Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck coupled to the frame. The frame includes a storage portion. The deck includes a head section, a seat section and first and second laterally spaced apart outer leg support sections adjacent the seat section. The seat section and the first and second outer leg support sections being configured to define a central opening therebetween. The apparatus also includes a removable center leg support configured for movement between a first position located within the central opening and coupled to the deck to provide a portion of the deck and a second storage position detached from the deck and located in the storage portion of the frame and below the deck.

Abstract: A bed having a base, a pedestal oriented between a top side of the base and a patient support deck to facilitate elevational movement of the support deck. The patient support deck includes a seat section which includes a deck plate. A pair of laterally spaced support brackets are provided on the patient support deck. Coupling elements are supported on each of the support brackets. Separate patient supporting devices are configured to operatively connect to a selected one of the two coupling elements is provided. A guideway is provided on each of the support brackets, the guideway supporting a frame and having a track thereon. A receptacle is mounted on the track and for movement relative to the frame, the receptacle being stowable beneath the deck plate and deployable so that the receptacle is oriented immediately below the perineal edge of the seat section.

Abstract: A foot section is provided for use with a patient support. The foot section includes a body and at least one support coupled to the body.

Abstract: A bed having a base, a pedestal oriented between a top side of the base and a patient support deck to facilitate elevational movement of the support deck. The patient support deck includes a seat section which includes a deck plate. A pair of laterally spaced support brackets are provided on the patient support deck. Coupling elements are supported on each of the support brackets. Separate patient supporting devices are configured to operatively connect to a selected one of the two coupling elements is provided. A guideway is provided on each of the support brackets, the guideway supporting a frame and having a track thereon. A receptacle is mounted on the track and for movement relative to the frame, the receptacle being stowable beneath the deck plate and deployable so that the receptacle is oriented immediately below the perineal edge of the seat section.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a patient support and a removable section. A locking mechanism includes interactive members supported by the patient support and the removable section for releasably securing the removable section to the patient support.

Abstract: A labor grip mechanism on each side of a main frame of a birthing bed, each labor grip mechanism having a post with a free end and a hand grip mounted on the free end. A first mounting construction is provided for slidably supporting each post for simultaneous movement between a first position wherein the hand grip is stowed underneath the patient support and a second position wherein the hand grip is oriented wholly out from underneath the patient support. A second mounting construction is provided for supporting each post for simultaneous rotational movement between the second position wherein the hand grip is also oriented in a plane beneath the plane of the patient support and a third position wherein the hand grip is oriented in a plane above the plane of the patient support. A hand grip positioning device is provided for facilitating the rotational movement only when the posts are in the aforesaid second or third position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a patient support and a removable section. A locking mechanism includes interactive members supported by the patient support and the removable section for releasably securing the removable section to the patient support.

Abstract: A patient support lighting system for use with a patient support and including a light fixture configured to be automatically positioned based upon the location of the patient support.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for supporting a table assembly of a patient table. The lifting apparatus includes a lower base, an upper base securable to the table assembly, and at least one pair of non-intersecting front and rear lift arms holding the upper base above the lower base. Each lift arm includes a lower end pivotally connected to the lower base, an upper end pivotally connected to the upper base, an elbow located between the lower and the upper ends, an elongated lower portion extending between the lower end and the elbow, and an elongated upper portion extending between the elbow to the upper end. The lower and the upper portions connect at an angle at the elbow. The lifting apparatus provides a combination of both vertical and horizontal movement of the table assembly and also nests in its lowered position in order to minimize the table's overall height when lowered.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck coupled to the frame. The frame includes a storage portion. The deck includes a head section, a seat section and first and second laterally spaced apart outer leg support sections adjacent the seat section. The seat section and the first and second outer leg support sections being configured to define a central opening therebetween. The apparatus also includes a removable center leg support configured for movement between a first position located within the central opening and coupled to the deck to provide a portion of the deck and a second storage position detached from the deck and located in the storage portion of the frame and below the deck.

