WO2008069767A1 - Bed system performing automatic cleaning of bedridden patients - Google Patents

Abstract

The principle of the invention is based on the development of an automatic cleaning procure for bedridden people. With the aid of the compression and pulling off forces created in the rollers(5c), adherence of the cleaning cloth(10) and closing cloth(11) is provided are realized when they are passing through the heating unit. After they are adhered to each other, patient cleaning cloth(10) is moved under the patient to clean up. Cleaning is completed by the means of one way directed movement of the patient cleaning cloth(10) from patients cleaning cloth outlet hole(13) to the waste hole after patient cleaning cloth(10) having been wet while passing through under cleaning liquid and perfume unit(2). Working of the cleaning system is depended on the turning of the rollers (5c).

Description

Description

BED SYSTEM PERFORMING AUTOMATIC CLEANING OF

BEDRIDDEN PATIENTS

[ 1 ] Field of the invention

[2] This invention is related to a patient cleaning system which includes self and automatic cleaning of the bedridden patient and the bed after making dirty or sweating, can be used by the bedridden patient, does not require any physical force, and all the functions can be controlled by remote control .

[3] Background of the invention

[4] In current practice, cleaning of the unconscious patients is conducted by placing the cup under the patient for urine and faeces after informing trained nurse by the patient or removal of urine or faeces conducted by the lid system containing a cup placed in the bed under the patients hip which is opened before patients' discharge. In both practices explained above, patients should be in conscious and someone other than the patient should be present to help the patient. These two are just preventive methods.

[5] Cleaning of unconscious patients is conducted by replacing a pad under the patient which is removed by trained nurse after the discharge.

[6] In addition, bathtub (Patent No US6543068) or vacuum systems (Patent No:

US2002010446) have been used for the bedridden patients. The fact that the beds designed by these two systems are water or vacuum systems and are not ergonomic. They are not suitable for long time use for the bedridden patients. In known use, in addition to the presence of a helper, there is a necessity to move patient for the cleaning

[7] Brief summary of the invention

[8] In known technique, similar patient beds, cleaning is done both by moving the patients and by the physical help of others. This causes pain for the patients who are bedridden or unable to move by themselves. In addition, the necessity to have someone to help cleaning of the patients requires extra personnel. Therefore, the aim of the invention is to realize the cleaning by the patient him/herself if the patient in conscious; otherwise by the trained nurse by operating the remote control automatically and practically without neither any physical effort nor movement of the patient after the patients' discharge or sweating. By this means conscious- bedridden patients will be able to clean themselves without any help from anyone (and without feeling ashamed due to being depend on someone).

[9] Other purpose ofthe invention is to develop a cleaning system which is easy to take care and easy to have maintenance.

[10] Another purpose is to make the cleaning system easy to install current stationary or adjustable patient bed systems.

[11] Description of the figures [12] Figure 1 : Overview of the bed from top

[13] Figure 2: Overview of the bed from bottom

[ 14] Figure 3 : Overview of the bed from side

[15] Figure 4: Overview of the bed from left bottom

[16] Figure 5: Overview of the bed from right bottom

[17] Figure 6: Installed view of heater, roller, scissors unit and waste plastic bag holder

(disposal unit)

[18] Figure 7: Divided (detailed) view of the roller unit

[ 19] Figure 8 : Detailed view of the rollers

[20] Figure 9: Scissors unit

[21] Figure 10: Heater unit

[22] Figure 11 : Divided (detailed) view of the heater unit

[23] Figure 12: Top view of the heater and guide cap

[24] Figure 13: Roller for patient cleaning cloth

[25] Figure 14: Cleaning liquid and perfume bottle

[26] Figure 15 : Patient holder belts

[27] Figure 16: Waste plastic bag holder

[28] Figure 17: Bed mattress

[29] Figure 18: Patient cleaning cloth

[30] Figure 19: Closing (covering) cloth

[31] Figure 20: Portable installed cleaning system

[32] Figure 21 : Cleaning systems that heater unit , roller unit, scissors unit and waste

[33] plastic bag holder installed feet side of the bed from outside.

