JP2008501877A - Family zone module for hospital walls - Google Patents

Abstract

  A modular wall system (20) for use in a medical facility to partition a floor space and support a hospital equipment module is provided. A plurality of frame units (100) configured to stand vertically above a floor are provided, and the plurality of frame units (100) are separated from each other in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and have a predetermined height (132) and a predetermined level. A grid composed of a plurality of wall spaces having a width (130) is formed. A plurality of family zone modules (24) are configured to be disposed in the wall space to form a medical facility wall (26).

Description

  The present invention relates to a modular system for building an adaptive clinical environment, particularly a wall in a clinical environment.

  Conventional methods of building walls within a medical facility use wood, steel, and wallboard that are almost permanently attached to the floor and / or ceiling of the medical facility. Conventional construction methods involve long and unreliable construction times due to the difficulty of scheduling various craftsmen such as carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians, etc. to complete construction work. Rooms and spaces built using such conventional methods cannot be easily reconstructed. Such reconstruction requires the demolition of existing walls, is costly and time consuming, not only hinders business operations, but also generates a lot of dirt, dust and noise. The removed material is generally not reusable and must be disposed of.

Module wall systems that divide an open space into a plurality of small rooms are well known. Examples of such a system are disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. Both are named “modular rooms”.
US Patent Application Publication No. 2002-0104271 US Pat. No. 6,405,491

<< Cross-reference to related applications >>
This application is a conventional patent application assigned to the same assignee who claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Applications Nos. 60 / 576,855 and 60 / 576,868, filed June 03, 2004. . All these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

  The present invention includes systems having one or more of the following features or combinations thereof that constitute patentable matters alone or in combination.

  A system for constructing a wall may comprise a plurality of frame units having a plurality of connection points and a plurality of family zone modules coupled to the frame units at the connection points to form walls. The plurality of frame units form a grid composed of a plurality of connection points that are separated from each other at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. At least some of the plurality of family zone modules have a width that is approximately equal to a multiple that includes one time of the predetermined lateral spacing and a height that is approximately equal to a multiple that includes one time of the predetermined vertical spacing.

  Some examples of the family zone module include a visitor stowable bed module, a microwave oven module, a refrigerator module, a cabinet module, a drawer module, a deployable seat module, a reading light module, a television module, a deployable work surface module, and a shelf. A module, a clothes dance module, a decorative panel module, a whiteboard module, a thumbtack screen module, and a mood panel module. This list is only an example and is not intended to be exhaustive.

  Features other than those described above may constitute patentable matters alone or in combination with the features described above or in the claims, and are the best mode at present for carrying out the invention: It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the embodiments.

  1 and 2 show a modular wall system 20 for building a wall. As shown, the module wall system 20 includes a plurality of substructure components 22 and a plurality of modules, such as a family zone module 24, coupled to the substructure components 22 to form a wall 26. Such a system 20 is used to construct a wall in a medical facility, such as a private room 28, for example.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the family zone module 24 includes, as examples, a stowable bed module 200 (shown in FIG. 3), a microwave oven module 202 (shown in FIG. 4), a refrigerator module 204 (shown in FIG. 5), and a cabinet module 206. (Shown in FIG. 6), drawer module 208 (shown in FIG. 7), deployable seat module 210 (shown in FIG. 9), reading light module 212 (shown in FIG. 10), television module 214, deployable work surface module 216 A shelf module 218, a clothes dance module 220, a decoration panel module 222, a whiteboard module 224, a thumbtack screen module 226, and a mood panel module 228. The above list is an example and is not intended to be exhaustive. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a chair 230 on the floor 152 of the family area of the hospital room 28 and a window 232 of the conventional wall 160 proximate to the family area of the hospital room 28.

