Abstract: A patient lift includes a base and a mast extending from the base. The patient lift also includes a first elongated leg having a first longitudinal axis extending from the base. A first caster assembly is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the first elongated leg about a first carriage axis. The first caster assembly includes a first caster truck and a plurality of first assembly casters mounted to the first caster truck. The patient lift also includes a second elongated leg having a second longitudinal axis extending from the base. A second caster assembly is mounted for pivotal movement relative to the second elongated leg about a second carriage axis. The second caster assembly includes a second caster truck and a plurality of second assembly casters mounted to the second caster truck.

Abstract: A stand assist device includes a base with legs that extend in a forward direction. The stand assist device also includes a mast assembly mounted on the base, the mast assembly including a mast. A boom is pivotally attached to the mast and an actuator is attached to the boom. The actuator is adapted to be driven in order to cause the boom to rotate relative to the mast. A knee pad is also attached relative to the mast assembly. The mast may be moved between a seated position wherein the mast extends upwardly from the base, and a folded position wherein the mast extends substantially in the forward direction. The base, mast assembly, and knee pad are configured so that the knee pad does not interfere with the base when the mast is moved into the folded position.

Abstract: A brake assembly includes a base member configured for attachment to the leg of a bed, a brake mounted to the base member, and a visual indicator assembly mounted in relation to the base member. The brake is operable to be selectively applied to prevent movement of the bed and the visual indicator assembly provides a visual indicia of when the brake is one of applied and released.

Abstract: A patient load support for use with elongate beds comprises a frame, and a grip supported relative to the frame. The grip is supported for longitudinal movement, and independent lateral movement.

Abstract: A bed comprises a main frame, a leg comprising at least one leg member and at least one link, and a stabilizer connecting the leg member to the main frame. At least portions of the main frame, the leg, the link, and the stabilizer form a four bar system for raising and lowering the bed.

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 patient lift has a base extending in a forward direction, and a mast mounted relative to the base. The mast includes a hinge configured to allow the mast to be pivoted relative to the base between an upright operative position and a folded position, wherein when the mast is in the folded position the mast is substantially parallel to the base and extends in the forward direction. A latch mechanism is configured to hold the mast in the folded position when the latch mechanism is locked, and to allow the mast to be returned to the upright operative position when the latch mechanism is released. The latch mechanism is configured to automatically lock when the mast is moved to the folded position.

Abstract: A patient lift has a base, a mast assembly mounted on the base at the lower end, a boom pivotally mounted at one end on the mast assembly. An actuator is mounted on the boom and configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position to pivot the boom relative to the mast assembly between a lowered position and a raised position. A support member includes a sling attachment pivotally mounted on the outer end of the boom. A locking mechanism is configured to fix the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is engaged and further configured to allow pivotal movement of the support member relative to the boom when the locking mechanism is released.

Abstract: A load sensing safety device comprises a pulley shaft carrying a pulley. The pulley, in turn, carries a belt that effectuates movement of the patient lift boom. A biasing element applies a spring force against the pulley shaft to move the pulley shaft in a first direction. A switch that opens and closes responsive to movement of the pulley shaft, whereby the switch opens where the pulley shaft is moved to a first position by movement of the spring in the first direction.

Abstract: A portable patient lift has spreadable support legs with a feature that enables the legs of the lift to operate in a first range of motion during operation, and a second range of motion for compact folding.

Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a sling to a hoist by engaging with an attachment formation on the hoist comprises first and second elements disposed in face to face relationship with one another and moveable relative to one another between first and second positions. The first element comprises a slot having a first portion through which the head of an attachment formation will pass and a second portion extending from the first portion and through which the body of the attachment portion can pass but through which the head will not pass. The second element has an opening through which the head of the attachment formation can pass and which aligns with the first portion of the slot in the first element when the first and second elements are in their first relative position and which aligns with the second portion of the slot when the first and second elements are in their second relative position, in which position the second element blocks the first portion of the slot in the first element.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive ratchet type latch mechanism for maintaining a movable portion of an articulated structure in an elevated position relative to a stationary portion of the structure on which the movable portion is pivotably mounted. The latch mechanism includes a ratchet plate pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the stationary portion of the structure and has an elongate ratchet slot with a plurality of ratchet notches, an escapement plate slidably mounted to the ratchet plate for movement between a first position wherein the ratchet notches are exposed, and a second position wherein the ratchet notches are covered. A crank arm is pivotally connected at one end to the movable portion of the structure and has a pin at another end thereof which projects from the crank and through the slot in the ratchet and through the slot in the escapement plate.

Abstract: A screw drive mechanism for articulated beds and the like includes a drive shaft having external screw threads, a segmented drive nut having internal threads which engage the external threads of the shaft and a drive member in which the segmented drive nut is retained. At least one spring clip is disposed radially between the segmented drive nut and the drive member and engages the same to axially position and retain the drive nut in the drive member. The arrangement provides a simpler, less expensive drive screw mechanism which can be snapped together without tools and which can be easily disassembled for servicing.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a mattress frame having pivotally interconnected sections, a main or base frame supporting the matress frame and telescoping leg assemblies. A first motor drive actuator is supported on the main frame. The first actuator engages a crank arm or lever fixed to a head section of the mattress frame. A second actuator is mounted on the base frame. A second actuator engages a crank arm attached to a knee section of the mattress frame when the actuator is moving to a fully retracted position. A cable carrier is engaged by the second actuator as it moves to a fully extended position. A cable assembly interconnects the cable carrier with the telescoping leg assemblies. The second and moves the mattress frame between low and high positions.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive and reliable screw type linear actuator includes a drive screw, a nut disposed thereon, and a reciprocating drive tube radially disposed over at least a portion of the drive screw. A first clutch member has a first clutch surface bearing upon a complimentary clutch surface which is operatively connected to the drive tube, whereby outboard movement of the nut upon rotation of the drive screw causes the first clutch surface on the first clutch member to bear upon the complimentary clutch surface and urge the drive tube in a direction toward the outboard end of the drive screw. A compression member urges the first clutch member axially away from the nut, and a retainer allows only limited axial movement of the nut with respect to the drive screw, whereby the nut and the first clutch member are always maintained in splined engagement.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is directed to a cellular air loss mattress system comprising an air mattress and an air supply means. Cells of the mattress system are welded onto a unitary top piece and a unitary bottom piece. Means for supplying air, preferably an air blower, is connected to the center cell (also referred to as the pelvic cell) via a supply hose. The air exiting the air blower travels through the supply hose and fills the center cell. The air is allowed to directly travel into adjacent cells via internal air connectors. The inner diameter of each air connector is adjusted to create different pressure zones within the air mattress to support the different pressure requirements of a patient's body. The highest pressure zone is the center cell that initially receives air from the air supply means. The pressure decreases as air moves from the center cell to adjacent cells.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a mattress frame having pivotally interconnected sections, a main or base frame supporting the mattress frame and telescoping leg assemblies. A first motor drive actuator is supported on the main frame. The first actuator engages a crank arm or lever fixed to a head section of the mattress frame. A second actuator is mounted on the base frame. A second actuator engages a crank arm attached to a knee section of the mattress frame when the actuator is moving to a fully retracted position. A cable carrier is engaged by the second actuator as it moves to a fully extended position. A cable assembly interconnects the cable carrier with the telescoping leg assemblies. The second actuator positions the mattress sections in a knee break position and moves the mattress frame between low and high positions.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for supporting a table top on having an elongated support member, includes a housing adapted to be attached to the table top and at least one guide plate. The guide plate includes an aperture which engages the support member. The guide plate is angularly adjustable and positioned to secure the guide plate in a fixed position in engagement with the base.