FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] The invention relates to a support. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a support in the form of a medical bed for patients.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] With the assistance of electronics, medical beds have developed to include a variety of functions. By way of example, medical beds now typically include height and lumbar adjustment with the assistance of electronic systems. However, the use of electronic systems is not suitable for certain medical activities.

[0004] For example, a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine is a medical imaging technique that uses, amongst other things, strong magnetic fields to form images of the body. These strong magnetic fields do not suitably interact with the electronic systems above. In particular, the electronic systems may be drawn towards the magnetic fields in the MRI machine or interfere with the magnetic fields, distorting the associated images of the body.

[0005] With the above in mind, the options available for designing an easily adjustable patient bed, for use with an MRI machine, are limited. This reduces patient comfort and, in emergency situations, may result in issues of safety. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an aim of this invention to provide a support for a patient which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

[0007] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] In one form, although not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention resides in a support for a patient, the support including:

a body;

a first leg connected to a carriage, the carriage configured to move along the body;

a second leg pivotally connected to the body; and

a platform connected to the first leg and the second leg, wherein an actuator is connected to the carriage such that movement of the actuator is restrained in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0009] Preferably, the first leg includes a first member and a second member.

[0010] Typically, the second member is configured to move relative to the first member.

[001 1 ] Preferably, the second member is configured to pivot relative to the first member.

[0012] Typically, the support includes a locking assembly.

[0013] Normally, the locking assembly is configured to lock the second member relative to the first member.

[0014] Preferably, the locking assembly includes a locating member and a locating guide. [0015] Normally, the locating member is configured to move through the locating guide.

[0016] Preferably, the locating member is biased by a spring.

[0017] Typically, the locating member and the locating guide are mounted on the second member.

[0018] Normally, in response to the locating member engaging with the first member, the second member is locked relative to the first member.

[0019] Typically, the locating member is activated by a release handle. Normally, the release handle is located on the platform.

[0020] Preferably, the release handle is connected to a release cable.

[0021 ] Preferably, the support includes one or more guiding parts.

[0022] Normally, the carriage includes the one or more guiding parts. Typically, the carriage includes four guiding parts.

[0023] Preferably, the one or more guiding parts are configured to move along the body.

[0024] Typically, the one or more guiding parts are in the form of a sliding block.

[0025] Normally, the carriage includes one or more body cross members.

[0026] Preferably, the one or more body cross members are connected to the one of the one or more guiding parts.

[0027] Typically, at least one of the one or more body cross members is connected to the first leg.

[0028] Preferably, the one or more guiding parts include two guiding parts that are connected at either end of the body cross member connected to the first leg.

[0029] Preferably, the one or more guiding parts are configured to move along a body guiding section.

[0030] Normally, the body guiding section extends substantially horizontally. [0031 ] Typically, the body guiding section includes a guiding rib.

[0032] Preferably, the body includes side portions and end portions.

[0033] Normally, the side portions include the body guiding section.

[0034] Typically, the body guiding section is in the form of a channel.

[0035] Preferably, the channel is a C-shaped channel.

[0036] Typically, the guiding rib extends along the channel.

[0037] Typically, the first leg is connected to a platform cross member.

[0038] Normally, the platform cross member is connected at an upper portion of the second member of the first leg.

[0039] Preferably, the platform cross member connected to the first leg is pivotally connected to the platform.

[0040] Normally, the second leg is configured to rotate about a fixed point relative to the body.

[0041 ] Typically, the second leg is connected to a body cross member. Normally, the body cross member connected to the second leg extends across the body.

[0042] Preferably, the body cross member connected to the second leg is coupled to the body in a manner that allows the second leg to rotate about a fixed point relative to the body.

[0043] Normally, the second leg is connected to a platform cross member.

[0044] Typically, the platform cross member connected to the second is connected at an upper portion thereof.

[0045] Preferably, the second leg is connected to at least one of the one or more guiding parts.

[0046] Normally, the platform cross member connected to the second leg is coupled to the one or more guiding parts.

[0047] Typically, the one or more guiding parts coupled to the platform cross member of the second leg are configured to move along the platform.

[0048] Normally, the platform includes a platform guiding section. [0049] Preferably, two platform guiding sections are located on opposite sides of the platform.

[0050] Typically, the one or more guiding parts coupled to the platform cross member of the second leg are configured to move along the platform guiding section.

[0051 ] Normally, the platform guiding section is in the form of a channel. Typically, the channel is in form of a C-shape.

[0052] Normally, the body includes a plurality of wheels. Preferably, the wheels are located at or near corner portions of the body.

[0053] Typically, the wheels are configured to be locked until released by a release mechanism. Normally, the release mechanism is connected to the platform.

