Patent ID: 12239594

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring now to the Figures, there is shown a variety of embodiments of patient support beds10. The term “bed” herein is used to denote any embodiment of a support for a patient. As such, in different embodiments the “bed” is provided as a traditional bed, a gurney or stretcher (not shown), an operating room table or surgical table (not shown), a bed that expands and contracts in width (seeFIG.1A-1D), a bed that converts to a chair to allow the patient to exit the bed (seeFIGS.2A-2D,3A-3B and6A-6C), a bed that tilts to allow the patient to exit and enter the bed standing (seeFIGS.4A-4C), and a variety of combinations thereof. Additionally, each of these variations may have a variety of optional equipment and support surfaces associated therewith.

In the chair bed embodiment the bed10is manipulated to achieve both a conventional bed position having a generally horizontal patient support or sleeping surface upon which a user lies in a supine position, and a sitting position wherein the foot deck of the bed is provided in a generally vertical position such that the user's feet can be positioned on or adjacent the floor and the back of the user is supported by a raised back support. In the expanding width bed configuration the bed10is manipulated to convert to a wider patient support surface at various sections of the bed10. The width of the expanding width bed10may be narrowed, however, to that of a conventional hospital bed to provide for ease of mobility of the bed10. Additionally, in one embodiment the bed10is a bariatric bed, meaning it is provided to support morbidly obese patients. In the standing or tilt configuration the bed10is manipulated to angularly rotate the patient support surface to a substantially vertical position, wherein the entire patient support surface is generally in-line and preferably at an angle of about 75° from the horizontal, to allow a patient to exit and enter the bed standing. Alternately, the tilt or stand bed may be stopped at any angle between 0° and 75° to provide for different therapeutic benefit to the patient. The tilt bed also may have, as part of its control system, features to provide reports on the amount of tilt (i.e., angle), length/duration of tilt at each angle, etc. Such reports and data may be downloaded from the controller to provide history reports to the clinicians.

In various embodiments, patient support beds10are provided as shown inFIGS.1A-1D and2A-2D. Each bed10generally comprises a base frame assembly32, an intermediate frame assembly18coupled to the base frame assembly32, a weigh frame assembly34coupled to the intermediate frame assembly18, and a patient support assembly19supported on the weigh frame assembly34. In various embodiments, the base frame assembly32has a plurality of actuators that raise and lower the intermediate frame assembly18. The weigh frame assembly34is preferably connected to the intermediate frame assembly18, and the patient support assembly19is connected to the weigh frame assembly34. Generally, the weigh frame assembly34is coupled to the intermediate frame assembly18by a plurality of load cells or load beams. In a bed that does not employ a tilting frame assembly, the patient support assembly19is coupled to the weigh frame assembly34by a plurality of actuators that raise and lower the different sections of the bed10(i.e., a head section, an intermediate or seat section, and a foot section), typically at various angular orientations.

In an embodiment where the bed can tilt to provide standing access and egress, such as shown inFIGS.4A-4C, a tilting frame assembly16is provided. The tilting frame assembly16is supported by the weigh frame assembly34(seeFIG.4D). The tilting frame assembly16may preferably be connected with a lift actuator to the intermediate frame assembly18to provide for lifting of the tilting frame assembly16. In a bed that employs a tilting frame assembly16, the tilting frame assembly16is preferably connected to the weigh frame assembly34, but becomes partially removed when in tilt/stand mode.

The patient support assembly19preferably comprises a support deck assembly20and a mattress22, however, either component may be identified as the patient support. The patient support assembly19may also include a patient support extension assembly, also referred to as a deck extension assembly. Various embodiments of patient support extension assemblies are described in detail in U.S. application Ser. Nos. 11/224,668; 11/224,669; 11/224,739; and, 11/224,691.

The mattress22may be a foam mattress, closed air-cell mattress, inflatable mattress, low-air loss mattress, fluidized mattress, percussion mattress, rotation mattress or any other type of mattress known in the art, including a mattress made of a combination of the aforementioned. As explained above, in one embodiment without tilt/stand up capabilities the patient support assembly19is connected to the weigh frame assembly34, and the weigh frame assembly34is connected to the intermediate frame assembly18via load cells. If tilt/stand up capabilities are provided, the tilt frame assembly16will typically be connected to the weigh frame assembly34. In one embodiment the bed10will be capable of transitioning to a chair orientation, and in some embodiments also or alternately to an expanded width orientation.

The bed10has a head end24, a foot end26opposing the head end24, a first side28and a second side30opposing the first side28. The term “head end” is used to denote the end of any referred to object that is positioned nearest the head end24of the bed10, and the term “foot end” is used to denote the end of any referred to object that is positioned nearest the foot end26of the bed10.

The bed10also preferably has a headboard23and a footboard25. In one embodiment, the headboard23, as shown inFIGS.3A-3Bis generally removably connected to the weigh frame70of the weigh frame assembly34, and in alternate embodiments it may be connected to the intermediate frame assembly18. The headboard23is generally provided at the very head end24of the bed10. In a preferred embodiment the footboard25, as shown inFIGS.1-6, is movably connected to the foot deck section206of the bed10.

The bed10can assume a plurality of positions/orientations via manipulation of the intermediate frame assembly18[e.g., foot end26and head end24up (bed10in up position as shown inFIG.3A), foot end26and head end24down (bed10in lower position as shown inFIGS.2A-2D), foot end26up and head end24down (Trendelenburg position, not shown, by raising the foot end26and lowering the head end24of the intermediate frame assembly18), and head end24up and foot end26down (reverse Trendelenburg position, not shown, by raising the head end24and lowering the foot end26of the intermediate frame assembly18)], and the various deck sections (head deck section202, intermediate or seat deck section204and foot deck section206) of the support deck assembly20, as explained herein. For example, the bed10can assume a standard bed position such that the support deck assembly20is in the horizontal position as shown inFIG.1, the bed10can assume a chair orientation such as shown inFIGS.3B and6A-6C, the bed10can assume a knee-gatch or cardiac-chair position, the bed10can assume an X-hale position, such as shown inFIGS.5A-5C, the bed10can assume a stand up or tilt position, such as shown inFIGS.4A-4C, and the bed can assume a variety of positions therebetween.

