Osborne, Eugene E. (Hebron, KY, US)
Koeing, John W. (Cincinnati, OH, US)
Suttman, Glenn C. (Batesville, IN, US)
Visca, Matthew (Fairfield, OH, US)
Jack Jr., Null Wilker (Shelbyville, IN, US)
Welling, Jeffrey R. (Batesville, IN, US)
Branson, Gregory W. (Batesville, IN, US)
Kramer, Kenneth L. (Greensburg, IN, US)
Bruce Jr., Dickman E. (Batesville, IN, US)
Valvona, Dean M. (Cincinnati, OH, US)
Robert Jr., Kinker A. (Greensburg, IN, US)
William II, Jacques L. (Batesville, IN, US)
Findlay, James K. (Fishers, IN, US)
Ganance, Francis C. (Batesville, IN, US)

09/750741

06/06/2002

12/29/2000

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(IPC1-7): A61G007/005; A61G007/015

BOSE MCKINNEY & EVANS LLP (135 N PENNSYLVANIA ST, INDIANAPOLIS, IN, 46204, US)

1. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, the barrier including first and second spaced-apart rails, and a controller positioned to slide along the first and second rails.

2. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the first and second rails cooperate to define an opening in the barrier and the controller is positioned in the opening.

3. The patient support of claim 2, wherein the opening is curved.

4. The patient support of claim 2, wherein the first rail includes a first surface, the second rail includes a second surface, the first and second surfaces cooperate to define the opening, and controller contacts the first and second surfaces when positioned to slide on the first and second rails.

5. The patient support of claim 1, wherein at least one of the rails includes a convex surface and the controller includes a concave surface positioned adjacent to the convex surface of the rail.

6. The patient support of claim 1, wherein first rail includes a first convex surface, the second rail includes a second convex surface, and the controller includes a first concave surface positioned adjacent to the first convex surface of the first rail and a second concave surface positioned adjacent to the second convex surface of the second rail.

7. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the controller is removably coupled to the barrier.

8. The patient support of claim 7, wherein the controller includes a housing and a retainer coupled to the housing to removable couple the housing to the barrier.

9. The patient support of claim 8, wherein the retainer contacts one of the first and second rails when the controller is coupled to the barrier.

10. The patient support of claim 7, wherein the controller is supported by the first and second rails.

11. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, the barrier including upper and lower surfaces that cooperate to define an opening, and a controller positioned to slide along the lower surface defining the opening in the barrier.

12. The patient support of claim 11, wherein the controller is removably coupled to the barrier.

13. The patient support of claim 11, wherein the controller is coupled to the barrier to slide along the upper edge defining the opening in the barrier.

14. The patient support of claim 11, wherein the upper and lower edges are convex and the controller includes upper and lower edges that are concave to complement the upper and lower edges of the barrier.

15. The patient support of claim 11, wherein the controller includes a housing and a retainer configured to couple the housing to the barrier.

16. The patient support of claim 15, wherein the retainer is a latch.

17. The patient support of claim 16, wherein the latch is biased into contract with the barrier.

18. The patient support of claim 15, wherein the retainer is a flexible tab.

19. The patient support of claim 18, wherein the controller includes another retainer configured to couple the housing to the upper edge defining the opening in the barrier.

20. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, the barrier including a curved opening, and a controller positioned in the curved opening to move along the barrier.

21. The patient support of claim 20, wherein the barrier includes a longitudinally-extending first curved surface and a spaced-apart longitudinally extending second curved surface that cooperates with the longitudinally extending first curved surface to define the curved opening.

22. The patient support of claim 21, wherein the first curved surface has a first radius of curvature, the second curved surface has a second radius of curvature, the controller has a first curved surface having a radius of curvature generally equal to the first radius of curvature of the first curved surface and a second curved surface having a radius of curvature generally equal to the second radius of curvature of the second curved surface.

23. The patient support of claim 20, wherein the barrier includes a first curved surface cooperating to define the curved opening and the controller includes a first curved channel positioned adjacent to the first curved surface of the barrier.

24. The patient support of claim 23, wherein the barrier includes second curved surface spaced apart from the first curved surface that cooperates to define the curved opening and the controller includes a second curved channel positioned adjacent to the second surface of the barrier.

25. The patient support of claim 20, wherein the barrier includes a pair of rails cooperating to define the curved opening and at least one of the rails is curved.

26. The patient support of claim 25, wherein the controller includes a curved channel sized to receive a portion of the curved rail.

27. The patient support of claim 20, wherein the controller is configured to move along the length of the barrier.

28. The patient support of claim 20, wherein controller is configured to slide along the barrier.

29. The patient support of claim 20, wherein the controller is removably received in the curved opening.

30. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, the barrier including a surface defining an opening in the barrier, and a controller having a housing and a retainer coupled to the housing and configured to contact the surface of the barrier to removable couple the housing to the barrier.

31. The patient support of claim 30, wherein the retainer includes a latch positioned to removable couple the housing to the barrier.

32. The patient support of claim 31, wherein the latch is movable between a first position coupling the housing to the barrier and a second position permitting removal of the housing from the barrier.

33. The patient support of claim 31, wherein the latch is biased into contact with the surface of the barrier.

34. The patient support of claim 31, wherein the housing includes an opening and the latch is positioned to extend through the opening.

35. The patient support of claim 34, wherein the latch includes a stop configured to limit movement of the latch through the opening.

36. The patient support of claim 31, wherein the latch is pivotably coupled to the housing.

37. The patient support of claim 31, wherein the latch includes a ramp portion configured to ride over the surface of the barrier during removal of the controller from the barrier.

38. The patient support of claim 30, wherein the controller includes a corner edge and the retainer is positioned along the corner edge.

39. The patient support of claim 30, wherein the retainer and the housing cooperate to define a first width of the controller when the retainer is in the first position relative to the housing and a second width of the controller when the retainer is in a second position relative to the housing, the first width is less than a width of the opening and the second width is greater than the width of the opening.

40. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, and a controller removably coupled to the barrier, the controller being movable from a first position spaced apart from the barrier to a second position coupled to the barrier, the controller being movable along a path having a horizontal component from the first position to the second position to couple the controller to the barrier, the controller being movable along the barrier when in the second position.

41. The patient support of claim 40, wherein the controller includes a housing and a retainer configured to removably couple the housing to the barrier.

42. The patient support of claim 41, wherein the barrier includes an opening and the controller is positioned in the opening.

43. The patient support of claim 42, wherein the controller is movable along the horizontal component of the path to position the controller in the opening.

44. The patient support of claim 42, wherein the housing and the retainer cooperate to define a first width when the retainer is in a first position relative to the housing and a second width when the retainer is in a second position relative to the housing and the opening has a width that is greater than the first width and less than the second width.

