Patent Publication Number: US-10787034-B2

Title: Patient care bed

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/856,032, filed on Sep. 16, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,994,072, which claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/051,586, filed on Sep. 17, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to patient care beds, and more particularly, to mobile, height-adjustable, and articulatable patient care beds and mechanisms for use therewith. 
     2. Background of Related Art 
     Patient care beds are often used in both home care and in more formalized medical settings, e.g., hospital rooms. Such beds generally include a bed frame configured to support a mattress thereon, leg assemblies for supporting the bed frame, and one or more mechanisms for adjusting the height of the bed frame relative to the floor, e.g., to raise/lower the patient and/or for articulating the bed frame, e.g., to position the patient in a lying position, a sitting position, etc. Some patient beds also include casters to facilitate transport of the bed. A lock assembly or assemblies is often included on these mobile patient beds to enable the bed to be locked in position when not being transported. 
     SUMMARY 
     To the extent consistent, any of the aspects and features herein may be used in connection with any or all of the other aspects and features detailed herein. 
     In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a caster locking mechanism for a patient care bed is provided including an engagement foot, a lock bar, a release bar, and a lock and release assembly. The engagement foot is movable between a retracted position and an extended position for lifting a caster assembly off of a support surface. The lock bar is movable in a first direction from an unlocked position to a locked position to move the engagement foot from the retracted position to the extended position. The release bar movable in the first direction from an initial position to a release position to move the engagement foot from the extended position back to the retracted position. The lock and release assembly includes a guide plate, a rocker, and a release member. The guide plate defines a lock and release slot. The rocker includes a protrusion slidably disposed within the lock and release slot. The rocker is operably coupled to the lock bar such that moving the lock bar from the unlocked position to the locked position slides the protrusion of the rocker through the lock and release slot from a first position to a second position to lock the lock bar in the locked position and the engagement foot in the extended position. The release member includes a protrusion slidably disposed within the lock and release slot. The release member is operably coupled to the release bar such that movement of the release bar from the initial position to the release position slides the protrusion of the release member through the lock and release slot and into contact with the protrusion of the rocker to urge the protrusion of the rocker from the second position back to the first position, thereby returning the lock bar to the unlocked position and the engagement foot to the retracted position. 
     In aspects of the present disclosure, the lock and release slot defines a L-shaped configuration having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. In such aspects, moving the lock bar from the unlocked position to the locked position slides the protrusion of the rocker from a closed end of the vertical portion of the lock and release slot, through the vertical portion of the lock and release slot, and into the horizontal portion of the lock and release slot to lock the lock bar in the locked position and the engagement foot in the extended position. 
     In aspects of the present disclosure, movement of the release bar from the initial position to the release position slides the protrusion of the release member from a closed end of the horizontal portion of the lock and release slot through the horizontal portion of the lock and release slot and into contact with the protrusion of the rocker to urge the protrusion of the rocker from the horizontal portion of the lock and release slot to the vertical portion of the lock and release slot, thereby returning the lock bar to the unlocked position and the engagement foot to the retracted position. 
     In aspects of the present disclosure, the lock bar is biased towards the unlocked position such that the protrusion of the rocker is biased towards the closed end of the vertical portion of the lock and release slot once disposed within the vertical portion of the lock and release slot, thereby returning the lock bar to the unlocked position and the engagement foot to the retracted position once the protrusion of the rocker is disposed in the vertical portion of the lock and release slot. 
     In aspects of the present disclosure, the lock bar includes a yoke pivotably coupled to the guide plate at a first location along the yoke via a first pin. 
     In aspects of the present disclosure, a second pin is pivotably coupled to the yoke at a second location along the yoke. In such aspects, the second pin is slidably disposed within a guide slot defined within the guide plate. 
     In aspects of the present disclosure, the rocker is pivotably coupled to the yoke at the second location along the yoke via the second pin. 
     In aspects of the present disclosure, a leg defining a first end and a second end is provided. The first end of the leg is pivotably coupled to the yoke at the second location along the yoke via the second pin and the second end of the leg is coupled to the engagement foot. 
     In aspects of the present disclosure, the release member is fixedly engaged to the release bar and pivotably coupled to the guide plate via a third pin. 
     In aspects of the present disclosure, the guide plate is configured to fixedly engage a base bar of a leg assembly of a patient care bed. 
