Description:Brief Description of the Drawings

The present disclosure generally relates to hospital furniture. Further, the present disclosure particularly relates to a hospital bed equipped with a foldable enclosure.
Background
The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Hospital beds are commonly used in medical settings for patient care and treatment. Such beds are equipped with various features designed to enhance patient comfort, safety, and the efficacy of medical treatments. Over the years, advancements in hospital bed technology have led to the development of specialized beds that address specific needs within healthcare environments. One such innovation involves the incorporation of foldable enclosures in hospital beds, designed to offer versatile functionality and improve patient care.
Several state-of-the-art systems have been implemented in the design of hospital beds with foldable enclosures. These systems typically include telescopic members for adjusting the size and shape of the enclosures, pivot joints for ease of movement between different configurations, rail guide mechanisms to facilitate smooth transitions, and locking mechanisms to secure the enclosures in desired positions. Additionally, enhancements such as environmental control systems within the enclosures have been introduced to manage temperature and airflow, thereby creating a controlled microenvironment suitable for various patient needs. Despite the sophistication of these systems, several challenges remain unaddressed.
Problems associated with the conventional systems include the complexity and mechanical reliability of the telescopic and pivot mechanisms under frequent use, especially in environments with high patient turnover. The rail guide systems, although effective in stabilizing the movement of the foldable enclosure, often suffer from issues related to wear and tear, requiring regular maintenance and potentially increasing operational costs. The locking mechanisms, critical for patient safety, can also fail, posing risks to patients and complicating nursing tasks.
Further problems are evident with the environmental control systems integrated within the enclosures. Although they aim to provide a customizable environment for patient comfort and recovery, their effectiveness can be limited by inconsistent performance, particularly in maintaining precise temperature and airflow settings. This limitation can be detrimental to patients requiring stable conditions for recovery. Moreover, the integration of such systems can significantly increase the cost and complexity of hospital beds, limiting their accessibility for many healthcare facilities, especially those in resource-constrained settings.
In light of the above discussion, there exists an urgent need for solutions that overcome the problems associated with conventional systems and techniques for enhancing patient care through the use of specialized hospital beds with foldable enclosures. Such solutions should address the mechanical and operational reliability of these beds, ensure the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of integrated environmental control systems, and enhance overall safety and comfort for patients across diverse medical environments.

Summary
The following presents a simplified summary of various aspects of this disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such aspects. Its purpose is to present some concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of the subject application.
In an aspect, the present disclosure aims to provide a hospital bed comprising a bed frame and a foldable enclosure mounted to said bed frame. The foldable enclosure includes multiple telescopic members which enable expansion and contraction. These telescopic members are designed to collapse within one another to minimize the space occupied by the enclosure when in the folded position. The bed also includes a pivot joint that connects the foldable enclosure to the bed frame allowing the enclosure to transition between an unfolded position where it covers the bed and a folded position where it aligns with a side surface of the bed. The pivot joint incorporates a rotational axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed frame.
In an embodiment, the foldable enclosure includes transparent or translucent panels to allow visibility and light penetration when the enclosure is in the unfolded position. This feature enhances the comfort and well-being of the patient by maintaining a connection with the surrounding environment.
In an embodiment, the hospital bed further incorporates an environmental control system integrated within the foldable enclosure. This system is capable of adjusting temperature and airflow thus creating a controlled microenvironment for the patient. The environmental control system aims to maintain optimal conditions for patient recovery and comfort.
In an embodiment, the environmental control system is equipped with heating and cooling elements along with sensors to regulate the microenvironment based on pre-set or real-time conditions. This integration ensures that the environmental parameters within the foldable enclosure are maintained within the desired thresholds enhancing patient comfort and safety.
In an embodiment, the hospital bed also comprises a UV-C light sterilization unit housed within the foldable enclosure. This sterilization unit is operable to disinfect the interior surface of the enclosure when the enclosure is in an unfolded position providing a sanitized environment for the patient.
In an embodiment, the telescopic members of the foldable enclosure are operatively connected to a harmonized movement mechanism. This mechanism comprises a system of gears or synchronous belts that coordinate the movement of the telescopic members ensuring smooth and synchronized adjustments of the enclosure.
In an embodiment, the rail guide mechanism of the bed comprises a dual-rail configuration. Each rail is equipped with independent guide members that engage with the corresponding track. This configuration is designed to distribute the weight of the enclosure and reduce point load stresses enhancing the durability and functionality of the movement mechanism.
In an embodiment, the hospital bed further comprises a foldable work surface attached to the bed frame. This work surface can be deployed to a horizontal position for use and is collapsible to a vertical position when not in use providing additional utility and convenience for healthcare providers and patients.
In an embodiment, the foldable work surface includes a lockable hinge mechanism. This mechanism securely maintains the surface in the horizontal position and facilitates easy folding to the vertical position with a simple release action making it user-friendly and functional in a hospital environment.
In an embodiment, the foldable enclosure comprises a door to enable the supply of goods to a patient. This addition improves the functionality of the enclosure allowing for easier access and better support for patient care and treatment procedures.