  While the example wall 26 of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of family zone modules 24, the modular walls may be other types of modules, such as patient medical modules, foot wall modules, clinical wall modules, hygiene zone modules, and the like. (Not shown) may be provided. Some examples of patient care modules include vital signs modules, service provision modules, bed locator modules, monitor modules, view box modules, sharps disposal modules, computer / keyboard modules, tube drop modules, waste management modules, light modules And a clock module. Such a patient medical module is described in international patent application no. PCT / US2005 / xxxxxx (attorney docket no. 7175-78002). This application is a patent application assigned to the same assignee as the present application, and is incorporated herein by reference. The term “hospital equipment module” is used in a broad sense and includes patient care module, foot wall module, clinical wall module, family zone module, hygiene zone module, door module, window module, deployable bed module, vital signs Includes modules, device storage modules, etc.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the foundation structural component 22 includes a frame unit 100 and a plurality of support members 102. In the present embodiment, the support member 102 is a hanger configured to be detachably coupled to the frame unit 100. Each frame unit 100 includes a pair of vertical members 110 and a pair of horizontal members 112 extending between the vertical members 110 near the top and bottom of the frame unit 100, and the vertical members 110 and the horizontal members 112 correspond to the frame unit 100. A generally rectangular structure is formed having an open space or cavity 114 in the middle between the front surface 116 and the rear surface 118. As shown, vertical member 110 and horizontal member 112 are made from tubular members having a generally rectangular cross-section.

  The vertical member 110 of each frame unit 100 has a first number of connection points 120 facing the front side 116 of the frame unit 100 and a second number of connection points 120 facing the rear side 118 of the frame unit 100. . In the present embodiment, the first number of connection points 120 are the first number of hanger receiving holes 120 that face the front 116 of the frame unit 100 and extend along its depth, as well as the second number of hanger receiving holes 120. The connection point 120 is a second number of hanger receiving holes 120 that face the rear side 118 of the frame unit 100 and extend along its depth. The hanger receiving hole 120 is sized and shaped to receive the hanger 102. When inserted, the hanger 102 fits into the hanger receiving hole 120 of the frame unit 100 and is firmly locked properly. As shown, the hanger 102 and the hanger receiving hole 120 have a generally rectangular cross section. The hanger 102 extends substantially horizontally from the frame unit 100 in a cantilever shape. As will be described below, the length of the hanger 102 generally corresponds to the depth of the module 24 supported by the hanger 102.

  The lateral spacing 130 between the centers of the hanger receiving holes 120 of the vertical member 110 along the width or X axis of each frame unit 100 is fixed. As shown, the center-to-center lateral spacing 130 of the hanger receiving holes 120 is about 2 feet (about 60 centimeters). A vertical interval 132 between the centers of the hanger receiving holes 120 of the vertical member 110 along the height or Z axis of each frame unit 100 is also fixed. As shown, the center-to-center spacing 132 of the hanger receiving holes 120 along the height is about 2 feet (about 60 centimeters).

  Accordingly, the first and second numbers of hanger receiving holes 120 are separated from each other by a predetermined width 130 and a predetermined height 132, and are 2 feet by 2 feet (about 60 centimeters by about 60 centimeters). Are formed on both sides 116 and 118 of the frame unit 100. Each module 24 has a width approximately equal to a multiple including one time of the predetermined width (2 feet or about 0.60 meters in this embodiment) and a predetermined height (2 feet or about 0 in this embodiment). (.60 meters) having a height approximately equal to a multiple including one time.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 2, a first number of modules 24 are supported by hangers 102 on the front side 116 of the frame unit 100. A second number of modules 24 are supported by the hanger 102 on the rear side 118 of the frame unit 100. As shown in FIG. 11, each module 24 has a pair of guide tracks or channels 140 disposed on both sides near the upper end of the module 24 and a pair of guide tracks or channels 140 disposed on both sides near the lower end. Have. Two pairs of upper and lower guide tracks 140 receive the corresponding hangers 102 attached to the vertical member 110 of the frame unit 100 in a sliding manner. The guide track 140 and the hanger 102 are sized so as to slide fit. Module 24 is secured to hanger 102 by a suitable latch.

