Hospital bed for automatically changing sheets

The present invention relates generally to an ultimate comfort n care bed, and a bed apparatus capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a person, a method of relieving ulcers, and a method thereof. The present invention also relates to a medical or a hospital bed, and, more particularly, to a hospital bed capable of seamlessly changing bed-sheets while the hospital bed is occupied by a patient. The present invention also comprises of a medical bed apparatus which allows the seamlessly changing of a used bed sheet with a new bed sheet while the bed is occupied by a person, and a method thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an ultimate comfort n care bed, and a bed apparatus capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a person, a method of relieving ulcers, and a method thereof. The present invention also relates to a medical or a hospital bed, and, more particularly, to a hospital bed capable of seamlessly changing bed-sheets while the hospital bed is occupied by a patient. The present invention also comprises of a medical bed apparatus which allows the seamlessly changing of a used bed sheet with a new bed sheet while the bed is occupied by a person, and a method thereof.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Hospital beds have been known and have been used for many years, and under a variety of applications.

Existing hospital beds, including various kinds of hospital beds, the patient must be moved before changing bed sheets. In many cases the disabled or some patients cannot leave the bed without the help of others. This is a hardship for patient family members and the nurses, and more importantly, it may cause pain and discomfort to the patients. For those who are injured in the cervical vertebra or the vertebra, suffering from various kinds of serious injuries, or a patient recovering from a surgery, it often causes secondary injury if the patient is moved, and this also further hinders patient recovery.

Changing bed linens in a hospital or healthcare facility is necessary and advantageous. It allows the hospital staff and patients to promote cleanliness and prevents unnecessary infections, ulcers, injuries, or losing expensive hard-to-replace items. Changing the bed linen while the patient is still on the hospital bed carries significant challenges, both for the patient, and the caregiver. Multiple steps need to be taken to make the task possible. However, these steps are not without drawbacks and limitations, for example:

(1) Making arrangements for assistance: Assistance is required whether one is at a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, or at home. If one is at the home, then one would need a friend or a family member who would be willing to help out;

(2) Scheduling helpers: Learning how to provide the care needed without straining ones back or otherwise injuring oneself is not only important but it is very challenging too;

(3) Positioning the bed: The quality of the bed and adjustability are very crucial, trying to work with a non-adjustable medical bed is not practical, as it will make bedside care extremely difficult. Further it requires more people and this creates a crowded area around the bed, which restricts maneuverability, such as, having two to four people doing the task;

(4) Raising and lowering the ends of the bed: For example, when patients have congestive heart failure or respiratory disease, a hospital bed's ability to raise the head of the bed up will greatly help the patient to breathe more easily, moving the patient out of the bed or rolling him on either side or lifting him up;

(5) Side rails and safety: Side rails and safety are extremely important to have if the patient is confused or may become confused in the future, and this also prevents a patient from falling out of the medical bed;

(6) Keeping linens flat and smooth: Wrinkles in the bed, or the bed sheet, or any debris will irritate the skin and cause discomfort as well as injury to the skin. Some patients become so sensitive that they cannot tolerate anything at all lying on top of their feet, even a bed sheet;

(7) Need to reposition patient up in bed: If assistance is not provided, the patient remains slumped down too far toward the foot of the bed and will not only feel uncomfortable, but the position can interfere with ease in breathing and also cause unnecessary pressure on the base of the spline and result in skin breakdown;

(8) Need to avoid dragging: When a patient experiences difficulty turning him or pulling him up in bed, pulling or pushing him without lifting will result in dragging his body across the bed. Dragging him from side to side or up in bed can cause injury to the skin;

(9) Draw bed sheets used to lift or turn: Draw bed sheets used to lift or turn has been widely used to help changing the bed sheet. However, it needs high level of training and it is not without pain and discomfort;

(10) Turning the patient: In hospitals, it is a standard procedure to turn or roll a patient in bed every two hours to avoid skin breakdown and bedsores from developing, as these complication is associated with significant distress to both patient and caregiver and they are extremely difficult to treat when they occur. However, in some cases, at the very end, it will not be appropriate to turn the patient in bed, because this could be more disturbing or painful at the time;

(11) Changing the bed sheets: Changing the bed sheets job is very difficult, especially for the immobilized or paralyzed patient, and it needs a lot of patience and nursing technique. However, changing the bed sheets on a regular basis is extremely important not only because it can help patient feeling more comfortable; but also keeping clean and dry are part of preventing infection, skin breakdown, or bedsores, from happening;

(12) Dealing with urinary Incontinence and bowel Incontinence: If urinary and bowel incontinence are occurring on a regular basis, one will need to place incontinent pads underneath the patient. These can be reusable and washable (made of cloth) or disposable. One will also need to place incontinent briefs to absorb urine and help keep the skin dry. These will need to be changed and washed every few hours as needed as the pads are also used to collect feces and other discharges and must be removed before changing bed sheets.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,378 (Mitsuru Hayashi) discloses a bed which permits changing of bedclothes without moving the person on it and without substantial burden for either the patient or the care-taker. A left and a right carriage member 5 and 6, wheels 15 to 18 and a shaft 7 constitute a carriage. The carriage supports mats 11 and 12 via balancing members 3 and 4 and shafts 1 and 2 and advances the mats 11 and 12 along rails 31 and 32. The mat 12 is stretched between the rails 31 and 32 by fasteners. The balancing members 3 and 4 are rotatably coupled by a shaft to downward extensions 5aand 6aof the carriage members 5 and 6. The shafts 1 and 2 are rotatably mounted in the balancing members 3 and 4. With advancement of the carriage caused by turning a grip 26, the slides 52 and 54 cause the old mat 12 to be released from the fasteners and wound on the shaft 2, while also causing the new mat 11 to be coupled to the fasteners and stretched between the rails 31 and 32.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,594,837 (George Khait) discloses a service bed comprising a chassis, a guide mechanism movably supported by the chassis, and a mattress having an undulation formed by routing the mattress through the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism includes dispensing and collecting rollers for installing at least one first stratum between the mattress and the occupant of the service bed and for removing at least one second stratum installed between the mattress and the occupant.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,191,479 (Xiao-Zhou Cheng) discloses a hospital bed that changes bed sheets without moving the patient. It is composed of a bedstead (including a headboard, a footboard and a bed frame), a deformable bed top, a spool rack and roller shafts on both sides; the ends of the deformable bed top are fixed on the headboard and footboard respectively, and the bed top is pressed into between the roller axles by the spool rack which forms a tightened and leveled bed top that is sunken in the spool rack. Two bed sheets cover the bed, extending respectively from headboard and footboard into the spool rack and rolling on a roller axle. The roller axles and roller shafts are parallel to the cross section of the bed, and are movable between the headboard and footboard with the spool rack. When the spool rack is moving, one bed sheet is spread, another one is rolled up automatically.

This invention improves on the deficiencies of the prior art and provides an inventive bed apparatus which allows the seamlessly changing of bed-sheets while the bed is occupied by a person, and a method thereof

PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a novel ultimate comfort n care bed, and a bed apparatus capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a person, a method of relieving ulcers, and a method thereof.

