Abstract: The bed system has a rectangular frame, with a mattress assembly mounted on the frame. The mattress assembly has upper and lower wooden strip layers and intervening foam blocks. Each wooden strip layer has a plurality of relatively thin, somewhat flexible laterally-oriented wooden strips arranged in proximity to each other from top to bottom of the frame, with each strip extending from one side panel to the other side panel. There are three foam blocks, namely two outer foam blocks and one central foam block, running from head to foot of the bed between the wooden strip layers. A padded layer, preferably of foam approximately 5 cm thick, is positioned on top of the mattress assembly, extending substantially across the full width and length of the mattress assembly. Preferably positioned on top of the padded layer is a sheep's wool mattress pad, also with a cotton cover. Conventional sheets can be used to cover the mattress assembly, padded layer, and mattress pad.

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 adjustable bed having a bed frame, an assembly supported by the frame and including base and back portions, and a mattress foundation supported on the base and back portions. A motor when operated moves the back portion from a generally flat orientation to a raised orientation generally about a pivot axis and generally radially out from the pivot axis as it is pivoted to the raised orientation. The head end edge of the back portion travels generally in a vertical straight line up.

Abstract: A reclining chair having a back rest member which may be reclined. In one embodiment the reclining chair has means to allow it to be tilted. A pivotable joint is provided along the upper support members of the chair which allow such members to be pivotably bent proximate their midsection thereby allowing a greater degree of tilt of the seat member situate thereon than would otherwise be the case if there was no pivotable joint and the upper support members and the seat member thereon were tilted by simply lowering one end thereof. In another aspect, a lower leg support member is provided which rotatably extends upon the back rest of the chair being reclined, so as to support the calves of a user of the chair in a substantially horizontal position when the chair back is likewise reclined to a substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning the oral cavity of a dental patient are described. A method includes: providing: a pivotable chair with: a reclinable back; and a headrest connected to the reclinable back, the headrest including: a bracket for attaching the headrest to the reclinable back; and a pad connected to the bracket, the pad including an internal perimeter that defines a hole through which a prone patient's nose and mouth can protrude so that the prone patient's oral cavity can be reached from below the prone patient; locating the dental patient on the pivotable chair in a prone position so that the dental patient's nose and mouth protrude through the hole; pivoting the pivotable chair; and reaching into the dental patient's oral cavity from below the dental patient. The systems and methods provide advantages in that back and neck stress on the dentist is reduced while dental prophylaxis is facilitated.

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 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 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 table including an articulated deck having a head section, a seat section, a foot section and at least one of the sections is coupled to the frame for movement between a generally horizontal position and a tilted position about a first effective axis above a patient support surface of a mattress of the deck. Pivoting and translation of the deck section extends and contracts the deck sections relative to each other to match the expansion and contraction of the skin of patient as the deck sections move between their horizontal and tilted positions.

Abstract: Treatment apparatus supporting a patient lying in a generally prone or supine position for manipulation includes a base and a table supported thereabove for movement between selected different horizontal positions or working levels for treatment of the patient. The table is tiltable toward and away from an upright position for facilitating the patient in mounting and dismounting before and after treatment and includes a foot piece adjacent an end of the table for supporting the patient when mounting and dismounting. A plurality of cushions are mounted for movement along the table to selectably adjustable positions for accommodating patients of different size and shape.

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 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: A covered cushion is provided for continuously supporting a patient over gaps which occur between adjacent sections of a surgical table. The cushion is formed with a soft foam upper layer and a flexible lower layer which is sufficiently rigid to form a support for continuously supporting the weight of a patient across a gap located between adjacent sections of the surgical table. The lower layer is formed from an x-ray transparent sheet of material such as polypropylene, with a thickness of approximately 2 mm such that the polypropylene layer is flexible while also sufficiently rigid to form a bridge supporting a patient across the gap in the surgical table. The upper layer and lower layer are surrounded by an outer cover formed of an upholstery material, such as vinyl.

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: A chair bed for supporting a person is provided, the chair bed having a head end, afoot end, and opposing sides. The chair bed includes a frame and a deck supported on the frame. The deck includes head, seat, and foot sections. A mattress is mounted on the deck and has an upwardly-facing patient surface. The mattress also has head, seat, and foot portions corresponding, respectively, to the head, seat, and foot sections of the deck. The head section of the deck and the mattress portion thereon is pivotable from a generally horizontal down position through various positions upwardly to a back-support position. A pair of side rails is mounted on each side of the chair bed. Each pair of side rails includes a body section side rail mounted to move with the deck seat section and extending laterally adjacent the deck head and seat sections and a head section side rail mounted to move with the deck head section relative to the body section side rail and extending adjacent only the deck head section.

