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US20070192957A1 - Footboard extension rail - Google Patents

Footboard extension rail Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070192957A1
US20070192957A1 US11/708,057 US70805707A US2007192957A1 US 20070192957 A1 US20070192957 A1 US 20070192957A1 US 70805707 A US70805707 A US 70805707A US 2007192957 A1 US2007192957 A1 US 2007192957A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
tubular member
footboard
attached
extension rail
bar
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/708,057
Inventor
Carl G. Milam
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/708,057 priority Critical patent/US20070192957A1/en
Publication of US20070192957A1 publication Critical patent/US20070192957A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C19/00—Bedsteads
    • A47C19/02—Parts or details of bedsteads not fully covered in a single one of the following subgroups, e.g. bed rails, post rails
    • A47C19/021—Bedstead frames
    • A47C19/022—Head or foot boards
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
    • A61G7/0506—Head or foot boards

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to hospital equipment. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a footboard extension rail for the footboard of a conventional hospital bed.
  • extension rails have been positioned along the sides of the bed and have been effective in preventing the patients from exiting via the sides. Since the head of the bed is usually disposed adjacent a wall, exiting the bed in this direction is also blocked. However, patients may consider climbing over the footboard as a viable exit, thereby risking serious injury and equipment damage.
  • a durable barrier that can be efficiently attached to the footboard of a conventional hospital bed and that would deter exiting the bed in this direction would certainly be a welcome addition in the art.
  • a footboard extension rail solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
  • the present invention is drawn to an extension rail for the footboards of conventional hospital beds.
  • the extension rail employs a modified side rail.
  • the modification includes stabilizer bars attached to a convoluted rail.
  • the stabilizer bars fit around a lower portion of the footboard.
  • a unique, spring-biased locking mechanism is employed to lock the rail in its extended position.
  • a conventional clamping arrangement is utilized to attach the extension rail to the bed frame.
  • the invention presents an extension rail for a footboard that is easy to install and remove from the footboard of a bed.
  • the invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
  • FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a footboard extension rail according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a footboard extension rail according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a footboard extension rail including a clamp member according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is partial, section view of the locking pin and spring mechanism structure of a footboard extension rail according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 wherein the footboard extension rail system of the present invention is generally indicated at 10 .
  • the rail system is attached to the frame of the bed at the inside surface of a footboard 12 .
  • the footboard 12 has an outer, planar surface 14 , a portion of the surface 14 being encompassed by a stabilizer bar apparatus.
  • Rail system 10 functions to deter a patient P from exiting the bed at the foot thereof.
  • Conventional side rails (not shown) would be positioned at the sides of the bed.
  • rail system 10 comprises horizontally spaced, vertical, tubular end members having respective upper ends 20 and 22 telescopically received in respective lower ends 20 a , 22 a .
  • the space between the tubular members is traversed by plural, convoluted tubular cross-members 24 , 26 , 28 .
  • the cross-members 24 , 26 , 28 are attached to the upper ends 20 and 22 .
  • a stabilizer apparatus, comprising upper and lower bars 30 , 32 is attached to the rail system.
  • Each bar 30 , 32 is provided with L-shaped ends 30 a , 32 a attached to the lower ends 20 a , 22 a of the respective tubular end members.
  • Cross-members 24 , 26 , 28 and bars 30 and 32 are provided with telescoping sections for easy adjustment.
  • a spring-loaded clamping member 34 is telescopically installed on the lower ends of lower members 20 a and 22 a .
  • Spring-loaded clamping member 34 functions to attach the rail system 10 to the bed frame.
  • FIG. 4 The spring-biased mechanism for locking the telescoping upper ends 20 and 22 in raised positions is best illustrated in FIG. 4 .
  • An elongate rod 40 is disposed inside upper bar 30 and is movable therein.
  • Rod 40 is attached at one end to a vertically oriented first locking pin member 42 .
  • the other end of rod 40 is attached to a vertically oriented second lock pin member 44 .
  • Lock pin members 42 and 44 are housed within lower tubular members 20 a and 22 a .
  • Springs 46 are attached to lock pin members 42 , 44 and function to bias lock pin members 42 , 44 into locking engagement with respective lock members 42 a , 44 a .
  • a knob 50 is attached to rod 40 .
  • the knob 50 is slidable to move rod 40 to disengage the lock pin members 42 and 44 when it is desired to lower the railing 10 .
  • Spring 52 is employed to bias knob 50 to a locked position.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Nursing (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

