U.S. patent application number 16/537262 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-28 for systems for patient support surface orientation and displacement.
This patent application is currently assigned to Umano Medical Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Umano Medical Inc.. Invention is credited to Jean-Philippe Beaudet, Esther Berthelot, Steve Bolduc, Sylvain Lacasse, Jimmy Laflamme, Guy Lemire, Gabriel Mercier.
Application Number | 20190358104 16/537262 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55362041 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190358104 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lacasse; Sylvain ; et
al. |
November 28, 2019 |
SYSTEMS FOR PATIENT SUPPORT SURFACE ORIENTATION AND
DISPLACEMENT
Abstract
There is provided a backrest pivoting system having a backrest
and an actuator for pivoting the backrest. The actuator is
pivotably connected to the backrest by a pivot defining a first
pivot axis. The backrest is configured to pivot about a guide
member which defines a second pivot axis coaxial with the first
pivot axis. There is also provided a backrest pivoting system
including an actuator and a resilient member mounted in series with
the actuator. There is also provided an extendable user support
assembly comprising a lower body support panel and a core support
panel supported by a frame, the lower body support panel being
translatable relative to the frame such that an opening is created
between the lower body support panel and the core support panel
when the lower body support panel is translated away from the core
support panel. There is also provided a method for placing a bed in
a vascular position.
Inventors: |
Lacasse; Sylvain; (Levis,
CA) ; Bolduc; Steve; (Beaumont, CA) ;
Laflamme; Jimmy; (Levis, CA) ; Lemire; Guy;
(Beaumont, CA) ; Beaudet; Jean-Philippe; (L'Islet,
CA) ; Mercier; Gabriel; (Saint-Vallier, CA) ;
Berthelot; Esther; (Levis, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Umano Medical Inc. |
L'Islet |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Umano Medical Inc.
L'Islet
CA
|
Family ID: |
55362041 |
Appl. No.: |
16/537262 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14838068 |
Aug 27, 2015 |
10426679 |
|
|
16537262 |
|
|
|
|
62042438 |
Aug 27, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 2200/16 20130101;
A61G 7/015 20130101; A61G 7/018 20130101; A61G 13/04 20130101; A61G
13/02 20130101; A61G 7/012 20130101; A61G 7/005 20130101; A61G
13/08 20130101; A61G 2203/42 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61G 7/005 20060101
A61G007/005; A61G 7/012 20060101 A61G007/012; A61G 7/015 20060101
A61G007/015; A61G 7/018 20060101 A61G007/018 |
Claims
1. A patient support device comprising: a base; a frame supported
relative to the base, the frame configured to support a patient
support surface for supporting a patient thereon; and an elevation
system for raising or lowering the frame relative to the base, the
elevation system including an actuator and a leg assembly coupled
to the frame and the base, the leg assembly including at least one
lifting leg, and the actuator mounted in the leg assembly between a
first lever and a second lever, the first lever coupled to the
lifting leg, and the second lever coupled to the base or the frame;
wherein the leg assembly comprises a head end leg assembly, the
lift assembly further comprising a foot end leg assembly, and the
foot end leg assembly including a lifting leg and an actuator.
2. The patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the
lifting leg includes an upper pivot connection to the frame, a
lower pivot connection to the base, and a folding pivot axis
between the upper and lower pivot connections, and the first lever
eccentrically coupled to the lifting leg at the folding pivot
axis.
3. The patient support device according to claim 2, wherein the
lower pivot connection comprises a sliding pivot connection, the
sliding pivot connection sliding along a long axis of the base.
4. The patient support device according to claim 3, wherein the
first lever comprises an offset frame, the offset frame pivotally
mounted about the folding pivot axis and pivotally mounted to the
sliding pivot connection.
5. The patient support device according to claim 4, wherein the
offset frame comprises a pair of spaced plates, the spaced plates
supporting a transverse pin, and the actuator pivotally coupled to
the transverse pin.
6. The patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the
base includes a plurality of pivoting links.
7. The patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the
head end leg assembly is independent of the foot end leg
assembly.
8. The patient support device according to claim 7, wherein the
frame has a foot end and a head end, the lifting leg of one of foot
end leg assembly and the head end leg assembly being pivotally
mounted at a fixed pivot connection at or near foot end or the head
end of the frame, the lifting leg of the other of the foot end leg
assembly and head end leg assembly being pivotally mounted at a
movable fixed pivot connection at or near the foot end or the head
end of the frame.
9. The patient support device according to claim 7, wherein each of
the head end leg assembly and the foot end leg assembly includes a
pair of the lifting legs.
10. The patient support device according to claim 9, wherein each
of the actuators is mounted in a respective leg assembly between a
first lever and a second lever, the first levers comprising pivotal
frames, and each of the pivotal frames mounted between the pair of
the lifting legs of the respective leg assembly.
11. The patient support device according to claim 1, wherein the
head end leg assembly and the foot end leg assembly each having an
inverted Y-shaped configuration when the elevation system moves the
frame to a raised position.
12. A patient support device comprising: a base, the base having a
base frame; a support frame supported relative to the base, the
support frame configured to support a patient support surface for
supporting a patient thereon; a head end actuator; a foot end
actuator; and an elevation system for raising or lowering the frame
relative to the base, the elevation system including a head end leg
assembly and a foot end leg assembly, each of the leg assemblies
having a Y-shaped configuration when the frame is raised and being
folded when the frame is lowered, the head end leg assembly and the
foot end leg assembly each having a pair of lifting legs, the
lifting legs pivotally mounted at their upper ends to the frame and
pivotally mounted at their lower ends to the base, each of the
lifting legs having a folding pivot axis, and each of the head end
and foot end actuators having a lower pivot connection below the
base frame and an upper pivot connection above the folding pivot
axis of a respective pair of lifting legs of the lifting legs.
13. The patient support device according to claim 13, wherein each
of the actuators is mounted in a respective leg assembly between a
first lever and a second lever, the first levers comprising pivotal
frames, and each of the pivotal frames mounted between the pair of
the lifting legs of a respective leg assembly of the head end leg
assembly and the foot end leg assembly.
14. The patient support device according to claim 13, wherein the
head end leg assembly and the foot end leg assembly each have an
inverted Y-shaped configuration when the elevation system moves the
frame to a raised position.
15. The patient support device according to claim 13, wherein the
frame has a foot end and a head end, the lifting legs of one of the
foot end leg assembly or the head end leg assembly being pivotally
mounted at fixed pivot connections at or near the foot end or the
head end of the frame, the lifting legs of the other of foot end
leg assembly and head end leg assembly being pivotally mounted at
movable fixed pivot connections at or near the foot end of the
frame.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
14/838,068 filed Aug. 27, 2015, which claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/042,438 filed Aug. 27, 2014, which
are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to patient support apparatuses
such as hospital beds. In particular, the invention relates to
patient support apparatuses with improved sleep surface
characteristics, such as systems for orienting the sections of the
patient support surface.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Patient support apparatuses, such as hospital beds often
allow rotation of patient support surfaces in different positions
to achieve a plurality of configurations for the bed. Many hospital
beds have an elevation system which can raise and lower the frame
of the patient support surface. Often, these elevation systems are
electrically powered. Examples of configurations for the bed
include a lying (sleeping) position, a vascular position with the
legs of the patient being maintained horizontal and a raised
(sitting) position.
[0004] Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency
procedure performed to restore spontaneous blood circulation and
breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. It is indicated for
those who are unresponsive with no breathing or abnormal breathing.
Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that is potentially
reversible if treated early. Unexpected cardiac arrest can lead to
death within minutes. A CPR handle is typically provided on
hospital beds to speed up the process of lowering the head section
and flattening all sleep surface sections to allow medical
personnel to begin CPR procedures. This is especially useful if the
head section of the bed is in the fully raised configuration.
[0005] The movements of the sections of hospital beds are usually
slow so as not to disturb the patient. Rising and lowering the head
section typically take 25 to 35 seconds, and noise and jolts are
avoided to the extent possible. In an emergency situation, time is
of the essence. It is therefore acceptable to lower the head
section in 5 seconds in that situation.
[0006] Some actuators available on the market are disengageable.
When gears are disengaged, the time of descent with a heavy patient
is less than 2 seconds. This is considered too rapid according to
medical personnel who fear discomfort or injury for themselves or
the patient. Furthermore, safety regulations require that all
movement be attended, meaning that medical personnel has to hold a
handle during the process, letting go would stop the displacement
right away. The actuator is therefore often mounted in parallel or
in series with a damper. The combined system slows down the
emergency descent to a 5 second duration. A gas spring can further
assist the actuator by reducing the effort required by the actuator
for rising the head section with a patient present on the bed.
[0007] In the event that the CPR handle is released before the head
section is fully horizontal and resting on the frame, there is a
considerable effort transmitted to the actuator gears. As a result,
the gears can get stripped, the shaft can break and the actuator
may need to be replaced. If this occurs, the patient would then
need to be transferred to another bed.
[0008] Some dampers have an integrated spring which can act as a
two-step force to reduce speed when almost compressed. The major
drawback of this solution is that the actuator has to pull its way
in to its minimum length. Most of the actuators have half the force
in pull compared to push action. Depending on the strength of the
spring, this action may deteriorate the actuator in the long
run.
[0009] Medical staff sometimes need to place a patient in the
vascular position to help with blood circulation. The vascular
position of the bed frame is obtained by orienting the patient
support assembly such that the legs of the patient will be
vertically higher or at the same level than the patient's heart.
