and has at its free end another receiving part 43 for receiving another part of the hammock 13. In that case, the hammock 13 can be attached by its head end to the other receiving part 43 and by its foot end to the receiving part 31 (or vice versa), so that the sleeping surface 27 extends between the two exercise arms 29, 41. The two exercise arms 29, 41 here together with the two receiving parts 31, 43, the base plate 37 and the joint 39 serve as the attachment means 25, the attachment part 7 being formed at least partially in the connection part 9, here the floor 17. When the base plate 37 is pivoted, the two exercise arms 29, 41 are also moved together, thereby causing the hammock 13 attached to the two exercise arms 29, 41 to have a corresponding swinging movement.

[0091] Optionally, the base plate 37 may form an additional flat sleeping surface 45 for the premature baby or newborn baby 3. In the example shown in Figure 3, the additional sleeping surface 45 is provided by a surface of the base plate 37 opposite the floor 17. Alternatively, the additional sleeping surface 45 may be formed by a mattress placed on the base plate 37.

[0092] The mechanism 33 may be designed to fix the base plate 37 in a particular position relative to the joint 9, for example in a horizontal position or in a particular inclined position other than the horizontal position.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 4, the sleeping surface 27 of the hammock 13 can have a tunnel 47 and can be designed in such a way that the shape of the sleeping surface can be changed by squeezing the tunnel 47. For this purpose, the tunnel 47 can, for example, be fixedly connected to the material of the sleeping surface 27, so that the length and / or width and / or cross-sectional shape of the sleeping surface 27 can be changed by squeezing (shrinking) the tunnel 47, i.e. by shortening it. An elongated tension element 49, here in the form of a string, extends through the tunnel 47, so that the tunnel 47 can be squeezed along the tension element 49, i.e. in its longitudinal direction (indicated by a double-headed arrow). To hold the tunnel 47 squeezed in a certain position, the hammock 13 further comprises a holding element 51 that can be clamped to the end of the tension element 49 protruding from the tunnel 47.

[0094] The tunnel 47 may be formed, for example, by a (turned) hem, a loop, an eyelet, a void in the material of the sleeping surface 27, or a combination of at least two of these examples. In particular, the tunnel 47 may be formed as a continuous or interrupted tunnel passageway in places.

[0095] In this example, the hammock 13 comprises a number of tunnels 47, each having a tension element 49 and one or more retaining elements 51, as described above. The various tunnels 47 may differ from one another, inter alia, in their position and / or orientation relative to the sleeping surface 27 and / or their length. For example, at least one of the tunnels 47, viewed in its longitudinal direction, can extend transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the hammock 13, and at least one other of the tunnels 47, viewed in its longitudinal direction, can extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hammock 13. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the tunnels 47 can form or extend along the outer edge of the sleeping surface 27 and / or at least one other of the tunnels 47 can cross the sleeping surface 27.

[0096] Alternatively, tension element 49 can be a rod (eg, a bar), a rope, a cord, a thread, a ribbon, a wire, a chain, or a combination of at least two of these examples.

[0097] The retaining element 51 can be, for example, a clip or a so-called cord stopper, also called a cord lock or tanker. Such a retaining element can be particularly simply and securely attached to the tension element 49 in various longitudinal positions. In addition, such a retaining element is particularly inexpensive. The retaining element 51 can be designed such that, when the hammock 13 is used as specified, it cannot slip into the tunnel 47 or be displaced relative to the string 49. For example, the maximum outer diameter of the retaining element 51 can be greater than the maximum inner diameter of the opening of the tunnel 47.

[0098] In this example, each tunnel 47 is held in a squeezed state between a (first) retaining element 51 and a second retaining element 53 which may be clamped to a second end of the tension element 49 protruding from the respective tunnel 47. Alternatively, the tension element 49 of at least one of the tunnels 47 may be suitably attached by one end to the hammock 13, for example tied or sewn thereto, so that a single retaining element 51 is sufficient to hold each tunnel 47 in a squeezed state.

[0099] As shown in Figure 5, the sleeping surface 27 of the hammock 13 can have arcuate outer edges 55 at the head and foot ends, respectively. This has the effect of allowing the premature baby or newborn 3 to sink deeper into the hammock 13, with an otherwise unchanged structure of the hammock 13, compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, which has straight outer edges, which may be advantageous in certain circumstances, for example if the premature baby or newborn 3 is particularly active.

[0100] Finally, it is noted that the words "having", "comprising", "including", "with" and the like do not exclude other elements or steps, and that the indefinite articles "a", "an", and "an" do not exclude a plurality.

[0101] It is further noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with features or steps described with reference to other of the above embodiments.

