Menkedick, Douglas J. (Guilford, IN, US)
Osborne, Eugene E. (Hebron, KY, US)
Zerhusen, Robert M. (Cincinnati, OH, US)
Albersmeyer, David A. (Batesville, IN, US)
Philbeck, Roger S. (Lawrenceburg, IN, US)
Bhai, Aziz Ali (Batesville, IN, US)
Batta, Nicholas C. (Batesville, IN, US)
Richter, Terry L. (Cincinnati, OH, US)
Riggs, Tom (Milan, IN, US)
Chambers, Kenith W. (Batesville, IN, US)
Schwartz, Steven J. (Cincinnati, OH, US)
Knue, Matthew R. (Moores Hill, IN, US)
Dixon, Steve A. (Cincinnati, OH, US)
Shenk, Joshua W. (Batesville, IN, US)
Goodwin, Brent (Batesville, IN, US)
Skinner, Andrew F. (Batesville, IN, US)
Figel, Gregory J. (Mason, OH, US)
Stolpmann, James R. (Lawrenceburg, IN, US)
Findlay, James K. (Fishers, IN, US)
Suttman, Glenn C. (Batesville, IN, US)
Hoffman, Brian J. (Lawrenceburg, IN, US)
Vanderpohl III, Irvin J. (Greensburg, IN, US)
Hornbach, David W. (Brookville, IN, US)
Weil, Paul R. (Lawrenceburg, IN, US)
Kramer, Kenneth L. (Greensburg, IN, US)
Welling, Jeffrey R. (Batesville, IN, US)
Meyer, Eric R. (Greensburg, IN, US)
Wilker Jr., Jack (Shelbyville, IN, US)
Lubbers, David P. (Cincinnati, OH, US)
Murnyack, Roberta M. (Cincinnati, OH, US)
Scheele, Cami S. (Batesville, IN, US)

Plaque It! Sponsored by: Flash of Genius

11/393632

08/05/2008

03/30/2006

Images are available in PDF form when logged in. To view PDFs, Login  or  Create Account (Free!)

Click for automatic bibliography generation

Holl-Rom Services, Inc. (Wilmington, DE, US)

