Abstract: A hospital bed comprising: a frame, a patient receiving surface supported on the frame, the patient supporting surface including: at least one body support panel, each body support panel including a central panel section and at least one lateral panel section adapted to selectively extend towards and away from the central panel section for adjusting a width of the patient supporting surface, at least one resilient element disposed between the at least one lateral panel section and the central panel section for damping movement of the lateral panel section relative to the central panel section.

Abstract: A method for adjusting pressure within an air bed comprises providing an air bed that includes an air chamber and a pump having a pump housing, selecting a desired pressure setpoint for the air chamber, calculating a pressure target, adjusting pressure within the air chamber until a pressure within the pump housing is substantially equal to the pressure target, determining an actual chamber pressure within the air chamber, and comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint to determine an adjustment factor error. The pressure target may be calculated based upon the desired pressure setpoint and a pressure adjustment factor. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment factor may be modified based upon the adjustment factor error determined by comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint.

Abstract: A patient mobility system for early patient ambulation. The system includes a patient support apparatus having a patient support surface supported by a base adapted to rest upon a floor surface. A first actuator may move the patient support deck relative to the base. An ambulation device is removably coupled to the patient support apparatus and includes wheels, a barrier, and a second actuator. The second actuator may move the barrier to a height sufficient to prevent egress of the patient in a coupled configuration, and/or adjust a height of the barrier relative to the wheels in a decoupled configuration so as to provide a grip to support to the patient during ambulation away from the patient support apparatus. A controller may be operable to control at the first and/or second actuators.

Abstract: A health care bed, including a floor engaging base frame and a bed frame including at least two bed sections hingedly connected to each other and having a central frame portion and left and right wing sections having at least a retracted position and an extended position relative to the central frame portion; and a locking mechanism with at least one rocker bar, at least one spring and at least one locking button for releasably locking the wing sections in the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: An adjustable bed frame includes a headboard, a pair of longitudinal side rails in spaced-apart, parallel relationship, and a telescoping slat assembly connecting the headboard and side rails together to define a rectangular bed frame that is adjustable between a first rectangular size and a second rectangular size smaller than the first rectangular size. The telescoping slat assembly includes a set of tubular members that telescopically receive a respective set of elongated members to form telescoping slats. The tubular members have one end secured to one of the side rails and extend away therefrom in parallel, spaced apart relationship. The elongated members have one end secured to the other one of the side rails and extend away therefrom in parallel, spaced-apart relationship. The side rails are slidably secured to the headboard to facilitate movement of the frame between the first and second rectangular sizes.

Abstract: A mattress comprises an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The mattress further includes first and second opposing side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface and third and fourth opposing side surfaces extending between the upper surface and the lower surface and between the first and second opposing side surfaces. A core section is formed by the upper and lower surfaces and first and second opposing core section side surfaces and third and fourth opposing core section side surfaces and an extension extends outwardly from a side surface of the core section. The extension is fixedly connected to or integral with the core section and the extension provides the upper surface with a greater area than the lower surface. The extension is capable of supporting a user without a support structure being positioned below the extension.

Abstract: An adjustable bed base is disclosed in which the adjustable bed base comprises a pair of opposed side members, an adjustable foot assembly and an adjustable head assembly with each assembly comprising a first panel adapted to be connected to one of the opposed side members, a second panel adapted to be connected to the other one of the opposed side members, and a central panel adapted to receive the first panel and the second panel with the first panel and the second panel being movable relative to the central panel to adjust a length of each of the assemblies.

Abstract: A wheel chair with commode for a patient that coverts in to a bed is disclosed. The wheel chair includes an outer rectangular main frame standing on at least four wheeled legs, first, second, third, and four outer frame being connected to each other by pivots or hinges, a pair of additional wheels being connected to the third frame by means of links that prevent the chair or bed from tilting backward due to weight of first and second frames and the patient, a means for making movements of the first, second, third and fourth frames to convert chair into bed or vice-versa, inner frames being slidably fitted inside the outer frames, and a commode pan or pot being fitted under the main frame, wherein a cushion is provided between said main frame and commode pan or pot.