     A patient care bed provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes a fixed frame defining a head end and a foot end and first and second leg assemblies coupled to the head end and foot end, respectively, of the fixed frame. Each leg assembly includes a pair of spaced-apart caster assemblies configured to support the leg assembly on a support surface, e.g., the floor. An engagement foot is associated with each of the caster assemblies of the first leg assembly or the second leg assembly. Each engagement foot is movable between a retracted position and an extended position for lifting the corresponding caster assembly off of the support surface. The patient care bed further includes a lock and release assembly associated with each engagement foot, a lock bar operably coupled to and extending between the lock and release assemblies, and a release bar operably coupled to and extending between the lock and release assemblies. The lock bar is movable in a first direction from an unlocked position to a locked position to move the engagement feet from the retracted position to the extended position. The release bar is movable in the first direction from an initial position to a release position to move the engagement feet from the extended position back to the retracted position. Each of the lock and release assemblies may be configured similarly as detailed above with respect to any of the previous aspects. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects and features of the presently disclosed patient care bed and mechanisms for use therewith are described with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like references characters identify similar or identical elements and: 
         FIG. 1  is a top, perspective view of a patient care bed provided in accordance with the present disclosure, with one of the stabilizers of each leg assembly removed; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the patient care bed of  FIG. 1 , with one of the stabilizers of each leg assembly removed; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom, perspective view of a portion of the patient care bed of  FIG. 1  with one of the stabilizers of the illustrated leg assembly removed; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the portion of the patient care bed shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side, cross-sectional view of another portion of the patient care bed of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged, perspective view of another portion of the patient care bed of  FIG. 1  illustrating the coupling between one of the leg members of the patient care bed and the stabilizer associated therewith; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged, perspective view of another portion of the patient care bed of  FIG. 1  illustrating coupling between one of the articulatable sections of the patient care bed and the actuator associated therewith; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged, perspective view of another portion of the patient care bed of  FIG. 1  illustrating the operable connections between the articulatable section of  FIG. 7  and the actuator associated therewith, with one of the stabilizers of the illustrated leg assembly removed; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a caster locking mechanism provided in accordance with the present disclosure and configured for use with the patient care bed of  FIG. 1  or any other suitable patient care bed; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the caster locking mechanism of  FIG. 9  illustrating the internal operable couplings between the components thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the guide plate of the caster locking mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the yoke of the caster locking mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the rocker of the caster locking mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the leg of the caster locking mechanism of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a portion of the release bar of the caster locking mechanism of  FIG. 9 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 1-3 , a patient care bed provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown generally identified by reference numeral  10 . Bed  10  is particularly suitable for long term care, although bed  10  may also find application in short term care, and/or may be used in both hospital settings as well as in private home care settings. Bed  10  generally includes a fixed frame  100 , an articulatable frame  200  articulatably mounted on fixed frame  100 , a pair of leg assemblies  300  coupled to fixed frame  100  and extending downwardly therefrom, a pair of height adjustment actuator assemblies  400 , and a pair of articulation actuator assemblies  500 . Bed  10  further includes a pair of caster assemblies  600  coupled to the lower end of each leg assembly  300  on each side thereof to facilitate transport of bed  10 . 
     Fixed frame  100  includes a head end  110 , a foot end  120 , and is defined by a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal side beams  132 ,  134  extending between the head and foot ends  110 ,  120 , respectively, of fixed frame  100 , although other suitable configurations are also contemplated. One or more cross-beams  140  extends transversely between side beams  132 ,  134  to provide structural support to fixed frame  100 . Fixed frame  100  further includes head end brackets  112  and foot end brackets  122  configured to support a head board (not shown) and a foot board (not shown), respectively, at the head and foot ends  110 ,  120 , respectively, thereof As detailed below, leg assemblies  300  are operably coupled to fixed frame  100  to enable height adjustment of fixed frame  100  relative to a support surface, e.g., the floor. 
