Patent ID: 8607378

Claim:
A caregiver assist device for use with a patient support apparatus, the caregiver assist device comprising a support structure, a boom extending from the support structure over the patient support apparatus, a helper belt supported along the boom having a first end and a second end, and a constant force spring assembly including a constant force spring coupled between the support structure and the first end of the helper belt so that a constant counterbalancing force is applied to the helper belt in response to a patient force being applied to the second end of the helper belt, wherein the constant force spring assembly also includes a spool and an electric motor configured to drive the spool, the helper belt being secured to the spool so that the helper belt is wound and unwound from the spool in response to the electric motor driving the spool, wherein the constant force spring assembly includes a carrier slidably coupled to the support structure and the spool and the electric motor are secured to the carrier for movement with the carrier.