  The lower horizontal member 112 of each frame unit 100 has a pair of vertically extending through holes 150 for attaching the frame unit 100 to the floor 152 of the medical facility. Similarly, the upper horizontal member 112 of each frame unit 100 has a pair of vertically extending through holes 150 for attaching the frame unit 100 to the ceiling 154 extending from the floor 152 of the medical facility to the ceiling 154. Any suitable fasteners 156, such as studs, pins, screws, or nuts and bolts, may be used to attach the frame unit 100 to the floor 152 and ceiling 154. In this embodiment, the frame unit 100 is attached to the base plate 158 instead of the floor 152, and the base plate 158 is attached to the floor 152 so that the module 24 can be protected from, for example, mops, floor cleaning tools, and the like. As shown, the base plate 158 is about 4 inches (10.16 centimeters) high.

  In the present embodiment, each frame unit 100 is coupled to adjacent frame units 100 on both sides. Further, the frame unit 100 closest to the existing normal wall 160 of the medical facility is attached to the wall. For this purpose, the vertical member 110 of each frame unit 100 has a plurality of laterally extending through holes 162. Any suitable fasteners 164 such as studs, pins, screws, or nuts and bolts may be used to attach each frame unit 100 to the adjacent frame unit 100 on both sides and the existing existing normal wall 160. Good.

  A utility tube 172 may be piped from the medical facility machine room to the hospital room 28. Utility tube 172 may typically be routed through floor 152, ceiling 154 or wall 26 of patient room 28. The horizontal member 112 has a vertically extending through slot or hole 170 through which the utility tube 172 enters an open space or cavity 114 defined by the frame members 110, 112. The utility tube 172 is then plumbed from the open space 114 to the associated module 24. By way of example, the utility tube 172 includes data lines, gas tubes, vacuum tubes, AC / DC power lines, hot water tubes, cold water tubes, and piping.

  Further, in order to pipe the utility pipe 172 from the open space 114 of the frame unit 100 to the open space 114 of the adjacent frame unit 100 on both sides, a through hole (not shown) extending in the lateral direction is provided as a vertical member of the frame unit 100. 110 may be formed. The utility tube 172 is then plumbed from the open space 114 of the adjacent frame unit 100 to the associated module 24. The open space 114 of the frame unit 100 may be filled with an insulating material against sound and / or heat.

  The family zone module group 24 has a width that is approximately equal to a multiple that includes one time the predetermined lateral spacing 130 of the hanger receiving holes 120. In this embodiment, the predetermined lateral spacing 130 of the hanger receiving holes 120 is about 2 feet (about 60 centimeters). Thus, the width of the family zone module 24 may be about 2 feet (about 60 centimeters), 4 feet (about 120 centimeters), 6 feet (about 180 centimeters), and the like. The family zone module 24 group has a height that is approximately equal to a multiple that includes one time the predetermined vertical spacing 132 of the hanger receiving holes 120. In this embodiment, the predetermined vertical spacing 132 of the hanger receiving holes 120 is about 2 feet (about 60 centimeters). Thus, the height of the family zone module 24 may be about 2 feet (about 60 centimeters), 4 feet (about 120 centimeters), 6 feet (about 180 centimeters), 8 feet (about 240 centimeters), and the like. .

  The width and height of the module 24 are each a multiple including the predetermined lateral spacing 130 and the predetermined vertical spacing 132 of the hanger receiving hole 120, but the depth of the module 24 depends on its function. Change. For example, the decorative panel module 222 has a depth of about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). As described above, the length of the hanger 102 generally matches the depth of the module 24 supported by the hanger 102. Accordingly, the length of the hanger 102 that supports the decorative panel module 222 having a depth of 1 inch (2.54 cm) is also about 1 inch (2.54 cm). Such a module wall system 20 is described in international patent application no. PCT / US2005 / xxxxxx (attorney docket no. 7175-78000). This application is a patent application assigned to the same assignee as the present application, and is incorporated herein by reference.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the retractable bed module 200 includes a platform 250 coupled to an enclosure or cabinet 252 for rotation between an upwardly retracted storage position and an outwardly extended use position. In the stowed position, the pedestal 250 is received in a pedestal receiving space or cavity 254 in the enclosure 252, and in the use position, the pedestal 250 extends substantially horizontally from the cabinet 252. The platform 250 is movable between the upwardly extended storage position and the outwardly extended use position in a manner similar to known Murphy bed movements.

