Patent ID: 7761942

Claim:
An adjustable bed with a modulating patient support surface comprising: an articulating, multi-sectioned base platform; at least one platform-articulating actuator operable to articulate at least one section of the base platform; an adjustable patient support framework mounted over at least two sections of the base platform and operable to be adjusted relative to the base platform, the adjustable patient support framework including at least two selectably adjustable peripheral support vertices operable to be elevated above the base platform to modulate the patient support surface; 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 supported and operable to be modulated in part by the adjustable peripheral support vertices of the adjustable patient support framework; and one or more controllable actuators coupled to and operable to modulate the adjustable peripheral support vertices, wherein each controllable actuator coupled to and operable to modulate the adjustable peripheral support vertices comprises: a sliding element; a sliding guide that confines the movement of the sliding element; a principal arm having superior and inferior ends, the inferior end of which is hingedly linked to the sliding element, and the superior end of which is joined to one of the peripheral adjustable vertices; and a secondary arm having superior and inferior ends, the inferior end of which is hingedly linked to a section of the base platform and the superior end of which is hingedly joined to a midsection of the principal arm.