[0054] Typically, the actuator is connected to one body cross member of the carriage.

[0055] Typically, at least two of the one or more guiding parts are coupled to the body cross member that is connected to the actuator.

[0056] Preferably, the carriage extends from the first leg to the actuator.

[0057] Normally, the carriage includes a bridging connector.

[0058] Preferably, the bridging connector extends between the body cross member connected to the first leg and the body cross member connected to the actuator.

[0059] Preferably, the bridging connector includes a middle portion and two outer portions.

[0060] Normally, the middle portion extends transversely to the two outer portions.

[0061 ] Preferably, the middle portion extends laterally across the body.

[0062] Typically, the outer portions are coupled to the body cross member connected to the actuator and/or the body cross member connected to the first leg. [0063] Normally, the outer portions are coupled to the body cross member connected to the actuator and/or the body cross member connected to the first leg via the one or more guiding parts.

[0064] Preferably, the actuator is in the form of a hydraulic and/or pneumatic actuator.

[0065] Preferably, the actuator includes an activation member.

[0066] Normally, the activation member extends through the body. Typically, the activation member is located adjacent to the body in order to be used as a foot pedal.

[0067] Typically, the actuator is pivotally coupled to the body at one end and connected to the body cross member at the other end.

[0068] Preferably, the actuator extends along a central longitudinal axis of the body.

[0069] Normally, the actuator extends substantially horizontally.

[0070] Typically, an upper surface of the body covers the actuator.

[0071 ] Normally, the actuator extends substantially parallel to an upper and/or lower surface of the body.

[0072] Typically, the actuator moves in a direction away from the first leg.

[0073] Normally, the actuator is mounted to one side of a lateral axis of the body and extends over to the other side of the lateral axis of the body.

[0074] Preferably, the lateral axis is located substantially in the middle of the body.

[0075] Preferably, the platform is located above the body.

[0076] Normally, the first leg and the second leg provide support to the platform in order to bear a patient.

[0077] Preferably, the support is made from non-ferrous metals and/or plastics.

[0078] In another form the the invention resides in a support for a patient, the support including: a body;

a first leg connected to an actuator;

a second leg pivotally connected to the body; and

a platform supported by the first leg and the second leg, wherein the actuator is mounted in a manner to restrain movement thereof along a substantially horizontal plane.

[0079] Preferably, movement of the actuator is restrained along a substantially horizontal plane by connecting the actuator to one or more guiding parts that move along a substantially horizontal body guiding section.

[0080] Preferably, the support is herein as described.

[0081 ] In another form the the invention resides in a support for a patient, the support including:

a body;

a first leg connected to a ram disposed substantially horizontally and a carriage, the carriage assisting the first leg to move along the body;

a second leg pivotally connected to the body; and

a platform supported by the first leg and the second leg, wherein movement of the ram shifts the first leg along the body and results in the second leg rotating about a fixed point relative to the body.

[0082] Preferably, the support is herein as described.

[0083] In another form the the invention resides in a support for a patient, the support including:

a body;

a first leg connected to the body, the first including a first member that is moveable connected to a second member;

a second leg connected to the body;

a platform supported by the first leg and the second leg, wherein the second member is configured to rotate relative to the first member in response to moving a locating member that extends from the first member to the second member.

[0084] Preferably, the support is herein as described.

[0085] In another form the invention resides in a method for supporting a patient, the method including the steps of:

raising a platform by actuating an actuator, the actuator being connected to a first leg supporting the platform and a carriage that restrains movement in a substantially horizontal direction along a body; and

placing a patient on the platform.

[0086] Preferably, the step of raising the platform by actuating the actuator includes pushing an activation member of the actuator with a user's foot.

[0087] Preferably, the method further includes releasing a release mechanism to allow wheels of the support to move.

[0088] Normally, the step of releasing the release mechanism to allow wheels of the support to move includes maintaining release of the release mechanism whilst the support is moved.

[0089] Preferably, the method further includes unlocking a locking assembly to allow a second member of the first leg to rotate relative to a first member of the first leg.

[0090] Normally, the step of unlocking the locking assembly to allow the second member of the first leg to rotate relative to the first member of the first leg includes shifting a release handle. Normally, the release handle is connected to the platform.

[0091 ] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0092] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a lower perspective view of the support, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of the support illustrated in figure 1 ;

Figure 3 illustrates a cross section view, along line A-A, of the support illustrated in figure 2;

Figure 4 illustrates the support, as illustrated in figure 1 , in a first configuration;

Figure 5 illustrates the support, as illustrated in figure 1 , in a second configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] Figure 1 illustrates a lower perspective view of the support 10, according to an embodiment of the invention. The support 10 includes a body 100, a first leg 200, a second leg 300, an actuator 400, a carriage 500 and a platform 600. As would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the support 10 in this embodiment (i.e. the body 100, the first leg 100, the second leg 200, the actuator 400 etc.) is made of non-ferrous metal and/or plastics.

