Method and apparatus for repositioning a subject in a bed

Abstract

Method for repositioning a subject in a support device and having a head end and foot end, including: when subject is positioned at a selected location on the support device, first moving a footboard, toward the head end; sensing when the footboard is within a preselected distance from the foot of the subject; stopping movement of the footboard at a location at which the footboard is within the preselected distance from the foot of the subject; recording the location at which the footboard is within the preselected distance from the foot of the subject; first tilting the subject to a more upright position; second moving the footboard away from the head end, including moving the subject toward the floor; and third moving of the footboard toward the head end, to the recorded location.

Description

[0001] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPOSITIONING A SUBJECT IN A BED

[0002] RELATED APPLICATION / S

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 629,764 filed November 28, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] This application is also related to WO 2006 / 123333, filed May 16, 2006; US 8,566,984, filed February 13, 2012; US 2012 / 0137437, filed March 8, 2007; and US 2007 / 0169267, filed March 8, 2007.

[0005] FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a method and apparatus for positioning a subject in a bed and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and apparatus for facilitating egress of a subject from a bed and ingress of a subject into a bed.

[0007] Positioning a patient in an apparatus such as, for example, a bed is a difficult task for caregivers, especially when the patient is immobile. Positioning a patient in an apparatus may be very uncomfortable for the patient and / or the caregivers, and may even cause injuries to the patient and possibly also to the caregiver.

[0008] The way a tilting apparatus, having a footboard is working is as follow -

[0009] 1. The footboard is moving, either manually or by a program, to the feet of the patient. Also possible that if the footboard is not movable, the apparatus tilts and the patient slides down to the footboard.

[0010] 2. When the apparatus is tilted, an apparatus with a program can move the patient to a vertical position or substantially vertical position while moving the footboard down towards the floor surface, which will enable the user to step out of the apparatus.

[0011] 3. When the caregiver wants to tilt down the apparatus, there are apparatuses / beds which can first move up the patient and then tilt him down, and other apparatuses will just tilt down, no matter where the patient is positioned.

[0012] In all cases the patient, after tilted down, will not be repositioned in the same position in the apparatus, in which he was before the tilting process started. This can be problematic, as the body needs to be positioned in such a way that when the backrest is raised, the patient will be positioned correctly in the apparatus, or if moved to a seated position or legs up.

[0013] Otherwise, it will create discomfort and can be harmful for the patient. This invention gives a solution to position the patient in the apparatus, exactly in the same position he was before tilted.

[0014] It is known to provide a tiltable bed with a footboard that may be moved, either manually or automatically such as, for example, by an electric actuator or hydraulically. When a caregiver wants to facilitate egress of the patient from the bed, he may tilt the bed from a prone configuration to a more upright configuration, such as, for example, to a vertical configuration, such that the patient slides down toward the floor, thereby enabling him to step out of the bed, if he is so able. In order to facilitate ingress of the patient into the bed, the caregiver may move the patient up into the bed and tilt the bed to a prone configuration. However, the patient will not be repositioned in the bed at the same location as before his egress from the bed. This may be problematic, as the patient may not be positioned in the bed such that his hips are aligned with the bed portion between the backrest and the seat and, therefore, he may not be moved from a prone configuration to a seated configuration or from a prone configuration to a configuration in which his legs are raised. This improper positioning of the patient may cause discomfort and may be harmful to the patient, for example, possibly causing circulatory problems and bedsores.

[0015] In this invention, the apparatus (for convenience it will be referred to as a bed) comprises one or more of:

[0016] 1. a movable footboard

[0017] 2. at least one actuator configured to move the footboard and at least one actuator for the tilting function

[0018] 3. a sensor of any kind, which is configured to sense that the footboard is touching or is close to the feet of the patient, or when a pressure is applied on the footboard

[0019] 4. a controller configured for controlling the movement of the actuators

[0020] When the tilting process starts, the footboard moves towards the feet.

[0021] When the footboard touches the feet or senses it is close to the feet, the movement of the footboard stops. At that point the controller memorizes that the footboard has stopped in this position.

[0022] Now, the tilting starts or continues. At some point during the tilting process the footboard will start moving in the opposite direction, allowing the patient to move down towards the floor, so when fully tilted the footboard will be close to or touching the floor.

[0023] When the patient is tilted downwards, the footboard starts moving upwards moving the patient towards the head of the bed. The movement will stop at the same position (with small tolerances) the controller memorized as described above. This will allow to position the patient back into exact same position he was before tilted. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for repositioning a subject in a support device, the support device being positioned on a floor and having a head end and a foot end, said method including: when the subject is positioned at a selected location on the support device, first moving a footboard, from a location along the support device which is closer to the foot end of the support device than a foot or feet of the subject, toward the head end of the support device; sensing when the footboard is within a preselected distance from one of a foot and feet of the subject; stopping movement of the footboard at a location along the support device at which the footboard is within the preselected distance from one of the foot and feet of the subject; recording the location along the support device at which the footboard is within the preselected distance from one of the foot and feet of the subject; first tilting the subject to a more upright position; second moving the footboard away from the head end of the support surface, said second moving including moving the subject toward the floor; and third moving of the footboard toward the head end of the support surface, to the recorded location.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the invention, said first moving a footboard is performed when the subject is in a prone configuration on the support device.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the invention, said first moving is stoppable at any time by a user.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the invention, said sensing is performed by a sensor positioned on one of the footboard and the support device.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the invention, said first tilting includes transferring a weight of the subject from the support surface to the footboard.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the invention, said second moving is performed after said first tilting the subject has begun; and wherein said second moving includes said moving the subject toward the foot end of the support surface when the support surface has been tilted to at least a preselected angle relative to the floor.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the invention, said second moving includes angling the footboard so that it is parallel to the floor. According to some embodiments of the invention, the method includes, after said second moving, allowing egress of the subject from the support surface.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the invention, said first tilting includes tilting the subject to a substantially vertical position.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of said first moving, said second moving, and said third moving is motorized.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the invention including, after the third moving, second tilting the subject to a prone position, at which he is substantially parallel to the floor.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the invention, said footboard is configured to support a weight of up to 500kg during said second moving and said third moving.

[0035] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided apparatus for front egress of a subject in a seated position, said apparatus positionable on a floor and having a foot end, said apparatus including a backrest and a seat movable relative to each other; wherein said apparatus includes a footboard at said foot end; wherein said apparatus has a first seated orientation in which said backrest is at a first angle relative to the floor, said seat is at a third angle relative to the floor, and said footboard is not parallel to the floor; wherein said apparatus has a second seated orientation in which said backrest is at a second angle relative to the floor, said second angle larger than said first angle, said seat is at a fourth angle relative to the floor, said fourth angle smaller than said third angle, and said footboard is parallel to the floor; and wherein, in said second seated orientation, said footboard contacts the floor.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the invention, said apparatus includes a legrest and wherein, in said first seated orientation, said footboard is approximately at a 90 degree angle relative to said legrest.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the invention, when in said second seated orientation, said backrest and said seat are positioned to allow egress of the subject from the apparatus.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the invention, when in said second seated orientation, said backrest and said seat are positioned to allow egress of the subject from the apparatus to a substantially standing position.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the invention, when in said second seated orientation, said backrest and said seat are positioned to allow egress of the subject from the apparatus, with a foot or feet of the subject supported by said footboard, by sliding off said backrest and said seat. According to some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus includes an actuator for converting said apparatus from said first seated orientation to said second seated orientation.

[0040] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for facilitating movement of a subject from a prone position at a first location in a bed to a more upright position in the bed, the bed positioned on a floor and having a head end and a foot end, the method including: positioning a footboard one of adjacent to and contacting at least one foot of the subject; tilting the subject to the more upright position in the bed; moving the footboard away from the head end of the bed, in conjunction with the tilting the subject; and one of moving the subject and allowing the subject to move away from the head end of the bed in conjunction with the moving the footboard.

[0041] According to some embodiments of the invention, the moving the subject is performed in increments.

[0042] According to some embodiments of the invention, the moving the footboard toward the foot end of the bed is performed one of simultaneously with and after the tilting the subject.

[0043] According to some embodiments of the invention, the one of moving the subject and allowing the subject to move toward the foot end of the bed is performed one of simultaneously with and after the tilting.

[0044] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes moving the footboard such that the footboard one of contacts the floor and is at a preselected distance from the floor.

[0045] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes, after the one of moving the subject and allowing the subject to move, converting the bed from a prone configuration to a sitting configuration.

[0046] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method includes, after the one of moving the subject and allowing the subject to move toward the foot end of the bed, providing support for egress of the subject from the bed.

[0047] According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the positioning, the tilting, and the moving the footboard is actuated by one of the subject and a caregiver.

[0048] According to some embodiments of the invention, the one of moving the subject and allowing the subject to move is performed by one of the subject and a caregiver.

[0049] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method includes securing the subject to the bed one of prior to the tilting and during the tilting. According to some embodiments of the invention, the method includes, after the tilting, sensing that a weight of the subject is supported by the footboard to monitor progress of the method.

[0050] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method includes, during the tilting, sensing that a weight of the subject is supported by the footboard and, if not, stopping the tilting and the moving the footboard.

[0051] According to some embodiments of the invention, the bed includes a head end, the method further including, after the positioning, recording in a memory a position of the footboard relative to the head end of the bed.

[0052] According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further includes: allowing egress of the subject from the bed; providing support for ingress of the subject to the bed, such that the at least one foot of the subject is one of adjacent to and in contact with the footboard at the foot end of the bed; moving the footboard to the recorded footboard position, the moving the footboard being performed in conjunction, such that the subject is moved to a preselected location relative to the head of the bed; moving the subject toward the head end of the bed, to the preselected location, in conjunction with the moving the footboard; and tilting the subject to the prone position in the bed.

[0053] According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the providing support and the moving the subject toward the head end of the bed is performed by at least one of the subject and a caregiver.

[0054] According to some embodiments of the invention, the moving the subject toward the head end of the bed, to the preselected location, is performed simultaneously with the moving the footboard.

[0055] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for facilitating movement of a subject from an upright position to a prone position in a bed, the bed positioned on a floor and having a head end and a foot end, the method including: providing support for ingress of the subject to the bed, such that at least one foot of the subject is one of adjacent to and in contact with a footboard at the foot end of the bed; moving the footboard toward the head of the bed, to a preselected footboard position, the moving the footboard being performed in conjunction with the tilting the subject, such that the subject is movable to a preselected location relative to the head of the bed; moving the subject toward the head end of the bed, to the preselected location, in conjunction with the moving the footboard; and tilting the subject to the prone position in the bed.

[0056] According to some embodiments of the invention, the tilting the subject from an upright position to a prone position is actuated by one of the subject and a caregiver.

[0057] According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one of the providing support and the moving the subject is performed by one of the subject and a caregiver.

[0058] According to some embodiments of the invention, the subject is secured to the bed during the tilting the subject.