Abstract: A mattress assembly includes an inner core assembly 48 including a core portion 49 having a head end and a foot end defining a core longitudinal length; a left width adjustment portion 56 comprising a plurality of left width adjustment bladders 60, the left width adjustment portion extending laterally away from a left side of the core portion; a right width adjustment portion 58 comprising a plurality of right width adjustment bladders 62, the right width adjustment portion extending laterally away from the right side of the core portion; the left and right width adjustment portions each having a head end substantially longitudinally aligned with the head end of the core portion and extending footwardly a longitudinal distance less than the core longitudinal length thereby defining left and right relief portions 66, 68.

Abstract: A mattress includes a core portion having independently inflatable head, seat and foot zones, each of which includes at least an A bladder and a B bladder. Pressure within all the core portion A bladders is adjustable separately from pressure within all the core portion B bladders. Pressure within the A bladders of a given zone are adjustable separately from pressure within the B bladders of the given zone. Pressure within the A bladders of a given zone are separately adjustable from pressure within the A bladders of zones other than the given zone, and pressure within the B bladders of a given zone are separately adjustable from pressure within the B bladders of zones other than the given zone.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient is provided. The patient support includes a frame and a deck. The deck includes first and second ends and longitudinal sides extending therebetween. The deck also includes a first portion and a second portion that is configured to extend laterally from the deck to widen the deck. An actuator is coupled to the deck and configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: Disclosed are an articulating bed and methods of using the bed. The articulating bed includes a top frame and one or two underlying frames. The top frame includes a first side section and a second side section. One of the side sections is configured to slide in a lateral direction of the bed so as to vary a width of the bed. Further, the sections are configured to hingedly rotate. Various methods include sliding and hingedly rotating the side sections. Further, the methods includes sitting up a person lying on the bed and changing liners while the person is staying on the bed, using the sliding and hinged rotation features.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bed including a frame with a substantially planar frame support surface. The bed also includes a width adjustment accessory with a mounting member and an extension member, the extension member providing a substantially planar extended support surface. The mounting member is configured to be attached relative to the frame so that the extended support surface is substantially planar with the frame support surface.

Abstract: A mattress includes a core portion and a width adjustment portion extending laterally away from the core portion. The mattress has independently inflatable head, seat and foot zones.

Abstract: An adjustable headboard frame is provided that includes a left frame element, a right frame element, and a plurality of spacers that are installed between the left frame element and the right frame element. The spacers are of different lengths and are sized so that the total width of the headboard including left and right frame elements and spacer is sized to correspond with one of the standardized mattress widths, such as twin, full, queen, and king. Further, the adjustable headboard frame may then be covered by a covering to provide an adjustable headboard.

Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient in a horizontal position is provided. The patient support includes a frame and a deck. The deck includes first and second ends and longitudinal sides extending therebetween. The deck also includes a first portion configured to extend laterally from the deck to widen the deck. An actuator is coupled to the deck and configured to move the first portion between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A bed includes a frame with a support deck having a laterally slidable panel and a mattress supported by the deck and having a width adjustment portion. A controller causes a fluid supply to inflate the width adjustment portion when a deck width sensor detects an extended position of the slidable panel.

Abstract: A mattress system for a hospital bed including a mattress and a control system. The mattress system may include a mattress including a core bladder, a width bladder and a vacuum device to apply a vacuum to the width bladder. The mattress is adapted to support a heavy or large patient, including a bariatric or obese patient.

Abstract: Bariatric gurney and process including a winch mounted in an ambulance for pulling the gurney up removable rails. The gurney includes extenders for increasing the patient support surface of the gurney and may include a removable patient safety bar.

