Patent Description:
Hospital beds have several functions and uses. Since patients may have different weights and heights, beds larger than standard products with an area of about <NUM> x <NUM> inches, or <NUM> x <NUM>, may be used.

These larger beds are used for the treatment of tall and/or obese patients. They may also serve to increase the comfort of patients who lie in a bed smaller than a residential bed. They can also be used for parents who want to get closer to their sick child and comfort them by lying with them. They can also be used for delivery rooms by increasing the comfort of a mother giving her more space and allowing the father to be closer to his wife during and after child birth.

Patient movements in hospital beds are necessary and common. Usually, the patient is transferred on a stretcher so as to be able to move him more easily from one location to another as well as in elevators.

Some doors have a width of about <NUM> inches or <NUM> which limits the dimensions of beds that may enter a room. The depth of the elevator also limits the dimensions of beds that may be transported therein. These large hospital beds must, however, be delivered to different rooms and must be able to be circulated in hospitals.

In order to overcome the above-described drawbacks of large hospital beds, beds the dimensions of which may be adjusted, i.e. adjustable or extendable beds, have been developed. Some extendable beds are manually operated. In this case, an operator must manually manipulate the bed in order to increase or decrease its surface area. However, these beds usually require multiple manipulations in order to fully adjust the width of the bed to a desired dimension and operation may be time consuming.

Other extendable beds have been provided with motors for automating the extension of the bed. However, those motorized beds comprise multiple motors, each for moving a respective section of the bed, which is expensive and cumbersome.

Patient support apparatus are also disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In order to further reduce some drawbacks of the prior art, the Applicant of the present invention developed a bed provided with an assembly enabling to laterally move several movable side sections of a bed when a single movable side section is moved. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of flexible control cables, as described in Applicant's <CIT>.

However, it would still be desirable to provide an improved patient support apparatus with adjustable dimensions that would further reduce at least one of the above-mentioned drawbacks of known hospital beds.

According to the invention, as defined by claim <NUM>, the adjusting system of the patient support apparatus described above comprises:.

In one embodiment, the adjusting system further comprising a housing mounted to the panel section, the bracket being mounted to the housing.

In one embodiment, the adjusting system further comprising a gear assembly rotatably mounted to the bracket, the gear assembly collaborating with the clutch assembly to urge movement of the extension member upon actuation of the handle assembly.

In one embodiment, the gear assembly comprises a first, second, third and fourth gears, the first gear being operatively coupled to the second end of the handle and engaging the second gear, the fourth gear being operatively coupled to the first end of the extending member and being operatively engaged by the third gear, the clutch assembly being operatively coupled between the second gear and the third gear.

In one embodiment, the first gear is coplanar with the second gear; the third gear is coplanar with the fourth gear; and the second and third gears are coaxial.

In one embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth gear each comprise a spur gear.

In one embodiment, the clutch assembly comprises at least one ball and at least one spring, a given one of the second and third gears being provided with at least one ball seat each for receiving a portion of a respective one of the at least one ball, another one of the second and third gears being provided with at least one recess each for receiving a respective one of the at least one spring, the at least one ball and at least one spring allowing removable engagement of the second and third gears.

In one embodiment, the gear assembly comprises first and second gears, the first gear being operatively coupled to the second end of the handle assembly and operatively engaging the second gear, the clutch assembly being operatively coupled between the second gear and the first end of the extending member.

In one embodiment, the clutch assembly comprises at least one ball, at least one spring, a first annular ring coupled to the first end of the extending member and a second annular ring secured to the second gear, a given one of the first annular ring and the second annular ring being provided with at least one ball seat each for receiving a portion of a respective one of the at least one ball, another one of the first annular ring and the second annular ring being provided with at least one recess each for receiving a respective one of the at least one spring, the at least one ball and at least one spring allowing removable engagement of the first annular ring and the second annular ring.

In one embodiment, the handle assembly is telescopic.

In one embodiment, the handle assembly comprises at least three sections.

In one embodiment, the extending member comprises a worm threadingly engageable to the resting surface of the patient support apparatus.

In one embodiment, the adjusting system further comprising an electric actuator for operating the extending member.

According to another aspect, the following is disclosed: an adjusting system for adjusting a configuration of a patient support apparatus, the patient support apparatus comprising a central portion and an adjustable panel movable relative to the central portion, the adjusting system comprising: a frame securable to the adjustable panel of the patient support apparatus; an extending member rotatably secured to the frame, the extending member extending along a longitudinal axis; a handle assembly operatively connected at a given end of the extending member for rotating the extending member about the longitudinal axis; and a worm being connected to the extending member, the worm being threaded and operatively moveable within a respective threaded receiving portion attached to the central portion so that a rotation of the handle causes a rotation of the worm in the threaded receiving portion driving a displacement of the side panel relative to the central portion.

In one embodiment, wherein the handle assembly comprises: a first body being tubular and rotatably secured to the frame; a second body being tubular and having a given end slidably inserted into the first body; a third body extending between a first end and a second end, the first being slidably inserted into the second body; and a handle operatively connected to the second end of the third body, the telescopic handle assembly being selectively movable between an extended position and a retracted position.

