Base frame for patient support apparatus

Abstract

A patient support apparatus used as a birthing bed includes components base frames that are wider at one end than the other and a foot deck section than is moveable between a use position and a stow-and-go position. The present disclosure is related to the systems and methods directed to improving the functionality and efficiency of the birthing bed. Casters of a birthing bed are configured to be coupled to a base frame with base tubes comprising a first and a second bend. The present disclosure is also related to the systems and methods directed to a storage structure comprising biasing elements used for storing the foot deck section.

Description

BASE FRAME FOR PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to US Provisional Application No. 63 / 660879, filed June 17, 2024, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the use of patient support apparatus and their accessories. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to systems and methods to position a foot deck of a birthing bed between a use and position in which the foot deck is stored within the frame of the birthing bed in an out-of-the way position.

[0003] Patient-support apparatuses, including hospital beds and birthing beds, provide support for patients during medical procedures. In the case of birthing beds, the patient support apparatus supports the mother throughout the labor and delivery of a child. During the procedures or birthing process, it may be advantageous to move or remove a portion of the patient-support apparatus to allow a caregiver, such as a doctor or nurse, improved access to a portion of the patient’s body. For example, in the case of a birthing bed, a foot deck section may be removable to permit a caregiver access to the perineal area of a mother during labor to assist with the delivery of the child. It may also be beneficial to minimize noise while moving the patient support apparatus.

[0004] Modular manufacturability and assembly of the patient support apparatus can help in its use and access in different healthcare centers. Patient support apparatuses used as birthing beds require access at the foot end of the bed. Therefore, the main base rails have to be offset from the head end in order to keep the bed width within acceptable dimensions for transport throughout a healthcare facility. However, such requirements tend to require the use of a brake system with split linkage to accommodate the difference in the widths between the foot end and the head end. There is a need for a design in the base frames such that standard casters integrated with the brake system can be used. Use of such standard caters can increase the efficiency in the manufacturability and use of patient support apparatus used as birthing beds.

[0005] This disclosure relates to patient-support apparatuses and accessories. Specifically, this disclosure relates to patient-support apparatuses with base frames with different widths at each end and with articulating foot deck sections that are removable and stowable.Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to a need in the healthcare field to develop systems and methods for more efficient use of patient-support apparatuses adapted for use in birthing.SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and / or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus comprises a base frame comprising base tubes and cross tubes at two locations, configured to support an intermediate frame, a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on the intermediate frame, casters configured to be coupled to the base frame, and a brake system comprising a one piece bar located within the base tubes. The base frame is wider in a head end that is in the direction of the head deck section than in a foot end that is in the direction of the foot deck section.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the base frame may comprise a first base tube and a second base tube. Each of the first base tube and the second base tube may comprise a first and a second bend at the foot end.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first bend may be an outward bend and the second bend may be an inward bend such that the first tube is parallel to the second tube after the outward bend at the foot end.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the cross tubes may have three welded walls.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the cross tube tubes may comprise a fourth wall that is backed off from a mating surface to eliminate squeaking noise.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, each of the cross tubes may comprise a draining feature.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, each of the cross tubes may comprise a scallop cutout on each corner.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the one piece bar is located within the base tubes connecting the casters.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the patient support apparatus is a birthing bed.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a base frame. The base frame comprises a first base tube and a second base tube. Each of the first base tube and the second base tube comprise a first bend and a second bend. The base frame comprises cross tubes at two locations, casters configured to be coupled to the base frame, and a brake system comprising a one piece bar located within the first and the second base tubes. The base frame is wider in a head end than in a foot end.

[0017] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first bend may be an outward bend and the second bend may be an inward bend such that the first base tube is parallel to the second base tube after the outward bend at the foot end.

[0018] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the cross tubes may comprise three welded walls.

[0019] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the cross tubes may comprise a fourth wall that is backed off from a mating surface to eliminate squeaking noise.

[0020] In some embodiments of the second aspect, each of the cross tubes may comprise a draining feature.

[0021] In some embodiments of the second aspect, each of the cross tubes may comprise a scallop cutout on each comer.

[0022] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the base frame may comprise a one piece bar located within the base tubes connecting the casters.

[0023] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the one piece bar may be bent at a first angle at the first bend and at a second angle at the second bend.

[0024] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first angle is different from the second angle.