The inventive hospital bed contains multiple features that allow spool rack to transverse freely across a hospital bed mattress while removing/dispensing bed-sheets without moving the patient.

The inventive hospital bed also incorporates features that reduce the force required to move carriage assembly across the bed using a pulley assembly, a roller assembly, air bladders, belts, and any combination of them.

Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a cost effective and durable hospital bed capable for allowing of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a patient.

Another purpose of this invention is to provide a hospital bed where the changing mechanism for the bed sheets is below a patient and does not interfere with the comfort of the patient.

Another purpose of this invention is to provide an inventive mechanism where while a used bed sheet is being removed from the medical bed a new bed sheet is automatically being replaced in its place.

Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a medical bed apparatus for seamlessly changing bed sheets, comprising:(a) a master bed frame having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is secured to a headboard, and said second end is secured to a footboard;(b) a primary mattress over said master bed frame, such that said primary mattress is positioned between said headboard and said footboard;(c) at least one carriage assembly in engagement contact with said primary mattress and wherein said at least one carriage assembly is positioned between said headboard and said footboard;(d) at least one tension arc assembly in pivotal contact with said primary mattress, and wherein said at least one tension arc assembly has at least one means to move said primary mattress from a first position to a second position; and(e) at least one means to move said at least one carriage assembly over said primary mattress from a first position to a second position.

In another aspect this invention comprises a medical bed apparatus for seamlessly changing bed sheets, comprising:(a) a master bed frame having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is secured to a headboard, and said second end is secured to a footboard;(b) a primary mattress over said master bed frame, such that said primary mattress is positioned between said headboard and said footboard;(c) at least one carriage assembly in engagement contact with said primary mattress and wherein said at least one carriage assembly is positioned between said headboard and said footboard;(d) at least one tension arc assembly in pivotal contact with said primary mattress, and wherein said at least one tension arc assembly has at least one means to move said primary mattress from a first position to a second position; and(e) at least one pressure roller assembly in engagement contact with said at least one carriage assembly to move said at least one carriage assembly over said primary mattress from a first position to a second position.

In yet another aspect this invention comprises a medical bed apparatus for seamlessly changing bed sheets, comprising:(a) a master bed frame having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is secured to a headboard, and said second end is secured to a footboard;(b) a primary mattress over said master bed frame, such that said primary mattress is positioned between said headboard and said footboard;(c) at least one carriage assembly in engagement contact with said primary mattress and wherein said at least one carriage assembly is positioned between said headboard and said footboard;(d) at least one tension arc assembly in pivotal contact with said primary mattress, and wherein said at least one tension are assembly has at least one means to move said primary mattress from a first position to a second position;(e) at least one pressure roller assembly in engagement contact with said at least one carriage assembly to move said at least one carriage assembly over said primary mattress from a first position to a second position;(f) at least one sliding magnet and at least one fixed magnet position in said pressure roller assembly, and wherein said at least one sliding magnet is in secure contact with a pressure relief rod, and wherein said at least one fixed magnet is in secure contact with a housing of said pressure roller assembly, and wherein said at least one fixed magnet and said at least one sliding magnet are utilized when said pressure roller moves from said first position to said second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present invention are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the disclosed embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

As shown in this invention, having the straps or the belts or the bladders or the mechanical carriage allows a service provider or a caregiver or a healthcare provider a much better access or room under the patient to remove the pads or mats or bed sheets while the patient or the person was still on the medical or hospital bed.

It would be advantageous to provide a hospital bed capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient because; it would be convenient to patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers by avoiding the traditional method, such as turning patient and/or lifting patient. It will reduce the cost of care for bedridden patient by decreasing the time spend and the number of the caregiver needed to assist in changing bed sheets. It will enhance safety of patients and caregivers by decreasing the hazard of physical injury and decreasing the health hazard of exposure to biological materials. It will help prevent pressure ulcers. Changing the bed sheet without moving the patient will eliminate the friction and shearing which are considered as major factor in development of pressure ulcer. It will reduce physical, psychological and emotional suffering that the bed bound patient and family are exposed to by using the traditional methods of changing the bed sheet. It would further be advantageous to provide a hospital bed capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient because it will reduce the risk of contamination and transmission of infectious by increasing the frequency of changing the bed sheet and minimizing the caregiver contact with patient's body and secretion. Belts or straps can be used also with alternating bladder mattress to reduce or prevent pressure ulcers and to change bed sheets.

A hospital bed that changes bed sheets without moving the patient. Comprised of a bedstead (foot/headboard), deformable bed top, spool rack and roller shafts on both sides. The ends of the deformable bed top are fixed on the head and footboard. The bed is pressed into and between the roller axles by the spool rack which forms a tightened and leveled bed top that is sunken in the spool rack. The two bed sheets cover the bed from head to foot board into spool rack and rolling on a roller.

As shown inFIGS. 1A through 6, a medical or a hospital bed201, is capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a patient, which includes a headboard205and footboard202, connected to one another via a master bed frame203which utilizes a series of pivoting tension arcs207and a pressure roller assembly256atop of which there is placed a secondary mattress frame212and a primary mattress213. When each tension arc207is in its default horizontal position it is parallel to the ground. However, because the mattress is firmly encircled by a series of top belts206which are affixed to the ends of the tension arcs207, as each tension arc207pivots, one side is elevated and pushes up the corresponding pressure roller assembly256, while the opposite side is lowered. This movement of the tension arc assembly219causes the primary mattress213to deform both downwards and upwards and creates a space into which the carriage assembly215can fit and freely move therein. As the carriage assembly215continues to be guided along the carriage sliding frame209via a series of gears, a gear rack233, a threaded carriage rod230and a carriage motor228, the top belts206in front of the carriage are pulled down by the tension arc207underneath to create a new pocket while the tension arcs207behind it are elevated by the pressure roller assembly256and back to its default horizontal position. In this way, the tension arc assembly219is able to apply pressure to the various top belts206passing through the top of the primary mattress213and from underneath it such a way as to create moving pockets large enough to allow the carriage assembly215to pass freely over the primary mattress213from one end of the bed to another without tension. In addition to seamlessly changing bed sheets, the hospital bed201is also capable of providing automated pressure relief to immobile patients via a wireless pressure controller assembly253. This is achieved by using a pressure mat211placed above the primary mattress213and underneath the bed sheets to automatically sense various pressure area made by a patient's body and transmits this information to a pressure controller216. The pressure controller216thereafter analyzes the information received the pressure mat211regarding the various pressure areas made by a patient's body, determines which pressure areas need to be relieved and transmits this information to the wireless controller231. The wireless controller231takes these commands from the pressure controller216and transmits them to the tension arc assembly219to reposition itself to relieve pressure from specific pressure areas of the patient as gathered by the pressure mat211. A pressure controller carriage214is used to hold the pressure area controller and allowing it to be moved easily.