Abstract: A foundation for supporting a mattress is the subject of this invention. The foundation includes first and second side boards which present a mattress supporting surface and are adapted to be coupled with a head board and a foot board. A plurality of tenon and yoke assemblies are coupled with the side boards in spaced apart relationship along the length of the side boards; the assemblies on one side board being aligned with those on the other side board. A plurality of stretcher boards are adapted to be received by the tenon and yoke assemblies and include slots to accommodate relative movement between the stretcher boards and the side boards. Nut and bolt assemblies are provided for holding the stretcher boards rigid relative to the tenon and yoke assemblies. A single stretcher board can accommodate two or more different sizes of mattresses. Optional drawers may be provided in the side boards to occupy the space which would be consumed by a box springs in a conventional mattress construction.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a center beam of a bed frame to the cross bars that enable the assembler to complete the assembly of the bed frame completely without the need for hand tools or securing implements to aid in the assembly. With a queen size bed frame or smaller, the cross bar members are joined together in overlapping manner to form cross bars and the center beam is secured to the cross bars by use of the present locking mechanism. In the case of a king size or a California king size bed frame, a universal extension bar is provided that can be used to join the cross bar members of either size bed frame and a extension cap is also provided that is affixed to the universal extension bar having indicia that instructs the assembler in the proper assembly of the particular bed frame.

Abstract: A foldable frame assembly includes a plurality of parallel frame members, each of which has left and right columns. A plurality of coupling units are alternately disposed with the frame members, and each includes first left and right connecting rods and second left and right connecting rods. Each of the first left and right connecting rods has a first upper rod end that is pivoted to the upper column end of a respective one of the left and right columns of one of two adjacent ones of the frame members, and a first lower rod end that is opposite to the first upper rod end.

Abstract: An adjustable bed support system and method provides comfort and security when positioned in a typical bed frame. The support system also has an adjustable leg to help maintain the support system when the mattress and/or box springs are fully loaded. The bed support system can be adjusted for various width and height beds and can be easily removed and positioned in another bed frame having a different width as necessary.

Abstract: Pivotal mattress support comprises a pair of pivotal longitudinal members for replacing conventional wooden slats. The terminal ends of each longitudinal member includes a thin flange for attachment to the side rails of a conventional bed frame to allow a mattress to rest substantially flush on the cleat of the side rail. In one embodiment an extendable leg provides additional support for the slats. Legs are included with the support and the height of the legs can be adjusted by hand while mounted to the mattress support. The method of use consists of pivoting the longitudinal members of the mattress support to accommodate the particular width of the side rails of a selected bed frame.

Abstract: An all polymeric bed frame including opposing laterally spaced apart, elongated side rails, each of the side rails having first and second ends and comprised of a substantially vertical wall and a horizontal support ledge extending laterally from a lower edge of the substantially vertical wall. The bed frame further includes an end cap positioned at least one of the side rail first or second ends, with end caps adapted for connection to a conventional bed headboard. The end cap is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the side rails. The bed frame further includes at least two spaced apart slats attached to the horizontal support members between said side rail first and second ends. The said side rails and the said two slats are comprised of a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bed apparatus allowing a worker to easily move a user's body at the time of consultation and nursing of the user lying on his back on a floor plate. The bed apparatus comprises a bed frame. A floor plate is provided on the bed frame. A second recess portion dented inwardly in the lateral direction of the bed frame is formed on at least one side part of both lateral side parts of the floor plate. A support member is provided on the second recess portion so as to be movable inwardly in the lateral direction of the floor plate. An auxiliary member which can be deformed by compression is provided at a part corresponding to the second recess portion.

Abstract: X and v-shaped mattress supports comprise a pair of pivotal longitudinal members for replacing conventional wooden slats. Each terminal end of each longitudinal member includes a flange for attachment to the side rails of a conventional bed frame. An extendable leg provides additional support for the center of the slat. The method of use consists of pivoting the longitudinal members of the mattress support to accommodate the particular width of the side rails of the selected bed frame. In one alternate embodiment a pair of v-shaped mattress support slats are connected by a divider for containing a pair of mattresses in side-by-side form.

Abstract: X and v-shaped mattress supports comprise a pair of pivotal longitudinal members for replacing conventional wooden slats. Each terminal end of each longitudinal member includes a flange for attachment to the side rails of a conventional bed frame. An extendable leg provides additional support for the center of the slat. The method of use consists of pivoting the longitudinal members of the mattress support to accommodate the particular width of the side rails of the selected bed frame.