[0025] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the base frame is attached to a birthing bed.

[0026] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus comprises a head deck section, a seat deck section, and foot deck section supported on an upper frame, and a storage structure for the foot deck section. The foot deck section is configurable to be in a first position and a second position. The storage structure is configured to aid in the movement of the foot deck section from the first position to the second position and vice versa. The storage structure comprises storage frame moveable relative to the upper frame and to deflect under a load and a biasing element which urges the storage frame to be maintained in a generally horizontal position.

[0027] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the biasing element is a urethane spring.

[0028] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the storage assembly comprises a crossmember, and wherein the storage assembly comprises a single urethane spring on each side of the cross-member.

[0029] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the patient support apparatus is a birthing bed.

[0030] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the first position is a use position and the second position is a stow-and-go position.

[0031] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the biasing element is comprised in a bias assembly moveable relative to the upper frame.

[0032] In some embodiments of the third aspect, compression of the biasing elements defines an amount of bias exerted by the bias assembly on the storage frame.

[0033] Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and / or those listed in the claims, can comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0035] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a birthing bed comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a removable foot deck section;

[0036] Fig. 2 is perspective view of a base frame of the birthing bed comprising two base tubes and two cross tubes with each base tube having a first and a second bend;

[0037] Fig. 3 is bottom view of the base of the patient support apparatus showing a caster braking system comprising an internal link with a one piece bar;

[0038] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the base frame with frame members omitted to show the a braking mechanism coupled to the casters attached to the birthing bed;

[0039] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the internal link configured to be actuated by a brake pedal;

[0040] Fig. 6A is partial top view of a portion of the base of the birthing showing the connection of a cross tube of the base frame with three sides of the cross tube welded to the base tube;

[0041] Fig. 6B is a partial perspective view of an end of a cross tube having scalloped draining notches at the each comer of the cross tube;

[0042] Fig. 7 is a partial perspective view of the birthing bed with the foot deck section in a use position;

[0043] Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view similar to Fig. 7, Fig. showing the birthing bed with the removable foot deck section in a stowed position;

[0044] Fig. 9 is side view of the base frame of the birthing bed supporting a storage structure configured to o support the foot section during movement of the foot deck section between the use position and the stowed position; and

[0045] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of the components of the storage structure comprising a urethane spring configured to enable a user to easily change the foot deck section from the use position to the stow-and-go position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] According to the present disclosure, a birthing bed 10 comprises a head deck section 12, a seat deck section 14, and a removable foot deck section 16 as shown in Fig. 1 . The birthing bed 10 further comprises a base frame 18 supporting an intermediate frame 20 that supports the head deck section 12 and seat deck section 14. The head deck section 12 and seat deck section 14 are articulable relative to the intermediate frame 20 to adjust the position of a patient occupying the birthing bed 10. The seat deck section 14 is supported on a support frame 22 which is supported by the intermediate frame 20. The support frame 22 moves vertically to adjust to a plurality of positions including positions in which the foot deck section 16 is vertically spaced from the seat deck section 14. This allows a caregiver or patient to adjust the birthing bed 10 to a plurality of positions during labor and delivery.

