Patent ID: 12186247

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

Referring first toFIGS.1to5, there is shown a hospital bed100, in accordance with one embodiment. The bed100comprises a head end102, an opposite foot end104and spaced-apart left and right sides105,107extending between the head end102and the foot end104.

Some of the structural components of the bed100will be designated hereinafter as “right”, “left”, “head” and “foot” from the reference point of an individual lying on the individual's back on the support surface of the mattress provided on the bed100with the individual's head oriented toward the head end102of the bed100and the individual's feet oriented toward the foot end104of the bed100.

The bed100includes a base106, a patient support assembly108and an elevation system110operatively coupling the patient support assembly108to the base106. In the illustrated embodiment, the base106is provided with a displacement assembly112which includes casters114connected to the base106by pivots (not shown) hidden from view by covers116. This displacement assembly112allows the bed100to be moved and maneuvered along a floor. In one embodiment, the base is at a distance of 5 inches from the floor. Alternatively, the base could be higher or lower than 5 inches from the floor.

The elevation system110is configured to raise and lower the patient support assembly108relative to the base106between a minimum or fully lowered position and a maximum or fully raised position. In one embodiment, the elevation system110is further configured to allow the patient support assembly108to be set at any intermediate position between the fully lowered and fully raised positions. The elevation system110may further be configured to tilt the patient support assembly108in various orientations, as will be further explained below.

Still referring toFIGS.1to5, the bed100further includes a patient support barrier system120generally disposed around the patient support assembly108. The barrier system120includes a plurality of barriers which extend generally vertically around the patient support assembly108. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of barriers includes a headboard122located at the head end102and a footboard124disposed generally parallel to the headboard122and located at the foot end104of the bed100. The plurality of barriers further include spaced-apart left and right head siderails126,128which are located adjacent the headboard122and spaced-apart left and right foot siderails130,132which are respectively located between the left and right head siderails126,128and the foot end104of the bed100. Each siderail126,128,130,132is moveable between an extended or raised position for preventing the patient lying on the bed100from moving laterally out of the bed100(i.e. exit the bed100), and a retracted or lowered position for allowing the patient to move or be moved laterally out of the bed100.

The bed100further includes a control interface (not shown) for controlling features of the bed100. The control interface could be integrated into the footboard124, into the headboard122or into one or more of the siderails126,128,130,132. Alternatively, the control interface could be provided as a separate unit located near the bed100or even at a location remote from the bed100. In one embodiment, the control interface is operatively connected to the elevation system110to control the height of the patient support assembly108above the floor.

Still referring toFIGS.1to5, the patient support assembly108includes a frame140(best shown inFIG.4) and a patient support surface150supported by the frame140. In the illustrated embodiment, the patient support surface150includes an upper body surface or upper body support panel152, a lower body surface or lower body support panel154and one or more core body surfaces or core support panels156,158located between the backrest152and the lower body support panel154for supporting the seat and/or thighs of the patient. Specifically, the one or more core support panels156,158include a first core support panel156located adjacent the upper body support panel152and a second core support panel158located adjacent the lower body support panel154. In the illustrated embodiment, each one of the backrest152, the lower body support panel154and the core support panels156,158can be angled relative to the other surfaces.

A lying surface such as a mattress or the like, not shown, is typically provided on the patient support surface150for receiving the patient thereon. Each one of the backrest152and the lower body support panel154can include a right loop160and a left loop162which extend above the patient support surface150to retain the mattress onto the patient support surface150. The right and left loops160,162can also be used for hooking on accessories (not shown) used for patient treatment to the bed100. In the illustrated embodiment, the core support panel156further includes a left retainer164and a right retainer166which can also be used for retaining the mattress onto the patient support surface150and for hooking on accessories.

Referring specifically toFIGS.3and5, the width of the patient support surface150is further adjustable. Specifically, each one of the support panels152,154,156,158includes a central section300and at least one side section302which is selectively movable laterally towards and away from the central section300to thereby adjust the width of the patient support surface150. In the illustrated embodiment, each support panel152,154,156,158includes a left side section302aconfigured for extending from a left side304of the central section300and a right side section302bconfigured for extending from a right side306of the central section300.