Referring now to theFIGS. 1A to 6, whereFIG. 1Ais a top elevation view of a medical or a hospital bed201in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention in which the tension arc assembly219is shown positioned in such a way as to pull down sections of the primary mattress213while elevating others, while a remote access apparatus253, is shown inFIG. 1B. Referring toFIG. 1A, the hospital bed201, includes a headboard205and footboard202held together by a master bed frame203to which there is attached a tension arc assembly219, a primary mattress213, a carriage assembly215. Mounted along the sides of the master bed frame203is a series of arc mounting brackets204. Hinged side rails241are used for support and to protect the patient from falling out of bed will be attached to the master bed frame203. Several support beams208cross under the master bed frame203providing it additional structural stability. A remote237is available to allow the patient and/or caregiver to control the movement of various parts of the bed and to relieve pressure from specific areas thereof manually. A pressure controller assembly253, comprised of a pressure mat211, a pressure controller216, a wireless controller231and a pressure controller carriage214is also shown.

FIG. 2shows a hospital bed201in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention in which the tension arc assembly219is enlarged to show greater detail. Centered above each mounting bracket204rests a U-shaped tension arc207which pivots on an arc center shaft210. The tension arc207is comprised of right arc254and a left arc257. A tension spring222runs between the right arc254and the left arc257. Both ends of the tension arc207feature a pressure roller assembly256comprised of an arc roller shaft255and an arc pressure roller218and a set of bearings248, atop of which rests a flexible secondary mattress frame212which supports the primary mattress213. Attached to either end of the pressure roller assembly256is a top belt206which stretches up and through the upper section of the primary mattress213. Attached to one end of each pivoting tension arc207is a arc mounting pin229upon which pivots a threaded motor collet223into which a threaded arc rod221is inserted. The other end of the threaded arc rod221is attached to an arc motor217via a motor collet220. Each arc motor217is held by a motor mounting frame225which pivots on a motor mounting pin224and is attached to the master bed frame203. When the tension arc207is in its default horizontal position parallel to the ground. When the arc motor217rotates, the threaded arc rod221will interact with the threaded motor collet220and will push or pull one end of the tension arc207up or down depending on the direction of its rotation. A dowel pin232is attached to the right arc254and the left arc257respectively and is inserted into a curved slot on the opposite side of each tension arc207. This dowel pin232is used to regulate the speed at which either side of the tension arc207can pivot. When one side of the tension arc207is pushed up it continues to be pushed up independently until the dowel pin232of the opposite side hits reaches the end of the curved slot. At this point the entire tension arc207begins to rotate, pushing up one side of the pressure roller assembly256and pulling down the top belts206on the other. Thus, because the top belts206firmly encircle the primary mattress213, as one side of the of the tension arc207is elevated, the opposite side of the same tension arc207is lowered causing the primary mattress213to deform. This deformation will thus create a pocket50, into which the carriage assembly215can fit. As the carriage motor228begins to turn engaging with the gear rack233The carriage assembly215is thus able to traverse from one side of the bed to the other, rolling up a used sheet245and rolling out a new bed sheet246simultaneously, as shown inFIG. 6, as the tension arc assembly219maneuvers to allow the carriage assembly215space to freely move therein. The tension are assembly219will thus be able to both relieve pressure from beneath the patient's body and create enough space for the carriage assembly215to complete the bed sheet changing process.

FIG. 3Ais an side view of the hospital bed201in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention in which the primary mattress213in a default horizontal position in which the tension are assembly219, the carriage assembly215and bed assembly258are shown.

FIG. 3Bis an side view of the hospital bed201in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention in which the primary mattress213being deformed by the tension are assembly219to demonstrate how pressure can be relieved from beneath the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks and foot area and/or how the space can be created for the carriage assembly215to be able to complete the bed sheet changing process.

FIG. 4is an front view of a hospital bed201, in accordance to a second embodiment of the present invention in which the primary mattress213being deformed by the tension arc assembly219to demonstrate how pressure can be relieved from beneath the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks and foot area and/or how the space can be created for the carriage assembly215to be able to complete the bed sheet changing process as it slides along the carriage sliding frame209. In the second embodiment, the tension arc assembly219can be placed under the primary mattress213at the head and foot of the bed instead of along the length of the bed as was demonstrated in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5is an elevated view of a hospital bed201, in accordance to a second embodiment of the present invention in which the primary mattress213being deformed by the tension arc assembly219to demonstrate how pressure can be relieved from beneath the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks and foot area and/or how the space can be created for the carriage assembly215to be able to complete the bed sheet changing process as it slides along the carriage sliding frame209. In the second embodiment, the tension arc assembly219can be placed under the primary mattress213at the head and foot of the bed instead of along the length of the bed as was demonstrated in the first embodiment. The carriage motor228used for moving the carriage assembly215is also shown.

FIG. 6shows hospital bed201in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention in which the carriage assembly215is enlarged to show greater detail. The carriage assembly215is held together by series of mounting rods243and a mounting bracket244on either end on the top of which there are inserted a used sheet roller226and a new sheet roller227parallel to one another. Between these sheet rollers226,227, and at a slightly higher level, there is located a padded support roller247which prevents the patient's back from touching the rotating sheet rollers226,227, as they simultaneously roll up the used sheet245and roll out the new sheet246as the carriage assembly215moves across the bed201. Bearings248, as shown inFIG. 2, are placed throughout the holes of the mounting bracket244to facilitate the free rotation of the attached rollers and gears. The carriage assembly215also includes a series of belts, gears and slip clutches which work together to both move the carriage across the bed as well as complete the bed changing process at the same time. This is accomplished using a used bed sheet roller gear250and a new bed sheet roller gear249which are attached to both ends of the used bed sheet roller226and new bed sheet roller227respectively. A slip clutch252, is inserted onto either end of the bed sheet rollers226,227, between the mounting bracket244, and the roller gears250,249, to prevent bed sheet rollers from rotating when anything obstructs the rolling process the used and new bed sheets, in order to protect the patient and bed components from being injured and damaged. The used bed sheet roller226gears and new bed sheet roller gear249are connected via a center belt gear251located at the center of the mounting bracket244. Depending on the direction of the rotation of the center belt gear251, the bed sheet gears will either rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise in conjunction with the movement of the carriage assembly215in such a way that the used bed sheet roller226rolls up the used bed sheet245while the new bed sheet roller227rolls up the new bed sheet246. The center belt gear251is connected to the master rack gear234via a center belt260which transfers the rotation of the master rack gear234to the center belt260which in turn, rotates both bed sheet gears. The master rack gear234engages a gear rack233affixed the carriage sliding frame209. The carriage assembly215is moved from one end of the bed to the other by a carriage motor228, shown inFIG. 1A, to which there is attached a threaded carriage rod230. At the base of the mounting plate235there is attached a threaded hole238, into which the threaded carriage rod230is inserted. As the threaded carriage rod230rotates, so does the master rack gear234moving the carriage along the sides of the bed and starting the bed changing process. A master rack gear234is affixed to both ends of a master pressure roller240that works in conjunction with the top belts206to apply downward pressure on the top mattress and primary mattress213to create clearance for the carriage assembly215to freely move across the bed. For safety reasons, a gear cover265, is used to cover all exposed gears and belts of the carriage assembly215. Located within the control box236, there is a CPU (Central Processing Unit)140, a power supply142, and any other necessary parts to make the hospital bed201, function along with a programmable logic control (PLC)259, to determine the sequence of operation for the entire hospital bed201.

