A medical bed arrangement, a medical bed arrangement system and a method for transportation of medical bed arrangements

Abstract

A medical bed arrangement (100) e.g. for use in a field hospital, comprising a retractable bed unit (10) and a collapsible bed carrier structure (20) which are releasably connectable. On lower sides of the bed carrier structure (20) frame unit (21) bracket elements (25,..,25) are arranged which are adapted for releasably receiving and securing another such bed carrier structure (20) in a collapsed state, allowing collapsed carrier frame structures (20,..,20) to be stacked on one another. A bed unit support holding structure (12) on outer end portions is provided with pivotally mounted bracket elements (134,..,134) comprises a protruding portion (135,..,135) and hollow tubular elements (139,,,.139;139',..,139') with tubular vertical receiving holes open downwardly. In use position., the bracket elements (134,...,134) are pivoted to assume a non-engagement position, and, in a retracted state of the bed support structure (12), the bracket elements (134,...,134) can be rotated such that the protruding portions (135) assume an engagement position allowing a retracted bed unit (10) to be stacked on another (10) by its protruding portions (135,..,135) being received in the hollow tubular receiving openings (139,..,139).

Description

[0001] TITLE: A MEDICAL BED ARRANGEMENT, A MEDICAL BED ARRANGEMENT

[0002] SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR TRANSPORTATION OF MEDICAL BED

[0003] ARRANGEMENTS

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to a medical bed arrangement, e.g. for use in emergency situations, for field hospital use etc. having the features of the first part of claim 1. The invention also relates to a medical bed arrangement system and to a method for storing and transportation of such medical bed arrangements having the features of the first parts of claim 16 and 23 respectively. The invention also relates to a storing or transportation trolley having the features of the first part of claim 21.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Many advanced different medical or hospital beds are known which somehow are transportable and / or convertible. For example, US2007157385A1 shows a patient bed for use in a hospital which is collapsible, extendible and electrically controllable. However, it is very complex, space demanding, cumbersome to handle and not at all appropriate for storing, transportation and for use in field. In addition, in use, it is dependent on electric power being available.

[0008] Several simpler medical beds are also known for use in a hospital or for maintenance of patients at home, which are in different ways collapsible and possible to store vertically and / or horizontally when not in use. For example, EP2583653A1 discloses a medical bed for use in hospitals or residences, wherein transportation and converting between a storing state and a use state is to be easy to carry out for a sole person through not requiring a complete separation between a chassis, and a removable trolley is retractable into the frame between a retracted and an extended position of the bed. For storing it is kept in a vertical position. The bed is not intended for, and suitable for, transportation, and use in emergency situations e.g. in field. EP3585344B1 shows a patient transport device comprising a sub frame having a lower frame equipped with swivel casters and / or track rollers, an upper frame and a lifting device. The lifting device has two, one above the other, operatively connected scissor lift units connected to an upper and a lower frame respectively. A reclining surface is convertible into a chair seating surface. The frame is telescopic. However, the medical bed is not easily transportable and not adequate for use in field, the purpose merely being transportation of a patient from the outside to a hospital.

[0009] Thus, there are several medical beds available which are convertible for patient use under different circumstances, e.g. foldable to save space and allow compact storing when not in use needing to be stored, movable in an in-use state, movable, e.g. vertically in a folded state, when not in use.

[0010] Thus, so called ICU beds (Intensive Care Unit) for use in hospitals which are convertible are known, as well medical beds for use in homes and beds for transportation of patients outside hospitals.

[0011] The documents disclose various features serving one or more of the above purposes, e.g. beds with removable foot- / headboards, adjustable side rails etc., and some have telescopic frames.

[0012] However, known medical beds intended for use in field are normally simple, more similar to a patient transport bed, e.g. in order to be transportable, but they are still very space demanding and difficult to transport as well as space demanding during storage, and in addition, they are too simple to be appropriate for intensive care in difficult circumstances and suffer from several drawbacks, not meeting the demands for advanced care also in field.

[0013] For use in e.g. field hospitals, during emergencies, war, natural disasters etc. there is an urgent need to be able to, often in a very short time, transport, e.g. in vehicles, by sea, by air, a larger amount of beds. There is also an urgent need for a medical bed arrangement which is easy to, in a fast and efficient manner, assemble or arrange to be in a state for use, or rather for a system allowing rapid transportation and handling and set up a plurality of such beds. It is also a need for such medical beds to be, when in-use state, adapted to allow for necessary more advanced examinations of and interventions on a patient, be movable in use and, in addition, admit a patient to be positioned and located in a safe and stable manner and such that the patient will be easily accessible and also enable fulfilment of relevant requirements related to hygiene and be easy to clean.

[0014] All so far known medical beds suffer from disadvantages, either they are too complex, large and cumbersome to be collapsed, stored and transported, easy to operate and clean in varying conditions, e.g., in a field hospital, or they are simpler but still not easy or possible to bring into an easily transportable state, are cumbersome to store, merely intended for being stored temporarily in a hospital or home when not used, and do not meet several of the above mentioned requirements.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution to one or more of the above mentioned problems, and to provide a medical bed arrangement through which one or more of the problems can be solved.

[0017] It is a particular object to provide a medical bed arrangement which is easy to mount and / or demount and which allows for easy adaptation to different needs and requirements.

[0018] It is a particular object to provide a medical bed arrangement which is easy to transport, particularly allows for transportation in a space saving manner of multiple medical bed arrangement.

[0019] It is also an object to provide a medical bed arrangement which is easy and cheap to fabricate, which is compact and, in addition thereto is durable.

[0020] A particular object is to provide a medical bed arrangement which facilitates the maintaining of high demands on cleanliness and hygiene. A particular object is to provide a medical bed arrangement which is simple and at the same time adapted for use in varying conditions, on uneven surfaces and adaptable for receiving patients with different needs.

[0021] It is a particular object to provide a medical bed system which allows facilitated, and space saving, transportation, and storing, of a large number of medical bed arrangements at a time, and more rapidly than hitherto, e.g. for use in a field hospital..

[0022] Another particular object it to provide a medical bed arrangement and a medical bed system respectively which is made of sustainable materials, in an environmental friendly way and for long term use, and which, at least to a considerable extent is recyclable.

[0023] A further particular object is to provide a medical bed arrangement and a medical bed system respectively which in an easy and fast manner can be transferred from a storing state, and / or a transportation state, to a use state, and vice versa.

[0024] Therefore, a medical bed arrangement as initially referred to is provided, which has the characterizing features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0025] Therefore also a medical bed arrangement system as initially referred to is provided which has the characterizing features of the characterizing part of claim 16, as well as a method for transportation / storing of medical bed arrangements which has the characterizing features of the characterizing part of claim 23, are provided.

[0026] Therefore also a transportation trolley having the features of the characterizing part of claim 21 is provided.

[0027] Advantageous embodiments are given by the characteristic features of the respective dependent claims.

[0028] BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention will in the following be further described, in a non-limiting manner, and with reference to accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic view in perspective of a first embodiment of a medical bed arrangement comprising a bed unit and a carrier structure according to the invention,

[0030] Fig. 2 is a very schematic side view of a medical bed arrangement in a state for use with mounted head and foot end sections,

[0031] Fig. 2A is a transversal, short side, view of the medical bed arrangement shown in Fig.2,

[0032] Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of a bed unit comprising a bed support portion comprising head, intermediate and foot plate sections and a telescopically retractable bed support holding structure,

[0033] Fig. 4 is a longitudinal side view of a medical bed arrangement as in Fig 2 is in an elevated position and wherein the bed support holding structure is in a retracted state, the foot plate section folded upon the intermediate plate section and partly on the head plate section, the foot end plate being removed,

[0034] Fig. 4A is a view in perspective of the medical bed arrangement in the state as shown in Fig.4,

[0035] Fig. 5 is a side view of a medical bed arrangement as in Fig 2 but in a collapsed, lowered, position without the bed support structure in an extended state (not telescopically retracted),

[0036] Fig. 5A is a side view of a medical bed arrangement as in Fig 5 but with the bed support holding structure in telescopically retracted state,

[0037] Fig. 5B is a view in perspective of the medical bed arrangement in the state as shown in Fig.5,

[0038] Fig.6 is a view in perspective of a medical bed arrangement as in Fig.5 but with two side rails or gates, one in an upright position and one in a folded down position, Fig.6A is a view in perspective of the medical bed arrangement in the state as shown in Fig.6, but with both side rails and gates folded down on the bed support portion,

[0039] Fig.6B is a schematic transversal side view of the medical bed arrangement (without head and foot plates) illustrating the different positions of a side rail and its connection to the bed unit,

[0040] Fig.7 is a top view of the medical bed arrangement without the bed unit,

[0041] Fig. 8 is a top view of a medical bed unit in a collapsed, retracted, state of the bed support holding structure, head and foot end sections removed and side rails folded down onto the bed support portion,

[0042] Fig. 8A is a side view of two substantially collapsed medical bed units in positions for stacking one medical bed unit on the other,

[0043] Fig.9 is a view in perspective of a (transport) trolley for holding a plurality of collapsed medical bed units,

[0044] Fig. 10 is a view in perspective of a plurality of collapsed medical bed units stacked on a transport trolley as in Fig.9,

[0045] Fig. 10A is an enlarged view of a bracket or holding element with a pin element of a medical bed unit, with the pin element in horizontal position, on top of a stack of medical bed units, arranged on an underlying bed in the stack with the pin element in vertical position taken up in hollow tubular receiving opening of top bed,

[0046] Fig. 11 A is a side view of a carrier structure in an elevated, use, position,

[0047] Fig. 1 IB is a view in perspective of the carrier structure in elevated position, Fig. 11C is a side view from the other side of two carrier structures located one above the other in lowered positions for stacking the upper unit on the lower unit when lowered a slight distance,

[0048] Fig. 12 is a side view of a plurality carrier structures as in Fig. 11 but stacked on one another for storing / transportation,

[0049] Fig. 13 is a view in perspective showing a plurality of stacked carrier structures,

[0050] Fig. 14A is an enlarged view of section B indicated in Fig. 13,

[0051] Fig. 14B is an enlarged view of a section showing a second blocking element taken up in a bracket element as in Fig. 13,

[0052] Fig.15 is a schematic side view of a medical bed arrangement in a state for use with mounted head and foot end sections according to an alternative embodiment,

[0053] Fig.15 A is a very schematic view showing an upper part of a bed carrier structure of the medical bed arrangement shown in Fig.15, and

[0054] Fig.l5B is a very schematic view showing a lower part of a bed carrier structure of the medical bed arrangement shown in Fig.15.