[34] In order to be understood better, each piece in the figures were numbered separately. Explanation of the numbered pieces is indicated below:

[35] Numbers of the references

[36] 1 -Patient cleaning cloth roller

[37] 1 a-Patient cleaning cloth roller holder

[38] 2- Cleaning liquid and perfume unit

[39] 2a-Cleaning liquid and perfume reservoir

[40] 2b-Liquid spraying pump

[41] 2c-Liquid spraying apparatus

[42] 3-Guide roller

[43] 4-Heating unit

[44] 4a-Heating unit holders

[45] 4b-Heating and guide cap

[46] 4c-Heating box cabinet

[47] 4d- Flexibility providing spiral

[48] 4e-Heating box lid

[49] 4f-Heating box top and bottom lids [50] 4h-Channels in which resistance cables installed

[51 ] 4g-Channels in which connection cables installed

[52] 4i-Resistance wires

[53] 4j-Circular entrance parts of heating and guide cap

[54] 5-Roller unit

[55] 5a-Roller unit holders

[56] 5b-Engine giving movements to rollers

[57] 5c-Rollers

[58] 5d-Gear unit which transfers motor movements to roller

[59] 5e-Roller unit side cover

[60] 5f-Roller unit top cover

[61 ] 5g-Engine mount holder

[62] 5h-Roller stretching spiral

[63] 6-Scissors unit

[64] 6a-Engine giving movements to scissors

[65] 6b- Articulation (joint) transmitting engine movement to scissor

[66] 6c-Scissors blades

[67] 6d-Scissors mount holders

[68] 6e-Engine mount holders

[69] 7-Holder for waste plastic bag

[70] 7a-Waste plastic bag

[71 ] 8-Closing (covering)cloth rollers

[72] 9- Straps (Patient holder belts)

[73] 9a-Strap rollers (Belts rollers)

[74] 10-Patient cleaning cloth

[75] 10a-Patient cleaning cloth relieves

[76] 11 -Closing (covering) cloth

[77] 11 a-Silicone glue material

[78] 12- Adhered cleaning and covering cloth to each other

[79] 13-Outlet (hole) for patient cleaning cloth

[80] 14-Waste hole

[81] 15-Bunk upper iron holders (tubes)

[82] 16-Bunk side iron holders (tubes)

[83] 17-Bunk legs

[84] 18-Bed mattress

[85] 19- Support sponge of outlet (hole) for patient cleaning cloth

[86] 20- Support sponge of waste hole

[87] Detailed description of the invention

[88] Basic principle of invention is cleaning system includes cleaning of the patient by the movement of cleaning cloth(lθ) sliding under the patient and covering cloth(l 1) adhered to each other while passing heating unit(4) by means of pulling force created in rollers(5c).

[89] Patient cleaning cloth(lθ) is mounted to fastened patient cleaning cloth roller(l) placed on bunk upper iron tube(15) by holders (Ia) as having free rotation. Patient cleaning cloth(lθ) reaches to the waste plastic bag(7a) which are mounted to waste bag holders(7) by passing under the cleaning liquid and perfume unit(2) to guide roller(3) and from this part to patient cleaning cloth outlet (hole) (13), and passing under the patient's waist to hip area to waste hole(14) and then passing to heating unit(4), roller unit(5), scissor unit(6). Closing cloth(l 1) is mounted to closing cloth roller(8) as having free movement. Closing cloth(l 1), after waste hole(14) moves along with patient cleaning cloth(lθ). While closing cloth(l 1) was passing through heating unit(4), silicone glue material(l Ia) placed on each side sticking slightly onto the patient cleaning cloth(lθ) by way of melting. After that, closing cloth(l 1) prevent leaking of deposition by adhering to patient cleaning cloth(lθ) very firmly from corners with compression force of the roller(5c) applied passing through roller unit(5). Deposition, transferred on patient cleaning cloth(lθ), have forced to move in the intensively middle section to prevent leaking due to adherence of patient cleaning cloth(lθ) and closing cloth(l 1) by special design of rollers(5c). Working of the cleaning system is depended on the turning ability (movement) of the rollers(5c). Cleaning is performed by one way directed movement of patient cleaning cloth(lθ) between patient cleaning cloth outlet hole(13) and waste hole(14) by sliding under the patient. Movement of the rollers(5c) is persisted until patient's bottom is cleaned. After patient's cleaning is completed, patient cleaning cloth and closing cloth(12) adhered to each other in scissor unit(6) cut and dropped into waste plastic bag(7a) by cutting and adhered patient cleaning and closing cloth containing the deposition(12) immobilized by this operation will be ready to be disposed. Discharge pieces and dirt particles deposited into waste plastic bag(7a), after cutting process in scissor unit(6), can be trashed right away or can be (pressed by sticking in rollers(5c) so that it will not smell) accumulated to dispose later in appropriate time. Any single use plastic bag fit to the waste plastic bag holders(7) placed under scissor unit(6) can be used. Functions of these units are given in detail below;

