Bed apparatus

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bed apparatus (1), which comprises a bed body (3) and a bathtub (103). The bathtub (103) is vertically contracted to be storable in a space defined under a bottom plate (106) of the bed body (3), while the same is moved by a guide member (104) between a position under the bottom plate (106) and a position on a side of the bottom plate (106). In an unused state, the bathtub (103) is stored in the space, which is essentially in a dead state, defined under the bed body (3), in order to facilitate effective use of a relatively narrow room.

Description: The present invention relates to a bed apparatus which is suitable for nursing a sick person, a physically handicapped person or a bed-ridden old person (hereinafter simply referred to as "sick person or the like"), for example, and more particularly, it relates to a bed apparatus comprising a bed body and a bathtub. A bed for a sick person or the like may be provided with a facility or an apparatus which is of use for the sick person or the like or a nurse. For example, one type of such a bed is provided with an apparatus for helping the sick person or the like to defecate, or a raising mechanism for enabling the sick person or the like to sit up. In order to bathe the sick person or the like, on the other hand, the nurse must generally take the sick person or the like to a bathroom, which is separated from the bed. Due to the heavy burden on the nurse, the sick person or the like cannot bathe frequently using a known apparatus. Although there has been proposed a movable bathtub for a sick person or the like, such a bathtub is as large as the bed itself. Even if the bathtub is collapsible, a relatively wide space is required for storing the same in a collapsed state. The aforementioned problem is aggravated when the sick person or the like is nursed at home. Since, in general, the number of nurses, equipment etc in a person's home is restricted, it is impossible to bathe the sick person or the like to his satisfaction. Because of housing circumstances in Japan, the bed for the sick person or the like is generally placed in a narrow room such as a 6-mat room (about 360 x 270 cm²) or a 4.5-mat room (about 270 x 270 cm²). Even if a moveable bathtub is employed, such a narrow room is almost fully occupied by the bed and the bathtub with no allowance for other equipment, instruments etc., and the nurse is extremely restricted in movement. Under such housing circumstances, further, it is not easy to store such a moveable bathtub in another room when not in use. DE-C-969 909 discloses a bathtub for use adjacent a bed, but the bathtub disclosed therein is not storable beneath any part of the bed, therefore a large space is required for storing the bathtub. An object of the present invention is to provide a bed apparatus comprising a bathtub which can solve the aforementioned problems. Accordingly, the present invention provides a bed apparatus comprising a bed body and a bathtub storable beneath a mattress support of said bed body, and guide means for guiding movement of said bathtub from a stored position beneath said mattress support to a position adjacent a side of said bed body for use. The guide means preferably couples the bed body with the bathtub. The bathtub is preferably vertically contractible and expandable. In this case, the bathtub is dimensioned to be storable beneath the mattress support of the bed body when contracted. The bathtub may comprise an upper frame, a lower frame disposed under said upper frame parallel thereto, link means for coupling said upper and lower frames for movement of the frames towards and away from each other, and a bathtub body of a flexible waterproof sheet material supported by said upper frame. The link means preferably comprises diagonally crossing first and second support bars rotatably coupled to each other at a point of crossing, and an end of said first support bar is rotatably and slidably mounted to said upper frame, the other end of said first support bar is rotatably mounted to said lower frame, an end of said second support bar is rotatably mounted to said upper frame, and the other end of said second support bar is rotatably and slidably mounted to said lower frame. The bed apparatus may further comprise operating means, for sliding said other end of said second support bar with respect to said lower frame. In this case, the operating means may comprise an axially rotatable lead screw and a female screw block which is mounted on said other end of said second support bar and which is provided with a female screw thread for engagement with said lead screw. The bed apparatus may further comprise a motor for rotating said lead screw. The guide means preferably comprises first and second arms which are coupled with each other for relative rotation, and may further comprise a motor for driving said first and second arms to cause said relative rotation. The bed apparatus may comprise a lifting mechanism for carrying a sick person or the like between a position on said bed body and a position adjacent a side of said bed body The lifting mechanism may comprise: a pair of sliders being mounted one on each end portion of said bed body to be slidable in the cross direction of said bed body for extending in the cross direction of said bed body upon such sliding movement; a pair of upright bars mounted one on each of said sliders so as to extend upwardly from said respective sliders; a pair of support means mounted to each upright bar for movement therealong and fixable at positions therealong; two parallel side bars for coupling said pair of support means with each other; and a plurality of hanger shovels for releasably engaging with respective said side bars. Said upright bars