BED RESTRAINING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

Bed restraining apparatus is provided including at least one bed rail protective portion for at least partly covering a surface of a bed rail in use, and at least one bed restraining portion for location over at least part of a bed in use, so as to be located between opposing sides of a bed in use and/or so as to be located between bed rails on opposing sides of a bed in use. Thee at least one bed rail protective portion is arranged so as to at least partly cover an inwardly facing side wall or side wall frame member of the bed rail in use.

Claims

1. Bed restraining apparatus, said bed restraining apparatus including at least one bed rail protective portion for at least partly covering a surface of a bed rail in use; and at least one bed restraining portion for location over at least part of a bed in use, so as to be located between opposing sides of a bed in use and/or so as to be located between bed rails on opposing sides of a bed in use; characterised in that the at least one bed rail protective portion is arranged so as to at least partly cover an inwardly facing side wall or side wall frame member of the bed rail in use.

2. Bed restraining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one bed rail protective portion is attached or detachably attached with the at least one bed restraining portion via joining means; or integrally formed with the at least one bed restraining portion.

3-4. (canceled)

5. Bed restraining apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the location at which the at least one bed rail protective portion is attached, detachably attached or formed with the at least one bed restraining portion is such that when the apparatus is fitted on a bed and bed rail in use, the location is immediately adjacent to the bed rail of the bed or is over at least part of the bed rail.

6. Bed restraining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein attachment means are provided on or associated with the bed rail protective portion to allow attachment or detachable attachment of said bed rail protective portion to at least a part, whole or substantially a whole of a bed or bed rail in use; and optionally wherein the attachment means are provided on or associated with the bed rail protective portion so as to be located and/or accessible from an outwardly facing surface of the bed rail protective portion.

7-8. (canceled)

9. Bed restraining apparatus according to claims 2 or 6, wherein a cover, tab or flap is provided over and/or associated with the attachment means or joining means.

10. Bed restraining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bed rail protective portion is arranged so as to form a loop, cuff or sleeve surrounding a part, whole or substantially a whole of a bed rail when fitted to the bed rail in use.

11. (canceled)

12. Bed restraining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein cushioning means are provided on and/or associated with the bed rail protective portion to provide a cushioning effect to the bed rails in use.

13. (canceled)

14. Bed restraining apparatus according to claims 2 or 6, wherein each, or at least one, of the bed rail protective portions comprises or consists of a single flap which can be detachably attached to itself and/or to a part of the bed restraining portion via the attachment means and/or joining means.

15. Bed restraining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each, or at least one, of the bed rail protective portions comprises or consists of two or more flaps; a first flap for location on at least part of the outside or outwardly facing surface of the bed rail in use, and at least a second flap for location on at least part of the inside or inwardly facing surface of the bed rail in use.

16. Bed restraining apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second flap is longer in length than the first flap to allow the flaps to be attached or detachably attached together on an outwardly facing side of the bed rail in use.

17. Bed restraining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein handle means are provided on and/or associated with the bed rail protective portion and/or bed restraining portion to allow a user to more easily grip or handle the same in use; and/or wherein gripping means are provided on and/or associated with the bed rail protective portion to prevent slipping of the bed rail protective on the bed rail in use.

18-19. (canceled)

20. Bed restraining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the material of the bed rail protective portion is continuous or substantially continuous with material of the bed restraining portion to prevent any apertures or gaps therebetween that could result in patient limb entanglement in use.

21. Bed restraining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bed rail protective portion and/or the bed restraining portion is formed from sheet or sheet like material.

22. Bed restraining apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bed restraining portion has a length that is equal to, substantially equal to or greater than the length of the bed rail protective portion; and/or is made from a material that allows any or any combination of a user to regulate their body temperature, approved medical material, resilient material, waterproof material, water resistant material, has thermal insulating properties, air passage therethrough in use, or is a one, two or three ply Lycra material.