5/618

5/86.1, 5/611

A61G7/015; A61G7/012

5/600, 5/86.1, 5/11, 5/616-618, 5/611, 5/624, 5/613

0585834		July, 1897	Ruth
0595734		December, 1897	Rand et al.
0598054		January, 1898	Meany
1017153		February, 1912	Kampe
1043370		November, 1912	Stubbs
1261040		April, 1918	Lanes
1398203	Convertible bed-spring	November, 1921	Schmidt
1440783	Wall-protecting stop	January, 1923	Kiley
1573530	Bed bottom for hospital bedsteads	February, 1926	Weaver	5/618
2026153	Adjustable reclining bed, couch, and the like	December, 1935	Wright et al.	5/618
2202383	Hydraulically adjustable furniture	May, 1940	Hymer et al.	5/614
2245909	Cushioning and supporting device	June, 1941	Enfiajian
2281209	Combination bed and carriage	April, 1942	Smith
2452366	Patient adjustable foot section for articulated beds	October, 1948	Freund
2477400	Invalid's bed	July, 1949	Beem et al.
2500742	Invalid's bed	March, 1950	Taylor
2517466	Hydraulically operated adjustable bed	August, 1950	Cox	5/614
2556591	Invalid bed	June, 1951	Loxley
2564083	Invalid's bed with manual control	August, 1951	Stachert
2605151	Obstetrical and delivery operating table	July, 1952	Shampaine
2631300	Power-operated sectional invalid bed	March, 1953	Murray	5/616
2687536	Adjustable bed	August, 1954	Miller
2719769	Table type of motor operated kinesitherapy device	October, 1955	Murphy
2722017	Side guards for hospital beds	November, 1955	Burst et al.
2734104		February, 1956	Gollhofer
2766463	Means for converting a bed to a chair	October, 1956	Bendersky
2869614	Combination wheel chair and stretcher	January, 1959	Warnsky
3003160	Foldable bed frame-bed to contour chair	October, 1961	Goodman
3010121	Adjustable support device	November, 1961	Breach
3036314	Adjustable bed	May, 1962	Wetzler
3053568	Chair-bed combination	September, 1962	Miller
3099440	Apparatus for controlling the flow of fluids	July, 1963	Burzlaff
3112500	Hospital bed	December, 1963	MacDonald
3138805	Bed-wheelchair	June, 1964	Piazza
3195151	Hospital bed footboard and clamp therefor	July, 1965	Boyer
3210779	Multiple position combination chair-bed	October, 1965	Herbold
3220021	Adjustable seat length hospital bed	November, 1965	Nelson
3220022	Hospital bed sliding foot section	November, 1965	Nelson
3233255	Bed construction	February, 1966	Propst
3239853	Convertible hospital bed-chair	March, 1966	MacDonald
3304116	Mechanical device	February, 1967	Stryker	296/20
3309717	Hospital bed	March, 1967	Black
3317931	Adjustable bed	May, 1967	Benoit et al.
3393004	Hydraulic lift system for wheel stretchers	July, 1968	Williams
3406772	Wheel type chair-beds for invalids and patients	October, 1968	Ahrent et al.
3447170	ARTICULATING PLATFORM STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING MATTRESS ON CONTOUR BEDS	June, 1969	Spitz	5/722
3456269	FOLDABLE BED WITH ADJUSTABLE CONTOUR BED SPRING	July, 1969	Goodman
3503082	HOSPITAL BED	March, 1970	Kerwit	5/601
3506989	GUARD RAIL FOR HOSPITAL BED	April, 1970	Ross et al.
3526008	LATCH AND SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR BED RESTRAINING SIDES	September, 1970	Pruim
3585659		June, 1971	Burst et al.
3593350	RETRACTABLE BED	July, 1971	Knight et al.
3598947	PEDAL OPERATED CONTROL FOR ELECTRIC FISHING MOTORS	August, 1971	Osborne
3640566	INVALID CHAIR	February, 1972	Hodge
3663772	FOOT CONTROL FOR SWITCHING OF AN ELECTRIC DRIVE	May, 1972	Grabel et al.
3665528	ADJUSTABLE BED	May, 1972	Kjelberg et al.
3724003	HYDRAULIC ADJUSTING APPARATUS FOR HOSPITAL BEDS OR THE LIKE	April, 1973	Ellwanger et al.
3733623	HOSPITAL BEDS	May, 1973	Croxton	5/611
3814414	MEDICAL EXAMINATION TABLE	June, 1974	Chapa
3822425	INFLATABLE SUPPORT APPLIANCE	July, 1974	Scaler
3845947	SURGICAL OPERATION TABLES	November, 1974	Lee
3893197	Hospital bed footboard assembly	July, 1975	Ricke
3897973	Blood drawing chair	August, 1975	Long et al.
3902204	Hospital trolleys	September, 1975	Lee
3905591	Patient's couch	September, 1975	Schorr et al.
3916461	Article of furniture with a multi-section support surface	November, 1975	Kerstholt
3932903	Guard including electrical controls and slidable underneath the bed	January, 1976	Adams et al.
3977664	Hydraulic control valve arrangement for operating tables and the like	August, 1976	Mitchell et al.
3993051	Bed	November, 1976	Maruyama
4016613	Balanced bumper means for furniture	April, 1977	Benoit et al.
4037871	Multiple purpose ambulance cot with removable stretcher top	July, 1977	Bourgraf et al.	296/20
4038709	Dual hydraulic hospital bed	August, 1977	Kerwit
4062075	Bed arrangement	December, 1977	Stern et al.
4078269	Litter frame with supporting platform which can be raised by hydraulic or pneumatic jack	March, 1978	Weipert
4103376	Safety side for hospital bed	August, 1978	Benoit et al.
4127906	Adjustable bed-chair	December, 1978	Zur
4139917	Labor, delivery and patient care bed	February, 1979	Fenwick
4150269	Step-on foot switch	April, 1979	Henkel
4168099	Multi-position examination chair	September, 1979	Jacobs et al.
4183109	Sectional bed	January, 1980	Howell
4193149	Beds and mattresses	March, 1980	Welch
4195829	Surgical table hydraulic system	April, 1980	Reser
4205665	Gravity lumbar reduction method	June, 1980	Burton
4225989	Inflatable supports	October, 1980	Corbett et al.
4231030	Safety device for a crib	October, 1980	Weiss
4231124	Hospital beds	November, 1980	Croxton
4240169	Patient transferring apparatus	December, 1980	Roos
4258445	Beds and adjustable body supporting assemblies	March, 1981	Zur
4259762	Shock-absorbing hinge-pin doorstop	April, 1981	Civitelli
4293746	Foot operated control unit	October, 1981	Braaten
4312500	Patient support	January, 1982	Janssen
4336621	Disposable orthopedic overmattress for articulated beds	June, 1982	Schwartz et al.
4345344	Hospital bed	August, 1982	Gadoury et al.
4354838	Foot controller for dental instruments or the like	October, 1982	Hoyer et al.
4361917	Portable orthopedic bed	December, 1982	Wilson	5/616
4369535	Mattress assembly	January, 1983	Ekkerink
4386254	Rocker switch	May, 1983	Eberhardt et al.
4409695	Adjustable bed for morbidly obese patients	October, 1983	Johnston et al.
4411035	Maternity care bed	October, 1983	Fenwick
4425673	Lifting system for adjustable hospital bed	January, 1984	Werner
4453732	Patient transport and care vehicle	June, 1984	Assanah et al.
4472845	Latching system for adjustable motorized hospital bed	September, 1984	Chivetta et al.
4494259	Adjustable bed	January, 1985	Miller et al.
4539560	Bed departure detection system	September, 1985	Fleck et al.
4542547	Pnuematic mat with sensing means	September, 1985	Sato
4545084	Modular drive arrangement for adjustable beds and the like	October, 1985	Peterson
4557471	Medical bed	December, 1985	Pazzini
4558847	Patient lifting table	December, 1985	Coates	254/9C
4579381	Flexible utility stretcher	April, 1986	Williams	296/20
4584989	Life support stretcher bed	April, 1986	Stith	600/18
4612679	Bed side guard assembly	September, 1986	Mitchell
4625345	Automated sofa bed	December, 1986	Wood
4638516	Therapeutic bed support	January, 1987	Vrzalik
4653129	Side rail assembly for a wheeled stretcher	March, 1987	Kuck et al.
4654903	Bedsore prevention device in an invalid bed arrangement	April, 1987	Chubb et al.
4675926	Chair and/or bed arrangement	June, 1987	Lindblom et al.
4680790	Bedside control module for healthcare stations and the like	July, 1987	Packard et al.
4685159	Hospital bed	August, 1987	Oetiker
4724555	Hospital bed footboard	February, 1988	Poehner et al.
4745647	Patient support structure	May, 1988	Goodwin
4751754	Dual hydraulic hospital bed with emergency bypass circuit	June, 1988	Bailey et al.
4768249	Patient support structure	September, 1988	Goodwin
4769584	Electronic controller for therapeutic table	September, 1988	Irigoyen et al.
4797962	Closed loop feedback air supply for air support beds	January, 1989	Goode
4811435	Hospital bed with pivoting headboard	March, 1989	Foster et al.
4821470	Head wall for hospital bed	April, 1989	Kappers et al.
4847929	Bed with adjustable positions	July, 1989	Pupovic
4851625	Sliding switch	July, 1989	Liebich
4856123	Toilet apparatus for use by bed ridden patients	August, 1989	Henderson et al.
4858260	Patient transport apparatus including Trendelenburg mechanism and guard rail	August, 1989	Failor et al.
4858481	Position controlled linear actuator	August, 1989	Abraham
4862529	Hospital bed convertible to chair	September, 1989	Peck
4862530	Convertible bed	September, 1989	Chen
4894876	Multipurpose maternity care bed	January, 1990	Fenwick
4912787	Hydraulic stretcher device	April, 1990	Bradcovich
4921295	Carriage for an ambulance stretcher	May, 1990	Stollenwerk	296/20
4944055	Bed which is convertible into easy chair	July, 1990	Shainfeld
4949410	Guard rail for patient transport apparatus hospital beds and the like	August, 1990	Failor et al.
4951032	Crib rail safety annunciator	August, 1990	Langsam
4953243	Electronic control with emergency CPR feature for adjustable bed	September, 1990	Birkmann
4974905	Chair bed	December, 1990	Davis
4985946	Hospital bed adapted for use with a C-arm	January, 1991	Foster et al.
5035014	Comfort guard for low air loss patient support systems	July, 1991	Blanchard
5040253	Variable bed having multiple functions	August, 1991	Cheng
5054141	Hospital bed having a Y-shaped base	October, 1991	Foster et al.
5060425	Head wall for hospital bed	October, 1991	Kappers et al.
5063624	Manual/electric twin jack bed	November, 1991	Smith et al.
5072463	EZ access bed	December, 1991	Willis
5074000	Apparatus for performing head and foot Trendelenburg therapy	December, 1991	Soltani et al.
5077843	Hospital bed and assemblies of hospital care apparatus	January, 1992	Dale et al.
5083332	Hospital bed with collapsible side edges and laterally-movable side guards	January, 1992	Foster et al.
5083334	Side guard for patient support	January, 1992	Huck et al.
5095561	Invalid bed	March, 1992	Green et al.
5103519	Air support bed with patient movement overlay	April, 1992	Hasty
5105486	Adjustable bed	April, 1992	Peterson
5109554	Shield for birthing bed	May, 1992	Borders et al.
5117521	Care cart and transport system	June, 1992	Foster et al.
5127034	Support surface and articles of furniture incorporating same	June, 1992	Wright
5129117	Birth assist protection guard	July, 1992	Celestina et al.
5148562	Birthing bed adjustable to Trendelenburg position	September, 1992	Borders et al.
5157787	Bed	October, 1992	Donnellan et al.
5157800	Foot section for birthing bed	October, 1992	Borders
5179744	Hospital bed with inflatable and collapsible side edges and laterally-movable side guards	January, 1993	Foster et al.
5189741	Patient lift and transportation device	March, 1993	Beardmore	5/86.1
5193633	Motorized transfer and transport system for the disabled	March, 1993	Ezenwa
5205004	Vertically adjustable and tiltable bed frame	April, 1993	Hayes et al.
D336577	Sideguard for a birthing bed	June, 1993	Celestina et al.
5216769	Foldable bed	June, 1993	Eakin
5230113	Multiple position adjustable day night patient bed chair	July, 1993	Foster et al.
5235258	Remotely controlled articulated bed	August, 1993	Schuerch
5235713	Fluid filled flotation mattress	August, 1993	Guthrie et al.
5267364	Therapeutic wave mattress	December, 1993	Volk
5269388	Weighing bed	December, 1993	Reichow et al.
5279010	Patient care system	January, 1994	Ferrand et al.
5283096	Resilient strip for protective strip assembly	February, 1994	Greenberg et al.
5317769	Hospital bed	June, 1994	Weismiller et al.
5323565	Head wall for hospital bed	June, 1994	Kappers et al.
5324900	Footswitch for dental and medical uses	June, 1994	Gonser et al.
5348326	Carrier with deployable center wheels	September, 1994	Fullenkamp et al.
5367728	Adjustable ventilation mattress	November, 1994	Chang
5370111	Mobile ventilator capable of nesting within and docking with a hospital bed base	December, 1994	Reeder et al.
5394580	Hospital bed with three position patient side guards	March, 1995	Foster et al.
5398354	Heel pillow mattress	March, 1995	Balonick et al.
5422521	Foot operated control system for a multi-function device	June, 1995	Neer et al.
5423231	Foot control mechanism for a dental apparatus	June, 1995	Helfrich et al.
5444880	Bed with emergency head release and automatic knee down	August, 1995	Weismiller et al.
5450639	Electrically activated visual indicator for visually indicating the mode of a hospital bed castor	September, 1995	Weismiller et al.
5454126	Foot egress chair bed	October, 1995	Foster et al.
5479666	Foot egress chair bed	January, 1996	Foster et al.
5509159	Undercarriage	April, 1996	Du-Bois	5/627
5527097	Edging member and seating device therefore	June, 1996	Martin
5537701	Adjustable articulated bed	July, 1996	Elliott
5542136	Portable mattress for treating decubitus ulcers	August, 1996	Tappel
5542138	Bedside control unit for a hospital bed	August, 1996	Williams et al.
5577279	Hospital bed	November, 1996	Foster et al.
5579550	Articulated bed with collapsible frame	December, 1996	Bathrick et al.
5611094	Wall stop for a bed	March, 1997	D'Entremont
5636394	Hospital bed with rack and pinion stabilizer	June, 1997	Bartley
5653064	Head wall for hospital bed	August, 1997	Kappers et al.
5655238	Extreme position surgery table top attachment	August, 1997	Stickley et al.	5/618
5666681	Heel pressure management apparatus and method	September, 1997	Meyer et al.
5687437	Modular high-low adjustable bed bases retrofitted within the volumes of, and cooperatively operative with, diverse existing contour-adjustable beds so as to create high-low adjustable contour-adjustable beds	November, 1997	Goldsmith
5689839	Split side guards	November, 1997	Laganiere et al.
5701618	Hydraulic system for hydraulically actuating an ambulance lifting table	December, 1997	Brugger
5715548	Chair bed	February, 1998	Weismiller et al.
5720059	Tilting mechanism for bed	February, 1998	Allevato et al.
5732423	Bed side rails	March, 1998	Weismiller et al.
5737781	Patient transfer system	April, 1998	Votel
5745937	Support surfaces for a bed	May, 1998	Weismiller et al.
5749123	Safety device	May, 1998	Warren et al.
5771511	Communication network for a hospital bed	June, 1998	Kummer et al.
5781949	Rotational therapy apparatus for a bed	July, 1998	Weismiller et al.
5802636	Integrated siderail and accessory rail for a bed	September, 1998	Corbin et al.
5802640	Patient care system	September, 1998	Ferrand et al.
5806111	Stretcher controls	September, 1998	Heimbrock et al.
5808552	Patient detection system for a patient-support device	September, 1998	Wiley et al.
5873137	Pnuematic mattress systems	February, 1999	Yavets-Chen
5878452	Long term care bed controls	March, 1999	Brooke et al.
5883615	Foot-operated control system for a multi-function	March, 1999	Fago et al.
5890765	Health care reclining chair	April, 1999	LaPointe et al.
5906016	Patient care system	May, 1999	Ferrand et al.
5906017	Patient care system	May, 1999	Ferrand et al.
5918505	Linear actuator and method of making a linear actuator	July, 1999	Jensen
5934280	Method and a device having a tap-fed heel support region	August, 1999	Viard et al.
5939803	System for off-mains switching of current consuming devices such as actuators	August, 1999	Frost
5987671	Stretcher center wheel mechanism	November, 1999	Heimbrock et al.
6006379	Articulating bed frame	December, 1999	Hensley
6008598	Hand-held controller for bed and mattress assembly	December, 1999	Luff et al.
6016580	Stretcher base shroud and pedal apparatus	January, 2000	Heimbrock et al.
6021533	Mattress apparatus having a siderail down sensor	February, 2000	Ellis et al.
6067019	Bed exit detection apparatus	May, 2000	Scott
6076208	Surgical stretcher	June, 2000	Heimbrock et al.
6089593	Ambulatory care chair	July, 2000	Hanson et al.
6101648	Ramp assembly for an articulating bed	August, 2000	Sommerfeld et al.	5/618
6131868	Hospital bed communication and control device	October, 2000	Welling et al.
6158295	Linear actuator	December, 2000	Nielsen
6163903	Chair bed	December, 2000	Weismiller et al.
6178575	Stretcher mounting unit	January, 2001	Harada	5/600
6178576	Deflector attachment for an adjustable bed	January, 2001	Newell
6182310	Bed side rails	February, 2001	Weismiller et al.
6185767	Controls for a bed	February, 2001	Brooke et al.
6208250	Patient position detection apparatus for a bed	March, 2001	Dixon et al.
6209157	Articulating bed frame	April, 2001	Hensley	5/618
6212714	Hospital bed and mattress having a retracting foot section	April, 2001	Allen et al.
6223369	Patient support surfaces	May, 2001	Maier et al.
6226821	OB/GYN mattress	May, 2001	Heimbrock et al.
6230343	Unitary pedal control for height of a patient support	May, 2001	Buiskool et al.	5/610
6240579	Unitary pedal control of brake and fifth wheel deployment via side and end articulation with additional unitary pedal control of height of patient support	June, 2001	Hanson et al.	5/86.1
6240583	Ambulatory assist arm for a bed	June, 2001	Brooke et al.
6260221	Medical apparatus for the treatment and prevention of heel decubitus	July, 2001	Grabell et al.
6276011	Adjustable bed and adjustable frame therefor	August, 2001	Antinori	5/618
6282738	Ob/Gyn stretcher	September, 2001	Heimbrock et al.
6286165	Stretcher center wheel mechanism	September, 2001	Heimbrock et al.	5/600
6290194	Blower unit retention apparatus	September, 2001	Chaconas et al.
6295675	Mattress assembly	October, 2001	Ellis et al.
6321878	Caster and braking system	November, 2001	Mobley et al.
6336235	Chair bed	January, 2002	Ruehl
6351678	Medical equipment controller	February, 2002	Borders
6353950	Positional feedback system for medical mattress systems	March, 2002	Bartlett et al.
6393641	Articulating bed frame	May, 2002	Hensley	5/618
6401278	Accident and emergency trolley	June, 2002	Hayes et al.	5/600
6438776	Patient care system	August, 2002	Ferrand et al.
6473921	Brake assembly for a bed	November, 2002	Brooke et al.
6505359	Stretcher center wheel mechanism	January, 2003	Heimbrock et al.	5/86.1
6539566	Patient support	April, 2003	Hayes
6601251	Height adjustable medical bed including intermediate upper and lower stop positions	August, 2003	Paul	5/611
6611979	Mattress having a retractable foot section	September, 2003	Welling et al.
6658680	Hospital bed	December, 2003	Osborne et al.
6668402	Patient-support apparatus having grippable handle	December, 2003	Heimbrock	5/600
6708358	Articulating bed frame	March, 2004	Hensley	5/915
6772460	Pedal arrangement for stretcher apparatus	August, 2004	Heimbrock et al.	5/611
6772850	Power assisted wheeled carriage	August, 2004	Waters et al.	180/65.5
6792630	Fifth wheel assembly for bed	September, 2004	Palmatier et al.	5/86.1
6912746	Bed	July, 2005	Grove	5/618
6957461	Hospital bed	October, 2005	Osborne et al.
7007765	Method for driving a wheeled carriage	March, 2006	Waters et al.	180/19.3
7302717	Side and end brake/steer mechanism for stretchers	December, 2007	Reinke et al.	5/86.1
7346942	Brake/steer mechanism for patient support apparatus	March, 2008	Reinke et al.	5/86.1
20010011393	Brake assembly for a bed	August, 2001	Brooke et al.
20010011394	OB/GYN stretcher	August, 2001	Heimbrock et al.
20010029628	Patient care system	October, 2001	Ferrand et al.
20010032362	Mattress having a retractable foot section	October, 2001	Welling et al.
20010039679	Stretcher center wheel mechanism	November, 2001	Heimbrock et al.	5/86.1
20020002742	Foot controls for a bed	January, 2002	Osborne et al.
20020013965	Bed latch position detector and method	February, 2002	Wilson
20020014951	Remote control for a hospital bed	February, 2002	Kramer et al.
20020059679	Hospital bed	May, 2002	Weismiller et al.
20020066142	Hospital bed	June, 2002	Osborne et al.
20020080037	Patient position detection apparatus for a bed	June, 2002	Dixon et al.
20020092096	Ob/Gyn stretcher	July, 2002	Heimbrock et al.
20030051291	Bed siderail extender apparatus	March, 2003	Brooke et al.
20030051292	Patient care system	March, 2003	Ferrand et al.
20030093860	Apparatus and method for closing hospital bed gaps	May, 2003	Kramer
20030093863	Bed	May, 2003	Grove	5/618
20040139545	Side and end brake/steer mechanism for stretchers	July, 2004	Reinke et al.	5/86.1
20040177445	Hospital bed	September, 2004	Osborne et al.	5/600
20050172405	Hospital bed	August, 2005	Menkedick et al.
20060096029	Hospital bed	May, 2006	Osborne et al.	5/618
20060162079	Hospital bed including moveable foot portion	July, 2006	Menkedick et al.	5/624
20060168730	Hospital bed	August, 2006	Menkedick et al.	5/618
20060168731	Mattress assembly including adjustable length foot	August, 2006	Menkedick et al.	5/618
20070113344	Movable bed with an independent wheel suspension system	May, 2007	Hurwitz	5/620
20070245488	Maneuverable Device for Transporting Loads Over a Surface	October, 2007	Zimbalista et al.	5/86.1
20070271700	Patient Support Apparatus Having A Brake/Steer Mechanism With A Foot Pedal Gear Reducer	November, 2007	Reinke et al.	5/600