Abstract: A surgical stretcher includes a patient-support deck having a substantially planar back section coupled to a frame for pivoting movement about a transverse pivot axis. The back section includes a frame member having first and second corner portions. The first corner portion is transversely spaced apart from the second corner portion, and the first and second corner portions are longitudinally spaced apart from the transverse pivot axis. An actuator couples the back section to the frame. The actuator is lockable to prevent pivoting movement of the back section relative to the frame, and is releasable to allow pivoting movement of the back section relative to the frame. A release rod is coupled to the back section and movable to release the actuator.

Abstract: A bed frame system for supporting a mattress. The bed frame system includes length and height adjustable bed rails. A groove is provided in each bed rail for receiving the end of a transverse support slat. A length adjustable support slat is provided. Unique height adjustable support feet are removably coupled to the bed rails and/or slidably mounted beneath the slats. Preferably, the bed rails, the slats and the support feet are formed of moldable polymeric material.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a patient support portion vertically movably supported on a wheeled base by a lift arrangement. Two pivot members are supported on the support portion for pivotal movement about respective vertical axes, and each support a respective arm for pivotal movement about a respective horizontal axis between a position in which the arms lie in a common horizontal plane and a position in which an outer end of each arm is offset from the plane. The outer end of each arm is movably coupled to a transfer board. A link arrangement effects synchronous movement of the arms about the horizontal axes without movement about the vertical axes and about the vertical axes without movement about the horizontal axes. In a retracted position, the entire transfer mechanism is disposed physically within and has an overall vertical height less than that of the patient support portion.

Abstract: An oscillatory bed for providing improved patient care in a hospital, nursing home or home health care setting. The oscillatory bed is characterized by having hinged, adjustable side panels along opposite sides of the length of a cradle located in the oscillating bed, which can be raised from a flattened position to form a "U" shaped cradle configuration during the operation of the bed. The adjustable side panels can be quickly lowered to the flattened position for emergency treatment of the patient or in changing of the bed. The oscillatory bed also includes a linear actuator in a head board section and in a foot board section. By raising the head board section, the patient's head and upper body are raised above the patient's feet. Also, the foot board section can be raised, and in turn the patient's feet are raised above the patient's head and upper body.

Abstract: The invention comprises a stretcher. The stretcher has an elongated rectangular frame and a U shaped frame with the ends of its legs pivotally mounted to the inside of the rectangular frame to pivot from a flush position inside and parallel with the rectangular frame to an upward angular position in relation to the rectangular frame to serve as a back rest for a patient upon the stretcher. A fluid actuated piston and cylinder are pivotally connected between the rectangular frame and the pivotable U frame to pivot the U frame to an upward angle relative to the rectangular frame. Slidable panels are slidably mounted on the U frame and rectangular frame to slide laterally away from the frame to provide an adjustable arm rest for a patient upon the stretcher.

Abstract: An extensible article of furniture suitable for use as a convertible sofa bed or an extensible bed having a pair of substantially identical frame members with end boards and side rails being interlocked with surface slats affixed to the side rails of each frame member and being alternating with one another to form a slat surface of substantial rigidity providing suitable support for sofa and bed applications of the unit. Each of the frame members may provide four-point support from a supporting floor and contains markings for ease of selecting the desired positions of the frame members for use as a sofa or a bed of particular size.

Abstract: A collapsing wing on a lateral side near the head end of a hospital bed. As the result of a laterally inwardly applied force, the wing collapses thereby allowing easier access to the center or furthermost side of the hospital bed or patient for a nurse or care provider. The wing is attached to the bed frame of the hospital bed by a spring loaded parallelogram linkage which permits the wing to move laterally within a generally horizontal plane as a result of the inward force. Once the inward force is removed, the linkage returns the wing to the full width hospital bed configuration. The wing is a U-shaped channel open toward the bed. The bed has a narrower U-shaped channel open toward the wing channel. The channels are connected by the parallelogram linkage. The wing channel nests over the frame channel when a laterally inward force is applied to the wing channel.

