Abstract: A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame for supporting a body, a peer-to-peer communication network having a plurality of connection points, and a plurality of modules. Each module is electrically coupled to a selected connection point of the peer-to-peer communication network. Each module is configured to perform a dedicated function during operation of the bed, and each module is configured to communicate over the peer-to-peer communication network with selected other modules.

Abstract: An adjustable bed which includes a first frame and a second slide frame upon and relative to the first frame. The first frame includes side guides along which roll rollers carried by slide rails of the slide frame. The slide frame includes a backrest frame, a seat frame and a thigh/leg frame. The backrest frame is defined by opposite pairs of head arms and back arms transversely connected by crossbars between the head arm and between the back arms. A pair of extendable/retractable members are connected one to each of the crossbars. The extendable/retractable members are relatively extended in a first position in which the backrest frame, seat frame and thigh/leg frames are disposed in a substantially horizontal plane and a second position in which the backrest frame is raised and the seat frame is closer to a head end of the frame.

Abstract: A tabletop has sections that are relatively movable to positions in which the tabletop is configured to support a patient in a generally kneeling prone position suitable for lumbar examination. An angular section of the tabletop has a torso support surface configured to receive the patient's torso when the patient is in the generally kneeling prone position. The angular section further has a leg support surface configured to receive the patient's upper legs when the patient is in the generally kneeling prone position. The torso and leg support surfaces of the angular section of the tabletop have a permanently fixed angular orientation relative to each other and face upward in directions that diverge from each other. This configuration of the angular section enables the tabletop to impart an especially accessible orientation to the patient's lumbar vertebrae.

Abstract: An examination table including a base member supporting a seat section and including a back section pivotally supported on the seat section. The back section includes an elongated pivot frame connected to the seat section at a pivot connection, and a sliding frame supported for longitudinal sliding movement along the pivot frame. A coupling member is supported on the pivot frame for rotational movement and includes telescoping members engaged with the sliding frame wherein the coupling member is rotated by a linkage during pivotal movement of the back section to cause the sliding frame to move longitudinally of the pivot frame to accommodate movement of a patient's back relative to the pivot frame as the pivot frame is pivoted.

Abstract: A medical examination table having an apparatus for support and securing the backrest to an inclined position, self-adjusting drawers having a resilient extension fixedly connected to at least one of two side panels of the drawer, wherein the drawer is slideably connectable within multiple sized drawer openings, a retractable footstep having a platform slideably received within a cavity of the table and able to be locked in an extended position and a retractable leg rest having a shelf member slideably received within another cavity of the table and having a lip and a pad for continuously supporting the patient's leg.

Abstract: The bed frame includes a base frame and an articulating upper frame. The base frame includes a head end, a foot end, and oppositely disposed, longitudinally extending sides. The articulating upper frame comprises an upper body section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a lower leg section. The articulating upper frame is mounted on the base frame for longitudinal shifting of the articulating upper frame relative to the base frame. A first drive assembly for raising and lowering the upper body section includes linkage connected to the upper body section such that, tilting movement of the upper body section shifts the articulating upper frame longitudinally relative to the base frame. A second drive assembly for raising and lowering the thigh section includes linkage connected to the lower leg section such that, when the thigh section tilts upwardly, the lower leg section tilts downwardly.

Abstract: Motorized adjustment of the configuration of a bed in its support of a user in an automatic "sleep" mode is controlled to establish the bed in state A (FIG. 3) pre-selected for sleeping on the side, or state B (FIG. 2) pre-selected for sleeping on the back, in dependence upon whether the user's shoulder as sensed by a pressure pad (26) is within a recess (27) of the mattress (1). A motor unit (8) adjusts the bed-configuration by inclining bed-base sections (4,5) under commands from a controller (15 FIG. 4) that for the "sleep" mode operates in conjunction with an auxiliary unit (16 FIG. 4) coupled to the pad (26). Delays for changeovers between states A and B and the changeover threshold are set by controls (31, 33 and 34) of the auxiliary unit (16).