23. (canceled)

24. A method of using bed restraining apparatus, said bed restraining apparatus including at least one bed rail protective portion and at least one bed restraining portion, said method including the steps of covering at least part of a bed rail of a bed with the at least one bed rail protective portion; locating at least part of the at least one bed restraining portion over at least part of the bed, so as to be located between opposing sides of the bed and/or so as to be located between bed rails on opposing sides of the bed; characterised in that the at least one bed rail protective portion is arranged so as to at least partly cover an inwardly facing side wall or side wall frame member of the bed rail in use.

Description

[0084] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0085] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of bed restraining apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention fitted to a bed in use;

[0086] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of bed restraining apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention and a bed that the apparatus can be fitted to in use;

[0087] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part of the bed restraining apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

[0088] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of bed restraining apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0089] FIG. 5a is a yet further embodiment of bed restraining apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0090] FIG. 5b is a side view of the bed restraining apparatus in FIG. 5a being used on a bed with a patient in the bed;

[0091] FIG. 6 is a plan view of bed restraining apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0092] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a bed rail protection portion according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0093] FIG. 8 is an end view of the bed restraining apparatus shown in FIGS. 6 and 7;

[0094] FIGS. 9a and 9b show a perspective view of bed restraining apparatus according to one example and a cross sectional view taken through the bed restraining apparatus respectively;

[0095] FIGS. 10a and 10b show a perspective view of bed restraining apparatus according to a further example and a cross sectional view taken through the bed restraining apparatus respectively; and

[0096] FIGS. 11a and 11b show a perspective view of bed restraining apparatus according to a yet further example and a cross sectional view taken through the bed restraining apparatus respectively.

[0097] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the bed restraining apparatus of the present invention can include any combination of features shown in any of the different illustrated embodiments.

[0098] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated bed restraining apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Although the apparatus is shown for use with a medical type of bed 4, it will be appreciated that the bed restraining apparatus 2 could be fitted to any type, size and/or design of bed.

[0099] The bed restraining apparatus 2 includes two bed rail protection portions 6; each portion 6 located on opposing sides of a bed restraining portion 8.

[0100] Each bed rail protection portion 6 includes a first outer flap 10 and a second inner flap 12. Both the first outer flap 10 and the second inner flap 12 are flexible and can pivot with respect to the bed restraining portion 8 to which the flaps are joined to or integral with. This allows easy manipulation of the flaps with respect of the bed restraining portion 8 in use.

[0101] The second inner flap 12 in the illustrated example has a greater width ‘w’ (i.e. the distance from the join 14 with the bed restraining portion 8 to the free end 16 opposite the join) than the first outer flap 10 “w1” (i.e. the distance from the join 14 with the bed restraining portion 8 to the free end 18 opposite the join). This allows attachment between the first outer and second inner flaps 10, 12 to take place on the outwardly facing surface of the bed restraining portion (i.e. the surface facing outwardly of the bed), and preferably near or adjacent a base 20 of the bed 4. The positioning of the attachment between the flaps 10, 12 reduces the likelihood of an individual being restrained by the apparatus 2 from accessing the attachment themselves, while allowing quick and easy access for a carer or medical personnel in the event of an emergency or medical emergency.

[0102] Attachment means in the form of hook and loop fastenings (VELCRO®) 22 are provided on the first outer and second inner flaps 10, 12 to allow attachment of the flaps together in use. In particular, in the illustration, the fastenings 22 are provided on an inner surface of the first outer flap 10 and on an outer surface of the second inner flap 12. However, the fastenings 22 could be provided on either surface of the first outer and second inner flaps 10, 12 to allow engagement between the same in use. The dimensions of the hook and loop fastening 22 can be such that multiple attachment positions can be achieved, thereby allowing the flaps to fit a variety of different bed rail designs in use.