Abstract: A system providing universal support for patients includes an articulated platform supported by a universal joint supported by a pair of hydraulic support arms, and by a pair of lesser hydraulic arms spaced from the universal joint. The platform is comprised of a plurality of relatively hinged panels which are also hydraulicly driven. Thus, the platform is capable of assuming a large number of configurations, including full sitting and standing positions. A patient cushion system includes a large plurality of cushions which are individually or severally controlled through a valve and manifold system which is computer controlled for cycling cushion pressures between high and low pressures. The sides of the bed platform have restraining members which may be lowered and hinged in toward the patient to provide access to the patient. These restraining members also provide for supplemental support of such things as a canopy or tension weight.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a nursing cradle for infants that is attached to a bedstead or a waterbed. The disclosure is also directed to a soft wall and cradle sheet to keep an infant from exiting the cradle or getting wedged between a mother's bed and the cradle.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a transfer board which can be moved between a retracted position and an operational position. In the operational position, the board extends outwardly from an edge portion of the bed mattress and has an upwardly facing surface level with the top surface of the mattress. A board support mechanism includes a support lever pivotally supported on the bed for 180.degree. movement from a retracted position through a support position to a further retracted position. In the support position, an outer upper end of the support lever engages the underside of an outer edge portion of the support member in order to firmly support the outer edge portion.

Abstract: A bed arrangement is provided for shipboard stateroom use. Fixedly positioned, spaced-apart, small single beds, having a leg space therebetween for daytime use as facing sofas, optionally can be converted to a large common bed, of a size larger in width than even a conventional king-size bed. This option allows booking flexibility in that the same stateroom can at different times be booked as providing separate, single beds, or optionally as providing a large common bed, comparable to or greater in size than that of a king-size bed. The option is effected by providing a readily assembleable and readily removable center bed section in the space between the normally spaced-apart separate beds. The invention thereby provides a means for increasing stateroom revenue in response to demand for large, shared bedding arrangements, when such demand occurs.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a frame mounted on a base. Articulating head, seat and leg patient support panels are mounted on the frame. Side guards are mounted on the panels. Patient support panels have longitudinal edges that are collapsible to narrow the bed for transporting a patient. The side guards are inwardly movable to contribute to the narrowing of the bed while still protecting the patient from falling out of the bed.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable pet rest attachable to a bed has a rigid, flat, horizontal base with fixedly attached vertical rear and side walls. A rigid, flat support panel pivotally attached to the back wall can be positioned horizontally aft of the base. A front wall pivotally attached to the base can be secured into a horizontal position with latches. Legs pivotally attached to the front wall provide frontal support of the pet rest when the front wall is secured horizontally and the support panel is in place between a cushion and an underlying support cushion such as a mattress and box-spring. Adjustable leg extensions permit various elevations from a floor. An optional, movable shelf adds width when attached to the base and extended out horizontally. The pet rest will hang vertically against a bed in a box-like configuration with the support panel in place between the mattress and box-spring. For portability, fastening devices maintain closure of the box-like unit. A handle is attached for manual carrying.

Abstract: An extension assembly for converting an existing bed or the like to a patient care bed. The extension assembly includes a mattress and extension platform supported by legs on one side and by an existing bed on the other side. The extension further includes a cutaway located approximately midway along the outside edge of the extension platform and in the mattress to allow for patient care and to facilitate patient ingress into and egress out of bed without the necessity of lifting. The cutaway is designed to mate with and is normally filled by accessories such as a wheeled carriage or a flat insert.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a frame mounted on a base. Articulating head, seat and leg patient support panels are mounted on the frame. Side guards are mounted on the panels. Patient support panels have longitudinal edges that are collapsible to narrow the bed for transporting a patient. The side guards are inwardly movable to contribute to the narrowing of the bed while still protecting the patient from falling out of the bed.

Abstract: A hospital bed has, at least at its head end, longitudinally extending inflatable mattress sections on each side of the bed. When those mattress sections are deflated, that portion of the bed can be narrowed to permit a nurse to move into the vacated space along side the bed and to permit hospital equipment such as an IV rack to be moved into the vacated spaced on the other side of the bed. Thus, the nurse can conveniently reach the patient as well as the patient care instruments on the opposite side of the bed.