As shown inFIGS. 7 through 14B, a hospital bed401, is capable of seamlessly changing bed sheets while being occupied by a patient, which includes a headboard405and footboard402, connected to one another via a master bed frame403which utilizes a series of pressure rollers436atop of which there is placed a flexible secondary mattress frame450and a primary mattress413. A carriage assembly415is used to move across the top of the primary mattress413while dispensing and collecting new and used bed sheets without disturbing the patient occupying the bed space. Attached to the carriage assembly415is a pressure roller assembly428which features a channeled roller plate454which interacts with the series of pressure rollers436which run lengthwise under the hospital bed401supporting the secondary mattress frame450and the primary mattress413resting on top of it in such a way as to pull down a series of roller belts435to apply downward pressure to the primary mattress413and create a moving space into which the carriage assembly415can fit to facilitate the free movement across the top of the primary mattress413to complete the bed sheet changing process. In addition to seamlessly changing bed sheets, the hospital bed401is also capable of providing automated pressure relief to patients via a pressure relief assembly436located within the primary mattress413and a the movement of the tension arc assembly419underneath it.

Referring now to theFIGS. 7 through 14B, whereFIG. 7, is a top elevation view of a hospital bed in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention in which the tension arc assembly419, the pressure roller assembly428and the carriage assembly415are shown. Referring toFIG. 7, the hospital bed401, includes a headboard405and footboard402held together by a master bed frame403to which there is attached a tension arc assembly419, a pressure roller assembly428, a carriage assembly415and a primary mattress413. Mounted along the sides of the master bed frame403is a series of sliding arc mounting brackets204. Several support beams408cross under the master bed frame403, providing it additional structural stability. Located within the control box473, there is a CPU (Central Processing Unit)140, a power supply142, and any other necessary parts to make the hospital bed401, function along with a programmable logic control (PLC)259, to determine the sequence of operation for the entire hospital bed401.

FIG. 8shows a hospital bed401in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention in which the tension arc assembly419is enlarged to show greater detail. Centered above each sliding mounting bracket404rests a U-shaped tension arc407which pivots on a tension arc pin410. A connecting rod474is used to connect either end of the tension arcs407together to ensure they rotate at the same angle. Attached to either end of the tension are assembly419is a top belt435which stretches up and through the upper section of the primary mattress413. Attached to one end of each pivoting tension arc407is a are mounting pin429upon which pivots a threaded motor collet423into which a threaded arc rod421is inserted. The other end of the threaded are rod421is attached to an are motor417via a motor collet420. Each arc motor417is held by a motor mounting frame425which pivots on a motor mounting pin424and is attached to the master bed frame403. When the tension arc407is in its default horizontal position parallel to the ground. When the arc motor417rotates, the threaded arc rod421will interact with the threaded motor collet420and will push or pull one end of the tension arc407up or down depending on the direction of its rotation. As the tension arc407begins to rotate and one side is pushed up loosening the one side of the top belts406, the top belts406on the other side are pulled down. Thus, because the top belts406firmly encircle the primary mattress413, as one side of the of the tension arc407is elevated, the opposite side of the same tension arc407is lowered along with the top belts406causing the primary mattress413to deform. Because the top belts406are positioned under the shoulder, buttocks and foot area of the patient above the primary mattress, the tension arc assembly419will be able to relieve pressure from the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks and foot areas to reduce the likelihood of bedsores and/or other similar pressure related conditions and to facilitate patient healing. The sliding mounting brackets404to which each tension arc407assembly is connected is made adjustable due to the fact that patient height is variable and the distance between the shoulders, buttocks and foot area will differ from patient to patient. The location of tension arc assembly419is adjusted by a threaded adjustment rod418which passes through a fixed nut422which is attached to the master bed frame403. One end of the threaded adjustment rod418is connected to an adjustment motor430via a motor collet423. The adjustment motor430is held by a motor mounting frame425which is connected to the sliding mounting bracket404via a motor mounting pin424. As the threaded adjustment rod418rotates it will interact with the fixed nut422causing the sliding mounting bracket404to move forward or backwards along the master bed frame403. Thus, the location tension arc assembly419can be adjusted electronically using an adjustment motor430or manually using a hand crank426attached to the other end of the threaded adjustment rod418.

FIG. 9is an side view of the hospital bed401in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention in which the tension arc assembly419, is shown positioned in such a way that the primary mattress413is in its default horizontal position. The headboard405, footboard402, primary mattress413, are shown. The pressure rollers436of the pressure roller assembly428are visible crossing under the secondary mattress frame450supporting the primary mattress413. Either end of the pressure rollers436are connected to the headboard405and footboard402and can be manipulated by the channeled roller plate454of the pressure roller assembly428as it passes over them. The pressure roller assembly428can be seen situated inside a channel or pocket or opening472, in the headboard405, and a channel or pocket or opening462, in the footboard402, at respective ends of the hospital bed401. The tension arc assembly419is shown positioned in such a way as to relieve pressure from beneath the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks and foot area once activated.

FIG. 10is an front view of a hospital bed401in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention in which the pressure roller assembly428and carriage assembly415are shown positioned in such a way as to pull down sections of the primary mattress413while supporting others. A pressure roller436is enlarged to show greater detail. The pressure roller assembly436is comprised of a series of pressure rollers436, roller belts435and a channeled roller plate454connected to the carriage assembly415. The mattress is firmly encircled by a series of roller belts435which are affixed to the ends of the pressure rollers436. Each pressure roller is comprised of a center shaft431, a protruding bearing434, rubber disk433and a foam sleeve432. The protruding bearings434at either end of the pressure rollers436pass through the channeled roller plate454in such a way as to pull down one pressure roller436and its corresponding roller belt435at a time. Thus, the roller belts435in front of the carriage assembly415are pulled down by the pressure rollers436underneath to create a new pocket50, while the roller belts435behind will be loosened, causing the pressure rollers436to push the other sections of the primary mattress413back to its default horizontal position. In this way, the pressure roller assembly428is able to apply pressure to the primary mattress413in such a way as to create moving pockets large enough to allow the carriage assembly415to pass freely over hospital bed401from one end of the bed to another without tension to complete the bed sheet changing process.

FIG. 11, is an elevated view of a hospital bed401, in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention in which the pressure roller assembly and carriage assembly are shown positioned in such a way as to pull down sections of the primary mattress while supporting others. The carriage assembly415is guided along the carriage sliding frame409located within the headboard405and the footboard402, via a series of gears, a gear rack433, a threaded carriage rod451and a carriage motor451. As the carriage motor452begins to turn engaging with the gear rack433, it pushes the carriage assembly415from one side of the bed to the other, rolling up a used bed sheet455and rolling out a new bed sheet456simultaneously, as the as the pressure roller assembly428maneuvers to allow the carriage assembly415space to freely move therein.