In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate frame assembly18is raised and lowered via internal arms and actuators connected to the base frame assembly32to allow the intermediate frame assembly18to nest within the base frame assembly32and thereby lower the bed10closer to the floor. Specifically, a first actuator is provided to raise and lower the head end24of the intermediate frame assembly18, and a second actuator is provided to raise and lower the foot end26of the intermediate frame assembly18. These actuators also assist in placing the bed10in the Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg positions.

As explained herein, an optional drive system310may be provided to provide a driving force to assist in moving the bed during transportation. Referring toFIGS.3A,3B and18, the drive system310may be connected to the intermediate frame assembly18. To operate the drive system310the brakes must be disengaged and the intermediate frame assembly18must be lowered such that the drive system310properly contacts the floor. When the drive system310is in proper engagement with the floor, the drive system310can be controlled via the controls (forward and reverse, and speed control) on the transport handles314at the head end24of the bed10. In one embodiment, a drive wheel handle940is provided to raise and lower the drive wheel manually in case of a power supply shortage.

Referring to the figures, the patient support bed10is shown in a traditional hospital bed configuration inFIGS.1A-ID and2A-2D. However, as explained in greater detail herein, in various embodiments, such as shown inFIGS.1A-ID, the patient support bed10also has deck extender assemblies at each side of the head deck section202, seat deck section204and foot deck section206. The bed10inFIG.1Ais shown in a perspective view, the bed10inFIG.1Bis shown in a side view, the bed10inFIG.1Cis shown in a top view, and the bed10inFIG.1Dis shown in a rear view. The mattress22has been removed from the bed10in these figures. The deck extender assemblies at each side of each bed section are individually openable/closeable to independently adjust the width of any side of the bed at any section of the bed.

The bed10inFIG.3Ais provided with the seat deck section204articulated upward and the foot deck section206fairly horizontal to provide for elevation of the legs and feet of the patient. In this figure some of the brake pedals300and steering pedals302are illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, one brake pedal300and one steering pedal302are provided at the head end24of the bed, and one brake pedal300and one steering pedal302are provided on each side of the bed10extending from the base frame assembly32.

Referring toFIG.3B, in one embodiment the bed10can be manipulated into the chair configuration. As shown in the figure, this embodiment of the bed10includes a variety of optional equipment. Optional equipment includes the following: a hand pendant304is provided for articulating the bed10(see alsoFIG.8); a patient Human Machine Interface (HMI)306is provided on the inside of each of the siderails27toward the head end24of the bed10for allowing the patient to articulate certain portions of the bed10, and an operator HMI308is provided on the outside of each of the siderails27for allowing the clinician to articulate additional portions of the bed10, and also to operate the scale functionality; a width extender may be provided at each side of the head deck section202, the seat deck section204and the foot deck section206as shown in the embodiment ofFIGS.1A-ID, but is not provided in the embodiment ofFIGS.2A-2D; a drive system310is provided to assist in providing a driving force to move the bed and facilitate the work of caregivers by only requiring minimal force during bed transportation; and, controllers for the drive system310are provided on the transport handles314at the head end24of the bed10, including a forward/reverse switch312and an accelerator switch318.

The siderail assemblies for the bed10generally provide a barrier that is moveable from a first position to a second position. In the first position the siderails assist in generally precluding a patient on the bed from rolling or falling off the bed (seeFIG.1). The siderails are moveable to the second position, however, to provide unfettered access to the patient on the bed for a caregiver or other individual to perform any procedures on the patient (not shown). In one embodiment two pairs of siderail assemblies are provided, a first pair of siderail assemblies27is provided toward the head end24of the bed, and a second pair of siderail assemblies29is provided toward the foot end26of the bed. Pairs of siderails are provided to impart barriers at both the first side28and second side30of the bed. The second pair of siderail assemblies29are mounted to respective shafts to allow the second pair of siderail assemblies29to rotate from the first position to the second position.

The base frame assembly32of the bed10generally comprises a base frame40and a plurality of steerable and lockable casters42,43. The casters include a pair of casters42at the head end of the base frame assembly32, and a pair of casters43at the foot end of the base frame assembly32. In the tilt or stand-up bed configuration, as shown inFIGS.4A-4C, heavy duty casters are preferred. A schematic of one embodiment of a central brake and steer system is provided atFIG.9. One aspect of the brake and steer system is that it includes brake pedals300and steer pedals302at the head end24of the bed and near the transport handle314. The brake and steer pedals300,302located near the transport handle314at the head end24of the bed10are arranged in such a way that the operator who is moving the bed can easily activate the pedals without moving to the sides of the bed. When not transporting the bed10, there are two central brake/steer systems located at the middle of each bed side allowing the operator to easily position the casters42,43to steer or brake. In one embodiment, all six of the brake and steer pedals300,302are mechanically linked together with a series of mechanical linkages that may extend within the tubing of the base frame40—this is referred to as the manual mode. As a result, the operator only needs to activate one of the brake/steer pedals300,302to set the entire brake and steer system in either brake mode or steer mode because all of the brake/steer pedals and all of the casters are mechanically linked. Alternately, rather than employing a manual or mechanically linked system to lock/unlock each of the casters42,43, any embodiment of the beds may employ an automatic mode to lock/unlock each of the casters42,43. In the automatic mode rather than relying on mechanical linkages to lock/unlock each of the casters42,43, the bed10has an automatic system that powers separate actuators303for each caster42,43to separately lock/unlock each of the casters42,43as desired. Further, for the automatic mode a plurality of sensors or switches305are provided at each of the brake and steer pedals300,302. The sensors/switches305are electrically connected to each of the actuators303at each of the casters42,43to separately lock/unlock each of the casters42,43.