In one embodiment, the handle assembly is biased into the retracted position.

In one embodiment, the handle assembly comprises a first spring received within the second body and a second spring received within the third body, the first and second springs biasing the handle assembly to the retracted position.

In one embodiment, the extending member comprises a worm threadingly engageable to the frame.

In one embodiment, the adjusting system comprises an electric actuator for operating the extended member.

In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

Further details of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the detailed description included below.

In the following description of the embodiments references to the accompanying drawings are by way of illustration of examples by which the invention may be practiced. It will be understood that other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed.

While the description below refers to an adjusting system for adjusting the configuration of a hospital bed, it should be understood that the adjusting system may be configured for adjusting the configuration of any adequate patient support apparatuses such as a chair, for example.

Referring first to <FIG>, there is provided a hospital bed <NUM>, in accordance with one embodiment. In this embodiment, the hospital bed <NUM> is a bariatric bed and includes a frame <NUM> and a patient support surface <NUM> supported by the frame <NUM> for receiving a lying surface such as a mattress, not shown, on which a patient may be placed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the patient support surface <NUM> includes a plurality of body support panels which are distinct from each other and are adapted to be angled relative to each other. Specifically, the patient support surface <NUM> includes an upper body support panel or backrest <NUM>, a lower body support panel <NUM> and first and second core support panels <NUM>, <NUM> located between the backrest <NUM> and the lower body support panel <NUM>. More specifically, the first core support panel <NUM> is located adjacent the backrest <NUM> and the second core support panel <NUM> is located adjacent the lower body support panel <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the width of the patient support surface <NUM> is adjustable. Specifically, each one of the backrest <NUM>, the lower body support panel <NUM> and the first and second core support panels <NUM>, <NUM> includes a central panel section 120a-120d and a pair of opposite side panel sections 122a-122d and 123a-123d, which are selectively movable towards and away from the central panel sections 120a-120d to thereby respectively decrease or increase the width of the bed <NUM>.

Alternatively, each one of the backrest <NUM>, the lower body support panel <NUM> and the first and second core support panels <NUM>, <NUM> could instead include a single side panel section (e.g. the backrest <NUM> would include only one of side panel section 122a or 123a).

In the illustrated embodiment, the side panel sections 122a-122d and 123a-123d are movably connected to the frame <NUM> via one or more elongated slide members <NUM> which are slidably received in a corresponding elongated sleeve <NUM> disposed transversely to the bed <NUM> and secured to the frame <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). In one embodiment, the slide members <NUM> could further be provided with rollers to facilitate their movement within the sleeve <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bed <NUM> further includes a transmission assembly (not shown) for moving multiple side panel sections when a single side panel section is moved. Specifically, the transmission assembly is generally similar to the transmission assembly illustrated and disclosed in International <CIT>.

To allow adjustment of the side panel sections 122a-122d and 123a-123d relative to the frame, an adjusting system <NUM> is provided. Referring now to <FIG>, one embodiment of an adjusting system <NUM> is illustrated. Adjusting system <NUM> is for adjusting a configuration of any adequate patient support apparatus having a central portion or frame and a panel movable relative to the central frame such as bed <NUM>. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various other types of hospital beds could be considered, as will become apparent below.

The adjusting system <NUM> is configured to be mounted to a side panel section (e.g. side panel section 123b), and to connect this side panel section 123b to the frame <NUM> of the bed <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>), while allowing manual operation of the adjusting system <NUM>. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the adjusting system <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> secured underneath the side panel section 123b of the bed <NUM> (see <FIG>), a clutch assembly <NUM> mounted in the housing <NUM>, as well as a handle portion <NUM> having a first end <NUM> engaging the clutch assembly <NUM> inside the housing <NUM>, as well as an outer end <NUM> extending outwardly from the housing <NUM> for allowing an operator to manually operate the adjusting system <NUM>. Also comprised in the adjustment system <NUM> is a worm <NUM> having a first end <NUM> operatively coupled to an elongated tube <NUM> fixedly connected to the frame <NUM> of the bed <NUM>, and a second, opposed end <NUM> engaging a connecting shaft <NUM> operatively coupled to the clutch assembly <NUM> of the adjusting system <NUM>, as it will be described in greater details below.

Referring more specifically to <FIG>, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing <NUM> is secured to the side panel section 123b and comprises a bottom wall <NUM> and flanged peripheral walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending perpendicular to the bottom wall <NUM>. Defined in the bottom wall <NUM> of the housing is an opening <NUM> which can be covered with a removable clutch cover <NUM>. When the housing <NUM> is secured to the side panel section 123b, the bottom and peripheral walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the clutch cover <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, together with the side panel section 123b, defines a chamber for receiving therein the clutch assembly <NUM> and electronic components. In one embodiment, the housing <NUM> is secured to the side panel section 123b using threaded fasteners, for instance nuts and bolts. Likewise, the removable clutch cover <NUM> is secured to the bottom wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> with threaded fasteners. While in this embodiment threaded fasteners are used, it will be understood that the clutch cover <NUM> and housing can be mounted to the side panel section 123b differently, for instance by using rivets, glue or by welding.