45. The patient support of claim 41, wherein the path is completely horizontal.

46. The patient support of claim 41, wherein the barrier includes a side defining a substantially vertical plane and the controller is inserted through the vertical plane when coupled to the barrier.

47. The patient support of claim 46, wherein the barrier includes an opening and the controller is positioned in the opening.

48. The patient support of claim 47, wherein the opening extends completely through the barrier.

49. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, the mattress having a first side and a second side transversely spaced-apart from the first side, a first barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the first side of the mattress, the first barrier including a first opening formed therein, a second barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the second side of the mattress, the second barrier including a second opening formed therein, and a controller configured to be removably received in the first opening of the first barrier and removably received in the second opening of the second barrier.

50. The patient support of claim 49, wherein the controller is configured to move along the first barrier when received in the first opening.

51. The patient support of claim 50, wherein the controller is configured to move along the second barrier when received in the second opening.

52. The patient support of claim 51, wherein the controller is slidably coupled to the first and second siderails when received in either of the first and second openings.

53. The patient support of claim 49, wherein the first and second openings are curved.

54. The patient support of claim 53, wherein the controller includes a housing have a curved portion that complements the curvature of the first and second openings.

55. The patient support of claim 49, wherein the controller includes a housing and a retainer configured to couple the housing to the first and second barriers.

56. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, the barrier having a longitudinal axis, and a controller, the barrier including a guide configured to direct movement of the controller along the barrier in a path having longitudinal and transverse components.

57. The patient support of claim 20, wherein the guide includes a first and second spaced-apart longitudinally and transversely-extending curved surfaces that cooperate to guide controller along the path.

58. The patient support of claim 57, wherein the first curved surface has a first radius of curvature, the second curved surface has a second radius of curvature, the controller has a first curved surface having a radius of curvature generally equal to the first radius of curvature of the first curved surface and a second curved surface having a radius of curvature generally equal to the second radius of curvature of the second curved surface.

59. The patient support of claim 56, wherein the barrier includes a first curved surface and the controller includes a first curved channel positioned adjacent to the first curved surface of the barrier.

60. The patient support of claim 59, wherein the barrier includes second curved surface spaced apart from the first curved surface and the controller includes a second curved channel positioned adjacent to the second surface of the barrier.

61. The patient support of claim 60, wherein the guide includes a pair of rails cooperating to guide the controller.

62. The patient support of claim 61, wherein at least one of the rails is curved.

63. The patient support of claim 62, wherein the controller includes a curved channel sized to receive a portion of the curved rail.

64. The patient support of claim 56, wherein the guide includes an opening and the controller is positioned in the opening.

65. The patient support of claim 56, wherein controller is configured to slide along the barrier.

66. The patient support of claim 56, wherein the controller is removably coupled to the guide.

67. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a pair of spaced-apart barriers positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, a controller removably coupled to the barrier, the controller including a housing, a cord coupled to the housing, and a first connector coupled to the cord, a second connector supported by the frame, the first connector being configured to couple to the second connector to provide communication for the controller through the first and second connectors when the first connector is coupled to the second connector, and a third connector supported by the frame, the first connector being configured to couple to the third connector to provide communication for the controller through the first and third connectors when the first connector is coupled to the third connector.

68. The patient support of claim 67, wherein the second and third connectors are coupled to the frame.

69. The patient support of claim 67, wherein the frame includes a first frame supported by the floor and a second frame supported above the second frame and configured to be raised and lowered relative to the first frame, the mattress is supported by the second frame, and the second and third connectors are coupled to the second frame.

70. The patient support of claim 67, wherein the first, second, and third connectors are plug connectors.

71. The patient support of claim 70, wherein the first connector includes at least one of a plurality of plugs and a plurality of sockets and the second and third connectors includes at least one of a plurality of sockets and a plurality of plugs.

72. The patient support of claim 67, wherein the frame includes a first side and a second opposite side, the second connector is supported by the frame on the first side, and the third connector is supported by the frame on the second side.

73. The patient support of claim 72, wherein the second connector is coupled to the first side of the frame and the third connector is coupled to the second side of the frame.

74. The patient support of claim 67, wherein the second connector is coupled to a first plurality of wires, the third connector is coupled to a second plurality of wires, and first and second plurality of wires meet at a junction.

75. A frame for a patient support comprising a rectangular base frame, an intermediate frame supported by the base frame, a rectangular weigh frame supported by the intermediate frame, and at least one lift arm configured to support the intermediate frame on the base frame and to permit movement of the intermediate frame between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the base frame, the intermediate frame including a pair of transverse struts and a pair of longitudinal members extending between the transverse struts, each of the longitudinal members including an upper portion, a step portion, and a lower portion positioned at an elevation lower than the upper portion, the lower portion being configured to nest within the base frame when the intermediate frame is in the lowered position.

76. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, and a siderail supported by the frame, the siderail includes a rail member and a linkage assembly configured to permit movement of the rail member between a raised position blocking egress of a patient positioned on the mattress and a lowered position, the linkage assembly including a first stationary cam member, a first rotary cam member positioned to contact the first stationary cam member to move the rail member along a longitudinal axis is a first direction when the rail member is moved to the lowered position, a second stationary cam member, and a second rotary cam member positioned to contact the second stationary cam member to move the rail member along the longitudinal axis is a second direction opposite the first direction when the rail member is moved to the raised position.

77. A patient support comprising a frame having a base frame and an intermediate frame configured to move relative to the base frame between first and second positions, a deck coupled to the intermediate frame, the deck including at least one deck section configured to move relative to the intermediate frame between first and second positions, a mattress supported by the deck, a plurality of actuators configured to move between first and second positions to move the intermediate frame relative to the base frame and deck section relative to the intermediate frame, and a plurality of electrical foot-operated controls supported by the frame, each of the plurality of foot-operated controls being movable to a first position to control movement of at least one of the plurality of actuators to the first position and a second position to control movement of at least one of the plurality of actuators to the second position.

78. A patient support comprising a frame, a deck supported by the frame, the deck including a head section and a foot section, the head section being configured to raise and lower relative to the frame, and a mattress supported by the deck, the mattress having a head portion positioned over the head section of the deck and an adjustable length foot portion positioned over the foot section of the deck, the length of the foot portion of the mattress being configured to increase in length to correspond to raising of the head section of the deck.

79. The patient support of claim 78, wherein the foam portion includes raised perimeter blocking movement of a patient's foot off of the foam portion, the raised perimeter includes a plurality of slots formed therein to permit extension and retraction of the foot portion of the mattress.

80. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress positioned over the frame, and a siderail including a rail member configured to move from a first position to a second position, a retainer configured to hold the rail member in the first position, a patient-accessible release configured to permit movement of the siderail from the first position, and a lock configured to prevent the patient-accessible release from permitting movement of the rail member from the first position.

81. A frame for a patient support comprising a base frame, an intermediate frame, a first pair of lift arms configured to support the intermediate frame on the base frame and to permit movement of the intermediate frame between first and second positions relative to the base frame, each of the first pair of lift arms including first and second links, the first link being pivotably and slidably coupled to the base frame by a roller and pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame, the second link being pivotably coupled to the first link at a midpoint thereof and pivotably coupled to the base frame, and a second pair of lift arms configured to support the intermediate frame on the base frame and to permit movement of the intermediate frame between first and second positions relative to the base frame, each of the second pair of lift arms including a third link pivotably and slidably coupled to the base frame by a roller and pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame.

82. A patient support comprising a frame, a mattress positioned over the frame, and a siderail including a rail member configured to move from a first position blocking egress of a person positioned on the mattress to a second position and an arm rest configured to move between a storage position and a use position, the arm rest is formed to include a container holder configured to support a container, the rail member includes a cross-section having a first lobe and a second lobe coupled to the first lobe, the second lobe being smaller than the first lobe, the first lobe having a first center, the second lobe having a second center that is offset from the first center, the arm rest includes a ledge member positioned to engage the second ledge to support the arm rest in the use position.

83. A patient support comprising a frame, a deck supported by the frame, the deck including a seat section pivotably coupled to the frame to move between first and second positions and a foot section pivotably coupled to the seat section to move between first and second positions, and a mechanism configured to control movement of the foot section relative to the seat section, the mechanism being configured to move between a first position wherein the foot section remains substantially horizontal when the seat section moves from the first position to the second position and a second position wherein the foot section deviates from being substantially horizontal when the seat section moves from the first position to the second position.

84. The patient support of claim 83, wherein the mechanism includes a pair of first links pivotably coupled to the foot section of the deck and a pair of second links pivotably coupled to the frame and the first links, the first and second links are configured to move between a first position and second positions, when in the first position, the first and second links are rigidly coupled to provide a rigid link between the foot section and the frame so that the foot section remains substantially horizontal when the seat section moves from the first position to the second position, when in the second position, the first link is free to pivot relative to the second link so that the foot section deviates from being substantially horizontal when the seat section moves from the first position to the second position, the mechanism further includes a transversely extending link couple between the pairs of first and second links to coordinate movement thereof.

85. The patient support of claim 83, wherein the mechanism includes a link, the frame includes a pin, the link includes a first end pivotably coupled to the foot section of the bed and a second link having a notch sized to receive the pin of the frame, the link is movable from a first position with the pin positioned in the notch and second position with the pin spaced apart from the notch, when the link is in the first position, the foot section remains substantially horizontal when the seat section moves from the first position to the second position, when the link is in the second position, the foot section deviates from being substantially horizontal when the seat section moves from the first position to the second position.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/173,428, filed Dec. 29, 1999, titled Hospital Bed, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. The disclosures of PCT application PCT/US98/20002, titled Hospital Bed Having a Retracting Foot Section, filed Sep. 23, 1998, to Allen et al.; U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. unknown, titled Mattress Having a Retractable Foot Section, filed herewith, to Welling et al.; U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. unknown, titled Foot Controls for a Bed, filed herewith, to Osborne et al.; and PCT application Ser. No. unknown, titled Hospital Bed, filed herewith, to Hill-Rom Services, Inc. and naming Osborne et al. are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to a hospital bed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hospital bed siderails and a controller coupled to one of the siderail.

[0003] Hospital bed and other patient supports are known. Typically, such patient supports are used to provide a support surface for patients or other individuals for treatment, recuperation, or rest. Many such patient supports include a frame, a deck supported by the frame, a mattress, siderails configured to block egress of a patient from the mattress, and a controller configured to control one or more features of the bed.

[0004] According to the present invention, a patient support is provided. The patient support includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, and a controller. The barrier includes first and second spaced-apart rails and the controller is positioned to slide along the first and second rails.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a patient support is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, and a controller. The barrier includes upper and lower surfaces that cooperate to define an opening. The controller is positioned to slide along the lower surface defining the opening in the barrier.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a patient support is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, and a controller. The barrier includes a curved opening and the controller is positioned in the curved opening to move along the barrier.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a patient support is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, and a controller. The barrier includes a surface defining an opening in the barrier. The controller includes a housing and a retainer coupled to the housing. The retainer is configured to contact the surface of the barrier to removable couple the housing to the barrier.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a patient support is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, and a controller. The controller is removably coupled to the barrier and is movable from a first position spaced apart from the barrier to a second position coupled to the barrier. The controller is movable along a path having a horizontal component from the first position to the second position to couple the controller to the barrier. The controller is movable along the barrier when in the second position.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a patient support is provided that includes a frame and a mattress supported by the frame. The mattress has a first side and a second side transversely spaced-apart from the first side. The patient support further includes a first barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the first side of the mattress, a second barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the second side of the mattress, and a controller. The first barrier includes a first opening formed therein and the second barrier includes a second opening formed therein. The controller is configured to be removably received in the first opening of the first barrier and removably received in the second opening of the second barrier.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a patient support is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a barrier positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, and a controller. The barrier has a longitudinal axis. The barrier includes a guide configured to direct movement of the controller along the barrier in a path having longitudinal and transverse components.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a patient support is provided that includes a frame, a mattress supported by the frame, a pair of spaced-apart barriers positioned to block egress of a patient from the mattress, and a controller removably coupled to the barrier. The controller includes a housing, a cord coupled to the housing, and a first connector coupled to the cord. The patient support further includes a second connector supported by the frame. The first connector is configured to couple to the second connector to provide communication for the controller through the first and second connectors when the first connector is coupled to the second connector. The patient support further includes a third connector supported by the frame. The first connector is configured to couple to the third connector to provide communication for the controller through the first and third connectors when the first connector is coupled to the third connector.

