Patent Description:
Often, the time period of bed rest required for recovery from an illness or serious injury leads to severe deterioration of muscle strength and a corresponding inability of the patient to support full body weight upon standing. It is challenging for rehabilitation specialists to help these patients regain the ability to stand and begin ambulation. The challenge is especially great for obese patients. A common technique in conventional practice is to physically lift and maneuver the weakened patient to a standing position while he or she attempts to bear full weight through the lower extremities. This technique has the possibility of increasing the risk of a patient fall and is also psychologically degrading for the patient as the activity reinforces the patient's dependence on others.

Hospital beds have evolved from conventional beds that lie flat to beds that convert into a chair position, allowing patients to begin standing from the foot of the bed. However, the sitting position does not improve a patient's leg strength and does little for preparing a patient for upright standing. Patients are still required to be lifted by hospital staff as the patient's leg muscles do not have adequate strength to support their weight.

<CIT> provides person support apparatuses with selectively coupled foot sections. In one embodiment, the person support apparatus includes a base frame, a primary support frame supported on the base frame, and a foot section coupled to the primary support frame. The person support apparatus also includes a carriage that is freely translatable between a head end of the primary support frame and a foot end of the primary support frame, the carriage comprising a torso portion and a seat portion having a thigh segment and a gluteal segment. The person support apparatus further includes a selectable trunnion that selectively and severally couples the foot section to the primary support frame and the thigh segment of the seat portion.

According to the invention, the problem posed is solved by the features of claim <NUM> The present disclosure includes one or more of the following features, alone or in any combination.

According to a first aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a patient support apparatus may include a frame. An articulated deck may be coupled to the frame. The articulated deck may include a head section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section. The seat section may include a stationary frame coupled to the frame and a moveable frame that is moveable relative to the stationary frame. The moveable frame may be moveable between a retracted position in which the moveable frame of the seat section is positioned adjacent the thigh section, and an extended position in which the moveable frame of the seat section is separated away from the thigh section, so that a patient positioned on the patient support apparatus is enabled to exercise by moving the moveable frame between the retracted position and the extended position.

The patient support apparatus further comprises an actuator moveable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The moveable frame is unlocked for movement relative to the stationary frame in response to the actuator being moved to the unlocking position. After the exercise is finished, the actuator returns to the locking position thereby returning the moveable frame to the retracted position.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the moveable frame may be moveable within a range of <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches) relative to the stationary frame. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the head section is pivotably raised upwardly beyond a threshold angle. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the foot section is moved to a retracted foot section position. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless a foot rest is positioned between the foot section and the patient. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the articulated deck is tilted to a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be between <NUM> degree and <NUM> degrees. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless one or more casters coupled to the frame are braked. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless at least one siderail coupled to the frame is in a raised position. The at least one siderail may include a first siderail adjacent a right side of the frame and a second siderail adjacent a left side of the frame. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the first and second siderails are both in the raised position.

It may be desired that, in the first aspect, the seat section may include a pair of panels. A first panel of the pair of panels may be coupled to the moveable frame to move therewith and a second panel of the pair of panels may be coupled to the stationary frame. The first panel may include at least one flange and the second panel may be adjacent the flange. The at least one flange may include a pair of flanges and the sides of the second panel may be adjacent respective flanges of the pair of flanges. When the moveable frame is in the extended position, the second panel may extend across a gap formed between the first panel and the thigh section.

It may be contemplated that, in the first aspect, the frame may include at least one track. The moveable frame may move along the track when the moveable frame moves between the retracted position and the extended position. The frame may include a first track oriented in a first direction and a second track oriented in a second direction. The orientation of the first track may be <NUM> degrees relative to the orientation of the second track. The moveable frame may move along the first track and the second track when the moveable frame moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

In some embodiments of the first aspect, the head section may be pivotably coupled to the moveable frame of the seat section. A lower end of the head section may be coupled to the moveable frame by a pivot joint that translates along the moveable frame as the head section is pivotably raised and lowered. The head section may be pivotable relative to the moveable frame regardless of whether the moveable frame is in the retracted position, the extended position, or any position between the retracted and extended positions. The head section may be locked out from pivoting relative to the moveable frame unless the moveable frame is in the retracted position.

According to a second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a patient support apparatus may include a frame. An articulated deck may be coupled to the frame. The articulated deck may include a head section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section. The seat section may include a stationary frame coupled to the frame and a moveable frame that is moveable relative to the stationary frame. An actuator may have a fixed member coupled to the frame and a moveable member that is telescopically moveable relative to the fixed member between a locking position and an unlocking position. The moveable member may be extended relative to the fixed member when in the unlocking position and the moveable member may be retracted relative to the fixed member when in the locking position. When the moveable member is moved to the unlocking position, the moveable frame may be unlocked for movement relative to the stationary frame between a retracted position in which the moveable frame of the seat section is positioned adjacent the thigh section, and an extended position in which the seat section is separated from the thigh section, so that a patient positioned on the patient support apparatus is capable of exercising by moving the moveable frame between the retracted position and the extended position. As the actuator returns the moveable member to the locking position, the moveable frame of the seat section may return to the retracted position adjacent the thigh section.

In some embodiments of the second aspect, the moveable frame may be moveable within a range of <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches) relative to the stationary frame. The moveable member of the actuator may be maintained in the locked condition unless the head section is pivotably raised upwardly beyond a threshold angle. The moveable member of the actuator may be maintained in the locked condition unless the foot section is moved to a retracted foot section position. The moveable member of the actuator may be maintained in the locked condition unless a foot rest is positioned between the foot section and the patient. The moveable member of the actuator may be maintained in the locked condition unless the articulated deck is tilted to a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be between <NUM> degree and <NUM> degrees. The moveable member of the actuator may be maintained in the locked condition unless one or more casters coupled to the frame are braked. The moveable member of the actuator may be maintained in the locked condition unless at least one siderail coupled to the frame is in a raised position. The at least one siderail may include a first siderail adjacent a right side of the frame and a second siderail adjacent a left side of the frame. The moveable member of the actuator may be maintained in the locked condition unless the first and second siderails are both in the raised position.

Optionally, in the second aspect, the seat section may include a pair of panels. A first panel of the pair of panels may be coupled to the moveable frame to move therewith and a second panel of the pair of panels may be coupled to the stationary frame. The first panel may include a flange and the second panel may be adjacent the flange. The first panel may include a pair of flanges and the sides of the second panel may be adjacent respective flanges of the pair of flanges. When the moveable member of the actuator is in the extended position, the moveable frame of the seat section may be moved to the extended position. The second panel may extend across a gap formed between the first panel and the thigh section.

