Patent ID: 7162757
Filing Date: 2007-01-16
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
1. A locking mechanism for a hospital bed, said locking mechanism being mounted on at least one support member of an undercarriage of said hospital bed, said locking mechanism comprising: a locking pedal mounted on said support member; an unlocking pedal mounted next to said locking pedal on said support member; a horizontal brake frame mounted on said support member; a brake sleeve mounted vertically on said horizontal brake frame; a brake member disposed within said brake sleeve, said brake member being vertically reciprocatable within said brake sleeve and having a brake pad at one of two ends for contact with a floor when said locking mechanism is engaged; a mechanical linkage between said locking and unlocking pedals and said brake member, said mechanical linkage including: a) a transit rod, said transit rod being movable in one direction when said locking pedal is depressed and in an opposite direction when said unlocking pedal is depressed; b) means for moving said transit rod in said one direction when said locking pedal is depressed and in said opposite direction when said unlocking pedal is depressed; c) a transit link operatively connected to said transit rod; d) at least one connecting link having a first end and a second end, said first end of said at least one connecting link being pivotably connected to said transit link; e) a connecting pin, said connecting pin being pivotably connected to said at least one connecting link at a point between said first and second ends, said connecting pin being connected to said brake member and adapted to reciprocate it vertically within said brake sleeve; f) means for biasing said connecting pin in an upward direction; g) a vertical brake frame extending above said brake sleeve and fixedly attached thereto; and h) a locking link, said locking link being pivotably attached to said vertical brake frame and to said second end of said connecting link, said locking link pivoting toward said vertical brake frame to a position locking said brake member in a down position when said locking pedal is depressed.