Abstract: An improvement is provided in a bed having a side rail framework, and at least one dual-position rail assembly which is secured on one side of the bed. The improvement includes a rotatable structure upon which the dual-position rail assembly, is mounted in order to enable the dual-position rail assembly to move between two positively-stopped and automatically locked positions. A first of such positively-stopped and automatically locked positions disposes the dual-position rail assembly in an assist, vertically-oriented, position which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bed. A second of such positively-stopped and automatically locked positions disposes the dual-position rail assembly in a guard, horizontally-oriented, position which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bed.

Abstract: A pillow blanket (10) comprising a broad flat pliable sheet (12) and a pocket member (14) onto the broad flat pliable sheet (12) at one corner (18), with an open mouth (20) of the pocket member (14) facing inwardly on the broad flat pliable sheet (12). In a first instance, the broad flat pliable sheet (12) when unfolded can be utilized as a blanket. In a second instance, the broad flat pliable sheet (12) when folded up and tucked into the open mouth (20) of the pocket member (14) after the pocket member (14) is turned inside out can be utilized as a pillow and seat cushion.

Abstract: A long term care bed is disclosed which includes a base frame with a plurality of castors coupled to the base frame and supporting the base frame upon a floor. A support frame having a head end, a foot end, and spaced apart sides is supported by the base frame. A bed deck is supported by the support frame and includes an upwardly-facing sleeping surface for supporting a patient. Spaced first and second side rails are coupled to the support frame and include a top bar positionable in a raised position above the sleeping surface by a first distance. A side rail extension member is coupled to at least one of the first and second side rails, the extension includes an upper portion overlaying and spaced from the top bar of its associated side rail so as to provide an opening between the top bar and the extension. The side rail extension member is positionable in a raised position above the sleeping surface by a second distance greater than the first distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bed side part for beds, especially for hospital and nursing home beds, with bed side parts mounted on the long sides, with said parts extending over the entire or approximately the entire length of the beds in question, hospital beds for example. As usual, the bed side parts are bringable at least into a raised position and into a completely depressed position, but are also preferably lockable in intermediate positions. Locking can also be performed with inclination, in other words the end areas of the bed side part in question can be lockable at different heights. According to the invention, a protective side part is associated with the bed side part and can be caused to function especially when the bed side part is completely depressed, in other words it protects the lengthwise portion of the patient at the head end.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bed for persons at risk of falling out of bed, and more particularly to a safety bed with dual purpose side panels which can be used as barriers for physical restraint, or which can alternatively allow the user to roll safely from the bed to the floor.

Abstract: Provided herein are bed split side guards with adjacent units presenting at least partly curved ends so as to essentially follow a circular arc shape having its center at the pivot point of one of the sections of the bed mattress deck, thus providing a minimal spacing between the split side guard units during articulation and at any position of the mattress deck, hence preventing patient movement or entrapment through the bed side guard gaps.

Abstract: A handle system for a medical examination table includes a rail mounted to the side of the table, a guide member slidably connected to the rail, a stopper member releasably connected to the guide member and the rail, and a handlebar connected to the guide member. The position of the handlebar may be easily adjusted to meet the varying needs of patients in supporting movements onto or about the table. In a preferred embodiment, the handlebar pivots about the guide member to a stowed position below the top surface of the table. Also in a preferred embodiment the stopper member is configured with a handhold for one-handed release and sliding of the guide member relative to the rail. The present invention provides adjustability, simplicity, and the desired sturdy support.

Abstract: The invention provides a side rail assembly for use with an institutional bed. The assembly includes provision to move a vertical frame from an upper or deployed position where it is generally above the mattress on the bed, to a lowered position generally below and outside the mattress. The frame can then be moved longitudinally from the lowered position into a stored position below the mattress so that the frame will not interfere with an attendant who is assisting the patient. Further, the frame will then have no impact on access to the bed. The side rail assembly also includes a balance assembly to counterbalance the weight of the frame so that the frame is unlikely to cause accidental injury to a patient as the frame is moved vertically.

Abstract: An improved couch is provided of the type having a base, a first and second opposing arm rest, a back portion, a seating surface and a front couch surface. The improvement to the couch comprises: a front guard detachably connectable to the front couch surface for enclosing a portion of the seating surface on three sides, the front guard may be retractable for storage beneath the couch, and a tray may be extendable from the front guard for placing objects such as food, drinks, books, remote controls and the like.