Provided in the housing <NUM> is the clutch assembly <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the clutch assembly <NUM> comprises a mounting bracket <NUM> secured to the bottom wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and a gear assembly <NUM> rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket <NUM> and a connection assembly <NUM>. More specifically, the gear assembly <NUM> comprises first gear <NUM>, second gear <NUM>, third gear <NUM> and fourth gear <NUM> operatively coupled to the worm <NUM>, all gears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> being rotatably secured to the mounting bracket <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first gear <NUM> comprises a spur gear wheel, i.e. a gearwheel provided with teeth projecting orthogonal to the wheel's axis and circumferentially from the wheel, that is rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting bracket <NUM> comprises an aperture coaxial with the first gear <NUM> axis to allow a shaft <NUM> to be mounted therethrough and rotatably mount the first gear <NUM> to the mounting bracket <NUM>, although other arrangements may be considered. As the first gear <NUM> is coupled to the handle portion, it can be designated as a "handle gear".

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the second and third gears <NUM> and <NUM> comprises a spur gear wheel, i.e. a gearwheel provided with teeth projecting orthogonal to the wheel's axis and circumferentially from the wheel, that is mounted to the mounting bracket <NUM>.

The second gear <NUM> is operatively connected to the first gear <NUM> so that the rotation of the first gear <NUM> drives a rotation of the second gear <NUM>. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the first and second gears <NUM> and <NUM> are coplanar on the mounting bracket <NUM> and are mounted side by side such that the teeth of the first gear <NUM> engage with the teeth of the second gear <NUM>.

The second and third gears <NUM> and <NUM> are also operatively connected together. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the second and third gears <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted coaxially on the mounting bracket <NUM> and can rotate together about the same rotation axis. As better shown in <FIG>, there is no direct contact between the first and the third gears <NUM> and <NUM>. Rather, the first gear <NUM> drives the second gear <NUM> and this second gear <NUM> drives the third gear <NUM> as detailed below.

The second and third gears <NUM> and <NUM> are particularly operatively connected together through the connection assembly <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) as will be described in greater detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth gear <NUM> has a spur gear wheel that is mounted to the mounting bracket <NUM>. The fourth gear <NUM> is operatively connected to the third gear <NUM> so that rotation of the third gear <NUM> drives a rotation of the fourth gear <NUM>. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the third and fourth gears <NUM> and <NUM> are coplanar on the mounting bracket <NUM> and are mounted side by side such that the teeth of the third gear <NUM> engage with the teeth of the fourth gear <NUM>. There is no direct contact between the fourth gear <NUM> and the first and second gears <NUM> and <NUM>. Rather, rotation of the fourth gear <NUM> is only driven by rotation of the third gear <NUM>. As the fourth gear <NUM> is operatively coupled to the worm <NUM>, it can be designated as a "worm gear".

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate one embodiment for the connection assembly <NUM> used for connecting the second gear <NUM> and the third gear <NUM> of the clutch assembly <NUM>. The purpose of the connection assembly <NUM> is to disengage the second and third gears <NUM>, <NUM> if resistance builds up in the connection assembly <NUM>. This mechanism will now be described. The connection assembly <NUM> comprises a plurality of balls <NUM> and springs <NUM>. and ball recesses <NUM>, <NUM> into which are received balls <NUM>. In the preferred embodiment, there are a plurality of balls <NUM>, recesses <NUM>, <NUM> and springs <NUM> spaced concentrically on each gear <NUM>, <NUM>. However it is understood that the arrangement may be non-symmetric and that the connection assembly <NUM> may comprise a single ball <NUM>, spring <NUM> and pair of recesses <NUM>, <NUM>. The facing surface <NUM> of the second gear <NUM> is provided with a plurality of corresponding ball recesses <NUM> slightly smaller than the dimension of the corresponding ball <NUM> to define a ball seat. When the balls <NUM> rest in their corresponding ball seats, a portion of the ball <NUM> protrudes from the facing surface <NUM> of the second gear <NUM>. The facing surface <NUM> of the third gear <NUM> is provided with a plurality of corresponding longitudinal recesses <NUM>, each devised to receive a first end <NUM> of a corresponding spring <NUM> and to house the spring therein. The second end <NUM> of the spring <NUM> thereby applies pressure to push a corresponding ball <NUM> into its corresponding ball seat. Thus, once the second and third gears <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted together onto the mounting bracket <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, each ball <NUM> engages in a respective ball seat and a respective facing recess <NUM> in the third gear <NUM>, while the spring <NUM> applies pressure onto it. A rotation of the second gear <NUM> will thereby drive a rotation of the third gear <NUM> through the balls <NUM> as the balls <NUM> are engaged in both recesses <NUM>, <NUM>.