[0103] The first outer flap 10 and the second inner flap 12 (and thus the bed rail protection portion 6) can be moved between an attached position, wherein the free ends 16, 18 of the flaps 10, 12 are brought towards each other and engaged via the hook and loop fastenings 22 to form a loop, cuff or sleeve around the bed rails 26 on one side of the bed, as shown in FIG. 1) to a detached position, wherein the free ends 16, 18 of the flaps 10, 12 are moved away from each other and the fastenings are not engaged to allow removal from the bed rails 26, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0104] Cushioning means are provided on an inwardly facing surface of the bed rail protection portion 6 to allow a user to be cushioned from the bed rails. In the illustration, the cushioning means includes a cushioned pad 24 located on a surface of the second inner flap 12 that is to face inwardly of the bed 4 when the apparatus 2 is attached to the bed 4 in use. However, other cushioning arrangements could be provided.

[0105] Gripping means in the form of a non-slip surface 26 is provided on the surfaces of the bed rail protection portion that come into direct contact with the bed rails 26 of the bed 4 in use. This prevents the bed rail protection portion from moving along the bed rails in use and maintaining the position of the apparatus once secured to the bed.

[0106] In the illustrated example, the bed rail protection portions 6 are of equal length “1” to the bed restraining portion 8. However, it will be appreciated they can be different lengths, as shown in the embodiments described below.

[0107] The bed restraining portion 8 is formed from a sheet material that is flexible and is resilient to allow it to be pulled relatively taut between bed rails 26 on opposite sides of the bed 4 when fitted in use. The bed restraining portion 8 is also formed from a material that allows it to be easily cleaned, is waterproof, has thermal insulating properties and/or the like. This allows the apparatus 2 of the present invention to be used in a medical setting, is hygienic to use and allows regulation of the user’s body temperature when the user is located on the bed under the apparatus 2 in use. In one example, the bed restraining portion 8 is formed from Darlexx®.

[0108] Medical beds 4 differ in their size, shape and design and the bed restraining apparatus 2 is adapted to fit a wide variety of medical beds and other bed types. For example, a typical medical bed 4 includes a base 20, a head board 28 located at a top end of the bed 4 and a foot board 30 located at an end opposite to the same. The base 20 of the bed 4 may or may not be attached to wheels 32 to allow easy movement of the bed 4 in use. Bed rails 26 are provided on opposing sides of the bed 4 between the head board 28 and the foot board 30. A longitudinal axis of the bed rails 26 is typically parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bed and mattress.

[0109] In use, a patient would be laid on the bed 4 with their head adjacent the head board 28 and their feet towards the foot board 30. The bed restraining apparatus 2 can be fitted to the bed 4 once the patient is in bed. The second inner flap 12 of a bed rail protection portion 6 is located adjacent an inwardly facing surface of the bed rails 26 such that the join 14 between the flap 12 and the bed restraining portion 8 is at the top 34 of the bed rails 26 and the free end 16 of the flap 12 is inserted underneath the base 36 of the bed rails 26. The first outer flap 10 of the bed rail protection portion 6 is located adjacent an outwardly facing surface of the bed rails 26 and the free end 18 of the same is moved towards the flap 12 to allow engagement of the fastenings 22 provided on both flaps 10,12. The bed restraining portion 8 is then laid across the bed 4 and over the patient between the two opposing bed rails 26 on each side of the bed. The bed restraining portion 8 is pulled taut between the two opposing bed rails 26 and the opposing bed rail protection portion 6 is attached to the bed rail. With the apparatus 2 fitted to the bed 4, the bed restraining portion 8 is typically a spaced distance above the patient, thereby allowing the patient freedom of movement and allowing them to regulate their body temperature. The cushioning pad 24 protects the patient from knocking into the bed rails 26 and injuring themselves. The bed rail protection portion 6 prevents the patient from getting their limbs entangled in the bed rails.

[0110] In some bed designs, the bed rails 26 are substantially continuous members, as shown in FIG. 2. However, the apparatus 2 of the present invention can fit to the same in a similar manner to that described above.