[0047] The birthing bed 10 comprises a mattress 24 that is supported on the head deck section 12 and the seat deck section 14. The mattress 24 comprises a v-shaped cavity 26 along the edge of the mattress 24 adjacent the foot deck section 16. In the illustrative embodiment of Fig. 1, a cushion assembly 28 is supported on the foot deck section 16 and comprises a protrusion 30 that is configured to be received in the cavity 26 to form a continuous support surface for a patient when the foot deck section 16 is vertically aligned with the seat deck section 14. As is shown in Fig. 1, the birthing bed 10 also comprises two articulable foot supports 32 and 34. Foot support 32 is positioned to support a patient’s right foot when in use while foot support 34 is positioned to support a patient's left foot when in use. In use during natural delivery of a baby, the birthing bed 10 is configured to permit a caregiver access to a patient seated on the mattress 24 and supported on seat deck section 14. Foot deck section 16 is supported on the support frame 22 and moveable with the support frame 22 as the support frame 22 moves vertically relative tothe intermediate frame 20. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the base frame 18 can have two base tubes 40, 42. Each base tube 40, 42 has a first bend 44 and a second bend 46. The bends 44, 46 are configured such that each base tube 40, 42 comprises three segments 41, 43, 45 positioned at an angle greater than 1 degree to each other. In some embodiments, an angle 47 between segment 41 and segment 43 may be about 1 degree to about 5 degrees, about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees, about 10 degrees to about 15 degrees, about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees, about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees, about 25 degrees to about 30 degrees, about 30 degrees to about 35 degrees, about 35 degrees to about 40 degrees, about 40 degrees to about 45 degrees, about 45 degrees to about 50 degrees, about 50 degrees to about 55 degrees, about 55 degrees to about 60 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 65 degrees, about 65 degrees to about 70 degrees, about 70 degrees to about 75 degrees, about 75 degrees to about 80 degrees, about 80 degrees to about 85 degrees, or about 85 degrees to about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, an angle 49 between segment 43 and segment 45 may be about 1 degree to about 5 degrees, about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees, about 10 degrees to about 15 degrees, about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees, about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees, about 25 degrees to about 30 degrees, about 30 degrees to about 35 degrees, about 35 degrees to about 40 degrees, about 40 degrees to about 45 degrees, about 45 degrees to about 50 degrees, about 50 degrees to about 55 degrees, about 55 degrees to about 60 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 65 degrees, about 65 degrees to about 70 degrees, about 70 degrees to about 75 degrees, about 75 degrees to about 80 degrees, about 80 degrees to about 85 degrees, or about 85 degrees to about 90 degrees. The presence of the two bends 44, 46 allows the base frame 18 to be wider at one end enabling caregiver access. In the illustrated example, the base frame 18 to be wider at a foot end 82 of the bed 10.

[0048] A caregiver may reposition birthing bed 10 by rolling the birthing bed 10 on casters 36 coupled to the base frame 18 of the birthing bed 10. The birthing bed 10 further includes a caster braking system 60 as shown in Fig. 3. The caster braking system 60 interconnects each caster 36 to provide simultaneous braking of casters 36. The casters 36 are associated with a foot brake pedals 51. To simultaneously brake all casters 36, the caregiver steps on one of foot brake pedal 51 and caster braking system 60 locks all four casters 36 against rolling. In some embodiments the casters 36 may be brake / steer caster devices opposed to simply brake caster devices.

[0049] The presence of the two bends 44, 46 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, enables the use of standard casters 36 with the caster braking system 60 in the birthing bed 10. The caster braking system 60 includes an internal link that comprises a one piece bar 50. The one piece bar 50 comprises a material that can be directed through each of the base tubes 40, 42 because the anglesdisposed within the base tubes 40, 42 and is free to move longitudinally and horizontally relative to the base tube 40, 42. Therefore, unlike other birthing beds that require an internal link that comprise multiple pieces welded together or internal links attached together with a cam mechanism, or cables that may lose their tension with time, the one piece bar 50 can be used as an internal link in the birthing bed 10 comprising base tubes 40, 42 with two bend 44, 46.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 4, each caster 36 includes a braking mechanism that is coupled to a caster-brake link, illustratively a faceted shaft such as hexagonal shaft 62, such that rotation of hexagonal shaft 62 engages the one piece bar 50. Each hexagonal shaft 62 is received within a sleeve 64 of the caster 36 wherein shaft 62 is coupled to the one piece bar 50. Further, as shown in Fig. 5, another hexagonal shaft 53 engages the foot brake pedal 51 on each side of the birthing bed 10. Depression of the foot brake pedal 51 engages the haxagonal shaft 53 to actuate the one piece bar 50. Since the internal link comprises a one piece bar 50 and head end and foot end cam plates do not have to be coupled to the separate head and foot end links. If the head and foot cam plates had to be coupled to separate head and foot links, the depression of the foot brake pedal 51 may cause the head end and foot end cam plates to move in opposite directions, and in turn, move the two links in opposite directions to brake the two casters 36 at each end. Therefore, the presence of a one piece bar 50 simplifies the brake system in the illustrated birthing bed 10 that is wider at one end compared to the other. Additional description of a caster braking system similar to the caster braking system 60 of the present disclosure including the illustrative braking mechanism is provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 263,039, filed Mar. 5, 1999, to Mobley et al., entitled Caster and Braking System, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,878 on Nov. 27, 2001, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the caster braking system 60 may comprise a different mechanism. Utilization of the one piece bar 50 between casters 36 eliminates the need for any adjustments in the caster braking system 60. Other patient support apparatus with base frames wider at one end than the other can use the one piece bar 50.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 3, the one piece bar 50 that functions as an internal link in the brake system includes at least two bends 56, 58. Angles 47’, 49’ of the two bends 56, 68 may be the same or different from each other. The one piece bar 50 are bent at different angles or at the same angle 47’, 49’ at each of the two bends 56, 58. The bends 56, 58 of the one piece bar 50 are different than the bends 44, 46 of the base tubes 40, 42. The angles 47’, 49’ of the two bends 56, 68 may be the same or different from the angles 47. 39. Additionally, once inserted, the location of the bends 56, 58 of the one piece bar 50 may not overlap with the bends 46, 44 of thebase tubes 40, 42 respectively. By bending the one piece bar 50 with shallower angles 47’, 49’ than the angles 47, 49 of the bends 44, 46 of the base tube 40, 42, the installation of the one piece bar 50 is easy, but still functional.