Abstract: A surgical stretcher includes a patient-support deck having a substantially planar back section coupled to a frame for pivoting movement about a transverse pivot axis. The back section includes a frame member having first and second corner portions. The first corner portion is transversely spaced apart from the second corner portion, and the first and second corner portions are longitudinally spaced apart from the transverse pivot axis. An actuator couples the back section to the frame. The actuator is lockable to prevent pivoting movement of the back section relative to the frame, and is releasable to allow pivoting movement of the back section relative to the frame. A release rod is coupled to the back section and movable to release the actuator.

Abstract: An articulated medical bed for supporting a person in articulated movement is disclosed. The bed comprises a main frame defining a base and an articulated support frame including an upper body section pivotally connected to the base, a seat section pivotally connected to the upper body section and a detachably mounted lower leg section pivotally connected to the seat section. An elongated link member pivotally connects the lower leg section to the base. A glide member is mounted on the seat section and supported for linear movement along the base whereby the seat section is supported for rocking movement about the glide member. A linear actuator is connected to the upper body section for simultaneously actuating the upper body section, seat section and lower leg section in articulated movement. A side rail is supported on the base and includes telescoping inner and outer horizontal rail members extending between vertical rail members.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a platform having a flank panel connected pivotally to a lateral margin of the seat or platform by means of a hinge device, wherein the hinge device comprises at least two mountings and a moulding comprising an elongate flexible web bridging mounting formation which are releasable securable on the mountings; wherein one of the mountings is provided on or secured to the lateral margin of the platform and the other of the mounting is provided on or secured to a margin of the flank panel; so that the web of the moulding provides a flexible bridge between the platform and flank panel.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to support a mattress. The apparatus includes a base platform that is formed to rest on a box spring and to include slots therethrough, a plate hinged to the base platform, and a bladder fastened between the plate and the base platform. In addition, the apparatus includes a fastener mechanism coupled to the plate and adapted to block sliding movement of the mattress relative to the plate and a strap coupled to the base platform. The strap extends through the slots and is configured to extend about the box spring to hold the base platform on the box spring.

Abstract: A stretcher includes a first actuator coupled to a head section and a second actuator coupled to a thigh section. A set of buttons accessible to a patient carried by the stretcher are coupled to motors that drive the respective first and second actuators. The buttons are pressed to move the thigh section through a full range of motion and to move the head section through a limited range of motion. A switch inaccessible to the patient is pressed to move the head section through a full range of motion. Lockout switches are provided for disabling the buttons and the switch. A first hand crank is coupled to the first actuator and is manually rotated to move the head section through the full range of motion. A second hand crank is coupled to the second actuator and is manually rotated to move the thigh section through the full range of motion. A CPR release handle is provided for quickly lowering the head section to the lowered position without the use of the buttons, switch, or first hand crank.

Abstract: A patient support stretcher which includes a base and a main frame portion coupled to the base through at least one pair of crossbars forming an X-shaped configuration. The crossbars are pivotally connected to one another and are pivotally connected to the base and the main frame portion. A back support or a fowler section is hinged to the main frame portion and a strut interconnects the back support to the main frame to provide the requisite balanced leverage for effecting the simultaneous lift of the main frame and the fowler section.

Abstract: A device for adapting a surgical operating table such that the upper torso of the patient can be raised in order to place the patient in a seated position, the device further providing the means of exposing or supporting a side of said patient's upper torso and limbs. The device contains a continuously adjustable positioning mechanism, and corresponding actuator for said mechanism, in a way that a user can rapidly and conveniently put a patient in the desired position, from a supine posture to a fully seated position. Additionally, the device does not render the surgical table permanently modifed, as the process of modification is reversible by means of a simple attachment mechanism. The device uses a back support section hingedly connected to a base frame, this base frame providing the attachment support to the surgical table. Side support panels are either moved out of the way on the patient's operative side, or left in place to provide support to the unaffected side.

