Abstract: Apparatus for selectively supporting a section (9) of an articulated bed platform in a raised position relative to a frame of the bed includes a stay (11) having engagement member (13) which is able to reciprocate in a guide (15) provided on the frame. Locking means allow the engagement member (13) to be selectively engaged, such that the engagement member (13) either reciprocates in the guide (15), or is prevented from doing so. When the engagement member (13) is engaged, the stay (11) can support the bed section (9) in the raised position.

Abstract: A first embodiment provides a manually operable castor assembly for a hospital bed, including a wheel unit fittable to a bed frame and provided with a lock actuator. A sensor unit is provided with a trigger element and a sensor element, the trigger element being located on the manually operable brake actuator and the sensor element being located on the wheel unit. Another embodiment provides a manually operable safety side panel assembly including a hinge assembly coupled to the panel element and attachable to a bed frame, and a sensor unit including a trigger element and a sensor element, the trigger element being located on the manually operable actuator and the sensor element being located on a part of the side panel or hinge assembly. Monitoring apparatus monitors the manually operable bed safety device and including a control unit coupled to the sensor unit and an indicator unit controllable by the control unit and operable to give an indication of the state of the device.

Abstract: A footswitch assembly 10 for controlling an adjustable bed includes a footswitch 14a, 14b for controlling an adjustable bed. The footswitch 14a, 14b has an operative surface 15a, 15b and is configured to be actuated in response to pressure of a foot or part of a foot upon the operative surface 15a, 15b. A guard member 16 is provided which is movable between a guarding position and a non-guarding position. In the guarding position, the guard member 16 is configured to overlie the operative surface 15a, 15b of the footswitch to inhibit actuation of the footswitch 14a, 14b. In the non-guarding position, the guard member 16 is configured to be separated from the operative surface 15a, 15b to allow actuation of the footswitch 14a, 14b. A validation element 24 is configured in response to movement of the guard member into the non-guarding position to validate actuation of the footswitch.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively supporting a section (9) of an articulated bed platform in a raised position relative to a frame of the bed includes a stay (11) having engagement member (13) which is able to reciprocate in a guide (15) provided on the frame. Locking means allow the engagement member (13) to be selectively engaged, such that the engagement member (13) either reciprocates in the guide (15), or is prevented from doing so. When the engagement member (13) is engaged, the stay (11) can support the bed section (9) in the raised position.

Abstract: A first embodiment provides a manually operable castor assembly for a hospital bed, including a wheel unit fittable to a bed frame and provided with a lock actuator. A sensor unit is provided with a trigger element and a sensor element, the trigger element being located on the manually operable brake actuator and the sensor element being located on the wheel unit. Another embodiment provides a manually operable safety side panel assembly including a hinge assembly coupled to the panel element and attachable to a bed frame, and a sensor unit including a trigger element and a sensor element, the trigger element being located on the manually operable actuator and the sensor element being located on a part of the side panel or hinge assembly. Monitoring apparatus monitors the manually operable bed safety device and including a control unit coupled to the sensor unit and an indicator unit controllable by the control unit and operable to give an indication of the state of the device.

Abstract: A pedal (10) is formed from a single molding and includes first and second arms (12, 14), each provided with an over molded marker (16, 18). The pedal (10) has two fittings (20, 22) for coupling with a brake actuator rod (24) and a coupling member (26) respectively. A castor (40) includes a wheel (42) which can rotate about a bushing (44) and a coupling shaft (46). Within the shaft (46) there is provided a brake mechanism for locking the wheel (42). A base frame (80) for a bed includes longitudinal and transverse struts (52, 54) arranged in a rectangular form, with four castors (40) and four associated pedal assemblies (10). Two actuator rods (24) are provided, one for each pair of opposing pedal assemblies (10), while two connecting elements (26) are provided, one for each pair of side-by-side pedal assemblies (10). All the pedals and thus all the brake mechanisms are coupled to one another through the two actuator rods (24) and two coupling elements (26).

