Patent ID: 7293307

Claim:
A locking mechanism for a hospital bed, said locking mechanism being mounted to least one support member of an undercarriage of said hospital bed, said locking mechanism comprising: a locking pedal mounted to said support member; an unlocking pedal mounted to said support member; a first brake frame mounted to said support member; a brake reciprocator mounted to said first brake frame; a brake member disposed relative said brake reciprocator, said brake member being reciprocatable relative said brake reciprocator and having a brake pad at one of two ends for contact with a floor when said locking mechanism is engaged; and a mechanical linkage between said locking pedal, said unlocking pedal and said brake member, said mechanical linkage including: a) a transit rod, said transit rod being movable in one direction when said locking pedal is depressed and in an opposite direction when said unlocking pedal is depressed; b) a coupling pin connected to said transit rod for moving said transit rod in said one direction when said locking pedal is depressed and in said opposite direction when said unlocking pedal is depressed; c) a transit link operatively connected to said transit rod; d) at least one connecting link having a first end and a second end, said first end of said at least one connecting link being pivotably connected to said transit link; e) a connecting pin, said connecting pin being pivotably connected to said at least one connecting link at a point between said first and second ends, said connecting pin being connected to said brake member and adapted to reciprocate it relative said brake reciprocator; f) a biasing mechanism for biasing said brake member away from a down position; g) a second brake frame extending above said brake reciprocator and fixedly attached thereto; and h) a locking link pivotably attached to said second brake frame and to said second end of said connecting link, said locking link pivoting toward said second brake frame to a position locking said brake member in the down position when said locking pedal is depressed.