[0012] Additional features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hospital bed showing the hospital bed including a frame, a deck coupled to and positioned above the frame, a headboard coupled to the frame, a footboard coupled to the deck, and two pair of split siderails coupled to the frame;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 showing the headboard including a base and a removable center panel slidably coupled to the base;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed showing the frame in an upper position supporting the deck in an upper position;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 showing a roller and caster-brake linkage positioned in a hollow base frame;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 3 showing the frame in an intermediate position supporting the deck in an intermediate position and showing the frame (in phantom) in a lower position supporting the deck in a lower position;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 3 showing the frame in the Trendelenburg position supporting the deck with a head section of the deck positioned lower than a foot section of the deck;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 3 showing the frame in the Reverse Trendelenburg position supporting the deck with the head section of the deck positioned higher than the foot section of the deck;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment hospital bed frame having four linkage assemblies supporting an intermediate frame and a deck (in phantom);

[0022] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed of FIG. 8 showing the frame in an upper position supporting the intermediate frame and the deck in an upper position;

[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 9 showing one of the linkage assemblies including a C-shaped link and a rectangle-shaped link partially positioned in the C-shaped link;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 9 showing the frame in a lower position supporting the deck in a lower position;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 9 showing the frame in the Trendelenburg position supporting the deck with a head section of the deck positioned lower than a foot section of the deck;

[0026] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the hospital bed similar to FIG. 9 showing the frame in the Reverse Trendelenburg position supporting the deck with the head section of the deck positioned higher than the foot section of the deck;

[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a control panel pivotably coupled to the footboard and including a plurality of control buttons for operating various functions of the hospital bed;

[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment control system including four foot pedals configured to control the various functions of the hospital bed;

[0029] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the control system of FIG. 15 showing a caregiver depressing one of the foot pedals to lower a back section of the hospital bed;

[0030] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a head end of the hospital bed of FIG. 1 with portions cut away (in partial phantom) showing the deck including the head section (in partial phantom), the back section (in partial phantom) pivotably coupled to the head section, and a tilt mechanism coupled to an intermediate frame of the frame, the back section of the deck, and to the head section of the deck;

[0031] FIG. 18 is a top view of the tilt mechanism taking along lines 18 - 18 of FIG. 17 ;

[0032] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 17 showing the tilt mechanism tilting the head section of the deck relative to the back section of the deck;

[0033] FIG. 20 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 17 showing the tilt mechanism tilting the head section relative to the back section and tilting the back section relative to the intermediate frame;

[0034] FIG. 21 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 17 showing the tilt mechanism tilting the head and back sections of the deck relative to the intermediate frame while maintaining a coplanar relationship between the head and back sections;

[0035] FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of a foot end of the hospital bed showing the deck including a foot section with the footboard coupled thereto and a seat section pivotably coupled to the foot section and the intermediate frame, and a tilt mechanism positioned between the foot and seat sections of the deck and the intermediate frame;

[0036] FIG. 23 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 22 showing the tilt mechanism including an actuator lifting the seat section of the deck to an upper position and a pair of links in a locked position elevating the foot section of the deck in response to the movement of the seat section;

[0037] FIG. 24 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 22 showing the actuator in a retracted position and the links of the tilt mechanism in an unlocked position;

[0038] FIG. 25 is a side elevation view similar to FIG. 22 showing the actuator lifting the seat section of the deck, the links in the unlocked position, and the foot section of the deck tilting relative to the seat section as the actuator lifts the seat section;

[0039] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the underside of the foot and seat sections of the deck showing the links in the locked position and the tilt mechanism further including a connector link interconnecting the right and left links for simultaneous movement therebetween;

[0040] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of one of the siderails including a linkage assembly coupled to the intermediate frame and a clear rail member, with portions broken away, coupled to the linkage assembly;

[0041] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 28 - 28 of FIG. 27 showing the linkage assembly including a retainer including a Z-shaped latch coupled to a catch rod, a lower release handle coupled to the Z-shaped latch, and a patient-accessible upper release handle interacting with the Z-shaped latch through a pair of vertical transfer rods;

[0042] FIG. 29 is a side view of a lockout mechanism configured to block movement of the patient-accessible upper release handle;

[0043] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 28 showing the patient-accessible upper release handle pivoted inwardly to push the vertical transfer rods downwardly so that the Z-shaped latch is rotated away from the catch rod to permit the siderail to be lowered;

[0044] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 28 showing the siderail in an intermediate lower position;

[0045] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the siderail showing the clear rail member coupled to the linkage assembly and a clear armrest pivotably coupled to the clear rail member in a storage position;

[0046] FIG. 33 is a view similar to FIG. 32 showing the armrest in a use position and having a cup or container holder supporting a cup therein;

[0047] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 34 - 34 of FIG. 32 showing the armrest in the storage position, the siderail further including a stop plate coupled to the armrest, a top rail portion of the rail member having a substantially circular lobe and a downwardly extending lobe coupled to the substantially circular lobe;

[0048] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 34 showing the armrest in the use position and the stop plate engaging the downwardly extending lobe so that further clockwise rotation of the armrest is prevented;

[0049] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment siderail showing the siderail in an upper position;

[0050] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 37 - 37 of FIG. 36 showing the siderail of FIG. 36 including a vertical rail member pivotably coupled about a tubular support member, a pair of handles pivotably coupled to the vertical rail member, a retainer including a vertical pin engaging an aperture formed in the tubular support member, and a pair of cables coupling the vertical pin to the handles, one of said handles (in phantom) in an actuated position pulling the vertical pin from locking engagement with the tubular support member to permit pivoting of the rail member in a counterclockwise (in phantom) or clockwise (in phantom) direction relative to the tubular support member;

[0051] FIG. 38 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 36 showing the siderail in a lower position;

[0052] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 37 showing the siderail in the lower position with the pin disengaged from the apertures formed in the tubular support member;

[0053] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the hospital bed of FIG. 1 showing the deck and a mattress, with portions broken away, positioned on the deck;

[0054] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the mattress of FIG. 40 (with an outer layer of ticking removed);

[0055] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the mattress of FIG. 40 taken along line 42 - 42 of FIG. 40 showing the mattress including a firming pad positioned near the top of the mattress, an upper foam layer positioned under the firming pad, a crowning bladder positioned under the upper foam layer, a massage motor positioned under the crowning bladder, and a pair of additional foam layers also positioned below the crowning bladder;

[0056] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 43 - 43 of FIG. 40 showing the mattress including another crowning bladder in a deflated position and the deck including a flexible deck panel in an un-flexed position and a flexed position (in phantom);

[0057] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 44 - 44 of FIG. 43 , with portions broken away, showing one portion of the flexible panel including an elongated slot and a fastener positioned in the elongated slot to permit the flexible panel to slide relative to the fastener to permit the flexible panel to bow downwardly when weight is applied to the flexible panel (in phantom);

[0058] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 43 showing the crowning bladder in an inflated position to create a crown in the mattress;

[0059] FIG. 46 is an end view of the foot section of the mattress of FIG. 41 showing the foot section of the mattress formed to include angled sides to conform to the deck;

[0060] FIG. 47 is a side elevation view of the foot section of the mattress of FIG. 41 showing the foot section formed to include slots permitting the foot section to extend and retract;

[0061] FIG. 48 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment mattress;

[0062] FIG. 49 is an exploded view of another alternative embodiment mattress;