[0111] In the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 4-8, it can be seen that the bed rail protection portion does not need to extend the entire length of the bed rails 26. The same reference numerals referred to in FIGS. 1-3 are used to describe similar features in FIGS. 4-8. For example, in FIGS. 4-8, a number of bed rail protection portions 6, 6′, 6″, 6‴ are provided on each side of the bed to connect to one side of bed rails 26. The bed rail protection portions 6-6‴ are provided a spaced distance apart along the length of the bed restraining portion 8. The bed rail protection portions 6-6‴ can be similar in form to those shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0112] Adjustment means in the form of a drawstring mechanism 38 can be provided on the first and/or second flaps 10, 12 to allow the length of the flaps 10, 12 to be adjusted to fit different size and/or designs of bed rails.

[0113] Thus, it can be seen that the present invention reduces the need for hand on manual moving and handling of an individual being cared for, thereby reducing the risk of injury posed to both the individual and carer. It encourages the individual to have a more peaceful night sleep. It allows individuals to stay in their own home and be cared for longer than may otherwise be the case if the present invention was not used. The present invention is less intrusive and restrictive to the individual user compared to other restraining apparatus on the market. It promotes safety by reducing the risk of limb entrapment, falls, slipping or rolling off the bed and/or the like. The present invention can help to promote independence of the user and improve their mental health and wellbeing. It reduces the requirement for 1:1 night carers, offers reassurance to both patients and carers about the patient’s well-being and risk of injury and it promotes the maintenance of dignity in care. Furthermore, the present invention is easy to use and adaptable for use with different bed and/or bed rails designs.

[0114] In FIGS. 9a-9b, an alternative embodiment of bed restraining apparatus 2 according to present invention is shown. In this example, attachment means in the form of magnets 100 are provided adjacent the free edges of the first inner flap 12 and second outer flap 10 to allow detachable attachment of the bed rail protective portion around the bed rail 26 in use. The magnets 100 are accessible on an outwardly facing surface of the bed protective portion and face outwardly of the bed when the apparatus is in position on the bed rail in use. A cushioning pad 102 is joined to the first inner flap 12 by press studs 104 (but other securing means could be used as required). The first and second flaps 12, 10 create a protective sleeve around the bed rail when attached around the bed rail in use. The cushioning pad 102 directly contacts the inwardly facing side wall of the bed rail 26. Coloured webbing 106 is provided adjacent the attachment edges of the bed protective portion to allow a carer to easily locate the same.

[0115] FIGS. 10a-10b show a further embodiment of bed restraining apparatus 2 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the bed rail protective portion 6 is detachably joined to the bed restraining portion 8 via a first set of hook and loop fasteners 108 positioned adjacent the top of the bed rails and a second set of hook and loop fasteners 110 positioned on the outwardly facing side walls of the bed rail. The bed rail protective portion comprises first and second flaps that are detachably attached around the bed rail 26 via attachment means in the form of a zip 112. Cushioning means in the form of a foam pad 115 is attached to an inner surface of one of the flaps to cushion the bed rail 26 from the occupant. Gripping means in the form of silicone or TPU material 114 is provided on one of the flaps inner surfaces to prevent the portion 6 from slipping on the bed rails in use. A handle 116 is provided on the bed restraining portion 8 to improve the ease of removing the portion 8 in use. Additional attachment means in the form of removable straps 118 can be used to secure the bed rail protective portion to the bed rail in use. A coloured tab 120 is provided adjacent the hook and loop fastening 110 to allow a carer to easily locate the hook and loop fastening.

[0116] FIGS. 11a-11b show a yet further embodiment of bed restraining apparatus 2 according to the present invention. In this embodiment the bed restraining portion is of sufficient length to pass over the top and at least part of one of the outer side walls of the bed rail 26. The bed rail protective portion 6 includes a sleeve member located in contact with the inwardly facing side wall of the bed rail 26. A foam pad 115 is provided in the sleeve member to cushion the bed rails from the occupant. A flap 122 forming part of the bed rail protective portion extends below the base of the bed rail 26 and detachably attaches to the bed restraining portion via a zip 124. A cover or tab 126 is provided over the zip 124 to prevent the occupant of the bed from unzipping the zip.

[0117] The fabric of the bed restraining apparatus can be washed if required. The cushioning means can be removed to allow washing if required.