Abstract: An adjustable supporting table generally comprises a basic frame, a first moveable bracket, a first pulley assembly, and a first driving device. The basic frame includes a main traverse rod. The first moveable bracket is pivotally attached to the basic frame and is provided with a traverse rod. The first pulley assembly is configured with a plurality of basic frame pulleys, a plurality of first pulleys, and a first cable. The basic pulley assembly is rotationally disposed at the main traverse rod of the basic frame. The first pulleys are rotationally disposed at a traverse rod of the first moveable bracket. The first cable is routed along those plurality of basic pulleys and first pulleys. The first driving device is fixedly disposed on the basic frame for extending or rewinding the first cable. Wherein when the first driving device is actuated, the first cable can be extended or wound such that the first moveable bracket can be disposed at a desired position.

Abstract: A bed for supporting a patient having a seat panel and a back panel coupled together by a joint assembly that allows the panels to rotate about an axis coincident with the patient's hip joint.

Abstract: A bed frame is provided with a base plate. The base plate has a fixed base plate portion secured to the bed frame, a hip plate portion and a back plate portion sequentially and rotatively connected to an end of said fixed base plate portion and a first leg plate portion and a second leg plate portion sequentially and rotatively connected to another end. The back plate portion is arranged to be raised by a back elevating mechanism. When the back plate portion has been raised, the hip plate portion is moved in synchronization with the rotation in the raising direction. At this time, since the back plate portion is raised to make an angle larger than that of the hip plate portion, the hip of a user is not held between the fixed base plate portion and the back plate portion.

Abstract: A folding sofa bed frame structure has a TV control link and an associated toothed ratchet element connected thereto, by which the rear end section of the structure can be selectively positioned in two differing "TV" positions. A cam portion on the ratchet element automatically effects disengagement from either TV position upon pivoting of the rear end section into a substantially perpendicular relation to the main intermediate section of the structure. The ratchet arrangement is effective to automatically engage into and disengage from either TV position without manual manipulation, other than manual lifting of the rear end section, and is automatically effective to disengage when the bed frame structure is folded into the sofa frame.

Abstract: An adjustable foundation for use with a bed frame. The foundation includes a base part and an adjustable head end part. One or preferably a pair of improved hinges hingeably attach the head end part to the base part. Each of the hinges includes a first mounting plate and a second mounting plate pivotally connected to the first mounting plate, a hinge latch, a trigger pivotally attached to the hinge latch, and a catch fixedly attached to the second mounting plate. During the raising of the head end part the catch enters a selected one of the notches in the lower edge of the hinge latch to hold the head end part at a selected fixed raised position. When it is desired to lower the head end part the head end part is raised beyond the highest fixed raised position, which causes the catch to engage a trigger notch wherein the trigger establishes a lowering position for lowering the head end part.

Abstract: A device for tilting the top end and/or bottom end of a bed, includes two hingedly connected frames and a control unit operably connected thereto for adjusting the spacing therebetween. One fixed frame is supported on the bed base while the other, movable frame supports one end of a mattress. The fixed frame comprises two parallel co-planar tubes and the movable frame consists of a U-shaped frame pivotably mounted on and between the tubes. The control unit is attached to the fixed frame and controls the longitudinal translation of slide blocks with worm screws. The blocks are slidable along the tubes to tilt the movable frame relative to the fixed frame. The worm screws are mounted in the two tubes and the control unit is located outside the area encompassed by the fixed frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for the relative positioning of the upper body, neck, and head of infants and young children for airway management and resuscitation. The apparatus is comprised of a support platform with a plurality of cylinders of various diameters which are secured beneath the platform and may be positioned so as to adjust the platform to the proper angle and elevation for the youth laid thereon. A pair of strips of hook and loop fastener are affixed to the lower surface of the platform which cooperate with a pair of bands of hook and loop fastener affixed around the cylinders. A mat is movably secured to the upper surface of the support platform and may secure an x-ray plate to permit the use of a portable x-ray machine for viewing possible lung collapse and the proper insertion of endotracheal tubes.