In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.19A and19B, the bed10includes an override switch307at the head end24of the bed10to transition the brake and steer system between the automatic mode (using sensors/switches305at the pedals300,302to operate actuators303at the casters42,43to lock/unlock each caster) and the manual mode (using mechanical linkages to mechanically connect each of the pedals300,302with the casters42,43to lock/unlock each caster). The override switch307has a rod309extending out of the override switch307that manipulates that switch307between the automatic mode and the manual mode. In one embodiment, when the rod309is moved to the left, as shown inFIG.19A, the override switch307places the brake and steer system in manual mode. Conversely, when the rod309is moved to the right, as shown inFIG.19B, the override switch307places the brake and steer system in the automatic mode.

There are three modes to the brake and steer system. The first mode is the brake mode. The brake mode is set by fully engaging/pressing any of the three brake pedals300. When in the brake mode all four casters42,43will be simultaneously locked to prevent the bed10from moving. In the manual mode the casters42,43are locked when any of the brake pedals300is engaged and the mechanical linkage system operates to mechanically lock each caster42,43. In the automatic mode, when any of the brake pedals300are pressed the sensor/switch305at that brake pedal operates to electrically manipulate each actuator303at each caster42,43to lock each caster42,43. The second mode is the neutral mode. The neutral mode is set by positioning any of the brake/steer pedals300,302to the middle position which is the neutral position. In the neutral position all four of the casters42,43the mechanical linkage system placed all of the casters42,43in the fully rotatable and unlocked orientation. In the automatic mode the sensor/switch305at the brake/steer pedals300,302would sense that one of the brake/steer pedals300,302was placed in the middle position and the sensor/switch305would electrically manipulate each actuator303to place each of the caster42,43in the neutral position so that they are both fully rotatable and unlocked. The third mode is the steer mode. The steer mode is set by fully engaging/pressing any of the three steer pedals302. In the steer position, when the brake and steer assembly is in the manual mode, one or more of the casters at the foot end26of the bed will lock in the forward position, through a mechanical linkage connected from the steer pedals302to the caster(s) at the foot end26of the bed10to assist in overall steering capabilities of the bed during transport. Similarly, when the brake and steer assembly is in the automatic mode, when steer pedals302is engaged the switch/sensor305at that pedal302will sense that the steer pedal302was engaged and would electrically operate the actuator303at one of more of the casters at the foot end26of the bed10to lock that caster in the forward position.

The brake and steer system is supported by a brake or caster lock function in the bed's software that ensures that the brake system is in the lock mode before allowing the bed to go into tilt or stand mode. For example, if the user attempts to place the bed into tilt/stand mode and the caster/brake lock is not engaged, the software will provide an alarm and will preclude the user from actuating tilt/stand mode. Once the bed is placed into brake lock mode (i.e., all casters are locked either mechanically or with actuators) the software will disarm the alarm and allow the user to place the bed in tilt/stand mode. Further, once in tilt/stand mode, the software will not allow the brake lock mode to be disengaged until the bed is back in the full horizontal position. The brake and steer system uses a solenoid that is operated by the software to maintain the brake lock in brake mode during tilt/stand operations. In the automatic mode, the brake and steer system will maintain the actuators303in the lock mode during tilt/stand operations to keep each caster locked. The caster lock function locks the casters to prevent any unexpected movement of the bed during tilt/stand mode.

As best shown in the embodiments ofFIGS.1B and2B, the base frame assembly32, intermediate frame assembly18, and weigh frame assembly34extend from the head end24of the bed10toward the foot end26of the bed10. However, in one embodiment, these frame assemblies generally do not extend fully to the foot end26of the bed10. Instead, as is explained in detail herein, these assemblies32,18,34generally end around the distal end of the seat deck section204of the patient support deck20. Accordingly, the foot deck section206extends beyond the foot end26of the base frame assembly32, intermediate frame assembly18and weigh frame assembly34.

The intermediate frame assembly18of one embodiment of the bed10is connected to the base frame assembly32with a plurality of actuators to independently raise and lower each end of the intermediate frame assembly18. In one embodiment of the intermediate frame assembly18is made of a welded tubular frame assembly. Because each end of the intermediate frame assembly18can be independently raised and lowered, the bed10can be put into the trendelenberg and reverse trendelenberg positions.

In one embodiment the weigh frame assembly34is connected to the intermediate frame assembly18with a plurality of load beams. In one embodiment, four separate load cell assemblies extend from the top outer corner of the intermediate frame180to support the weigh frame assembly34. In a preferred embodiment, the weigh frame assembly34and the patient support assembly19(i.e., the support deck assembly20and the mattress22), including all actuators to actuate the patient support assembly19, are all supported from the load cell assemblies. The load cell assemblies35include load cells that movably couple the weigh frame assembly34to the intermediate frame assembly18. Each load cell includes a fixed portion and a sensing portion that is movable relative to the fixed portion. Each load cell assembly35also comprises a transducer connected to the sensing portion that provides an electrical signal in response to movement of the sensing portion relative to the fixed portion. The extent of the movement of the sensing portion depends upon the amount of weight supported by the load cells, and accordingly the electrical signal provided by the load cells varies in response to the weight supported by the weigh frame assembly34.

In one embodiment, the weigh frame assembly34generally comprises a weigh frame70and a plurality of actuators, including actuators to raise and lower the support deck assembly20. Accordingly, in one embodiment the support deck assembly20is operably connected to the weigh frame assembly34. In one embodiment of the bed10, the support deck assembly20for the bed10comprises a plurality of different deck sections. For example, as shown inFIG.5A, the support deck assembly20comprises a head deck section202adjacent the head end24of the bed10, an intermediate or seat deck section204, and a foot deck section206adjacent the foot end26of the bed10. These sections of the support deck assembly20generally comprise the main deck. The head deck section202may also be referred to as a first deck section, the intermediate or seat deck section204may also be referred to as a second deck section, and the foot deck section206may also be referred to as a third deck section. The head deck section202is generally moveable from a generally horizontal position to a more vertical back-support position, and the foot deck section206is moveable from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position. The seat deck section204is positioned between the head deck section202and the foot deck section206. In one embodiment the seat deck section204is pivotably connected to the weigh frame70, such that the seat deck section204can pivot upwardly to allow the bed10to attain a knee-gatch or cardiac chair position.