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Fig. l is a view in perspective of one embodiment of the present invention comprising a medical bed arrangement 100 comprising a bed unit 10, a bed carrier structure 20, a removable head end section or head board 18A and a removable foot end section or foot board 18B.

[0057] The bed unit 10 comprises a bed support portion 11 comprising a number of bed support plates 11A1,11A2,11B,11C and a telescopically retractable bed support holding structure 12. The bed support portion 11 in the shown embodiment comprises a plate arrangement comprising a head plate section 11 Al removably or fixedly secured to the bed support holding structure 12, a first intermediate plate section 11A2 arranged next to the head plate section 11 Al and also removably or fixedly secured to the bed support holding structure 12, a second intermediate plate section 1 IB hingedly or releasably connectable to the first intermediate plate section 11 A2 and a foot plate section 11C hingedly connected to the second intermediate plate section 1 IB. The bed support portion 11 serves the purpose of allowing holding of a mattress for reception of a patient. In a use position, the plate sections are arranged adjacent to each other, either such that a flat surface is provided, cf. Figs. 2,3,4 or the foot plate section is elevated or angled in a desired manner, e.g. possible to adjust at least between + / - 30° with respect to the second, or first intermediary plate. In some embodiments there are but three plates, a head plate, an intermediary plate and a foot plate. In some embodiments also the head plate is adjustable, e.g. between -10° and +80° or any other appropriate angular values. In Fig.1 the foot end plate 11C and the second intermediate plate 11B are arranged to form an angle showing that the plates 11B,11C are not secured to the bed support holding structure 12 and can either be arranged to form an angle for patient care purposes, but also to show that the second intermediate plate 1 IB and the foot end plate 11C can be released from the bed support holding structure 12 and folded to lie upside down on the head plate section 11 Al and e.g. still connected to the first intermediate plate 11A2 via hinges or similar (see e.g. Figs. 4,4A, 5A,5B,6 and 6A). Alternatively the second intermediate plate 11B and the foot end plate 11C can be removed for storing on the head plate and first intermediate plate as also will be further described below, i.e. not connected to the first intermediate plate 11 A2, or releasably connected thereto, and just placed on top of the head plate section 11 Al and the first intermediate plate 11 A2.

[0058] In some advantageous embodiments, to which the invention by no means is limited, the bed plates are radiolucent and reception and holding of X-ray plates is allowed between bed support plates and bed support holding structure 12 by means of preferably adjustable holding elements in any known or appropriate manner (not shown). However, the invention is not limited to such embodiments. Advantageously the foot end support plate 11C and the second intermediate support plate 11B are provided with elongate gripping recesses 141 or gripping means located along the outer sides of the plate(s) to facilitate gripping and lifting the support plates, either for removal or for folding as referred to above for transportation or storing purposes as will be further explained below.

[0059] The bed support portion 11 at least comprises (articulated or not, or some being articulated, others not) three bed plates, the total length preferably being between 1900 mm and 2100 mm, the width of each plate being at least 700 mm, preferably at least 800 mm. It should be clear that the invention is not limited to these specific measures; the total length may be larger as well as smaller.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment the head plate section 11 Al is adjustable, even more particularly in a step less manner, such that the back inclination easily can be adjusted, and thus maximally fixedly connected at an end facing away from an external outer end and distant from the second intermediate plate 11B. This can provided for in different manners known per se, the invention not being limited to any specific manner for adjustment of back inclination, as long as manual, mechanical or hydraulic, adjustment is allowed.

[0061] The bed plates are in some embodiments made of e.g. a compact laminate, compressed laminate, a composite or a similar material which is hard, durable, has a smooth surface, is easy to clean and allowing disinfection without being damaged.

[0062] The bed support holding structure 12 comprises a telescopically retractable frame structure comprising at least two parallel longitudinal telescopic elements 121,121 (not shown; cf. e.g. Figs. 2,5) each comprising a first hollow metal profile element and a second metal profile element, hollow or not, of a smaller diameter than said first hollow metal profile element, such that the second metal profile elements can slide in said first hollow metal profile elements, allowing the bed support holding structure 12 to be in an extracted state for use for reception of a patient bed with a bed support portion 11 located thereon, as discussed above, as well as in a retracted state for the purposes of storing and transportation with (a) partly removed or folded bed support plate(s) 11B,11C; cf. e.g. Figs. 4A,5A,5B below wherein bed support plates 11B,11C are placed on top of the other bed support plates 11A1,11A2. The total lengths of the telescopic elements slightly (in a maximum extracted state) exceed the length of the bed support plate 11 in full length, in a state in which it is not partly demounted or folded. Blocking means (not shown) are provided for preventing the first and second metal profile elements from accidentally disengaging in any manner known per se which does not form part of the present invention. There may be more than two telescopic elements, e.g. three or four, arranged in parallel or alternatively any other type of elements allowing the bed support holding structure to easily, manually, be brought from an extracted state to a retracted state and vice versa, preferably by a single person, and without any tools. The retractable frame is securable using any appropriate locking mechanism, e.g. by means of a locking knob or similar to ensure the retractable frame will stay in a desired, correct, position.

[0063] The telescopic elements 121,121 are, at their respective outer free ends, connected to transversal interconnecting outer frame elements 131,132 each having a length somewhat exceeding the widths of the bed support plates 11A1,11A2,11B,11C. At opposite outer free ends each transversal interconnecting outer frame element 131,132 comprises hollow tubular elements 139,139,139,139 with tubular vertical receiving holes or recesses open in a downward direction (in a mounted state of the medical bed arrangement) for allowing stacking of retracted bed units on top of each other as will further explained below. In the shown embodiment the hollow tubular elements 139,139,139,139 are also open upwards providing receiving openings 136,136,136,136 perpendicularly disposed to the longitudinal extensions of the transversal interconnecting outer frame element 131,132 which are adapted for reception of head board 18A frame element legs 19A,19A and foot board 18B frame element legs 19B,19B (see also Fig. 2). Thus, in the shown embodiment the hollow tubular elements 139,139,139,139 serve a dual functionality in enabling stacking of bed units and allowing reception of a removable head end section or head board 18A and a removable foot end section or foot board 18B through respective frame element legs 19A,19A,19B,19B (Fig.2) being received, and held, in respective hollow tubular receiving openings 136,.., 136, when bracket or holding elements 134,134,134,134, which are pivotally mounted on respective upper sides, of the interconnecting outer frame elements 131,132,, adjacent their respective outer ends, are in a shed down position, leaving the upwards open receiving openings free. In alternative embodiments separate tubular elements with upwards open receiving openings may be used for reception of head and foot boards.

[0064] The transversal interconnecting outer frame elements 131,132 extend perpendicularly to respective free outer ends of the telescopic elements 121,121 and are arranged to be located outside and somewhat below a bed support portion 11 when mounted on the bed support holding structure 12. In advantageous embodiments transversal interconnecting outer frame elements 131,132 and bed support holding structure 12 form a common frame structure welded as one frame.

[0065] Each bracket element 134 comprises a protruding portion 135 with a pin element 35, and, in a first, or use, position of the bed arrangement 100, the bracket elements 134,134 on opposite ends of an interconnecting outer frame element 131,132 are shed down around a respective pivot axis such that the respective protruding portion 135 pin elements 35 on a same interconnecting outer frame element 131,132 extend longitudinally pointing towards one another.

[0066] The bed support holding structure 12 further comprises two inner parallel transverse interconnecting frame elements 133,133 (not shown in Fig. 1, cf. e.g. Fig. 3) comprising means for releasably securing of the bed support holding structure 12, and hence the bed unit 10, to the bed carrier structure 20.

[0067] Preferably the bed support holding structure 12 comprising transversal interconnecting outer frame elements 131,132 and two inner parallel transverse interconnecting frame elements 133,133 will form the connection between the under frame and the bed frame. On both ends elements 131, 132 extend perpendicularly and are arranged to be located outside and somewhat below a bed support section 11. The whole foot section preferably can only be adjusted in length, the telescopically retractable frame being lockable by means of a locking mechanism preventing it from going out or separating.

[0068] The removable head end section or head board 18A and the removable foot end section or foot board 18B are here mounted through the respective frame element legs 19A,19A,19B,19B (Fig.2) being received, and in any known manner securely held, in respective hollow tubular receiving openings 136,..., 136 of hollow tubular elements 139,139,139,139. Preferably the heights of the head end section 18A and the foot end section 18B are adjustable in any appropriate manner, e.g. by means of the frame element legs 19A,19A,19B,19B being telescopic.