Specifically, the backrest152includes a central backrest section152a, a left backrest side section152band a right backrest side section152c. The lower body support panel154includes a central lower panel section154a, a left lower panel side section154band a right lower panel side section154c. The first core support panel156includes a central first core section156a, a left first core side section156band a right first core side section156c. The second core support panel158includes a central second core section158a, a left second core side section158band a right second core side section158c.

Each side section302is movable between a stowed position in which the side section302is located within the corresponding central section300and an extended position in which the side section302extends away from the central section300. In the illustrated embodiment, when the side section302is in the stowed position, the central section300completely overlaps the side section302such that the side section302is hidden when viewed from above. Alternatively, when the side section302is in the stowed position, the side section302could still extend beyond the left side304or the right side306of the central section300such that the side section302is still visible when viewed from above.

In one embodiment, each side section302is further movable to a plurality of intermediate positions located between the stowed position and the extended position. This allows the width of the bed100to be set to a desired width according to a width of a mattress to be received on the patient support surface150, to a size of a patient to be received on the bed100, to a width of a space available for storage of the bed100, to a width of a passage such as a doorframe through which the bed100must pass or to any other consideration that a skilled person may deem relevant.

In one embodiment, the plurality of intermediate positions could include a plurality of predetermined, discrete positions. Alternatively, the plurality of intermediate positions include all possible positions between the stowed position and the extended position.

In the illustrated embodiment, each side section302is slidably connected to the central section300. More specifically, each side section302and the corresponding central section300are coplanar, such that the side section302extends in the same plane as the corresponding central section300and moves along this plane when it slides towards and away from the central section300.

Still in the illustrated embodiment, the headboard112is also selectively extendable and contractible, as will be further explained below, and its width can also be adjusted according to the width of the patient support surface150. Alternatively, the headboard112may not be extendable or contractible.

Turning toFIGS.6to8D, each side section300is connected to a slide mechanism600which allows sliding movement of the side section302relative to the central section300. Specifically, the slide mechanism600includes a first slide member602secured to at least one of the frame140and the central section300and a second slide member604secured to the side section302, the second slide member604being slidably connected to the first slide member602.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first slide member602includes a sleeve606and the second slide member604includes at least one rod608a,608bslidably engaging the sleeve606. Specifically, the sleeve606includes a single, integral body610defining a first bore612and a second bore614disposed parallel to the first bore612. In one embodiment, the sleeve606is secured to the frame140. Alternatively, the sleeve606could be secured to the underside of the central section300or could be secured to both the frame140and the underside of the central section300.

Still in the illustrated embodiment, the first bore612is adapted to receive a first rod608aand the second bore614is adapted to receive a second rod608b. More specifically, each rod608a,608bincludes an inner rod end616which is located inside the corresponding bore612,614and an outer rod end618located away from the inner rod end616.

Referring back toFIG.5, each side section302is secured to the outer rod end618of at least one of the rods608. In the illustrated embodiment, each one of the left and right backrest side sections152b,152chas a headward end620located towards the head end102of the bed100and a footward end622located towards the foot end104of the bed100. The left backrest side section152bis secured to a first left rod624aat the headward end620of the left backrest side section152band to a second left rod624bat the footward end622of the left backrest side section152b. The right backrest side section152cis similarly secured to a first right rod626aat the headward end620of the right backrest side section152cand to a second right rod626bat the footward end622of the right backrest side section152c. Alternatively, the backrest side sections152b,152ccould be secured to only a single rod, or to more than two rods.

Still referring toFIG.5, each one of the left and right first core side sections156b,156chas a headward end628located towards the head end102of the bed100and a footward end630located towards the foot end104of the bed100. The left first core side section156bis secured to a left rod632at the footward end630of the left first core side section156band the right first core side section156cis secured to a right rod634at the footward end630of the left first core side section156b.

Similarly, each one of the left and right second core side sections158b,158chas a headward end636located towards the head end102of the bed100and a footward end638located towards the foot end104of the bed100. The left second core side section158bis secured to a left rod640at the footward end638of the left second core side section158band the right second core side section158cis secured to a right rod642at the footward end638of the left second core side section158b.

In the illustrated embodiment, each one of the left and right lower panel side sections154b,154chas a headward end644located towards the head end102of the bed100and a footward end646located towards the foot end104of the bed100. The left lower panel side section154bis secured to a first left rod648aat the headward end644of the left lower panel side section154band to a second left rod648bat the footward end646of the left lower panel side section154b. The right lower panel side section154cis similarly secured to a first right rod650aat the headward end644of the right lower panel side section154cand to a second right rod650bat the footward end622of the right lower panel side section154c. Alternatively, the lower panel side sections154b,154ccould be secured to only a single rod, or to more than two rods.