[0063] FIG. 50 is an exploded view of yet another alternative embodiment mattress including an air bladder having a plurality of cylinders;

[0064] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of an air system for controlling the pressure level in the air bladder of FIG. 50 ;

[0065] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment footboard releasably coupled to the deck to permit the footboard to be removed from the deck and positioned over the siderails to provide a table (in phantom) for a patient;

[0066] FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view showing the footboard of FIG. 52 in the table position and positioned over the pair of siderails;

[0067] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of alternative headboard showing the headboard including a tubular frame removably coupled to the deck and a fabric screen coupled to the tubular frame;

[0068] FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 55 - 55 of FIG. 54 showing the fabric screen coupled to the tubular frame;

[0069] FIG. 56 is a cross-sectional view of yet another alternative embodiment footboard removed from the deck and having a base and pair of side flaps pivotably coupled to the base and positioned on the siderails to support the base;

[0070] FIG. 57 is a view similar to FIG. 56 showing the side flaps in a storage position on the outside of the base;

[0071] FIG. 58 is a view similar to FIG. 57 showing another alternative footboard having a base and a pair of side flaps positioned in a storage position on the inside of the base;

[0072] FIG. 59 is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment removable footboard positioned over a pair of siderails to provide a table; and

[0073] FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view of the footboard of FIG. 59 showing the footboard positioned over the inwardly slanting siderails;

[0074] FIG. 61 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment hospital bed showing the hospital bed including a frame, a deck coupled to and positioned above the frame with a head section of the deck tilted relative to an intermediate frame of the frame, a mattress supported by the deck, a headboard coupled to the frame, a footboard coupled to the deck, a pair of head end siderails coupled to the head section of the deck, a pair of foot end siderails coupled to the intermediate frame, and a pair of gap fillers coupled to the footboard and extending to the foot end siderails;

[0075] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the headboard of FIG. 61 showing the headboard coupled to a portion of the intermediate frame, the bed including a pocket and a panel spaced apart from the headboard and aligned to fit within the pocket of the headboard;

[0076] FIG. 63 is an end view of the headboard of FIG. 61 showing the panel spaced apart from the headboard;

[0077] FIG. 64 is a view similar to FIG. 63 showing the panel positioned in the pocket of the headboard;

[0078] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the bed of FIG. 61 with the deck, mattress, siderails, and headboard removed showing the frame including the intermediate frame, a shroud covering a base frame, and four linkage assemblies supporting the intermediate frame over the shroud;

[0079] FIG. 66 is a perspective view of a portion of the base frame showing a caster brake pedal coupled to the base frame and spaced apart from a caster coupled to the base frame;

[0080] FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 67 - 67 of FIG. 66 showing a link extending from an arm of the caster brake pedal to an arm of a caster braking mechanism including a hexagonal rod;

[0081] FIG. 68 is a perspective view showing a hinge coupling one of the gap fillers of FIG. 61 to the footboard;

[0082] FIG. 69 is a side elevation view of the footboard and one of the gap fillers of FIG. 61 showing the footboard including a first fastener and the gap filler including a second fastener aligned with the first fastener to couple the gap filler to the footboard;

[0083] FIG. 70 is a top plan view of the footboard, one of the foot end siderails, and one of the gap filler of FIG. 61 showing the gap filler positioned between the foot end siderail and the mattress;

[0084] FIG. 71 is a side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 61 showing the deck in a bed position with the head section of the deck co-planar with a seat section of the deck;

[0085] FIG. 72 is a view similar to FIG. 71 showing the head section of the deck tilted relative to the seat section of the deck;

[0086] FIG. 73 is a view similar to FIG. 71 showing the head section of the deck tilted relative to the seat section of the bed and foot end of the head end siderail positioned adjacent to a notch formed in the foot end siderail;

[0087] FIG. 74 is a partial perspective view of one of the foot end siderails of FIG. 61 showing the foot end siderail including a rail member having a pocket, the bed further including a controller positioned for insertion into the pocket;

[0088] FIG. 75 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 75 - 75 of FIG. 74 showing the rail member including a pair of recesses and the controller including a pair of ball-detents aligned to fit within the recesses of the rail member to removably secure the controller in the pocket of the foot end siderail;

[0089] FIG. 76 is a side elevation view of one of the head end siderails showing the head end siderail including a longitudinal slot and the bed further including a controller positioned in the slot to slide along the length thereof;

[0090] FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 77 - 77 of FIG. 76 showing the controller including a pair of tabs configured to removably and slidably couple the controller to the head end siderail;

[0091] FIG. 78 is a side elevation view of one of the foot end siderails showing the foot end siderail including a longitudinal slot and the controller of FIG. 76 positioned in the slot to slide along the length thereof;

[0092] FIG. 79 is a side elevation view of a foot end of the hospital bed showing the deck including seat section pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame and a foot section pivotably coupled to the seat section, the bed further including an actuator coupled to the intermediate frame and the seat section, the foot section resting on a roller coupled to the intermediate frame, and a link coupled to the foot section and the intermediate frame;

[0093] FIG. 80 is a view similar to FIG. 79 showing the actuator in an extended position tilting the seat section of the deck so that the foot section of the deck rolls on the roller and also assumes a tilted position;

[0094] FIG. 81 is a view similar to FIG. 79 showing the actuator in the extended position and the seat section in the tilted position, the link being coupled to the intermediate frame to support the foot section is a raised position;

[0095] FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the deck and intermediate frame, with portions broken away, showing a spill guard positioned between the head section of the deck and the seat section of the deck;

[0096] FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 83 - 83 of FIG. 82 showing the spill guard positioned between the head and seat sections of the deck;

[0097] FIG. 84 is a perspective view of a portion of the intermediate frame showing the bed further including a male communications connector coupled to the intermediate frame and a female communications connector aligned to be coupled to the male communications connector;

[0098] FIG. 85 is a perspective view of a propulsion device coupled to the base frame;

[0099] FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 86 - 86 of FIG. 85 showing the propulsion device including a wheel and an actuator in a retracted position supporting the wheel in a position spaced apart from the floor;

[0100] FIG. 87 is a view similar to FIG. 86 showing the actuator in an extended position so that the wheel contacts the floor;

[0101] FIG. 88 is a perspective view of the mattress of FIG. 61 , with a protective cover removed, showing the mattress including a foot section including a retractable foam portion and a heel-pressure relief bladder positioned in a cavity formed in the retractable foot section;

[0102] FIG. 89 is a side elevation view of the deck and mattress showing a tall person positioned on the mattress and the foot section of the deck in an extended position with the heel of the tall person positioned over the heel-pressure relief bladder;

