Abstract: An adjustable bed that enables a Gatch mechanism to be operated in an excellent fashion to match the flexing of a care recipient's body, and that is, moreover, useable as a superior low platform bed for care recipients. To this end, a parallel link mechanism having a pair of perpendicular arms is provided in the adjustable bed as part of a sitting-up mechanism, and by always keeping these arms in a perpendicular position, the sitting-up mechanism is operated with a position removed from the surface of a lower-back board by a prescribed interval as an imaginary rotation center when the bed is driven. This prevents any slippage of the care recipient's body in relation to the platform surface, thereby suppressing the occurrence of bedsores and realizing a natural sitting-up action that takes account of the care recipient's body movement.

Abstract: A fixed rod member is provided integrally with at least both sides of the lateral direction of the periphery of a bendable spring unit. A hinge mechanism is provided at the end portion of the fixed rod member. The hinge mechanism is connected by a movable rod member provided integrally with the periphery of at least one end portion of the spring unit. Thus, one end portion of the spring unit is configured to be bent together with the movable rod member.

Abstract: The disclosure generally describes a chaise longue having a base structure that supports a backrest section, a footrest section and an intermediate section. The intermediate section is connected between the backrest section and the footrest section. The base structure can include a first movable support that supports the backrest section and can articulate about a first stationary transverse axis. The base structure can also include a second movable support that supports the footrest section and can articulate about a second stationary transverse axis.

Abstract: An adjustable bed including a stationary frame is supported above a floor. An articulated deck comprising head, seat, leg and foot deck boards hingedly joined together is spaced above the frame with connectors. The connectors include generally inverted U-shaped tubes pivotally secured to the frame and secured to the deck boards. A gas spring is operatively coupled to the head deck board and pivotally secured to the frame. Activation of the gas spring in cooperation with the operator moves the deck boards.

Abstract: A convertible wheeled chair is easily changed by an attendant into a gurney of the same height as a patient bed. During the process of transferring a patient from an upright position to a reclining position, convertible wheeled chair shifts the center of gravity of the patient rearwardly, and therefore does not give the patient a sensation of sliding from the chair.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus having a base, a litter frame, an elevation mechanism interconnecting the base to the litter frame and being configured to effect changes in elevation of the litter frame relative to the base. The litter frame includes a pair of laterally spaced and longitudinally extending support rails and a plurality of laterally extending support rails interconnecting the longitudinally extending support rails so that the litter frame has a rectangular configuration. Selected ones of the laterally extending support rails are mounted to the elevation mechanism.

Abstract: A medical procedure table includes a base plate, a base column extending upwards from the base, a shuttle assembly telescopingly mounted to the base column, a carriage pivotably mounted to the shuttle assembly, and a main plate pivotably mounted to the carriage. A roll actuator subsystem includes a roll actuator mounted to the carriage and a piston pivotably connected to an arm, the arm pivotably connected to the main plate, and a linkage pivotably connected between the piston and the carriage.

Abstract: A medical chair provides a radiolucent backrest pivotally secured to a seat section. A pivoting push bar on the backrest pivots between an operative position, where it can be used to maneuver the chair, and a storage position where it does not compromise the radiolucent property of the backrest. The chair includes a leg support section, and the backrest and leg support section pivot between a chair structure and a stretcher structure. The pivoting of the backrest and legs support section are controlled by actuators that are positioned so as not to interfere with the radiolucent property of the backrest. A foot platform on the leg support section is connected to remain substantially parallel to the seat section as the leg support section is pivoted. A remote control allows for adjusting the configuration of the chair from points distant from the medical chair.

Abstract: In (?, ?) coordinates defined by a back angle ? and a knee angle ?, a pattern that connects between a coordinate point (0, 0) at which each of a back bottom and a knee bottom is horizontal and a coordinate point (?0, ?0) which is a final reaching point for a back lift-up operation and at which the back bottom is lifted up by a plurality of points is set, an optimal pattern which provides less slipperiness and less oppressive feeling is acquired beforehand, and a control section moves the back bottom and the knee bottom along the optimal pattern. This reliably prevents a carereceiver from slipping, regardless of subjective judgment by an operator or a carer, at the time of performing a back lift-up operation and back lift-down operation of an electric bed. It is therefore possible to prevent pressure from being applied onto the abdominal region and chest region of the carereceiver, thus relieving the carereceiver and carer of the burden.

