Patient support apparatus

A patient support apparatus includes a base frame, lift mechanism supporting an upper frame relative to the base frame, a load frame, and a plurality of deck sections, a patient support surface, and a number of barriers positioned about the patient supporting surface. The patient support apparatus includes a notification system for visually notifying a caregiver of a condition or status of a component of the patient support apparatus.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to patient support apparatuses. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to patient support apparatuses with improved functionality and usability.

There is an ongoing need to reduce the labor required for caregivers to deliver quality patient care. In addition, there is an ongoing need for the cost of healthcare to be reduced. Finally, the comfort of a person in an in-patient environment is directly related to their perception of the quality of their care and their recovery. A patient support apparatus that provides patient comfort, reduced cost, and improved caregiver efficiency addresses these needs.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus comprises a controller, a plurality of sensors coupled to the controller, and a notification system. The plurality of sensors coupled to the controller are each operable to provide a signal to the controller indicative of the status of a component of the patient support apparatus. The notification system is coupled to the controller and operable to process signals from the controller which provide an indication of the statuses of the components compared to established acceptable operating conditions, and, if the status of a particular component deviates from the established acceptable operating condition for that component, provides a visual indication of the deviation by illuminating a first iconic representation of the component in a first manner, if the status of the particular component does not deviate from the established acceptable operating condition for that component, illuminating the first iconic representation in a second manner.

In some embodiments, the notification system is operable to project the first iconic representation to a surface spaced apart from the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first iconic representation is simultaneously illuminated on a surface of the patient support apparatus and projected onto the surface spaced apart from the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments, the first iconic representation is projected to the surface spaced apart from the patient support apparatus by a projector located on the patient support apparatus.

In some embodiments, illuminating the first iconic representation in a first manner comprises illuminating the first iconic representation in a first color and illuminating the first iconic representation in a second manner comprises illuminating the first iconic representation in a second color.

In some embodiments, providing the visual indication of the deviation includes simultaneously illuminating a first iconic representation of the component on a surface of the patient support apparatus in a first color and projecting the first iconic representation of the component on the surface spaced apart from the patient support apparatus in the first color.

In some embodiments, providing the visual indication of the lack of a deviation includes simultaneously illuminating a first iconic representation of the component on a surface of the patient support apparatus in a second color and projecting the first iconic representation of the component on the surface spaced apart from the patient support apparatus in the second color.

In some embodiments, providing the visual indication of the deviation includes simultaneously illuminating a first iconic representation of the component on a surface of the patient support apparatus in a first color and projecting the first iconic representation of the component on the surface spaced apart from the patient support apparatus in the first color.

In some embodiments, providing the visual indication of the lack of a deviation includes simultaneously illuminating a first iconic representation of the component on a surface of the patient support apparatus in a second color and projecting the first iconic representation of the component on the surface spaced apart from the patient support apparatus in the second color.

In some embodiments, the surface spaced apart from the patient support apparatus is the surface of a floor, the first iconic representation being projected to a position that is not directly below any portion of the patient support apparatus.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an improved patient pendant for a patient support apparatus is ergonomically positioned. In some embodiments, the patient pendant may be positioned on a structure of a foot rail configured to orient the patient pendant to be seen and accessed while the patient is positioned on the patient support apparatus in a supine position. In other embodiments, the patient pendant may be positioned on a head siderail so as to be easily accessed by the patient supported on the patient support apparatus and a supine position. The patient pendant may include a spring-loaded grip which permits the patient pendant to be easily attached to a corresponding supporting structure on the patient support apparatus. In some embodiments, the patient pendant may be released by overcoming the spring force of the spring-loaded grip. In some embodiments, the patient pendant may be removed by sliding the patient pendant off of the supporting structure.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a siderail of a patient support apparatus is configured to provide a storage space for personal items of a patient.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes a patient-visible head angle indicator positioned on an interior surface of a head siderail of the patient support apparatus.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a head siderail of a patient support apparatus includes an angled handle formed in a portion of the head siderail nearest the head end of the patient support apparatus, the angled handle configured to permit a patient to grip the angled handle to assist with repositioning the patient in the patient support apparatus.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes an overhead arm with a reading light, a docking station for a smart phone or other personal digital assistant, a structure for docking the aforementioned patient pendant, and a USB charging port.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the patient support apparatus is configured to integrate with an electronic medical record system to permit hospital bed10side charting through a user interface on the patient support apparatus.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a siderail of a patient support apparatus is configured to support a Pleur-evac device on the siderail to keep the Pleur-evac device from contacting the floor when the siderail is lowered and an upper frame of the patient support apparatus is in its lowest position.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes an integrated sequential compression device module that is configured to operate disposable garments used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. In some embodiments, the integrated sequential compression device module is controlled by the control system of the patient support apparatus with the graphical user interface of the patient support apparatus being used to operate the sequential compression device module.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a siderail of the patient support apparatus includes a permanent structure configured to support and retain a hand urinal device for easy accessibility by a patient supported on the patient support apparatus. In some embodiments, the permanent structure is configured to prevent movement of the hand urinal device along the siderail when the hand urinal device is in a stowed position.

In a still further aspect of the present disclosure, the patient support apparatus includes a patient position monitoring system which is operable to predict patient exit. In some embodiments, the patient position monitoring system includes an audible alarm system which provides voice prompts. In some embodiments, the voice prompt may encourage the patient to stay in the patient support apparatus until assistance is received. In some embodiments, the voice prompt is “Please stay in hospital bed10.”

In yet another further aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes a one-button egress function which is operable, when activated by a caregiver, to place the patient support apparatus in an idealized configuration for permitting egress of a patient from the patient support apparatus. In some embodiments, deck sections of the patient support apparatus are placed in a predefined position when the one-button egress function is activated. In some embodiments, an upper frame of the patient support apparatus is placed in a predefined position when the one-button egress function is activated. In some embodiments, a portion of an inflatable patient support surface is placed in a predefined state when the one-button egress function is activated. In some embodiments, the seat section of an inflatable patient support surface is deflated when the one-button egress function is activated. In other embodiments, the seat section of an inflatable patient support surface is inflated to a maximum inflation state when the one-button egress function is activated.

In a still further aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes an illuminated patient egress handle. In some embodiments, when a patient position monitoring system is active but not alarming, the outside of a siderail egress handle will illuminate green. In some embodiments, when a patient position monitoring system is active and alarming, the outside of the siderail egress handle will illuminate and flash and amber color until the alarm condition is silenced by a caregiver. In some embodiments, a patient support apparatus may detect that a patient has left the patient support apparatus and illuminate the outside of a siderail egress handle a blue color, providing a nightlight for the patient, until the patient support apparatus detects that the patient has returned to the patient support apparatus.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the patient support apparatus includes a Foley bag holder positioned on a articulating foot deck section of the patient support apparatus, the Foley bag holder being angled relative to the foot deck section such that when the foot deck section is in a declined orientation, the Foley bag holder supports a Foley bag in a vertical orientation, compensating for the angle of the foot deck section relative to horizontal.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the patient position monitoring system of the patient support apparatus cooperates wirelessly with a detector configured to be positioned on a chair in the patient room, the chair detector operable to automatically arm and utilize the patient position monitoring system of the patient support apparatus to alarm if the patient exits the chair.

In still yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes an incontinence detection system which cooperates with the patient position monitoring system to predict a patient exit condition. In some embodiments, the incontinence detection system will provide an alert that is transmitted to a caregiver or a caregiver workstation informing the caregiver of the likely exiting of the patient due to an incontinent event or the patients need to void.

In a still further aspect of the present disclosure, sensors of the patient support apparatus are used to detect vital signs of the patient supported on the patient support apparatus.

In another further aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes internal diagnostics and service prediction functionality which communicates remotely to inform a service system that service is required on the patient support apparatus.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes a built-in RFID reader.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the patient support apparatus includes in panels with integrated slots that facilitate the storage of power cords and excess lengths of lines, such as those used by a sequential compression device or IV systems.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a barrier of a patient support apparatus includes integrated features to facilitate the routing of clinical lines, such as IV lines, oxygen lines, gastric tube lines, or the like.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes a frame, an air box, and a patient support structure. The patient support structure is supported by the frame which includes a head section, a foot section, and a seat section between the head section and foot section. The patient support structure further includes a cushion layer, an outer ticking layer, and a microclimate structure. The outer ticking layer includes an upper surface portion positioned to support a patient. The microclimate structure is positioned within the outer ticking layer and between the cushion layer and the upper surface portion. The microclimate structure includes an upper layer, a middle layer, and a lower layer. A material of at least a portion of the upper layer is vapor and liquid permeable, a material of the middle layer is air permeable, and a material of the lower layer is liquid impermeable.

In some embodiments, the microclimate structure extends from an upper end of the head section to a lower end of the seat section of the patient support structure, excluding the foot section of the patient support structure.

In some embodiments, the microclimate structure extends from an upper end of the head section to a lower end of the foot section of the patient support structure.

In some embodiments, the air box is further coupled to a conduit to conduct pressurized air through the microclimate structure.

In some embodiments, the vapor and liquid permeable portion of the upper layer of the microclimate structure defines a therapeutic region.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic region of the upper layer of the microclimate structure comprises a perforated material.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic region of the upper layer of the microclimate structure comprises a highly breathable, vapor and liquid permeable material.

In some embodiments, a non-therapeutic region of the upper layer of the microclimate structure comprises a vapor permeable but liquid impermeable material.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic region corresponds approximately to pelvic and torso regions of a supine patient substantially laterally centered on the seat section of the patient support structure.

In some embodiments, the middle layer of the microclimate structure comprises a three-dimensional material configured to conduct air between the upper layer and the lower layer of the microclimate structure.

In some embodiments, the middle layer of the microclimate structure comprises more than one section of the three dimensional material, in which at least one section of the three dimensional material conducts and delivers air along a therapeutic region.

In some embodiments, at least one of the sections of the middle layer of the microclimate structure is positioned at a foot section of the patient support structure and does not conduct air.

In some embodiments, the conduit is coupled to the bottom layer of the microclimate structure.

In some embodiments, the conduit is positioned at a lower end of the seat section of the patient support structure near a therapeutic region.

In some embodiments, the middle layer of the microclimate structure conduct air from the conduit to the therapeutic region of the microclimate structure, wherein the air generally flows predominantly laterally and longitudinally toward the head section of the patient support structure.

In some embodiments, the foot section of the microclimate structure comprises foam padding.

In some embodiments, the cushion layer includes a first inflatable support bladder and a second inflatable support bladder, and an air distribution sleeve extends between the first inflatable support bladder and the second inflatable support bladder.

In some embodiments, the cushion layer includes foam paddings.

In some embodiments, the outer ticking layer comprises a vapor permeable and liquid impermeable material.

In some embodiments, the outer ticking layer encases the microclimate structure.

In some embodiments, the outer ticking layer encases the microclimate structure and the cushion layer.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support structure includes a cushion layer and a microclimate structure. The microclimate structure is integrated atop the cushion layer. The microclimate structure further includes an upper layer, an air permeable middle layer, and a liquid impermeable lower layer. The upper layer includes a vapor and liquid permeable therapeutic region. The therapeutic region is arranged to underlie pelvic and torso regions of a patient lying supine on the patient support structure.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic region of the microclimate structure comprises a perforated material.

In some embodiments, the therapeutic region of the microclimate structure comprises a highly breathable, vapor and liquid permeable material.

In some embodiments, the middle layer of the microclimate structure comprises a three-dimensional material configured to conduct air between the upper layer and the lower layer of the microclimate structure.

In some embodiments, the middle layer of the microclimate structure comprises more than one section of the three dimensional material, in which at least one section of the three dimensional material conducts and delivers air along a therapeutic region.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support structure includes a microclimate structure including an upper layer, an air permeable middle layer, and a liquid impermeable lower layer. The upper layer has having a vapor and liquid permeable therapeutic region. The therapeutic region is shaped to underlie pelvic and torso regions of a patient lying supine on the patient support structure. The microclimate structure further receives air from a conduit coupled to the microclimate structure near the therapeutic region of the microclimate structure.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure a patient-support apparatus comprises a deck, a mattress, and a turning assembly interposed between the deck and the mattress. The turning assembly includes a plate structure having a lower plate, an intermediate plate pivtoable relative to the lower plate about a first axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mattress, and an upper plate pivtoable relative to the intermediate plate about a second axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mattress. The second axis is spaced apart from the first axis. The turning assembly further includes a first pair of bladders positioned between the lower plate and the intermediate plate and inflatable to cause rotation of the intermediate plate relative to the lower plate. The turning assembly also includes a second pair of bladders positioned between the intermediate plate and the upper plate and inflatable to cause rotation of the upper plate relative the intermediate plate.

In some embodiments, the lower plate and intermediate plate are coupled through a hinge.

In some embodiments, the intermediate plate and the upper plate are coupled through a hinge.

In some embodiments, each of the bladders is secured to a respective plate such that the bladder is fixed relative to the respective plate.

In some embodiments, each of the bladders of each of the first and second bladder pairs is fixed to a separate plate.

In some embodiments, neither a first bladder nor a second bladder of each bladder pair are coupled to the other of the first and second bladder such that there is freedom of movement between the first and second bladders as either of the first and/or second bladders are inflated.

In some embodiments, the intermediate plate does not engage either of the upper plate or lower plate.

In some embodiments, rotation of the intermediate plate relative to the lower plate causes rotation of the upper plate relative to the lower plate.

In some embodiments, rotation of the upper plate relative to the intermediate plate does not cause rotation of the intermediate plate relative to the lower plate.

In some embodiments, wherein each of the bladder is independently inflatable.

In some embodiments, the pressure in at least one of the bladders is monitored.

In some embodiments, the patient-support apparatus includes a user interface which allows a user to control the inflation of at least one of the bladders.

In some embodiments, the patient-support apparatus includes a user interface which allows a user to control the deflation of at least one of the bladders.

In some embodiments, at least one of the bladders is secured to at least one of the plates by a strap.

Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), including those listed above and those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring toFIGS. 1-9, a patient support apparatus10is illustratively embodied as a hospital bed10. The views shown inFIGS. 1-3are generally taken from a position that is oriented at the left side, foot end of the hospital bed10. For purposes of orientation, the discussion of the hospital bed10will be based on the orientation of a patient supported on the hospital bed10in a supine position. Thus, the foot end12of the hospital bed10refers to the end nearest the patient's feet when the patient is supported on the hospital bed10in the supine position. The hospital bed10has a head end14opposite the foot end12. A left side16refers to the patient's left when the patient is lying in the hospital bed10in a supine position. The right side18refers to the patient's right. When reference is made to the longitudinal length of the hospital bed10, it refers a direction that is represented by the lines that generally extend between the head end14and foot end12of the hospital bed10. Similarly, lateral width of the hospital bed10refers to a direction that is represented by the lines that generally extend between the left side16and right side18.

The hospital bed10includes a base frame20which supports a lift system22. The lift system22engages the base and an upper frame24such that the lift system22moves the upper frame24vertically relative to the base frame20. The lift system22includes a head end linkage27and a foot end linkage29. Each of the linkages27and29are independently operable and may be operated to cause the hospital bed10to move into a tilt position which is when the head end14of the upper frame24is positioned lower than the foot end12of the upper frame24. The hospital bed10may also be moved to a reverse tilt position with the foot end12of the upper frame24is positioned lower than the head end14of the upper frame24.

The upper frame24supports a load frame26. The load frame26supports a head deck28which is movable relative to the load frame26. The load frame26also supports an articulated seat deck30, also movable relative to the load frame26and a fixed seat deck32. Also supported from the load frame26is a foot deck34that is articulated and moveable relative to the load frame26. The foot deck34in the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS. 1-9, provides for powered pivoting of the foot deck34and manual extension and retraction of the foot deck34to vary the length of the foot deck34. In other embodiments, powered pivoting of the foot deck34may be omitted and the related movement may be caused manually, or follow movement of the articulated seat deck30. In addition, in some embodiments, extension and retraction of the foot deck34may be powered by an actuator.

The foot deck34includes a first portion36and a second portion38, which moves relative to the first portion36to vary the size of the foot deck34. The second portion38moves generally longitudinally relative to the first portion36to vary the longitudinal length of the foot deck34and, thereby, the longitudinal length of the hospital bed10.

A foot panel40is supported from the second portion38and extends vertically from an upper surface42of the second portion38to form a barrier at the foot end12of the hospital bed10. A head panel44is positioned on an upright structure46of the base frame20and extends vertically to form a barrier at the head end14of the hospital bed10. A left head siderail48is supported from the head deck28and is moveable between a raised position shown inFIG. 1and a lowered position shown inFIG. 7. A right head siderail50is also moveable between the raised position ofFIG. 1and lowered position similar to that of the left head siderail48inFIG. 7. As shown inFIG. 1, in the raised position, the siderails48and50extend above an upper surface52of the respective decks of the hospital bed10when the siderails48and50are in a raised position. In a lowered position, such as the position of left head siderail48inFIG. 7, which positions an upper edge56of the left head siderail48below the upper surface52.

The hospital bed10also includes a left foot siderail58and a right foot siderail60, each of which is supported directly from the load frame26. Each of the siderails48,50,58, and60are operable to be lowered to a position below the upper surface52. It should be noted that when the head deck28is moved, the head siderails48and50move with the head deck28so that they maintain their relative position to the patient. This is because both of the head siderails48and50are supported by the head deck28.

Referring to the left head siderail48, a user interface62includes a hard panel64and a graphical user interface66. The user interface62will be discussed in further detail below, but it should be understood that the hard panel64provides indications to a user regarding the status of certain functions of the hospital bed10as well as providing a standard set of fixed input devices. The graphical user interface66includes a touchscreen display that provides information to a user as well as allowing for flexible, menu driven, operation of certain functions of the hospital bed10. The right head siderail50also includes a user interface68which includes a hard panel70. In other embodiments, the right head siderail50may include a second graphical user interface duplicative of the graphical user interface66.

The hospital bed10may further include an optional patient pendant72, shown inFIGS. 46A-46C, which may be used by a patient to control certain functions of the hospital bed10. Additional information is provided to a caregiver through an optional indicator panel74which displays the status of various conditions of the hospital bed10graphically to a caregiver at the foot end12of the hospital bed10. The location of the indicator panel74makes the statuses of the conditions easily discernable from a distance, such that a caregiver may quickly ascertain the statuses from the hallway or the door of a patient's room. As will be discussed below, additional indication of the statuses may be projected on the floor under the foot end12of the hospital bed10, providing larger images on the floor, making the images more easily discerned by a caregiver. Similarly, an illuminated grip76is positioned on the left head siderail48, the illuminated grip76being selectively illuminated in different colors to provide an indication of the status of one or more functions of the hospital bed10to a caregiver. Similarly, the right head siderail50also includes an illuminated grip78, which is duplicative of the illuminated grip76.

As shown inFIGS. 1-9, the hospital bed10includes a patient helper80, which is supported from the base frame20(seeFIGS. 5-7). The patient helper80includes a curved arm82that is fixed to the base frame20with a support arm84extending from the curved arm82. The support arm84is formed to include a hexagonal cross-section which provides a resistance to rotation of a clamp86when the clamp86is secured to the support arm84. The clamp86supports a chain88which depends vertically from the clamp86. The chain88supports a grip90which is graspable by a patient positioned in a supine position on the hospital bed10so that the patient may use the patient helper80to reposition themselves in the hospital bed10.

The hospital bed10also includes an auxiliary outlet110positioned at a foot end12of the base frame20. The auxiliary outlet110provides a separate circuit, independent of the electrical system of the hospital bed10, which may be used to power accessory equipment positioned at the foot end12of the hospital bed10.

In some embodiments, the hospital bed10also includes a powered drive wheel assembly92(shown inFIG. 12) that is positioned on the base frame20near the central longitudinal and lateral axes of the base frame20. The powered drive wheel assembly92includes a motor assembly330that powers a drive wheel214(seeFIG. 12). The drive wheel214is operable, under the control of a user, such as a caregiver, for example, to provide assistance to the user in transporting the hospital bed10over a floor. The powered drive wheel assembly92is operated by user through a user interface382positioned at the head end14of the hospital bed10. The user interface382includes two handles394,396which are engaged by a user and which include inputs that allow the user operate the powered drive wheel assembly92.

The hospital bed10is configured to support a patient support surface1700(seeFIG. 3). The patient support surface of the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 3is a non-powered mattress comprising a core of foam components as shown inFIG. 37. The hospital bed10may also be used in conjunction with a patient support surface1800shown inFIG. 39which includes a number of air cells that employ self-adjusting technology to distribute a patient's weight or with a pneumatic patient support surface1900which utilizes a pressurized air to operate the patient support surface1900to support the patient. Each of the patient support surfaces1700,1800, and1900are discussed in further detail below.

The control system400of the hospital bed10is configured to interact with several sub-systems and auxiliary devices, permitting the user of the hospital bed10to control or interact with the subsystems through the graphical user interface66. For example, the graphical user interface66allows a user to control operation of the pneumatic patient support surface1900. A user may also interact with the indicator panel74and illuminated grips76and78to define the conditions that cause each of those devices to provide indications to a user. The hospital bed10also includes a scale system with the graphical user interface66providing the interface for the user to the operation of the scale system and associated operations and alerts. Still further, the hospital bed10may include a patient position monitoring function that is operated from the graphical user interface66. Other subsystems and accessories that may be interfaced with the graphical user interface66include a chair exit monitoring system, a sequential compression device, a radio frequency based authentication system for identifying appropriate caregivers, a charting function that allows a user to chart certain information to the patient's electronic medical record from the graphical user interface66. In addition, the hospital bed10may optionally be configured with an incontinence detection system which provides an alert if the patient has an incontinent event. Each of these functions and accessories may employ the graphical user interface66to configure and monitor the various subsystems and accessories. Utilization of the graphical user interface66permits optional functions and accessories to be added without the need for reconfiguring any hard keys on the hospital bed10.

For example, referring now toFIG. 60, the patient support apparatus10may be configured to be part of a system which includes the patient support apparatus10and a detector4382configured to be positioned on a chair4384to be used by a patient. The detector4382is operable to communicate wirelessly with the patient support apparatus10such that the detector4382is integrated with the patient position monitoring system of the patient support apparatus10. In some embodiments, when the patient sits on the detector4382, the system automatically arms to monitor for an egress from the chair4384by the patient. If an egress condition is detected, the detector4382indicates that condition to the patient support apparatus10which then alerts a caregiver via the patient position monitoring system of the patient support apparatus10. For example, as shown inFIG. 158, a caregiver may use the graphical user interface to set the patient position monitoring system between one of three detection settings: detecting when a patient changes position; detecting when the patient moves toward the edge of the patient support apparatus10; or detecting when the patient has left the patient support apparatus. The patient position monitoring system may be programmed with a voice prompt or other auditory alarm or alert encouraging the patient to stay in the patient support apparatus10until assistance arrives. In some embodiments, the voice prompt will in courage the patient to “please stay in hospital bed10.” Further details of the operation of the patient position monitoring system and chair exit alarms is shown inFIGS. 144-180.

As shown inFIG. 11, the base frame20includes a pair of laterally spaced longitudinal rails140and142with the rail140being positioned on the left side16of the base frame20and the rail142being positioned on the right side18of the base frame20. A lateral channel144is positioned at the foot end12of the base frame20and connects the two rails140and142. A second lateral channel146is positioned at the head end14of the rails140and142connects to both the rails140and142. Four caster mounts148are positioned in the channels144and146and secured by a bolt150and nut152as suggested inFIG. 11. Each channel144and146overlies a respective lateral brake shaft assembly154and155which spans the channels144and146to interconnect the respective caster mounts148. The lateral brake shaft assemblies154and155each includes a pair of receivers156secured to each end of the respective lateral brake shaft assembly154,155with the receivers156having a hexagonal shaped internal feature. In addition, at the end of each of the lateral brake shaft assemblies154,155positioned at the left side12of the base frame20, a floating hub158is positioned to be aligned with the hexagonal shaped internal feature of the receivers156positioned on that side. The floating hub158includes a through-hole positioned in an offset lobe of the floating hub158, the through-hole configured to receive a pin160. The base frame20further includes a longitudinal brake link162. The longitudinal brake link162is formed to include a yoke164at each end, the yokes164receiving the offset lobe of the floating hub158so that the pin160engages both the longitudinal brake link162and the offset lobe of the floating hub158. Each pin160is retained by a pair of caps166which are forced onto the respective ends of the pins160and are retained with an interference fit.

In operation, the rotation of either of the brake shaft assemblies154or155is transferred to the other by the motion of the floating hub158which transfers the motion to the longitudinal brake link162, which acts on the other of the floating hubs158to rotate the other of the brake shaft assemblies154or155. The brake shaft assemblies154and155are manually manipulated by the operation of one of four pedal assemblies170,172,174, and176. The pedal assembly170is positioned at the left head end of the base frame20. The pedal assembly170includes an input arm178which is secured to a shaft180having a hex shaped cross-section. The shaft180is passed through a receiver182of a caster184and is received in the hexagonal shaped internal features of the receiver156of floating hub158and is secured in place by a clamp screw185. Because the pedal assembly170is keyed to the brake shaft assembly155positioned at the head end14of the hospital bed10, movement of the pedal assembly170is transferred to the brake shaft assembly155and, through the floating hub158, to the longitudinal brake link162.

The input arm178is secured to the shaft180and is configured to rotate about an axis186. The input arm178has a first leg190and a second leg192. A pad assembly194is secured over the first leg190and secured with a snap-fit. Another pad assembly196is secured over the second leg192and secured with a snap-fit. The pad assemblies194and196are configured to be manually acted upon by a user, with the user's foot, for example, to cause rotation of the input arm178about the axis186to cause rotation of the shaft180. In the embodiment of pedal assembly170, the pad assembly194is illustratively an orange color and corresponds to the motion about shaft180that causes braking of the caster184and is transferred to the other three casters198,200, and202through the longitudinal brake link162and the brake shaft assemblies154and155to cause braking of all four of the casters184,198,200, and202. The pad assembly196is illustratively a green color and corresponds to the motion about shaft180that causes casters200and202to be placed in a steer mode. In the illustrative embodiment, the two foot end casters200and202are capable of being placed in steer mode which is a mode in which rotation of the casters200and202about their relative stems204and206is precluded and the casters200and202are placed in a trailing mode with the wheels208and210of the respective casters200and202trailing behind the stems204and206as shown inFIG. 11. In this trailing configuration, the hospital bed10tracks along a straight path which eases the movement of the hospital bed10by a user. In other embodiments, only one of the casters200and202may be placed in steer mode. In still other embodiments, none of the casters184,198,200, or202may be placed in steer mode and the hospital bed10may include an auxiliary wheel assembly212positioned at the center of the base as shown inFIG. 32. As will be discussed in further detail below, the auxiliary wheel assembly212is continuously in contact with the ground and provides a mechanism for tracking the hospital bed10in a straight line. In still other embodiments, the hospital bed10may include a powered auxiliary wheel214, shown inFIG. 12, which is deployed when the pad assembly196is activated and is selectively activated to provide a driving force to drive the hospital bed10over the floor as will be discussed in further detail below.

Suitable casters for this application include part number 2046UAP125R36-32S35 from Tente for the brake/steer functionality.

The pedal assembly172is similar to pedal assembly170, with the principal difference being that the pad assembly194of pedal assembly172is positioned on the second leg192of the input arm178of pedal assembly172and the pad assembly196is positioned on the first leg190of the input arm178. This difference is consistent with the movement of the pedal assembly170about the axis186. The brake mode requires movement in a first direction about axis186and the steer mode requires movement in a second direction, opposite the first direction. Thus, both pad assemblies194are at the head end14of the hospital bed10and the pad assemblies196are inboard from the pad assemblies194. The assembly of the pedal assembly172to the caster198is otherwise similar to the arrangement of pedal assembly170and caster184.

The pedal assembly174has an input arm216with a single leg218. A pad assembly194is positioned on the single leg218and the single leg218is positioned to effect rotation of a shaft220of the pedal assembly174about an axis222that corresponds to rotation about axis186when the brake function is activated. The shaft220is positioned in a receiver224of caster200and operates to activate the brake function in a manner similar to the action of pedal170. The shaft220engages the floating hub158in a manner similar to that of shaft180described above.

The pedal assembly176has an input arm226with a single leg228. A pad assembly194is positioned on the single leg228and the single leg228is positioned to effect rotation of a shaft230of the pedal assembly176about the axis222. The shaft230is positioned in a receiver232of caster202and operates to activate the brake function in a manner similar to the action of pedal174. In effect, pedal assemblies174and176lack the ability to place the hospital bed10into a steer mode.

In some embodiments, the pedal assemblies174and176are omitted and replaced with actuators234and236, respectively, shown in phantom inFIG. 11. The actuators234and236are of similar construction and have a shaft238with a hexagonal cross section. The actuators234and236are secured to the floating hubs158as described above and operate to transfer motion from the longitudinal brake link162to the casters200and202when the pedal assemblies170or172are activated. This arrangement omits the pedal assemblies174and176to reduce cost and eliminate the potential for unintended actuation of the pedal assemblies174and176, which are positioned near the foot end12of the hospital bed10and more accessible for actuation.

The pedal assemblies170,172,174, and176cooperate with the longitudinal brake link162and the mechanisms of the casters184,198,200, and202and the brake shaft assemblies154,155to operate as a brake-steer mechanism240. As will be described in further detail below, the hospital bed10includes a control system400which utilizes various inputs from sensors on the hospital bed10and from external sources to process the sensor information and control outputs on the hospital bed10as well as providing information external systems. There are two sensors242and244that are associated with the brake-steer mechanism240and provide information relative to the mode of the brake-steer mechanism240to the control system400. The brake shaft assembly154includes an actuator246which moves with the brake shaft assembly154when it is rotated. When the brake-steer mechanism240is placed in brake mode, the actuator246engages the sensor244so that the sensor244is activated to provide an indication to the control system400that the brake-steer mechanism240is in the brake mode. Rotation about the axis in the opposite direction when the brake-steer mechanism240is placed in the steer mode causes the actuator246to engage the sensor242to provide an indication to the control system400that the brake-steer mechanism240is in steer mode. The sensors242and244are each a limit switch with an activation arm that is engaged by the actuator246to provide the signal to the control system400. The sensors242and244are each secured to the lateral channel144by a pair of screws248and electrically connected to the control system400as will be described in further detail below.