  The space in a hospital room is always a problem in the planning of medical facilities. Independence in the room can be an obstacle for patients, caregivers, and visitors. The stand 250 can be moved to an unobstructed storage position when not in use, freeing up floor space for the caregiver to access the patient. The lower surface 276 of the base 250 may be provided with a picture. Thus, when the pedestal 250 is in the upwardly extended storage position, the picture provides a fun, home-like appearance that is unlikely to cause anxiety on the part of the patient or visitor.

  The enclosure 252 has a rear wall 256, a pair of side walls 258, 260, an upper wall 262, and a bottom wall 264. The table accommodation space 254 is defined by side walls 258 and 260, an upper wall 262, and a bottom wall 264. The leading edges of the walls 258-264 define a front facing surface 266. The platform 250 includes a head end 270, a foot end 272, an upper surface 274 (also referred to as an inwardly facing surface 274), and a bottom surface 276 (also referred to as an outwardly facing surface 276). A mattress 278 such as an air mattress is placed on the upper surface 274 of the table 250. A plurality of straps (not shown) secure the mattress 278 to the table 250 and hold it in the proper position when the table 250 is lifted to the storage position. In this embodiment, a strap (not shown) is used to fix the mattress 278 to the table 250, but other appropriate fasteners may be used. Examples of such fasteners are Velcro® bands, loop tie fasteners, hook eye fasteners, clips, snaps, zippers, and the like.

  A plurality of hinges (not shown) near the head end 270 of the base 250 rotate around a first shaft 290 extending laterally with respect to the cabinet 252 between the storage position and the lower use position. The platform 250 is coupled to the enclosure 252 as follows. When the platform 250 is lifted, a fixture or latch (not shown) holds the platform 250 in the platform receiving cavity 254. In the raised storage position, the outwardly facing surface 276 of the pedestal 250 is substantially flush with the outwardly facing surface 266 of the enclosure 252 and appears to be a continuous portion thereof. In the lowered use position, the platform 250 extends outward from the enclosure 252 and the head end 270 of the platform 250 is located near the rear wall 256 of the enclosure 252.

  The foot panel 292 is pivotally coupled to the pedestal 250 near the foot end 272 so that the foot panel 292 is housed in a foot panel housing cavity 294 in the bottom surface 276 of the pedestal 250, and the foot panel 292 is on the floor. Standing on 152, it pivots between the lowered use position that supports the foot end 272 of the base 250. A plurality of hinges (not shown) near the foot end 272 of the platform 250 causes the foot panel 292 to pivot on the platform 250 so that the foot panel 292 rotates about a second axis 296 that extends laterally relative to the platform 250. Join.

  When the foot panel 292 is received in the foot panel receiving cavity 294 of the base 250, the outwardly facing surface 298 of the foot panel 292 is generally flush with the outwardly facing surface 276 of the base 250, Looks like a continuous part of. The foot panel 292 includes a handle 300 that allows a caregiver to raise and move the foot panel 292 between a stowed position and a lowered use position. A fixture or lock (not shown) holds the foot panel 292 in the foot panel receiving cavity 294. In a lowered use position where the foot panel 292 stands on the floor 152 and supports the foot end 272 of the platform 250, a latch (not shown) locks the foot panel 292. The terms “fixture”, “latch”, and “lock” are used interchangeably.

  A reading light 302 and a switch 304 are disposed on the rear wall 256 of the enclosure 252. A switch 304 operates the reading lamp 302. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the reading light 302 is automatically turned on when the platform 250 is lowered to the use position. The lower portion 306 of the enclosure 252 houses devices for inflating the air mattress 278, such as a compressor, motor, controller, piping, valves, and the like.