may be slidable in the cross direction of said bed body with respect to said sliders. Since the space under the mattress support is essentially a redundant space, it is possible to efficiently use a narrow room by storing the bathtub in such a space. Further, it is not necessary to prepare an extra space for storing the bathtub, which is as large as the bed itself. Thus, the inventive bed apparatus can be used with no problem particularly under the restricted housing circumstances in Japan. The bathtub can also be readily positioned adjacent a side of the bed body. Therefore, the sick person or the like can be easily brought into the bathtub. Thus, the burden on the nurse when bathing the sick person or the like is reduced so that it may be possible to frequently bathe the sick person or the like. When the bathtub is vertically contractible, it can be stored in the space under the mattress support in a contracted state, even if the space is relatively small vertically. The bathtub can be expanded vertically when used. Therefore, it is possible to contain sufficient hot water in the bathtub, and to prevent overflow of the hot water during bathing. In order that the invention may be well understood, an embodiment thereof, which is given by way of example only, will now be described with reference to the accompany drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a bed apparatus comprising a bathtub positioned for use; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the bed apparatus when not in use; Fig. 3 is a front elevational view showing the bed apparatus shown in Figs. 1 and 2, but with the bathtub not shown; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the bed apparatus shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a left side elevational view of the bed apparatus shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a state wherein a pair of sliders extend fully from a bed body; Fig. 7 is a left side elevational view showing the state shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a left side elevational view showing a state wherein the sliders are fully retracted with respect to the bed body; Fig. 9 is a left side elevational view corresponding to Fig. 5, showing a mechanism for making one of the sliders slide relative to the bed body; Fig. 10 is a left side elevational view corresponding to Fig. 7, showing the mechanism shown in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a left side elevational view corresponding to Fig. 8, showing the mechanism shown in Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is a right side elevational view showing a support means; Fig. 13 is a plan view showing the support means shown in Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a front elevational view showing the support means shown in Figs. 12 and 13; Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a sliding member of the support means and an upright bar; Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line XVI - XVI in Fig. 15; Fig. 17 is a front elevational view showing a hanger shovel; Fig. 18 is a right side elevational view showing the hanger shovel of Fig. 17; Fig. 19 is a plan view partially showing the hanger shovel of Figs. 17 and 18; Fig. 20 is a sectional view taken along the line XX - XX in Fig. 17; Fig. 21 is a front elevational view showing a hammock; Fig. 22 is a plan view showing the framework of the bathtub, in a state corresponding to that shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 23 is a sectional view taken along the line XXIII - XXIII in Fig. 22; Fig. 24 is a plan view showing the framework of the bathtub, in a state corresponding to that shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 25 is a sectional view taken along the line XXV - XXV in Fig. 24; Fig. 26 is a plan view showing operating means for moving a support bar, mounted on a fixed platform, enlarged; Fig. 27 is a front elevational view of the operating means and fixed platform shown in Fig. 26; Fig. 28 is a plan view showing part of a guide means, enlarged; and Fig. 29 is a top plan view of the part shown in Fig. 28. A bed apparatus 1 has a lifting mechanism as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, for example, and comprises a bathtub 103. For convenience, the bed apparatus 1 is first described independently of the bathtub 103. Figs. 3 to 21 illustrate the bed apparatus 1, with no illustration of the bathtub 103. Figs. 3 to 5 show a first state of the bed apparatus 1, Figs. 6 and 7 show a second state thereof, and Fig. 8 shows a third state thereof. The bed apparatus 1 generally comprises a bed body 3 and a mattress 2 which is supported thereon. The bed body 3 is hinged so that it is possible to partially incline the mattress 2. As described later, Fig. 21 shows a partially inclined state of the mattress 2 with phantom lines. A pair of sliders 4 and 5 are mounted, one on each end portion of the bed body 3, to be slidable in the cross direction of the bed body 3. Upon such sliding movement, the sliders 4 and 5 extend in the cross direction of the bed body 3, as most clearly shown in Figs. 6 and 7. A pair of upright bars 6 and 7 are mounted one on each slider 4 and 5 to extend upwardly from the sliders 4 and 5 respectively. A pair of support means 8 and 9 are mounted, one to each upright bar, for movement along the upright bars 6 and 7 respectively and are fixable at positions therealong. Two parallel side bars 10 and 11 are provided to couple the pair of support means 8 and 9 with each other. The bed apparatus 1 is now described in detail. First, an arrangement for driving the slider 4 or 5 to slide in the cross direction of the bed body 3 is described. Figs. 9, 10 and 11, which correspond to Figs. 5, 7 and 8 respectively, show the first slider 4. The second