It may be desired that, in the second aspect, the frame may include at least one track. The moveable frame may move along the track when the moveable frame moves between the retracted position and the extended position. The frame may include a first track oriented in a first direction and a second track oriented in a second direction. The orientation of the first track may be <NUM> degrees relative to the orientation of the second track. The moveable frame may move along the first track and the second track when the moveable frame moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

It may be contemplated that, in the second aspect, the head section may be pivotably coupled to the moveable frame of the seat section. A lower end of the head section may be coupled to the moveable frame by a pivot joint that translates along the moveable frame as the head section is pivotably raised and lowered. The head section may be pivotable relative to the moveable frame regardless of whether the moveable member of the actuator is in the locking position, the unlocking position, or any position between the locking position and the unlocking positions. The head section may be locked out from pivoting relative to the moveable frame unless the moveable member of the actuator is in the locking position.

According to a third aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a patient support apparatus may include a frame. An articulated deck may be coupled to the frame. The articulated deck may include a head section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section. The seat section may include a stationary frame coupled to the frame and a moveable frame that is moveable relative to the stationary frame. The seat section may further include a lower panel coupled to the stationary frame and an upper panel coupled to the moveable frame. The upper panel may move with the moveable frame relative to the lower panel. The moveable frame may be moveable between a retracted position in which the moveable frame of the seat section is positioned adjacent the thigh section, and an extended position in which the moveable frame of the seat section is separated away from the thigh section, so that a patient positioned on the patient support apparatus is capable of exercising by moving the moveable frame between the retracted position and the extended position. In the extended position, the lower panel may extend across a gap formed between the seat section and the thigh section.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, the moveable frame may be moveable within a range of <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches) relative to the stationary frame. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the head section is pivotably raised upwardly beyond a threshold angle. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the foot section is moved to a retracted foot section position. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless a foot rest is positioned between the foot section and the patient. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the articulated deck is tilted to a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be between <NUM> degree and <NUM> degrees. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless one or more casters coupled to the frame are braked. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless at least one siderail coupled to the frame is in a raised position. The at least one siderail may include a first siderail adjacent a right side of the frame and a second siderail adjacent a left side of the frame. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the first and second siderails are both in the raised position.

In some embodiments of the third aspect, an actuator may be moveable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The moveable frame may be unlocked for movement relative to the stationary frame after the actuator is moved to the unlocking position. After the exercise is finished, the actuator may return to the locking position to return the moveable frame to the retracted position.

Optionally, in the third aspect, the first panel may include at least one flange and the second panel may be adjacent the at least one flange. The at least one flange may include a pair of flanges and the sides of the second panel may be adjacent respective flanges of the pair of flanges.

It may be contemplated that, in the third aspect, the frame may include at least one track. The moveable frame may move along the track when the moveable frame moves between the retracted position and the extended position. The frame may include a first track oriented in a first direction and a second track oriented in a second direction. The orientation of the first track may be <NUM> degrees relative to the orientation of the second track. The moveable frame may move along the first track and the second track when the moveable frame moves between the retracted position and the extended position.

It may be desired that, in the third aspect, the head section may be pivotably coupled to the moveable frame of the seat section. A lower end of the head section may be coupled to the moveable frame by a pivot joint that translates along the moveable frame as the head section is pivotably raised and lowered. The head section may be pivotable relative to the moveable frame regardless of whether the moveable frame is in the retracted position, the extended position, or any position between the retracted and extended positions. The head section may be locked out from pivoting relative to the moveable frame unless the moveable frame is in the retracted position.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a patient support apparatus may include a frame, the frame may include a horizontal track and a vertical track. An articulated deck may be coupled to the frame. The articulated deck may include a head section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section. The seat section may include a stationary frame coupled to the frame and a moveable frame that is moveable relative to the stationary frame. The moveable frame may include a first roller that moves along the horizontal track and a second roller that moves along the vertical track when the moveable frame moves relative to the stationary frame. The moveable frame may be moveable between a retracted position in which the moveable frame of the seat section is positioned adjacent the thigh section, and an extended position in which the moveable frame of the seat section is separated from the thigh section, so that a patient positioned on the patient support apparatus is capable of exercising by moving the moveable frame between the retracted position and the extended position. The orientation of the horizontal track may be <NUM> degrees relative to the orientation of the vertical track.

In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the moveable frame may be moveable within a range of <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches) relative to the stationary frame. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the head section is pivotably raised upwardly beyond a threshold angle. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the foot section is moved to a retracted foot section position. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless a foot rest is positioned between the foot section and the patient. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the articulated deck is tilted to a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be between <NUM> degree and <NUM> degrees. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless one or more casters coupled to the frame are braked. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless at least one siderail coupled to the frame is in a raised position. The at least one siderail may include a first siderail adjacent a right side of the frame and a second siderail adjacent a left side of the frame. The moveable frame of the seat section may be locked from being moveable relative to the stationary frame unless the first and second siderails are both in the raised position.

Optionally, in the fourth aspect, an actuator may be moveable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The moveable frame may be unlocked for movement relative to the stationary frame after the actuator is moved to the unlocking position. After the exercise is finished, the actuator may return to the locking position to return the moveable frame to the retracted position.

It may be contemplated that, in the fourth aspect, the seat section may include a pair of panels. A first panel of the pair of panels may be coupled to the moveable frame to move therewith and a second panel of the pair of panels may be coupled to the stationary frame. The first panel may include at least one flange and the second panel may be adjacent the flange. The at least one flange may include a pair of flanges and the sides of the second panel may be adjacent respective flanges of the pair of flanges. When the moveable frame is in the extended position, the second panel may extend across a gap formed between the first panel and the thigh section.

It may be desired that, in the fourth aspect, the head section may be pivotably coupled to the moveable frame of the seat section. A lower end of the head section may be coupled to the moveable frame by a pivot joint that translates along the moveable frame as the head section is pivotably raised and lowered. The head section may be pivotable relative to the moveable frame regardless of whether the moveable frame is in the retracted position, the extended position, or any position between the retracted and extended positions. The head section may be locked out from pivoting relative to the moveable frame unless the moveable frame is in the retracted position.