Abstract: A system providing universal support for patients includes an articulated platform supported by a universal joint supported by a pair of hydraulic support arms, and by a pair of lesser hydraulic arms spaced from the universal joint. The platform is comprised of a plurality of relatively hinged panels which are also hydraulically driven. Thus, the platform is capable of assuming a large number of configurations, including full sitting and standing positions. A patient cushion system includes a large plurality of cushions which are individually or severally controlled throgh a valve and manifold system which is computer controlled for cycling cushion pressures between high and low pressures. The sides of the bed platform have restraining members which may be lowered and hinged in toward the patient to provide access to the patient. These restraining members also provide for supplemental support of such things as a canopy or tension weight.

Abstract: A hospital stretcher includes an upwardly facing patient support surface and side rails on each side of the surface movable between raised and collapsed positions. Each side rail has at one end a spindle with a handle portion which, in the raised position, extends downwardly and away from the side rail. In the collapsed position, the top of each side rail is disposed below the support surface on the stretcher. The stretcher has on each side thereof a patient transfer mechanism, each transfer mechanism including a support board which can, from a retracted position disposed lower than the patient support surface, move upwardly between the support surface and one side rail in a vertical orientation and then pivot 90.degree. to a horizontal orientation in which a surface thereon is level with the patient support surface and in which an underside of one edge portion of the support board rests on top of the collapsed side rail.

Abstract: A laterally retractable and longitudinally foldable chair having a plurality of transverse struts connected with a plurality of longitudinal support members to form hingedly connected sub assemblies of a chair frame for supporting an individual. Each strut is provided with adjusting means. Each adjusting means has a locking means associated therewith which allows for selective adjustment of the width of said chair between a retracted, or compact, configuration and an expanded, or in use, configuration. The adjusting means is comprised of a projection and cooperating aperture in each said transverse strut which allows one to releasably lock the chair in the expanded or retracted position as desired. The novel chair further comprises a plurality of hinge members which hingedly connect the longitudinal support members and which allow the individual sub assemblies to be folded upon themselves to futher reduce the collapsed dimensions of the chair.

Abstract: A collpasible settee having a plurality of seats which are foldable into a smaller number of seats, comprising a rectangular settee frame having a substantial frame for two collapsible seat frames; both ends of the settee frame are connected to a conventional permanently upholstered frame; a crook groove is formed on each of two end walls of the settee frame at a side facing each other; two crook grooves are provided on a central wall; three longitudinal guiding blocks having channels are disposed on the settee frame; a runner longitudinally slidable on the channel is formed on each guiding block; two collapsible seat frames are disposed in two distinct interior sections of the settee frame; each collapsible seat frame has a shaft slidably received by the crook groove, a main frame, a foot-rest panel, and a back panel; and the settee is collapsible with the collapsible seat frames collapsed into folded state, the both end conventional parts of the settee are folded by sliding each end part in a direction towa

Abstract: A combination hospital bed and surgical table is disclosed. It is comprised of:a frame having floor-engaging wheels,a substantially flat, substantially rectangular deck carried by the frame, suitable for holding a human patient in the supine position, the deck having a head end and a foot end and being divided into at least three sections, including a lengthwise center section bordered by two, opposite, lengthwise, side sections that are hingedly connected to the frame so that they each can swing from a horizontal position down to an underneath position, below the center section, thereby making the deck narrower to facilitate its use as a surgical table, andmeans for holding the side sections in their horizontal position.

Abstract: A base support apparatus includes a right and a left unit each of a rectangular, symmetrical configuration. Each unit has a front wall of a given length with extending side sections at each end. Each unit has a back wall of a shorter length with corresponding extending side sections at each end and extending towards the associated front wall. The corresponding side sections of the front and back walls are parallel and spaced apart to form slots or spaces for each unit which slots or spaces face each other. The units are separated by a desired width by means of cross tie members positioned between the back walls of the units. When assembled, the spaces provided accommodate sliding panels to close the ends of the base support units to provide a closed support base structure.