[0059] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for positioning a subject at a preselected position in a bed located on a floor, the bed having a head end, the method including: tilt the subject from a prone position to an angle relative to the floor in which he one of is more easily moved and can be more easily moved along the bed, such that he is movable to the preselected position in the bed; position a footboard at a predetermined location relative to the head end, the predetermined location preselected at a location at which the subject is at a preselected position in the bed and at least one foot of the subject is in contact with or adjacent to the footboard; one of move the subject and allow the subject to move until at least one of his feet is one of in contact with or adjacent to the footboard at the predetermined location, and the subject is positioned at the preselected position.

[0060] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for raising a subject from a prone position in a bed to a more upright position in the bed, the bed positioned on a floor and having a head end and a foot end, the bed being at a first angle relative to the floor, the method including: first moving the footboard toward the head of the bed until it is positioned less than a first distance from at least one foot of the subject; stopping the first moving of the footboard relative to the foot end of the bed; tilting the bed from a first angle relative to the floor, to a second angle relative to the floor, the first angle smaller than the second angle, such that the subject is tilted from the prone position to a more upright position than the prone position; and second moving the footboard away from the head of the bed, the second moving being performed one of during the tilting and after the tilting, such that the subject is more easily movable away from the head of the bed than when in the prone position. According to some embodiments of the invention, the stopping includes recording a position of the footboard relative to the foot end of the bed.

[0061] According to some embodiments of the invention, the bed includes a flat configuration, in which the subject is prone, and a sitting configuration, in which the subject is seated, and wherein the method includes, after the second moving, converting the bed from the prone configuration to the sitting configuration.

[0062] According to some embodiments of the invention, the tilting the bed includes tilting the bed from the first angle, at which the foot end of the bed is at a first distance above the floor, to the second angle relative to the floor, at which the foot end of the bed is at a second distance above the floor, the first distance greater than the second distance.

[0063] According to some embodiments of the invention, the bed includes a flat configuration, in which the subject is prone, and a sitting configuration, in which the subject is seated; wherein the tilting is performed when the bed is in the flat configuration.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the invention, the bed includes a flat configuration, in which the subject is prone, and a sitting configuration, in which the subject is seated; and wherein the tilting is performed when the bed is in the sitting configuration.

[0065] According to some embodiments of the invention, method includes repositioning the subject from the more upright position in the bed to the prone position in the bed, the method including: tilting the bed from the second angle relative to the floor to a third angle relative to the floor, at which the foot end of the bed is at a third distance from the floor, the third distance greater than the first distance, such that the subject is tilted from the substantially upright position to a position in which a head of the subject is lower than the at least one foot of the subject; third moving the footboard toward the head of the bed, to the recorded footboard position, the third moving being performed while the bed is being tilted from the second angle to the third angle, such that the subject is more easily movable toward the head of the bed than when in the prone position; and tilting the bed from the third angle to the first angle, such that the subject is in the prone position in the bed.

[0066] According to some embodiments of the invention, at the third angle the bed is at an angle in a range of from 10-30 degrees relative to the floor.

[0067] According to some embodiments of the invention, the first distance is in a range of from 0-5 mm from the at least one foot of the subject. 35. The method according to claim 30, wherein the second moving includes moving the footboard away from the head of the bed until it is within a range of from 0-10mm from the floor. According to some embodiments of the invention, the second moving includes changing an angle of the footboard relative to the bed such that the footboard is parallel to the floor.

[0068] According to some embodiments of the invention, at the first angle the bed is parallel to the floor.

[0069] According to some embodiments of the invention, at the second angle the bed is at an angle in a range of from 80-100 degrees relative to the floor.

[0070] According to some embodiments of the invention, at the third angle the bed is at an angle in a range of from 10-30 degrees relative to the floor.

[0071] According to some embodiments of the invention, the tilting the bed from the first angle to the second angle is performed simultaneously with the second moving.

[0072] According to some embodiments of the invention, the second moving is performed after the tilting the bed from the first angle to the second angle has begun.

[0073] According to some embodiments of the invention, the second moving includes moving the footboard to a second distance from the floor.

[0074] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for tilting a subject from a prone position in a bed to a more upright position in the bed, the apparatus comprising: a support surface having a head end and a foot end, the support surface positionable on a floor, wherein the support surface is tiltable from a first angle relative to the floor, to a second angle relative to the floor, whereby the first angle is smaller than the second angle; a footboard, the footboard movable from a first position relative to the head end of the support surface toward at least one foot of the subject, to a second position relative to the head end of the support surface; wherein, at the second position, at least one of: the footboard is at a preselected distance from at least one foot of the subject; and the at least one foot of the subject applies at least a preselected pressure to the footboard; and a memory for recording the second position of the footboard; wherein, when the footboard is at the second position, the support surface is tiltable from the first angle to the second angle, such that the subject is tiltable from the prone position to the more upright position; and wherein the footboard is movable away from the head end of the support surface, from the second position to a third position relative to the head end of the support surface, during the tilting of the support surface. According to some embodiments of the invention, the bed includes a mattress and wherein the footboard is slidable above the mattress.

[0075] According to some embodiments of the invention, the footboard applies a force to the at least one foot of the subject in a range of from 4-10 kg.

[0076] According to some embodiments of the invention, the support surface includes a flat configuration, in which the subject is prone, and a sitting configuration, in which the subject is seated; wherein the tilting is performed when the support surface is in the flat configuration.

[0077] According to some embodiments of the invention, the support surface includes a flat configuration, in which the subject is prone, and a sitting configuration, in which the subject is seated; wherein the tilting is performed when the support surface is in the sitting configuration.

[0078] According to some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus is for tilting the subject from the more upright position in the bed to the prone position in the bed wherein, when the footboard is in contact with the at least one foot of the subject, the support surface is tiltable from the second angle relative to the floor to a third angle relative to the floor, at which the foot end of the bed is at a third distance above the floor, the third distance greater than the first distance, such that the subject is tiltable from the more upright position to a position in which the head of the subject is lower than the at least one foot of the subject; and wherein the footboard is movable toward the head end of the support surface, from the third position to the recorded second position, during the tilting of the support surface, such that the subject is more easily movable to the prone position in the bed than when in the prone position.

[0079] According to some embodiments of the invention, the support surface is tiltable to a Trendelenburg position.

[0080] According to some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus includes a sensor to sense at least one of: a distance of the foot of the subject relative to the footboard; and a pressure of a foot of the subject on the footboard.

[0081] According to some embodiments of the invention, the footboard is at a 90 degree angle relative to the support surface.

[0082] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for repositioning a footboard, wherein the footboard is movable relative to a support surface, wherein the support surface has a preselected location therealong, the method including: recording the preselected location; moving the footboard from the preselected location to a different location; sensing the location of the footboard; and moving the footboard toward the preselected location until it is located at the preselected location.

[0083] According to some embodiments of the invention, the support surface has a foot end and wherein the different location is located between the preselected location and the foot end of the support surface.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the invention, the moving the footboard to the preselected location includes providing an indication that the footboard is at the preselected location.

[0085] According to some embodiments of the invention, when an object is located between the footboard and the preselected location, the moving the footboard to the preselected location includes applying a pressure by the footboard to the object to move the object to the preselected location.

[0086] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and / or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

[0087] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, some embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon. Implementation of the method and / or system of some embodiments of the invention can involve performing and / or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of some embodiments of the method and / or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware and / or by a combination thereof, e.g., using an operating system.

[0088] For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to some embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to some embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to some exemplary embodiments of method and / or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data and / or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and / or removable media, for storing instructions and / or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and / or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

[0089] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized for some embodiments of the invention. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhau stive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0090] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on a computer readable medium and / or data used thereby may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0091] Computer program code for carrying out operations for some embodiments of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0092] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0093] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0094] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0095] Some of the methods described herein are generally designed only for use by a computer, and may not be feasible or practical for performing purely manually, by a human expert. A human expert who wanted to manually perform similar tasks might be expected to use completely different methods, e.g., making use of expert knowledge and / or the pattern recognition capabilities of the human brain, which would be vastly more efficient than manually going through the steps of the methods described herein.

[0096] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0097] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

[0098] In the drawings:

[0099] FIGs. 1A-C are schematic drawings illustrating a subject in a hospital bed, in various positions, according to some embodiments;

[0100] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the device and associated components, according to some embodiments;

[0101] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary control panel including some operations that may be performed by the device, according to some embodiments;

[0102] FIG. 4A is a side view of a device for repositioning a subject in a bed, according to some embodiments;

[0103] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a footboard of the device of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments;

[0104] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 4A shown in a tilted configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0105] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 4A, showing positioning of a subject prior to egress, according to some embodiments;

[0106] FIG. 5 is a side view of the device of FIG. 4A, the device shown in a tilted sitting position, according to some embodiments; FIG. 6 is a side view of the device of FIG. 4A, the device shown in a position between the tilted sitting position shown in FIG. 5 and an egress position, according to some embodiments;

[0107] FIG. 7 is a side view of the device of FIG. 4A, in an egress position, according to some embodiments;

[0108] FIGs. 8-10 are a side views of the device of FIG. 4A, the device shown in a position in which the head end is lower than the foot end, illustrating various positions of the footboard, according to some embodiments;

[0109] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of exemplary actuators of the device of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments;

[0110] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operation of the device for facilitating an egress of a subject therefrom and ingress of a subject thereinto, according to some embodiments;

[0111] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using the device of FIG. 4A for facilitating egress of a subject therefrom, according to some embodiments; and

[0112] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using the device of FIG. 4A for facilitating an ingress of a subject thereinto and for repositioning the subject, according to some embodiments.

[0113] DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0114] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a method and apparatus for positioning a subject in a bed and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and apparatus for facilitating egress of a subject from a bed and ingress of a subject into a bed.

[0115] Overview

[0116] An aspect of some embodiments relates to a footboard and a method of repositioning the footboard, wherein the footboard is movable relative to a support surface, wherein the support surface has a preselected location therealong, the method including: recording the preselected location; moving the footboard from the preselected location to a different location; sensing the location of the footboard; and moving the footboard toward the preselected location until it is located at the preselected location.

[0117] The support surface may have a foot end, wherein the different location is located between the preselected location and the foot end of the support surface or past the foot end of the support surface.

[0118] The act of moving the footboard to the preselected location may include providing an indication that the footboard is at the preselected location. When an object is located between the footboard and the preselected location, the act of moving the footboard to the preselected location may include applying a pressure by the footboard to the object to move the object to the preselected location.

[0119] The footboard may be slidable along an upper surface of a support surface such as, for example, a mattress having a head end and a foot end, according to some embodiments. The footboard may be moved from a position between a foot or feet of a subject and an end of the support surface or a location past the end of the support surface, toward the foot or feet of the subject, when the subject is properly located on the support surface such as, for example, when his hips are aligned with a joint in the support surface between a backrest and a seat portion, according to some embodiments. The location of the footboard relative to the support surface may be recorded when the footboard is located adjacent to or contacting the foot or feet of the subject, while the subject is properly located on the support surface, according to some embodiments.