The hospital bed10includes a pair of covers450and452which each include an opening454to allow the shaft of the pedal assemblies174,176to pass through the opening454. When the pedal assemblies174,176are omitted, the covers450,452are omitted and replaced with covers that do not include the openings454. Referring toFIG. 1, a cover456is positioned at the head end of the base frame20and is a unitary structure which overlies the cross channel146and covers the top of the casters184,198while also spanning the space between the longitudinal rails140,142. The cover456partially overlies another cover458which spans between two curved uprights460and462. The cover456encloses a space464that's bounded by a panel466at the head end14of the base frame20. Yet another cover468seen inFIG. 5spans between the curved uprights460,462to provide a shroud there between. Base frame20also includes a pair of snap fit covers468,468that are inserted into the ends of the longitudinal rails140,142as shown inFIG. 11.

The lift system22is supported on the base frame20and supports the upper frame24. The lift system22includes an actuator250which extends and retracts to cause the foot end12of the upper frame24to be raised and lowered relative to the base frame20. The lift system22includes another actuator252which extends and retracts to cause the head end14of the upper frame24to be raised and lowered relative to the base frame20. The actuators250and252provide output to cause actuation of the upper frame24relative to the base frame20and are electrically connected to the control system400such that the control system400provides electrical signals to the actuators250and252to cause the movement of the upper frame24relative to the base frame20. The actuators250and250to include internal Hall-effect sensors (not shown) which are electrically connected to the control system400and used by the control system400to determine the position of the actuators250and252, and thereby, the position of the upper frame24relative to the base frame20as will be discussed in further detail below. One suitable actuator for this application is a Model TA24 actuator available from TiMOTION Technology of Taiwan City, Taiwan.

The upper frame24includes a longitudinal rail254positioned on the left side16of the upper frame24and a longitudinal rail256positioned on the right side18of the upper frame24. A crossmember258is positioned at the head end14of the intermediate frame and secured to the longitudinal rails254and256. A crossmember260is positioned at the foot end12of the upper frame24and secured to the longitudinal rails254and256.

The upper frame24further includes a cross rail262which is a lateral member that spans a distance between the longitudinal rails254and256. The cross rail262includes a yoke264with an end266of the actuator250being engaged with the yoke264and secured with a pin269such that the end266of the actuator250is secured to the upper frame24. The actuator250includes a body268and a rod270that extends and retracts relative to the body268. A rod end272is positioned at a distal end of the rod270such that the distance between the end266and the rod end272very as the rod270is extended and retracted relative to the body268. The actuator250acts on a lift arm assembly274such that the lift arm assembly274rotates about an axis276and caused movement of the upper frame24relative to the base frame20. The lift arm274includes a yoke278to which the rod272is secured by a pin280. The pin280is offset from the axis276so that extension and retraction of the actuator250causes a moment about the axis276. The yoke278is secured to a torque tube282of the lift arm274such that the moment created by the extension retraction of the actuator250induces rotation of the torque tube282about the axis276. The lift arm assembly274includes a pair of arms284and286which are secured to the torque tube282so that rotation of the torque tube282causes movement of the arms284,286. The lift arm assembly274also includes a shaft288which is secured to the arms284and286with the shaft288being offset from the torque tube282by the arms284and286such that rotation of the torque tube282about the axis276causes orbiting of the shaft288about the axis276. The lift system22is supported on the base frame20by engagement of a first slide block290being positioned in a channel292which is secured to and supported on the longitudinal rail140of the base frame20. A second slide block290engages a channel294which is secured to the longitudinal rail142of the base frame20. Each end of the shaft288of the lift arm274is received in one of the slide blocks290and is free to rotate about an axis296of the shaft288.

Each end of the torque tube282is received in a respective bearing298. The upper frame24includes a pair of bearing receivers300positioned on the underside of the rails254and256, respectively. The bearing receivers300are supported on the bearings298with the bearings298being secured to each of the bearing receivers300by a pair of fasteners302to so that the upper frame24is supported on the torque tube282through the bearings298with the bearing receivers300securing the bearings298relative to the upper frame24. Rotation of the torque tube282by the action of the actuator250induces movement of the shaft288and slide blocks290,290in the respective channels292and294so that the lift arm274moves between a position where the arms284and286are generally parallel to the longitudinal rails140and142of the base frame20and a position where the arms284and286are in a generally vertical orientation like that shown inFIG. 11. In this way, extension and retraction of actuator250changes the elevation of the foot end12of the upper frame24relative to the base frame20.

The structure used to raise and lower the head end14of the upper frame24relative to the base frame20is the same as that with regard to the foot end12of the upper frame24. The upper frame24includes another cross rail304that includes a yoke306which receives and supports the end266of the actuator252. The actuator252includes all of the structural components of actuator250. The rod end272of the actuator252engages the yoke278of a second lift arm assembly274. The torque tube282of the second lift arm assembly274rotates about an axis306to cause rotation of the shaft288of the second lift arm assembly274about an axis308. The slide blocks290of the head end lift arm assembly274are received in channels310and312which are secured to the longitudinal rails140and142, respectively, of the base frame20. Extension and retraction of the actuator252causes rotation of the torque tube282about the axis306which, thereby, causes movement of the arms286and284of the lift arm assembly274to move between a horizontal position generally parallel to the longitudinal rails140and142and the generally vertical position shown inFIG. 11. Thus, the head end actuator252is operable to move the head end14of the upper frame24vertically relative to the base frame20.

To prevent the lift system22from being moved longitudinally relative to the base frame20, the lift arm274positioned at the foot end12is secured to the base frame20through a pair of ground links314. The ground links314are secured at the midpoint of the arms284and286with fasteners316that are secured by nuts318with a washer320providing for rotation of the ground links314relative to the bolt316. The longitudinal rails140and142of the base frame20have respective flanges323and324secured thereto. The ground links314are each secured to the flanges232and324by a bolt316and a nut318with a washer320permitting the ground links314,314to rotate relative to the flanges323and324. The ground links314,314serve to ground of the foot end lift arm274to the base frame20to prevent the sliding of the slide blocks290relative to the base frame20, without extension and retraction of the respective actuators250and252.

As shown inFIG. 12, with further detail provided inFIGS. 34, 35, and 55-57embodiments of the hospital bed10may include a powered drive wheel assembly92which supports and drives the powered auxiliary wheel214. The powered drive wheel assembly92includes laterally spaced channels325and326which overlie the longitudinal rails140and142of the base frame20, respectively. The channels325and326are interconnected by a crossbeam328to form a frame329of the powered drive wheel assembly92. The powered auxiliary wheel214is driven by a motor assembly330which includes a transmission332that transmits the rotation of the motor assembly330to drive the wheel214. An actuator334is operable to raise and lower the auxiliary wheel214relative to the frame329of the powered drive wheel assembly92. A suitable motor is an Electro-Craft MP36-WL-018V24-400. A suitable actuator is a LA40 from Linak USA, Inc. The actuator334is secured to the crossbeam328with an end341of the actuator334being secured to a yoke338of the crossbeam328by a pin336. The pin336permits rotation of the actuator334relative to the yoke338. The actuator334includes a body340and a rod342with a rod end344of the actuator334secured to a yoke346that is secured to a torque tube348by a pin350. The torque tube348is supported by the frame329on a pair of bushings343,343and rotatable about an axis352with the rotation of the torque tube398being caused by the extension and retraction of the rod342relative to the body340.

Rotation of the torque tube348is transferred to a shaft354which is positioned under the crossbeam328and rotatable relative to the frame329on a pair of bearings343,343. The torque tube348is secured to a yoke structure356that includes three flanges358which move with the torque tube348when it rotates about the axis352. A pair of gas springs360,360is secured to the yoke structure356by a pin366. The gas springs360and362each include a body368and a rod370with a rod end372of each gas spring360and362secured to a respective flange374and376coupled to the shaft354. The shaft354supports a platform378on which the motor assembly330is mounted. The platform378rotates about the shaft354. Because the auxiliary wheel214is supported from the motor assembly330, movement of the platform378and motor assembly330causes movement of the auxiliary wheel214from a retracted position shown inFIG. 12to a deployed position, wherein the auxiliary wheel214engages the floor.

When the auxiliary wheel214is deployed to engage the floor, the gas springs360and362provide resilient down pressure to maintain the auxiliary wheel214in engagement with the floor. If the auxiliary wheel214encounters an obstacle in the floor, such as a threshold, the force of the engagement of the auxiliary wheel214with the obstruction is transferred through the platform378to the shaft354and the rods370,370of the gas springs360and362. The resilience of the gas springs360and362permit the rods370,370to contract into the bodies368,368of the respective gas springs360and362. In this way, the gas springs360and360to operate as shock absorbers for the powered drive wheel assembly92. The frame329of the powered drive wheel assembly92is secured to the base frame20by eight screws380. A shroud323is positioned over the frame329and secured to the crossbeam328by a fastener327.

The powered drive wheel assembly92includes a control box382which encloses a circuit board assembly384which provides control for the powered drive wheel assembly92by operating the actuator334and a motor speed controller385. The circuit board assembly384and the motor controller385are housed in the control box382which includes a base381and a cover383. A suitable motor controller is A Dynamic DS120. The components of the control box382are secured by a number of screws387. The circuit board assembly384receives power from a pair of batteries386that are supported from the base frame20and secured by a bracket388and four fasteners390.

A user interface392for the powered drive wheel assembly92is positioned at the head end14of the base frame20and includes a pair of push handles394and396as shown inFIGS. 12 and 55-57. The push handles394and396are supported from the base frame in respective mount tubes402and404. The push handle394includes a base406and a curved upper arm408that may be folded down relative to the base406when the push handle394is not in use. The curved upper arm408includes a slot410is secured to the base406by a pin412defining an axis414. The upper curved arm408is movable relative to the pin412with an end of the curved arm408being received in an inner diameter of the base406when it is in a use position shown inFIG. 12. To move the push handle394to a stowed position, the upper arm408is moved vertically upwardly relative to the base406and rotated about the axis414to rotate down to the stowed position with relief in the base406being provided by a slot416formed in the base406.

The push handle396includes a base418and a curved upper arm420. The curved upper arm420includes a slot422which engages a pin424secured to the base418with the pin424defining an axis426. The push handle396operates in a manner similar to the push handle394and a stowed by lifting the curved upper arm420out of an internal diameter of the base418and pivoting the upper curved arm420about the axis426to a stowed position.

The push handle396includes a grip428and a switch430which is an electrical communication with the controller384. The switch430is configured to be actuated by the hand of the user when they grip onto the grip428of the push handle396. The push handle394includes a grip432and a switch434that is also configured to be actuated by the hand of a user when they grip onto the grip432of the push handle394. The switch430is engaged with a switch assembly1472that is positioned in an upper portion1474of the curved arm420as suggested inFIG. 55. Similarly, the switch434is engaged with a switch assembly1476that is positioned in an upper portion1478of the curved arm408as shown inFIG. 57. In addition, the user interface panel436supported on the push handle394includes a display101as shown inFIG. 78. The display101includes instructions for a user to activate the powered drive wheel assembly92. To operate the powered wheel assembly92a user must first unplug the hospital bed10from the wall and engage the steer function as indicated at102. The user must then lower the hospital bed10to a transport height as indicated at104. Finally, a user must engage both of the enable switches430and434as indicated at106. Once these conditions are met, the powered wheel assembly92is operational. A status of the level of charge in the batteries386is provided by an indicator108.

When the push handles396and394are in a use position such as that shown inFIG. 12, the curved upper arms408and420engage respective strain gauge assemblies1468,1470positioned in the bases418and406such that when a user applies pressure to the push handles394and396, the strain gauges1468,1470provide a signal to the controller384indicative of the force being applied. Further discussion of the operation of the powered drive wheel assembly92and the controller384is provided below with reference to the control system400of the hospital bed10.

The signals from the switch assembly1476and user interface panel436are transferred through a cable1480that is routed through the curved arm408and connected to a connector1484of a cable1482that is routed through the strain gauge assembly1468as shown inFIG. 56. A cable1482of push handle396is routed through the curved arm420and connects to the cable1482of the strain gauge assembly1470in a similar manner.

As shown inFIG. 20, the load frame26is supported from the upper frame24through four load cells522,524,526, and528each of which is secured to the upper frame by a pair of fasteners530,530. Each load cell522,524,526,528is formed to include a threaded receiver532into which a ball stud534is received so that the ball stud534is cantilevered from a body536of the respective load cells522,524,526, and528as shown with respect to load cell522. Referring now again toFIG. 11, the cross members258and260of the upper frame24are formed to include receivers539through which the ball studs534are positioned and supported on a load block540positioned in each end of each crossmember258and260and secured with fasteners542. The ball ends545of each ball stud534are supported on the load blocks543point contact. All of the weight of the load frame26and components supported by the load frame26discussed below are supported on the ball studs534such that the load cells522,524,526, and528since the load supported by the load frame26and are operable to provide a signal representative of that load to the control system400as will be discussed in further detail below.

The load frame26includes a pair of longitudinal rails538and540with the longitudinal rail538being positioned on the left side16of the load frame26and the longitudinal rail540being positioned on the right side18. A cross beam542is positioned between the rails538and540and positioned generally at the head end14of the load frame26. A second crossbeam544is secured to the rails538and540and positioned generally at the foot end12of the load frame26. The load frame26includes a number of flanges546,548,550, and552. The cross beams542and544are welded to the rails538and540. The flanges546,548,550, and552are welded to both a respective crossbeam542or544and a respective rail538or540. The load beams522,524,526, and528are each secured to one of the respective flanges546,548,550, or552.

The load frame26supports a pan560to which a main circuit board (not shown inFIG. 20) is secured. In addition, the load frame26includes three drainage bag hooks558positioned on the outside of each rail538and540. The location of the drainage bag hooks558on the load frame26provides a location to support various Foley bag or other structures which collect waste products from a patient on the load frame26provide an accurate scale reading until the waste products are removed so that a caregiver is capable of determining the weight removed from the load frame26at the time that the waste receptacle is removed or emptied. The load frame26includes additional structures for supporting other components of the hospital bed10for movement relative to the load frame26.

The load frame26supports the head deck28for movement relative to the load frame26.

The articulated seat deck30is pivotably coupled to the load frame26by a pair of pins562,562which secure laterally spaced rails564and566of the articulated seat deck to respective flanges is568and570as suggested byFIG. 20. A bearing572is positioned in the head end of each rail564and566with thru-holes574and576formed in the rails564and566respectively. The pins562pass through the respective thru-holes574and576the bearings572,572and are secured by retaining clips578. A pair of washers580are used at each connection between the respective flanges of yokes568and570and the pins562and retaining clips578. The pins562cooperate to define a pivot axis582about which the articulated seat deck30pivots.

Pivoting of the articulated seat deck30is caused by an actuator584which has a body586, an extendable rod588, a rod end590, and an end592. The end592is secured to a clevis594positioned on the crossmember596. The end592is secured to the clevis594by a pin598secured with a retaining clip600. The rod588of the actuator584extends from the body586to change the distance between the rod end590and the end592as the actuator584changes length. The rod end590is received in a clevis602which is secured to a crossmember604of the articulated seat deck30. The rod end590is secured by a pin598and a retaining clip600. When the actuator584is in a fully retracted position as shown inFIG. 20, the articulated seat deck30is a generally flat orientation such that an upper surface606of the articulated seat deck30is generally parallel to the longitudinal rails538and540of the load frame26. Extension of the rod588relative to the body586of the actuator584causes the articulated seat deck to pivot about the axis582so that foot end of the articulated seat deck30is raised. As will be discussed in further detail below, the raising of the articulated seat deck30causes movement of the first portion36of the foot deck34. One suitable actuator for this application is a Model TA23 actuator available from TiMOTION Technology of Taiwan City, Taiwan.

The head deck28includes a frame610which is supported on the load frame26and moves relative to the load frame26through an advanced articulation mechanism608that causes the head deck28to both translate and pivot relative to the load frame26. The head deck28is supported on a pair of pivot supports612and614which define a pivot axis616about which the head deck28pivots. The frame610of the head deck28includes a pair of yokes618and620which engage with the pivot supports612and614, respectively. The yokes618and620are secured to the pivot supports612and614by respective pins622,622which are retained by respective retaining clips624,624. Each pivot support612,614is supported on a respective slide rail626and628. Referring toFIG. 21, the slide rails626and628are supported on the respective longitudinal rails538and540of the load frame26.

Each longitudinal rail538and540supports a pair of mounts630secured to the respective rail538or540as suggested inFIG. 21. The discussion of the advanced articulation mechanism608will reference the structure positioned on the right side18of the load frame26, but the structure on the left side16is a mirror of the structure on the right side18. The slide rails626and628are attached to the mounts630by a pair of fasteners632. The slide rails626and628are engaged by the pivot supports612and614such that the pivot supports612and614are permitted to translate or slide along the longitudinal length of the slide rails626and628which thereby provides for translation of the head deck28relative to the load frame26. As shown inFIG. 21, the pivot support614includes a pair of pivot blocks634which each include a channel636which engages the slide rail628so that to the blocks634clamp over the slide rail628to capture the slide rail628in the respective channels636,636. The pivot blocks634are retained together by clamping of an inner plate638to an outer plate640by a number of fasteners642which pass through the pivot blocks634and are threaded into corresponding threaded holes644in the inner plate638. The clamping action of the fasteners642and the plates638and640secure the pivot blocks634to the slide rail628. The engagement of pivot support612to slide rail626is achieved in the same way as the engagement of pivot support614to slide rail628.

Movement of the head deck28relative to the load frame26is controlled by an actuator650. The actuator650includes a body652and a rod654which is extendable and retractable relative to the body652. The actuator650includes a rod end656and an end658, each of which facilitates pinning the actuator650to respective connecting points on the load frame26and head deck28. The frame610of the head deck28includes three flanging660which are secured to a crossmember662. Two of the flanges660,660cooperate to define a yoke664to which the end658of the actuator650is connected for pivotable movement by a pin666. One suitable actuator for this application is a Model TA15 actuator available from TiMOTION Technology of Taiwan City, Taiwan.

Similarly, the load frame26includes three flanges668which are supported from a crossmember646. Two of the flanges668cooperate to define a yoke670to which the rod end656of the actuator650is pivotably coupled by a pin672. The actuator650extends and retracts to change the distance between the end658and the rod end656. This extension and retraction results in movement of the head deck28relative to the load frame26. A gas spring674is also coupled to both the load frame26and the head deck28. An end676of the spring674is secured to the third flange668for pivotable movement relative thereto by the pin672so that the gas spring674and rod end656of the actuator650are both pivotable about an axis678defined by the pin672. The gas spring674includes a rod680and a rod end682with the rod end682being secured to the third flange660on the frame610of the head deck28by the pin666so that the rod end682and the end658of the actuator650each pivot about an axis684defined by the pin666.

The actuator650includes an internal quick release mechanism which may be activated by a caregiver to quickly lower the head deck28to horizontal position in the event of an emergency, such as at a time when the caregiver may need to conduct cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient supported on the hospital bed10. The gas spring674provides resistance to the lowering of the head deck28relative to the load frame26when the quick release is activated thereby control the lowering of the head deck28.

Because the head deck28is both pivotable and translatable relative to the load frame26, it is necessary to have a control link to guide the movement of the head deck28relative to the load frame26. This is accomplished by two ground links686and688which are pivotably coupled to both the load frame26and the head deck28to control movement of the head deck28relative to the load frame26. As shown inFIG. 21, the ground link688is pivotably coupled to the load frame26at a mount690which is secured to the longitudinal rail540of the load frame26. The mount690is formed to include a through-hole692through which a pivot sleeve694is positioned. The ground link688includes a pivot member696which is positioned through the hole692into the pivot sleeve694. A pivot washer698is positioned over the pivot member696and between the ground link688and the mount690to facilitate movement of the ground link relative to the mount690. The pivot sleeve694is retained on the pivot member696by a retaining ring700such that the ground link688is pivotable relative to the mount690by the interaction of the bearing698and pivot sleeve694supporting the pivot member696in the thru-hole692.

The opposite end of the ground link688also includes a pivot member696which is positioned in a thru-hole702formed in a frame member704of the frame610. The pivot member696is engaged with the frame member704utilizing a pivot washer698, pivot sleeve694, and retaining ring700similar to the engagement of the ground link688with the mount690. The ground link686is engaged with the load frame26and head deck28in the same manner on the opposite side. Thus, the ground links686and688are pivotable relative to the load frame26about an axis706and the head deck28is pivotable relative to the ground links686and688about an axis708.

In operation, extension of the actuator650causes compound movement of the head deck28relative to the load frame26as the axis616about which the head deck28pivots translates along the slide rails626and628. The ground links686and688control movement of the head deck28relative to the load frame26by constraining longitudinal movement along the slide rails626and628and inducing rotation through the interaction of the ground links with the axis708relative to the axis616to cause the compound advanced articulation which results in movement of the head deck28away from the day articulated seat deck30toward the head end14of the hospital bed10while also causing pivoting of the head deck28about the axis616.

The head deck28includes a CPR release mechanism1500that is supported on the frame610as suggested inFIGS. 22-23. The CPR release mechanism1500is actuated by one of two handles1502,1504that are positioned below the deck1344on opposite sides of the head deck28. Referring to the handle1502, the grip1506is secured to an actuator1508by two screws1510,1510. The handle1502is pivotable relative to the frame610about a pin1510such that when the handle1502is pulled in the direction of an arrow1512, the quick release mechanism of the actuator650is activated to lower the head deck28. The actuator1508is engaged with a rod1514and the rod1514engages a plate1516resting in an arcuate slot1518formed in the plate1516. The plate1516is pivotable about an axle1520such that when the rod1514reaches a terminal end1522of the slot1518; the motion in the direction of arrow1512causes the plate1516to rotate in the direction of an arrow1524. A spring1526is secured to a channel1528of the frame610and the rod1514to bias the rod to the home position shown inFIG. 101. A cable assembly1530includes a sheath1532and a wire1534that is movable within the sheath1532. The sheath is grounded to a flange1536secured to the channel1528. The wire1534is secured to the plate1516so that rotation of the plate1524on the axle1520moves the wire1534relative to the sheath1532, transferring motion to the quick release mechanism of the actuator650.

The handle1504operates in a similar fashion with the grip1538pin secured to an actuator1540which is pivotable on a pin1542. Pivoting of the handle1504about the pin1542acts on a wire1544which is secured to the actuator1540. When the wire1544reaches the terminal end1546of a slot1548, the wire1544causes the plate1516to rotate in the direction of arrow1524on axle1520. A spring1550urges the handle1504to the home position shown inFIG. 101. Each of the rods1514and1544is free to move in the slots1518and1548if the plate is acted upon by the other of the rods1514and1544. The lost motion effect of the rods1514,1544in slots1518,1548prevent interference with the operation of the CPR release mechanism1500by the other of the handles1502,1504, but allow a single cable1530to be directed to the release mechanism of the actuator650.

The release mechanism1500further includes a limit switch1552which is secured to the channel1528. The limit switch1552includes an actuation arm1554having a rounded end1556which engages an outer edge1558of the plate1516. The plate1516axes a cam relative to the limit switch1552so that when the plate1524is rotated, the end1556of the actuation arm1554engages a surface1560which causes the limit switch1552to be activated to indicate that the release mechanism1500has been activated. The switch1552provides a signal to the control system400of the hospital bed10indicating that the CPR has been activated.

As shown inFIGS. 13-14, the foot deck34shown to include the first portion36and the second portion38which moves relative to the first portion to extend and retract the length of the foot deck34. Extension and retraction of the foot deck34is controlled by an actuator730which is fixed to the first portion36. The actuator730includes a body732, a rod734, and a rod end736. The rod end736is pinned to the second portion38. The actuator730includes an end738which is pendant to a yoke740on the first portion36and secured by a pin742and retaining clip744. When the actuator730is in a retracted position, such as that shown inFIG. 13, the foot deck34is fully retracted with its length minimized. Extension of the actuator730drives the second portion toward the foot end12of the foot deck34to extend the length of the foot deck34and, thereby, the length of the hospital bed10. One suitable actuator for this application is a Model TA9 actuator available from TiMOTION Technology of Taiwan City, Taiwan.

The first portion36includes a frame746with laterally space rails748and750. Each of the rails748and750have two axles752positioned on the outboard sides of the rails748and750which are capped with a pair of caps753,753. The second portion38includes a pair of guides751positioned in the end of channels758and760that engage the rails748,750of first portion36to guide second portion38as it moves relative to first portion36. The first portion includes a pair of rollers754on each side, each of the rollers754supported on an axle752. The second portion38includes a frame756which has a pair of laterally spaced channel members758and760. When the second portion38is engaged with the first portion36, the rollers754are retained on the axles752by the engagement of the rollers754with the respective channels762and764of the channel members758and760.

The second portion38is supported on the first portion36by the interaction of the rollers754with the channels762and764and the interaction of the rails748,750of first portion36with the guides751,751. The second portion38includes a deck panel766which spans the distance between the channel members758and762define an upper support surface768. The first portion36also includes a deck panel772which has an upper support surface774. When the second portion38is engaged with the first portion36, a portion of the deck panel766overlies a portion of the deck panel772. Further support for the engagement between the first portion36and the second portion38is provided by three glide members776which are secured to a lower surface778of the deck panel766. The glide members776are secured to the surface778by an adhesive and are positioned to engage the upper surface774of the deck panel772of the first portion36. The glide members act as bearings between the deck panel766and deck panel772during extension and retraction of the foot deck34.

The rod end736of the actuator730is connected to a yoke780formed on the second portion38by a pin782and a retaining clip784. The yoke780is formed in a channel member786positioned at the foot end12of the second portion38. The channel member786is open toward the foot end12to define a space in which electrical indicator components may be positioned. The electrical components are enclosed by a cover788which is secured to the base frame20by six fasteners790. The electrical components are best seenFIG. 18and include a pair of circuit boards792and794which are configured to generate indicators of the status of certain conditions of the hospital bed10as will be discussed in further detail below.

The circuit boards792and794are a part of an indicator system796that provides detailed information to a caregiver regarding the status of the hospital bed10and a patient supported on the hospital bed10. The circuit boards792and794receive information over a cable798that is connected to the control system400of the hospital bed10. Circuit board792is connected to the circuit board794by another cable800. The circuit boards792and794include logic which processes the information provided over the cable798to cause the indicator system796to provide an indication of the status of components of the hospital bed10. In the illustrative embodiment, the indicator system provides information regarding the status of a hospital bed10exit system of the hospital bed10, an indication as to whether or not the hospital bed10is in its lowest position, and an indication as to whether not all of the side rails48,50,58, and60are in their raised position.

Indication of the statuses may be projected onto the floor below the foot deck34by one of four projectors802,804,806, or808. For example, the projector808is associated with the indication as to whether or not all of the side rails48,50,58, and60are in their raised position. When active, the projector808projects an image such as the image1560shown on the floor inFIG. 97. The image1560may be projected in either a green or amber color. To project the image1560, the projector808is mounted over a pair of LEDs mounted on the circuit board792, with one of the LEDs illuminating in an amber color and the other of the LEDs illuminating a green color. When one or the other of the two LEDs is illuminated, the light is conducted through the projector808and through the slide828positioned in the projector808. The projector808is shown in further detail inFIG. 19where the slide828is positioned in the projector808, light is transmitted through a body1562of the projector808and a lens820which controls the focus of the image1560on the floor. If the control system400of the hospital bed10provides a signal to the logic of the indication system796that one or more of the siderails48,50,58, and60are not in the raised position, the amber LED associated with projector808would be illuminated so that the image1560would be illuminated in an amber color.

The indication system796also includes a lamp816which has a frusto-conical shape with an end1564that is configured to overlie another pair of LEDs on the circuit board792. The lamp816is configured to direct light from the associate LEDs to an outer surface1566of the cover788. The lamp816shown inFIG. 18is associated with an indicator1568shown inFIG. 97. The indicator1568is part of an overlay1570positioned on the cover788. The overlay1570is configured to position certain indicia over the openings of the various lamps, such as the opening1572for lamp816as shown inFIG. 99. Thus, when the lamp816is illuminated by the LEDs, the light from the LEDs is transmitted through the indicator1568. The logic that determines whether or not one or more of the siderails48,50,58,60are in their raised position also controls the operation of the LEDs associated with the indicator1568and lamp816. The control system400of the hospital bed10is operable to operate the indication system796to illuminate the indicator1568and the image1560each provide the status of the siderails48,50,58,60simultaneously. The control system400may also be configured to illuminate the indicator1568only without projecting the image1560, or project only the image1560without illuminating the indicator1568.

The projector806utilizes a slide826to illuminate an image1584on the floor that is similar to the icon shown as an indicator1574shown inFIG. 97. The indicator1574and an accompanying image1584, which is not shown in detail, provide an indication that a patient position monitoring system of the hospital bed10is not armed. The indicator1574is illuminated by a lamp814. Projector806and lamp814engage the circuit board792in a manner similar to that of projector808and lamp816. When the image1584or indicator1574are illuminated green, it provides an indication that the patient position monitoring system is not armed and that patient position monitoring is not indicated for the patient associated with the hospital bed10. This may rely on information entered into the hospital bed10controller by a caregiver, or may be gathered by the control system400from an electronic medical record system of the hospital. If the indicator1574, or the associated image1584, is illuminated amber, a caregiver will know that the patient position monitoring system is not armed but that the patient has indications that a support protocol that requires the use of the patient position monitoring system.

