Abstract: A sliding subframe (130) mounted to the derriere-supporting section (50) of an adjustable bed (10) is adapted to translate the rotational axis (110) of the torso-supporting section (40) of the bed (10) toward the head end (12) as the torso-supporting section (40) is raised to an inclined position (44), and back toward the foot end (14) as the torso-supporting section (40) is lowered to a level position (42). This mechanism reduces compression of the lumbo-sacral area of the patient during bed articulation.

Abstract: A stretcher is provided as an accessory to a bed to facilitate a supine-to-prone or prone-to-supine transfer of a patient from the bed to the stretcher or vice-versa. The stretcher comprises a base frame, anchor means for clamping or otherwise securing the stretcher to a position adjacent the bed, and a patient support litter. The stretcher also includes a mechanical, non-bladder-based lift mechanism operable to preferentially raise either a left longitudinal side, or a right longitudinal side, but not both, of the patient support litter, in order to tilt the patient support litter toward the patient support surface of the adjacent bed. The stretcher is also collapsible for easy storage.

Abstract: A sliding subframe (130) mounted to the derriere-supporting section (50) of an adjustable bed (10) is adapted to translate the rotational axis (110) of the torso-supporting section (40) of the bed (10) toward the head end (12) as the torso-supporting section (40) is raised to an inclined position (44), and back toward the foot end (14) as the torso-supporting section (40) is lowered to a level position (42). This mechanism reduces compression of the lumbo-sacral area of the patient during bed articulation.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support surface supported by a patient support framework that adjusts vertices along the perimeter of the patient support surface. Through adjustments that raise and contract the perimeter of the patient support surface on either side of the lower torso and/or hip-area of the patient, the framework is operable to cradle a patient's waist and hips. This mechanism not only distributes the patient's weight across a larger surface area, reducing the need for lateral rotation, but also helps to maintain a patient in place when the patient is rotated from side to side.

Abstract: A stretcher is provided as an accessory to a bed to facilitate a supine-to-prone or prone-to-supine transfer of a patient from the bed to the stretcher or vice-versa. The stretcher comprises a base frame, anchor means for clamping or otherwise securing the stretcher to a position adjacent the bed, and a patient support litter. The stretcher also includes a mechanical, non-bladder-based lift mechanism operable to preferentially raise either a left longitudinal side, or a right longitudinal side, but not both, of the patient support litter, in order to tilt the patient support litter toward the patient support surface of the adjacent bed. The stretcher is also collapsible for easy storage.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support structure supporting a patient support surface that comprises separately adjustable torso and hip support structures. Lifting mechanisms are provided to elevate the torso and hip support structures to substantially reduce pressure on the sacral area of a patient resting on the patient support surface.

Abstract: A sliding subframe mounted to the derriere-supporting section of an articulating bed is adapted to translate the rotational axis of the torso-supporting section of the bed toward the headframe as the torso-supporting section is raised to an inclined position, and back toward the footboard as the torso-supporting section is lowered to a level position. This mechanism reduces compression of the lumbo-sacral area of the patient during bed articulation.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support structure supporting a patient support surface that comprises separately adjustable torso and hip support structures. Lifting mechanisms are provided to elevate the torso and hip support structures to substantially reduce pressure on the sacral area of a patient resting on the patient support surface.

Abstract: An adjustable bed comprises a patient support surface supported by a patient support framework that adjusts vertices along the perimeter of the patient support surface. Through adjustments that raise and contract the perimeter of the patient support surface on either side of the lower torso and/or hip-area of the patient, the framework is operable to cradle a patient's waist and hips. This mechanism not only distributes the patient's weight across a larger surface area, reducing the need for lateral rotation, but also helps to maintain a patient in place when the patient is rotated from side to side.