However, if the handle portion <NUM> is continuously rotated in the fully extended or the fully retracted mode, the worm <NUM> resists further rotation conducive to movement beyond the maximum or minimum positions. This resistance builds up in the third gear <NUM>. An increasing amount of force must thereby be applied to the handle portion <NUM> by the operator to overcome the resistance provided by the worm <NUM>. As the operator continues to increase the pressure applied, a threshold stress value is reached. The force applied by the springs <NUM> onto the balls <NUM> to keep them engaged in the recesses <NUM> of the second gear <NUM> is then overcome by the lateral stress resulting from the high forces applied by the operator on the handle portion <NUM>. At this point, the balls <NUM> compress the springs <NUM> and slip out of their respective recesses <NUM> and are proportionally received in recesses <NUM>, resulting in the second and third gears disengaging from one another. The second gear <NUM> will thus continue to turn with operation of the handle portion <NUM>, while the third gear <NUM> remains virtually static. The second gear <NUM> thereby 'slips' against the third gear <NUM>. Once the handle portion <NUM> is rotated in the opposing direction, however, the balls <NUM> no longer apply sufficient pressure to compress the springs <NUM> and the springs reexert a force to push the balls <NUM> into respective recesses <NUM>, thereby reengaging the third gear <NUM> with the second gear <NUM> and allowing transfer of rotation from the handle portion <NUM> to the worm <NUM>. The clutch assembly <NUM> therefore prevents undue force applied on the handle portion <NUM> from being transferred and causing damage to the worm <NUM> or other components in the maximum or minimum positions, or when an external force otherwise prevents movement of the side panel 123b.

As it should be apparent to the skilled addressee, the level of the threshold force is determined according to the strength of the specific springs used in the assembly.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the adjusting system <NUM> is provided with a telescopic handle assembly <NUM>. The telescopic handle assembly <NUM> comprises a tubular body <NUM> rotatably secured to a second mounting bracket <NUM> in the housing <NUM> and a telescopic shaft <NUM> having an outer end <NUM> slidably inserted into the tubular body <NUM>. The telescopic shaft <NUM> further receives a first end of a cylindrical body <NUM> on a second end opposed to the outer end <NUM>. The telescopic handle assembly <NUM> also has a handle or grip portion <NUM> operatively connected to a second end of the cylindrical body <NUM> through a cam portion <NUM>. The handle portion <NUM> extends parallel to the rotation axis of the telescopic shaft <NUM> allowing a user to operate the adjusting mechanism <NUM>, while the cam portion <NUM> extends perpendicular to the rotation axis of the telescopic shaft <NUM> and connects the handle portion <NUM> to the remainder of the telescopic handle assembly <NUM>. The telescopic handle assembly <NUM> is selectively movable between an extended position corresponding to a maximal length for the telescopic handle assembly shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and a retracted position corresponding to a minimal length for the telescopic handle assembly shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The telescopic handle assembly <NUM> comprises a shaft <NUM> operatively coupled to the first gear <NUM> of the clutch assembly <NUM> so that a rotation of the shaft <NUM> may drive a rotation of the first gear <NUM>. As it will be detailed hereinafter with reference to <FIG>, the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> is biased into the retracted position.

In one embodiment, the tubular body <NUM> is mounted coaxially to the first gear <NUM>, on a first side thereof, the telescopic shaft <NUM> extends coaxially through the first gear <NUM> while the handle <NUM> extends on a second side of the first gear <NUM>. The first gear <NUM> is further provided with a toothed ring <NUM> fixedly connected to the first gear <NUM> around its rotating axis on the first side. The tubular body <NUM> has an elongated longitudinal groove <NUM> adapted for slidably receiving therein a pin <NUM> projecting outwardly from the telescopic shaft <NUM>, proximate its first end. Thus, when the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> is retracted, the telescopic shaft <NUM> slides inside the tubular body <NUM> and through the toothed ring <NUM> of the first gear <NUM>, with the pin <NUM> travelling along the elongated longitudinal groove <NUM> of the tubular body <NUM>. When the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> is moved to the fully extended position, the pin <NUM> of the telescopic shaft <NUM> engages the toothed ring <NUM>, and a rotation of the telescopic shaft <NUM> through the handle portion <NUM> drives a rotation of the first gear <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fourth gear <NUM> rotatably secured to the frame and operatively connected to the first gear so that a rotation of the first gear <NUM> drives a rotation of the fourth gear <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first gear <NUM> is connected to the fourth gear <NUM> through the clutch assembly <NUM>, but the skilled addressee will appreciate that with reference to the description of the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> above and <FIG>, the clutch assembly <NUM> may be replaced or omitted. For example, the first gear <NUM> and the fourth gear <NUM> may be coplanar on the mounting plate and mounted side by side such that the teeth of the first gear <NUM> engage with facing teeth of the fourth gear <NUM>. Alternatively, the system could also remove use of the gears entirely by directly coupling the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> to the worm <NUM>.