  By way of example, the enclosure 252 is about 4 feet wide (about 120 centimeters), is about 8 feet high (about 240 centimeters), is about 1 foot deep (about 30 centimeters), and the lower portion 306 is about 4 feet wide (about 30 feet). About 120 centimeters), about 2 feet high (about 60 centimeters), about 1 foot deep (about 30 centimeters), and foot panel 292 is about 2 feet high (about 60 centimeters) 250 is about 6.5 feet long (about 195 centimeters). When the pedestal 250 is lowered to a horizontal position, the head end 270 of the pedestal 250 extends about 1 foot (about 30 centimeters) into the enclosure 252 and the rest of the pedestal 250 is about 5.5 feet (about about 5 centimeters) outside the enclosure 252. 165 centimeters). The hanger 102 that fixes the retractable bed module 200 to the vertical member 110 of the frame unit 100 is about 2 feet (about 60 centimeters) long.

  The family zone module 24 including the stowable bed module 200 has a width approximately equal to a multiple of the predetermined lateral spacing 130 between the hanger receiving holes 120 (2 feet or about 60 centimeters in this embodiment), and , Having a height approximately equal to a multiple of the predetermined vertical spacing 132 between the hanger receiving holes 120 (2 feet or about 60 centimeters in this embodiment).

  In operation, the caregiver releases the latch holding the foot panel 292 in the foot panel receiving cavity 294 and stretches the foot panel 292 and locks it in place. The caregiver then releases the latch holding the pedestal 250 in the pedestal receiving cavity 254 and lowers the pedestal 250 to the use position. As a result, the foot panel 292 stands on the floor 152 and supports the foot end 272 of the base 250. The head end 270 of the platform 250 is supported by a hinge (not shown) that pivotally couples the platform 250 to the enclosure 252. To raise the platform 250 to the storage position, the above procedure is reversed.

  A gas spring or other means may be provided to assist in moving the platform 250 between the stowed and used positions. In other embodiments, springs, counter balance mechanisms, hydraulic actuators, electric motors, and the like may be used to assist the caregiver during movement between the storage and use positions of the platform 250.

