Patent ID: 6289536
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
An apparatus for supporting a body of a patient, the apparatus comprising:a bed comprising:a frame;a central panel supported by the frame, the central panel having an upper major surface;a second panel supported by the frame, the second panel having an upper major surface;a third panel supported by the frame, the third panel having an upper major surface;a fourth panel supported by the frame, the fourth panel having an upper major surface;a drive means for displacing the panels between a first configuration wherein the upper major surface of each of the panels lie in a single horizontal plane and a second configuration wherein adjacent panels are adapted to be selectively inclined with respect to each other, the drive means comprising a linear actuator operable disposed between the frame and the second panel, the central panel, and the fourth panel, wherein upon extending a length of the actuator, the second panel pivots into a substantially upright position relative to the frame and upon retracting the length of the actuator, the second panel pivots into a substantially horizontal position in relative to the frame, while the central panel and the fourth panel pivot into a substantially upright position relative to the frame; anda leg support supported by the frame, the leg support being selectively displaceable between a storage position and an engaged position wherein the leg support provides a local widening of the bed;a patient seat support adapted to be selectively supported by the bed, the patient seat support comprising a seat portion and a back portion disposed substantially perpendicular to the seat portion, the seat portion being configured to be selectively positionable between a first position wherein the seat portion is disposed substantially perpendicular to the frame and a second position wherein the seat portion is disposed substantially parallel to the frame;wherein the seat portion of the patient seat support is disposed in the second position when the fourth panel of the bed is selectively positionable in the upright position by the drive means such that the patient adopts a sitting position on the patient seat support; andwherein the drive means further comprises a linear extendible ram and height-adjustable parallel support bars connected between the frame in the fourth panel which in combination with retraction of the linear actuator, assist in facilitating the disposition of the fourth panel into the upright position.