According to a fifth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a patient support apparatus may include a frame and an articulated deck coupled to the frame. The articulated deck may include a head section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section. The seat section may include a stationary frame coupled to the frame and a moveable frame that is moveable relative to the stationary frame. The moveable frame may be moveable between a retracted position in which the moveable frame of the seat section is positioned adjacent the thigh section, and an extended position in which the moveable frame of the seat section is separated away from the thigh section, so that a patient positioned on the patient support apparatus is enabled to exercise by moving the moveable frame between the retracted position and the extended position. A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) homing link may be coupled between the head section and the frame. The CPR homing link may be configured to guide lowering of the head section relative to the frame in response to an emergency CPR function being activated to permit the head section to lower rapidly from a raised position. The CPR homing link may be further configured to move the moveable frame to the retracted position as the head section lowers after the emergency CPR function is activated.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the frame may include a channel. A first end of the CPR homing link may be pivotably coupled to the head section. A second end of the CPR homing link may move along the channel during movement of the head section between the raised position and an intermediate position. A roller may be coupled to the second end of the CPR homing link and rolling in the channel as the head section moves between the raised position and the intermediate position. A stop may be situated in the channel. The roller may engage the stop when the head section reaches the intermediate position during downward movement of the head section to prevent the second end of the CPR homing link from moving along the channel during further downward movement of the head section from the intermediate position to a lowered position. The stop may include a curved surface against which a substantially cylindrical outer perimeter of the roller nests when the roller engages the stop. Engagement of the roller with the stop may result in the CPR homing link acting through the head section to push the moveable frame back into the retracted position during downward movement of the head section from the intermediate position to the lowered position. An axle may interconnect the second end of the CPR homing link and the roller. The axle may define a pivot axis about which the CPR homing link pivots as the head section moves between the raised and lowered positions. The frame may include a channel member that extends along a longitudinal dimension of the frame, the channel member defining the channel. The head section may be angled relative to the channel member by about <NUM> degrees when the head section reaches the intermediate position.

Optionally, in the fifth aspect, a manual CPR input may be moved manually to activate the emergency CPR function. The manual CPR input may include at least one of a handle, a lever, or a pedal. The frame may include a base frame and an upper frame supported above the base frame by a lift. The manual CPR input may be coupled to the base frame and may be configured for actuation by a user's foot. The manual CPR input may be coupled to the head section. The manual CPR input may be coupled to the upper frame.

In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, a rotating link may couple the head section to the moveable frame. A spacing between a lower end of the rotating link and a lower end of the CPR homing link may increase as the head section lowers from the raised position to a lowered position. The CPR homing link may be coupled to the head section at a first pivot joint. The rotating link may be coupled to the head section at a second pivot joint. A distance between the first and second pivot joints may remain constant as the head section moves between the raised and lowered positions. The rotating link may be shorter than the CPR homing link. A head end siderail connection bracket may be attached to the head section. The CPR homing link may nest behind the head end siderail connection bracket when the head section is lowered.

It may be desired, in the fifth aspect, that an actuator may be moveable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The moveable frame may be unlocked for movement relative to the stationary frame in response to the actuator being moved to the unlocking position. The actuator may be moved to the locking position in response to the emergency CPR function being activated. The moveable frame may be unlocked for movement relative to the stationary frame in response to the actuator being moved to the unlocking position. The actuator may remain in the unlocking position after the emergency CPR function is activated. The seat section may include a pair of panels. A first panel of the pair of panels may be coupled to the moveable frame to move therewith and a second panel of the pair of panels may be coupled to the stationary frame. In response to the emergency CPR function being activated, the second panel may move into a position above the first panel.

In any of the aspects described above, a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) homing link may be coupled between the head section and the frame. The CPR homing link may be configured to guide lowering of the head section relative to the frame in response to an emergency CPR function being activated. A manual CPR input may be moved manually to activate the emergency CPR function.

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, a patient support apparatus <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure includes a head end <NUM>, a foot end <NUM>, and sides <NUM>, <NUM>. As used in this description, the phrase "head end <NUM>" will be used to denote the end of any referred-to object that is positioned to lie nearest head end <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM>. Likewise, the phrase "foot end <NUM>" will be used to denote the end of any referred-to object that is positioned to lie nearest foot end <NUM> of patient support apparatus <NUM>.

Patient support apparatus <NUM> includes a base <NUM> having a base frame <NUM> connected to an intermediate frame <NUM>. An articulated deck <NUM> is coupled to intermediate frame <NUM>. Right siderails <NUM>, <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) and left siderails <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to and extend from frame <NUM>. A mattress <NUM> is carried by the articulated deck <NUM> and provides a sleeping surface or support surface <NUM> configured to receive a patient (not shown).

The articulated deck <NUM> includes a head section <NUM>, a seat section <NUM>, a thigh section <NUM>, and a foot section <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The mattress <NUM> rests on the articulated deck <NUM> and includes a head portion <NUM>, a seat portion <NUM>, a thigh portion <NUM>, and a foot portion <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), each of which generally corresponds to the like-named portions of the articulated deck <NUM>, and each of which is generally associated with the head, seat, thighs, and feet of the patient on sleeping surface <NUM>.

The patient support apparatus <NUM> can be manipulated by a caregiver or by the patient on the sleeping surface <NUM> using electric linear actuators <NUM> so that the mattress <NUM>, the intermediate frame <NUM>, and the articulated deck <NUM> assume a variety of positions. The patient support apparatus <NUM> can assume a bed position having the articulated deck <NUM> configured so that the sleeping surface <NUM> is generally planar and horizontal, defining an initial position of the articulated deck <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The patient support apparatus <NUM> is convertible to a sitting position, shown in <FIG>. In the sitting position, the head end <NUM> of the head section <NUM> of the articulated deck <NUM> is pivoted upwardly away from the intermediate frame <NUM> to a back-support position providing a pivotable backrest so that the head section <NUM> and the intermediate frame <NUM> form an angle generally between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. Furthermore, in the sitting position of the patient support apparatus <NUM>, the seat section <NUM> of the articulated deck <NUM> is positioned to lie generally horizontally, the foot end <NUM> of the thigh section <NUM> is slightly upwardly inclined, and the foot section <NUM> of articulated deck <NUM> extends generally vertically downwardly from the thigh section <NUM>.

The patient support apparatus <NUM> can be moved to a Trendelenburg position (not shown) having the articulated deck tilted so that the head end <NUM> of the sleeping surface <NUM> is positioned to lie closer to the floor than the foot end <NUM> of the sleeping surface <NUM>. The patient support apparatus <NUM> can also achieve a reverse-Trendelenburg position, shown in <FIG>, having the articulated deck <NUM> tilted so that the foot end <NUM> of the sleeping surface <NUM> is positioned to lie closer to the floor than the head end <NUM> of the sleeping surface <NUM>.