Abstract: A mattress retainer for use with adjustable beds. The mattress retainer can be secured to an upper surface of a mattress support, between the mattress support and a mattress positioned thereon. In one embodiment, the mattress support is configured to engage a taped edge border of the mattress to thereby constrain movement of the mattress relative to the mattress support when the mattress support is articulated to raise and/or lower various portions of the mattress. The mattress retainer includes a channel formed on an outboard edge for receiving the taped edge border of the mattress. The taped edge border can be clamped within the channel to thereby fix the position of the mattress relative to the mattress support.

Abstract: A bed comprises a frame and a deck coupled to the frame. The deck includes a back section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section. An actuator is coupled to the back section to move the back section from a horizontal position to an elevated position relative to the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes at a minimum a head support and a back support pivotally connected to each other, a mechanism for pivoting the head support automatically from a first position horizontal and coplanar to the back support to an inclined position, and the latter mechanism being effective upon further operation to pivotally move the back support from its horizontal position to any one of a number of inclined positions without altering the inclination of the head support relative to the back support.

Abstract: A bedplate is disposed in a bed frame. The bedplate includes a fixed bed part, right leg-raising parts and left leg-raising parts. The fixed bed parts are secured to the bed frame. The right leg-raising parts are rotatably coupled, at one end, to one end of the fixed bed part. The left leg-raising parts are rotatably coupled, at one end, to the end of the fixed bed part. Said ends of the fixed bed part are spaced in the transverse direction of the bed frame. A bed part driving mechanism is provided on the lower surface of the bedplate. The mechanism drives one or both of the leg-raising parts of either pair, in a rising direction.

Abstract: An adjustable articulated bed with separate adjustable leg and head/back assemblies which support an articulating mattress. The invention is manufactured in three pieces specifically designed for economical shipping directly to consumers via United Parcel, FedEx or US Postal, and is easily assembled without tools. The appearance of the bed is similar to that of a standard bed box spring or platform foundation and may be assembled and placed on a traditional metal frame, headboard, or footboard with side rails. Optional adjustable height legs are threadably attachable into support brackets connected to the bottom of each assembly to adjust the overall height of the bed.

Abstract: A lounge chair with a frame having longitudinal and transverse bars and with spring elements held by the frame. The spring elements being in the form of an elastic textile structure held under prestress between the longitudinal bars and forming a supporting surface covering the frame. The textile structure is made out of synthetic threads. A first prestress of the textile structure at a right angle to the longitudinal bars in a first section is different from a second prestress of the textile structure at a right angle to the longitudinal bars in a second section.

Abstract: A reclining device (1) is described having a support (10) which can be moved back and forth between different positions automatically and continuously, so that the spinal column and other joints, for example of the hip, knee, leg, can be moved and exercised specifically.

Abstract: Presently described are several alternate embodiments for shield devices to enclose and thereby prevent entrapment of objects in the interior space formed by elements of an adjustable bed in the raised position. Such shield devices may include physical barriers. In other embodiments, the shield may include optical sensors that provide rapid detection of intruding objects, thereby activating controls that preclude the further movement of the adjustable bed mechanism. In a further embodiment, an operative shield may be provided by means of a specially adapted controller configured such that only an authorized user can cause the adjustable bed to operate, thereby preventing the possibility that the bed could be operated while any object has intruded into the interior space.

Abstract: A chair includes a seat rotatably attached to a base with a pivot axle and coupled to the base with an actuator, to adjust the seat relative to the base. A seat back is rotatably attached to the seat and coupled to the seat with another actuator, to adjust the seat back relative to the seat. A foot support is rotatably attached to the seat and coupled to the seat with a further actuator, to adjust the foot support relative to the seat. The seat is adjustable relative to the base, the seat back is adjustable relative to the seat, and the foot support is adjustable relative to the seat with different actuators. The foot support may include a foot pedal slidably coupled to a plate with another actuator.

Abstract: A surgical table having a patient support member mounted at the upper end of a column, the support member having at least two sections along its length, the two sections being mounted with one another on opposite sides of the table by respective gear means, each gear means including respective drive means for rotating the gear means about a common transverse axis, and the table including means for controlling operation of the two drive means so that they rotate the respective gear means through the same angle.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus which includes an elongate frame on which is reciprocally mounted a patient support deck that includes a head section, a seat section and a foot section. The foot section includes first and second sections. A hinge assembly is provided for pivotally supporting the first section for movement to and between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. An extendable and retractable track assembly is provided on the first section for supporting the second section for movement between an extended position wherein said foot section has a longest dimension and retracted position wherein the foot section has a shortest dimension. A latch mechanism is configured to latch the second section to the first section and includes a floor engaging latch release mechanism configured to effect an unlatching of the latch mechanism in response to an engagement thereof with a floor surface.