Abstract: An adjustable means for a railing side of a child's cot, includes at least four strips each fixed on a post of the cot, at least two holes and two openings are defined in each strip. An adjusting element comprises a vertical part and a horizontal part in which an activating element, a connecting element and a spring are received therein. The connecting element has a first end having a connecting hook disposed thereon which engages to the opening of the strip, and a second end has a recess defined therein for connecting one end of the spring, and a tunnel is defined in the connecting element vertically. The activating element has a base on which a projection with a hook part formed thereon and a block with a bevel surface are projecting therefrom and are received in the tunnel, the hook part is engaged to a periphery defining the tunnel.

Abstract: An improvement for a standard hospital bed having a guard rail which provides for gap space, such improvement being a closure mounted on the bed rail at a gap and movable between a first position maintaining the gap and a second position closing the gap to prevent patient movement through such gap.

Abstract: A traction bed which can be moved from one location to another without harm or discomfort to the patient has a device for raising the bed to an angle such that the part of the body to be held in traction can be kept above the heart's level. The mobile traction bed also has a unique opening and closing side rail for keeping the patient safe and secure within the bed. The traction side of the bed can have a bar and sleeve for supporting traction weights. By using the mobile traction bed, the patient can rest at home instead of at the hospital, yet can be moved to and from the hospital as is required.

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: In one aspect of the invention, a bed structure having a mattress deck panel and side panels, with internal reinforcing bulkheads and single-piece head- and footboards serving as reinforcing bulkheads at the head and foot of the structure. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a low-cost air bed employing the above structure. In an additional aspect of the invention, there is provided an air bed which incorporates the air supply and control components within the bed structure itself. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a low-noise air flow control pinch valve. In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a single air bag which simulates multiple air bags through the use of welded internal baffles. In yet an additional aspect of the invention, there is provided a bed siderail which is patient-operable.

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: An adjustable bed includes a patient operated linear positioner, a rail assembly and a leg lift mechanism. The patient operated linear positioner includes a subassembly with a bellcrank which pivots by a patient operated soft strap. When the strap is pulled, the bellcrank pushes a cable inward which, in turn, releases a positioner rod so that the bed may be adjusted. The side rail assembly includes a J-shaped attachment bar and an idler link which acts to move the side rail both upward and forward when the head section of the adjustable bed is raised. A bed side rail may be attached to a bed frame through the use of a unique attachment mechanism which requires no tools. A further aspect of the invention utilizes a scissors-type leg lifting mechanism for holding and controlling the rate of collapsing movement of the foot section of a bed mattress frame. The leg lifting mechanism includes a mechanical lock and gas piston subassembly.

Abstract: A standard hospital bed having a collapsible guard rail which provides for gap space which improvement is a telescoping extender mounted on the guard rail and movable between two positions one of which is in the gap defining position and the other position which closes the gap to prevent unintentional movement through such gap by a patient.

Abstract: Guard rail actuated safety apparatus (42, FIG. 1; 89, FIGS. 5A and 5B) is operative to prevent simultaneous lowering of both of a pair of guard rails (26, 28) to inoperative positions in which they are ineffective to prevent a patient from falling off the edge of a patient support assembly 12. In one embodiment, the guard rails are secured together by a cable (44) which holds the guard rails against concurrent lowering. In an electromechanical embodiment, a controller (89, FIG. 5) senses the guard rail (26, 28) position, and blocks the lowering of either guard rail (26, 28) whenever the other is lowered. In addition, or alternatively, the controller (89) actuates a brake 146, sounds an alarm (136), raises the guard rails (26, 28) after a time delay (158), deactuates a drive motor (118) for a movable or adjustable patient support assembly (12) or releases air from a pneumatic mattress (12A').

Abstract: A bed rail support and mounting mechanism for attachment to a bed frame comprising a folding multi-link framework, a folding diagonal locking linkage and a spring counterbalance whereby a bed rail may be easily lowered or raised and locked in position. A bed including the mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material. The fluidizable material is contained by a member which is at least partially collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments. The fluidizable surface can be formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support. Each of these cells is detachably removable from the support for ease of cleaning and replacement. A blower inflates the sacks, the inflatable elastic wall embodiments and the fluidizable material via a network including manifolds, valves, and flexible tubing.