In one embodiment, such as shown inFIGS.4-6, the weigh frame assembly34supports a tilt frame assembly16, and the tilt frame assembly16supports the support deck assembly20for the bed10. Referring toFIG.4D, in one embodiment the tilt frame316is hingedly connected at its foot end26to the weigh frame70. This allows the tilt frame316to be tilted forward by the tilt/stand actuator to place the bed in stand mode. In one embodiment, the tilt actuator317is connected between the tilt frame316and a fixture connected to the weigh frame70. The tilt actuator317is extendable to lift the tilt frame316to place the bed in stand mode. The tilt frame316has a pair of rubber pads on its head end24to cushingly support the tilt frame316on the weigh frame70when the tilt frame316is not in the stand mode.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS.4-6, the head deck section202is preferably manipulated by a plurality of linkages and an actuator connected to the tilt frame assembly16. The head deck section202may also be pivotally connected at one end, preferably the foot end of the head deck section202, to either the tilt frame316or the seat deck section204. Referring toFIG.4D, in one embodiment the head deck section202is pivotally connected to the tilt frame316. As shown inFIG.6A, the head deck section202can pivot from approximately 0° in the horizontal position, to nearly 90° in the more vertical back-support position.

Referring still toFIGS.4-6, in one embodiment of the tilt/stand bed, the seat deck section204is pivotally connected to the tilt frame assembly16(seeFIGS.4C,4D and5B). At one position the seat deck section204is connected via an actuator to the tilt frame316of the tilt fame assembly16which allows the foot end of the seat deck section204to be pivoted upwardly, as shown inFIG.5C. Additionally, one end, preferably the head end of the seat deck section204, is pivotally connected to either the tilt frame316of the tilt frame assembly16or to the head deck section202. The seat actuator connecting the seat deck section204to the tilt frame316adjusts the angle of the seat deck204with respect to the frame. In one embodiment the pivot range of the seat deck section204is from approximately 0° in the horizontal to approximately 15° in the knee-gatch position. In a preferred embodiment the length of the seat deck section204is a fixed length. In one embodiment the actuator for the seat deck204raises the seat deck204upon a pulling action by the actuator.

In one embodiment of the bed10, the foot end26of the seat deck section204is pivotally raised and lowered. To pivotally raise the foot end26of the seat deck section204the seat deck section actuator184exerts a first force on the seat deck section204. To lower the seat deck section204the seat deck section actuator184correspondingly exerts an opposite force on the seat deck section204. Accordingly, the seat deck section204is moveable from a generally horizontal position, as shown inFIG.1B, to an angularly raised position with respect to the weigh frame70, also known as a knee-gatch or X-hale position, as shown inFIG.5C.

In one embodiment of the bed10, the head deck section202generally comprises a head frame assembly212and a head deck plate240. Additionally, in one embodiment wherein the bed10has a variable width component, the head deck section202also comprises a first side head deck extender assembly232and a second side head deck extender assembly234. The deck extender assemblies are also referred to as patient support extension assemblies. The first side head deck extender assembly232is utilized to increase the width of the bed at the first side28of the bed10, and the second side head deck extender assembly234is utilized to increase the width of the bed at the second side30of the bed10.

The first and second side head deck extender assemblies232,234are independently moveable from a first retracted position to a second expanded position. Similarly, the supplemental mattresses on the first and second side head deck extender assemblies232,234are thus repositioned from a first retracted position to a second expanded position. In one embodiment the distance from the centerline of the bed10to an edge of the mattress22is identified as distance W1, and the distance from the centerline of the bed10to an edge of the supplemental mattress after the supplemental mattress is in the second expanded position is identified as distance W2, where W2is greater than W1. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the supplemental mattress is approximately 5 inches, and thus the distance from W1to W2is approximately 5 inches. In one embodiment, in the retracted or non-deployed position the deck extender assemblies232,234are generally underneath the deck plate240.

As briefly explained above, in a preferred embodiment each of the head deck extender assemblies232,234also has a supplemental mattress assembly connected thereto for extending the patient support surface of the bed. In a preferred embodiment, a first side supplemental mattress assembly is provided for the first side head deck extender assembly232, and a second side supplemental mattress assembly is provided for the second side head deck extender assembly234to increase the width of the surface supporting the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the supplemental mattress is adapted to increase the width of the mattress of the bed approximately 5″ per side, for a total mattress width increase of 10″. Further, in a preferred embodiment the head deck extender assemblies232,234are sliding drawer style assemblies.

In one embodiment of the bed10, the seat deck section204generally comprises a seat frame assembly412and a seat deck plate440. Additionally, in one embodiment wherein the bed has a variable width component, like the head deck section202, the seat deck section204also comprises a first side seat deck extender assembly432and a second side seat deck extender assembly434. The first side seat deck extender assembly432is utilized to increase the width of the bed at the first side28of the bed10, and the second side head seat extender assembly434is utilized to increase the width of the bed at the second side30of the bed10. The deck extender assemblies432,434are connected to the seat deck section204and allowed to move relative thereto.

Like the first and second side head deck extender assemblies232,234, the first and second side seat deck extender assemblies432,434are also independently moveable from a first retracted position to a second expanded position. Similarly, the supplemental mattresses on the first and second side seat deck extender assemblies432,434are thus repositioned from a first retracted position to a second expanded position. In one embodiment, the distance from the centerline of the bed10to an edge of the mattress22at the seat section is identified as distance W3, and the distance from the centerline of the bed10to an edge of the supplemental mattress after the supplemental mattress is in the second expanded position at the seat deck section is identified as distance W4, where W4is greater than W3. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the supplemental mattress is approximately 5 inches, and thus the distance from W3to W4is approximately 5 inches.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the seat deck extender assemblies432,434also has a supplemental mattress assembly connected thereto for extending the patient support surface of the bed. In a preferred embodiment, a first side supplemental mattress assembly is provided for the first side seat deck extender assembly432, and a second side supplemental mattress assembly is provided for the second side seat deck extender assembly434. Like the head deck extender assemblies, in the retracted or non-deployed position, the seat deck extender assemblies432,434are generally underneath the seat deck plate440. Further, like the head deck extender assemblies232,234, in a preferred embodiment the seat deck extender assemblies432,434are sliding drawer style assemblies.