[0103] FIG. 90 is a view similar to FIG. 89 showing a short person positioned on the mattress and the foot section in a retracted position with the heel of the short person positioned over the heel-pressure relief bladder;

[0104] FIG. 91 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 91 - 91 of FIG. 90 showing the heel-pressure relief bladder positioned in the cavity formed in the retractable foam portion;

[0105] FIG. 92 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment hospital bed showing the hospital bed including a frame having a base frame supported by a plurality of casters, a weigh frame, and a pair of support arms positioned between the weigh frame and the base frame, a headboard coupled to the base frame, a footboard coupled to the deck, and four foot pedal controls coupled to the base frame;

[0106] FIG. 93 is a top plan view of the frame showing the rectangular weigh frame and the frame further including an intermediate frame coupled to and positioned within the perimeter of the weigh frame;

[0107] FIG. 94 is a perspective view of the weigh frame and intermediate frame;

[0108] FIG. 95 is side elevation view the hospital bed of FIG. 92 taken along line 95 - 95 of FIG. 93 showing the weigh frame and intermediate frame supported by the lift arms in a raised position;

[0109] FIG. 96 is a view similar to FIG. 95 showing the lift arms supporting the weigh frame in a lowered position;

[0110] FIG. 97 is a partial perspective view of a first of the pair of foot end siderails showing the first foot end siderail including a rail member and a removable controller mount aligned for coupling to the rail member with a pair of screws, the removable controller mount having a pocket, and the bed further including a controller positioned in the pocket of the removable controller mount;

[0111] FIG. 98 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 98 - 98 of FIG. 97 ;

[0112] FIG. 99 is a partial perspective view of a second of the pair of foot end siderails showing the second foot end siderail including a rail member and a substantially flat removable panel, with portions broken away, coupled to the rail member;

[0113] FIG. 100 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 100 - 100 of FIG. 99 ;

[0114] FIG. 101 is a side elevation view of the controller of FIG. 97 ;

[0115] FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 102 - 102 of FIG. 104 showing another controller including a latch configured to removably and slidably couple the controller to one of the head and foot end siderails;

[0116] FIG. 103 is a partial perspective view of the latch configuration of FIG. 102 ;

[0117] FIG. 104 is a side elevation view showing a back side of the controller of FIG. 102 showing the controller including a housing having a pair of spaced-apart surfaces defining curved channels to complement the contour of the siderails (shown in phantom);

[0118] FIG. 105 is a perspective view showing a pedal housing coupled to a portion of the base frame and four pedals pivotably coupled to the pedal housing;

[0119] FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view taken line 106 - 106 of FIG. 105 showing one of the foot pedals including a pedal pivotably coupled to the pedal housing, a first spring positioned between the base frame and the pedal to bias the pedal in a counterclockwise direction, a second spring positioned between the base frame and the pedal to bias the pedal in a clockwise direction, a magnet coupled to a distal end of the pedal, and a sensor arranged to detect the position of the magnet;

[0120] FIG. 107 is a partial perspective view showing the head section of the deck titled relative to the weigh frame;

[0121] FIG. 108 is a cross-sectional view of the head end siderail taken along line 108 - 108 of FIG. 109 ;

[0122] FIG. 109 is side elevation view of the bed of FIG. 92 showing the head section of the deck titled relative to the weigh frame and the head end siderail in an up position;

[0123] FIG. 110 is a view similar to FIG. 109 showing the head end siderail in a lowered position;

[0124] FIG. 111 is side elevation view of a portion of the head end siderail in the raised position showing the siderail including a pair of spaced-apart links pivotably coupled to a longitudinally extended rod, the rod including two pairs of cylindrical cams, and each link including a pair of spaced-apart cylindrical cams positioned to contact the cylindrical cams of the rod;

[0125] FIG. 112 is a view similar to FIG. 111 showing the siderail translated to the right when in the lowered position;

[0126] FIG. 113 is a perspective view of a base frame of another alternative embodiment bed showing four casters coupled to the base frame, a first pair of foot pedals coupled to two of the casters, a second pair of foot pedals longitudinally spaced apart from the other two casters, a transverse link coupling the second pair of foot pedals together, and a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending links coupling the first and second pair of foot pedals together so that all four casters are linked to move simultaneously;

[0127] FIG. 114 is a view identical to FIG. 90 showing a deck in a substantially flat bed position; and

[0128] FIG. 115 is a view similar to FIG. 90 showing a head section of the deck raised to a titled position and the foot section of the deck extended in response to the head section of the deck being raised.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0129] As shown in FIG. 1, a hospital bed 10 is provided including a frame 12 positioned on the floor, a deck 14 coupled to frame 12 , a mattress 13 positioned on deck 14 , a headboard 16 coupled to frame 12 , a footboard 18 coupled to deck 14 , and a pair of split siderails 20 , 21 coupled to frame 12 . Frame 12 is configured to raise and lower deck 14 relative to the floor and to move deck 14 to the Trendelenburg position and the Reverse Trendelenburg position.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 1 , headboard or first barrier 16 includes a curved base 30 coupled to frame 12 and a center panel 34 removably coupled to base 30 . Base 30 includes a pair of handles 48 to facilitate pushing hospital bed 10 about a care facility.

[0131] When necessary a caregiver removes center panel 34 from base 30 and positions center panel 34 under a patient's torso to assist the caregiver in administering CPR to the patient. The removability of center panel 34 also permits access to the patient during such a procedure from a head end of hospital bed 10 to allow the caregiver to more easily administer the CPR procedure.

[0132] Center panel 34 includes a body portion 36 , a handle portion 38 coupled to body portion 36 to define an opening 42 therebetween, and a pair of tongues 44 configured to mate with base 30 and provide sliding movement therebetween. The preferred embodiment of center panel 34 is made of a clear plastics material such as acrylic or clarified polyethylene (PETG) so that a caregiver may view a patient positioned on hospital bed 10 through headboard 16 . According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the center panel is made of other materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art that have transparent, translucent, or non-opaque properties so that visible light passes therethrough. According to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, portions or all of the center panel is made of an opaque material. As shown in FIG. 2 , base 30 is formed to include a pair of grooves 46 configured to receive tongues 44 of center panel 34 so that center panel 34 is slidably coupled to base 30 .