Abstract: A labor grip mechanism on each side of a main frame of a birthing bed, each labor grip mechanism having a post with a free end and a hand grip mounted on the free end. A first mounting construction is provided for slidably supporting each post for simultaneous movement between a first position wherein the hand grip is stowed underneath the patient support and a second position wherein the hand grip is oriented wholly out from underneath the patient support. A second mounting construction is provided for supporting each post for simultaneous rotational movement between the second position wherein the hand grip is also oriented in a plane beneath the plane of the patient support and a third position wherein the hand grip is oriented in a plane above the plane of the patient support. A hand grip positioning device is provided for facilitating the rotational movement only when the posts are in the aforesaid second or third position.

Abstract: A nursing bed has a lifting device mounted on the front frame so that the patient is still able to change the upper part of the body and a sliding device mounted between the mediate frame and the rear frame so that the rear frame is able to move sidewardly relative to the mediate frame of the nursing bed.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus including a patient support and a removable section. A locking mechanism includes interactive members supported by the patient support and the removable section for releasably securing the removable section to the patient support.

Abstract: A birthing bed includes a patient support having a central opening into which a removable foot section is inserted. A foot section attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the foot section to the patient support.

Abstract: A labor grip mechanism on each side of a main frame of a birthing bed, each labor grip mechanism having a post with a free end and a hand grip mounted on the free end. A first mounting construction is provided for slidably supporting the post for movement between a first position wherein the hand grip is stowed underneath the patient support and a second position wherein the hand grip is oriented wholly out from underneath the patient support. A second mounting construction is provided for supporting the post for rotational movement between the second position wherein the hand grip is also oriented in a plane beneath the plane of the patient support and a fourth position wherein the hand grip is oriented in a plane above the plane of the patient support. A hand grip positioning device is provided for facilitating the rotational movement only when the post is in the aforesaid second or third position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck coupled to the frame. The frame includes a storage portion. The deck includes a head section, a seat section and first and second laterally spaced apart outer leg support sections adjacent the seat section. The seat section and the first and second outer leg support sections being configured to define a central opening therebetween. The apparatus also includes a removable center leg support configured for movement between a first position located within the central opening and coupled to the deck to provide a portion of the deck and a second storage position detached from the deck and located in the storage portion of the frame and below the deck.

Abstract: A birthing bed includes a patient support having a central opening into which a removable foot section is inserted. A foot section attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the foot section to the patient support such that the foot section is not aligned with the patient support until the foot section is fully inserted into the patient support and latched to the patient support, and such that the foot section is aligned with the patient support only when the foot section is fully inserted into the patient support and latched to the patient support.

Abstract: A patient support having a frame supporting a patient supporting surface as well as supporting a pair of foot rest mechanisms thereon. The pair of foot rest mechanisms are each selectively movable from stowed positions beneath the patient supporting surface to deployed positions thereof which straddle a drop leaf foot section forming a part of the patient supporting surface. As the drop-leaf foot section is moved to a vertically upright position, a space between the two foot rest mechanisms is available for physician use. Further, as the drop leaf foot section is moved in the vertically upright position toward the floor, a mechanism is provided for preventing contact of the foot end of the drop leaf foot section with the floor.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a deck coupled to the frame. The frame includes a storage portion. The deck includes a head section, a seat section and first and second laterally spaced apart outer leg support sections adjacent the seat section. The seat section and the first and second outer leg support sections being configured to define a central opening therebetween. The apparatus also includes a removable center leg support configured for movement between a first position located within the central opening and coupled to the deck to provide a portion of the deck and a second storage position detached from the deck and located in the storage portion of the frame and below the deck.

Abstract: A new and useful OB/GYN examination chair is provided, which is lightweight and collapsible for convenient transport or storage, and which is readily erected to an examination position in which it supports an OB/GYN patient in a convenient position for an OB/GYN examination or procedure. The chair comprises a collapsible structure having a seat, a back rest, a pair of armrests and a pair of substantially planar leg rests. The leg rests are spaced apart from each other to enable a patient's legs to be supported thereon in an abducted position suitable for an OB/GYN examination, and define therebetween an examination/demonstration space in which an OB/GYN caregiver can conduct an OB/GYN examination or procedure. Additionally, the seat has support structure which enables a slidable basin to be integrally connected with the seat. The chair has a seat which is relatively short in comparison to typical chairs designed as furniture pieces.

