Apparatus for convering a support surface

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for covering a surface of a support that is mounted on a frame. Said device comprises a first means for delivering a cover that is embodied in the form of a textile web to the support surface as well as a second means for receiving the cover. A section of the cover extending between the first and the second means is guided over the support surface while the first and the second means are mounted below a level defined by the support surface.

1 .- 13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . An apparatus for covering a support surface of a support attached to a frame, comprising:
 a first unit that is arranged at a first end side of the support surface and attached below a level of the support surface for supplying a cover to the support surface; and   a second unit that is arranged at a second end side of the support surface and attached below the level of the support surface for receiving the cover after being running between the first and the second units guided over the support surface.   
   
   
       15 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the first or the second unit is attached to the frame or the support. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , further comprising a conveying unit for automatically conveying the cover from the first unit to the second unit over the support surface. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , further comprising a stretching unit for stretching the cover. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , further comprising a sensor for detecting an occupancy state of the support. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , further comprising a lifting unit for lifting a body lying on the support. 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , further comprising a computer for controlling or monitoring the apparatus. 
   
   
       21 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the cover is a textile sheet and manufactured from a fabric, paper or plastic. 
   
   
       22 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the cover comprises an RFID transponder. 
   
   
       23 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the support is a couch or a bed. 
   
   
       24 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the couch is a patient couch and the bed is a hospital bed or nursing bed. 
   
   
       25 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the first unit and the second unit comprise a first holder and a second holder respectively for holding a part of the cover that is not running over the support surface. 
   
   
       26 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein the part of the cover that are not running over the support surface is wound onto a first roller and a second roller attached on the first and the second holder respectively. 
   
   
       27 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 25 , further comprising a detection unit attached on the first or the second holder for detecting a quantity of the cover held on the first or the second holder. 
   
   
       28 . The apparatus as claimed in  claim 27 , further comprising a warning unit for generating a warning when the quantity of the cover held on the first or the second holder is below or above a predetermined limit. 
   
   
       29 . A changing entity for changing a cover of a support surface of a support, comprising:
 a first unit that is arranged at a first end side of the support surface and attached below a level of the support surface for supplying a cover to the support surface;   a second unit that is arranged at a second end side of the support surface and attached below the level of the support surface for receiving the cover after being running between the first and the second units guided over the support surface; and   a mobile changing unit for changing the cover held on at least one of the first and the second units.