[0052] The base frame 18 comprises one or more cross tubes 52, 54. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the base frame 18 has cross tubes 52, 54 positioned at two locations. Each of the cross tubes 52, 54 comprises a rectangular cross section with four sides 65, 66, 67, 68 (see Fig. 6B). Three sides 65, 66, 67 of the cross tube 52 are welded to the base tubes 40, 42. The fourth side 68 of the cross tube 52 is not welded and is configured to not contact the base tube 42 (and base tube 40, not shown). Fig. 6A illustrates two of the sides 66, 67 of the cross tube 52 that are welded to the base tube 42. The fourth side 68 is not welded and is not in contact with the base tube 42 or any other mating surface. Such a configuration reduces rubbing due to twisting and thereby reduces noise when the bed 10 is moved across a floor of the healthcare facility during use. The cross tube 54 is configured similarly. The cross tube 54 comprises three sides that are welded to the base tubes 40, 42.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6B, the cross tubes 52, 54 include a scalloped draining notches 70 at each corner. The scalloped draining notches 70 are configured such that the cross tubes 52, 54 do not contact the base tubes 40, 42 at the corners. The location of the scalloped draining notches 70 does not overlap with the welding done at the sides 65, 66, and 67 of the cross tubes 52, 54. The scalloped draining notches 70 are used to remove any accumulation of fluids inside the cross tubes 52, 54 when the base frame 18 is subjected to a cleaning process. Each of the scalloped draining notches 70 has a radius R that is configured to drain the water after cleaning. Water accumulation occurs in base frames 18 that do not comprise cross tubes 52, 54 with scalloped draining notches 70.

[0054] The foot deck section 16 of a typical birthing bed 10 is moveable between at least two positions. When not in use, the foot deck section 16 can be stored under the birthing bed 10. In some embodiments, the birthing bed 10 can include a storage structure 80 (Fig. 9) configured to support the foot section 16 during movement of the foot deck section 16 between a use position illustrated in Fig. 7 and a stow-and-go position illustrated in Fig. 8. The storage structure 80 is positioned at the foot end 82 of the birthing bed 10. A caregiver can use the storage structure 80 to position the foot deck section 16 in the use position for patient care and position the foot deck section 16 in the stow-and-go position when transporting the birthing bed 10 or when the foot deck section 16 is otherwise not needed.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 9, the storage structure 80 includes a storage frame 84 and a biased assembly 86 moveable relative to the upper frame comprising the foot deck section 16 ofthe birthing bed 10 to deflect under a load in the stow-and-go position. The bias assembly 86 comprises biasing elements 88, 90 which urge the storage frame 84 of the storage structure 80 to a home position wherein the storage frame 84 is configured to be maintained in a generally horizontal storage position. The biasing elements may be springs 88, 90.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 10, the bias assembly 86 includes urethane springs 88, 90 which bias against a cross-member 92 in the storage structure 80. The bias assembly 86 can include two extension springs, a horizontal spring and a vertical spring. However, the presence of single urethane spring 88, 90 on each side instead of two springs on each side of the cross member 92, enables a user to easily change the foot deck section 16 from the use position to the stow-and-go position. If the foot deck section 16 is supported on the storage frame 84 and a load is applied on the storage frame 84, the bias assembly 86 is configured to permit the storage frame 84 to deflect under the load of the user in the direction of arrow 94 shown in Fig. 9. For example, the user may position the foot deck section 16 on the storage frame 84 when the foot deck section is not needed by the patient. Under the load of the foot deck section 16, the bias assembly 86 is configured to permit the storage frame 84 to deflect in the direction of arrow 94 shown in Fig. 9.

