Abstract: The present invention relates a novel adaptor to position tiles or tile-like elements within or around a bathing apparatus, or both. The present invention further includes a method of using the tile adaptor for the installation of tiles. In a representative embodiment, the tile adaptor includes one or more flanges along at least one of its sides to allow the installation of tiles of a variety of thicknesses at a number of places. The adaptor is integrated in the final bathing apparatus. One or more adaptors may be positioned on the floor, wall and/or ceiling of the bathing apparatus, depending on the design of the bathing enclosure. Advantageously, the tile adaptor is easy to install and to use, and it may conveniently be manufactured from a lightweight material such as extruded plastic or a synthetic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel fastener that will find many applications. The fastener generally includes two sections, a head section and a pin section. The pin section consists of a generally elongate shaft that is divided into a barbed section including one or more distinctive barbs and a smooth section. As described herein, the features of this fastener greatly facilitate the assembly of components of pre-fabricated bathing apparatus, such as showers and bathtubs. Advantageously, the fastener may be manufactured from plastic or any other synthetic polymer, and can therefore be lightweight and economical to produce.

Abstract: A patient bed includes a patient support, a base, and an electrical control system. The patient support is mounted relative to said base, which has a plurality of bearing members for moving the base and the patient support across a surface. Each of the bearing members includes a brake operatively associated therewith, with the electrical control system having a user actuatable device and being configured to actuate one or more of the brakes upon actuation of the user actuatable device.

Abstract: The present invention relates a novel bypass system to control liquid volume. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for use in the control and regulation of pumps, pumping installations and/or systems, and the control of fluid flow in general. This system will find particular, though not exclusive, application with bathing vessels such as pools, whirlpools, bathtubs, hot tubs and spas.

Abstract: The present invention relates a novel heat exchange system. More particularly, the invention concerns a heat exchange system for use in bathing apparatus, including showers, bathtubs and whirlpools. Advantageously, this system is simple to install, maintain and clean and can easily be integrated in a limitless variety of bathing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movable siderail apparatus (5) for use with a patient support apparatus. The siderail apparatus (5) is configured to move the siderail body (14) associated therewith in a clock-type swing movement relative to the patient support apparatus. Two or more support arms (20) are disposed between the intermediate frame or the deck support of the patient support apparatus and the siderail body (14), each support arm (20) having two pivots (30, 40), a first (40) rotatably connecting it to the intermediate frame or deck support and a second (30) rotatably connecting it to the siderail body (14), thereby enabling the siderail body (14) to be raised or lowered vertically by a rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the patient support apparatus. In a first preferred embodiment, the angles defined between each support arm (20) and a lower edge of the siderail (9) are substantially obtuse during rotational movement of the siderail (9).

Abstract: The patient support with a head end and a foot end comprises a lying surface supported by a frame system. It also comprises a pair of head end siderails, a pair of foot end siderails, a headboard, a footboard, a power system and a communication system.

Abstract: A frame elevating mechanism having first and second frames vertically spaced from one another. The first frame is configured to be supported on a floor surface. The second frame has a pair of longitudinally spaced elongate guide tracks extending coextensively with each lateral side of the second frame. Lever arms are provided on the first frame and include at the distal ends thereof a follower member operatively coupled to a respective one of the guide tracks. Each of the aforesaid lever arms has thereon an elongate second guide track configured to receive thereon a distal end of one of the arms of a two arm lever pivotally mounted on the first frame. Drive mechanisms are provided which operatively engage the second arm of the two arm lever to effect a change in elevation of the second frame relative to the first frame.

Abstract: Hospital equipment includes a member and a clip mounting to the member. The clip includes a first clip member and a second clip member pivotally interconnected with the first clip member about a pivot axis. Each of the first and second clip members has a receiving portion for receiving the member. A biasing member urges the first clip member and the second clip member toward each other wherein when the first clip member and the second clip member straddle the frame or rail member and the frame or rail member is positioned in the receiving portions, the biasing member urges the first and second clip members to engage the frame or rail member. An accessory mounting member is configured for mounting an accessory to the clip and is coupled to one of the clip members wherein the clip may be used for mounting an accessory to the member.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, stretcher, or cot, includes a patient support deck that is directly coupled to elevation adjustment mechanisms without the need for an intervening frame. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may be placed outside the perimeter of the support deck to allow the support deck to be lowered to a greater extent and provide room for attaching side rails to the support deck. The width of the patient support deck may be adjusted by way of extenders, and the sleep surface may also be adjusted by way of foldable strips. A jack type of actuator may be used to pivot the different sections of the support deck with respect to each other. The elevation adjustment mechanisms may include vertical threaded shafts that rotatingly engage threaded collars and raise or lower the collars when the shaft and the collar rotate with respect to each other.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus may include a base frame, lift arms, an intermediate frame, a deck support having three articulating sections, a brake system, various drive motors, actuators, and sensors, at least one power source, communication devices, and at least one controller, wherein the lift arms, articulating sections, drive motors, brake system, and actuators may be controlled from the at least one controller and in response to signals received by the various sensors, while storing data internally and/or sending data to a remote location.

