Patient support with wireless charging of electronic devices

Abstract

A patient support device includes a frame having a head end and a foot end. A support arm is operably coupled to the head end of the frame, and a vertical support is operably coupled to the support arm. A user interface support assembly is operably coupled to the vertical support and includes a housing configured to secure an electronic device. The housing includes a support mechanism configured to selectively support the electronic device on the housing. The charging assembly is arranged in the shell and is configured to charge electronic equipment fixed on the shell.

Description

[0001] Public domain

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to patient supports, and more particularly to a patient support having wireless charging capabilities for electronic devices.

[0003] Public Content

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support device includes a frame having a head end and a foot end. A support arm is operably coupled to the head end of the frame, and a vertical support is operably coupled to the support arm. A user interface support assembly is operably coupled to the vertical support and includes a housing configured to fix an electronic device, the housing including a support mechanism configured to selectively support the electronic device on the housing. A charging assembly is disposed within the housing and is configured to charge the electronic device fixed to the housing.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support device includes a frame having a head end and a foot end. A support arm is operably coupled to the head end of the frame, and a vertical support is operably coupled to the support arm. A housing is operably coupled to the vertical support and is configured to secure an electronic device. The housing includes a support mechanism configured to selectively support the electronic device on the housing, the support mechanism defining a shelf and a dynamically engaged component. A charging assembly is disposed proximate to a rear side of the housing and is configured to wirelessly charge an electronic device secured to the housing.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface support assembly for a patient support includes a vertical support member and a housing operably coupled to the vertical support member. At least one handle extends from the housing. A support mechanism is configured to selectively support an electronic device on the housing. The support mechanism defines a shelf and a dynamically engaged member. A charging assembly is disposed proximate to a rear side of the housing and is configured to wirelessly charge an electronic device secured to the housing.

[0007] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the attached picture:

[0009] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a patient support device of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a front view of a housing according to the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective exploded top view of a housing including wireless charging functionality;

[0012] Figure 4 is a side perspective view of an electronic device supported on a housing according to the present disclosure; and

[0013] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a user interface support component interacting with an electronic device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The embodiments shown in the present application are primarily in the combination of method steps and device components related to a patient support with wireless charging of an electronic device. Therefore, device components and method steps have been represented by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings where appropriate, but the accompanying drawings only show those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art who can benefit from the description herein. In addition, like numerical designations in the description and drawings represent similar elements.

[0015] For descriptive purposes, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall be used in conjunction with Figure 1 . Unless otherwise specified, the term "front" shall refer to the surface closest to the intended viewer and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface farthest from the intended viewer. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may adopt various alternative orientations unless otherwise expressly specified. It should also be understood that the specific structures and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims, and therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting unless otherwise expressly specified in the claims.

[0016] The terms "comprises", "includes" or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, so that a process, method, article or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the process, method, article or apparatus. If there are no more restrictive conditions, the element after "comprises one" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus that includes the element.

[0017] Reference Figure 1-Figure 4 , reference numeral 10 generally designates a patient support device, which includes a frame 18 having a head end 22 and a foot end 26. A support arm 30 is operably coupled to the head end 22 of the frame 18,

[0018] The vertical support member 34 is operably coupled to the support arm 30. The user interface support assembly 36 is operably coupled to the vertical support member 34, and the user interface support assembly 36 includes a housing 40 configured to fix an electronic device 44. The housing 40 includes a support mechanism 50 configured to selectively support the electronic device 44 on the housing 40. A charging assembly 54 is disposed within the housing 40 and is configured to charge the electronic device 44 fixed to the housing 40.

[0019] Now refer to Figure 1 , the patient support device 10 may include a hospital bed. Although described as a patient support device 10, within the scope of the present disclosure, the patient support device 10 may include a bed frame 60, a mattress 64, or any other suitable structure for supporting a patient, including but not limited to: other types of beds, operating tables, examination tables, stretchers, recliners, etc.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the patient support device 10 includes a base frame 66 and an upper frame 68 that can be coupled to the base frame 66. The upper frame 68 is operable between a raised position, a lowered position, and an inclined position relative to the base frame 66. The patient support device 10 also includes a patient support surface 70 defined by a mattress 64, which is supported by at least one of the base frame 66 and the upper frame 68. The mattress 64 can be in the form of a cushion including a foam base 72 and multiple layers.