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , frame 12 includes a rectangular lower frame member or base frame 32 , a plurality of casters 50 coupled to base frame 32 to permit hospital bed 10 to be rolled about a care facility, a rectangular upper frame member or intermediate frame 52 , a linkage system 54 coupled to intermediate and base frames 52 , 32 to permit relative motion therebetween, and an actuator system 56 providing power to actuate linkage system 54 and move upper member 52 relative to base frame 32 . Linkage system 54 includes a pair of head links 58 pivotably coupled to a head end 53 of intermediate frame 52 and slidably coupled to base frame 32 , a pair of foot links 60 pivotably coupled to a foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 and slidably coupled to base frame 32 , and a pair of guide links 62 pivotably coupled to respective foot links 60 and pivotably coupled to base frame 32 at a fixed pivot point.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , linkage system 54 further includes rollers 59 that ride in hollow base frame 32 and pins 61 extending through elongated slots 70 formed in inner side walls of base frame 32 to rotatably couple rollers 59 to the lower ends of head and foot links 58 , 60 . Rollers 59 ride over a lower wall 63 of base frame 32 to provide smooth rolling movement between head and foot links 58 , 60 and base frame 32 to facilitate the sliding movement of head and foot links 58 , 60 in base frame 32 .

[0135] Hospital bed 10 further includes a caster braking system including a caster-brake link 65 extending through hollow base frame 32 adjacent to roller 59 as shown in FIG. 4 . The caster braking system interconnects each caster 50 to provide simultaneous braking of casters 50 . To simultaneously brake casters 50 , the caregiver steps on one of foot brake pedals 63 and the caster braking system locks casters 50 against rolling. A caster braking system similar to the caster braking system of the present disclosure is more fully disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/263,039, filed Mar. 5, 1999, to Mobley et al., entitled Caster and Braking System, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0136] Guide links 62 restrict the motion of foot links 60 such that the pivot point between foot links 60 and intermediate frame 52 is restrained to move vertically without moving horizontally. This restriction prevents horizontal movement of intermediate frame 52 relative to base frame 32 during raising and lowering of intermediate frame 52 . This restrained movement prevents intermediate frame 52 from moving through an arch while moving between the upper and lower positions so that intermediate frame 52 can be raised and lowered without requiring additional hospital room for clearance.

[0137] It will be appreciated that, in order for guide links 62 to perform the restriction function, the distance between pivot points 49 , 51 of guide links 62 is one half the distance between axis 47 of rollers 59 and pivot points 45 of the upper ends of foot links 60 and that each guide link 62 is pivotably coupled to the respective foot link 60 at pivot point 51 that is one half the distance between axis 47 of the associated roller 59 and pivot point 45 of the upper end of the respective foot link 60 . Thus, the distance between upper pivot point 51 of each guide link 62 and the lower pivot point 49 of each guide link 62 is equal to the distance between upper pivot point 51 of each guide link 62 and upper pivot point 45 of each foot link 60 . As a result of this link geometry, upper pivot points 45 of foot links 60 are maintained in vertical alignment with lower pivot point 49 of guide links 62 during raising and lower of frame members 52 relative to frame member 32 .

[0138] Actuator system 56 provides the force and power necessary to raise and lower intermediate frame 52 . Actuator system 56 includes a head link actuator 64 coupled to head links 58 and intermediate frame 52 and a foot link actuator 66 coupled to foot links 60 and intermediate frame 52 . Actuator 64 is coupled to head links 58 through an extension link 75 that is rigidly coupled to a cross strut (not shown) which extends between and is rigidly coupled to each of head links 58 . Similarly, actuator 66 is coupled to foot links 60 through an extension link 77 that is rigidly coupled to a cross strut (not shown) which extends between and which is rigidly coupled to each of foot links 60 . The cross strut coupled to head links 58 coordinates the simultaneous movement thereof, whereas the cross strut coupled to foot links 60 coordinates simultaneous movement thereof.

[0139] Actuators 64 , 66 have expandable lengths to adjust the angular position of head and foot links 58 , 60 relative to intermediate frame 52 so that head and foot ends 53 , 55 of intermediate frame 52 can be raised or lowered. Each of actuators 64 , 66 is preferably an electric linear actuator having respective cylinder bodies 67 , cylinder rods 69 , and motors 71 that operate to extend and retract cylinder rods 69 relative to cylinder bodies 67 . Cylinder rods 69 are each pivotably coupled to respective pivot links 75 , 77 and motors 71 are each pivotably coupled to a bracket 79 included in intermediate frame 52 as shown, for example, in FIG. 3 .

[0140] When head and foot link actuators 64 , 66 are actuated simultaneously, such that one of actuators 64 , 66 extends while the other actuator 66 , 64 retracts, intermediate frame 52 either raises away from or lowers toward base frame 32 so that intermediate frame 52 is maintained in a horizontal position and does not “swing” outwardly or inwardly relative to base frame 32 . When head link actuator 64 is activated and foot link actuator 66 is maintained at a constant length, intermediate frame 52 moves to the Trendelenburg position as shown in FIG. 5 so that head end 53 of intermediate frame 52 is lowered and foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 is slightly raised. When the foot link actuator 66 is activated and head link actuator 64 is maintained at a constant length, intermediate frame 52 moves to the Reverse Trendelenburg position so that foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 lowers and head end 53 of intermediate frame 52 slightly raises as shown in FIG. 6 .

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 , deck 14 is lowered by activating both head and foot link actuators 64 , 66 . As the length of foot link actuator 66 increases, the angle between foot links 60 and intermediate frame 52 decreases and foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 lowers. As the length of head link actuator 64 decreases, the angle between head links 58 and intermediate frame 52 increases and head end 53 of intermediate frame 52 lowers as shown, for example, in FIG. 5 . As the length of foot link actuator 66 continues to increase and the length of head link actuator 64 continues to decrease, intermediate frame 52 continues to lower from the upper position to a lower position as shown in FIG. 5 (in phantom). Because head and foot link actuators 64 , 66 decrease and increase their respective lengths at substantially the same rate, intermediate frame 52 remains substantially horizontal while moving from the upper position, shown in FIG. 3 , to the lower position shown in phantom in FIG. 5 (in phantom). To position upper frame 52 back in the upper position, link actuator 64 is lengthened and foot link actuator 66 is simultaneously shortened until each actuator 64 , 66 returns to its original length as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0142] Linkage system 54 and actuator system 56 also cooperate to move intermediate frame 52 to the Trendelenburg position as shown in FIG. 6 . To move intermediate frame 52 to the Trendelenburg position, head link actuator 64 decreases its length such that the angle between intermediate frame 52 and head links 58 increases. Head end 53 of intermediate frame 52 lowers and the length of foot link actuator 66 remains substantially constant to provide a pivot point about which intermediate frame 52 rotates. As intermediate frame 52 rotates, foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 is slightly raised as shown in FIG. 6 . To reposition intermediate frame 52 in the upper horizontal position, the length of head link actuator 64 is increased until it is returned to its previous length.