slider 5 is provided with an arrangement which is substantially identical to that for the first slider 4. It is noted here that Figs. 9 to 11 are partially fragmented to facilitate easy understanding of the operation of the slider 4. The sliders 4 and 5, having L-shaped configurations, include vertically extending leg portions 12 and 13 and wheels 14 and 15 mounted on lower ends thereof. The sliders 4 and 5 are respectively driven to slide by traverse motors 16 and 17, which are fixed to the sliders 4 and 5 respectively. Mainly with reference to Figs. 9 to 11, the arrangement for driving the first slider 4 is now described. In the illustrated apparatus, the upright bar 6 is also moved on the slider 4 relative thereto upon sliding movement of the slider 4. An endless chain 18 is arranged on a horizontally extending portion of the slider 4. This endless chain 18 may be replaced by a belt or the like. The chain 18 extends around sprocket wheels 19 and 20, which are supported by the slider 4. Rotation of the motor 16 is transmitted to the first sprocket wheel 19 through a belt 21, for example. A fixture 22 is fixed at a prescribed position to the chain 18 on a lower path for the chain 18. This fixture 22 is also fixed at a prescribed position to a guide 23 which is provided on the bed body 3. When the rotation of the motor 16 is transmitted to the sprocket wheel 16 through the belt 21, and the chain 18 turns in response, the slider 4 slides along the guide 23 since the chain 18 is fixed to the guide 23 through the fixture 22. The sliding direction of the slider 4 can be varied with the direction of rotation of the motor 16. In such sliding movement of the slider 4, the wheel 14 rolls on a floor surface 24. Another fixture 25 is fixed at a prescribed position to an upper path for the chain 18. This fixture 25 is also fixed to a base portion 26 of the upright bar 6. When the chain 18 turns in the aforementioned manner, therefore, the base portion 26, is displaced with respect to the slider 4, since the chain 18 is fixed to the base portion 26 through the fixture 25. When the slider 4 slides relative to the bed body 3, therefore, the upright bar 6 is displaced in the same direction on the slider 4. In this case, the amount of displacement of the slider 4 with respect to the bed body 3 is equal to that of the upright bar 6 with respect to the slider 4. In the state shown in Fig. 9, the upright bar 6 is located at the cross-directional center of the bed body 3. In this state, the slider 4 extends slightly sidewardly from the bed body 3. When the slider 4 extends fully sidewardly from the bed body 3 as shown in Fig. 10, the upright bar 6 is in a position close to the leg portion 12 on the slider 4. The upright bar 6 is moved through twice the displacement of the slider 4 with respect to the bed body 3. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently separate the upright bar 6 sidewardly from the bed body 3 while reducing the amount of extension of the slider 4 from the bed body 3 over that necessary if the upright bars were fixed to the slider. When the slider 4 is further retracted towards the bed body 3 as shown in Fig. 11, on the other hand, the upright bar 6 is brought into a position at a side of the bed close to the motor 16 on the slider 4. The state shown in Fig. 11 is generally implemented when the aforementioned side bars 10 and 11 are not used, thus protecting the sick person or the like, who is laid on the bed body 3, against oppressive moods caused by the proximity of side bars 10 and 11, the support means 8 and 9 and the upright bars 6 and 7. The motor 16 is controlled so as to define the limits of the sliding movement of the slider 4 and the upright bar 6. For example, microswitches 67 and 68 are provided on both ends of the path for the upright bar 6 on the slider 4. As shown in Fig. 10 or 11, therefore, the drive of the motor 16 is stopped when the base portion 26 of the upright bar 6 comes into contact with the microswitch 67 or 68. Thus, it is possible to regularly bring the upright bar 6 into a predetermined position when the slider 4 extends fully sidewardly from the bed body 3. The support means 8 or 9 is now described in detail. The support means 8 and 9 mirror each other in structure. The support means 8 comprises a sliding member 27 which is moveable along a related upright bar 6. The relation between the sliding member 27 and the upright bar 6 is described later with reference to Figs. 15 and 16. A bracket 28 having a U-shaped section, for example, is fixed to the sliding member 27. This bracket 28 is also shown in Fig. 16, as described later. A pair of arms 29 and 30 are mounted on the bracket 28. These arms 28 and 29 oppositely extend from the bracket 28 in the cross direction of the bed body 3. As shown by phantom lines in Fig. 12, the arms 29 and 30 are upwardly rotatable about pins 31 and 32 with respect to the bracket 28. Further, the sliding member 27 rotatably holds two hook links 33 and 34 by a common pin 35. Hook portions 36 and 37 are provided on respective free ends of the hook links 33 and 34. On the other hand, engaging pins 38 and 39, which are engageable with the hook portions 36 and 37 respectively, are provided on respective free ends of the arms 29 and 30. When the arms 29 and 30 are upwardly rotated as shown by phantom lines in Fig. 12, the hook portions 36 and 37 of the hook links 33 and 34 engage with the engaging pins 38 and 39 respectively, to fix the arms 29 and 30 in the upwardly rotated state. The aforementioned two side bars 10 and 11 are mounted on the arms 29 and 30 respectively. Thus, the side bars 10 and 11 can be located at upper and lower positions, following the aforementioned rotation of the arms 29 and 30. Fig. 12 shows the lower and upper positions of the side