DE2310603	September, 1974
EP0037063	October, 1981			A bed assembly for geriatric environmental systeming.
EP0218301	April, 1987			MATTRESS
EP0341570	November, 1989			Air-operated body support device
EP0349067	October, 1990			A hydraulic actuating unit, in particular for raising a load, such as a hospital bed.
EP0485362	May, 1992			An improved patient support structure and a multi-outlet variable flow gas valve
EP0558108	September, 1993			Universally adjustable bed.
GB7095	September, 1913
GB1466080	March, 1977
GB2015872	September, 1979
GB2169195	July, 1986
GB2313303	November, 1997
JP5337515	September, 1978
JP02109563	April, 1990			ELEVATING/LOWERING MECHANISM FOR BED PART SUPPORTING FRAME
JP02154760	June, 1990			ASCENDING/DESCENDING AND INCLINING MECHANISM FOR BED SUPPORTING FRAME
JP02156950	June, 1990			RAISING/LOWERING AND TILTING MECHANISM FOR FLOOR PART SUPPORTING FRAME
JP02200262	August, 1990			ELEVATING/LOWERING MECHANISM FOR FLOOR PART SUPPORTING FRAME IN LAYING STAND AND LAYING STAND EQUIPPED WITH ELEVATING/LOWERING MECHANISM
JP03155862	July, 1991			ELEVATION MECHANISM FOR FLOOR PART SUPPORTING FRAME IN DORSAL STAND AND DORSAL STAND PROVIDED WITH THE SAME
JP3186212	August, 1991			CAMERA CAPABLE OF INPUTTING LINE OF SIGHT
JP3193005	August, 1991			VEHICLE REPAIR COST ESTIMATE SYSTEM AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM RECORDING PROGRAM
JP3237976	October, 1991			RADIATION INSPECTION APPARATUS OF CYLINDER INSIDE
JP07124201	May, 1995			LIFT MECHANISM FOR BOTTOM OF BED
JP08280747	October, 1996			BED PROVIDED WITH BED PART ELEVATING AND LOWERING MECHANISM
JP10005284	January, 1998			ELECTRIC DRIVING DEVICE FOR BED, ETC., WITH BOTTOM RAISING MECHANISM
WO/1998/017153	April, 1998			INTERGRATED SIDERAIL AND ACCESSORY RAIL FOR A BED
WO/1999/015126	April, 1999			HOSPITAL BED HAVING A RETRACTING FOOT SECTION
WO/2000/007537	February, 2000			STRETCHER FOR OBSTETRICS OR GYNECOLOGY
WO/2019/900602	July, 2000
WO/2000/069386	November, 2000			HYDRAULIC CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A HOSPITAL BED
WO/2001/047340	July, 2001			HOSPITAL BED
WO/2001/062151	August, 2001			BED LATCH POSITION DETECTOR AND METHOD
WO/2003/079953	October, 2003			HOSPITAL BED WITH CONTROLLED INFLATABLE PORTION OF PATIENT SUPPORT
WO/2003/088885	October, 2003			HOSPITAL BED OBSTACLE DETECTION DEVICE AND METHOD