[0021] The patient support device 10 includes a head end 22 and a foot end 26, with a headboard 88 disposed at the head end 22 and a footboard 90 disposed at the foot end 26. The patient support device 10 may include a pair of head guardrail assemblies 94 and a pair of foot guardrail assemblies 98. The pair of head guardrail assemblies 94 and the pair of foot guardrail assemblies 98 help reduce the possibility of the patient accidentally moving out of the bed and help keep the blanket and the heating accessories of the patient support in the appropriate position of the patient. In some examples, the interface 100 can be a graphical user interface that can be connected to the outside of at least one of the head guardrail assembly 94 and the foot guardrail assembly 98.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, the support arm 30 is connected to the head end 22 of the patient support device 10. Alternatively, the support arm 30 can be connected to at least one of the head guardrail assembly 94 and the foot guardrail assembly 98, or to one of the base frame 66 and the upper frame 68, but is not limited to these examples. The support arm 30 generally includes a fixed portion 108 and a pivotable portion 110. The pivotable portion 110 extends laterally from the fixed portion 108 and is configured to rotate relative to the fixed portion 108. The pivotable portion 110 is operably connected to the housing 40. It is worth noting that each of the support arm 30, the pivotable portion 110 and the vertical support member 34 includes a hollow structure that is configured to transmit a wire 111 to pass the wire 111. The wire 111 is configured to transmit power and / or data to the housing 40. The power provided by the wire 111 can be used to power a charger placed in the housing 40. In addition or alternatively, the power provided by the wire 111 can be connected to the socket 113 ( Figure 2 ) is operably connected. Receptacle 113 may be in the form of a universal serial bus ("USB") receptacle configured to receive any of a variety of USB cables, including USB-A connectors, USB-B connectors, USB-C connectors, etc. Receptacle 113 may deliver power and / or data to electronic device 44 via the electronic device connector. Receptacle 113 may include a cover, such as a spring-loaded door, to ensure that the receptacle is covered and prevents the ingress of debris when not in use.

[0023] The vertical support 34 can be a flexible cable or a generally rigid vertical member that can be attached to the pivotable portion 110 and can be repositioned to various different positions of the patient support device 10 according to user preferences. The housing 40 can be pivotally or rotatably coupled to the vertical support 34. The pivotable portion 110 and / or the vertical support 34 generally have superior flexibility to provide support for reaching the housing 40 at different angles and different positions relative to the patient support device 10. However, the housing 40 can be integrated with any suitable component of the patient support device 10.

[0024] The electronic device 44 defines a user interface in the form of a tablet computer, laptop computer, smart phone, etc., which can be fixed to the housing 40 for use by a caregiver or patient. The electronic device 44 may include touch screen functionality and may be generally rectangular in shape. However, it is also contemplated that the electronic device 44 may have a variety of other shapes that may be fixed to the housing 40. As described herein, the electronic device 44 may be configured to receive power from the wireless charging component 54. Alternatively, or in combination, the electronic device 44 may receive power and / or data via an electronic device connector that communicates with the electronic device 44 and the socket 113.

[0025] Reference now Figure 2, a housing 40 is shown. The housing 40 shown includes a front wall 120 and a rear wall 121. The housing 40 has at least one gripping surface 124, which may include one or more handles 128. As shown, the housing 40 includes two handles 128, each extending from the front wall 120 to the lower portion of the housing 40. The handles 128 may be coated with a material such as soft silicone to provide an enhanced gripping surface and are easy to clean. In addition or alternatively, the handles 128 may include a textured grip or a knurled grip with a high coefficient of friction, wherein the high coefficient of friction helps the user maintain a grip on the housing 40. The front wall 120 and the rear wall 121 are fixed to each other by fasteners 130, which are hidden by plugs 132. The plugs 132 provide a surface on the rear wall 121 that is easier to clean. The rear wall 121 is also connected to an upper support plate 134 and a lower support plate 135. The lower support plate 135 includes an aperture 136 through which a plug 138 extends. The plug 138 may extend through the rear wall 121 and may be in electrical communication with one or more circuit boards within the housing 40, as described in further detail herein. The plug 138 may include a receptacle 139, which may be any type of connector receptacle, including a USB-A connector, a USB-B connector, a USB-C connector, and the like. The plug 138 is generally configured to provide a connection receptacle for a patient or caregiver to connect the electronic device 44 to the rear wall 121 of the housing 40. The receptacle 139 of the plug 138 may be configured to provide power and / or data to the electronic device 44.