A footboard extension rail employs a modified side rail. The modification includes a stabilizer bar attached to a convoluted rail and a spring-biased locking mechanism. The stabilizer bar fits around a lower portion of the footboard. A conventional clamping arrangement is utilized to attach the rail to the bed frame.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/775,366, filed Feb. 22, 2006.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • The present invention generally relates to hospital equipment. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a footboard extension rail for the footboard of a conventional hospital bed.
  • 2. Description of the Related Art
  • In many instances, patients in institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes and the like must restrained from exiting, their beds without assistance and without extreme physical restraints, such as tie-downs. Such patients are placed on what is called “fall prevention status”. Conventionally, extension rails have been positioned along the sides of the bed and have been effective in preventing the patients from exiting via the sides. Since the head of the bed is usually disposed adjacent a wall, exiting the bed in this direction is also blocked. However, patients may consider climbing over the footboard as a viable exit, thereby risking serious injury and equipment damage. A durable barrier that can be efficiently attached to the footboard of a conventional hospital bed and that would deter exiting the bed in this direction would certainly be a welcome addition in the art. Thus, a footboard extension rail solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is drawn to an extension rail for the footboards of conventional hospital beds. The extension rail employs a modified side rail. The modification includes stabilizer bars attached to a convoluted rail. The stabilizer bars fit around a lower portion of the footboard. A unique, spring-biased locking mechanism is employed to lock the rail in its extended position. A conventional clamping arrangement is utilized to attach the extension rail to the bed frame.
  • Accordingly, the invention presents an extension rail for a footboard that is easy to install and remove from the footboard of a bed. The invention provides for improved elements thereof in an arrangement for the purposes described that are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
  • These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a footboard extension rail according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a footboard extension rail according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a footboard extension rail including a clamp member according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is partial, section view of the locking pin and spring mechanism structure of a footboard extension rail according to the present invention.
    •
  • Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 wherein the footboard extension rail system of the present invention is generally indicated at 10. As illustrated, the rail system is attached to the frame of the bed at the inside surface of a footboard 12. The footboard 12 has an outer, planar surface 14, a portion of the surface 14 being encompassed by a stabilizer bar apparatus. Rail system 10 functions to deter a patient P from exiting the bed at the foot thereof. Conventional side rails (not shown) would be positioned at the sides of the bed.
  • As best seen in FIG. 2, rail system 10 comprises horizontally spaced, vertical, tubular end members having respective upper ends 20 and 22 telescopically received in respective lower ends 20 a, 22 a. The space between the tubular members is traversed by plural, convoluted tubular cross-members 24, 26, 28. The cross-members 24, 26, 28 are attached to the upper ends 20 and 22. A stabilizer apparatus, comprising upper and lower bars 30, 32, is attached to the rail system. Each bar 30, 32 is provided with L- shaped ends 30 a, 32 a attached to the lower ends 20 a, 22 a of the respective tubular end members. Cross-members 24, 26, 28 and bars 30 and 32 are provided with telescoping sections for easy adjustment.
  • As best seen in FIG. 3, a spring-loaded clamping member 34 is telescopically installed on the lower ends of lower members 20 a and 22 a. Spring-loaded clamping member 34 functions to attach the rail system 10 to the bed frame.
  • The spring-biased mechanism for locking the telescoping upper ends 20 and 22 in raised positions is best illustrated in FIG. 4. An elongate rod 40 is disposed inside upper bar 30 and is movable therein. Rod 40 is attached at one end to a vertically oriented first locking pin member 42. The other end of rod 40 is attached to a vertically oriented second lock pin member 44. Lock pin members 42 and 44 are housed within lower tubular members 20 a and 22 a. Springs 46 are attached to lock pin members 42, 44 and function to bias lock pin members 42, 44 into locking engagement with respective lock members 42 a, 44 a. A knob 50 is attached to rod 40. The knob 50 is slidable to move rod 40 to disengage the lock pin members 42 and 44 when it is desired to lower the railing 10. Spring 52 is employed to bias knob 50 to a locked position.
  • It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (12)