The foot rest is parallel to the ground in this position. This is
typically achieved by raising the thigh section first which is
usually power activated. The foot end of the bed is then manually
raised by the medical staff using a pop rod which rises the foot
rest upwards. The thigh section is usually power activated to raise
it to an angle while pushing the thigh rest towards the upper body
of the patient. The headrest of the bed is typically lowered
afterwards to reduce the vertical height of the patient's heart and
achieve a full vascular position.
[0010] Because the pop rod is manually operated, the patient can
experience jolts. Furthermore, there is a risk of injury to the
medical staff during the manual operation. Finally, the process has
two manual steps which tend to take some time. This tends to delay
placement of the patient in the appropriate position. Often,
medical personnel do not want to use a manual system that requires
forcing against the patient weight. Furthermore, the system is
usually hidden under the sleep surface foot section and is
sometimes unknown to them.
[0011] When a patient is taller than average, the bed can be
extended to accommodate his height. There are several ways to
extend a bed to accommodate a taller patient. In some prior art
beds, the footboard is removed and an added accessory is attached
at the location freed by the removal of the footboard. The
footboard is sometimes stored but can alternatively be re-attached
to the added extension to continue use of the controls on the user
interface. Some prior art systems lengthen the frame and add a pad
to level the extended surface with the mattress top. When the sleep
surface is angled or raised in a vascular position, the bolster
remains on the frame. In other prior art beds, the extension is
part of the foot section of the bed. It may be manually or power
mechanically extended. Usually, the extension is stored above or
under the lower body surface and is pulled away from the upper body
surface in use, the lower body surface and the extension at least
partially overlapping in the retracted position. The footboard is
typically provided on the extension.
[0012] Medical staff sometimes need to pull back the patient
towards the head end of the bed after having raised the upper body
surface of the bed from the flat lying position to a raised seated
position. This is caused by the movement of the patient towards the
foot of the bed during rotation. This can cause injuries in medical
personnel and discomfort for the patient.
[0013] Example prior art hospital beds are described in US Patent
Application Publication Nos. US 20140115785, US 20130145550, US
20130333115, US 20140013512, US 20100122415, US 20120005832 and in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,441,291, 6,496,993, 6,968,584, 6,336,235,
5,682,631, 5,906,017, 6,640,360, 7,849,539, 8,555,438.
SUMMARY
[0014] According to one aspect, there is provided a backrest
pivoting system for a bed, the bed having a backrest and a frame
for supporting the backrest, the backrest pivoting system
comprising: an actuator having a first actuator end connected to
the frame and a second actuator end pivotably connected to the
backrest via a pivot defining a first pivot axis for selectively
moving the pivot towards and away from the first actuator end when
the actuator is actuated; at least one guide rail secured to the
frame; at least one guide member operatively connected to the
backrest, the at least one guide member engaging the at least one
guide rail for guiding the backrest along a predetermined path
during actuation of the actuator; at least one pivoting link having
a first end pivotably connected to the frame and a second end
pivotably connected to the backrest for pivoting the backrest
relative to the frame about the at least one guide member during
movement of the pivot towards and away from the first actuator end,
the at least one guide member defining a second pivot axis coaxial
with the first pivot axis.
[0015] In one embodiment, the at least one guide rail is angled
relative to the frame to guide the backrest upwardly and away from
the first end of the actuator when the backrest is pivoted away
from the frame.
[0016] In one embodiment, the backrest pivoting system further
comprises spaced-apart first and second lever members and a
transversal member extending between the first and second lever
members.
[0017] In one embodiment, each lever member comprises a first
linear portion and a second linear portion angled relative to the
first linear portion.
[0018] In one embodiment, the first pivot comprises a pivot bracket
depending from the transversal member and a pivot pin extending
through the pivot bracket and the second end of the actuator.
[0019] In one embodiment, each one of the at least one pivot member
comprises a roller member adapted for rotating about the second
pivot axis.
[0020] In one embodiment, the backrest pivoting system further
comprises an orientation sensor operatively connected to the
backrest for monitoring the orientation of the backrest relative to
the frame.
[0021] In one embodiment, the orientation sensor comprises a
potentiometer, a first sensor arm pivotably connected to one of the
at least one guide arm and a second sensor arm pivotably connected
to the first sensor arm and to the potentiometer.
[0022] In one embodiment, the backrest pivoting system further
comprises a resilient member connected in series with the actuator
between the frame and the actuator.
[0023] According to another aspect, there is also provided a
backrest pivoting system for a bed, the bed having a frame and a
backrest pivotably connected to the frame, the backrest pivoting
system comprising: an actuator having a first actuator portion
connected to the frame and a second actuator portion connected to
the backrest for pivoting the backrest relative to the frame, the
actuator further having a transmission adapted for operatively
coupling the second actuator portion to the first actuator portion;
a release operatively connected to the transmission, the release
being movable between a locked position in which the first actuator
portion is coupled to the second actuator portion and an unlocked
position in which the second actuator portion is decoupled from the
first actuator portion to allow free pivoting of the backrest
towards the frame; a resilient member connected in series with the
actuator between the frame and the actuator, the resilient member
being compressible when the release is moved from the unlocked
position into the locked position as the backrest pivots towards
the frame.
[0024] In one embodiment, the backrest pivoting system further
comprises a damper connected in parallel to the actuator, the
damper being configured to provide damping during the pivoting of
the backrest towards the frame.
[0025] In one embodiment, the actuator is a linear actuator.
[0026] In one embodiment, the resilient member comprises a helical
spring.
[0027] In one embodiment, the backrest pivoting system further
comprises a housing secured to the frame for housing the resilient
member.
[0028] In one embodiment, the first actuator portion is pivotably
connected to the housing.
[0029] In one embodiment, the backrest pivoting system further
comprises an actuator pivot pin extending transversely through the
housing and the first actuator portion, the housing comprising at
least one opening for receiving the actuator pivot pin.
[0030] In one embodiment, the at least one opening is elongated to
allow the actuator pivot pin to move relative to the housing when
the resilient member is compressed.
[0031] According to yet another aspect, there is also provided an
extendable support assembly for a bed comprising: a frame; a core
support panel supported by the frame; a lower body support panel
supported by the frame, the lower body surface being located
adjacent the core support panel, the lower body support panel being
translatable along the frame away from the core support panel to
form an opening between the lower body support panel and the core
support panel.
[0032] In one embodiment, the extendable support assembly further
comprises an extension member having a first end pivotably
connected to the core support panel and a second end telescopically
engaging the lower body support panel.
[0033] According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a
support panel pivoting system for a bed, the bed having a frame, a
backrest pivotably connected to the frame and a lower body support
panel pivotably connected to the frame, the support panel pivoting
system comprising: a backrest actuator having a first actuator
portion connected to the frame and a second actuator portion
connected to the backrest for pivoting the backrest relative to the
frame, the backrest actuator further having a transmission adapted
for operatively coupling the second actuator portion to the first
actuator portion; a release operatively connected to said
transmission, the release being movable between a locked position
in which the first actuator portion is coupled to the second
actuator portion and an unlocked position in which the second
actuator portion is decoupled from the first actuator portion to
allow free pivoting of the backrest towards the frame; a sensor for
determining that the release is in the unlocked position; a lower
body actuator operatively connecting the lower body support panel
to the frame for pivoting the lower body support panel relative to
the frame, the lower body actuator being further operatively
connected to the sensor for pivoting the backrest towards the frame
when the release is in the unlocked position and that the backrest
is pivoted downwardly.
[0034] In one embodiment, the sensor is operatively connected to
the backrest.
[0035] In one embodiment, the sensor comprises an orientation
sensor for determining an orientation of the backrest.
[0036] In one embodiment, the system comprises a control unit
operatively connected to the orientation sensor for determining a
pivoting speed of the backrest based on the orientation of the
backrest.
[0037] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured
for determining that the release is in the unlocked position when
the pivoting speed of the backrest is above a threshold speed
value.
[0038] In one embodiment, the threshold speed value is 8 degrees
per second.
[0039] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured
for determining that the backrest is being pivoted downwardly
towards the frame.
[0040] In one embodiment, the control unit is further operatively
connected to the lower body actuator for actuating the lower body
actuator upon a determination that the pivoting speed of the
backrest is above the threshold speed value and that the backrest
is being pivoted towards the frame.
[0041] According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a
method for placing a bed in a vascular position, the bed having a
patient support assembly mounted onto a frame having a head end and
a foot end, the patient support assembly including a backrest
located near the head end, a lower body surface located near the
foot end and a core body surface located between the backrest and
the lower body surface, the core body surface being pivotably
interconnected to the lower body surface, the method comprising:
receiving a command to place the bed in the vascular position;
pivoting the core support panel at a thigh angle above the frame;
pivoting the lower body support panel at a lower body angle above
the frame; pivoting the backrest at a back angle above the frame;
tilting the frame at a tilt angle relative to the horizontal such
that the head end of the frame is located below the horizontal,
said pivot angle being within a predetermined range of said foot
angle, thereby placing the bed in the vascular position.
[0042] In one embodiment, pivoting the core support panel comprises
raising a rear end of the core support panel located towards the
lower body support panel.
[0043] In one embodiment, raising the rear end of the core support
panel further comprises raising a front end of the lower body panel
located towards the core support panel, the rear end of the core
support panel being hingeably connected to the front end of the
lower body panel via a hinge connection.
[0044] In one embodiment, raising the rear end of the core support
panel and raising the front end of the lower body panel comprising
actuating a lower body actuator having a first end pivotably
connected to the frame and a second end pivotably connected to the
hinge connection.