     Articulatable frame  200  includes a plurality of sections  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  pivotably coupled to one another and/or fixed frame  100  to enable movement at least between a substantially flat or lying position, a seated position, a legs raised position, and a seated and legs raised position. More specifically, articulatable frame  200  includes a back section  210 , a hip section  220 , a thigh section  230 , and a foot section  240 , although greater or fewer than four (4) sections and/or different configurations of sections  210 - 240  are also contemplated. Hip section  220  is fixedly secured to fixed frame  100 . Back section  210  is pivotably coupled to hip section  220  about a first pivot  212  and is positioned adjacent to hip section  220  towards head end  110  of fixed frame  100 . A first articulation actuator assembly  500  is operably coupled to back section  210  to enable articulation of back section  210  relative to fixed frame  100 , as detailed below. Thigh section  230  is pivotably coupled to hip section  220  about a second pivot  232  and is positioned adjacent to hip section  220  towards foot end  120  of fixed frame  100 . A second articulation actuator assembly  500  is operably coupled to thigh section  230  to enable articulation of thigh section  230  relative to fixed frame  100 , as also detailed below. Foot section  240  is pivotably coupled to thigh section  230  about a third pivot  242  towards foot end  120  of fixed frame  100 . Foot section  240  is not directly coupled to fixed frame  100 , but, rather, is both pivotable and movable relative thereto in response to pivoting of thigh section  230 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-3 , each leg assembly  300  and corresponding height adjustment actuator assembly  400  pair is substantially similar and, thus, reference below will only be made to one of the leg assemblies  300  and the corresponding height adjustment actuator assembly  400  thereof. It is envisioned that leg assemblies  300  and the corresponding height adjustment actuator assemblies  400  thereof be operable in conjunction with one another, e.g., to raise and lower fixed frame  100  relative to the floor or other support surface in generally parallel orientation relative to the floor or other support surface, and/or that leg assemblies  300  and the corresponding height adjustment actuator assemblies  400  be operable independently of one another, e.g., to achieve the Trendelenburg and reverse-Trendelenburg positions. 
     Leg assembly  300  includes a pair of leg members  310 , a pair of leg stabilizers  320 , a cross bar  330 , and a base bar  340 . Leg members  310  are spaced-apart and disposed on either side of fixed frame  100 , e.g., adjacent longitudinal side beams  132 ,  134 , respectively. Each leg member  310  defines an upper end  312  and a lower end  314 . The upper end  312  of each leg member  310  is slidably and rotatably coupled to one of the longitudinal side beams  132 ,  134  of fixed frame  100 . More specifically, a linkage  316  couples the upper end  312  of each leg member  310  to the corresponding longitudinal side beam  132 ,  134 . Linkage  316  defines a first end  317   a  that is pivotably coupled to the upper end  312  of the corresponding leg member  310  via a pivot pin  318 . Linkage  316  further defines a second end  317   b  having a roller  319  mounted thereon. Roller  319  is captured within a track  135  defined within the corresponding longitudinal side beam  132 ,  134  to rotatably and slidably couple linkage  316  and, thus, leg member  310 , to the longitudinal side beam  132 ,  134  of fixed frame  100 . In use, as detailed below, outward sliding of rollers  319  through tracks  135  of longitudinal side beams  132 ,  134 , e.g., towards the adjacent end  110 ,  120  of fixed frame  100 , urges leg members  310  of leg assembly  300  to pivot relative to fixed frame  100  so as to raise fixed frame  100  (or the end thereof, where only one leg assembly  300  is urged to pivot) relative to a support surface, e.g., the floor, while inward sliding of rollers  319  through tracks  135  of longitudinal side beams  132 ,  134 , e.g., towards the center of fixed frame  100 , urges leg members  310  of leg assembly  300  to pivot relative to fixed frame  100  so as to lower fixed frame  100  (or the end thereof, where only one leg assembly  300  is urged to pivot) relative to a support surface, e.g., the floor. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-3 , a leg stabilizer  320  (only one of which is shown for each leg assembly  300 ) is associated with each leg member  310  and operably coupled between that leg member  310  and the corresponding longitudinal side beam  132 ,  134  of fixed frame  100 . Each leg stabilizer  320  defines an upper end  322  and a lower end  324 . The upper end  322  of each leg stabilizer  320  is pivotably engaged to one of the cross-beams  140  of fixed frame  100  adjacent the corresponding side beam  132 ,  134  of fixed frame  100  via a linkage  323   a  and pivot pin  323   b.  The lower end  324  of each leg stabilizer  320  is pivotably coupled to an intermediate portion of the corresponding leg member  310  via a U-bracket  326 . More specifically, a U-bracket  326  is fixed, e.g., welded or otherwise secured, to the corresponding leg member  310  intermediate the upper and lower ends  312 ,  314 , respectively, thereof. Each U-bracket  326  includes a pair of uprights  327  defining a slot  328  therebetween that is configured to receive the lower end  324  of the corresponding leg stabilizer  320 . A pivot pin  329  extends through the uprights  327  of each U-bracket  326  and an aperture (not explicitly shown) defined transversely through the lower end  324  of the corresponding leg stabilizer  320  to pivotably engage the lower end  324  of the leg stabilizer  320  within the U-bracket  326 , thereby pivotably coupling the lower end  324  of each leg stabilized  320  with the corresponding leg member  310 . As a result of this configuration, wherein the lower end  324  of each leg stabilizer  320  is received within the U-bracket  326  of the corresponding leg member  310 , cantilevered forces that would result from a single support configuration are reduced if not eliminated. 
