Locking mechanisms for labor grips and calf support

Abstract

The present disclosure is specifically directed to systems and methods for improving the performance and efficiency of calf support structures and labor grips of a patient support apparatus. The patient support deck comprises a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on an intermediate frame, and a plurality of calf supports that are pivotably coupled to a plurality of foot supports. Each of the calf supports comprise a hydraulic jack cylinder and a handle that is operable to move the calf support from a first position to a second position. The patient support deck comprises a plurality of labor grips mounted to the underside of a support frame of the seat deck section. Each of the labor grips includes a substantially upright post having a free end that is pivotably mounted to a socket attached to the support frame.

Description

LOCKING MECHANISMS FOR LABOR GRIPS AND CALF SUPPORTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to US Provisional Application No. 63 / 660875, 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. The present disclosure is specifically directed to systems and methods for improving the performance and efficiency of calf support structures and labor grips of a birthing bed.

[0003] Patient-support apparatuses, including hospital beds and birthing beds, may 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, different components of the birthing bed may be used to provide support to the patient.

[0004] The present disclosure relates to accessories that attach to birthing beds to support the body of a patient during obstetric labor and delivery. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to patient support accessories that attach to birthing beds or birthing bed accessory frames and that are configured to engage and support limbs of the body of a patient during labor and delivery. During obstetric delivery in which a patient is in a reclining position, it is desirable for the legs of a patient to be positioned by a caregiver so as not to be supported by an underlying table surface. In many situations is important to have a limb-support apparatus (e.g., calf supports) permitting flexure of the knee joints of a patient by a sufficient amount to place the patient in a desired position for delivery of a child.

[0005] Further, during the birth of the baby, it is important for the mother to assume a comfortable attitude during delivery. To this end, birthing beds have been provided with labor grips on each side of the bed in a position that it can be gripped by the mother to assist her in creating maximum thrust. Such handles can be stowed when not in use to ensure ease of movement and access.

[0006] Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed is directed to systems and methods of that enable the calf support structures and labor grips to be stowed when not being used by the patient in a manner that is efficient, convenient, and cost effective. The present disclosure id directed towards systems and methods that can enhance patient care in healthcare facilities.SUMMARY

[0007] 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.

[0008] A first aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus comprises a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on an intermediate frame. The patient support apparatus further comprises a plurality of calf supports pivotably coupled to a plurality of foot supports, each of the calf supports comprising a hydraulic jack system and a handle that is operable to move the calf support from a first position to a second position. Each of the calf support is operable to move from the first position to the second position when a torque is applied on the handle and transferred to the hydraulic jack system though an end of a threaded rod attached to the handle.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the hydraulic jack system may comprise a hydraulic jack output piston, a hydraulic jack input piston, and a self-contained hydraulic jack cylinder. The hydraulic j ack output piston may have a first diameter larger than a second diameter of the hydraulic jack input piston.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the hydraulic jack output piston may have a concave surface.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the hydraulic jack system may be configured to increase the torque applied by a user by about 6 times.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the hydraulic jack system may be configured to translate the torque applied by the user to a rod-ball end of a locking assembly. The locking assembly may be configured to maintain the calf support in the first or the second position.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first position may be a locked use position, and the second position may be a stowed position. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the calf support may be changed from the first position to a third position before being changed to the second position. In some embodiments of the first aspect, the third position may be an unlocked use position.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the patient support apparatus may be a birthing bed.

[0015] A second aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of actuating a calf support. The method comprises applying a torque on a handle that is operable to move thecalf support from a first position to a second position, and transferring the torque applied on the handle into a clamping force applied to a rod-ball end of a of a locking assembly configured to engage with a cushion assembly of the calf support. The torque applied on the handle is transferred to a hydraulic jack system in the calf support though an end of a threaded rod attached to the handle.

[0016] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the calf support may be comprised in a birthing bed.

[0017] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the hydraulic jack system may comprise a hydraulic jack output piston, a hydraulic jack input piston, and a self-contained hydraulic jack cylinder. The hydraulic jack output piston may have a first diameter larger than a second diameter of the hydraulic jack input piston.

[0018] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the hydraulic jack output piston may have a concave surface.

[0019] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the hydraulic jack system may be configured to increase the torque applied by a user by about 6 times.