Abstract: A patient transfer trolley for transferring patients from one location to another in hospitals and like establishments. The trolley comprises a wheeled frame (11) carrying a patient support surface (13) and a device (15) for aiding transfer of a patient between said patient support surface (13) and a further support surface such as a hospital bed or operating table. The handling device (15) comprises a body (41) having a transfer surface (43. The body is movable whereby it can assume first and second positions, and preferably also a third position. In the first position the transfer surface provides a bridge between said patient support surface and said further support surface. In the second position the body extends upwardly of the patient support surface to provide a safety barrier therfor. In the third position the body is stored so as not to obstruct access to the patient support surface (13).

Abstract: A child crib comprising a head and a foot frame. A mattress is supported elevated between the frames. Each of the frames has opposed vertical side edge members. A gate is secured to one side of the mattress between a common one of the vertical side edge members of the head and foot frame, and extends above the mattress. The other common ones of the vertical side edge members each have a first straight elongated guide channel section extending in a predetermined length thereof and communicating at a lower end thereof with a further guide channel section extending under the mattress. A displaceable gate having at least two spaced apart guide member in opposed side edges thereof is also provided with the guide members engaging the guide channels whereby the displaceable gate is displaceable from a position of use between the other common ones of the vertical side edge members to a storage position under the mattress.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vertically raised and lowered open frame crib side mounted along the side of a hospital bed and more particularly to a trip bar integrated to the crib side for permitting one hand release of the crib side when held by a pair of detents in the crib side raised position.

Abstract: Waterbed frames for supporting and confining a bladder-type mattress having a head panel, a foot panel and a pair of side panels are improved to assist persons reclining in the bed to get out of the bed by providing at least one side panel with a section that can be lowered relative to the remainder of the panel creating an exit area along the side of the frame within which there is no obstruction against egress above the upper level of the mattress. To leave the bed, the person lowers the side panel section and passes through the resulting opened exit area.

Abstract: A patient transport device which is characterized in one embodiment by a flat rail bed having spaced, parallel, upturned rails on opposite sides, with a seat slidably disposed over the rails by means of rollers rotating in the rails on spaced axles carried by the seat. The device is designed to transport patients from one side of a bed to the other, as well as to and from wheelchairs and dollys. In another embodiment, the seat is enlarged to define a body support, the body support and rail bed combination is supported by hydraulic cylinders to facilitate height adjustment and the larger patient transport device is used to transport patients to and from x-ray tables, dollys, hospital beds and the like.

Abstract: A side guard for a hospital bed moves between elevated and depressed positions on parallel swing arms that are quite short and extend from a base mounted on the back section of the bed. It further has an upper section which pivots outwardly and downwardly to a retracted position to substantially reduce the height of the side guard. When the side guard is in its depressed position with its upper section folded to the retracted position, the side guard lies entirely below the mattress supporting surface of the bed back section and therefore does not interfere with bed making. Also the upper section may carry a bed control unit, or a telephone, or controls for other electrically operated devices, and when in its extended position, these devices are presented inwardly toward the occupant of the bed, but when the upper section is in its retracted position, they are presented outwardly where they are conveniently accessible to one sitting or standing beside the bed.

Abstract: Guardrail assembly for mounting on one side of a hospital bed having a horizontal bed frame. The assembly has a guardrail which is movable between a raised protection position and a lowered retracted position. It further has, at each end of the bed, an upward bracket; a link connected at one end to one end of the rail and pivoted adjacent the other end to the bracket so that it can move in a vertical plane, motion of both links thus causing movement of the rail between the aforesaid two positions. The assembly further provides for a pin locking mechanism on each bracket including a pin which is resiliently biassed toward the bracket and the locking end of the link for insertion in a hole of the bracket and a hole of the locking end when the guard is in the raised protection position and the holes register whereby to hold the guard in the raised position.

Abstract: An adjustable bed is particularly adapted for the care of morbidly obese patients and comprises a ground engaging frame with a mattress support including a head section, a center section and a foot section which are hingedly interconnected and have power devices which selectively drive lift arms to raise and lower the head and foot sections relative to the center section. To confine the patient on the bed, outwardly swingable side arms are pivotally connected to the center section and have catches to selectively lock the side arm in an upright position against the center section. The side arms are also lockable in an outwardly swung position and bolsters are set between the side arm and the mattress to provide additional restive area for the patient.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for a bed guard rail including generally planar male and female parts, the male part having a generally L-shaped tongue struck therefrom and the female part being elongated and equipped with a plurality of longitudinally aligned, spaced apart notches each defining tongue engaging edges.

Abstract: A patient restraining rail system for a bed, stretcher, or the like which includes a rail pivotally connected to a vertically adjustable rail support.