[0120] The footboard may support a weight of the subject when the support surface is tilted to a position in which the head end of the support surface is higher than the foot end of the support surface, according to some embodiments.

[0121] If the subject has moved or been moved off the support surface, or has moved or been moved to a location on the support surface at which he is not properly located on the support surface, for example if his foot or feet are located closer to the foot end of the support surface than the recorded location or are located past the foot end of the support surface, the footboard may apply pressure to the foot or feet of the subject, when he is in an upright (i.e., vertical) or almost upright position, to push the subject toward the head end of the support surface, as the subject slides along the support surface, optionally with the assistance of the subject and / or medical personnel, until the footboard has moved to the recorded location, according to some embodiments. When the footboard is at the recorded location, the subject will have been repositioned at the proper location on the support surface, according to some embodiments.

[0122] Optionally, if the subject is positioned on the support surface but his foot or feet are located closer to the foot end of the support surface than the recorded location, the support surface may be tilted such that the head end is lower than the foot end such as, for example, in the Trendelenburg position, and the footboard may be moved toward the head end toward the recorded location of the footboard, according to some embodiments.

[0123] An aspect of some embodiments relates to a method and device for repositioning a subject at a preselected location in a bed. The preselected location may be, for example, a location at which the subject is most comfortable in the bed, a location in which his hips are aligned with a joint between a backrest and a seat of the bed, a location in which his knees are aligned with a joint between a seat and a legrest of the bed, or a location in which the subject is positioned properly relative to medical equipment or other devices such as, for example, a television or computer screen or a table, according to some embodiments.

[0124] The device has a frame including a head end and a foot end and has a footboard which is movable, from a position between the foot end of the frame (or past the foot end of the frame) and a foot or feet of the subject, toward the head end of the frame, such that the footboard contacts or is adjacent to the foot or feet of the subject, according to some embodiments. When contacting or adjacent to the foot or feet of the subject when he is at the preselected location in the bed, the location of the footboard along the frame may be recorded, so that when a patient has moved or been moved out of the bed, or has moved or been moved to a different location in the bed, he may be repositioned at the preselected location in the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0125] Repositioning of the subject in the bed may be performed, when the subject is at a location in the bed which is closer to the foot end of the bed than the preselected location. The footboard may apply pressure to the foot or feet of the subject, when he is in an upright (i.e., vertical) or almost upright position, to push the subject toward the head end of the support surface, as the subject slides along the support surface, optionally with the assistance of the subject and / or medical personnel, until the footboard has moved to the recorded location, according to some embodiments. When the footboard is at the recorded location, the subject will have been repositioned at the proper location on the support surface, according to some embodiments. The subject may then be tilted to a prone position, if desired, according to some embodiments.

[0126] Optionally, instead of repositioning the subject when he is in an upright or substantially upright position, if the subject is positioned on the support surface, for example, in a prone position, but his foot or feet are located closer to the foot end of the support surface than the recorded location, the bed may be tilted to a configuration in which the head end of the frame is lower than the foot end of the frame such as, for example, a Trendelenburg position, and the footboard may be moved toward the foot or feet of the subject, according to some embodiments. The footboard may continue to move toward the head end of the frame, until it reaches the previously recorded position along the frame. Pressure applied by the footboard to the foot or feet of the subject, together with the tilted angle of the frame allows the subject to more easily move or be moved toward to the head end of the frame, to the preselected location in the bed, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the device includes a headboard which may be padded, according to some embodiments.

[0127] An aspect of some embodiments relates to a method and device for facilitating egress of a subject from a bed while in a substantially standing position, according to some embodiments. The device has a frame including a head end and a foot end and has a footboard which is movable, from a position between the foot end of the frame and a foot or feet of the subject, toward the head end of the frame, such that the footboard contacts of is adjacent to the foot or feet of the subject, according to some embodiments. Optionally, when contacting or adjacent to the foot or feet of the subject when he is at the preselected location in the bed, the location of the footboard along the frame may be recorded, so that after egress from the bed he may return or be returned to the bed and be repositioned at the preselected location in the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0128] With the footboard adjacent to or in contact with the foot or feet of the subject, the frame may be tilted to a more upright position, so that the subject is in a substantially vertical position, according to some embodiments. The subject may be secured to the device, for example, with straps or other restraints attached at sides of the device or to the head end or foot end of the device, optionally, to siderails and / or to a headboard and / or to the footboard, to prevent inadvertent bending over or falling out of the bed, according to some embodiments. The footboard may be moved away from the head end of the frame, to contact the floor, simultaneously with or after tilting of the frame, according to some embodiments.

[0129] As the footboard moves toward the floor, weight of the subject is at least partly transferred from the mattress of the bed to the footboard and the subject slides along the bed, according to some embodiments. Optionally, there may be a sensor for sensing that the weight of the subject is being properly transferred to the footboard as the device is tilted, according to some embodiments. When the footboard is positioned on the floor and the subject reaches the end of the frame, the footboard may be angled such that it is parallel with the floor. Egress of the subject from the bed while the subject is in a substantially standing position may now be performed, according to some embodiments.

[0130] An aspect of some embodiments relates to a method and device for facilitating ingress of the subject into the bed while in the standing position, according to some embodiments. With the device in the more upright position and the footboard adjacent the floor, ingress of the subject into the bed may be performed, optionally with assistance, with the subject in the substantially standing position, with his foot or feet supported by the footboard, according to some embodiments. The subject may be secured to the device, for example, with straps or other restraints attached at sides of the device or to the head end or foot end of the device, optionally, to siderails and / or to a headboard and / or to the footboard, to prevent inadvertent bending over or falling out of the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0131] While the subject is in the substantially upright position, the footboard may be moved toward the head end of the frame, to the previously recorded location, simultaneously, according to some embodiments. The footboard may apply pressure to the subject’s foot or feet, while he is in the substantially upright position, thereby moving the subject along the bed, toward the head end, to a preselected location in the bed, the preselected location having been recorded before egress of the subject from the bed, for example, when the subject was in a prone position in the bed, according to some embodiments. Movement of the subject by the footboard to the preselected location in the bed is facilitated by his being at a vertical or substantially vertical orientation, such that friction between the subject and the bed surface is reduced, according to some embodiments.

[0132] Once the subject is at the preselected location in the bed, the frame may be moved to a prone configuration, according to some embodiments. The footboard may optionally be moved away from the foot or feet of the subject, thereby providing the subject with more legroom, according to some embodiments.

[0133] Optionally, instead of repositioning the subject when he is in an upright or substantially upright position, if the subject is positioned on the support surface, for example, in a prone position, the frame may be tilted further, such that the head end of the frame is lower than the foot end of the frame such as, for example, in a Trendelenburg position, according to some embodiments. Repositioning of the subject while the head end of the frame is lower than the foot end of the frame may then be performed by moving the footboard to the recorded location on the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0134] An aspect of some embodiments relates to a method and device for facilitating egress of a subject from a bed while in a sitting or tilted sitting position, according to some embodiments. The device has a frame including a head end and a foot end and has a footboard which is movable, from a position between the foot end of the frame and a foot or feet of the subject, toward the head end of the frame, such that the footboard contacts or is adjacent to the foot or feet of the subject, according to some embodiments. Optionally, when contacting or adjacent to the foot or feet of the subject when he is at the preselected location in the bed, the location of the footboard along the frame may be recorded, so that after egress from the bed he may return or be returned to the bed and be repositioned at the preselected location in the bed, according to some embodiments. With the footboard adjacent to or in contact with the foot or feet of the subject, the frame may be converted to a sitting or tilted sitting position, so that the subject is in a substantially sitting position, according to some embodiments. The subject may be secured to the device, for example, with straps or other restraints attached at sides of the device or to the head end or foot end of the device, optionally, to siderails and / or to a headboard and / or to the footboard, to prevent inadvertent bending over or falling out of the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0135] The device may include a backrest, a seat, and a legrest. Optionally, while the subject is sitting in the device, the backrest, seat, and legrest, which are attached to the footboard, may be tilted, such that the footboard is substantially parallel with the floor, according to some embodiments. The footboard alone, or the backrest, seat, legrest, and footboard may be lowered such that the footboard contacts the floor, according to some embodiments. Tilting of the backrest, seat, and legrest change the subject’s position in the device such that he is not tilted backward but, rather, is in a position to slide off the device, thereby facilitating his egress from the bed while in the sitting position to a standing position, or may facilitate his egress from the bed while in the sitting position, either by himself or with assistance, from the bed to another location such as, for example, a wheelchair, according to some embodiments.

[0136] An aspect of some embodiments relates to a method and device for facilitating ingress of the subject into the bed while in the sitting or tilted sitting position, according to some embodiments. With the device in the sitting or tilted sitting position and the footboard adjacent the floor, ingress of the subject into the bed may be performed, optionally with assistance, with the subject in the substantially sitting position, according to some embodiments. The footboard alone or the backrest, seat, legrest, and footboard may be raised off the floor, according to some embodiments. The backrest, seat, and legrest may be tilted, together with the attached footboard, such that the footboard at an angle to the floor and the subject is in a sitting or tilted sitting position, according to some embodiments. The subject may be secured to the device, for example, with straps or other restraints attached at sides of the device or to the head end or foot end of the device, optionally, to siderails and / or to a headboard and / or to the footboard, to prevent inadvertent bending over or falling out of the bed, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the frame may be converted from the sitting configuration to a prone configuration, in which the subject is moved to a prone position in the bed, and in which he is substantially parallel to the floor, according to some embodiments.

[0137] It should be noted that, before egress of the subject from the bed, he was already properly positioned in the bed, with the footboard at the preselected location, according to some embodiments. Therefore, there is no need to reposition the subject in the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0138] An aspect of some embodiments relates to a method and device for facilitating manual, automatic, or semi-automatic repositioning of a subject at a preselected location in a bed, according to some embodiments. The device has a frame including a head end and a foot end and has a footboard which is optionally motorized, the footboard movable, from a position between the foot end of the frame and a foot or feet of the subject, toward the head end of the frame, such that the footboard contacts of is adjacent to the foot or feet of the subject, according to some embodiments. When contacting or adjacent to the foot or feet of the subject when he is at the preselected location in the bed, the location of the footboard along the frame may be recorded, so that the subject may be repositioned at the preselected location in the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0139] In a manual mode of repositioning, the bed and the footboard may be moved manually, for example, by the subject or by medical personnel, optionally by continuous pressing on a button, until the footboard is adjacent to or in contact with a foot or feet of the subject, according to some embodiments. Movement of the footboard may be stopped at any time by release of the button, according to some embodiments. The location of the footboard may be recorded automatically or manually, according to some embodiments.