1. A footboard extension rail, comprising:
a first tubular member having telescoping upper and lower ends;
a second tubular member spaced from the first tubular member, the second tubular member having telescoping upper and lower ends;
a plurality of convoluted cross members traversing the space between the first tubular member and the second tubular member; the plurality of convoluted cross members being attached to the upper end of the first tubular member and the upper end of the second tubular member; and
a stabilizer apparatus connecting the first tubular member to the second tubular member, the stabilizer apparatus being attached to the lower end of the first tubular member and the lower end of the second tubular member.
2. The footboard extension rail according to claim 1, wherein said stabilizer apparatus includes an upper bar and a lower bar.
3. The footboard extension rail according to claim 1, further including a clamping bar traversing the space between said first tubular member and said second tubular member, the clamping bar being attached to the lower end of said first tubular member and the lower end of said second tubular member.
4. The footboard extension rail according to claim 3, wherein said clamping bar is disposed below said stabilizer apparatus.
5. The footboard extension rail according to claim 1, further including a spring-loaded locking mechanism enclosed within said first tubular member, said second tubular member and said stabilizer apparatus.
6. A footboard extension rail, comprising:
a first tubular member having telescoping upper and lower ends;
a second tubular member spaced from the first tubular member, the second tubular member having telescoping upper and lower ends;
a plurality of convoluted cross members traversing the space between the first tubular member and the second tubular member; the plurality of convoluted cross members being attached to the upper end of the first tubular member and the upper end of the second tubular member;
a stabilizer apparatus connecting the first tubular member to the second tubular member, the stabilizer apparatus including an upper bar attached to the lower end of the first tubular member and the lower end of the second tubular member and a lower bar attached to the lower end of the first tubular member and the lower end of the second tubular member; and
a clamping bar traversing the space between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, the clamping bar being attached to the lower end of the first tubular member and the lower end of the second tubular member.
7. The footboard extension rail according to claim 6, wherein said clamping bar is disposed below said stabilizer apparatus.
8. The footboard extension rail according to claim 6, further including a spring-loaded locking mechanism enclosed within said first tubular member, said second tubular member and said stabilizer apparatus.
9. The footboard extension rail according to claim 8 wherein the spring-biased locking mechanism comprises:
a movable rod disposed within the upper bar of said stabilizing apparatus;
a knob disposed on the upper bar for actuating the movable rod; and
spring-biased locking pins attached to, and movable with, the movable rod, the spring-biased locking pins being disposed within said first tubular member and said second tubular member.
10. A footboard extension rail for installation at the footboard of a bed, the footboard having an outer surface, the footboard extension rail comprising:
a first tubular member having telescoping upper and lower ends;
a second tubular member spaced from the first tubular member, the second tubular member having telescoping upper and lower ends;
a plurality of convoluted cross members traversing the space between the first tubular member and the second tubular member; the plurality of convoluted cross members being attached to the upper end of the first tubular member and the upper end of the second tubular member;
a stabilizer apparatus connecting the first tubular member to the second tubular member, the stabilizer apparatus including an upper bar attached to the lower end of the first tubular member and the lower end of the second tubular member and a lower bar attached to the lower end of the first tubular member and the lower end of the second tubular member, whereby the stabilizer apparatus is adapted for abutting the outer surface of the footboard; and
a clamping bar traversing the space between the first tubular member and the second tubular member, the clamping bar being attached to the lower end of the first tubular member and the lower end of the second tubular member.
11. The footboard extension rail according to claim 10, including a spring-loaded locking mechanism enclosed within said first tubular member, said second tubular member and said stabilizer apparatus.
12. The footboard extension rail according to claim 11 wherein the spring-biased locking mechanism comprises:
a movable rod disposed within the upper bar of said stabilizing apparatus;
a knob disposed on the upper bar for actuating the movable rod; and
spring-biased locking pins attached to, and movable with, the movable rod, the spring-biased locking pins being disposed within said first tubular member and said second tubular member.
US11/708,057 2006-02-22 2007-02-20 Footboard extension rail Abandoned US20070192957A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/708,057 US20070192957A1 (en) 2006-02-22 2007-02-20 Footboard extension rail