Referring back toFIGS.6to8D, the first and second bores612,614of the sleeve606are in communication with each other inside the sleeve606in the illustrated embodiment. Specifically, the first and second bores612,614are spaced from each other to define a central cavity660therebetween. Alternatively, the first and second bores612,614could be separated by a central dividing wall which could extend lengthwise within the sleeve606. In yet another embodiment, the sleeve606could comprise two distinct tubes disposed side-by-side instead of a single, integral body.

In the illustrated embodiment, each bore612,614has a circular cross-section and the corresponding rod608a,608bhas a corresponding circular cross-section. Alternatively, the bores612,614and corresponding rods608a,608bcould have corresponding square cross-sections, semicircular cross-sections or any other shape that a skilled person would consider suitable.

Still in the illustrated embodiment, the slide mechanism600further includes a plurality of roller assemblies800to reduce friction between the rods608a,608band the sleeve606. More specifically, each rod608a,608bis hollow and includes a cylindrical sidewall802. Each roller assembly800is located within the cylindrical wall802and includes an axle804extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the rod608a,608band a roller806rotatably mounted to the axle804. The axle804is disposed such that the roller804extends on each side through opposite slots808defined in the sidewall802.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slide mechanism includes a pair of outer roller assemblies800aspaced apart longitudinally along the rod and a pair of inner roller assemblies800blocated longitudinally between the outer roller assemblies800a. The axles804of the outer roller assemblies800aare orthogonal to the axles804of the inner roller assemblies800b. More specifically, when the rods608a,608bare positioned within their respective bores612,614, the axle804of the outer roller assemblies800aare generally horizontal and the axle804of the inner roller assemblies800bare generally vertical.

It will be appreciated that the roller assemblies800could instead be disposed according to one of various alternative arrangements.

Still referring toFIGS.6to8D, each rod608a,608bfurther may further include a hook member850which extends into the central cavity660between the first and second bores612,614, towards the other rod608b,608a, when the rods608a,608bare received in the sleeve606. Specifically, the hook member850is spaced from the inner rod end616and is adapted to be connected to an end of a control cable, as will be explained further below. In the illustrated embodiment, each rod608a,608bfurther comprises a cable end connector852located at the inner rod end616. The cable end connector852is also adapted to be connected to an end of a control cable.

Now turning toFIGS.9to10, the width of the headboard122may also be adjusted as the width of the patient support surface150is adjusted to prevent substantial gaps from being created between the headboard122and the left and right head siderails126,128when the patient support surface150is widened.

In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right head siderails126,128are secured respectively to the left and right backrest side sections152b,152c. When the left and right backrest side sections152b,152care in the stowed position, the left and right head siderails126,128are positioned adjacent the headboard122. Specifically, the headboard122is generally rectangular and has left and right side edges900,902which are straight, parallel to each other and generally vertical. In this configuration, the distance between the left and right head siderails126,128is substantially similar to the width of the headboard122, such that there is substantially no gap between the left head siderail126and the left side edge and between the right head siderail128and the right side edge. This prevents body parts or other objects from getting caught between the left and right head siderails126,128and the headboard122.

As the left and right backrest side sections152b,152care extended from their stowed position to their extended position, it will be understood that the distance between the left and right head siderails126,128increases. The headboard122is adapted to be selectively extended and contracted simultaneously with the patient support surface150at the same speed as the patient support surface150such that during extension or contraction of the patient support surface150, no gap is created between the left head siderail126and the headboard's left side edge900and between the right head siderail128and the headboard's right side edge902.

In the illustrated embodiment, the headboard122includes a left headboard portion904and a right headboard portion906slidably connected to the left headboard portion904. More specifically, the headboard122includes upper and lower horizontal guide rods908,910which slidably engage both the left and right headboard portions904,906.

Still in the illustrated embodiment, the headboard122is mounted to a hollow head frame member950of the frame140. The hollow head frame member950is generally horizontal and extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the bed100. The hollow head frame member950houses a left extension member952which is adapted to extend leftwardly from the head frame member950and a right extension member954which is adapted to extend rightwardly from the head frame member950.