Field of the Invention

The features and advantages of the present disclosure would be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a hospital bed, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 (FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B) illustrates the foldable enclosure in an unfolded position and a folded position, respectively, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to claim those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Pursuant to the "Detailed Description" section herein, whenever an element is explicitly associated with a specific numeral for the first time, such association shall be deemed consistent and applicable throughout the entirety of the "Detailed Description" section, unless otherwise expressly stated or contradicted by the context.
As used herein, the term "hospital bed" refers to a specialized type of bed specifically designed for hospitalized patients or others in need of some form of health care. These beds offer features such as adjustable height for the entire bed, the head, and the feet, adjustable side rails, and electronic controls to operate both the bed and other nearby electronic devices. Hospital beds are designed to provide both comfort and therapeutic features that assist in the recovery of patients by improving circulation, providing necessary positioning, and supporting mobility.
As used herein, the term "bed frame" refers to the main structural component of a hospital bed on which the mattress rests. The bed frame is typically made from robust materials like metal to ensure durability and the ability to withstand the frequent adjustments required for patient care. The bed frame provides the foundational support for various attachments and mechanisms such as side rails, head and foot adjustments, and mobility solutions that enhance patient comfort and caregiver accessibility.
As used herein, the term "foldable enclosure" refers to an adaptable cover mechanism that can be expanded over or retracted from the hospital bed to provide privacy, safety, or isolation for the patient. The foldable enclosure is typically made of materials such as fabric or polymer that can be easily cleaned and sanitized. This enclosure is designed to be deployed or retracted without requiring excessive space or complex maneuvers, facilitating ease of use in a clinical environment.
As used herein, the term "telescopic members" refers to components of the foldable enclosure that enable the enclosure to extend or retract by sliding within each other in a manner similar to sections of a telescope. These members allow the foldable enclosure to cover the bed fully when extended and collapse into a compact form when not in use, thereby saving space in hospital rooms and allowing easy access to the patient.
As used herein, the term "pivot joint" refers to a mechanical connection that allows the foldable enclosure to rotate or pivot relative to the bed frame. The pivot joint is designed to support the weight of the foldable enclosure while allowing it to move smoothly between its extended and retracted positions. The rotational axis of the pivot joint is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the bed frame to ensure a controlled and stable motion of the enclosure.
As used herein, the term "rail guide mechanism" refers to a system comprising a track and a corresponding guide member that work together to direct the movement of the foldable enclosure along the bed frame. The rail guide mechanism ensures that the foldable enclosure moves in a smooth, linear path, thereby preventing misalignment and reducing wear and tear on the components. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining the stability and functionality of the foldable enclosure during its deployment and retraction.
As used herein, the term "locking mechanism" refers to a device integrated into the foldable enclosure system to securely lock the enclosure in its fully extended position. This locking mechanism ensures that the enclosure remains stationary and secure when deployed, providing a stable and protected environment for the patient. The locking mechanism can be manually or automatically operated, depending on the design of the hospital bed, to ensure ease of use and safety.
FIG. 1 illustrates a hospital bed (100), in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The hospital bed, denoted as reference numeral 100 in the accompanying figures, comprises a bed frame, identified as reference numeral 102. Said bed frame 102 serves as the structural foundation for mounting various components, including a foldable enclosure, identified as reference numeral 104. Said foldable enclosure 104 is mounted to said bed frame 102 and is primarily configured to offer adjustability and privacy to the user.
Said foldable enclosure 104 includes multiple telescopic members, denoted by reference numeral 106. These telescopic members 106 are pivotal in enabling both the expansion and contraction of said foldable enclosure 104. The arrangement of said telescopic members 106 permits said foldable enclosure 104 to extend fully to cover the bed when in use, and to retract or collapse to a minimized footprint when not in use, thereby conserving space within the hospital environment.
In the collapsed position of said foldable enclosure 104, said telescopic members 106 are configured to collapse within one another. This configuration is achieved through a nesting mechanism wherein each consecutive telescopic member is slightly smaller than the preceding one, allowing them to slide into one another. The design of said telescopic members 106 not only minimizes the space occupied by said foldable enclosure 104 when in the folded position but also contributes to the overall aesthetics and functionality of the hospital bed 100 by maintaining a low profile.
The materials selected for the construction of said telescopic members 106 are chosen based on criteria such as durability, ease of sanitation, and lightweight properties to facilitate easy manipulation and maintenance. Furthermore, the interface points between said telescopic members 106 and said bed frame 102 include bearings or glide elements to ensure smooth operation without requiring excessive force or causing undue wear on the components.
In addition to the physical characteristics, the mechanism by which said telescopic members 106 operate is designed to ensure that the expansion and contraction actions can be performed with minimal effort. This is particularly beneficial in a healthcare setting where ease of use and speed of configuration changes can significantly impact patient care and comfort. Safety features are also integrated into the design of said telescopic members 106 to prevent accidental closure or extension, thereby protecting both the patient and healthcare providers from potential harm.