The adjusting system <NUM> is also provided with a connection body <NUM> secured to the fourth gear <NUM> so that the rotation of the fourth gear <NUM> drives a rotation of the connection body <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection body <NUM> is an elongated body comprising a worm <NUM> having a threaded portion <NUM> and a second end <NUM> fixedly coupled to a connecting shaft <NUM>. In the preferred embodiment, the worm <NUM> is connected to the connecting shaft <NUM> using a bolt and nut, though other arrangements may be possible. For example, the worm <NUM> can be welded or riveted to the connecting shaft <NUM>, as well as being connected directly to the fourth gear <NUM>, removing the need for the connecting shaft <NUM>. As it should be apparent, applying a rotational movement to the cylindrical shaft <NUM> through the handle portion <NUM> applies a rotational movement to the connection body <NUM> through the clutch assembly <NUM>. The connection body <NUM> is operatively connectable to the central frame of the bed so that a rotation of the connection body <NUM> drives a displacement of the side panel 123b relative to the central frame <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the worm <NUM> is threaded and mounted inside a threaded elongated tube <NUM> fixedly attached to the central frame of the bed, so that rotation of the worm <NUM> inside the threaded elongated tube <NUM> causes lateral movement of the side panel 123b.

As better shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in one embodiment, each of the two elongated grooves <NUM> and <NUM> has an end that is T-shaped. In other words, the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> has an elongated longitudinal portion which ends with an enlarged portion extending laterally on the corresponding body. In a further embodiment, the T-shaped end of the grooves has rounded angled walls defining a continuous smooth surface between the elongated portion and the lateral portion to thereby provide a smooth sliding of the corresponding pin in the corresponding groove. When the handle portion <NUM> is released, the T-shaped end will enable a sliding of the corresponding pin from the T-shaped portion into the corresponding groove to ensure a suitable retraction of the handle assembly. Inversely, while the handle portion <NUM> is operated by an operator in the extended position, the T-shaped end of the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> house a respective pin <NUM>, <NUM> therein. While the handle is held or rotated by an operator, the T-shaped section of the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> prevents longitudinal movement of the corresponding pin along the respective groove <NUM>, <NUM>. In this way, the T shape portion acts on the pins <NUM>, <NUM> to counter the retractive force exerted by the springs <NUM>, <NUM> so that the operator does not need to resist the retraction force (as would be the case if there were no T section).

It will be understood that other locking mechanisms may be possible, for example a further small groove may be incorporated into the end of the T sections to allow a respective pin <NUM>, <NUM> to be locked therein (e.g. bayonet mount), keeping the handle assembly <NUM> in the extended position without an operator.

As it should be apparent, when the handle <NUM> is moved in its extended position and then rotated, the first cylindrical body <NUM> is rotated with the handle portion <NUM>. The pin <NUM> of the first cylindrical body <NUM> extends in the T-shaped end of the groove <NUM> of the telescopic shaft <NUM> and drives a rotation of telescopic shaft <NUM>. Since this telescopic shaft <NUM> is in its extended position, its corresponding pin <NUM> extends in the T-shaped end of the groove <NUM> of the tubular body <NUM> and drives a rotation of the tubular body <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> is further provided with biasing elements for biasing the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> into the retracted position. In one embodiment, a first linear spring <NUM> is mounted inside the tubular body <NUM> and has a first end <NUM> attached to the first end <NUM> of the tubular body <NUM> distal from the mounting bracket <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the linear spring <NUM> is attached to the pin <NUM> of the telescopic shaft <NUM>. A second linear spring <NUM> is mounted inside the telescopic shaft <NUM> and has a first end <NUM> attached to the pin <NUM> of the telescopic shaft <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the second linear spring <NUM> is attached to the pin <NUM> of the first cylindrical body <NUM> and is mounted therein.

<FIG>, <FIG> show the adjusting system <NUM> with a telescopic handle assembly <NUM> mounted onto the side panel 123b of a bed <NUM>. As illustrated, when the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> is fully retracted, the handle portion <NUM> extends below the side panel 123b and does not protrude out of the bed <NUM>. When the bed <NUM> is to be configured, the user has first to pull the handle assembly <NUM> to its extended position before rotating it. In this position, the handle portion <NUM> protrudes outward from under the side panel 123b to provide a convenient use of the handle portion <NUM>. Once the bed <NUM> has been configured, the user releases the handle portion <NUM> which will naturally return the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> to its retracted position due to action of the first and second springs <NUM>, <NUM>.

As it should now be apparent to the skilled addressee, applying a rotational movement to the elongated body <NUM> through the handle portion <NUM> controllably applies a rotational movement to the connection body <NUM> via the rotation of the gears <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. As better shown in <FIG> and also in <FIG>, the connection body <NUM> is connectable to the worm <NUM> that is operatively connectable to the central frame <NUM> so that a rotation of the connection body <NUM> drives a displacement of the side panel 123b relative to the central frame <NUM> In one embodiment, the connection body <NUM> and the worm <NUM> may be integral. The second end <NUM> of the worm <NUM> is mounted inside an elongated tube <NUM> fixedly attached to the central frame <NUM> of the bed. In the preferred embodiment, the worm <NUM> has an external thread <NUM> and the elongated tube <NUM> has an internal thread, allowing the two to be operatively connected. Other embodiments allowing rotational motion to translate into linear movement may be evident however, including rack and pinion or other types of threaded and geared devices. <FIG> shows an elongated slide member <NUM> of the side panel 123b that is slidably inserted into an elongated tubular portion <NUM> fixed to the central frame <NUM>. When the handle portion <NUM> is rotated, rotational movement is transmitted up to the worm <NUM> which rotates into the tube <NUM>. Since the tube <NUM> is fixedly secured to the central frame of the bed, the rotation of the worm <NUM> within the tube <NUM> drives a translation of the side panel 123b relative to the central frame <NUM> of the bed.