bars 10 and 11 with solid and phantom lines. Fig. 8 shows a state corresponding to the state shown with the phantom lines in Fig. 12. The side bars 10 and 11 are thus brought into the upper positions to protect the sick person or the like, who is laid on the bed body 3, against oppressive moods, as well as to facilitate medical examination of the sick person or the like with no hindrance. A further use of the illustrated apparatus is described later with reference to Fig. 21, whereby the side bars 10 and 11 are in the upper positions as shown with the phantom lines in Fig. 12. While Figs. 12 to 14 show the first support means 8, Figs. 3 to 8 and Fig. 21 show the second support means 9. Elements of the second support means 9 which mirror those of the first support means 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals with subscripts "a", to omit redundant description. As shown, the positions of the side bars 10 and 11 are adjustable along the arms 29, 29a, 30 and 30a. Clamps 40 and 41 having U-shaped sections are mounted on respective end portions of the side bars 10 and 11. The arms 29 and 30 have T-shaped sections. Further, guide blocks 42 and 43 for holding lower portions of the arms 29 and 30 having the T-shaped sections are mounted on the clamps 40 and 41, as shown in Fig. 14 with reference to the clamp 40. Thus, the clamps 40 and 41, which are moveable along the arms 29 and 30, are inhibited from displacement laterally of the arms 29 and 30. The clamps 40 and 41 are provided with clamp screws 44 and 45 respectively. These clamp screws 44 and 45 are tightened so as to fix the positions of the clamps 40 and 41 on the arms 29 and 30. This structure is also employed on the other ends of the side bars 10 and 11 respectively. Thus, the distance between the pair of side bars 10 and 11 can be varied by varying the positions of the side bars 10 and 11 with respect to the arms 29 and 30. For example, the distance between the side bars 10 and 11 shown in Fig. 4 is greater than that shown in Fig. 6. The distance between the side bars 10 and 11 may thus be changed in response to the physical constitution of the sick person or the like, for example, as hereinafter described. A structure for making the support means 8 or 9 moveable along the upright bar 6 or 7 and fixable at positions therealong is now described. Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the sliding block 27 which is included in the first support means 8 and the related upright bar 6. Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line XVI - XVI in Fig. 15. As to the relation between the sliding member 27a, which is included in the second support means 9, and the upright bar 7 related thereto, a structure (not shown) which mirrors that shown in Figs. 15 and 16 is employed. Therefore, only the relation between the sliding member 27, which is included in the first support means 8, and the related upright bar 6 is described in detail. Referring to Figs. 15 and 16, the upright bar 6 has a C-shaped section to receive the sliding member 27 and to enable mounting of the bracket 28 (Fig. 16) on the sliding member 27. A lead screw 46 is arranged in the upright bar 6, to be rotatable about its central axis. Fig. 15 shows brackets 47 and 48 for rotatably holding both ends of the lead screw 46. The base portion 26 of the upright bar 6 has a hollow form, to contain a motor 49 therein for vertical movement of the support means 8. This motor 49 is reciprocatingly rotatable. Rotation of the motor 49 is transmitted to the lead screw 46 through successive gears 50, 51 and 52. A female screw block 54 is fixed to the sliding member 27 through a mounting plate 53. This female screw block 54 is provided with a female screw thread, which is engaged with the lead screw 46. When the lead screw 46 is rotated upon rotation of the motor 49, therefore, the sliding member 27 is vertically moved. When the motor 49 is stopped, the lead screw 46 is also stopped, whereby the sliding member 27 is fixed in its position. Fig. 16 shows some elements for smoothly guiding the movement of the sliding member 27 within the upright bar 6. A plurality of rotatable guide rollers 55, 56, 57 and 58 and guide shoes 59 and 60 are supported by the sliding member 27. The guide rollers 55 to 58 and the guide shoes 59 and 60 come into contact with the inner surface of the upright bar 6 from various directions, thereby facilitating smooth vertical movement of the sliding member 27 within the upright bar 6. Although Fig. 16 shows four guide rollers 55 to 58 and two guide shoes 59 and 60, appropriate numbers of such guide rollers and guide shoes (not shown) may be vertically distributed along the sliding member 27. The bracket 28 (not shown in Fig. 15) of the support means 8 is mounted on the lower end of the sliding member 27. The lower end of the sliding member 27 is movable to downwardly project beyond the gear 52 and the lower end of the upright bar 6. The support means 8, may thus be positioned as shown by phantom lines in Fig. 7. Figs. 3 to 7 illustrate hanger shovels 61 engaged with the side bars 10 and 11. These hanger shovels 61 are adapted to raise or lower the sick person or the like in a lying condition. Figs. 17 to 20 show the structure of each hanger shovel 61 in detail. The illustrated hanger shovel 61 is formed of a relatively rigid material such as hard plastic, aluminum or stainless steel, for example. The hanger shovel 61 is curved to provide an substantially L-shaped configuration, and provided with a hook portion 62 which is engageable with a side bar 10 or 11. A plurality of ribs 63 are distributed on the hanger shovel 61, in order to ensure at least a prescribed level of strength while reducing the thickness and weight. As clearly shown in Fig. 20, such ribs 63 are preferably