Abstract: Motor adjustable support device for the upholstery of a seat and/or of reclining furniture, especially suited for a bed mattress, including a base body having rails, and one adjustable support element adjustable relative to the base body. An adjusting device for the adjustment of the support device relative to the base body may be provided. One of the rails may be hollow or open on one side for receiving part of the adjusting device. The one adjustable element can be adjusted between a first adjustment position and a second adjustment position and that interacts with the support element, and that is received in the first adjustment position in a rail, or as viewed in a side view, for example, within the bounds of the rail, and that protrudes in the second adjustment position over the rail toward the support side.

Abstract: A method of controlling the lifting of bottom sections of lying furniture such as a bed that has a back bottom section for lifting the back portion of a lying person and a knee bottom section for lifting his/her knee portion, in which the respective bottom sections can be lifted by the lifting mechanisms respectively provided for them, characterized in that the respective bottom sections are so constituted that they can be operated selectively either respectively independently or in an interlocked manner in response to the command issued to a control means from an independent operation switch for operating each bottom section concerned independently or from an interlocked operation switch for operating the bottom sections in an interlocked manner, and that if the control means receives an interlocked operation command from an interlocked operation switch, it actuates the respective lifting mechanisms for operating the respective bottom sections in an interlocked manner, subject to the condition that commands

Abstract: A mechanical system for operating the back and knee bottom sections of a bed or the like in an interlocked manner, comprising a back lifting mechanism and a knee lifting mechanism connected with each other by an interlocking means, to ensure that they can be operated in such an interlocked manner that, halfway in the operation for inclining said back bottom section, said knee bottom section reaches the largest inclination angle, and that, before said back bottom section halfway in the action for inclination reaches the largest inclination, said knee bottom section returns to lie flat.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a frame, a deck including a seat section and a foot section movable relative to the seat section. The bed further including a mechanism that control movement of the foot section relative to the seat section.

Abstract: A method of controlling the coordinative lifting of bottom sections of lying furniture such as a bed that has a back bottom section for lifting the back portion of a lying person and a knee bottom section for lifting his/her knee portion, in which the respective bottom sections can be lifted by the lifting mechanisms respectively provided for them, characterized in that a pressure detecting means is interposed between the back bottom section and the back of the lying person, and when the back bottom section is pivotally rotated and lifted to be kept inclined from a flat state where all the bottom sections are kept down to lie flat, the knee bottom section is also adequately lifted, wherein the knee bottom section is controlled to decline when the pressure applied from the back bottom section to the back of the lying person and detected by said pressure detecting means has increased to a preset value.

Abstract: A universal adjustable bed is provided to accommodate twin, twin extra long, full extra long, queen, etc. adjustable beds through a single adjustable bed mechanism which can be accommodated in beds irrespective of the differences in sizes thereof. The adjustable bed mechanism includes headboard and footboard adjusting linkage mechanisms and drive mechanisms therefor with associated head, seat, thigh and foot boards, all unitized in a single assembly which can be “drop-in” assembled to an associated bed foundation. Significantly, the support frame includes locating or connecting points which correspond in transverse distances to like support points of the bed foundation irrespective of the width of the specific bed foundation. In this manner a single universal adjustable bed mechanism can be dropped-in and connected to an appropriate bed foundation to form a bed of virtually any conventional size.

Abstract: A surgical table includes a patient support deck includes a central section and at least one side section movably coupled to the central section. The at least one side section is movable between a first position substantially coplanar with the central section and a second position extending upwardly relative to the central section to inhibit lateral movement of a patient lying on the patient support deck.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus for supporting, and accommodating movement of patients with repetitive motion disorders. A chair of the present design will include a first sliding mechanism with carries a seat member along a range of motion relative to the over-all apparatus frame, and a second sliding mechanism for carrying the frame relative to a base. Either or both sliding mechanisms may be provided with shock absorbing or movement resistance features for further dampening a patient's movements.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extendable and retractable foot section for a medical examination table whereby the footrest is adapted to extend when the footrest section is raised to its generally horizontal height for use, and alternatively, retract when the footrest section is lowered to its generally vertical position for storage. The coordinated movement of the footrest section is accomplished through the use of a linkage assembly, a slidable footrest section, and a table footrest support frame. Additionally, an actuator is provided to operably cause the linkage assembly to rotate the footrest support frame while simultaneously sliding the footrest.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bed for accommodating heavy persons. The bed is particularly for use in hospitals, where heavy patients have to be treated. The invention provides a bed comprising a frame; a central support section mounted on the frame; two opposite end support sections, one being a head section and the other being a foot section, each mounted for pivoting movement relative to the central section; and drive means for driving the end support sections for pivoting movement relative to the central section; wherein the foot section has a platform which extends at an angle to the plane of the section, and the foot section can pivot to a position where the platform is substantially at ground level. In a particularly preferred embodiment the central section is mounted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis at or near to its edge adjacent the foot section and further comprises drive means for driving the central support section for pivoting movement about said pivot axis.