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US77536606P 2006-02-22 2006-02-22
US11/708,057 US20070192957A1 (en) 2006-02-22 2007-02-20 Footboard extension rail

Publications (1)

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US20070192957A1 true US20070192957A1 (en) 2007-08-23

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US11/708,057 Abandoned US20070192957A1 (en) 2006-02-22 2007-02-20 Footboard extension rail

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD718968S1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-12-09 Invacare Corporation Bed rail
USD765839S1 (en) 2014-05-15 2016-09-06 Invacare International Sarl Wheelchair table
US20240099471A1 (en) * 2023-12-05 2024-03-28 House & Home Co., Ltd. Headboard structure

Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3089152A (en) * 1961-09-25 1963-05-14 Charles E Murcott Adjustable guard frame for beds and the like
US3097370A (en) * 1963-07-16 Four-way adjustable bed rail unit
US3195151A (en) * 1962-02-23 1965-07-20 Russell I Boyer Hospital bed footboard and clamp therefor
US3523312A (en) * 1968-08-12 1970-08-11 Lewis L Rogers Clamp
US3602929A (en) * 1970-03-02 1971-09-07 Lumex Adjustable bed rail unit
US3624847A (en) * 1969-04-30 1971-12-07 Lumex Adjustable bed rail unit
US3742527A (en) * 1972-03-01 1973-07-03 Unlimited Dev Inc Hospital bed
US3823428A (en) * 1972-04-13 1974-07-16 Standard Int Corp Adjustable bed rails
US3855654A (en) * 1973-08-02 1974-12-24 Invacare Corp Storable bed rail
US4676687A (en) * 1984-03-09 1987-06-30 Henry Koffler Universal bedside rail clamp
US4724559A (en) * 1987-01-16 1988-02-16 Invacare Corporation Telescoping bed side rail
US5463784A (en) * 1994-08-17 1995-11-07 Alpern; Erwin A. Hand rail attachment for beds
US6799340B2 (en) * 2003-01-06 2004-10-05 Bed Safety Consulting, Inc. Holding bracket for bed side railing
US7103928B1 (en) * 2005-06-15 2006-09-12 Moty Childs Portable and adjustable dual bed rail assembly

Patent Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3097370A (en) * 1963-07-16 Four-way adjustable bed rail unit
US3089152A (en) * 1961-09-25 1963-05-14 Charles E Murcott Adjustable guard frame for beds and the like
US3195151A (en) * 1962-02-23 1965-07-20 Russell I Boyer Hospital bed footboard and clamp therefor
US3523312A (en) * 1968-08-12 1970-08-11 Lewis L Rogers Clamp
US3624847A (en) * 1969-04-30 1971-12-07 Lumex Adjustable bed rail unit
US3602929A (en) * 1970-03-02 1971-09-07 Lumex Adjustable bed rail unit
US3742527A (en) * 1972-03-01 1973-07-03 Unlimited Dev Inc Hospital bed
US3823428A (en) * 1972-04-13 1974-07-16 Standard Int Corp Adjustable bed rails
US3855654A (en) * 1973-08-02 1974-12-24 Invacare Corp Storable bed rail
US4676687A (en) * 1984-03-09 1987-06-30 Henry Koffler Universal bedside rail clamp
US4724559A (en) * 1987-01-16 1988-02-16 Invacare Corporation Telescoping bed side rail
US5463784A (en) * 1994-08-17 1995-11-07 Alpern; Erwin A. Hand rail attachment for beds
US6799340B2 (en) * 2003-01-06 2004-10-05 Bed Safety Consulting, Inc. Holding bracket for bed side railing
US7103928B1 (en) * 2005-06-15 2006-09-12 Moty Childs Portable and adjustable dual bed rail assembly

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD718968S1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-12-09 Invacare Corporation Bed rail
USD765839S1 (en) 2014-05-15 2016-09-06 Invacare International Sarl Wheelchair table
US20240099471A1 (en) * 2023-12-05 2024-03-28 House & Home Co., Ltd. Headboard structure

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