The headboard122includes a left mounting post912extending downwardly from the left headboard portion904near the left side edge900and a right mounting post914extending downwardly from the right headboard portion906near the right side edge902. The left mounting post912engages the left extension member952and the right mounting post914engages the right extension member954. To extend or contract the headboard, the user the left and right extension members move laterally away from each other transversely to the longitudinal axis of the bed100, thereby pulling away from each other the left and right headboard portions904,906which slide on the upper and lower horizontal guide rods908,910.

Still in the illustrated embodiment, the left and right headboard portions904,906overlap each other and are substantially complementary in shape such that the headboard122maintains the same thickness as the left and right headboard portions904,906slide towards each other, as best shown inFIGS.2and3. Alternatively, instead of overlapping each other, one of the left and right headboard portions904,906could include an internal cavity sized and shaped to receive and encase at least part of the other one of the left and right headboard portions904,906.

It will be appreciated that instead of being generally rectangular and having left and right sides edges that are straight, the left and right side edges could be curved or have any other shape that a skilled person would consider suitable.

Referring now toFIGS.11to14, the patient support assembly108further includes a movement transmission assembly1100including at least one transmission member connecting at least two of the movable side sections for laterally moving at least one of the movable side sections when another one of the movable side sections is moved.

In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission assembly1100includes a plurality of flexible transmission members which interconnect all the side sections302a,302band the headboard112. In this configuration, when a single one of the side sections302a,302bis moved laterally, all of the other side sections302a,302bare also moved laterally and the headboard112is expanded or contracted.

Furthermore, when the single one of the side sections302a,302bis moved laterally in a given direction and by a given distance, all of the other side sections302a,302bare moved laterally in the same given direction and by the same given distance. This allows the entire bed100to be expanded or contracted by moving only a single one of the side sections302a,302b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of transmission members includes a plurality of control cables1102. Each control cable1102has a first cable end connected to a corresponding side section and a second cable end also connected to the same corresponding side section. More specifically, the first and second cable ends are connected to one of the rods, such that pulling the control cable in a first axial direction moves the rod, and therefore the side section secured to the rod, laterally in a first lateral direction and pulling the control cable in a second axial direction opposite the first direction moves the rod and the corresponding side section laterally in a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction.

Specifically, the plurality of control cables1102include a first control cable1104having a first end1104aand a second end1104bboth connected to the right extension member954of the head frame member950. The first and second ends1104a,1104bof the first control cable1104point towards each other such that from the first end1104a, the first control cable1104extends away from the second end1104band forms a loop around to the second end1104b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first control cable includes a first linear portion which is adjacent the first end and a second linear portion which is adjacent the second end, both the first and second linear portions being generally transversely to the bed100such that pulling the first control cable1104in the first or the second direction moves the right extension member954transversely to the bed100.

The plurality of control cables1102further includes a second control cable1106having a first end1106aand a second end1106bboth connected to the left extension member952of the head frame member950. The second control cable1106is configured generally similarly to the first control cable1104, except that the first control cable1104is crossed and the second control cable1106is not crossed to allow the left extension member952to move in a direction opposite the right extension member954, as will be explained further below. Alternatively, the second control cable1106could instead be crossed and the first control cable1104could not be crossed.

The plurality of control cables1102further includes a third control cable1108having a first end1108aand a second end1108bboth connected to the first left rod624aof the left backrest side section152b. The third control cable1108is configured generally similarly to the first control cable1104.

The plurality of control cables1102further includes a fourth control cable1110having a first end1110aand a second end1110bboth connected to the first right rod626aof the right backrest side section152c. The fourth control cable1110is configured generally similarly to the second control cable1106. Specifically, the third control cable1108is crossed and the fourth control cable1110is not crossed to allow the right backrest side section152cto move in a direction opposite the left backrest side section152b, as will be explained further below. Alternatively, the fourth control cable1110could instead be crossed and the third control cable1108could not be crossed.

The plurality of control cables1102further includes a fifth control cable1112having a first end1112aand a second end1112bboth connected to the first right rod650aof the right lower panel side section154c. The fifth control cable1112is configured generally similarly to the first and third control cables1104,1108.