Abstract: An articulated bed convertible to a chair position is described. The bed comprises a mattress formed by a backrest section, a seat rest section and a leg rest section. The mattress backrest section and seat rest section are secured to a support frame. Articulating linkages are secured to the frame to articulate the sections. The support frame is elevated from a floor surface by a frame assembly having legs or casters to engage with a floor surface. The leg rest section of the mattress is secured to a retractable support frame. The mattress has at least a compressible section formed of compressible material. Compressible interconnecting members compress the compressible material to shorten the length of the compressible section. The compressible material is restrained as it is compressed and decompressed when the support frames are displaced from a horizontal position to an articulated chair position.

Abstract: The invention relates to profiling beds where sections of the bed can be raised or lowered for the benefit and comfort of the user of the bed. The object of the invention is to prevent a compression of the lower stomach of the user as sections of the bed are raised, an objective met by a construction comprising at least a head and upper body support hingedly connected to a frame, a seat support hingedly connected to the head and upper body support at one end and to the frame at the other, the hinged connections being such that as the head and upper body support is raised about its hinged connection to the base, the seat portion is lowered about its hinged connection to the frame, and the distance between said hinged connections in the longitudinal direction of the bed increasing as the said sections are simultaneously raised and lowered.

Abstract: A bariatric treatment system providing a comprehensive array of therapeutic services for the morbidly obese patient is disclosed. The treatment system generally comprises a stable bed frame upon which is mounted a low air loss therapeutic mattress system. Integrated hardware and software controls provide such therapies as pulsation, percussion, rotation, cardiac chair and Trendelenburg. Means are disclosed whereby the bariatric patient may safely and comfortably enter and exit the bed with relative ease. The bed is adaptable for transport within a hospital, including such features as a TRANSPORT MODE wherein the bed's lateral axis is minimized and battery backup to maintain necessary therapies during patient transport. A plurality of control means are disclosed for simplification of caregiver workload and ease of patient utilization.

Abstract: A wheelchair convertible into a gurney that includes a main frame, a rear frame and a supplemental rear frame pivotally secured to the rear frame. The main frame includes a back portion pivotally secured to a seat portion which is pivotally secured to a leg portion. The rear frame is pivotally secured to the back portion. A guide arrangement is provided that coacts with the supplemental rear frame and the main frame whereby the main frame is in a first position. The back portion, seat portion and leg portion are arranged so that they are in different planes and when the main frame is in a second position, the back portion, seat portion and leg portion are arranged so that they are in a gurney position.

Abstract: A bed for a person is provided. The bed includes a deck and/or a mattress having an adjustable length.

Abstract: The patient support apparatus includes a base frame and a patient support assembly. The patient support assembly is pivotably mounted the base frame and is moved by a first actuator to rotate between a horizontal position and an upright position. The patient support assembly includes an upper body portion, a lower body portion and a leg portion. The upper body portion, the lower body portion and the leg portion are pivotably interconnected with a linkage frame so that they can be moved in unison by a second actuator between a supine configuration and an upright, chair shaped configuration. Thus, the patient support apparatus is adjustable between a flat, bed shaped configuration and a seat shaped configuration and is also movable between a horizontal position and an upright position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of controlling the lifting of bottom sections of lying furniture such as a bed.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating a temperature of a body support structure including at least one bladder. A temperature modulator is coupled to the at least one bladder for varying the temperature of fluid within the bladder.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes a frame and a deck carried on the frame. The deck includes longitudinally-spaced apart and transversely-extending back, seat, thigh and foot sections, with at least the back, thigh and foot sections articulated relative to the frame. A back section drive is coupled to the back section to raise and lower the back section. A thigh section drive coupled to the back section and the thigh section to initially raise and then lower the thigh section as the back section is raised.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a base, a frame coupled to the base, and a mattress supported by the frame. The apparatus also includes a coupler for coupling a power pack to one of the base, the frame and the mattress. The power pack is pivotable between a first area substantially underneath the frame and a second area substantially outside the first area.