While in the above embodiment the handle portion <NUM> is equipped with a telescopic shaft, it will be understood that other configurations are possible. For instance, in one embodiment, illustrated in <FIG>, the shaft <NUM> may be a non-extendable shaft directly secured with the first gear wheel axis.

Referring now to <FIG>, the adjusting system <NUM> may further be motorized to ease operation thereof. In this case, the worm <NUM> previously described could be replaced by an assembly <NUM> having an electrical actuator <NUM> comprising a male threaded screw driving a tube comprising internal threads (not shown). In this case, instead of directly connecting the connecting shaft <NUM> to a worm as previously described, the connecting shaft <NUM> is operatively connected to an electrical actuator <NUM>. In this embodiment, the adjusting system <NUM> can provide two operation modes, i.e. an electric mode or a manual mode.

As previously mentioned and as it should become apparent now, when the handle portion <NUM> is rotated to move the side panel section 123b from one of the retracted and extended positions to the other, the first gear <NUM> is rotated, which drives a rotation of the second gear <NUM>, this second gear <NUM> drives the rotation of the third gear <NUM> and this third gear <NUM> drives the rotation of the fourth gear <NUM> to rotate the worm <NUM> into the elongated tube <NUM> and thus displace the side panel section 123b parallel to the worm <NUM> with respect to the central frame <NUM>.

The adjusting system <NUM> may additionally comprise a shock absorption assembly <NUM> configured to absorb external forces from, for example, the adjusting system <NUM> being operated while the lateral panel pushes against a wall or when a patient's weight is placed on the side panel 123b. The shock absorption assembly is further described in <CIT>.

As it should be appreciated, the first and second aspects of the invention may be combined according to various arrangements. For example, the adjusting system <NUM> provided with the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> may also be motorized to drive the worm <NUM>, as previously described with reference to <FIG>.

In an alternative embodiment, the adjusting system for a patient support apparatus may comprise less than <NUM> gears. <FIG> illustrate an embodiment of an adjusting system <NUM> for a bed which includes two gears <NUM> and <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the adjusting system <NUM> with a manual mode of operation while <FIG> illustrate the adjusting system <NUM> with manual and electric modes of operation. Similar to previously disclosed adjusting system <NUM>, the adjusting system <NUM> may adjust the side panel 123b, and incorporates the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> of the adjusting system <NUM>.

In addition to the gears <NUM> and <NUM>, the adjusting system <NUM> comprises a housing or box <NUM> securable to a panel such as side panel 123b, the telescopic handle assembly <NUM>, a clutch assembly <NUM> and a mounting brackets <NUM>, <NUM> secured to the box <NUM> and used for securing the telescopic handle assembly <NUM>, shaft <NUM>, the gears <NUM> and <NUM> and the clutch assembly to the box <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> is connected to the lower or first gear <NUM> so that an actuation of the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> drives a rotation of the lower gear <NUM>. The lower gear is rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket <NUM> so that the lower gear may rotate relative to the mounting bracket <NUM>. The second or upper gear <NUM> is also rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket <NUM>. Furthermore, the upper gear <NUM> is mounted side by side with the lower gear <NUM> such that the teeth of the lower gear <NUM> engage the teeth of the upper gear <NUM>. As a result, a rotation of the lower gear <NUM> drives a rotation of the upper gear <NUM>.

The upper gear <NUM> is operatively connected to the clutch assembly <NUM> which is also operatively connected to the shaft <NUM> so that a rotation of the upper gear <NUM> drives a rotation of the shaft <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the clutch assembly <NUM> comprises a first annular ring <NUM> fixedly secured to the shaft <NUM>, a second annular ring <NUM> fixedly secured to the upper gear <NUM> and a housing <NUM> secured to the box <NUM> for supporting the shaft <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the adjusting system <NUM> will be described. The housing <NUM> houses therein a first bearing <NUM> and the first annular ring <NUM> sits on the first bearing <NUM>, the first bearing <NUM> allowing rotation of the annular ring <NUM>. The first bearing <NUM> is held in place by the first annular ring <NUM> on a first side and a sleeve <NUM> on the opposing side, which is secured to the shaft <NUM> through a threaded bolt <NUM>, thereby securing the first annular ring <NUM> to the shaft <NUM>. The first annular ring <NUM> can be fixedly connected to the shaft <NUM> through compression fitting or a fastener. The first annular ring <NUM> is operatively connected to the second annular ring <NUM>, both annular rings <NUM> and <NUM> being coaxial in the illustrated embodiment. The second annular ring <NUM> is fixedly connected to the upper gear <NUM> so that rotation of the upper gear <NUM> cause rotation of the second annular ring <NUM>, but neither the second annular ring <NUM> nor the upper gear <NUM> are fixed to the shaft <NUM>. The second annular ring <NUM> houses therein a second bearing <NUM> mounted onto the shaft <NUM> and held in place against the second annular ring <NUM> by threaded bolts, the illustrated embodiment containing four threaded bolts <NUM> placed concentrically around the second annular ring <NUM>. The second bearing <NUM> thus allows the second annular ring <NUM> to rotate with respect to the shaft <NUM>.