[0102] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 incubator 3. Premature or newborn babies 5. Incubator Chamber 7 Mounting part 9 Connecting part 11 Equipment 13. Hammock 15 Mounting stand 16 Caster 17 Beds 19 Ceiling 21 Head wall 23 Foot side wall 25 Mounting means 27 sleeping surface 29 Exercise Arm 31 Storage unit 33 Mechanism 35 Slots 37 Base Plate 39 Joint 41 Different Exercise Arms 43 Alternate Storage Unit 45 Extra Sleeping Surfaces 47 Tunnel 49 Tension Elements 51 (First) Retaining Element 53 Secondary Retaining Element 55 Outer edge of bow x second direction y primary direction

Claims

1. A device (11) for holding and moving a hammock (13) in an incubator (1) for a premature or newborn baby (3), said incubator (1) comprising an incubator chamber (5) for containing the premature or newborn baby (3), a mounting part (7) and a connecting part (9), said device (11) comprising: attachment means (25) designed to attach the hammock (13) to the mounting part (7) so that the sleeping surface (27) of the hammock (13) extends into the incubator (5); an exercise arm (29) having a storage portion (31) for storing a portion of the hammock (13); a mechanism (33) designed to connect the movement arm (29) to the connecting part (9) so that the movement arm (29) can be moved back and forth relative to the connecting part (9), thereby causing a swinging movement of the hammock (13) attached to the mounting part (7) and accommodated by the accommodation part (31); An apparatus (11) comprising:

2. the reciprocating movement of the movement arm (29) relative to the connection (9) includes translational movement of the movement arm (29) in mutually opposite translational directions; 2. The device (11) according to claim 1.

3. The device (11) is designed such that when the movement arm (29) is reciprocated relative to the connecting part (9), the part of the hammock (13) accommodated by the accommodation part (31) is reciprocated relative to the accommodation part (31); and / or The device (11) is designed such that, when the movement arm (29) is moved in a first direction (y) relative to the connecting part (9), the part of the hammock (13) accommodated by the accommodation part (31) is moved in a second direction (x) different from the first direction (y). An apparatus (11) according to any one of the preceding claims.

4. the receiving portion (31) includes an edge that contacts the hammock (13), the edge being designed such that when the movement arm (29) is moved in the first direction (y), the hammock (13) that contacts the edge is moved along the edge in the second direction (x); 4. Apparatus (11) according to claim 3.

5. The receiving portion (31) includes a slot (35) for hanging the hammock (13), and the edge is formed by at least a part of the outer contour of the slot (35).

5. Apparatus (11) according to claim 4.

6. the first direction (y) extends transversely or obliquely to the second direction (x); and / or The first direction (y) is a vertical or horizontal direction; An apparatus (11) according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. the mechanism (33) comprises a base plate (37) and a pivoting device (39), the movement arm (29) is attached by one end to the base plate (37) and has the receiving portion (31) at its free end, and the base plate (37) is pivotably attachable to the connecting portion (9) via the pivoting device (39); An apparatus (11) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. a further sleeping surface (45) for the premature or newborn baby (3), said further sleeping surface (45) being formed by a part of said base plate (37) and / or by a part of a mat arranged on said base plate (37); 8. Apparatus (11) according to claim 7.

9. the mechanism (33) including an electric drive for controlled reciprocating movement of the movement arm (29) relative to the linkage (9); An apparatus (11) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. said attachment means (25) comprising said movement arm (29); and / or The attachment means (25) comprises at least one of the following attachment means: a rope receiving portion for clamping non-slipably at least one rope-like element attached to the hammock (13), a hook receiving portion for hanging at least one hook-like element attached to the hammock (13), a loop receiving portion for hanging at least one loop-like element attached to the hammock (13). An apparatus (11) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. a further exercise arm (41) having a further accommodation portion (43) for accommodating a further portion of the hammock (13); said mechanism (33) is designed to connect said further movement arm (41) to a further connection part (9) of said incubator (1) so that said further movement arm (41) can be moved reciprocally relative to said further connection part (9); The device (11) is designed so that the hammock (13) attached to the mounting portion (7) and accommodated in the accommodation portion (31) and the other accommodation portion (43) can be swung by the reciprocating motion of the movement arm (29) and the other movement arm (41). An apparatus (11) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A hammock (13) for use with a device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, said hammock (13) comprising: a sleeping surface (27) designed such that the shape of said sleeping surface can be changed by squeezing at least a portion of said sleeping surface (27); a squeeze device designed to squeeze at least said portion of said sleeping surface (27) to various degrees and to hold said portion squeezed in a particular position; Equipped with a hammock.

13. The sleeping surface (27) has a tunnel (47) and is designed so that the shape of the sleeping surface can be changed by squeezing the tunnel (47); The aperture device is an elongated tension element (49) extending through said tunnel (47) such that said tunnel (47) can be squeezed along said tension element (49); a retaining element (51) that can be attached to an end of the tension element (49) protruding from the tunnel (47) in order to hold the tunnel (47) squeezed in a specific position. A hammock (13) according to claim 12.

14. said tunnel (47) comprises a longitudinal portion forming at least a part of the outer edge of said sleeping surface (27); and / or the tunnel (47) includes a longitudinal portion extending transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the sleeping surface (27); and / or The tunnel (47) includes a longitudinal portion extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sleeping surface (27). A hammock (13) according to claim 13.

15. The sleeping surface (27) has an arcuate outer edge (55) at the head end and / or foot end. A hammock (13) according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. An incubator (1) for a premature or newborn baby (3), comprising: and / or comprising an incubator chamber (5) for accommodating a premature or newborn baby (3), said incubator (1) further comprising an attachment part (7), a connection part (9) and a device (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and / or The incubator (1) further comprises a hammock (13) according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

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