[0026] In some examples, such as Figure 2As shown, the handle 128 extends outward from the housing 40 to form a hole 140. The hole 140 is generally elliptical, oval or lanceolate, and its size allows the user's hand to at least partially pass through one of the holes 140, which can be convenient for holding the housing 40 or one of the handles 128. The support mechanism 50 is arranged near the middle portion of the housing 40 and can be located between the holes 140. The front wall 120 of the housing 40 also has a shelf 141, and the shelf 141 has shelf components 142 and 143. The shelf components 142 and 143 are located at the bottom of the housing 40 and are used to support items, including but not limited to books, magazines, electronic devices 44, etc. The charging interface 144 is located between the shelf 141 and the vertical support member 34. The charging interface 144 is configured to transmit power to the electronic device 44 through any of the various methods described herein, such as inductive coupling and capacitive coupling. A non-limiting example of a support mechanism is provided in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0007920, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. However, other support mechanisms and housing 40 include alternative gripping devices that may or may not include aperture 140 within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, one or more handles, cup handles, pulls, or knobs, etc., may extend from housing 40 to facilitate movement and gripping of housing 40.

[0027] Reference now Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the support mechanism 50 may include a dynamic engagement component, such as a latch actuator 150 having a latch mechanism 152 for selectively releasing a locking body 156. Releasing the locking body 156 may allow the locking body 156 to slide vertically within the opposing first and second channels 154, 158. At least a portion of the latch mechanism 152 may be disposed within an interior 160 of an upper end 162 of the locking body 156. The upper end 162 may be in the form of an arcuate body extending outwardly from a planar portion of the locking body 156. Alternatively, the upper end 162 may also be any suitable shape, may be rectangular or planar, and may include a non-slip cleanable surface.

[0028] In various examples, the latch actuator 150 includes a button 170, which can be generally flush with the upper end 162. Therefore, the shape of the button 170 is generally complementary to the shape of the upper end 162. In addition to the button 170 being flush with the upper end 162, the button 170 is molded to be the same color as the lock body 156, which can provide an aesthetic appearance of a seamless interface between the button 170 and the lock body 156. In addition, the button 170 generally has a continuous curved outer surface, which helps to form a seamless interface between the button 170 and the lock body 156. Although shown as a button 170, the latch actuator 150 can include any suitable component for actuating the latch mechanism 152, which can include, but is not limited to: a pull ring, a handle, a button, a toggle, etc. The button 170 can be biased by a spring in a higher position away from the shelf components 142, 143.

[0029] It is understood that the latch mechanism 152 may include an internal ratchet assembly that is configured to disengage when the button 170 is pressed so that the latch body 156 of the latch actuator 150 can move, and engage when the latch body 156 of the latch actuator 150 is released so that the latch actuator 150 cannot move. Therefore, the latch body 156 of the latch actuator 150 and the latch mechanism 152 can be used to secure the electronic device 44 to the housing 40. It is also contemplated that the latch body 156 is free to move downward at any time, and pressing the button 170 can cause the latch body 156 to move upward.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the shelf 141 is connected to the bottom of the housing 40 and is sized to receive the electronic device 44 ( Figure 1 ) edge, which may be a lower edge. As shown, the shelf 141 includes a first shelf component 142 and a second shelf component 143, which extend upward to fix the edge of the electronic device 44. However, the shelf 141 can adopt any suitable structure that provides a surface for the electronic device 44, which surface may include a single continuous portion, which may extend upward, or may not extend upward.

