Patent ID: 12186248

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring toFIG.1, a patient support apparatus50in accordance with the present disclosure includes a head end52, a foot end54, and sides56,58. As used in this description, the phrase “head end52” will be used to denote the end of any referred-to object that is positioned to lie nearest head end52of patient support apparatus50. Likewise, the phrase “foot end54” will be used to denote the end of any referred-to object that is positioned to lie nearest foot end54of patient support apparatus50.

Patient support apparatus50includes a base60having a base frame62connected to an intermediate frame100. An articulated deck104is coupled to intermediate frame100. Right siderails110,112(shown inFIGS.2and3) and left siderails120,122are coupled to and extend from frame62. A mattress130is carried by the articulated deck104and provides a sleeping surface or support surface132configured to receive a patient (not shown).

The articulated deck104includes a head section160, a seat section162, a thigh section164, and a foot section166(shown inFIGS.2and3). The mattress130rests on the articulated deck104and includes a head portion170, a seat portion172, a thigh portion174, and a foot portion176(shown inFIGS.2and3), each of which generally corresponds to the like-named portions of the articulated deck104, and each of which is generally associated with the head, seat, thighs, and feet of the patient on sleeping surface132.

The patient support apparatus50can be manipulated by a caregiver or by the patient on the sleeping surface132using electric linear actuators150so that the mattress130, the intermediate frame100, and the articulated deck104assume a variety of positions. The patient support apparatus50can assume a bed position having the articulated deck104configured so that the sleeping surface132is generally planar and horizontal, defining an initial position of the articulated deck104, as shown inFIG.1. The patient support apparatus50is convertible to a sitting position, shown inFIG.2. In the sitting position, the head end52of the head section160of the articulated deck104is pivoted upwardly away from the intermediate frame100to a back-support position providing a pivotable backrest so that the head section160and the intermediate frame100form an angle generally between 55 and 90 degrees. Furthermore, in the sitting position of the patient support apparatus50, the seat section162of the articulated deck104is positioned to lie generally horizontally, the foot end54of the thigh section164is slightly upwardly inclined, and the foot section166of articulated deck102extends generally vertically downwardly from the thigh section164.

The patient support apparatus50can be moved to a Trendelenburg position (not shown) having the articulated deck tilted so that the head end52of the sleeping surface132is positioned to lie closer to the floor than the foot end54of the sleeping surface132. The patient support apparatus50can also achieve a reverse-Trendelenburg position, shown inFIG.3, having the articulated deck104tilted so that the foot end54of the sleeping surface132is positioned to lie closer to the floor than the head end52of the sleeping surface132.

A control panel200is positioned on the left siderail120in the illustrative embodiment. The control panel200includes a display202and a plurality of user inputs204. The user inputs204are selected by a user, such as a caregiver, to move the apparatus50between the positions described above. The display202displays information relevant to the position of the apparatus50. For example, the display202may display an angle of one of the apparatus sections, a position of the apparatus50(i.e. seated, bed, Trendelenburg, reverse-Trendelenburg, etc.). The user inputs204are 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 toFIGS.2and3, a prior art method of exercising on the apparatus50is shown. The apparatus50is positioned for a patient to perform an exercise regimen. In such a configuration, the apparatus is placed in reverse-Trendelenburg position with the head end52of the head section160of the articulated deck104pivoted upwardly away from the intermediate frame100. The patient is positioned in a seated position with the patient's feet placed against a footboard210at the foot end54of the apparatus50. The legs of the patient are bent so that the patient can press against the footboard210, as shown inFIG.2. As the patient presses against the footboard210and the patient's legs extend or straighten, the articulated deck104slides backward, as shown inFIG.3. The patient then bends the patient's knees which permits the articulated deck104to retract back to the position shown inFIG.2. By retracting and extending the legs between the bent and straightened positions shown inFIGS.2and3, 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 deck104being moved, and an angle at which the articulated deck104is tilted. It should be appreciated that articulated deck104tilts with the intermediate frame100and therefore, the angle of tilt of the intermediate frame100relative to the base frame62, or relative to horizontal, is considered to be the angle of tilt of the articulated deck104.

