Patient support device with lifting system

Abstract

The patient support device comprises a base, a patient support assembly movably connected to the base, and a lifting system operably connecting the base to the patient support assembly. The lifting system comprises a head-end assembly and a foot-end lift assembly movably configured to raise and lower one of the corresponding head-end and foot-end of the upper frame of the patient support assembly. One of the lift assemblies comprises a lift leg unit having a first end swivelably connected to the upper frame and a second end swivelably connected to the base, the second end being longitudinally movable relative to the base; a support leg unit swivelably connected to the base and swivelably connected to the lift leg unit; and an actuator connected between the base and the support leg unit for operating the lift assembly between an extended position and a folded position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 480,413, filed on January 18, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present technology relates to patient support devices, and more particularly to hospital beds.

Background Art

[0003] Patient support devices such as hospital beds are designed to accommodate many patient needs, including, for example, controlling the height of a patient support assembly on which a patient is placed. Some hospital beds, such as beds for intensive care units (ICUs), have more advanced features that allow the bed to take on various bed positions to support the patient and / or assist caregivers in providing treatment to the patient.

[0004] However, the advanced features of hospital beds typically require integrating many components, so it can be useful to more efficiently utilize the limited space provided by hospital beds. Additionally, as a hospital bed transitions between different positions, such as moving to a full chair position where the patient can help themselves stand on their feet, the weight of the hospital bed can shift, and thus, certain parts of the hospital bed may experience significant loads. Further, many hospital beds incorporate complex and expensive designs for their patient support assemblies and require a large number of actuators to achieve the various positions of the bed.

[0005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for patient support devices that address at least some of these drawbacks.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this technology is to improve at least some of the shortcomings present in the prior art.

[0007] According to one aspect of this technology, a patient support assembly comprising a base and a patient support assembly movably connected to the base and configured to accommodate a patient thereon, wherein the patient support assembly comprises an upper frame and a deck connected to the upper frame, and a lifting system for movably connecting the base to the patient support assembly and moving the patient support assembly relative to the base, wherein the lifting system comprises a head-end lift assembly and a foot-end lift assembly movably configured to raise and lower a corresponding one of the head-end and foot-end of the upper frame, respectively, wherein at least one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly is a lift leg unit comprising a first end swivelably connected to the upper frame and a second end swivelably connected to the base, and A patient support device is provided, comprising: a lift leg unit having a second end movable in the longitudinal direction of the patient support device; a support leg unit pivotably connected to a base, wherein the support leg unit is pivotably connected to the lift leg unit between a first end and a second end; and an actuator connected between the base and the support leg unit, which drives at least one of a head-end lift assembly and a foot-end lift assembly between an extended position and a folded position, wherein the corresponding one of the head-end and foot-end of the upper frame is further away from the base in the extended position than in the folded position of at least one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, the actuator comprises a base end that is rotatably connected to a base about a base pivot axis, the base pivot axis being fixed to the base, and an extendable end that is movable relative to the base end and connected to a support leg unit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance between the base end of the actuator and the corresponding head end and foot end of the upper frame is greater than the longitudinal distance between the extendable end of the actuator and the corresponding head end and foot end of the upper frame.

[0010] In some embodiments, in the extended position of at least one of the head-end lift assembly and foot-end lift assembly, one of the corresponding head-end and foot-end of the upper frame is at its maximum height, and in the folded position of at least one of the head-end lift assembly and foot-end lift assembly, one of the corresponding head-end and foot-end of the upper frame is at its minimum height, and the actuator rotates around the base pivot axis at an angle of less than 5° between the extended and folded positions.

[0011] In some embodiments, the actuator rotates around the base pivot axis at an angle of less than 3° between the extended position and the folded position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the actuator rotates around a base pivot axis at an angle of approximately 1° between an extended position and a folded position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the actuator is an electric linear actuator.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support leg unit comprises a left support leg member and a right support leg member spaced laterally apart from each other, and a central brace connecting the left support leg member to the right support leg member, with the actuator connected to the central brace.

[0015] In some embodiments, throughout the entire movement between the extended and folded positions, each of the left and right support leg members is positioned partially above one of the corresponding head and foot ends of the base.

[0016] In some embodiments, the base comprises an outer base frame and an inner base frame at least partially enclosed by the outer base frame, the inner base frame being connected to the outer base frame via at least one load cell configured to sense the load of the components supported by the inner base frame, and throughout the movement between the extended and folded positions, each of the left support leg member and the right support leg member is positioned above the corresponding one of the head end and foot end of the outer base frame.

[0017] In some embodiments, the patient support device further comprises at least one intermediate connector connecting an internal base frame to left and right support leg members, the at least one intermediate connector extending above the head end transverse member of the external base frame.

[0018] In some embodiments, the patient support device includes at least one intermediate connector that connects an internal base frame to left and right support leg members, the intermediate connector being located below the head end transverse member of the base frame.

[0019] In some embodiments, each of at least one intermediate connector is formed by a bracket connector and an L-bracket, the L-bracket being fixed to the lower surface of the head-end transverse member, the bracket connector extending below the head-end transverse member of the base frame, the bracket connector being fixed at one end to a corresponding L-bracket and the other end being swivelably attached to a corresponding left or right support leg member.

[0020] In some embodiments, the patient support device further comprises a pair of caps fitted to the left and right sides of the lift leg unit, each cap having a cord retaining clip, the cord retaining clip of the caps forming extensions oriented in opposite directions to allow a cord-like element to be wound between them.

[0021] In some embodiments, the lift leg unit comprises a left lift leg member and a right lift leg member spaced laterally apart from each other, and the left and right support leg members are pivotably connected to the left and right lift leg members, respectively.

[0022] In some embodiments, each of the left and right lift leg members defines a connecting recess, and a portion of each of the left and right support leg members is housed within one of the connecting recesses of each of the left and right lift leg members.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least one of a head-end lift assembly and a foot-end lift assembly further comprises a link mechanism that pivotably connects a first end of a lift leg unit to an upper frame, wherein the link mechanism comprises a left link and a right link, and each of the left and right links has a first link end and a second link end, the first link end pivotably connected to the first end of the lift leg unit and the second link end pivotably connected to the upper frame.

[0024] In some embodiments, each of the left and right lift leg members is generally S-shaped.

[0025] In some embodiments, each of the left and right lift leg members includes a first extension including a first end, and a second extension including a second end, the first and second extensions extending substantially parallel to each other, a second extension, and an inclined portion interconnecting the first and second extensions and inclined with respect to the first and second extensions.

[0026] In some embodiments, the left and right support leg members are pivotally connected to the left and right lift leg members at their respective inclined portions.

[0027] In some embodiments, in the folded position, the first and second ends extend generally horizontally, and the first end is disposed at a position higher in the vertical direction than the second end.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second end of the lift leg unit is slidable longitudinally along the base.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one of the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly is the head end lift assembly.

[0030] In some embodiments, the actuator is a single actuator, and the foot end lift assembly includes two actuators for actuating the foot end lift assembly.

[0031] In some embodiments, the patient support device is a bed.

[0032] In some embodiments, the patient support device is movable between a horizontal position and a full chair position.

[0033] In some embodiments, the deck comprises a rear support deck section, a seat deck section, a thigh deck section, and a foot deck section that are movably connected to each other.

[0034] In another embodiment, a patient support assembly comprising a base and a patient support assembly movably connected to the base and configured to accommodate a patient thereon, wherein the patient support comprises an upper frame and a deck connected to the upper frame, and a lifting system for operably connecting the base to the patient support assembly and moving the patient support assembly relative to the base, wherein the lifting system comprises a head-end lift assembly and a foot-end lift assembly movably connected to raise and lower the head-end and foot-end of the upper frame, respectively, wherein at least one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly comprises a lift leg unit swivelably connected to the upper frame and the base, a support leg unit swivelably connected to the base and the lift leg unit, and a first actuator and a second actuator for operating at least one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly, the first and second A patient support device is provided, comprising: a first actuator and a second actuator, each having two extendable actuators, each having a first end and a second end movable relative to the first end, with the first ends of the first and second actuators pivotably connected to one of a support leg unit and a lift leg unit; and a lifting system, comprising: a link mechanism pivotably connecting the first and second actuators to a base for coordinating the operation of the first and second actuators, the second end of the first actuator pivotably connected to the link mechanism about a first pivot axis, and the second end of the second actuator pivotably connected to the link mechanism about a second pivot axis generally parallel to the first pivot axis, the link mechanism pivotably connected to a base about a third pivot axis generally parallel to the first and second pivot axes, such that the first and second pivot axes are pivotable about the third pivot axis.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first, second, and third pivot axes are aligned on a plane containing the first, second, and third pivot axes.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first and second pivot axes are positioned at equal distances from the third pivot axis.

[0037] In some embodiments, the linkage mechanism comprises a first actuator link pivotably connected to the second end of a first actuator and rotatable about a first pivot axis, a second actuator link pivotably connected to the second end of a second actuator and rotatable about a second pivot axis, and interconnecting links connected to the first and second actuator links, the interconnecting links pivotably connected to a base.

[0038] In some embodiments, the interconnecting link is a shaft, and the linkage mechanism further comprises first and second outer links that pivotably connect the shaft to a base, the first and second outer links being pivotable about a third pivot axis.

[0039] In some embodiments, the patient support device further comprises a controller capable of communicating with first and second actuators, and operable to control the first and second actuators, wherein the linkage mechanism pivots around a third pivot axis in response to the misalignment of the second ends of the first and second actuators 230 throughout the entire movement of at least one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly.

[0040] In some embodiments, the patient support device further comprises a sensing device configured to measure a parameter indicating position relative to at least one link mechanism of a first and second actuator, and a controller is operable to communicate with the sensing device and to control the first and second actuators based on the parameter measured by the sensing device.

[0041] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to selectively stop the operation of the first and second actuators in response to the measured parameter values ​​indicating a potential collision between the first or second actuator and the link mechanism.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sensing device is a potentiometer.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first and second actuators are electric linear actuators.

[0044] In some embodiments, the patient support device is a bed.

[0045] In some embodiments, the patient support device is movable between a flat horizontal position and a full chair position.