[90] Patient cleaning cloth roll(l) is rolled as cylindrical shape as the middle part empty.

These cylindrical holes sit on cylindrical sockets(la) placed on the center of holders so that they can move easily (Figure- 13). According to user's desire, cleaning liquid or perfume can be sprayed with the help of the pump(2b) operated by remote control when patient cleaning cloth(lθ) passing under cleaning liquid and perfume unit(2). In this way the surface slipperiness of the patient cleaning cloth(lθ) surface which have swollen reliefs(lθa) will be increased and swollen reliefs on the surface of the patient cleaning cloth(lθa) will be increased by means of cleaning liquid. Swollen triangle shape reliefs(lθa) will provide better cleaning when they are passing through under the patient (Figure- 18). In addition, with the help of cleaning liquid, the patient will be disinfected and any stuck dirt particles to patient's bottom will be cleaned by dissolving. The liquid in the cleaning liquid and perfume tank(2a) will be sprayed to cleaning liquid spraying apparatus(2c) with a pressure by the help of pump(2b) controlled by remote control. There are holes placed in equal distances under the cleaning liquid spraying apparatus(2c). This apparatus is designed in the shape of pipe which has one hole in the size of pump channel on top and small holes in equal distances on bottom part (Figure- 14). With the help of liquid sprayed under the pressure, the surface of the patient cleaning cloth(lθ) will be moistened with center part being moistened more than the corners. Patient cleaning cloth(lθ) having the property to increase the volume by holding the liquid inside adsorbs the liquid better by passing through the guide rollers with the help of friction force. Guide roller(3) also provides an easy entrance to patient cleaning cloth(lθ) into patient cleaning cloth outlet hole(13) in a correct angle.

[91] Patient cleaning cloth outlet hole(13) has the diameter of 5 mm which will not give any discomfort to patients. A surrounding of the hole is covered with sponge type material(19) so that the patient will not fell the hole. Cleaning cloth(lθ) coming out patient cleaning cloth outlet hole(13) reaches the waste hole(14) with the aid of cleaning liquid by passing under the patient. One way directed movement of patient cleaning cloth(lθ) between two holes(13)(14) provides cleaning of patient's bottom. Faeces, dirt and any remained particles in patient's bottom adhered to cleaning cloth(lθ) and go to waste hole(14) with the cloth.

[92] This hole is in 5cm large and placed under the patient's toe. In order not to feel the waste hole(14) of the patients under the toe, it is surrounded by flexible sponge type material(20). In this way, during cleaning, it will allow passing the cloths and discharged materials by bulging. After cleaning is complete, the opening of the hole is closed to that the patient will not be uncomfortable by being his/her toe stuck into the hole.

[93] In waste hole(14), sides of the both cloths(10)(l 1) adhered to each other side by side and dirty side of cleaning cloth covered with closing cloth so that smearing with any surface is prevented. After waste hole(14), both cloths were jointed(12) and entered into heating unit(4). Heating unit(4) is mounted in such a way that both corners of the cloths pass through the unit. Heating unit (4) is formed by two heating subunits which are mounted upper part iron tubes(15) of the bunk by holders(4a) (Figures- 10,11). Spirals providing flexibility (4d) are mounted between heating box cabinet(4c) and heating box lid(4e) and heating box top and bottom lids(4f). Heating unit and guide cap(4b) are mounted to heating box cabinet(4c) with rail system. The entrance part of the heating and guide cap in which cleaning and closing cloths(12) passing between is designed as round shape(4j) that allows easy entrance to cloths. In addition, by means of the spirals(4d) in the heating box cabinet(4c), heating and guide cap(4b) bulge to two sides that allows any bigger particles and dirt pass along without causing any blockage. There are cravings placed in the right and left sides(4h) of the heating and guide cap(4b) that overlaps sides of the cloths (Figure 12). Heating process is conducted by the resistance wires(4i) placed in the channels cravings. These resistance wires(4i) are connected to remote control by the cables furnished inside the heating and guide cap(4b). Once electricity is given from the remote control, these heaters are heat up to melt silicone materials(l Ia) placed in two sides of the closing cloths(l 1) so that these two cloths adhere to each other.