The annular ring <NUM> is fixedly secured to the shaft <NUM> as follows. A sleeve <NUM> is fixedly fitted around the shaft <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> has a threaded hole which aligns with a threaded hole on the shaft. A fastener <NUM>, such as a bolt, is then used to fasten the sleeve <NUM> onto the shaft <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is further received in a second sleeve <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> projects outwardly from the sleeve <NUM> and is received in an elongated longitudinal groove in the second sleeve <NUM>. The elongated longitudinal groove thus allows the shaft <NUM> to move longitudinally relative to the sleeve <NUM> in a chamber <NUM> formed between the proximal end of the shaft <NUM> and the proximal end of the second sleeve <NUM>, in response to manual or electric operation of the adjusting assembly <NUM>, while ensuring rotational engagement between the second sleeve <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> via the fastener <NUM> inserted into the groove of the second sleeve <NUM>. Therefore, a rotation of the second sleeve <NUM> drives a rotation of the shaft <NUM>. The second sleeve <NUM> rests on second and third bearings <NUM>, <NUM>, allowing rotation of the second sleeve relative to the box <NUM> The second sleeve <NUM> is then further held in place by a fastener <NUM>, a bolt in the illustrated embodiment, which is rotatably secured to the first bearing <NUM> by a sleeve <NUM>.

Referring back to the clutch assembly <NUM> (of which the function is identical to previously described clutch assembly <NUM>), the clutch assembly <NUM> comprises the second annular ring <NUM> which is operatively connected to the first annular ring <NUM> through a ball and spring arrangement as illustrated in <FIG>. The second annular ring <NUM> has longitudinal recesses each for receiving a respective spring therein, while the first annular ring <NUM> has ball seats each for receiving a respective ball therein. The assembly of rings <NUM> and <NUM> and the springs and balls form the clutch assembly <NUM>. Once the side panel 123b is in the maximum extended or fully retracted positions, the shaft <NUM> resists further rotation and identical to the clutch assembly <NUM>, the balls slip out of the ball seats in the first annular ring <NUM>, disengaging the first annular ring <NUM> from the second annular ring <NUM>. Continued rotation of the shaft <NUM>, whether through electric actuation or manual operation, will cause the second annular ring <NUM>, and the upper gear <NUM> to which it is fixedly connected, to rotate against the first annular ring <NUM>, while the first annular ring <NUM> is virtually static. As with the clutch assembly <NUM>, this prevents damage to the components by preventing excess stress buildup resulting from operation of the adjusting assembly <NUM> beyond the maximum or minimum positions or due to blocking external forces (e.g. abutting a wall). As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the adjusting assembly <NUM> is housed inside a box <NUM> comprising a base <NUM> and four walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extending orthogonal to the base <NUM> at each side of the base <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> is received in an aperture in the wall <NUM> of the box <NUM>. A sleeve <NUM> receives the shaft <NUM> and the sleeve <NUM> is supported on a fourth bearing <NUM> in order to allow rotational movement of the shaft <NUM>. The fourth bearing <NUM> is fastened to a second mounting bracket <NUM> by fasteners <NUM>. In one embodiment such as the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the adjusting assembly further comprises a shock-absorbing assembly <NUM>, as previously described with reference to the shock-absorbing assembly <NUM> and the adjusting system <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, operation of the adjusting assembly <NUM> in manual mode is described hereinafter. First, an operator extends the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> in order to access the handle. Upon rotation of the handle by the operator, the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> transmits the rotational movement to the lower gear <NUM>. Given that the lower gear <NUM> is operatively connected to the upper gear <NUM> through the teeth of each respective gear, rotation of the handle portion <NUM> cause rotation of the upper gear <NUM>. Rotation of the upper gear <NUM> then causes rotation of the first annular ring <NUM> through rotation of the second annular ring <NUM> fixedly secured to the upper gear <NUM>. Given that the first annular ring <NUM> is fixedly connected to the shaft <NUM>, the shaft <NUM> is thereby rotated. The first annular ring <NUM> defines a chamber therein for receiving the shaft <NUM>, thereby allowing longitudinal movement of the shaft relative to the first annular ring <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> includes a threaded section <NUM>, which is received in an elongated tube <NUM> with an internal thread for receiving the threaded section <NUM>. Continued rotation of the shaft <NUM> in the elongated tube <NUM> thereby causes lateral movement of the side panel 123b with respect to the central frame <NUM> of the bed. The shaft <NUM> is constrained on one end by the first annular ring <NUM>, so that the shaft abuts the first annular ring <NUM> in the extended position, and by the bolt <NUM> which is fixedly connected to the shaft <NUM> on an opposing end so that when it is fully retracted, the bolt <NUM> abuts the fourth bearing <NUM> and prevents further retraction of the shaft <NUM>. If an embodiment in which the adjusting system <NUM> is motorized as illustrated in <FIG>, additional considerations must be made. Firstly, it is preferred that the motorized assembly should not engage with the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> during motorized movement, preventing rotation of the telescopic handle assembly <NUM>. Without rotation of the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> during motorized movement, the handle can be placed as close as possible to the support panels 123b, allowing greater room under the hospital bed <NUM>. Additionally, disengaging and preventing movement of the handle from the electric actuator <NUM> prevent the telescopic handle from interfering with objects in its vicinity during electric operation. Accordingly, a lower gear lock <NUM> is implemented to prevent motion of the gears <NUM>, <NUM> during electric operation. The lower gear lock <NUM> is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket <NUM> and is designed to operatively engage the teeth of the lower gear <NUM>. The lower gear <NUM> is made moveable between a first extended position and a second retracted position. When the handle <NUM> is fully extended, a pin <NUM> pushes against the lower gear <NUM>, moving the lower gear <NUM> to a first extended position. In the first extended position, the lower gear lock <NUM> does not engage the lower gear <NUM>, allowing rotational movement of the lower gear <NUM>. This permits rotational movement from the handle portion <NUM> to be transferred to the shaft <NUM> and driving a displacement of the side panel 123b relative to the central frame <NUM>. Once the handle portion <NUM> is released and the telescopic handle assembly <NUM> is retracted, the action of the springs <NUM> and <NUM> pushes the handle assembly <NUM> against the lower gear <NUM>, locking it into place against the lower gear lock <NUM>. With the handle assembly thus in the retracted position, the lower gear lock <NUM> prevents rotation of the lower gear <NUM> and therefore the upper gear <NUM>. The electric actuator <NUM> therefore must displace the side panel 123b through linear movement only. In the preferred embodiment, the electric actuator <NUM> is a linear actuator.