[0045] In one embodiment, the tilting of the frame is performed
after the raising of the core body support panel and the raising of
the backrest.
[0046] In one embodiment, the raising of the core body support
panel, the raising of the backrest and the tilting of the frame are
performed simultaneously.
[0047] In one embodiment, the core angle is 30 degrees, the lower
body angle is 13 degrees, the back angle is 13 degrees and the tilt
angle is 13 degrees.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] Having thus generally described the nature of the invention,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, showing by
way of illustration example embodiments thereof and in which:
[0049] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a hospital bed, in
accordance with one embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 2 is an isolated, top perspective view of a patient
support assembly for the hospital bed illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0051] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the patient support assembly
illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0052] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the patient support assembly
illustrated in FIG. 2;
[0053] FIG. 4A is a partial bottom perspective view of the patient
support assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, taken from area A-A of FIG.
4, enlarged to show details of the left CPR handle assembly;
[0054] FIG. 5 is a partial bottom perspective view of the patient
support assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, enlarged to show details of
the backrest pivoting system;
[0055] FIG. 5A is a partial bottom plan view of the patient support
assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, enlarged to show details of the
backrest pivoting system;
[0056] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the right lever member, the
right guide rail and the right guide member of the backrest
pivoting system illustrated in FIG. 2, shown in isolation to better
appreciate the configuration of these elements;
[0057] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the patient support
assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, with the backrest abutting the
frame;
[0058] FIG. 6A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the patient
support assembly illustrated in FIG. 6, taken along cross-section
line X-X of FIG. 3;
[0059] FIG. 6B is a schematic drawing of the patient support
assembly illustrated in FIG. 6, with only the backrest and the
right frame member, guide rail, guide member, lever member and
pivoting link shown and all other parts removed for clarity;
[0060] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the patient support
assembly similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2, with the backrest
pivoted upward at a 20-degree angle relative to the frame;
[0061] FIG. 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the patient
support assembly similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6A, with the
backrest pivoted upward at a 20-degree angle relative to the
frame;
[0062] FIG. 7B is a schematic drawing of the patient support
assembly similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6B, with the backrest
pivoted upward at a 20-degree angle relative to the frame;
[0063] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the patient support
assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, with the backrest pivoted upward at
a 40-degree angle relative to the frame;
[0064] FIG. 8A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the patient
support assembly similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6A, with the
backrest pivoted upward at a 40-degree angle relative to the
frame;
[0065] FIG. 8B is a schematic drawing of the patient support
assembly similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6B, with the backrest
pivoted upward at a 40-degree angle relative to the frame;
[0066] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the patient support
assembly illustrated in FIG. 2, with the backrest pivoted upward at
a 60-degree angle relative to the frame;
[0067] FIG. 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the patient
support assembly similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6A, with the
backrest pivoted upward at a 60-degree angle relative to the
frame;
[0068] FIG. 9B is a schematic drawing of the patient support
assembly similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6B, with the backrest
pivoted upward at a 60-degree angle relative to the frame;
[0069] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed
illustrated in FIG. 1, with the barrier system removed and with the
frame tilted and the backrest, the lower support panel and the core
support panel oriented such that the bed is in a vascular
configuration;
[0070] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the hospital bed
illustrated in FIG. 1, taken along a longitudinal axis of the bed,
with the barrier system removed and with the frame tilted and the
backrest, the lower body support panel and the core support panel
oriented such that the bed is in a vascular configuration;
[0071] FIG. 10B is a partial, top rear perspective view of the
hospital bed illustrated in FIG. 10, with the patient support
surface removed to show details of the foot elevation assembly;
[0072] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial side elevation view of the
hospital bed illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the lower body support
panel in a retracted configuration; and
[0073] FIG. 12 is an enlarged, partial side elevation view of the
hospital bed illustrated in FIG. 1, showing the lower body support
panel in an extended configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] Referring first to FIGS. 1 to 5, there is shown a hospital
bed 100, in accordance with one embodiment. The bed 100 comprises a
head end 102, an opposite foot end 104 and spaced-apart left and
right sides 105, 107 extending between the head end 102 and the
foot end 104.
[0075] Some of the structural components of the bed 100 will be
designated hereinafter as "right", "left", "head" and "foot" from
the reference point of an individual lying on the individual's back
on the support surface of the mattress provided on the bed 100 with
the individual's head oriented toward the head end 102 of the bed
100 and the individual's feet oriented toward the foot end 104 of
the bed 100.
[0076] The bed 100 includes a base 106, a patient support assembly
108 and an elevation system 110 operatively coupling the patient
support assembly 108 to the base 106. In the illustrated
embodiment, the base 106 is provided with a displacement assembly
112 which includes casters 114 connected to the base 106 by pivots
(not shown) hidden from view by covers 116. This displacement
assembly 112 allows the bed 100 to be moved and maneuvered along a
floor. In one embodiment, the base is at a distance of 5 inches
from the floor. Alternatively, the base could be higher or lower
than 5 inches from the floor.
[0077] The elevation system 110 is configured to raise and lower
the patient support assembly 108 relative to the base 106 between a
minimum or fully lowered position and a maximum or fully raised
position. In one embodiment, the elevation system 110 is further
configured to allow the patient support assembly 108 to be set at
any intermediate position between the fully lowered and fully
raised positions. The elevation system 110 may further be
configured to tilt the patient support assembly 108 in various
orientations, as will be further explained below.
[0078] Still referring to FIG. 1, the bed 100 further includes a
patient support barrier system 120 generally disposed around the
patient support assembly 108. The barrier system 120 includes a
plurality of barriers which extend generally vertically around the
patient support assembly 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the
plurality of barriers includes a headboard 122 located at the head
end 102 and a footboard 124 disposed generally parallel to the
headboard 122 and located at the foot end 104 of the bed 100. The
plurality of barriers further include spaced-apart left and right
head siderails 126, 128 which are located adjacent the headboard
122 and spaced-apart left and right foot siderails 130, 132 which
are respectively located between the left and right head siderails
126, 128 and the foot end 104 of the bed 100. Each one of the
plurality of barriers is moveable between an extended or raised
position for preventing the patient lying on the bed 100 from
moving laterally out of the bed 100, and a retracted or lowered
position for allowing the patient to move or be moved laterally out
of the bed 100.
[0079] The bed 100 further includes a control interface (not shown)
for controlling features of the bed 100. The control interface
could be integrated into the footboard 124, into the headboard 122
or into one or more of the siderails 126, 128, 130, 132.
Alternatively, the control interface could be provided as a
separate unit located near the bed 100 or even at a location remote
from the bed 100. In one embodiment, the control interface is
operatively connected to the elevation system 110 to control the
height of the patient support assembly 108 above the floor.
[0080] Now referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the patient support assembly
108 includes a frame 200 (best shown in FIG. 4) and a patient
support surface 250 supported by the frame 200. In the illustrated
embodiment, the patient support surface 250 includes an upper body
surface or backrest 252, a lower body surface or lower body support
panel 254 and one or more core body surfaces or core support panels
256, 258 located between the backrest 252 and the lower body
support panel 254 for supporting the seat and/or thighs of the
patient. In the illustrated embodiment, each one of the backrest
252, the lower body support panel 254 and the core support panels
256, 258 can be angled relative to the other surfaces.
[0081] A lying surface such as a mattress or the like, not shown,
is typically provided on the patient support surface 250 for
receiving the patient thereon. Each one of the backrest 252 and the
lower body support panel 254 can include a right loop 202 and a
left loop 204 which extend above the patient support surface 250 to
retain the mattress onto the patient support surface 250. The right
and left loops 202, 204 can also be used for hooking on accessories
(not shown) used for patient treatment to the bed 100. In the
illustrated embodiment, the core support panel 256 further includes
a left retainer 206 and a right retainer 208 which can also be used
for retaining the mattress onto the patient support surface 250 and
for hooking on accessories.
[0082] Now referring to FIG. 4, the frame 200 includes a pair of
longitudinal frame members 402, 404 and a plurality of transversal
frame members extending between the longitudinal frame members 402,
404. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of transversal
members include a foot transversal member 405 located near the foot
end 104 of the bed 100 and an intermediate transversal member 406
which is disposed between the foot transversal member 405 and the
head end 102 of the bed 100. Alternatively, the frame 200 could
include additional transversal members, or a single transversal
frame member instead of a plurality of transversal members.
[0083] The bed 100 further includes a backrest pivoting system 450
connecting the backrest 252 to the frame 200 for pivoting the
backrest 252 relative to the frame 200. In the illustrated
embodiment, the bed 100 further includes a lower body pivoting
system 452 connecting the lower body support panel 254 and the core
support panel 258 adjacent the lower body support panel 254 for
pivoting the lower body support panel 254 and the core support
panel 258 relative to the frame 200. The backrest pivoting system
450 and the lower body pivoting system 452 will be described
further below.
[0084] Still referring to FIG. 4, the bed 100 may further comprise
a plurality of hidden hooks for restraining straps which extend
below the patient support surface 250. In the illustrated
embodiment, the plurality of hidden hooks includes left and right
foot hooks 454a, 454b and left and right head hooks 456a, 456b.
[0085] The bed 100 may further comprise a release or CPR handle
assembly operatively connected to the backrest pivoting system 450.