A control panel <NUM> is positioned on the left siderail <NUM> in the illustrative embodiment. The control panel <NUM> includes a display <NUM> and a plurality of user inputs <NUM>. The user inputs <NUM> are selected by a user, such as a caregiver, to move the apparatus <NUM> between the positions described above. The display <NUM> displays information relevant to the position of the apparatus <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may display an angle of one of the apparatus sections, a position of the apparatus <NUM> (i.e. seated, bed, Trendelenburg, reverse-Trendelenburg, etc.). The user inputs <NUM> are also selected to implement an exercise regimen for the patient. In some embodiments, the caregiver or patient may enter data related to the exercise regimen. For example, the caregiver or patient may enter a number of required repetitions or a time period for the exercise regimen.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, a prior art method of exercising on the apparatus <NUM> is shown. The apparatus <NUM> is positioned for a patient to perform an exercise regimen. In such a configuration, the apparatus is placed in reverse-Trendelenburg position with the head end <NUM> of the head section <NUM> of the articulated deck <NUM> pivoted upwardly away from the intermediate frame <NUM>. The patient is positioned in a seated position with the patient's feet placed against a footboard <NUM> at the foot end <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>. The legs of the patient are bent so that the patient can press against the footboard <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As the patient presses against the footboard <NUM> and the patient's legs extend or straighten, the articulated deck <NUM> slides backward, as shown in <FIG>. The patient then bends the patient's knees which permits the articulated deck <NUM> to retract back to the position shown in <FIG>. By retracting and extending the legs between the bent and straightened positions shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, respectively, the patient exercises the patient's legs. The amount of weight pressed by the patient, is determined by a weight of the patient, a weight of the articulated deck <NUM> being moved, and an angle at which the articulated deck <NUM> is tilted. It should be appreciated that articulated deck <NUM> tilts with the intermediate frame <NUM> and therefore, the angle of tilt of the intermediate frame <NUM> relative to the base frame <NUM>, or relative to horizontal, is considered to be the angle of tilt of the articulated deck <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an articulated deck <NUM> that may be used with the apparatus <NUM> in lieu of articulated deck <NUM>. The articulated deck <NUM> is mounted to a frame <NUM> that is used in apparatus <NUM> in lieu of intermediate frame <NUM>. The articulated deck <NUM> includes a head section <NUM>, a seat section <NUM>, and a thigh section <NUM> that are coupled to the frame <NUM>. The articulated deck <NUM> also includes a foot section <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The head section <NUM> is moveable between a raised position (shown in <FIG>) and a lowered position (not shown, but corresponding to apparatus <NUM> being in the bed position as shown in <FIG>). The head section <NUM> is raised for the patient to perform an exercise regimen. The seat section <NUM> includes a stationary frame <NUM> fixedly attached to the frame <NUM> and a moveable frame <NUM> that moves relative to the stationary frame <NUM>. The head section <NUM> is coupled to the moveable frame <NUM> and moves with the moveable frame <NUM>. A lower end <NUM> of the head section <NUM> includes a pivot joint <NUM> that couples the head section <NUM> to the moveable frame <NUM>. The pivot joint <NUM> translates along the moveable frame <NUM> as the head section <NUM> is raised and lowered relative to the stationary frame <NUM>.

The moveable frame <NUM> moves between a retracted position <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and an extended position <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In the extended position <NUM>, the moveable frame <NUM> is separated from the thigh section <NUM>. Accordingly, during the exercise regimen, the moveable frame <NUM> of the seat section <NUM> moves relative to the thigh section <NUM> from the retracted position <NUM> in which the seat section <NUM> is positioned next to, or adjacent to, the thigh section <NUM>, and the extended position <NUM> in which the seat section <NUM> is positioned away from the thigh section <NUM>. Notably, the head section <NUM> moves with the seat section <NUM> between the extended position <NUM> and the retracted position <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an actuator <NUM> controls the movement of the moveable frame <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is controlled by the caregiver or patient by actuating the user inputs <NUM> of the control panel <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> includes a fixed member <NUM> that is coupled to the stationary frame <NUM> and a moveable member <NUM> that telescopes between a locking position <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and an unlocking position <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The moveable member <NUM> includes a track <NUM> that the moveable frame <NUM> slides along. The moveable member <NUM> also includes a cantilevered end <NUM> having a stop <NUM>. When the actuator <NUM> is in the locking position <NUM>, the stop <NUM> prevents the moveable frame <NUM> from moving out of the retracted position toward the extended position <NUM>. When the actuator is in the unlocking position, the stop <NUM> prevents the moveable frame <NUM> from moving beyond the extended position <NUM>. In other words, the position of the stop <NUM> when the actuator is in the unlocking position defines the distance that the moveable frame can move from the retracted position to the extended position.

Referring to <FIG>, the exercise regimen may be activated by a patient or caregiver at the control panel <NUM>. During the exercise regimen, the articulated deck <NUM> may be tilted, such as being tilted to a predetermined reverse-Trendelenburg position. For example, the articulated deck <NUM> may be tilted within a range of <NUM> degree to <NUM> degrees depending upon a desired level (e.g., amount of difficulty) of exercise. When the exercise regimen is commenced, the actuator <NUM> becomes unlocked and moves the moveable member <NUM> to the unlocking position <NUM> thereby unlocking the moveable frame <NUM>. A distance that the moveable member <NUM> moves to the unlocking position <NUM> may be determined by the patient or caregiver. The distance may be set within a range of <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), for example. By controlling the distance of the unlocking position <NUM>, a degree of difficulty of the exercise may be altered. The moveable frame <NUM> may then freely move along the track <NUM> to the stop <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The term "freely move" is not intended to exclude the inertia and the sliding or rolling friction that is inherently present in the apparatus <NUM> having the exercise system described herein. Movement of the moveable frame <NUM> enables the patient to exercise the patient's legs by moving the moveable frame <NUM> of seat section <NUM> and the components of apparatus <NUM> coupled thereto between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>. While the patient exercises in this manner, the moveable member <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> remains extended in the unlocking position.

After the conclusion of the exercise regimen, the moveable member <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> returns to the locking position <NUM>. The exercise regimen may be concluded by actuating a user input <NUM> on the control panel <NUM>, for example. In some embodiments, the exercise regimen is concluded after a predetermined period of time that may be set using the control panel <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the exercise regimen is concluded after a predetermined number of repetitions of leg presses by the patient using the exercise system of apparatus <NUM> described herein. Thus, in some embodiments, apparatus <NUM> has a sensor that produces a signal used to count the number of repetitions. The moveable member <NUM> returns to the locking position <NUM> at a predetermined speed to reduce the likelihood of the moveable frame <NUM> of the seat section <NUM> crashing into the thigh section <NUM>. As the moveable member <NUM> returns to the locking position <NUM>, the moveable frame <NUM> is captured by the stop <NUM> and homed back into the retracted position <NUM>. After returning to the retracted position <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> is locked or otherwise maintained in the locking position <NUM> to prevent movement of the moveable member <NUM> and the moveable frame <NUM> of the seat section <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the seat section <NUM> includes an upper panel <NUM> and a lower panel <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> is attached to the moveable frame <NUM>. The lower panel <NUM> is attached to the stationary frame <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a pair of flanges <NUM> (shown more clearly in <FIG>) that extend downwardly from the main body <NUM> toward the lower panel <NUM>. In some embodiments, flanges <NUM> are L-shaped flanges. The lower panel <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> having edges <NUM> that are received by the flanges <NUM>. Thus, edges <NUM> are situated adjacent to a sidewall of the L-shaped flanges <NUM> with a bottom wall of the L-shaped flanges <NUM> underlying end regions of the lower panel <NUM>. As the moveable frame <NUM> moves from the retracted position <NUM> to the extended position <NUM>, the upper panel <NUM> slides outwardly relative to the lower panel <NUM> toward the head end of apparatus <NUM> with the flanges <NUM> sliding along the edges <NUM> of the lower panel <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> moves from a retracted position <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to an extended position <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In the extended position <NUM> of the upper panel <NUM>, the lower panel <NUM> extends across a gap formed between the upper panel <NUM> of seat section <NUM> and the thigh section <NUM>. A similar gap exists between the moveable frame <NUM> of the seat section <NUM> and the thigh section <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> prevents the patient and/or the mattress from falling into the gap during the exercise regimen.