[0046] In some embodiments, the deck comprises a rear support deck section, a seat deck section, a thigh deck section, and a foot deck section that are movably connected to each other.

[0047] In another aspect of the present technology, a patient support device is provided, comprising: a base; a patient support assembly movably connected to the base and configured to accommodate a patient thereon, wherein the patient support assembly comprises: an upper frame; a deck connected to the upper frame; the deck comprising a plurality of deck sections movable relative to each other; the upper frame comprising a fixed section and a sliding section, the sliding section configured to be slidable relative to the fixed section in the longitudinal direction of the patient support device; the deck sections connected to the sliding section, the deck sections moving to change the position of a bed in response to the sliding section sliding relative to the fixed section; and a lifting system operably connecting the base to the patient support assembly for moving the patient support assembly relative to the base.

[0048] In some embodiments, the fixing portion is a first fixing portion, the upper frame further comprises a second fixing portion, the sliding portion slidably engages with the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, the first fixing portion defines the head end of the upper frame, and the second fixing portion defines the foot end of the upper frame.

[0049] In some embodiments, the deck section comprises a rear deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section, with the seat deck section fixed to the sliding section.

[0050] In some embodiments, the foot deck is movably connected to the second fixed portion.

[0051] In some embodiments, the lifting system comprises a head-end lift assembly connected between the head end and base of the upper frame, and a foot-end lift assembly connected between the foot end and base of the upper frame.

[0052] In some embodiments, the head end lift assembly is connected to a fixed part.

[0053] In some embodiments, the fixing portion is a first fixing portion, the upper frame further comprises a second fixing portion, the sliding portion slidably engages with the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, the first fixing portion defines the head end of the upper frame, the second fixing portion defines the foot end of the upper frame, and the foot end lift assembly is connected to the sliding portion.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first and second fixing parts are either separate or integral.

[0055] In some embodiments, the patient support assembly further comprises an actuator that operably connects a sliding part to a fixed part, the actuator being operable to selectively slide the sliding part relative to the fixed part.

[0056] In some embodiments, a patient support device is provided, comprising: a base having an external base frame and an internal base frame; a patient support assembly configured to accommodate a patient thereon, wherein the patient support assembly comprises an upper frame and a deck connected to the upper frame; a lifting system for moving the patient support assembly relative to the base by operably connecting the internal base frame to the patient support assembly, wherein the lifting system comprises a head-end lift assembly and a foot-end lift assembly that are movable to raise and lower one of the corresponding head-end and foot-end of the upper frame; and at least one intermediate connector for connecting the internal base frame to one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly, wherein the at least one intermediate connector is positioned adjacent to a transverse member of the external base frame so that one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly is positioned outside the periphery of the external base frame and supported by the internal base frame.

[0057] In some embodiments, at least one intermediate connector extends above the transverse member.

[0058] In some embodiments, at least one intermediate connector is fixed at one end to the upper surface of a transverse member of an internal base frame and swivelably connected at the other end to one of a head-end lift assembly and a foot-end lift assembly.

[0059] In some embodiments, at least two intermediate connectors are positioned laterally spaced from each other with respect to one of the swivelably mounted head-end lift assembly and foot-end lift assembly.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least one intermediate connector extends below the transverse member.

[0061] In some embodiments, at least one intermediate connector is fixed at one end to the underside of a transverse member of an internal base frame and is swivelably attached at the other end to one of a head-end lift assembly and a foot-end lift assembly.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least two intermediate connectors are provided so as to be laterally displaced toward each other with respect to one of the swivelably connected head-end lift assembly and foot-end lift assembly.

[0063] In some embodiments, the swivel portion of one of the head-end lift assembly and foot-end lift assembly is positioned at its lower end outside the periphery of the outer base frame.

[0064] Each embodiment of the present technology has at least one of the above-described objectives and / or aspects, but not necessarily all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology resulting from attempts to achieve the above-described objectives may not satisfy these objectives and / or may satisfy other objectives not specifically enumerated herein.

[0065] Additional and / or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of this technology will become apparent from the following description, accompanying drawings, and accompanying claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0066] To better understand this technology, as well as other embodiments and further features, refer to the following description used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0067] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a perspective view from the upper left of a hospital bed according to one embodiment of this technology, showing a bed in a flat, horizontal position. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a right side view of the bed shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bed base, lifting system, and patient support assembly from the top, rear, and right side of Figure 1, showing the head-end lift assembly and foot-end lift assembly of the lifting system in the fully extended position. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a portion of the head end lift assembly shown in Figure 3, viewed from the top, rear, and right side. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the base of the bed in Figure 1, seen from the top, front, and left side. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a right side view of the bed in Figure 1, showing the bed in a flat, horizontal position with the head and foot end lift assemblies in the fully folded position. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a right side view of the patient support assembly of the bed in Figure 1, showing the deck in a configuration corresponding to the flat, horizontal position of the bed. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a right-side view of the patient support assembly of the bed in Figure 1, with the deck showing a different configuration. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a right-side view of the bed shown in Figure 1, illustrating the bed in its full chair position. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view taken from the top, front, and right side of the head-end lift assembly and the bed's foot-end lift assembly in Figure 1, showing the head-end and foot-end lift assemblies in their fully extended positions. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the head-end lift assembly and foot-end lift assembly from Figure 7, viewed from the top, rear, and right side. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a right side view of the head-end and foot-end lift assembly shown in Figure 7. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the head-end lift assembly of Figure 7, cut along a vertical plane extending in the longitudinal direction. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view from the top, front, and right side of the lower end of the lift leg member of the head end lift assembly and a portion of the base of the bed in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a top, front, and right-side perspective view of the head and foot end lift assembly of the bed shown in Figure 1, indicating that the head and foot end lift assembly is in the fully folded position. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a right side view of the head-end and foot-end lift assembly shown in Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a top view of the head-end and foot-end lift assemblies shown in Figure 12. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a block diagram of the controller for controlling the head-end and foot-end lift assemblies of the bed shown in Figure 1. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the bed foot end lift assembly from Figure 1, viewed from the top, front, and right side. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the foot end lift assembly from Figure 16, viewed from the top, front, and right side. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a detailed view of section A of Figure 9, showing the lower portion of the foot end lift assembly in its fully extended position. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a detailed view of section B of Figure 13, showing the lower portion of the foot end lift assembly in its fully folded position. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the head end fixing member of the patient support assembly of the bed shown in Figure 1, viewed from the top, front, and right side. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the foot end fixing member of the patient support assembly of the bed shown in Figure 1, viewed from the top, front, and right side. [Figure 22]Figure 22 is a perspective view of a portion of the head end lift assembly according to an alternative embodiment, viewed from the top, rear, and right side. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a bottom-cut perspective view of an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 22. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional side view along line AA of an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 22. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a partial bottom view cropped from the bottom right corner of the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 22. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 22 and an additional embodiment including an optional cord retaining clip. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a simplified form, showing details of an alternative upper frame. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in Figure 27. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is an exploded view of an alternative upper frame to Figure 27, showing details of its fixed and sliding parts. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0068] A patient support device 10 according to an embodiment of this technology is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The patient support device 10 may be used in a medical environment to support a patient. In this embodiment, the patient support device 10 is a hospital bed 10 used in a hospital, particularly in an intensive care unit (ICU) environment. In particular, a hospital bed used in a hospital ICU usually has additional functions that are not required elsewhere. In other embodiments, the patient support device 10 may be various types of patient support devices, such as a stretcher, an electric chair, an operating room table, or other special tables (e.g., an examination table).

[0069] Referring to Figure 1, the bed 10 has a head end 12 and a foot end 14 that face each other and define the length of the bed 10 between them. As can be understood, when the patient is lying on the bed 10 in use, the patient's head is closer to the head end 12 and the patient's feet are closer to the foot end 14. The bed 10 also has a left end 16 and a right end 18 that define the transverse dimension (i.e., width) of the bed 10 between them. Some of the structural components of the bed 10 are named "right," "left," "head," and "foot" below, from a reference point of an individual lying supine on the bed 10 with their head oriented toward the head end 12 of the bed 10 and their feet oriented toward the foot end 14 of the bed 10. The bed 10 includes a headboard 15 at the head end 12, a footboard (not shown) at the foot end 14, and side rails 17 at the left and right ends 16, 18 (only the side rail 17 on the left side 16 is shown herein) that can prevent the patient from falling out of the bed 10.

[0070] The bed 10 has a base 20 and a patient support assembly 22 operably connected to the base 20. The patient support assembly 22 is configured to accommodate a patient on it. As best shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment the base 20 has an internal base frame 35 and an external base frame 37 that at least partially encloses the internal base frame 35. The internal base frame 35 is connected to the external base frame 37 by a plurality of load cells 39 (shown as dashed lines in Figure 4) configured to sense the load of the components supported by the internal base frame 35. Thus the internal base frame 35 may also be called a “metering” base frame. In this embodiment four load cells 39 are located at the four corners of the rectangular base 20. More or fewer load cells 39 may be included in other embodiments.

[0071] A load cell should be understood as a transducer designed to convert force or load into an electrical signal that can be easily measured and monitored. These devices play a vital role in various industries, such as manufacturing, aerospace, and medical, where accurate force measurement is essential. Load cells are available in various types, including strain gauge, hydraulic, and pneumatic, each tailored to specific applications and load ranges. A strain gauge load cell, for example, utilizes the deformation of a strain-sensitive material to generate an electrical signal proportional to the applied force. Its high accuracy and reliability make it suitable for applications ranging from industrial scale to material testing machinery. Load cells are essential components for ensuring accurate and efficient force monitoring, contributing to improved quality control, safety, and performance across diverse sectors. Therefore, in the context of this invention, any suitable known load cell can be arbitrarily utilized without departing from the intended scope of the invention.