The plurality of control cables1102further includes a sixth control cable1114having a first end1114aand a second end1114bboth connected to the first left rod648aof the left lower panel side section154b. The fifth control cable1112is configured generally similarly to the second and fourth control cables1106,1110. Specifically, the fifth control cable1112is crossed and the sixth control cable1114is not crossed to allow the right backrest side section152cto move in a direction opposite the left backrest side section152b, as will be explained further below. Alternatively, the fourth control cable1110could instead be crossed and the third control cable1108could not be crossed.

In the present embodiment, the left first core side section156band the left second core side section158bare connected together by a first left rigid link1150which causes the left first core side section156band the left second core side section158bto move laterally together as one. Similarly, the right first core side section156cand the right second core side section158care connected together by a first right rigid link1152which causes the right first core side section156cand the right second core side section158cto move laterally together as one.

Alternatively, the left and right rods640,642of the left and right second core side sections158b,158ccould also be connected to a seventh control cable which would cause the left and right second core side sections158b,158cto move simultaneously with the other side sections.

In one embodiment, the left second core side section158bcould also be connected to the left lower panel side section154bby a second left rigid link to cause the left second core side section158band the left lower panel side section154bto move laterally together as one. Similarly, the right second core side section158ccould also be connected to the right lower panel side section154cby a second right rigid link to cause the right second core side section158cand the right lower panel side section154cto move laterally together as one. Alternatively, the left and right second core side sections158b,158cmay not be connected to the left and right lower panel side sections154b,154cby rigid links.

Referring now specifically toFIGS.12to14, each cable1102includes a cable core1200and a sheath1202surrounding the cable core1200. In the illustrated embodiment, the sheath1202includes a first sheath portion1204extending between a first cable rack1206and the corresponding rod and a second sheath portion1208extending between a second cable rack1210spaced from the first cable rack1206and the corresponding rod.

Each cable rack1206,1210includes a plurality of spaced-apart sheath connectors1300, best shown inFIG.13, which prevent movement of the sheath1202but allow axial movement of the cable core1200within the sheath1202.

Still referring toFIGS.12to14, the control cables1102are further connected together such that movement of one of the control cables causes movement of at least one other control cable. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission assembly1100includes an elongated bar connector1212which is adapted to engage all of the control cables1102. Specifically, the bar connector1212is generally elongated and is disposed transversely across the control cables1102, between the first and second cable racks1206,1210. The bar connector1212includes a plurality of spaced-apart notches1302, each notch1302being adapted to receive the cable core1200of a corresponding cable.

In the illustrated embodiment, each control cable1102includes two pairs of cable segments1304,1306disposed end-to-end. Each cable segment1304,1306includes an end ball1308which is adapted to be secured in a corresponding notch1302of the bar connector1212. According to this configuration, lateral movement of the bar connector1212therefore pulls on the control cables1102in one direction or the other. Furthermore, pulling on one of the control cables1102will cause lateral movement of the bar connector1212.

Alternatively, instead of including two pairs of cable segments1304,1306, each control cable1102made be made of a single, unitary cable segment secured to the bar connector1212.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bar connector1212is further secured on a movable base1214which engages a guiding mechanism. Specifically, the movable base1214is made from a substantially flat sheet of metal and has a headward side edge1216and an opposite footward side edge1218.

Specifically, a pair of tabs1220extend generally horizontally from the headward side edge1216towards the head end102of the bed100and slidably engage an elongated groove1230defined in the sleeve606receiving the left and right rods632,634of the left and right first core side sections156b,156c. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs1220further extend beyond the groove1230inside the sleeve606and engage the right rod634of the right first core section156csuch that lateral movement of the right first core section156ccauses lateral movement of the movable base1214, which in turn pulls on the control cables1102.

In the illustrated embodiment, the movable base1214further includes a plurality of rollers1400adapted to be received in a generally C-shaped channel1402which is located near the sleeve606receiving the left and right rods640,642of the left and right second core side sections158b,158c. It will be appreciated that in this configuration, the movable base1214maintains the bar connector1212oriented perpendicular to the control cables1102to ensure that every control cable1102connected to the bar connector1212moves simultaneously by the same distance.

As best shown inFIGS.6,7and12, the bed100further comprises an actuation mechanism700for moving a first side section in a first lateral direction and thereby cause lateral movement of another side section.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism700includes a width adjustment actuator702operatively connected to at least one of the control cables1102and the side sections302a,302bto selectively pull the control cables1102in one of a first direction and a second, opposite direction.