Referring now to <FIG>, a track <NUM> is coupled to each side of the frame <NUM> but only one side of frame <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The track <NUM> on the other side of frame <NUM> is a mirror image of the one shown in <FIG>. Thus, the description below of track <NUM> shown in <FIG> is equally applicable to the other track <NUM> which is a mirror image of the depicted track <NUM>. The upper track <NUM> includes a base member <NUM> and a pair of spaced apart side members <NUM>. The base member <NUM> and the side members <NUM> cooperate to form a channel <NUM>. The channel <NUM> faces in a direction <NUM>. In one embodiment, direction <NUM> is substantially horizontal. The lower track <NUM> includes a base member <NUM> and a pair of spaced apart side members <NUM>. The base member <NUM> and the side members <NUM> cooperate to form a channel <NUM>. The channel <NUM> faces in a direction <NUM>. In one embodiment, the direction <NUM> is substantially vertical. Therefore, the direction <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the direction <NUM>.

The moveable frame <NUM> includes a base member <NUM> having a mounting bracket <NUM> attached thereto. A roller <NUM> extends from the mounting bracket <NUM>. The roller <NUM> rolls along the channel <NUM> of the upper track <NUM> when the moveable frame <NUM> moves between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>. A roller <NUM> extends from the base member <NUM>. The roller <NUM> is oriented substantially perpendicular to the roller <NUM>. The roller <NUM> rolls along the channel <NUM> of the lower track <NUM> when the moveable frame <NUM> moves between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a model of a female patient <NUM> exercising on the articulated deck <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the female patient <NUM> is a <NUM>th percentile patient having a height of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In such an embodiment, a foot rest <NUM> is positioned on the patient support apparatus <NUM> for the patient <NUM> to rest her feet against. The foot rest <NUM> may be coupled to frame of the apparatus <NUM>. In another embodiment, the foot rest <NUM> is coupled to the footboard <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, extension of the patient's legs results in approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) of travel between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a model of a male patient <NUM> exercising on the articulated deck <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the male patient <NUM> is a <NUM>th percentile male having a height of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In such an embodiment, the patient <NUM> places his feet directly against the footboard <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, extension of the patient's legs results in approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) of travel between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the patient <NUM> exercising with a knee angle of <NUM> degrees relative to the articulated deck <NUM>. A panel <NUM> may be positioned by a caregiver under the patient's legs to aid the patient in achieving the <NUM> degree angle. By increasing the knee angle to <NUM> degrees, the patient <NUM> begins his exercise approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) closer to the footboard <NUM> and can achieve <NUM> (<NUM> inches) of travel between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>. Once the appropriate angle is achieved, the caregiver removes the panel <NUM> before the patient begins exercising.

<FIG> illustrates the patient <NUM> exercising with a knee angle of <NUM> degrees relative to the articulated deck <NUM>. By increasing the knee angle to <NUM> degrees, the patient <NUM> begins her exercise approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) closer to the footboard <NUM> and can achieve <NUM> (<NUM> inches) of travel between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in an alternative embodiment, a split footboard <NUM> may be used with the patient support apparatus <NUM>. The split footboard <NUM> includes an upper footboard portion <NUM> and a lower footboard portion <NUM>. An upper edge <NUM> of the lower footboard portion <NUM> is at or slightly above an upper surface <NUM> of the mattress <NUM>. The lower footboard portion <NUM> includes a pair of sockets <NUM> into which posts <NUM> of the upper footboard portion <NUM> can be inserted so that the upper footboard portion <NUM> and the lower footboard portion <NUM> are aligned. The pair of posts <NUM> can be inserted into other sockets <NUM> in a foot section frame member <NUM> so that the upper footboard portion <NUM> is offset toward the head end <NUM> of the bed <NUM> relative to the lower footboard portion <NUM> to accommodate patients of shorter height. A series of these other sockets <NUM> can be provided in the foot section frame member <NUM> to accommodate different patient heights.

Referring to <FIG>, a patient support apparatus <NUM> includes the articulated deck <NUM>. The patient support apparatus <NUM> includes a base frame <NUM> having a casters <NUM> that enable the patient support apparatus <NUM> to be rolled throughout a healthcare facility. A brake sensor <NUM> detects whether a brake (not shown) of the casters <NUM> is activated. When the brake is activated, the casters <NUM> are prevented from rolling. An upper frame <NUM> is coupled to the base frame <NUM> by a lift system <NUM>. The lift system <NUM> includes lift motors <NUM> that raise and lower a head end <NUM> and a foot end <NUM> of the patient support apparatus <NUM>. For example, the lift motors <NUM> may be actuated to position the upper frame <NUM> in a Trendelenburg or reverse- Trendelenburg position. An angle sensor <NUM> is configured to detect the angle of the upper frame <NUM> relative to the base frame <NUM>.

A weigh frame <NUM> is positioned on the upper frame <NUM> between the upper frame <NUM> and the articulated deck <NUM>. The weigh frame <NUM> includes a left head load cell <NUM>, a right head load cell <NUM>, a left foot load cell <NUM>, and a right foot load cell <NUM>. The load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to detect loads on the patient support apparatus <NUM>. For example, the load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may detect whether a patient is present on the patient support apparatus or whether a patient has moved on the patient support apparatus.

A head motor <NUM> is configured to move the head section <NUM> relative to the seat section <NUM>. An angle sensor <NUM> is provided to detect an angle of the head section <NUM>. A thigh motor <NUM> is configured to move the thigh section <NUM> relative to the seat section <NUM>. An angle sensor (not shown) may detect an angle of the thigh section <NUM>. Foot motors <NUM> are configured to retract and extend the foot section <NUM>. A foot sensor <NUM> detects a position of a foot extension (not shown) relative to a main portion of the foot section <NUM>.