FIG. 12, shows hospital bed401in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention in which the carriage assembly415is enlarged to show greater detail. The carriage assembly415is held together by series of mounting rods457and a mounting bracket458on either end of the carriage assembly415on the top of which there are inserted a used bed sheet roller459and a new bed sheet roller460parallel to one another. Between these bed sheet rollers and at a slightly higher level, there is located a padded support roller461which prevents the patient's back from touching the rotating bed sheet rollers459,460, as they simultaneously roll up the used bed sheet455and roll out the new bed sheet456as the carriage assembly415moves across the bed401. Bearings248, are placed throughout the holes of the mounting bracket458to facilitate the free rotation of the attached rollers and gears. The carriage assembly415also includes a series of belts, gears and slip clutches which work together to both move the carriage across the bed as well as complete the bed changing process at the same time. This is accomplished using a used bed sheet roller gear463and a new bed sheet roller gear464which are attached to both ends of the used bed sheet roller459and new bed sheet roller460respectively. A slip clutch465, is inserted onto either end of the bed sheet rollers459,460, between the mounting bracket458, the roller gears to prevent bed sheet rollers459,460, from rotating when anything obstructs the rolling process of the used bed sheet455, and the new bed sheet456, in order to protect the patient and bed components from being injured and damaged. The used bed sheet roller gears463, and the new bed sheet roller gear464, are connected via a center belt gear467, located at the center of the mounting bracket458. Depending on the direction of the rotation of the center belt gear467, the bed sheet gears will either rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise in conjunction with the movement of the carriage assembly415in such a way that the used bed sheet roller459rolls up the used bed sheet455while the new bed sheet roller460rolls up the new bed sheet456. The center belt gear467is connected to the master rack gear468via a center belt466which transfers the rotation of the master rack gear468to the center belt466which in turn, rotates both bed sheet gears. The master rack gear468engages a gear rack433affixed the carriage sliding frame409. The carriage assembly415is moved from one end of the bed to the other by a carriage motor228, shown inFIG. 1A, to which there is attached a threaded carriage rod451. At the base of the mounting plate469there is a threaded hole470, into which the threaded carriage rod451is inserted. As the threaded carriage rod451rotates, so does the master rack gear468moving the carriage along the sides of the bed and starting the bed changing process. A master rack gear468is affixed to both ends of a master pressure roller471that works in conjunction with the roller belts435to apply downward pressure on the primary mattress413to create clearance or pocket50, for the carriage assembly415, to freely move across the bed401. For safety reasons, a gear cover265, is used to cover all exposed gears and belts of the carriage assembly415. The pressure roller assembly428is attached to the mounting plate469of the carriage assembly415in such a way as to facilitate the movement of both assemblies simultaneously to assist each other in the bed sheet changing process.

FIG. 13A, is a detail view of a hospital bed in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention in which the pressure relief assembly is enlarged to show greater detail. The pressure relief assembly475, located within the primary mattress413is comprised of flexible cylindrical housing438into which a pressure relief rod437is inserted. One side of the pressure relief rod437protrudes out of the top of the flexible cylindrical housing438while the other end is connected to a sliding top magnet switch441after passing through small interior spring443. A sliding bottom magnetic switch442, is affixed to sides of the flexible cylindrical housing438, which is located below the sliding top magnetic switch441, separated by another small interior spring443. The sliding bottom magnetic switch442is connected to a threaded pressure rod437that passes down through the bottom of the flexible cylindrical housing438after passing through another small interior spring443. At the base of the threaded rod444there is a threaded collet445that connects it it to a pressure relief motor446. A top fixed magnet439, and a bottom fixed magnet440, are affixed to the top of the threaded pressure rod444, aligned with the sliding top magnetic switch441, and the sliding bottom magnetic switch442respectively.

FIG. 13B, is a detail view of a hospital bed401in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention in which the pressure relief assembly475is enlarged to show greater detail. A light mattress spring448, a heavy mattress spring447are shown encircling the pressure relief assembly475. A tension cable449is also shown connecting the top rings of the heave mattress spring447to the threaded collet445.

FIG. 14A, is a front view of hospital bed401in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention in which the pressure relief assembly is shown within the primary mattress413when the primary mattress413is in its uncompressed default position. In this position the sliding top magnetic switch441and sliding bottom magnetic switch442are aligned with the top fixed magnet439and a bottom fixed magnet440respectively, causing the circuits to close and causing both switches to remain activated.

FIG. 14B, is a front view of hospital bed401in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention in which the pressure relief assembly475is shown within the primary mattress413after pressure has been applied to the top of the primary mattress413. When the primary mattress413is compressed from above, it pushes down on the light mattress spring along with pressure relief rod437which runs through the flexible cylindrical housing438, pushing down the small interior springs443and the sliding top magnetic switch441, thus breaking the circuit with the top fixed magnet439. If the pressure being applied to the top of the primary mattress413is removed, the light mattress spring448and small interior springs443will unwind, pushing the primary mattress413, the pressure relief rod437back to their default position and reactivating the sliding top magnet switch441. However, if further pressure is applied to the already compressed pressure relief assembly475, the pressure relief motor446will begin turning the threaded pressure rod444, causing the threaded collet445to retract, pulling the tension cable449down. This movement will cause the heavy mattress spring447to retract along with the flexible cylindrical frame, causing the bottom magnet to no longer align with the bottom magnet switch, breaking the electrical circuit and keeping the pressure relief assembly475in a compressed position until the pressure from above is removed. When pressure is removed from above the small interior springs443and the light mattress springs448begin pushing the pressure relief assembly475and the top of the primary mattress back into the default uncompressed position. With the sliding top magnetic switch441and the top fixed magnet439now realigned, the motor will be activated and begin turning the threaded pressure rod444in the opposite direction, pushing up the threaded collet445, loosening the tension cable449and allowing the heavy mattress spring447to fully decompress. In this way, the pressure relief assembly will be able to automatically sense and relieve pressure being applied by the patient as well that of the carriage assembly to help retract the primary mattress413to assist in the bed sheet changing process.