     Cross bar  330  of leg assembly  300  is engaged with and extends between the stabilizers  320  of leg assembly  300  so as to provide structural support thereto. As detailed below, cross bar  330  is configured to support an end of the corresponding height adjustment actuator assembly  400  thereon. Base bar  340  is engaged with and extends between lower ends  314  of leg members  310  so as to connect the spaced-apart leg members  310  of the leg assembly  300 . As also detailed below, a caster assembly  600  is disposed at each end of base bar  340  to enable transport of bed  10  along a support surface, e.g., the floor. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 4-6 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-3 , each height adjustment actuator assembly  400  is configured to transition one of the leg assemblies  300  between a lowered position and a raised position to thereby raise or lower fixed frame  100  (or an end thereof, where only one height adjustment actuator assembly  400  and corresponding leg assembly  300  are operated) relative to a support surface, e.g., the floor. As illustrated and described herein, two height adjustment actuator assemblies  400  are provided, one for each leg assembly  300 , although other configurations are also contemplated. These height adjustment actuator assemblies  400  may be operable in conjunction with one another and/or independently of one another, depending on a particular purpose. As noted above, the height adjustment actuator assemblies  400  corresponding to each of the leg assemblies  300  are substantially similar and, thus, reference below will only be made to one height adjustment actuator assembly  400 . 
     Height adjustment actuator assembly  400  includes a push-pull actuator  412  having an actuator base  414  and an actuator arm  416  telescopically extendable/retractable relative to actuator base  414 . Actuator base  414  is pivotably coupled to cross bar  330  of leg assembly  300  between the leg members  310  of leg assembly  300 . More specifically, one or more brackets  417   a  are fixedly mounted on cross bar  330  and pivotably engaged with actuator base  414  via a pivot pin  417   b  so as to engage actuator base  414  with cross bar  330  while still enabling pivoting of actuator base  414  relative to cross bar  330 . The free end of actuator arm  416  is pivotably engaged with a bracket  418   a  that is fixedly mounted on one of the cross-beams  140  of fixed frame  100  via a pivot pin  418   b  to pivotably couple the free end of actuator arm  416  with fixed frame  100 . 
     Extension of actuator arm  416  relative to actuator base  414  pushes cross bar  330  away from actuator  412 . Such movement of cross bar  330 , in turn, translates rollers  319  at the upper ends  312  of leg members  310  through through tracks  135  of longitudinal side beams  132 ,  134  of fixed frame  100 , and pivots leg members  310  and stabilizers  320  relative to fixed frame  100  to raise fixed frame  100  relative to a support surface, e.g., the floor. Retraction of actuator arm  416  relative to actuator base  414 , on the other hand, pulls cross bar  330  towards actuator  412 . This movement of cross bar  330 , in turn, translates rollers  319  in the opposite direction through tracks  135  of longitudinal side beams  132 ,  134  of fixed frame  100 , and pivots leg members  310  and stabilizers  320  in the respective opposite directions to lower fixed frame  100  relative to a support surface, e.g., the floor. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-3 , with respect to articulating articulatable frame  200 , as noted above, a first articulation actuator assembly  500  is operably coupled to back section  210  to enable articulation of back section  210  relative to fixed frame  100 , while a second articulation actuator assembly  500  is operably coupled to thigh section  230  to enable articulation of thigh section  230  relative to fixed frame  100 . The features and use of articulation actuator assemblies  500  are substantially similar to one another and, thus, only the articulation actuator assembly  500  associated with thigh section  230  is described herein below. 