[0140] After egress of the subject from the bed and his subsequent ingress into the bed, for example, as discussed herein, repositioning of the subject at the preselected location in the bed may be performed manually, optionally by continuous pressing on a button, moving the footboard to the prerecorded location along the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0141] In a semi-automatic mode of repositioning, movement of the footboard may be actuated in increments, for example, by pressing on a button, according to some embodiments. Movement of the footboard may be stopped at any time by release of the button, according to some embodiments. Optionally, after one movement of the footboard, a subsequent movement of the footboard may be allowed only if a measured pressure applied by the foot or feet of the subject is within a range of expected pressures, according to some embodiments. Optionally in the semiautomatic mode, movement of the footboard stops when pressing on the button is stopped, according to some embodiments. Additionally, in the semi-automatic mode for egress of the subject from the bed and / or ingress of the subject into the bed, movement of the subject from the prone position to the more upright position or movement of the subject from the prone position to the sitting position may be performed in increments, for example, by pressing on a button, according to some embodiments. Optionally, by pressing on a button the device may convert from a substantially upright, standing configuration to a sitting or tilted sitting configuration, according to some embodiments.

[0142] In the automatic mode of repositioning, movement of the footboard to the location at which the subject is at the preselected location in the bed may be performed by a single actuation of the device, according to some embodiments. Additionally in the automatic mode, movement of the device from the prone configuration, to allow egress of the subject in the substantially standing or sitting or tilted sitting position may be performed by the same single actuation of the device by which movement of the footboard to the location at which the subject is at the preselected location in the bed, according to some embodiments. Further in the automatic mode, movement of the device from the position in which ingress of the subject to the bed in the substantially standing or sitting or tilted sitting position is allowed, and optionally conversation of the device to the prone configuration, may be performed by a single actuation of the device, according to some embodiments. Yet further in the automatic mode, movement of the device, including movement of the footboard, to reposition the subject at the preselected position in the bed may be performed by the same single actuation of the device which actuates conversion of the bed to the prone configuration, according to some embodiments. It may be noted that movement of the footboard may be stopped at any time, according to some embodiments.

[0143] Optionally, actuation of the device may be performed automatically in increments, according to some embodiments.

[0144] In any of the manual, semi-automatic, or automatic modes, an alert may be provided, optionally including a visual or audio signal, indicating that movement of the subject is not being properly performed, for example, if measured pressure on the footboard is not within a range of expected pressures, according to some embodiments.

[0145] The device may be incorporated into a bed such as, for example, a hospital bed, or may be provided as an add-on device to, for example, a hospital bed, according to some embodiments.

[0146] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings and / or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0147] Exemplary Positions of a Subject in the Device

[0148] Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1A-C are schematic drawings illustrating a subject 44 supported in a device 10 having a frame 12, according to some embodiments. Device 10 includes a backrest 14 which is movable from a prone position, in which is it parallel to frame 12, to a selected position in which it is at an angle relative to the frame 12, according to some embodiments. One end of the backrest is adjacent a first end of a seat 16. Seat 16 is also movable from a prone position, in which it is parallel to frame 12, to a selected position in which it is at an angle relative to the frame 12, according to some embodiments. Adjacent the second end of seat 16 there is a legrest 18, the legrest movable from a prone position, in which it is parallel to frame 12, to a selected position in which it is an at angle relative to frame 12, according to some embodiments.

[0149] Shown are the subject 44 in various known therapeutic positions which are facilitated by movement of backrest 14, seat 16, and legrest 18 of the device 10. For example, in Fig. 1A, the subject 44 is in a raised leg position, in which the backrest 14 is at approximately 45 degrees relative to the frame 12, and the seat 16 and legrest 18 are aligned and are at approximately 20 degrees relative to the frame 12, such that the subject’s upper body is at a position between lying down and sitting, and the legs of the subject 44 are raised, according to some embodiments. In Fig. IB, the subject 44 is in a cardiac chair position, in which the backrest 14 is approximately at a 45 degree angle relative to the frame 12, the seat 16 is approximately at a 45 degree angle relative to the frame, and the legrest 18 is approximately at a 45 degree angle relative to the frame, such that the subject 44 is in a sitting position and slightly tilted backward. In Fig. 1C, the subject 44 is in an orthopedic position, in which the backrest 14 and legrest 18 are each parallel to the frame 12, and the seat is approximately at a 45 degree angle relative to the frame 12, such that the subject is lying down with his legs raised. These positions of the subject 44 and various other positions are facilitated by device 10, according to some embodiments.

[0150] Exemplary Components of the Device

[0151] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the device 10 and associated components, according to some embodiments. Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary control panel including some operations that may be performed by the device, according to some embodiments, and will be discussed further herein in detail.

[0152] It may be noted that a user such as, for example, a nurse or the subject 44 himself, may operate device 10 by pressing on any of a number of buttons, optionally located on a siderail 22 (Fig. 4A), according to some embodiments. For example, there may be a button for tilting the frame 12 to a position in which the head end 40 is lower than the foot end 42 such as, for example, a Trendelenburg position, which is discussed further herein with reference to Figs. 8- 10; and there may be a button for manipulating the backrest 14, seat 16, and legrest 18 relative to each other such that the device 10 is in a sitting configuration such as, for example, shown in Fig.

[0153] 5.

[0154] A position of the footboard 20 may be recorded and stored in a memory, as discussed further herein in detail. A processor may be provided, for example, for operation of the various actuators which control movement of components of the device 10. Actuators and control devices are discussed further with reference to Fig. 11.

[0155] Exemplary Configurations of the Device

[0156] Figure 4A is a side view of a device 10 for repositioning a subject in a bed, according to some embodiments. Device 10 may include a head end 40 and a foot end 42 and may have some components similar in structure and function to a hospital bed, according to some embodiments, as discussed further herein in detail.

[0157] The term “bed” and “device” may be used interchangeably throughout the application to denote a support apparatus for facilitating egress of a subject from a bed and ingress of a subject into a bed, and for repositioning the subject in the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0158] Device 10 may include, for example, a frame 12 having a footboard 20, according to some embodiments. Frame 12 may be formed of any suitable material such as, for example, metal, which is strong enough to support a patient, according to some embodiments.

[0159] Device may optionally include a backrest or back support 14, a seat or seat support 16, a legrest or legrest support 18, and / or siderails 22, according to some embodiments. Backrest 14 may have first and second ends, 46 and 48 (see Fig. 4C), end 46 closer to the head of the frame 12, and end 48 closer to the foot end of frame 12 than end 46. Seat 16 may have first and second ends 50 and 52, end 50 adjacent end 48 of backrest 14, and end 52 closer to the foot end of frame 12 than end 50. Legrest 18 may have first and second ends, 54 and 56, end 54 adjacent end 52 of seat and end 56 closer to the foot end of frame 12 than end 54.

[0160] In some embodiments, frame 12 is bendable between the backrest 14 and seat 16, and between seat 16 and legrest 18. The device is, therefore, optionally convertible from a prone configuration (Figs. 4A and 4D) to a sitting configuration (Figs. 5-7), for example, as discussed further herein in detail. According to some embodiments, in order to achieve a sitting configuration, the backrest 14 may be movable relative to the seat 16, for example to an angle of between 45 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the seat 16, and the legrest 18 is movable relative to the seat 16 such that it forms an angle of, for example, from 30-90 degrees relative to the seat 16. Other configurations of the back rest 14 relative to the seat 16 and the seat 16 relative to the legrest 18 may also be achieved, according to some embodiments. Device 10 may also be provided with support legs 24 and wheels, casters, or rollers 26. The wheels 26 may be lowered when it is desired to move the device 10 to another location, and wheels 26 may be raised to prevent movement of the device 10 from its present location. Frame 12 may be provided with a mattress 28 which is flexible enough to bend at a number of locations, as will be discussed further herein in detail.

[0161] Device 10 may also include various mechanisms, actuators, and controller(s) for moving portions of the device, for example, as will be discussed further in detail with reference to Fig. 11. These mechanisms, actuators, and controller(s) may be positioned below frame 12, as shown in the drawings. However, it is to be understood that, alternatively, these mechanisms, actuators, and controller(s) may be positioned at another location such as, for example, at the head end of the device 10.

[0162] According to some embodiments, the backrest 14 and seat 16 are movable relative to each other, and the seat 16 and legrest 18 are movable relative to each other, such that the device may be converted from a prone configuration to a sitting configuration, as will be discussed further herein.

[0163] With additional reference to Fig. 4B, it should be noted that footboard 20 may be a generally flat component positioned at a 90 degree angle relative to the frame 12, according to some embodiments. Footboard 20 may be in the form of footrests provided in a wheelchair or other support device, according to some embodiments. Footboard 20 may be positioned such that it is above the thickness of mattress 28 and footboard 20 may be slidable relative to the mattress, for example, from a position past the end of mattress 28 (position 20c in Fig. 4A) to any selected position along the mattress such as, for example, up to the middle of the mattress, according to some embodiments.

[0164] Footboard 20 is slidable relative to the frame 12 and along mattress 28, according to some embodiments, such that it may be positioned adjacent to or contacting a foot or feet 30 of a subject in the bed (20a - Fig. 4A); at the end of the mattress 28 (20b - Fig. 4A), or at any position between the foot or feet of the subject and the end of the mattress; or past the end of the mattress (20a - Fig. 4A), i.e., further away from the head of the device 10 than in position 20b (Fig. 4A). Optionally, footboard 20 may be lifted up and moved relative to mattress 20.

[0165] Movement of the footboard 20 along the bed may be performed manually, by a caregiver or medical personnel or the subject 44, and / or semi-automatically or automatically by the device 10, for example, as discussed in further detail herein.

[0166] Footboard 20 may apply a pressure to the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, the pressure being in a range of from 4-10 kg such as, for example, 4-5 kg, 5-6 kg, 6-7 kg, 7-8 kg, 8-9 kg, or 9- 10kg of pressure to the foot or feet of the subject 44, according to some embodiments. Optionally, device 10 may be provided with a micro-switch closing circuit to stop movement of the footboard when it comes into contact with or moves to within a predetermined distance from the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, according to some embodiments.

[0167] Footboard 20 may include at least one sensor 32 such as, for example, a pressure sensor or a camera or a proximity sensor, for sensing when the footboard is adjacent to or in contact with the subject’s foot or feet 30 and providing feedback regarding the position of the footboard 20 relative to the foot or feet of the subject 44, according to some embodiments. When the sensor 32 senses that the footboard 20 is adjacent to or in contact with the subject’s foot or feet 30, movement of the footboard toward the head end 40 of the device 10 will stop, according to some embodiments. Alternatively, sensor 32 may sense when the footboard is within a preselected distance from the subject foot or feet 30, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the preselected distance may be in a range of from 0-5mm such as for example, from 0-lmm, from 1- 2mm, from 2-3mm, from 3-4mm, or from 4-5mm, according to some embodiments. Moving the footboard 20 to a position at which it is adjacent to but not contacting the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44 may be advantageous in the event that, for example, the patient’s foot or feet have been injured, and pressure applied to the foot or feet may be harmful to the subject 44, according to some embodiments.