Abstract: A bed 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. An alternative pneumatic system includes fans distributed on the platform in association with sets of mattress 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.

Abstract: In order to therapeutically move and flex limbs of a person who has undergone severe trauma and who is in need of the assistance of a therapist, a table, which is slidably supported on a tiltable chassis, is connected with a drive mechanism which allows the stroke of reciprocative movement of the bed back and forth along the chassis, to be adjusted so that one or more pieces of supportive apparatus cyclically bend and straighten the arms and legs of a person on the bed in a manner which flexes the joints and muscles in the limbs and promotes blood circulation and other beneficial effects. The support structure, which supports the limbs of the patient, can be adjusted with respect to the chassis so that degree of limb flexure can be varied in accordance with individual/current needs.

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: A bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame for supporting a body, a peer-to-peer communication network having a plurality of connection points, and a plurality of modules. Each module is electrically coupled to a selected connection point of the peer-to-peer communication network. Each module is configured to perform a dedicated function during operation of the bed, and each module is configured to communicate over the peer-to-peer communication network with selected other modules.

Abstract: In a collapsible bed structure for bed-ridden invalids, a bed section is provided on an upper open end of a bathtub, the bed section having at least first, second and third bed plates each pivotably connected at their neighboring side. A link structure is provided to change the bed section between a rest position in which the first, second and third bed plates are horizontally supported and an operative position in which the first, second and third bed plates are supported in a chair-shaped configuration within the bathtub. A pedestal plate is pivotably placed at one end by a hinge to the first plate of the bed section, the pedestal plate having a rack operative to move the pedestal plate upward around the hinge so as to raise the haunches of an occupant lying on the bed section to expedite the occupant's divestiture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mattress retention bracket for an adjustable bed to prevent an associated mattress from sliding laterally thereon. The mattress retention bracket in a preferred embodiment of the invention is a generally U-shaped member defined by a bight portion and a pair of legs with each leg having first and second end portions normally offset from each other. Terminal ends of the legs are secured to an underside of a mattress supporting member and first end portions and a bight portion of the U-shaped member lie contiguous peripheral edges of the mattress supporting member and the mattress to prevent relative shifting therebetween as a user/patient ingresses or egresses the bed. In lieu of the latter, another mattress retention bracket is substantially of a T-shaped configuration defined by an arm and a depending leg with the leg having first and second end portions defining an angle generally normal therebetween.

Abstract: A patient bed including castors (1) resting against the floor, legs or a base frame, and a bed framework (2) and a mattress (3), the mattress further including a number of elongated mattress elements (3', 3", etc.), aligned parallel in the longitudinal direction of the bed, and the bed framework being made of a framing of the patient bed to which framing are attached tubes (8) or similar slats, aligned parallel with the mattress elements of the bed and forming an essentially horizontal plane in which each tubular slat is aligned in the crosswise or longitudinal direction of the bed to essentially coincide with a furrow adapted between the mattress elements. The invention is implemented so that the patient bed is provided with means (5-7) for moving the mattress (3) essentially in the vertical direction between a first plane defined by the tubular slats and a second plane below the first plane and for stopping the mattress at a desired elevation between the two planes.

Abstract: With reference to FIG. 1 , there is described a support apparatus (1) for supporting a patient at an adjustable position. A handle (5) is provided by which an operator may apply an adjusting force to the support apparatus (2). A locking mechanism (12) retains the support apparatus at a required position. A release mechanism is also provided to release the locking mechanism (12) to allow adjustment. This release mechanism comprises a cable (19), a portion of which extends in proximity to part of the handle (5) so that in use the operator may clasp the cable (19) to the handle (5) thereby to pull the cable (19) and activate the release mechanism.