[0020] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the hydraulic jack system may be configured to translate the torque applied by the user to the rod-ball end of the locking assembly. The locking assembly may be configured to maintain the calf support in the first or the second position.

[0021] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the first position may be a locked use position, and the second position may be a stowed position. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the calf support may be changed from the first position to a third position before being changed to the second position. In some embodiments of the second aspect, the third position an unlocked use position.

[0022] A third aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus comprises a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on an intermediate frame, and a plurality of labor grips mounted to the underside of a support frame of the seat deck section. Each of the labor grips includes a substantially upright post having a free end is pivotably mounted to a socket attached to the support frame.

[0023] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the labor grip may be pivotable between a stowed position and an operative position.

[0024] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the socket may include a push button that is releasable to move the labor grip from a first position to a second position and vice versa.

[0025] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the first position may be a stowed position, and the second position may be an operative position.

[0026] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the socket may include a rotating body that can be rotated by releasing a push button and enabling the labor grip to pivot between the stowed position and the operative position.

[0027] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the socket may not include an access hole to service the labor grip.

[0028] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the patient support apparatus may be a birthing bed.

[0029] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of positioning a labor grip. The method comprises releasing a push button on a first end of the labor grip and applying a force on a first end of the labor grip operable to move the labor grip from a first position to a second position. A second end of the labor grip is pivotably mounted to a socket attached to a support frame of a patient support apparatus.

[0030] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the labor grip may be pivotable between the first position is a stowed position and the second position is an operative position.

[0031] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the socket may include a rotating body that can be rotated by releasing a push button and enabling the labor grip to pivot between the first position and the second position.

[0032] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the socket may not include an access hole to service the labor grip.

[0033] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the patient support apparatus may be a birthing bed.

[0034] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on an intermediate frame, and a plurality of calf supports pivotably coupled to a plurality of foot supports, each of the calf supports configured to be coupled to a foot support by a pivot shaft attached to pivot-coupler, wherein the pivot-coupler comprises a circular dowel pin configured to be engaged in a first notch or a second notch depending on a position of the calf support.

[0035] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the circular dowel pin is configured to be engaged in the first notch when the calf support is in a stowed position and in the second notch when the calf support is in a use position.

[0036] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the pin is configured to be positively locked in the first notch or in the second notch without any backlash.

[0037] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the pin is comprised of oil impregnated metal.

[0038] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the pivot shaft comprises the first notch and the second notch.

[0039] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the foot support comprises a bumper configured to prevent overturning of the pivot shaft.

[0040] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the bumper includes a catch that extends from an edge of the bumper and is configured to prevent the overturning of the pivot shaft.

[0041] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the foot support comprises a bumper that includes a foot end edge and two lateral edges, and wherein a height of the foot end edge is less than a height of the lateral edges.

[0042] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the pivot-coupler comprises a compression spring configured to positively support the pin when the pin is not engaged in the first notch or the second notch.

[0043] In some embodiments of the fifth aspect, the pivot-coupler comprises a first and a second compression springs.

[0044] 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

[0045] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0046] FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a birthing bed comprising labor grips and calf supports;

[0047] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the birthing bed illustrating the calf supports as attached to the foot supports and positioned in a stowed position;

[0048] FIG. 3A is an illustration of a calf support of the birthing in a locked use position;

[0049] FIG. 3B is an illustration of a calf support of the birthing in a stowed position;

[0050] FIG. 3C is an illustration of a calf support of the birthing in an unlocked use position;

[0051] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a ball-lock assembly located used to change the position of the calf support based on user need;

[0052] FIG. 5A is a 3D view of a hydraulic jack output piston with a flat surface;

[0053] FIG. 5B is a side view of a hydraulic jack output piston with a flat surface;

[0054] FIG. 5C is a 3D view of a hydraulic jack output piston with a concave surface;

[0055] FIG. 5D is a side view of a hydraulic jack output piston with a concave surface;

[0056] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the mechanism by which torque applied by a used is translated to clamping force used to change the position of the calf support;

[0057] FIG. 7 A is an illustration of a first embodiment of the calf support being pivotably coupled to the foot support through the completely sealed pivot-coupler;