A projector804engages LEDs on the circuit board794and projects an image1576by way of a slide824. The image1576is projected when the patient position monitoring system is armed. Similarly an indicator1578is illuminated by a lamp812. When the image1576and/or the indicator1578are green, it provides an indication that the patient position monitoring system is armed and that no alarm condition has been detected. On the other hand, if the image1576and/or the indicator1578are presented in an amber color, it provides an indication that the patient position monitoring system is armed and an alarm condition exists.

A projector802projects light through a slide822to present an image1580that conveys the status of the hospital bed10position. Referring toFIG. 97, when the hospital bed10is in its lowest position, the image1580is projected in green while an amber color indicates that the hospital bed10is not in its lowest position. Similarly, a lamp810(seen inFIG. 18) conducts light to an indicator1582the same logic as applied to the image1580regarding the appropriate color.

A standard overlay832is positionable on the surface1566as shown inFIG. 98. The cover788includes a number of channels1586positioned on the right side18of the foot deck34. The channels are sized to receive one or more labels1590that include various indicia1588that provide information to a user as to the configuration of the hospital bed10. The labels1590provide a quick reference for caregiver to identify the options present on the particular hospital bed10.

Referring now toFIG. 99, it is shown how the arrangement of the lamps802,804,806,808are capable of projecting the various images1580,1584,1576,1560onto a surface1590of the floor. Because the images1576and1584are mutually exclusive, the lamps806and804are arranged projector images at the same point.FIG. 100shows how the images1580,1584,1576,1560are projected at a position that is not directly vertically below the foot end12of the head deck34, but are spaced horizontally a distance1592. The deviation of the images1580,1584,1576,1560outwardly from a position directly below the foot deck34assures that the images will be visible when the hospital bed10is in its lowest position and a caregiver's view of the images1580,1584,1576,1560is not obstructed.

As shown inFIG. 97, the overlay1570is similar to the overlay832ofFIG. 98, however the overlay1570includes an additional indicator1594and the notification system of the embodiment ofFIG. 97is capable of projecting an image1596. In the embodiment ofFIG. 97, the indicator1594and image1596provide notification to a caregiver of the status of an incontinence detection system. Following the approach used above, when the indicator1594or image1596is presented in a green color, it is indicative that an incontinence system is active and no alarm conditions exist. However if the indicator1594and/or image1596are presented in an amber color, it provides an indication to a caregiver that the incontinence detection system is active and an alarm condition exists.

It is contemplated that each of the monitored conditions would be independently configurable by a caregiver. For example, one or more of the indicators1568,1574,1578,1582, or1594may be deactivated so that the particular condition is not indicated and the indicator remains dormant and not illuminated. As explained above, the projector's802,804,806,808may be deactivated such that the caregiver only relies upon the indicators1568,1574,1578,1582, or1594for an indication of the status by the notification system796.

The head end side rails48and50are configurable to provide additional indications of the status of components of the hospital bed10under the control of the notification system796by illuminating the grip1166of the head siderails48,50. In the embodiment ofFIG. 29, the body1136of side rail48has a depression1598formed on the outboard side of the grip1166and a channel1600formed in the interior of the grip1166. In the embodiment ofFIG. 29, an insert1602is positioned in the depression1598to fill in the missing contour of the grip1166as shown inFIG. 26. In another embodiment shown inFIG. 137, a light strip1604is positioned in the channel1600and a translucent overlay1606is positioned over the light strip1604. The cavity1600is in communication with an outlet1606through which an end1608is fed to connect to the circuit board1182of the side rail48.

Referring toFIGS. 138A-138E, the light strip comprises an electrical substrate encapsulated in a transparent material. The light strip1604includes six blue LEDs1610positioned on the substrate which alternate with six amber LEDs1612. The end1608includes a stiffener1614which is provided for support for a connector1616. The connector has alternate leads1618,1620,1622, and1624with the leads1620,1624providing a common to the respective LEDs1610,1612. The lead1618provides a current to the LEDs1610from the circuit board1182when the LEDs1610are to be illuminated. Similarly, the lead1620provides current to the LEDs1612when the LEDs1612are to be illuminated. A body1626of the light strip1604has a larger thickness and is relatively stiff. An adhesive backing1628is used to secure the light strip in the channel1600. A tail1630is secured to the body1626but has sufficient flexibility to be routed through the side rail body1136. As indicated inFIG. 138E, a signal from the circuit board1182simultaneously illuminates all of the LEDs1610.

In operation the light strip1604has three states, none of the LEDs1610,1612being illuminated, the blue LEDs1610being illuminated, or the amber LEDs1612being illuminated. In the current embodiment, none of the LEDs1610,1612are illuminated in one of two conditions: if the patient position monitoring system is disarmed and the patient is in hospital bed10, or if the patient position monitoring system is armed and the patient is in the proper position. The blue LEDs1610are illuminated if the patient position monitoring system is disarmed the patient is out of the hospital bed10. The blue LEDs1610tend to provide additional lighting for the patient if the ambient light is relatively low. The amber LEDs1612are illuminated if the patient position monitoring system is armed and the patient is not in the proper position. This amber illumination provides an additional indication to a caregiver of the alarm condition of the patient position monitoring system.

The notification system796is configurable to allow or prevent the illumination capabilities of the grip1166. A caregiver may choose to disable the illuminated grips as a part of the notification system796when the caregiver determines that the operation of the illuminated grip1166is unnecessary or would be problematic with a particular patient. Thus, the caregiver can configure the notification769to monitor one or more conditions and provide an indication to a caregiver by illuminating an indicator on the foot deck34, projecting an image on the floor, and/or illuminating the grip1166. In some embodiments, the illumination of the grip1166and the amber color may be configured to be based on a different condition, such as the expiration of a time between vital signs checks, or any other condition of which the caregiver might need to be reminded. In addition, the illuminated grip may be illuminated in the amber color if any of the alarm conditions of the hospital bed10are active, the amber color providing an indication to the caregiver then alarm condition, or a condition that does not meet a patient's care protocol exists.

Referring again now toFIG. 13, management of the cable798is accomplished with a rigid wire routing bracket840which is secured to the channel member786with a pair of fasteners842and extends from the channel member786through in opening844formed in a plate846of the frame746of the first portion36. The cable798is secured to the rigid guide840by wire ties (not shown). As shown inFIG. 14, a flexible guide848is secured to an end850of the rigid guide840and secured to the first portion36by a bracket852which is secured to the first portion36with a fastener854. The flexible guide848is constructed of a material that is flexible but has a sufficient cross-section to control the collapsing of the flexible guide848into a shape as shown inFIG. 13. The cable798is also secured with wire ties to the flexible guide848such that when the second portion38is retracted relative to the first portion36, the flexible guide848controls gathering of the cable798within the footprint of the first portion36. The combination of the rigid guide840and flexible guide848allows for controlled gathering of the cable798throughout the range of motion of the second portion38relative to the first portion36while preventing the cable798from drooping below the confines of the first portion36.

Referring again now toFIG. 14, the second portion38is formed to include a pair of drainage bag hooks558,558on opposite sides of the second portion38. The drainage bag hooks558have a similar used to those on the load frame26. In addition, the foot deck34includes a pair of wire form bag supports860and862with the bag supports860and862being symmetrical mirror images of each other. With reference to the bag support860it can be seen that the bag support860includes a first leg864which is linear and a second leg866which terminates in a hook868. The leg864is positioned at a hole870formed in the channel member786and the hook is received in a bracket872seen inFIG. 13. The bag support860is positioned on the second portion38by inserting the leg864into the hole870and into a second hole874positioned on a lower flanges of the channel member786. Once secured, the second leg866is deflected to permit the hook868to be positioned between the bracket872and a surface876of the channel member760. Once the deflection of the leg866is released, the hook868engages the bracket872to secure the bag support860in place on the foot deck34. When the bag supports860,862are mounted to the second portion38of the foot deck34and move with the foot deck34as it is moved to various orientations relative to horizontal. Referring toFIG. 10, bag support860includes an upper rail3540that is not parallel to the rail758of the second portion38. A first end3542is spaced apart from the rail758than a second end3544. The ends3542and3544form loops with respective legs864and996of the bag support860. A second, smaller rail998is positioned below the upper rail990.

The bag support862is positioned on the opposite side of the second portion38in a similar manner. The second portion38also supports a pair of bumpers880and882that are positioned at the corners of the foot deck34being received between flanges of the channel member786. The bumpers880and882rotate on axles884,884which are positioned on the channel member786with a slot886formed in each axle884engaging and anti-rotation feature888or890formed in the lower flange of the channel member786. The axles884,884are secured in place by retaining clips892to prevent rotation of the axles884,884relative to the channel member786. However, the bumpers880,882are free to rotate about the axles884if they should come in contact with an outer surface, such as a wall, as the hospital bed10is moved.

The foot deck34is coupled to the articulated seat deck30such that movement of the articulated seat deck30about the axis582induces movement of the foot deck34. The foot deck34includes two yokes900,902which engage the rails564and566of the articulated seat deck30and are secured thereto by two pins904,906(shown inFIG. 20). Pins904,906pass through the respective thru-holes908,910of two bearings572,572and are secured by retaining clips578,578. A pair of washers580is used at each connection between the respective flanges of the yokes900,902and the pins904,906and retaining clips578,578. The pins904,906cooperate to define a pivot axis912about which the foot deck34pivots.

In some embodiments, the foot deck34is also connected to the load frame26through an actuator920shown in phantomFIG. 17. The actuator920is optional and is shown in phantom inFIG. 17. The actuator920may be replaced by a manual gatch mechanism1050. When present, the actuator920includes an end922, a body924, a rod926, and a rod end928. The rod end928is secured to a yoke931formed on the first portion36of the foot deck34with a pin930and retaining clip933. The end922of the actuator920is secured to a yoke935secured to the crossmember544of the frame554of the load frame26by a pin936and retaining clip933. When the actuator920maintains a fixed length, the actuator920acts as a ground link which causes the pivoting of the actuator920about the pin936and the pivoting of the foot deck34about the pin930. Thus, movement of the articulated seat deck30by extension and retraction of the actuator584causes movement of the foot deck34as constrained by the actuator920. Additional movement of the foot deck34is caused by extension and retraction of the actuator920to change the relative position of the foot deck34relative to the articulated seat deck30. One suitable actuator for this application is a Model TA23 actuator available from TiMOTION Technology of Taiwan City, Taiwan.

In a different embodiment, shown inFIGS. 15-16, the foot deck34is replaced by foot deck934that utilizes a manual release mechanism940to permit a user to move a second portion938relative to a first portion936. The release mechanism940includes a channel942which is secured to the frame746of the first portion936by a bolt944and nut946which secures the channel942to the yoke740. The channel is formed to include two flanges948and950which engage the plate846of the frame746. A pair of fasteners952,952secure the flanges948,950to the plate846by threading into holes956and958formed in the plate846. A catch bar954is received telescopically in the channel942when the second portion938is engaged with the first portion936. The catch bar954moves telescopically relative to the channel942. A pair of glides960,960is positioned in a pair of holes formed in sidewalls966and968of the channel942. Referring toFIG. 16, the glides960,960each include prongs which are flexible and permit the glides960,960to be positioned in the holes by a snap fit such that the glides960,960limit lateral movement of the catch bar954when the manual release mechanism940is assembled as shown inFIG. 16.

The release mechanism940further includes a catch assembly972which is supported on the catch bar954. As shown inFIG. 16, the catch assembly972includes a bolt974which passes through a first boss976, a hole978formed in the catch bar954, a second boss980, and secured with a nut982. The hole978is best seen inFIG. 15. The channel member942is formed to include a guide slot984in the sidewall968and a guide slot986in the sidewall966. The guide slots984,986are similar structures with each having a guide channel988and five stops900,992,994,996, and998. The catch assembly972is positioned in the guide slots984and986with the bosses976and980being arranged to engage the outer surfaces of the sidewalls966and968such that they overlap the edges of the guide slots984,986to prevent lateral movement of the catch assembly972relative to the channel942. Based on a manual input which will be described in further detail below, the catch assembly972may be disengaged from any one of the stops900,992,994,996,998and moved along the guide channel988to be positioned in another of the stops900,992,994,996,998. Positioning of the catch assembly972in one of the stops900,992,994,996,998restricts movement of the second portion938relative to the first portion936of the foot deck934. Utilizing the manual release mechanism940, a user may release the second portion938relative to the first portion936and adjust the position of the second portion938in one of the discrete positions defined by the stops990,992,994,996, and998.

Referring again now toFIG. 16, the release mechanism940includes a release handle assembly1000which is fixed to the second portion938and pivotable relative thereto, and engages the catch bar954so that movement of the handle assembly1000induces movement of the catch bar954to disengage the catch assembly972from one of the stops990,992,994,996,998so that the second portion938may be move relative to the first portion936. The catch bar954is pivotably coupled to the yoke780of the frame756of the second portion938. The catch bar954is formed to include a hole1002through which a pin1004passes to secure the catch bar954to the yoke780. Assembly of the catch bar954to the yoke780further includes a pair of bushings1006,1006which are positioned between the catch bar and the respective flanges1008and1010of the yoke780. The pin1004is secured in place by a retaining clip1012. Pivoting of the catch bar about an axis1014causes the catch assembly to move in and out of engagement with the stops990,992,994,996, and998.

The handle assembly1000permits a user to cause pivoting of the catch bar954about the axis1014. A mounting bracket1016is positioned on the lower surface770of the deck panel766and secured to the channel member786by a pair of fasteners1018,1018. The mounting bracket1016includes a pair of holes1020and1022positioned on opposite flanges1024and1026of the mounting bracket1016. The mounting holes1020,1022cooperate to define an axis1027about which the handle assembly1000pivots when actuated by user. Referring toFIG. 15, the handle assembly1000is secured to the mounting bracket1016by a pin1028which passes through to pivot arms1030,1032of the handle assembly1000as well as the holes1020and1022of the mounting bracket1016. The pin1028is secured by a retaining clip1034. The catch bar954is formed to include a slot1036which is engaged by another pin1038which passes through the arms1030and1032and is secured by retaining clip1040. The pin1038is free to move in the slot1036and pivots about the axis1027when the handle assembly1000is actuated by user. The handle assembly1000includes a handle member1042which is secured to an end of the arms1030,1032distally from the pin1028. The handle assembly1000further includes a pair of grips1044and1046which are positioned on the handle member1042.

As shown inFIG. 16, to adjust the position of the second portion938to the first portion936of the foot deck934, a user actuates the handle assembly1000by applying upward pressure to the handle member1042which causes the pin1038to engage the slot1036of the catch bar954urging the catch bar954upwardly. The catch bar954is constrained by the pin1004and the action on the handle member1042causes the catch bar954to pivot about the axis1014, which results in the disengagement of the catch assembly972from one of the stops990,992,994,996,998. Once the catch assembly972is disengaged, a user applies pressure to the second portion938to cause it to move relative to the first portion936to extend or retract the foot deck34. The user then releases the pressure on the handle member1042, permitting the catch assembly972to be lowered such that it may engage one of the stops990,992,994,996,998to secure the position of the second portion932relative to the first portion936.

The embodiment of the foot deck934may be moved relative to the articulated seat deck30is a manner similar to that with which foot deck34is moved relative to the articulated seat deck30by the actuator920. However, in some embodiments, the actuator920may be omitted and a foot deck may be pivoted relative to the seat deck manually between first and second positions utilizing a manual gatch mechanism1050shown inFIG. 17. The actuator920and gatch mechanism1050are mutually exclusive and one must be omitted to use the other. When the manual gatch mechanism1050is utilized, a pair of gatch supports1052and1054is added to the load frame26and each extends below the foot deck. It should be understood that the manual gatch mechanism1050can be used with a foot deck that has power extension retraction like foot deck34or a foot deck with manual extension and retraction such as foot deck934. The gatch supports1052and1054are inserted into the tubular structure of the longitudinal rails538and540of the frame554of the load frame26. The gatch supports1052and1054each include a mount block1056welded to a respective channel member1058and1060. The mount blocks include a pair of threaded holes1062,1062into which a pair of fasteners1064,1064are threaded through the longitudinal rails538and540to secure the respective gatch supports1052and1054to the longitudinal rails538and540. Each gatch support1052,1054is formed to include a respective guide slot1066,1068. Each guide slot1066,1068includes a guide channel1070and a pair of stops1072,1074. As will be described in further detail below, the stops1072,1074permit the foot deck34to be moved between first and second positions relative to the articulated seat deck30.

The manual gatch mechanism1050further includes a gatch member1076which is pivotable relative to the first portion36of the foot deck34and engages the gatch supports1052and1054to support the foot deck34in a gatch position. The gatch member1076includes a gatch tube1078which is coupled to a pair of pivot arms1080and1082. The pivot arms1080and1082each have a respective hole1084and1086which define an axis1088about which the gatch member1076pivots. The manual gatch mechanism1050further includes a pair of pivot brackets10901092which are each secured to the plate846by a pair of screws1094,1094and nuts1095,1095. Each pivot bracket1091,1092forms a yoke with flanges1096and1098. The flanges1096,1098each have a respective thru-hole1100and1102which are aligned along the axis1088. The pivot arms1080and1082are secured to the respective pivot brackets1090and1092by respective pins1104and1106such that the gatch member1076pivots on the pins1104and1106about the axis1088. The pins11041106are secured by respective retaining clips1108and1110. The gatch member1076is positioned so that the tube1078is positioned in the guides1066and1068. The manual gatch mechanism1050further includes a bar1112which is passed through the tube1078and has a length that extends beyond the tube1078. The bar1112is capped by a pair of knobs1114and1116which are grip coupled by a user to disengage the tube1078with a respective stop1070,1072. The user is then able to move the foot deck relative to the articulated seat deck30to move the tube1078to the other of the stops1068,1068or1070,1070to change the orientation of the foot deck relative to the articulated seat deck30.

When the tube1078is positioned in the stops1070,1070of the gatch supports1052and1054, the foot deck will be aligned with the articulated seat deck30when the seat deck is a lowered position. The gatch member1076services the ground link between the foot deck and the load frame26to control motion of the foot deck relative to the load frame26when the articulated seat deck30is moved. For example, when the actuator584is extended to raise the foot end12of the articulated seat deck30, the movement of the articulated seat deck30urges the foot deck toward the head end14of the hospital bed10. The gatch member1076controls movement of the foot deck such that the pivot arms1082pivot about the tube1078causing the foot end12of the foot deck to raise, keeping the foot deck generally parallel to the load frame26. A user may move the tube1078from the stop1070to the stop1072to change the angle between the foot deck and the articulated seat deck30. This will tend to increase the angle of brake at the patient's knee due to the gatch in effect of the manual gatch mechanism1050. Thus, when the tube1078is positioned in the stops1070,1070, raising of the articulated seat deck30will cause pivoting of the patient's hips to raise the patient's thighs while maintaining the patient's lower legs in a horizontal orientation, unless the manual gatch mechanism1050is moved to increase the angle between the articulated seat deck30and the foot deck.

As shown inFIG. 28, the right side head rail50is shown in an exploded assembly view and includes an injection molded body1130. The injection molded body1130is formed to include several features which will be described in further detail, but each of which is a part of the monolithic body1130. The left head side rail48including a body1136is shown inFIG. 29. The bodies1130,1136have similar structures, but are mirror images. The interior of the right head side rail50is shown inFIGS. 26 and 28, while the exterior of left head side rail48is shown inFIGS. 26 and 29. In describing the structures, the interior features will be described with reference to right head side rail50and the exterior features will be described with reference to left head side rail48.

The interior of bodies1130,1136are formed to include a cavity1132which is configured to receive a linkage1134as will be described in further detail below. In addition, an elongated depression1128is positioned at the head end14of the bodies1130,1136near a lower edge. The elongated depression1128increases the stiffness of the bodies1130and1136. A head end edge1126has a lower curved portion1140and terminates in a protrusion1142that has a curved edge1144and a generally vertical surface1146which faces the foot end12of the hospital bed10. The protrusion1142functions to retain lines and cords that may be engaged with the patient or patient care devices on the hospital bed10by preventing the lines and cords from slipping over the head end of the side rail and falling onto the floor or potentially becoming entangled with mechanisms of the hospital bed10. An upper edge1148is generally continuous with the exception of a pendant mount1150which is formed on the upper edge1148and configured to retain a pendant for access by a caregiver as will be described in further detail below. In addition, there is an opening1152formed in the bodies1130and1136which provides a space for a person to grip an upper rail defined by the opening1152. The opening1152is sized such that an occupant of the hospital bed10may insert their hand through the opening1152, grasp the grip1154, and pull themselves up in hospital bed10if they have migrated toward the foot end12of the hospital bed10. As best seen inFIG. 8, the upper portion of the bodies1130and1136diverges inwardly near the head end14of the bodies1130,1136. This inward divergence reduces the angle at which a user has to rotate their hand to grip the grip1154when they attempt to pull themselves up.

The upper edge1148transitions into a curved portion1156through an inflection point1158and then defines a space1160in which a portion of the bodies of the foot side rails58,60may extend to control the gap between the head side rails48,50and foot side rails58,60. At the lower edge of the foot end12of the bodies1130,1136a tab1162is formed to extend downwardly below the surface of a patient support surface such as a mattress, for example. The tab1162reduces the opportunity for a patient to get their hand under the bodies1130,1136when the side rails48,50are in a raised position. Another opening1164is formed through the bodies1130,1136along the curved portion1156two define a grip1166which may also be grasped by a patient to reposition themselves. Along the upper edge1148and on the inboard side of the bodies1130,1136, a pendant mount1168provides for the mounting of a pendant for access by a patient as will be described in further detail below. A curved channel1170is formed in a depression1172on the inboard side of the bodies1130,1136. The curved channel1170is configured to receive a ball (not shown) which roles in the channel1170as the head deck28is moved between raised and lowered positions. As will be described in further detail below, a label1180is placed in the depression1172to trap the ball in the channel1170, the label providing an indication of the angle of inclination of the head deck28.

Fixed electronic controls accessible to a patient are positioned in a depression1174formed in the inboard side of the bodies1130,1136and which communicates through the body1130,1136through an opening1176to a depression1178formed in the outboard side of the bodies1130,1136. As shown inFIG. 29, a circuit board1182is positioned in the depression1178and secured by a fastener1184of a cover1186overlies the circuit board1182and is secured in place by six fasteners1188which are screwed into the body1130, or1136. A control panel1190includes a number of membrane switches which may be activated by a caregiver to control functions of the hospital bed10. The functions controlled by the control panel1190will be discussed in further detail below. The control panel1190includes two flex circuits1192,1194which connects to corresponding connectors1196,1198. The flex circuits1192,1194are secured in place by the cover1186and the control panel1190is secured to the cover1186by an adhesive. The control panel1190is then covered by a label (not shown inFIG. 29) which will be discussed in further detail below, but which is positioned in the depression1178to seal the depression1178.

A speaker assembly1200is positioned in the depression1174and the inboard side of the bodies1130,1136. The speaker assembly1200includes a speaker back1202, a speaker1204, and a foam ring seal1206. A speaker cover1209is positioned in the depression1174and secured by four fasteners1209. A second foam ring seal1210is positioned to prevent ingress of fluid from the speaker opening1212of the speaker cover1209. The speaker cover1209is formed to include a receiver1214into which a USB charging receptacle1216is positioned. The USB charging receptacle1216provides appropriate electrical power and an outlet for a patient to plug a USB cable into to charge a device, such as a smart phone, for example. An overlay1211is positioned on the cover1209to provide a smooth surface and overlay the screws1208.

As shown inFIG. 26, each head side rail48,50includes a cable guide1230positioned in the cavity1132and configured to manage a cable which connects the electronics of the side rails48,50to the control system400as will be described in further detail below. As shown in foot side rails58and60, both of the side rails58and60have a similar construction, but are mirror images of each other. Each has a respective body1232and1234. In the following discussion, the features of the bodies1232,1234utilizing a single reference number for each feature with the understanding that the features are actually mirror images. The features that are present on the inboard side of the bodies1232,1234will be discussed with reference to body1234and the features that are on the outboard side of the bodies1232,1234will be discussed with reference to body1232. Each of the bodies1232,1234have a cavity1132configured as the cavities1132,1132of bodies1130,1136of the head rails48,50and configured to receive a linkage1134.

The bodies1232,1234have a generally linear lower edge1236with an expanded curved portion1238near the head end14of the bodies1232,1234. The head end of the bodies1232,1234have a generally arcuate edge1240which is complementary to the space1160in the respective head rails48and50. The bodies1232,1234transition to a generally horizontal rail1242which is formed to define a pocket1244which is configured to receive a label1246which provides an indicia to a user of the proper positioning of a patient's hip on the patient support apparatus10. The bodies1232,1234transition to ramp surface1248which is configured to include a pendant mounting structure1250which will be described in further detail below. An upper edge1252of the bodies1232,1234extends from the ramp surface1248to a foot end of the bodies1232,1234. The upper edge1252transitions to a curved portion1254which then transitions to a generally vertical edge1256that extends downwardly generally to the lower elongate edge1236. At the transition between the generally vertical edge1256and the lower elongate edge1236is a protrusion1258which extends slightly below the lower edge1236to reduce the opportunity for a patient to slip a hand or other body part under the lower edge1236.

The bodies1232,1234include an opening1260which extends from an inboard surface1262through the bodies1232,1234to the outboard surface1264. The opening1260provides the opportunity for an individual to extend their hand through the opening1260when gripping the rail1242, to reposition themselves, for example. A second opening1265is formed in the bodies1232,1234such that the upper edge1252defines a rail1266which is graspable by a user. A notch1268is formed along the inboard side of the rail1266and configured to receive a handle of a urinal or other waste receptacle as will be described in further detail below. The bodies are also formed to include a first indention1270on the inboard side1262near the foot end12of the bodies1232,1234. A similar indention1272is formed on the inboard side1262near the head end14of the bodies1232,1234. The indentions1270and1272increase the stiffness of the bodies1232,1234. Still yet another opening1274is formed in the bodies1232,1234near the foot end12of the bodies1232,1234. The opening1274is sized to receive hangers of various standard accessories which might be hung from the side rails58and60. For example, the opening1274is sized to receive the handle of a Pleur-evac or other similar chest a drainage device as will be discussed in further detail below. An additional pair of protrusions1276and1278are formed on the inboard side of the rail1266and configured to reduce the potential for devices, such as a waste receptacle, from sliding along the rail if the load frame26is positioned in a tilt position.

An additional indentation1280is formed on the inboard side1262with the indentation1280being spanned by a strap1282such that the strap1282and indentation1280cooperate to define a storage space which is sized to receive a smart phone or tablet computer for easy access by a patient. The strap1282is secured to the body by a pair of fasteners1284,1284. A pair of labels1286,1286are each positioned over the heads of the fasteners1284. The outboard surface1264defines a wedged shaped indentation1290which is formed to include an arcuate channel1292into which a ball1294is positioned. The ball1294is retained in the channel1292by an overlay1296which provides graduated indicia. As the load frame26is tilted, the ball1294moves in the channel1292such that the location of the ball1294in the channel1292is indicative of the amount of tilt of the load frame26. The user is capable of determining the angle of tilt by comparing the position of the ball to the indicia placed on the overlay1296.

The linkage1134includes a plate1300which is configured to engage either the head deck28or the load frame26. An upper plate1304is configured to be secured to the bodies1136,1138,1232, and1234. The linkage1134maintains the bodies1136,1138,1232, and1234is generally in constant orientation as they are moved from the raised position shown inFIG. 1to a lowered position as shown inFIG. 7The linkages1134engage mounts1302,1304mounted to the load frame26or mounts13,1308secured to the frame610of the head deck28. The mounts1302,1304,1306, and1308have a similar structure for engaging a plate1300of the linkage1134. Mount1302includes two L-shaped apertures1310and1312which receive a pair of hooks1314and1316, respectively. The hooks1314,1316are secured to the plate1300and are configured to be received through a vertical slot1318in each of the apertures1310,1312. Once the hooks1314,1316pass through the vertical slots1318,1318the linkage1134is moved toward the foot end12of the mount1302as indicated by arrow1320. In this position, the hooks1314,1316are positioned in a horizontal slot1322and support the linkage1134on the mount1302. Once the linkage1134is properly placed for screws1324are inserted through the plate1300and threaded into four weld nuts1326secured to a frame1328of the mount1302. The linkages1134of each of the remaining siderails48,50,58are secured in a similar manner.

A frame1330of the linkage1134is positioned in the cavity1132of the body1234. To secure the frame1330to the body1234, four bolts1332are passed through four thru-holes1334formed in the body1234as best seen in reference to side siderails48,58inFIG. 26. The thru-holes1334have a countersink feature so that the heads of the bolts1332engage the body1234. The bolts are secured with four nuts1336. A cover plate1338snaps over the frame1330to cover the nuts1336and other portions of the linkage1134. The bodies1136,1130, and1232of the siderails48,50, and58, respectively, are each secured to their respective linkages1134in the same manner. The structure of the linkages1134is of a type known in the art and used on the Progressa™ hospital bed available from Hill-Rom, Inc. of Batesville, Ind.

As shown inFIG. 22, the fixed seat deck32is mounted to the load frame26to overlie the mounts1302and1304and secured with two screws1340,1342. Similarly, a head deck pan1344is secured to the frame610of the head deck28×2 screws1346and1348. The load frame26further includes a cross tube1350which is positioned adjacent mounts1302,1304and extends laterally across the load frame26. The cross tube1350has a hollow square cross-section which is configured to receive a support member1352in each end. Each support member1352is secured in each end of the cross tube1350by a screw1354. Referring to the structure on the right side18of theFIG. 22, the support member1352includes a channel1356which is sized to receive a body1358of a gap filler1360. The gap filler1360includes two flanges1362,1364that engage two flanges1366,1368respectively that extend from the foot end12of the frame610. A pin1370secures the flanges1362,1364to the flanges1366,1368such that the flanges1362,1364are pivotable relative to the flanges1366,1368as the head deck28moves relative to the load frame26. The flanges1362,1364are pivotably coupled to the body1358by a pin1372which permits the flanges1362,1364to pivot relative to the body1358. As the head deck28pivots and translates relative to the load frame26the flanges1362,1364pivot on the body1358and relative to the flanges1366,1368. In addition, the movement of the head deck28away from the load frame26causes the body1358of the gap filler1360to slide in the channel1356of the support member1352. The body1358of the gap filler1360acts as a barrier to prevent linens or other materials from being gathered in the gap between the head deck28and the fixed seat deck32. A second gap filler1360is secured to two flanges1372,1374on the left side16ofFIG. 22in a similar manner as the right side18.