FIG. 15is a block diagram explaining the sequence of operation for the entire bed, including, but not limited to its ability to enable the bed frame assembly, carriage assembly, and tension pulley assembly, to function together in such a way as to facilitate the uninhibited movement of the carriage assembly across the bed to collect used bed sheets, and dispense new bed sheets. In step1,902, one would lower side rails, and then in step2,904, one would flatten the bed into a horizontal position. In step3,906, the bed would be lowered, and in step4,908, one would tighten the bottom belts to raise primary mattress during this process the center of the mattress will be slightly higher than the sides of the mattress. In step5,910, one would open the carriage cover265. In step913, one would attach the used bed sheet onto the used bed sheet roller, and then in step7,914, one would load the new bed sheet onto the new bed sheet roller. In step8,916, one would tuck the loose end of the new bed sheet under the mattress. In step9,918, one would remove any debris off the mattress. In step10,920, one would loosen bottom belts under and the near the carriage. In step11,922, one would tighten top belts under or near the carriage. In step12,922, one would activate the carriage manually or using a motor. In step13,926, as the carriage moves the used bed sheets, and they will be collected and the new sheets will be dispensed onto the mattress. In step14,928, as the carriage moves and reaches near the next set of belts one would then tighten or loosen the belts to create new space or pocket for the carriage to move into. In step15,930, as the carriage passes over each set of belts one would tighten or loosen the belts to return them to their original position. In step16,932, one would repeat step10,920, to step15,930, until the carriage reaches the other side or end of the bed. In step17,934, one would remove the used bed sheets from the used bed sheet roller from the carriage. In step18,936, one would return the carriage to the original position. In step19,938, one would detach the loose end of the new bed sheet from the new sheet roller and tuck it under the mattress. In step939, one would untuck the used bed sheet from the used bed sheet roller and attach the used bed sheet roller back into the carriage. In step20,940, one would close the carriage cover265.

A carriage assembly is used in conjunction with the tension arc assembly and/or pressure roller assembly to create space in which to move vertically and/or horizontally across the top of primary mattress in order to dispense and collect new and used bed sheets without disturbing the patient occupying the bed space and to apply pressure to mattress allowing said carriage assembly to move freely across the bed. Although the patient is not shown, it is understood that the space or pocket created by the carriage assembly in conjunction with the tension arc assembly, and/or pressure relief assembly, will enable the uninhibited movement of the carriage assembly under the patient to complete the bed sheet changing process as shown in the FIGS., and more specifically inFIGS. 6, 7, 10, 11, and 12.

A pressure roller assembly is used in conjunction with the carriage assembly for maneuvering a series of pressure rollers to deform the primary mattress and the secondary mattress frame in order to create a space or pocket into which the carriage assembly can pass freely over the primary mattress in order to complete the bed sheet changing process. Although the patient is not shown, it is understood that the space or pocket created by the maneuvering of the pressure roller assembly will enable the uninhibited movement of the carriage assembly under the patient to complete the bed sheet changing process as shown in the FIGS., and more specifically inFIGS. 7, 10A-10B, and 11.

A tension arc assembly is used for deforming the primary mattress and the secondary mattress frame in order to creating space into which the carriage assembly can pass freely over in order to complete the bed sheet changing process, and/or to relieve pressure from the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks and foot areas, so as to reduce the likelihood of bedsores, and/or other similar pressure related conditions, and/or to facilitate patient healing. Although the patient is not shown, it is understood that the space or pocket created by the maneuvering of the tension arc assembly will remove pressure from underneath specific areas of the patient as shown in the FIGS., and as more specifically shown inFIGS. 1, 3A-3B, 4, and 5.

A pressure relief assembly for automatically sensing the pressure areas of the patient and thereafter sending wireless commands to the tension arc assembly in order to deform the primary mattress in order to relieve pressure from the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks, and foot areas, and to reduce the likelihood of bedsores, and/or other similar pressure related conditions, and/or to facilitate patient healing. Although the patient is not shown, it is understood that the space or pocket created by the maneuvering of the tension arc assembly as per the input received by the pressure controller assembly will remove pressure from underneath specific areas of the patient as shown in the FIGS., and more specifically shown inFIGS. 14A, 14B.

A pressure controller assembly has the ability or means to automatically sense the pressure areas of the patient and thereafter send wired or wireless commands to the tension arc assembly in order to deform the primary mattress so as to relieve pressure from the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks, and foot areas, and to reduce the likelihood of bedsores, and/or other similar pressure related conditions, and/or to facilitate patient healing. Although the patient is not shown, it is understood that the space or pocket created by the maneuvering of the tension are assembly as per the input received by the pressure controller assembly will remove pressure from underneath specific areas of the patient as shown in the FIGS., and as more specifically shown inFIGS. 1, 3A-3B, 4, and 5.

A hospital bed for seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient, comprises:

(a) a pressure controller assembly for automatically sensing the pressure areas of the patient and thereafter sending wireless commands to the tension arc assembly in order to deform the primary mattress to relieve pressure from the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks and foot areas to reduce the likelihood of bedsores and/or other similar pressure related conditions and to facilitate patient healing, wherein said pressure controller assembly comprises;

(b) a means in said pressure controller assembly for automatically sensing various pressure area made by a patient's body and transmitting this information to the pressure controller.

(c) a means in said pressure controller assembly for analyzing information from the pressure mat regarding the various pressure areas made by a patient's body, and determining which pressure areas need to be relieved before transmitting this information to the wireless controller;

(d) a means in said pressure controller assembly for transmitting wireless commands to the tension arc assembly to reposition itself to relieve pressure from specific pressure areas of the patient as gathered by the pressure mat; and

(e) a means in said pressure controller assembly for holding the pressure controller and wireless controller and allowing it to be moved easily.

A hospital bed for seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient, comprising:

(a) a tension are assembly for deforming the primary mattress and secondary mattress frame in order to relieve pressure from the patient and/or creating space into which the carriage assembly to pass freely over it to complete the bed sheet changing process and to relieve pressure from the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks and foot areas to reduce the likelihood of bedsores and/or other similar pressure related conditions and to facilitate patient healing, wherein said tension arc assembly comprises;

(b) a means in said tension arc assembly for holding the tension arc in place and allowing it to pivot right and left;

(c) a means in said tension arc assembly for working in conjunction with the top belts and support rollers to deform and support the mattress;

(d) a means in said tension arc assembly for connecting the tension arc on either sides of the bed;

(e) a means in said tension arc assembly for supporting the primary mattress and patient thereon;

(f) a means in said tension arc assembly for turning a threaded rod in order to push or pull it forwards and backwards to change its direction;

(g) a means in said tension arc assembly for supporting and applying upward pressure to the secondary mattress frame in order to deform it along with the primary mattress;

(h) a means in said tension arc assembly for connecting the arc motor to the threaded are rod;

(i) a means in said tension arc assembly for pushing or pulling threaded motor collet of the tension arc assembly to move the tension arc forwards and backwards to change its direction;

(j) a means in said tension arc assembly for apply tension to pull both sides of the tension arc together and to provide additional support and comfort to the patient;

(k) a means in said tension arc assembly for moving the tension arc forwards and backwards to change its direction;

(l) a means in said tension arc assembly for connecting the motor mounting frame to the master bed frame and allowing the motor mounting frame to rotate forwards or backwards as the tension arc changes direction;

(m) a means in said tension arc assembly for holding the arc motor;

(n) a means in said tension arc assembly for connecting the tension arc to the threaded motor collet and allowing the threaded motor collet to rotate forwards or backwards as the tension are changes direction;

(o) a means in said tension arc assembly for regulating the speed at which each side the tension arc can pivot;

(p) a means in said tension arc assembly for rolling under secondary mattress frame when upward pressure is being applied by the arc roller shaft.

