Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel assembly for a patient support apparatus comprising a fixed portion, a pivoting portion attached to the fixed portion and a wheel operatively connected to the pivoting portion, the wheel, which can be motorized, being movable between a first deployed position and a second retracted position. The wheel assembly has a spring assembly for urging the wheel in the first deployed position and an actuator to raise the wheel in the second retracted position. The invention also relates to a control handle for a motorized bed comprising a handle member having an actuatable trigger for controlling propelling of the bed, the handle member further comprising a user interface configured for providing bed information to the operator.

Abstract: A side rail; a patient support assembly, such a hospital bed, a stretcher and the like, provided with such a side rail; a method of operating associated thereto; and a kit for assembling the side rail. The side rail includes support bars and at least one cross bar being substantially positioned within a same vertical plane, substantially parallel to a corresponding side portion of the assembly. The support bars are rotatable with respect to the corresponding side portion about respective axes being parallel to a transverse axis of the assembly, and first and second ends of the at least one cross bar are rotatable with respect to the support bars about respective axes being parallel to the transverse axis, so that the side rail be operated between raised and lowered configurations along the same vertical plane and so that the side rail be collapsible in the lowered configuration, within the same vertical plane.

Abstract: A side rail; a patient support assembly, such a hospital bed, a stretcher and the like, provided with such a side rail; a method of operating associated thereto; and a kit for assembling the side rail. The side rail includes support bars and at least one cross bar being substantially positioned within a same vertical plane, substantially parallel to a corresponding side portion of the assembly. The support bars are rotatable with respect to the corresponding side portion about respective axes being parallel to a transverse axis of the assembly, and first and second ends of the at least one cross bar are rotatable with respect to the support bars about respective axes being parallel to the transverse axis, so that the side rail be operated between raised and lowered configurations along the same vertical plane and so that the side rail be collapsible in the lowered configuration, within the same vertical plane.