In the present disclosure, a pivot joint (108) is described as connecting a foldable enclosure (104) to a bed frame (102) of a hospital bed (100). Said pivot joint (108) facilitates the transition of the foldable enclosure (104) between an unfolded position and a folded position. In the unfolded position, said foldable enclosure (104) extends over the bed to cover it completely, providing privacy or isolation as required. Conversely, in the folded position, said foldable enclosure (104) aligns with a side surface of the bed, thus minimizing the space it occupies within a room. Importantly, said pivot joint (108) includes a rotational axis that aligns parallel to the longitudinal axis of said bed frame (102), enabling smooth and controlled movement of said foldable enclosure (104).
Furthermore, a rail guide mechanism (110) is detailed, which cooperatively engages said foldable enclosure (104) with said bed frame (102). Said rail guide mechanism (110) comprises a track and a corresponding guide member. The function of said rail guide mechanism (110) is to guide the movement of said foldable enclosure (104) from the unfolded position, where it covers the bed, to the folded position, where it aligns with the bed's side surface. Said guide member engages with the track to stabilize said foldable enclosure (104) during its movement, thus ensuring that the transition between positions is both smooth and secure. The design of said rail guide mechanism (110) is such that it supports a fluid, linear motion of said foldable enclosure (104) while maintaining alignment and reducing mechanical stress on the components.
Additionally, a locking mechanism (112) is incorporated to secure said foldable enclosure (104) in the unfolded position. The primary role of said locking mechanism (112) is to ensure that once said foldable enclosure (104) is extended over the bed, it remains firmly in place, thereby providing a stable and secure environment. Said locking mechanism (112) can be activated manually or automatically, depending on the design specifications of the hospital bed (100). The locking of said foldable enclosure (104) in the unfolded position prevents accidental retraction or movement that could compromise the safety or comfort of the patient.
The integration of said pivot joint (108), said rail guide mechanism (110), and said locking mechanism (112) in the hospital bed (100) illustrates an advanced design that prioritizes patient safety, operational efficiency, and ease of use. The coordination between these mechanisms allows for a hospital bed that can be easily adjusted to suit the needs of patients and healthcare providers. The stability provided by these features is vital in a healthcare setting where the mobility of patients and the functionality of hospital equipment are of paramount importance.
These elements are engineered to work seamlessly with the structural design of the hospital bed (100), ensuring that the foldable enclosure (104) can be moved effortlessly and locked securely. By maintaining alignment with the longitudinal axis of the bed frame (102), said pivot joint (108) assists in the efficient utilization of space and aids in the ergonomic design of the hospital environment. Such considerations are essential for enhancing the effectiveness of patient care and the overall operation within medical facilities.
In an embodiment, the hospital bed (100) includes a foldable enclosure (104) equipped with transparent or translucent panels. These panels enable light to penetrate the enclosure while maintaining visibility, thus creating a more pleasant and less restrictive environment for the patient. The integration of such materials ensures that the interior of the enclosure is illuminated by natural or ambient light, contributing to the overall well-being and comfort of the patient during recovery. Transparent or translucent panels are particularly useful in medical settings where observation of the patient without disturbance is crucial.
In an embodiment, an environmental control system is integrated within the foldable enclosure (104) of the hospital bed (100). This system adjusts temperature and airflow, tailoring the microenvironment to meet specific health requirements of the patient. The ability to control environmental conditions is critical in enhancing patient comfort and can significantly influence recovery outcomes. The environmental control system is a key feature for ensuring that the conditions within the enclosure are optimal for both patient health and comfort.
In an embodiment, the environmental control system incorporated within the foldable enclosure (104) of the hospital bed (100) includes both heating and cooling elements. These elements work in conjunction with sensors that continuously monitor and adjust the microenvironment to maintain preset or dynamically changing conditions. This responsive adjustment is vital for maintaining a stable environment that adapts to the changing needs of the patient and the clinical requirements.
In an embodiment, the hospital bed (100) comprises a UV-C light sterilization unit within the foldable enclosure (104). This unit is activated when the enclosure is in its unfolded position to disinfect the interior surfaces effectively. The use of UV-C light as a sterilization method is efficient, helping to maintain a sterile environment within the enclosure, crucial for infection control in hospital settings.
In an embodiment, the hospital bed (100) features telescopic members (106) connected to a harmonized movement mechanism. This mechanism consists of gears or synchronous belts that ensure coordinated movement of the telescopic members. Such synchronization ensures that the foldable enclosure (104) operates smoothly, enhancing the usability and longevity of the mechanism by minimizing wear and tear on the components.
In an embodiment, the hospital bed (100) is equipped with a rail guide mechanism (110) that features a dual-rail configuration. Each rail has independent guide members that interact with a corresponding track, designed to evenly distribute the weight of the foldable enclosure (104) and minimize stress at any single point. This feature enhances the structural integrity and durability of the rail guide mechanism, ensuring reliable operation over time.