[0031] In addition, the locking body 156 also includes a flange 180 that extends downwardly from the latch actuator 150 to form a groove 184 ( Figure 4 ). The size of the groove 184 is designed to receive another edge of the electronic device 44, which edge can be an upper edge. The height or position of the flange 180 and the groove 184 can be adjusted by repositioning the locking body 156. Therefore, the electronic device 44 can be fixed to the housing 40 in a clamping manner by the shelf 141 and the flange 180. In this way, the housing 40 can accommodate electronic devices 44 of various sizes.

[0032] Reference now Figure 2-Figure 4, the charging assembly 54 of the present disclosure is generally configured to wirelessly charge or power various electronic devices 44, which can be placed on the housing 40 near the charging interface 144. It will be appreciated that any of a variety of wireless charging methods can be used to charge the electronic device 44. In addition, the charging assembly 54 can be integrated into a larger charging system that powers various components and accessories of the patient support device 10, such as those charging systems proposed in the commonly assigned U.S. patent application No. 17 / 708,100, entitled "WIRELESS POWER DISTRIBUTION IN PATIENT SUPPORT SURFACE". As previously mentioned, other power transmission methods such as inductive coupling and capacitive coupling can be used to transmit power from the charging interface 144 to the electronic device 44. These types of power transmission do not require a plug socket, thereby minimizing the number of surfaces that need to be cleaned during patient care. In addition, the charging interface 144 maintains an easy-to-clean power interface that can be quickly wiped, cleaned and disinfected. Therefore, a clean and sterile environment can be provided to the patient with minimal effort and time.

[0033] Reference now Figure 3 It is also contemplated that, as described herein, the charging assembly 54 may communicate with a DC power source 185 and / or a battery source 186 that is operably coupled to the patient support device 10. The battery source 186 may power other components of the patient support device 10, or may be a battery source 186 that is dedicated solely to providing wireless charging functionality between the housing 40 and the electronic device 44 located on the housing 40.

[0034] Reference again Figure 3 and Figure 4In the case of using inductive coupling to transfer power, it is contemplated that the charging assembly 54 includes a circuit board assembly that is in electrical communication with the inductive board 200 and the transmitting coil 204. The inductive board 200 and the transmitting coil 204 are collectively referred to as the transmitting element 208, which is disposed within the housing 40, generally directly behind the front wall 120 of the housing 40. The transmitting element 208 is configured to interact with the receiving element 209 of the electronic device 44 at the charging interface 144. It is understood that although the transmitting element 208 is disposed within the housing 40 near the charging interface 144, the transmitting element 208 can be disposed at a farther position within the housing 40. However, it is believed that optimal charging can be achieved when the transmitting coil 204 is placed closer to the front wall 120 of the housing 40. The main circuit board 210 functions to monitor and control the amount of wireless charging that the transmitting element 208 can achieve. The secondary circuit board 214 can also communicate with the electronic device 44 (when close to the housing 40) and the main circuit board 210. The secondary circuit board 214 can control the charging speed or include, for example, a circuit breaker. In addition, one or both of the main circuit board 210 and the secondary circuit board 214 can control not only the flow of power through the charging assembly 54 and / or the socket 113 and / or the socket 139, but also the flow and speed of data obtained at the socket 113 and the socket 139 of the plug 138. At least one of the main circuit board 210 and the secondary circuit board 214 can control the power output of the transmitting element 208. As previously described, the charging assembly 54 can communicate with a DC power source 185, such as a wall outlet. The charging assembly 54 can also contact the battery source 186 of the patient support device 10. If the main circuit board 210 or the secondary circuit board 214 detects a low power state of the battery source 186, the main circuit board 210 or the secondary circuit board 214 can restrict or limit the charging capacity of the charging interface 144 so as to be able to maintain any components or accessories that are operably coupled to the patient support device 10 and provide health-related features to the patient.