Referring specifically toFIG.12, the width adjustment actuator702comprises a linear actuator having a first end704secured to the frame140and a second end706secured to the right first core side section156c. Specifically, the actuator702could include a housing708located at the first end704, an internally-threaded nut (not shown) rotatably mounted in the housing, a motor (also not shown) mounted in the housing708and operatively coupled to the nut for rotating the nut and a threaded rod710threadably engaging the nut and extending from the housing708towards the second end706of the actuator700. It will be understood that the threaded rod710can be extended or retracted by rotation of the nut relative to the threaded rod710. This can be accomplished by rotating the nut using the motor while preventing rotation of the threaded rod710to thereby convert rotation of the nut into axial translation of the threaded rod710. Alternatively, the width adjustment actuator702could include one of various other types of linear actuators such that a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator or the like.

The width adjustment actuator702is further operatively connected to a controller, such as the control interface of the bed100for example, to allow a user to selectively extend and retract the actuator702. Alternatively, the width adjustment actuator702could be operatively connected to a controller which is distinct from the control interface of the bed100.

In one embodiment, the controller allows the width adjustment actuator702to be extended or retracted to a desired length in accordance with a desired width of the bed100.

To increase the width of the bed100, the user extends the actuator702, which moves the right first core side section156cand the right rod634of the right first core side section156claterally rightwardly. As explained above, the movable base1214engages the right rod634and therefore also moves laterally rightwardly, thereby pulling on all of the control cables1102in a first direction. According to the configuration described above, this causes the side sections302a,302bto move laterally away from the central sections300and thereby to widen the patient support surface150. It also causes the left and right headboard portions904,906to move away from each other to thereby increase the width of the headboard112.

Since all control cables1102are pulled simultaneously, all of the side sections302a,302bmove by the same distance and at the same speed, and the headboard112is therefore widened as the patient support surface150is widened without any gap being created between the headboard112and the left and right head siderails126,128.

It will therefore be appreciated that according to this system, a single actuator is used to move laterally all side sections302a,302bof the patient support surface150, which reduces the costs and the complexity of the bed100. It will also be appreciated that all side sections302a,302bmove together in unison when a single one of the side sections is moved, thereby eliminating the need to move each side section individually. Furthermore, side sections302a,302bon opposite sides of the bed100move together as mirror images of each other, thereby eliminating the need for the user to walk around the bed100to extend side sections302a,302bon both sides of the bed100.

In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism700further includes a manual actuation assembly750operatively coupled to the width adjustment actuator702. The manual actuation assembly750could be used as a backup system for moving the side sections if the motor of the width adjustment actuator702was to fail. The manual actuation assembly750could also be used for microadjustments of the bed's width, or by a user who prefers to adjust the bed's width manually rather than by using the width adjustment actuator702.

In the illustrated embodiment, the manual actuation assembly750includes a handle752rotatably mounted to the frame140and operatively connected to the threaded rod710of the width adjustment actuator702for enabling the threaded rod710to be rotated manually by rotating the handle752. Still in the illustrated embodiment, when the motor is not rotating the internally-threaded nut, the nut is prevented from rotating. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the rotation of the threaded rod710relative to the non-rotating nut will cause the threaded rod710to extend or retract, depending on the direction in which the handle752is rotated.

Still in the illustrated embodiment, the handle752is operatively connected to the threaded rod710via a plurality of intermeshed sprockets754which transmit rotation of the handle752to the threaded rod710. Alternatively, the handle752could instead be disposed coaxially with the threaded rod710such that the handle752may be rotated directly about the threaded rod's longitudinal axis, without requiring any sprocket. Alternatively, the adjustment mechanism700may not include any manual actuation assembly.

In yet another embodiment, the adjustment mechanism700may not comprises a motor. Specifically, the adjustment mechanism700may only comprise the manual actuation assembly750and the threaded rod710and the internally-threaded nut of the adjustment mechanism700. In this embodiment, manual rotation of the handle752would be the only means to move the side sections laterally.

FIGS.15to17show a hospital bed1500, in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The hospital bed1500is generally similar to the bed100illustrated inFIGS.1to14, except that it does not include a width adjustment actuator700.

Instead, the width of the patient support surface150is adjusted by manually moving at least one of the side sections302a,302btowards or away from the corresponding central section300. It will be understood that moving a given one of the side sections302a,302blaterally will pull on the corresponding control cable in a corresponding direction. As explained above, the transmission assembly1100is configured to move all control cables1102simultaneously in the same direction and by the same distance, and therefore will cause all side sections302a,302bto move simultaneously to thereby increase or decrease the width of the bed1500.