As shown inFIG. 22, the fixed seat deck32has a width1376that corresponds to a width1378of the pan1344of the head deck28. However, in some embodiments the head deck28and fixed seat deck32may be omitted and replaced with a wider version as shown inFIG. 25. A wider head deck1379includes a wider pan1380that is positionable on the deck frame610. The pan1380has a width1382that is greater than the width1378of the pan1344shown inFIG. 24. Similarly, the fixed seat deck32is replaced by a fixed seat deck1384that has a width1386that corresponds to the width1382of the pan1380and is greater than the width1376of the fixed seat deck32. While the head deck frame1388ofFIG. 25is wider than the head deck frame610, the load frame26is the same width in both embodiments. To accommodate the wider width, the support member1352in each end of the cross tube1350can be adjusted outwardly to accommodate the wider width with the screw1354being screwed into a different hole formed in the support member1352. In such a case, the gap filler1360is replaced by a similar gap filler having an offset to lie in the offset channel. In addition, the rods1514and1544have a longer length.

Referring toFIG. 27, the wider width head deck1379and fixed seat deck1384requires the extension of the side rail linkages1134to accommodate the wider width. As shown inFIG. 27, each side rail48,50,58,60is engaged with an adapter1390which includes a bracket1392having hooks1394,1396that engage the apertures1310,1312of the various mounts1302,1304,1306,1308. The hooks1314and1316of the linkages1134are positioned in slots formed in a crossmember1398of the adapter1390. The adapter1390also includes two legs1400and1402which are coupled to the crossmember1398. The legs1400,1402have thru-holes1404which permit fasteners1406to be inserted through the plate1300and hooks1314of the adapter1390to secure the linkages1134by threading the fasteners1406into the weld nuts1326of the mounts1302,1304,1306, and1308.

The variation in width is also accommodated in the foot deck34in that both the first portion36and second portion38may be constructed having a wider width than the embodiments shown inFIGS. 13-17without otherwise varying the operation. Referring again now toFIG. 11, the base frame20includes the structure1410positioned at the head end14of the base frame20and supported on the curved arms460,462that are secured to the channel146. In the narrow configuration, a pair of bumpers assemblies1412,1414may each be secured to a shelf1416of the structure1410by four screws1418. The bumpers assemblies1412,1414include a pair of U-brackets1418having an upper aperture1420and a flange1422and a lower flange1424with an antirotation feature1426formed therein. An axle884is positioned through a roller880with a channel886engaging and the antirotation feature1426and the lower flange1424. In the wider version, a U-bracket1428replaces the U-bracket1418, the bracket1428having upper and lower flanges1430,1432that are longer than the flanges1422,1424of the U-bracket1418. This positions the roller880further away from the shelf1416to accommodate the wider width.

The base frame20further includes two vertical tubes1440,1440positioned adjacent one another in the structure1410extending downwardly through the shelf1416. The tubes1440,1440have a circular cross-section. A second pair of tubes1442is spaced laterally away from the tubes1440,1440and each extends downwardly from the shelf1416. The tubes1442,1442have a square cross-section. The tubes1440are hollow and sized to receive a round peg1444which extends from the lower surface1446of the head panel44as shown inFIG. 48. Similarly, the tubes1442,1442are hollow and each is sized to receive a round peg1448which extends from the lower surface1446of the head panel44and spaced laterally from the round peg1444. To prevent the head panel44from being installed incorrectly, a guard1450is positioned over the tubes1442, the guard1450having an aperture1452that aligns with the inboard tube1442. A similar guard1454includes an aperture1456which may be positioned over the tubes1440,1440such that only the inboard tube1440is accessible through the aperture1456. The guards1450,1454snap fit onto the tubes1442,1440, respectively.

A panel1458of the head panel44corresponds to the narrow width of the various deck sections of the hospital bed10. A wider version of a head panel1460has two round pegs1462,1464which each depend from a lower surface1466; however a distance1463between the pegs1462,1464is greater than a distance1449between the pegs1444,1448of head panel44. The head panel44is formed to include two notches4260,4262which each have a narrow gap4264,4266, respectively. The narrow gaps4264,4266are positioned along a vertical side4268,4270. The notches4260,4266expand into a larger space4272,4274. The shape of the notches4260,4262allow lines are chords to be draped through the notch with the narrow gaps4264,4266resisting any movement of the lines are chords out of the notch. In this way the head panel44provides for line management. As an example, a cord100is shown in the notch4260inFIG. 5. The wider head panel1460has similar features as shown inFIG. 49.

The foot panel40shown inFIG. 50includes two posts4280and4282that extend from a lower surface4284of the body4286of the foot panel40. The body4286is formed to include an upper rail4288spans the width of the foot panel40with a continuous surface. However, two protrusions4290and4292extend upwardly from the upper rail4288. The protrusions are positioned and sized to prevent lines and cords from slipping over the edge of the body4286when laid over the rail4288. The footboard40includes two notches4294and4296that have a similar structure in function as the notches4260,4262of the head panel44.

As shown inFIG. 37, in use, the patient support apparatus10includes a support surface1700which is illustratively embodied as a mattress. The mattress1700of the embodiment ofFIG. 37includes a core1702that is enclosed by a lower cover1704and an upper cover1706. The lower cover1704is connected to the upper cover1706by a zipper as is known in the art. The core includes an upper body support1708which is bounded by a pair of bolsters1710and1712along the longitudinal edges of the upper body support1708. A perforated leg support1714is secured to the bolsters1710,1712as well as the upper body support1708. The upper body support1708is sized and positioned to support a patient's torso while the perforated leg support1714supports the patient's legs on the foot deck34. A fire barrier1716is positioned over an upper surface1718of the core1702when the mattress1700is assembled with portions of the fire barrier1716being wrapped around under the bottom1720of the core1702, the fire barrier1716have a construction which limits the propagation of a fire in the core1702if the mattress1700is accidentally ignited.

The lower cover1704includes a pair of magnet pockets1722and1724sewn into the lower cover1704and sized to receive a pair of magnets1726and1728. When the magnets1726,1728are positioned in the pocket1722,1724, the magnets1726,1728magnetically secure the foot end12of the mattress1700to the foot deck34. As will be described in further detail below, the mattress1700is secured to the head deck28at the head end14of the mattress1700. If the foot deck34is extended or retracted as described above, the magnets1726,1728maintain engagement of the foot end12of the mattress1700with the foot deck34throughout the range of motion. The perforations of the foot support1714permit the foot support1714to extend and retract with the foot deck34.

As shown inFIG. 38, an exploded view of the core1702showing that the body support1708includes three layers. An upper layer1730is approximately 3 inches thick and is constructed of a foam material having an indention load deflection (“ILD”) of about 20. An intermediate layer1732is approximately 2 inches thick and is constructed of a foam material having an ILD of about 28. A lower layer1734is approximately 1 inch thick and is constructed of a foam material having an ILD of approximately 45. It should be understood that structure of the body support1708may be different in other embodiments, including a variation in the number of layers and variations in the ILD of each of the layers.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 37, the lower cover1704includes the magnet pockets1722,1724. In some embodiments, the body support1704includes two plates1740,1742which are secured to a lower surface1744of the foot support1714. Each plate1740,1742includes a first tab1746and a second tab1748. As shown inFIG. 95, an alternative lower cover1750includes four pockets1752,1754,1756,1758which are secured to an upper surface1760of a lower panel1762of the cover1750. The first and second tabs1746,1748are configured to be inserted into the pockets1752,1754,1756,1758when the body support1704is positioned in the lower cover1750. When the tabs1746,1748of each plate1740,1742are positioned in the respective pockets1752,1754,1756,1758, the expansion and contraction of the foot support1714controls the gathering of the materials of the lower cover1750, and the foot support1714does not move relative to the lower cover1750due to the connection between the plates1740,1742and pockets1752,1754,1756, and1758. This approach to securing the foot support1714to its corresponding lower cover1750could be used in any embodiment of mattress that includes a perforated foot support as disclosed herein.

As shown inFIG. 96, the foot support1714has a lower height1766at the foot end12of the foot support1714than the height1768at the head end14of the foot support1714. The lower height1766provides relief for a patient's heel to be positioned lower than the patient's calves when the patient is supported on the mattress1700in a supine position. An upper surface1770of the foot support1714has an arcuate shape that defines a gradually declining height as the surface1770progresses from the head end14toward the foot end12of the foot support1714.

In another embodiment, the mattress1700may be omitted and replaced with a different mattress structure, such as the mattress1800shown inFIG. 39. The mattress1800includes a core1802which comprises a bladder assembly1804which engages a foam frame1806. The foam frame1806includes a perforated foot support1714which is coupled to a pair of longitudinal bolsters1808and1810. The longitudinal bolsters1808,1810are interconnected by a header1812which extends laterally between the bolsters1808,1810at the head end14of the mattress1800. The longitudinal bolsters1808and1810are secured to the perforated foot support1714such that the foot support1714, bolsters1808and1810, and header1812cooperate to define a space1814into which the bladder assembly1804is positioned to form the core1802. The mattress1800includes a lower cover1816and an upper cover1818which are secured together with a zipper as is known in the art. The lower cover1816includes a pair of magnet pockets1820and1822which receive a pair of magnets1824and1826. The magnets1824,1826are positioned in the pockets1820,1822and function similar to the magnets1726and1728discussed above.

As shown inFIGS. 52 and 53, the bladder assembly1804includes eight bladders1830,1832,1834,1836,1838,1840,1842, and1844. The bladders are arranged with bladder1830positioned at the foot end12of the bladder assembly1804and bladder1844positioned at the head end14. Each bladder1830,1832,1834,1836,1838,1840,1842, and1844comprises an outer enclosure1846of urethane coated nylon which provides an air impermeable enclosure. Inside of each enclosure1846is a two layered foam structure1848which includes an upper layer1850and a lower layer1852. The layers1850and1852are glued together. The foam structure1848is deformable under load, but resiliently expands to fill the interior space of the enclosure1846.

At the left side16of each enclosure1846is a pressure relief or check valve1854. Each of the check valves1854are configured to open when the pressure applied to the valve exceeds the relief pressure of the valve. In the arrangement of the bladder assembly1804, the valves1854are arranged such that when the pressure inside any one of the enclosures1846is lower than the pressure of atmosphere, the corresponding valve1854opens to permit air to flow from atmosphere into the enclosure1846.

On the right side18of the bladder assembly1804, each enclosure1846includes a respective outlet1856. Each of the outlets1856are connected to a manifold tube1858so that the enclosures1846are all in fluid communication with one another through the outlets1856and manifold tube1858. The manifold tube1858terminates with a pressure check valve1860. The pressure check valve1860is configured such that when the pressure in the manifold tube exceeds a relief pressure of the check valve1860, the check valve1860opens to permit the venting of the pressure to atmosphere. It should be understood that the valves1854, being check valves, do not permit a flow of air from the enclosures1846through the valves1854to atmosphere. The only flow path for air from the enclosures to atmosphere is through the manifold tube1858and pressure check valve1860. Similarly, the only path for that flow into any of the enclosures1846is through a respective valve1854.

Thus, the mattress1800is self-adjusting to maintain the pressure within each of the bladders1830,1832,1834,1836,1838,1840,1842, and1844to a pressure below the relief pressure of the check valve1860. The operation of the inlet valves1854any particular bladder1830,1832,1834,1836,1838,1840,1842, and1844which is unloaded, provides for the rapid filling of the respective bladder1830,1832,1834,1836,1838,1840,1842, and1844with air from atmosphere. This approach helps to regulate the pressure within the various bladders1830,1832,1834,1836,1838,1840,1842, and1844relatively quickly to control the support pressure experienced by a patient.

In the event that the patient exceeds the weight which can be supported by the bladder assembly1804pneumatically, venting of the pressure in the manifold tube1858and pressure check valve1860permits the patient to be supported on the foam structures1848of each bladder1830,1832,1834,1836,1838,1840,1842, and1844. In this way, the mattress1800provides the benefits of a pneumatic mattress with safety for larger patients from bottoming out against the surface of the decks of the hospital bed10. It should be understood that the foam structures1848also serve the purpose of expanding the enclosures1846to create the vacuum which draws air through the valves1854when a particular bladder1830,1832,1834,1836,1838,1840,1842, and1844is unloaded.

In the illustrative embodiment, foam structures1848have similar constructions. However, in some embodiments the layers1850,1852of the foam structures1848may have different properties in different bladders1830,1832,1834,1836,1838,1840,1842, and1844. In addition, the foam structures1848may be a single layer, or may include more than the two layers1850,1852.

The mattress1800further includes a fire barrier assembly1862which is wrapped around the entire core1802to fully enclose the core1802in the fire barrier assembly1862. In addition, each of the longitudinal bolsters1808,1810are formed to include a series of relief slits1864positioned at the location in the longitudinal bolsters1808,1810which are positioned at the intersection of the head deck28and the articulated seat deck30. The relief slits1864provide for expansion of the longitudinal bolsters1808,1810when the head deck28is raised. With the relief slits1864, little material is removed, but the foam is permitted to expand at the location of the slits1864. In contrast, a series of cutouts1866are positioned at the interface between the articulated seat deck30and the foot deck34. The cutouts1866are generally triangular with more material removed at a lower surface1868of the longitudinal bolsters1808,1810, the cutouts1866becoming narrower to a termination spaced apart from the lower surface1868. The cutouts1866provide for both expansion and collapsing of the length of the longitudinal bolsters1808,1810at the interface between the articulated seat deck30and the foot deck34. The removed material at the surface1868permits the cutouts1866to collapse when the foot deck34is moved downwardly relative to the articulated seat deck30such that the material of the longitudinal bolsters1808,1810does not bulge.

In still another embodiment shown inFIG. 40, a mattress1900may be used in place of mattress1700. The mattress1900includes a body support1902and a foot support1904. The body support1902supports a microclimate management structure1906. In addition, the mattress1900includes a mattress turning structure1908which is configured to cause rotation of the mattress assembly about a longitudinal axis1910.

As shown inFIG. 87, the body support1902comprises a two layer structure that includes a number of air chambers arranged into an upper layer1912and a lower layer1914with each layer1912,1914being divided into a head zone1916and a seat zone1918. In the upper layer1912, the body support1902includes six chambers1920. In the lower layer1914, the head section1916includes seven chambers1922. In the upper layer1912, the seat zone1918includes nine chambers1924. The lower layer1914, the seat zone also includes nine chambers1926. It should be noted that the seat zone1918and the head zone1916do not correspond with the respective articulated seat deck30and head deck28. Rather, as shown diagrammatically inFIG. 87, the head deck28underlies the chambers1922in the lower layer1914of head zone1920. However, two of the chambers1926of the lower layer1914of the seat zone are supported on the head deck28with the remaining nine chambers1926being supported on the articulated seat deck30and fixed seat deck32.

When the head deck28is moved upwardly, a portion of a patient's lower back and the patient's hips are supported on two of the chambers1924of the upper layer1912of seat zone1918. It has been found that the potential for excessive interface pressure upon a patient's skin is controlled best when the lower back and hips are at the same pressure, such as the pressure of seat zone1918, as opposed to having the pressure in the head section1916extend to the patient's hip line. It should be understood that the reference to the head zone1916does not limit the function of the head zone1916, as the head zone1916supports both a patient's head the patient's shoulders and upper back.

It should be understood that the upper chambers1924and lower chambers1926of the seat zone1918are all in fluid communication. Similarly, the upper chambers1920and lower chambers1922of the seat zone1916are all in fluid communication. The body support1902is formed by RF welding a urethane coated nylon material to form the various seams and chambers, while also securing the upper layer1912to the lower layer1914. The lower layer1914includes a perimeter weld1928. The upper layer1912also includes a perimeter weld1930, as well as a lateral weld1932that separates the head zone1916from the seat zone1918. A similar weld1934is formed in the lower layer1914to separate the head zone1916from the seat zone1918. The chambers of the seat zone1918are in fluid communication through channels1936and1938on the lateral sides of the zone1918. The head zone1916includes similar channels1940and1942. The chambers1924are formed by a number of welds1944which traverse the width of the zone1918between the channels1936in1938. The welds1944cause a top material1946of the layer1912to be secured to a lower material1948of the upper layer1912, while allowing the spaces between the welds to be expanded to form the chambers1924.

The head zone1916also includes a number of welds1944which span the lateral space between the channels1940and1942, causing the formation of the chambers1920. It should be understood that the lower chambers1926of zone1918and lower chambers1922of zone1916, are formed in a similar fashion with welds spanning between chambers positioned on the lateral sides of the respective zones1916,1918to allow the chambers to communicate with one another.

In the upper layer1912, the areas where the welds1944are applied are processed after welding to create relief between adjacent chambers1920or1924, to allow the chambers1920or1924to move relative to one another. For example, every weld1944is cut in either two or three places to create small connected segments1950between adjacent cuts in the respective weld1934. Referring toFIG. 87, a first weld1944is has three cuts1954such that two segments1950remain. In adjacent weld1944, there are only two 1952 cuts leaving a segment1950centered in the weld1944. Each cut1952,1954is terminated each end with a relief1956that is circular to reduce the potential for a stress riser and resultant tearing through the weld. By alternating the pattern of cuts between cuts1952and1954, adjacent chambers1920or1924have some potential for flexure relative to one another, but are maintained in a generally aligned orientation. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the number of cuts along the welds may be varied to vary the performance of the bladder assembly1902.

Both the upper layer1912and the lower layer1914include a number of flaps1960,1962, respectively, that are welded together to form a mounting structure1964which is used to secure the bladder assembly1902to other structures of the mattress1900. Each structure1964includes a snap1966which is welded to the flanges1960,1962, the snap1966being configured to engage a mating structure1968seen inFIG. 40. In addition, the structure1964forms a loop1970through which pneumatic lines are routed along the length of the bladder assembly1902.

The pneumatic connection between the upper layer1912and lower layer1914is accomplished by connecting the port1974on the top side1976of bottom layer1914with a corresponding port1978on the bottom side1980of the top layer1912to form the head zone1916with the two layers1912and1914. The seat zone1918swarmed by connecting the port1982in the bottom side1976of the lower layer1914to the port1984the bottom surface1980of the layer1912.

The body support1902is secured to a foam structure1990with the snaps1966that corresponded to three protrusions1968being secured to a plate1994that is secured to a lower foam layer1992. A corresponding plate1994is positioned out of view inFIG. 40on the left side16of the foam structure1990and connects to additional snaps1966. The foot support1904includes a pair of plates1996which are secured to a foam base1998of the foot support1904. Three protrusions1968are secured to the plate1996and engage three additional snaps1966on the body support1902. Another plate1996is positioned out of view inFIG. 40, but also secures the body support1902through the interaction of snaps1966with protrusions1968. The structure1990includes a header2000and a pair of side beams2002and2004, with the header2000and side beams2002,2004being secured to the foam layer1992.

The foot support1904includes a perforated section2006which is secured to the foam base1998and a pair of side beams2008and2010. The foam layers1992and1998provide some protection from a patient bottoming out against the surfaces of the various decks of the hospital bed10if the patient support1902were to experience a catastrophic failure and deflate. In addition, the foam layers1992and1998provide structural support for other portions of the mattress1900.

The microclimate management structure1906is configured to overlie the body support1902with an exhaust region2012being positioned in the general vicinity of a patient's buttocks and thighs. As will be described in further detail below, the flow of air pushed into the microclimate management structure1906through an inlet2014is exhausted through the exhaust region2012to cause airflow within the mattress underneath of the patient's buttocks and thighs to help move moisture away from the patient's skin and provide some cooling of the patient's skin. The microclimate management structure1906includes a plurality of thru-holes2016on each lateral side which cooperate to engage the protrusions1968so that the snaps1966capture portions of the microclimate management structure1906to secure the microclimate management structure1906relative to the foam structure1990and the foot support1904. The inlet2014traverses between the body support1902and the perforated section2006of the foot support1904and past of the foam base1998to be engaged by an inlet tube2018that is connected to a manifold as will be discussed in further detail below. A high volume of air is transferred through the inlet tube2018and flows into the microclimate management structure1906and out of the exhaust region2012.

The mattress turning structure1908includes a head end turn structure2030and a foot end turn structure2032. The turn structure2030includes a left turn bladder assembly2034and a right turn bladder assembly2036. The turn bladder assemblies2034,2036include a lower chamber2038an upper chamber2040, the two chambers2038,2040having an opening there between so that the bladder assembly2034functions as a single unit. The chambers2038,2040are shaped to control the gathering and expansion of the material of the bladder assembly2034during inflation and deflation. The bladder assembly2034includes an upper retainer2042and a lower retainer2042that cooperate to retain the bladder assembly2034relative to a Z-plate assembly2044. The lower retainer2042has one end positioned in a slot2060and the opposite end positioned in a slot2062in the lower plate2046. The upper retainer2042is secured to the intermediate plate2048in a similar manner.

The z-plate assembly2044includes a lower plate2046that is connected to an intermediate plate2048through a hinge2050. An upper plate2052is connected to the intermediate plate2048by a hinge2054. The bladder assembly2036is secured to the upper plate2052and the intermediate plate2048. When a turn assist function of the mattress1900is not engaged, the chambers2038,2040of the bladder assemblies2034,2036collapse so that the Z-plate assembly2044collapses into a flat orientation and permits the mattress1900to be supported on the hospital bed10for normal use.

The foot end turn structure2032is constructed similar to the head end turn structure2030, with the difference being the size of the members of the plates of a Z-plate assembly2064and a corresponding difference in the size of the bladder assemblies2066and2068. The bladder assembly2066is part of a left turn zone along with the bladder assembly2034and the bladder assembly2068is part of a right turn zone along with the bladder assembly2036. The Z-plate assembly2064includes a lower plate2070connected to an intermediate plate2072by a hinge2074. The intermediate plate2072is connected to an upper plate2076by a hinge2078. Each of the bladder assemblies2066,2068has a lower retainer2042and an upper retainer2042which retain the bladder assemblies2066,2068to the plates2070,2072,2076of the plate assembly2064.

The mattress1900includes a lower cover2080with a first pocket2082and a second pocket2084. Referring to the diagrammatic representation inFIG. 41, the lower plate2046of the z-plate assembly2044is positioned in the pocket with the hinge2050below a lower sheet2086of the cover2080. The left turn bladder2034is positioned between the lower plate2046and the intermediate plate2048and the right turn bladder assembly2036is positioned between the intermediate plate2048and the upper plate2052. The foam plate1992is positioned over the Z-plate assembly2044. In operation, to cause a patient to be turned to their right, the left turn bladder2034is inflated while the right turn bladder2036is remained uninflated. This causes the intermediate plate2048to pivot about the hinge2050as indicated by arrow2085causing the left side16of the mattress1900to be lifted to cause the patient to be rotated to facilitate the changing of the patient's linens or access to the patient's back. In use, a turn assist function is engaged to move the patient to a rolled position, and then the respective turn assist bladder is deflated while the caregiver holds the patient in the rotated position. It should be understood that when a turn to the patient's left is desired, the bladder assembly2036is inflated to cause the upper plate2052to pivot about the hinge2054.

In the foregoing discussion, the operation of the turn assembly2030has been described. It should be understood that the operation of the turn assembly2032is similar and is coordinated with the operation of the turn assembly2030, with of the bladder assemblies2034and2066being a left turn bladders zone and the bladder assemblies2036and2068being a right turn zone. While in the illustrative embodiment the turn assemblies2030and2032cooperate, in some embodiments each of the bladder assemblies2036,2038,2066,2068may be independently operable to cause rotation of a portion of the patient's body on the body support1902. In such a case, each of the bladder assemblies2036,2038,2066,2068would have to be operated as an independent zone.

As will be discussed in further detail below, a mattress turning structure3425includes assemblies3426,3448, and3452and each is independently operable to cause a portion of a mattress to be rotated to one side. Rotation of the mattress provides assistance to a caregiver in changing the linens on the mattress when a patient is supported on the mattress. In addition, a caregiver may turn a patient to improve access to various portions of the patient's body. In use, the turn assembly3426may be activated to move the patient to a new position and deactivated while the patient is held in position to cause the mattress to move away from the patient. In some cases, the turn assembly3426may be used to provide continuous lateral rotation therapy (CLRT) to a patient. By rotating the patient from side to side, the patient is less prone to experience pulmonary complications associated with long-term hospital bed10ridden status. While the mattress1900includes a pneumatic system, an alternative arrangement of a turning structure is disclosed inFIGS. 131-136that may be used with a mattress that does not have an active pneumatic system, such as mattress1700or mattress1800, for example. A block diagram of a hospital bed103410shown inFIG. 132shows that the hospital bed103410includes a control system3424and three turn assemblies3426.

In the illustrative embodiment, the control system3424includes a controller3430, a user interface3432, a pump3434, a sensor assembly3428, and a flow control assembly3436. The controller3430includes a processor3438and a memory device3440. The processor3438receives inputs from the user interface3432and the sensor assembly3428, utilizes instructions stored in the memory device3440to operate turn assemblies3426,3448, and3452.

Referring now toFIG. 131, the hospital bed10is shown with the mattress removed to expose the three separate turn assemblies3426,3448, and3452positioned on deck sections of the hospital bed10. A first turn assembly3426is positioned on a head deck section3446, the second turn assembly3448is positioned on a seat deck section3450, and the third turn assembly3452is supported on a thigh deck section3454. In the illustrative embodiment there is no turn assembly on the foot deck section3455, but in other embodiments further turn assemblies may be included. Each of the turn assemblies3426,3448, and3452are independently operable under the control of the controller3430. The functionality of each of the turn assemblies3426,3448, and3452are similar. The following discussion regarding the structure and operation of turn assembly3426is equally applicable to the turn assemblies3448and3452, with the principle difference being the size of the components of the turn assemblies3448and3452modified to fit the respective deck sections3450and3454. The turn assemblies3426,3448, and3452are releasably secured to the deck sections3446,3450, and3454and the turn assemblies3426,3448, and3452may be added independently of the nature of the mattress, allowing the turn function to be added or retrofitted to existing hospital bed10s. In some cases, the control system3424may be independent of the control structure of the hospital bed103410to operate the turn assemblies3426,3448, and3452.

The turn assembly3426includes a hinged support plate assembly3464(shown inFIG. 136) which has two hinges3456and3458that define respective pivot axes3460and3462. The hinges3456and3458are positioned on opposite sides of the hinged support plate assembly3464so that the pivot axes3460and3462lie parallel to the longitudinal length of the hospital bed103410on opposite sides. The turn assembly3426does not require the patient to be centered on the mattress to achieve maximum rotation angles as is the case with mattresses that have integral turn bladders. The entire mattress is turned providing a uniform rotation angle across the mattress.

A pair of inflatable bladders3466and3468is positioned between an upper plate3470and an intermediate plate3472of the hinged support plate assembly3464and a second pair of bladders3474and3476is positioned between the intermediate plate3472and a lower plate3478as shown inFIGS. 133-135. It should be understood that the plates3470,3472, and3478are rigid structures constructed of a resin composite and sufficiently stiff to transfer the load between the interface between the bladders and the plates over the entire plate structure.

Referring again now toFIG. 131, each bladder3466,3468,3474, or3476is secured to an adjacent plate3470,3472, or3478by a respective strap3480that is secured to the bladder and extends through an opening at one end of the respective plate3470,3472, or3478and lies on the side of the respective plate3470,3472, or3478opposite the bladder for a length and is then extends through another opening to reengage the bladder. The interaction of the strap3480, the bladder, and the respective plate secures the bladder relative to the plate. For example, referring now to the bladder3466shown inFIG. 131, the strap3480, which is secured to the bladder3466, extends through a first opening3482. The strap3480traverses the surface3484of the upper plate3470and then extend back through the plate3470through an opening3486where it is secured to the bladder3480. The engagement of the strap3480with the plate3470maintains the position of the bladder3480relative to the plate3470.

The hinges3456and3458are formed by brackets secured to the plates that are engaged by a rod. For example, as shown inFIG. 136, hinge3458is formed by a bracket3488which is secured to intermediate plate3472and a bracket3490which is secured to lower plate3478. The brackets3488and3490engage so that several in each bracket3488and3490align along the pivot axis3462so that a rod3492can be slid along the pivot axis3462to secure the bracket3488and3490. The brackets3488and3490are movable relative to one another by pivoting on the rod3492relative to one another to change an angle between the intermediate plate3472and the lower plate3478.

While the upper plate is always in contact with a lower surface3494of the mattress (seeFIG. 133), depending on which of the bladders3466,3468,3474, or3476is inflated, the mattress is rotated about either axis3460or3462. The bladders3466,3468,3474, or3476are each constructed of a urethane coated nylon weave that is ultrasonically welded to form a closed volume that is in communication with the flow control assembly3436. Referring toFIG. 132, the flow control assembly3436includes solenoid actuated valves that open and close to either cause pressurized air from the pump3434to be directed to the respective bladder3466,3468,3474, or3476or to cause the respective bladder3466,3468,3474, or3476to be vented to atmosphere. Each bladder3466,3468,3474, and3476also has an opening that is fluid communication with a line that communicates the fluid pressure in the bladder3466,3468,3474, or3476back to a piezoelectric pressure sensor (not shown) that measures the pressure in the respective bladder3466,3468,3474, or3476. This pressure is used by the controller3430to determine an amount of inflation of the bladder3466,3468,3474, or3476. The pressure in the respective bladder3466,3468,3474, or3476is indicative of the angle of pivoting of the respective plates3472and78about the respective axes3460and3462.