[0168] Sensor 32 may any one of various types, according to some embodiments. For example sensor 32 may be associated with a scale that creates a SET point to activate stopping of movement of the footboard 20, according to some embodiments. Alternatively, sensor 32 may be a movement detection sensor, according to some embodiments. Further alternatively, sensor 32 may include a micro-switch located between portions of the footboard, such that when the footboard contacts the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44 the micro-switch will activate stopping of movement of the footboard 20, according to some embodiments. Yet further, sensor 32 may be a pressure sensor that actuates stopping of movement of the footboard 20 when a pressure above a preselected amount applied to the footboard 20 is sensed, according to some embodiments.

[0169] It should be noted that the location of the subject 44 relative to the frame 12 is important in that, after egress of the subject from the device 10, for example, to perform a medical test or procedure, it may be desired to reposition the subject at the same location relative to the frame 12, according to some embodiments. This includes repositioning the subject 44, for example, such that his hips are located at a position corresponding to the joint between the backrest 14 and the seat 16, and / or such that his knees are located at a position corresponding to the joint between the seat 16 and the legrest 18, according to some embodiments. This may allow the bed to provide proper support and comfort to a subject 44, and may be especially important when the subject is not able to move by himself, optionally when he is unconscious or not strong enough to move by himself, according to some embodiments. Additionally, the particular location of the subject in the bed may be important such that he is properly positioned relative to medical equipment or other devices such as, for example, a television or computer screen or a table, according to some embodiments.

[0170] Sensor 32 may include a light sensor, a pressure sensor, or any other suitable sensor for sensing when the footboard 20 is adjacent to or in contact with the subject’s foot or feet 30, according to some embodiments.

[0171] With additional reference to Figs. 4C-D, device 10 is tiltable from the prone configuration, shown in Fig. 4A, in which the frame 12 and the top surface of mattress 28 are substantially parallel to the floor 58, to an upright configuration, shown in Fig. 4D, according to some embodiments. In the upright configuration, the frame 12 and the top surface of mattress 28 may be positioned at an angle of from 80-100 degrees relative to the floor such as, for example, from 80-85 degrees relative to the floor, from 85-90 degrees relative to the floor, from 90-95 degrees relative to the floor, or from 95-100 degrees relative to the floor, according to some embodiments. It may be noted that the frame 12 and mattress 28 may be moved to a tilted configuration (Fig. 4C), in which the frame 12 may be positioned at any angle such as, for example, between the positions shown in Figs. 4A and 4D such as, for example, 45 degrees relative to the floor, according to some embodiments.

[0172] As the frame 12 is tilted to the position shown in Fig. 4D, the footboard is tilted, and may also be angled such that it is parallel to the floor and optionally adjacent to and / or flush with the floor, according to some embodiments. This may allow easier and safer egress of the subject 44 from the device 10, according to some embodiments. Optionally, angling of the footboard 20 relative to the frame 12, such that it is parallel to the floor and / or adjacent to and / or flush with the floor may be performed by calculating the angle of the leg rest 18 relative to the frame 12 and the angle of the frame relative to the floor 58, according to some embodiments.

[0173] It may be noted that movement of the frame 12, for example, from the position shown in Fig. 4A to the position shown in Fig. 4D, may be performed continuously over a period of 30-60 seconds such as, for example, from 30-40 seconds, from 40-50 seconds, or from 50-60 seconds, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the rate of movement of the frame 12 from the position shown in Fig. 4A to the position shown in Fig. 4D may be selected to be personalized, depending on the subject, according to some embodiments. Movement of the footboard 20 from its position in Figs. 4A-B, in which the footboard is in contact with the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, to its position in Fig. 4D, in which it has been lowered to the floor, may be performed over a period of 30 seconds such as, for example, from 5-10 seconds, from 10-15 seconds, from 15-20 seconds, from 20-25 seconds, or from 25-30 seconds, according to some embodiments.

[0174] It should be noted that, as the frame 12 is tilted, the weight of the subject 44 is at least partly transferred from the mattress 28 to the footboard 20, according to some embodiments. Optionally, there may be provided a sensor for sensing that the subject’s weight is being transferred from the mattress to the footboard 20, as the frame 12 is tilted, according to some embodiments. In the event that the weight of the subject 44 is not adequately transferred to the footboard 20, an alert may be triggered, which may indicate that the subject is not properly positioned in the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0175] Optionally, as frame 12 is tilted, and the weight of the subject 44 is at least partly transferred from the mattress 28 to the footboard 20, at increasing tilt angles such as, for example, from 0-30 degrees, from 30-60 degrees, and from 60-90 degrees, feedback may be provided regarding the respective amounts of pressure applied to footboard 20 by the subject 44, which may be proportional to weight of the subject 44 supported by footboard 20, at the respective tilt angles, according to some embodiments. Optionally, there may be provided a sensor for sensing that the subject’s weight is being properly transferred from the mattress to the footboard 20, as the frame 12 is tilted, according to some embodiments. Such feedback may indicate, for example, that the subject 44 is moving toward the foot end 42 of frame 12, the indication optionally including a green light, according to some embodiments. Optionally, a yellow or red light may indicate an event in which the subject’s weight is not being properly transferred to the footboard 20, as the frame 12 is tilted, which may indicate that the subject 44 may not be moving properly or adequately toward the foot end 42 of frame 12, as the frame 12 is tilted, according to some embodiments.

[0176] It may be noted that changing the angle of the frame 12 relative to the floor 58, from a position in which the frame is parallel to the floor to a position in which the frame is at an angle relative to the floor, for example, as shown in Figs. 4C-D, may reduce friction between the subject 44 and the mattress 28 as the subject is moved along the mattress, according to some embodiments. This may allow the subject 44 to move or to be moved more easily toward the foot end 42 of the frame 12, according to some embodiments. Optionally, this may allow the subject 44 to move on his own toward the foot end 42 of the frame 12, according to some embodiments. It may be also noted that device 10 may be utilized by medical personnel such as, for example, a nurse or an aide, to facilitate egress of a subject 44 from the bed, and / or ingress of the subject into the bed, and / or repositioning of the subject in the bed, according to some embodiments. Alternatively, the device 10 may be utilized by the subject 44 himself, optionally with the assistance of medical personnel or another person, to facilitate his egress from the bed, and / or his ingress into the bed, and / or his repositioning of himself in the bed, according to some embodiments. While the device 10 is discussed herein in the context of the former, i.e., use of device by medical personnel, it should be understood that, alternatively, the subject 44 himself may utilize device 10, optionally with the aid of siderails 22 or a trapeze bar (not shown) or a walker (not shown) or other medical accessory for support, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the subject 44 may move his body along mattress 28 by pulling himself along siderails 22 or another medial accessory or by being supported by, for example, a walker positioned adjacent the bed, the walker movable on wheels alongside the bed as the subject 44 slides along the mattress 28 toward the foot end 42 of the device 10.

[0177] A subject 44 such as, for example, a patient, may be positioned on mattress 28 in the device 10. Subject 44 may be secured to the mattress 28 and the frame 12 by straps or other restraints 57, to prevent inadvertent bending over or falling of the subject 44 from the device 10 when it is tilted, prior to egress of the subject from device 10, according to some embodiments. Such straps or restraints may optionally include Velcro® fasteners, according to some embodiments. Optionally, straps 57 may be positioned around the mattress 28 and the subject 44, and may be located outside the siderails 22, according to some embodiments, and may be positioned such that they do not interfere with movement of the siderails up and down relative to the mattress 28. Optionally, straps 57 may be located inside the siderails 22, according to some embodiments.

[0178] It may be noted that straps 57 may be attached to the device 10 at slots 59 or other attachment locations along the sides of the device (see Fig. 6), such that the straps may slide along the slots as the subject slides along the mattress. 28, toward the head end 40 of the frame 12 or toward the foot end 42 of the frame, according to some embodiments.

[0179] It may also be noted that tilting of the frame 12, for example, from the position shown in Fig. 4A to the position shown in Fig. 4D, and movement of the footboard 20, may be performed automatically, for example, by a single actuation of the device, with continuous movement of footboard 20 from position 20a, at which the footboard is adjacent to or contacts a foot or feet of the subject, according to some embodiments.

[0180] Alternatively, tilting of the frame 12 and movement of the footboard 20 may be performed manually, according to some embodiments. Yet further alternatively, tilting of the frame 12 and movement of the footboard 20 may be performed semiauto matically, in increments, whereby a first tilting of the frame 12 up to a first preselected angle such as, for example, 30 degrees relative to the floor 58, and corresponding movement of footboard 20, may be performed automatically by a first actuation of the device 10 and, once it is determined that this has been performed properly, a second tilting of the frame 12 up to a second preselected angle such as, for example, 60 degrees relative to the floor 58, and a corresponding movement of footboard 20 may be performed automatically by a second actuation of the device 10, and so on, according to some embodiments.

[0181] Yet further alternatively, tilting of the frame 12 and movement of the footboard 20 may be performed automatically, in increments, whereby a first tilting of the frame 12 up to a first preselected angle such as, for example, 30 degrees relative to the floor 58, and corresponding movement of footboard 20, may be performed automatically and, once it is determined that this has been performed properly, optionally by sensors provided in the device, a second tilting of the frame 12 up to a second preselected angle such as, for example, 60 degrees relative to the floor 58, and a corresponding movement footboard 20 may be performed automatically, and so on, according to some embodiments. Optionally, in embodiments whereby tilting of frame 12 and movement footboard 20 are performed automatically in increments, the second tilting of frame 12 and movement of footboard 20 may be triggered by weight of the subject 44 on the footboard 20, according to some embodiments.

[0182] While the subject 44 is positioned in the device 10, it may be advantageous to determine the position of the subject 44 relative to the frame 12 such that, after egress of the subject from the bed, he may return to the bed and be positioned at the same position relative to the frame 12, according to some embodiments. In order to determine the position of the subject 44 in the bed, relative to the frame 12, with the subject properly positioned in the device 10, the footboard 20 may be moved away from its position in which it is further away from the head end of the frame 12 than the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, toward the head end 40 of frame 12, to a position 20a in which the footboard is adjacent to or in contact with a foot or feet 30 of the subject, according to some embodiments. As the footboard is moved, sensor 32 may sense when the footboard 20 is adjacent to or in contact with the subject’s foot or feet 30 or may sense a change in pressure applied by the foot or feet to the footboard 20, according to some embodiments, and the position 20a of footboard 20, i.e., relative to the head end 40 or the foot end 42 of frame 12 may be recorded by device 10. Alternatively, according to some embodiments, the frame 12 may include markings (not shown) for indicating the position of footboard 20, and the indicated position may be recorded manually by medical personnel such as, for example, by a nurse, or may be recorded in a memory (see Fig. 2).