[94] These two adhered cloths are pulled up by roller unit(5). Roller unit(5) is mounted to upper part holder(15) of the bunk by roller unit holders (connectors) (5a) (Figure 7). Once command is given from remote control, occurred rotation in engine which is mounted to roller unit side cover(5e) by engine holders(5g) is transmitted by the gear(5d) which carry off engine rotation to rollers(5c). Both sides, 10 cm parts, of the rollers are flat which are exactly facing to each other. These side parts of the rollers(5c) do realize compression and pulling. These rollers(5c) are narrowed through middle parts. In this way there happen to be a 5 cm gap in middle part of the rollers. This gap can clearly be seen in figure 8. The roller which the engine is not assembled is mounted by the spiral mechanism(5h). This provides the rollers(5c) to allow bulging when any firm material is passing through between. Moreover, dirty particles moving with patient cleaning cloth(lθ) are collected in the middle part by means of the gap starting from 10 cm inside of the rollers and sloped to the middle part. Since roller unit is formed by moving parts side covers(5e) and top covers(5f) are placed in protection.

[95] The adhered patient cleaning and cover cloths(12) passed through roller unit(5) reaches to scissor unit(6). Scissor unit(6) is mounted to roller unit(5) by engine mount holder(6e) and scissor mount holder (6d) (figure 9). Engine(6a) gives power to scissors received movement information from remote control. One of the knifes(6c) in the scissor unit(6) is fixed and another one is connected to the engine(6a) by an ar- ticulation(όb). One complete turn movement in the engine(6a) is converted to front- back movement by the articulation and transmitted to mobile knife(6c) of the scissor. Cutting process is completed by the front-back movement. Adhered cloths to each other(12) are cut and dropped into waste unit (Figure 16). Waste plastic bags holders made of flexible iron tubes having hook shape ends can be hooked up with any king of plastic bags.

[96] Two straps(9) are placed to the head side of the patient and strap rolls(9a) in which roller are released from are also present in this attachment (Figure 15). If the patient is too weak (slim), patient cleaning cloth(lθ) can slide the patient by passing under the patient's waist and hip area. In order to prevent unwanted sliding, straps(9) can be attached to patient by passing through armpit. Straps(9) are placed in rolls(9a) and they can be locked according to patient height. As it is presented in figure 15, the rolls(9a) can move in the arrow direction and if they are not used they can be collected behind the bed. [97] Bed mattress( 18) should be manufactured as it has hole for patient cleaning cloth outlet hole(13) and waste hole(14) (figure 17). Sheet also should have these two holes as it was explained in bed mattress(18). Sheets can be formed by two pieces and after they are mounted to the bed in two sides, the pieces can be connected by a hidden zipper.

[98] These systems can be manufactured with the bed and also can be mounted to different types of patient beds by screws, cap screws or welding. If the mounting is performed later, depending on the bunk bed, other units such as top part holders(15), side holders(lό) and legs(17) can be mounted appropriate places around the bed. If these units cannot be mounted in appropriate places around the bed, these units can immobilized by mounting under the bed in iron skeleton with tires as it is presented in figure 20. With this modification, the mobile iron unit can be applied to different types of patient's beds.

[99] Another application of this system can be performed by canceling the waste hole

(14) and mounting the heating unit(4), roller unit(5), scissor unit(6) holders for waste plastic bag(7), and closing cloth roll to the feet side of the bed from outside so that deposited matter in the cleaning cloth can be removed from feet side of the bed to outside (figure 21). Working principles of the system is the same as the previous one. The only difference is that the movement of patient cleaning cloth(lθ) and closing cloth(l 1) occur from outside of the bed to the lower part which normally moves from waste hole(14) to lower part. In this application, there is no need to open second hole on the bed mattress, and therefore, discomfort of the patient will be partially prevented.