The CPR handle assembly may be used in emergency situations by
medical personnel to de-couple the backrest 252 from the backrest
pivoting system 450 to rapidly pivot the backrest 252 to a neutral
non-pivoted position, where the backrest 252 lies directly on the
frame 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the bed 100 comprises
left and right CPR handle assemblies 460 located respectively near
the left and right sides 105, 107 of the bed 100 under the backrest
252. It will be appreciated that providing a CPR handle assembly on
both the left and right sides of the bed 100 allows the backrest
252 to be rapidly pivoted down regardless of whether the operator
of the CPR handle assembly is standing on the left side or the
right side 105, 107 of the bed 100. Alternatively, the bed 100 may
comprise a single CPR handle assembly located near one of the left
and right sides 105, 107 of the bed 100, or elsewhere on the bed
100 (for example, at the head end 102 of the bed 100).
[0086] Turning to FIG. 4A, the left CPR handle 460 will now be
described. It will be understood that the same description also
applies for the right CPR handle. In the illustrated embodiment,
the CPR handle 460 comprises a Bowden cable assembly. More
specifically, the CPR handle 460 includes a CPR mounting bracket
462 secured to the backrest 252 and a handle member 464 pivotably
connected to the CPR mounting bracket 462 via a pin 465. The CPR
handle 460 further comprises a cable 466 which has a first end 468
connected to the handle member 464 and a second end (not shown)
connected to the backrest pivoting system 450. Specifically, the
handle member 464 includes a vertical slot 470 which has a straight
top portion 472 and a bottom circular portion 474 having a diameter
greater than the width of the top portion 472. The first end of the
cable 466 comprises an enlarged spherical head 476 which has a
diameter which is greater than the width of the top portion 472,
but which is smaller than the diameter of the bottom circular
portion 474. This allows the first end 468 of the cable 466 to be
inserted through the bottom circular portion 474 and to be slid in
the top portion 472 to be retained therein.
[0087] Furthermore, the cable 466 extends within a sheath 478 which
includes an end portion 480 and an enlarged diameter portion 482
adjacent the end portion 480. The CPR mounting bracket 462 further
comprises a vertical panel 484 having a hole 486 therein. The hole
486 has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the end
portion 480 of the sheath 478 such that the hole 486 may receive
the end portion 480, but which is smaller than the enlarged
diameter portion 482. In this configuration, when a user pulls on
the handle member 464, the handle member 464 pivots about the pin
465 towards the corresponding longitudinal frame members 402 and
pulls on the cable 466. The enlarged diameter portion 482 of the
sheath 478 abuts against the vertical panel 484 and prevents the
sheath 478 from moving towards the handle member 464, causing the
cable 466 to move relative to the sheath 478 to thereby disengage
the backrest pivoting system 450, as will be further explained
below. The handle member 464 may further be biased such that
releasing the handle member 464 returns the handle member 464 to
its initial position. The biasing may be caused by a resilient
member connected to the handle member 464 and/or to the pin 465, or
using any other biasing means known to the skilled addressee.
[0088] Alternatively, the CPR handle assemblies 460 could be
configured according to one of various other configurations. For
example, the CPR handle assemblies 460 could comprise a handle
which is connected to the backrest pivoting system 450 via a
hydraulic line or an electrical/optical connection. A button or any
other device that could be activated by a user may also be provided
instead of a handle.
[0089] Now turning to FIGS. 5 to 9A, the backrest pivoting system
450 includes left and right lever arms or members 502, 504 which
are spaced from each other and disposed generally longitudinally
relative to the backrest 252. As best shown in FIG. 5A, the lever
members 502, 504 are disposed between the left and right frame
members 402, 404 and are generally parallel thereto.
[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, each lever member 502, 504
has a generally dogleg shape (generally resembling the shape of a
hockey stick) and includes a first linear portion 506 which extends
along the underside of the backrest 252 and a second linear portion
508 which is angled downwardly away from the backrest 252 and which
extends towards the foot end 104 of the bed 100. In one embodiment,
the second linear portion 508 is angled relative to the first
linear portion 506 by an angle of 117 degrees. Alternatively, the
second linear portion 508 could be angled relative to the first
linear portion 506 by a different angle.
[0091] Still in the illustrated embodiment, a bracket member 510
further extends between the first and second linear portions 506,
508 of each lever member 502, 504 to reinforce the lever member
502, 504 and prevent bending and/or cracking. A transverse lever
member 512 further extends generally horizontally between the
second linear portion 508 of the left lever member 502 and the
second linear portion 508 of the right lever member 504. The
transverse lever member 512 connects the left and lever members
502, 504 together and allows them to move as one when a force is
applied on the transverse lever member 512, as will be explained
further below.
[0092] The backrest pivoting system 450 further includes a backrest
actuator 514 for moving the backrest 252 relative to the frame 200.
The backrest actuator 514 comprises a first actuator end 516 and a
second actuator end 518. When the backrest actuator 514 is
actuated, the second actuator end 518 moves away from the first
actuator end 516. The backrest actuator 514 further comprises a
first actuator portion 552 located near the first actuator end 516,
a second actuator portion 555 located near the second actuator end
518 and a transmission 550 operatively coupling the first actuator
portion 552 to the second actuator portion 554 to permit movement
of the second actuator portion 554 relative to the first actuator
portion 552. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission 550 is
operatively connected to the CPR handle assemblies 460 via the
cable 466 such that operation of at least one of the CPR handle
assemblies 460 enables the second actuator portion 554 to be
selectively coupled and uncoupled from the first actuator portion
552, as will be further explained below.
[0093] Still in the illustrated embodiment, the first actuator
portion 516 is operatively connected to the frame 200, and more
specifically to the intermediate transversal member 406 of the
frame 200, to allow the backrest actuator 514 to pivot relative to
the frame 200, as will be explained further below. The second
actuator end 518 is pivotably connected to the transverse lever
member 512 via a pivot bracket 520 depending from the transverse
member 512. A pivot pin 521 engages both the second actuator end
518 and the pivot bracket 520. The pivot pin 521 thereby acts as a
pivot which defines a pivot axis P between the backrest 252 and the
backrest actuator 514 which allows the backrest 252 to pivot
relative to the backrest actuator 514, as will be further explained
below.
[0094] In one embodiment, the backrest actuator 514 is an electric
actuator including a motor and an endless screw, which enables the
backrest 252 to be pivoted with a relatively high level of
precision and in a relatively smooth and continuous movement,
regardless of the weight of the patient. Alternatively, the
backrest actuator 514 could be a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic
actuator or any other type of actuators which may be considered
suitable for use with the bed 100.
[0095] The backrest pivoting system 450 further includes left and
right guide rails 522 secured to the frame 200 and left and right
guide members 524 which are configured to travel along the left and
right guide rails 522, respectively. The left and right guide
members 524 are configured to guide the backrest 252 during
actuation of the backrest actuator 514 along a predetermined path
defined by the guide rails 522, as will be further explained
below.
[0096] Referring specifically to FIG. 5B, each guide rail 522 has a
front end 526 located towards the head end 102 of the bed 100 and a
rear end 528 which is located towards the foot end 104 of the bed
100. In the illustrated embodiment, each guide rail 522 has a
generally C-shaped cross-section and includes top and bottom faces
530, 532 which extend parallel to each other and a lateral face 534
which extends between the top and bottom faces 530, 532,
perpendicularly thereto. The top and bottom faces 530, 532 are
spaced from each other to define therebetween an open channel 536
which has an open side 538 opposite the lateral face 534. The guide
rails 522 are oriented such that the lateral faces 534 are
generally vertical and the open sides 538 of the left and right
guide rails 522 face towards each other. Alternatively, the guide
rails 522 could have any other configuration suitable to guide the
guide members 524 along a predetermined path.
[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide members 524
includes left and right roller members 540 which are rotatably
connected to the second linear portion 508 of the left and right
lever members 502, 504. The left and right roller members 540 are
oriented outwardly relative to the bed 100, thereby facing away
from each other. The open channels are sized to receive the roller
members 540 which rotate about a rotation axis R which extends in a
generally normal direction relative to the lateral face of the
guide rail. As best shown in FIG. 5A, the rotation axes R of the
roller members 540 are disposed such that they are both coaxial
with the pivot axis P defined between the backrest actuator 514 and
the backrest 252. In this configuration, the backrest actuator 514
is able to push and thereby move the backrest 252 without creating
an additional moment on the lever members 502, 504. This reduces
the force that needs to be applied by the backrest actuator 514 to
move the backrest 252. As will become apparent below, this also
reduces the stress in the lever members 502, 504 during pivoting of
the backrest 252 and thereby prevents damage to the lever members
502, 504.
[0098] Alternatively, other types of guide members may be used
instead of roller members. For example, the guide members could
instead include sliding members which are pivotably connected to
the second linear portion 508 of the left and right lever members
502, 504. Instead of rolling along the guide rails 522, the sliding
members would slide along the guide rails when the actuator is
extended or retracted, while still allowing the backrest 252 to
pivot relative to the frame 200.
[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right guide
rails 522 are angled relative to the frame 200. More specifically,
the rear end 528 of the guide rails 522 is disposed below the front
end 526. The left and right guide rails 522 therefore guide the
backrest 252 upwardly and away from the first end of the actuator
(i.e. away from the foot end 104 of the bed 100) when the backrest
actuator 514 is retracted and the backrest 252 is pivoted away from
the frame 200. When the backrest actuator 514 is retracted, the
left and right lever members 502, 504 and the backrest 252 are
moved downwardly and towards the foot end 104 of the bed 100. In
one embodiment, the guide rails 522 may be angled at an angle of 12
degrees relative to the horizontal. Alternatively, the guide rails
522 may be angled at a different angle.