Akrotech 4000 Brochure, LUMEX, 1992.
“Impression™” Brochure, Kinetic Concepts, Inc., Aug. 1996.
Stryker Medical Go Bed™ brochure, 2 pgs., 2001.
Hill-Rom Med Surg Bed Accessories brochure, 1998 (6 pgs.).

Santos, Robert G.

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/657,696, filed Sep. 8, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,296,312 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/408,698, filed Sep. 6, 2002, titled Hospital Bed; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/409,748, filed Sep. 11, 2002, titled Bed Siderail; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/489,171, filed Jul. 22, 2003, titled Hospital Bed; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/490,467, filed Jul. 28, 2003, titled Hospital Bed, the disclosures of all of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

This application relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/750,741, filed Dec. 29, 2000, titled Hospital Bed, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/173,428, filed Dec. 29, 1999, titled Hospital Bed; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/751,031, filed Dec. 29, 2000, titled Foot Controls for a Bed, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/173,428, filed Dec. 29, 1999, titled Hospital Bed; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/750,859, filed Dec. 29, 2000, titled Mattress Having a Retractable Foot Section, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/173,428, filed Dec. 29, 1999, titled Hospital Bed; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/225,780, filed Aug. 22, 2002, titled Apparatus and Method for Closing Hospital Bed Gaps, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/397,342, filed Jul. 19, 2002, titled Apparatus and Method for Closing Hospital Bed Gaps and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/314,276, filed Aug. 22, 2001, titled Apparatus and Method for Closing Hospital Bed Gaps. This application further relates to PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US00/35656, filed Dec. 29, 2000, titled Hospital Bed. The disclosures of all the above-mentioned patent applications are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

The invention claimed is:

1. A patient support comprising, a frame, the frame including a base frame supported by a floor, an intermediate frame positioned over the base frame, the frame including a head end and a foot end spaced apart from the head end, and a rotatable element positioned adjacent the foot end to engage a surface, wherein the rotatable element is positioned to translate the foot end in a direction in response to engagement with an obstacle.

2. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a patient support deck having a head section, a seat section, and a foot section, the rotatable element is supported by the foot section.

3. The patient support of claim 2, wherein the rotatable element is positioned on an underside of the foot section.

4. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the rotatable element is a roller.

5. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the base frame is supported on a floor by a plurality of caster wheels, and the rotatable element is positioned below the base frame when a foot end of the intermediate frame is lowered.

6. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the frame has a longitudinal axis extending from the head end to the foot end and a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the rotatable element is positioned to rotate about an axis parallel to the transverse axis.

7. The patient support of claim 1, wherein the surface is the floor.

8. A patient support comprising: a frame, supported by a floor, the frame including a head end and a foot end spaced apart from the head end; a deck supported by the frame, the deck including a head section, a seat section, and a foot section, the head section being coupled to the seat section and movable relative to the seat section between a generally horizontal rest position to a generally vertical chair position, the foot section including a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the seat section and rotates relative to the seat section between a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position, and a rotatable element coupled to the foot section, the rotatable element positioned to engage the floor and translate the second end in a direction in response to the engagement.

9. The patient support of claim 8, wherein the rotatable element is coupled to the second end.

10. The patient support of claim 8, wherein the rotatable element is a roller.

11. The patient support of claim 8, wherein the rotatable element is positioned substantially at the lateral center of the frame.

12. The patient support of claim 8, wherein the rotatable element includes an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being substantially parallel to the second end.

13. A patient support comprising: a frame including a head end and a foot end spaced apart from the head end; an adjustable length foot portion positioned toward the foot end, the adjustable length foot portion including a first section and a second section movable relative to the first section between a first position where the adjustable length foot portion has a first length and a second position where the adjustable foot portion has a second length; and a safety device positioned on the adjustable length foot portion to engage an obstacle and translate the second section in a direction in response to the engagement.

14. The bed of claim 13, wherein the obstacle is a floor.

15. The patient support of claim 13, wherein the safety device is a roller.

16. The patient support of claim 13, wherein the safety device is positioned at the lateral center of the second section.

17. The patient support of claim 13, wherein the frame includes a base frame supported by a floor and an intermediate frame positioned over the base frame for supporting the adjustable length foot portion.

18. The patient support of claim 17, wherein the base frame is supported on the floor by a plurality of caster wheels and the safety device is positioned below the base frame when a foot end of the intermediate frame is lowered.

19. The patient support of claim 13, wherein the safety device halts movement of the adjustable length foot portion between the first length and second length when the safety device contacts the obstacle.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hospital bed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hospital bed illustratively having siderails, an articulating deck, and a mattress.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a patient support showing the patient support including a deck support, a deck having a plurality of sections coupled to and positioned above the deck support, a mattress supported by the deck, a headboard coupled to the deck support, a first pair of siderails coupled to the deck, a second pair of siderails coupled to the deck support, and foot pedal controls coupled to the deck support;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 1 with the deck, mattress, first pair of siderails and second pair of siderails removed and the headboard spaced apart from the deck support, the deck support being in a raised position and comprising a base frame, an intermediate frame spaced apart from the base frame, a first pair of lifting arms configured to raise and lower a head end of the intermediate frame, and a second pair of lifting arms configured to raise and lower a foot end of the intermediate frame;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the deck support in an upper position and the deck sections in a linear relationship or bed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the deck support in the upper position of FIG. 3 and a head section of the deck elevated by a head section actuator and a seat section of the deck elevated by a seat section actuator;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing a first chair-like configuration of the patient support with the deck support, the head section of the deck and the seat section of the deck in generally the same positions as shown in FIG. 4 and a retractable leg section of the deck in the extended position and lowered by a leg section actuator;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view generally similar to FIG. 5, showing the leg section of the deck in an extended position and the leg section being lowered by the leg actuator, the leg section not being fully lowered due to contact with an obstruction and the leg section and the obstruction prevented from damage by the leg section actuator traveling up an elongated slot provided in a coupling bracket between the leg section and the leg actuator;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 2, showing the deck support in a lowered position wherein the intermediate frame nests within the base frame;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the patient support of FIG. 7, showing the nesting of the intermediate frame within the base frame;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the deck support in a Trendelenburg position and the deck in a linear relationship;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the patient support in a second chair-like position with the deck support in a Reverse Trendelenburg position, the head section raised by the head actuator, the seat section elevated by the seat actuator, the leg section lowered by the leg actuator and the leg section optionally shown in the extended position;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view generally similar to FIG. 10, showing the leg section of the deck is in an extended position and the leg section being lowered by the leg actuator, the leg section not being fully lowered due to contact with an obstruction, the floor, by a roller coupled to the leg section and the leg section and the obstruction prevented from damage by the roller translating the leg section along the floor, the leg section rotating relative to the seat section and by the leg section actuator traveling up the elongated slot provided in the coupling bracket between the leg section and the leg actuator;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the deck support in a Reverse Trendelenburg position, the head and seat sections of the deck in a generally linear relationship with the leg section in an extended position and slightly angled relative to the head and seat sections due to contact with an obstruction by the roller coupled to the leg section and the leg section and the obstruction prevented from damage by the roller translating the leg section relative to the obstruction, the leg section rotating relative to the seat section and by the leg section actuator traveling up the elongated slot provided in the coupling bracket between the leg section and the leg actuator;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the deck and weigh frame of the patient support of FIG. 1 with the leg section removed and showing the head section elevated;