[0072] Continuing to refer to Figure 4, in this embodiment, the internal base frame 35 has left and right elongated members 41 (only the right elongated member 41 is shown in Figure 4) that extend longitudinally from the head end to the foot end of the base 20. The internal base frame 35 also has a head end transverse member 43, a foot end transverse member 45, and two intermediate transverse members 47. The transverse members 43, 45, and 47 extend transversely and connect the left and right elongated members 41. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the external base frame 37 has left and right elongated members 49 that extend longitudinally from the head end to the foot end of the base 20. The external base frame 37 also has a head end transverse member 50 and a foot end transverse member 52 that interconnects the left and right elongated members 49. As can be understood, the left and right elongated members 49 of the external base frame 37, as well as the transverse members 50, 52 at the head and foot ends, at least partially enclose the internal base frame 35. As shown in Figure 1, the casters 24 are connected to the base 20, i.e., the external base frame 37, by their respective swivels (not shown), to allow the bed 10 to move and operate along the floor. Other configurations of the base 20 are also contemplated.

[0073] The lifting system 100 operably connects the patient support assembly 22 to the base 20, moving the patient support assembly 22 relative to the base 20, i.e., selectively raising or lowering the patient support assembly 22 relative to the base 20. In addition to raising and lowering the patient support assembly 22, the lifting system 100, which will be described in more detail below, also allows the bed 10 to take on several different positions, such as a flat horizontal position (shown in Figures 1, 2, and 5), a Trendelenburg position, an inverted Trendelenburg position, a cardiac chair position, and a full chair position (Figure 6). In other embodiments, it is intended that the bed 10 may be configured to take on fewer positions. For example, in some cases, the bed 10 may remain permanently in a flat horizontal position and be simply raised and lowered by the lifting system 100 (for example, the bed 10 may only move between the two positions shown in Figures 2 and 5).

[0074] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the patient support assembly 22 comprises an upper frame 25 and a deck 40 connected to the upper frame 25 for supporting a patient. When in use, the patient support surface (not shown), i.e., the mattress, is placed on the deck 40 to comfortably support the patient. In this embodiment, the deck 40 comprises a rear deck section 42, a seat deck section 44, a thigh deck section 46, and a foot deck section 48, which are arranged longitudinally and continuously with respect to each other in a flat, horizontal position on the bed 10. The rear deck section 42, the seat deck section 44, the thigh deck section 46, and the foot deck section 48 each have a rear deck panel 70, a seat deck panel 72, a thigh deck panel 74, and a foot deck panel 76, respectively. The deck panels 70, 72, 74, and 76 define the respective support surfaces on which the mattress is placed. The deck sections 42, 44, 46, and 48 are movably connected to each other. In particular, the rear deck section 42 and the thigh deck section 46 are pivotally connected to the seat deck section 44. The foot deck section 48 is pivotally connected to the thigh deck section 46 around the swivel section 53 (Figure 6). The seat deck section 44 is fixed to the upper frame 25, but is movable along with the movable portion of the upper frame 25, as will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the movement of the foot deck section 48 when the bed 10 moves between different positions depends on the movement of the other deck section, namely the thigh deck section 46 to which it is connected. That is, the foot deck section 48 is not directly acted upon by an external actuator to change its position. Instead, the foot deck section 48 follows the movement described by the operation of the thigh deck section 46.

[0075] In other embodiments (e.g., three deck sections), the deck 40 is intended to have a different number of deck sections. The various movements of the deck sections 42, 44, 46, and 48 between the flat horizontal position and the full chair position of the bed 10 will be described in more detail below.

[0076] The lifting system 100 includes a head-end lift assembly 102 and a foot-end lift assembly 104, which connect the base 20 to the head end and foot end of the upper frame 25, respectively. The head-end lift assembly 102 and the foot-end lift assembly 104 may be operated to selectively raise or lower one of the head end and foot end of the upper frame 25, respectively. In particular, each of the head-end lift assembly 102 and the foot-end lift assembly 104 can be raised to a fully extended position (shown for both assemblies 102 and 104 in Figures 1-3 and 7-9) and lowered to a fully folded position (shown for both assemblies 102 and 104 in Figures 5 and 12-14). The lift assemblies 102 and 104 may be controlled symmetrically so that they are simultaneously in equivalent extended positions (e.g., both fully extended positions or both fully folded positions), or asymmetrically so that they are simultaneously in different extended positions. For example, as shown in Figure 6, in some cases the head end lift assembly 102 may be in the fully extended position while the foot end lift assembly 104 is in the fully folded position, or conversely (for example, in the Trendelenburg position).

[0077] In this embodiment, the head end lift assembly 102 and the foot end lift assembly 104 are configured differently from each other as shown. However, in some embodiments, the head end lift assembly 102 and the foot end lift assembly 104 may be identical to each other.

[0078] Referring to Figures 7-9, the head-end lift assembly 102 comprises a lift leg unit 110 and a support leg unit 112 pivotably connected to the lift leg unit 110. The lift leg unit 110 comprises an upper end 114 pivotably connected to the upper frame 25 and a lower end 116 pivotably connected to the base 20 (see Figures 2 and 3). In particular, the lower end 116 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the bed 10 relative to the base 20. More specifically, as will be described in more detail below, the lower end 116 is slidable longitudinally along the base 20.

[0079] The lift leg unit 110 includes left and right lift leg members 118 spaced laterally apart from each other, such that the left and right lift leg members 118 are positioned on either side of the longitudinal center plane of the bed 10 (i.e., a plane that extends longitudinally and bisects the width of the bed 10). The lift leg unit 110 also includes a brace member 120 that extends between and interconnects the left and right lift leg members 118. In this embodiment, each of the lift leg members 118 is hollow, and in particular defines an internal cavity 119 (Figures 10, 11). This makes it possible to route cables through the internal cavity 119 of the lift leg members 118, keeping the cables out of sight. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lift leg members 118 are generally S-shaped. In particular, each leg member 118 has two elongated and substantially parallel ends 126 (defining the upper end 114 and lower end 116 of the lift leg unit 110, respectively) and an inclined portion 129 that interconnects the two elongated ends 126 and is positioned at a certain angle thereto. As seen in Figures 12 and 13, in the fully folded position of the head-end lift assembly 102, for each lift leg member 118, the end 126 closest to the head end of the bed 10 is positioned more vertically than the other elongated end 126 (furthest from the head end of the bed 10). Furthermore, in the fully folded position of the head-end lift assembly 102, the ends 126 generally extend horizontally. Thus, the S-shaped configuration of the lift leg members 118 helps to occupy a smaller space for the head-end lift assembly 102 than for different shapes of the lift leg members 118, particularly in the longitudinal central region of the bed 10.

[0080] In this embodiment, the connecting flange 122 extends from the upper end of the lift leg member 118. In particular, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, in the fully folded position of the head-end lift assembly 102, the connecting flange 122 extends downward from the upper end of the lift leg member 118. The head-end lift assembly 102 has a link mechanism 140 that pivotably connects the upper ends of the lift leg members 118 to the connecting flange 122. In this embodiment, the link mechanism 140 has left and right links 141 that are pivotably connected to each of the connecting flanges 122. More specifically, each link 141 has two opposing ends, one end pivotably connected to the corresponding connecting flange 122 and the other end pivotably connected to the upper frame 25. Link 141 may allow the lifting system 100 to achieve a Trendelenburg or inverted Trendelenburg position by extending one of the head-end lift assembly 102 and the foot-end lift assembly 102 while folding the other. In other embodiments, the link mechanism 140 and the connecting flange 122 are intended to be omitted. For example, in some examples, the lift leg member 118 may be directly and swivelably connected to the upper frame 25. In particular, in such cases, the upper end of the lift leg member 118 may be swivelably connected to the upper frame 25 and slidably relative to it. For example, the swivel formed between the upper end of the lift leg member 118 and the upper frame 25 may move along a longitudinal slot defined by the upper frame 25.

[0081] As described above, the lower end 116 of the lift leg unit 110 is slidable along the base 20. For this purpose, the lower end of the lift leg member 118 is in a sliding relationship with the base 20. In particular, in this embodiment, the lift leg unit 110 has sliding members 142 connected to the lower ends of the left and right lift leg members 118. In this embodiment, each sliding member 142 is rectangular and extends on the corresponding lateral outer side of the left and right lift leg members 118 (i.e., on the side of the lift leg member 118 furthest from the longitudinal center plane of the bed 10). In particular, the slewing shaft 143 extends into the corresponding sliding member 142 through the lower end of the corresponding lift leg member 118 so that the sliding member 142 is fixed to the lift leg member 118. The slewing shaft 143 is fixed on the sliding member 142 and the lift leg member 118 is slewing about the axis of the slewing shaft 143.

[0082] The sliding member 142 may have a different configuration in other embodiments. For example, the sliding member 142 may have a shape and size different from the shape and size described above.

[0083] As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, to guide the sliding members 142, the base 20 defines a sliding channel 144 that receives one of the sliding members 142. Each sliding channel 144 is defined by elongated walls 145 extending laterally inward from each of the elongated members 41 of the base 20. The elongated walls 145 are spaced perpendicularly apart from each other to define the sliding channel 144 between them. In this embodiment, the sliding channel 144 extends horizontally and longitudinally so that the movement of the sliding member 142 along the sliding channel 144 remains horizontal. In other embodiments, the sliding channel 144 may extend diagonally so that the movement of the sliding member 142 has longitudinal and vertical components. In other embodiments, the sliding member 142 is intended to be guided differently.

[0084] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, in this embodiment, the support leg unit 112 has left and right support leg members 160 that are spaced laterally apart from each other. In this embodiment, the left and right support leg members 160 are connected to each other by a central brace 162 which includes two transverse members 163. In this embodiment, the left and right support leg members 160 are identical to each other, and therefore only one of the support leg members 160 is described herein. It should be understood that the same description applies to the other support leg member 160.

[0085] The support leg member 160 extends from an upper end 164 to a lower end 166. The upper end 164 of the support leg member 160 is pivotably connected to a corresponding lift leg member 118 between its upper and lower ends. As shown in the figure, both the support leg member 160 and the lift leg member 118 form an inverted Y shape when viewed from the side. In this embodiment, the upper end 164 is pivotably connected to the inclined portion 129 of the corresponding lift leg member 118 such that the pivot portion formed by the upper end 164 is positioned on the inclined portion 129. As shown in Figures 8 and 10, in this embodiment, the upper end 164 of the support leg member 160 is received in a connecting recess 168 defined by the corresponding lift leg member 118 between the inner and outer lateral sides of the lift leg member 118. This can be useful in limiting the space occupied by the support leg unit 112, particularly by securing more space between the lift leg members 118 in the central part, thereby saving more space for other components located in the base 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support leg member 160 is hollow, in particular defining an internal cavity 167 (Figure 10) extending from the lower end 166 to the upper end 164, thereby allowing cables to be routed through it. In particular, as shown in Figure 10, which shows cross-sections of the right support leg member 160 and the right lift leg member 118, the cable 55 may be routed through the internal cavity 167 of the support leg member 160 and, at the upper end 164, through the internal cavity 119 of the lift leg member 118 via the opening 121 of the lift leg member 118. In particular, in this case, the cable 55 is routed upward through the upper end of the lift leg member 118 to connect to electronic components supported by the upper frame 25.