Abstract: A hospital bed includes a frame assembly having a two-part mattress support comprised of a head mattress support and a foot mattress support, with the head mattress support including a head portion and a horizontal ramp articulated to one another, and with the foot mattress support including an front portion and a rear portion articulated to one another. The head mattress support is movable in a horizontal direction relative to the foot mattress support and tiltable in a vertical direction while the front portion of the foot mattress support is tiltable in a vertical direction, with the rear portion of the foot matress support movable between outer and inner positions to allow formation of an opening when the rear portion of the foot mattress support is moved to inner position. An upwardly open toilet pan which is supported by the frame assembly is movable in position for vertical registry with the opening when the rear portion of the foot mattress support occupies the inner position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a recliner having back and seat portions connected by a hinge and supported on a base for progressive relative adjustment between a bed configuration in which back and seat portions are substantially aligned and horizontal and a chair configuration in which the back is raised and the hinge drops during the progressive adjustment so as to maintain the centre of gravity of recliner and occupant substantially at constant height whereby to facilitate adjustment by an occupant, the back being pivoted on the base at a pivot position spaced from the hinge, the pivot position being adjustable towards and away from the hinge to adjust the recliner to accomodate occupants of different body weights.

Abstract: A rehabilitation bed for accommodating an obese person includes a main frame with separate forward and rearward frame structures connected together end-to-end and constituting mirror images of one another, forward and rearward deck structures for supporting a mattress thereon being mounted to and resting upon the forward and rearward frame structures, head and foot actuator mechanisms pivotally mounted to the forward and rearward frame structures and pivotally coupled to the forward and rearward deck structures, separate forward and rearward carriages underlying and supporting the respective forward and rearward frame structures of the main frame, front and rear actuator mechanisms respective pivotally coupled to a front linkage assembly of the forward carriage and a rear linkage assembly of the rear carriage and operable between extended and retracted conditions to pivotally move the front and rear linkage assemblies reciprocally along arcuate paths being mirror images of one another to cause the forward and

Abstract: The invention is a physical therapy table having moveable sections allowing the patient to be placed in different physical positions as part of an individual physical therapy regimen wherein the patient himself applies and controls extension, traction and mobilization therapy.

Abstract: A patient support means (16) of an operating table comprises several patient support sections (18,20,22,24) connected to one another and in the region of one of the sections is releasably connected with a support apparatus (10). The support section (18) connectable with the support apparatus (10) includes a lower plate portion (30) couplable with the support apparatus and an upper plate portion (32) translationally adjustably guided on the lower plate portion and connected with the remaining sections (20,22,24) of the patient support means (16), with the lower plate portion (30) being made in the form of a closed box in which the drive mechanism for the adjustment of the upper plate portion (32) is arranged.

Abstract: An adjustable articulated bed having a back support section, a head rest section, an angled lifting lever, and a crank assembly operatively connecting the bed motor to the lifting lever. A slidable pin-and-slot arrangement connects the head end of the lever to the head rest section. As the lever is pivoted it first tilts the head rest section up relative to the (horizontal) back support section to a relative tilt position. Continued pivoting of the lever causes it to engage, lift and pivot the back support section up about the lifting-lever pivot axis. The head rest section, while maintaining the relative tilt position, is pivoted up with it. A polyfoam foundation affixed to the tops of both the back support and head rest sections tends to drag or lift the back support section up as the head rest section is pivoted up.

Abstract: A posture change-over device is designed so that the posture of the head supporting frame when the back supporting frame is raised and pivoted can be selected from two postures; a posture where the head supporting frame is kept horizontal and a posture where the head supporting frame and the back supporting frame form one plane. Therefore, in the latter case, the bed can be used in the same manner as previous beds capable of raising the upper body, and in the former case, a user can raise his/her upper body without dropping the pillow or articles even when he/she raises his/her back.

Abstract: An oscillatory bed for providing improved patient care in a hospital, nursing home or home health care setting by shifting a person's weight in order to reduce or eliminate problems encountered in convalescence or bed confinement. The subject oscillatory bed is characterized by having a removable cradle assembly received on top of a bed frame assembly. The cradle assembly may be oscillated by a microprocessor controlled electric motor or oscillated manually. The cradle assembly includes a cradle base attached at opposite ends to a semi-circular foot board and semi-circular head board. The bed frame assembly includes a pair of parallel longitudinal support members attached at opposite ends to a foot board support member and a head board support member. The foot board and head board support members include roller bearings mounted inside thereof for receiving the semi-circular foot board and head board thereon.