It is understood that in a preferred embodiment the deck extender assemblies operate completely independently. Accordingly, any deck extender assembly of the bed may be in the retracted or non-deployed position, the partially deployed position, or the expanded or deployed position at any time, irrespective of any other deck extender assembly. Further, it is understood that the supplemental mattresses for the head and seat deck extender assemblies are always connected to the deck extender assemblies, including in both the non-deployed positions and the deployed positions of the deck extender assemblies.

As shown in the Figures, the support deck assembly20of the patient support assembly19also comprises a foot deck section206. In one embodiment the foot deck assembly206does not have a deck extender assembly, but in an alternate embodiment a foot deck extender assembly is possible and within the scope of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.1A-1D, foot deck width extenders205are provided on each side of the foot deck section206(although the foot deck width extenders205are extended out at only one side). In a preferred embodiment the foot deck extenders205comprise a foot supplemental mattress connected to a supplemental plate203that is hinged about the side of the foot deck support plate207. Thus, in a retracted position the supplemental plate203is hinged and rotated under the foot deck support plate207such that when the foot deck section206is in a substantially horizontal position the foot deck supplemental mattress extends downwardly away from the foot deck support plate207and towards the floor. The foot deck with extender205can be rotated or pivoted about the hinge at each side, respectively of the foot deck support plate207such that the supplemental plate203is generally in-line and extending outwardly from the foot deck support plate207. In this manner, the foot deck supplemental mattress extends generally upwards, like the mattress on the foot deck section206, but to the side of the mattress on the foot deck section206, thereby providing a width extension for the foot deck section206.

In one embodiment of a stand-up bed10as shown inFIGS.1A-1D, the foot deck section206is operably connected to the seat deck section204and is pivotally mounted thereto. The foot deck section206is also operably connected to an actuator adjusting the angular orientation of the foot deck section206. In one embodiment, the foot deck section206includes a foot deck frame604and foot deck plate207. The foot deck plate207is connected to the foot deck frame604, and the foot end of the mattress22is positioned on the foot deck plate207.

In another embodiment of a stand-up bed10as shown inFIGS.2A-2D, the foot deck section206is operably connected to the weigh frame assembly34and the seat deck section204with a non-pivotal actuation mechanism209that is driven by a foot deck actuator. Accordingly, the foot deck section206is not directly connected to the seat deck section204, as is typical in most hospital beds. The foot deck actuator may be fixed to the weigh frame assembly34. In a preferred embodiment the non-pivotal actuation mechanism209simultaneously rotates and longitudinally translates the foot deck section206from the generally horizontal position as shown inFIGS.2A and2B, to the substantially vertical position as shown inFIG.3B. Further, in a most preferred embodiment the rotation of the foot deck section206is about a moving pivot point. Accordingly, unlike prior art actuation mechanisms used with foot decks that are pivotally connected to either the frame or the seat assembly and that merely pivot the foot deck about the pivotal connection, the preferred actuation mechanism209for the foot deck206of this application simultaneously longitudinally translates and rotates the foot deck206from the generally horizontal to the substantially vertical position. In one embodiment the actuation mechanism209is connected to the foot deck a distance from the head end edge of the foot deck section206.

Additionally, as shown inFIGS.2A and2C, in a preferred embodiment the foot deck section206is provided a distance from the intermediate or seat deck section204. Accordingly, a longitudinal space or gap is provided between the seat deck section204and the foot deck section206when the foot deck section206is in the generally horizontal position. As the foot deck section206transitions from the generally horizontal position to the substantially vertical position the length or size of the gap decreases due to the simultaneous translation and rotation of the foot deck206from the generally horizontal to the substantially vertical position.

As best shown inFIGS.6D and6E, in a preferred embodiment the non-pivotal actuation mechanism209comprises a six-bar linkage, however, alternate linkages, such as a four-bar linkage or other linkage types or mechanisms may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The non-pivotal actuation mechanism209preferably comprises first and second opposing links pivotally connected to the weigh frame70(the first link being adjacent the first side28of the bed10, and the second link being adjacent the second side30of the bed10), an H-frame member, first and second opposing drive rails (the first drive rail being adjacent the first side28of the bed10, and the second drive rail being adjacent the second side30of the bed10), and first and second control rails (the first control rail being adjacent the first side28of the bed10, and the second control rail being adjacent the second side30of the bed10).

Additionally, as shown inFIGS.2-4, in a preferred embodiment the foot deck section206is provided a distance from the intermediate or seat deck section204. Accordingly, a longitudinal space or gap is provided between the seat deck section204and the foot deck section206. As the foot deck section206transitions from the generally horizontal position to the substantially vertical position the length or size of the gap decreases due to the rotation and/or translation of the foot deck206from the generally horizontal to the substantially vertical position.

A pair of foot end siderails29is provided on the bed10. In one embodiment the foot end siderails29are rotatedly connected to a shaft, and rotate with the head deck section202. Accordingly, when the head deck section202is rotated from the substantially horizontal position shown inFIGS.1A and2Ato the more vertical position as shown inFIG.3B, the foot end siderails29rotate accordingly. The second pair of siderail assemblies29generally comprises a first foot end siderail670located at the first side28of the bed, and a second foot end siderail672at the second side30of the bed. In an alternate embodiment, the foot end siderails670,672are operably connected to the foot deck section206of the bed and remain stationary relative to the foot deck section206during movement of the foot deck section206between the generally horizontal position and the generally vertical position. Further, the foot end siderails670,672are moveable from a first position, wherein they generally provide a barrier preventing the patient from unintentional exit off either of the sides28,30of the bed, to a second position, wherein a barrier is not provided above the patient support surface. Each of the foot end siderails670,672is independently moveable from the first position to the second position.