FIG.4shows an articulated deck250that may be used with the apparatus50in lieu of articulated deck104. The articulated deck250is mounted to a frame252that is used in apparatus50in lieu of intermediate frame100. The articulated deck250includes a head section254, a seat section256, and a thigh section258that are coupled to the frame252. The articulated deck250also includes a foot section259as shown inFIGS.12-18. The head section254is moveable between a raised position (shown inFIG.4) and a lowered position (not shown, but corresponding to apparatus50being in the bed position as shown inFIG.1). The head section254is raised for the patient to perform an exercise regimen. The seat section256includes a stationary frame260fixedly attached to the frame252and a moveable frame262that moves relative to the stationary frame260. The head section254is coupled to the moveable frame262and moves with the moveable frame262. A lower end164of the head section254includes a pivot joint266that couples the head section154to the moveable frame262. The pivot joint266translates along the moveable frame262as the head section154is raised and lowered relative to the stationary frame260.

The moveable frame262moves between a retracted position263(shown inFIG.4) and an extended position265(shown inFIG.5). In the extended position265, the moveable frame262is separated from the thigh section258. Accordingly, during the exercise regimen, the moveable frame262of the seat section256moves relative to the thigh section258from the retracted position263in which the seat section256is positioned next to, or adjacent to, the thigh section258, and the extended position265in which the seat section256is positioned away from the thigh section258. Notably, the head section254moves with the seat section256between the extended position265and the retracted position263.

Referring toFIG.6, an actuator270controls the movement of the moveable frame262. The actuator270is controlled by the caregiver or patient by actuating the user inputs204of the control panel200. The actuator270includes a fixed member272that is coupled to the stationary frame260and a moveable member274that telescopes between a locking position273(shown inFIG.6) and an unlocking position275(shown inFIG.7). The moveable member274includes a track276that the moveable frame262slides along. The moveable member274also includes a cantilevered end278having a stop280. When the actuator270is in the locking position273, the stop280prevents the moveable frame262from moving out of the retracted position toward the extended position265. When the actuator is in the unlocking position, the stop280prevents the moveable frame262from moving beyond the extended position265. In other words, the position of the stop280when 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 toFIG.7, the exercise regimen may be activated by a patient or caregiver at the control panel200. During the exercise regimen, the articulated deck250may be tilted, such as being tilted to a predetermined reverse-Trendelenburg position. For example, the articulated deck250may be tilted within a range of 1 degree to 30 degrees depending upon a desired level (e.g., amount of difficulty) of exercise. When the exercise regimen is commenced, the actuator270becomes unlocked and moves the moveable member274to the unlocking position275thereby unlocking the moveable frame262. A distance that the moveable member274moves to the unlocking position275may be determined by the patient or caregiver. The distance may be set within a range of 1 inch to 12 inches, for example. By controlling the distance of the unlocking position275, a degree of difficulty of the exercise may be altered. The moveable frame262may then freely move along the track276to the stop280, as illustrated inFIG.8. The term “freely move” is not intended to exclude the inertia and the sliding or rolling friction that is inherently present in the apparatus50having the exercise system described herein. Movement of the moveable frame262enables the patient to exercise the patient's legs by moving the moveable frame262of seat section256and the components of apparatus50coupled thereto between the retracted position263and the extended position265. While the patient exercises in this manner, the moveable member274of the actuator270remains extended in the unlocking position.

After the conclusion of the exercise regimen, the moveable member274of the actuator270returns to the locking position273. The exercise regimen may be concluded by actuating a user input204on the control panel200, for example. In some embodiments, the exercise regimen is concluded after a predetermined period of time that may be set using the control panel200. 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 apparatus50described herein. Thus, in some embodiments, apparatus50has a sensor that produces a signal used to count the number of repetitions. The moveable member274returns to the locking position273at a predetermined speed to reduce the likelihood of the moveable frame262of the seat section256crashing into the thigh section258. As the moveable member274returns to the locking position273, the moveable frame262is captured by the stop280and homed back into the retracted position263. After returning to the retracted position263, the actuator270is locked or otherwise maintained in the locking position273to prevent movement of the moveable member274and the moveable frame262of the seat section256.

