Patent ID: 9295598
Filing Date: 2016-03-29
CPC Classification: A61G,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A bed comprising: a bed frame; a backrest pivotable with respect to the bed frame; a backrest actuator assembly directly connecting the backrest to the bed frame, the backrest actuator assembly configured to raise and lower the backrest with respect to the bed frame, the backrest actuator assembly having an actuator having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the bed frame, a lockable damper connected in series with the actuator, the lockable damper having a first end and a second end, the first end of the lockable damper connected to the second end of the actuator, the lockable damper configured to have a first fixed length when locked, the lockable damper further configured to provide damping over a variable length range of motion when unlocked and to be lockable at a position on the range of motion to attain a second fixed length, the second fixed length being shorter than the first fixed length; a release connected to the lockable damper and the backrest, the release configured to unlock the lockable damper; and an emergency release handle operably connected to the release and configured to unlock the lockable damper when the emergency release handle is actuated, allowing the lockable damper to contract and initiate emergency lowering of the backrest, wherein during emergency lowering, the backrest rotates under the force of gravity and without operating the actuator, wherein rotation of the backrest during emergency lowering is limited by damping of the lockable damper.