Referring now the diagrammatic representation ofFIG. 133, viewing the turn assembly3426from the head end3496of the hospital bed103410, the upper plate3470overlies the upper bladder3466and lower bladder3468. As shown inFIG. 131, the upper bladder is secured to the upper plate3470by the strap3480. The lower bladder3468is secured to the intermediate plate3472in similar manner. The hinge3456is positioned lie along the patient's left side3498of the mattress and just below the lower surface3484of the mattress. Inflation of the bladders3466and3468causes the upper plate3470to pivot about the hinge3456so that the upper plate3470and mattress pivot about the axis3460to the patient's left. Thus, while the bladders3466and3468are positioned on the patient's right side of the hospital bed103410, they are effectively left turn bladders as they cause the mattress and the patient to be turned to the left.

Similarly, the upper right turn bladder3474and the lower right turn bladder3476are positioned on the patient's left and positioned between the intermediate plate3472and the lower plate3478. Inflation of the bladders3474and3476will cause the intermediate plate3472, upper plate3470, hinge3456and mattress to rotate to the patient's right as the intermediate plate3472pivots about the axis3462.

In operation, a user will utilize the user interface3432to engage the turn assembly3426by choosing an option from a touchscreen menu or activating a hard-key on the user interface3432to cause the turn assembly3426to turn. In the illustrative embodiment, the input is a momentary input that requires the user to hold the input to cause the turn assembly3426to operate. For example, if a caregiver were to desire to turn a patient to the patient's left, the caregiver would push and hold a left turn input until the turn assembly3426effects the desired position of the caregiver. A second input is activated to lower the turn assembly3426. Similar inputs are present for the right turn function as well. In other embodiments, the user/caregiver is able to input a desired amount of turn to be achieved and the controller3430operates the air system3442to automatically achieve the desired turn. In still other embodiments, the user/caregiver may be able to initiate a CLRT therapy routine to automatically and continuously operate the turn assembly3426to rotate the patient continuously.

Once the controller3430has received an input indicative of a desired turn, the controller3430determines which of the bladders3466,3468,3474, and/or3476should be inflated. The controller3430operates the pump3434which is a blower that outputs relatively high pressure. The illustrative embodiment is part number AMP45-DC-ID available from Moog Components Group, 1213 North Main Street, Blacksburg, Va. and develops an output pressure of up to 103.0 cm-H2O. Other embodiments may utilize a compressor or other source of pressurized air. The flow from the pump3434is transmitted through a conduit3498to the flow control assembly3436. The flow control assembly3436is a manifold with a number of solenoid controlled valves (not shown) that control the flow from the pump3434through one of four conduits3500,3502,3504, and3506to the four bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476respectively. The valves of the flow control assembly3436are operated by the controller3430. In addition, the valves may be operated to permit the air in the bladders3466,3468,3474, or3476to be vented to atmosphere to deflate the bladders3466,3468,3474, or3476. In other embodiments, the flow control assembly3436may be operable to reverse the flow through the pump3434such that the air in the bladders3466,3468,3474, or3476is vacuumed from the bladders3466,3468,3474, or3476to quickly lower the turn assembly3426.

The pressure in each of the bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476is independently monitored by a respective dedicated piezoelectric pressure sensor in the sensor assembly3428. The pressure is measured distally to reduce the potential for pressure spikes. There are four conduits3508,3510,3512, and3514which are each respectively associated with the bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476. The conduits3508,3510,3512, and3514are in fluid communication with the respective bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476so that the pressure in the bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476is transferred through the conduits3508,3510,3512, and3514to the respective sensors. By measuring the pressure in each of the bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476, the amount of rotation of the turn assembly3426can be determined. In other embodiments, additional sensors may be utilized to measure rotation. For example, a potentiometer could be connected between hinge components to determine the amount of rotation. In still other embodiments, an accelerometer could be mounted on upper plate3470to measure the amount of rotation.

As shown inFIG. 134, when fully inflated, bladders3466and3468affect 30° of rotation. It should be understood that individual inflation of each of the bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476may allow various orientations of rotation to be achieved. In addition, inflation of all of the bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476could cause the mattress to be raised if so desired. The bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476are individually inflatable so that the rate of rotation can be controlled and to control the interface between the bladders3466and3468or3474and3476. For example, inFIG. 135it can be seen that bladder3474is inflated to a greater degree than bladder3476to reduce the engaged surface between the bladders. It should be noted that the bladder pairs3466,3468and3474,3476are not interconnected and are therefore moveable relative to each other during operation of the turn assembly3426. This reduces the chances for damage to the bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476that might occur if the turn assembly3426was loaded in an unexpected manner.

A further benefit of the stacked bladder approach disclosed herein is that the bladders3466,3468,3474, and3476, being smaller than prior art arrangements for turning bladders, are able to facilitate larger turn angles more quickly and with less air than prior art arrangements. In testing, rotation angles of up to 50° have been achieved with average rotation rates of 1° per second. It should be noted that the bladders3466and3468are spaced apart from the hinge3458by a distance3514such that a triangular space3516is formed between the bladders3466and3468, the intermediate plate3472and the upper plate3470. Similarly, bladders3474and3476are spaced apart from hinge3456by a distance3518such that a triangular space3520is formed between the bladders3474and3476and the intermediate plate3472and lower plate3478.

The bottom cover2028is further formed to include an opening2088formed in the sheet2086. The opening2088communicates with fabric tube2090through which various tubes and lines are routed from the mattress1900to an air control box2200(seeFIG. 30). For example the inlet tube2018that feeds the microclimate management structure1906is routed through the opening2088and the fabric tube2090. A head zone supply tube2092is fed through the opening2088and the fabric tube2090with an end of the head zone supply tube2092being coupled to a port2094on the bottom of the layer1914of the body support1902. A seat support tube2096attaches to a port2098on the bottom of the lower layer1914and is fed through the opening2088and fabric tube2090. A sense tube2100is coupled to a port2102on the bottom side1980of the upper layer1912. The sense tube2100provides a pathway for a pressure transducer to sense the pressure in the head zone1916. The foot sense tube2104is coupled to a port2106which is also on the bottom1980of the upper layer1912. Similarly, a right turn bladders supply tube2110includes connectors2112and2114which connect to the bladder assemblies2068and2036, respectively. A right turn bladder sense tube2116couples to the bladder assembly2036provide a source for pressure transducer to sense the pressure in the turn bladder assemblies2036and2068. A left turn bladders supply tube2118includes a connector2120in the connector2122which connect to the bladder assemblies2066and2034, respectively. A left turn sense tube2124connects to the bladder assembly2034to provide a source for sensing the pressure in the bladder assemblies2066and2034. Each of the tubes2110,2116,2118, and2124also are fed through the opening2088and through the fabric tube2090.

The mattress1900is secured to the head deck28and foot deck34of the hospital bed10by the interaction of four locking knobs2126with slots2128,2130formed in the foot deck34and slots2132and2134formed in the head deck28. Each of the slots is key-hole shaped with a round opening2136and a slot2138. The locking knobs2126are each positioned through the round opening2136and slid into the slot2138to secure the respective knob2126to the respective deck28,34. The knobs2126at the foot end12are secured by fasteners2140and washers2142which are positioned on the sheet2086of the bottom cover2080. At the head end14, a plate2144is positioned on a bottom surface2146of the bottom cover2080and the locking knobs2126are secured to the plate2144.

The bottom cover2080includes three openings2148,2150,2152which permit its air that is exhausted through the exhaust region2012of the microclimate management structure1906to escape through the head end14of the mattress1900. The openings2148,2150, and2152are each covered on the exterior by a respective flap2149,2151,2153(seen inFIG. 79) which is RF welded over the opening on the sides and top such that only the open bottom provides a path for the flow of air out of the lower cover2080. The mattress1900also includes an upper cover2154which is zippered to the lower cover2080enclosing the various components of the mattress1900therein. A fire barrier2156encloses all of the components other than the lower cover2080and the upper cover2154when the mattress1900is assembled.

In addition, mattress1900includes a pair of posts2160,2162that extend through a bottom surface2146of the cover2080and engage the lower plate2070of the Z-plate assembly2064. The posts2160,2162are cylindrical and extend downwardly from the surface2146to engage the fixed seat deck32at the points2164and2166indicated onFIG. 8. The posts2160,2162are free to float between the fixed seat deck32and head deck28as the head deck28, articulated seat deck30, and foot deck34each move relative to the load frame26. During extension of the foot deck34, the posts2160,2162engaged the fixed seat deck32to resist movement of the mattress1900toward the foot end12of the hospital bed10.

As shown inFIG. 31, a diagrammatic representation of the pneumatic portion of the airbox2200includes a manifold2168in a fluid communication with a blower2170, the blower having a positive pressure outlet2172and a negative pressure inlet2174. In addition, the airbox2200includes a filter2178through which air is drawn to the negative pressure inlet2174. The positive pressure outlet2172feeds a conduit2176. The conduit2176feeds a first valve2180that controls flow to and from the head zone1916of the body support1902through the supply tube2092. A second valve2182controls the flow to and from the seat zone1918through the supply tube2096. Both of the valves2180and2182are movable between an opened and a closed position to connect the respective zones1916and1918to the conduit2176as necessary. The conduit2176also feeds a tap2184that is connected to a conduit2186through a check valve2188. When the pressure in the conduit2176is of sufficient pressure to overcome the check valve2188, the check valve2188will open and allow flow to the conduit2186which feeds two valves2190, associated with the left turn zone2031, and2192, associated with right turn zone2033. In addition, conduit2176is connected to a valve2194which is associated with the microclimate management structure1906. Another conduit2196is connected to a second port on each of the turn valves2190,2192and is connected to the inlet2174of the blower2170. As will be described in further detail, each of the zones1916,1918,2031,2033may be exhausted through the valve2194, with the turn zones2031,2033being subjected to a rapid evacuation through the use of the negative pressure inlet2174of the blower2170to draw air from the zones2031,2033through the respective valves2190,2192.

The zones1916,1918may be vented through the valve2194and microclimate management structure1906if the blower2170is idle such that the pressure in the conduit2176is lower than the pressure in the zones1916and1918. Opening of the valve2194permits air from the zones1916and1919to flow through the conduit2176through the valve2194and inlet tube2018to escape through the microclimate management structure1906.

Venting of the turn zones2031,2033utilizes the three-way valve structure of valves2190,2192to connect the respective feed tubes2116or2110to the conduit2196so that the inlet side of the blower2170pulls air through the conduits2116,2110into the conduit2196and, thereby, the inlet2174of the blower2170. In certain conditions, the valves2190or2192may be positioned to allow air to be drawn from the respective zone2031or2033into the inlet2174of the blower2170and fed to one of the other zones1916or1918. However, if no flow is needed to either the zones1916or1918, the flow from the turn zones2031or2033is simply exhausted through the valve2194to the microclimate management structure1906. Under certain conditions, the pressure in the turn zones2031,2033may exceed the pressure in another zone, such as the other turn zone2031or2033, or the head zone1916or seat zone1918. This may be a result of the weight of a patient and the leverage provided by the Z-plate assemblies2044and2064to urge their out of the bladder assemblies2036,2034,2066, or2068. To protect against damage to the body support1902, both the head zone1916and seat zone1918include a respective check valve2095and2099positioned on a bottom surface2097of the lower layer1914. The check valves2095,2099open at a relief pressure that is higher than the maximum operating pressure of the body support1902, but lower than the pressure which components of the body support1902would fail due to excessive pressure. While the turn zones operate at pressures higher than the typical operating pressures of the body support1902, the presence of the check valves2095,2099mitigate the potential for a damaging overpressure condition to occur if the turn zones are vented through the microclimate management system1906and the flow is constricted sufficiently to cause an overpressure condition in the body support1902.

An air control board2198positioned in the air control box2200(seen inFIG. 30) includes logic that is operable to take pressure readings from the manifold2168or any one of the zones1916,1918,2031, or2033to determine which of the valves2180,2182,2190,2192, or2194to open or adjust to achieve the flow necessary to meet the operational requirements of the mattress1900. As described above, the head zone1916is connected to a sense tube2100which connects to a pressure sensor2202, the pressure sensor2202providing a signal to the logic of the air control board2198indicative of the pressure in the head zone1916. Similarly, the sense line2096is connected to a pressure transducer2204which provides a signal to the logic indicative of the pressure in the seat zone1918. The sense tube2116provides a signal to a pressure transducer2206indicative of the pressure in the right turn zone2033and the sense tube2124is connected to a pressure transducer2208for determining the pressure in the left turn zone2031. The conduit2176is coupled to a sense line2210that is also connected to a pressure transducer2212, the pressure transducer2212providing the logic a signal indicative of the pressure in the conduit2176.

As shown inFIG. 30, the airbox2200includes an upper enclosure2214which supports the blower2170, manifold2168, and air board2198. A cover2216is secured to the upper enclosure2214to encase the components of the airbox2200. The blower2170includes the inlet2174and the outlet2172which feeds the conduit2176. The blower2170is supported in a frame2218on a number of isolation mounts2200which are secured to the blower by nuts2222. The control board2198is mounted on a number of standoffs2224and secured by screws2226. A cable assembly2228includes a Hall-effect sensor2230which is positioned to detect the connection of a connector for the tubes of the mattress1900as will be discussed in further detail below. A gasket2231is positioned between an outlet panel2232and the manifold2168to form a seal between various ports of the manifold2168and the panel2232. The manifold2168is secured to the panel by a number of screws2234and washers2236. The filter2178is mounted on a frame cover2238which overlies the frame2218supporting the blower2170. While shown with the cover2216at the top ofFIG. 30, when installed the upper enclosure2214is positioned just below the panel772of first portion36of foot deck34and the cover2216is vertically below the upper enclosure2214.

When the valves2190and2192are closed, air is drawn through the filter2178into the space defined by the frame2218and frame cover2238and fed to the blower2170. The cover2216is formed to include a vent2240through which ambient air is drawn into the filter2178. Gasket2242is positioned between the cover2216and the upper enclosure2214provides an airtight seal for the interior space of the airbox2200. The cover2216is secured to the base by a number of screws2244. The port cover2246is pivotably coupled to the cover2216by pins2248and2250. A pair of springs2252bias the cover2246to a closed position which overlies the ports on the manifold2186that extend through the panel2232to prevent ingress of any debris when the airbox2200is not in use. The spring-loaded cover2246may be opened to engage with the connector secured to the end of the fabric tube2090which engages the ports of the manifold2168to secure the tubes from the mattress1900to the manifold2168.

In some embodiments, the body support1902is omitted and an alternative embodiment2260shown inFIGS. 42-43is used. The body support2260includes an upper layer2262and a lower layer2264. The layers2262,2264are divided into a head zone2266and a thigh zone2268. The upper layer2262of the head zone includes a number of chambers2270while the lower layer2264of the head's end2266has a number of chambers2272. The upper layer2262of the thigh zone2268comprises a number of chambers2274while the lower layer2264of the thigh zone includes a number of chambers2276. The body support2260includes an additional lumbar zone2278which is positioned in the thigh zone2268and includes a single chamber2280in the upper layer2262and two chambers2282,2282positioned in the lower layer2264. The lumbar zone2278is inflated as the head deck28is articulated upwardly as indicated by the arrow2284to allow the body support2260to expand due to the articulation of the head deck28. The chambers2280and2282are inflated in proportion to the angle of the head deck28to fill a space that is created when the head deck28moves away from the fixed seat deck32. Referring again now toFIGS. 30-31, the zone2278is fed by a tube2286from a valve2288which is connected to the conduit2176. A sense line2290connects the zone2278to a pressure transducer2292on the air can control board2198. The valve2288functions similarly to the valves2180and2182and under the control of the air control board2198is operated to inflate the zone2278as necessary.

As shown inFIG. 44, the airbox2200is secured to the first portion36of the foot deck34such that the panel2232is positioned just below the surface772which has an opening2294which provides access to the airbox2200from above the panel772.

The air control box2200is mounted to the first portion36of the foot deck34so that the ports of the manifold2168are accessible through the hole2324in the pan772as shown inFIG. 44.FIGS. 45A-45Cshows that the airbox2200is suspended from the first portion36by isolators3676which are secured by fasteners3678. Referring toFIG. 45Cand isolator3676is not visible in the right side of the figure, but the fasteners3678secure an L-bracket3682the isolator and the L-bracket is secured to the rail748of the first portion36by a fastener3682. The structure of the mounting of the airbox2200to the first portion36utilizes a fully mechanically isolated arrangement such that any vibration induced in the components in the airbox2200is not transferred to the foot deck34.

When the airbox2200is not present, a cover2296(seen inFIG. 16) is positioned in the opening2294and retained by a snap fit to provide a generally continuous surface across the panel772. In the embodiment ofFIG. 44, a cover2298is positionable over the opening2294to provide support to the foot support1714. The cover2298has a number of lateral ribs2300which span a width of the cover2298and provide strength to support the foot support1714. The cover2298has an aperture formed there through which permits a connector2302to pass through the cover2298and engages the ports of the manifold2168that extend through the panel2232. The fabric tube2090is secured to the cover2298with the various tubes extending through the fabric tube2090and secured to barbs connectors on the connector2302. In the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 44, the lumbar zone2278is not present so the associated tubes2290and2286are not present. However, the sense lines2096,2100,2116, and2124are secured to the connector2232and engage respective ports2304,2306(not shown),2308, and2310that extend from the panel2232. The tube2018connects to the connector2302such that engages the port2312of the manifold2168. The head zone supply tube2092and foot zone supply tube2096are also secured to the connector2302and communicate to ports2314and2316, respectively, of the manifold2168. A left turn zone supply tube2116and right turn zone supply tube2110are also both connected to connector2302and connected to ports2318and2320, respectively.

To connect the connector2302to the airbox2200, the pivotable cover2246is pivoted downwardly on the pins2248,2250. The connector2302has a pin2322that extends from both of the sides of the connector and defines a rotational axis2324. Each of the pins2322are positioned in a slot2324formed in a tab2326that extends from the upper enclosure2214. When the pins2322are positioned in the slot2324, the connector2302is pivoted about the axis2324such that another set of pins (not shown) engage a slot2328formed between the tab2326and another tab2330, the pins being guided in the slot2328to guide connectors (not shown) into engagement with the ports2304,2308,2310,2312,2314,2316,2318,2320of the manifold2168. Once engaged, the friction between the connectors and the respective ports retains the connector2302in place with movement restricted by engagement of the pins with the slot2328. Once the connector23is secured to the ports of the manifold2168, the cover2298is positioned such that two biased tabs2326and2328are positioned in respective gaps2330and2332between the tabs2324and the panel772as defined by the opening2294. The tabs2326and2328frictionally retain the cover in place with an interference fit in the gaps2330and2332.

The microclimate management system1906includes a spacer material positioned between two cover layers. A suitable spacer material is a part number SFE 20 N 200 from Pressless. A suitable upper material is a part number CFX-45 from Carr NA. A suitable lower material is Recovery 5 HF from Ventex, Inc.

In other embodiments, a patient support surface may have other embodiments of a microclimate management system. For example, an illustrative patient support apparatus3110embodied as a hospital bed10is shown inFIG. 119. The patient support apparatus3110includes a frame3118, a patient support structure3112supported on the frame3118, and an air box3122. The patient support structure3112is adapted to support a patient lying on the patient support apparatus3110and includes a head section3132, a seat section3137, and a foot section3134. As will be discussed in further detail below, the patient support structure3112further includes a microclimate structure3114and a cushion layer3116which supports the microclimate structure3114as shown inFIG. 126. The cushion layer3116may include a plurality of inflatable support bladders3148. The microclimate structure3114is positioned on the cushion layer3116on an occupant side and adjacent a support surface3123and is configured to conduct air adjacent the support surface3123of the patient support structure3112. The air conducted by the microclimate structure3114is pressurized and pushed through the microclimate structure3114by the air box3122. By conducting air along an interface of the support surface3123and the patient, the microclimate structure3114transfers heat and moisture from the patient and cools and dries the patient's skin in order to reduce the risk of hospital bed10sore formation by the patient.

Referring again toFIG. 119, the air box3122further includes a user interface3160that is configured to receive user inputs. The user interface3160includes a display screen3121and a plurality of buttons3120for inputting patient information and for controlling operation of the air box3122and the support surface3123. Particularly, the user interface3160allows a user to adjust the flow of air provided by the air box3122to the microclimate structure3114and, in some embodiments, to adjust the temperature of air provided by the air box3122to the microclimate structure3114. Specifically, in some embodiments, the user interface3160may include a patient information input panel, an alarm panel, a lateral rotation therapy panel, an inflation mode panel, a normal inflation control panel, and a microclimate control panel.

The microclimate structure3114is configured to receive pressurized air from the air box3122and to conduct air through the microclimate structure3114to cool and dry the interface between a patient and the patient support apparatus3110to promote skin health by removing patient heat and moisture along the interface when the patient is supported on the patient support apparatus3110. The microclimate structure3114generally spans laterally from a left side36to a right side3138and extends longitudinally from an upper end of the head section3132to a lower end3180of the seat section3137, excluding the foot section3134of the patient support structure3112as shown inFIG. 125. However, in some embodiments, the microclimate structure3114may include the foot section3134and extend from the upper end of the head section3132to the bottom end of the foot section3134of the patient support structure3112as shown inFIG. 124.

Referring toFIG. 120, in one embodiment, the microclimate structure3114further includes a therapeutic region3140which is specifically configured to target specific areas of the patient's body where local climate control is most needed. This corresponds to the areas where the pressure of patient's weight against the support surface3123is the greatest when the patient is lying supine and centered on the microclimate structure3114. The therapeutic region3140may be made from a highly breathable material or a perforated material, as will described in more detail below.

As shown inFIGS. 120-122, embodiments of microclimate structure3114,3214, and3314may have respective therapeutic regions3140,3240, and3340having different shapes. Because the patient's sweat glands are distributed non-uniformly throughout the patient's body, perspiration tends to accumulate on the skin of the patient's torso and pelvic region. Therefore, the shape of the therapeutic region3340is designed to provide a local climate control to those areas that are generally prone to moisture accumulation, whereas therapeutic regions3140and3240are more broadly distributed.

The therapeutic region3140is in the head section3132and seat section3137of the patient support structure3112as shown inFIG. 120. The large therapeutic region3140ensures to underlie the patient's torso and pelvic region. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the therapeutic region3140is smaller and more narrowly tailored to the patient's specific region. By reducing the area of the therapeutic region3140through which the air box3122is required to push air, the microclimate structure3114allows for reduction of the pressure and flow needed from an air source included in the air box3122. For example, as shown inFIG. 121, a patient support apparatus3210includes a microclimate structure3214having the therapeutic region3240that extends from the patient's waist line to the inferior end of the patient's pelvic region and spans laterally across the microclimate structure3214from its right side its left side. The therapeutic region3240is designed to underlie the patient's pelvic region, particularly under the sacrum.

In another embodiment, the therapeutic region3340is further arranged to underlie both the patient's pelvic region and the torso region. As shown inFIGS. 122 and 123, a patient support apparatus3310includes a microclimate structure3314with a therapeutic region3340that generally extends from a superior end of the patient's torso region to an inferior end of the patient's pelvic region to deliver effective climate control to the patient's pelvic region, particularly under the sacrum, and the torso region, particularly under the scapulae, of a patient when the patient is lying supine and centered on the microclimate structure3314. The shape and size of the therapeutic region3340is designed to cover approximately 95% of the patients' different body sizes so that the patients' torso and pelvic regions would lay on top of the therapeutic region3340in order to reduce the risk of hospital bed10sore formation.

In each embodiment of microclimate structures3114,3214, and3314, a fluid flow path having an inlet port3142spans laterally across the respective microclimate structures3114,3214, and3314from its right side to its left side and extends longitudinally through the microclimate structures3114,3214, and3314to the head section3132of the patient support structures3112,3212, and3312. The inlet port3142is directly coupled to the air box3122via a distribution sleeve3194and is located at the lower end3180of the seat section3137of the patient support structures3112,3212, and3312. Thus, air from the air box3122is introduced into the microclimate structures3114,3214, and3314at the origination point or inlet port3142near the pelvic region of the patient lying on the microclimate structures3114,3214, and3314. By directing the location of air introduction from the air box3122closer to the therapeutic regions3140,3240, or3340, the respective microclimate structures3114,3214, or3314will provide an effective amount of cooling and drying to a patient's skin at the specific targeted areas, and achieve the effective result with minimal air. Having the inlet port3142near the therapeutic regions3140,3240, or3340prevents air from diffusing out of the microclimate structures3214,3314, and3414while the air flows from the inlet port3142to the therapeutic regions3140,3240, or3340, thus requires less volume of air. However, in some embodiments, the inlet port3142may be positioned at the foot end of the microclimate structure3114. Further, the microclimate structure3114has an outlet3144at the head section3132of the patient support structure3112to exhaust the air and/or liquid as shown inFIGS. 124 and 125. The outlet3144is optional and may be implemented in any of the embodiments disclosed herein. Other inlet port and outlet designs may be used in other embodiments. When the outlet3144is omitted, the air that traverses the respective microclimate structures3114,3214, and3314is pushed out through the perforations3141in the therapeutic regions3140,3240, or334040and escapes through an outer ticking layer3124of the patient support structures3112,3212, or3312.

The outer ticking layer3124encompasses the microclimate structures3214,3314,3414as shown inFIGS. 126-127. The outer ticking layer3124includes an upper ticking layer3150and a lower ticking layer3152. The upper ticking layer3150covers the microclimate structure3114and the lower ticking layer3152encases the cushion layer3116as shown inFIGS. 126-127. The upper ticking layer3150comprises a breathable material that is vapor permeable but liquid impermeable. This allows the patient heat and moisture to flow away from the patient's skin in form of vapor and pass through the upper ticking layer3150into the area which encloses the microclimate structure3114. The vapor then condenses between the upper ticking layer3150and a first or upper layer3126of the microclimate structure3114. At least a portion of the upper layer3126comprises of a vapor and liquid permeable material which defines the therapeutic region3140. In the illustrative embodiment, the therapeutic region3140of the upper layer3126includes a number of perforations3141that allows the condensed moisture and liquid from the therapeutic region3140to flow through the upper layer3126into a middle layer3128of the microclimate structure3114. The upper layer3126comprises a vapor permeable but liquid impermeable material to allow vapor to flow through the upper layer3126. In some embodiments, the perforations3141are omitted. In such embodiments, the therapeutic regions3140,3240,3340have the upper layer3126removed in the region and a highly breathable, vapor and liquid permeable material is positioned in the region3140,3240, or3340and bonded, welded, glued, or otherwise secured to the upper layer3126. In other embodiments, the entire upper layer3126comprises a vapor and liquid permeable non-coated fabric, and the area of the upper layer3126except the therapeutic regions3140,3240,3340is coated with a liquid impermeable material which holds air within the coated layers. In the illustrated embodiments, the microclimate structure3114and the cushion layer3116are separated by a middle ticking layer3154, which is a top layer of the lower ticking layer3152. However, in some embodiments, a unitary outer ticking layer3124may encase the entire patient support structure3112, including the microclimate structure3114and the cushion layer3116.

The material of the middle layer3128is a three-dimensional material. The three-dimensional material is arranged to extend from the upper end of the head section3132to the lower end of the foot section3134of the patient support structure3112as shown inFIGS. 124 and 126. The three-dimensional material is air and liquid permeable. The inlet port3142is coupled to the lower end3180of the seat section3137of the three-dimensional material to allow air from the air box3122to flow between the upper layer3126and a lower layer3130of the microclimate structure3114and from the lower end3180of the seat section3137to the head section3132of the patient support structure3112. Therefore, once the moisture and liquid reach the middle layer3128from the upper layer3126, the moisture and liquid are carried away and evaporated by air flowing through the middle layer3128. The cooled-vapor can then be either directed toward the outlet3144or back toward the support surface3123to cool and dry the patient's skin around the interface of the patient's skin with the support surface3123.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 125 and 127, a patient support structure3412includes a microclimate structure3414arranged with the middle layer3128having more than one section of the three-dimensional material. The middle layer3128includes a divider3162that pneumatically separate a first section3164of the three-dimensional material from a second section3166of the three-dimensional material. The first section3164of the three-dimensional material is arranged to extend from the upper end of the head section3132to the lower end3180of the seat section3137of the patient support structure3412. The inlet port3142is coupled to the lower end3180of the seat section3137of the first section3164of the three-dimensional material. Therefore, the therapeutic region3140is positioned on top of the first section3164of the three-dimensional material because only the first section3164of the three-dimensional material receives air from the air box3122. The first section3164of the three-dimensional material is spaced apart from the foot section3134of the microclimate structure3214to reduce the area through which the air box3122is required to push air.

The second section3166of the three-dimensional material is arranged to extend from the lower end3180of the seat section3137to the bottom end of the foot section3134of the patient support structure3412. The second section3166of the three-dimensional material lacks the inlet port3142. Therefore, the second section3166of the three-dimensional material does not receive air from the air box3122, instead the second section3166of the three-dimensional material passively flow air along the foot end of the microclimate structure3414. In other embodiments, the first section3164of the three-dimensional material may be positioned at different locations relative to the patient and/or may be broken into different sections to create multiple therapeutic regions of a microclimate structure. Although in some embodiments, materials other than the three-dimensional material, such as foam padding, can be used for the second section of the middle layer3128.

Lastly, the lower layer3130of the microclimate structure3114,3214comprises a liquid impermeable material to prevent liquid from leaking through the lower layer3130into the cushion layer3116. Illustratively, the cushion layer3116includes the inflatable support bladders3148to support the microclimate structure3114or3414as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, respectively. The microclimate structures3314or3414may also be similarly supported. Accordingly, the air box3122is coupled to the microclimate structures3114,3214, or3314and the inflatable support bladders3148to provide pressurized air to the support surface3123and the cushion layer3116. In other embodiments, the cushion layer3116may omit some or all of the inflatable support bladders3148and utilize foam cushioning structures instead of the inflatable support bladders3148.