[0086] In other embodiments, the upper end 164 may be connected to the corresponding lift leg member 118 in a different manner. For example, the connection recess 168 of the lift leg member 118 may be omitted, and the upper end 164 of the support leg member 160 may be positioned laterally adjacent to the lift leg member 118.

[0087] The lower end 166 of the support leg member 160 is pivotably connected to the base 20. More specifically, in this embodiment, as best shown in Figure 3A, the lower end 166 is pivotably connected to one of the corresponding left and right support leg connectors 170, which are connected to the elongated member 41 or the head-end transverse member 43 of the internal base frame 35 of the base 20. Thus, the support leg connector 170 can be considered an intermediate connector between the internal base frame 35 and the support leg member 160. In this embodiment, the support leg connector 170 is generally hook-shaped and partially extends above the head-end transverse member 52 of the base 20. That is, a portion of each support leg connector 170 extends vertically higher than the head-end transverse member 52 and is simultaneously aligned longitudinally and transversely (i.e., when viewed from above, the support leg connector 170 overlaps with the head-end transverse member 52). In other embodiments, a single support leg connector spanning the width of the base 20 may be implemented instead of the two support leg connectors 170. The support leg connector 170 allows the pivot connection of the head-end lift assembly 102 to the base 20 to be located outside the outer base frame 37 while still being supported by the inner base frame 35, thereby ensuring that the load supported by the head-end lift assembly 102 is measured by the load cell 39 (measuring the load supported by the inner base frame 35). This minimizes the length of the base 20 of the bed 10, thereby making the bed 10 less cumbersome and minimizing the risk of the user bumping their legs on the base 20, as the bed is typically pushed from its head end by the user.

[0088] In this embodiment, the support leg member 160 is generally L-shaped. In particular, the support leg member 160 has two inclined portions 172, 174 extending from the upper end 164 and the lower end 166, respectively. In the fully extended position of the head-end lift assembly 102, as shown in Figures 7-9, the inclined portion 172 extends upward and forward from the lower end 166 (i.e., away from the longitudinal center point of the bed 10), and the inclined portion 174 extends upward and backward from the inclined portion 172 (i.e., toward the longitudinal center point of the bed 10). The L-shape of the support leg member 160 allows the support leg member 160 to extend above the head-end transverse member 52 of the base 20, thereby maintaining that state throughout the entire operation between the fully extended position and the fully folded position of the head-end lift assembly 102. Furthermore, the shape of the support leg member 160 allows the head end transverse member 52 of the base 20 to be positioned further away from the head end 12 of the bed 10, which can help create space at the head end 12 for housing a user-operated handle used to control the electric wheels (not shown) of the bed 10.

[0089] Although the lift leg unit 110 and the support leg unit 112 are described as each having two leg members (in particular two lift leg members 118 and two support leg members 160, respectively), it is intended that one or both of the lift leg unit 110 and the support leg unit 112 may have a single leg member in other embodiments. For example, the lift leg unit 110 may have a single central lift leg member, and / or the support leg unit 112 may have a single central support leg member.

[0090] Referring to Figures 7-9 and 12-14, the head-end lift assembly 102 also includes an actuator 130 connected between the base 20 and the support leg unit 112 to operate the head-end lift assembly 102 between a fully extended position and a fully folded position (and any intermediate position between the fully extended and fully folded positions). In the fully extended position of the head-end lift assembly 102, the head end of the upper frame 25 is at its maximum height (i.e., the position furthest from the base 20), and in the fully folded position, the head end of the upper frame 25 is at its minimum height (i.e., the position closest to the base 20). The actuator 130 is a linear actuator that extends and retracts to actuate the head-end lift assembly 102. In particular, in this embodiment, the actuator 130 is an electric linear actuator. It is intended that in other embodiments, the actuator 130 may be a different type of linear actuator.

[0091] The actuator 130 has a base 150, an outer tube 151 connected to the base 150, and an extension rod 152 extending from the outer tube 151. The base 150 defines the base end 154 of the actuator 130, while the extension rod 152 defines an extendable end 156 (Figure 8) of the actuator 130 that is movable relative to the base end 154. The housing 158 of the actuator 130 covers a motor (not shown) which is operably connected to the extension rod 152 and selectively drives the extension rod 152 in and out of the outer tube 151. For example, the extension rod 152 is operably connected to the motor by a lead screw and a number of gears covered by the housing 158.

[0092] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the base end 154 is pivotably connected to the base 20 around a base pivot axis 176 fixed to the base 20. More specifically, the base end 154 is pivotably connected to one of the intermediate transverse members 47 of the internal base frame 35, i.e., the transverse member 47 closest to the head end 12 of the bed 10. The extendable end 156 is pivotably connected to the central brace 162 of the support leg unit 112 around a movable pivot axis 178. In particular, the movable pivot axis 178 moves longitudinally and vertically as the head end lift assembly 102 moves between the fully extended position and the fully folded position. Thus, the longitudinal distance between the base end 154 and the head end 12 of the bed 10 is greater than the longitudinal distance between the extendable end 156 of the bed 10 and the head end 12.

[0093] As the head-end lift assembly 102 moves between the fully extended and fully folded positions, the actuator 130 rotates around the fixed base pivot axis 176. As can be seen from Figures 5 and 6, the angle by which the actuator 130 rotates around the base pivot axis 176 between the fully extended and fully folded positions of the head-end lift assembly 102 is relatively small. In particular, the angle by which the actuator 130 rotates around the base pivot axis 176 between the fully extended and fully folded positions is less than 5°. More specifically, the angle by which the actuator 130 rotates around the base pivot axis 176 between the fully extended and fully folded positions is less than 3°. In this embodiment, the angle by which the actuator 130 rotates around the base pivot axis 176 between the fully extended and fully folded positions is approximately 1°. Therefore, as can be understood, the actuator 130 achieves the full range of motion of the head-end lift assembly 102 while limiting rotational movement around the base pivot axis 176. This may maximize the amount of free space available beneath the upper frame 25 along the longitudinal central portion of the bed 10, which may be useful for performing certain procedures on a patient, such as fluoroscopy, where the area beneath the upper frame 25 is utilized.

[0094] As shown in Figure 15, the controller 450 is operable to communicate with the actuator 130 and control its operation. That is, the controller 450 selectively triggers extension and retraction of the actuator 130 based on user input and / or sensor input (e.g., limit switch). In this embodiment, the controller 450 communicates with a user input device (not shown) which is operable by a caregiver and located on one of the side rails 17 of the bed 10. For example, the user input device may be a touchscreen interface operated by a user (e.g., a caregiver). In other embodiments, the user input device may be located remotely from the bed 10. The controller 450 has a processor unit 452 for executing executable code and a non-temporary memory unit 454 for storing executable code in a non-temporary medium (not shown) contained in a memory unit 454. The processor unit 452 has one or more processors for performing processing operations that implement the functions of the controller 450. The processor unit 452 may be a general-purpose processor, or it may be an application-specific processor comprising one or more pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), etc.) or other related elements. The non-temporary medium of the memory module 454 may be semiconductor memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) and / or random-access memory (RAM)), magnetic storage medium, optical storage medium, and / or any other suitable type of memory. Although the controller 450 is represented as a single entity in this implementation, it is understood that the controller 450 may comprise separate entities for controlling the components separately.

[0095] Referring again to Figures 7-9 and 12-14, the foot end lift assembly 104 is described in more detail here. The foot end lift assembly 104 has a lift leg unit 210 and a support leg unit 212 that is swivelably connected to the lift leg unit 210. The lift leg unit 210 has an upper end 214 (see Figures 2 and 3) that is swivelably connected to the upper frame 25 and a lower end 216 that is swivelably connected to the base 20.

[0096] The lift leg unit 210 includes left and right lift leg members 218 spaced laterally apart from each other, such that the left and right lift leg members 218 are positioned on either side of the longitudinal center plane of the bed 10. Each lift leg member 218 extends from an upper end 225 to a lower end 235. The lift leg unit 210 also has a brace member 220 that extends between the left and right lift leg members 218 and connects them. The lift leg members 218 are constructed similarly to the lift leg members 118 described above, i.e., they are hollow and have a substantially S-shape. In particular, each leg member 218 has two elongated and substantially parallel ends 226 (defining the upper end 214 and lower end 216 of the lift leg unit 210, respectively) and an inclined portion 229 that connects the two elongated ends 226 and is positioned at a certain angle thereto. As can be seen in Figures 12 and 13, in the fully folded position of the foot-end lift assembly 104, for each lift leg member 218, the end 226 closest to the foot end 14 of the bed 10 is positioned more vertically than the other elongated ends 226 (furthest from the foot end 14 of the bed 10). Furthermore, in the fully folded position of the foot-end lift assembly 104, the ends 226 generally extend horizontally. As described above for the lift leg member 118, the S-shaped configuration of the lift leg member 218 helps the foot-end lift assembly 104 occupy less space than could be possible with various shapes of the lift leg member 218, particularly in the longitudinal central region of the bed 10. As can be seen from Figure 13, the space-saving effect can be even greater if both the lift leg member 118 of the head-end lift assembly 102 and the lift leg member 218 of the foot-end lift assembly 104 have this shape.

[0097] The lower end 216 of the lift leg unit 210 is slidable along the base 20. For this purpose, the lower end of the lift leg member 218 is in a sliding relationship with the base 20. In particular, in this embodiment, the lift leg unit 210 has sliding members 142 connected to the lower ends of the left and right lift leg members 218. The sliding members 142 have been described above in relation to the head end lift assembly 102 and will not be described again here. The sliding members 142 slide longitudinally along the respective sliding channels 144 of the base 20, as described above.