[0069] Opposite outer ends of the two parallel inner transverse interconnecting frame elements 133,133 are provided with respective holding arrangements 137,137 for pivotally holding lower ends of side rail 171,172 transverse interconnecting elements 138,138 such that the side rails 171,172 can be folded down, cf. side rail 171 in Fig. 6, or held in upright position, cf. side rails 171, 172 in Fig.l, or even, advantageously, be releasably secured in intermediate positions. Each side rail 171,172 in the shown embodiment comprises three parallel longitudinal telescopic elements and two perpendicular side rail transverse interconnecting elements 138,138.

[0070] Each holding arrangement 137 is mounted such that it can assume a first position as described above, at the outer end of a transverse interconnecting elements 138 and such that a connected side rail 171,172 can be pivoted around a respective outer shaft adjacent, an outer pivot point 150, but outside, the bed support plate 11, extending in parallel to its longitudinal extension, to the assume different positions, be folded up or folded down or assume at least one more angle there between, and a second position (not shown in Fig.l; more thoroughly described with reference to Figs. 6,6A,6B below) in which in which an inner holding / pivot point 151 of a side rail 171,172 will be located a slight certain distance inwards towards the center of the bed unit 10, towards an opposite holding arrangements 137 on the other side of the bed unit 10, and in which a respective held side rail 171,172 can be folded down, inwards towards a longitudinal center line of the bed such as to lie above, on, in parallel to, the upper surface of the bed support portion 11.

[0071] Preferably upper bed unit 10 is clickably mountable onto carrier structure 20 such that it can be easily lifted off for storing and / or transportation, e.g. just fits into holes provided in carrier structure 20. In an advantageous embodiment the upper bed unit 10 comprises rails or channels on the lower side in which spring loaded hooks (not shown) pivotally fixed at or adjacent upper ends of leg or strut elements 270,26 of lifting structure 23 of the bed carrier structure 20 can slide until clicking in in a respective opening or recess in the rails or guiding channels against the strut elements. The hooks are spring loaded such as to lock the strut elements when engaged in the openings, preventing involuntary disengagement of upper bed unit 10 from the carrier structure 20. The hooks will automatically enter the respective openings when the upper bed unit has slid to assume a position in which each hook edge comes into engagement with a wall of a respective opening at a predetermined position of the respective rail or channel making the hooks pivot around their shafts. Preferably a handle is provided allowing sliding the bed unit. Instead of spring loaded hooks, there may be springs arranged between the handle and the frame such when the hooks are engaged, in a locked position, they are prevented from being released by the spring loaded handle. To release the bed unit 10 from the carrier structure 20, the handle can be pulled towards the head board, releasing the hooks, allowing the bed to slide and be lifted off the carrier structure by simple manual grips.

[0072] The bed carrier structure 20 comprises a carrier frame unit 21 comprising two transverse frame elements 210A,210B which at their respective ends are arranged for, preferably, but not necessarily, releasably, holding wheels 22, ..,22, in wheel holders 22’, ..,22’ and a longitudinal frame structure associated with a lifting structure 23. A cover element 29 is the shown embodiment arranged on, and between, the transverse frame elements 210A,210B and longitudinal frame elements such that the lifting structure 23 protrudes through a central opening therein. The wheels 22,.., 22 are preferably lockable in any convenient manner known per se, and the bed is provided with mechanical brakes. The wheels 22,.., 22 are further preferably adapted for use on uneven conditions, e.g. tent floors.

[0073] The lifting structure 23 is arranged for allowing the bed unit 10 to be moved between an upper, use, position and a lower, collapsed transport and storing, position, cf. e.g. Figs. 5,5A,5B,6,6A (and for allowing adjustment of the height above ground of the bed unit 10 in use) by means of height control pedal 201. A hydraulic arrangement 250, e.g. a gas spring or any other mechanically or hydraulically operable spring arrangement, is connected between lifting structure 23 and carrier frame unit 21 for allowing the height of the bed unit to be adjusted by means of actuating the height adjustment pedal 201. Lifting structure 23 comprises a first leg or strut element unit 26 and a second leg or strut element unit 270 and will be further described with reference to Figs.2, 4, 4A, 5 below.

[0074] The medical bed unit 10 further preferably has a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) functionality, in a manner known in the art that can be activated / deactivated by means of a pedal 202 for CPR adjustment (tilting).

[0075] A lower side of carrier frame unit 21 is provided with bracket or holding elements 25,25,25,25 located below the longitudinal frame unit, on outer sides thereof and between, at a distance from, the respective transverse frame elements 210A,210B allowing stacking of a number of bed carrier structures 20 on each other in a as will be further described with reference to Figs 11C,12, 13 below.

[0076] Fig.2 is a side view of the bed arrangement 100 in an elevated state with folded down side rails and the bed carrier structure 20 in an elevated state. The bed unit 10 is in an extended state. The bed carrier structure 20, as referred to above, comprises a carrier frame unit 21 and a lifting structure 23 comprises a first leg or strut element 26 and a second leg or strut element unit 270. The second leg or strut element unit 270 is used for height adjustment of the bed, whereas through the first leg or strut element 26 the Trendelenburg functionality can be provided. The first leg or strut element 26 comprises a first leg lower portion 26A and a first leg upper portion comprising a first branch portion 26B and a second branch portion 26C which here forms an angle of substantially 90° with said first branch portion 26B. The second branch portion 26C is arranged to, in a use position of the bed unit 10, be disposed substantially perpendicularly to the bed support portion 11, and at its upper end (on an upper end 26E of an inner element telescopically taken up there within) comprises means for holding an engagement shaft 261 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the bed carrier structure 20 (see Fig. 11C). The engagement shaft 261 (see also Figs. 4,1 IB) at opposite outer ends is provided with first leg blocking elements 262,262 e.g. in the form of rollers or wheels, the functioning of which will be further described with reference to Figs.l lA,B,C,12,13,14A,14B below). The first leg lower portion 26A at its lower end is pivotally connected, directly or indirectly, to transverse frame element 210A of the carrier frame unit 21. Within the second branch portion 26C an inner element is telescopically arranged an upper end of which protrudes upwardly 26E and a lower end 26D of which extends downwardly. The second element 26C also serves the purpose of providing a trend / anti-trend functionality, Trendelenburg / anti-Trendelenburg, as well known in the art, known per se, through engagement with, and activated through pushing a second pedal 202 (Fig.l) activating a spring (not shown) making inner element 26E within second branch portion 26C moving or extending upwards. Thus, when the bed is in a horizontal position, second branch portion 26C is substantially perpendicular to bed support portion 11. When using the Trendelenburg adjustment, the second branch portion 26C protrudes is telescopically prolonged, inner element 26E protruding reaching a Trendelenburg position.

[0077] The medical bed arrangement 100 preferably at least comprises some functionalities of a so called ICU (Intensive Care Unit) bed, and in some advantageous embodiments, to which the invention also by no means is limited, also has a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) functionality, in a manner known in the art and as referred to above, that can be activated / deactivated by means of a pedal 202 for CPR adjustment (tilting) is provided lowering the position of the inner element of second branch portion 26C (Trendelenburg / anti-Trendelenburg). The functioning of CPR and Trendelenburg / anti-Trendelenburg will not be further described herein since the functioning is well known in the art and can be provided for in different manners.

[0078] The second leg or strut element unit 270 here comprises two parallel second leg or strut elements 27,27 (see Fig. 1 IB) pivotally hinged at an axis 280 passing through the upper end of the upper end of the first leg lower portion 26A such that a scissor like lifting structure is formed (see Figs. 11 A,B,C further describing the carrier structure 20). Lower ends of the two parallel second leg or strut elements 27,27 are interconnected through a lower transverse interconnection rod 274 (not shown in Fig.2, see Fig. 1 IB) and are adapted to be slidably taken up within carrier frame unit 21. At a distance from their respective upper ends, the two parallel second leg or strut elements 27,27 are interconnected by means of an upper transverse interconnection rod 275 (see Fig.l IB). Features and elements having already been discussed with reference to Fig.l will not be further discussed here. In an advantageous embodiment, to which the invention is not limited, bed support holding structure 12, adjacent the head end, is provided with an infusion stand holder 155 or similar, for an ICU bed, on one or on each bed side.

[0079] Fig. 2 A is a transverse side view of the bed arrangement 100 showing the bed carrier structure 20 in an elevated state and the bed unit 10 with a mounted head board 18 A. Features and elements having already been discussed with reference to preceding Figs, will not be further discussed here.

[0080] Fig. 3 is a top view of the bed unit 10 showing bed support portion 11 comprising two aligned support plates, head plate section 11 Al and first intermediate plate section 11 A2 arranged next to the head plate section 11 Al which both are secured to the bed support holding structure 12 by means of fastening means 115,115. The outer end of the head plate section facing away from the first intermediate plate section 11A2 is fixedly connected to, here, head end, transversal interconnecting outer frame element 132 and the end of the first intermediate plate section 11A2 facing away from head plate section 11 Al is fixedly connected to inner parallel transverse interconnecting frame elements 133,133. The second intermediate plate section 11A2 and the foot end plate section 11C are aligned with the head plate section 11 Al and the first intermediate plate section 11A2, and are releasably connected to the bed support holding structure 12 in any appropriate manner, e.g. engagement hooks. The bed support holding structure 12 is here in an extended state. Features and elements having already been discussed with reference to preceding Figs, will not be further discussed here.