Abstract: A sectional bed (10) having a bedframe (34), a mattress section holder (16) attached to the bedframe (34) and a number of independent mattress sections (14) for support, removably attachable to the mattress section holder (16). A traveling frame (36) movably connected to the bed (10) and a shuttle (48) connected to the traveling frame (36) for use in removing and replacing each of the several independent mattress sections (14) are provided. By this means, the ability to independently separately remove sections of the bed (10) is provided. As a result, this present invention eliminates and/or alleviates four of the major problems associated with the care of bedridden patients; those being: 1) bedsores; 2) bedpan usage; 3) linen changing; and 4) patient bathing.

Abstract: A deck is provided for a bed which is configured to support a mattress including a lower mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall, and an upper mattress section having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall. The deck includes an upper deck, and a lower deck coupled to the upper deck by a deck side wall so that the lower deck is spaced apart from the upper deck to define a recess of the deck. The lower deck is configured to support the lower mattress section within the recess of the deck with the bottom surface of the lower mattress section engaging the lower deck. The side wall of the deck is configured to be located adjacent the side wall of the lower mattress section. The top surface of the lower mattress section is aligned generally in a plane of the upper deck. The upper deck is configured to support the upper mattress section with the top surface of the upper mattress section extending above the upper deck to provide a body support surface.

Abstract: A bed including a frame, an articulating deck on the frame having head, seat, and foot deck sections, and a mattress on the deck. The deck foot section and mattress foot portion have a first length when the foot section is in the up position and a second length shorter than said first length when the foot section is in the down position. A first driver varies the length of the deck foot section, and a second driver moves the foot section relative to said seat section between the generally horizontal up position and the generally vertically downwardly extending down position.

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 simple, inexpensive ratchet type latch mechanism for maintaining a movable portion of an articulated structure in an elevated position relative to a stationary portion of the structure on which the movable portion is pivotably mounted. The latch mechanism includes a ratchet plate pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the stationary portion of the structure and has an elongate ratchet slot with a plurality of ratchet notches, an escapement plate slidably mounted to the ratchet plate for movement between a first position wherein the ratchet notches are exposed, and a second position wherein the ratchet notches are covered. A crank arm is pivotally connected at one end to the movable portion of the structure and has a pin at another end thereof which projects from the crank and through the slot in the ratchet and through the slot in the escapement plate.

Abstract: A sickbed, comprising: a first bed frame, provided with a plurality of fixed bed planks of mutual distance to support the patient's body and allow him to sit up or lift the legs, thus changing his posture; a second bed frame, vertically movably mounted below the first bed frame; a plurality of movable bed planks, which are mounted on said second bed frame, at a suitable height above said second bed frame, keeping certain distances from each other and being placed in gaps between said fixed bed planks; a first driving device to drive the second bed frame's movement up and down; and a second driving device to drive the first bed frame. Its improved parts include two lateral turning frames to help the patient to turn around, each further comprising a shaft and a plurality of parallel support planks of mutual distance, which are mounted on said shaft, placed in gaps between the fixed bed planks and the movable bed planks, and are movable in a rotary movement as driven by said shaft.

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: A bed is provided having a head end, a foot end, and sides. The bed includes a frame and a deck carried by the frame. The deck includes an upper deck portion and a central, longitudinal recess in the upper deck portion. The recess is defined by a lower deck portion and walls connecting the lower and the upper deck portions. The bed also includes a mattress including a planar, upwardly-facing patient surface, side portions resting on the side deck portions, and a central projection extending downwardly into the recess. A first longitudinal deck section is coupled to the deck to pivot about a pivot axis above the lower deck portion between a generally horizontal position and a tilted position.

Abstract: A hospital bed that converts from a bed configuration to a chair configuration that is used in combination with different care/therapy modules. When in the chair configuration, the bed is designed to interface at its foot end with the different care/therapy modules to facilitate the use of such modules. The care/therapy modules include, for example, a general purpose cart, a motorized leg exercise device, a walking exercise device, a non-motorized leg exercise device, a commode, a wheelchair and/or a hydrotherapy unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning the oral cavity of a dental patient are described. An apparatus, includes: a pivotable chair including: a reclinable back; and a headrest connected to the reclinable back, the headrest including: a bracket for attaching the headrest to the reclinable back; and a pad connected to the bracket, the pad including an internal perimeter that defines a hole through which a prone patient's nose and mouth can protrude so that the prone patient's oral cavity can be reached from below the prone patient. The systems and methods provide advantages in that back and neck stress on the dentist is reduced while dental prophylaxis is facilitated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive for adjustable parts of recliners or beds, comprising a multi-part housing, at least partly sealed off against the outside, in which electrical drive components, such as an electric motor, and mechanical drive components, such as a linkage, are located, where at least all the electrical drive components are located in the sealed section of the housing and in which the mechanically movable components leading out of the sealed housing section are sealed off against the wall of the housing section by means of a seal. The purpose of the invention is to create a drive for adjustable parts of recliners or beds which offers sufficient safety when used in damp or wet environments.