(q) a means in said tension arc assembly for holding the arc pressure roller and allowing it to freely rotate under the secondary mattress frame.

(r) a means in said tension are assembly for pulling down and deforming the mattress to relieve pressure when each side of the tension arc pivots; and

A hospital bed for seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient, comprises:

(a) a bed frame assembly for providing physical support to patient, facilitate patient healing and work in conjunction with the carriage assembly and tension arc assembly to seamlessly change bed sheets while occupied by a patient, wherein said bed frame assembly comprises;

(a) a means in said bed frame assembly for holding a headboard, side rails and a footboard together, support the secondary mattress frame and can utilize horizontal and/or vertical support beams.

(b) a means in said bed frame assembly for containing the CPU, sensors, power supply and any other necessary parts to make the hospital bed function; and

(c) a means in said bed frame assembly for allowing the patient and/or caregiver to control the movement of various parts of the bed and to relieve pressure from specific areas thereof.

(d) a means in said bed frame assembly for supporting and protecting the patient from falling out of bed will be attached to the master bed frame.

(e) a means in said bed frame assembly for adding structural stability to the master bed frame.

(f) a means in said bed frame assembly for allowing the carriage assembly to slide along the sides of the bed.

A hospital bed for seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient, comprising:

(a) a carriage assembly for moving vertically and/or horizontally across the top of the hospital bed in order to dispense and collect new and used bed sheets without disturbing the patient occupying the bed space and to apply pressure to mattress allowing said carriage assembly to move freely across the bed, wherein said carriage assembly comprises:

(b) a means in said carriage assembly for collecting the used bed sheets consisting of a removable rod that will rotate either counter clock-wise (ccw) or clock-wise (cw) depending on the motion of said carriage assembly;

(c) a means in said carriage assembly for dispensing the new bed sheet consisting of a removable rod that will rotate either counter clock-wise (ccw) or clock-wise (cw) depending on the motion of the carriage assembly;

(d) a means in said carriage assembly for applying downward pressure on top mattress and primary mattress to create clearance for the carriage assembly to freely move across the bed. Works in conjunction with the top belts;

(e) a means in said carriage assembly for providing the master rack gear with a means of moving the carriage assembly linearly along the bed frame. The carriage assembly contains a circular rack gear that rests on rack and enables the carriage to travel along the rack as the circular gear rotates, turning rotational motion into linear action;

(f) a means in said carriage assembly for holding the mounting plates on either end of the carriage assembly together;

(g) a means in said carriage assembly for rotating the used bed sheet roller when the master rack gear rotates, connected to said means for rolling up the used bed sheet;

(h) a means in said carriage assembly for rotating the new bed sheet roller when the master rack gear rotates, connected to said means for rolling up the new bed sheet;

(i) a means in said carriage assembly for guiding the carriage along to the gear rack via a threaded hole that interacts with threaded rod to reduce slippage, connected to said means for holding the headboard and the footboard together;

(j) a means in said carriage assembly for slipping and thereby preventing said roller from rotating when anything obstructs the rolling process dispensing and collecting the two said bed sheets, in order to protect the patient and bed components from being injured/damaged, connected to said means for rotating the new bed sheet roller when the master rack gear rotates, connected to said means for rotating the used bed sheet roller when the master rack gear rotates;

(k) a means in said carriage assembly for allowing the rotation of the various rollers, gears and pulleys used throughout the hospital bed;

(l) a means in said carriage assembly for engaging the gear rack in order to move the carriage assembly along the bed;

(m) a means in said carriage assembly for rotating the center belt in order to turn the master rack gear;

(n) a means in said carriage assembly for rotating the master gear when the center belt gear rotates;

(o) a means in said carriage assembly for rotating the threaded rod to move the carriage assembly across the bed;

(p) a means in said carriage assembly for holding both sides of carriage assembly together as well as preventing the patient from touching the rotating bed sheet rollers;

(q) a means in said carriage assembly for moving the carriage assembly along gear rack, connected to said means for rotating the threaded rod to move the carriage assembly across the bed;

(r) a means in said carriage assembly for holding all the different parts of the carriage assembly together;

(s) a means in said carriage assembly for providing additional comfort and protection for the patient, placed between top belts and patient body; and

(t) a means in said carriage assembly for guiding the carriage along the threaded rod parallel to the gear rack, threadably inserted to said means for moving the carriage assembly along gear rack, and structurally embedded to said means for guiding the carriage along to the gear rack via a threaded hole that interacts with threaded rod to reduce slippage.

A hospital bed for seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient, comprising:

(a) a programmable logic controller and/or microprocessor for determining the sequence of operation for the entire bed including, but not limited to its ability to enable the bed frame assembly, carriage assembly and tension arc assembly to function together in such a way as to facilitate the uninhibited movement of the carriage assembly across the bed to collect used bed sheets and dispense new bed sheets. This is accomplished by elevating a section of the primary mattress via the tension arc assembly, while simultaneously lowering another section thereof, creating an empty space large enough to allow the carriage assembly to pass freely over the primary mattress from one end of the bed to another without tension.

A hospital bed for seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient, comprises:

(a) a pressure relief assembly for automatically sensing and relieving pressure areas of the patient generally and specifically from beneath the shoulder, buttocks and foot areas to reduce the likelihood of bedsores and/or other similar pressure related conditions and to facilitate patient healing, as well as to help retract the primary mattress to assist with the bed changing process, wherein said pressure relief assembly comprises;

(b) a means in said pressure relief assembly for pushing down the top magnetic switch;

(c) a means in said pressure relief assembly for pushing various parts of parts of the pressure relief assembly back into its default position and preventing them from damaging each other;

(d) a means in said pressure relief assembly for interacting with the top magnet to activate or deactivate and electrical circuit;

(e) a means in said pressure relief assembly for interacting with the top magnetic switch to activate or deactivate and electrical circuit;

(f) a means in said pressure relief assembly for interacting with the bottom magnet to activate or deactivate and electrical circuit;

(g) a means in said pressure relief assembly for interacting with the bottom magnetic switch to activate or deactivate and electrical circuit,

(h) a means in said pressure relief assembly for forming the flexible outer casing of the pressure relief assembly;

(i) a means in said pressure relief assembly for moving the threaded collet up and down;

(j) a means in said pressure relief assembly for turning the threaded pressure rod;

(k) a means in said pressure relief assembly for pulling the heavy mattress spring down;

(l) a means in said pressure relief assembly for easily compressing under the weight applied on top of the primary mattress by the patient and/or the carriage assembly to relieve pressure; and

(h) a means in said pressure relief assembly for further compressing under the weight applied on top of the primary mattress by the patient and/or the carriage assembly relieve more pressure.