[0100] The backrest pivoting system 450 further includes left and
right pivoting links 610 (best shown in FIG. 6B) which cause the
backrest 252 to pivot as the guide members 524 move along the guide
rails 522 when the backrest actuator 514 is extended or retracted,
as will be further explained below. Each pivoting link 610 has a
rear end 612 pivotably connected to the backrest 252 and a front
end 614 pivotably connected to a respective one of the longitudinal
frame members 402, 404. The second end 614 of the pivoting links
610 is located between the head end 102 of the bed 100 and the
front end 526 of the guide rails 522. In the illustrated
embodiment, the rear end 612 of the pivoting links 610 is pivotably
connected to the first linear portion 506 of the left and right
lever members 502, 504.
[0101] In the illustrated embodiment, there is also provided a
damper 560 connected in parallel to the backrest actuator 514. The
damper 560 is configured to provide damping during the pivoting of
the backrest 252 towards the frame 200 in order to prevent the
pivoting of the backrest 252 to be too rapid and/or brutal. This is
particularly useful during the operation of the CPR handle
assemblies 460, as will become apparent below.
[0102] More specifically, the damper 560 comprises a first damper
portion 562 pivotably connected to the intermediate transversal
member 406 and a second damper portion 564 movable relative to the
first damper portion 562 and pivotably connected to the transverse
lever member 512. This configuration allows the damper 560 to be
angled relative to the frame 200 in order to follow movement of the
transverse lever member 512 as the backrest 252 is pivoted. The
damper 560 could be a hydraulic damper, a magnetic damper or any
other type of dampers known to the skilled addressee.
[0103] Now referring to FIG. 6A, the backrest pivoting system 450
may further comprise an orientation sensor 600 (best shown in FIG.
6A) operatively connected to the backrest 252 to monitor the
orientation of the backrest 252. In the illustrated embodiment, the
orientation sensor 600 comprises a rheostat or potentiometer 602
which is embedded into the first linear portion 506 of the right
lever member 504. The orientation sensor 600 further comprises a
first sensor arm 604 pivotably connected to the guide arm 700 and a
second sensor arm 606 pivotably connected to the first sensor arm
604 and to the potentiometer 602. It will be appreciated that this
configuration enables the orientation sensor to monitor the
orientation of the backrest 252 without interfering with the
movement of the backrest 252. Alternatively, the orientation sensor
may comprise another type of orientation sensor, such as a
gyroscope or any other orientation sensor known to the skilled
addressee.
[0104] Still referring to FIG. 6A, the backrest actuator 514 may
further be mounted in series with a resilient member. The resilient
member may help to prevent the pivoting of the backrest 252 from
stopping too abruptly when the CPR handles are used, which could
cause discomfort or harm to the patient and to the medical
personnel, as well as damage the electronic and mechanical
components of the bed 100, especially the gears of the backrest
actuator 514.
[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient member is a
helical spring 650 which is housed in a housing 652 secured to the
intermediate transversal member 406 of the frame 200. The helical
spring 650 is sandwiched between the intermediate transversal
member 406 and a piston 654 which is pivotally connected to the
first actuator portion 552 by a pivot pin 656. In the illustrated
embodiment, the pivot pin 656 extends through elongated openings in
the housing 652, which allows the pivot pin 656 and the piston 654
to move towards the transverse member 406 to compress the helical
spring 650.
[0106] In one embodiment, the helical spring 650 is calibrated to
be as strong as the maximum load on the backrest actuator 514 when
a full load is present on the sleep surface. It can also be
compressed under the action of a sudden rotation of the backrest
252. In one embodiment, the spring has a capacity of about 1000
lbs/in and a compression of about 1/4 in.
[0107] Operation of the backrest pivoting system 450 for pivoting
of the backrest 252 from a non-pivoted position, shown in FIGS. 6
and 6A, to a fully pivoted position, shown in FIGS. 9 and 9A, will
now be described in accordance with one embodiment.
[0108] In the non-pivoted position shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, the
backrest 252 abuts the frame 200. In this position, the backrest
252 is generally parallel to the core support panel 256 located
adjacent to the backrest 252. In the illustrated embodiment, the
backrest actuator 514 is angled downwardly relative to the frame
200. More specifically, the backrest actuator 514 is angled
downwardly by an angle of 6 degrees. Alternatively, the actuator
could be at a different angle relative to the frame 200 when the
backrest 252 is in the non-pivoted position.
[0109] Still in the illustrated embodiment, the pivoting links 610
are angled upwardly relative to the frame 200 by an angle of 5
degrees when the backrest 252 is in the non-pivoted position.
Alternatively, the pivoting links 610 could be at a different angle
relative to the frame 200 when the backrest 252 is in the
non-pivoted position.
[0110] To start the pivoting of the backrest 252, the backrest
actuator 514 is actuated. In one embodiment, the backrest actuator
514 is actuated via the control interface which is operatively
connected to the backrest actuator 514. Alternatively, the backrest
actuator 514 could be actuated using mechanical controls, or using
any other means known to the skilled addressee.
[0111] To pivot the backrest 252 upwardly from the non-pivoted
position, the backrest actuator 514 is extended such that the
second actuator end 518, which is pivotably connected to the lever
members 502, 504 via the transverse lever member 512, moves away
from its first end 516. The backrest actuator 514 thereby pushes
against the transverse lever member 512, which causes the guide
members 524, also connected to the lever members 502, 504, to
travel along the guide rails 522.
[0112] In FIGS. 7 to 7B, the backrest 252 is shown pivoted at an
angle of 20 degrees relative to the frame 200. In this position,
the roller members 524 have been moved along the guide rails 522
from the rear end 528 of the guide rails 522 partway towards the
front end of the guide rails 522. Due to the upward angle of the
guide rails 522, this movement along the guiderails 522 causes the
roller members 524 to be moved upwardly and forwardly towards the
head end 102 of the bed 100. Since the rear end 612 of the pivoting
link 610 is pivotably connected to the backrest 252 via the lever
members 502, 504, the movement of the roller members frontwardly
along the guide rails 522 causes both the pivoting links 610 and
the backrest 252 to pivot upwardly relative to the frame 200. As
the pivoting links 610 and the backrest 252 pivot upwardly, the
angle .theta. between the pivoting links 610 and the backrest 252
is therefore reduced (i.e. the angle .theta. becomes more acute),
as best shown in FIG. 7B.
[0113] Specifically, each pivoting link 610 pivots such that its
rear end 612 is raised while its front end 614, which is pivotably
connected to the left frame member 402, remains at the same
location. Since FIGS. 7 and 7A show the left side 105 of the bed
100, the pivoting links 610 are therefore shown being pivoted in a
clockwise direction relative from the non-pivoted position shown in
FIGS. 6 and 6A. Simultaneously, the backrest 252 is also pivoted,
but in opposite direction to the direction in which the pivoting
links 610 are pivoted. In FIGS. 7 and 7A, the backrest 252 is
therefore shown being pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction.
Specifically, the backrest 252 is pivoted relative to the guide
rail 200 about the roller member 540, which therefore defines a
movable pivot point for the backrest 252.
[0114] In the illustrated embodiment, when the backrest 252 is
pivoted away from the frame 200, the backrest 252 no longer abuts
the frame 200 and is therefore no longer supported by the frame
200. In this position, the pivoting links 610, which extend between
the backrest 252 and the frame 200, act as truss members to support
the backrest 252 and the patient laying on the bed 100.
[0115] It will be appreciated that as the roller members 540, which
are pivotably connected to the lever members 502, 504, are moved
upwardly and frontwardly, the transverse lever member 512, which is
also connected to the lever members 502, 504, and the second
actuator end 518 are also moved upwardly and frontwardly.
Therefore, the backrest actuator 514 is also pivoted about its
pivot pin 656 as it extends and retracts. When the backrest 252 is
pivoted upwardly from the non-pivoted position, the angle between
the backrest actuator 514 and the frame 200 is therefore reduced
(i.e. the angle becomes more acute), as best shown in FIG. 7B.
[0116] FIGS. 8 and 8A show the backrest 252 pivoted at a 40-degree
angle relative to the frame 200. In this position, the backrest
actuator 514 is further extended and the roller members 540 travel
further along the guide rails 522, upwardly and towards the head
end 102 of the bed 100. This causes both the backrest 252 and the
pivoting links 610 to be further pivoted and the angle between the
pivoting links 610 and the backrest 252 to be further reduced, as
best shown in FIG. 8B. The angle between the backrest actuator 514
and the frame 200 is also further reduced as the roller members 524
travel further along the guide rails 522.
[0117] FIGS. 9 and 9A show the backrest 252 pivoted at a 60-degree
angle relative to the frame 200. As the backrest actuator 514 is
further extended, the backrest 252 is further pivoted and further
moved along the guide rails 522, as described above. It will be
understood that the pivoting of the backrest 252 could be stopped
at any angle desired and is not limited to the specific angles
shown in FIGS. 6 to 9A. It will also be understood that the
backrest 252 could also be pivoted downwardly towards the
non-pivoted position shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A by retracting the
backrest actuator 514 instead of extending it.
[0118] It will be appreciated that in the bed 100 described herein,
extension and retraction of the backrest actuator 514 therefore
simultaneously causes both translation and pivoting of the backrest
252 relative to the frame 200. This configuration causes the
patient's back to remain relatively well aligned with the backrest
252 as the backrest 252 is pivoted generally about the patient's
hip axis and thereby prevents strain on the patient's back during
this movement. This configuration further improves the patient's
final position on the bed 100 when the seating position is
achieved.