[0098] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the support leg unit 212 has left and right support leg members 260 spaced laterally apart from each other. The left and right support leg members 260 are connected to each other by a central brace member 262. In this embodiment, each of the left and right support leg members 260 is elongated and extends from an upper end 261 to a lower end 263. The shape of the support leg members 260 may vary in other embodiments. The upper end 261 of each support leg member 260 is pivotably connected to a corresponding lift leg member 218 between its upper and lower ends. As seen in the figures, both the support leg members 260 and the lift leg members 218 form an inverted Y shape when viewed from the side. In this embodiment, the upper end 261 of each support leg member 260 is pivotably connected to the inclined portion 229 of the corresponding lift leg member 218 such that the pivot portion formed by the upper end 261 is positioned at the inclined portion 229. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the upper end 261 of each support leg member 260 is received in a connecting recess 268 defined by the corresponding lift leg member 218 between the inner and outer lateral sides of the lift leg member 218. As described above, this can help limit the space occupied by the support leg unit 212, in particular by reserving more central space between the lift leg members 218, thereby saving more space for other components located in the base 20. The support leg member 260 may also be hollow, as described above, similar to the support leg member 160, which may allow cables to be routed through it.

[0099] In other embodiments, the upper end 261 of the support leg member 260 may be connected to the lift leg member 218 in a different manner. For example, the connection recess 268 of the lift leg member 218 may be omitted, and the upper end 261 of the support leg member 260 may be positioned laterally adjacent to the lift leg member 218.

[0100] The lower end 263 of each support leg member 260 is pivotably connected to the corresponding one of the elongated left and right members 41 of the internal base frame 35. Thus, the support leg member 260 pivots around a pivot axis 265 (Figures 9, 13) that extends transversely through the lower end 263 of the support leg member 260.

[0101] The foot-end lift assembly 104 may be subjected to heavier loads than the head-end lift assembly 102 because the weight of the patient and the weight of the deck 40 are particularly concentrated near the foot end 14 of the bed 10 at certain positions (e.g., the full chair position shown in Figure 6). In this embodiment, the foot-end lift assembly 104 has two actuators 230 to operate it. In particular, the combined cost of the two actuators 230 is less than the cost of a single heavy-duty actuator that can withstand the high loads on the foot-end lift assembly 104.

[0102] The two actuators 230 are spaced laterally apart from each other, so that they may be called left and right actuators 230. During operation, the actuators 230 extend or retract to raise or lower the foot end lift assembly 104 between a fully extended position and a fully folded position. In this embodiment, the actuators 230 are connected between the lift leg unit 210 and the base 20. In other embodiments, the actuators 230 may be connected between the support leg unit 212 and the base 20.

[0103] In this embodiment, the left and right actuators 230 are identical to each other, and therefore one of the two actuators 230 is described in detail herein. It will be understood that the same description applies to the other actuator 230. The actuator 230 is a linear actuator and is therefore extendable between a maximum extension position where the actuator 230 is at its maximum length (measured between the base end 254 and the extendable end 256 of the actuator 230) and a minimum extension position where the actuator 230 is at its minimum length. The base 250 of the actuator 230 defines the base end 254.

[0104] The actuator 230 has a base 250, an outer tube 251 connected to the base 250, and an extension rod 252 extending from the outer tube 251. The base 250 defines a base end 254, while the extension rod 252 defines an extendable end 256 that is movable relative to the base end 254. The base end 254 of the actuator 230 is connected to the base 20 and defines a base pivot axis 276 (Figures 18, 19) on which the actuator 230 pivots. The base pivot axis 276 extends transversely. The housing 258 of the actuator 230 covers a motor (not shown) which is operably connected to the extension rod 252 and selectively drives the extension rod 252 in and out of the outer tube 251. For example, the extension rod 252 is operably connected to the motor by a lead screw and a number of gears covered by the housing 258.

[0105] In this embodiment, actuator 230 is an electric linear actuator. In other embodiments, actuator 230 may be a different type of linear actuator.

[0106] As shown in Figure 15, in this embodiment, the actuator 230 communicates with the controller 450. The controller 450 selectively triggers extension and retraction of the actuator 230 based on user input and / or sensor input (e.g., limit switch). In this embodiment, the controller 450 communicates with a user input device (not shown). In this embodiment, the controller 450 also controls the actuator 130 of the head-end lift assembly 102 and the actuator 230 of the foot-end lift assembly 104, although in other embodiments, separate controllers may control the actuators 130 and 230.

[0107] As shown in Figure 16, in this embodiment, the extendable end 256 of the actuator 230 is connected to the lift leg unit 210. In particular, the extendable end 256 is pivotably connected to one of the corresponding lift leg members 218 and is positioned laterally inward from there. Thus, in this embodiment, the extendable end 256 of the actuator 230 is positioned laterally between the lift leg members 218. A fastener 219 (e.g., a bolt) extends through the extendable end 256 and engages with the corresponding lift leg member 218 to secure the extendable end 256 therein. A bracket 270 connected to the transverse member 220 supports the fastener 219 and partially encloses the extendable end 256.

[0108] As can be seen from Figure 18, in a side view of the foot end lift assembly 104, the actuators 230 are positioned such that the centerlines extending through the extension rods 252 of the actuators 230 converge toward each other at the extendable ends 256 and diverge toward each other at the base ends 254. Thus, the base pivot axes 276 of the two actuators 230 (at the base ends 254) are not coaxial with each other. Furthermore, the base pivot axes 276 of the actuators 230 are movable and pivotable in particular around a common pivot axis 280 that extends transversely. In particular, the linkage mechanism 272 pivotably connects the actuators 230 to the base 20 around the common pivot axis 280 in order to coordinate the operation of the left and right actuators 230. In particular, as will be described below, the linkage mechanism 272 allows the actuators 230 to extend and retract in conjunction with each other to minimize the imbalance of forces applied thereby, which can prevent damage to the actuators 230.

[0109] Referring to Figures 17 and 18, in this embodiment, the link mechanism 272 includes actuator links 282 for each actuator 230. Each actuator link 282 forms a clevis including two link flanges 283 that span one base end 254 of each actuator 230. Fasteners (e.g., bolts) extend through the actuator links 282 and the base ends 254 of the corresponding actuators 230 to secure the actuators 230 to the actuator links 282 and allow the actuators 230 to rotate around the corresponding base pivot axis 276. In this embodiment, the actuator links 282 are connected to each other by interconnecting links 284, which are pivotably connected to the base 20 around a common pivot axis 280.

[0110] In this embodiment, the interconnection link 284 is a hollow shaft that extends laterally and to which the actuator links 282 are connected. In particular, the actuator links 282 are fixedly connected to the shaft 284 as part of each link flange 283, extending into corresponding openings defined by the shaft 284.

[0111] The linkage mechanism 272 also has left and right outer links 286 that pivotably connect the shaft 284 to the base 20. In particular, each outer link 286 is connected to the shaft 284 to rotate together with it. In this embodiment, each outer link 286 defines an opening at one end on which the shaft 284 extends. At the other end, each outer link 286 is connected to a corresponding swivel member 288 which is fixed to the internal base frame 35 of the base 20. In particular, fasteners 290 extend through the swivel member 288 and the outer links 286 to fix the swivel member 288 and the outer links 286 to the internal base frame 35. The swivel members 288 are coaxial with each other and define a common swivel axis 280 on which the linkage mechanism 272 can rotate.

[0112] As is understood, the link mechanism 272 allows the base slewing axis 276, defined at the base end 254 of the actuator 230, to pivot around a common slewing axis 280 defined between the link mechanism 272 and the base 20. In particular, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the base slewing axis 276 is positioned at a distance from the common slewing axis 280 in order to pivot around it. In fact, the base slewing axis 276 is positioned at an equal distance from the common slewing axis 280. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the common slewing axis 280 and the base slewing axis 276 are aligned such that a plane P1 includes the common slewing axis 280 and the base slewing axis 276. This may be useful for optimizing the balance of forces applied by the actuator 230. In other embodiments, it is intended that the common slewing axis 280 and the base slewing axis 276 may not be positioned such that a plane including the common slewing axis 280 and the slewing axis 276 is formed.

[0113] This configuration of the foot end lift assembly 104 allows for the automatic adjustment of the extension and retraction of the two actuators 230. In particular, throughout the entire operation between the fully extended and fully folded positions of the foot end lift assembly 104, the link mechanism 272 pivots around a common pivot axis 280 in response to the positions of the extendable ends 256 of the two actuators 230 not being adjusted, including when the actuators 230 extend or retract at different speeds and / or when the actuators 230 are slightly different in length. As understood, by allowing the actuators 230 to pivot around a common pivot axis 280, the extension and retraction of the actuators 230 are adjusted so that the extendable ends 256 generally keep pace with each other. Thus, the link mechanism 272 provides an effective mechanical solution for adjusting the actuators 230. Furthermore, such a mechanical solution for adjusting the actuators 230 avoids the need to employ software-controlled solutions, which can be more complex and expensive to implement.

[0114] Furthermore, referring to Figure 17, in this embodiment, a sensing device 292 is provided to avoid potential collisions between the actuator 230 and some components of the link mechanism 272. The sensing device 292 is configured to measure a parameter indicating the position of the actuator 230 relative to the link mechanism 272. The sensing device 292 is communicable with the controller 450 and transmits a signal to the controller 450 indicating the value of the parameter indicating the position of the actuator 230 relative to the link mechanism 272. Thus, the controller 450 can control the actuator 230 based on the parameter measured by the sensing device 292. In particular, in this example, the controller 450 is configured to stop the operation of the actuator 230 in response to the measured parameter value indicating a potential collision between one or both of the actuators 230 and the link mechanism 272.

[0115] In this embodiment, the sensing device 292 is a potentiometer. The potentiometer 292 has a shaft 294 that is received by a coupling portion 295 of an actuator coupling bracket 296. The actuator coupling bracket 296 engages with one of the actuators 230 and rotates together with it around its base end 254. In particular, in this embodiment, the actuator coupling bracket 296 engages with the base 250 of the actuator 230. The coupling portion 295 defines an opening therein for receiving the shaft 294. In this example, the coupling portion 295 is supported on one side by a fastener that extends through the base end 254 of the actuator 230. Different shapes and positions of the actuator coupling bracket 296 are intended.