A hospital bed for seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient, comprising:

(a) a tension arc assembly for deforming the primary mattress and secondary mattress frame in order to relieve pressure from the patient's neck, shoulder, buttocks and foot areas to reduce the likelihood of bedsores and/or other similar pressure related conditions and to facilitate patient healing, wherein said tension arc assembly comprises;

(b) a means in said tension arc assembly for holding the tension arc in place and allowing it to pivot right and left;

(c) a means in said tension arc assembly for holding the arc pivoting pins and for readjusted the location of the tension arc assembly along the master bed frame;

(d) a means in said tension arc assembly for connecting the tension arc on either sides of the bed and allowing them to pivot uniformly;

(e) a means in said tension arc assembly for turning a threaded rod in order to push or pull the tension arc forwards and backwards;

(f) a means in said tension arc assembly for connecting the arc motor to the threaded arc rod;

(g) a means in said tension arc assembly for pushing or pulling threaded motor collet of the tension arc assembly to move the tension arc forwards and backwards to change its direction;

(h) a means in said tension arc assembly for moving the tension arc forwards and backwards to change its direction;

(i) a means in said tension arc assembly for connecting the motor mounting frame to the master bed frame and allowing the motor mounting frame to rotate forwards or backwards as the tension arc changes direction;

(j) a means in said tension arc assembly for holding the arc motor;

(k) a means in said tension arc assembly for connecting the tension arc to the threaded motor collet and allowing the threaded motor collet to rotate forwards or backwards as the tension arc changes direction;

(l) a means in said tension arc assembly for pulling down and deforming the mattress to relieve pressure when each side of the tension arc pivots.

(m) a means in said tension arc assembly for turning a threaded adjustment rod electronically to adjust the location of mounting bracket along the master bed frame:

(n) a means in said tension arc assembly for turning a threaded adjustment rod manually to adjust the location of mounting bracket along the master bed frame; and

(o) a means in said tension arc assembly for interacting with the threaded adjustment rod to adjust the location of mounting bracket along the master bed frame.

A hospital bed for seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient, comprises:

(a) a pressure roller assembly for providing physical support to patient and work in conjunction with the carriage assembly to deform mattress to seamlessly change bed sheets while occupied by a patient, wherein said pressure roller assembly comprises;

(a) a means in said pressure roller assembly for supporting the primary mattress and patient thereon;

(b) a means in said pressure roller assembly for rolling under and supporting the secondary mattress frame and holding the protruding bearings;

(c) a means in said pressure roller assembly for allowing the pressure rollers to freely rotate under the secondary mattress frame and interacting with the channeled roller plate to pull down the pressure rollers to deform the secondary mattress frame and the primary mattress to assist in the bed sheet changing process of the carriage assembly; and

(d) a means in said pressure roller assembly for connecting to the carriage assembly and interacting with the protruding bearings to pull down the pressure rollers to deform the secondary mattress frame and the primary mattress to assist in the bed sheet changing process of the carriage assembly, and sliding along the sliding carriage frame.

A hospital bed for seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient, comprising:

(a) a carriage assembly for moving across the top of the hospital bed in order to dispense and collect new and used bed sheets without disturbing the patient occupying the bed space and to apply pressure to mattress allowing said carriage assembly to move freely across the bed, wherein said carriage assembly comprises;

(b) a means in said carriage assembly for collecting the used bed sheets consisting of a removable rod that will rotate either counter clock-wise (ccw) or clock-wise (cw) depending on the motion of said carriage assembly;

(c) a means in said carriage assembly for dispensing the new bed sheet consisting of a removable rod that will rotate either counter clock-wise (ccw) or clock-wise (cw) depending on the motion of the carriage assembly;

(d) a means in said carriage assembly for applying downward pressure on top mattress and primary mattress to create clearance for the carriage assembly to freely move across the bed. Works in conjunction with the top belts;

(e) a means in said carriage assembly for providing the master rack gear with a means of moving the carriage assembly linearly along the bed frame. The carriage assembly contains a circular rack gear that rests on rack and enables the carriage to travel along the rack as the circular gear rotates, turning rotational motion into linear action;

(f) a means in said carriage assembly for holding the mounting plates on either end of the carriage assembly together;

(g) a means in said carriage assembly for rotating the used bed sheet roller when the master rack gear rotates, connected to said means for rolling up the used bed sheet;

(h) a means in said carriage assembly for rotating the new bed sheet roller when the master rack gear rotates, connected to said means for rolling up the new bed sheet;

(i) a means in said carriage assembly for guiding the carriage along to the gear rack via a threaded hole that interacts with threaded rod to reduce slippage, connected to said means for holding the headboard and the footboard together;

(j) a means in said carriage assembly for slipping and thereby preventing said roller from rotating when anything obstructs the rolling process dispensing and collecting the two said bed sheets, in order to protect the patient and bed components from being injured/damaged, connected to said means for rotating the new bed sheet roller when the master rack gear rotates, connected to said means for rotating the used bed sheet roller when the master rack gear rotates;

(k) a means in said carriage assembly for allowing the rotation of the various rollers, gears and pulleys used throughout the hospital bed;

(l) a means in said carriage assembly for engaging the gear rack in order to move the carriage assembly along the bed;

(m) a means in said carriage assembly for rotating the center belt in order to turn the master rack gear;

(n) a means in said carriage assembly for rotating the master gear when the center belt gear rotates;

(o) a means in said carriage assembly for rotating the threaded rod to move the carriage assembly across the bed;

(p) a means in said carriage assembly for holding both sides of carriage assembly together as well as preventing the patient from touching the rotating bed sheet rollers;

(q) a means in said carriage assembly for moving the carriage assembly along gear rack, connected to said means for rotating the threaded rod to move the carriage assembly across the bed;

(r) a means in said carriage assembly for holding all the different parts of the carriage assembly together;

(s) a means in said carriage assembly for providing additional comfort and protection for the patient, placed between top belts and patient body; and

(t) a means in said carriage assembly for guiding the carriage along the threaded rod parallel to the gear rack, threadably inserted to said means for moving the carriage assembly along gear rack, and structurally embedded to said means for guiding the carriage along to the gear rack via a threaded hole that interacts with threaded rod to reduce slippage.

A hospital bed for seamlessly changing bed sheets while occupied by a patient, comprising:

(a) a programmable logic controller and/or microprocessor for determining the sequence of operation for the entire bed including, but not limited to its ability to enable the pressure roller assembly, the pressure relief assembly and the carriage assembly to function together in such a way as to facilitate the uninhibited movement of the carriage assembly across the bed to collect used bed sheets and dispense new bed sheets. This is accomplished by using the pressure roller assembly, the pressure relief assembly and the carriage assembly to deform the mattress downwards to create an empty space large enough to allow the carriage assembly to pass freely over the primary mattress from one end of the bed to another without tension. Additionally, the tension arc assembly and pressure relief assembly are programmed to work in conjunction with one another to automatically sense and relieve pressure areas of the patient generally and specifically from beneath the shoulder, buttocks and foot areas to reduce the likelihood of bedsores and/or other similar pressure related conditions and to facilitate patient healing.

Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein the constituent elements of the invention can be modified in various manners without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Various aspects of the invention can also be extracted from any appropriate combination of a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. Some constituent elements may be deleted in all of the constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. The constituent elements described in different embodiments may be combined arbitrarily.