Referring toFIG.9, the seat section256includes an upper panel290and a lower panel292. The upper panel290is attached to the moveable frame262. The lower panel292is attached to the stationary frame260. The upper panel290includes a main body294and a pair of flanges296(shown more clearly inFIG.11) that extend downwardly from the main body194toward the lower panel292. In some embodiments, flanges296are L-shaped flanges. The lower panel292includes a main body298having edges300that are received by the flanges296. Thus, edges300are situated adjacent to a sidewall of the L-shaped flanges296with a bottom wall of the L-shaped flanges296underlying end regions of the lower panel292. As the moveable frame262moves from the retracted position263to the extended position265, the upper panel290slides outwardly relative to the lower panel292toward the head end of apparatus50with the flanges296sliding along the edges300of the lower panel292. The upper panel290moves from a retracted position293(shown inFIG.9) to an extended position295(shown inFIG.10). In the extended position295of the upper panel290, the lower panel292extends across a gap formed between the upper panel290of seat section256and the thigh section258. A similar gap exists between the moveable frame262of the seat section256and the thigh section258. The upper panel290prevents the patient and/or the mattress from falling into the gap during the exercise regimen.

Referring now toFIG.11, a track320is coupled to each side of the frame252but only one side of frame252is shown inFIG.11. The track320on the other side of frame252is a mirror image of the one shown inFIG.11. Thus, the description below of track320shown inFIG.11is equally applicable to the other track320which is a mirror image of the depicted track320. The upper track322includes a base member340and a pair of spaced apart side members342. The base member340and the side members342cooperate to form a channel344. The channel344faces in a direction346. In one embodiment, direction346is substantially horizontal. The lower track324includes a base member350and a pair of spaced apart side members352. The base member350and the side members352cooperate to form a channel354. The channel354faces in a direction356. In one embodiment, the direction356is substantially vertical. Therefore, the direction356is substantially perpendicular to the direction346.

The moveable frame262includes a base member360having a mounting bracket362attached thereto. A roller364extends from the mounting bracket362. The roller364rolls along the channel344of the upper track322when the moveable frame262moves between the retracted position263and the extended position265. A roller370extends from the base member360. The roller370is oriented substantially perpendicular to the roller364. The roller370rolls along the channel354of the lower track324when the moveable frame262moves between the retracted position263and the extended position265.

FIG.12illustrates a model of a female patient400exercising on the articulated deck250. In the example illustrated inFIG.12, the female patient400is a 5thpercentile patient having a height of approximately 58.9 inches. In such an embodiment, a foot rest402is positioned on the patient support apparatus50for the patient400to rest her feet against. The foot rest402may be coupled to frame of the apparatus50. In another embodiment, the foot rest402is coupled to the footboard210. As shown inFIG.13, extension of the patient's legs results in approximately 4.4 inches of travel between the retracted position263and the extended position265.

FIG.14illustrates a model of a male patient420exercising on the articulated deck250. In the example illustrated inFIG.14, the male patient420is a 95thpercentile male having a height of approximately 76.8 inches. In such an embodiment, the patient420places his feet directly against the footboard210. As shown inFIG.15, extension of the patient's legs results in approximately 6.4 inches of travel between the retracted position263and the extended position265.

FIG.16illustrates the patient420exercising with a knee angle of 82 degrees relative to the articulated deck250. A panel430may be positioned by a caregiver under the patient's legs to aid the patient in achieving the 82 degree angle. By increasing the knee angle to 82 degrees, the patient420begins his exercise approximately 3.6 inches closer to the footboard210and can achieve 12 inches of travel between the retracted position263and the extended position265. Once the appropriate angle is achieved, the caregiver removes the panel430before the patient begins exercising.

FIG.17illustrates the patient400exercising with a knee angle of 88 degrees relative to the articulated deck250. By increasing the knee angle to 88 degrees, the patient400begins her exercise approximately 3.6 inches closer to the footboard210and can achieve 12 inches of travel between the retracted position263and the extended position265.

Referring toFIG.18, in an alternative embodiment, a split footboard450may be used with the patient support apparatus50. The split footboard450includes an upper footboard portion452and a lower footboard portion454. An upper edge456of the lower footboard portion454is at or slightly above an upper surface460of the mattress130. The lower footboard portion454includes a pair of sockets464into which posts466of the upper footboard portion452can be inserted so that the upper footboard portion452and the lower footboard portion454are aligned. The pair of posts466can be inserted into other sockets470in a foot section frame member472so that the upper footboard portion452is offset toward the head end52of the bed50relative to the lower footboard portion454to accommodate patients of shorter height. A series of these other sockets470can be provided in the foot section frame member472to accommodate different patient heights.