  As described above, as shown in FIG. 11, the family zone module 24 including the stowable bed module 200 includes a pair of guide tracks or channels 140 disposed on both sides near the upper end of the module 24 and a lower end near the lower end. It has a pair of guide tracks or channels 140 arranged on both sides. Two pairs of upper and lower guide tracks 140 receive the corresponding hangers 102 attached to the vertical member 110 of the frame unit 100 in a sliding manner. The guide track 140 and the hanger 102 are sized so as to slide fit. Module 24 is secured to hanger 102 by a suitable latch.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the microwave oven module 202 includes a cabinet or housing 320 having a rear wall 322, a pair of side walls 324, 326, an upper wall 328, a bottom wall 330, an upper shelf 332, and a lower shelf 334. Is provided. The first compartment 336 is defined by an upper wall 328, an upper shelf 332, and side walls 324, 326. The first compartment 336 contains a normal microwave oven 338. The second compartment 340 is defined by an upper shelf 332, a lower shelf 334, and side walls 324, 326. The kitchenware drawer 342 is slidably mounted in the second compartment 340. The third compartment 344 is defined by a lower shelf 334, a bottom wall 330 and side walls 324, 326. A sliding work surface 346, such as for preparing food, is mounted on the third compartment 344. The microwave oven 338 includes a door 348 and a plurality of control means 350. Kitchenware drawer 342 and work surface 346 include handles 352 and 354, respectively. An electrical wire 356 is wired from the outlet to the microwave oven 338.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the refrigerator module 204 includes a small regular refrigerator 360 for family use and patient nutrition. The refrigerator 360 includes a door 362 having a handle 364. A power cord 366 is wired to the refrigerator 360. Referring to FIG. 6, the cabinet module 206 includes a cabinet 370 having an internal space for storage. The cabinet 370 includes a pair of doors 372 that are pivotably coupled to the cabinet 370 to close the interior space. Each door 372 has a knob 374. An exemplary cabinet 370 is 2 feet wide (about 60 centimeters), 4 feet high (about 120 centimeters), and 2 feet deep (about 60 centimeters). The cabinet 370 is 2 feet wide (about 60 centimeters), 4 feet high (about 120 centimeters), and 2 feet deep (about 60 centimeters), while the cabinet 370 is 2 feet wide (about 60 centimeters). 2 feet high (about 60 centimeters), 2 feet deep (about 60 centimeters), 2 feet wide (about 60 centimeters), 2 feet high (about 60 centimeters), 1 foot deep (about 30 centimeters) Centimeters), or 2 feet wide (about 60 centimeters), 4 feet high (about 120 centimeters), 1 foot deep (about 30 centimeters), and the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the drawer module 208 includes a housing having a rear wall 382, a pair of side walls 384 and 386, an upper wall 388, a bottom wall 390, an upper shelf 392, and a lower shelf 394. 380. First compartment 396 is defined by upper wall 388, upper shelf 392, and side walls 384, 386. The second compartment 398 is defined by an upper shelf 392, a lower shelf 394 and side walls 384, 386. Third compartment 400 is defined by lower shelf 394, bottom wall 390, and side walls 384, 386. Each compartment 396, 398, 400 comprises a drawer unit 402 for storage having a knob 404. An exemplary housing 380 is 2 feet wide (about 60 centimeters), 2 feet high (about 60 centimeters), and 2 feet deep (about 60 centimeters). In the embodiment of FIG. 7, each compartment 396, 398, 400 is about 8 inches (about 20 centimeters) high. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the top two compartments 396, 398 are each 6 inches high (about 15 centimeters) and the bottom compartment 400 is 1 foot high (about 30 centimeters). The exemplary housing 380 is 2 feet wide (about 60 centimeters), 2 feet high (about 60 centimeters), and 2 feet deep (about 60 centimeters), whereas the housing 380 is 2 feet wide (about 60 centimeters). Meter), 4 feet high (about 120 centimeters), 2 feet deep (about 60 centimeters), or 2 feet wide (about 60 centimeters), 6 feet high (about 180 centimeters), 1.5 inches deep It may be feet (about 45 centimeters).

  Referring to FIG. 9, the deployable seat module 210 includes a flip-down seat panel 410. A pair of braces 412, such as cables, ropes, chains, or articulated connectors, support the seat panel 410 in a horizontal use position. The seat panel 410 can be rotated from the horizontal use posture to the vertical storage posture. The deployable seat module 210 has a suitable holding mechanism for locking the seat panel 410 in the stowed position. A plurality of hinges (not shown) couple the seat panel 410 to the frame member 414 for rotation between the raised storage position and the lowered use position. A face 416 facing the upper side of the seat panel 410 supports the cushion 418. When the seat panel 410 is in the stowed position, the face 420 facing the front of the seat panel 410 is generally coplanar with the face 422 facing the front of the frame member 414 and appears to be part of it.

  A plurality of straps (not shown) attach the cushion 418 to the seat panel 410 and hold it in place when the seat panel 410 is lifted to the stowed position. In this embodiment, a strap (not shown) is used to attach the cushion 418 to the seat panel 410, but other suitable fasteners may be used. Examples of such fasteners are Velcro® bands, loop tie fasteners, hook eye fasteners, clips, snaps, zippers, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the reading light module 212 includes a cube 430 having a rear wall 432, a pair of side walls 434, 436, an upper wall 438, and a bottom wall 440. Walls 432-440 define an interior space or cavity 442. A reading light 444 is mounted on an articulated telescoping arm and moves between an extended use position where the reading light 444 is located outside the cavity 442 and a storage position where the reading light 444 is retracted into the cavity 442. Is possible. Base end 448 is coupled to rear wall 432. An electric wire 450 is wired to the reading lamp 444.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the TV module 214, the unfoldable work surface module 216, the shelf module 218, the clothes dance module 220, the decoration panel module 222, the whiteboard module 224, the screen screen module 226, and the mood panel module 228 will be described. . The television module 214 includes a television 460, a DVD player 462, and a VCR 464. The work surface module 216 includes a flip-down panel 466 that can be rotated between a horizontal use position and a vertical storage position. Braces (not shown), such as cables, ropes, chains, or articulated connectors, may be provided to support the panel 466 in the use position. A plurality of hinges (not shown) rotatably couple the panel 466 to the frame member 468. When the panel 466 is in the horizontal use position, the surface facing the top of the panel 466 provides a work surface. When the panel 466 is in the stowed position, the panel 466 is received in the panel receiving opening of the frame member 468, and the surface facing the outside of the panel 466 is substantially flush with the surface facing the front of the frame member 468. Looks like part of it. A handle 470 is provided on the lower surface of the panel 466 to allow the caregiver to open and close the panel 466. The work surface module 216 may include a fixture for holding the panel 466 in the storage position.