FIG. 14 is a side view of one of the load cells which couple together the intermediate frame and the weigh frame taken along lines 14-14 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 15-15 in FIG. 3, showing the coupling of the intermediate frame and the weigh frame with a load cell;

FIG. 16 is an upper perspective view of the deck and weigh frame of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the foot section in an extended position, the head section elevated relative to the seat section and a partition of the head section showing the manifold assembly on a first side of the partition and first and second manifold receiving connectors on a second side of the partition;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the roller coupled to the end of the foot section shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a lower perspective view of the deck and the weigh frame of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the foot section in a retracted position, the seat section upwardly angled and the head section upwardly angled;

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 19-19 in FIG. 3, showing the gap between the deck and one of the foot end siderails;

FIG. 20 is generally similar to FIG. 18 showing the foot section of the patient support in an extended position;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the leg section and a portion of the seat section of the deck and the mattress of FIG. 1, the leg section including a transverse recess positioned below retaining arms and the seat section including a pair of transverse recesses, the mattress being shown spaced apart from the deck and configured to be coupled to the retaining arms of the leg section with a leg section anchor and to the recesses of the seat section with seat section anchors;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the deck and the weigh frame of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the head, seat and leg sections of the deck in a linear relationship or bed configuration;

FIG. 23 is a detail view of a portion of the head section of the deck of the patient support of FIG. 1 showing a portion of a CPR system comprising a handle and handle bracket rotatably coupled to the deck and further coupled to a cable which is coupled to the actuator assembly of FIGS. 27 and 28;

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the deck and the weigh frame of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the deck and the weigh frame of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the head section elevated, the seat section elevated and the leg section elevated and generally horizontal;

FIG. 26 is detail view generally similar to FIG. 23 with the fasteners which couple the handle bracket to the deck not shown;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a actuator assembly of the CPR system of the patient support showing a housing coupled to the cylinder rod of the actuator, a first embodiment of a slide bracket slidably coupled to the housing and coupled to the cable which is further coupled to the handle of FIG. 23 and a release pin of the actuator, and a switch located on the housing;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the actuator assembly of FIG. 27 showing a second embodiment of the slide bracket, the slide bracket having detents positively couple the ends of the cable;

FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view of the coupling of the second embodiment of the slide bracket and the ends of the cable taken along lines 29-29 of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the caster braking system of the patient support of FIG. 1 showing four caster devices, a first pair of caster devices being interconnected by a first transverse rod, a second pair of caster devices being interconnected by a second transverse rod and the first and second pairs of caster devices being interconnected by a pair of longitudinal brake links;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a portion of the deck support of FIG. 2 showing a first pair of caster devices, a battery housing, a battery enable switch coupled to the battery housing and a communication link coupled to the battery housing;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the base frame of the deck support of FIG. 2, showing a pedal and hexagonal rod of the caster braking system spaced apart from the corresponding caster device and showing first and second brake links which interconnect a first pair of caster devices and a second pair of caster devices, the first and second brake links being received within an interior of first and second longitudinal members of the base frame;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of one of the caster devices of FIG. 32 coupled to a first transverse rod and the first longitudinal brake link;

FIG. 34 is an end view of one of the caster devices shown in FIG. 32 and showing the interconnection between the caster device, a hexagonal rod, a bracket configured to couple the hexagonal rod to the first brake link and a transverse rod coupled to the hexagonal rod;

FIG. 35 is a block diagram illustrating the interconnection of various modules of an illustrative embodiment control system of a patient support of the present invention;

FIG. 35A is a block diagram detailing a portion of the control system of FIG. 35 by illustrating the interconnection between various control components and the scale/ppm module, the dynamic surface module, the left caregiver control module, and the right caregiver control module;

FIG. 35B is a block diagram detailing a portion of the control system of FIG. 35 by illustrating the interconnection between various control components and the logic module;

FIG. 35C is a block diagram detailing a portion of the control system of FIG. 35 by illustrating the interconnection between various control components and the sidecomm module;

FIG. 35D is a block diagram detailing a portion of the control system of FIG. 35 by illustrating the interconnection between various control components and the power supply module;

FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of object dictionary entries of a Process Data Objects (PDO) protocol for use in connection with a controller area network (CAN) of an illustrative embodiment patient support of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a waveform diagram of a message frame according to a communications protocol for use in connection with a controller area network (CAN) of an illustrative embodiment patient support of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is block diagram of an illustrative embodiment drive control system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view, in partial schematic, of an illustrative embodiment end of travel control system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment process for monitoring end of travel in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment duty cycle protection process in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment thermal protection process in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment battery enable switch apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a flow diagram of a battery enable process.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the weigh frame and portions of the deck of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the illustrative head and foot end siderails in raised positions;

FIG. 46 is a side elevational view of the weigh frame and portions of the deck of FIG. 45, showing the head and foot end siderails in the raised positions;

FIG. 47 is a view similar to FIG. 46, showing the head and foot end siderail in lowered positions;

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view of the illustrative embodiment head end siderail of the patient support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 49 is an exploded perspective view of a link of the head end siderail and a retainer or latch;

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the link of FIG. 49, with the cover removed, illustrating a cord extending therethrough;

FIG. 51 is an exploded perspective view of the illustrative embodiment foot end siderail of the patient support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 52 is a top plan view of the latch in a latched position;

FIG. 53 is a view similar to FIG. 52, showing the latch in an unlatched position;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the link of FIG. 49, showing pins of the latch extending out from the link;

FIG. 55 is a view similar to FIG. 54, showing the pins withdrawn into the link;

FIG. 56 is an exploded perspective similar to FIG. 49, illustrating an alternative embodiment latch;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating an alternative embodiment patient support including alternative embodiments of headboard, head end siderails, and foot pedal controls coupled to the deck support;

FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 58-58 in FIG. 57 showing a gap defined between the deck and one of the foot end siderails and the foot end siderail including a bump to narrow the gap;

FIG. 59 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 57 showing the headboard and one of the head end siderails cooperating to define a gap therebetween and the headboard including a bump to narrow the gap near the top portion of the head end siderail;

FIG. 60 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment rail member of the head end siderail;

FIG. 61 is a cross sectional view taken along line 61-61 of FIG. 46;

FIG. 62 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 61, showing an O-ring seal positioned between a main body of head end siderail and a cover of head end siderail;

FIG. 63 is a partial side elevational view of an inner side of a cover of the rail member of the head end siderail of FIG. 60, showing a circuit board coupled to the cover and a cord extending from a controller to the circuit board;

FIG. 64 is a side elevational view of an inner side of a main body of the rail member of the head end siderail of FIG. 60, showing the link of FIG. 49 positioned adjacent the head end siderail and showing a cord extending through the link and head end siderail;

FIG. 65 is an exploded perspective view of a rail member of the foot end siderail;

FIG. 66 is a cross sectional view taken along taken along line 66-66 of FIG. 46;

FIG. 67 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 66, showing an O-ring seal positioned between a main body of foot end siderail and a cover of foot end siderail;

FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 68-68 of FIG. 45, showing a controller coupled to the head end siderail;

FIG. 69 is an exploded perspective view of the controller of FIG. 68;

FIG. 70 is an exploded perspective view of a retainer or latch of the controller of FIG. 68;

FIG. 71 in exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment retainer or latch for the controller of FIG. 68;

FIG. 72 is a perspective view of a shell of the controller of FIG. 68, showing a cord extending into the shell;

FIG. 73 is a side elevational view of a first interface panel;

FIG. 74 is a side elevational view of a second interface panel;

FIG. 75 is a side elevational view of a third interface panel;

FIG. 76 is a side elevational view of an illustrative embodiment foot pedal control of the present invention, showing the foot of a caregiver (in phantom) positioned to step on the foot pedal control;

FIG. 77 is a cross sectional view taken along line 77-77 of FIG. 80, showing the foot pedal control in a raised position;

FIG. 78 is a view similar to FIG. 77, showing the foot pedal control in a lowered position;

FIG. 79 is an exploded perspective view of the foot pedal control of FIG. 76;

FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the foot pedal control of FIG. 76;

FIG. 81 is an electrical schematic diagram of a sensor and associated circuitry for the foot pedal control of FIG. 76;

FIG. 82 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment foot pedal control of the present invention;