Referring toFIG.20, a patient support apparatus500includes the articulated deck250. The patient support apparatus500includes a base frame502having a casters504that enable the patient support apparatus500to be rolled throughout a healthcare facility. A brake sensor506detects whether a brake (not shown) of the casters504is activated. When the brake is activated, the casters504are prevented from rolling. An upper frame510is coupled to the base frame502by a lift system512. The lift system512includes lift motors514that raise and lower a head end516and a foot end518of the patient support apparatus500. For example, the lift motors514may be actuated to position the upper frame510in a Trendelenburg or reverse—Trendelenburg position. An angle sensor520is configured to detect the angle of the upper frame510relative to the base frame502.

A weigh frame530is positioned on the upper frame510between the upper frame510and the articulated deck250. The weigh frame530includes a left head load cell532, a right head load cell534, a left foot load cell536, and a right foot load cell538. The load cells532,534,536,538are configured to detect loads on the patient support apparatus500. For example, the load cells532,534,536,538may detect whether a patient is present on the patient support apparatus or whether a patient has moved on the patient support apparatus.

A head motor550is configured to move the head section254relative to the seat section256. An angle sensor552is provided to detect an angle of the head section254. A thigh motor554is configured to move the thigh section258relative to the seat section256. An angle sensor (not shown) may detect an angle of the thigh section258. Foot motors556are configured to retract and extend the foot section259. A foot sensor558detects a position of a foot extension (not shown) relative to a main portion of the foot section259.

Apparatus500includes control circuitry570which, in turn, includes a controller572having a processor574and memory576to control the functions of the patient support apparatus500. For example, the controller572controls the motors550,554,556. The controller572is also configured to receive data signals from the load cells532,534,536,538. The controller572is further configured to receive data signals from each of the sensors506,520,552,558. Each of a pair of siderails580includes a position sensor586to detect whether the respective siderail580is in a raised or lowered position. At least one of the pair of siderails580of the patient support apparatus includes a graphical user interface582with user inputs584. The controller572communicates with the graphical user interface582to display data related to the patient support apparatus500. A caregiver may review the data using the user inputs584. Additionally, the user inputs584may be activated to send messages to the controller570to control the patient support apparatus500.

In some embodiments, the actuator270will only move to the unlocking position275to enable exercise if certain conditions are met. For example, the actuator270may only move to the unlocking position275if the brake sensor506detects that the at least one or more casters504is locked. In other embodiments, the actuator270may only move to the unlocking position275if at least one of the pair of siderails580is raised. Optionally, the actuator270may only move to the unlocking position275if both of the pair of siderails580are raised. In other embodiments, the actuator270may only move to the unlocking position275if the angle sensor520detects that the upper frame is in a reverse-Trendelenburg position. For example, the actuator270may only move to the unlocking position275if an angle of the upper frame510is tilted to a predetermined angle, for example between 1 degree and 20 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the actuator270may only move to the unlocking position275if the load cells532,534,536,538detect that a patient is on the patient support apparatus500. Further, the actuator270may only move to the unlocking position275if the angle sensor552detects that an angle of the head section254is beyond a threshold angle, for example beyond 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the actuator270may only move to the unlocking position275if the foot sensor558detects that the foot section259is fully retracted. In some embodiments, the actuator270may only move to the unlocking position275if a foot rest is positioned between the foot section259and the patient. For example, a caregiver may use the user inputs584to confirm that the foot rest is in position. In some embodiments, all of the above conditions must be met before the actuator270can move to the unlocking position275. In other embodiments, only some of the above conditions must be met before the actuator270can move to the unlocking position275. 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 toFIG.21, the control panel200includes the display202and a field of operational buttons600. In some embodiments, the display202is a graphical user interface that incorporates the buttons600as icons that operate as soft keys for the selection of various functions. In the illustrated embodiment, the display202shows the current configuration of the apparatus50. In other embodiments, the display202may show various icons and buttons to operate the apparatus50. For example, the display202may illustrate various icons and buttons to alter the settings of the apparatus50.