In various embodiments, the foot end siderails670,672, or alternately handles, are generally rotatably coupled to one of the head deck section202or the foot deck section206, unless disengaged therefrom as explained above. And, in a preferred embodiment, the foot end siderails670,672are coupled with linkage671to the head section202. Thus, in such an embodiment, when the head section202is actuated to rotate, the foot end siderails670,672will rotate as well. Each siderail assembly29may also be operably connected to the seat deck extender assemblies432,434. As such, when the seat deck extender assemblies432,434are extended, the second set of siderails29will simultaneously be extended outwardly as well.

To provide for allowing independent movement of the siderails670,672, a locking assembly673is provided. As shown inFIG.17, the locking assembly673includes an activation button that when pressed, disengages the second end siderail670or672to allow the second end siderail to rotate to the second position and to become disengaged from fixed movement with the head deck section202. The siderail assemblies29also include a sensor. When the sensor senses that the siderail is not in the first position (i.e., when the activation button has been engaged to rotate the siderail from the first position to the second position, the sensor sends a signal to a controller of the bed to lock out or preclude the foot deck actuator from (a) allowing the foot deck section to be moved into the substantially vertical position of a chair configuration, and (b) allowing the bed to be actuated to the standing position. Additionally, a mechanical stop is utilized to preclude the foot deck siderails670,672from being rotated to the second lower position when the foot deck206is in the vertical chair position or when the bed is in tilt or stand mode.

The siderails670,672are provided not only as barriers, but as handles to assist the patient in moving out of the foot end26of the chair bed10. Because in one embodiment the siderails670,672are rotatedly fixed to the head deck section202through the drive mechanisms in the engaged state, the siderails670,672have relative movement with the head deck section202. Thus, as the head deck section202is rotated from the generally horizontal position to the substantially vertical position, the foot end siderails670,672also rotate therewith. The patient can hold onto the foot end siderails670,672during this rotation.

The bed10also incorporates a variety of lock-out features. For example, when the foot end siderails29or handles are in the second or down position, seeFIG.17C, the foot actuator is locked out and cannot transition the foot deck206to the full chair position. Similarly, the stand mode is not operable when the foot end siderails29are in the down position.

As explained above, the bed also has a first set of siderails27. In one embodiment the first set of siderails27are provided toward the head end24of the bed. The first set of siderails27generally comprise a first head end siderail800located at the first side28of the bed, and a second head end siderail802located at the second side30of the bed. In one embodiment, the head end siderails800,802are operably connected to the head deck section202of the bed and remain stationary relative to the head deck section202during movement of the head deck section202between the generally horizontal position and a more vertical back support position. In alternate embodiments, either of the sets of siderails27,29may be connected to any frame of the bed, but they are preferable connected to the patient support platform20. Additionally, the head end siderails800,802may be connected to the seat deck section204, the seat deck extenders, or any other support deck. In a preferred embodiment the first head end siderail800is connected to the first side head deck extender assembly232, and the second head end siderail802is connected to the second side head deck extender assembly234. The first and second head end siderails800,802are moveable from a first position, wherein they generally provide a barrier preventing the patient from unintentional exit off the bed at either of the sides28,30thereof, to a second position, wherein a barrier is not provided above the patient support surface. Each of the head end siderails800,802are independently moveable from the first position to the second position. In both the first and second positions the head end siderails800,802are adapted to remain stationary relative to the head deck section202during movement of the foot deck section1206.

As previously disclosed, the bed10has a patient support assembly19, which in some embodiments includes a mattress22. One embodiment of a mattress22for the bed10is shown inFIG.11A. The mattress ofFIG.11Acomprises a low air loss mattress with rotational capabilities, however, other mattress with additional or fewer capabilities may be employed. The mattress22is provided on the deck plates of the head deck, seat deck and foot deck sections202,204,206. Though the mattress is a single component in many embodiments, it will be identified as having a head mattress portion850, a seat mattress portion852and a foot mattress portion854. For example, in one embodiment the head and seat mattress portions850,852may be connected together and the foot mattress portion854may be separated. The head and seat mattress portions850,852may be connected to the head and seat deck sections202,204, and the separate foot mattress portion854may be connected to the foot deck section206. Additionally, the mattress22includes an encasing856that generally covers and/or encloses the entire mattress22, or multiple encasings may be provided to cover different sections of the mattress, and the encasing(s) may be strapped or otherwise connected to the various sections of the bed10. In an alternate mattress, the mattress may comprise a combination of air and foam sections and inserts.

Referring toFIG.11A, a low air loss mattress900with rotational capabilities is provided. The low air loss functionality provides a light and diffused air flow directly to the patient's skin through thousands of microscopic apertures in the top coverlet of the mattress to address moisture and heat buildup which aids in microclimate management. Additionally, this mattress may also provide dynamic alternating pressure capabilities. Dynamic alternating pressure capabilities may be achieved by alternately inflating and deflating different air cells periodically, such as every 5 minutes. In one embodiment, structure for rotational capabilities of the low air loss mattress900comprises a bottom encasement902that mates with a top encasement904to enclose a turning bladder kit906. The turning bladder kit provides two independent turning bladders908for the head section202(one for each side of the head section) of the bed, and two independent turning bladders910for the seat section204of the bed (one for each side of the seat section). The bladders include a first side seat rotation bladder716, a second side seat rotation bladder718, a first side head rotation bladder720and a second side head rotation bladder722. In one embodiment the cross-sectional geometry of the rotation bladders is generally circular. In an alternate embodiment the cross-sectional geometry of the rotation bladders is generally triangular such that the tall portion of the rotation bladder is toward the edge of the patient support deck and the portion of the rotation bladder that approaches the baseline is toward the middle of the patient support deck. The top encasement904is zippered to the bottom encasement902. Further, a plurality of independent low air loss and alternating pressure mattress sections913are provided as a low air loss and alternating pressure bladder system909within a top and bottom encasement912,914. The low air loss and alternating pressure bladder system909is preferably positioned above the rotation portions of the mattress. In one embodiment, the low air loss and alternating pressure mattress sections913comprise independent mattress sections that extend the width of the bed. In one embodiment, the mattress sections913have a foam member (not shown) placed inside a bladder915filled with air as shown inFIG.11B. Further, in one embodiment, preferably located at the head and seat sections where rotation may be utilized, the foam member may be split into two separate foam members, with a gap between the two foam members in the middle of the mattress section913, and the bladder915may have a notch917to facilitate easy rotation of the mattress section913at the head and seat sections. Generally, however, if no rotation is provided at the foot section, the foam members within the mattress sections913at the foot section of the bed may unitary and extend from one side of the mattress section913to the other side of the mattress section913without any break or gap. However, to accommodate for the arms698of the foot board25that may extend partially above the foot deck surface, the mattress sections913in the foot deck may have two notches, similar to notch917shown inFIG.11B. The air cell sections913may be supported in the bottom encasement914with retaining loops919.