formed to have rounded sections. In use, horizontally extending bottom portions 64 of the hanger shovels 61 are inserted under the body of the sick person or the like, who is laid on the bed body 3. In this case, the hanger shovels 61 are distributed on both sides of the body of the sick person or the like according to the weight of the sick person or the like. The height of and the distance between the side bars 10 and 11 are adjusted in accordance with the positions of the hook portions 62 of the hanger shovels 61. Then, the hook portions 62 of the hanger shovels 61 are made to engage with the side bars 10 and 11. The hanger shovels 61 can be inserted under the body of the sick person or the like, without raising him. After the hook portions 62 of the hanger shovels 61 engage with the side bars 10 and 11, the side bars 10 and 11 are displaced to move the sick person or the like to a desired position. Fig. 21 shows a hammock 65 for raising the sick person or the like, for use in place of the hanger shovels 61. The hammock 65 is made of thick cloth or the like and configured for covering the sick person or the like in a sitting condition. The hammock 65 is suspended from the side bars 10 and 11 through a suspender 66. In the state shown in Fig. 21, the arms 29, 30, 29a and 30a are fixed in an upwardly rotated state, so that the side bars 10 and 11 are sufficiently raised. Thus, it is possible to use the hammock 65. The hammock 65 is preferably used when the illness of the sick person or the like is relatively slight. In order to cover the sick person or the like with the hammock 65, it is preferable to first bring the sick person or the like into a sitting condition. If the bed body 3 is hinged, the mattress 2 is partially inclined as shown in phantom lines in Fig. 21 to bring the sick person or the like into a sitting condition, thereby reducing the burden on the nurser. The bathtub 103 and the relation between this bathtub 103 and the bed body 3 are now described. As shown in Fig. 1 the bathtub 103 is coupled to the bed body 3 by guide means 104. As shown in Fig. 2, this bathtub 103 can be stored in a space 105 which is defined under a mattress support of the bed body 3. The bed body 3 comprises the mattress support comprising a bottom plate 106, and leg members 107 which are adapted to bring the bottom plate 106 to a prescribed vertical position from a floor surface 24 (shown in Fig. 3). Comparing Figs. 23 and 25, it may be understood that the bathtub 103 is vertically contractible and expandable. Figs. 22, 24 and 25 illustrate only the framework of the bathtub 103. The bathtub comprises a first, or head, end and a second, or foot, end. As shown in Figs. 22 to 25, the framework of the bathtub 103 includes an upper frame 109 and a lower frame 110 which is arranged under the upper frame 109 parallel thereto. The upper and lower frames 109 and 110 are coupled by link means for movement of the frames towards and away from each other. The link means mirror each other in structure about the longitudinal center line of the bathtub 103. Therefore, only one of such link means is described with reference to Figs. 23 and 25 while the other one is denoted by the same reference numerals, to omit redundant description. As shown in Figs. 23 and 25, the link means includes a first link 111 and a second link 112. The first link 111 comprises a pair of diagonally crossing support bars 113 and 114, while the second link 112 also comprises a pair of diagonally crossing support bars 115 and 116. The support bars 113 and 114 are rotatably coupled with each other by a coupling pin 117, while the support bars 115 and 116 are also rotatably coupled with each other by a coupling pin 118. The upper frame 109 supports a sliding bracket 119, a fixed bracket 120, another sliding bracket 121 and another fixed bracket 122, disposed in this order from the first end of the bathtub. The sliding brackets 119 and 121 are slidable relative to the upper frame 109, while the fixed brackets 120 and 122 are fixed to the upper frame 109 by fixing pins 123 and 124 respectively. The lower frame 110 supports a sliding bracket 125, a fixed bracket 126, another sliding bracket 127 and another fixed bracket 128, disposed in this order from the first end of the bathtub. The sliding brackets 125 and 127 are slidable relative to the lower frame 110, while the fixed brackets 126 and 128 are fixed to the lower frame 110 by fixing pins 129 and 130 respectively. In the first link 111, upper and lower end portions of the support bar 113 are rotatably coupled to the sliding bracket 119 and the fixed bracket 126 respectively by coupling pins 131 and 132. Further, upper and lower end portions of the support bar 115 are rotatably coupled to the fixed bracket 120 and the sliding bracket 125 respectively by coupling pins 133 and 134. In the second link 112, on the other hand, upper and lower end portions of the support bar 115 are rotatably coupled to the sliding bracket 121 and the fixed bracket 128 respectively by coupling pins 135 and 136. Further, upper and lower end portions of the support bar 116 are rotatably coupled to the fixed bracket 122 and the sliding bracket 127 respectively by coupling pins 137 and 138. When the sliding brackets 119 and 121 slide towards the first end of the bathtub 103 along the upper frame 109 and the sliding brackets 125 and 127 slide towards the first end along the lower frame 110 from the state shown in Fig. 23, therefore, the upper frame 109 moves vertically towards the lower frame 110, as shown in Fig. 25. In order to interlock the movement of the first and second links 111 and 112, an interlocking bar 139 couples the sliding brackets 125 and 127 to each other as shown in Figs. 22 and 24. In order to operate the first and second links 111 and 