[0119] Referring to FIGS. 4A, 6A and 9A, an example of operation of
one of the CPR handle assemblies 460 will now be described. In this
example, the backrest 252 is pivoted down using the CPR handle
assemblies 460 from the position shown in FIG. 9A, in which the
backrest 252 is angled at 60 degrees relative to the frame 200, to
the position shown in FIG. 6A, in which the backrest 252 is angled
at 20 degrees relative to the frame 200. Although operation of a
single CPR handle assembly 460 will be described, it will be
understood that both of the CPR handle assemblies 460 work in the
same manner, and that both CPR handle assemblies 460 could even be
operated simultaneously to achieve the same result.
[0120] As explained above, the CPR handle assemblies 460 are
operatively connected to the transmission 550 of the backrest
actuator 514 via the cable 466. The CPR handle assemblies 460 can
be moved between a locked position in which the first actuator
portion 552 is coupled to the second actuator portion 554 via the
transmission 550 and an unlocked position in which the transmission
550 is disengaged and the second actuator portion 554 is decoupled
from the first actuator portion 552 to allow free pivoting of the
backrest 252 towards the frame 200.
[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the CPR handle assembly 460
is initially in the locked position in which no tension is exerted
on the cable 466 of the CPR handle assemblies 460. Still in the
illustrated embodiment, the handle member 464 is biased to maintain
the CPR handle assemblies 460 in the locked position during normal
operation of the bed 100. It will be appreciated that when the CPR
handle assemblies 460 are in the locked position, the backrest
actuator 514 may be extended or retracted to permit pivoting of the
backrest 252 relative to the frame 200 as described above.
[0122] To move the CPR handle assemblies 460 from the locked
position to the unlocked position, a user pulls on the handle
member 464 of the CPR handle assembly 460, thereby pivoting the
handle member 464 about the pin 465. The handle member 464 thereby
pulls on the cable 466, which disengages the transmission 550 and
therefore decouples the first actuator portion 552 from the second
actuator portion 554. When at least the CPR handle assembly 460 is
in the unlocked position, the backrest 252 naturally pivots down
towards the frame 200 under the weight of the backrest 252 itself
and/or of the patient lying on the bed 100. It will be appreciated
that the damper 560 damps and therefore slows down this free
downward pivoting. This can be useful for preventing both the
patient and the user from being startled and/or injured by this
free downward pivoting. However, it will be understood that this
free downward pivoting is still faster than downwardly pivoting the
backrest 252 by retracting the backrest actuator 514.
[0123] When the backrest 252 has reached a desired angle relative
to the frame 200, the user releases the handle member 464, which is
biased back towards the locked position. The transmission 550 is
immediately re-engaged and the first actuator portion 552 is
recoupled to the second actuator portion 554. The backrest 252 can
then be pivoted again normally using the backrest actuation system
450, as described above. Alternatively, the handle member 464 may
not be biased. In this case, the handle member 464 can be returned
to its initial position manually by the user.
[0124] It will be appreciated that the movement of the CPR handle
assembly 460 from the unlocked position to the locked position will
cause the backrest 252 to decelerate abruptly or even come to a
full stop as the transmission 550 is re-engaged. This creates an
impact on the backrest actuator 514 and on the transmission 550. In
the illustrated embodiment, at least part of the energy of this
impact is absorbed by the helical spring 650, which compresses
slightly when the handle member 464 is released to return the CPR
handle assembly 460 to the locked position. This contributes to
preventing damage in the transmission, especially inner components
of the transmission 550 (e.g. gears) and damage to the backrest
actuator 514.
[0125] Now referring to FIGS. 10 and 10A, the base 106 and the
elevation system 110 will now be described. In the illustrated
embodiment, the base 106 comprises a base frame 1000 having two
longitudinal side members 1002, 1004, a head member 1006 located
towards the head end 102 of the bed 100 and a foot member 1008
located opposite the head member 1006 towards the foot end 104 of
the bed 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the head member 1006
and the foot member 1008 extend between the longitudinal side
members 1002, 1004 such that the base frame 1000 defines a
rectangular shape. The base 106 further comprises a head actuator
bracket 1010 and a foot actuator bracket 1012 which respectively
extend downwardly from the head member 1006 and the foot member
1008.
[0126] The elevation system 110 comprises a head elevation assembly
1014 located near the head end 102 of the bed 100 and a foot
elevation assembly 1016 located near the foot end 104 of the bed
100. In the illustrated embodiment, the head and foot elevation
assemblies 1014, 1016 are similar to each other. Specifically, the
head and foot elevation assemblies 1014, 1016 are mirror images of
each other. Therefore, only the foot elevation assembly 1016 will
be described, with the same description applying to the head
elevation assembly 1014.
[0127] The foot elevation assembly 1016 comprises left and right
pivoting leg members 1018, 1020 and an elevation actuator 1022
connecting the base frame 1000 to the pivoting leg members 1018,
1020. Specifically, the elevation actuator 1022 has a lower end
1024 pivotably connected to the foot actuator bracket 1012 and an
upper end 1026 pivotably connected to a transverse elevation member
1028 extending between the left and right pivoting leg members
1018, 1020, parallel to the foot member 1008 of the base frame
1000.
[0128] Each pivoting leg member 1018, 1020 comprises an upper end
1030 pivotably connected to a respective one of the left and right
longitudinal frame members 402, 404 and a lower end 1032 pivotably
and movably connected to a respective one of the longitudinal side
members 1002, 1004 of the base frame 1000. More specifically, each
longitudinal side member 1002, 1004 has a longitudinal track 1034
which faces inwardly relative to the bed 100, such that the
longitudinal tracks 1034 of the two longitudinal side members 1002,
1004 face each other. A slider member 1036 is pivotably connected
to the lower end 1032 of the pivoting leg members 1018, 1020 and
slidably engages the corresponding longitudinal track 1034 to allow
the lower end 1032 of the pivoting leg members 1018, 1020 to
selectively slide towards the head end 102 and towards the foot end
104 of the bed 100.
[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, each longitudinal side member
1002, 1004 comprises a single longitudinal track adapted to receive
the pivoting leg members 1018, 1020 of both the head elevation
assembly 1014 and the foot elevation assembly 1016. Alternatively,
each longitudinal side member 1002, 1004 could instead comprise two
distinct longitudinal tracks: a front longitudinal track to receive
the pivoting leg members 1018, 1020 of the head elevation assembly
1014 and a rear longitudinal track to receive the pivoting leg
members 1018, 1020 of the foot elevation assembly 1016.
[0130] Still in the illustrated embodiment, the foot elevation
assembly 1016 further comprises left and right pivoting links 1038,
1040 pivotably connecting the base frame 1000 to the left and right
pivoting leg members 1018, 1020, respectively. A transverse link
member 1042 further extends between the left and right pivoting
links 1038, 1040, parallel to the transverse elevation member 1042
and the foot member 1008 of the base frame 1000. Each pivoting link
1038, 1040 has a generally dogleg shape (generally resembling the
shape of a hockey stick) and has a lower end 1044 pivotably
connected to a link bracket 1046 extending downwardly from the base
frame 1000 and an upper end 1048 pivotably connected to a
respective pivoting leg member 1018, 1020. As shown in FIG. 10A,
the lower end 1024 of the elevation actuator 1022 is located below
the lower end 1044 of the pivoting links 1038, 1040, which are
themselves located below the lower ends 1032 of the pivoting leg
members 1018, 1020. The upper end 1026 of the elevation actuator
1022 is connected to the transverse elevation member 1028 below the
upper end 1030 of the pivoting leg members 1018, 1020, and the
upper end 1048 of the pivoting links 1038, 1040 is connected to the
pivoting leg members 1018, 1020 below the upper end 1026 of the
elevation actuator 1022.
[0131] When the elevation actuator 1022 is extended, its upper end
1026 moves away from its lower end 1024, thereby pushing against
the transverse elevation member 1028 and the pivoting leg members
1018, 1020. Since the pivoting links 1038, 1040 are connected to
the pivoting leg members 1018, 1020 below the transverse elevation
member 1028, the pivoting links 1038, 1040 cause the pivoting leg
members 1018, 1020 to pivot. More specifically, the upper end 1048
of the pivoting links 1038, 1040 defines a pivot point around which
the pivoting leg members 1018, 1020 pivots as the elevation
actuator 1022 extends. As the pivoting leg members 1018, 1020
pivot, their lower end 1032 move towards the elevation actuator
1022 and their upper end 1030 moves upwardly, thereby moving the
frame 200 near the foot end 104 of the bed 100 upwardly and
vertically. If only a single one of the head and foot elevation
assemblies 1014, 1016 is actuated, the frame 200 is tilted towards
the other one of the head and foot elevation assembly 1014, 1016.
For example, if only the foot elevation assemblies 1016 is raised,
as shown in FIGS. 10 to 10B, the frame 200 will tilt towards the
head end 102 of the bed 100. If the elevation actuators 1022 of
both the head and foot elevation assemblies 1014, 1016 are extended
or retracted at the same speed and at the same length, then the
frame 200 will be raised or lowered relative to the base 106.
[0132] In one embodiment, the control interface is operatively
connected to the elevation actuator 1022 of the foot elevation
assembly 1016 and of the head elevation assembly 1016 and is
configured to allow the user to selectively raise, lower and tilt
the frame 200 relative to the base 106 by entering a command into
the control interface.