The operational buttons600include a home button602that is selectable, such as by touching, to return the display202to a home screen (not shown). The home screen is a screen that is navigated to upon powering of the apparatus50or upon first use of the apparatus50. A settings button604is selectable, such as by touching, to navigate the display202to a settings screen (not shown). The settings screen may include various icons and buttons that are selectable to alter settings of the apparatus50. An exercise button606is selectable, such as by touching, to alter the apparatus50into a position for the patient to perform exercises, as described above. For example, selection of the exercise button606may cause the head section254to move to the raised position. Additionally, selection of the exercise button606may cause the actuator270to move to the unlocking position275so the moveable frame262can freely move between the retracted position263and the extended position265. An up arrow button612and a down arrow button614are selectable, such as by touching, to scroll through various lists on the display202. The up arrow button612and the down arrow button614may also be selectable to scroll through various screens on the display202. It should be noted that the control panel200illustrated inFIG.21is exemplary only and the control panel200may include other buttons and icons configured to operate the apparatus50.

Referring back toFIG.19, a manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) pedal610may be actuated to return the articulated deck250to a position wherein CPR may be performed. In other embodiments, a CPR lever or handle718, described below, may be manually actuated to return the articulated deck250to a position wherein CPR may be performed. Thus, the pedal610and the lever or handle718are considered to be manual inputs that are used to activate the emergency CPR function of bed50according to the present disclosure.

The embodiments described herein will be described with respect to actuating the CPR pedal610. In some embodiments, actuation of the CPR pedal610causes cables that are routed from the CPR pedal610to a bracket (not shown) to pull on a release pin (not shown) in a linear actuator (not shown) that raises and lowers the head section254, as described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,433, which is hereby incorporate by reference herein in its entirety. In some embodiments, actuation of the CPR pedal610releases a wrap spring or other clutch inside of the linear actuator (not shown) that raises and lowers the head section254. 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 bed50, such as by use of pedal610, the head section254is rapidly guided to a lowered position, as shown inFIG.25. Additionally, actuation of the CPR pedal610may cause the moveable frame262to move to the retracted position263. Accordingly, actuation of the CPR pedal610may also cause the upper panel290to move to the retracted position293. In some embodiments, movement of the moveable frame262from actuation of the CPR pedal610causes the actuator270to return to the locked position273. In other embodiments, the actuator270remains in the unlocked position275and the moveable frame262moves relative to the actuator270.

In some embodiments, the CPR pedal610must be held in an actuated position by the caregiver to fully lower the head section254to the lowered position. If the CPR pedal610is released during lowering of the head section254, the head section254is stopped. In this way, the head section254may be stopped from lowering when an obstruction is located between the head section254and the frame252. In some embodiments, stopping movement of the head section254causes the moveable frame262to stop moving to the retracted position263. In some embodiments, stopping movement of the head section254causes the upper panel290to stop moving to the retracted position293. In some embodiments, stopping movement of the head section254causes the actuator270to stop moving to the unlocked position275.

Referring now toFIG.22, the patient support apparatus50is illustrated having a CPR homing link700extending between the head section254and the frame252. A first end708of the CPR homing link700is coupled to the head section254at a pivot joint710. Accordingly, the CPR homing link700pivots relative to the head section254as the head section254is raised and lowered. A second end712of the CPR homing link700is coupled to the frame252at a longitudinally translatable pivot joint714. In particular, the CPR homing link700is sized and configured so that second end712simultaneously pivots and translates relative to the frame252as the head section254is moved between a raised position, shown inFIG.22, and an intermediate position, shown inFIG.23. During lowering of the head section254from the intermediate position ofFIG.23to a lowered position, shown inFIG.25, the second end712of the CPR link700is prevented from further translation toward the head end of bed50by a stop840(discussed in further detail below in connection withFIG.26) and so the second end712of the CPR link700only pivots relative to frame252during movement of the head section254between the intermediate position and the lowered position.

The head section254is coupled to the moveable frame262at the pivot joint266as discussed above. A rotating link702further couples the head section254to the moveable frame266. The head section254is configured to pivot about the pivot joint266to enable the head section254to move between the raised position, shown inFIG.22, and the lowered position, shown inFIG.25, relative to the frame262and therefore, relative to frame252. InFIG.22, the head section254is illustrated at an angle of approximately 80 degrees relative to the frame252. As the head section254pivots about the pivot joint266, the rotating link702pivots relative to the head section254and the moveable frame262to enable the head section254to raise and lower. The rotating link702is positioned further from the head end52of bed50than the CPR homing link700. In some embodiments, the rotating link702is shorter in length than the CPR homing link700.