Claims

Claims

[1] 1-The subject of the invention is the automatic bed cleaning system which simply controlled by using the remote control to clean the patient by one way movement of the patient cleaning cloth(lθ) wrapped in a patient cleaning cloth roll(l) between patient cleaning cloth outlet hole(13) and waste hole(14) by sliding under the patient without any need to move the patient and without application of any physical force.

[2] 2- As it is related to the bed system in request 1, the closing cloth(l 1) which prevents smear of the discharge materials by adhering the both sides of patient cleaning cloth in waste hole(14) and which is rolled to a closing cloth roll(8) is used in the bed system

[3] 3-As it is related to the bed system in request 1 , preventing leaking of the discharge material included very firmly during the compressing process in the rollers(5c) is provided by means of the silicone straps(l Ia) placed in the both sides of the closing cloth(l 1) which are getting sticky by melting in the process of passing the heating unit(4)

[4] 4- As it is related to the bed system in request 1, opening the patient cleaning cloth outlet(13) and waste hole(14) on the bed mattress(18) and the closing these two hole outlets by flexible sponge is realized so that the patients will not be uncomfortable by feeling the hole and at the same time allowing the discharge of the cloths and dirt.

[5] 5- As it is related to the bed system in request 1, providing spraying of the cleaning liquid and perfume placed in cleaning liquid and perfume unit(2a) by liquid pump(2b) whenever it is necessary to provide slipperiness to the patient cleaning cloth(lθ) and increase the volume of the relief(10a) on the surface of the patient cleaning cloth, thus allow better cleaning for patient and stopping spraying of the cleaning liquid and the perfume when it is desired to have dry cleaning cloth(lθ) placed under the patient is designed.

[6] 6- As it is related to the bed system in request 1, offering better and uniform application of cleaning liquid to patient cleaning cloth(lθ) with the help of the guide cylinder(3), and providing an easy entrance to patient cleaning cloth(lθ) into patient cleaning cloth outlet hole(13) with less friction and correct angle is also calculated.

[7] 7- As it is related to the bed system in request 1 , mounting of the heater couples in the heating unit(4) is designed in a such symmetry that they pass along with the two sides of the patient cleaning cloth(lθ) and closing cloth(l 1), adhered to each other, by melting the silicone (1 Ia) placed sides of the closing cloth(l 1).

[8] 8- As it is related to the bed system in request 1, formation cylindrical shape of the heating and guide cap(4b) in heating unit(4) to provide easy passing for the discharged materials carried by patient cleaning cloth(lθ) and closing cloth(l 1); helping the discharged dirt particles to pass easily when they come to heating unit(4) by the stretching of the spirals(4d) installed in a heating box cabinet(4c) is included.

[9] 9- As it is related to the bed system in request 1, a special design of the rollers(5c) with 10-cm-length sections from the edges which overlap to each other, and after 10cm- length section, being narrower through the center is made so that dirt particles inside the rollers can be collected in the center part to provide smooth compression and pulling off at the edges of the rollers (5c).

[10] 10- As it is related to the bed system in request 1 , optional cutting of the two cloths(12) to waste bag(7a) is realized in connection with a full turn of the engine(6a), mounted by the mobile scissor arm (6c) which is mounted to the engine (6a) by articulation (6b).

[11] 11- As it is related to the bed system in request 1, prevention of patient's sleepiness is conducted by the immobilized straps(9) mounted to the head side of the bed and passed through patient's under arms.

[12] 12- As it is related to the bed system in request 1, if it is desired; patient cleaning cloth roll(l), cleaning liquid and perfume unit(2), guide cylinder(3), heating unit(4), roller unit(5), scissor unit(6) and waste unit(7) can be manufactured with the bed or they can be mounted under the bed later or these units can by mount to a metal skeleton that have tires which can be placed under the bed.

[13] 13- As it is related to the bed system in request 1, without disturbing the working system of the bed, waste hole can be cancelled and heating unit(4), roller unit(5), scissor unit (6), waste bag holders(7) and closing cloth roll can be mounted to the feet side of the bed and cleaning procedure will be completed by pushing the discharged materials adhered to patient cleaning cloth(lθ) by mounted units to the outside of the bed.