     Articulation actuation assembly  500  includes a push-pull actuator  512  having an actuator base  514  and an actuator arm  516  telescopically extendable/retractable relative to actuator base  514 . Actuator base  514  is pivotably coupled to one of the cross-beams  140  of fixed frame  100 . More specifically, one or more brackets  517   a  are fixedly mounted on the cross-beam  140  pivotably engaged with actuator base  514  via a pivot pin  517   b  so as to enable pivoting of actuator base  514  relative to cross-beam  140 . Actuator arm  516  is pivotably coupled to thigh section  230  of articulatable frame  200  by way of first and second deck brackets  518   a.  Each deck bracket  518   a  is fixedly engaged with several slats of thigh section  230  of articulatable frame  200  to ensure sufficient engagement therewith and to provide a plurality of pushing/pulling points at which deck brackets  518   a  push/pull thigh section  230  of articulatable frame  200  to articulate thigh section  230  relative to fixed frame  100 . Each deck bracket  518   a  further includes an extension  518   b  extending downwardly therefrom. A pivot pin  518   c  extends between the extension  518   b  of each deck bracket  518   a  and an aperture (not shown) defined transversely through the free end of actuator arm  516  of articulation actuation assembly  500  to pivotably couple the free end of actuator arm  516  with deck brackets  518   a  and, thus, with thigh section  230  of articulatable frame  200 . Extensions  518   b  serve to offset pivot pin  518   c  relative to second pivot  232 , about which thigh section  230  pivots relative to hip section  220  of articulatable frame  200  and fixed frame  100 , such that extension/retraction of push-pull actuator  512  pivots thigh section  230  about pivot  232  relative to hip section  220 . In particular, extension of push-pull actuator  512  pivots thigh section  230  upwardly, e.g., towards an articulated position relative to hip section  220 , while retraction of push-pull actuator  512  pivots thigh section  230  downwardly, e.g., towards a flat position relative to hip section  220 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a plurality of caster assemblies  600  configured for use with bed  10  are provided. More specifically, a caster assembly  600  is coupled to each leg member  310  of each leg assembly  300  at opposed ends of base bars  340  of leg assemblies  300  to provide four caster assemblies  600  positioned adjacent the four corners of the generally rectangular-shaped bed  10 . As can be appreciated, this configuration provides a stable, balanced arrangement when bed  10  is both stationary and in transport. All of the caster assemblies  600  shaft a common general configuration and features. However, the caster assemblies  600  associated with the leg assembly  300  disposed towards the head end  110  of fixed frame  100  do include differences from those associated with the leg assembly  300  disposed towards the foot end  120  of fixed frame  100  of bed  10 . Thus, common aspects of all caster assemblies  600  will first be described, followed by a description of the differences between the head end caster assemblies  600  and the foot end caster assemblies  600 . 
     Each caster assembly  600  generally includes a body  610 , a cover  620 , and first and second casters  630 ,  640 . The body  610  of each caster assembly  600  includes a central portion  612  and first and second wings  614 ,  616  extending outwardly from opposed sides of central portion  612 . Central portion  612  is configured to pivotably engage body  610  with the base bar  340  of the corresponding leg assembly  300 . First and second wings  614 ,  616  are configured to operably engage first and second casters  630 ,  640 , respectively, so as to enable rotation of first and second casters  630 ,  640  relative to body  610  to translate bed  10  along a support surface, e.g., the floor. The cover  620  of each caster assembly  600  is disposed about the body  610  thereof to substantially cover the internal components and connections thereof, thus preventing material from inadvertently interfering with the operation of the caster assembly  600 . 
     Each of the caster assemblies  600  associated with the leg assembly  300  disposed towards the head end  110  of fixed frame further includes a wall bumper  650  extending therefrom. Wall bumpers  650  extend beyond the head end  110  of fixed frame  100  so as to first contact a wall and thereby inhibit head end  110  of fixed frame from contacting the wall. As can be appreciated, such a configuration inhibits damage to the wall as well as to bed  10  and/or the patient using bed  10 . 
     The first and second casters  630 ,  640  of the caster assemblies  600  associated with the leg assembly  300  disposed towards the foot end  120  of fixed frame are operably engaged with the respective wings  614 ,  616  so as to enable swiveling of first and second casters  630 ,  640  relative to body  610 , in addition to rotation thereof. As a result of this configuration, directional steering of bed  10  during translation thereof along a support surface, e.g., the floor, is enabled. Each of these caster assemblies  600  further includes a directional lock  660  movable between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, directional locks  660  permit swiveling of first and second casters  630 ,  640 , while, in the lowered position, directional locks  670  surround first and second casters  630 ,  640  so as to inhibit swiveling thereof. 