InFIG.22, the moveable frame262is shown in the extended position265. That is, the actuator270is in the unlocking position275to enable movement of the moveable frame262between the retracted position263and the extended position265. If a patient on bed50goes into cardiac arrest, then it is desirable to perform CPR on the patient as soon as possible. Thus, the moveable frame262should be returned to the retracted position263and the head section254should be returned to the lowered position so that CPR can be administered. In some embodiments such as the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS.22-25, the CPR lever718is coupled to the head section254and is actuated to implement the emergency CPR function of bed50, thereby to release the head section254for rapid movement to the lowered position. In other embodiments, the CPR lever718is coupled on the frame252. In connection with the lowering of head section254during the emergency CPR release function, the phrase “rapid movement” and similar such phrases used herein are intended to mean that the head section254moves to the lowered position more quickly than if the head section linear actuator were powered electrically to move the head section254such as during normal operation of bed50.

Referring now toFIG.26, a portion of frame252is shown and is configured as a rail800having a C-shaped cross section. Actually, frame252has rails800serving as longitudinally extending frame members on opposite sides of the bed50. The rails800are oriented so that the C-shape of rails800open inwardly toward a longitudinal centerline of frame252. Thus, the rails800are mirror images of each other. In other embodiments, rails800are separate components that are affixed to some other frame member of frame252. The discussion that follows regarding one of rails800is equally applicable to both rails800, but keeping in mind that the rails800are mirror images of each other.

The rail800includes a generally vertically oriented base segment802that extends along an axis804of the rail800. Axis804is parallel with the longitudinal dimension of bed50. An upper flange806extends generally perpendicularly from a top808of the base segment802. The upper flange806also extends along the axis804. A lower flange810extends generally perpendicularly from a bottom812of the base segment802. The lower flange810also extends along the axis804. The base segment802, the upper flange806, and the lower flange810form a channel member defining a channel820that extends along the axis804.

A roller830with a substantially cylindrical outer perimeter832is received within the channel820and rolls along lower flange810during movement of the head section254between the raised and intermediate positions. The roller830is coupled to the CPR homing link700at the pivot joint714. The pivot joint714is configured as an axle for the roller830and so is sometimes referred to herein as axle714. Thus, the CPR homing link700pivots about axle714and the roller830rotates relative to axle714or, alternatively, the lower end712of the CPR homing link700is fixed to axle714such that axle714rotates within the bore of roller830whenever the CPR homing link700pivots. The axle714, therefore, defines a pivot axis about which the CPR homing link700pivots as the head section254moves between the raised and lowered positions. The roller830is configured to move along the channel820as needed. For example, as the patient exercises as described above, the roller820moves along the axis804of the channel820to enable the CPR homing link700to move with the moveable frame262and the head section254.

A stop840is positioned within the channel820and, in the illustrative embodiment, is fixed in place by a pair of bolts841that extend through holes formed in the stop840and that thread into holes formed in the base segment802of rail800. In other embodiments, stop840is welded to rail800or is formed integrally with the rail800. The stop840is preferably made from metal (e.g., steel or aluminum) but may be formed from other materials such as rubber, plastic, or the like. Roller830may be made from any of these same materials as desired. Stop840is formed to include a curved stop surface842to allow the roller830to nest in the stop840when the outer perimeter832of the roller830contacts the stop840. In alternative embodiments, the roller830is replaced by a slide block that slides within channel820along flange810of rail800during movement of the head section254between 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 stop840is configured with a flat stop surface that is engaged by the slide block when the head section254reaches the intermediate position during lowering, for example.

When the head section254is at the 45 degree angle, as shown inFIG.23, the roller830is still positioned away from the stop840because the head section has not yet reached 30 degrees which, in the illustrative example, is the angle at which head section254relative to frame252is considered to be in the intermediate position. Accordingly, with the head section254at the 45 degree angle, the patient is still enabled to exercise because the roller830is able to move along the channel820without contacting the stop840. This enables free movement of the moveable frame262between the extended position265and the retracted position263during exercise.