FIG. 83 is a partial perspective view of a further alternative embodiment foot pedal control of the present invention;

FIG. 84 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 84-84 of FIG. 83, showing the foot pedal of FIG. 83 in a raised position;

FIG. 85 is a view similar to FIG. 84, showing the foot pedal of FIG. 83 in a lowered position;

FIG. 86 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment foot pedal control of the present invention;

FIG. 87 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 87-87 of FIG. 86, showing the foot pedal of FIG. 86 in a raised position;

FIG. 88 is a view similar to FIG. 87, showing the foot pedal of FIG. 86 in a lowered position;

FIG. 89 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment foot pedal control of the present invention;

FIG. 90 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 90-90 of FIG. 89, showing the foot pedal of FIG. 89 in a raised position;

FIG. 91 is a view similar to FIG. 90, showing the foot pedal of FIG. 89 in a lowered position;

FIG. 92 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the modular mattress assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 93 is a perspective view of a foot section of the mattress of FIG. 92, illustrating a heel pressure relief sleeve received within a heel zone cavity, and with the outer cover, the shear liner, and the fire barrier removed for clarity;

FIG. 94 is a perspective view of the heel pressure relief sleeve of the present invention;

FIG. 95 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment heel pressure relief sleeve of the present invention;

FIG. 96 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 96-96 of FIG. 93 illustrating the foot section in an extended position;

FIG. 97 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 96 illustrating the foot section in a retracted position;

FIG. 98 is a perspective view of the receiving base of the mattress assembly of FIG. 92;

FIG. 99 is a top plan view of the mounting substrate of the mattress assembly of FIG. 92;

FIG. 100 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 98, illustrating the mounting substrate and the foot section securing substrate coupled the receiving base;

FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 101-101 of FIG. 100 illustrating the mounting substrate and the foot section securing substrate coupled to the base, and further illustrating a portion of the foot section;

FIG. 102 is an end elevational view of the foam core of the mattress assembly of FIG. 92;

FIG. 103 is a perspective view of the turn assist bladder assembly of the mattress assembly of FIG. 92, illustrating the bladders in an inactive, deflated mode of operation;

FIG. 104 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 103 illustrating the left turn assist bladder in an active, inflated mode of operation, and the right turn assist bladder in an inactive, deflated mode of operation;

FIG. 105 is an end elevation view of the upper bladder assembly of the mattress assembly of FIG. 92;

FIG. 106 is a top plan view of the upper bladder assembly of FIG. 105;

FIG. 107 is a side elevational view of the upper bladder assembly of FIG. 105;

FIG. 108 is a perspective view of the mattress assembly of FIG. 92 with the outer cover, the sheer liner, and the fire barrier removed for clarity;

FIG. 109 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 109-109 of FIG. 108;

FIG. 110 is a detail perspective of the sheer liner applied to the head end of the mattress assembly of FIG. 92;

FIG. 111 is a bottom perspective view of the mattress assembly of FIG. 92, illustrating the mattress anchors and the access port;

FIG. 112 is a side cross-sectional view, in partial schematic, illustrating the body section of the receiving base in a substantially planar position;

FIG. 113 is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 112, illustrating the body section of the receiving base with the base section elevated relative to the seat section;

FIG. 114 is an end elevational view illustrating the upper bladder assembly in an active, inflated mode of operation;

FIG. 115 is a end elevational view similar to that of FIG. 114, illustrating the right turn assist bladder inflated for assisting in the turning of a patient supported on the mattress assembly;

FIG. 116 is a block diagram illustrating various pneumatic connections between the mattress and the air control system of the present invention;

FIG. 117 is a front elevational view of a manifold assembly of the present invention configured to supply a fluid to the air mattress assembly of FIG. 92 and supported by the articulating deck of the patient support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 118 is a bottom elevational view of the manifold assembly of FIG. 117;

FIG. 119 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 119-119 of FIG. 117, illustrating a normally-closed spring biased valve and a normally-open spring biased valve;

FIG. 120 is a detailed perspective view illustrating the manifold receiving fluid connector and the mating mattress fluid connector of the present invention;

FIG. 121 is a front elevational view of the mattress fluid connector of FIG. 120;

FIG. 122 is a perspective view of a sealing gasket of the present invention for use with the manifold receiving fluid connector of FIG. 120;

FIG. 123 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sealing gasket of FIG. 122 coupled intermediate the partition and the manifold receiving connector;

FIG. 124 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment pressure control system for controlling inflation of air bladders in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 125 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment process for controlling inflation of air bladders in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 126 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment process for controlling operation of turn assist bladders in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 127 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment process for monitoring activity during the operation of turn assist bladders in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 128 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment process for controlling inflation of air bladders in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 129 is an upper perspective view of the deck and weigh frame of the alternative embodiment patient support of FIG. 57 showing the foot section in an extended position, the head section elevated relative to the seat section, a partition of the head section with portions cutaway showing a manifold assembly on a first side of the partition and a manifold connector on a second side of the partition, and patient sensors supported by the head section and the seat section;

FIG. 130 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the modular mattress assembly of the present invention, with the top cover removed for clarity;

FIG. 131 is a perspective view of the modular mattress assembly of FIG. 130, with the outer cover, the shear liner, and the fire barrier removed for clarity;

FIG. 132 is a partially exploded perspective view of a foot section of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130, illustrating a heel pressure relief bladder assembly received within a heel zone cavity, and with the outer cover, the shear liner, and the fire barrier removed for clarity;

FIG. 133 is an end elevational view of the foot section of FIG. 132;

FIG. 134 is a top plan view of the foot section, the turn assist bladder assembly, and the mounting substrate of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130, illustrating the routing of the fill tube and the sensor tube from proximate a head end of the mattress assembly to the air bladders of the heel pressure relief bladder assembly;

FIG. 135 is a side elevational view of the partial mattress assembly of FIG. 134;

FIG. 136 is a fragmentary view of the partial mattress assembly shown in FIG. 135;

FIG. 137 is a top plan view of the mounting substrate of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130;

FIG. 138 is a perspective view of the mounting substrate and the foot section securing substrate coupled the receiving base of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130;

FIG. 139 is a top plan view of the turn assist bladder assembly and the mounting substrate of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130, illustrating the routing of the fill tubes and the sensor tubes from proximate a head end of the mattress assembly to the air bladders of the turn assist bladder assembly;

FIG. 140 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 140-140 of FIG. 131, illustrating the left turn assist bladder and the right turn assist bladder in inactive, deflated modes of operation;

FIG. 141 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 140 illustrating the right turn assist bladder in an active, inflated mode of operation, and the left turn assist bladder in an inactive, deflated mode of operation;

FIG. 142 is an end elevation view of an air bladder of the upper bladder assembly of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130;

FIG. 143 is a top plan view of the upper bladder assembly of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130;

FIG. 144 is a top plan view of the head zone of the upper bladder assembly and the mounting substrate of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130, illustrating the routing of the fill tube and the sensor tube from proximate a head end of the mattress assembly to the air bladders of the head zone, with the mounting substrate disconnected from the air bladders for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 145 is a top plan view of the seat zone of the upper bladder assembly and the mounting substrate of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130, illustrating the routing of the fill tube and the sensor tube from proximate a head end of the mattress assembly to the air bladders of the seat zone, with the mounting substrate disconnected from the air bladders for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 146 is a bottom perspective view of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130, illustrating the mattress anchors and the access port;

FIG. 147 is a block diagram illustrating various pneumatic connections between the mattress air zones and the air control system of the present invention;

FIG. 148 is a detailed perspective view of illustrative embodiment manifold fluid connector and mattress fluid connector of the present invention;

FIG. 149 is a rear elevational view of the manifold fluid connector of FIG. 148, with the manifold and portions of the partition removed for clarity, illustrating a mattress sensor of the present invention;

FIG. 150 is a front elevational view of the manifold fluid connector of FIG. 149;

FIG. 151 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 151-151 of FIG. 150, illustrating the connection between the manifold fluid connector and the mattress fluid connector of the present invention;

FIG. 152 is an electrical diagram of the mattress sensor and associated circuitry for the manifold fluid connector of FIG. 148;

FIG. 153 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment valve sensor configured to detect the type of valve for controlling inflation of air zones of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130;

FIG. 154 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment process for operating the mattress sensor of FIG. 149;

FIG. 155 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment process for controlling inflation of air zones of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130;

FIG. 156 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment system for determining the weight of a patient supported by the deck of the patient support of FIG. 57;

FIG. 157 is a flow diagram of an illustrative process for determining the weight of a patient supported by the deck of the patient support of FIG. 57;

FIG. 158 is a continuation of the flow diagram of FIG. 157;

FIG. 159 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment process for controlling operation of turn assist bladders of the mattress assembly of FIG. 130;

FIG. 160 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment process for boosting pressure of seat air zone in response to elevation of the head air zone of the air mattress;