     The caster assemblies  600  associated with the leg assembly  300  disposed towards the foot end  120  of fixed frame  100  further include a locking mechanism  670  operably associated therewith. Locking mechanism  670  includes a lock bar  672  extending between the caster assemblies  600  at the foot end  120  of fixed frame  100 , and an engagement foot  674  disposed between the first and second casters  630 ,  640  of each of the caster assemblies  600  at foot end  120 . Lock bar  672  is operably coupled to engagement feet  674  such that, upon a first depression of lock bar  672 , engagement feet  674  are extended downwardly from caster assemblies  600  so as to contact the support surface, e.g., the floor, and raise caster assemblies  600  off of the support surface. Upon a second depression of lock bar  672 , on the other hand, engagement feet  674  are raised such that casters  630 ,  640  are returned to the support surface to enable translation of bed  10  therealong. Another locking mechanism configured for use with bed  10 , or any other suitable patient care bed, is detailed below with respect to  FIGS. 9-15 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 9-15 , and initially to  FIG. 9 , a caster locking mechanism  700  provided in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. Caster locking mechanism  700  is coupled to the base bar  340  of one of the leg assemblies  300  of bed  10  ( FIG. 1 ), e.g., the leg assembly  300  adjacent the foot end  120  of bed  10  (see  FIG. 1 ), although it is also contemplated that caster locking mechanism  700  be configured for use with the leg assembly of any other suitable patient care bed. 
     Caster locking mechanism  700  includes a pair of lock and release assemblies  710 , an engagement foot  760  associated with each lock and release assembly  710 , a lock bar  770 , and a release bar  780 . With additional reference to  FIGS. 10-14 , each lock and release assembly  710  is disposed at an end of the base bar  340  of one of the leg assemblies  300  of bed  10  adjacent the caster assembly  600  thereof (see  FIG. 1 ). Each lock and release assembly  710  includes a guide plate  712 , a yoke  720  of the lock bar  770 , a rocker  730 , a leg  740 , and a release member  750  of the release bar  780 . The lock and release assemblies  710  are similar to one another and, thus, only one lock and release assembly  710  will be detailed below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , guide plate  712  defines a semi-circular cut-out  713  configured to at least partially receive the base bar  340  of the corresponding leg assembly  300  ( FIG. 1 ). Base bar  340  may be secured within semi-circular cut-out  713  via welding, mechanical fastening, or in any other suitable fashion. Guide plate  712  further defines an L-shaped slot  714 , a guide slot  716 , a first aperture  718 , and a second aperture  719 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 12 , yoke  720  defines a generally U-shaped configuration including a pair of spaced-apart flanges  721   a,    721   b  interconnected at fixed ends thereof by a base  722 . An end of lock bar  770  is secured to base  722 , e.g., via welding or other suitable engagement, and extends transversely outwardly therefrom. Each flange  721   a,    721   b  defines a first aperture  723   a,    723   b  towards the free end thereof. First apertures  723   a,    723   b  are aligned with one another and first aperture  718  of guide plate  712  so as to enable receipt of a pivot pin  724  therethrough to pivotably couple yoke  720  and, thus, lock bar  770 , with guide plate  712 . Each flange  721   a,    721   b  of yoke  720  further defines a second aperture  725   a,    725   b  towards the free end thereof. Second apertures  725   a,    725   b  are aligned with one another and guide slot  716  of guide plate  712  so as to enable receipt of a guide pin  726  therethrough. As a result of this configuration, the range of motion of yoke  720  as it pivots about pivot pin  724  relative to guide plate  712  is limited by the range of motion of guide pin  726  through guide slot  716 . More specifically, when guide pin  726  is disposed at an upper end of guide slot  716 , yoke  720  and, thus, lock bar  770  are disposed in an unlocked position, and when guide pin  726  is disposed at a lower end of guide slot  716 , yoke  720  and, thus, lock bar  770  are disposed in a locked position. A torsion spring  728  is positioned about pivot pin  724  so as to bias yoke  720  and lock bar  770  towards the unlocked position, although other biasing configurations and/or biasing members are also contemplated. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 13 , rocker  730  includes a body  732  defining a first end  734   a  and a second end  734   b.  