[0058] FIG. 7B is an illustration of a second embodiment of the calf support being pivotably coupled to the foot support through the completely sealed pivot-coupler;

[0059] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a cross-section of the pivot shaft coupled to the pivotcoupler;

[0060] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a cross-section of the pivot-coupler of FIG. 7B;

[0061] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a labor grip mounted to the underside of a support frame of the birthing bed;

[0062] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a socket used to attach the labor grip to the underside of the support frame of the birthing bed; and

[0063] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a push button on the socket, which can be released to move the labor grip from its stowed position to its operative position and vice versa.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] 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 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 is configured to move 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. Such positioning allows a caregiver or patient to adjust the birthing bed 10 to a plurality of positions during labor and delivery.

[0065] The birthing bed 10 comprises a mattress 25 that is supported on the head deck section 12 and seat deck section 14. The mattress 25 comprises a V-shaped cavity 26 along the edge of the mattress 25 and adjacent to 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 V-shaped cavity 26 to form a continuous support surface for the patient when the foot deck section 16 is vertically aligned with the seat deck section 14. When in use during natural delivery of a baby, the birthing bed 10 is configured to permit a caregiver access to the patient seated on the mattress 25 and supported on seat deck section 14. The foot deck section 16 is supported on the support frame 22 and is configured to be moveable with the support frame 22 as the support frame 22 moves vertically relative to the intermediate frame 20.

[0066] As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the birthing bed 10 also comprises two articulable foot supports 32 and 34. The foot support 32 is positioned to support the patient's right foot when in use while the foot support 34 is positioned to support the patient's left foot when in use. The foot supports 32 and 34 are articulable relative to a yoke 36 of patient support apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 2. Calf supports 38, 40 are pivotably coupled to the foot support 32, 34 through a pivot-coupler 42. The calf support 38, 40 comprise a locking handle 44, a locking assembly 46 (see FIG. 4) coupled to the locking handle 44, and a cushion assembly 48 coupled to the locking assembly 46. The pivot-coupler 42 is coupled to a pivot shaft 41 about which the locking handle 44 pivots. The locking handle 44 can be used to position the calf supports 38, 40 in a locked use position (FIG. 3A), a stowed position (FIG. 3B), or an unlocked use position (FIG. 3C) before being transitioned from the locked use position to the stowed position or vice versa. The calf supports 38, 40 may be kept in the stowed position when they are not being used by the patient and / or when the birthing bed 10 is being moved from one location to another. The cushion assembly 48 may be configured to conform to the contours of the body of the patient and provide support to the patient when the calf supports 38, 40 are in use. In some embodiments, the calf support 38, 40 may have an upwardly facing surface which is convex in shape.

[0067] The calf supports 38 and 40 are of a similar construction with the calf support 38 being the patient right hand version and the calf support 40 being the patient left hand version. Articulation of the calf supports 38 and 40 permits the caregiver to adjust the position of the calf supports 38, 40 and to position the legs of the patient supported on the seat deck section 14 and the mattress 25 during the birthing process. The locking assembly 46 is used to move the calf supports 38 and 40 between different positions based on patient and / or caregiver need.

[0068] Details of the locking assembly 46 is shown in FIG. 4. The locking assembly 46 includes a main socket 50 comprising a rod-ball end 52, a locking cap 54, a hydraulic jack system 56, and a bottom end cap 58. The rod-ball end 52 is configured to be moveable between a first position where the rod-ball end 52 is free to move vertically relative to the main socket 50 and a second position where the rod-ball end 52 is constrained from moving relative to the socket 50. The rod-ball end 52 comprises a spherical portion 68 and a shaft 70 configured to engage with the cushion assembly 48 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0069] Referring back to FIG. 4, the spherical portion 68 is configured to fit into the locking cap 54. The locking handle 44 is used to engage the locking assembly 46. The locking handle 44 includes a bent shaft 70, and a grip 72. In some embodiments, the calf support 38, 40 further comprises a lever 74 that is attached to the locking handle 44. The locking handle 44 is configured to be attached to the locking assembly 46 by the lever 74. The locking handle 44 is actuated such that the shaft 70 is rotated to thereby move the rod-ball end 52 of the locking assembly 46 between a locked and an unlocked position that results in the calf support 38, 40 being in a locked or an unlocked position as indicated in FIGS. 3A-3C. The lever 74 has a threaded rod 76. The threaded rod 76 acts as a plunger to convert rotational motion into linear motion and can move linearly change the pressure in the hydraulic jack system 56. The threaded rod 76 can be a pitch screw 76 or knob screw 76. A torque (T) applied at the lever 74 (see FIG. 6) by a user or caregiver gets transferred as a force (F) at the end of the threaded rod 76. In some embodiments, the threaded rod 76 may be a M10 X 1.5 MM pitch screw. The locking handle 44, and therefore, the calf supports 38 and 40, are able to pivot about an axis to move the calf supports 38 and 40 from the stowed position to the use position to receive the leg of the patient.