[0116] When in use, as the base end 254 of the actuator 230 pivots around the common pivot axis 280, the actuator coupling bracket 296 pivots together with the actuator 230 with which it engages. As the actuator coupling bracket 296 rotates, the shaft 294 of the potentiometer 292 rotates, thereby changing the resistance value of the potentiometer 292. Based on the resistance value of the potentiometer 292, the controller 450 may determine whether any of the actuators 230 are moving to a position where they may collide with the link mechanism 272, i.e., the shaft 284.

[0117] In some embodiments, the head end lift assembly 102 may have the same configuration as the foot end lift assembly 104. Conversely, in other embodiments, the foot end lift assembly 104 may have the same configuration as the head end lift assembly 102, for example, if the bed 10 does not need to be fixed in the full chair position.

[0118] Referring to Figure 3, the upper frame 25 will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the upper frame 25 has two fixed parts 31, 33, namely a head-end fixed part 31 and a foot-end fixed part 33, and a sliding part 30 that slides longitudinally relative to the fixed parts 31, 33. Thus, the upper frame 25 is sometimes referred to as a “sliding frame assembly”. The sliding part 30 has left and right elongated sleeve members 302 that extend longitudinally and have gaps between them. The elongated sleeve members 302 are hollow in order to receive portions of the head-end and foot-end fixed parts 31, 33. Each of the elongated sleeve members 302 has a rectangular cross-sectional profile. Transverse members 304, one of which is shown in Figure 3, interconnect the elongated sleeve members 302. The seat deck section 44 is fixedly connected to the elongated sleeve members 302 and therefore moves longitudinally with them.

[0119] The head-end fixing section 31 includes left and right head-end fixing members 306. Each head-end fixing member 306 is partially received within a corresponding elongated sleeve member 302. As shown in Figure 20, the right head-end fixing member 306 has an elongated body 307 extending from the head-end 310 to the foot-end 312. A swivel pin 314 connects to the elongated body 307 at the head-end 310. The swivel pin 314 is configured to swivel a corresponding link 141 of the head-end lift assembly 102 to it, allowing the link 141 to swivel about the axis of the swivel pin 314. In this way, the head-end lift assembly 102 is connected to the head-end fixing section 31. Two rollers 316 are connected to the foot-end 312 of the elongated body 307. The axes on which the rollers 316 rotate are spaced perpendicularly and longitudinally apart from each other. During use, the roller 316 engages with the respective inner surfaces of the corresponding elongated sleeve members 302 to allow the elongated sleeve members 302 to slide against the head end fixing member 306. The left head end fixing member 306 is a mirror image of the right head end fixing member 306 and is therefore not described in detail herein. As will be understood, the left and right head end fixing members 306 are connected to each other by the head end lift assembly 102.

[0120] As shown in Figure 3, the foot end fixing section 33 has left and right foot end fixing members 308. Each foot end fixing member 308 is partially received within a corresponding elongated sleeve member 302. As shown in Figure 21, the right foot end fixing member 308 has an elongated body 318 extending from the head end 320 to the foot end 322. Two rollers 324 (one of which is shown in Figure 21) are connected to the head end 320 of the elongated body 318. The axes around which the rollers 324 rotate are spaced perpendicularly and longitudinally apart from each other. In use, the rollers 324 engage with the respective inner surfaces of the corresponding elongated sleeve members 302 to allow the elongated sleeve members 302 to slide against the foot end fixing member 308. In this embodiment, a connecting bracket 326 is connected to the foot end 322 of the elongated body 318. As shown in Figure 3, the connecting bracket 326 has a pin 328 extending laterally inward to connect the foot end deck section 48 to it, as will be described in more detail below. The left foot end fixing member 308 is a mirror image of the right foot end fixing member 308 and is therefore not described in detail herein. As shown in Figure 3, the lateral foot end support 330 is connected to the connecting bracket 326 of the left foot end fixing member 308 and the right foot end fixing member 308, thereby connecting the left foot end fixing member 308 and the right foot end fixing member 308 together. The upper end of the foot end lift assembly 104, i.e., the upper end of the lift leg member 218, is connected to the foot end fixing section 33. In particular, each lift leg member 218 of the foot end lift assembly 104 is connected internally to the corresponding one of the left and right foot end fixing members 308 through a longitudinal slot 221 defined by each of the elongated sleeve members 302. Thus, as the sliding portion 30 slides against the head end and foot end fixing portions 31 and 33 during use, the connection between the foot end lift assembly 104 and the foot end portion 33 moves along the slot 221.

[0121] As can be understood, the head end lift assembly 102 and the foot end lift assembly 104 are connected to the head end fixing part 31 and the foot end fixing part 33, respectively, so that the longitudinal distance between the respective connections of the head end lift assembly 102 and the foot end lift assembly 104 and the upper frame 25 is fixed.

[0122] The upper frame 25 may have a different configuration in other embodiments. For example, in other cases, the roles of the sliding portion 30 and the fixed portions 31, 33 may be reversed. That is, portions 31, 33 may be slidable while portion 30 is fixed. Such embodiments of the sliding frame assembly are described in detail in International Patent Application PCT / IB2022 / 056645, filed on 19 July 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0123] The actuator 340 (Figure 3) is connected between the lateral foot end support 330 and the sliding portion 30 of the upper frame 25, causing the sliding portion 30 to slide on the fixed portions 31 and 33. The actuator 340 may also be controlled by a controller such as the aforementioned controller 450, and is selectively extended and retracted to slide the sliding portion 30 toward the head end 12 of the bed 10 or toward the foot end 14 of the bed 10.

[0124] As shown in Figure 6, in order to move the bed 10 from a flat horizontal position to a full chair position, in this embodiment, the head end lift assembly 102 is operated to be in the fully extended position while the foot end lift assembly 104 is operated to be in the fully folded position. The rear deck section 42 is actuated via actuators (not shown) that force the rear deck section 42 to pivot relative to the seat deck section 44 by forcing a left arm 360 and a right arm 360 (only one of which is shown in Figure 6) connected between the sliding part 30 of the upper frame 25 and the rear deck section 42. The rear deck section 42 also moves longitudinally and vertically away from the seat deck section 44 via guides (not shown) that direct the movement of the rear deck section 42. Actuator 340 is also controlled to slide the sliding part 30 of the upper frame 25 toward the foot end 14 of the bed 10 and thus retract to its minimum length, which drives the deck sections 42, 44, 46, and 48 together with it. The frame 370 of the foot deck section 48 has left and right channels 372 (only one of which is shown in Figures 5, 5A, and 6) that receive the respective rollers 374 (Figures 3 and 5A) connected to the connecting bracket 326 of the foot end fixing member 308. Thus, in the flat, horizontal position of the bed 10, the foot deck section 48 is connected to the foot end fixing section 33 via channels 372 that extend downward and toward the foot ends 14, from their upper ends to their lower ends (see Figure 5A). When the actuator 340 is retracted to its minimum length, the rollers 374 move along the corresponding channels 372, and the foot deck section 48 pivots relative to the thigh deck section 46 around the pivot section 53 that interconnects them. Thus, the foot deck section 48 pivots around the pivot section 53 and the pin 374, and is repositioned so that the foot deck section 48 is in a vertical position as shown in Figure 6. To provide greater control over the movement of the foot deck 48, the thigh deck 46 can also pivot relative to the seat deck 44 via an actuator 378 (partially shown in Figure 5A) connected between the thigh deck 46 and the sliding portion 30 of the upper frame 25.This rotational movement of the thigh deck 46 also moves the foot deck 48 upward, as shown in Figure 5B. The thigh deck 46 may also rotate to reach other positions of the bed 10, such as the cardiac chair position. Further details of the movement of the decks 42, 44, 46, and 48 are provided in International Patent Application No. PCT / IB2022 / 056645, filed on 19 July 2022.

[0125] From the above, it should be understood that Figures 20 and 21 form a two-part configuration in which both sets (right and left) of head-end fixing members 306 and foot-end fixing members 308 are slidably assembled within their respective elongated sleeve members 302 (as seen in Figure 3). While such two-part configurations shown and described above may be used, further embodiments may be provided, which may provide another configuration in which the two-part configuration is integrated, as further illustrated by Figures 27 to 29.

[0126] Referring to Figure 27, a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a simplified form showing details of an alternative upper frame 25a is illustrated. Figure 28 is an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 27, and Figure 29 is an exploded view of the alternative upper frame 25a of Figure 27, showing details of its fixed and sliding parts. In such additional embodiments according to the present invention, the upper frame 25a has left and right elongated members 368 joined by lateral foot end supports 330 near its foot end, and a lateral head end support (not shown) near its head end. The upper frame 25a also has an elongated sleeve member 302a itself joined by a transverse member 304. Additional transverse members may interconnect the elongated sleeve member 302a.

[0127] Therefore, this alternative upper frame 25a has a single fixed portion 2801 and a sliding portion 2800 that slide in an expandable manner along the fixed portion in a concentric configuration. In particular, as best shown in Figures 28 and 29, the fixed portion 2801 includes left and right elongated members 368 and a transverse member extending between them and interconnecting them, and the sliding portion 2800 includes an elongated sleeve member 302a, thereby the elongated sleeve member 302a being concentric with the left and right elongated members 368 positioned on the inside. The sliding of the elongated sleeve member 302a along the elongated member 368 is facilitated by rollers 324 that are partially positioned within the elongated member 368 and configured to engage with the respective inner surfaces of the elongated sleeve member 302a. As can be seen in Figure 27 and as described in relation to the upper frame 25, the foot end lift assembly 104 is pivotably connected to the fixed portion 2801, the pivot connection between them extending through slots 221a (one of which is shown in Figure 27) defined by the sleeve member 302a. As described above, the actuator 340 connected between the transverse member 304 and the transverse foot end support 330 is responsible for controlling the position of the sliding portion relative to the fixed portion. To achieve the chair position, the actuator 340 retracts to its minimum length, moving the sliding portion 2800 toward the foot end of the fixed portion 2801 (thus moving it together with the seat deck portion 44 and other deck portions 42, 46, 48 fixed to the sliding portion 2800), and at the same time, the arrangement of the roller 374 and channel 372 as described above controls the angular position of the foot deck portion (element 48 shown in Figures 1 and 2), thereby positioning the foot deck portion 48 in a more vertical position.