[0035] In one non-limiting example of an inductive coupling device, the transmitting element 208 disposed in the housing 40 and the receiving element 209 disposed in the electronic device 44 are both configured as coils. The transmitting coil 204 is configured to interact with the receiving coil disposed in the electronic device 44, and then an AC voltage is generated through the transmitting element 208 to form an oscillating magnetic field or electromagnetic field between the transmitting element 208 and the receiving element 209 of the electronic device 44. The oscillating magnetic field or electromagnetic field occurs at the charging interface 144. The electromagnetic field passes through the receiving element 209 of the electronic device 44, generating an AC voltage. The electronic device 44 includes a circuit configured to capture or extract power from the electromagnetic field and convert the power into energy in an electrical form. The electronic device 44 also includes a circuit for guiding and controlling the power supply to prevent overcharging.

[0036] In one non-limiting example of a capacitive coupling device, the transmitting element 208 and the receiving element 209 within the electronic device 44 are generally configured as electrodes. An alternating voltage is applied to the transmitting element 208 by a power source 185 extending through the vertical support member 34. This will generate an oscillating electric field, which will generally generate an alternating potential on the transmitting element 208. Capacitors are used to transfer electrical energy between the transmitting element 208 and the receiving element 209 within the electronic device 44. Any space between the transmitting element 208 and the receiving element 209 of the electronic device 44 acts as a dielectric. The electronic device 44 includes circuitry that captures or extracts power from the electric field and converts the power into energy in an electrical form. The electronic device 44 also includes circuitry for directing and controlling the power to avoid overcharging.

[0037] It is contemplated that other forms of wireless power transfer may be employed in the charging assembly 54, including, for example, magnetic resonance, loosely coupled resonance, electromagnetic radiation, etc., without departing from the teachings herein.

[0038] Regardless of whether capacitive charging or inductive charging is used, the charging interface 144 is used to wirelessly transfer power from the transmitting element 208 to the receiving element 209 within the electronic device 44 when the electronic device 44 is within a predetermined distance from the transmitting element 208. Generally speaking, in order to achieve greater energy transfer, the predetermined distance should be less than or equal to about 5 mm. Smaller amounts of energy can be transmitted over larger distances, such as less than or equal to about 10 centimeters. The receiving element 209 of the electronic device 44 collects energy from the charging interface 144, converts the energy into electricity, and transmits the energy to a battery within the electronic device 44, which can then store the energy and use the energy to activate features of the electronic device 44 later or during charging.

[0039] Refer to Figure 2-Figure 4It is worth noting that the transmitting coil 204 at the charging interface 144 is quite large and extends almost all the way between the holes 140. The large-sized transmitting coil 204 charges larger-sized electronic devices 44, such as laptops or tablets, and can also charge multiple smaller electronic devices 44 (such as two or more mobile phones) at the same time. It should be noted that the alignment between the receiving element 209 and the transmitting element 208 of any electronic device 44 may affect the power transmission efficiency at the charging interface 144. To assist in proper alignment, both the latch mechanism 152 and the shelf 141 can be useful. As an alternative to the latch mechanism 152 and shelf 141 features provided on the housing 40, or in addition to the latch mechanism 152 and shelf 141 features provided on the housing 40, the front wall 120 of the housing 40 may include a magnetic feature 230 disposed on the front wall 120 of the housing 40. The magnetic feature 230 can be configured to attract and secure one or more electronic devices 44 to the front wall 120 of the housing 40 without interfering with the energy transmission of the charging interface 144. Therefore, a proper charging arrangement can be maintained.

[0040] Reference now Figure 5 , shows an example structure of the user interface support assembly 36. In this example structure, the charging interface 144 includes a transmitting element 208, and the transmitting element 208 is operably connected to the controller 216 including the processor 218. The controller 216 also includes a memory 220, and the memory 220 is used to store a program 222 executed by the processor 218. In addition, the controller 216 also includes a communication circuit 224 for communicating with the transmitting element 208. The user interface support assembly 36 can be audibly connected to the battery source 186, the power supply 185, or both the battery source 186 and the power supply 185. When the electronic device 44 is placed at the charging interface 144 on the front wall 120 of the housing 40, the transmitting element 208 of the housing 40 is in electrical communication with the receiving element 209 of the electronic device 44. The controller 216 monitors the state of charge of the battery source 186, and if the state of charge of the battery source 186 is below a predetermined threshold, the controller 216 will limit or otherwise disable the transmitting element 208 so that the transmitting element 208 does not further consume the power source 185 to charge the receiving element 209 of the electronic device 44. In other words, if the battery source 186 is low in power, the controller 216 can prohibit or limit the power supply from the transmitting element 208 of the housing 40 to the receiving element 209 of the electronic device 44 to minimize or eliminate further consumption of the power source 185.