[0183] Standing Egress from the Device

[0184] The frame 12 may be tilted from the prone configuration (Fig. 4A) to a substantially upright configuration (Fig. 4D), such that the head end 40 of the frame is raised and the foot end 42 of the frame is lowered, according to some embodiments. As the frame 12 is tilted, optionally when the frame has reached a preselected angle relative to the floor, the footboard 20 is moved from position 20a, in which it was adjacent to or in contact with the subject’s foot or feet 30, to position 20b, in which the footboard is at the end of the mattress 28, or to position 20c, in which the footboard is at a distance from the mattress, i.e., at the end of frame 12, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the footboard 20 may be moved from position 20a to position 20c after tilting of the frame 12, according to some embodiments.

[0185] Additionally, as the frame 12 is tilted from the position shown in Fig. 4A to the position shown in Fig. 4D, or, optionally, after the frame 12 is tilted from the position shown in Fig. 4A to the position shown in Fig. 4D, the frame 12 may be lowered toward the floor 58, such that the footboard 20 contacts the floor, and the footboard 20 may be angled such that it is flush with the floor, according to some embodiments. Additionally, as the frame 12 is tilted and the footboard 20 is moved away from the head end 40 of frame 12 toward the floor, the weight of the subject 44 may be transferred from the mattress 28 to the footboard 20, according to some embodiments.

[0186] Once the subject is in an upright or substantially upright position, the straps 57 may be released, optionally automatically, according to some embodiments. The subject 44 may step out of the bed or be assisted in stepping out of the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0187] It may be noted that, while the subject 44 may be secured to the mattress 28 by straps 57, the straps slide along slots 59, so that the straps do not prevent the subject from sliding along the mattress 28 and do not prevent the weight of the subject from being transferred to the footboard 20 during the tilting, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the straps 57 may be elastic, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the straps 57 may be attached to the device 10 such that they prevent more than a preselected amount of his weight from being transferred to the footboard 20 during the tilting, according to some embodiments.

[0188] Optionally, prior to tilting of device 10, the subject 44 may be positioned face-down in the bed, with the frame 12, for example, in the position shown in Fig. 4A, according to some embodiments. Optionally the subject 44 may be secured to the device 10 by straps or other restraints 57, according to some embodiments. The frame 12 may be tilted such that the subject is substantially upright such as, for example, as shown in Fig. 4D, but with the subject facing the mattress 28, according to some embodiments. Egress of the subject 44 from the device 10 may be facilitated in this position of the subject, for example, if he is to be moved to a bed in another device 10 or to a wheelchair, according to some embodiments.

[0189] Standing Ingress into the Device

[0190] In order to facilitate ingress of the subject 44, when in an upright (vertical) or substantially upright position, into the bed, the subject may move or be moved onto the footboard 20 and may stand adjacent to or lean against the mattress 28, for example, as shown in Fig. 4D, according to some embodiments. If desired, the straps 57 may secure the subject 44 to the device 10, according to some embodiments.

[0191] The footboard 20 may be moved toward the head end 40 of the frame 12, according to some embodiments. As the footboard 20 moves along the mattress 28, the subject 44 is pushed toward the head end 40 of the frame 12, until his foot or feet 30 reach the recorded location 20a, and movement of the footboard 20 will stop, according to some embodiments. The subject is thus repositioned at the preselected position in the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0192] Once the subject is at the preselected position in the bed, the frame may be tilted, for example, such that it is substantially parallel to the floor 58 (Fig. 4A), or to any other desired tilt angle, according to some embodiments. Optionally, according to some embodiments, the footboard 20 may be moved from adjacent to or in contact with the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, toward the foot end 42 of the frame 12, thereby allowing the subject additional room to move his feet.

[0193] Optionally, instead of repositioning the subject 44 in the device 10 while he is in an upright or substantially upright position (Fig. 4D), the subject may move or be moved onto the footboard 20 while in an upright or substantially upright position, according to some embodiments. The frame 12 may then be tilted, optionally to the prone configuration (Fig. 4A) and then tilted further, such that it is in a position whereby the head end 40 of the frame is lower than the foot end 42 of the frame (Fig. 8) such that a head of the subject 44 is lower than a center of gravity of the subject such as, for example, in a Trendelenburg position, according to some embodiments. In this position, the frame 12 may be at an angle in a range of from 10-30 degrees relative to the floor such as, for example, from 10-15 degrees, from 15-20 degrees, from 20-25 degrees, or from 25-30 degrees relative to the floor, according to some embodiments. An advantage of this position is that, in this position, the subject 44 may be more easily moved toward the head end 40 of the frame 12, either moving by himself or being moved by medical personnel or a combination of these, as he is at an angle relative to the floor 58 and his body is more easily moved toward the lower end of the device, i.e., the head end 40, according to some embodiments.

[0194] In order to reposition the subject 44 at the preselected position in the device 10, while he is in the position whereby his head is lower than his foot or feet 30, the footboard 20 may be moved toward the head end 40 of frame 12, for example, from position 20c (Fig. 8), toward the head end 40 of the frame 12, past the end of mattress 28 (position 20b), and up to the footboard location 20a recorded previously, according to some embodiments. Footboard 20 may apply pressure to the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44 to push him along mattress 28, and move him to the preselected location on the device 10, according to some embodiments. Movement of the footboard 20 may automatically stop when the footboard reaches the recorded position, according to some embodiments.

[0195] Optionally, after repositioning of the subject on the bed,, the footboard 20 may be moved from adjacent to or in contact with the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44 toward the foot end 42 of the frame 12, thereby allowing the subject additional room to move his feet.

[0196] Sitting Egress from the Device

[0197] The frame 12 may be tilted from the prone configuration (Fig. 4A) to a sitting or tilted sitting configuration such as, for example, shown in Fig. 5, such that the subject 44 is moved from a prone position to a sitting or a tilted sitting position, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the subject 44 may be secured to the device 10 by straps 57, according to some embodiments.

[0198] The backrest 14, seat 16, and legrest 18, together with the attached footboard 20, are tilted, thereby converting the device from the configuration shown, for example, in Fig. 5, to the configuration shown, for example, in Fig. 6, whereby the footboard 20 is substantially parallel to the floor 58, according to some embodiments.

[0199] The footboard 20 alone, or the backrest 14, seat 16, legrest 18, and attached footboard 20 are lowered toward the floor 58, such that the device is in the position whereby the footboard 20 is in contact with the floor 58 and, optionally, flush with the floor, as shown, for example, in Fig. 7, according to some embodiments. If straps 57 were used to secure the subject 44 to the device 10, they may be removed, according to some embodiments. Egress of the subject 44 from the bed is enabled, optionally by the subject sliding off the device 10, optionally with assistance, according to some embodiments. Movement of the components of the device 10 to convert the device from the configuration shown, for example, in Fig. 5 to the configuration shown in, for example, in Fig. 7 may make egress of the subject 44 from the device 10 easier, as the seat 16 and backrest 14 are further forward (for example, as shown in Fig. 7) than they were previously (for example, as shown in Fig. 5), according to some embodiments.

[0200] Egress of the subject 44 from device 10 may be performed by the subject sliding off the device 10 or standing up or, optionally, the subject may move or be moved, in a substantially sitting position, to another location such as, for example, to a wheelchair, according to some embodiments. It may be noted that, due to the change in angle of the back 14 and seat 16, for example, from the configuration shown in Fig. 5 to the configuration shown in Figs. 6-7, egress of the subject 44 from the device 10 is facilitated, as he is no longer tilted backward (as, for example, in the configuration of Fig. 5), according to some embodiments.

[0201] Sitting Ingress into the Device

[0202] In order to facilitate ingress of the subject 44 into the bed, with the frame 12 in a sitting configuration and the footboard 20 positioned on the floor (Fig. 7), the subject may sit or be seated in the device 10, with his foot or feet 30 in contact with or adjacent to the footboard 20, according to some embodiments. The subject 44 may be secured to the mattress 28 by straps 57, to prevent his inadvertent falling over or falling out of the device 10, according to some embodiments.

[0203] In embodiments where the footboard alone was lowered to the floor 58, the footboard 20, while in the sitting configuration (Fig. 7), may be raised from the floor 58, for example, to the position shown in Fig. 6. In embodiments wherein the backrest 14, seat 16, and legrest 18, together with the footboard 20 were lowered to the floor 58, the backrest 14, seat 16, and legrest 18, together with the footboard 20 raised from the floor 58, for example, to the position shown in Fig. 6.

[0204] The backrest 14, seat 16, and legrest 18, together with the footboard 20 may be tilted backward, to the position shown in Fig. 5, according to some embodiments.

[0205] It may be noted that, with the subject 44 seated in the device 10, for example, as discussed herein, there is no need to reposition the subject 44 in the device 10, since he is already properly positioned with his hips aligned with the joint between the backrest 14 and the seat 16 and / or with his knees aligned with the joint between the seat 16 and the legrest 18, according to some embodiments.

[0206] Device Actuators and Controllers

[0207] With reference to Fig. 11, there are shown actuators and controllers of device 10 utilized for movement of the various portions of the device of FIG. 4A, according to some embodiments. It should be understood that these components are merely exemplary, and that other combinations of components may alternatively be included, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the components include the following: a battery backup or battery release knob 62 a drive mechanism 64 for moving the entire device 10 a tilt quick-release gas piston 66, for moving the frame 12 to a prone configuration (e.g., in the event that the frame is in the position of any one of Figs. 8-10 and there is a power failure, so that the patient does not remain in that position) a hi / low actuator 68, for raising / lowering the frame 12 a foot- lift actuator 70, for raising / lowering the legrest 18 an actuator 72, to tilt frame 12 to a position in which the head end 40 of the frame is lower than the foot end 42 of the frame, e.g., a Trendelenburg position a tilt actuator 74, for tilting the frame 12 to various positions (including sitting and tilted sitting) a safety damper 76, for moving the frame 12 to a prone configuration, in case of actuator malfunction a backrest actuator (not shown), for raising / lowering the backrest 14 a legrest actuator 78, for moving the legrest at an angle relstive to frame 12 a backrest actuator 80, for raising / lowering the backrest

[0208] While, in the embodiments shown, device 10 includes various components which may commonly be included in a hospital bed, it should be understood that, alternatively, a hospital bed or other support device may be provided with an add-on device including a footboard 20. In such an add-on device, a position of the footboard 20, when adjacent to or in contact with a foot 30 of a subject 44, may be recorded such that, after egress of the subject from the hospital bed or support device, the subject may be repositioned therein, as discussed herein with regard to device 10. Method of Operating the Device for Standing Egress and Standing Ingress

[0209] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method 300 of operation of the device 10 for facilitating egress of a subject, in an upright or substantially upright position, from device 10 and ingress of a subject thereinto, according to some embodiments. According to method 300, at 302, the footboard 20 is moved toward the head end 40 of frame 12, until it is in contact with or adjacent a foot or feet 30 of the subject 44 (position 20a in Fig. 4A, and Fig. 4B), according to some embodiments. Optionally, the footboard 20 may be moved manually and locked in position, for example, by medical personnel, according to some embodiments.