[0128] As can be understood from the above, the configuration of the upper frame 25, i.e., the configuration including the sliding part 30, allows the deck sections 42, 44, 46, and 48 to move to different positions on the bed 10, enabling a simple and efficient configuration.

[0129] Here, we will show and explain various modifications to the above-described embodiments with respect to the alternative embodiments illustrated in Figures 22 to 26.

[0130] Referring to Figure 22, a perspective view of a portion of the head-end lift assembly according to the alternative embodiment 2200 is shown from the top, rear, and right side. While all parts of the overall patient support device are substantially unchanged from the previously described portion, this alternative embodiment is in contrast to the portion best shown in Figure 3A with respect to the manner in which the right support leg member 160 and the left support leg member 160 are connected to the head-end transverse member 43 of the internal base frame 35. In this alternative embodiment 2200, the right support leg member 160 and the left support leg member 160 are substantially identical to the element 160 in Figure 3A, again formed by two inclined sections and attached to the head-end transverse member 43 of the internal base frame 35. However, each left and right support leg member 160 is attached to the head-end transverse member 43 from below (rather than from above as described above in Figure 3A) via an intermediate connector consisting of an L-bracket 2202 and a bracket connector 2201.

[0131] In this alternative embodiment 2200, the L-bracket 2202 is fixed to the underside of the head-end transverse member 43. Bracket connectors 2201 are provided as intermediate elements for pivotably connecting each left and right support leg member 160 to the corresponding L-bracket 2202. This allows the right and left support leg members 160 to move during the raising / lowering of the patient support device, while the L-brackets 2202 and bracket connectors 2201 remain fixed to the base of the patient support device. Such raising / lowering is previously shown by Figure 2 with respect to Figure 5. Thus, the advantage of attaching each right and left support leg member 160 to the head-end transverse member 43 from below is that the L-brackets 2202 and bracket connectors 2201 are positioned discreetly below the base of the patient support device. In this way, entanglement of cords, patient intravenous lines, or similar can be advantageously avoided. Similarly, each of the L-brackets 2202 and bracket connectors 2201 is advantageously positioned inward from each adjacent caster 24, allowing for full 360-degree movement by the caster 24 without potentially trapping any obstructing objects (e.g., cables) between the caster 24 and the intermediate connector.

[0132] Referring to Figure 23, a perspective view is shown, cropped from below, of an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 22. Here, the L-brackets 2202 are visibly welded to the underside of the head-end transverse member 43. In particular, the shafts 2203 of each L-bracket 2202 (see Figure 24) are inserted into corresponding openings in the head-end transverse member 43, and welding is performed on their joint surfaces to secure the L-brackets 2202 to the head-end transverse member 43. While the L-brackets 2202 are connected to the head-end transverse member 50 by welding in this embodiment, it should be understood that any means of securing the L-brackets can be achieved, including but not limited to mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts), soldering, or any suitable high-strength connection. As can be clearly shown on the right side of Figure 23, the L-brackets 2202 are spaced inward from the caster 24, with sufficient clearance between them regardless of the swivel motion of the caster 24. Similarly, the bracket connector 2201 is fixed to the L-bracket 2202 without interfering with the swivel caster 24. In this way, the caster 24 can swivel freely without being hindered by either the L-bracket 2202 or the bracket connector 2201. As shown, the bracket connector 2201 is fixed to the L-bracket 2202 via bolts, while the right and left support leg members 160 are swivelably connected to the bracket connector 2201 as described above.

[0133] Referring to Figure 24, a cross-sectional side view is shown, cut off from line AA of an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 22. Here, the relative positions of the L-bracket 2202 and the bracket connector 2201 are shown. Although two separate components having the L-bracket 2202 and the bracket connector 2201 are illustrated and described, it should be noted that these components may be provided as a single element without departing from the intended scope of the invention. Such a single element would, of course, be fixed at one end to the head-end transverse member 43 and, like the two separate components, swivelably attached to one of each of the support leg members 160. From Figure 24, it can be seen that the L-bracket 2202 is mounted below the head-end transverse member 50 but does not extend vertically beyond the midpoint of the caster 24. In this way, adequate and sufficient ground clearance is ensured to ensure the smooth operation and movement of the patient support device.

[0134] Referring to Figure 25, a partial bottom view is shown, cropped from the bottom right corner of an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 22. The bracket connector 2201 is fixed to the L-bracket 2202 as shown and described above, and extends outward from the head-end transverse member 50 to align the pivot point of the lower end of the support leg member 160 with its end. Thus, the fixed bracket connector 2201 is pivotably attached to the support leg member 160, as described above, enabling the movement of the support leg member 160. As shown, the caster 24 is positioned adjacent to the bracket connector 2201 and the L-bracket 2202, at a sufficient distance from them, to allow for the full and unhindered pivoting motion of the caster 24.

[0135] As can be understood, the embodiments shown in Figures 22-25 allow for an unobstructed configuration in which the head-end lift assembly 102 of the lifting system is connected to the internal base frame 35 (quantified by the load cell 39 as described above) at an external position around the external base frame 37. In other words, despite the external base frame 37 surrounding the internal base frame 35, the intermediate connector bypasses the external base frame 37, allowing for a pivot connection between the support leg members 160 of the head-end lift assembly 102 and the internal base frame 35 outside the external base frame 37 (via the intermediate connector). This minimizes the length of the base 20 of the bed 10, thereby making the bed 10 less cumbersome and minimizing the risk of the user bumping their legs on the base 20, as the bed is typically pushed from its head end by the user.

[0136] Referring to Figure 26, perspective views of the embodiment of Figure 22 and an additional embodiment 2600 having an optional cord retaining clip 1801 are illustrated. The cord retaining clip 1801 is provided as an extension of the cap 1800, and the extension of the cap 1800 is snapped onto, removably attached to, or otherwise fitted onto an element below the patient support device (i.e., a link mechanism 140 as seen in Figures 3 and 8) at the head end of the cap 1800. In this example, the cap 1800 is above the link mechanism 140 and is secured to it via fasteners (not shown). Thus, the cap 1800 restricts access to the link mechanism 140 below. It should be understood that the cap 1800 and the cord retaining clip 1801 are provided as a single element and are preferably manufactured from suitable materials, such as but not limited to plastic or metal materials.

[0137] The cord retaining clip 1801 is oriented to form an extension facing in opposite directions, as shown. In this way, any cord-like elements associated with patient and monitoring devices, such as but not limited to lead wires, outlet cords, electronic equipment cables, or similar (shown by dotted lines), can be conveniently and neatly wrapped around the opposing extension. The material selected to form the cap 1800 and the cord retaining clip 1801 may be selected to be flexible enough to allow the cap 1800 to bend or otherwise curve when a cord wrapped around the cord retaining clip 1801 is accidentally pulled. High-impact plastics may be suitable materials, but of course, any high-density rubber or semi-flexible polymer can be used to form the cap 1800 and the cord retaining clip 1801 without departing from the intended scope of the invention.

[0138] Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the Art may be apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the Art is intended to be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A patient support device, The base and, A patient support assembly movably connected to the base and configured to accommodate a patient thereon, wherein the patient support assembly comprises an upper frame and a deck connected to the upper frame, A lifting system for operably connecting the base to the patient support assembly and moving the patient support assembly relative to the base, wherein the lifting system comprises a head-end lift assembly and a foot-end lift assembly that are movable to raise and lower a corresponding one of the head-end and foot-end of the upper frame, and at least one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly is It is a lift leg unit, A first end that is rotatably connected to the upper frame, A lift leg unit comprising: a second end pivotably connected to the base and movable relative to the base in the longitudinal direction of the patient support device; A support leg unit rotatably connected to the base, wherein the support leg unit is rotatably connected to the lift leg unit between the first end and the second end, A patient support device comprising: an lifting system comprising an actuator connected between the base and the support leg unit, which drives at least one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly between an extended position and a folded position, wherein the corresponding one of the head-end and foot-end of the upper frame is further away from the base in the extended position than in the folded position of at least one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly.

2. The actuator, A base end that is rotatably connected to the base with respect to the base pivot axis, wherein the base pivot axis is fixed to the base, The patient support device according to claim 1, further comprising an extendable end that is movable relative to the base end and connected to the support leg unit.

3. The patient support device according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal distance between the base end of the actuator and the corresponding one of the head end and foot end of the upper frame is greater than the longitudinal distance between the extendable end of the actuator and the corresponding one of the head end and foot end of the upper frame.

4. In the extended position of at least one of the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly, the corresponding one of the head end and foot end of the upper frame is at its maximum height, In the folded position of at least one of the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly, the corresponding one of the head end and foot end of the upper frame is at its minimum height, The actuator rotates around the base pivot axis at an angle of less than 5° between the extended position and the folded position. The patient support device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The patient support device according to claim 4, wherein the actuator rotates around the base pivot axis at an angle of less than 3° between the extended position and the folded position.

6. The patient support device according to claim 5, wherein the actuator rotates around the base pivot axis at an angle of approximately 1° between the extended position and the folded position.

7. The patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuator is an electric linear actuator.

8. The support leg unit, A left support leg member and a right support leg member spaced apart laterally from each other, A patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a central brace connecting the left support leg member to the right support leg member, wherein the actuator is connected to the central brace.

9. The patient support device according to claim 8, wherein throughout the entire movement between the extended position and the folded position, each of the left support leg member and the right support leg member is positioned above the corresponding one of the head end and foot end of the base.

10. The base comprises an outer base frame and an inner base frame at least partially enclosed by the outer base frame. The internal base frame is connected to the external base frame via at least one load cell configured to sense the load of the components supported by the internal base frame. Throughout the entire movement between the extended position and the folded position, the left support leg member and the right support leg member are positioned above the corresponding one of the head end and foot end of the outer base frame. The patient support device according to claim 9.