Abstract: A patient bed includes a patient support, with a headboard, a footboard, and a plurality of side rails. One or more surfaces of the side rails or of the headboard or of the footboard includes a gap and a sealing cover for sealing the gap to facilitate cleaning and disinfection of the patient bed. For example, the cover may comprise a membrane that is applied to the surface, for example, by an adhesive. The adhesive may be releasable so that the membrane may be removed for replacement or to provide access to the gap for example, where the gap is formed between a control interface that is located in the surface.

Abstract: A patient bed includes a base, a patent support supported by the base, and a control system. The patient support includes a pivotal head-end section, with the control system including an actuator to pivot the head-end section and being adapted to control the speed of the actuator and, further, to selectively increase the speed of the actuator to pivot the head-end section at a greater speed.

Abstract: A patient bed includes a base, a patient support, and an elevation mechanism for raising or lowering the patient support relative to the base. The elevation mechanism comprises a first pair of arms and a second pair of arms, with both the pairs of arms mounted relative to the patient support and the base. The first pair of arms and the second pair of arms have pivot connections at the patient support, with the pivot connections of at least one pair of the pair of arms moving in a sinusoidal path when the patient support is raised or lowered with respect to the base.

Abstract: A patient bed includes a patient support, a base, and an electrical control system. The patient support is mounted relative to said base, which has a plurality of bearing members for moving the base and the patient support across a surface. Each of the bearing members includes a brake operatively associated therewith, with the electrical control system having a user actuatable device and being configured to actuate one or more of the brakes upon actuation of the user actuatable device.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a litter frame having a head end and a foot end and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending support rails. A seat section which includes a seat frame is secured to the support rails. A first head section which includes a first frame is movably supported on the support rails between a first horizontal position and a second position wherein a head end of the first frame is elevated above a foot end of the first frame. The foot end of the first head section is always oriented on the litter frame immediately adjacent a head end of the seat frame. A second head section is provided on the litter frame and is separate from the first head section. The second head section includes a second frame movably supported on the support rails between a first horizontal position and a second position wherein a head end of the second frame is elevated above a foot end of the second frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus that can be ergonomically and movably connected to a patient support apparatus. The control apparatus comprises a control module which is operatively coupled to the patient support apparatus and can provide a means for controlling the plurality of patient support apparatus functions. The control module is adapted for connection to a housing and the housing is movably connected to the patient support apparatus by a coupling device. The coupling device enables the relative movement of the housing and as such the control module relative to the patient support apparatus. In this manner access to the control module, and therefore to the functionality of the patient support apparatus, can be provided independent of the configuration of the patient support apparatus.

Abstract: A frame elevating mechanism having first and second frames vertically spaced from one another. The first frame is configured to be supported on a floor surface. The second frame has a pair of longitudinally spaced elongate guide tracks extending coextensively with each lateral side of the second frame. Lever arms are provided on the first frame and include at the distal ends thereof a follower member operatively coupled to a respective one of the guide tracks. Each of the aforesaid lever arms has thereon an elongate second guide track configured to receive thereon a distal end of one of the arms of a two arm lever pivotally mounted on the first frame. Drive mechanisms are provided which operatively engage the second arm of the two arm lever to effect a change in elevation of the second frame relative to the first frame.

Abstract: A frame elevating mechanism having first and second frames vertically spaced from one another. The first frame is configured to be supported on a floor surface. The second frame has a pair of longitudinally spaced elongate guide tracks extending coextensively with each lateral side of the second frame. Lever arms are provided on the first frame and include at the distal ends thereof a follower member operatively coupled to a respective one of the guide tracks. Each of the aforesaid lever arms has thereon an elongate second guide track configured to receive thereon a distal end of one of the arms of a two arm lever pivotally mounted on the first frame. Drive mechanisms are provided which operatively engage the second arm of the two arm lever to effect a change in elevation of the second frame relative to the first frame.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes a litter frame having a head end and a foot end and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending support rails. A seat section which includes a seat frame is secured to the support rails. A first head section which includes a first frame is movably supported on the support rails between a first horizontal position and a second position wherein a head end of the first frame is elevated above a foot end of the first frame. The foot end of the first head section is always oriented on the litter frame immediately adjacent a head end of the seat frame. A second head section is provided on the litter frame and is separate from the first head section. The second head section includes a second frame movably supported on the support rails between a first horizontal position and a second position wherein a head end of the second frame is elevated above a foot end of the second frame.