Abstract: The patient monitoring system comprises at least one load cell element (12) mounted in relation to a support surface, the load cell element (12) determining movement of a person on a support surface. The movement is determined based on a reference (31) measured using the load cell element (12) when the person is positioned on the support surface in a reference position and the subsequent load changes determined using the load cell element in relation to the reference. If the load change exceeds a pre-defined threshold, an alarm (18) is activated. The user is able to set the threshold value of the alarm system according to the physical condition of the patient. For example, in some cases it is necessary to he notified about any movements and in others only major movements are of interest. The patient monitoring system is able to provide a flexible means of monitoring of a patient by a nurse or carer.

Abstract: A bed assembly includes a wheeled base, a sub-frame and mattress support frame. The sub-frame supports a plurality of electrically operated actuators which provide for raising and lowering of the bed. The bed can be lowered to a first low position in which the bed frame is around 38 to 45 centimeters above floor height and to a lower position in which the frame is around 30 centimeters above floor height. The bed is lowered to the first height upon receipt of a first command input and can only be lowered below that first height upon receipt of a second control input distinct from the first control input. Preferably, the bed is lowered at a slower speed from the first low height to its lowermost position.

Abstract: A bed assembly (10) includes a frame (22) which supports four curved mattress support panels (50-56) which are able to move with pivoting of the various parts of the frame (22). The curved panels (50-56) better conform to a patient's body shape and provide an effective lengthening of the mattress support (50-56), particularly when the back rest (30, 50) is raised to a sitting position. The support panels (50-56) are located below the pivot points of the frame (22), which further enhances the lengthening effect. The assembly also includes first and second patient retention panels (80, 82) with complementary edges (92, 94) which can slide over one another. A key pad unit (100) protrudes from the retention panel (80) at a convenient patient position and can be gripped by a patient's hand.

Abstract: The patient monitoring system comprises at least one load cell element (12) mounted in relation to a support surface, the load cell element (12) determining movement of a person on a support surface. The movement is determined based on a reference (31) measured using the load cell element (12) when the person is positioned on the support surface in a reference position and the subsequent load changes determined using the load cell element in relation to the reference. If the load change exceeds a pre-defined threshold, an alarm (18) is activated. The user is able to set the threshold value of the alarm system according to the physical condition of the patient. For example, in some cases it is necessary to he notified about any movements and in others only major movements are of interest. The patient monitoring system is able to provide a flexible means of monitoring of a patient by a nurse or carer.

Abstract: A bed assembly (10) includes a frame (22) which supports four mattress support panels (50-56) which are able to move with pivoting of the various parts of the frame (22). The frame (22) is formed with a plurality of transverse struts (40) which depend from the frame (22). The mattress support panels (50-56) are releasably supported on the struts (40). The panels (50-56) can thus be removed to gain access to the bed components below the platform (20). The frame (22) presents substantially vertical side wall to accommodate a variety of mattresses, including mattresses not specifically designed for the bed (10).

Abstract: A bed assembly (10) includes a frame (22) which supports four curved mattress support panels (50-56) which are able to move with pivoting of the various parts of the frame (22). The curved panels (50-56) better conform to a patient's body shape and provide an effective lengthening of the mattress support (50-56), particularly when the back rest (30, 50) is raised to a sitting position. The support panels (50-56) are located below the pivot points of the frame (22), which further enhances the lengthening effect. The assembly also includes first and second patient retention panels (80, 82) with complementary edges (92, 94) which can slide over one another. A key pad unit (100) protrudes from the retention panel (80) at a convenient patient position and can be gripped by a patient's hand.

Abstract: A hinge assembly (32-36) for a frame assembly (20) of for example, a hospital bed, has a smooth outer form which substantially conforms to the outer size of frame assembly struts to which it couples. The hinge assembly (32-36) has its components located internally and provides at least one reliable electrically conductive path therethrough so as to provide an electrical connection between frame struts (24-30) coupled together by the hinge (32-36), avoiding the need for electrical wires. There are provided angle markers on the hinge to indicate the degree of rotation of the hinge halves (50 52).

