Birth assisting module and birthing furniture

Abstract

A birth assisting module for being arranged in a region of a birth furniture where a pelvis of a mother is intended to be placed during birth, includes a pelvis mobilization support, a movement mechanics and a drive unit. The pelvis mobilization support is coupled to the movement mechanics. The movement mechanics is adapted to induce a controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilization support. The controlled cadenced displacement moves the pelvis mobilization support by at least 1 cm or at least 3 cm and preferably by at least 5 cm. The drive unit is connected to the movement mechanics to actuate the movement mechanics.

Claims

1. A birth assisting module for being arranged in a region of a birth furniture where a pelvis of a mother is intended to be placed during birth, the module comprising: a pelvis mobilization support configured to support the pelvis of the mother; a movement mechanics comprising, a rocker member having a frame coupled to the pelvis mobilization support, wherein the frame of the rocker member is oriented with respect to the pelvis mobilization support to cause the pelvis mobilization support to laterally tilt when a controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilization support is induced by the movement mechanics, and a shifting member coupled to the frame of the rocker member and the pelvis mobilization support, wherein the shifting member is configured to provide a lateral displacement of the pelvis mobilization support relative to the frame of the rocker member when the pelvis mobilization support is laterally tilted by the rocker member; and a drive unit, wherein the movement mechanics are configured to induce the controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilization support, the controlled cadenced displacement being a repeated movement of the pelvis mobilization support by a predefined displacement of at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 7 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 9 cm or at least 10 cm, and the drive unit is connected to the movement mechanics to actuate the movement mechanics.

2. The birth assisting module according to claim 1, wherein the controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilization support induced by the movement mechanics comprises an eight motion of the pelvis mobilization support.

3. The birth assisting module according to claim 1, further comprising a first lateral hinge component and a second lateral hinge component, and the pelvis mobilization support having a central section, a first lateral section at a first lateral side of the central section, and a second lateral section at a second lateral side of the central section opposite to the first lateral side of the central section, wherein the first lateral hinge component is disposed under the first lateral side of the central section of the pelvis mobilization support where the central section connects to the first lateral section, and the second lateral hinge component of the movement mechanics is disposed under the second lateral side of the central section of the pelvis mobilization support where the central section connects to the second lateral section.

4. The birth assisting module according to claim 3, further comprising: a first length adjustable rest, a second length adjustable rest, and a central surface sheet disposed between the first and second length adjustable rests, wherein a central rest of the rocker member of the movement mechanics is coupled to the central surface sheet, and to the first lateral hinge component via the first length adjustable rest, and to the second lateral hinge component via the second length adjustable rest.

5. The birth assisting module according to claim 1, wherein the shifting member of the movement mechanics comprises a rail and a carriage which is slidably arranged on the rail, and wherein the rail is coupled to the frame of the rocker member and the carriage is coupled to the pelvis mobilization support to provide the lateral displacement of the pelvis mobilization support relative to the rocker member when the pelvis mobilization support is laterally tilted by the rocker member.

6. The birth assisting module according to claim 5, wherein the movement mechanics comprises a rotator and a notch mounted to the rotator offset from an axis of rotation of the rotator, the rocker member of the movement mechanics comprises a central rest that is coupled to the carriage of the shifting member and the central rest is configured to support at least a central section of the pelvis mobilization support, and the notch engages a recess of the central rest of the rocker member such that when the rotator is activated the notch rides along the recess to laterally translate the central rest relative to the rocker member via the shifting member.

7. The birth assisting module according to claim 6, wherein the recess of the central rest of the rocker member of the movement mechanics is a longitudinal groove.

8. The birth assisting module according to claim 1, wherein the drive unit comprises an electromotor coupled to the movement mechanics.

9. The birth assisting module according to claim 1, comprising a housing in which the movement mechanics and the drive unit are arranged and which is covered by the pelvis mobilization support.