Referring toFIG.11A, an optional foam support911, preferably with a plastic backing, may be provided above the top encasement904to support the air cell sections913of the low air loss and alternating pressure portion of the mattress. In one embodiment, the foam support911comprises separate or hingeable head and seat sections for each side of the bed. The low air loss and alternating pressure bladder system909is provided in a top and bottom encasement912,914above the top encasement904of the rotational bladders and above the foam supports911. In one embodiment, as show inFIG.13, the alternating bladder system909includes six bladders913in the head section202of the mattress and each extending from one side of the mattress to the opposite side of the mattress, four bladders913in the seat section204of the mattress and each extending from one side of the mattress to the opposite side of the mattress, and six bladders913in the foot section206of the mattress and each extending from one side of the mattress to the opposite side of the mattress. Additionally, in one embodiment the bottom encasement914comprises a manifold system to provide air to each of the mattress section913bladders of the mattress. In one embodiment, each separate mattress section913has fasteners to maintain each mattress section913in the proper orientation within the top and bottom encasement912,914, and the mattress encasement912,914is fixed with fasteners to the patient support platform.

In one embodiment, the seat and foot sections of the alternating pressure mattress each have two zones, an A and B zone in the foot section, and a C and D zone in the seat section (seeFIG.13). This allows for alternating bladders913in each of the seat and foot sections to be inflated and deflated providing therapeutic benefit to the patient. Accordingly, in the mattress ofFIG.13there are five zones for alternating pressure in the air bladders913of this mattress: one zone for the air bladders913in the head section, two zones for the air bladders913in the seat section and two zones for the air bladders913in the foot section.

In one embodiment, when the bed10has air bladders, and particularly air bladders for patient support surfaces, the bed10may include an air supply control box700as shown inFIG.12. Referring toFIG.12there is shown an enclosure702that houses pumps704, a main manifold706and a plurality of valves708,710. As shown inFIG.12, two pumps704are provided in a preferred embodiment to provide additional volume of air for quicker inflation and deflation of the air bladders, however, in alternate embodiments only one pump is provided. Air from the pumps enters the manifold706at the input fitting712(see alsoFIG.14). The manifold has numerous outputs. As shown inFIG.14, in one embodiment there are nine air bladder fitting714outputs. The nine outputs are for: (a) the air bladder zones in the head section (one zone), seat section (2 zones), foot section (2 zones)—which in total occupy5of the fittings714; and, (b) the rotation bladders, including the first side seat rotation bladder716, second side seat rotation bladder718, first side head rotation bladder720and second side head rotation bladder722(see alsoFIG.11)—which in total occupy4of the fittings714. Next to the air bladder fittings714are quick exhaust bladder fittings724which are utilized to assist in deflating air cells more quickly by passing air to be drawn out of a specific bladder to the CPR manifold726that has quick exhaust valves. Finally, the last output fitting728is for the low air loss aspect of the mattress which bleeds air within the encasement of the mattress to allow the air to escape for therapeutic purposes. The main manifold706may also have an air silencer730, which operates essentially as a muffler for air exhausting out of the manifold706that is not being quick released through the CPR manifold726. In one embodiment, each of the nine air bladder output fittings714and the quick release exhaust bladder fittings724have a separate first valve708associated therewith to allow for adjusting the air pressure in the specific bladder/cell by reducing the air pressure in that specific bladder/cell. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment there are ten first valves708. Additionally, each of the nine air bladder output fittings714, the quick release exhaust fittings724and the low air loss fitting728have a separate second valve710associated therewith to allow for adjusting the air pressure in the specific bladder/cell/low air loss area by increasing the air pressure to that specific bladder/cell/low air loss area. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment there are 11 second valves710.

The manifold706also has a mother board or PCB732(seeFIGS.14and15), on which there are, among other things, pressure sensors734for each output fitting. The pressure in each specific bladder/cell/low air loss area is determined by sensing the pressure within each respective output tube connected to each respecting output fitting with a separate smaller diameter tube (not shown) being inside that output tube. The smaller tubes connect to separate connectors736inside the manifold706(see the cross-sectional view ofFIG.15), which in turn are fluidly connected to the respective separate sensors734on the PCB732.

In addition to the main manifold706, in one embodiment a CPR manifold726is provided for rapidly dumping air from the various air bladders. Referring toFIG.16, the CPR manifold726is provided in line between the main manifold706and the air mattress22. Accordingly, tubes connect the appropriate output fittings on the main manifold706with respective connectors738on the CPR manifold726(note that not all of the respective connectors738are shown inFIG.16). Further individual output fittings are then connected to the openings740on the top of the CPR manifold726to connect to each specific bladder/cell/low air loss area. The CPR manifold726also has a plurality of exhaust breath ways742to rapidly exhaust air out of any bladder/cell.

In one embodiment of the bed where a mattress is provided with rotational bladders, lumbar boost functionality may also be provided. Lumbar boost functionality is achieved by filling the first side head rotation bladder720and the second side head rotation bladder722at the head section with air at the same time. Additionally, the head deck may be elevated, or the bed may be placed in the chair or X-gatch orientation. This essentially pushes the chest of the patient outwardly and provides a lumbar boost.