Abstract: A multipurpose sickbed including a body turning-over mechanism, which includes a sheet-like bearing element upon which the sick person lies, and two revolving shafts connected to the sheet-like bearing element at two opposite sides and alternatively controlled to take up the sheet-like bearing element in turning over the body of the sick person, a sit-up mechanism controlled to turn a head plate and a back plate in helping the sick person to sit up, and a massaging mechanism controlled to reciprocate a transverse rod under the sheet-like bearing element in massaging the back of the sick person.

Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the pressures of a therapeutic mattress surface in accordance with the angular position of that surface. The apparatus comprises an angular position sensor and a rotation sensor which are housed together in an enclosure having a top surface in the form of a circular plate. The circular plate mounts either on the surface of the mattress or on the bottom of a bed frame supporting the mattress. The angular position and rotation sensors measure the horizontal plane referenced perpendicular to the direction of the force of gravity. The apparatus further comprises a controller blower valve assembly which processes data received from the angular position and rotation sensors to maintain, increase, or decrease the pressures within the mattress.

Abstract: An adjustable articulated bed manufactured in seven or so components for packing in three or so separate smaller boxes for easy transport. These components can be snap-fit together for easy assembly (and disassembly). The bed includes a bed frame, a power module or carriage and a bedding foundation. The foundation in turn includes a head portion and a body portion both of which are snap-fit securable in position to the power carriage. Pins releasably hold the roller assemblies of the power carriage to side rails of the frame for rolling moving of the carriage on the frame. A motor of the power carriage controllably moves the foundation head portion with respect to the frame and body portion. A drag link pivotally connects the head portion to the head rail of the frame. The drag link can be releasably connected at either end thereof or in the middle, snapping the two parts of the drag link together.

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: An emergency stretcher for emergency vehicles includes an X-frame litter support mechanism that vertically movably supports a patient litter on a wheeled base. Each of the legs of the litter support mechanism have the capability to expand and contract in length, and a fixed-length link member extends between the base and one of the legs. A releasable locking arrangement can releasably lock the patient litter in a selected vertical position, and can be released only when the patient litter is manually lifted. A gas cylinder which controls the angular position of a pivotally supported upper body support member can move into a recess in a cross member of the patient litter.

Abstract: A bed assembly (10) having a generally rectangular frame (22) and a mattress support (62, 64, 66, 68), the mattress support including a hinged head section (14) movable between raised and lowered positions, and an extender (76) supported by the hinged head section for extensible and retractable movement, the extender bridging the space between a headboard assembly (18) and the hinged head section when the hinged head section is in a raised position. An extender operating assembly (112) is provided for causing the extender to be extended towards the headboard assembly when the hinged head section is raised and for causing the extender to retract when the hinged head section is lowered. The extender operating assembly includes a sheave assembly preferably in the form of a pulley block (114) carried by the hinged head section, and a cord (116) having spaced apart ends and an intermediate section, the intermediate section (116.1) of the cord passing over the pulley block, one end (116.

Abstract: An adjustable articulated bed including a bed foundation having a body member and a generally separate head member, a mattress supported on the foundation, an electrical motor coupled to the head member, and a support frame which supports the mattress, foundation and motor. The motor when operated pivots the head edge of the head member upwardly, moves the head member away from the body member along a roller-glide assembly, and together with the pivoting motion moves the entire foundation towards the head edge of the frame. Thereby, the head portion of the mattress does not slide with respect to the foundation head member and the head edges of the mattress and foundation travel up in a vertically straight line thereby remaining in constant close proximity to the wall at the head edge of the bed. Advantageously, the person lying on the bed experiences a similar movement; that is, his shoulders move in a straight vertical line.