10. The birth assisting module according to claim 1, comprising a control unit arranged to predefine the controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilization support induced by the movement mechanics.

11. The birth assisting module according claim 1, wherein the pelvis mobilization support or at least a complete section thereof receiving the pelvis of the mother is rigid.

12. The birth assisting module according to claim 1, further comprising: a halting structure configured to stop the controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilization support at a predefined position of the pelvis mobilization support, or at a plurality of predefined positions of the pelvis mobilization support such as at positions where the pelvis mobilization support is tilted by 2.5° from a zero position, 5° from the zero position, 7.5° from the zero position, 10° from the zero position, 12.5° from the zero position, 15° from the zero position, 17.5° from the zero position, and 20° from the zero position or any other combination thereof.

13. A birth furniture comprising: a back rest portion; and a pelvis portion with a pelvis mobilization support configured to support a pelvis of a mother, a movement mechanics, and a drive unit, wherein the pelvis mobilization support of the pelvis portion is coupled to a rocker member and a shifting member of the movement mechanics of the pelvis portion, the movement mechanics of the pelvis portion are configured to induce a controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilization support of the pelvis portion, the controlled cadenced displacement is a repeated movement of the pelvis mobilization support of the pelvis portion by a predefined displacement of at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 7 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 9 cm or at least 10 cm, the drive unit of the pelvis portion is connected to the movement mechanics of the pelvis portion to actuate the movement mechanics of the pelvis portion, the rocker member of the movement mechanics is oriented with respect to the pelvis mobilization support to cause the pelvis mobilization support to laterally tilt when the controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilization support is induced by the movement mechanics, and the shifting member is configured to provide a lateral displacement of the pelvis mobilization support relative to a frame of the rocker member when the pelvis mobilization support is laterally tilted by the rocker member.

14. The birth furniture according to claim 13, wherein the controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis mobilization support of the pelvis portion induced by the movement mechanics of the pelvis portion comprises an eight motion of the pelvis mobilization support.

15. The birth furniture according to claim 13, wherein the pelvis mobilization support, the movement mechanics, and the drive unit are comprised by a birth assisting module that is integrated in the pelvis portion.

16. The birth furniture according to claim 13, wherein the pelvis mobilization support or at least a complete section thereof receiving the pelvis of the mother is rigid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The birth assisting module and the birth furniture according to the invention are described in more detail hereinbelow by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a birth assisting module according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows the birth assisting module of FIG. 1 wherein a pelvis mobilization support is removed;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the birth assisting module of FIG. 1 partially disassembled;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a movement mechanics of the birth assisting module of FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a central rest of the birth assisting module of FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a housing of the birth assisting module of FIG. 1; and

(8) FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a birth furniture according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(9) In the following description certain terms are used for reasons of convenience and are not intended to limit the invention. The terms “right”, “left”, “up”, “down”, “under” and “above” refer to directions in the figures. The terminology comprises the explicitly mentioned terms as well as their derivations and terms with a similar meaning. Also, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, “proximal”, “distal”, and the like, may be used to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different positions and orientations of the devices in use or operation in addition to the position and orientation shown in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both positions and orientations of above and below. The devices may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movement along and around various axes include various special device positions and orientations.

(10) To avoid repetition in the figures and the descriptions of the various aspects and illustrative embodiments, it should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments. Omission of an aspect from a description or figure does not imply that the aspect is missing from embodiments that incorporate that aspect. Instead, the aspect may have been omitted for clarity and to avoid prolix description. In this context, the following applies to the rest of this description: If, in order to clarify the drawings, a figure contains reference signs which are not explained in the directly associated part of the description, then it is referred to previous or following description sections. Further, for reason of lucidity, if in a drawing not all features of a part are provided with reference signs it is referred to other drawings showing the same part. Like numbers in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements.