[0057] As a load is applied to the storage frame 84 in the direction of arrow 94, the storage frame 84 rotates about a shaft 96 attached to the cross member 92. If the load is of sufficient magnitude, the spring 86 allows the storage frame 84 to deflect. Once the load is removed, the storage frame 84 is urged to return to a position generally parallel to the surface of the bed 10. The urethane springs 88, 90 are assembled with two pins 98 and 100 respectively. The pins 98 and 100 are received on opposing ends of the shaft 96 and the cross member 92. The pins 98 and 100 are secured to bias assembly 86 by two fasteners 102, 104. The compression of the urethane springs 88, 90 defines the amount of bias exerted by bias assembly 86 on the storage frame 84.

[0058] Although this disclosure refers to specific embodiments, the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the subject matter set forth in the accompanying claims. For example, the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. From reading the present disclosure, other modifications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. Such modifications may involve other features, which are already known in the art and may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality.

[0059] Aspects of the disclosure will now be described in the following numbered clauses, and dependent clauses:

[0060] Clause 1. A patient support apparatus comprising a base frame comprising base tubes and cross tubes at two locations, configured to support an intermediate frame, a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on the intermediate frame, casters configured to be coupled to the base frame, and a brake system that has a one piece bar located within each of the base tubes; wherein the base frame is wider in a head end that is in the direction of the head deck section than in a foot end that is in the direction of the foot deck section.

[0061] Clause 2. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the base frame comprises a first base tube and a second base tube, and wherein each of the first base tube and the second base tube comprises a first and a second bend at the foot end.

[0062] Clause 3. The patient support apparatus of clause I , any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first bend is an outward bend and the second bend is an inward bend such that the first tube is parallel to the second tube after the outward bend at the foot end.

[0063] Clause 4. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cross tubes that have three welded walls.

[0064] Clause 5. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cross tube tubes comprise a fourth wall that is backed off from a mating surface to eliminate squeaking noise.

[0065] Clause 6. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each of the cross tubes comprises a draining feature.

[0066] Clause 7. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each of the cross tubes comprises a scallop cutout on each comer.

[0067] Clause 8. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one piece bar can be actuated by a brake pedal without any cam plates.

[0068] Clause 9. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the patient support apparatus is a birthing bed.

[0069] Clause 10. A base frame comprising:a first base tube and a second base tube, wherein each of the first base tube and the second base tube comprises a first bend and a second bend, cross tubes at two locations, casters configured to be coupled to the base frame, and a brake system comprising a one piece bar located within the first base tube and the second base tube connecting the casters, wherein the base frame is wider in a head end than in a foot end.

[0070] Clause 11. The base frame of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first bend is an outward bend and the second bend is an inward bend such that the first base tube is parallel to the second base tube after the outward bend at the foot end.

[0071] Clause 12. The base frame of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cross tubes comprise three welded walls.

[0072] Clause 13. The base frame of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the cross tubes comprise a fourth wall that is backed off from a mating surface to eliminate squeaking noise.

[0073] Clause 14. The base frame of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each of the cross tubes comprises a draining feature.

[0074] Clause 15. The base frame of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each of the cross tubes comprises a scallop cutout on each comer.

[0075] Clause 16. The base frame of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one piece bar can be actuated by a brake pedal without any cam plates.

[0076] Clause 17. The base frame of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the one piece bar is bent at a first angle at the first bend and at a second angle at the second bend.

[0077] Clause 18. The base frame of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle.

[0078] Clause 19. The base frame of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the base frame is attached to a birthing bed.

[0079] Clause 20. A patient support apparatus comprising: a head deck section, a seat deck section, and foot deck sectionsupported on an upper frame, the foot deck section configurable to be in a first position and a second position, and a storage structure configured to aid in the movement of the foot deck section from the first position to the second position and vice versa, wherein the storage structure comprises storage frame moveable relative to the upper frame and to deflect under a load and a biasing element which urges the storage frame to be maintained in a generally horizontal position.