11. The patient support device according to claim 10, further comprising at least one intermediate connector for connecting the internal base frame to the left and right support leg members, wherein the at least one intermediate connector extends above the head end transverse member of the external base frame.

12. The patient support device according to claim 10, further comprising at least one intermediate connector for connecting the internal base frame to the left and right support leg members, wherein the intermediate connector is located below the head end transverse member of the external base frame.

13. The patient support device according to claim 12, wherein each of at least one intermediate connector is formed by a bracket connector and an L-bracket, the L-bracket is fixed to the lower surface of the head-end transverse member, the bracket connector extends below the head-end transverse member of the base frame, the bracket connector is fixed at one end to a corresponding L-bracket and is swivelably attached at the other end to a corresponding one of the left and right support leg members.

14. The lift leg unit comprises a left lift leg member and a right lift leg member that are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. The left and right support leg members are rotatably connected to the left and right lift leg members, respectively. A patient support device according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

15. Each of the left and right lift leg members defines a connecting recess, A portion of each of the left and right support leg members is housed in one of the connecting recesses of each of the left and right lift leg members. The patient support device according to claim 14.

16. The head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly, at least one of them, The first end of the lift leg unit is further connected to the upper frame in a pivotable manner by a link mechanism, the link mechanism comprising a left link and a right link, Each of the left and right links has a first link end and a second link end, The first link end is rotatably connected to the first end of the lift leg unit. The patient support device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the second link end is pivotably connected to the upper frame.

17. The patient support device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein each of the left and right lift leg members is generally S-shaped.

18. Each of the left and right lift leg members is, A first extension including the first end, A second extension including the second end, wherein the first and second extensions extend substantially parallel to each other, A patient support device according to any one of claims 14 to 17, comprising: an inclined portion that interconnects the first and second extensions, the inclined portion being inclined with respect to the first and second extensions.

19. The patient support device according to claim 18, wherein the left and right support leg members are rotatably connected to the left and right lift leg members at their respective inclined portions.

20. At the aforementioned folding position, The first and second ends generally extend horizontally, The patient support device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the first end is positioned higher vertically than the second end.

21. The patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the second end of the lift leg unit is slidable longitudinally along the base.

22. The patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein at least one of the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly is the head end lift assembly.

23. The actuator is a single actuator, The foot end lift assembly comprises two actuators for operating the foot end lift assembly. A patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. The patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the patient support device is a bed.

25. The patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the patient support device is movable between a horizontal position and a full chair position.

26. The patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the deck comprises a rear support deck section, a seat deck section, a thigh deck section, and a foot deck section that are movably connected to each other.

27. The patient support device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, further comprising a pair of caps fitted to the left and right sides of the lift leg unit, each cap comprising a cord retaining clip, wherein the cord retaining clip of the cap forms an extension oriented in opposite directions to allow a cord-like element to be wound between them.

28. The base and, A patient support assembly configured to be movably connected to the base and to accommodate a patient thereon, wherein the patient support comprises an upper frame and a deck connected to the upper frame, A lifting system for operably connecting the base to the patient support assembly and moving the patient support assembly relative to the base, wherein the lifting system comprises a head-end lift assembly and a foot-end lift assembly that are movable to raise and lower the head-end and foot-end of the upper frame, respectively, and at least one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly is The upper frame and the lift leg unit rotatably connected to the base, A support leg unit that is rotatably connected to the base and the lift leg unit, A first actuator and a second actuator for operating at least one of the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly, wherein the first and second actuators are extendable, and each of the first and second actuators has a first end and a second end movable relative to the first end, and the first ends of the first and second actuators are pivotably connected to one of the support leg unit and the lift leg unit, The system includes a link mechanism that pivotably connects the first and second actuators to the base in order to adjust the operation of the first and second actuators, The second end of the first actuator is pivotably connected to the link mechanism about the first pivot axis, The second end of the second actuator is pivotably connected to the link mechanism about a second pivot axis that is generally parallel to the first pivot axis. The lifting system comprises a link mechanism which is pivotably connected to the base of the first and second pivot axes, with respect to the third pivot axis which is generally parallel to the first and second pivot axes, such that the first and second pivot axes are pivotable about the third pivot axis. Patient support equipment.

29. The patient support device according to claim 28, wherein the first, second, and third pivot axes are aligned on a plane including the first, second, and third pivot axes.

30. The patient support device according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the first and second pivot axes are arranged at equal distances from the third pivot axis.

31. The aforementioned link mechanism A first actuator link is pivotably connected to the second end of the first actuator and is rotatable about the first pivot axis, A second actuator link is pivotably connected to the second end of the second actuator and is rotatable about the second pivot axis, A patient support device according to any one of claims 28 to 30, comprising an interconnection link connected to the first and second actuator links, the interconnection link being rotatably connected to the base.

32. The aforementioned interconnection link is a shaft, The link mechanism further comprises first and second outer links that pivotably connect the shaft to the base, and the first and second outer links are pivotable about the third pivot axis. The patient support device according to claim 31.

33. A controller capable of communicating with the first and second actuators, further comprising a controller capable of operating to control the first and second actuators, Throughout the entire movement of at least one of the head-end lift assembly and the foot-end lift assembly, the link mechanism pivots around the third pivot axis in response to the misalignment of the second ends of the first and second actuators. A patient support device according to any one of claims 28 to 32.

34. The device further comprises a sensing device configured to measure a parameter indicating the position of at least one of the first and second actuators relative to the link mechanism, The patient support device according to claim 33, wherein the controller communicates with the sensing device, and the controller is operable to control the first and second actuators based on the parameters measured by the sensing device.

35. The patient support device according to claim 34, wherein the controller is configured to selectively stop the operation of the first and second actuators in response to the measured parameter values ​​indicating a potential collision between the first or second actuator and the link mechanism.

36. The patient support device according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the sensing device is a potentiometer.

37. The patient support device according to any one of claims 28 to 36, wherein the first and second actuators are electric linear actuators.

38. The patient support device according to any one of claims 28 to 37, wherein the patient support device is a bed.

39. The patient support device according to any one of claims 28 to 38, wherein the patient support device is movable between a flat horizontal position and a full chair position.

40. The patient support device according to any one of claims 28 to 39, wherein the deck comprises a rear support deck section, a seat deck section, a thigh deck section, and a foot deck section that are movably connected to each other.

41. A patient support device, The base and, A patient support assembly movably connected to the base and configured to accommodate a patient thereon, the patient support assembly comprising an upper frame and a deck connected to the upper frame, the deck comprising a plurality of deck sections movable relative to each other, The upper frame comprises a fixed portion and a sliding portion, and the sliding portion is configured to be slidable relative to the fixed portion in the longitudinal direction of the patient support device. The deck portion is connected to the sliding portion, and in response to the sliding portion sliding against the fixed portion, the deck portion moves to change the position of the bed, in a patient support assembly, A patient support device comprising: a lifting system for operably connecting the base to the patient support assembly and moving the patient support assembly relative to the base.

42. The aforementioned fixing part is the first fixing part, The upper frame further comprises a second fixing portion, and the sliding portion is slidably engaged with the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. The first fixing part defines the head end of the upper frame, The second fixing part defines the foot end of the upper frame. The patient support device according to claim 41.

43. The aforementioned plurality of deck sections include a rear deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section. The aforementioned seat deck portion is fixed to the aforementioned sliding portion. The patient support device according to claim 41.

44. The patient support device according to claim 43, wherein the foot deck portion is movably connected to the second fixing portion.

45. The aforementioned lifting system A head end lift assembly connected between the head end and the base of the upper frame, The patient support device according to claim 41, further comprising a foot end lift assembly connected between the foot end of the upper frame and the base.

46. The patient support device according to claim 45, wherein the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly are connected to the fixed portion.

47. The aforementioned fixing part is the first fixing part, The upper frame further comprises a second fixing portion, and the sliding portion is slidably fitted with the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. The first fixing part defines the head end of the upper frame, The second fixing part defines the foot end of the upper frame, The foot end lift assembly is connected to the second fixing portion. The patient support device according to claim 46.

48. The patient support device according to claim 42 or 47, wherein the first and second fixing parts are separate.

49. The patient support device according to claim 42 or 47, wherein the first and second fixing parts are integrally formed.

50. The patient support device according to any one of claims 41 to 49, further comprising an actuator that operably connects the sliding portion to the fixed portion, wherein the actuator is operable to selectively slide the sliding portion relative to the fixed portion.

51. A base comprising an external base frame and an internal base frame, A patient support assembly configured to accommodate a patient thereon, wherein the patient support assembly comprises an upper frame and a deck connected to the upper frame, A lifting system for operably connecting the internal base frame to the patient support assembly and moving the patient support assembly relative to the base, wherein the lifting system comprises a head-end lift assembly and a foot-end lift assembly that are movable to raise and lower one of the corresponding head-end and foot-ends of the upper frame, The internal base frame is connected to one of the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly, the at least one intermediate connector located adjacent to a transverse member of the external base frame such that one of the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly is positioned outside the periphery of the external base frame and supported by the internal base frame, Patient support equipment.

52. The patient support device according to claim 51, wherein at least one intermediate connector extends above the transverse member.

53. The patient support device according to claim 51 or 52, wherein at one end of the at least one intermediate connector is fixed to the upper surface of the transverse member of the internal base frame and the other end is rotatably connected to one of the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly.

54. The patient support device according to claim 52 or 53, wherein at least two intermediate connectors are positioned laterally spaced from each other with respect to one of the rotatably mounted head-end lift assembly and foot-end lift assembly.

55. The patient support device according to claim 51, wherein at least one intermediate connector extends below the transverse member.

56. The patient support device according to claim 51 or 55, wherein at one end of the at least one intermediate connector is fixed to the lower surface of the transverse member of the internal base frame, and at the opposite end is rotatably attached to one of the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly.

57. The patient support device according to claim 55 or 56, wherein at least two intermediate connectors are provided displaced laterally toward each other with respect to one of the swivelably connected head-end lift assembly and foot-end lift assembly.

58. The patient support device according to any one of claims 51 to 57, wherein one of the head end lift assembly and the foot end lift assembly has a pivot portion that is positioned at its lower end on the outside of the periphery of the external base frame.

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