FIG.23illustrates the apparatus50after the CPR pedal610or lever718, as the case may be, is actuated to drop the head section254and the head section254has lowered from the raised position ofFIG.22to an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to frame252. InFIG.24, the head section254has dropped further downwardly to the intermediate position of about 30 degrees relative to the frame252. Thus, the head section254is angled relative to the rail800by about 30 degrees when the head section254reaches the intermediate position. In some embodiments, the intermediate position is within a range of 30-44 degrees relative to the frame252. As the head section254drops, the pivot joint714moves with the roller830along the rail800until the roller830contacts the stop840. The roller830engages the stop840when the head section254reaches the intermediate position during downward movement of the head section254to prevent the pivot joint714of the CPR homing link700from moving along the channel820during further downward movement of the head section254from the intermediate position to a lowered position.

When the roller830contacts the stop840, the CPR homing link700is prevented from moving along the rail800but continues to rotate relative to the head section254and the moveable frame262to guide the head section254so that an angle720between the CPR homing link700and the moveable frame262is decreased. Decreasing the angle720results in the CPR homing link700pushing the moveable frame262in the direction of arrow730away from the head end52of bed50and toward the retracted position263. That is, engagement of the roller830with the stop840results in the CPR homing link700acting through the head section254to push the moveable frame262back into the retracted position during downward movement of the head section254from the intermediate position to the lowered position.

In some embodiments, movement of the moveable frame262due to actuation of the CPR pedal610or lever718causes the actuator270to return to the locked position273. In other embodiments, the actuator270remains in the unlocked position275and the moveable frame262moves relative to the actuator270. Further, movement of the moveable frame262from actuation of the CPR pedal610or handle718causes the upper panel290to move toward the retracted position293. During movement of the head section254downwardly, the rotating link702moves away from the pivot joint714as the head section254lowers. That is, a spacing between a lower end of the rotating link702and the pivot joint714of the CPR homing link700increases as the head section lowers254from the raised position to the lowered position. On the other hand, a distance between the pivot joint710at the upper end of the CPR link and the pivot joint at the upper end of the rotating link702and the head section254remains constant as the head section254moves between the raised and lowered positions.

As the head section254lowers downwardly from the intermediate position ofFIG.24to the lowered position ofFIG.25, the roller830remains nested in the stop840and the moveable frame262is moved into the retracted position263. In some embodiments, the moveable frame262reaches the retracted position263when the head section254is positioned at about 15 degrees relative to the frame252. In such embodiments, further downward movement of the head section254from the 15 degree angle into the lowered positions causes pivot joint266to move along the now-stationary movable frame262. Additionally, the upper panel290is moved closer to the retracted position293as the head section254lowers in response to activation of the emergency CPR release function of bed50. In some embodiments, the upper panel290is moved entirely into the retracted position293when the head section254is positioned at about 15 degrees relative to the frame252.

Referring toFIG.25, the head section254is in the lowered position at an approximately 0 degree angle relative to the frame252. CPR may be administered to the patient when the head section254is at the 0 degree angle. At the 0 degree angle, the moveable frame262is moved entirely into the retracted position263. Additionally, the upper panel290is moved entirely into the retracted position293. At the 0 degree angle, the actuator270may be moved entirely into the locked position273as well. In some embodiments, at the 0 degree angle, the actuator270may remain in the unlocked position275. The CPR homing link700nests behind a head end siderail connection bracket705when the head section254is lowered, as illustrated inFIG.25.

Accordingly, an exercise regimen may be quickly exited by actuating the CPR pedal610or handle718. By unlocking the head section254and enabling the head section254to quickly drop relative to the frame252, the CPR homing link700returns the moveable frame262to the retracted position263as the head section254is lowered. As such, in the event of cardiac arrest of the patient during the exercise regimen, the apparatus50may be quickly returned to a flat position that enables the administration of CPR. In some embodiments, actuation of the CPR pedal610or lever718causes the actuator270to return to the locked position273. In an embodiment wherein the actuator270remains in the unlocked positioned275after actuation of the CPR pedal610or lever718, 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 display202may prompt the user to return the actuator270to the locked position273.

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, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.

In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” “at least a portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all possible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected. While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same are to be considered as illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications and variations can be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while multiple inventive aspects and principles can have been presented, they need not be utilized in combination, and many combinations of aspects and principles are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above.