[0081] Fig. 4 is a side view of the bed arrangement 100 similar to Fig. 2 (footboard removed) but in a state wherein the bed support structure 12 is in a retracted state, i.e. the two parallel longitudinal telescopic elements 121,121 are in a retracted state, and the second intermediate plate section

[0082] 11 AB and the foot end plate section 11C have been removed from the support holding structure

[0083] 12 and been folded on to (or released and placed on top of) the head plate section 11 Al and the first intermediate plate section 11 A2 to which they preferably are releasably connected by means of any appropriate means, e.g. by means of screws or bolts or any appropriate securable hook / clicking mechanism, to avoid involuntary or accidental displacement during transportation or storing. The bed arrangement 100 is also here in an elevated state. Preferably, but not necessarily, lifting or gripping elements 216,216 are further connected or secured to, along at least part of, the transverse frame elements 210A,210B of the carrier structure 20, in parallel herewith and protruding a slight distance therefrom to allow gripping and lifting of the carrier structure 20 for the purpose of stacking carrier structures as will be further discussed below. Features and elements having already been discussed with reference to preceding Figs, will not be further discussed here.

[0084] Fig. 5 is a side view of the bed arrangement 100 similar to Fig. 2 but in a state wherein the bed carrier structure 20 is in a collapsed state, i.e. lowered state, through the lifting structure 23 have assumed a maximum open scissor state in which the lower ends of the two parallel second leg or strut elements 27,27 second leg or strut element unit 270 (see Fig. 1 IB) have been brought to assume a position at a maximum allowed distance from the lower end of the fixed first leg or strut element 26 by sliding on rails, edges, lists or any appropriate horizontal surfaces within carrier frame unit 21 until an end position, e.g. blocking elements or termination of the rails or similar, by means of activation of height adjustment pedal 201 connected to spring element 250.

[0085] This is to show that the bed support holding structure 12 can be in an extended or in a retracted state in an elevated state of the bed arrangement, i.e. with bed carrier structure 20, the lifting structure 23, in a lowered, collapsed, as well as in an elevated state, and the bed support holding structure 12 can be retracted / extended both in an elevated as in a collapsed state of the bed arrangement 100. Features and elements having already been discussed with reference to preceding Figs, will not be further discussed here.

[0086] Fig. 5 A is a side view of the bed arrangement 100 similar to Fig. 5 wherein the bed carrier structure 20, the lifting structure 23, is in a collapsed state, i.e. lowered state, but wherein also the bed support holding structure 12 is in a retracted state as described with reference to Figs. 4, 4A. Since the retracted state of the bed support holding structure 12 as well as the collapsed state of the bed carrier structure 20, the lifting structure 23, have been discussed above, this will not further be described here, as well as other features and elements having already been discussed with reference to preceding Figs. Fig. 5B is a view in perspective of the bed arrangement 100 similar to Fig. 4A but wherein the bed carrier structure 20, the lifting structure 23, is in a collapsed state, i.e. lowered state, as in Fig. 5A. Fig. 5B is merely shown for illustrative purposes, the different states having been described more in detail with reference to Figs. 4A and 5A above.

[0087] Fig. 6 is a view in perspective of the bed arrangement 100 similar to Fig. 5B with the bed carrier structure 20, the lifting structure 23, in a collapsed state, i.e. lowered state, but wherein two side rails 171,172 are shown; side rail 171 in a folded up position and side rail 172 in a folded down position. The side rails 171,172 are telescopic allowing them to be retracted / extended longitudinally; here they are in a retracted state. In Fig. 6 the portions of the side rails 171,172 extending towards a foot end of the bed arrangement, e.g. a foot end board, if such is mounted, or on both long sides of the foot end plate 11C and the second intermediate plate 1 IB, here three parallel longitudinal inner telescopic element sections, have been telescopically introduced into three outer longitudinal side rail element sections. The telescopic elements may be folded out / folded in an extended state as well as in a retracted state. The side rails 171,172, as also referred to above, are releasably and pivotally secured to the inner parallel transverse interconnecting frame elements 133,133 of bed support holding structure 12 the via lower ends of side rail transverse interconnecting elements 138,138, which is an advantage since, either the side rails may be entirely demounted, but, more advantageously, they may be pivoted, folded in such a way as to be able to lie flat on top of the bed support plate 11, particularly in a state where the foot end plate 11C and the second intermediate plate 11B have been placed on top of the head end plate and the first intermediate plate 11 A2 allowing transportation of a bed arrangement in very few separate parts and thus allowing a fast and ease assembly / disassembly and storing which is particularly important e.g. for rapid transportation to / from, and use in, a field hospital, and without requiring any particular tools or power supply.

[0088] Fig. 6A is a view in perspective of the bed arrangement 100 similar to Fig. 6 with the bed carrier structure 20, the lifting structure 23, in a collapsed state, i.e. lowered state, but wherein the two side rails 171,172 are folded down to lie on the bed support plate 11 slightly inwards from longitudinal opposite side edges of bed support plate 11 (in Fig. 6A the foot end plate 11C and the second intermediate plate 1 IB are not shown) which is allowed through there being a short distance between the head plate section 11 Al and the first intermediate plate section 11A2 or particularly through corner recesses 145,145 in the head plate section 11 Al outer side corners facing first intermediate plate 11A2, allowing reception of a respective leg 137A of holding arrangements 137,137 for pivotally holding lower ends of side rail 171,172 transverse interconnecting elements 138,138 in a second position. In said second position, in which the respective side rails 171,172 can be folded down, inwards towards a longitudinal center line of the bed such as to lie above, on, in parallel to, the upper surface of the bed support portion 11, the inner holding / pivot point 151 of a side rail 171,172 is located a slight distance inwards towards a longitudinal center line of the bed unit 10. This will be further described with reference to Fig. 6B.

[0089] Folding down of the side rails 171,172 is also enabled when the foot end plate 11C and the second intermediate plate 1 IB are placed on top of the head plate section 11 Al and the first intermediate plate 11A2 e.g. through the provisioning of corresponding elongate recesses or cutouts 144,144 in foot end plate 11C, matching with corner recesses 145,145 in the head plate section 11 Al outer side corners facing the first intermediate plate 11 A2 or in any appropriate manner.

[0090] Fig. 6B is a side view taken from the head end side of the bed arrangement 100 without head and foot boards mounted with the purpose of showing how, in an advantageous embodiment, to which the invention is not limited, a side rail 172 can be pivoted around an outer holding / pivot point 150 allowing the side rail 172 (in Fig. 6B two holding arrangements 137 but only one side rail 172 are shown) to assume different positions in a use position of the bed, and around an inner, elevated, holding / pivot point 151 for folding down the side rail 172 on the bed plates. Lower ends of the side rail 172 transverse interconnecting elements 138,138 (see Figs. 1,6,6A), are pivotally associated to and held by respective holding arrangements 137,137 provided opposite outer ends of the two parallel inner transverse interconnecting frame elements 133,133. The inner ends of transverse interconnecting elements 138,138 are arranged or mounted in respective holding arrangements 137,137 such that, here, side rail 172, can be pivoted around a respective outer pivot shaft, also called outer pivot point 150, adjacent, slightly outside an outer long side edge of the bed support plate 11 in order not to interfere with the bed support plate, be folded up or folded down or assume different angles there between, as illustrated through a dashed arrow, and a second position inwards towards a longitudinal center line of the bed such as to lie above, on, in parallel to, the upper surface of the bed support portion 11 such that, here, side rail 172, can be pivoted around a respective inner pivot shaft, also called inner pivot point, 151.

[0091] Each holding arrangement 137 comprises a leg element 137A which, at a distance from a respective outer end of the inner parallel transverse interconnecting frame element 133, is pivotally connected around a shaft element 160 which extends in a longitudinal direction, i.e. in parallel with the longitudinal extension of the bed arrangement 100 (see also Fig. 8).

[0092] When the leg elements 137A,137A pivotally connected to shaft 160, are located in first horizontal positions, in a same vertical plane as shaft or pivot point 160, and at the outer ends of which leg elements 137A,137A the side rail 172 is pivotally connected, the side rail can be rotated around an outer shaft or pivot point 150 (which may be provided to extend between corresponding outer ends of the two inner transverse interconnecting frame elements 133,133) assuming different positions as indicated through the dashed arrow in Fig. 6B, and thus, when the two leg elements 137A on a same side of the bed unit 10 are in a first, outer, position, the side rail 172 is allowed to be rotated, pivoted for an in use position.

[0093] When the two leg elements 137A are rotated about 90° around pivot point or shaft 160 such that the outer ends of the leg element 137A holding the side rail 172 will be located above and inwards towards the longitudinal center line of the bed unit, and the side rail 172 will be allowed to be rotated around inner pivot point 151 to be disposed substantially in parallel with, slightly above, the upper surface of the bed plate for storing or transportation purposes. Fig. 7 is a top view of the medical bed arrangement 100 carrier structure 20 with the lifting structure 23 being in a collapsed state e.g. as in Fig. 5. Features having already discussed above will not be further discussed herein.

[0094] Fig. 8 is a top view of a medical bed unit 10 in a retracted, state, the bed support holding structure, with head and foot end sections and side rails folded down onto the bed support portion, as in Fig 6A, and without foot end plate 11C and second intermediate plate 11B. Of course also the foot end plate 11C and second intermediate plate 11B can be located on top of the head plate section 11 Al and 11 A2; they being removed merely for reasons of clarity. They can be fixed by means of fastening means 115,115, e.g. clamps.

[0095] Preferably the bed comprise means 151 for connection of a medical DIN-rail for reception of, e.g. hanging, monitoring equipment, auxiliary equipment accessories etc., thereon.

[0096] Features having already discussed above will not be further discussed herein.