In an embodiment, a foldable work surface is attached to the bed frame (102) of the hospital bed (100). This work surface can be deployed to a horizontal position for use and folded to a vertical position when not needed. This design provides convenience and flexibility, offering a practical surface for various activities without requiring additional space, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the hospital bed’s design.
In an embodiment, the hospital bed (100) includes a foldable work surface equipped with a lockable hinge mechanism. This mechanism ensures the work surface remains securely in the horizontal position during use and facilitates an easy transition to the vertical position via a simple release action. This feature provides stability and ease of use, enhancing the functionality of the work surface while maintaining safety and convenience for the user.
In an embodiment, the foldable enclosure (104) of the hospital bed (100) features a door designed to facilitate the supply of goods to the patient. This door allows access without the need to fully open the enclosure, thereby maintaining the controlled environment while providing the necessary accessibility for care provision. The inclusion of a door enhances the practicality and functionality of the foldable enclosure, making it more adaptable to the needs of both patients and healthcare providers.
In an embodiment, the expandable bed enclosure (104) enables managing environmental conditions within healthcare settings, addressing several prevalent technical challenges. The enclosure (104) can be made of durable, lightweight materials such as fiber and polypropylene, facilitating ease of use and robustness. The foldable enclosure (104) acts as a flexible cover that can be adjusted to fit standard hospital beds (100) perfectly, thereby providing tailored temperature control to meet diverse patient needs. The foldable enclosure (104) enables healthcare professionals to modify the surrounding temperature conditions based on the patient condition. The foldable enclosure (104) can enable maintenance of warm temperatures conducive to healing, offer cooler environments to alleviate discomfort, or ensure a stable, neutral setting depending on individual patient requirements.
In an embodiment, the foldable enclosure (104) is beneficial in non-intensive care settings where converting standard beds (100) into specialized units is necessary, especially when ICU rooms are unavailable. By allowing for such flexibility, the enclosure (104) helps optimize the utilization of existing resources and extends the capacity to deliver high-quality care across different patient demographics. Furthermore, the foldable enclosure (104) is designed to be portable and compact so that it can be used with ambulatory care, where maintaining precise temperature conditions during patient transport is essential. The lightweight and foldable characteristics of the foldable enclosure (104) allow for quick setups and modifications, which are crucial in dynamic medical environments where space and time are at a premium.
In another embodiment, the temperature control mechanism within the enclosure (104) can be controlled through remote adjustments, with settings ranging from 66 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Environment control can enable customization of each patient's specific needs, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, the design of the foldable enclosure (104) includes a door (110) for easy access and a window-like structure that provides visibility and natural light, maintaining a semblance of openness while ensuring isolation necessary for optimal recovery.
FIG. 2 (FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B) illustrates the foldable enclosure in an unfolded position and a folded position, respectively, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A shows the foldable enclosure in an unfolded position, effectively demonstrating its deployment for usage over a bed frame. This state of the enclosure provides a covered environment for the bed, contributing to the potential for creating a controlled space for the patient. The structure appears to include panels, possibly of a semi-rigid material, which, when in the unfolded position, form a protective barrier over the bed. The enclosure is supported by a frame that likely allows for secure attachment to the bed frame, ensuring stability and rigidity when in use. Conversely, FIG. 2B illustrates the same foldable enclosure in a folded position, revealing its compact form which facilitates ease of storage and transportation. In this state, the enclosure is collapsed along its transverse axis, minimizing its footprint and indicating a design that could be advantageous in environments where space conservation is critical. The panels seem to fold neatly, suggesting a precise and efficient folding mechanism that may include hinges or foldable joints, allowing for smooth transition between states. Notably, the enclosure retains a uniform shape in both configurations, suggesting a design optimized for quick conversion from one state to the other without the need for extensive rearrangement or additional support structures.
Example embodiments herein have been described above with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods and apparatuses. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by various means including hardware, software, firmware, and a combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment, each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
Throughout the present disclosure, the term ‘processing means’ or ‘microprocessor’ or ‘processor’ or ‘processors’ includes, but is not limited to, a general purpose processor (such as, for example, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor implementing other types of instruction sets, or a microprocessor implementing a combination of types of instruction sets) or a specialized processor (such as, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a network processor).
The term “non-transitory storage device” or “storage” or “memory,” as used herein relates to a random access memory, read only memory and variants thereof, in which a computer can store data or software for any duration.
Operations in accordance with a variety of aspects of the disclosure is described above would not have to be performed in the precise order described. Rather, various steps can be handled in reverse order or simultaneously or not at all.
While several implementations have been described and illustrated herein, a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein may be utilized, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, implementations may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