Abstract: An oscillatory bed for providing improved patient care in a hospital, nursing home or home health care setting. The oscillatory bed is characterized by having hinged, adjustable side panels along opposite sides of the length of a cradle located in the oscillating bed, which can be raised from a flattened position to form a "U" shaped cradle configuration during the operation of the bed. The adjustable side panels can be quickly lowered to the flattened position for emergency treatment of the patient or in changing of the bed. The oscillatory bed also includes a linear actuator in a head board section and in a foot board section. By raising the head board section, the patient's head and upper body are raised above the patient's feet. Also, the foot board section can be raised, and in turn the patient's feet are raised above the patient's head and upper body.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion physical therapy device for passively exercising the muscle groups especially surrounding the lumbar spine for postoperative and other rehabilitative therapy. An improved pivoting support displacement device, comprised of first and second actuators, for oscillating at least one pivoting support member is provided. The first actuator is associated with the upper torso support member and includes an output cam for imparting substantially linear motion to a connecting rod. The connecting rod is pivotally secured to one end of the output cam and at a selected location to an actuator cam. The actuator cam is secured to the axle to which is releasably secured a displacement cam. A push rod is releasably and pivotally secured between the displacement cam and the upper torso support member. The second actuator is associated with the lower body support member and includes an actuator cam and a displacement cam, each being substantially similar to those of the first actuator.

Abstract: A lifting device for swiveling a part of a piece of furniture includes a scissor jack attached to the part being swiveled and operated by a drive unit having a spindle and a gear motor which is connected to the scissor jack and runs along the spindle. Incorporated in the drive unit is a safety mechanism for stopping a movement of the scissor jack upon occurrence of a blockage. The safety mechanism includes a pair of disks rotatable about the spindle and engaging each other via a complementary tooth gearing provided about the perimeter of each disk. One disk is stationary and the other disk is a spring-loaded disk which is displaceable in axial direction relative to the one disk. In this manner, the disks can be disengaged upon blockage during downward movement of the scissor jack to disconnect the gear motor from its output element and to prevent a further movement of the scissor jack.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to present a bottom structure which allows a bed bottom to be bent at desired curvatures. This is achieved using a bendable bottom component 6 located between the back and waist portions and/or waist and leg portions of a bed bottom 2 which is comprised of parallel rigid strips 7 and flexible strips 8 located between the respectively adjacent rigid strips 7. The flexible strips 8 are formed as bendable sheets 9 connecting the respectively adjacent rigid strips 7 on the side to form the inside curve of the bottom. Guard rails 10 are provided longitudinally to cover both the ends, in the width direction of the bed, of the bendable bottom component 6. End contacts 11 of the guard rails 10 are engaged with the rigid strips 7, and have end caps 12 attached. The end contacts 11 are adjustable and connected with each other by connecting rods 15. The end caps 12 are formed to be thinner at the overlapped portions than the other portions.

Abstract: A bed has movable upper body and knee support sections, and first and second coupling arrangements which each couple a respective drive arrangement to one of the upper body and knee support sections to effect movement thereof between inclined and horizontal positions. Each coupling arrangement includes two telescoping tubes and a locking mechanism for releasably holding the tubes against relative movement, the locking mechanisms of both coupling arrangements being released in response to manual operation of a release handle. Each locking mechanism includes a transverse cylindrical locking element rotatably supported on a first of the tubes for movement between a locking position in which a portion thereof engages a semicylindrical recess in the second tube, and a release position in which the tubes are free to move relative to each other with a portion of the second tube which extends lengthwise thereof sliding within a transverse recess in the locking element.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a base frame and a mattress frame having a plurality of pivotally interconnected sections. A plurality of links are positioned between the base frame and the mattress frame. The mattress frame may be moved between a high position and a low position. A single linear actuator is connected to the mattress frame. The actuator is extendable and retractable to raise and lower the mattress frame with the mattress frame sections in a common plane. The actuator may also be retracted when the mattress frame is in the low position to articulate the mattress frame sections.