Apparatus <NUM> includes control circuitry <NUM> which, in turn, includes a controller <NUM> having a processor <NUM> and memory <NUM> to control the functions of the patient support apparatus <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> controls the motors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is also configured to receive data signals from the load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is further configured to receive data signals from each of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each of a pair of siderails <NUM> includes a position sensor <NUM> to detect whether the respective siderail <NUM> is in a raised or lowered position. At least one of the pair of siderails <NUM> of the patient support apparatus includes a graphical user interface <NUM> with user inputs <NUM>. The controller <NUM> communicates with the graphical user interface <NUM> to display data related to the patient support apparatus <NUM>. A caregiver may review the data using the user inputs <NUM>. Additionally, the user inputs <NUM> may be activated to send messages to the controller <NUM> to control the patient support apparatus <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the actuator <NUM> will only move to the unlocking position <NUM> to enable exercise if certain conditions are met. For example, the actuator <NUM> may only move to the unlocking position <NUM> if the brake sensor <NUM> detects that the at least one or more casters <NUM> is locked. In other embodiments, the actuator <NUM> may only move to the unlocking position <NUM> if at least one of the pair of siderails <NUM> is raised. Optionally, the actuator <NUM> may only move to the unlocking position <NUM> if both of the pair of siderails <NUM> are raised. In other embodiments, the actuator <NUM> may only move to the unlocking position <NUM> if the angle sensor <NUM> detects that the upper frame is in a reverse-Trendelenburg position. For example, the actuator <NUM> may only move to the unlocking position <NUM> if an angle of the upper frame <NUM> is tilted to a predetermined angle, for example between <NUM> degree and <NUM> degrees. In yet another embodiment, the actuator <NUM> may only move to the unlocking position <NUM> if the load cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> detect that a patient is on the patient support apparatus <NUM>. Further, the actuator <NUM> may only move to the unlocking position <NUM> if the angle sensor <NUM> detects that an angle of the head section <NUM> is beyond a threshold angle, for example beyond <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the actuator <NUM> may only move to the unlocking position <NUM> if the foot sensor <NUM> detects that the foot section <NUM> is fully retracted. In some embodiments, the actuator <NUM> may only move to the unlocking position <NUM> if a foot rest is positioned between the foot section <NUM> and the patient. For example, a caregiver may use the user inputs <NUM> to confirm that the foot rest is in position. In some embodiments, all of the above conditions must be met before the actuator <NUM> can move to the unlocking position <NUM>. In other embodiments, only some of the above conditions must be met before the actuator <NUM> can move to the unlocking position <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the conditions must be met. In another example, a combination of the conditions must be met.

Referring now to <FIG>, the control panel <NUM> includes the display <NUM> and a field of operational buttons <NUM>. In some embodiments, the display <NUM> is a graphical user interface that incorporates the buttons <NUM> as icons that operate as soft keys for the selection of various functions. In the illustrated embodiment, the display <NUM> shows the current configuration of the apparatus <NUM>. In other embodiments, the display <NUM> may show various icons and buttons to operate the apparatus <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may illustrate various icons and buttons to alter the settings of the apparatus <NUM>.

The operational buttons <NUM> include a home button <NUM> that is selectable, such as by touching, to return the display <NUM> to a home screen (not shown). The home screen is a screen that is navigated to upon powering of the apparatus <NUM> or upon first use of the apparatus <NUM>. A settings button <NUM> is selectable, such as by touching, to navigate the display <NUM> to a settings screen (not shown). The settings screen may include various icons and buttons that are selectable to alter settings of the apparatus <NUM>. An exercise button <NUM> is selectable, such as by touching, to alter the apparatus <NUM> into a position for the patient to perform exercises, as described above. For example, selection of the exercise button <NUM> may cause the head section <NUM> to move to the raised position. Additionally, selection of the exercise button <NUM> may cause the actuator <NUM> to move to the unlocking position <NUM> so the moveable frame <NUM> can freely move between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>. An up arrow button <NUM> and a down arrow button <NUM> are selectable, such as by touching, to scroll through various lists on the display <NUM>. The up arrow button <NUM> and the down arrow button <NUM> may also be selectable to scroll through various screens on the display <NUM>. It should be noted that the control panel <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is exemplary only and the control panel <NUM> may include other buttons and icons configured to operate the apparatus <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, a manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) pedal <NUM> may be actuated to return the articulated deck <NUM> to a position wherein CPR may be performed. In other embodiments, a CPR lever or handle <NUM>, described below, may be manually actuated to return the articulated deck <NUM> to a position wherein CPR may be performed. Thus, the pedal <NUM> and the lever or handle <NUM> are considered to be manual inputs that are used to activate the emergency CPR function of bed <NUM> according to the present disclosure.

The embodiments described herein will be described with respect to actuating the CPR pedal <NUM>. In some embodiments, actuation of the CPR pedal <NUM> causes cables that are routed from the CPR pedal <NUM> to a bracket (not shown) to pull on a release pin (not shown) in a linear actuator (not shown) that raises and lowers the head section <NUM>, as described in more detail in <CIT>. In some embodiments, actuation of the CPR pedal <NUM> releases a wrap spring or other clutch inside of the linear actuator (not shown) that raises and lowers the head section <NUM>. The release of the wrap spring or clutch decouples a leadscrew of the linear actuator from the motor of the linear actuator which allows a nut (e.g., a ball nut) inside the linear actuator to back drive against a lead screw of the linear actuator, thereby allowing the linear actuator to retract due to rotation of the lead screw within the linear actuator without the need for operation of the motor of the linear actuator.

In response to activation of the emergency CPR function of bed <NUM>, such as by use of pedal <NUM>, the head section <NUM> is rapidly guided to a lowered position, as shown in <FIG>. Additionally, actuation of the CPR pedal <NUM> may cause the moveable frame <NUM> to move to the retracted position <NUM>. Accordingly, actuation of the CPR pedal <NUM> may also cause the upper panel <NUM> to move to the retracted position <NUM>. In some embodiments, movement of the moveable frame <NUM> from actuation of the CPR pedal <NUM> causes the actuator <NUM> to return to the locked position <NUM>. In other embodiments, the actuator <NUM> remains in the unlocked position <NUM> and the moveable frame <NUM> moves relative to the actuator <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the CPR pedal <NUM> must be held in an actuated position by the caregiver to fully lower the head section <NUM> to the lowered position. If the CPR pedal <NUM> is released during lowering of the head section <NUM>, the head section <NUM> is stopped. In this way, the head section <NUM> may be stopped from lowering when an obstruction is located between the head section <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. In some embodiments, stopping movement of the head section <NUM> causes the moveable frame <NUM> to stop moving to the retracted position <NUM>. In some embodiments, stopping movement of the head section <NUM> causes the upper panel <NUM> to stop moving to the retracted position <NUM>. In some embodiments, stopping movement of the head section <NUM> causes the actuator <NUM> to stop moving to the unlocked position <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the patient support apparatus <NUM> is illustrated having a CPR homing link <NUM> extending between the head section <NUM> and the frame <NUM>. A first end <NUM> of the CPR homing link <NUM> is coupled to the head section <NUM> at a pivot joint <NUM>. Accordingly, the CPR homing link <NUM> pivots relative to the head section <NUM> as the head section <NUM> is raised and lowered. A second end <NUM> of the CPR homing link <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM> at a longitudinally translatable pivot joint <NUM>. In particular, the CPR homing link <NUM> is sized and configured so that second end <NUM> simultaneously pivots and translates relative to the frame <NUM> as the head section <NUM> is moved between a raised position, shown in <FIG>, and an intermediate position, shown in <FIG>. During lowering of the head section <NUM> from the intermediate position of <FIG> to a lowered position, shown in <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the CPR link <NUM> is prevented from further translation toward the head end of bed <NUM> by a stop <NUM> (discussed in further detail below in connection with <FIG>) and so the second end <NUM> of the CPR link <NUM> only pivots relative to frame <NUM> during movement of the head section <NUM> between the intermediate position and the lowered position.