[0143] Actuator system 56 and linkage system 54 also cooperate to position intermediate frame 52 in the Reverse Trendelenburg position as shown in FIG. 7 . To move intermediate frame 52 to the reserve-Trendelenburg position, the length of foot link actuator 66 is increased so that the angle between foot links 60 and intermediate frame 52 is decreased and foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 lowers. The overall length of head link actuator 64 remains substantially constant so that intermediate frame 52 pivots about head links 58 . As intermediate frame 52 pivots, head end 53 of intermediate frame 52 is slightly raised as foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 lowers. To reposition upper frame 52 in the upper horizontal position, the length of foot link actuator 66 is decreased until it is returned to its previous length.

[0144] Hospital bed 10 further includes two dampers 72 coupled to the inner walls of base frame 32 to engage the lower ends of foot links 60 . Dampers 72 aid in raising intermediate frame 52 and deck 14 from the lower and Reverse Trendelenburg positions. During lowering of foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 , dampers 72 resist movement of the foot links 60 and store potential energy as a result of the lowering of foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 . For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , as foot links 60 move along slot 70 , damper 72 is compressed so that potential energy is stored. As intermediate frame 52 is moved from the lower position, as shown in FIG. 5 , to the upper position as shown in FIG. 3 , dampers 72 aid foot link actuators 66 in raising foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 by pushing lower ends of foot links 60 in the direction that raises foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 to the upper position. Because dampers 72 store potential energy during lowering of foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 , foot link actuator 66 does not need to be as powerful to raise foot end 55 of intermediate frame 52 from the lower position to the upper position. According to an alternative embodiment frame, a more powerful foot link actuator is provided and dampers are not provided.

[0145] An alternative embodiment frame 612 is shown in FIGS. 8 - 13 . As shown in FIG. 8 , frame 612 includes a lower frame member or base frame 632 , plurality of casters 50 coupled to base frame 632 to permit the hospital bed to be rolled about a care facility, an upper frame member or intermediate frame 652 , a linkage system 654 coupled to intermediate and base frames 652 , 632 to permit relative motion therebetween, and an actuator system 656 providing power and force to actuate linkage system 654 and move intermediate frame 652 relative to base frame 632 . Linkage system 654 includes a pair of head link assemblies 658 pivotably coupled to intermediate frame 652 near a head end 653 of intermediate frame 652 and rigidly coupled to base frame 632 and a pair of foot link assemblies 660 slidably coupled to intermediate frame 652 near a foot end 655 of intermediate frame 652 and rigidly coupled to base frame 632 .

[0146] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , foot link assembly 660 further includes rollers 659 that ride in hollow intermediate frame 652 . Rollers 659 are coupled to the upper ends of foot link assemblies 660 to facilitate the sliding of foot link assemblies 660 relative to intermediate frame 652 . Rollers 659 ride under an upper wall 663 of intermediate frame 652 to provide smooth rolling movement between foot link assemblies 660 and intermediate frame 652 .

[0147] Actuator system 656 provides the power and force necessary to raise and lower upper frame assembly 652 . Actuator system 656 includes a head link actuator 664 coupled to head link assemblies 658 and base frame 632 and a foot link actuator 666 coupled to foot link assemblies 660 and base frame 632 . Actuators 664 , 666 are similar to actuators 64 , 66 and have expandable lengths to adjust the angular position of head and foot link assemblies 658 , 660 relative to base frame 632 so that head and foot ends 653 , 655 of intermediate frame 652 can be raised or lowered.

[0148] When head and foot link actuators 664 , 666 are actuated simultaneously such that both actuators 664 , 666 retract or extend, intermediate frame 652 either raises away from or lowers toward base frame 632 so that intermediate frame 652 is maintained in a horizontal position. When head link actuator 664 is activated and foot link actuator 666 is maintained at a constant length, intermediate frame 652 moves to the Trendelenburg position, as shown in FIG. 12 , so that head end 653 of intermediate frame 652 is lowered and foot end 655 of intermediate frame 652 is raised. When the foot link actuator 666 is activated and head link actuator 664 is maintained at a constant length, intermediate frame 652 moves to the Reverse Trendelenburg position so that foot end 655 of intermediate frame 652 lowers and head end 653 of intermediate frame 652 raises as shown in FIG. 13 .

[0149] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 , intermediate frame 652 is lowered by activating both head and foot link actuators 664 , 666 . As the length of foot link actuator 666 decreases, the angle between foot link assemblies 660 and intermediate frame 652 decreases and foot end 655 of intermediate frame 652 lowers. As the length of head link actuator 664 decreases, the angle between head link assemblies 658 and intermediate frame 652 decreases and head end 653 of intermediate frame 652 lowers as shown, for example, in FIG. 11 . As the length of foot and head link actuators 666 , 664 continue to decrease, intermediate frame 652 continues to lower from the upper position to a lower position as shown in FIG. 11 . Because head and foot link actuators 664 , 666 decrease their respective lengths at substantially the same rate, intermediate frame 652 remains substantially horizontal while moving from the upper position shown in FIG. 9 to the lower position shown in FIG. 11 (in phantom). To reposition intermediate frame 652 back in the upper position, head and foot link actuators 664 , 666 are simultaneously lengthened until each actuator 664 , 666 is returned to its original length.

[0150] As previously mentioned, linkage system 654 and actuator system 656 cooperate to move intermediate frame 652 to the Trendelenburg position as shown in FIG. 12 . To move intermediate frame 652 from the position shown in FIG. 9 to the Trendelenburg position shown in FIG. 12 , head link actuator 664 decreases its length such that the angle between intermediate frame 652 and head link assemblies 658 decreases and head end 653 of intermediate frame 652 lowers and the length of foot link actuator 666 remains substantially constant to provide a pivot point about which intermediate frame 652 rotates such that foot end 655 of intermediate frame 652 is slightly raised. To reposition intermediate frame 652 to the horizontal upper position, the length of head link actuator 664 is increased until it is returned to its original length as shown in FIG. 9 .

[0151] Actuator system 656 and linkage system 654 also cooperate to position intermediate frame 652 in the Reverse Trendelenburg position as shown in FIG. 13 . To move intermediate frame 652 from the position shown in FIG. 9 to the Reverse Trendelenburg position shown in FIG. 13 , the length of foot link actuator 666 is decreased so that the angle between foot link assemblies 660 and intermediate frame 652 is decreased and foot end 655 of intermediate frame 652 lowers. The overall length of head link actuator 664 remains substantially constant so that intermediate frame 652 pivots about head link assemblies 658 . As intermediate frame 652 pivots, head end 653 is slightly raised as foot end 655 lowers. To reposition intermediate frame 652 to the horizontal upper position, the length of foot link actuator 666 is increased until it is returned to its original length as shown in FIG. 9 .

[0152] As shown in FIGS. 9, 12 , 13