[0041] As an alternative to the magnetic feature 230, or in addition to the magnetic feature 230, the housing 40 may include an audible, visual, or tactile indication in the form of a sound, visual effect, or vibration notifying the patient or caregiver that a proper power connection has been made between the electronic device 44 at the charging interface 144 and the housing 40. Although many electronic devices notify the user when the electronic device is being charged, the system presented herein may also be configured to provide a notification to the patient or caregiver that at least one electronic device 44 is being charged at the charging interface 144. The sensor 240 located at the charging interface 144 can detect power consumption by the charging interface 144. When power consumption is detected, the controller 216 on the main circuit board 210 or the secondary circuit board 214 activates the charging indicator 250, thereby notifying the patient or caregiver that one or more electronic devices 44 are being charged. Figure 2 In the illustrated configuration, the charging indicator 250 is in the form of a visual indicator and is disposed near the top of the housing 40. When the caregiver is standing even further away from the housing 40, the visual indicator can help the caregiver understand whether one or more electronic devices 44 are charging.

[0042] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support device includes a frame having a head end and a foot end. A support arm is operably coupled to the head end of the frame, and a vertical support is operably coupled to the support arm. A user interface support assembly is operably coupled to the vertical support and includes a housing configured to secure an electronic device. The housing includes a support mechanism configured to selectively support the electronic device on the housing. A charging assembly is disposed within the housing and is configured to charge the electronic device secured to the housing.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a housing includes a front wall having a transmitting coil disposed within the housing.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the transmitting coil is disposed proximate to the front wall of the housing.

[0045] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a charging assembly includes an inductive coupling device.

[0046] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a housing includes a latch mechanism and a shelf. The latch mechanism is configured to secure an electronic device to the shelf.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a housing includes a latch mechanism configured to secure an electronic device in abutment with the housing.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the housing is in communication with a battery source operably coupled to the patient support device.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support device includes a controller that monitors a battery source of the patient support device and restricts charging of an electronic device when the battery source of the patient support device has a low charge.

[0050] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support device includes a frame having a head end and a foot end. A support arm is operably connected to the head end of the frame, and a vertical support is operably connected to the support arm. A housing is operably connected to the vertical support and is configured to fix an electronic device. The housing includes a support mechanism that is configured to selectively support the electronic device on the housing. The support mechanism defines a shelf and a dynamic engagement member. A charging assembly is disposed near the rear side of the housing and is configured to wirelessly charge an electronic device fixed to the housing.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support device includes a receptacle configured to provide at least one of power and data to an electronic device connector.

[0052] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support device includes a magnetic feature to secure the electronic device to the front wall of the housing.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the socket includes a spring-loaded door that keeps the socket covered when the socket is not in use.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support device includes a latch mechanism configured to secure the electronic device in abutment with a front wall of the housing.

[0055] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a transmitting coil is disposed within the housing.

[0056] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a transmitter coil extends across a width of the housing and is configured to charge multiple electronic devices simultaneously.

[0057] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface support assembly for a patient support device includes a vertical support member and a housing operably connected to the vertical support member. At least one handle extends from the housing. A support mechanism is configured to selectively support an electronic device on the housing. The support mechanism defines a shelf and a dynamic engagement member. A charging assembly is disposed proximate to a rear side of the housing and is configured to wirelessly charge an electronic device secured to the housing.

[0058] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a charging assembly is operably coupled to a charging indicator.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a charging indicator includes a visual indication that is activated when the electronic device is charging.

[0060] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface support assembly for a patient support device includes a controller that monitors a battery source of the patient support device and limits charging of an electronic device when the battery source of the patient support device has a low charge.

[0061] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user interface support assembly for a patient support device includes a magnetic feature for securing an electronic device to a front wall of the housing.

[0062] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the disclosed content and other components described are not limited to any particular material.Other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be formed of a variety of materials unless otherwise specified herein.