I/We Claims

A hospital bed (100) comprising:
a bed frame (102);
a foldable enclosure (104) mounted to said bed frame (102), wherein the foldable enclosure (104) includes multiple telescopic members (106) enabling expansion and contraction of the foldable enclosure (104), wherein the telescopic members (106) are configured to collapse within one another to minimize the space occupied by the foldable enclosure (104) when in the folded position;
a pivot joint (108) connecting the foldable enclosure (104) to the bed frame (102), allowing the foldable enclosure (104) to transition between an unfolded position, wherein the foldable enclosure (104) covers the bed, and a folded position, wherein the foldable enclosure (104) aligns with a side surface of the bed, wherein the pivot joint (108) includes a rotational axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed frame (102);
a rail guide mechanism (110) cooperatively engaging the foldable enclosure (104) with the bed frame (102) to guide the movement of the foldable enclosure (104) from the unfolded position to the folded position, wherein the rail guide mechanism (110) includes a track and a corresponding guide member that engages with the track to stabilize the foldable enclosure (104) during movement; and
a locking mechanism (112) configured to secure the foldable enclosure (104) in the unfolded position.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, wherein the foldable enclosure (104) comprises transparent or translucent panels to allow visibility and light penetration when the enclosure is in the unfolded position.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, wherein the foldable enclosure (104) further comprises an environmental control system integrated within the enclosure, said system capable of adjusting temperature and airflow to create a controlled microenvironment for the patient.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 3, wherein the environmental control system includes heating and cooling elements with sensors to regulate the microenvironment based on pre-set or real-time conditions.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, further comprising a UV-C light sterilization unit housed within the foldable enclosure (104), said sterilization unit being operable to disinfect the interior surface of the enclosure when the enclosure is in an unfolded position.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, wherein the telescopic members (106) are operatively connected to a harmonized movement mechanism comprising a system of gears or synchronous belts that coordinate the movement of the telescopic members.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, wherein the rail guide mechanism (110) comprises a dual-rail configuration with each rail equipped with independent guide members that engage with the corresponding track to distribute the weight of the enclosure and reduce point load stresses.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, further comprising a foldable work surface attached to the bed frame (102), said work surface being deployable to a horizontal position for use and collapsible to a vertical position when not in use.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 8, wherein the foldable work surface includes a lockable hinge mechanism that securely maintains the surface in the horizontal position and allows for easy folding to the vertical position with a release action.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, wherein the foldable enclosure (104) comprises a door to enable the supply of goods to a patient.