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: 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: A convertible wheel chair/bed for paralyzed invalids comprises a support on which the invalid rests, the support comprising a plurality of support segments which define a support surface. The support segments can be moved simultaneously so the parts of the skin which were in contact with some support segments are relieved from pressure and exposed to air so that perspiration on that portion of the skin can evaporate, while other parts of the skin of the invalid are engaged and supported by support segments.

Abstract: A surgery table including a table top attachment providing for extreme angular positioning of a patient. The surgery table includes a base supporting a support column, and an articulated patient support portion pivotally attached to an upper end of the column. The table top attachment is attached to an articulated section of the table for movement with the articulated section whereby the attachment may be positioned at an extreme reverse Trendelenburg position. When the attachment is detached from the surgery table, the surgery table may be used in a conventional manner to position a patient in a plurality of articulated positions.

Abstract: An automatic control system for controlling the firmness of a fluid supported mattress of a bed assembly. The control system includes a motorized fluid pump, a control unit for operating the pump to adjust the firmness of the air mattress, a hand held remote control unit for actuating the control unit, and a transceiver system for transmitting information signals between the hand held unit and the control unit. The air control system provides for independent control of both bladders in a two bladder air mattress from a single unit, and allows a user to consistently set the firmness of each mattress air bladder to a desired value. The air control system includes an air pump specially designed to minimize transmission of motor noise into the environment.

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 bed includes a base frame, a deck coupled to the base frame, an electrical communication network, an air handling unit mounted on the base frame, a plurality of air therapy devices located on the bed, and a plurality of control modules. Each control module includes a connector for coupling a corresponding air therapy device to the air handling unit and to the electrical communication network. Each control module also includes a controller for operating the corresponding air therapy device with the air handling unit based on command signals received from the electrical communication network.

Abstract: A side extender assembly for providing additional width to a surgical table. The side extender assembly includes an extender frame having at least one support leg integral therewith. The support leg includes a recess for receiving a side rail of the surgical table, and a tang defining an upper portion of the recess which extends over and behind the side rail in a mounted position. A stud is threadably engaged with the support leg for engaging a lower edge of the side rail to wedge the support leg into firm engagement with the side rail in the mounted position. A thumb screw is threadably engaged with the support leg for contacting the table frame to counteract a moment force applied against the side extender assembly by a patient. The extender frame includes an x-ray passage for permitting an x-ray panel to be inserted through the side extender assembly to a location within a frame of the surgical table.

Abstract: A bed apparatus is provided which has a support frame, a rotation frame and a bed plate structure. The rotation frame has a one-end side and other-end side supported in a width direction so that one of these end sides each serving as a fulcrum is rotatable in a direction in which an opposite-end side of the rotation frame is raised. A link mechanism is connected to the rotation frame and driven by a drive source. The bed plate structure comprises a middle bed plate assembly and a pair of side bed plate assemblies connected to the middle bed plate assembly such that these side bed plate assemblies can be rotated in the raised direction only. With the rotation frame rotated, one of these side bed plate assemblies which is situated on a lower side in the rotation direction is abutted against the support frame to allow the bed plate structure to be bent upwardly.

Abstract: A convertible gurney (10) has an outer fixed support frame (12) which includes a pair of side frames (16) connected by lower horizontal cross frame members (30). An inner frame (14) includes a base (84) and hinged segments (42, 46 and 48) which define rear, seat and leg segments. Inner frame (14) is positioned between the side frames (16) and removably connected thereto by four fasteners (90). A detachable manual operator (170) is mounted on a selected side frame (16) opposite a bed (36) for a patient and effects movement of the segments (42, 46, 48) between gurney and chair positions by operation of a hand crank (184). Each side frame (16) has a foldable side panel (190) which may be utilized in transfer of a patient between a bed (36) and the convertible gurney (10). A patient is first positioned on a hard transfer board (36) as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 and moved with the transfer board (36) across the side panel (190) forming a bridge between the bed (36) and the convertible gurney (10).

Abstract: An improved articulated bed with linearly retractable head and foot sections for easier shipment in a relatively small container that may be assembled by the purchaser without any tools. The bed includes a central frame with telescopic head and foot sections that linearly retract into the central frame. The central frame houses the head and foot drive motors, linear actuators, and rocker shafts that pivot mattress support panels upwardly from the extended frame.