Referring toFIG. 128, the illustrative microclimate structure3114is configured to receive air from the air box3122mounted on the frame3118, but in other embodiments, an air box3222may be integrated into the frame3118of the patient support apparatus3110as shown inFIG. 129. When the air box3222is integrated into the frame3118, the functions of the user interface3160may be placed on the footboard3202of the patient support apparatus3110or on a siderail. The air from the air box3122is introduced into the microclimate structure3114at the inlet port3142near the therapeutic region3140and flows through the middle layer3128of the microclimate structure3114toward the head end of the microclimate structure3114as suggested by arrows3156inFIG. 128. The air flows to exhaust through the outlet3144positioned at the head end3132of the microclimate structure3114.

Turning toFIG. 130, the patient support apparatus3110is shown diagrammatically to include the frame3118, the patient support structure3112, and the air box3122. The air box3122illustratively includes the user interface3160, a controller3168, a blower3176, and a heater3174. The controller3168is coupled for communication with the user interface3160, the blower3176, and the heater3174. The controller3168is also coupled for communication with a valve box3178. The blower3175provides pressurized air for the inflatable support bladders3148and for the microclimate structure3114. The heater3174is arranged in line with the blower3176and is configured to warm air from the blower3176before the air is delivered to the microclimate structure3114. In some embodiments, a cooler (not shown) or other air conditioning device(s) may also be included between the blower3176and the microclimate structure3114to prepare the air for use in therapeutic flow adjacent to a patient's skin. In some embodiments, the patient support structure3112may include temperature sensors which are coupled to the controller3168to permit the controller3168to operate the heater3174to achieve a specific temperature at the patient support surface3123. Sensors may also be placed elsewhere in the air flow to provide feedback to the controller3168. In other embodiments, the air box3122may take ambient air, pressurize it, and deliver it to the microclimate structure3114.

The frame3118illustratively includes a base3182and a deck3181. The base3182is configured to support the deck3181, the patient support structure3112, and the air box3122above a floor3190. The deck3181underlies the microclimate structure3114and is reconfigurable to adjust the position of the patient support structure3112when a patient is on the patient support apparatus3110so that the patient can be supported while lying flat, sitting up in hospital bed10, or in a number of other positions.

The patient support structure3112includes (from bottom to top) the lower ticking layer3152, a foam shell3188, optional turn bladders3186, the valve box3178, an air manifold3184, inflatable support bladders3148a,3148b,3148c, the optional middle ticking layer3154, the microclimate structure3114, and the upper ticking layer3150as shown inFIG. 130. The upper ticking layer3124covers the microclimate structure3114and the lower ticking layer3152encases the cushion layer3116. The middle ticking layer3154is a top layer of the lower ticking layer3152and is positioned between the microclimate structure3114and the cushion layer3116. The foam shell3158cooperates with the inflatable support bladders3148to provide a cushion on which the patient is supported while positioned on the patient support apparatus3110. The turn bladders3186are optional and are coupled to the air box3122through the valve box3178. The turn bladders3186may be inflated to rotate a patient about a longitudinal axis3192of the support surface3123. In addition to the turn bladders3159, the valve box3178is pneumatically coupled to the microclimate structure3114via the air manifold3184and to the inflatable support bladders3148to distribute air from the air box3122around the support surface3123. The air manifold3184receives air from the air box3122via the valve box3178and delivers the air to the microclimate structure3114at the inlet port3142.

The inflatable support bladders3148illustratively include head section bladders3148a, seat section bladders3148b, and foot section bladders3148c. Each section of bladders3148a,3148b, and3148cis inflatable to different pressures depending on pressure level selected on the user interface3160for patient comfort. Each section of bladders3148a,3148b, and3148cmay also be inflated or deflated to provide patient therapies or to reduce the risk of hospital bed10sores. In other embodiments, the bladders3148a,3148b,3148cmay be omitted and foam padding may replace one or more of the inflatable bladders3148a,3148b, and3148c.

The microclimate structure3114illustratively includes a upper layer3126configured to underlie a patient on the patient support apparatus3110, a lower layer3130spaced apart from the upper layer3126, a middle layer3128arranged between the upper layer3126and the lower layer3130, and the distribution sleeve3194as shown diagrammatically inFIG. 130. The upper layer3126is made from a vapor- and liquid-permeable fabric, whereas the lower layer3130is made from a liquid-impermeable fabric. The middle layer is configured to provide an air gap between the upper layer3126and the lower layer3130. The lower layer3130is formed to include an inlet port3142arranged near the therapeutic region3140.

Another embodiment of a patient support apparatus2810is shown inFIG. 102. For structures that are common to the prior embodiments, the same reference numerals will be used. In the illustrative embodiment, those controls accessible to a patient are found on a pendant2838which is shown to be positioned on the right siderail2830in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. The pendant2838is also optionally supportable from a user interface2840which is supported from a support arm2842identified as pendant2838′ is shown in phantom to be supported from the lower edge of the user interface2840inFIG. 102. Another pendant2838″ is shown in phantom to be supported from the upper edge of the right head siderail50inFIG. 102. The structures for supporting the pendant2838provide ergonomic access to the controls on the pendant2838to a patient supported in a supine position on the patient support surface2822will be discussed in further detail below.

The pendant2838includes an interface surface2844as shown inFIG. 103. The pendant2838is electrically connected to the control structure of the patient support apparatus2810through a cable2846. In other embodiments, the pendant2838may communicate with the control system of the patient support apparatus2810through a wireless connection, such as an infrared connection or a radiofrequency connection. The pendant2838is supported on the right siderail2830by a mount2848formed in the upper surface2851of the right siderail2830. It should be noted that the pendant2838includes various functionality as is known in the art, including functionality that allows a patient to change the adjustment of the deck sections of the patient support apparatus2810, adjust environmental conditions such as lighting, adjust entertainment options such as a television channel or volume, or allows the patient to place a nurse call. As shown inFIG. 104the pendant2838may be removed from the mount2848by a patient2850. When so removed, the pendant2838may be held in the patient's hand so that the functionality available on the pendant may be accessed by the patient2850using a single hand or holding the pendant2838in one hand and activating functions with another hand.

When the pendant is secured to the mount2848, the interface surface2844of the pendant2838is oriented at an ergonomic angle presenting the interface surface2844in a position that faces the patient's head when the patient2850is supported on the patient support apparatus2810in a supine position. This can be contrasted with other applications in the prior art where the interface surface2844of the user interface, such as the pendant2838, is presented at an angle which limits that access to the patient2850because the interface surface2844is not oriented perpendicular to the patient's line of sight. The mount2848includes two protrusions2852and2854positioned on the upper surface2851of the right siderail2830. It should be noted that the mount2848is formed to provide a relatively continuous surface profile that cooperates with the upper surface2851of the right siderail2830when the pendant2838is not positioned on the mount2848.

Referring now toFIG. 105, the interface surface2844of the pendant2838, when positioned on the upper surface2851of the right siderail2830is oriented such that the interface surface2844is generally perpendicular to the line of sight2858of a patient supported on the patient support apparatus in a supine position. The interface surface2844can be defined by the plane formed when a first axis2860and a second axis2862, perpendicular to the first axis2860intersect. The axis2862corresponds to the longitudinal length of the pendant2838. The axis2862forms an angle α relative to horizontal as illustrated by axis2864as shown inFIG. 107. In the illustrative embodiment, α is about 45 degrees. In other embodiments, a may vary between 30-60 degrees. It should be noted that the patient's line of sight2858changes as the head deck section2820moves relative to horizontal axis2864. The angle α presents the interface surface2844to the patient line of sight2858when the head deck section2820is in a fully raised position.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 108, the interface surface2844of the pendant2838is also oriented toward the patient through the orientation of the axis2860which is positioned at an angle β relative to an interior surface2866of the right siderail2830. In the illustrative embodiment, β is about 70 degrees. In other embodiments, β may vary between 45 and 90 degrees. Right siderail2830includes an exterior surface2867. This orientation of the interface surface2844of pendant2838causes the line of sight2858of the patient to be generally perpendicular to the axis2860which lies in the plane that coincides with the interface surface2844.

Referring now toFIG. 111, the mount2848formed on the right siderail2830and defined by the protrusions2852and2854, each engage the pendant2838and are received into a space2868formed in the back of the pendant2838when the pendant2838is engaged with the mount2848. A lower end2870of the pendant2838has a channel2872formed therein, the channel being defined by a first flange2874and a second flange2876. The channel2872includes a surface2878which is tapered such that as the pendant2838is placed on the mount2848and slid in the direction of arrow2880, the protrusions2852and2854are received in the space2868and engage the surface2878. In this way, the pendant2838includes a grip that is at least defined by surface2878and flanges2874and2876, the grip used to secure the pendant2838to the mount2848. Because the surface2878is tapered, the movement of the pendant along the direction of arrow2880causes the engagement of the protrusions2852and2854with both the surface2878and the flanges2874and2876to frictionally secure the pendant2838to the mount2848. When the pendant is engaged with the mount2848, the upper ends2884and2886of each protrusion2852and2854, respectively, are positioned in the channel2872so that the flanges2874and2876underlie the protrusions2854and2852respectively. This causes the pendant2838to be positioned as shown inFIG. 2on the right siderail2830with the lower ends2855and2857, of the protrusions2852and2854respectively, extending below the lower end of the pendant2838.

Additional details of the pendant are shown inFIGS. 111-113illustrating that the surface2878is tapered which is what causes the pendant to be frictionally engaged with the mount2848. It should be understood that the mount2848may be positioned on various surfaces of the patient support apparatus2810to allow the pendant2838to be frictionally secured in various locations on the patient support apparatus2810. For example, the user interface2840is shown inFIG. 114with a personal digital assistant2890secured to the user interface2840by a number of flexible mounts2892,2894,2896, and2898. The personal digital assistant2890may be a personal smart phone or notebook type device with a touchscreen2900. The user interface2840allows the personal digital assistant2890to be positioned for easy access by a patient supported on the patient support apparatus2810. The user interface2840includes handles2902and2904which allow a patient to reposition the user interface2840for easy access. The user interface2840includes a mount2848positioned on a lower edge2906of the user interface2840. The pendant2838may optionally be engaged with the mount2848positioned on the user interface2840as shown inFIG. 114. This allows the pendant2838to be positioned within easy reach of a patient supported on the patient support apparatus2810. In other embodiments, such as that suggested by the pendant2838″ shown inFIG. 102, an upper edge of a head siderail, such as right head siderail2834may be formed to include a mount2848to permit the pendant2838to be positioned on the right head siderail2834.

In another embodiment shown inFIGS. 115-118, a pendant2938includes a main body or housing2940and a spring-biased grip2942positioned on a backside2944of the pendant2938. The pendant2938includes a cord2946which is attached to an electrical connection to allow the pendant2938communicate with a control system of a patient support apparatus, such as patient support apparatus2810. An upper end2948of the pendant2938defines a channel2950. Opposing arms2952and2954are positioned in respective housings2956and2958of the pendant2938. The arms2952and2954are spring-biased and urged toward each other. Each arm2952,2954has a respective channel2960and2962which is configured to engage a mount positioned on various structures of a patient support apparatus as will be discussed in further detail below. The spring action of the arms2952,2954causes the arms2952,2954to come together so that the channels2960and2962engage a rigid structure on the patient support apparatus, the arms2952,2954acting to grip or clamp the pendant2938to the mount of the patient support apparatus. Each arm2952and2954has a respective leading-edge2964and2966which acts as a cam when the leading edges engage a corresponding mount so that, as pressure is applied, the arms2952and2954are urged apart to step over the mount and allow the arms2952and2954to clamp onto the mount as will be discussed in further detail below.

The pendant2938is shown inFIG. 116with the respective housings2956and2958removed. The arm2952is secured to the body2940by a hinge2968about which the arm2952pivots. The arm2954pivots about a hinge2970. The arms2952and2954are biased to a closed position by a pair of springs2972and2974. Each arm2952and2954has an upper surface2976and2978, respectively which engage the respective housings2956and2958to prevent the arms2952,2954from closing completely and allowing the springs2972and2974to disengage from the body2940. Thus, there is a freedom of movement of the arms2952and2954into the housings2956and2958to allow the clamp formed by the arms2952and2954to be opened when engaged with a mount. However, the arms2952and2954are restrained from closing any further than that shown inFIG. 115which is sufficient to allow the arms2952and2954to grip or clamp to a complementary mount.

One example of a complementary mount2982is shown inFIG. 117on another embodiment of a siderail60. The mount2982includes a surface2988formed on a portion of the siderail60, the surface2988being defined by a pair of perpendicular intersecting axes2984and2986. The axis2984is oriented to an inner surface2990of the siderail2980at an angle (3as discussed above with regard to the embodiment of right siderail2830. Similarly, the axis2986is oriented relative to horizontal at an angle off as discussed above with regard to the right siderail2830. This allows the pendant2938to be oriented with a front surface2992oriented generally perpendicular to the patient's line of sight2858as described above. While only a portion of the mount2982is shown, it is symmetrical on opposite sides of the axis2986. The mount includes a cavity2994formed in the siderail formed on opposite sides of the axis2986such that the surface188is narrow along a portion2996and expands to a wider width at a portion2998. An undercut3000inside of the cavity2994expands to an increased thickness at a terminal end3002of the cavity2994. In use, a user positions the pendant2938with the grips over the portion2996and slides the pendant2938in the direction of arrow3004such that the arms2952,2954engage the portion2998and the undercut3000with the undercut3000causing expansion of the arms2952,2954as it is engaged with the channels2960and2962of the arms2952and2954respectively. This causes the bias of the springs2972and2974associated with each arm2952,2954to urge the grip2942into contact with the portion2998to secure the pendant2938to the siderail2980through the clamping force of the arms2952and2954. The user may easily remove the pendant2938by sliding the pendant in the direction opposite the direction of arrow3004which causes the pendant2938to be released from the siderail2980.

Another embodiment of a mount3010is positioned on an inner surface3012of a head siderail50as shown inFIG. 118. The head siderail50is formed to include a cavity3016with the mount3010being positioned in the cavity3016. The mount has a base3018secured to a wall3020in the cavity3016. The mount3010further includes an upper surface3022and the front wall3024. In addition, opposing side walls3026and3028are positioned on opposite sides of the mount3010and are configured to be engaged with the arms2952and2954of the pendant2938. A leading surface3030provides a transition between the upper surface3022in the wall3026. Similarly a leading surface3032provides a transition between the upper surface3022and the side wall3028. A third leading surface3034provides a transition between the upper surface3022and the front wall3024. Each of the leading services are configured to engage with the arms2952and2954to urge the arms2952and2954apart as the pendant is positioned on the mount by sliding the pendant down in the direction of arrow3036.

When the pendant2938is mounted to the siderail3014and engages with the mount3010, the arm2828engages the side wall3026and the arm2954engages the sidewall3028. In this position, the arms2952and2954act to clamp the pendant2938to the mount3010of the siderail3014. It should be noted that the housings2956and2958engage with surfaces3040and3042of the cavity3016respectively so that the combination of the spring action of the grip2942holds the pendant2938firmly in place while permitting the pendant2938to be easily removed. It should be understood that a mount similar to the mount2982or the mount3010may be positioned in various positions on a patient support apparatus, such as this patient support apparatus290. For example, the mount2848disclosed on the user interface2840may be omitted and replaced with a mount2982or a mount3010to allow the pendant2938to be mounted to the user interface2840. It should also be noted that the mount2848may be positioned as shown inFIG. 1with reference to mount2848′.

Referring toFIG. 10, bag support860includes an upper rail3540that is not parallel to the rail758of the second portion38. A first end3542is spaced apart from the rail758than a second end3544. The ends3542and3544form loops with respective legs864and3548of the bag support860. A second, smaller rail3546is positioned below the upper rail990and is generally parallel to the rail758. Rail3546forms a loop3550with the leg864and a leg3548forms a loop3552with the leg866. The structure provides multiple hanging points for a drainage bag to be hung from the bag support860. The loops3542and3550are positioned at the foot end12of the foot deck34while the loops3544and3552are positioned closer to the head end14. When the foot deck34is in a flat and horizontal position, the loop3550is generally horizontally aligned with the loop3544. Thus, under normal conditions, the drainage bag or main level if hung from loops3550and3544. As the orientation of the foot deck34takes a steeper inclination, the drainage bag may be progressively moved until it is hung from loop3542and loop3552which will maintain the drainage bag in a generally vertical orientation when the foot deck34is in its most steep inclination.

Another embodiment of a drainage bag support3554is shown inFIGS. 58-60. The drainage bag3556is hung from the back support3554. As shown inFIG. 60, the bag support3554has an upper rail3558a lower rail3560and a loop3562. Referring back toFIG. 59, when the bag support is hung with one hook on the lower rail3560and another hook on the upper rail3558, it will be normally maintained in an appropriate orientation. Depending on the width of the hook structure3564, one of the hooks may be positioned in the loop3562. As illustrated by the progression of the inclination of the foot deck34inFIG. 59, the bag3556is not held in an appropriate orientation. However, moving both hooks of the hook structure3564to the upper rail3558, the drainage bag can be maintained in an appropriate position.

The auxiliary wheel assembly212shown inFIG. 32may be used as an alternative embodiment to the use of steer casters as described with reference toFIG. 11. The auxiliary wheel assembly212includes a frame3564which is mountable to the longitudinal rails140and142of the base frame20. The auxiliary wheel assembly212includes a wheel3566which is maintained in constant contact with the floor, but is permitted to swivel about an axis3568when the hospital bed10is not in a steer mode. In general, the pedal structure described inFIG. 11is used with the embodiment ofFIG. 32, but break shaft assembly155is omitted and replaced with a break shaft assembly3570which includes a clevis3572which is coupled to a shaft3574so that the clevis3572rotates with the shaft3574. The clevis3572engages a loop3576of a cable assembly3578. Movement of the clevis3572due to rotation of the shaft3574when a steer pedal is activated, causes wire that forms the loop3576to move thereby cause a grip3580shown inFIG. 54to close such that the auxiliary wheel3566is oriented along the longitudinal axis of the hospital bed10. The auxiliary wheel assembly212will lock the orientation of the wheel3566in either the trailing orientation shown inFIG. 54or in a leading orientation wherein a fork3582is oriented in the opposite direction from that shown inFIG. 54.

The grip3580is shown in a closed position inFIG. 54, which results in the orientation of the wheel3566to be maintained. The grip includes a stationary body3584and a clamp3586which will rotate about an axis3588. The cable assembly3578is fixed to the stationary body3584at a connection3590a sheath3592of the cable assembly3578remain stationary while the wire moves within the sheath3578. The wire is fixed to a shaft which is within two springs3594and3596. The shaft is free to move within the springs3594,3596but has an end3598positioned on the distal end of the spring3596. Movement of the wire that causes the and3598to move in the direction of an arrow3600releases the compression of the Springs3594and3596and allows the clamp3586to rotate about the axis3588in the direction of an arrow3602. In that condition, the wheel support assembly3604is free to rotate about the vertical axis3568. An upper arm3606is secured to a plate (not shown) that includes two opposing flat edges which can be captured between the stationary body3584and the clamp3586when the shaft is positioned as shown inFIG. 54. While the plate has two parallel straight edges, the remainder of the plate is rounded so that it axes a cam surface between the clamp3586and the body3580. It has been found that even when the wheel3566is not oriented in a position to track along the longitudinal axis of the hospital bed10, movement of the hospital bed10along its longitudinal axis tends to cause the wheel two track along the longitudinal axis applying force to the assembly3604which urges the assembly3604to rotate about the axis3568until the clamp3586and stationary body3584engages the parallel edges of the plate, locking the wheel3566and an appropriate orientation to assist with steering the hospital bed10

The wheel3566is maintained in contact with the floor through the urging of a torsional spring3608which urges the fork3582away from the upper arm3606urging the wheel3566against the floor. However, the torsional spring3608provides a shock absorbing effect if the wheel3566encounters an obstruction while moving along the floor, permitting the wheel support assembly3604two collapse closing the gap between the upper arm3606and the fork3582as the hospital bed10traverses the obstruction. The auxiliary wheel assembly212provides an advantage of eliminating a linkage to deploy a steer wheel as his previously known in the art, thereby simplifying the operation and reducing cost. The frame3564is secured to the base frame20by four bolts3610and four nuts3612that clamp the frame3564to the rails140,142of the base frame20. The auxiliary wheel assembly212includes a shroud3614that is secured to the fame by two screws3616,3616.

In some embodiments, the hospital bed10may include a pair of extended push handles3620and3622as shown inFIG. 47A. The extended push handles3620,3622mount similarly to the push handles394,396used for the powered drive wheel assembly92. Referring toFIG. 33Athe extended push handle3620includes a base shroud3624which overlies a stem3626which engages the mount tubes402on the base frame20. An upper curved arm3628is received internally in the stem3626and a pin3630passes through a slot3632of the upper curved arm3628to secure the upper curved arm to the stem3626. The pen3630is secured with a nut3634. As seen inFIG. 33Bthe base3624includes a relief3636which accommodates a shaft3638of the upper arm3628when the push handle3620is folded over to a storage position. In use, the push handle3620is inserted such that the tip3640is seated in the inner diameter3642of the stem3626. To stow the push handle3620the user pulls the push handle upwardly in the direction of arrow3644such that it clears the relief3636of the base and a relief3646of the stem3626. The push handle is then capable of being laid down to a stowed position. A grip3648is positioned on an upper tube3650. The push handle3622is structured similarly to the push handle3620with the principal difference being the direction of the bends in an upper arm3652of the push handle3622to accommodate clearance when the handles3620,3622are stowed. The grips3648are elongated to allow for a larger variation in height of a user providing an improved ergonomic structure for persons who utilize the transport handles on the hospital bed10.

In some embodiments, the hospital bed10includes the auxiliary outlet110positioned at the foot end12of the hospital bed10as shown inFIG. 1. The assembly of the auxiliary outlet110is shown inFIG. 36. While the cabling that provides power to the auxiliary outlet is omitted, should be understood that the auxiliary outlet110is powered independently of the electrical system of the hospital bed10. The auxiliary outlet110includes a back body3660which is secured to a channel3662by screws3664a shelf3664is secured to the channel3662provides additional support for the back body3660in the event someone steps on the auxiliary outlet110. A circuit breaker3666is positioned in the back body3660connected electrically as shown inFIG. 51. A duplex outlet3668is also positioned in the back body3660. A gasket3670is positioned over the outlet3668and circuit breaker3666, the gasket3670being covered by a standard cover3672which is then covered by a protective cover3674which protects against fluid ingress into the duplex outlet3668. The channel3662is secured to the channel144of the base frame20by a pair of bolts3676and a shroud3678is positioned over the entire structure. The arrangement of the protective cover3674and the use of the shelf3664provides for a durable auxiliary outlet for the hospital bed10. In addition, the addition of the circuit breaker3666which is accessible through the protective cover3674provides for improved safety and ease of use for users when equipment accidentally overloads the auxiliary outlet110.

A pendant3700shown inFIG. 46Aincludes a spring biased grip assembly3702shown inFIG. 46B. The spring biased grip3702functions similarly to the spring biased grip2942, however the pendant3700utilizes a spring biased grip assembly3704which is removably detachable from a housing3706without disassembling the pendant3700. The spring biased grip assembly3704is secured to a backside3708of the housing3706by a fastener3710which is screwed into a structure3712, shown inFIG. 46Cwhich prevents the fastener3710from entering into a cavity3714formed between the housing3706and a cover3716of the pendant3700. This arrangement allows the spring biased clamp to be replaced if it is damaged without breaking the seal on the pendant3700. This arrangement allows damaged pendants3700to have the grip assembly3704replaced without having to replace the entire pendant including the high-value circuit board2724. The cover3716is formed to include a string the relief3718which engages a collar3720on a cable3722of the pendant3700. The cover is secured to the body3706by three fasteners3724which are screwed into bosses3726formed in the housing3706. Once assembled a membrane panel3728has a first flex circuit connector3730which is fed through an aperture3732two attached to a connector3734on the circuit board2724. A second flex circuit connector3736is positioned through an aperture3738and connected to a connector3740. The membrane panel3728is adhered to a surface3742of the cover3716to seal the apertures3732and3738. An example of the functionality available in them membrane panel3728is shown inFIG. 66.

Referring toFIG. 61, in one embodiment the hard panel64includes a membrane switch assembly2400that provides access to a number of standard functions of the hospital bed10for a caregiver. The graphical user interface66is shown to have a number of iconic symbols which provide information to the caregiver and operate as soft keys for the caregiver to activate functions of the hospital bed10. A high-level menu structure2402for the graphical user interface66is shown inFIG. 67. Under normal operating conditions, the graphical user interface66will display a home screen2404that is subject to a five-minute timeout which results in the home screen2404being replaced by a sleep screen2406. The menu driven controls include a set of surface controls2408which allow a user to interact with the controls for the mattress1900. And alerts structure2410allows the user to interface with patient position monitoring functionality2412or chair exiting functionality2414. A scale structure2416allows a caregiver to access the operation of the scale system to utilize a zeroing function2418including the ability to zero the hospital bed10for a new patient under a structure2420or zero the hospital bed10for the same patient under menu structure2422. In addition, the scale structure2416allows a user to access a weighing menu structure2424. A Bluetooth® menu structure2426allows a user to managing the pairing of devices with the Bluetooth® functionality of the hospital bed10. A charting menu structure2428provides a menu structure for a caregiver to chart information available from the control system402external networks connected to the hospital bed10. The menu structure2402includes a menu structure2430which allows a caregiver to adjust various preferences relative to the graphical user interface66and hospital bed10. Menu structure2432is available for a caregiver to understand the operation of the graphical user interface66and hospital bed10. And a menu structure2434allows a user to adjust operations of a sequential compression device when such a device is attached to the hospital bed10.

The home screen2404is shown in detail inFIG. 68and includes an information section2436, a status section2438, a menu section2440, and an interaction section2442. The information section2436includes a help screen icon2444which activates the help screen when touched by user. In addition a maintenance indicator2446provides an indication that the hospital bed10requires maintenance. A battery status indicator2448displays a graphical representation of the charging status of a battery for the hospital bed10. A network indicator2450is illuminated when the hospital bed10is connected to an external network, such as a nurse call network; including the NaviCare® nurse call system available from Hill-Rom, for example. When the hospital bed10is connected to a network that includes location information, the room number or other location identifying information is displayed on the information section2436as indicated by reference numeral2452. An icon2454, when present, provides an indication that the hospital bed10is connected to a Wi-Fi system. Similarly, an icon2456, when present, provides an indication of the hospital bed10is connected to another device via a Bluetooth® connection.

A status section2438includes an indicator2458which provides a display of the current head angle of the hospital bed10. A location2460of the status section2438provides an indication that that the hospital bed10is monitoring for an alert condition, such as an alert condition assisted with a patient position monitoring system. For example, the icon2462shown inFIG. 68provides an indication that the patient position monitoring system is set to alert if the patient exits the hospital bed10. A third portion2464of the status section2438provides the indication of the status of a subsystem, such as an operating condition of the mattress1900. An icon2466provides an iconic representation of the status of the mattress1900being in a maximum inflate mode. The icon2466may have components that flash, blank, illuminated in sequence, or otherwise provide an animated indication that a status is active. In addition, a text box2468is displayed to indicate the condition in a text form. In the case of the maximum inflate mode, a second text box2470displays a timer indicating the amount of time that the system will permit the mattress1900to be maintained in the current state. In some embodiments, the text box2468is omitted and only an icon, such as the icon2466is displayed. The text box2470may not be present if there is no limit on the time for the mattress1900to be in the current condition. While the status section2438in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 68displays information regarding alerts at the location2460and a status of the mattress1900at the location2464, in other embodiments the status of other subsystems may be displayed within the status section of the home screen2404.

The menu section2440of the home screen2404includes a home screen icon2472which is generally always present on the display of the graphical user interface66. When the home screen icon2472is activated by a caregiver, the home screen2404is displayed. A section2474of the menu section2440includes a number of icons which may be scrolled through by activating an arrow icon2476positioned at the bottom of the section2474. The icons of the section2474are shown inFIG. 71in the order that they appear in the section2474. An alerts icon2590, when activated, causes the alerts menu structure2410to become active in the interaction section2442. A surface icon2592, when activated, causes the menu structure2408to become active in the interaction section2442. Activation of a charting icon2596causes the charting menu structure2428to become active in the interaction section2442. Activation of the scale icon2598causes the scale menu structure2416to become active in the interaction section2442. The SCD icon2600is associated with the SCD menu structure2434. The Bluetooth® icon2602causes the Bluetooth® menu structure2426to be displayed in the interaction section2442. Activation of preferences icon2604causes the preferences menu structure2430to become active in the interaction section2442.

The interaction section2442displays up to six functions which may be activated by a caregiver from the home screen2404. An icon2480is associated with a head angle limit alert and when activated will cause a warning to be displayed if the angle of the head deck28relative to the relative to the load frame26is lowered below 30°. This function may be activated if the patient has a risk factor that requires the patient's upper body to be maintained in an upright position. When the head limit is activated an indicator2481adjacent the icon2480is illuminated. In some cases, modification of the head limit may be restricted. The operation of the hospital bed10may be adjusted so that activation and deactivation of the head limit by icon2480is locked out so that an inadvertent activation of the icon2480does not toggle the alert monitoring to an off position. When a function, such as the head limit the function, is locked out, a lockout indicator2478is displayed adjacent the icon for the particular function.