  The shelf module 218 includes an enclosure 472 configured to form a storage space 474 defined by a rear wall, a pair of side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The wardrobe module 220 includes a cabinet 476 that is configured to form an interior space defined by a rear wall, a pair of side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The cabinet 476 includes a laterally extending hanger bar (not shown) that supports a plurality of hangers. The cabinet 476 includes a pair of pivoted doors 478 for closing the interior space. Each door 478 has a handle 480. An exemplary cabinet 370 is 2 feet wide (about 60 centimeters), 4 feet high (about 120 centimeters), and 2 feet deep (about 60 centimeters).

  A decorative panel module 222 may be provided to close or cover the modular space. The decorative panel module 222 provides a fun, home-like appearance that is unlikely to cause anxiety on the part of the patient or visitor. The decorative panel module 222 provides various decorative finishes such as laminates, plastic sheets, vinyl wall covers, wood veneers, paintable surfaces, and the like. An exemplary decorative panel module 222 has a depth of about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters). The whiteboard module 224 may include a concave shelf 482 along its lower end to hold the writing instrument. The thumbtack screen module 226 comprises a thumbtack screen made of fiber or cork and may be placed horizontally or vertically. The mood panel module 228 comprises a backlit panel that is controlled by the patient or visitor, and projects a color and scene-enhancing atmosphere on the panel. The mood panel module 228 may be placed horizontally or vertically.

  As described above, although not shown in FIGS. 3-10, each family zone module 24 has a pair of guide tracks or channels 140 disposed on opposite sides near the upper end of module 24 and on both sides near the lower end. A pair of guide tracks or channels 140 are provided as shown in FIG. Two pairs of upper and lower guide tracks 140 receive the corresponding hangers 102 attached to the vertical member 110 of the frame unit 100 in a sliding manner. The guide track 140 and the hanger 102 are sized so as to slide fit. Appropriate latches are used to secure the module 24 to the hanger 102.

  The family zone module 24 has a width that is approximately equal to a multiple that includes one time of the predetermined lateral spacing 130 between the hanger receiving holes 120 and includes one time of the predetermined vertical spacing 132 between the hanger receiving holes 120. It has a height approximately equal to a multiple. The width and height of the module 24 are each a multiple including one times the predetermined lateral spacing 130 and the predetermined vertical spacing 132, but the depth of the module 24 varies depending on its function.

  Also, many of the family zone modules 24 can be used to form the foot wall of a hospital room. The foot wall zone module relates to the patient's belongings, information, and entertainment and is designed according to the patient's needs. Accordingly, examples of the family zone module 24 that can also be used as a foot wall zone module include, for example, a cabinet module 206, a drawer module 208, a television module 214, a shelf module 218, a decorative panel module 222, a whiteboard module 224, and a screen plane module 226. And the mood panel module 228.

  While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but the invention encompasses all modifications, equivalents, that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. And it should be understood to include other forms.