112, the following operating means 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150 is employed: As shown in Figs. 22 to 25, a fixed crossbar 140 is fixed to the lower frame 110 and a fixed platform 141 extends between the fixed crossbar 140 and a first end of the lower frame 110 at the first end of the bathtub 103. Various elements are mounted to the fixed platform 141, as shown in Figs. 26 and 27 in an enlarged manner. Referring to Figs. 26 and 27, a motor 143 is mounted on the fixed platform 141 in combination with a speed reducer 142. Rotation of the motor 143 is transmitted to a lead screw 144 through the speed reducer 142. A male screw thread 145 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lead screw 144. An end of the lead screw 144 is rotatably held by a bracket bearing 146 which is mounted on the fixed platform 141. The lead screw 144 is engaged with a female screw block 147, which has a female screw thread, for engagement with the male screw 145 thread of the lead screw 144, on its inner peripheral surface. A moveable crossbar 148 is fixed to the female screw block 147. Both end portions of the moveable crossbar 148 are fixed to respective sliding brackets 125, which slide along the lower frame 110. When rotation of the motor 143 is transmitted to the lead screw 144 through the speed reducer 142 to rotate the lead screw 144, the female screw block 147 is moved longitudinally along the lead screw 144, thus moving the moveable crossbar 148. The rotation of the motor 143 is controlled by microswitches 149 and 150, to define the limits of the movement of the female screw block 147. These microswitches 149 and 150 are mounted on the fixed platform 141 by mounting brackets 151 and 152, so that actuators 153 and 154 of the microswitches 149 and 150 contact the moveable crossbar 148 when the screw block 147 reaches either of the defined limits of movement. Thus, the moveable crossbar 148 is moved between positions shown by solid and phantom lines in Figs. 26 and 27. The position of the moveable crossbar 148 shown in Figs. 22 and 23 corresponds to that shown by solid lines in Figs. 26 and 27, while the position shown in Figs. 24 and 25 corresponds to that shown by phantom lines in Figs. 26 and 27. Referring to Figs. 22 and 23, the moveable crossbar 148 is shown at its furthest position from the first end of the lower frame 110 within the defined limits of movement. Thus, the sliding brackets 125 and 119 are simultaneously closest to the fixed brackets 126 and 120 respectively, vertically expanding the first link 111. Further, the movement of the sliding bracket 125 is transmitted to the sliding bracket 127 of the second link 112 through the interlocking bar 139. Thus, the sliding brackets 127 and 121 are simultaneously moved closer to the fixed brackets 128 and 122 respectively, vertically expanding the second link 112. Therefore, the upper frame 109 is separated from the lower frame 110, to vertically expand the bathtub 103. This state is implemented for using the bathtub 103. Referring to Figs. 24 and 25, on the other hand, the moveable crossbar 148 is shown at its position closest to the first end of the lower frame 110 within the defined limits of movement. Thus, the sliding brackets 125 and 119 of the first link 111 are simultaneously moved further from the fixed brackets 126 and 120 respectively, to vertically contract the first link 111. Further, the movement of the sliding bracket 125 is transmitted to the sliding bracket 127 through the interlocking bar 139, so that the sliding brackets 127 and 121 are simultaneously moved further from the fixed brackets 128 and 122 respectively, to vertically contract the second link 112. Thus, the upper frame 109 is moved towards the lower frame 110, to vertically contract the bathtub 103. This state is implemented when the bathtub 103 is not in use. Such vertical expansion or contraction of the bathtub 103 is achieved by rotation of the motor 143. To facilitate such operation of the bathtub 103 a bathtub body 155, shown in Fig. 1 for example, for storing hot water is formed of a waterproof sheet material such as canvas. Fig. 23 shows the bathtub body 155 in phantom lines. The upper edge of the bathtub body 155 is mounted to a cover frame 156 of resin molding, for example. As shown by phantom lines in Fig. 23, the cover frame 156, which has an inverted U-shaped section is located on the upper frame 109. The bathtub body 155 is preferably provided with an openable water outlet (not shown) in a suitable position. The cover frame 156 may be provided with a tap for supplying hot water, or a part for mounting a tap. A guide means 104 is partially shown in Fig. 1. Two guide means 104 are provided for guiding the bathtub 103 for movement from a stored position under the bottom plate 106 of the bed body 3 to a position adjacent a side of the bed body 3 for use. Figs. 22 and 24 illustrate the guide means 104. The illustrated guide means 104, which are mounted to first and second portions of the bathtub 103 adjacent the respective first and second ends thereof, mirror each other in structure. Therefore, only a first guide means 104, mounted to the first portion of the bathtub 103, is described in detail while a second guide means 104 is shown with similar reference numerals, to omit redundant description. The first guide means 104 comprises first and second arms 157 and 158. The first arm 157 is rotatably coupled to a bracket 159, which is mounted on one of the leg members 107 of the bed body 3, by a coupling pin 160. The second arm 158 is rotatably coupled to a bracket 161, which is mounted on the lower frame 110 of the bathtub 103, by a coupling pin 162. Further, the first and second arms 157 and 158 are rotatably coupled with each other. Figs. 28 and 29 show a coupled