Patent ID: 8056164

Claim:
An adjustable bed with a modulating patient support surface comprising: an articulating, multi-sectioned base platform comprising at least first, second, and third sections arranged between opposite longitudinal ends of the bed, the second section being disposed between the first and third sections, and the first and third sections operable to articulate with respect to the middle section; at least one platform-articulating actuator operable to articulate at least one section of the base platform to modulate the patient support surface; an adjustable patient support framework mounted to and supported on at least two sections, at least one of which is an articulating section, of the base platform; wherein articulation of the base platform causes corresponding articulation of the adjustable patient support framework; the adjustable patient support framework also including at least two selectably, independently movable adjustable peripheral support vertices operable to be elevated above the base platform to further modulate the patient support surface, wherein the peripheral support vertices are supported by, and articulate with, at least one articulating section of the base platform; the adjustable patient support framework further including at least two peripheral support segments, extending longitudinally along sides of the patient support surface, pivotally joined to the adjustable peripheral support vertices; wherein the patient support surface is operable to be suspended above at least one section of the base platform by the adjustable peripheral support vertices of the adjustable patient support framework; and one or more controllable actuators mounted on at least one articulating section of the base platform and operable to modulate the adjustable peripheral support vertices into a patient support surface suspending position; wherein articulation of the at least one section of the base platform contributes to modulation of the patient support surface even when the patient support surface is suspended above the at least one section of the base platform.