[0133] Still referring to FIGS. 10 to 10B, the foot pivoting system
452 is used to simultaneously pivot both the lower body support
panel 254 and the core support panel 258 adjacent the lower body
support panel 254. In the illustrated embodiment, the core support
panel 258 has a front end 1050 hingeably connected to the adjacent
core support panel 256 and a rear end 1052 hingeably connected to
the lower body support panel 254 via a hinge connection 1054. The
lower body support panel 254 has a front end 1056 hingeably
connected to the core support panel 256 and a rear end 1058 which
hangs off freely from the foot end 104 of the bed 100.
Specifically, the lower body support panel 254 rests on a pair of
rollers 1060 (best shown in FIG. 10B) rotatably connected to the
left and right frame members 402, 404. This allow the lower body
support panel 254 to be rolled on the rollers 1060 towards the core
support panel 258 when the core support panel 258 is pivoted
upwardly, as will be explained below. Alternatively, instead of
rollers, one or more sliding surfaces may be provided to allow the
lower body support panel 254 to slide towards the core support
panel 258 when the core support panel 258 is pivoted upwardly. In
yet another embodiment, the rear end 1058 of the lower body support
panel 254 may instead comprise guide members which engage
corresponding tracks provided on the left and right frame members
402, 404.
[0134] The foot pivoting system 452 comprises a lower body actuator
1070 (best shown in FIG. 10) having a rear end 1072 pivotably
connected to the lower body transverse member 405 of the frame 200
and a front end 1074 pivotably connected to the hinge connection
1054 between the core support panel 258 and the lower body support
panel 254. In an initial, non-pivoted position, the lower body
support panel 254 and the core support panel 258 both lay flat on
the frame 200. When the lower body actuator 1070 is extended from
this position, the lower body actuator 1070 pushes against the
hinge connection 1054, which causes the core support panel 258 to
pivot about its front end 1050 such that its rear end 1052 is
raised above the frame 200. The pivoting of the core support panel
258 also causes its rear end 1052 to move forward towards the head
end 102 of the bed 100. Since the front end 1056 of the lower body
support panel 254 is connected to the rear end 1052 of the core
support panel 258, the front end 1056 of the lower body support
panel 254 is also raised and moved forward towards the head end 102
of the bed 100. The lower body support panel 254 is therefore
pulled forward towards the head end 102 of the bed 100 while its
rear end 1058 still rests on the rollers 1060. In this position,
the lower body support panel 254 is therefore angled relative to
the core support panel 258, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 10A.
[0135] It will be appreciated that the foot pivoting system 452
described above is only provided as an example, and that the foot
pivoting system 452 could be configured differently. For example,
instead of a single foot pivoting system pivoting both the lower
body support panel 254 and the core support panel 258
simultaneously, the bed 100 could comprise a first pivoting system
for pivoting the lower body support panel 254 and a second,
distinct pivoting system for pivoting one or more of the core
support panels. Various alternative configurations known to a
skilled addressee may also be used.
[0136] In the illustrated embodiment, the bed 100 is also adapted
to be configured in a vascular configuration via a command provided
on the control interface. The command could be the pressing of a
dedicated button on the control interface, for example. This
command triggers the appropriate displacement of the support panels
and the frame 200 to achieve the vascular configuration, which is
shown in FIG. 10. This allows the patient to be placed in the
vascular position, in which the legs of the patient are
horizontally aligned and are vertically higher than his heart. To
achieve this configuration, the lower body support panel 254 and
the core support panel 258 are raised with respect to the frame 200
by the foot pivoting system 452, and the backrest 252 is rotated
away from the frame 200 by the backrest pivoting system 450. The
frame 200 is tilted by lowering the head elevation assembly 1014,
by raising the foot elevation assembly 1016 or by a combination of
both such that the head end 102 of the bed 100 is lowered. In one
embodiment, the bed 100 is adapted to carry out all of these
displacements simultaneously and at specific speeds such that the
lower body support panel 254 can be kept parallel to the ground
(i.e. horizontal) at all times. Alternatively, the displacements
described above could be carried out sequentially (i.e. one after
the other).
[0137] In one embodiment, the control interface will first sense a
current or initial configuration of the bed 100, and select an
appropriate combination of operations to be performed to achieve
the vascular configuration depending on the current configuration
of the bed 100. Once the appropriate combination of operations is
selected, the selected combination of operations are performed in
sequence or simultaneously, as will be described below. The
selected combination is therefore preprogrammed and no further
input is needed from the user or from any sensor until the bed 100
reaches the vascular position. This allow the bed 100 to reach the
vascular position rapidly and reliably.
[0138] Alternatively, the control interface may not sense an
initial configuration of the bed 100. In this embodiment, the bed
100 may only be placed in the vascular position from one or more
predetermined starting position.
[0139] The operations to be performed for placing the bed 100 in
the vascular configuration from an initial configuration in which
all of the support panels are horizontal and the frame 200 is fully
raised (i.e. when the elevation actuators 1022 of the head and foot
elevation assemblies 1014, 1016 are fully extended) will now be
described in accordance with one embodiment.
[0140] A command to place the bed in the vascular position is first
received. The core support panel 258 is pivoted. Specifically, the
lower body actuator 1070 is extended, which pushes against the
hinge connection 1054, as described above. This raises the rear end
1052 of the core support panel 258 to be raised above the frame
200, and causes the core support panel 258 to be oriented at a core
angle above the frame 200. The core support panel 258 is pivoted
until it reaches a core angle of 30 degrees with respect to the
frame 200. As explained above, the pivoting of the core body
surface 206 causes pivoting of the lower body support panel 254. In
one embodiment, the pivoting of the core support panel 258 to a
core angle of 30 degrees causes the lower body support panel 254 to
be oriented at a lower body angle of 13 degrees relative to the
frame 200. The backrest 252 is also pivoted upwardly until it
reaches a backrest angle of 13 degrees with the frame 200. The
frame 200 is further tilted at a tilt angle relative to the
horizontal such that the head end 102 of the bed 100 is located
below the horizontal. In one embodiment, the tilted angle is
selected such that it is within a predetermined range of the lower
body angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 200 is tilted
by lowering the head elevation assembly 1014 to lower the head end
102 of the bed 100 by an angle of 13 degrees below the horizontal,
thereby placing the bed 100 in the vascular position. As explained
above, all of these displacements can be done in sequence as
presented above or, in one embodiment, simultaneously.
[0141] The operations to be performed for placing the bed 100 in
the vascular configuration from an initial configuration in which
all of the support panels are horizontal and the frame 200 is fully
lowered (i.e. when the elevation actuators 1022 of the head and
foot elevation assemblies 1014, 1016 are fully retracted) will now
be described in accordance with one embodiment. The core body
surface 206 is pivoted upwardly until it reaches an angle of 30
degrees with respect to the frame 200. The backrest 252 is also
pivoted until it reaches an angle of 13 degree with the frame 200.
Both the head elevation assembly 1014 and the foot elevation
assembly 1016 are also used to fully raise the frame 200. The head
elevation assembly 1014 is then lowered to tilt the frame 200 in
order to lower the head end 102 of the bed 100 until it reaches an
angle of 13 degrees below the horizontal. As explained above, all
of these displacements can be done in sequence as presented above
or, in one embodiment, simultaneously.
[0142] From the vascular configuration, the head elevation assembly
1014 and the foot elevation assembly 1016 may be used to tilt the
frame 200 until it is horizontal. Then, the core support panel 258
and the backrest 252 are pivoted back downwardly until they abut
the frame 200. In one embodiment, the control interface is further
configured to then fully lower the frame 200 towards the base 106.
This lowering of the frame 200 could be stopped by a command from
the user.
[0143] It will be appreciated that other combinations of movements
can be selected depending on the initial configuration of the bed
100.
[0144] In one embodiment, the lower body support panel 254 and/or
the core support panel 258 adjacent the lower body support panel
254 are also configured to pivot downwardly towards a horizontal
position when at least one of the CPR handle assemblies 460 is in
the unlocked position and the backrest 252 is pivoted downwardly.
It will be appreciated that pivoting all support panels downwardly
such that the entire patient support surface 250 is horizontal and
abuts the frame 200 may further allow medical personnel to provide
suitable emergency care to the patient lying in the bed 100 in an
emergency situation.
[0145] In this embodiment, the foot pivoting system 452 comprises a
control unit (not shown) for determining whether the CPR handle
assembly 460 is in the unlocked position. Alternatively, the
control unit could be part of the control interface, which could be
mounted on the bed 100 or be remote from the bed 100 as explained
above, and be operatively connected to the foot pivoting system
452.
[0146] In one embodiment, the control unit determines if the CPR
handle assembly 460 is in the unlocked position by determining a
pivoting speed of the backrest 200. As explained above, when the
CPR handle assemblies 460 are in the unlocked position, the first
and second actuator portions 552, 554 of the backrest actuator 514
are uncoupled and the backrest 252 is pivoted down under the weight
of the backrest 252 and/or of the patient lying on the bed 100. It
will be understood that this pivoting of the backrest 252 using the
CPR handle assemblies 460 is used in emergency situations when it
may be necessary to place the patient in a predetermined CPR
position relatively quickly. The pivoting of the backrest 252 when
the CPR handle assembly 460 is in the unlocked position is
therefore performed at a speed which is substantially higher than
the speed at which the backrest 252 is pivoted by retracting the
backrest actuator 514 for a simple adjustment of the orientation of
the backrest 252. If the determined pivoting speed is above a
threshold speed value, the control unit therefore determines that
the CPR handle assembly 460 is in the unlocked position.