[0094] As shown further in figure 2, the body 100 is substantially rectangular in this embodiment. A longitudinal axis 2 extends substantially along the middle of the body 100 in a lengthwise direction. Similarly, a lateral axis 4 extends substantially across the middle of the body 100 in a crosswise direction. The body 100 includes end portions 1 10 and side portions 120. [0095] The end portions 1 10 include wheels 1 12 located at corner portions thereof. The wheels 1 12 in this embodiment are configured to be rotatively locked until released by a release mechanism (not shown). In this regard, the wheels 1 12 are self-braking and continual engagement with the release mechanism is required in order to move the support 10 with the wheels 1 12 unlocked. The wheels 1 1 2 are also able to pivot about their respective mounts to the body 100.

[0096] The side portions 120 include side walls that are respectively connected to a return flange 121 . Sitting adjacent to the return flanges 121 are body guiding sections 122, 124. The body guiding sections 122, 124 extend substantially horizontally (i.e. substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 2). The body guiding sections 122, respectively located on both sides of the body 100, are associated with the actuator 400. The body guiding sections 122 each include a rib 123. The body guiding sections 124, respectively located on both sides of the body 100, are associated with the first leg 200. The body guiding sections 122, 124 are in the form of a C- shaped channel in this embodiment and it would appreciated by a persons skilled in the art that the body guiding sections 122, 124 may be joined to form one body guiding section.

[0097] The first leg 200 is substantially located to one side of the longitudinal axis 2. The first leg 200 includes a first member 210 and a second member 220. The first and second members 210, 220 are hollow members in this embodiment and substantially rectangular.

[0098] The first member 210 is connected to the carriage 500, as further outlined below. The second member 220 is relatively shorter in length compared to the first member 21 0. The second member 220 is connected to a platform cross member 222. The platform cross member 222 extends across the platform 600 and is pivotally connected to the side portions thereof. [0099] The first member 210 extends through an upper surface of the body 100 and is connected to the second member 220. In particular, the first member 210 is pivotally connected to the second member 220 at an upper portion thereof via plates 230. The plates 230 assist in limiting the amount rotation of the second member 220 relative to the first member 210, as further outlined below.

[00100] Furthermore, as evident from figure 3, a locking assembly 240 assists in locking rotation of the second member 220 relative to the first member 210. The locking assembly 240 includes a release handle 242 connected to a locating member 244 via a cable (not shown). The release handle 242 is connected to the platform 600. The locating member 244 includes a shaft and a locating head. The locating head is guided by the locating guide 246. The locating head is also biased out of the second member 220, through to an aperture in the first member 210, via a spring (not shown). Engagement between the locating head and the first member 210 locks the relative rotation between the second member 220 and the first member 210.

[00101 ] With the above in mind, it would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that when the release handle 242 is moved to a predetermined location, the locating head will be removed from engagement with the first member 210 and, therefore, the second member 220 may rotate relative to the first member 210. On the other hand, in response to letting the release handle 242 return to its initial location, the spring will bias the locating head out of the second member 220 and, when aligned with the first member 210, will allow the locating head to engage with the first member 210 in order to lock the second member 220 relative to the first member 210.

[00102] The second leg 300, relative to the first leg 200, is substantially located on an opposite side of the longitudinal axis 2. The second leg 300 is pivotally connected to the first leg 200 via a middle coupling (not shown). The second leg 300 includes a single member 310 that is respectively connected at upper and lower portions thereof to a body cross member 312 and a platform cross member 322. The body cross member 312 extends across the base 100 and is pivotally connected to the side portions 120. The platform cross member 322 extends across the platform 600. Guiding parts 324 are pivotally connected at either end of the platform cross member 322. The guiding parts 324 are in the form of sliding blocks in this embodiment. Furthermore, as outlined further below, the guiding parts 324 are configured to move along the platform 600.

[00103] The actuator 400 in this embodiment is a hydraulic ram. The actuator 400 is pivotally connected at or near one end to the body 100. The actuator 400 is also connected at or near another end to the carriage 500. The actuator 400 extends substantially along the longitudinal axis 2 and crosses from one side of the lateral axis 4 to the other side. The actuator 400 includes an actuation shaft 410 and an activation member 420. As further outlined below, the actuator 400 is mounted in such a manner that movement of the actuation shaft 410 is substantially constrained in a horizontal direction.

[00104] The carriage 500 includes two body cross members 510 in this embodiment. One body cross member 510 is connected to the first member 510 at a lower portion thereof. The other body cross member 510 is connected to the actuation shaft 410. The body cross members 510 extend substantially perpendicular to the first member 510 and actuation shaft 410.

[00105] Located at either end of the body cross members 510 are guiding parts 520. The guiding parts 520 are substantially the same as the guiding parts 324. In this regard, the guiding parts 520 are pivotally connected to the body cross members 51 0. Furthermore, the guiding parts 520 are respectively configured to move along the body guide sections 122, 124. [00106] A bridging connector 530 of the carriage 500 connects the actuator 400 to the first leg 200. The bridging connector 530 in this embodiment is made from non-ferrous sheet metal and includes a middle portion 532 and two outer portions 534. The outer portions 534 extend substantially perpendicular to the middle portion 532. The outer portions 534 are connected to the guiding parts 520. This in turn connects the actuator 400 to the first leg 100 via the body cross members 510.

[00107] The platform 600 includes a substantially rectangular structure 610. The structure 610 extends outboard of the body 100. A platform guiding section 61 5 extends along the structure 610. The platform 600 also includes a backing plate 620 and a stand assembly 630. The backing plate 620 is configured to rotate relative to the structure 610. Furthermore, the stand assembly 630 includes a stand member 632 that supports the backing plate 620 in an upright position. Moreover, a securing device 634 is configured to releasably lock the stand member 632 in position whilst the backing plate 620 is in the upright position.

[00108] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate configurations of the support 10 during use. As shown in figure 4, the backing plate 630 has been located in an upright position and, with the support of the stand member 632, is locked in place with the securing device 634. To change the support 10 to the configuration shown in figure 5, the following actions may be taken in any order.

[00109] To shift the backing plate 620 from the upright position, shown in figure 4, to a flat resting position, shown in figure 5, the securing device 634 is released and the backing plate 620 is rotated towards the structure 610. As the backing plate 620 is rotated towards the structure 610, the stand member 632 moves through the structure 610 until the backing plate 620 rests on the structure 610. [001 10] To raising the platform 600 from the configuration shown in figure 4 to the configuration shown in figure 5, the activation member 420 is moved back and forth between at least two positions. Normally, the activation member 420 is moved with a user's foot.

[001 1 1 ] In response to the movement of the activation member 420, the actuation shaft 410 is configured to move along the longitudinal axis 2, in a horizontal direction, towards the second leg 300. This in turn shifts the carriage 500 along the body 100. That is, the guiding parts 520 shift along their respective body guiding sections 122, 124. This results in the first leg 200 moving towards the second leg 300 which raises the platform 600. It would also be appreciated that as the first leg 200 moves towards the second leg 300, the second leg 300 pivots about the body cross member 312 and moves along the platform guiding section 615 with the guiding parts 324. Furthermore, the first leg 200 also pivots about the platform cross member 222.

[001 12] Further to the above, rotating the platform 600 from the configuration shown in figure 4 to that shown in figure 5, requires removing the release handle 242 to a predetermined location that disengages the locating head from engagement with the first member 210. This allows the second member 220 to be rotated relative to the first member 210, which in turn rotates the platform 600 to the position shown in figure 5. Rotation of the platform 600 is limited by the plates 230 engaging a protrusion on the first member 210.

[001 13] The materials used for producing the support 10 (i.e. non-ferrous metal and/or plastics) make it suitable for use with a MRI machine. Furthermore, the use of the actuator 400 with the foot activated activation member 420 allows for simple adjustment of the platform height. Accordingly, this assists in providing an easily adjustable patient bed that is suitable for use with a MRI machine. [001 14] The horizontal mounting of actuator 400 to the carriage 500 also assists with, amongst other things, packaging and adjustment constraints associated with previous adjustable patient beds. That is, the height adjustment of previous patient beds with actuators mounted at an angle away from the base and/or directly to a leg limits the amount of activation travel associated with the actuator due to the angles of movement associated therewith. In comparison, by allowing the actuator 400 to extend in a substantially horizontal direction along the body 100 in the present invention, further activation travel of the actuation shaft 410 is obtained. This in turn results in further height adjustment of the platform 600.

[001 15] Allowing the platform 600 to rotate may assist in, for example, removing a patient from the support 10. This in turn may increase the safety associated with the support 10 as, for instance, a patient may be more readily removed from the support 10 in the event they become unconscious.

[001 16] The self-braking of the wheels 1 12 ensure that the support 10 does not inadvertently move without the user initiating the movement via the release handle 242. Furthermore, the collapsible backing plate 620 adds to patient comfort when wanting to sit in an upright position.

[001 17] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.

[001 18] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[001 19] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.