[0063] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (various forms of coupling, connection, connection, etc.) generally refers to the connection (electrical or mechanical) of two components directly or indirectly to each other. Such connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such connection may be achieved by the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate components, which may be integrally formed as a single entity with each other or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such connection may be permanent in nature or removable or releasable in nature.

[0064] It is also important to note that the structures and devices of the elements of the present disclosure shown in the exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art who read the present disclosure that many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, size, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, directions, etc. of various elements) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the disclosed subject matter. For example, an element shown as integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts, or an element shown as multiple parts can be integrally formed, the operation of the interface can be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or components or connectors or other elements of the system can be changed, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between elements can be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system can be made of any of a variety of materials, which can provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a variety of colors, textures and combinations. Therefore, all these modifications should be included in the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, other replacements, modifications, changes and omissions can be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the desired and other exemplary embodiments.

[0065] It should be understood that any described process or step in a described process can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting.

Claims

1. A patient support device, comprising: a frame having a head end and a foot end; a support arm operably coupled to the head end of the frame; a vertical support operably coupled to the support arm; as well as A user interface support assembly operably coupled to the vertical support, the user interface support assembly comprising a housing configured to hold an electronic device, the housing comprising: a support mechanism configured to selectively support the electronic device on the housing; and A charging component is disposed in the housing and is configured to charge the electronic device fixed to the housing.

2. A patient support device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a front wall having a transmitting coil disposed within the housing.

3. A patient support device according to claim 2, wherein: The transmitting coil is disposed adjacent to the front wall of the housing.

4. A patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The charging assembly includes an inductive coupling device.

5. A patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The housing includes a latch mechanism and a shelf, the latch mechanism being configured to secure the electronic device to the shelf.

6. A patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The housing includes a latch mechanism configured to secure the electronic device into abutment with the housing.

7. A patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The housing is in communication with a battery source operably coupled to the patient support device.

8. The patient support device of claim 7, further comprising: a controller that monitors the battery source of the patient support device and When the battery source of the support device has low power, charging of the electronic device is restricted.

9. A patient support device comprising: a frame having a head end and a foot end; a support arm operably coupled to the head end of the frame; a vertical support operably coupled to the support arm; as well as A housing operably coupled to the vertical support and configured to secure an electronic device, the housing comprising: a support mechanism configured to selectively support the electronic device on the housing, the support mechanism defining a stand and a dynamically engaging member; and A charging component is disposed near the rear side of the housing and is configured to wirelessly charge the electronic device fixed to the housing.

10. The patient support device of claim 9, further comprising: A socket is configured to provide at least one of power and data to the electronic device connector.

11. A patient support device according to any one of claims 9 or 10, further comprising: Magnetic features secure the electronic device to the front wall of the housing.

12. The patient support device of claim 10, wherein: The socket includes a spring-loaded door that keeps the socket covered when the socket is not in use.

13. A patient support device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The housing is in communication with a battery source operably coupled to the patient support device.

14. The patient support device of claim 13, further comprising: A controller monitors the battery source of the patient support device and limits charging of the electronic device when the battery source of the patient support device has a low charge.

15. A patient support device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein: A transmitting coil extends across the width of the housing and is configured to charge multiple electronic devices simultaneously.

16. A user interface support assembly for a patient support device, comprising: vertical supports; a housing operably coupled to the vertical support; at least one handle extending from the housing; a support mechanism configured to selectively support an electronic device on the housing, the support mechanism defining a shelf and a dynamically engaged component; as well as A charging component is disposed near the rear side of the housing and is configured to wirelessly charge the electronic device fixed to the housing.

17. The user interface support assembly of claim 16, wherein: The charging assembly is operably coupled to a charging indicator.

18. The user interface support assembly of claim 17, wherein: The charging indicator includes a visual indication that is activated when the electronic device is being charged.

19. The user interface support assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising: A controller monitors a battery source of the patient support device and limits charging of the electronic device when the battery source of the patient support device has a low charge.

20. The user interface support assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein: The charging assembly includes an inductive coupling device.

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