[0210] At 304, the position of the footboard 20, when it is adjacent to or in contact with the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, is optionally recorded, according to some embodiments. This may be an important feature of device 10, in that it allows the subject 44 to be repositioned at the same location in which he was previously positioned in the device 10, for example, as discussed herein, according to some embodiments.

[0211] The subject 44 may be secured to the device 10, for example, with straps 57 or other restraints attached at sides of the device or to the head end or foot end of the device, optionally, to siderails 22 and / or to a headboard and / or to the footboard 20, to prevent inadvertent bending over or falling out of the subject from the bed, according to some embodiments. The straps 57 may slide along the device 10, optionally sliding along slots 59, according to some embodiments.

[0212] At 306, the frame 12 is tilted from a first angle, in which it is substantially parallel to the floor 58 (Fig. 4A), to a second angle of from 80-100 degrees relative to the floor 58, in which the foot end 42 of the bed is lowered, thereby moving the subject 44 from a prone position to a more upright position (e.g., Fig. 4C-D), according to some embodiments. Optionally, the degree of tilt of the frame 12 may be selected to be personalized for the subject, according to some embodiments.

[0213] As the frame 12 is tilted, the subject 44, positioned in the device 10 is also tilted and, during the tilting, the weight of the subject 44 is transferred from the mattress 28 to the footboard 20, such that, for example, substantially all the weight of the subject is supported by the footboard, according to some embodiments.

[0214] At 308, the footboard 20 is moved away from the head end 40 of the frame 12, simultaneously with or after the tilting (action 306), such that the subject 44 is more easily movable toward the foot end 42 of the frame 12 (e.g., Fig. 4D), according to some embodiments. The footboard 20 may be angled such that it is parallel to the floor and optionally flush with the floor, optionally prior to movement of the footboard (action 308) or simultaneously with movement of the footboard (action 308), according to some embodiments. Once the frame is in a substantially upright configuration (Fig. 4D), the straps 57 may be removed from the subject 44, and egress (action 310) of the subject 44 from device 10 may be performed while the subject is standing, optionally with assistance, according to some embodiments.

[0215] Optionally, if egress of the subject 44 from the device 10 is to be facilitated when the subject is in a sitting or a tilted sitting position such as, for example, if the subject is to be transferred from the bed to a wheelchair, the frame 12 may be converted from the prone configuration (Fig. 4D) to a sitting or tilted sitting configuration (Fig. 5), after tilting of the frame 12 (at action 306), according to some embodiments. Egress of the subject 44 from device 10 may then be performed, for example, as discussed herein, according to some embodiments.

[0216] Alternatively, if egress of the subject 44 from the device 10 is to be facilitated when the subject is in a sitting or a tilted sitting position, this may be accomplished by converting the frame 12 from the prone configuration (Fig. 4A) to a sitting configuration (Fig. IB), and the frame may be tilted to the position shown in Fig. 5, according to some embodiments. The device 10 may be converted, for example, from the configuration shown in Fig. 5 to the configuration shown in Fig. 7, for example as discussed herein, according to some embodiments. Egress of the subject from device 10 may then be facilitated, either on his own and / or with the assistance of medical personnel, according to some embodiments.

[0217] Conversion of the bed from a prone configuration to a sitting or tilted sitting configuration, for example as discussed herein, may be advantageous in the event that the subject should not be positioned in an axially vertical, i.e., substantially standing, configuration such as, for example, if the subject’s legs have been injured, according to some embodiments.

[0218] In order to facilitate ingress of the subject 44 into the bed, while in a standing or substantially standing configuration (Fig. 4D), and his repositioning in the bed, at 312 the subject moves or is moved into the bed, while he is in a standing or substantially standing position with his foot or feet 30 on the footboard 20, optionally with the aid of medical personnel, according to some embodiments.

[0219] At 314, the footboard 20 is moved from the floor 58 to the recorded location (20a in Fig. 4a), according to some embodiments. As the footboard moves toward the head end 40 of the frame 12, the subject 44 is pushed toward the head end 40, until his foot or feet 30 are positioned at the preselected location, according to some embodiments. It is noted that, due to the angle of the subject 44 relative to the floor, there is reduced friction between the subject and the mattress 28, as compared with friction that would be present if the subject 44 were being moved along the mattress in a prone position, according to some embodiments. At 316, the frame 12 may be tilted to a prone configuration (Fig. 4A), such that the subject 44 is substantially parallel to the floor 58, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the footboard 20 may be moved away from the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, to allow him more legroom, according to some embodiments.

[0220] Optionally, instead of repositioning the subject 44 while he is in the upright or substantially upright position (Fig. 4D), the frame may be tilted to a configuration at which the subject 44 is in a position wherein his head is lower than his feet such as, for example, as shown in Fig. 8, optionally in a Trendelenburg position, according to some embodiments. This position is advantageous in that it is easier to move the subject 44 or for the subject to move on his own toward the head end 40 of the bed, as he is at an angle relative to the floor 58, according to some embodiments.

[0221] While the frame is tilted to the position shown in which his head is lower than his feet, the footboard 20 may be moved to the position recorded previously (recording was performed at action 304). As the footboard is moved to the previously recorded position, the subject 44 may be pushed by the footboard 20 or may move or be moved to his previous position in the bed, or a combination of these actions, according to some embodiments. The frame 12 may then be tilted, such that the bed is substantially parallel to the floor 58 (Fig. 4A), according to some embodiments. As the frame is substantially parallel to the floor 58, the subject 44 will also be substantially parallel to the floor, according to some embodiments.

[0222] Optionally, if the subject 44 is not positioned at the preselected position in the bed, i.e., if he has moved or been moved closer to the head end 40 of the bed than at the preselected position in the bed, whereat his feet are at a distance from the footboard 20, closer to the head end 40 of the framel2, the frame may be tilted again, in the opposite direction, such that the subject’s head is higher than his center of gravity, thereby facilitating movement of the subject toward the foot end 42 of the bed, toward his previous position in the bed, at which his foot or feet 30 are adjacent to or contact footboard 20 at the recorded location, according to some embodiments.

[0223] Use of the Device for Egress

[0224] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method 400 of using the device 10 for facilitating egress of a subject therefrom, according to some embodiments. According to method 400, at 402, with the subject 44 in a prone position in the bed, the footboard 20 is positioned to contact or be adjacent to a foot or feet 30 of the subject (Fig. 4A, position 20a, and Fig. 4B), according to some embodiments. At 404, the location of the footboard 20 along the frame 12 is optionally sensed, for example, as discussed herein, and optionally recorded when it contacts or is adjacent to the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, according to some embodiments. Alternatively, the location of the footboard 20 along the frame 12 may be optionally sensed or measured using other means such as, for example, by a camera, and then optionally recorded, according to some embodiments. It may be noted that recording the location of the footboard 20 is not necessary when egress of subject 44 from device 10 is performed in a sitting or tilted sitting position, for example, as discussed herein with regard to Figs. 5-7).

[0225] The subject 44 may be secured to the device 10, for example, with straps or other restraints 57 attached at sides of the device or to the head end 40 or foot end 42 of the device, optionally, to siderails 22 and / or to a headboard and / or to the footboard 20, to prevent inadvertent bending over or falling of the subject 44 out of the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0226] If egress of the subject 44 from the device 10 is to be performed when the subject is in a substantially upright, standing position, at 406, the subject 44 is tilted from the prone position such as, for example, in the device in the configuration shown in Fig. 4A, to a more upright position, such as, for example, as shown in Fig. 4D, such that the subject 44 is tilted to the substantially standing position, according to some embodiments.

[0227] At 408, the footboard 20 is moved away from the head end of the bed, either simultaneously with or after tilting of the subject 44 (action 406), according to some embodiments. Preferably, the footboard 20 is moved away from the head end of the bed and into contact with the floor, during action 408, simultaneously with tilting of the subject 44 (Fig. 4D), in order to reduce the amount of friction between the subject and the mattress 28, according to some embodiments. The footboard 20 is angled such that it is parallel to the floor and, optionally, flush with the floor, according to some embodiments.

[0228] At 410, the subject 44 moves toward the foot end 42 of the bed, as the footboard 20 moves away from the head 40 end of the bed, simultaneously with or after tilting of the frame 12, according to some embodiments.

[0229] At 412, egress of the subject 44 from the bed is enabled, while the subject is in a substantially standing position, optionally with assistance, according to some embodiments.

[0230] For egress of the subject 44 from the device 10 from a sitting or tilted sitting position, (Fig 5), it is noted that it is not necessary to record the location of the footboard 20 (action 404), since when the subject is in the sitting or tilted sitting position his hips are already aligned with the joint between the backrest 14 and the seat 16 and his knees are already aligned with the joint between the seat 16 and the legrest 18, according to some embodiments. At 420, the subject moves or is moved from the prone to sitting or tilted sitting position, according to some embodiments. Optionally, the subject 44 may be secured to the device 10 by straps 58, according to some embodiments.

[0231] At 422, the backrest 14, seat 16, and legrest 18, together with the footboard 20 may be tilted, thereby converting the device from the configuration shown, for example, in Fig. 5, to the configuration shown, for example, in Fig. 6, whereby the footboard 20 is substantially parallel to the floor 58, according to some embodiments.

[0232] At 424, the footboard 20 alone, or alternatively the backrest 14, seat 16, legrest 18, and footboard 20 may be lowered toward the floor 58, such that the device is in the position whereby the footboard 20 is in contact with the floor 58 and, optionally, flush with the floor, as shown, for example, in Fig. 7, according to some embodiments. If straps 57 were used to secure the subject 44 to the device 10, they may be removed, according to some embodiments.

[0233] At 426, egress of the subject 44 from the bed is enabled, optionally by the subject sliding off the device 10, optionally with assistance, according to some embodiments. Tilting of the components of the device 10 to convert the device form the configuration shown, for example, in Fig. 5 to the configuration shown in, for example, in Fig. 7 may make egress of the subject 44 from the device 10 easier, as the seat 16 and backrest 14 are further forward (for example, as shown in Fig. 7) than they were previously (for example, as shown in Fig. 5), according to some embodiments. Egress of the subject 44 from device 10 may be performed by the subject sliding off device 10 or standing up or, optionally, the subject may move or be moved, in a substantially sitting position, to another location such as, for example, to a wheelchair, according to some embodiments.

[0234] Use of the Device for Ingress

[0235] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method 500 of using the device 10 for facilitating ingress of a subject 44 thereinto, optionally with the aid of medical personnel, while the subject is in a substantially upright position (actions 502, 504, 506) or in a sitting position (actions 522, 524, 526, 528), according to some embodiments.