[0097] Fig. 8A is a side view of two substantially collapsed medical bed units 10 in positions for stacking one medical bed unit 10 on the other 10 and the medical bed units 10,10 are in retracted state as shown in Figs. 4, 4 A, i.e. bed support structures 12 are both in a retracted state thorough the parallel longitudinal telescopic elements 121,121 being retracted. In this embodiment the second intermediate plate section 11B’ and the foot end plate section 11C’ have also been placed on top of the head plate section 11 Al and the first intermediate plate section 11A2 to as described above, but here the second intermediate plate section 11B’ is located above the first intermediate plate section 11A2 and the foot plate section 11C’ is located above the head plate section 11A1. In one embodiment the first and second intermediate plate sections are hingedly connected to one another and the foot end section and the second intermediate section are folded to lie upside down on top of the head plate section 11 Al and the first intermediate plate section 11 A2. Several embodiments of the bed plates are possible as long as they can be placed and held in place on top of each other as discussed above and preferably room is left for receiving two leg elements 137A when side rails are to be pivoted around shafts 151 as discussed above with reference to Fig. 6B. The bracket or holding elements 134,134 pivotally arranged at the respective upper sides, adjacent the respective outer ends of the interconnecting outer frame elements 131,132 are now rotated substantially 90° such that the respective protruding portion 135 pin elements 35 extend upwardly, perpendicularly to the bed plate sections, a position for transportation or storing purposes. The lower end portions of interconnecting outer frame element 131,132 as referred to above comprise hollow tubular elements 139,139, wherein the openings open in downward directions, which are adapted for reception of receiving pins 135,135 of another medical bed unit 10 with the bed support structure 12 in a retracted state located in parallel below it such that the retracted bed units easily can be stacked one another, also comprising side rails and bed plates.

[0098] Fig. 9 is a view in perspective of a holding or transportation trolley 40 for holding stacked retracted, or collapsed, medical bed units 10,10 as described with reference to Fig. 8 A. Holding or transportation trolley 40 comprises a frame structure 43 comprising two parallel longitudinal frame elements 43 A, 43 A a slight distance from the outer ends of which transverse frame elements 44,44 are provided, fixedly connected to the longitudinal frame elements 43,43. At the outer ends of the longitudinal frame elements 43,43 wheel holder units 41,41 are provided for taking up wheels 42,,.., 42 in any suitable manner as is well known in the art. At upper ends of the wheel holder units 41, ..,41 upwardly protruding engagement pins 45, ..,45 are provided which are arranged at a longitudinal distance, i.e. pins on a same longitudinal frame element 43, corresponding to the distance between tubular receiving openings 139,139 in a longitudinal direction when the bed unit 10 is in a retracted state as in Fig. 8 A above, whereas the transverse distance between pins 45,45 on opposite parallel longitudinal frames 43,43 corresponds to the transverse distance between tubular receiving openings 139,139 in a traverse direction on a bed unit 10. A plurality of collapsed bed units 10 can thus be stacked on a holding or transportation trolley 40 as shown in Fig. 10 below, through engagement between hollow tubular receiving openings 139,139 of a bed unit 10 and vertical pins 35,35 on an underlying bed unit 10.

[0099] Advantageously the holding or transportation trolley 40 is provided with two fork receiving elements 46,46 fixedly arranged perpendicularly to, and between, the opposite parallel longitudinal frames 43A,43A at a distance from each other and dimensioned so that they are adapted for receiving forks of e.g. a fork lift truck or a fork lift stacker such that a stack of bed units easily can be moved. In advantageous embodiments the sizes of a stack of bed units on a trolley substantially corresponds to the size of a so called Euro Pallet (800 mm* 1200 mm) or slightly smaller or larger depending on requirements on size of the bed unit.

[0100] Fig.10 is a view in perspective of a plurality, here five, of collapsed medical bed units 10,.... ,10 arranged in a stack 200 on a holding or transportation trolley 40 as shown in Fig. 9.

[0101] Upwardly protruding engagement pins 45, ..,45 are received in tubular receiving openings of tubular elements 139,.., 139 of a lowermost bed unit 10 in a retracted state, and the protruding pins 35, ..,35 of the lowermost bed unit 10 are received in tubular receiving openings of tubular elements 139, ..,139 of a second bed unit placed on top of it etc. The pin elements 35, ..,35 of the uppermost bed unit 10 in Fig.10 are in an upright, vertical, protruding upwards, position allowing reception of a further bed unit 10. In Fig. 10 the shaft elements 160 are in the inner position, when the side rails are folded on to the bed plates 11, holding arrangements 137 and bracket or holding elements 134 are in a state for transportation or storing. Other features and elements having already been discussed with reference to preceding Figs, will not be further discussed with reference to Fig. 10.

[0102] Fig. 10A is an enlarged view of bracket or holding elements 134 of an uppermost medical bed unit 10 and an underlying bed unit 10 wherein the bracket or holding element 134 of the top bed unit 10 is in a shed up position, the pin 35 thus being horizontally disposed along the transversal interconnecting outer frame element 132, in horizontal position as in e.g. Fig. 1, on top of a stack of medical bed units, and for the underlying medical bed unit 10 the bracket or holding element 134 is rotated about 90° such that the pin element 35 is in an upwards vertically directed position, having been received in the hollow tubular element receiving opening 139 of the top medical bed. Fig. 11 A is a side view of a carrier structure 20 in an elevated, use, position, as also shown e.g. in Fig. 1 but without a medical bed unit 10 disposed thereon. As referred to above, with reference to Figs. 1,2 the bed carrier structure 20 comprises a carrier frame unit 21 comprising two transverse frame elements 210A,210B (see Fig. 1 IB) which at their respective ends comprise wheel holding elements for holding wheels 22,.., 22, and a longitudinal frame structure 211 associated with a lifting structure 23. A cover element 29 is preferably arranged on, and between, the outer transverse frame elements 210A,210B and longitudinal parallel frame elements of longitudinal frame structure 211, through an opening in which the lifting structure 23 protrudes.

[0103] Spring element 250 is connected between lifting structure 23 and carrier frame unit 21 for allowing the height of the bed unit to be adjusted by means of actuating the height adjustment pedal 201. Spring element 250 is here connected between the first leg lower portion 26A of first leg or strut element unit 26, which is pivotally connected to a shaft element (not shown) which is fixed adjacent and in parallel with an inner side of transverse frame element 210A, and an inner transverse frame element 212 (see Fig.1 IB) of the carrier frame unit 21 allowing the height of the bed unit to be adjusted by means of actuating the height adjustment pedal 201, and the bed unit carrier structure 20 to be collapsed and elevated. The lifting structure is here secured in the elevated position as shown in Fig. 11 A by means of the spring arrangement 250, e.g. hydraulic cylinder, when activated by means of pedal 201, in a manner known per se, Alternatively it may be secured by any other appropriate means.

[0104] Lifting structure 23 here comprises a first leg or strut element 26 and a second leg or strut element unit 270 as also referred to above. The first leg or strut element 26 comprises a first leg lower portion 26A and a first leg upper portion comprising a first branch portion 26B and a second branch portion 26C which here forms an angle of substantially 90° with said first branch portion 26B. The second branch portion 26C is arranged to, in an elevated position of the lifting structure 23 be disposed substantially perpendicularly to a bed support portion 11 (not shown here), and at its upper end comprises means for holding an engagement shaft 261 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the bed carrier structure 20 (see Fig. 11C), which engagement shaft 261 (see also Figs. 4,1 IB) at opposite outer ends is provided with the first leg blocking elements 262,262 e.g. in the form of rollers or wheels. The first leg lower portion 26A at its lower end is pivotally connected to transverse frame element 210A as referred to above.

[0105] Fig. 1 IB is a view in perspective showing the carrier structure 20 in an elevated state or position. Here is more clearly illustrated how the second leg or strut element unit 270 comprises two parallel second leg or strut elements 27,27 which are pivotally hinged at an axis 280 passing through the upper end of the upper end of the first leg lower portion 26A such that a scissor like lifting structure is formed. Lower ends of the two parallel second leg or strut elements 27,27 are interconnected through lower transverse interconnection rod 274 and are adapted to be slidably taken up within carrier frame unit 21 such that they can slide back and forth in a horizontal direction on sliding surfaces. In Fig. 11 is shown how, at a distance from their respective upper ends, the two parallel second leg or strut elements 27,27 are interconnected by means of an upper transverse interconnection rod 275. At upper opposed upper ends the two parallel second leg or strut elements 27,27 are provided with protruding rods or shafts 271,271 which protrude outwardly in opposite directions, parallel to the upper transverse interconnection rod 275, and at respective outer ends provided with second leg blocking elements 272,272, having a larger radius than a radius of the shafts 271 on which they are centrally mounted. Of course shafts 271 as well as second leg blocking elements 272 may have other shapes, e.g. rectangular cross sections, square shaped etc.; this merely constituting one example. Correspondingly applies for the first leg blocking elements 262 arranged on shaft 261 through the upper portion of second branch portion 26C (or here rather through upper end 26E of an inner element telescopically taken up there within). The length of the engagement shaft 261 corresponds to the distance between the respective outer ends of the protruding rods or shafts 271,271 such that the first and second leg blocking elements 262,262,272,272 will be located at a same distance, in a transverse direction, but in another plane, from a center line through the longitudinal extension of the plane perpendicular to carrier frame unit 21 and in a corresponding, same, horizontal plane, the vertical height at which they are disposed depending on the height state of the carrier structure 23, i.e. elevated as in Figs. 11A,11B or collapsed e.g. as in Fig. 11C below or in any other desired position there between.

[0106] Fig.11C is a side view of two carrier structures 20,20 as in Figs. 11A,11B but shown from the other side and with both carrier structures 20,20 in a collapsed state, in a position for allowing stacking one above the other for transportation or storing.