(11) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a birth assisting module 1 according to the invention. The birth assisting module 1 is arranged for being placed in a region of a birth furniture where a pelvis of a mother is intended to be located during birth. The birth assisting module 1 comprises a pelvis support 2 as pelvis mobilization support having a central section 21 as section intended to receive the complete pelvis, a right hand first lateral section 22 and a left hand second lateral section 23. The central section 21 passes foldably over into the first lateral section 22 at its right hand lateral end side and passes foldably over into the second lateral section 23 at its left hand end side. The central section 21 is laterally tilted such that in FIG. 1 its right hand lateral end side is lower than its left hand lateral end side. The pelvis support 2 is equipped with a soft and easily cleanable surface in order to allowing a convenient arrangement of the pelvis of the mother.

(12) The birth assisting module 1 further comprises a housing 3 and a drive unit 6. The housing 3 surrounds and protects most of the components of the birth assisting module 1. It further allows for conveniently transporting the birth assisting module 1. The drive unit 6 has a power connector 62 which is arranged at the housing 3.

(13) In FIG. 2 the birth assisting module 1 is shown wherein the pelvis support 2 is removed. Thereby, it can be seen that it is equipped with a right hand first length adjustable rest 71 and a left hand second length adjustable rest 72. The first and second length adjustable rests 71, 72 each have a surface sheet 711, 712. As can be seen at the left hand side of the birth assisting module 1, the second length adjustable rest 72 has two parts which are laterally movable relative to each other. In particular, a left surface sheet 722 of it is connected to the left end side of the housing 3 and is shiftable below the right surface sheet 721. Like this, the second length adjustable rest 72 can be modified in length depending on a tilting position of the central section 21 of the pelvis support 2. The right part of the surface sheet 721 of the second length adjustable rest 72 is connected to the second section 23 of the pelvis support 2 (not shown in FIG. 2). The first length adjustable 71 rest is analogously designed and connected to the first section 22 of the pelvis support 2 (not shown in FIG. 2). The central section 21 of the pelvis support 2 (not shown in FIG. 2) is connected to a central sheet 73.

(14) FIG. 3 shows the birth assisting module 1 partially disassembled such that the interior of the housing 3 is visible in more detail. Thereby, it can be seen that the birth assisting module 1 has a movement mechanics 4, a right hand first lateral hinge component 51 and a left hand second lateral hinge component 52. The movement mechanics 4 comprises a rocker member 41 with two parallel angle arcs 411. The angle arcs 411 extend in a lateral direction and each has two lateral legs connected via an angle. Thereby, the angle defines a maximum tilting extent of the movement mechanics 4 and the pelvis support 2 coupled thereto (not visible in FIG. 3).

(15) The rocker member 41 further comprises a plate shaped central rest 412 which defines a flat top surface of the rocker member 41 onto which the central surface sheet 73 is connected (not visible in FIG. 3). In its middle the central rest 412 is equipped with a longitudinal groove 413 which extends in a longitudinal direction of the birth assisting module 1.

(16) At the left hand lateral side of the rocker member 41 the second hinge component 52 is mounted to the rocker member 41. It comprises five laterally extending and spaced primary rods 521 and six laterally extending and spaced secondary rods 522. Each of the primary rods 521 lies between two adjacent secondary rods 522. At the right hand side the primary rods 521 are connected to the rocker member 41 in a swivelling enabled fashion. At the left hand side the secondary rods 522 are connected to the housing 43 in a swivelling enabled fashion. The primary and secondary rods 521, 522 are shiftable in a lateral direction to each other. Like this, the length of the second hinge component can be adjusted in accordance with the tilting position of the rocker member 41. More particularly, in the position shown in FIG. 3 in which the rocker member 41 is to a maximum extent tilted to the right hand side, the first lateral hinge component 51 has a minimal length, i.e. its primary and secondary rods 511, 512 are shifted completely towards each other, and the second lateral hinge component 52 has a maximum length, i.e. its primary and secondary rods 521, 522 are pulled apart to a maximum extent.