The head section <NUM> is coupled to the moveable frame <NUM> at the pivot joint <NUM> as discussed above. A rotating link <NUM> further couples the head section <NUM> to the moveable frame <NUM>. The head section <NUM> is configured to pivot about the pivot joint <NUM> to enable the head section <NUM> to move between the raised position, shown in <FIG>, and the lowered position, shown in <FIG>, relative to the frame <NUM> and therefore, relative to frame <NUM>. In <FIG>, the head section <NUM> is illustrated at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the frame <NUM>. As the head section <NUM> pivots about the pivot joint <NUM>, the rotating link <NUM> pivots relative to the head section <NUM> and the moveable frame <NUM> to enable the head section <NUM> to raise and lower. The rotating link <NUM> is positioned further from the head end <NUM> of bed <NUM> than the CPR homing link <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rotating link <NUM> is shorter in length than the CPR homing link <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the moveable frame <NUM> is shown in the extended position <NUM>. That is, the actuator <NUM> is in the unlocking position <NUM> to enable movement of the moveable frame <NUM> between the retracted position <NUM> and the extended position <NUM>. If a patient on bed <NUM> goes into cardiac arrest, then it is desirable to perform CPR on the patient as soon as possible. Thus, the moveable frame <NUM> should be returned to the retracted position <NUM> and the head section <NUM> should be returned to the lowered position so that CPR can be administered. In some embodiments such as the illustrative embodiment of <FIG>, the CPR lever <NUM> is coupled to the head section <NUM> and is actuated to implement the emergency CPR function of bed <NUM>, thereby to release the head section <NUM> for rapid movement to the lowered position. In other embodiments, the CPR lever <NUM> is coupled on the frame <NUM>. In connection with the lowering of head section <NUM> during the emergency CPR release function, the phrase "rapid movement" and similar such phrases used herein are intended to mean that the head section <NUM> moves to the lowered position more quickly than if the head section linear actuator were powered electrically to move the head section <NUM> such as during normal operation of bed <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of frame <NUM> is shown and is configured as a rail <NUM> having a C-shaped cross section. Actually, frame <NUM> has rails <NUM> serving as longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides of the bed <NUM>. The rails <NUM> are oriented so that the C-shape of rails <NUM> open inwardly toward a longitudinal centerline of frame <NUM>. Thus, the rails <NUM> are mirror images of each other. In other embodiments, rails <NUM> are separate components that are affixed to some other frame member of frame <NUM>. The discussion that follows regarding one of rails <NUM> is equally applicable to both rails <NUM>, but keeping in mind that the rails <NUM> are mirror images of each other.

The rail <NUM> includes a generally vertically oriented base segment <NUM> that extends along an axis <NUM> of the rail <NUM>. Axis <NUM> is parallel with the longitudinal dimension of bed <NUM>. An upper flange <NUM> extends generally perpendicularly from a top <NUM> of the base segment <NUM>. The upper flange <NUM> also extends along the axis <NUM>. A lower flange <NUM> extends generally perpendicularly from a bottom <NUM> of the base segment <NUM>. The lower flange <NUM> also extends along the axis <NUM>. The base segment <NUM>, the upper flange <NUM>, and the lower flange <NUM> form a channel member defining a channel <NUM> that extends along the axis <NUM>.

A roller <NUM> with a substantially cylindrical outer perimeter <NUM> is received within the channel <NUM> and rolls along lower flange <NUM> during movement of the head section <NUM> between the raised and intermediate positions. The roller <NUM> is coupled to the CPR homing link <NUM> at the pivot joint <NUM>. The pivot joint <NUM> is configured as an axle for the roller <NUM> and so is sometimes referred to herein as axle <NUM>. Thus, the CPR homing link <NUM> pivots about axle <NUM> and the roller <NUM> rotates relative to axle <NUM> or, alternatively, the lower end <NUM> of the CPR homing link <NUM> is fixed to axle <NUM> such that axle <NUM> rotates within the bore of roller <NUM> whenever the CPR homing link <NUM> pivots. The axle <NUM>, therefore, defines a pivot axis about which the CPR homing link <NUM> pivots as the head section <NUM> moves between the raised and lowered positions. The roller <NUM> is configured to move along the channel <NUM> as needed. For example, as the patient exercises as described above, the roller <NUM> moves along the axis <NUM> of the channel <NUM> to enable the CPR homing link <NUM> to move with the moveable frame <NUM> and the head section <NUM>.

A stop <NUM> is positioned within the channel <NUM> and, in the illustrative embodiment, is fixed in place by a pair of bolts <NUM> that extend through holes formed in the stop <NUM> and that thread into holes formed in the base segment <NUM> of rail <NUM>. In other embodiments, stop <NUM> is welded to rail <NUM> or is formed integrally with the rail <NUM>. The stop <NUM> is preferably made from metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) but may be formed from other materials such as rubber, plastic, or the like. Roller <NUM> may be made from any of these same materials as desired. Stop <NUM> is formed to include a curved stop surface <NUM> to allow the roller <NUM> to nest in the stop <NUM> when the outer perimeter <NUM> of the roller <NUM> contacts the stop <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the roller <NUM> is replaced by a slide block that slides within channel <NUM> along flange <NUM> of rail <NUM> during movement of the head section <NUM> between the raised and intermediate positions and during exercise of the patient. In some such embodiments, the slide block is made of a plastics material and the stop <NUM> is configured with a flat stop surface that is engaged by the slide block when the head section <NUM> reaches the intermediate position during lowering, for example.

When the head section <NUM> is at the <NUM> degree angle, as shown in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> is still positioned away from the stop <NUM> because the head section has not yet reached <NUM> degrees which, in the illustrative example, is the angle at which head section <NUM> relative to frame <NUM> is considered to be in the intermediate position. Accordingly, with the head section <NUM> at the <NUM> degree angle, the patient is still enabled to exercise because the roller <NUM> is able to move along the channel <NUM> without contacting the stop <NUM>. This enables free movement of the moveable frame <NUM> between the extended position <NUM> and the retracted position <NUM> during exercise.