FIG. 161 is a flow diagram of an illustrative embodiment process for boosting pressure of seat air zone in response to a patient sitting up;

FIG. 162 is a perspective view of an illustrative pump of the patient support of FIG. 1, showing the pump supported by a strut of the intermediate frame;

FIG. 163 is a exploded perspective view of the pump of FIG. 162;

FIG. 164 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 164-164 of FIG. 162, showing the pump coupled to the strut;

FIG. 165 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 165-165 of FIG. 162, showing a filter and muffler unit of the pump;

FIG. 166 is a cross-sectional view of a resilient foot of the pump of FIG. 162;

FIG. 167 is a view similar to FIG. 166, showing an alternative embodiment resilient foot;

FIG. 168 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment air pump, showing the air pump supported by the strut of the weigh frame;

FIG. 169 is an exploded perspective view of the air pump of FIG. 168;

FIG. 170 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 170-170 of FIG. 168 showing the air pump coupled to the strut;

FIG. 171 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 171-171 of FIG. 168 showing a filter and muffler unit of the air pump;

FIG. 172 is another perspective view of the air pump of FIG. 168; and

FIG. 173 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 173-173 of FIG. 172.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A patient support 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1. Patient support 10 includes a frame 12, a mattress 14 supported by frame 12, a headboard 16, a footboard 18, a pair of head end siderails 20, and a pair of foot end siderails 22. Frame 12 includes a deck support 24 and a deck 26 supporting mattress 14 and extending between opposing head and foot ends 25 and 27. Deck support 24 includes a base frame 28 supported on the floor 29 by a plurality of caster wheels 30, an intermediate frame 32, a pair of lift arms 34 configured to raise and lower intermediate frame 32 relative to base frame 28, and a weigh frame 36 supported by intermediate frame 32. Deck 26 is supported by weigh frame 36 and is configured to articulate between a plurality of positions. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3-7, deck 26 includes a head section 38 pivotably coupled to weigh frame 32, a seat section 40 pivotably coupled to weigh frame 32, and an adjustable length leg or foot section 42 pivotably coupled to seat section 40.

Head end siderails 20 are coupled to head section 38 and may be moved between raised and lowered positions. Foot end siderails 22 are coupled to weigh frame 32 and may also be moved between raised and lowered positions.

A control system 44 is provided to control various functions of patient support 10. Control system 44 and the remainder of patient support 10 are powered by an AC plug connection 45 to a building outlet or a battery 46 supported by frame 12.

Control system 44 operates and monitors a plurality of linear actuators 48 provided to extend and retract adjustable length leg section 42, to move intermediate frame 32 relative to base frame 28, to move head section 38 relative to weigh frame 32, to move seat section 40 relative to weigh frame 32, and to move leg section 42 relative to seat section 40.

Control system 44 includes a plurality of input devices including a detachable siderail controller 50 configured to removably couple to any of head and foot end siderails 20, 22, a first pair of permanent siderail controllers 52 coupled to head end siderails 20, a second pair of permanent siderail controllers 54 pivotably coupled to head end siderails 20, and a pair of foot pedal controls 56 coupled to base frame 28.

Control system 44 also includes an obstacle detection device 58 illustratively coupled to base frame 28 to detect possible clearance issues between intermediate frame 32 and base frame 28. Control system 44 further includes a plurality of actuator position detectors or motor sensor (as discussed below) provided with each of the plurality of actuators 48. A plurality of load cells (discussed below) are also provided between weigh frame 36 and intermediate frame 32 to provide signals that indicate of the weight supported by intermediate frame 32. Control system 44 uses these signals to determine the weight of a patient positioned on mattress 14. Additionally, control system 44 includes a plurality of siderail position detectors or sensors 60 configured to provide signals indicative of the position of siderails 20, 22.

Control system 44 is configured to control a pump 64 in fluid communication with a manifold 62 supported on head section 38 of deck 26. Manifold 62 is in fluid communication with mattress 14 to regulate the flow of air to and from mattress 14. Mattress 14 includes an outer cover 66 and a first pair of connectors 68 coupled to outer cover 66. A second pair of connectors 70 is provided on head section 38 of deck 26 that align and couple with first pair of connectors 68.

Deck Support

As previously mentioned and as shown in FIG. 1, deck support 24 includes a base frame 28 supported on the floor 29 by a plurality of caster wheels or caster devices 30, an intermediate frame 32, a pair of lift arms 34 configured to raise and lower intermediate frame 32 relative to base frame 28, and a weigh frame 36 supported by intermediate frame 32. Linear actuators 48a and 48b, shown in FIG. 2, provide power to actuate lift arms 34 and in turn to raise and lower intermediate frame 32 relative to base frame 28.

As explained in more detail below, lift arms 34 and linear actuators 48a and 48b, commonly referred to as a hi/low mechanism, are configured to position deck support 24 in at least the following positions: a raised or upper position wherein intermediate frame 32 and weigh frame 36 are above base frame 28 (FIGS. 1-6); a first lowered position wherein at least a portion of intermediate frame 32 and/or weigh frame 36 is nested within base frame 28 (FIG. 7); a Trendelenburg position wherein a head end 102 of intermediate frame 32 is lower than a foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 (FIG. 8); and a Reverse Trendelenburg position wherein foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 is lower than head end 102 of intermediate frame 32 (FIG. 9, 10 and 11). One skilled in the art will appreciate that the positions shown in FIGS. 1-11 are exemplary positions and that intermediate frame 32 is positionable in a wide variety of positions relative to base frame 28.

Lift Arms

Referring to FIG. 2, lift arms 34 include a pair of head links 106 pivotably coupled to head end 102 of intermediate frame 32 and slidably and pivotably coupled to base frame 28, a pair of foot links 108 pivotably coupled to foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 and slidably and pivotably coupled to base frame 28, and a pair of guide links 110 pivotably coupled to respective foot links 108 and pivotably coupled to base frame 28 at a fixed pivot point. Alternatively, the guide links 110 are pivotably coupled to the respective foot links 108, and the intermediate frame 32, or pivotably coupled to the respective head links 106 and the base frame 28, or pivotably coupled to the respective head links 106 and the intermediate frame 32. In further alternative embodiments, two sets of guide links 110 are provided, one set pivotably coupled to the foot links 108 and either the base frame 28 or the intermediate frame 32 and one set coupled to the head links 106 and either the base frame 28 or the intermediate frame 32.

Each head link 106 is slidably coupled to base frame 28 and pivotably coupled to intermediate frame 32. Alternatively, each of the head links 106 is slidably coupled to either the base frame 28 or the intermediate frame 32. As illustratively shown in FIG. 2, each head link 106 is slidably and pivotably coupled to base frame 28 at pivot 113 by a slide block 111. Slide block 111 is pivotably coupled to a lower portion 112 of head link 106 and slidably received in a guide 114 coupled to base frame 28. In one embodiment, the material used for the slide blocks 111 and the guides 114 and the surface characteristics of the slide blocks 111 and the guides 114 are chosen to reduce the coefficient of friction between the slide blocks 111 and the guides 114.

Guide 114 includes an upper channel 116 and a lower channel 118 which define two directions of travel 120 and 121 for slide block 111. Upper channel 116 and lower channel 118 are further configured to restrict the movement of slide block 111 in any direction other than directions of travel 120 and 121. Slide blocks 111 are preferred because they are capable of spreading the load of intermediate frame 32, deck 26 and other patient support components over a larger surface area than other types of couplers. Alternative methods of coupling the head links 106 to the base frame 28 can be used provided that the lower portion of the head links 106 can pivot relative to the base frame 28 and can move along the directions of travel 120, 121. Examples include a roller, a plurality of rollers, or interlocking members.

Illustratively, an upper end 122 of each head link 106 is pivotably coupled to intermediate frame 32 through a cross link 124. Alternatively, the head links 106 are directly pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame 32. In a further alternative, the head links 106 are pivotably coupled to the base frame 28 and slidably and pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame 32.

Cross link 124 extends between each head link 106 and is rigidly coupled to each head link 106. As such, cross link 124 coordinates the simultaneous movement of head links 106. Cross link 124 is received through openings (not shown) formed in intermediate frame 32 and is pivotable relative to intermediate frame 32. In one embodiment, a bearing or other means is used to increase the ease by which cross link 124 pivots relative to intermediate frame 32.

Each foot link 108, is slidably and pivotably coupled to base frame 28. Illustratively each foot link 108 is coupled to base frame 28 at pivot 126 by slide block 128 which is pivotably coupled to a lower portion 130 of foot link 108 and slidably received in a guide 132 coupled to base frame 28. Guide 132 and slide block 128 are generally identical to guide 114 and slide block 111 discussed in conjunction with head links 106. As such, guide 132 is configured to restrict the movement of slide block 128 in any direction other than directions of travel 120 and 121. Alternative methods of coupling the foot links 108 to the base frame 28 can be used provided that the lower portion of the foot links 108 can pivot relative to the base frame 28 and can move along the directions of travel 120, 121. Examples include a roller, a plurality of rollers, or interlocking members.