  There are a plurality of advantages of the present invention arising from the various features of the embodiments described herein. Other embodiments of the invention that include only some of the described features have at least some of the plurality of advantages. Those skilled in the art may readily conceive embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, including one or more of the features of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view showing a modular wall with a plurality of family zone modules. The modular wall of FIG. 1 showing a plurality of frame units having hanger receiving holes, a plurality of hangers received in the hanger receiving holes of the frame units, and various family zone modules removably supported by the hangers. It is a one part perspective view. It is a perspective view of a storage type bed module. It is a perspective view of a microwave oven module. It is a perspective view of a refrigerator module. It is a perspective view of a cabinet module. It is a perspective view of a drawer module. It is a perspective view of a drawer module. It is a perspective view of a deployment type seat module. It is a perspective view of a reading light module. It is a perspective view of the module which has a guide track for carrying out slide reception of the hanger attached to the frame unit.

Explanation of symbols

20 module wall system 24 family zone module 100 frame unit 102 support member, hanger 110 vertical member 112 horizontal member

Claims (20)

A modular wall system used in a medical facility,
A plurality of frame units arranged side by side;
A module wall system comprising a plurality of family zone modules coupled to the frame unit to form a wall of the medical facility.   The plurality of frame units form a grid composed of a plurality of wall spaces that are separated from each other in the vertical and lateral directions and have a predetermined height and a predetermined width, and the plurality of family zone modules are disposed in the wall spaces. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to form a wall.   At least some of the plurality of family zone modules have a width that is approximately equal to a multiple that includes one time of the predetermined width of the wall space and a multiple that includes one time of the predetermined height of the wall space. The system of claim 2 having a height.   Each frame unit has a plurality of connection points that are separated from each other by a predetermined height and a predetermined width to form a grid, and the plurality of family zone modules are coupled to the frame units at the connection points to form walls. The system of claim 1.   5. At least some of the plurality of family zone modules have a width that is approximately equal to a multiple that includes one time of the predetermined width and a height that is approximately equal to a multiple that includes one time of the predetermined height. The described system. A plurality of support members configured to be removably coupled to the frame unit at the connection point;
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the support member extends from the frame unit in a cantilever generally horizontally, and the plurality of family zone modules are configured to be coupled to the support member to form a wall.   Each family zone module includes one or more pairs of guide tracks disposed on both sides thereof, the guide track pairs sized and arranged to receive an associated pair of opposingly disposed support members. The system according to claim 6.   The family zone module includes a stowable bed module, a microwave oven module, a refrigerator module, a cabinet module, a drawer module, a deployable seat module, a reading light module, a television module, and a deployable work surface module. The system of claim 1, comprising one or more of a shelf module, a wardrobe module, a decorative panel module, a whiteboard module, a thumbtack screen module, and a mood panel module.   9. The retractable bed module includes a platform coupled to an enclosure and movable between a lowered use position and a raised storage position, wherein the platform extends substantially horizontally from the enclosure. The described system.   10. The system of claim 9, wherein when the table is in the stowed position, the lower facing surface of the table provides a surface that can be used to create a pleasant appearance.   The system of claim 9, comprising a mattress located on an upper facing surface of the platform.   The system of claim 11, wherein the mattress is attached to the platform such that the mattress is held in an appropriate position when the platform is lifted to the stowed position.   The system of claim 11, wherein the mattress is an air mattress.   The stowable bed module includes a foot panel coupled to the table and movable between a lowered use position and a raised storage position. In the lowered use position, the foot panel stands on the floor, and the stand The system according to claim 9, wherein the system is supported.   The system of claim 9, wherein the retractable bed module comprises a reading light near the head end of the platform.   The system of claim 9, wherein the retractable bed module comprises a gas spring that assists in moving the platform between the stowed and used positions.   9. The system of claim 8, wherein the deployable seat module comprises a seat panel that is movable between a lowered use position and a raised storage position.   The system of claim 17, wherein the deployable seat module comprises a brace that supports the seat panel in the lowered use position.   The system of claim 17, wherein the deployable seat module comprises a cushion located on an upward facing surface of the seat panel.   20. The system of claim 19, wherein the cushion is attached to the seat panel so that the seat panel is held in place when the seat panel is lifted to the stowed position.

Images