An icon2482may be activated by a caregiver to cause automatic movement of the head deck28, articulated seat deck30, and foot deck34to a chair position, such as the position shown inFIG. 10. Activation of the icon2482may also cause the lift system to operate such that the foot end12of the load frame is lowered relative to the head end14. Activation of the icon2484will cause the head deck28to be raised with the remainder of the hospital bed10placed in a flat condition to ease the exiting of the hospital bed10by a patient. In some embodiments, activation of the icon2484may also affect the operation of the mattress1900when it is present. For example, activation of the icon2484may cause the body support1902to be inflated to a pressure higher than normal to cause the body support1902to be stiffer and improve the support of the patient's buttocks as they are exiting the hospital bed10. Activation of the icon2486will cause the head deck28, articulated seat deck30, and foot deck34to be placed in a flat condition while also causing the lift system22to be moved to cause the load frame26to be in a horizontal position. The interaction section2442also displays a foot retraction control section2494which includes an icon2488which may be activated to cause the foot deck34to be extended and an icon2490which may be activated to cause the foot deck34to be retracted. Some of the icons displayed in the interaction section2442of the home screen2404may not be present if the associated functionality is omitted from the hospital bed10. For example, some embodiments of hospital bed10do not include a powered foot deck34, and therefore the foot retraction control section2494would not be present in those embodiments.

When the hospital bed10is disconnected from a mains power source, the hospital bed10may be operated by the batteries2746,2748. When the hospital bed10is on battery power, the interaction section2442displays the text “On Battery Backup” in the center of the interaction section2442. The head limit icon2480and associated indicator2481are also displayed as that function remains active. In addition, the foot control retraction section2294remains displayed because that function is also available under battery backup. The home screen icon2472remains visible such that a caregiver is allowed to activate the home screen2404. However, the home screen2404will revert to the battery backup screen2492after a period of time of no interactions with the home screen2404, such as a time period of 30 seconds, for example. The other functions that appear on the home screen2404are not displayed when the hospital bed10is on battery backup as those functions are not available under battery power. Any motion of any portion of the hospital bed10has to be engaged individually by the keys on the hard panel64.

In some embodiments, if any of the icons2480,2482,2484,2486,2488, or2496are activated, animated arrows or other indicators may appear within the icon to indicate that the function is being activated.

Referring now toFIG. 61, the side rail48is shown with the graphical user interface66positioned in a cavity3750. The graphical user interface has a surface3752on the front of the cover3754, which is generally flush with the surface3756of the body1136of the side rail when the graphical user interface66is stowed. The graphical user interface66is pivotable about an axis3758if it is gripped by a user at the bottom3762and lifted upwardly about a pivoting structure that will be described in further detail below. The axis3758is defined by an opening3760shown inFIG. 137, the opening3760being formed in a wall in the cavity3750. A second opening, not visible, is aligned with opening3760on the opposite side of cavity3750.

The graphical user interface66may be positioned in a cavity of side rail50that is a mirror image to the cavity3750. Because of the mirror image aspect, the graphical user interface66interfaces with the circuit board1182on its left head rail48, but the circuit board1182is to the right of the graphical user interface66on the right head rail50. The switching of hands presents a problem with regard to biasing the graphical user interface66to the stowed position ofFIG. 61. This is addressed by the use of a two-directional torsional spring3770shown inFIG. 84. The graphical user interface includes a housing3740and the cover3754which support the electrical components of the graphical user interface66. The circuit board67is secured to the housing3740by a number of screws3768. The housing cover3754supports a display65in a frame3764formed by the cover3754. The display65is covered by a bezel3766.

The housing3740and cover3764relative to the body of the respective side rails on an axle3762and a bushing3786. The bushing3786is received in a cutout3792formed in the cover3754. Another cutout, not visible, is formed on the opposite side of the cover3754. The bearing protects a wire harness3788which connects to the circuit board67by reducing the contact the cable has with moving parts. The axle3762is received in the opening3760and supports rotation of the remainder of the graphical user interface about the axis3758. The torsion spring3770includes an arm3776that's received in a cavity3778formed in the housing3740. The spring3770has a group of right-hand wrapped coils3772and a group of left hand wrapped coils3774interconnected by an arm3776. The right-hand coil group has a tab3780formed on the end thereof. Similarly the left-hand coil3774has a tab3072formed on the end of it. The tabs37823780and engage the axle3762or bushing3786in an anti-rotation feature3784. A compression spring3794provides bias towards the axle into the opening3760and maintain engagement with the body1136through the action of the compression spring3794.

When the graphical user interface66is pivoted about the axis3758, the right hand coils3772of the spring3770biases against the lifting of the graphical user interface66in the embodiment ofFIG. 84. However, because of the mirror image aspect of side rail50relative to side rail48, the axle3762must be positioned on the right side of the housing3742appropriately engage in opening similar to the opening3760. Because the spring3770has both right-hand coils3772and left-hand coils3774, the spring3770can be used for either a left-hand or right-hand version of the graphical user interface66without the need for having different parts for the assemblies, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of assembly of the graphical user interface66, regardless of which side of the hospital bed10it is on.

Referring toFIG. 102, the overhead arm2842may support a device2890which permits the patient to undertake medication within the patient care environment through a graphical user interface2900that includes additional functionality. For example, as shown inFIG. 353, the functionality may include the ability for the patient to order food and drink3780, keep track of personal items3782, order hospital items3784, make adjustments to the hospital bed10or room environment3786, request assistance with personal care3788, engage in communication external to the patient room3790, indicate a need to egress from the patient support apparatus2810at icon3792, report a problem3794, contact other caregiver representatives3796, or update their perceived pain3798, among other items. Further details of the communications capabilities of the device2900may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/177,851, filed Feb. 11, 2014 and titled “Workflow Canvas for Clinical Applications,” which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface three 900 may be in direct contact with the control system400of the hospital bed10through either a wired, or wireless connection.

Referring now toFIG. 74, another embodiment of a side rail3800is configured to have an illuminated grip3802includes a depression3804formed on the outer side of the grip3802. A number of holes3806are formed in the grip at the depression a circuit board assembly3808which includes a number of different color LEDs that operate under the same logic as discussed above with regard to the notification system796. The circuit board assembly3808is connected to the circuit board1182by a wire harness3810. The translucent overlay3812is positioned into the depression3804to thereby fill the depression3805and provide a smooth surface at the grip3802as shown inFIG. 76A. In the embodiment ofFIG. 76A-76B, the overlay3812has an opaque region3814with a translucent area3816about the opaque section3814. As suggested byFIG. 76Bthe light emitted by the diodes on the circuit board3808emit from the translucent area providing a subdued effect. In another embodiment shown inFIG. 75Aan overlay3818is a solid translucent material which permits the holes3806two appear much more clearly when the LEDs illuminate. In some environments a brighter illumination such as that suggested by the overlay3818may be appropriate. In other instances, the overlay3812may be more appropriate to provide the subdued lighting effect.

One detailed embodiment of a caregiver membrane panel1186that can be positioned on the left head side rail at position64is shown inFIG. 62. The hard panel includes an indicator4302which provides an indicator light4304to indicate if the patient position monitoring alert system set, and a hard switch4306that allows the caregiver to pause or silence the alert. The hospital bed10articulation section4308is relatively typical and includes a lockout switch4310which permits a caregiver to lock functions of the hospital bed10such that a patient or visitor cannot operate the powered portions of the hospital bed10. An indicator section4312includes a reading light indicator4314warning indicator4316to inform the caregiver that the upper frame24and load frame26are being lowered. A hospital bed10down indicator4318to provide an indication to the caregiver as to whether the hospital bed10is in a low position. An indicator4320informs a caregiver if there are any alarm conditions. Indicator4322provides an indication as to whether the hospital bed10is in a steer mode. Indicator4323provides an indication as to whether not the hospital bed10is on battery power. A nurse call interface4326provides a standard nurse call interface allowing the nurse to respond to alarms and silence the nurse call. Buttons4328,4330, and4332all provide a one touch activation of reverse tilt, tilt, and a boost position which is used to help reposition a patient in the hospital bed10. A lockout indicator4334is positioned adjacent every function that can be locked out and provides an indication that the function is locked out when the indicator4334is illuminated. Another panel1186is shown inFIG. 63and includes all of the functionality of the embodiment ofFIG. 62, further includes leg articulation functionality4336.

A side rail48is shown inFIG. 64specifically for the purpose of showing the patient interface4340which includes a nurse call button4342that can be activated to call for a nurse. The patient interface4340also includes a head movement section4344which allows the patient to either raise the head with the button4346or lower the hospital bed10with the button4348the interface is unique in that it also includes a patient side head elevation indicator4350which includes creations of head angle in degrees at4352and a ball4354that roles in the channel as the head section raises and lowers to provide a patient a direct indication of the elevation of their head section. This permits the patient to take part in their care by having their head raised sufficiently to prevent or reduce the chance for hospital acquired pneumonia, but also provides the patient the opportunity to return the head deck28to their preferred elevation if the head deck28gets moved.

Referring now to the embodiment ofFIG. 65the indicator4356includes a band4358which provides an indication to the patient of the preferred position of their head elevation when they are in the hospital bed10. In some embodiments the area within the band4350might be a different color, such as green, for example, to provide the patient an incentive to position the head in that location.

Referring now toFIG. 66, an exemplary embodiment of a panel3728for a patient pendant3700is shown. In the illustrative embodiment, the firmness setting on the patient pendant3700has five bars that are indicative of the adjustable pressure levels of mattress1900. The bars are illuminated sequentially, from bottom to top for example, to provide a general indication to the patient as to the current pressure level in the mattress. The more bars that are illuminated, the firmer the mattress is and vice versa. The firmness of the mattress1900can be changed by the patient by activating the lower pressure button4370or the increase pressure button4372. Changes in the pressure in the mattress will be indicated by changes in the elimination of the bars of the indicator4374. The panel3728also includes an indicator4376which, when the alert system is activated, provides an indication to the patient that they should stay in hospital bed10.

The patient pendant3700also includes a NURSE CALL button4360and LED indicators4364,4366on the patient pendant panel3728. The patient can request assistance by pressing NURSE CALL button4362. When NURSE CALL button4360is pressed, nurse call communication to a nurse call system114is activated and the LED indicator4364turns on, for example, in red to indicate that the NURSE CALL feature is active. If the patient no longer requires assistance, the patient can inactivate the alert by pressing NURSE CALL button4360again. To indicate that the nurse call alert is inactive, the LED indicator4366turns on, for example, in green and the LED indicator4364turns off.

In some embodiments, the NURSE CALL button4360may be a deadfront switch that is discernible only if the patient support apparatus10is communicatively coupled to a nurse call system. If patient support apparatus10is not communicatively coupled to the nurse call system, then button4360cannot be seen on patient pendant3700. Thus, when the patient pendant3700is coupled to the patient support apparatus10, such patient support apparatus10may or may not be coupled to a nurse call system. If the control system400determines that the patient support apparatus10is not coupled to a nurse call system, the NURSE CALL button4360on the patient pendant device4360is not discernible to the patient. This avoids the patient from misinterpreting the NURSE CALL button4360when the patient requires assistance and prevents the patient from pressing the NURSE CALL button4360when the patient support apparatus10is not connected to the nurse call system. If the patient support apparatus10is not connected to the nurse call system, the patient may be required to access other available nurse call communications to alert the nurse or caregiver.

In the illustrative embodiment, the patient support apparatus10further includes a SELF-EGRESS feature. As shown inFIG. 66, the patient pendant3728further includes EXIT ASSIST button4368on the patient pendant panel3728, which is configured to facilitate the patient in exiting the patient support apparatus10. When the patient presses the EXIT ASSIST button4368on the patient pendant3700, the EXIT ASSIST mode of patient support apparatus10is activated. In response to the activation of the EXIT ASSIST mode, the control system of the patient support apparatus10automatically activates a nurse call to system to notify a nurse or caregiver and turns on the LED indicator4364to indicate the nurse call status. The control system400causes the body support1902of the mattress1900, when present, to inflate to provide a firm surface for the patient to exit from.

In general, the articulated thigh deck30, foot deck34and load frame2008are all placed in a flat and horizontal position, with the head section28being raised to assist the patient with their exiting.

In some embodiments, the predetermined patient egress configuration is programmable and may vary depending on the patient. Such programming is accomplished by a caregiver using the graphical user interface66, for example. In some embodiments, in response to EXIT ASSIST button4368being pressed, the control system400may further vertically lower the upper frame28downwardly toward base frame20to facilitate the patient to exit the patient support apparatus10. The patient or a caregiver may release the EXIT ASSIST button4368anytime to stop movement of patient support apparatus10into the patient egress configuration.

In some embodiments, the EXIT ASSIST mode may also track the patient egress activities. In such embodiment, the date and time at which the patient pressed the EXIT ASSIST button4368may be automatically stored in a patient's EMR accordingly, the patient egress data is charted into the patient's EMR automatically or via commands entered on patient support apparatus10without the need for subsequent confirmatory actions by a caregiver at remote computers. In some embodiments, subsequent confirmatory actions may be required at EMR system computer prior to entry of data into the patient's EMR. However, systems in which information is charted or stored in the patient's EMR via caregiver actions at patient support apparatus10may not require subsequent actions at remote computer by the same or a different caregiver.

As shown inFIG. 80, another embodiment of a mattress enclosure3820includes a top cover3822and a bottom cover3824. The top cover3822is secured to the bottom cover3824through a zipper3826. The seam between the top cover3822in the bottom cover3824is protected by use of an outer strip3828and an inner strip3830. Referring now toFIG. 82, the top cover3822is coupled to the outer strip3828, a web of first-half3832of the zipper3826, and the inner strip3830by stitching3834then the material of the cover3822is wrapped around an end3836of the strip3828. As shown inFIG. 81, the lower cover3824is under wrapped and then stitched to a web3838of the zipper3826. The inner strip3830provides backing to the zipper3826reducing the opportunity for materials inside of the covers3822,3824to get tangled in the zipper3826. In addition the first strip3830supports the zipper3826if the flap3840formed by the second strip in the top cover3822is pulled upwardly. The stitching3834will act on the inner strip causing it to engage the web3838of the lower half of the zipper3826thereby encouraging the zipper to stay closed. The strips3828,3830illustratively comprise a material having a Shore A durometer from about 40 to about 85. The strips3828,3830may comprise urethane, polyurethane, low density polyethylene (LDPE), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UfWW), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of a patient support apparatus3910, a foot deck section3934has been adapted to include two ports3936and3938that connect to hoses3940and3942that connect to a left leg sequential compression wrap3944, and a right leg sequential compression wrap3946. As will be described in further detail below, the disclose control system400provides an interface for operating an integrated sequential compression device (SCD).

In another embodiment, a foot panel3850that houses a sequential compression device (SCD)3852is shown inFIG. 139. The foot panel3850is adapted to have recesses3854and3856which provide access to respective pneumatic connectors3858and3860. The pneumatic connectors3858,3860function like supports3936and3938ofFIG. 77with the notches3862and3864formed in the foot panel3850being ideally located for routing the associated hoses director lead to the patient's leg on the opposite side of the foot panel3852. Referring to the view ofFIG. 140, the notch3862and the notch3864are positioned to provide direct access to a patient's lower extremities as would be required with the use of a sequential compression device as suggested inFIG. 77. The foot panel3850ofFIG. 140supports a transport shelf3866which is used to assist with the storing of equipment and supplies while a patient is being transported. The foot panel3850has a large cover3868which encloses the componentry of the SCD3852. A control board2734for the sequential compression device is positioned in a cavity3870. Similarly a pump3872is positioned in another cavity3874adjacent cavity3870.

The pump3872is connected to a source line3874by a hose3876the source line feeds a right valve3878and a left valve3880. The valves3878,3880each respectively feed a tube3882or3884which feed the respective ports3858and3860. The pressure in each tube3882,3884is monitored by a respective sense line3886or3888each of which is income indication with the circuit board2734. Referring now toFIG. 141, the tube3884connects to a barb3890of the port3860. The tube3882communicates to the port3858in a similar fashion.FIG. 143provides an enlarged view of depression3856and the port3860.

The hospital bed10has extensive control system400which has been discussed in various components of the control system400have been discussed as they relate to the various mechanical structures. However a complete wiring diagram of the hospital bed10is provided atFIG. 51A-51P. For a better understanding of electrical capabilities of hospital bed10, discussion of the various significant electrical components will be provided herein. The left head side rail48supports a side rail circuit board1182which communicates with the Main control board2700via a network connection. The network structure of the hospital bed10will be discussed in further detail below, but it is contemplated that some modules of the control system400will communicate via a controller area network (CAN). A suitable network structure is found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,390, titled “PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS HAVING CONTROLLER AREA NETWORK” which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein and with specific reference to the disclosed network structure, including protocols and hardware. A microcontroller that includes several communications interfaces has been found to be suitable for this type of application. For example, microntrollers from ST Microelectronics including part numbers STM32F427, STM32F429, and STM 32F437. A suitable transceiver is a part number MCP2551 transceiver from Microchip. The CANOpen data layer protocol is suitable and as well as a network speed of 1 Mbps. The illustrative embodiment provides multiple network connections and protocols that may be used between various components.

The left head side rail includes the graphical user interface board67along with the display65. An antenna2706is electrically connected to the graphical user interface board67, the antenna2706providing a capability for near field communications from the left head side rail48. The side rail circuit board1182includes a near field communication antenna2712and an ambient light sensor2714. The side rail48also includes the speaker1102discussed above and an RFID module2716may be used to identify people or equipment who approach or come in close proximity with the side rail48. The siderails also include various versions of hard panel's such as the two shown inFIGS. 62-63, or the panel1180shown inFIG. 65. While the hard panels are not shown in the wiring diagram, it should be understood that some permutation of those hard panel's will be found on most embodiments of the hospital bed10. Also not shown on the wiring diagram is the light strip1604which is optionally connected to the side rail circuit board1182and some embodiments.

The control system400also includes a communications board2708which connects to external communications through a nurse call cable2710. The communications board2708is supported on the load frame28as shown inFIG. 47B. The communications board2708is housed in an enclosure4300as suggested inFIG. 47D, the enclosure4300being secured to the load frame28. The control system400also includes the patient pendant board2724which is directly connected to the Main control board2700. In addition a USB diagnostic port2718is coupled to the Main control board2700. The port2718is available to permit service technicians to connect directly to the Main control board through the USB port2718.

The overhead arm2726includes an internal circuit board2406which has functionality similar to the functionality of the pendant board2724, the overhead arm board2406communicating with the Main control board2700via a SPI interface. In addition there is a left head rail switch2720and a right head rails switch2722which monitor the position of the siderails48,50respectively and provide that information to the control system400to use as will be discussed in further detail below. The head actuator650is coupled to the Main control board through a junction box2410, the junction box shown inFIG. 47A. Structurally, the junction box has a housing2412which is secured to the head deck28moves with the head deck as it moves from between raised and lowered positions. The Main control board is positioned adjacent the communications board2708in the pan560. The Main control board includes an enclosure2414which protects the Main control board2700. Also shown inFIG. 51Eis the CPR detect switch1552is connected to the Main control board2700.

The Main control board2700performs a significant amount of the logic for the hospital bed10and further includes a system on a module (SOM)2730the system or module controlling communications from the Main control board2702external devices and systems. A Wi-Fi Bluetooth® antenna2728is coupled to the SOM2730. The Main control board2700is also coupled to a speaker2732that provides alarms and verbal alerts. In some embodiments the Main control board supports an accelerometer2416that is used to determine the angle of inclination of the load frame26of the hospital bed10.

The sequential compression device system2734is connected to the Main control board2700. Switches to determine the position of the left and right foot rails2736,2738respectively are also coupled to the Main control board2700. The load beams522,524,526,528are all connected to the Main control board2700as well. An embodiment of the hospital bed10can have up to seven linear actuators including an head actuator650, and auxiliary wheel actuator334, a Hi-Lo actuator252which powers the head lift linkage29, a Hi-Lo actuator250which powers the foot end linkage27, a thigh actuator584for moving the articulated thigh deck30, a foot actuation actuator920pivoting the foot deck34relative to the load frame28, and a foot extension and retraction actuator730. Each of the actuators includes internal electrical limits as well as internal position sensing capabilities utilizing either a potentiometer or a Hall-effect sensor.

The control system1700also includes a battery charge board2740which is positioned in the head end of the base frame as shown inFIG. 12. The battery charge board is coupled to a pair of nightlights2742,2744and the sensor242that determines the orientation of the brake/steer petals. The battery charge board2740also in includes a phone jack2750is available for certain nurse call systems. The batteries2746,2748are coupled to the battery charge board with the battery charge board2740managing the charging of the batteries2746,2748. While not shown in any of the drawings, and AC/DC power supply2752receives inlet power from a power cord. The control system also utilizes a real-time locating tag2754which is not electrically coupled to any of the components of the control system400, but is available to provide identification of the hospital bed10based on information stored on the RTLs2754. The control board384for the powered drive wheel assembly92indicates with the LED board108, the right handle assembly394, the left handle assembly396, the deployment actuator334, and the drive motor330. The board384also communicates with the speed controller385which provides the drive signals for the drive motor330. The batteries386,386are also coupled to and charged by the board384. The circuitry793for the indicator system792is also coupled to the Main control board.

The air control board2198is an electrical communication with the Main control board2700but also controls the manifold2168, the mattress detect switch2230, and the blower2170. The mattress detect switch2230is operable to determine if a premium mattress, such as mattress1900, is coupled to the pneumatic system so that the air control board2198will have information pertaining to which functions should be available for the mattress that's attached. The right side rail50includes much of the same structure as the left side rail48but also includes the personal electronic device charging port board1216.

In general, the control system400could be arranged in many different configurations, but the contemplated embodiments would employ a mix of network communications protocols depending on the functionality required. The communication circuitry may be configured to use any one or more communication technology (e.g., wired or wireless communications) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth®®, WiMAX, etc.) to effect such communication.

An algorithm4000for operating the scale system of the hospital bed10is disclosed inFIGS. 377A-377C. The process begins at step4002progresses to displaying the way position indicator in the last tier timestamp on a user interface at step4004. When a user selects the way function at step4006, the algorithm advances to a decision step4008and determines whether the hospital bed10is in the optimal weighing position. If it is not, the algorithm progresses to prompt the caregiver at step4010to make a determination as to whether or not to continue with the weighing process. Based on input from the user at decision step4012, the algorithm either progresses to a decision step4014, or returns to the scale menu at step4016. If the caregiver chooses to continue to step4014, the control system400determines whether or not the patient location is acceptable and stable if it is, algorithm regresses to generate a prompt at step4018. However if the patient's location is not acceptable or stable the algorithm advances to a prompt step4020informing the caregiver that the patient position and/or the scale is unstable and requiring the caregiver to confirm whether to continue or not. If the caregiver chooses to continue at decision step4022then the algorithm advances to the prompt4018. The caregiver chooses not to continue then the system returns to the scale menu step4016.

At step4018, the caregiver is prompted to confirm that protocols are being met and provides an indicator that the weight is being taken. The system then advances to step4020and provides additional prompts indicating that the hospital bed10should not be touched by the caregiver and should otherwise remain in a stable condition. Once the process step4020is complete, the algorithm advances to process step4022where the weight is taken and analyzed. The algorithm then advances to the decision step4024to compare the current weight with the maximum weight permitted on the hospital bed10. If the weight measured does exceed the maximum weight than the algorithm advances to a step4026providing instructions to the caregiver to make a correction to the condition. The caregiver is then prompted as to whether not to continue at a decision step4028. If the caregiver decides not to continue, or the condition times out, then the system returns to the basic scale menu at step4030.

If the caregiver continues at step4028, then the system advances to a process step4032. If the measured weight was less than the maximum allowable weight a decision step4024, then the algorithm advances to process step4032. The process step4032, the caregiver is provided a display of the weight along with a difference in the current weight from the previous, with additional information about whether that change is above or below threshold. The caregiver is then prompted to determine whether to accept the weight and log it. Process step4032has a countdown timer that is displayed to the caregiver. If the caregiver does not accept the weight and log it within a predetermined time period, such as two minutes, for example, then the system will timeout and return to the scale menu. The algorithm progresses to a decision step4034where the caregiver is prompted to accept and log the weight data. If caregiver chooses not to accept and log the weight data, the algorithm advances from a step4036to a process step at4038where the caregiver receives a prompt inquiring as to whether or not to discard the weight. If the weight is discarded, the caregiver is provided another prompt at step4040inquiring as to whether they will take another weight measurement. Depending on the response from the caregiver at decision step4042, the algorithm will either return to the scale menu at4044or return to the main menu at4046. Returning again to decision step4034, if the caregiver chooses to accept and log the weight, the caregiver is prompted to save the weight and time to the hospital bed10at process step4048. The caregiver is then prompted to upload the weight and time to the network at4050a decision step at4052determines whether or not the upload was successful. If it was not, then the caregiver will be prompted at step4054that the upload failed in the system will return to the main menu. If the upload was successful, then a prompt at process step4056informs the caregiver that the save and upload was successful. The algorithm then returns to the main menu.

An algorithm4060begins when a user selects the scale menu structure from the graphical user interface66and a menu structure advances to the scale screen at step4062. At the scale screen the way position indicator and the last tare timestamp. While the information is being displayed at4064, a user may select the tare option at step4066which advances the algorithm to step4068. At step4068the tare position indicator, current weight, and last tare timestamp are all displayed. If the user selects the tare function at step4070, then the algorithm advances to process step4072in which the protocol instructions for taring the hospital bed10are displayed. The algorithm then advances to a decision step4074were caregiver chooses whether to continue. If the caregiver does not give a response in a reasonable time, such as two minutes, for example, or if the caregiver chooses not to continue, the algorithm returns to the scale screen at step4064. If the caregiver chooses to continue, algorithm advances to decision step4076to determine if the hospital bed10is in the optimal taring position. If the hospital bed10is not in the optimal taring position, then the hour them advances to process step4078where the caregiver is prompted that the hospital bed10is in the incorrect hospital bed10position and provides correction instructions. The algorithm then returns back to process step4068.

If the hospital bed10is in the optimal taring position, the algorithm advances to decision step4080where it compares the weight being detected to a minimum weight. If the detected weight is less than the minimum weight than the algorithm advances to process step4086which provides an indication to the caregiver that the weight was too high and that the tare was incomplete. From process step4086, the algorithm returns to process step4068. If the weight was not greater than the minimum weight than the algorithm progresses to step4082where the caregiver is prompted regarding process instructions and a progress indicator is displayed. The algorithm then advances to step4084where the weight is acquired and analyzed. Algorithm then advances to process step4088where the zero is saved along with the time that the tare occurred and stored in memory on the hospital bed10. The process then advances to step4090where the zeros displayed along with the change from the previous zero. If the change in tare weight is larger than a threshold, the system will prompt the caregiver to consider performing the taring operation again. Process then advances the step4100and returns to the main menu.

Given the extensive information available to the control system400, having the control board384for the powered drive wheel assembly92in communication with other nodes on the network of the hospital bed10presents the opportunity for significantly improved performance. A series of algorithms are provided inFIGS. 379-384which provide an overview of the operation of the powered drive wheel assembly92utilizing the information available from the hospital bed10. An algorithm4110, shown onFIG. 379, is a state diagram that is operated by the control logic of the control board384to determine the appropriate mode of operation of the powered drive wheel assembly92. In a first state4112, the drive is not deployed, meaning that the drive wheel214has not been deployed to contact the floor by the actuator334. The algorithm proceeds to a decision step4114where it evaluates if the AC power is present. If the AC power is present, the algorithm4110advances to a process step4116two charge the batteries386,386. The algorithm also advances to step4118to evaluate the opportunity to upgrade software, and if upgraded software is available, to perform the update. The process then returns to state4112. If AC power is determined not to be present at decision step4114, the algorithm advances to decision step4122determine if the break is on. If the break is on, the drive will not deploy so the algorithm returns to state4112, drive not deployed. If the break is not on at decision step4120, then the algorithm proceeds to state4122confirming that it is acceptable to deploy the drive if a driver request is made.

An algorithm4124, shown inFIG. 380, monitors for system usage and errors beginning at a step4126and advancing to decision step4128to determine if the hospital bed10spowered drive is running. If it is not, the algorithm loops back to the start4126. If the powered drive is running, then at step4130, the control system400collects data regarding the hours of operation of the powered drive. The algorithm then progresses to process step4132where the control system400collects performance data including the drive current, patient weight from the load cells, battery charging statistics, battery charge level, and performance data regarding a number of wheel rotations, slips, or collisions. The algorithm then proceeds to process step4134where the algorithm calculates the estimated number of transparent hours left on the battery charge, and the average drive current. This information is then collected by the control board384at process step4136and transferred to the Main control board2700where would be accessible by service personnel.

Another algorithm4140is shown onFIGS. 381A-381Cand relates to the operation of the powered drive wheel assembly92based on data available from other systems on the hospital bed10. At the first step4142, the control board384for the powered drive wheel assembly92reads the load beam data available from the four load beams522,524,526and528. Utilizing the load beam data or another signal from other systems of the hospital bed10, the control board384determines if there is a patient in the hospital bed10at decision step4144. If the patient is present the algorithm advances to process step4146to set the downforce, current limit and speed to variable value based on the patient's weight. The algorithm then advances to process step4148to calculate the center of gravity and patient position. This information is then used at a decision step4150where the patient position is analyzed to determine if the hospital bed10is in the optimal height for transport. If it is not, then the algorithm advances to step4152and prompts an alert to a caregiver to adjust the patient position and hospital bed10height, returning back to process step4148.