An upper end 134 of each foot link 108 is pivotably coupled to intermediate frame 32 through a cross link 136. Alternatively, the foot links 108 are directly pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame 32. Cross link 136 is generally identical to cross link 124 and cooperates with intermediate frame 32 and foot links 108 in the same manner as cross link 124 with intermediate frame 32 and head links 106. Alternatively, the upper end 134 of each foot link 108 is slidably and pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame 32 and pivotably coupled to the base frame 28.

Guide links 110 restrict the motion of foot links 108 such that the pivot point 138 between foot links 108 and intermediate frame 32 is restrained to move vertically without moving horizontally. This restriction prevents horizontal movement of intermediate frame 32 relative to base frame 28 during the raising and lowering of intermediate frame 32. This restrained movement prevents intermediate frame 32 from moving through an arc while moving between the upper position of FIG. 2 and the lower position of FIG. 7 so that intermediate frame 32 can be raised and lowered without requiring additional hospital room for clearance.

It will be appreciated that, in order for guide links 110 to perform the restriction function, the distance between pivots 140 (pivot between guide link 110 and foot link 108) and 142 (pivot between guide links 110 and base frame 28) of guide links 110 is one half the distance between pivot 126 (pivot between slide blocks 128 and base frame 28) and pivot 138 (pivot between upper ends 134 of foot links 108 and intermediate frame 32). Further, each guide link 110 is pivotably coupled to the respective foot link 108 at pivot 140 that is one half the distance between pivot 126 of the associated slide block 128 and pivot 138 of the upper end of the respective foot link 108. Thus, the distance between upper pivot 140 of each guide link 110 and the lower pivot 142 of each guide link 110 is equal to the distance between upper pivot 140 of each guide link 110 and upper pivot 138 of each foot link 108. As a result of this link geometry, upper pivots 138 of foot links 108 are maintained in vertical alignment with lower pivot 142 of guide links 110 during the raising and lowering of intermediate frame 32 relative to base frame 28.

Linear Actuators

As stated earlier, linear actuators 48a and 48b provide power to actuate lift arms 34 and in turn to raise and lower intermediate frame 32 relative to base frame 28. Linear actuator 48a is coupled to and actuates head links 106 and linear actuator 48b is coupled to and actuates foot links 108. As such, foot end 104 and head end 102 of intermediate frame 32 can be raised and lowered independent of one another. Alternatively, head links 106 and foot links 108 of the decking system are coupled together such that a single actuator raises and lowers the head end 102 and the foot end 104 of the intermediate frame 32 at the same time.

Illustratively, a first end 146 of linear actuator 48a is coupled to head links 106 through an extension link 148 that is rigidly coupled to cross link 124 which, in turn, is rigidly coupled to head links 106. As shown in FIG. 2, first end 146 is pivotably coupled to extension link 148 through a fastener or pivot pin 150. A second end 152 of linear actuator 48a is coupled to a first bracket 154 which is rigidly coupled to intermediate frame 32. As shown in FIG. 2, second end 152 is pivotably coupled to first bracket 154 through a fastener or pivot pin 156.

Similarly, a first end 158 of linear actuator 48b is coupled to foot links 108 through an extension link 160 that is rigidly coupled to cross link 136 which, in turn, is rigidly coupled to foot links 108. As shown in FIG. 2, first end 158 is pivotably coupled to extension link 160 through a fastener or pivot pin 162. A second end 164 of linear actuator 48b is coupled to a second bracket 166 which is rigidly coupled to intermediate frame 32. Second end 164 is pivotably coupled to second bracket 166 through a fastener or pivot pin 168.

Each actuator 48a and 48b is preferably an electric linear actuator having respective cylinder bodies 170, cylinder rods 172, and motors 604 that operate to extend and retract cylinder rods 172 relative to cylinder bodies 170. As such, actuators 48a and 48b have variable lengths and therefore adjust the distance between pivot pins 150 and 156 and pivot pins 162 and 168, respectively. In one illustrative embodiment, actuators 48a and 48b are Linak actuators, Model No. LA34, available from LINAK U.S. Inc. located at 2200 Stanley Gault Parkway, Louisville Ky. 40223. Further, actuators 48c, 48d, 48e and 48f are also illustratively electric linear actuators, and in one embodiment are also Linak actuators. More particularly, actuator 48c is illustratively a Linak actuator, Model No. LA34 and actuators 48d-48f are illustratively Linak actuators, Model No. LA31. In alternative embodiments, all of the actuators 48 or any one or more of the actuators are other types of electric actuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, mechanical actuators, link systems or other components known to those of ordinary skill in the art for coordinating movement of components relative to one another.

The actuation of either actuator 48a or 48b alone causes either the respective head end 102 of intermediate frame 32 or the respective foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 to be raised or lowered relative to base frame 28. Referring to FIG. 2, head end 102 of intermediate frame 32 is lowered relative to base frame by the retraction of cylinder rod 172a of actuator 48a. As cylinder rod 172a of actuator 48a is retracted, the distance between pivot pins 150 and 156 is reduced. This reduction in pivot spacing causes extension link 148 to move toward first bracket 154 which in turn causes cross link 124 and head links 106 to rotate in direction 176 about pivot 126. Since lower portions 112 of head links 106 are restrained to move only in directions of travel 120 and 121 of guide 114, the rotation of head links 106 in direction 176 causes lower portions 112 of head links 106 to travel in direction 120. As a result upper ends 122 of head links 106 are lowered relative to base frame 28 and therefore head end 102 of intermediate frame 32 is lowered relative to base frame 28.

Head end 102 of intermediate frame 32 is raised relative to base frame 28 by the extension of cylinder rod 172 of actuator 48a. As cylinder rod 172 of actuator 48a is extended the distance between pivot pins 150 and 156 is increased. This increase in pivot spacing causes extension link 148 to move away from first bracket 154 which, in turn, causes cross link 124 and head links 106 to rotate in a direction 178 counter to direction 176 about pivot 126. The rotation of head links 106 in direction 178 counter to direction 176 causes lower portions 112 of head links 106 to travel in direction 121. As a result, upper ends 122 of head links 106 are raised relative to base frame 28 and therefore, head end 102 of intermediate frame 32 is raised relative to base frame 28.

Foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 is lowered relative to base frame 28 by the retraction of cylinder rod 172b of actuator 48b. As cylinder rod 172b of actuator 48b is retracted the distance between pivot pins 162 and 168 is reduced. This reduction in pivot spacing causes extension link 160 to move toward second bracket 166 which, in turn, causes cross link 136 and foot links 108 to rotate in direction 180 about pivot 138. Since lower portions 130 of foot links 108 are restrained to move only in directions of travel 120 and 121 of guide 132, the rotation of foot links 108 in direction 180 causes lower portions 130 of foot links 108 to travel in direction 121. As a result, upper ends 134 of foot links 108 are lowered relative to base frame 28 and therefore, foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 is lowered relative to base frame 28.

Foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 is raised relative to base frame 28 by the extension of cylinder rod 172b of actuator 48b. As cylinder rod 172b of actuator 48b is extended, the distance between pivots 162 and 168 is increased. This increase in pivot spacing causes extension link 160 to move away from second bracket 166 which, in turn, causes cross link 136 and foot links 108 to rotate in a direction 182 counter to direction 180 about pivot 138. The rotation of foot links 108 in direction 182 counter to direction 180 causes lower portions 130 of foot links 108 to travel in direction 120. As a result, upper ends 134 of foot links 108 are raised relative to base frame 28 and therefore, foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 is raised relative to base frame 28.

The simultaneous actuation of actuators 48a and 48b causes both head end 102 and foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 to raise or lower relative to base frame 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the simultaneous extension of both actuators 48a and 48b causes both head end 102 and foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 to raise relative to base frame 28 and intermediate frame 32 to be spaced apart from base frame 28. The simultaneous retraction of both actuators 48a and 48b causes both head end 102 and foot end 104 of intermediate frame 32 to lower relative to base frame 28. It should be appreciated that actuator 48a can be extended while actuator 48b is retracted, resulting in head end 102 being raised while foot end 104 is lowered, or that actuator 48a can be retracted while actuator 48b is extended, resulting in head end 102 being lowered while foot end 104 is raised.

Further, in an alternative embodiment the direction of one of the actuators 48a, 48b is reversed such that to raise the intermediate frame 32 relative to the base frame 28 a first of the two actuators 48a, 48b is extended and the second actuator 48b, 48a is retracted. Further, to lower the intermediate frame 32 relative to the base frame 28 the second actuator 48b, 48a is extended and the first