Abstract: A bed assembly includes a wheeled base, a sub-frame and mattress support frame. The sub-frame supports a plurality of electrically operated actuators which provide for raising and lowering of the bed. The bed can be lowered to a first low position in which the bed frame is around 38 to 45 centimetres above floor height and to a lower position in which the frame is around 30 centimetres above floor height. The bed is lowered to the first height upon receipt of a first command input and can only be lowered below that first height upon receipt of a second control input distinct from the first control input. Preferably, the bed is lowered at a slower speed from the first low height to its lowermost position.

Abstract: A pedal (10) is formed from a single moulding and includes first and second arms (12, 14), each provided with an over moulded marker (16, 18). The pedal (10) has two fittings (20, 22) for coupling with a brake actuator rod (24) and a coupling member (26) respectively. A castor (40) includes a wheel (42) which can rotate about a bushing (44) and a coupling shaft (46). Within the shaft (46) there is provided a brake mechanism for locking the wheel (42). A base frame (80) for a bed includes longitudinal and transverse struts (52, 54) arranged in a rectangular form, with four castors (40) and four associated pedal assemblies (10). Two actuator rods (24) are provided, one for each pair of opposing pedal assemblies (10), while two connecting elements (26) are provided, one for each pair of side-by-side pedal assemblies (10). All the pedals and thus all the brake mechanisms are coupled to one another through the two actuator rods (24) and two coupling elements (26).

Abstract: A profiling bed or similar support surface having a back section, seat section, thigh and calf section convertible to a chair configuration. The back section is mounted on an angled slide to retract as it is rotated. The angle of the slide also provides upward lift of the back section as it is retracted and rotated. This combination of movements mimics the way a person's tissues stretch when they move to a sitting position, reducing pressure and shear. At the same time, the thigh section can be rotated to an incline and the calf section either raised into a horizontal configuration or lowered to a chair configuration during movement of the thigh section. In another embodiment the thigh section is also mounted on a slide to retract towards the foot end as it is rotated to an incline, providing reduction of abdominal strain and increased comfort.

Abstract: A bed (10) or trolley or similar consists of a platform (20) comprising a back section (21), seat section (22), thigh section (23) and foot section (24). The “auto contour” controls are configured such that when the sections (21, 23, 24) are driven from a flat condition, the back (21) and thigh (23) sections are moved simultaneously, until they reach the same angle. The thigh section (23) then remains at that position and the back section (21) continues until it reaches its maximum position. To lower the sections using the “auto contour” controls only the back section (21) is driven down until it reaches the equivalent position to the thigh section (23) and then both sections (21, 23) are driven down simultaneously. The patient is held in a relatively constant position, thereby reducing the shear between the patient's skin and the support surface.

Abstract: A profiling bed or similar support surface having a back section, seat section, thigh and calf section convertible to a chair configuration. The back section is mounted on an angled slide to retract as it is rotated. The angle of the slide also provides upward lift of the back section as it is retracted and rotated. This combination of movements mimics the way a person's tissues stretch when they move to a sitting position, reducing pressure and shear. At the same time, the thigh section can be rotated to an incline and the calf section either raised into a horizontal configuration or lowered to a chair configuration during movement of the thigh section. In another embodiment the thigh section is also mounted on a slide to retract towards the foot end as it is rotated to an incline, providing reduction of abdominal strain and increased comfort.

Abstract: A patient support comprising a frame 22 supporting a translucent support surface 24 elevated above the frame 22 by frame members 23. The members 26 support an x-ray cassette tray 36 for sliding movement along the length of the frame 22. The x-ray cassette trays 36 can be loaded onto the members 26 from either or both the head 30 and foot 32 ends of the frame 22. All of the patient support surface can be covered by the x-ray cassettes. In use, the x-ray cassette tray 36 is pulled out from the members 26 and loaded with an x-ray cassette 53. The handle 39 is pulled out from within the tray 36 and locked into position against latch 38. The tray 36 is then slid back onto the members 26 and the position of the cassette 53 within the tray 36 is indicated by the position of the indicator 65 visible along the side of the frame 22.