Abstract: A mattress includes a head section, a seat section and first and second outer leg support sections. The seat section and the first and second outer leg support sections are configured to define a central opening therebetween. The mattress further comprises a removable center leg support section configured for movement between a first use position located within the central opening to provide a portion of the mattress and a second storage position detached from the mattress and located below the mattress. A drip flap is coupled to the seat section and first and second outer leg support sections of the mattress. The drip flap is configured to extend downwardly below a bottom surface of the mattress adjacent the central opening of the mattress.

Abstract: A birthing bed for assisting a mother deliver a baby in a fashion so as to use more natural forces which consists of a tilted surface with a movable back support and a cord means which can be used by the mother to pull upward while pressing downward againist biased foot supports which are connected to the cord means.

Abstract: A hospital bed (10) especially adapted for use by a woman giving birth. The bed includes a base (11) on which a litter frame (12) is positioned. A foot frame (24) that carriers a complementary lower mattress (26) is slidably attached to the end of the litter frame. Foot rests (30) are mounted to foot pans (28) that also extend rearward from the litter frame. The foot rests are attached to the foot pans by linkages (32). The linkages stow the foot pans under the foot frame and hold them above the foot frame when their use is required. When use of the foot rests is required, they are merely pivoted around the sides of the foot frame and lower mattress. No components need to be reset in order to set the foot rests for use. A leg rest (34) is attached to the underside of each foot rest. When use of the leg rests is desired, the foot rests are rotated around the linkages to present the leg rests to the birthing mother.

Abstract: A mattress intended for use with a hospital bed such as a maternity bed. The mattress includes a seat section overlies a complementary seat weldment of the litter of the hospital bed. The seat section includes a perineal end located above the perineal edge of the seat weldment. The seat section of the mattress has a perineal pillow wedge assembly that is positioned below a cushion. The perineal pillow wedge assembly includes a load plate that pivots upwardly relative to the perineal edge of the seat section. A mechanism, such as an inflating bladder, is employed to pivot the distribution plate. The pivoting of the distribution plate compresses the perineal end of the cushion. Consequently, a person lying on the mattress is seated against a relatively hard surface. During the delivery process, this hard perineal end surface functions as the surface against which the mother presses to facilitate the delivery.

Abstract: An invalid bed arrangement with bed pan facility including a bed frame. Also included is a seat assembly for allowing a user to be selectively uprighted. The seat assembly further has a bottom portion with U-shaped cut out formed in an end thereof. Further provided is a leg rest assembly adapted to be selectively positioned remote the seat assembly. The leg rest assembly comprises a U-shaped protrusion, whereby the leg rest assembly may be maneuvered between a first orientation with the leg rest situated adjacent the seat assembly and the U-shaped protrusion thereof engaging the U-shaped cut out of the bottom portion of the seat assembly and a second orientation with the leg rest situated distant the seat assembly. Finally, a bed pan is situated adjacent the U-shaped cut out of the bottom portion of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A leg holder system for simultaneously positioning in the abduction and lithotomy dimensions including a support device for supporting a leg cradle; a clamping device for mounting the proximate end of the support device to a mounting device having a first axis and selectively clamping and releasing motion of the support device about the first axis and about a second axis transverse to the first axis. An actuator device for actuating the clamp to selectively clamp and release simultaneously the support device and the mounting device; and an operator device remote from the clamping device and actuator device for operating the actuator device to enable the support device to move simultaneously about the first and second axis in both the lithotomy and abduction dimensions.

Abstract: A hospital bed (10) especially adapted for use by a woman giving birth is disclosed. The bed includes a base (11) on which a litter frame (12) is positioned. A lift assembly (14) attached to the base and is connected to a inner frame (50) located inside the litter frame. The lift assembly moves the inner frame and litter frame up and down. The litter frame is pivotally connected to the inner frame so that the litter frame can be selectively moved in the Trendelenburg position. A Fowler frame (16) is attached to the litter frame so that it can be both pivoted upwardly from the horizontal and selectively moved toward the seat end of the litter frame. Foot rests (30) are attached to the under surface of the litter frame and can be swung into position as needed. Leg rests (34) are mounted to the under surface of the foot rests and likewise be simply pivoted in place. A foot frame (24) is attached to the seat end of the litter frame and can be readily separated from the rest of the bed.