If the decision at4150is that the hospital bed10is at the appropriate height, the algorithm advances to a decision step4154to evaluate whether all side rails are up based on signals from the side rail position switches2720,2722,2736, and2730. If the control board384determines that the side rails are not all up, the algorithm advances to a process step4156which prompts an alert to the caregiver and prevents the drive from being drive wheel214from being deployed. If all of the side rails are up, the algorithm advances to a process step4158to deploy the drive wheel214. Once a driver request is received from a user, the logic begins to read the data from the accelerometer4156located on the main control board2700. The data from the accelerometer is used to determine if the hospital bed10is level at a decision step4158. If the hospital bed10is level than the algorithm advances to process step4160and maintains standard power limit on the drive motion. If the hospital bed10is not level then the algorithm advances to a decision step4162to determine if the hospital bed10is traveling up an incline or down an incline. If the accelerometer data indicates that the hospital bed10is traveling up a ramp then the algorithm advances to process step4164and response to the incline to increase power and to limit or remove the breaking of the powered wheel214. If the control board384determines that the hospital bed10is traveling down an incline, then process step4166is invoked and there is additional power applied to limit and the powered drive wheel assembly may begin to apply active breaking. In either case, the algorithm then advances to a process step4168two determine if the drive wheel rotations. The algorithm then advances to decision step4172determine whether or not the drive wheel motion is consistent with data available from the accelerometer. If it is the algorithm advances to process step4172and operation is maintained normally. If the drive wheel motion is inconsistent with the motion detected from the accelerometer, then the algorithm proceeds to process step4174where the conditions are diagnosed an alert is provided to a user. In either case the algorithm advances to process step4176and continues to monitor operations. If the evaluation at process step4144indicated that the hospital bed10did not have a patient and it the algorithm would advance to process step4178to set operating conditions for an empty hospital bed10.

An algorithm4180shown inFIG. 382describes the logic applied by the control board384in responding to a request to deploy the powered wheel214. The process starts at step4182which is initiated when a deployed request is received. The other of them then advances to a built-in delay at step4184which reduces the opportunity for the control board384to respond to a transient or inadvertent request. Once the delay has expired the algorithm advances to step4186where begins to ramp the deployment of the wheel by applying pulse width modulation to step up the power to the actuator334. Once the PWM stepping is complete, the algorithm advances to process4187which monitors for the activation of a switch in the actuator334to confirm that the actuator334is fully deployed. The algorithm that advances the4188and applies a break through the H-bridge circuitry used to operate the motor of the actuator334. Once the H-bridge break steps are complete, the advances to process4190confirming the actuator is deployed and then advances to the idle process4192. If a condition changes during the deployment, for example stop request is transferred to the control board384, the algorithm advances to the process4194which stops deployment and then advances to process4188which applies the H-bridge break. In some instances, there may be a request during deployment to retract the powered wheel214. In such a case, the auger them advances to process4196which begins the change direction functions. In the advances to the process4188.

In algorithm4200, shown atFIG. 383, the system maintains the idle state4202until a retract request is received, then they ever them advances to process4204which applies a delay. Once the delay is expired process4206is invoked to apply pulse width modulation to the retracting actuator334. Once the PWM stepping is complete, algorithm advances to process4208and continues to retract until the appropriate limit switches met in the actuator334. Once the limit switch is met the algorithm advances to process4210, and then once the inputs and outputs are stable, the algorithm advances to an idle state4212. However, if a stop request is read received while the actuator334is retracting, the hour them advances to the process4216to stop the retraction and advances to process step4210. In some cases a deployed request may be provided in the algorithm will advance to process4214which changes the direction of the motion of the actuator334. The algorithm then advances again to process4210.

Yet another algorithm4220addresses the control of the power to the control board384for operation of the powered drive wheel assembly92. Referring toFIG. 384, when the powered drive wheel assembly is in a power off state4222, a power up request will advance the algorithm to a power up delay process it4224. Once a 102nd delay has expired, the request is considered valid and the algorithm advances to the process4226where a controller power up request is advanced. Algorithm advances to process4228and waits for 100 ms delay to expire before powering up the controller. The process4230waits for the delay to expire and the algorithm advances to a state where the drive control board is powered4232. Upon receipt of the power down request, the algorithm advances to a process4234which waits for a delay and once the delay timer has expired the powered wheel assembly returns to the power off state at4236.

In another embodiment of a screen2500shown inFIG. 70, the portion2464of status section2438does not provide any indication when the mattress1900is absent as there is no functionality available. Similarly the foot control retraction section2294is blank when the actuator730is absent as there is no powered extension and retraction of foot deck34. In the embodiment of screen2500, the section2460displays an icon2502which provides an indication that patient position monitoring system is inactive with a text box2504providing text explaining the status of the alerts for the patient position monitoring system. The text box2504and text box2468ofFIG. 68are temporarily displayed but disappear after a period of time, such as five seconds, for example. In the display shown by a screen2510ofFIG. 144, the alerts icon2590is shown to be activated which invokes the alerts menu structure2410.FIGS. 144-180show the various screens of the alert menu structure2410with a screen2512being displayed upon activation of the alert icon2590. The screen2512includes an expanded interaction section2442which expands to overlie the information section2436and the status section2438. Screen2512displays two options including a virtual button2514that is associated with a hospital bed10exit alert menu structure and a virtual button2516associated with a chair exit menu structure as shown inFIG. 145.

When the virtual button2514is activated, the menu structure advances to a screen2518shown inFIG. 150. However, if the weight supported on the hospital bed10is too low, a screen2520is displayed with the text indication that the alert system failed to set because the weight was too low. The caregiver has to activate a virtual button2522to return to the home screen2404. If the virtual button2522is not activated, the screen2520will timeout and return to the home screen2404after a period of time, such as two minutes, for example. The hospital bed10exit alert will not set if the weight on the hospital bed10is too high and a screen2524will be displayed with text indicating that the system failed to set because the weight was too high while displaying the virtual button2522which allows the caregiver to return to the home screen2404. The screen2524will also timeout, in a manner similar to the screen2520.

In some cases, if the hospital bed10is not in an appropriate position or the patient is not appropriately positioned on the hospital bed10, the hospital bed10exit alert will not set. The control system400provides an indication to a caregiver through the graphical user interface66with a screen2526providing text indicating that the hospital bed10exit alarm failed to set with a text prompt2532prompt suggesting that the caregiver attempt to level the hospital bed10and try to set the system again. The screen2526times out after a period of time or can be closed out by activating the virtual button2522displayed on screen2526to return to the home screen2404. If the control system400determines that the patient is not appropriately positioned on the hospital bed10, a screen2528is displayed providing a notification that the hospital bed10exit alarm failed to set. Screen2528provides a text prompt2530instructing the caregiver to center the patient and then set the hospital bed10exit. The caregiver is given the option of activating a virtual button2534causes the system to return to the home screen2404, or adjusting the patient in activating a virtual button2536to make another attempt to set the hospital bed10exit alert.

If no errors are detected, the screen2518is displayed and the caregivers given the option of choosing between three virtual buttons2540,2546,2548to set the hospital bed10exit alert in one of three modes, or a virtual button2550which turns off the hospital bed10exit alert system and returns the display to the home screen2404. If the caregiver chooses the virtual button2540, the hospital bed10exit alert is set to be sensitive to changes in the position of the patient and provide an alert if the patient does change position. The setting is the most sensitive of the three settings available in the hospital bed10exit alert menu structure2412. Once the virtual button2540is selected screen2552, which is shown inFIG. 152, is displayed to provide a text notification that the position mode is being set with a large version of a position mode icon2560being displayed while the hospital bed10exit alert system is set. Once the position mode is set, a screen2554, shown inFIG. 153, is displayed with the icon2560being displayed in the status section2438and the text box2504temporarily providing a text prompt indicating that hospital bed10exit alerting has been set.

If the virtual button2546is activated, then a screen2556, shown inFIG. 154, is displayed. The virtual button2546activates the exiting mode of the hospital bed10exit alerts. In this mode, the control system400monitors to determine if the patient moves towards the edge of the hospital bed10, indicating the patient intends to exit the hospital bed10. If such a movement is determined to be occurring, the control system400will provide an indication that the alert condition exists. While the exiting mode is being set, a large version of the icon2462is displayed on the screen2556with a text prompt in forming a user that the exiting mode is being set. Once the exiting mode is successfully set, the screen2558shown inFIG. 155is displayed. On screen2558, the text box2504provides the temporary indication that the hospital bed10exit alert system is active and the icon2462is displayed in the status section2438to provide an indication of the type of alert that is set.

If the virtual button2548on screen2518is selected, then a screen2562, shown inFIG. 151, providing a text message2564informing the user that the mode associated with virtual button2548, the out of hospital bed mode, will only provide an alert if the patient is completely out of the hospital bed10. The user must confirm that this is acceptable by activating a virtual button2566to allow the out of hospital bed alert to be set, or must select a virtual button2568canceling the out of hospital bed mode and returning to screen2518. If the virtual button2566is activated, then a screen2570, shown inFIG. 156, is displayed with a large version of an out of hospital bed10icon2572being displayed along with a text prompt in forming a user that the out of hospital bed alert setting is being set. Once the out of hospital bed alert setting is set, a screen2574, shown inFIG. 157, is displayed with the out of hospital bed10icon2572being displayed in the status section2438and the text box2502being temporarily displayed.

If the virtual button2516associated with the setting of the chair exit alert menu structure2414is activated, a screen2576, shown inFIG. 158, is displayed providing a user the opportunity to activate a virtual button2578or a virtual button2580. The virtual button2580will cause the alert menu structure2410to be terminated and the home screen2404to be displayed. If the virtual button2578is activated, and a patient is properly positioned in a chair2582, shown inFIG. 60.

If the virtual button2516associated with the setting of the chair exit alert menu structure2414is activated, a screen2576, shown inFIG. 158, is displayed providing a user the opportunity to activate a virtual button2578or a virtual button2580. The virtual button2580will cause the alert menu structure2410to be terminated and the home screen2404to be displayed. If the virtual button2578is activated, and a patient is properly positioned in a chair2582shown inFIG. 60then screen4390shown inFIG. 159is displayed while the chair exit sets. If the chair exit alert effectively sets, then the menu advances to screen4392shown inFIG. 160which is a home screen providing the status of the chair exit in the text box2504and displaying a chair exit alert active icon4394in the status section2438. Once the home screen times out with the chair exit alert set, the menu advances to a screen4396shown inFIG. 165. Similarly, if the home screen shown inFIG. 155times out, then the screen4398shown inFIG. 161is displayed while the bed exit is active, including displaying the appropriate icon based on what the setting is for the alert.

If the chair alert is set but there is no patient in the chair, the screen4400shown inFIG. 164will be displayed. Screen4400gives a caregiver the opportunity to turn the alerts off by activating a virtual button4402. The control system400is also operable to let the caregiver know if the communication between the hospital bed10and another device or system is lost. For example, a screen4404, shown inFIG. 166is displayed if the nurse call cable or a Bluetooth® connection is lost. A virtual button4406allows the caregiver to acknowledge the message and return to the home screen. The message does not timeout, but is displayed continuously until addressed. However, if the wired connection is lost, the control system400will automatically connect via the wireless connection, Bluetooth®, for example.

If a bed exit alert is triggered the screen408, shown inFIG. 167, will appear with an icon4410indicating that the alarm condition has been met. A virtual button4412allows the caregiver to silence the alarm. If the alarm is silenced in the patient is still on the bed, the menu structure advances to screen4414shown inFIG. 168. The monitoring system will return to monitoring within 30 seconds with a countdown timer showing the time to the restart of the alert. The caregiver can select from multiple virtual buttons with a virtual button4416extending the silenced alert for one minute. A virtual button4418may be activated to turn the alert off. A virtual button4420may be activated to commence with transferring the patient to a chair. A virtual button4422allows the silencing of the alert to be extended for five minutes. In a virtual button4424causes the alert to be resumed. It should be noted that the virtual button4420does not appear if the chair exit system is not available by Bluetooth®.

If virtual button4416is selected then the screen4426shown inFIG. 169is displayed with the one minute countdown timer being active. If the five-minute virtual button4422is selected then screen4428, shown inFIG. 170, is displayed. It should be noted that all of the virtual buttons4416,4418,4420,4422,4424are available in either screen4426or4428. If the virtual button4412is selected at screen4408, the menu structure advances directly to screen4430which prompts a caregiver that the bed is waiting for the patient to reenter the bed. Presumably the caregiver is aware of the patient's exit from the bed in his addressing the issue without turning the alerts off. The virtual button4420is available at screen4430. If virtual button4420is selected at any time during a bed exit alert, the menu structure will advance to screen4432displayed inFIG. 174. Screen4432provides the prompt that the chair is waiting for the patient to be positioned in the chair. The alert off virtual button4418is available in screen4432. If a caregiver attempts to navigate away from either screen4434or4432then the home screen shown inFIG. 172will be displayed showing that the alarm is silenced in the text box2504.

If the patient enters the chair while screen4432is displayed, and the menu structure will return to screen2576shown inFIG. 158.

When chair exit alerting is active and a patient exits the chair, the screen4440shown inFIG. 175will be displayed. The virtual buttons4412is available and if activated while the patient is in the chair the chair monitor resumes monitoring after 30 seconds as indicated by screen4442shown inFIG. 176if the patient is not in the chair the menu structure advances to screen4444shown inFIG. 179and the chair monitor waits for the patient to return to the chair. The caregiver can select either virtual button442244416at screen4442to extend the alert silence. A virtual button4446also appears which, when activated allows the patient to be transferred to the bed which will result in the screen4448shown inFIG. 180being displayed. The alert off virtual button4418is also available and in any case where the virtual button4418is activated, the system will return to the home screen. For clarification should be understood that screens4450or4452are only displayed when virtual button4416or virtual button4422are activated, respectively. If the patient returns to the bed while screen4448is active then the menu structure returns to the bed monitoring shown inFIG. 155.

Now referencing the scale zero menu flow2418, the menu structure begins with the screen4460shown inFIG. 188. Upon selection of the scale icon2598the menu structure advances to screen4462shown inFIG. 189. Selecting the zero virtual button4464the screen advances to a screen4466allows the user to choose between a new patient virtual button4468and a re-zero virtual button4470. Selecting the new patient virtual button4468advances to the reminder screen4472shown inFIG. 183the user can choose between canceling by pressing a virtual button4474which causes the menu structure to return to the screen4466, selecting the virtual button4476which causes the menu structure to advance to the screen4478shown inFIG. 181, or the user can choose to continue by selecting the to continue, choosing the continue button4480advances to screen4482which causes the bed to go into a zero mode with the prompt shown inFIG. 184. If the bed successfully zeros, then the menu structure advances to screen4484shown inFIG. 187. If the screen4484is touched then the menu structure advances to screen4486shown inFIG. 186, which is a home screen with an indication that the bed is patient ready. If the screen4486times out then the menu structure advances to screen4488which the “ready for new patient” messages displayed with a dimmed screen as shown inFIG. 185. The bedside sidle until the patient is placed on the bed. In some instances during the operation of screen4482, a problem will be detected and the system will advance to screen4490shown inFIG. 182. The caregiver will have to respond to the error and restart the process.

If the bed is out of position at screen4472, the menu structure advances to screen4492shown inFIG. 191. The user is given the opportunity to adjust the position of the bed and if an appropriate position is achieved then the menu structure will return to screen4482and resume the process. If the bed is in the correct position when the error occurs, then the menu structure advances to screen4494where the caregiver is prompted to make adjustments to the bed.

If the caregiver selects the re-zero virtual button4470in screen4466and the menu structure advances to a reminder screen4500shown inFIG. 196. The caregiver can activate virtual button4482continue or virtual button4474to return to screen4466. If the caregiver chooses to continue the system advances to screen4502shown inFIG. 197and the successful zeroing will result in a screen4504. If the difference is within an acceptable change then a screen4506is displayed to prompt a caregiver. If the weight is too great then the screen4508is displayed in the process is restarted10is complete, the menu structure advances to menu4510shown inFIG. 199which is a home screen with a zero scale. It should be noted that the scale operation can be locked out and a screen4512shown inFIG. 195will appear to prompt a caregiver to resolve the issue.

Now referencing the scale weigh menu structure2424shown inFIG. 67, the process begins with the screen4520shown inFIG. 208selection of the scale icon2598causes the menu structure to advance to screen4522shown inFIG. 210. Selection of the weigh virtual button4524advances the menu structure to screen4526shown inFIG. 211. Selection of the virtual button to2566causes the weight to be taken in the screen4528to be displayed as shown inFIG. 212. If a user chooses to select the save virtual button4530then the weight is saved as shown in screen4532inFIG. 213. The menu structure then advances to screen4534shown inFIG. 225where user is prompted as to whether or not they want to chart the weight. Choosing yes which is associated with the virtual button4536will advance to screen4538inFIG. 226, if the patient is identified. If the patient is identified then there is a confirmation step where the virtual button4536needs to be selected again. Which causes the menu flow to advance to screen4540where the caregiver logs in and then the menu structure advances to screen4542to prompt the caregiver to decide whether to chart additional information or not. This is the path that occurs if there are no errors and no issues with information.

For example at screen4544inFIG. 200the user could be prompt to remove a lockout on the scale operation. In screen4546shown inFIG. 205, the scale will not operate if the patient is not in the required position or if elements of the bed are out of an acceptable range. As noted inFIG. 201, the prompts may identify actions to be taken by the caregiver. However if the caregiver moves the bed to an acceptable position, an indication of that change will be shown on the screen as shown in screen4548ofFIG. 201. Screen4548has the addition of the check marks to indicate that the appropriate change has been made the same process occurs with a transition from screen4550inFIG. 2012screen4552inFIG. 203.

Now referring to a screen4554shown inFIG. 204, holding the kilogram icon4556causes the last weight taken to be displayed at4558which allows it to be compared to the current weight. The same capability is present in a screen4560shown inFIG. 207with the units in pounds. Referring to screen4562inFIG. 206, the system will allow a weight to be taken when the bed is not in the proper position. However an individual must acknowledge that is not in the optimum position and therefore the weight would not be accurate. Screen4564shown inFIG. 209illustrates what happens if the weight is taken in the wrong unit such as the weight that was taken and accepted at screen4528can be converted to pounds and saved as indicated by screen4564when the weight is saved a prompt such as that shown in screen4566inFIG. 214. If the weight is not saved the caregivers given the option of discarding the weight or going back at screen4568, shown inFIG. 215. If it is chosen to discard the weight, a prompt confirms it in a screen4570shown inFIG. 216. If an error arises, a prompt screen will identify the problem for the caregiver such as in screen4572shown inFIG. 217which prompts the caregiver to center the patient an attempt to re-way.FIGS. 218-219show additional error messages.

InFIG. 221, a prompt is displayed if the patient is not identified when the caregiver is attempting to chart. Resolution of the charting issue is accomplished through the prompts inFIG. 222. If the caregiver attempts to give the incorrect password in screen4540inFIG. 227the prompt inFIG. 223appears. The system will also inform the caregiver if automated charting is unavailable as indicated inFIG. 224.

With reference to the charting menu structure2428an illustrative set of screen flows are shown inFIGS. 249-267. The navigation begins atFIG. 255where the lower arrow is selected to advance the menu section2442expose the charting icon2596is shown inFIG. 256. Selection of the charting icon2596advances toFIG. 257. However prior toFIG. 257, an error may occur as shown inFIG. 248. If no error occurs, fromFIG. 257the structure can be advanced to eitherFIG. 258, orFIG. 249. Choosing yes onFIG. 257advances toFIG. 258where the caregiver can logon. In the illustrative embodiment, two minutes of inactivity will cause the caregiver to be logged off. In such a case the screenFIG. 250will appear. Once logged in the menu advances toFIG. 259the selection of choices on the screen disclosed onFIG. 259prompting advances to other screens. Selecting repositioning advances toFIG. 263selecting patient safety advances toFIG. 264.FIG. 264advances toFIG. 267. Choosing pain/potty inFIG. 259advances toFIG. 260. If the caregiver chooses to chart items inFIG. 259then the menu structure advances toFIG. 251. And fromFIG. 251menu advances toFIG. 254. However if the system is unable to send the data, then the menu will advance toFIG. 252and fromFIG. 252toFIG. 253.FIG. 249appears if the no selection is made atFIG. 257. If the caregiver is unsuccessful logging in atFIG. 258,FIG. 262appears. FromFIG. 263, eitherFIG. 265orFIG. 266is invoked. If there is a challenge with the connection atFIG. 256,FIG. 261appears.

Reference to the surface menu structure ofFIG. 67,FIGS. 229-247include the basic screen flows beginning with the screen atFIG. 238. Upon selection of the surface icon2592, the menu structure advances toFIG. 239. Selection of the left turn function advances the menu structure twoFIG. 240where the comfort function is not displayed because the comfort function is not available during turn assist or Max inflate functions. The menu structure than advances toFIG. 234where a text prompt is provided. The structure than advances toFIG. 235where the turn function is activated in the menu structure advances toFIG. 236.FIG. 236displays a screen that provides a status of the turn function as it is ongoing, including a countdown timer. It should be noted that the normal, right turn, and Max inflate functions are all still available while the left turn is occurring. The menu structure then advances toFIG. 237which is a depiction of the home screen showing the ongoing turn activity as a home screen can be displayed while a function is active.

In some cases, turn assist will fail to start. In such a case the menu structure advances toFIG. 230which provides a prompt. An alternative prompt is shown atFIG. 231. If a user selects right turn atFIG. 240, the menu structure advances toFIG. 232to provide the caution prompt and then advances toFIG. 233where the surface menu is displayed with the countdown timer. In some cases, such as if a side rail is down, turn assist will be disabled as shown inFIG. 229.

Choosing an alternative path, if the comfort function is selected atFIG. 239, the menu structure advances toFIG. 241which shows the comfort function highlighted. Once the comfort function is selected, the menu structure advances toFIG. 242where a user can make adjustments to the comfort by zone or enable a patient to make adjustments to comfort from the patient pendant. In some cases, comfort adjust may not be available. As will be described below, the bed can be configured such that comfort adjust is not an available option.

FIG. 244begins a sequence of screens associated with the Max inflate function which can be chosen from the air surface control screen shown inFIG. 240. When the Max inflate function is chosen atFIG. 244as indicated by the highlighting, the menu structure advances toFIG. 245which shows the time remaining in Max inflate. The menu structure then advances fromFIG. 245toFIG. 246which is a home screen displaying the status of the air surface. As the Max inflate function times out, a prompt pops up atFIG. 247to inform a caregiver and inquire as to whether a timer should be reset.

Now referencing the Bluetooth® menu structure2426,FIGS. 268-285is directed to the Bluetooth® menu structure. The Bluetooth® menu structure starts withFIG. 272, butFIG. 272does not show the Bluetooth® icon2602in the main menu section2440. Thus a user has to navigate using the navigation arrow in the lower right corner of the screen ofFIG. 272to expose the Bluetooth® icon as shown inFIG. 273. Selection of the Bluetooth® icon2602advances toFIG. 274which provides a listing of available devices showing the call light connected. The user can select one of the devices by a touching the screen in the menu structure will advance toFIG. 275to connect the device. In some cases,FIG. 268will appear if another device is searching for Bluetooth® connection. AtFIG. 269the graphical user interface66provides prompts to a user for connecting a device.

If the connection completes atFIG. 275the menu structure advances toFIG. 276which shows other available devices which may be connected or disconnected. Once the Bluetooth® menu structure times out, the home screen shown atFIG. 277is displayed and displays the Bluetooth® icon if a Bluetooth® connection has been made. If the connection fails atFIG. 275,FIG. 278provides prompting for resolving the issue.FIG. 279assists with disconnecting a device.FIG. 280is a prompt that appears after a bed has been transported to assist with connecting the bed to a Bluetooth® call light. The menu structure then progresses toFIG. 281to assist with the connection.FIG. 282indicates the connection is being made andFIG. 285confirms the completion of the connection. On the other hand, if the bed returns to a room and makes an immediate Bluetooth® connection, a prompt such as that prompt atFIG. 283appears giving the opportunity to disconnect the device and correctly connected atFIG. 284.

FIGS. 286-352are all screens that appear in the preferences menu structure2430. Various settings are available to the caregivers and two technical support teams through throughout the preferences menu structure.

FIGS. 354-376are screenshots of screens assisted with the operation of a sequential compression device controlled from the graphical user interface.

As discussed above, the hospital bed10has ongoing communications amongst components of the hospital bed10, and accessories in the patient room, and with external information systems including electronic medical records. One of the challenges of such a broad array of communications links is the ability to maintain security and data integrity. A solution for the need for secure device to device communications is the use of a public key infrastructure (PKI) approach.

PKI is based on top of public key cryptography. Public key cryptography is different from symmetric cryptography by its use of two linked keys, one to encrypt and one to decrypt. In symmetric cryptography, an encryption algorithm E takes as input a plain text message M and a key K and produces a cypher text C. The decryption algorithm takes as input the cypher text C and the key K and produces the plain text message M:
E(M,K)=C
D(C,K)=M

Once a message is encrypted, barring some fault in the algorithm implementation or drastic advance in cryptanalysis, only somebody with a copy of the key can decrypt it. But also everybody with the key can decrypt it. Or decrypt it, modify it and re-encrypt it. If a group wishes to encrypt messages among members, either all share the same key, or need keys for each independent pairwise conversation. The first approach is quite insecure, and the second get unmanageable quite fast (number of keys is n*(n−1)/2).

The public key cryptography uses a public key Pk and a private key pk. The encryption/decryption algorithm work similarly:
E(M,Pk)=C
D(C,pk)=M

The advantages of the public key cryptography include publishing a public key while keeping it private key secret. This allows the sending of one-way messages to the owner of a key pair. This has an advantage of keeping the pool of keys scales linearly to the number of parties in a conversation. In addition, a plain text message can be encrypted using a private key. It also allows the certificate approach for executing documents or acting electronically in a legally binding manner.

Referring toFIG. 385, an arrangement is disclosed where each node maintains an independent public/private key pair. In this way the grandparent certificate authority certificate authority4240is able to maintain a chain of certificates linking each key to the public key of a parent4242or4244to a respective child4246,4248or4250, respectively. This permits a down-tree network of trust to be created with the grandparent4240maintaining the authority of the child4242,4244public keys, as well as the grandchild4246,4248and4250.

This allows two of the parent or grandparent nodes to mutually authenticate. Once a secure channel is established (using a standard key exchange protocol) the two parties can exchange their public keys and together with the certificate chain reaching up to the common parent. At that point, each party can verify the signatures through all of the generations and ensure that they are part of the same “organization”.

Note that the same scheme can be employed to delegate authority from the grandchildren4246,4248,4250to the parent certificate authorities4242,4244and devices. For instance, the certificate authority can certify the following statement: “[Delegated (certificate authority1) Public Key4242] can sign device public keys for class 1 and delegate operation Z”. Then the Delegated certificate authority14242can sign the public key of Device 1.1 and add the “delegate operation Z” to it. Now if4242connects to4246it will send its public key along with “Delegated certificate authority1” public key to4246. Node4246will respond with its own public key and the “Delegated certificate authority2” public key. Each device uses its own copy of the Root certificate authority public key to verify the signature on the delegated certificate authority, and the now certified delegated certificate authority to verify the public key of the device. After this verification, “Device 1.1” signs a statement that it intends to request “operation Z” and sends it to “Device 2.1”. Since “Device 2.1” now has a certified public key from “Device 1.1” it can use it to verify the signature on the request. Since it has the augmented delegation statement from the parent of “Device 1.1”, it can now configure itself to allow such requests to perform “operation Z” received subsequently.

Of course, if adequate memory is available, the sets of parent certificate authorities and signatures can be cached after the first exchange, and later expunged after some amount of time passed since the last time they were needed.

In an environment in which the hospital bed10operates, such as that shown diagrammatically inFIG. 386A-386B, each manufacturer may function as a certificate authority for communications relevant to that manufacturer, and generate its key pair. The manufacturer will then submit the public key to the root certificate authority via manual key transport. The root certificate authority, in this case, a hospital bed10device, will sign the certificate authority public key, then will also create and digitally sign a manifest granting the manufacturing certificate authority the authority to sign device keys and to further delegate those keys the specific operations. This will be beneficial in that devices may delegate powers. For example, lift devices4252could be delegated the authority to request specific model hospital bed10sto articulate; diagnostic devices would be delegated the authority to tap into a hospital bed10state and to fully articulate any hospital bed10; servers may be delegated the authority to request hospital bed10status, set and clear alarms, retrieve patient weight; hospital bed10swould be delegated the authority to push alarms and PPM status to servers.

A server certificate authority can be configured by for various manufacturers and used to sign keys and manifests for feature installations, such as enabling a function on a device only as necessary.

Another special set of certificate authority is used for diagnostic devices. They are tablet computers issued by the services organization to the field technicians. These devices are intended to be used for on-site configuration, identifying faults and verifying functionality during scheduled maintenance, as such they are quite powerful. Being small and multi-functional, there is a possibility that they get misplaced or misappropriated. To prevent such a device which is no longer under the physical control of the owner, authorized technician from manipulating or interfering with a hospital bed10(or lift), given the fact that the technicians use the tablet to connect to a custom service application to receive the work orders or to refresh the manuals and schematics stored on the tablet to request a short-lived (˜1 week) signature and delegation from the diagnostic device certificate authority. The technician will send his or her credentials (user name and password) to the diagnostic device certificate authority, together with the device public key. The diagnostic device certificate authority will contact the directory service and validate the credentials, and if they are valid then return a digital signature and a delegation manifest valid for the next period (the 1 week mentioned earlier, or could be one month).

Yet another class of certificate authorities is used to sign public keys for any 3rd party extension devices that plug-in or communicate with a particular device. The manufacturing certificate authority will interact with the device (hospital bed10or lift) at the final stages of manufacturing, around the time that the current production image is downloaded into the flash. The certificate authority will generate the key pair (since the CPU power in the device itself is sometimes limited); sign the public key; create and sign the delegation manifest, associate the public key with the serial number of the finished device and save into a log.

This would be facilitated by writing in to the devices flash memory that the device key pair, the manifest and its signature, all the public keys and signature on the chain of trust from the manufacturing certificate authority to the root certificate authority destroy its copy of the device private key.

The diagnostic devices are off the shelf tablets, so the manufacturing step does not apply to them. As described earlier, the diagnostic tablets will get their certificates through the periodic check-in process. Such an arrangement would allow for improved security and easing of inter-device communications.