[0107] Elements and features which already have been discussed with reference to e.g. Fig. 11A will not be further discussed herein. It can be seen that the first and second leg blocking elements 262,262,272,272 of a respective carrier structure are located in a same horizontal plane, and first and second leg blocking elements 262,262,272,272 of an underlying, bottom, carrier structure are co-located with each a bracket or holding element 25,25,25,25 connected to and located below a longitudinal frame element of a bed unit longitudinal frame structure 211, below an outer side edge thereof and between, at each a distance from, respective transverse frame elements 210A,210B of the upper carrier structure 20 to allowing stacking of an upper bed carrier structure 20 on the lower bed carrier structure 20 if lowered slightly and the held in place via engagement of shafts 261,261,271 in bracket elements

[0108] 25....25 adjacent the first and second leg blocking elements 262,262,272,272 such that the first and second leg blocking elements 262,262,272,272 come to lie tightly outside and against the bracket element outwardly facing surface.

[0109] On each carrier structure 20 the four bracket holding elements 25, ..,25 are fixed within the carrier frame unit 21, e.g. connected to longitudinal frame structure 211 adjacent lower end of first leg lower portion 26A of the first leg or strut element 26, at a slight distance from transverse frame element 210A and at a longer distance from transverse frame element 210B.

[0110] Fig. 12 is a side view of five carrier structures 20, ..,20 as in Fig. 11C but each upper carrier structure 20 has now be lowered to allow engagement between shafts 261,261,271 and bracket elements 25, ..,25 as discussed above, hence allowing the carrier structures be stacked on one another for storing / transportation purposes.

[0111] The shafts 261,271,271 have now been taken up in the bracket elements 25, ..,25 substantially having a cross-sectional shape of an inverted U with leg portions directed, the legs of a U being arranged at a distance in a longitudinal direction from each other allowing reception of transversal shafts 261,271,271 having such lengths and being so disposed that merely the larger first and second leg blocking elements 262,262,272,272 protrude, thus holding the carrier structures safely in place, blocked from moving in any horizontal direction. The stack 300 with carrier structures

[0112] 20.....20 can be moved by means of the wheels 22, ..,22 of the lowermost carrier structure 20. Elements and features which already have been discussed with reference to e.g. Fig. 11A will not be further discussed.

[0113] Fig. 13 is a view in perspective showing a stack 300 with a plurality of stacked carrier structures 20 as in Fig. 12, shown merely for illustrative purposes, and more clearly showing respective shafts 261,261,271 being taken up in respective bracket elements 25,..,25 and first and second leg blocking elements 262,262,272,272 protruding just outside the outer sides of the bracket elements 25,..,25.

[0114] Fig. 14A is an enlarged of a section showing a shaft 261 with two first blocking elements 262,262 disposed on opposite outer ends thereof, which shaft 261 is taken up in and passes through a first leg or strut element 26 upper end 26E, and how the shaft 261 is taken up in two inverted U- shaped bracket elements 25,25 arranged on lower edge of a longitudinal parallel frame element of longitudinal frame structure 211.

[0115] Fig. 14B is schematic view of a section showing a protruding rod or shaft 271 at an upper end of a second leg or strut elements 27,27 with a shaft 271 with a second blocking element 272 taken up in a bracket element 25 where it clearly can be seen how shaft 271 is taken up and secured in place through second blocking element 272 (thus in combination with the other, opposite, second blocking element 272 on the same shaft 271 and with the first blocking elements 262,262 arranged on shafts 261,261 being taken up in a respective bracket element 25,..25, securing the carrier structure 20 in place).

[0116] Fig.15 is a side view of another embodiment of bed arrangement 100’ in an elevated state with a folded up side rail 172’ and the bed carrier structure 20’ in an elevated state. The bed unit 10’ is in an extended state. The bed carrier structure 20’, as described with reference e.g. to Fig.2, comprises a carrier frame unit 21’ and a lifting structure 23’ which comprises a first leg or strut element unit 260’ and a second leg or strut element unit 270’. The first leg or strut element unit here comprises two parallel leg portions 26’, 26’ at their upper ends fixedly connected to a carrier structure transverse frame element 222 interconnecting carrier structure 20’ upper longitudinal frame elements 220’, 220’ distant from the head side of the bed (see Fig.15 A), and at their lower ends fixedly, but rotatably, connected to a transverse frame elements 210A’ (see Fig.l5B) of carrier frame unit 21’ of the carrier structure 20’ towards the head side of the bed in a mounted state.

[0117] A hydraulic spring or a gas spring 265 is connected between a transverse frame elements 210A’ of carrier frame unit 21’ of the carrier structure 20’ at the end opposite to the head end of the bed in a mounted state and a transverse interconnecting element or rod 267 (see Fig.15 A) interconnecting first leg elements 26’, 26’ at a position between their upper ends and an axis 280’ where parallel first leg elements 26’26’ and second leg element 270 ‘ are pivotally interconnected such that a scissor like lifting structure 23’ is formed.

[0118] The second leg or strut element unit here comprises one second leg 27’ which, at its upper end is, by means of being connected to a transverse rod or frame element 223 arranged between carrier structure 20’ upper longitudinal frame elements 220,220 and through outer, on each end of the transverse rod 224, arranged sliding blocks 224 (only one shown in Fig.15 A) adapted to be slidably taken up in a respective channel or guide rail 226 on respective inner sides of the longitudinal frame elements 220,220 and which can slide within or with respect to a carrier structure towards / away from the head side of the bed (see Fig.15 A). Similarly, the second leg 27’ is slidable by means of being connected to a transverse rod or frame element with outer, on each end of the transverse rod arranged sliding blocks or elements (not shown) adapted to be slidably taken up in a respective channel or guide rail on respective inner sides of the longitudinal parallel frame elements of longitudinal frame structure 211 of carrier frame unit 21’.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown in Fig.15, by actuating a foot pedal (not shown; e.g. disposed on an outer side of a longitudinal frame element of the longitudinal frame structure 21’) via a lever connected to the hydraulic spring 265, e.g. through pumping in a manner known per se, the piston of the hydraulic spring 265 will be extended, forcing the parallel leg portions 26’, 26’ to be rotated around the axis where they are connected to frame elements 210A’ of carrier frame unit 21’ of the carrier structure 20’ and the bed will be lifted towards the use position, the second leg 17’ sliding as explained above. When the pedal is released, the piston is retracted, the parallel leg portions 26’, 26’ rotated in the other direction, the second leg 17’ sliding in the other direction and the bed lowered.

[0120] A second leg element hydraulic spring or gas spring 266 is connected between a carrier structure transverse frame element 223’ interconnecting carrier structure 20’ upper longitudinal frame elements 220,220 and with the the second leg 27’ by means of an interconnecting securing rod or bracket element 269’ at the axis 280’ (see Fig.15 A).

[0121] By means of actuating tilting pedal 282 (e.g. one on each longitudinal outer side) connected to a rod 283’ here passing in a transvers direction, perpendicularly, through longitudinal parallel frame elements of longitudinal frame structure 211’ of carrier frame unit 21’ and connected to hydraulic spring 266 which is connected to first legs 26’, 26’ tilting of the bed unit can be activated / deactivated .

[0122] In this particular embodiment a locking nut 190 is disposed on the lower side of the retractable bed support holding structure 12 which when unlocked allows the bed to be slided a short distance to be disengaged, e.g. released from a hooking structure or similar, and lifted off from the support structure 20’. Activation of the releasing functionality, as also discussed earlier in the application, can be provided for in different ways and the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated solutions.

[0123] Brake pedals 281,281 are arranged to allow rolling of the bed on wheels 22’,. . .22’ when released, and braking, preventing rolling when activated.

[0124] Elements and features corresponding to elements and features which already have been discussed with reference to previous embodiments bear the same reference numerals but provided with a prime sign (‘) and will not be further discussed herein. Carrier structures 20’ can be stacked as described e.g. with reference to Figs. 11A,12,13 describing another embodiment, each lifting structure 23’ in this embodiment comprises an upper frame structure with upper longitudinal frame elements 220’, 220’ which are interconnected through transverse frame elements 222’, 223 ’,224’ (see Fig.15 A) and at a slight distance from each outer end of the longitudinal frame elements 220’, 220’, on their outer sides, outwardly, perpendicularly to the longitudinal frame elements, protruding pin elements 255’, 255, 255, 255’ are provided which are adapted to be releasably received and secured in the bracket or holding elements 25’, ..,25’ of another such bed carrier structure 20’ in a collapsed state being stacked on top of it.

[0125] The longitudinal frame elements 220’,220’are also provided with upwardly protruding support and / or positioning elements 256’,..,256’ adjacent the protruding pin elements 255’, 255, 255, 255’ ensuring correct positioning of an upper frame or carrier structure, and also taking up part of the load of an upper carrier structure. In the shown embodiment the support and / or positioning elements 256’,..,256’ are fixedly (or releasably or movably) secured to the longitudinal frame elements 220’, 220’, or alternatively to transverse frame elements 222’, 224’. They may also form outer ends of transverse frame elements 222’, 224’, slidably in rails thereof, and securable thereto.

[0126] A method for stacking for storing or transportation of medical bed arrangements 100; 100’ as referred to above preferably comprises the steps of, for each of a number of medical bed arrangements 100; 100’:

[0127] - removing head and foot boards 18A,19A;18A’,19A’;

[0128] - placing bed plates not fixed to the bed support structure on top of bed plates fixed or releasably secured, to the bed support structure,

[0129] - retracting the bed units 10; 10’;

[0130] - detaching the bed units from respective bed carrier structures 20;20’;

[0131] - collapsing the respective bed carrier structures 20; 10’;

[0132] - stacking a number of bed carrier structures 20;20’, on one another;

[0133] - placing a retracted bed unit 10; 10’ on a holding or transportation trolley 40; - stacking a number of further retracted bed units 10; 10’ on the retracted bed unit placed on the trolley 40, one by one.

