Dynamic Indicator and Bed Employing the Same

• US 20120023791A1
• Filed: 07/28/2011
• Published: 02/02/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/2010
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hill-Rom Services Incorporated (Baxter International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hill-Rom Services Incorporated (Baxter International Inc.)
• Inventors: Heimbrock, Richard H.
• Application Number:
  US13/192,951
• Publication Number:
  US 20120023791A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 40/454
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2200/34 sitting
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2200/36 standing
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2203/20 Displays or monitors
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2205/30 Printed labels
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 2205/50 using icons or symbolic figures, e.g. by a graphical representation symbolising the type of pathology or the organ by an image
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/015 divided into different adjustable sections, e.g. for Gatch position
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0503 Holders, support devices for receptacles, e.g. for drainage or urine bags hanging-up devices for infusion A61M5/1414
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/0514 mounted to individual mattress supporting frame sections
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/053 Aids for getting into, or out of, bed, e.g. steps, chairs, cane-like supports
• CPC Class Codes: A61G 7/16 converting a lying surface into a chair
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 19/14 displaying different signs depending upon the view-point of the observer
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/00 Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means medals or badges A44C3/00; making labels B31D1/02; sheets temporarily attached together B42F; labelling B65C; labels on record carriers G11B23/38, G11B23/40; Seals; Postage or like stamps
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/10 by an adhesive layer
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/14 by strings, straps, chains, or wires

Abstract

A bed 20 has an indicator 80 associated therewith. The indicator has a first visually perceivable state and a second visually perceivable state differing from the first state in response to a change in a direction a of observation. Collectively, the states inform an observer of a feature or capability of the bed. The indicator may be in W the form of a label 82 associable with the bed and having the first and second visually perceivable states for collectively indicating the capability or feature of the bed. In general, the indicator is associated with an article to convey information about the article.

Claims

1. A bed having an indicator associated therewith, the indicator having a first visually perceivable state and a second visually perceivable state differing from the first state in response to a change in a direction of observation, the states collectively indicating a feature of the bed.

2. The bed of claim 1 wherein the indicator is associated with the bed by being located in proximity thereto.

3. The bed of claim 1 wherein the indicator is associated with the bed by virtue of being affixed thereto.

4. The bed of claim 3 wherein the indicator is mounted on the bed by a means selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, a tether, an electrostatic attraction, a magnetic attraction and a frame.

5. The bed of claim 1 wherein an observed side of the indicator is a lenticular lens.

6. The bed of claim 1 wherein the indicated feature is a dynamic feature.

7. The bed of claim 1 wherein the indicated feature is a static feature.

8. The bed of claim 1 wherein the visually perceivable states are rendered in color.

9. The bed of claim 1 wherein the perceivable states are pictoral images suggestive of the indicated feature.

10. The bed of claim 1 wherein the indicated feature is a chair egress feature.

11. The bed of claim 10 wherein the first state is one in which the indicator displays an image of the bed in a chair configuration with an occupant sitting thereon, and the second state is one in which the indicator displays the image of the bed in the chair configuration with the occupant having assumed a standing posture.

12. The bed of claim 11 including an intermediate state in which the indicator displays the image of the bed in the chair configuration with the occupant intermediate sitting on the bed and having assumed a standing posture.

13. The bed of claim 1 wherein the indicator is reversible.

14. The bed of claim 1 wherein the first and second perceivable states are visually mutually exclusive.

15. The bed of claim 1 wherein the first and second perceivable stated have a visually discernible element in common.

16. The bed of claim 1 wherein at least on of the states includes a ghost image.

17. A label for indicating a capability of a bed, the label being associable with the bed and having a first visually perceivable state and a second visually perceivable state differing from the first state in response to a change in a direction of observation, the states collectively indicating a capability of the bed.

18. The label of claim 17 wherein the label is associable with the bed by being affixable thereto.

19. The label of claim 18 wherein the affixability of the label is substantially independent of the bed.

20. The label of claim 18 whererein the affixability of the label depends on a characteristic of the bed.

21. The label of claim 17 wherein the label is associable with the bed by being affixable to a host surface in proximity to the bed.

22. An indicator associable with an article and having a first visually perceivable state and a second visually perceivable state differing from the first state in response to a change in a direction of observation, the states collectively conveying information about the article.