[0147] To determine the pivoting speed of the backrest 252, the
orientation sensor 600 may be used. More specifically, the control
unit may be operatively connected to the orientation sensor 600 and
may be configured to receive from the orientation sensor 600 a
signal indicative of the orientation of the backrest 252 at a
predetermined frequency. For example, the foot pivoting system 452
could receive a signal indicative of an orientation angle of the
backrest 252 relative to the frame 200 every 100 millisecond.
Alternatively, the foot pivoting system 452 could receive a signal
from the orientation sensor 600 at another frequency. In one
embodiment, the threshold speed value above which the control unit
determines that the CPR handle assembly 460 is in the unlocked
position is 8 degrees per second. Alternatively, the threshold
speed value could be different.
[0148] In one embodiment, the control unit is further adapted to
detect a pivoting direction of the backrest 252. In the example
above in which the control unit is operatively connected to the
orientation sensor 600, the control unit is configured to compare a
set of consecutive signals received from the orientation sensor
600. If the signals from the set of signals are indicative of
decreasing orientation angles of the backrest relative 252 to the
frame 200, then the control unit determines that the backrest 252
is being pivoted downwardly.
[0149] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to compare
every ten consecutive signals indicative of the orientation of the
backrest. In an embodiment in which the signal indicative of the
orientation of the backrest 252 are received by the control unit
every 100 milliseconds, the orientation of the backrest 252 would
therefore be monitored over a period of time of one second.
[0150] Alternatively, instead of being operatively connected to the
orientation sensor 600, the control unit could be operatively
connected to another, distinct orientation sensor coupled to the
backrest 252 for determining an orientation of the backrest 252. In
another embodiment, the control unit could be operatively connected
to a speed sensor such as an accelerometer-based speed sensor or
the like.
[0151] In another embodiment, the control unit could instead be
operatively connected to a CPR handle sensor (not shown) to
determine whether the CPR handle assembly is in the locked position
or the unlocked position. For example, the CPR sensor could be
operatively connected to the handle member 464 of the CPR handle
assemblies 460 and could be adapted to determine whether the handle
member 464 is angled by an angle of more than a threshold angle
value, which would be indicative that the handle member 464 has
been pulled and that the CPR handle assembly 460 is in the unlocked
position.
[0152] The control unit is further operatively connected to the
lower body actuator 1070 for actuating the lower body actuator 1070
upon a determination that the speed of pivoting of the backrest 252
is above the threshold speed value and that the backrest 252 is
being pivoted downwardly towards the frame 200. More specifically,
the actuator is retracted to pivot the lower body panel 254 and the
core body panel 258 downwardly towards the frame, as explained
above.
[0153] In one embodiment, when at least one of the CPR handle
assemblies 460 is in the unlocked position and the backrest 252 is
being pivoted downwardly, the lower body support panel 254 and the
core support panel 258 are pivoted downwardly until they abut the
frame 200.
[0154] In one embodiment, the actuation of the lower body actuator
1070, and therefore the pivoting of the lower body support panel
254 and the core support panel 258 could be stopped before they
abut the frame 200 upon a detection of one or more stop triggers by
the control unit. For example, the stop triggers may include a
detection that the pivoting of the backrest 252 has stopped before
the backrest 252 has reached an angle of 5 degrees or less relative
to the frame 200, which may mean that the user no longer wants to
place the support panels 252, 252, 258 in a horizontal position for
emergency care. This may be useful to prevent the lower body
support panel 254 and the core support panel 258 from fully
pivoting in a horizontal position if one of the CPR handle
assemblies 460 was unlocked inadvertently. In one embodiment, if
the backrest 252 is at an angle of less than 5 degrees relative to
the frame 200 when the CPR handle assemblies 460 is move from an
unlocked position to a locked position, the pivoting of the lower
body support panel 254 and the core support panel 258 could still
continue until the pivoting of the lower body support panel 254 and
the core support panel 258 abut the frame 200. The stop triggers
may further include a detection that a command has been provided on
the control interface, for example if a button is pressed on the
control interface. The stop triggers may further include a loss of
power to the control unit, a malfunction of the orientation sensor
600 or any other event where the skilled addressee may consider
that stopping the pivoting of the lower body support panel 254 and
the core support panel 258 towards a horizontal position may be
desirable.
[0155] Alternatively, instead of being retracted, the lower body
actuator 1070 could be de-coupled similarly to the backrest
actuator 514, as described above. In this case, the lower body
actuator 1070 could also be mounted in series with a resilient
member similar to the helical spring 650 mounted in series with the
backrest actuator 514 in order to reduce the impact of the
re-coupling of the lower body actuator 1070, as described
above.
[0156] Now referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the bed 100 may also
comprise an extendable user support assembly 1100 which allows the
lower body support panel 254 to be moved longitudinally away from
the core support panel 258 adjacent the lower body support panel
254 in order for the length of the bed 100 to be extended. In the
illustrated embodiment, the extendable user support assembly 1100
includes an extension member 1200 which has a first end 1202
pivotably connected to the core support panel 258 and a second end
1204 which telescopically engages the lower body support panel 254.
In one embodiment, the extension member 1200 could comprise a pair
of spaced-apart rigid rods extending longitudinally relative to the
bed 100. The lower body support panel 254 includes a pair of
longitudinal bores sized and shaped for receiving the rigid rods.
In this configuration, the rigid rods slide within the longitudinal
bores when the lower body support panel 254 is pulled away from the
core support panel 258. It will be appreciated that various
alternative configurations may be possible for the extension member
1200.
[0157] It will also be appreciated that the extension member 1200
allows the lower body support panel 254 to remain connected to the
bed 100 as it is pulled away. Specifically, the extension member
1200 only allows longitudinal movement of the lower body support
panel 254 such that the lower body support panel 254 is still able
to pivot when the foot pivoting system 452 is actuated as explained
above.
[0158] When the extendable user support assembly 1100 is extended,
as shown in FIG. 12, the extension member 1200 is generally in the
same plane as the lower body support panel 254. The extension
member 1200 will therefore receive part of the mattress (not shown)
placed on the bed 100. The extension member 1200 is therefore sized
and shaped to support at least part of the weight of the mattress
provided on the bed 100 and of the patient's weight.
[0159] It will further be understood that as the lower body support
panel 254 is moved away from the core support panel 258, an opening
1150 is formed between the lower body support panel 254 and the
core support panel 258. It will be appreciated that this opening
1150 does not cause discomfort to patient since the mattress (not
shown), which is typically relatively rigid, spans over it.
[0160] In the illustrated embodiment, the extendable user support
assembly 1100 can be moved manually using a handle 1160 which
extends rearwardly and downwardly from the rear end 1058 of the
lower body support panel 254. A user pulls on the handle 1160 to
move the lower body support panel 254 away from the core support
panel 258 and pushes the handle 1160 to move the lower body support
panel 254 towards the core support panel 258 and the head end 102
of the bed 100. Alternatively, the lower body support panel 254 may
be operatively connected to an extension actuator which could be
controlled by the control interface to allow the lower body support
panel 254 to be moved longitudinally relative to the bed 100 using
the actuator instead of using the handle 1160.
[0161] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower body support panel
254 can be moved continuously between a retracted position shown in
FIG. 11, in which the lower body support panel 254 is substantially
adjacent the core support panel 258, and a fully extended position
shown in FIG. 12, in which the lower body support panel 254 is
prevented from extending further away from the core support panel
258. In one embodiment, the lower body support panel 254 is further
adapted to be easily placed into one or more predetermined
intermediate positions between the retracted position and the fully
extended position. For example, the extension member 1200 could
comprise a notch at a predetermined position along its length which
could be sensed by the user as the user pulls or pushes the lower
body support panel 254. Alternatively, the extension member 1200
could comprise a visual marker to indicate the intermediate
position.
[0162] In the illustrated embodiment, when the retracted position,
the lower body support panel 254 is still slightly spaced from the
first end 1202 of the extension member 1200. Specifically, the
lower body support panel 254 is spaced from the first end 1202 of
the extension member 1200 by 1 inch. In this configuration, the bed
100 may be adapted to receive a mattress having a length of 80
inches. Still in the illustrated embodiment, when in the fully
extended position, the lower body support panel 254 is spaced from
the first end 1202 of the extension member 1200 by 11 inches. In
this configuration, the bed 100 may be adapted to receive a
mattress having a length of 90 inches or, alternatively, a mattress
having a length of 84 inches and a bolster pad having a length of 6
inches. In one embodiment, the extendable user support assembly
1100 could also be placed in an intermediate position in which the
lower body support panel 254 is spaced from the first end 1202 of
the extension member 1200 by 5 inches. In this configuration, the
bed 100 may be adapted to receive a mattress having a length of 84
inches.
[0163] It will be appreciated that, in addition to the features
described above, all hinges and mechanical components of the bed
100 are hidden under the patient support surface 250 to provide as
little discontinuities as possible on the patient support surface
250. This facilitates the cleaning of the bed 100 and its
components.
[0164] It will also be appreciated that while a hospital bed is
used to illustrate the examples described herein, other patient
support devices, such as stretchers, adjustable chairs, home-care
beds, etc., are also suitable for use with the described systems.
Moreover, the term "patient" is not intended to be limiting, and
can be taken to apply to any user of the support device, such as an
individual undergoing short-term, medium-term or long-term care, a
hospital patient, a nursing home resident, etc.
[0165] The embodiments described above are intended to be exemplary
only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be
limited solely by the appended claims.
* * * * *