In one embodiment the bed10is designed to quickly place the bed into a CPR position in which the head section, and preferably the seat and foot sections as well, are horizontal in case of emergency. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal CPR position is achievable even when the bed is initially in the stand or tilt orientation, which previously has not been possible. To place the bed into the CPR position from the standing/tilting position the operator will lift one of the two CPR handles780located at the head side of the bed, as shown inFIGS.10A and10B, to quickly lower the bed from the standing position to the flat or horizontal position. If the bed is in any other position than the standing position, to place the bed into the CPR position the operator will similarly lift one of the two CPR handles780, as shown inFIG.10B, and the head section202of the bed will be immediately lowered. The CPR control is a momentary control. Accordingly, the CPR handle780must be continued to be lifted until the head section202or entire tilt frame is in the flat orientation. Releasing the CPR handle will stop movement. Additionally, in one embodiment the CPR release is a 2 stage release. By lifting the CPR handle780a first amount an electronic switch is engaged and the actuators of the bed will move the bed to the appropriate orientation. By lifting the CPR handle780an additional amount, a mechanical operation will take affect whereby the actuators will disengage and drop the sections of the bed by gravity. In one embodiment the CPR handle780can disengage two actuators, the head deck actuator and the tilt actuator. Engaging the CPR handle also operates to release air from various bladders (i.e., low air loss, rotation, alternating pressure, etc.) as explained above.

In one embodiment, the footboard25translates inwardly and outwardly with respect to an axis of the foot deck206extending from the head end of the foot deck206to the foot end of the foot deck206. Movement of the footboard25is independent of movement of the foot deck206, and independent of the type of mechanism to move the foot deck206. In one embodiment a linear motor is provided to move the footboard25inwardly and outwardly. Further, in one embodiment the footboard25has approximately 8″ of travel: 4″ of travel outwardly from the zero position and away from the foot end26of the bed, and 4″ of travel inwardly from the zero position and toward the head end24of the bed. The footboard25generally comprises a footboard barrier697connected to first and second arms698. The arms698may be provided between the two sides of the foot deck206, as shown inFIGS.1A,2A and4A, or the arms698may be provided at the sides of the foot deck206so that the arms698are outside the mattress22. Movement of the footboard25is controlled by using in and out buttons on the operator HMI308on the head end siderail27as shown inFIG.7A, or in and out buttons on the hand pendant304as shown inFIG.8A. The hand pendant304is preferably electrically connected with the control system of the bed using a wired cord.

In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the mattress is connected to the footboard25. Accordingly, when the footboard25translates inwardly and outwardly (i.e., toward the head end of the bed and away from the head end of the bed) the mattress will similarly translate with the footboard25. In such an embodiment, the footboard25may have a retainer member699, also referred to as a footboard mattress support slide, to which the mattress is connected (SeeFIGS.2A-2C). In one embodiment the retainer member699is connected to the arms698of the footboard assembly. Preferably, the portion of the mattress that is connected to the footboard25is the foot end26of the foot section of the mattress, and most preferably of a mattress that has an internal gap between the foot section and the seat section of the mattress. As the footboard25translates toward the head end24of the bed, i.e., toward the seat deck204, the mattress over the foot deck will move toward the mattress over the seat deck to close the gap.

Preferably, the footboard25is generally maintained in the zero position. The bed is precluded from entering stand mode unless the footboard25is in the zero position. If the footboard25is not in the zero position and the operator attempts to tilt the bed, the control system will provide an alarm and an error message to the operator that is visible on the message board on the operator HMI308. The error message will advise the operator that the footboard25is not in the zero position. Accordingly, the operator will have to move the footboard in or out, as necessary, to place the footboard in the zero position. Operation of the footboard in/out buttons provides for momentary movement of the footboard25. Thus, as soon as the operator releases the in or out button, the footboard25will stop moving. During movement of the tilt assembly from the horizontal position (FIGS.1A and2A) to the stand position (FIGS.4A and4B) in stand mode the footboard25does not move, but remains in the zero position at all times. When the tilt frame is positioned in the final stand location, seeFIGS.4A and4B, the bottom of the footboard25, when the footboard is in the zero position, should rest approximately on the floor to allow a patient to exit or enter the bed in the standing orientation. Similarly, during movement of the tilt assembly from the stand position (FIGS.4A and4B) to the horizontal position (FIGS.1A and2A) the footboard25does not move, but instead remains in the zero position at all times.

Because in one embodiment the footboard25has footboard arms698that are interior of the sides of the foot deck assembly206, the bottom portion of the mattress22may need to have slits to accommodate movement of the footboard25. In one embodiment of the low air loss mattress22the overall height of the variety of air bladders at each of the head and seat sections202,204may be approximately 7″. At the foot section206, the air bladders in one embodiment are approximately 3.5″ in height, and a 3.5″ foam insert209is provided below the air bladders in the foot deck section206. The foam insert209may have slits that allow the arms698to pass back and forth as the footboard25is actuated in and out. Because of the geometry of the arms698and the limited movement of the footboard25, preferably no slits are provided in the air bladders in the foot section206. In an alternate embodiment arms698of the footboard25are provided outside the mattress22, so no slits are required in the mattress22. Further, in another alternate embodiment, the footboard25does not move toward the head end of the bed further than the zero position (thereby only having travel from the zero position and outwardly past the foot end of the bed10), so that no slits are required in the mattress in this embodiment as well.

An additional aspect of one embodiment of the bed is that limit switches are provided for pinch points at various areas of the bed. For example, along the side of the bed limit switches are provided at various areas of the base frame32and/or intermediate frame34to stop the bed from moving down when the switch senses pressure. Additionally, limit switches213or sensors213are provided on the bottom of the foot board25and the foot deck206to sense pressure adjacent the bottom of the foot board25and foot deck206, so that if pressure is sensed the bed will stop further movement of the footboard25and/or foot deck206, especially when the bed is moving to the chair and stand positions.

Additionally, it is understood that the tilting mechanism16may be stopped at any desired angle between the generally horizontal position and the generally vertical position to allow for various therapeutic loads to be applied to the load supporting portions of the patient's body.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” as used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Further, the term “plurality” as used herein indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.