portion of each arm 157, 158 in an enlarged manner. Referring to Figs. 28 and 29, the first arm 157, which has flat sides, is positioned above the second arm 158, which also has flat sides. In such an overlapping state, the first and second arms 157 and 158 are rotatably coupled to each other by a coupling pin 163. A bracket 164 is fixed onto the first arm 157 by fixing pins 165, and a motor 166 is mounted on this bracket 164. A lever 168 is fixed to a motor shaft 167 of the motor 166, to be rotated with the motor shaft 167. An opposite end of the lever 168 is fixed to the second arm 158 by a fixing screw 169. The motor shaft 168 is axially aligned with the aforementioned coupling pin 163. The upper end portion of the coupling pin 163 is preferably received in the lever 168 as shown in Fig. 29, in order to further stabilize rotation of the lever 168. The motor shaft 167 of the motor 166, which is reciprocatingly rotatable, is rotated at a low speed of 1 r.p.m., for example. Such rotation of the motor shaft 167 is transmitted to the second arm 158 through the lever 168 so that the second arm 158 is rotated with respect to the first arm 157, since the body of the motor 166 is fixed to the first arm 157 through the bracket 164. The second arm 158 is rotatable with respect to the first arm 157 between positions shown by solid and phantom lines in Fig. 28. Microswitches 170 and 171 are adapted to control the motor 166, to define the limits of such rotation of the second arm 158. The microswitches 170 and 171 are fixed onto the first arm 157 so that actuators thereof contact the lever 168 when the lever reaches the defined limits of rotation. The microswitch 170 detects the position of the second arm 158 shown by phantom lines in Fig. 28 to control the motor 166. The other microswitch 171 detects the position of the second arm 158 shown by solid lines in Fig. 28 to control the motor 166. The rotation of the motor 166 may be pulse-controlled. The state of the guide means 104 shown in Fig. 22 corresponds to the position of the second arm 158 shown by phantom lines in Fig. 28. On the other hand, the state of the guide means 104 shown in Fig. 24 corresponds to the position of the second arm 158 shown by solid lines in Fig. 28. Therefore, the motor 166 is rotated to position the bathtub 103 either adjacent a side of the bottom plate 106 of the bed body 3 as shown in Fig. 22, or under the bottom plate 106 of the bed body 3 as shown in Fig. 24. In order to facilitate the aforementioned movement of the bathtub 103, a plurality of wheels 172 are mounted to the lower frame 110 of the bathtub 103 as shown in Figs. 23 and 25, for example. These wheels 172 roll on the floor surface 24 (appearing in Fig. 3, for example) on which the bed apparatus 1 is placed. A method of bathing a sick person or the like using the illustrated bed apparatus 1 will now be described. In an unused state, the bathtub 103 is vertically contracted and stored in the space 105 under the bed body 3, as shown in Figs. 2, 24 and 25. In order to bathe the sick person or the like, the bathtub 103 is brought into the state shown in Figs. 1, 22 and 23. Namely, from the state shown in Figs. 2, 24 and 25, the motor 166 provided on the guide member 104 is first driven to increase the internal angle between the first and second arms 157 and 158. Thus, the bathtub 103 is moved from the space 105 under the bed body 3 to a prescribed position adjacent the side of the bed body 3. Then, the motor 143 provided on the bathtub 103 is driven to move the upper frame 109 upwardly. Thus, the bathtub body 155 can be expanded as shown in Figs. 1, 30 and 32. Then, a volume of hot water is supplied into the bathtub body 155. Thus, preparation of the bathtub 103 is completed. On the other hand, the sliders 4 and 5 and the upright bars 6 and 7 of the lifting mechanism are moved into the state shown in Figs. 3 to 5. Further, the plurality of hanger shovels 61 are inserted under the body of the sick person or the like, who is laid on mattress 2 supported on the bed body 3. The support means 8 and 9 and the side bars 10 and 11 are lowered from the state shown in Figs. 3 and 5, to positions engageable with the hook portions 62 of the hanger shovels 61. While the distance between the respective side bars 10 and 11 may be adjusted according to the form of the sick person or the like, this distance may be adjusted only during an initial stage of employment of the bed apparatus 1. Upon engagement of the hook portions 62 of the hanger shovels 61 with the side bars 10 and 11, the support means 8 and 9 and the side bars 10 and 11 are moved upwardly along the upright bars 6 and 7, to separate the hanger shovels 61 from the mattress 2. Thus, the sick person or the like is raised up from the bed body 3. A sheet etc. which is spread on the mattress 2 may be exchanged in this state. When the sick person or the like is raised up from the bed body 3 as described above, the sliders 4 and 5 are then driven to fully extend sidewardly from the bed body 3, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, to predetermined positions adjacent the side of the bed body 3. Thus, the sick person or the like is moved to a position immediately above the bathtub 103. Then, the support means 8 and 9 and the side bars 10 and 11 are lowered. Consequently, the sick person or the like is also lowered adjacent the side of the bed body 3, and brought into the bathtub 103. After the sick person or the like has taken a bath, the plurality of hanger shovels 61 are again inserted under his body. Then the vertical positions of the side bars 10 and 11 are adjusted so that the hook portions 62 of the hanger shovels 61 engage with the side bars 10 and 11. Thereafter the above operation is reversed to return the sick person or the like onto the