Therefore, movement of one of the side sections towards or away from the corresponding central section by a certain distance will cause movement of the remaining side sections towards or away from the central sections by the same certain distance.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.15and16, the hospital bed1500further includes a width locking assembly1502mounted to the patient support assembly150for preventing further lateral movement of the side sections302a,302bonce a desired width of the bed1500has been attained. Specifically, the width locking assembly1502includes a central shaft1504which extends transversely to the bed1500, an outer locking tube1506disposed around the central shaft1504and a pair of inner locking tubes1508disposed concentrically between the central shaft1504and the outer locking tube1506.

The outer locking tube1506extends substantially the entire width of the patient support surface150and includes a sidewall1510in which is defined an elongated indent1512extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the outer locking tube1506. The elongated indent1512includes a relatively narrow linear portion1514and a plurality of spaced-apart notches1516extending substantially perpendicularly to the linear portion1514, all on a same side thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, each one of the pair of inner locking tubes1508is adapted to move laterally with a corresponding one of the left and right first core side sections156b,156c, but is allowed to rotate relative to the corresponding first core side sections156b,156c.

Furthermore, each inner locking tube1508is allowed to move axially relative to the central shaft1504, but rotation of the inner locking tube1508causes rotation of the central shaft1504. Specifically, the locking assembly1502further includes a pin1518which extends radially through a longitudinal groove1520of the central shaft1504and through the inner locking tube1508. The pin1518further extends beyond the inner locking tube1508and through the elongated indent1512of the outer locking tube1506. The width locking assembly1502can therefore selectively be set in a locked configuration in which the pin1518engages one of the notches1516of the indent1512and in which axial movement of the inner locking tube1508, and thereby lateral movement of the side sections302a,302b, is prevented, and in an unlocked configuration in which the pin1518engages the linear portion1514of the indent1512and the side sections302a,302bcan therefore be moved laterally. It will be understood that the notches1516define a plurality of discrete positions in which the side sections302a,302bcan be positioned and locked.

Referring specifically toFIG.17, the width locking assembly1502further includes a handle1522operatively connected to one of the inner locking tubes1508. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle1522is located under the first core support panel156. Still in the illustrated embodiment, the handle1522is operatively connected to the inner locking tube1508via a plurality of intermeshed sprockets1524which transmit rotation of the handle1522to the inner locking tube1508. Alternatively, the handle1522could instead be disposed coaxially with the inner locking tube1508such that the handle1522may be rotated directly about the locking tube's longitudinal axis, without requiring any sprocket.

In one embodiment, the bed1500includes a similar handle on the opposite side of the bed1500to thereby allow a user to adjust the width of the bed1500while standing on either side of the bed1500. Alternatively, the bed1500may comprise only a single handle and may be operated only from a single side of the bed1500. In this embodiment, the width locking assembly1502could comprise only a single inner locking tube instead of a pair of locking tubes1508.

In one embodiment, the handle1522and/or the locking tubes1508could be spring biased towards the locked position to prevent accidentally adjusting the width of the bed1500, if one of the side sections302a,302bwere to be inadvertently pushed for example.

When the locking assembly1502is in the locked configuration, the pins1518engage notches1516of the outer locking tube1506. By rotating the handle1522, the inner locking tube1508rotates relative to the outer locking tube1506and the pins1518exit the notches1516and move into the linear portion1514of the indent1512. The user can then push or pull the handle1522to move the side sections302a,302blaterally. Once the desired position has been reached, the user can rotate the handle1522back into its original position to move the pins1518back into notches and thereby place the bed in a locked configuration. Alternatively, if the handle is biased towards the locked position, the user could simply let go of the handle, which would rotate back by itself into the locked position.

In another embodiment, instead of manually pushing or pulling on a side section302a,302b, the bed1500could be provided with an endless screw which could engage one of the side sections302a,302bsuch that rotation of the endless screw would move the side section laterally towards or away from the central section. In this embodiment, the bed1500could be provided with a crank-type handle to allow the user to rotate the screw.

In yet another embodiment, the side sections could be biased away from the central sections and the bed could comprise an actuator for moving the side sections towards a contracted configuration and maintaining the side sections in the contracted configuration.