<FIG> illustrates the apparatus <NUM> after the CPR pedal <NUM> or lever <NUM>, as the case may be, is actuated to drop the head section <NUM> and the head section <NUM> has lowered from the raised position of <FIG> to an angle of about <NUM> degrees with respect to frame <NUM>. In <FIG>, the head section <NUM> has dropped further downwardly to the intermediate position of about <NUM> degrees relative to the frame <NUM>. Thus, the head section <NUM> is angled relative to the rail <NUM> by about <NUM> degrees when the head section <NUM> reaches the intermediate position. In some embodiments, the intermediate position is within a range of <NUM>-<NUM> degrees relative to the frame <NUM>. As the head section <NUM> drops, the pivot joint <NUM> moves with the roller <NUM> along the rail <NUM> until the roller <NUM> contacts the stop <NUM>. The roller <NUM> engages the stop <NUM> when the head section <NUM> reaches the intermediate position during downward movement of the head section <NUM> to prevent the pivot joint <NUM> of the CPR homing link <NUM> from moving along the channel <NUM> during further downward movement of the head section <NUM> from the intermediate position to a lowered position.

When the roller <NUM> contacts the stop <NUM>, the CPR homing link <NUM> is prevented from moving along the rail <NUM> but continues to rotate relative to the head section <NUM> and the moveable frame <NUM> to guide the head section <NUM> so that an angle <NUM> between the CPR homing link <NUM> and the moveable frame <NUM> is decreased. Decreasing the angle <NUM> results in the CPR homing link <NUM> pushing the moveable frame <NUM> in the direction of arrow <NUM> away from the head end <NUM> of bed <NUM> and toward the retracted position <NUM>. That is, engagement of the roller <NUM> with the stop <NUM> results in the CPR homing link <NUM> acting through the head section <NUM> to push the moveable frame <NUM> back into the retracted position during downward movement of the head section <NUM> from the intermediate position to the lowered position.

In some embodiments, movement of the moveable frame <NUM> due to actuation of the CPR pedal <NUM> or lever <NUM> causes the actuator <NUM> to return to the locked position <NUM>. In other embodiments, the actuator <NUM> remains in the unlocked position <NUM> and the moveable frame <NUM> moves relative to the actuator <NUM>. Further, movement of the moveable frame <NUM> from actuation of the CPR pedal <NUM> or handle <NUM> causes the upper panel <NUM> to move toward the retracted position <NUM>. During movement of the head section <NUM> downwardly, the rotating link <NUM> moves away from the pivot joint <NUM> as the head section <NUM> lowers. That is, a spacing between a lower end of the rotating link <NUM> and the pivot joint <NUM> of the CPR homing link <NUM> increases as the head section lowers <NUM> from the raised position to the lowered position. On the other hand, a distance between the pivot joint <NUM> at the upper end of the CPR link and the pivot joint at the upper end of the rotating link <NUM> and the head section <NUM> remains constant as the head section <NUM> moves between the raised and lowered positions.

As the head section <NUM> lowers downwardly from the intermediate position of <FIG> to the lowered position of <FIG>, the roller <NUM> remains nested in the stop <NUM> and the moveable frame <NUM> is moved into the retracted position <NUM>. In some embodiments, the moveable frame <NUM> reaches the retracted position <NUM> when the head section <NUM> is positioned at about <NUM> degrees relative to the frame <NUM>. In such embodiments, further downward movement of the head section <NUM> from the <NUM> degree angle into the lowered positions causes pivot joint <NUM> to move along the now-stationary movable frame <NUM>. Additionally, the upper panel <NUM> is moved closer to the retracted position <NUM> as the head section <NUM> lowers in response to activation of the emergency CPR release function of bed <NUM>. In some embodiments, the upper panel <NUM> is moved entirely into the retracted position <NUM> when the head section <NUM> is positioned at about <NUM> degrees relative to the frame <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the head section <NUM> is in the lowered position at an approximately <NUM> degree angle relative to the frame <NUM>. CPR may be administered to the patient when the head section <NUM> is at the <NUM> degree angle. At the <NUM> degree angle, the moveable frame <NUM> is moved entirely into the retracted position <NUM>. Additionally, the upper panel <NUM> is moved entirely into the retracted position <NUM>. At the <NUM> degree angle, the actuator <NUM> may be moved entirely into the locked position <NUM> as well. In some embodiments, at the <NUM> degree angle, the actuator <NUM> may remain in the unlocked position <NUM>. The CPR homing link <NUM> nests behind a head end siderail connection bracket <NUM> when the head section <NUM> is lowered, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Accordingly, an exercise regimen may be quickly exited by actuating the CPR pedal <NUM> or handle <NUM>. By unlocking the head section <NUM> and enabling the head section <NUM> to quickly drop relative to the frame <NUM>, the CPR homing link <NUM> returns the moveable frame <NUM> to the retracted position <NUM> as the head section <NUM> is lowered. As such, in the event of cardiac arrest of the patient during the exercise regimen, the apparatus <NUM> may be quickly returned to a flat position that enables the administration of CPR. In some embodiments, actuation of the CPR pedal <NUM> or lever <NUM> causes the actuator <NUM> to return to the locked position <NUM>. In an embodiment wherein the actuator <NUM> remains in the unlocked positioned <NUM> after actuation of the CPR pedal <NUM> or lever <NUM>, a caregiver or other user may return the bed to a non-exercise setting after CPR is administered. For example, after CPR is administered, the display <NUM> may prompt the user to return the actuator <NUM> to the locked position <NUM>.

Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrative embodiment, proof, or finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described can be more desirable, it nonetheless cannot be necessary and embodiments lacking the same can be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure.

Claim 1:
A patient support apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>),
an articulated deck (<NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>), the articulated deck (<NUM>) including a head section (<NUM>), a seat section (<NUM>), a thigh section (<NUM>), and a foot section (<NUM>), and
the seat section (<NUM>) including a stationary frame (<NUM>) coupled to the frame (<NUM>) and a moveable frame (<NUM>) that is moveable relative to the stationary frame (<NUM>), wherein the moveable frame (<NUM>) is moveable between a retracted position (<NUM>) in which the moveable frame (<NUM>) of the seat section (<NUM>) is positioned adjacent the thigh section (<NUM>), and an extended position (<NUM>) in which the moveable frame (<NUM>) of the seat section (<NUM>) is separated away from the thigh section (<NUM>), so that a patient positioned on the patient support apparatus (<NUM>) is enabled to exercise by moving the moveable frame (<NUM>) between the retracted position (<NUM>) and the extended position (<NUM>), and
an actuator (<NUM>) that is moveable between a locking position (<NUM>) and an unlocking position (<NUM>), wherein the moveable frame (<NUM>) is unlocked for movement relative to the stationary frame (<NUM>) in response to the actuator (<NUM>) being moved to the unlocking position (<NUM>), and wherein after the exercise is finished, the actuator (<NUM>) returns to the locking position (<NUM>) thereby returning the moveable frame (<NUM>) to the retracted position (<NUM>).