bed body 3. Further, the hot water is discharged from the bathtub 103. Then, the bathtub 103 is vertically contracted and again moved to a stored position in the space 105 under the bed body 3 guided by the guide means 104, as shown in Figs. 24 and 25. Thus, the operation for bathing the sick person or the like is completed. Other modifications of the illustrated bed apparatus are also possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, although the upright bars 6 and 7, which are mounted to extend upwardly from the sliders 4 and 5, are moveable in the cross direction of the bed body 3 with respect to the sliders 4 and 5 in the illustrated bed apparatus 1, such upright bars may alternatively be fixed to the sliders. In another possible modification, although the illustrated first and second arms 157 and 158 of the guide means 104 are rotatably coupled to each other, such arms may be replaced by a combination of telescopically retractable bars, for example. Further, while the motor 166 is adapted to drive each guide means 104, an actuating cylinder may be employed in place of such a motor 166, for example. Alternatively, the guide means 104 may be manually driven by the nurser. The first and second links 111 and 112 may be replaced by well-known link mechanisms. Further, the motor 143 for vertically expanding or contracting the bathtub 103, may be replaced by an actuating cylinder, for example. Alternatively, the bathtub 103 may be vertically expanded or contracted manually by the nurse. Although the illustrated bathtub 103 is vertically contractible and expandable, such a bathtub may be of fixed construction so as to be stored in the space defined under the mattress support of the bed body in the fixed state.

Claims: A bed apparatus (1) comprising a bed body (3) and a bathtub (103) storable beneath a mattress support (106) of said bed body, and guide means (104) for guiding movement of said bathtub (103) from a stored position beneath said mattress support (106) to a position adjacent a side of said bed body (3) for use. A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guide means (104) couples said bed body (3) with said bathtub (103). A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said bathtub (103) is vertically contractible and expandable. A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said bathtub (103) comprises an upper frame (109), a lower frame (110) disposed under said upper frame (109) parallel thereto, link means (111,112) for coupling said upper and lower frames (109, 110) for movement of the frames towards and away from each other, and a bathtub body (155) of a flexible waterproof sheet material supported by said upper frame (109). A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said link means (111, 112) comprises diagonally crossing first and second support bars (113, 114) rotatably coupled to each other at a point of crossing, and an end of said first support bar (113) is rotatably and slidably mounted to said upper frame (109), the other end of said first support bar (113) is rotatably mounted to said lower frame (110), an end of said second support bar (114) is rotatably mounted to said upper frame, and the other end of said second support bar (114) is rotatably and slidably mounted to said lower frame (110). A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 5, further comprising operating means (140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150) for sliding said other end of said second support bar with respect to said lower frame. A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said operating means (140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150) comprises an axially rotatable lead screw (144) and a female screw block (147) which is mounted on said other end of said second support bar (114) and which is provided with a female screw thread for engagement with said lead screw (144). A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a motor (143) for rotating said lead screw (144). A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said guide means (104) comprises first and second arms (157, 158) which are coupled with each other for relative rotation. A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a motor (166) for driving said first and second arms (157, 158) to cause said relative rotation. A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a lifting mechanism (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 61) for carrying a sick person or the like between a position on said bed body (3) and a position adjacent a side of said bed body (3). A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said lifting mechanism comprises: a pair of sliders (4, 5) being mounted one on each end portion of said bed body (3) to be slidable in the cross direction of said bed body for extending in the cross direction of said bed body upon such sliding movement; a pair of upright bars (6, 7) mounted one on each of said sliders (4, 5) so as to extend upwardly from said respective sliders; a pair of support means (8, 9) mounted one to each upright bar (6, 7) for movement therealong and fixable at positions therealong; two parallel side bars (10, 11) for coupling said pair of support means (8, 9) with each other; and a plurality of hanger shovels (61) for releaseably engaging with respective said side bars (10, 11). A bed apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said upright bars (6, 9) are slidable in the cross direction of said bed body (3) with respect to said sliders (4, 5).

Inventors: KASSAI KENZOU, YAMAMOTO HIROYASU C O APRICA K, KASSAI, KENZOU, YAMAMOTO, HIROYASU, C/O APRICA KASSAI
Applicants: APRICA KASSAI KK, APRICA KASSAI KABUSHIKIKAISHA
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A61G7
IPC codes: A61G7