Abstract: The obstetric device according to the invention has two balloon or ring-shaped bodies (1, 2) of essentially identical design, which are positioned on an axis which runs in the horizontal direction when positioned for use, where the upper sections of the bodies (1, 2) are separated from one another by a gap (8) which narrows in the downward direction and their top sides form a seat (7) for a parturient sitting on the two bodies (1, 2), and a pedestal-like base (9) which can be positioned in an essentially stable, fixed spatial relationship to the bodies (1, 2), and has footrests (10) on which the feet of the parturient can be supported. In a preferred practical example, the pedestal-like base (9) has a fluid-tight catch basin (11) and a projection (16) which reaches over and behind the bar (3) connecting the bodies (1, 2) to one another. The obstetric device enables the parturient to assume a relaxed position during childbirth and a secure and gentle birth for the child to be born. (FIG.

Abstract: A hospital bed has a base with casters, a main frame mounted above the base, a patient support platform movably mounted on the main frame including a leg panel, and a toilet module disposed beneath the patient support platform and normally concealed by the leg panel. The platform moves toward a head end of the bed retracting the leg panel from over the toilet module exposing the toilet module for use. The leg panel pivots downwardly after exposing the toilet module, and a head panel pivots upwardly to configure the hospital bed into a chair position. Bolsters are located outboard of each lateral edge of the leg panel and provide side support to a patient moving from the platform to the toilet module and back. A pair of pivoting footboard halves or foot gates are operably mounted to the platform and retract with the platform to between the foot and head end casters. Downward forces applied to the foot gates when utilized as hand rails are applied intermediate the foot and head end casters.

Abstract: A parturition bed having a lying surface (1) transversely divided into two mutually adjustable parts has a main supporting part (2) and a leg supporting part (3) that may be adjusted from a common lying plane into planes approximately parallel to the lying plane located at different heights with respect to each other. The leg supporting part (3) can be moved when in a lowered position in relation to the main supporting part (2)in the longitudinal direction of the parturition bed into a free space located below the main supporting part (2), at least in the pelvis supporting area of the latter.

Abstract: A turn stand is disclosed for moving an individual who has physical impairments but can support himself in a standing position for a short time. The turn stand is utilized for moving the individual from one location to an adjacent location, for example, from a bed to a wheelchair, and comprises a base member disposed on a floor surface and a platform secured superjacent to the base member which is capable of selective rotation with respect to the base member and upon which the individual stands. A ball bearing swivel is attached to the base member and is also secured subjacent to the platform for permitting selective rotation of the platform relative to the base member. An upright pole is attached to the platform and terminates at a pair of handles which can be gripped by the individual so that the individual can support himself on the platform during the transfer or movement from one location to another.

Abstract: A hospital bed that is convertible to a chair for patient egress from the foot end of the bed. A patient support platform has serially hinged, normally horizontal head, seat, thigh and foot panels. To convert the horizontal bed to the chair configuration, the patient support platform in the lowermost vertical position is translated longitudinally toward the foot end of the bed. The head panel is pivoted upwardly and the foot panel pivots downwardly to a generally vertical attitude. The foot panel includes a collapsing portion which telescopes into a pivoting portion to thereby avoid interference with the floor as the foot panel is pivoted to a vertical attitude. When converted to the chair configuration, an area is vacated at the foot end of the bed to provide a space for docking a wheelchair or other ambulatory assisting device.

Abstract: A birthing board is disclosed which is portable, simple, and inexpensive. The birthing board has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end and a back end with the front end being substantially thicker than the back end, so that the top surface is generally inclined from the back end to the front end. The top surface is curved to provide lumbar and pelvic support along a central axis which extends from the front end to the back end, and has a concave shape to support a woman's buttocks and hips in the vicinity of the front end and in a dimension transverse to the central axis. The front end is recessed in the vicinity of the central axis. The bottom surface of the board is convex in shape in a dimension transverse to the central axis and generally level in dimension parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: A mattress for a birthing bed has three bladders inserted within a foam slab. A lumbar bladder and upper back bladder are on the birthing bed head panel and are attached at their borders to the foam mattress to promote uniform inflation. A seat bladder firms the seat when it is necessary for patient treatment procedures.