Abstract: An articulated bed convertible to a chair position is described. The bed comprises a mattress formed by a backrest section, a seat rest section and a leg rest section. The mattress backrest section and seat rest section are secured to a support frame. Articulating linkages are secured to the frame to articulate the sections. The support frame is elevated from a floor surface by a frame assembly having legs or casters to engage with a floor surface. The leg rest section of the mattress is secured to a retractable support frame. The mattress has at least a compressible section formed of compressible material. Compressible interconnecting members compress the compressible material to shorten the length of the compressible section. The compressible material is restrained as it is compressed and decompressed when the support frames are displaced from a horizontal position to an articulated chair position.

Abstract: An articulating bed frame includes a main frame; a back section connected to the main frame by first and second linkage assemblies, each of the first and second linkage assemblies being pivotally connected at first and third ends to the back section and pivotally connected at opposing respective second and fourth ends to the main frame; an upper leg section connected to the main frame by a third linkage assembly and a support link assembly, the third linkage assembly being pivotally connected at opposing fifth and sixth ends to the upper leg section and the main frame, respectively, and the support link assembly being rigidly connected at a seventh end to the upper leg section and being slidably and pivotably connected at an opposing eighth end to the main frame; a seat section pivotally connected at opposing ends to the back section and the upper leg section; a lower leg section pivotally connected to the upper leg section and freely supported atop a forward end of the main frame; and, a drive assembly conne

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: An articulated bed comprising at least one actuator (4) for adjusting the configuration of the bed and electronic control means (6) for controlling the operation of the or each actuator (4) according to the output of at least one position measuring device. Thus the configuration of the bed may be accurately set, regardless of the extent to which the bed is loaded.

Abstract: A support structure for supporting a portion of a body, the support structure including a support member having a support surface, wherein said support surface is divided into a plurality of pieces; and a mechanism configured to couple said plurality of pieces to each other, said flexible mechanism including: a fixed side member having a first plurality of overlapping plates which are arranged in parallel at intervals; a tilted side member having a second plurality of overlapping plates which alternately overlap on said first overlapping plates of said fixed side member; a coupling shaft which pierces an overlapping position of said first plurality of overlapping plates and said second plurality of overlapping plates to fasten said first plurality of overlapping plates and said second plurality of overlapping plates together, wherein said tilted side member is adapted to rotate around said coupling shaft to impart an angle on the support member.

Abstract: A wheelchair convertible into a gurney that includes a main frame, a rear frame and a supplemental rear frame pivotally secured to the rear frame. The main frame includes a back portion pivotally secured to a seat portion which is pivotally secured to a leg portion. The rear frame is pivotally secured to the back portion. A guide arrangement is provided that coacts with the supplemental rear frame and the main frame whereby the main frame is in a first position. The back portion, seat portion and leg portion are arranged so that they are in different planes and when the main frame is in a second position, the back portion, seat portion and leg portion are arranged so that they are in a gurney position.

Abstract: An adjustable bed includes at a minimum a head support and a back support pivotally connected to each other, a mechanism for pivoting the head support automatically from a first position horizontal and coplanar to the back support to an inclined positions and the latter mechanism being effective upon further operation to pivotally move the back support from its horizontal position to any one of a number of inclined positions without altering the inclination of the head support relative to the back support.

Abstract: A power-controlled bed mainly includes an upper bed frame on which a mattress divided into movable back, thigh, and leg rest parts and a fixed hip rest part is supported; a lower bed frame; at least one lifting mechanism pivotally connected at upper and lower ends to the upper and the lower bed frames, respectively; and a microcomputer controller for controlling operation of the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism may be manually controlled for the upper bed frame to statically stay at different positions, or be automatically controlled via the controller to dynamically shift the upper bed frame between two or more selected position combinations, so that the force of gravity is well utilized in the movements of the bed to promote a user's blood circulation, help clearing of sputum, enable sufficient supply of oxygen to the brain, do rehabilitation exercises, etc.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a bendable bottom member of a bed capable of being lifted in the back bottom member and/or the leg bottom member, etc, used for the bendable portion between the back region and the waist region and/or between the wasit region and the leg region, in which a plurality of bars are disposed side by side and connected bendably with each other to allow the whole extent of the connected bars to be shortened and extended and to be curved, so that it can be curved at a moderate curvature more suitable for the bending posture of a human body lying on the bed.

Abstract: A stretcher capable of transforming into a stretcher configuration and a wheelchair configuration, which increases the rigidity of its frame structure to facilitate retention of a posture of a patient, enhancing safety and is superior in the operability such that transformation is enabled by one operation. A frame of the stretcher is divided into at least four portions, i.e., an above knee portion (4) constituting a seat portion supporting a femoral region of a patient, a lumbar portion (3) included in a backrest supporting an upper portion of a body of the patient, an armrest portion (6) constituting an armrest, and a below knee portion (5) capable of supporting a lower limb region.