[0236] At 502, ingress of the subject 44 into the bed is enabled, while the subject is in a substantially upright (vertical) position, and the footboard 20 is in contact with or adjacent to the floor 58 (Fig. 4D), according to some embodiments. The subject 44 may optionally be supported during the ingress into the bed, for example by medical personnel and / or by the use of a siderail 22 or a walker or other support device, according to some embodiments. The subject 44 may be secured to the device 10, for example, with straps or other restraints 57 attached at sides of the device or to the head end 40 or foot end 42 of the device, optionally, to siderails 22 and / or to a headboard and / or to the footboard 20, to prevent inadvertent bending over or falling of the subject 44 out of the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0237] At 504, the footboard 20 is moved toward the head end 40 of the frame 12, to the previously recorded footboard position 20a, according to some embodiments. As the footboard 20 moves toward the previously recorded footboard position 20a, the subject 44 is moved along the mattress 28, by pressure applied by the footboard to the foot or feet 30 of the subject, until he has been repositioned to the preselected location in the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0238] At 506, the frame 12 may optionally be tilted such that it is substantially parallel to the floor 58 (Fig. 4A), to thereby tilt the subject 44 to a prone configuration, according to some embodiments. Straps 57 may be removed, and the footboard 20 may be moved away from the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, toward the foot end 42 of the frame 12, to allow the subject more legroom, according to some embodiments.

[0239] Optionally, instead of repositioning the subject 44 in the device 10 and tilting the subject such that he is substantially parallel to the floor 58 (actions 504, 506), after action 502, the frame 12 may be tilted such that the subject 44 is in a position in which his head is lower than his feet, according to some embodiments. While in this position, wherein the subject’s head is lower than his feet, the subject 44 may more easily move or be moved toward the head end 40 of the frame 12, according to some embodiments. The footboard 20 may be moved toward the head end 40 of the frame 12, into contact with a foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, and the footboard may be moved to the previously recorded footboard position 20a (Fig. 10), according to some embodiments. As the footboard 20 moves toward the previously recorded footboard position 20a, the subject 44 is moved, by pressure applied by the footboard to the foot or feet 30 of the subject, to the preselected location in the bed. Optionally, at the preselected location in the bed, the subject 44 is properly positioned in the device, with his hips aligned with the joint between the backrest 14 and the seat 16, and / or his knees aligned with the joint between the seat 16 and the legrest 18, according to some embodiments.

[0240] At 522, ingress of the subject 44 into the bed is enabled, while the subject is in a sitting or a tilted sitting position, with his foot or feet 30 in contact with the footboard 20, and the footboard 20 is in contact with or adjacent to the floor 58 (Fig. 7), according to some embodiments. The subject 44 may optionally be supported during the ingress into the bed, for example by medical personnel and / or by the use of a siderail 22 or a walker or other support device, according to some embodiments. The subject 44 may be secured to the device 10, for example, with straps or other restraints 57 attached at sides of the device or to the head end 40 or foot end 42 of the device, optionally, to siderails 22 and / or to a headboard and / or to the footboard 20, to prevent inadvertent bending over or falling of the subject 44 out of the bed, according to some embodiments.

[0241] At 524, the subject is raised above the floor 58, for example, to the position shown in Fig. 6, according to some embodiments. In embodiments where the footboard 20 alone was lowered to the floor, raising the subject above the floor 58 may be performed by raising the footboard 20, according to some embodiments. In embodiments where the backrest 14, seat 16, legrest 18, and footboard 20 were lowered to the floor, raising the subject above the floor 58 may be performed by raising the backrest 14, seat 16, legrest 18, and footboard 20, according to some embodiments. The device 10 will be in a configuration, for example, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0242] At 526, the backrest 14, seat 16, and legrest 18, together with the footboard 20 may be tilted, for example, to the position shown in Fig. 5, according to some embodiments.

[0243] It may be noted that, with the subject 44 seated in the device 10, for example, as discussed herein, there is no need to reposition the subject 44 in the device 10, since he is already properly positioned with his hips aligned with the joint between the backrest 14 and the seat 16 and / or with his knees aligned with the joint between the seat 16 and the legrest 18, according to some embodiments.

[0244] Optionally, at 528, the subject may be moved to a prone position, in which he is substantially parallel to the floor, according to some embodiments. The footboard 20 may be moved away from the head end 40 of the frame 12, to allow the subject 44 additional legroom, according to some embodiments.

[0245] Exemplary Control Panel

[0246] With additional reference to Fig. 3 there is shown an exemplary control panel 700 for actuation of operations of the device 10, according to some embodiments. Control panel 700 may be incorporated, for example, into a siderail 22 of the device or may be incorporated into a remote control device, according to some embodiments.

[0247] Control panel 700 may include buttons 702a and 702b for respectively raising and lowering backrest 14, buttons 704a and 704b for respectively raising and lowering legrest 18, and buttons 706a and 706b for respectively raising and lowering frame 12, according to some embodiments.

[0248] Additionally, control panel 70 may include a button 708 for converting frame 12 to a sitting or tilted sitting configuration such as, for example, shown in Fig. 5, and a button 718 for converting frame 12 to a substantially upright configuration such as, for example, shown in Fig. 4D, according to some embodiments.

[0249] Further, a button 712 may be provided for moving the frame 12 to a prone position such as, for example, shown in Fig. 4A, according to some embodiments. It may be noted that button 712 may be actuated in the event that a patient requires CPR, thereby facilitating automatic movement of the patient to the proper orientation on the device 10, according to some embodiments. Optionally, when button 712 is pressed, the footboard 20 moves to the recorded location on the mattress 28, and thereafter the frame 12 is moved to a configuration in which is parallel to the floor 58, according to some embodiments.

[0250] There may also be provided a button 716 for tilting the frame 12 to a configuration in which the head end 40 is lower than the foot end 42 such as, for example, a Trendelenburg position, and / or as shown in any of Figs. 8-10, according to some embodiments.

[0251] Further, control panel 700 may include, for example, a button 710 for lowering and raising wheels 26, and a button 714 for moving the footboard 20 toward and away from the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44, according to some embodiments. Optionally, footboard 20 may be moved toward the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44 by pressing button 714, and footboard 20 may be moved away from the foot or feet 30 of the subject 44 by pressing both buttons 714 and 708 simultaneously, according to some embodiments.

[0252] Optionally, at least some of the buttons of control panel 700 may include two portions, a first portion for movement of a component of the device 10 in a first direction and a second portion for movement of the component of device 10 in a second direction. For example, button 710 may have an upper portion actuatable to move the wheels 26 up and a lower power actuatable to move the wheels down, according to some embodiments. Optionally, actuation of at least some of the components of device 10 may be performed by pressing on a combination of buttons such as, for example, as discussed herein with regard to movement of footboard 20, according to some embodiments. Pressing of other combinations of buttons may also be possible for actuation of the various components of device 10, according to some embodiments.

[0253] It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant mechanisms for moving and / or adjusting a subject in a bed will be developed; the scope of the term actuator is intended to include all such new technologies a priori. As used herein with reference to quantity or value, the term “about” means “within ± 10% of.”

[0254] The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to.” The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to.”

[0255] The term “consisting essentially of’ means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and / or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and / or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

[0256] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0257] Throughout this application, embodiments of this invention may be presented with reference to a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as “from 1 to 6” should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as “from 1 to 3,” “from 1 to 4,” “from 1 to 5,” “from 2 to 4,” “from 2 to 6,” “from 3 to 6,” etc.; as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0258] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein (for example “10-15,” “10 to 15,” or any pair of numbers linked by these another such range indication), it is meant to include any number (fractional or integral) within the indicated range limits, including the range limits, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “range / ranging / ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “range / ranging / ranges from” a first indicate number “to,” “up to,” “until” or “through” (or another such range-indicating term) a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numbers therebetween.

[0259] Unless otherwise indicated, numbers used herein and any number ranges based thereon are approximations within the accuracy of reasonable measurement and rounding errors as understood by persons skilled in the art.

[0260] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0261] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0262] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is / are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its / their entirety.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. Method for repositioning a subject in a support device, the support device being positioned on a floor and having a head end and a foot end, said method including: when the subject is positioned at a selected location on the support device, first moving a footboard, from a location along the support device which is closer to the foot end of the support device than a foot or feet of the subject, toward the head end of the support device; sensing when the footboard is within a preselected distance from one of a foot and feet of the subject; stopping movement of the footboard at a location along the support device at which the footboard is within the preselected distance from one of the foot and feet of the subject; recording the location along the support device at which the footboard is within the preselected distance from one of the foot and feet of the subject; first tilting the subject to a more upright position; second moving the footboard away from the head end of the support surface, said second moving including moving the subject toward the floor; and third moving of the footboard toward the head end of the support surface, to the recorded location.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said first moving a footboard is performed when the subject is in a prone configuration on the support device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said first moving is stoppable at any time by a user.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said sensing is performed by a sensor positioned on one of the footboard and the support device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said first tilting includes transferring a weight of the subject from the support surface to the footboard.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said second moving is performed after said first tilting the subject has begun; and wherein said second moving includes said moving the subject toward the foot end of the support surface when the support surface has been tilted to at least a preselected angle relative to the floor.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said second moving includes angling the footboard so that it is parallel to the floor.

8. The method of claim 1, including, after said second moving, allowing egress of the subject from the support surface.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said first tilting includes tilting the subject to a substantially vertical position.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first moving, said second moving, and said third moving is motorized.

11. The method of claim 1 including, after said third moving, second tilting the subject to a prone position, at which he is substantially parallel to the floor.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said footboard is configured to support a weight of up to 500kg during said second moving and said third moving.

13. Apparatus for front egress of a subject in a seated position, said apparatus positionable on a floor and having a foot end, said apparatus including a backrest and a seat movable relative to each other; wherein said apparatus includes a footboard at said foot end; wherein said apparatus has a first seated orientation in which said backrest is at a first angle relative to the floor, said seat is at a third angle relative to the floor, and said footboard is not parallel to the floor; wherein said apparatus has a second seated orientation in which said backrest is at a second angle relative to the floor, said second angle larger than said first angle, said seat is at a fourth angle relative to the floor, said fourth angle smaller than said third angle, and said footboard is parallel to the floor; and wherein, in said second seated orientation, said footboard is configured to be lowered to contact the floor.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said apparatus includes a legrest and wherein, in said first seated orientation, said footboard is approximately at a 90 degree angle relative to said legrest.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein, when in said second seated orientation, said backrest and said seat are positioned to allow egress of the subject from the apparatus.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein, when in said second seated orientation, said backrest and said seat are positioned to allow egress of the subject from the apparatus to a substantially standing position.

17. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein, when in said second seated orientation, said backrest and said seat are positioned to allow egress of the subject from the apparatus, with a foot or feet of the subject supported by said footboard, by sliding off said backrest and said seat.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, including an actuator for converting said apparatus from said first seated orientation to said second seated orientation.

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