HOSPITAL BED WITH FOLDABLE ENCLOSURE

Disclosed is a hospital bed comprising a bed frame and a foldable enclosure mounted to said bed frame. The foldable enclosure includes multiple telescopic members enabling expansion and contraction, configured to collapse within one another to minimize space when folded. A pivot joint connects the foldable enclosure to the bed frame, allowing transitions between an unfolded position, where the enclosure covers the bed, and a folded position alongside the bed. This joint has a rotational axis parallel to the bed frame's longitudinal axis. Additionally, a rail guide mechanism guides the enclosure's movement with a track and guide member setup, stabilizing it during transitions. A locking mechanism secures the enclosure in the unfolded position.
Fig. 1

, Claims:I/We Claims

A hospital bed (100) comprising:
a bed frame (102);
a foldable enclosure (104) mounted to said bed frame (102), wherein the foldable enclosure (104) includes multiple telescopic members (106) enabling expansion and contraction of the foldable enclosure (104), wherein the telescopic members (106) are configured to collapse within one another to minimize the space occupied by the foldable enclosure (104) when in the folded position;
a pivot joint (108) connecting the foldable enclosure (104) to the bed frame (102), allowing the foldable enclosure (104) to transition between an unfolded position, wherein the foldable enclosure (104) covers the bed, and a folded position, wherein the foldable enclosure (104) aligns with a side surface of the bed, wherein the pivot joint (108) includes a rotational axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed frame (102);
a rail guide mechanism (110) cooperatively engaging the foldable enclosure (104) with the bed frame (102) to guide the movement of the foldable enclosure (104) from the unfolded position to the folded position, wherein the rail guide mechanism (110) includes a track and a corresponding guide member that engages with the track to stabilize the foldable enclosure (104) during movement; and
a locking mechanism (112) configured to secure the foldable enclosure (104) in the unfolded position.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, wherein the foldable enclosure (104) comprises transparent or translucent panels to allow visibility and light penetration when the enclosure is in the unfolded position.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, wherein the foldable enclosure (104) further comprises an environmental control system integrated within the enclosure, said system capable of adjusting temperature and airflow to create a controlled microenvironment for the patient.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 3, wherein the environmental control system includes heating and cooling elements with sensors to regulate the microenvironment based on pre-set or real-time conditions.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, further comprising a UV-C light sterilization unit housed within the foldable enclosure (104), said sterilization unit being operable to disinfect the interior surface of the enclosure when the enclosure is in an unfolded position.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, wherein the telescopic members (106) are operatively connected to a harmonized movement mechanism comprising a system of gears or synchronous belts that coordinate the movement of the telescopic members.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, wherein the rail guide mechanism (110) comprises a dual-rail configuration with each rail equipped with independent guide members that engage with the corresponding track to distribute the weight of the enclosure and reduce point load stresses.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, further comprising a foldable work surface attached to the bed frame (102), said work surface being deployable to a horizontal position for use and collapsible to a vertical position when not in use.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 8, wherein the foldable work surface includes a lockable hinge mechanism that securely maintains the surface in the horizontal position and allows for easy folding to the vertical position with a release action.
The hospital bed (100) of claim 1, wherein the foldable enclosure (104) comprises a door to enable the supply of goods to a patient.

HOSPITAL BED WITH FOLDABLE ENCLOSURE