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 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: An articulated bed having a modified standard bed frame that supports an independent power module, replaceable without disassembly from the frame. The modified frame is the well known horizontally collapsible angle iron frame type with castered legs. The frame includes a pair of side rails each having head and foot rail portions pivotally connected at their ends for packing and shipping, that interengaged one another when assembled in the home. The modification in the frame is that the side rails are inverted and the legs are somewhat lengthened to accommodate the power module. After the frame is assembled in the home, a pair of "U" shaped cross members is attached across the frame and the power module fixed to the tops of the cross members. Then a folded for shipping mattress support assembly is unfolded and attached to the top of the frame over the power module.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes a mattress frame having pivotally interconnected sections, a main or base frame supporting the mattress frame and telescoping leg assemblies. A first motor drive actuator is supported on the main frame. The first actuator engages a crank arm or lever fixed to a head section of the mattress frame. A second actuator is mounted on the base frame. A second actuator engages a crank arm attached to a knee section of the mattress frame when the actuator is moving to a fully retracted position. A cable carrier is engaged by the second actuator as it moves to a fully extended position. A cable assembly interconnects the cable carrier with the telescoping leg assemblies. The second actuator positions the mattress sections in a knee break position and moves the mattress frame between low and high positions.

Abstract: In an articulated bed having a motor for raising and lowering the bed, a control circuit operated by the user has first user memory for storing a first user variable indicating a user-selected first preferred bed position and a recall button by which the user can command that a handler routine in the control circuit return the bed to the first preferred bed position indicated by the first user variable. Further, the control circuit can have a tracking memory for frequently storing a tracking variable indicating the current position of the bed and a "store" or "program" button or control by which the user can command that the first user variable be set to equal the current tracking variable. Thus, any time the bed is in a position preferred by the user, the user can push the "store" button to store a user variable indicating the preferred bed position in the controller's memory; then afterwards the user can have the bed return to that preferred position by pressing the "recall" button.

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 invalid bed for use in hospitals and the like for invalids or bed-ridden patients to provide multiple adjustment mattress configurations. A segmented mattress support is positioned on a multi-sectioned platform on a bed frame with longitudinal and transversely divided lift elements selectively elevating a headrest portion and/or leg portion transversely in relation to the bed or longitudinally, both portions along its central axis. The portion of the mattress and its support is apertured to accept a disposable bed pan which extends below the bed.

Abstract: The present invention has the object of providing a configuration of bed so that the fixed bed frame in rotary-type bed does not disturb care given to a physically handicapped person lying on the bed. A rotary bed frame (6) rotatable around a vertical axis is provided on the fixed bed frame (1) placed on the floor, with a front screen (3) attached to the front side, and a movable mat support member (23) which receives a mat (32) foldably provided, which is divided into a back receiving part, a waist receiving part and a leg receiving part, is provided on this rotary bed frame (6). The rotary bed frame (6) is rotated by an appropriate drive, and at the same time, the back receiving portion (23b) is caused to stand up prior to rotation. Furthermore, the front side portion of the bed frame (1) at least has a transverse width (L) permitting stepping over.

Abstract: A bed assembly for preventing the occurrence of bed sores on long term patients includes a bed frame which has a structural perimeter framework. An inflatable mattress has a bottom supported on the bed frame. The mattress has a top and a mattress periphery surrounding the top. A covering overlies the top of the inflatable mattress. The covering has a covering periphery. A plurality of tensioning devices are placed about the covering periphery and connected between the covering and the structural perimeter framework for holding the covering taut and smooth over the top of the inflatable mattress, and for holding down the mattress and preventing the mattress periphery from bending upwardly when a patient lies on the inflatable mattress.

Abstract: An automated tri-fold bed includes a bed frame, a mattress support that is pivotable between a horizontal configuration and a mattress folding configuration, and a mechanism for pivoting the mattress support about a transversely centered longitudinal pivot axis. The pivoting mechanism includes an actuating arm attached to the mattress support and an actuator for moving the actuating arm to pivot the mattress support. A mechanism is also provided for folding at least one end of the mattress support about a transverse axis to permit raising of one end of a mattress on the mattress support.

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 kinetic rehabilitation device employing controlled passive motion for use in the rehabilitation of the lumbar spine. The device includes a frame, a body support secured to the frame, a control panel, a first and second member secured to the support and pivotally attached to diametrically opposed sides of the frame, and a screw drive assembly for pivoting the first and second members about said frame. A first optical sensor assembly is mounted on one of the pivoting members to zero the body support about its longitudinal axis. A second optical assembly is mounted on the screw drive assembly to feed positional information to the control panel.

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.