An aperture  736  is defined at first end  734   a  of rocker  730 . Aperture  736  is configured to receive guide pin  726  which to pivotably couple first end  734   a  of rocker  730  with yoke  720  and slidably and pivotably couple rocker  730  with guide plate  712 . As a result of this configuration, pivoting of lock bar  770  and, thus, yoke  720  towards the locked position relative to guide plate  712  drives rocker  730  downwardly. Second end  734   b  of rocker  730  includes a protrusion  738  extending outwardly therefrom. Rocker  730  is positioned adjacent guide plate  712  such that protrusion  738  is operably disposed within L-shaped slot  714  of guide plate  712 . Upon movement of yoke  720  towards the locked position to drive rocker  730  downwardly, protrusion  738  is translated downwardly along the vertical portion of L-shaped slot  714 . Upon reaching the locked position of yoke  720 , protrusion  738  is positioned at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal portions of L-shaped slot  714 . A biasing member  739  is positioned to bias rocker  730  towards the closed end of the horizontal portion of L-shaped slot  714  such that, upon protrusion  738  reaching the intersection of the vertical and horizontal portions of L-shaped slot  714 , protrusion  738  is biased into the horizontal portion of L-shaped slot  714 , thereby retaining rocker  730  in a lowered position and lock bar  770  and yoke  720  in the locked position. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 14 , leg  740  of lock and release assembly  710  is generally vertically oriented and defines an aperture  742  at the upper end thereof that is configured to pivotably receive guide pin  726 , which, as mentioned above, also pivotably couples rocker  730  with yoke  720  and guide plate  712 . As such, upon movement of lock bar  770  and, thus, yoke  720  towards the locked position, both rocker  730  and leg  740  are driven downwardly. Leg  740  is configured to fixedly engage engagement foot  760  of locking mechanism  700  such that downward driving of leg  740  effects corresponding downward driving of engagement foot  760 . More specifically, due to the above-detailed interconnections, upon pivoting of lock bar  770  towards the locked position, yoke  720  is likewise pivoted to thereby drive rocker  730  and leg  740  downwardly, which moves engagement foot  760  from a retracted position, wherein engagement foot  760  is spaced-apart from the supporting surface, e.g., floor, upon which the corresponding caster assembly  600  ( FIG. 1 ) sits, to an extended position, wherein engagement foot  760  is urged into contact with the supporting surface, e.g., floor, to raise the corresponding caster assembly  600  ( FIG. 1 ) off the floor and lock bed  10  ( FIG. 1 ) in position. Biasing of protrusion  738  of rocker  730  into the horizontal portion of L-shaped slot  714 , as detailed above, thus locks engagement foot  760  in the extended position upon pivoting of lock bar  770  to the locked position. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 15 , a release member  750  extends from either end of release bar  780  into operable engagement with the corresponding lock and release assembly  710 . More specifically, release member  750  defines an L-shaped configuration having a protrusion  752  extending outwardly in a transverse direction from an elbow  754  of release member  750 , and an aperture  756  disposed at a free end of release member  750 . Release member  750  is positioned relative to guide plate  712  such that protrusion  752  extends into L-shaped slot  714  of guide plate  712  and such that aperture  756  of release member  750  and second aperture  719  of guide plate  712  are aligned with one another. A pivot pin  758  extends through aperture  756  and second aperture  719  to pivotably couple release member  750  and, thus, release bar  780  relative to guide plate  712 . A biasing member (not explicitly shown) biases release bar  780  towards an initial position, wherein protrusion  752  is disposed at the closed end of the horizontal portion of L-shaped slot  714  of guide plate  712 . Upon downward urging of release bar  780  towards a release position, release member  750  is rotated relative to guide plate such that protrusion  752  is translated through the horizontal portion of L-shaped slot  714 . If engagement foot  760  is disposed in the extended position when release bar  780  is moved to the release position, protrusion  752  is translated through the horizontal portion of L-shaped slot  714  into contact with protrusion  738  of rocker  730  ultimately such that protrusion  738  is returned to the vertical portion of L-shaped slot  714  and, thereafter, biased upwardly through the vertical portion of L-shaped slot  714  to return engagement foot  760  to the retracted position and lock bar  770  to the unlocked position. Upon release of release bar  780 , the biasing member (not explicitly shown) biases release bar  780  back towards the initial position. 
     The above description, disclosure, and figures should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. Additionally, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with those of another, and that such modifications and variations are also intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments.