Patent Publication Number: US-2012023675-A1

Title: Tool-removable slide-off footboard

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/369,466, filed Jul. 30, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a patient support apparatus, such as a hospital bed, for supporting a patient, and particularly to a chair bed that can be manipulated to achieve both a conventional bed position having a horizontal sleeping surface upon which a person lies in a supine position and a sitting, or chair egress, position having the feet of the person on or adjacent to the floor and the head and back of the person supported above a seat formed by the bed. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a footboard of the chair bed which is removable when the bed is moved to the sitting, or chair egress, position. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application discloses one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and/or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter. 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus includes a deck configured to support a mattress assembly thereon, and a footboard removably coupled to the deck. Illustratively, the footboard includes a latch mechanism movable between a locked position wherein the latch mechanism is engaged with the deck to prevent the footboard from being removed from the deck and an unlocked position wherein the latch mechanism is disengaged from the deck to allow the footboard to be removed from the deck. The footboard further includes a tool-receiving device coupled to the latch mechanism and configured to receive a tool therein in order to move the latch mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
     In one illustrative embodiment, the latch mechanism may be coupled to a rear surface of the footboard. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, the latch mechanism may include a first latch pivotably coupled to a main body of the footboard. Illustratively, the first latch may be pivotable about an axis of rotation parallel to a width of the deck. Further illustratively, the latch mechanism may include a second latch spaced-apart from the first latch and pivotably coupled to the main body of the footboard. The first and second latches may be coupled to each other such that movement of one of the first and second latches operates to generally simultaneously move the other of the first and second latches. The first latch may be positioned adjacent to the tool-receiving device. 
     In still another illustrative embodiment, the tool-receiving device may include a slot configured to receive a generally thin object therein. Illustratively, the slot may be configured to receive a coin therein. Alternatively, the slot may be configured to receive a caregiver ID card therein. The latch mechanism may include a lever configured to be engaged and moved by the generally thin object. 
     In yet another illustrative embodiment, the tool-receiving device may be configured to receive a cylindrical object therein. Illustratively, the tool-receiving device may be configured to prevent a portion of a caregiver&#39;s body to be received therein. 
     In still another illustrative embodiment, the latch mechanism may be spring-biased to the locked position. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, the tool-receiving device may be a solenoid in electrical communication with a user input device. 
     In yet another illustrative embodiment, the footboard may further include a first post coupled to and configured to extend away from a rear surface of a main body of the footboard. Illustratively, the deck may include a post-receiving receptacle and the post of the footboard may be removably received within the post-receiving receptacle when the footboard is coupled to the deck. Further illustratively, the post-receiving receptacle may be positioned under a mattress support surface of the deck. A longitudinal axis of the post may be parallel to a plane of a foot section of the deck when the footboard is coupled to the deck. The footboard may also include a second post spaced-apart from the first post, wherein the second post is coupled to and configured to extend away from the rear surface of the main body of the footboard. The latch mechanism may be positioned between the first and second posts. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a footboard configured to be removably coupled to a patient support apparatus, such as hospital bed, includes a main body defining a plane and a post coupled to a rear surface of the main body and extending away from the main body in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the main body. Illustratively, the post is configured to be coupled to the patient support apparatus. The footboard also includes a latch mechanism coupled to a rear surface of the main body. The latch mechanism is movable between (i) a locked position wherein the latch mechanism is configured to be engaged with a portion of the patient support apparatus in order to prevent the footboard from being removed from the patient support apparatus, and (ii) an unlocked position wherein the latch mechanism is configured to be disengaged from the portion of the patient support apparatus in order to allow the footboard to be removed from the patient support apparatus. 
     In one illustrative embodiment, the footboard may further include a tool-receiving device coupled to the main body of the footboard. Illustratively, the tool-receiving device may include at least one of a slot and an aperture adjacent the latch mechanism such that receipt of a coordinating tool into one of the slot and the aperture may operate to engage the latch mechanism and move the latch mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position. The tool-receiving device may be coupled to a front surface of the main body of the footboard. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, the latch mechanism may be pivotable about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the post. 
     In still another illustrative embodiment, the post may be a first post and the footboard may further include a second post coupled to the rear surface of the main body and extending away from the main body in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the main body. Illustratively, the second post may be spaced-apart from the first post and may also be configured to be coupled to the patient support apparatus. The latch mechanism may be positioned between the first and second posts. 
     In yet another illustrative embodiment, the rear surface of the footboard may include a cut-out portion defining a cut-out space. Illustratively, the latch mechanism may be positioned within the cut-out space. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a footboard configured to be removably coupled to a patient support apparatus, such as hospital bed, includes a main body defining a plane and a post coupled to a rear surface of the main body and extending away from the main body in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the main body. Illustratively, the post is configured to be coupled to a deck section of the patient support apparatus. Further illustratively, the footboard is removed from the deck section of the patient support apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the main body and parallel to a plane of the deck section to which the footboard is configured to be coupled. 
     Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a chair bed showing the chair bed in a bed position and including a footboard coupled to a foot end of a deck of the chair bed; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the chair bed of  FIG. 1  showing the chair bed in the sitting position with the footboard removed therefrom; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the footboard of the chair bed of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the footboard; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the footboard; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of the footboard; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the footboard; and 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the footboard coupled to a foot section of the deck of the chair bed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A chair bed  10  of the present disclosure includes a head end  12 , a foot end  14 , and sides  16 ,  18 . The chair bed  10  is able to move between a conventional bed position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a sitting, or chair egress, position, as shown in  FIG. 2 . As is discussed in greater detail below, a footboard  20  of the bed  10  is removed from the bed  10  when the bed  10  is moved to the chair egress position. Removal of the footboard  20  from the bed  10  is accomplished through the use of an extracorporeal tool or accessory. It should be understood that while the particular chair bed  10  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the removable footboard  20  of the present disclosure may be used with any suitable patient support apparatus including any suitable hospital bed, chair bed, or the like. 
     Looking now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the chair bed  10  includes a base frame  21 , an intermediate frame  22  coupled to the base frame  21 , and an articulating deck  24  coupled to the intermediate frame  22 . Illustratively, the articulating deck  24  includes a longitudinally-spaced head section (not shown), seat section (not shown), thigh section  30 , and foot section  32 . The head, thigh, and foot sections  30 ,  32  are movable relative to each other and are movable relative to the seat section. The head, thigh, and foot sections  30 ,  32  are infinitely adjustable to allow the bed  10  to attain any desired position within the range of movement of the head, thigh, and foot sections  30 ,  32 , thus accommodating changes of position of a person on the bed  10 . Of course, the articulating deck  24  can provide a planar, horizontal sleeping surface (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), a planar sleeping surface that is tilted toward either the head end of the bed or the foot end of the bed  10 , and a non-planar chair-shaped seating surface (when the chair bed  10  is in the chair egress position shown in  FIG. 2 ), in addition to any number of intermediate positions therebetween. In the sitting position, the head end  12  of the head section of the deck  24  is pivoted upwardly away from the intermediate frame  22  to a back-support position providing a pivotable backrest so that the head section and intermediate frame  22  form an angle. The seat section  28  of the deck  24  is positioned to lie generally horizontally as in the initial position, the foot end  14  of the thigh section  30  is slightly upwardly inclined, and the foot section  32  of the deck  24  extends generally vertically downwardly from the thigh section  30 . As noted above, the footboard  20  is removed fro the bed  10  when the bed  10  is in the chair egress position. In particular, the footboard  20  is removed from the bed  10  through the use of a tool, and may otherwise not be removed from the bed  10  by a caregiver. 
     Illustratively, the bed  10  also includes a mattress assembly  40  configured to rest upon a mattress support surface of the articulating deck  24  of the bed  10 . Thus, in the conventional bed position, shown in  FIG. 1 , a horizontal sleeping surface  42  of the mattress assembly  40  is configured to support a person lying in a supine position. When the chair bed  10  is moved to the sitting, or chair egress position, shown in  FIG. 2 , the feet of the person on the mattress assembly  40  are located on or adjacent to the floor and the head and back of the person are supported above a seat formed by the bed  10 . The bed  10  may also include a mechanism for raising and lowering the articulating deck and the sleeping surface between a low position and a raised position relative to the base of the bed. In addition, the bed may also include mechanisms for independently raising and lowering each of the head section  26 , the thigh section  30 , and the foot section  32  so that the bed  10  can assume many positions to suite the specific needs of individuals. 
     As discussed above, the chair bed  10  includes the footboard  20 , shown in detail in  FIGS. 3-8 . While the particular chair bed  10  is shown and described herein, it should be understood that the footboard  20  of the present disclosure may be used with any suitable patient support apparatus. Illustratively, the footboard  20  is removably coupled to the deck  24  of the bed  10 . In particular, the footboard  20  is coupled to the foot section  32  of the deck  24  of the bed  10  when the bed  10  is in any conventional bed position whereby the deck sections are planar or articulated relative to each other. In use, when the bed  10  is moved to the chair egress position, shown in  FIG. 2 , the footboard  20  is removed from the deck  24  of the bed  10 . In particular, the footboard  20  may be removed by a caregiver prior to moving the bed  10  to the chair egress position. Alternatively, the footboard  20  may be removed by a caregiver when the bed  10  has been partially moved to the chair egress position. Once the chair egress position of the bed  10  is no longer needed, the caregiver may operate the bed  10  to move the bed  10  to any one of a number of conventional bed positions. At this time, the footboard  20  may again be coupled to the deck  24  of the bed  10 . Illustratively, as is discussed in greater detail below, a tool is used to unlock the footboard  20  from the foot section  32  of the deck  24  of the bed  10  to allow the caregiver to then remove the footboard  20  therefrom. Illustratively, a tool may be any extracorporeal device, typically, but not necessarily, a handheld device, that is not part of a caregiver&#39;s own self or body. In other words, a tool does not include the caregiver&#39;s own hands, arms, feet, etc., but may include any device held or engaged by the caregiver and used by the caregiver to unlock the footboard  20  from the deck  24  of the bed  10 . Without the use of this tool, the footboard  20  remains in a locked position on the deck  24  of the bed  10  and cannot be removed by the caregiver. Accordingly, the footboard  20  is a tool-removable footboard in that an extracorporeal tool is required in order to allow a caregiver to remove the footboard  20  from the deck  24  of the bed  10 . 
     Looking now to  FIGS. 3-8 , the footboard  20  includes a main body  50  having a front surface  52  and a rear surface  54 . Illustratively, the main body  50  includes an upper, central handle  56  and two side handles  58 . While the illustrative footboard  20  includes the particular main body  50  shown in  FIGS. 3-8 , it should be understood that other suitable footboards having other suitable shapes and sizes may be used as well. The footboard  20  further includes two posts  60  coupled to and configured to extend away from the main body  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 . Illustratively, the posts  60  are coupled to a bracket  62  of the footboard  20  that is coupled to the rear side of the main body  50 . In particular, the bracket  62  is coupled to a cut-out portion  156  of the main body  50 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The cut-out portion  156  is formed in a bottom portion of the rear surface  54  of the main body  50  to define an upper surface  158  and a rear surface  61  of the cut-out portion  156 . The cut-out portion  156  of the footboard  20  further defines a cut-out space or area  63  of the footboard  20 . Illustratively, the bracket  62  includes a main panel  64  adjacent to and generally flush with the rear surface  61  and an upper flange  66  adjacent to and generally flush with the upper surface  158 . The illustrative bracket  62  is coupled to the main body  50  with mechanical fasteners  70  such as screws, bolts, rivets, or nails, for example. It is also within the scope of this disclosure for the bracket  62  to be coupled to the main body  50  of the footboard  20  using other suitable fastening means such as adhesives, welds, etc. 
     The posts  60  of the footboard  20  are coupled to and extend away from the main panel  64  of the bracket  62 . In particular, the longitudinal axis of each post  60  is generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the main panel  64  of the bracket  62 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Further illustratively, the longitudinal axis of each post  60  is perpendicular to a plane defined by the main body  50  of the footboard  20 . As is discussed in greater detail below, the posts  60  of the footboard  20  are configured to be coupled to the deck  24  of the bed  10 . Illustratively, the posts  60  are spaced-apart from each other such that each post  60  is located at one of the right and left sides of the main panel  64  of the footboard  20 . The posts  60  are generally cylindrical in shape such that a cross-section of each post  60  is generally circular in shape. It should be understood, however, that the posts  60  may define other suitable cross-sectional shapes as well. It should further be understood that while the illustrative footboard  20  includes two posts  60 , the footboard may include any suitable number of posts configured to be coupled to the deck  24  of the bed  10 . 
     The footboard  20  also includes a latch mechanism  80 , shown best in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . As is discussed in greater detail below, the latch mechanism  80  operates to removably couple the footboard  20  to the deck  24  of the bed  10  by removably coupling with associated structure of the foot section  32  of the deck  24  of the bed  10 . In particular, the latch mechanism  80  is movable between a locked position wherein the latch mechanism is engaged with the deck  24  to prevent the footboard  20  from being removed from the deck  24 , and an unlocked position wherein the latch mechanism  80  is disengaged from the deck  24  to allow the footboard  20  to be removed from the deck  24 . Illustratively, the latch mechanism  80  is coupled to the main panel  64  of the bracket  62  of the footboard  20  and is positioned between the two posts  60  of the footboard  20 . Further illustratively, the latch mechanism  80  is generally positioned within the cut-out space  63  of the footboard  20 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . While the illustrative footboard  20  is coupled to the deck  24  of the bed  10 , it should be understood that the footboard  20  may be coupled to any other suitable structure of the bed  10  located generally at or near the foot end  14  of the bed  10 . 
     Looking now to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the latch mechanism  80  includes first and second supports  82  spaced-apart from each other and coupled to the main panel  64  of the bracket  62 . Illustratively, each support  82  includes a rear panel  84  that is coupled to and generally flush with the main panel  64  of the bracket  62 . A fastener  85 , such as a screw, rivet, bolt, or nail is used to couple each rear panel  84  of the latch mechanism  80  to the main panel  64  of the bracket  62 . Other suitable fasteners or fastening means, such as welds and/or adhesives may be used as well. Each support  82  also includes a pair of spaced-apart flanges  86  coupled to the respective rear panel  84 . Illustratively, the flanges  86  of each support  82  extend away from the rear panel  84  and define a latch-receiving space therebetween. 
     The latch mechanism  80  further includes a latch  88  positioned within the latch-receiving space of each support  82  and pivotably coupled to the spaced-apart flanges  86  of each support  82 . As such, the latch mechanism  80  includes two latches  88  which are each configured to couple with a coordinating structure (not shown) of the foot section  32  of the deck  24  of the bed  10  in order to couple and lock the footboard  20  to the deck  24  of the bed  10 . Illustratively, each latch  88  includes a head portion  90  configured to engage with the coordinating structure of the foot section  32  of the deck  24 , a body portion  92  coupled to the head portion  90 , and a foot portion  94  coupled to and extending downwardly from the body portion  92 . The body portion  92  of each latch  88  is pivotably coupled to the pair of spaced-apart flanges  86  of the respective support  82  to which each latch  88  is coupled. Illustratively, a bar  96  of the latch mechanism  80  is coupled to and extends between the foot portion  94  of each latch  88 . As is discussed in greater detail below, the bar  96  operates to coordinate the movement of the latches  88  with each other such that the latches  88  move generally simultaneously with each other. As such, movement of one latch  88  causes the other latch  88  to move therewith. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a pivot pin  98  is received through the body portion  92  of each latch  88  and the spaced-apart flanges  86  on either side of the body portion  92  of each latch  88  in order to pivotably couple the latch  88  to the respective support  82 . Accordingly, in use, each latch  88  is pivotable relative to the support  82  to which it is coupled about an axis through the pin  98 . Illustratively, the axis of rotation of each pin  98  is generally parallel a width of the deck  24 . Each latch  88  is movable between a locked position, shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  6 , and  7 , and an unlocked position (not shown) in which the head portion  90  of each latch  88  is pivoted rearwardly about the pivot pin  98 . As is discussed in greater detail below, the latches  88  are configured to engage the coordinating structure of the foot section  32  of the deck  24  of the bed  10  when in the locked position in order to secure the footboard  20  to the deck  24  of the bed  10 . Illustratively, when the latches  88  are in the locked position, the footboard  20  is also in a locked position on the deck  24  of the bed  10  and is not able to be removed from the deck  24  of the bed  10  without moving the latches  88  to the unlocked position. Further illustratively, when the latches  88  are in the unlocked position, the latches  88  are disengaged from the coordinating structure of the deck  24  of the bed  10  thus allowing the footboard  20  to be removed from the deck  24  of the bed  10 . 
     Looking now to  FIG. 5 , the footboard  20  further includes a card-receiving receptacle  100  coupled to the main body  50  of the footboard  20 . Illustratively, the card-receiving receptacle  100  includes a generally oval-shaped body  102  received within an aperture  104  formed in the front surface  52  of the main body  50  of the footboard  20 , an upper protrusion  106  coupled to the body  102  and configured to extend outwardly therefrom, and a lower protrusion  108  coupled to the body  102  and configured to extend outwardly therefrom. Illustratively, the upper and lower protrusions  106 ,  108  are spaced-apart from each other to define a card-receiving slot  110  therebetween. Illustratively, the upper protrusion  106  is imprinted with the words “SLIDE CARD TO RELEASE FOOT BOARD” in order to instruct a caregiver to slide a card, such as a caregiver ID card, for example, within the card-receiving slot  110  in order to release, or unlock, the latch mechanism  80  and thus the footboard  20  such that the footboard  20  may be removed by the caregiver from the deck  24  of the bed  10 . Illustratively, the card-receiving receptacle  100  operates as a tool-receiving device of the footboard  20 . As is discussed in greater detail below, such a tool-receiving device provides an input area, such as the slot  110 , for receiving a tool (not shown) therein. As noted above, such a tool includes any device or accessory that may be used by a caregiver, but not including any portion of the caregiver&#39;s own body, to move the latch mechanism  80  to an unlocked position. In particular, the tool configured for use with the card-receiving receptacle  100  is the caregiver&#39;s ID card, or any similarly sized and shaped card or device having a portion able to be received within the slot  110  of the receptacle  100 . 
     Looking still to  FIG. 5 , the footboard  20  includes another illustrative tool-receiving device. In particular, the footboard  20  includes a pen-receiving receptacle  120  including a body  122  coupled to the front surface  52  of the footboard  20 . The body includes an aperture  124  formed therethrough. Illustratively, the aperture  124  is sized and configured to receive a pen (not shown) and/or a tip of a pen therein. As such, the body  122  is illustratively imprinted with the words “INSERT PEN” in order to instruct a caregiver to insert a pen into the aperture  124  in order to release, or unlock, the footboard  20  from the deck  24  to allow a caregiver to remove the footboard  20  from the deck. As such, the tool provided for use with the pen-receiving receptacle  120  is a pen, or any other similarly sized and shaped device having a generally cylindrical portion able to be received within the aperture  124  of the receptacle  120 . As is discussed in greater detail below, the two tool-receiving receptacles  100 ,  120  of the footboard  20  provide access to a portion of the latch mechanism  80  such that a coordinating tool inserted into at least a portion of each of the receptacles  100 ,  120  is able to engage a portion of the latch mechanism  80  to move the latch mechanism  80  to the unlocked position. 
     In use, the footboard  20  is coupled to the deck  24  of the bed  10  when the bed  10  is positioned in any of a number of conventional bed positions, such as the supine position shown in  FIG. 1 , for example. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the posts  60  of the footboard  20  are received within post-receiving receptacles  150  of the foot section  32  of the deck  24  in order to couple the footboard  20  to the deck  24 . Illustratively, the post-receiving receptacles  150  are positioned below a foot plate  152  of the foot section  32  of the deck  24 . Each post-receiving receptacle  150  is generally cylindrical in shape in order to accommodate the generally cylindrical shape of the posts  60 . Of course, it should be understood that the post-receiving receptacles  150  may be any shape and size to accommodate and coordinate with posts of the footboard having other shapes and sizes. Illustratively, the post-receiving receptacles  150  each define a longitudinal axis that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bed  10  itself. In other words, the post-receiving receptacles  150  run along a length of the bed  10 . More particularly, the longitudinal axis of each post-receiving receptacle  150  is parallel to a plane defined by the plate  152  of the foot section  32  of the deck  24 . In use, the posts  60  may be removed and inserted into the post-receiving receptacles  150  when the bed  10  is in any number of positions. As such, insertion of the posts  60  into and removal of the posts  60  from the post-receiving receptacles  150  is done along an axis that is parallel to the plane of the foot section  32  of the deck  24  in order to allow a caregiver to slide the footboard  20  off the deck  24  by moving the footboard  20  in a direction  65  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) that is away from the deck  24  and generally parallel to the foot section  32  of the deck  24 . 
     When the posts  60  are positioned within the respective post-receiving receptacles  150 , the latch mechanism  80  is normally engaged with the coordinating structure (not shown) of the foot section  32  of the deck  24  such that the footboard  20  is in a locked position with respect to the deck  24 . In particular, when the latch mechanism  80  is in the locked position, the head portion  90  of each latch  88  are engaged with the coordinating structure of the foot section  32  of the deck  24 . For example, the head portion  90  of each latch  88  may be received within a slot or aperture of the foot section  32  of the deck  24  such that a rearward surface  89  of each latch  88  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) is configured to engage a portion of the foot section  32  in order to prevent a caregiver from pulling the footboard  20  in a direction away from the foot section  32  and removing the footboard  20  from the deck  24 . It should be understood, however, that the foot section  32  of the deck  24  may include other suitable structure(s) configured to be coupled to the latches  88  of the latch mechanism  80  in order to prevent a caregiver from removing the footboard  20  from the deck  24  when the latch mechanism  80  is in the locked position. Although not shown, the latches  88  may be spring-biased to the locked position. 
     In order to remove the footboard  20  from the foot section  32  of the deck  24 , the caregiver must move the latch mechanism  80  from the normally locked position to the unlocked position. As noted above, this may be accomplished through the use of two different tool-receivable receptacles  100 ,  120  configured to receive a particular tool therein. Illustratively, the first tool-receivable device is the card-receiving receptacle  100 . To use the card-receivable receptacle  100 , the caregiver simply slides a card, such as their caregiver ID badge, a credit card, or other similarly-sized card through the card-receiving slot  110  of the receptacle  100 . In use, the caregiver&#39;s card engages and moves a lever (not shown) coupled to and/or located within the main body  50  of the footboard  20 . Illustratively, this lever is coupled to one of the two latches  88  of the latch mechanism  80  and forms part of the latch mechanism  80 . As such, movement of the lever per the caregiver&#39;s card operates to move one of the two latches  88  from the normally upright, locked position to the unlocked position. In other words, movement of the lever operates to pivot one of the two latches  88  rearwardly about the pivot pin  98 . 
     As noted above, the latch mechanism  80  includes the bar  96  coupling the foot portion  94  of each latch  88  together. Thus, movement of one of the latches  88  to the unlocked position operates to simultaneously move the other latch  88  to the unlocked position as well. Illustratively, while the caregiver&#39;s card is described as engaging a lever of the latch mechanism  80 , it should be understood that the latch mechanism may include any other suitable structure which may be engaged by the caregiver&#39;s card in order move one of the latches  88  to the unlocked position. Such structure may be directly coupled to one of the latches  88  or may be indirectly coupled to one of the latches  88  via a number of other movable structures, such as linkages, for example. It should also be understood that the caregiver&#39;s card may directly engage a portion of one of the latches  88  in order to move the latch  88  to the unlocked position. 
     Once both latches  88  are moved to the unlocked position, the caregiver is able to pull on the footboard  20  to slide the posts  60  of the footboard  20  out of the post-receiving receptacles  150  of the foot section  32  of the deck  24  in order to remove the footboard  20  from the deck  24  of the bed  10 . As noted above, the footboard  20  is removed from the deck  24  by sliding the footboard  20  in a direction  65  away from the deck  24  and parallel to a plane defined by the foot section  32  of the deck  24 . Once the footboard  20  is fully removed from the deck  24 , the bed  10  may be moved to the chair egress position shown in  FIG. 2 . In order to couple the footboard  20  back onto the deck  24 , the caregiver simply inserts each post  60  into the respective post-receiving receptacle  150  and moves the main body  50  of the footboard  20  in a direction toward the deck  24  until the latches  88  of the latch mechanism  80  are properly engaged with the coordinating structure of the foot section  32  of the deck  24  and the footboard  20  is again in the locked position on the deck  24 . 
     As noted above, the footboard  20  includes yet another tool-receivable device. In particular, the footboard  20  includes the pen-receiving receptacle  120 . In order to remove the footboard  20  from the deck section  24  of the bed  10 , a user may insert a pen or another similarly sized and shaped long, cylindrical device into the aperture  124  of the receptacle  120 . Similar to that described above in regard to use of the card-receiving receptacle  100 , the caregiver&#39;s pen operates to engage and move the lever coupled to and/or located within the main body  50  of the footboard  20 . As noted above, this lever is coupled to one of the two latches  88  of the latch mechanism  80  such that movement of the lever per the caregiver&#39;s pen operates to move one of the two latches  88  from the normally upright, locked position to the unlocked position. Movement of one of the latches  88  operates to simultaneously move the other latch  88  as well such that both latches  88  are moved to the unlocked position. 
     Illustratively, while the caregiver&#39;s pen is described as engaging a lever of the latch mechanism  80 , it should be understood that the latch mechanism  80  may include any other suitable structure which may be engaged by the caregiver&#39;s pen in order move one of the latches  88  to the unlocked position. Such structure may be directly coupled to one of the latches  88  or may be coupled to one of the latches  88  via a number of other movable structures, such as linkages, for example. It should also be understood that the caregiver&#39;s pen may directly engage a portion of one of the latches  88  in order to move the latch  88  to the unlocked position. Further, the latch mechanism  80  may be configured such that the caregiver&#39;s pen engages the same structure that the caregiver&#39;s card engages when the card is slid through the card-receiving receptacle  100 . Alternatively, the latch mechanism  80  may be configured such that the caregiver&#39;s pen engages a structure different from that which is engaged by the caregiver&#39;s card. Regardless, both the caregiver&#39;s card and the caregiver&#39;s pen operate as tools used to engage a lever or other such structure capable of moving one of the latches  88  to the unlocked position. 
     Illustratively, while the caregiver&#39;s card and the caregiver&#39;s pen are discussed above as tools receivable within, or engagable with, the two tool-receivable receptacles  100 ,  120  of the footboard  20 , it should be understood that other tools may be used with each of the tool-receivable receptacles  100 ,  120  as well. In particular, any device, or tool, which has at least a portion that is thin enough to be received within the card-receiving slot of the receptacle  100  may be used with the receptacle  100  in order to move the latches  88  of the latch mechanism  80  to the unlocked position. Similarly, any device, or tool, which includes at least a portion that is able to fit within the aperture  124  of the receptacles  120  may be used with the receptacle  120  in order to move the latches  88  of the latch mechanism  80  to the unlocked position. Furthermore, it should be understood that while the footboard  20  includes the particular tool-receivable receptacles  100 ,  120  described above, the footboard  20  may include different or other tool-receivable devices as well which similarly operate to allow a user to use a tool to move the latches  88  of the latch mechanism  80  to the unlocked position. 
     For example, in another embodiment, the footboard  20  may be configured to include a coin-receiving slot (not shown) configured to receive a coin, such as a quarter, dime, nickel, penny, or other similarly-sized object at least partially therein. In use, the coin, once inserted into the slot, may be turned approximately 90 degrees in order to rotate a latch or lever 90 degrees therewith. Rotating the latch or lever would similarly operate to either directly or indirectly engage at least one of the latches  88  of the latch mechanism  80  in order to move the latches  88  to the unlocked position. 
     In still another embodiment, a graphical user interface  160  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be used by a caregiver to unlock the footboard  20  from the deck  24  of the bed  10 . Illustratively, the bed  10  includes two head section side rails  170  and two seat section side rails  172 . Each seat section side rail  172  includes the graphical user interface  160  coupled to an outside portion of the side rail  172 . Illustratively, another user interface, or control panel,  162  having various buttons and display screens is coupled to an inside portion of each side rail  172 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Illustratively, either the graphical user interface  160  and/or user interface  162  may be used to unlock the footboard  20  from the deck  24  of the bed  10 . In use, therefore, the caregiver may enter a code and/or instruction into either the graphical user interface  160  and/or the user interface  162 . Upon entering such an instruction, the graphical user interface  160  and/or the user interface  160  may send an electronic unlock signal to a device coupled to one of the latches  88  of the latch mechanism  80  in order to move the latches  88  to the unlocked position. For example, the unlock signal may operate to move a solenoid that is coupled (either directly or indirectly) to at least one of the latches  88 . In turn, the movement of the solenoid may operate to move at least one of the latches  88  to the unlocked position. In use, the unlock signal may operate to maintain the solenoid in the unlocked position for a predetermined period of time before moving the solenoid, and thus the latches  88 , back to the locked position. 
     Illustratively, in all embodiments shown and/or described above, the footboard  20  is a tool-removable footboard in that a tool is required in order to allow a caregiver to remove the footboard  20  from the deck  24  of the bed  10 . Without the use of this tool, the footboard  20  remains in a locked position on the deck  24  of the bed  10  and cannot be removed by the caregiver. Illustratively, the tool may be a card, a pen, a coin, or other similarly sized and shaped structures. Furthermore, the tool may also be a user interface, such as the \user interfaces  160 ,  162  described above. It should be understood that while various tools are described for use with the footboard  20 , the footboard  20  may be configured to include other suitable tool-receiving devices for use with other suitable tools. In particular, the footboard  20  of the present disclosure may include a tool-receiving device having an aperture formed therein that is specifically sized and configured for a particular tool to be received therethrough in order to engage a portion of the latch mechanism  80  to move at least one of the latches  88  from the locked position to the unlocked position. Furthermore, other electronic devices may be coupled to the latch mechanism  80  to allow a user to provide instructions and send a signal through a control system to move the latch mechanism  80  to the unlocked position. 
     Further illustratively, while the particular latch mechanism  80  is shown and described above, it is within the scope of this disclosure for the footboard  20  to include any other suitable latch mechanism configured to engage a portion of the bed  10  in a locked position and to disengage a portion of the bed in an unlocked position. Such other latch mechanisms may include one or more latches, levers, or other such structures which are received within or engaged with a coordinating structure of the bed  10  when the latch mechanism is in the locked position in order to prevent a caregiver from removing the footboard  20  from the deck  24  of the bed  10 . Such other latch mechanisms may also include any suitable latch which is movable (linearly and/or pivotably) to selectively engage and disengage the coordinating structure of the deck  24  of the bed. 
     Finally, as noted above, any such suitable latch mechanism of the footboard  20  may include a movable structure adjacent the tool-receiving device of the footboard  20  and generally accessible through an aperture or slot of the tool-receiving device of the footboard  20  in order to allow a tool to move the latch mechanism to an unlocked position. In other words, the tool-receivable device provides access (such as through an opening) to the latch mechanism to allow the coordinating tool to engage the latch mechanism and move the latch mechanism to the unlocked position. Alternatively, the latch mechanism may be in electrical communication with a tool-receiving device, such as a solenoid, for example, which receives an electrical signal providing instructions to move the latch mechanism. In particular, each of the illustrative user interfaces  160 ,  162  described above may be considered as a tool while the solenoid, or other such device which acts upon the latch mechanism, may be considered as the tool-receiving device in that the solenoid receives a signal, i.e., the unlock signal, from one of the user interfaces  160 ,  162 . 
     Although certain illustrative embodiments have been described in detail above, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of this disclosure as described and as defined in the following claims. Further, while the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.