Abstract: A patient support system comprises an inflatable mattress supported on a platform of articulable links by a support system mounted on a weigh frame. The weigh frame is supported on a base frame supported relative to a floor. A pneumatic system includes a platform-mounted blower directing air through passageways in the articulable links. An exhaust passageway parallels the pressure passageway for exhausting opposite the blower. Air flow into and out of air cells in the mattress are controlled by valves coupling the pressurized air chamber and exhaust chamber to cell ports. A connector assembly is used to couple the cells to the platform, to adjacent cells, and to tubes connected to other cells. A footboard assembly is formed as two gates that swing out from the foot of the bed. Each gate has a storable tray that is positionable on either side of the gate. A headboard has a removable central panel for providing emergency patient access.

Abstract: A foot section for a birthing bed has a central panel and two lateral plates that function, in an inclined attitude, as footrests and in a vertical attitude as posts for receiving calf supports. The calf supports are stored in holsters on the underside of the footrests. The mattress is in three sections, with the outboard sections being hinged to a central section so as to be swung upwardly upon the central section thereby exposing the footrests without having to remove the whole foot section.The central panel can be removed with the mattress and is adapted to be stood on its end for temporary storage, thereby conserving floor space.

Abstract: A delivery bed includes two spaced foot support assemblies which project outwardly from one end thereof. Each foot support assembly includes a first horizontally extending member having a top surface with transversely extending grooves and having a bottom surface, and a second member having two spaced, transversely extending rods which respectively slidably engage the top surface and bottom surface of the first member, the second member having therein a foot-shaped recess. A pad can be removably supported on the two foot support assemblies without any need for additional support structure for the pad intermediate the foot support assemblies. The pad is held in place by two fastening straps which extend downwardly between the foot support assemblies and are each releasably coupled to a respective one of the foot support assemblies. Alternatively, the pad can be held in place by brackets on the pad which releasably engage brackets provided on the foot support assemblies near the outer ends thereof.

Abstract: A foot section for a birthing bed has a central panel and two lateral plates that function, in an inclined attitude, as footrests and in a vertical attitude as posts for receiving calf supports. The calf supports are stored in holsters on the underside of the footrests. The mattress is in three sections, with the outboard sections being hinged to a central section so as to be swung upwardly upon the central section thereby exposing the footrests without having to remove the whole foot section. The central panel can be removed with the mattress and is adapted to be stood on its end for temporary storage, thereby conserving floor space.

Abstract: A birthing bed has a base, an intermediate frame mounted on the base with a power-actuated linkage to raise and lower the intermediate frame with respect to the base. A main frame is pivotably mounted on the intermediate frame so that it can be shifted from a horizontal position to an inclined Trendelenburg position. The intermediate frame is adapted to be lowered to bring the patient support surface to a very low level. In that level, the bed can be shifted to a Trendelenburg position with limit switches causing the intermediate frame to rise in order to accommodate the shift of the main frame to the inclined Trendelenburg position.

Abstract: A side guard for a hospital birthing bed has an elongated control panel and a shallow inverted U-shaped handrail extending from the front to the rear of the panel. The handrail is spaced from the panel and provides multiple positions for the mother to grip the panel during the time of her labor. A parallelogram linkage is provided for shifting the side guard from an operative position above the patient support to an inoperative position tucked below the patient support. A dashpot is provided to dampen the speed of the movement from the operative position to the inoperative position.

Abstract: A birthing bed has a base, a frame supported by a parallelogram linkage above the base and articulating body support panels mounted on the frame. A mechanism, mounted in the frame, is provided for raising and lowering of the frame with respect to the base and for operating the articulating body support panels. The body support panels include a head panel that is pivoted adjacent a seat panel. A flexible plastic shield overlies the joint between the seat and head panel to protect the operating mechanism from fluids discharged during the birthing process.