The electric actuator <NUM> is able to both receive rotational movement in order to handle manual movement of the side panel 123b through rotational movement imparted on the handle assembly <NUM>, as well as impart purely lateral movement on the shaft <NUM> during electric operation in order to prevent movement of the gears <NUM>, <NUM> and the handle assembly <NUM>. This is due to the screw and nut electric actuator mechanism that is well-known in the art. In manual mode, the shaft <NUM> rotates and has a female threaded end (not shown) that rotates onto a static male threaded screw (not shown) in the electric actuator <NUM>, thereby changing the shaft's length. In electric mode, the screw turns inside the actuator (not shown) while the shaft <NUM> does not rotate due to action of the gear lock <NUM>, changing the shaft's length without rotation of the shaft due to action of the threads between the two parts.

It should be understood that the adjusting systems <NUM> and <NUM> may be used on any bed having a central frame and a side panel movable relative to the central frame. For example, the adjusting systems <NUM> and <NUM> may be used with the type of hospital bed shown in <FIG> that is provided with a plurality of independent side panel sections, but the skilled addressee will appreciate that various other types of hospital beds could be considered. The skilled addressee will also appreciate that the present adjusting systems <NUM> and <NUM> may also be used independently or in combination with each other.

It will also be understood that although the handle assembly is a telescopic handle assembly <NUM> in the preferred embodiments, it is possible for a non-telescopic handle to be used in conjunction with the adjusting systems <NUM> or <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A patient support apparatus (<NUM>) comprising a central panel section (120a-120d), a side panel section (122a-122d, 123a-123d) movable relative to the central panel section (120a-120d) between a retracted position and an extended position and an adjusting system (<NUM>) for moving the side panel section (122a-122d, 123a-123d) relative to the central panel section (120a-120d) between the retracted position and the extended position, wherein the adjusting system (<NUM>) comprises:
a mounting bracket (<NUM>) mounted to the side panel section (122a-122d, 123a-123d);
a handle assembly (<NUM>) rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket (<NUM>), the handle assembly (<NUM>) comprising a outer end (<NUM>) allowing a user to manually operate the adjusting system and first end (<NUM>) rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket (<NUM>);
an extending member (<NUM>) comprising a first end (<NUM>) operatively couplable to the central panel section (120a-120d) of the patient support apparatus (<NUM>) and a second end (<NUM>) rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket (<NUM>), the extending member (<NUM>) being capable of extending and retracting along a longitudinal axis; characterized by
a clutch assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) operatively mounted to the mounting bracket (<NUM>), the clutch assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) operatively engaging the first end (<NUM>) of the handle assembly (<NUM>) and the second end (<NUM>) of the extending member (<NUM>), wherein the clutch assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to urge a movement of the extending member (<NUM>) upon actuation of the handle assembly (<NUM>) below a defined resistance level of the extending member (<NUM>) while preventing rotation of the extending member (<NUM>) above or equal to the defined resistance level of the extending member (<NUM>), wherein the rotation of the extending member (<NUM>) in a first rotation direction causes the side panel section (122a-122d, 123a-123d) to move toward the extended position relative to the central panel section (120a-120d) while the rotation of the extending member (<NUM>) in an opposed rotation direction causes the side panel section (122a-122d, 123a-123d) to move toward the retracted position.