(17) In FIG. 4, the movement mechanics 4 are shown in more detail. At their end regions the two angle arcs 411 are interconnected by two bars 414 of the rocker member 41 which are fixedly screwed to the angle arcs 411. Like this, the angle arcs 411 together with the bars 414 from a robust unit.

(18) Onto the angle arcs 411 of the rocker member 41 are disposed shifting members 42 of the movement mechanics 4. The shifting members 42 comprise rails 421 extending along the top side of the angle arcs 411 and carriages 422. Each of the carriages 422 engages one of the rails 421 such that the carriages 422 can slide along the rails 421 relative to the angle arcs 411 of the rocker member 41. In an assembled status the central rest 412 of the rocker member 41 is mounted to the carriages 421. Like this, the central rest 412 together with the central section 21 of the pelvis support 2 can be laterally shifted when a controlled cadenced displacement of the pelvis support 2 is induced by the movement mechanics 4.

(19) The movement mechanics 4 further comprises a circular disc 43 and a notch 44. The disc 43 is pivotably mounted such that it can be rotated around an axis extending through its center. It is further coupled to an electromotor 61 of the drive unit 6 via a drive belt. Like this, the disc 43 can be rotated by the electromotor 61. The notch 44 is mounted to the disc 43 offset its center. It vertically extends from a top surface of the disc 43 in an upward direction.

(20) As can be best seen in FIG. 5, the groove 413 of central rest 412 of the rocker member 41 is shaped and located to receive the notch 44 when the central rest is mounted to the carriages 421. Like this, by a rotation of the disc 43 the notch 44 bidirectionally shifts the central rest 412 along the rails 421 and, thus, along the rocker member 41, i.e. in a lateral direction. In the meantime, the notch 44 moves along the groove 413 such that the rotational movement of the disc 43 does not induce a displacement of the central rest 412 in a direction other than a lateral direction.

(21) FIG. 6 shows the housing of the birth assisting module 1 in more detail. Thereby it can be seen that it has a rectangular base plate 31. From the longitudinal ends of the base plate 31 a first side wall 35 and a second sidewall 34 vertically extend. The sidewalls 34, 35 are interconnected by a first length wall 32 and a second length wall 33. The length walls 32, 33 have a wave like top end portion which allows the tilting displacement and the eight movement of the pelvis support 2.

(22) In FIG. 7 an embodiment of a birth furniture 8 is shown. It comprises a back rest portion 81 and a shortened leg portion 82. In between the back rest portion 81 and the leg portion 82 the birth assisting module 1 described above in connection with FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 is incorporated into the birth furniture 8 as pelvis mobilization support. The back rest portion 81, the leg portion 82 and birth assisting module 1 are mounted to a support frame 83. The support frame 83 is adjustable such that the back rest portion 81 and the leg portion 82 can be configured in accordance to the person which is placed on the birth furniture 8.

(23) This description and the accompanying drawings that illustrate aspects and embodiments of the present invention should not be taken as limiting—the claims defining the protected invention. In other words, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description and the claims. In some instances, well-known circuits, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Thus, it will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope and spirit of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below.

(24) The disclosure also covers all further features shown in the Figs. individually although they may not have been described in the afore or following description. Also, single alternatives of the embodiments described in the figures and the description and single alternatives of features thereof can be disclaimed from the subject matter of the invention or from disclosed subject matter. The disclosure comprises subject matter consisting of the features defined in the claims or the exemplary embodiments as well as subject matter comprising said features.

(25) Furthermore, in the claims the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single unit or step may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The terms “essentially”, “about”, “approximately” and the like in connection with an attribute or a value particularly also define exactly the attribute or exactly the value, respectively. The term “about” in the context of a given numerate value or range refers to a value or range that is, e.g., within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. Components described as coupled or connected may be electrically or mechanically directly coupled, or they may be indirectly coupled via one or more intermediate components. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.