[0134] It should be clear that some of the steps can be carried out in any other order as long as the bed units are retracted before stacking and the carrier structures are collapsed before stacking.

[0135] An advantage of the present invention is that, through the inventive concept, a medical bed arrangement, particularly a hospital bed, e.g. with at least some functionalities of an ICU bed, is provided which comprises only a few separate parts needing to be assembled / disassembled in order for the medical bed arrangement to be ready for use / converted for transportation and / or storing purposes, e.g. a bed unit, a bed carrier structure, head and foot boards, two bed plates and preferably a transport trolley for the bed units.

[0136] Another advantage is that the medical bed arrangement is extremely easy to assemble / disassemble and can be carried out even by a single person, without specific tools, preferably without any tools at all, and that the medical bed arrangement does not rely on external power supply, neither in use state, nor for assembly / disassembly.

[0137] It is also an advantage that it easily can be cleaned since it is simple, the number elements, of protruding edges, wrinkles etc. are few due to the few loose parts, reducing the risk for bacteria, viruses, fungi or other pathogens collecting and growing.

[0138] It is also an advantage that the bed units and the carrier structures can be stacked and transported using EU pallets, which extremely facilitates transportation and storing, in particular during emergencies, wars, natural disasters when there is a need to rapidly and efficiently transport and set up, e.g. a field hospital, in difficult conditions and with a limited amount of human resources and a limited amount of transportation facilities.

[0139] In advantageous embodiments the carrier structure in an elevated state has a maximum height of maximum 950 mm, more preferably maximum 900 mm or most preferably maximum about 850 mm, and, also in advantageous embodiments, the carrier structure in a collapsed state has a maximum total height of about 500 mm, more preferably about 450 mm, and most preferably about 425 mm, and a total length of about 1100-1300, particularly about 1200 mm or somewhat more or less, and a total width of about between 620 and 675, most preferably about 650 mm.

[0140] Further, in advantageous embodiments, the bed support portion has a total length of about between 1150-2020 mm, most preferably about 1200-2000 mm and a width of about 865-920 mm, preferably 875-885 mm, most preferably about 880 mm.

[0141] In advantageous embodiments, to which the invention is not limited, the dimensions may also be larger, five bed units in a stack 200, with side rails etc., stacked on a transport trolley 40 has a total height of maximum 1300 mm, preferably maximum 1250 mm, most preferably about 1200 mm, and has a total length of maximum 1350 mm, preferably maximum 1300 mm, or most preferably maximum about 1250 mm, and a total width of maximum 925 mm, most preferably maximum about 915 mm, most preferably allowing it to be transported on a EU pallet, with only the wheels of the transport trolley protruding outside the pallet.

[0142] Also, in advantageous implementations, to which the invention is not limited, the dimensions may also be larger, a stack 300 with five carrier structures stacked as described with reference to Figs. 12,13 has a total height of about maximum 1600 mm, more preferably maximum 1550 mm, or most preferably about 1500 mm, a total length of about maximum 1300 mm, preferably maximum 1250 mm or most preferably about 1200 mm or less, and a total width of about maximum 780 mm, preferably maximum 750 mm, or most preferably about 725 mm or less, most preferably allowing it to be transported on a EU pallet.

[0143] In advantageous implementations the medical bed arrangement has a total weight of about maximum 100-120 kg, most preferably of about 100 kg, but it should be clear that it can also have a higher weight.

[0144] Preferably, but not necessarily, the allowed height adjustment is about between 450-900 mm.

[0145] It should be clear that the inventive concept transporting and stacking functionalities are similarly applicable also for the bed arrangement 100’ shown in Figs 15,15A,15B as well as to other bed arrangements falling within the scope of the claims and the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and that features of different embodiments freely can be combined and be varied in a number of ways within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

S6 P3PCT00 CLAIMS1. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) e.g. for use in a field hospital or similar, comprising a bed unit (10;10’) and a bed carrier structure (20;20’), the bed unit (10;10’) comprising a bed support portion (11,11 ’) and a telescopically retractable bed support holding structure (12;12’), the bed carrier structure (20;20’) comprising a carrier frame unit (21;2L) and a lifting structure (23;23’) allowing the bed unit (10;10’) to be moved vertically with respect to ground, between upper, use, positions and a lower, collapsed position, allowing adjustment of the height above ground of the bed unit (10;10’) by means of a height control pedal (201), the carrier structure further comprising fixedly or removably arranged wheels (22,.., 22) allowing the bed arrangement to be rolled on ground or a floor or similar, wherein the bed unit (10; 10’) is releasably mountable on the bed carrier structure (20;20’), c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the lifting structure (23;23 ’) of the bed carrier structure (20;20’) comprises a first leg or strut element unit (26; 26’ ,26’) and a second leg or strut element unit (270;27’) which are arranged in a scissor like manner, and of which units one at a lower end being fixedly connected to the carrier frame unit (21;2L) and the other displaceably or slidably being engaged with the carrier frame unit (21;2L) allowing adjustment of the height and transferring of the bed carrier structure between an upper, use, position at a desired height and a collapsed position with the lower ends of the first leg or strut element unit (26; 26’ ,26’) and a second leg or strut element unit (270;27’) at a maximum allowed distance from each other, that on lower outer sides of the carrier frame unit (21;2L) a number of bracket or holding elements (25,..,25;25’,..,25’) are arranged which are adapted for releasably receiving and securing another such bed carrier structure (20;20’) in a collapsed state, such that a plurality of collapsed carrier frame structures (20,..,20;20’,..,20’) can be stacked on one another, in that the bed support holding structure (12; 12’) on outer end portions is provided with pivotally mounted bracket or holding elements (134, . 134; 134’ 134’) on opposite ends of interconnecting, transverse, outer frame elements (131, 132; 131 ’, 132’), lower end portions of the interconnecting outer frame element (131, 132; 131 ’, 132’) further comprising hollow tubular elements (139,,,.139; 139’ ,..,139’) with tubular vertical receiving holes or recesses open in adownward direction, wherein each bracket element (134,...,134;134’,..,134’) comprises a protruding portion (135,..,135) with a pin element (35, ..,35) such that, in upper, or use, positions of the bed arrangement (100;100’), the bracket elements (134,...,134;134’,..,134’) can be shed down around a respective pivot axis such that the respective protruding portion (135) pin elements (35) are in a non-active or a non-engagement position, such that the respective protruding portion (135) pin elements (35) on a same interconnecting outer frame element (131,132; 121 ’, 132’) extend longitudinally pointing towards one another, whereas, in a telescopically retracted state of the bed support structure (12; 12’), the bracket elements (134,...,134;134’,..,134’) can be rotated about 90°, or shed up to be in an upwards vertically directed position, such that the respective protruding portion (135) pin elements (35) are moved to an engagement position allowing a retracted bed unit (10; 10’) released from the bed carrier structure (20) to be stacked on another released retracted bed unit (10; 10’) by the protruding portions (135,..,135) with a pin element (35, ..,35) of such other released retracted bed unit (10; 10’) being received in the hollow tubular receiving openings of the hollow tubular elements (139,..,139; 139’,.., 139’) adapted for reception of receiving pins (135,..,135), such that a plurality of retracted bed units (10,.., 10; 10’,.., 10’) can be stacked on top of each other while held horizontally in place.

2. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that a hydraulic arrangement (250;265), e.g. a gas spring or any other mechanically or hydraulically operable spring arrangement, is connected between the lifting structure (23;23 ’) and the carrier frame unit (21;21 ’) for allowing the height of the bed unit to be adjusted by means of actuating the height adjustment pedal (201).

3. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that it is adapted to be operated manually / mechanically or hydraulically, thus independent of external power supply, and in that it is adapted to allow mounting for being used in field / demounting, and for stacking, for storing and / or transportation purposes.

4. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to claim any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that it is a hospital bed, or a hospital bed with a fiinctionality / functionalities of an ICU (Intensive care Unit) hospital bed, preferably comprising a Trendelenburg functionality operable by means of a second pedal (202;282).

5. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that bed support portion (11; 11’) comprises a plate arrangement comprising a number of bed support plates (11A1,11A2,11B,11C) serves the purpose of allowing holding of a mattress for reception of a patient.

6. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to claim 5, characterized in that plate arrangement comprising a head plate section (11 Al) removably or fixedly secured to the bed support holding structure (12), a first intermediate plate section (11A2) arranged next to the head plate section (11 Al) and also removably or fixedly secured to the bed support holding structure (12), a second intermediate plate section (1 IB) hingedly or releasably connectable to the first intermediate plate section (11A2) and a foot plate section (11C) hingedly connected to the second intermediate plate section (1 IB).

7. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to claim 6, characterized in that the second intermediate plate (11B) and the foot end plate (11C) can be released from the bed support holding structure (12; 12’) and folded to lie upside down on the head plate section (11 Al) and the first intermediate plate section (11 A2).

8. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to claim 6, characterized inthat the second intermediate plate (11B) and the foot end plate (11C) can be released from the bed support holding structure (12; 12’), and is releasable from, or separate from, the first intermediate plate (11A2), and can be removed for being placed on the head plate and the first intermediate plate for transportation or storing purposes.

9. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to any one of claims 5-8, characterzized in that bed plate arrangement or parts of it, is / are radiolucent and in that the bed unit (10; 10’) or the bed support holding structure (12; 12’) comprises holding elements to admit reception and holding of X-ray plates between the bed support plate arrangement and the bed support holding structure (12;12’).

10. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bed unit (10; 1 O’) comprises a removable head end section or head board (18A;18A’) and a removable foot end section or foot board (18B;18B’) mountable to the bed unit (10;10’) through respective frame element legs (19A,19A,19B,19B;19A’,19A’,19B’,19B’) being receivable, in respective hollow tubular board receiving openings (136, ..,136) open in an upwards direction, on outer end portions of the transversal interconnecting outer frame elements (131,132), of hollow tubular receiving elements (139,..,139; 139’, ..,139’), or of elements separate from said hollow tubular receiving elements (139,..,139; 139’, ..,139’),.

11. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises telescopic side rails (171,172; 172’) which are releasable and / or collapsible or foldable onto the bed plate arrangement.

12. A medical bed arrangement (100; 100’) according to claim 11, characterized inthat the telescopically retractable frame structure of the bed support holding structure (12; 12’) comprises at least two parallel longitudinal telescopic elements (121,121; 121 121 ’) allowing the bed support holding structure (12; 12’) to be in an extracted state for use for reception of a bed support portion (11; 11’) as well as in a retracted state for the purposes of storing, e.g. stacking, and transportation wherein the total lengths of the telescopic elements slightly (in a maximum extracted state) exceed the length of the bed support plate (11; 11’) in full length, wherein the telescopic elements (121,121;121’,121’), at their respective outer free ends, are connected to transversal interconnecting outer frame elements (131,132; 131 ’, 132’) each having a length somewhat exceeding the width of the bed support arrangement, the interconnecting outer frame elements (131,132; 131 ’, 132’) extending perpendicularly to respective free outer ends of the telescopic elements (121,121;121’,121’) and being arranged to be located outside and somewhat below a bed support portion (11; 11’) mounted on the bed support holding structure (12; 12’), wherein further, the bed support holding structure (12; 12’) further comprises two inner parallel transverse interconnecting frame elements (133,133) comprising means for releasably securing the bed support holding structure (12; 12’), and hence the bed unit (10; 10’), to the bed carrier structure (20;20’), and in that opposite outer ends of the two parallel inner transverse interconnecting frame elements (133,133) are provided with respective holding arrangements(137.137) for pivotally holding lower ends of respective transverse interconnecting elements(138.138) of the side rails (171, 172; 171’ ,172’) such that the side rails (171, 172; 171’ ,172’) can be held in an upright position, advantageously, be releasably secured in intermediate positions, and can be folded down to lie onto the bed plate arrangement for storing and / or transportation purposes of the bed arrangement in a retracted, collapsed state.

13. A medical bed arrangement (100;100’) at least according to claim 10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that it only comprises a few separate elements comprising bed unit (10; 10’), bed carrier structure (20;20’), head board (18A;18A’) and foot board (19A;19A’) allowing easy mounting / demounting and transportation and storing.

14. A medical bed arrangement (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,characterized in that upper end portions of a first leg or strut element unit (26) and a second leg or strut element unit (270) of a lifting structure (23) are provided with first and second blocking elements (262,262,272,272) and in that said first and second blocking elements (262,262,272,272) are adapted to be releasably received and secured in a said bracket or holding elements (25, ..,25) of another such bed carrier structure (20) in a collapsed state being stacked on top of it.

15. A medical bed arrangement (100’) according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the lifting structure (23’) comprises an upper frame structure with upper longitudinal frame elements (220’, 220’) interconnected through transverse frame elements (222’, 223 ’,224’) and in that adjacent or at a distance from each outer end of the longitudinal frame elements (220’, 220’), on their outer sides, protruding pin elements (255’, 255, 255, 255’) are provided which are adapted to be releasably received and secured in a said bracket or holding elements (25’, ..,25’) of another such bed carrier structure (20’) in a collapsed state being stacked on top of it.

16. A medical bed arrangement system comprising a number of medical bed arrangements (100; 100’) as in any one of claims 1-15, characterized in that it further comprises a holding or transportation trolley (40) for holding a number of stacked medical bed units (10,.., 10; 10’,.., 1 O’), e.g. up to 4-8, or more, medical bed units (10; 10’,.., 10’), said transportation trolley comprising bed unit engagement means (45, ..,45) adapted for reception in hollow tubular receiving openings (139,.., 139; 139’ 139’) of a bed unit (10; 10’,.., 10’) on which further bed units (10; 10’,.., 10’) can be stacked.

17. A medical bed arrangement system comprising a number of medical bed arrangements (100; 100’) according to claim 16, characterized in that the transportation trolley (40) comprising a frame structure (43) comprising two parallel longitudinal frame elements (43A,43A) a slight distance from the outer ends of which transverseframe elements (44,44) are provided, fixedly connected to the longitudinal frame elements (43,43), at the outer ends of which longitudinal frame elements (43,43) wheel holder units (41,41) are provided for taking up wheels (42,,.., 42), that at upper ends of the wheel holder units (41, ..,41) the bed unit engagement means (45,..,45), e.g. comprising upwardly protruding engagement pins or similar (45, ..,45) are provided which are arranged at a longitudinal distance, i.e. pins on a same longitudinal frame element (43), corresponding to the distance between tubular receiving openings (139, 139; 139’ ,..,139’) in a longitudinal direction when the bed unit (10; 1 O’) is in a retracted state, whereas the transverse distance between pins (45,45) on opposite parallel longitudinal frames (43,43) corresponds to the transverse distance between tubular receiving openings (139, 139; 139’ ,..,139’) in a traverse direction on a bed unit (10; 10’) such that a plurality of retracted or collapsed bed units (10) can be stacked thereon through engagement between hollow tubular receiving openings (139, 139; 139’ ,..,139’) of a lowermost bed unit (10;10’) and upwardly protruding engagement pins or similar (45, ..,45).

18. A medical bed arrangement system comprising a number of medical bed arrangements (100;100’) according to claims 16 or 17, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the holding or transportation trolley (40) is provided with two fork receiving elements (46,46) fixedly arranged at a distance from each other and dimensioned to allow for reception of forks of e.g. a fork lift truck or a fork lift stacker such that a stack of bed units easily can be moved.

19. A medical bed arrangement system comprising a number of medical bed arrangements (100;100’) according to claim 18, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the horizontal dimensions of a stack of bed units (10;10’) on a trolley (40) correspond to the dimensions of a Euro Pallet (800 mm* 1200 mm).

20. A holding or transportation trolley (40) for holding a number of stacked medical bed units (10, ..,10; 10’,..,10’) according to any one of claims 1-15, e.g. up to 4-8, or more, medical bedunits (10;10’), said transportation trolley comprising bed unit engagement means (45, ..,45) adapted for reception in hollow tubular receiving openings (139, ..,139; 139’ ,.., 139’) of a bed unit (10;10’) on which further bed units (10,..,10; 10’, ..,10’) can be stacked.

21. A holding or transportation trolley (40) according to claim 20, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the transportation trolley (40) comprising a frame structure (43) comprising two parallel longitudinal frame elements (43A,43A) a slight distance from the outer ends of which transverse frame elements (44,44) are provided, fixedly connected to the longitudinal frame elements (43,43), at the outer ends of which longitudinal frame elements (43,43) wheel holder units (41,41) are provided for taking up wheels (42,,.., 42), that at upper ends of the wheel holder units (41, ..,41) the bed unit engagement means (45,..,45), e.g. comprising upwardly protruding engagement pins or similar (45, ..,45) are provided which are arranged at a longitudinal distance, i.e. pins on a same longitudinal frame element (43), corresponding to the distance between tubular receiving openings (139, 139; 139’, 139’) in a longitudinal direction when the bed unit (10; 1 O’) is in a retracted state, whereas the transverse distance between pins (45,45) on opposite parallel longitudinal frames (43,43) corresponds to the transverse distance between tubular receiving openings (139,139) in a traverse direction on a bed unit (10; 1 O’) such that a plurality of retracted or collapsed bed units (10,.., 10; 10’,.., 10’) can be stacked thereon through engagement between hollow tubular receiving openings (139, 139; 139’ ,..,139’) of a lowermost bed unit (10; 10’) and upwardly protruding engagement pins or similar (45, ..,45).

22. A holding or transportation trolley (40) according to claim 20 or 21, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the horizontal dimensions of a storing or transportation trolley (40) with a stack of bed units (10, . 10; 1 O’, . 1 O’) correspond to the dimensions of a Euro Pallet (800 mm* 1200 mm).

23. A method for transportation of medical bed arrangements (100; 100’) as in any one of claims 5 or any one of claims 6-15 as dependent on claim 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i nthat it comprises the steps of, for each of a number of medical bed arrangements (100; 100’):- removing head and foot boards (18A,19A);- placing bed plates not fixed to the bed support structure on top of bed plates fixed or releasably secured, to the bed support structure,- retracting the bed units (10; 1 O’);- detaching the bed units from respective bed carrier structures (20;20’);- collapsing the respective bed carrier structures (20;20’);- stacking a number of bed carrier structures (20;20’), on one another;- placing a retracted bed unit (10; 10’) on a holding or transportation trolley (40) as in claim 14;- stacking a number of further retracted bed units (10; 1 O’) on the retracted bed unit placed on the trolley (40), one by one.

24. A method for transportation of medical bed arrangements (100; 100’) according to claim 23, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that it comprises the steps of:- transporting the trolley (40) with stacked retracted bed units (10,..,, 10; 10’,.., 10’), having transversal dimensions allowing the stack of bed units (10; 10’) to be transported on a Euro pallet with dimensions substantially 800 mm* 1200 mm, on a Euro pallet;- transporting the stacked bed carrier structures (20,.., 20) on another Euro pallet.

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