[0080] Clause 21. The patient support apparatus of clause 20, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biasing element is a urethane spring.

[0081] Clause 22. The patient support apparatus of clause 20, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the storage assembly comprises a crossmember, and wherein the storage assembly comprises a single urethane spring on each side of the cross-member.

[0082] Clause 23. The patient support apparatus of clause 20, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the patient support apparatus is a birthing bed.

[0083] Clause 24. The patient support apparatus of clause 20, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first position is a use position and the second position is a stow-and-go position.

[0084] Clause 25. The patient support apparatus of clause 20, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the biasing element is comprised in a bias assembly moveable relative to the upper frame.

[0085] Clause 26. The patient support apparatus of clause 20, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein compression of the biasing element defines an amount of bias exerted by the bias assembly on the storage frame.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a base frame comprising base tubes and cross tubes at two locations, configured to support an intermediate frame, a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on the intermediate frame, casters configured to be coupled to the base frame, and a brake system that has a one piece bar located within each of the base tubes; wherein the base frame is wider in a head end that is in the direction of the head deck section than in a foot end that is in the direction of the foot deck section.

2. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base frame comprises a first base tube and a second base tube, and wherein each of the first base tube and the second base tube comprises a first and a second bend at the foot end.

3. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first bend is an outward bend and the second bend is an inward bend such that the first tube is parallel to the second tube after the outward bend at the foot end.

4. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cross tubes that have three welded walls.

5. The patient support apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cross tube tubes comprise a fourth wall that is backed off from a mating surface to eliminate squeaking noise.

6. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the cross tubes comprises a draining feature.

7. The patient support apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of the cross tubes comprises a scallop cutout on each corner.

8. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one piece bar can be actuated by a brake pedal without any cam plates.

9. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the patient support apparatus is a birthing bed.

10. A base frame comprising: a first base tube and a second base tube, wherein each of the first base tube and the second base tube comprises a first bend and a second bend, cross tubes at two locations, casters configured to be coupled to the base frame, and a brake system comprising a one piece bar located within the first base tube and the second base tube connecting the casters, wherein the base frame is wider in a head end than in a foot end.

11. The base frame of claim 10, wherein the first bend is an outward bend and the second bend is an inward bend such that the first base tube is parallel to the second base tube after the outward bend at the foot end.

12. The base frame of claim 10, wherein the cross tubes comprise three welded walls.

13. The base frame of claim 10, wherein the cross tubes comprise a fourth wall that is backed off from a mating surface to eliminate squeaking noise.

14. The base frame of claim 10, wherein each of the cross tubes comprises a draining feature.

15. The base frame of claim 14, wherein each of the cross tubes comprises a scallop cutout on each comer.

16. The base frame of claim 1 1 , wherein the one piece bar can be actuated by a brake pedal without any cam plates.

17. The base frame of claim 16, wherein the one piece bar is bent at a first angle at the first bend and at a second angle at the second bend.

18. The base frame of claim 17, wherein the first angle is different from the second angle.

19. The base frame of claim 10, wherein the base frame is attached to a birthing bed.

20. A patient support apparatus comprising: a head deck section, a seat deck section, and foot deck section supported on an upper frame, the foot deck section configurable to be in a first position and a second position, and a storage structure configured to aid in the movement of the foot deck section from the first position to the second position and vice versa, wherein the storage structure comprises storage frame moveable relative to the upper frame and to deflect under a load and a biasing element which urges the storage frame to be maintained in a generally horizontal position.

21. The patient support apparatus of claim 20, wherein the biasing element is a urethane spring.

22. The patient support apparatus of claim 20, wherein the storage assembly comprises a cross-member, and wherein the storage assembly comprises a single urethane spring on each side of the cross-member.

23. The patient support apparatus of claim 20, wherein the patient support apparatus is a birthing bed.

24. The patient support apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first position is a use position and the second position is a stow-and-go position.

25. The patient support apparatus of claim 20, wherein the biasing element is comprised in a bias assembly moveable relative to the upper frame.

26. The patient support apparatus of claim 25, wherein compression of the biasing element defines an amount of bias exerted by the bias assembly on the storage frame.

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