[0070] The hydraulic jack system 56 is configured to translate the force (F) at the end of the threaded rod 76 to the rod-ball end 52 as a clamping force (CF). The hydraulic jack system 56 comprises a hydraulic jack output piston 60, a hydraulic jack input piston 62, a self-contained hydraulic jack cylinder 64, and a hydraulic jack endcap 66. The hydraulic jack output piston 60 and the hydraulic jack input piston 62 are connected by the hydraulic jack cylinder 64.

[0071] The surface area of the hydraulic jack output piston 60 is larger than the surface area of the hydraulic jack input piston 62. Increasing the surface area of the hydraulic jack output piston 60 increases the clamping force (CF) at the rod-ball end 52. The surface area of the hydraulic jack output piston 60 can be altered by changing its shape. The shape of the hydraulic jack output piston 60 can be altered despite keeping the perimeter unchanged. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, the hydraulic jack output piston 60 is changed from a flat surface 78 (FIG. 5A, 5B) to a concave surface 80 (FIG. 5C, 5D), thereby increasing thesurface area of the hydraulic jack output piston 60. In other embodiments, the shape of the hydraulic jack output piston 60 may be changed differently.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, using a hydraulic jack system 56 to translate the torque (T) applied by the user or caregiver reduces the amount of user effort required to lock and / or unlock the calf supports 38, 40. As shown in equation (1), the force (F) required is directly proportional to the Torque (T) and indirectly proportional to the diameter (D) of the threaded rod 76 and the coefficient for friction (C) (e.g., coefficient of friction for steel is 0.2).F =TZ (C *D) — - 1

[0073] As shown in equation (2), the clamping force (CF) is proportional to the force (F) and the ratio (R) of the of the surface area of the hydraulic jack output piston 60 to the surface area of the hydraulic jack input piston 62CL = F * R — - 2

[0074] If the surface shape of an output piston with a perimeter of about 77.67 mm is changed from a flat surface 78 to a concave surface 80, the surface area can increase from 480.09 mm2to 540.86 mm2. If the area of the hydraulic jack input piston 62 is 74.01 mm2, the ratio (R) of the increased surface area of the hydraulic jack output piston 60 to the surface area of the hydraulic jack input piston 62 mm2is 7.307 instead of 6.48. Therefore, the clamping force (CF) will increase with an increase in the surface area of the hydraulic jack output piston 60, thereby decreasing the torque (T) that has to be applied by the user or caregiver.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, the calf support 40 is pivotably coupled to the left foot support 34 through the completely sealed pivot-coupler 42. FIG. 7B illustrates one embodiment of the foot support 32, 34 that includes a pivot-coupler 42 that comprises a first and a second slots 83 for a first and a second compression springs 89. FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of the pivot shaft 21 coupled to the pivot-coupler 42. FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of the pivot-coupler 42 with the compression spring 89. The pivot-coupler 42 includes a housing 85, a push handle 43, and a hardened circular dowel pin 86 that is configured to engage one of two notches 87, 88 on the pivot shaft 41 depending on the position of the calf support 40. The pin 86 of the pivot-coupler 42 is configured to lock the calf support 40 in a stowed position, illustrated in FIG. 7B, by engaging the notch 87. The pin 86 of the pivot-coupler 42 is configured to lock the calf support 40 in a use or deployed position by engaging the notch 88. When the calf support 40 is changed from the stowed position to the use position, the pin 86 drops out of engagement with the notch 87, rotates, and then engages with the notch 88 and vice versa. Such a configuration ensures that the pin 86 is positively locked in each of the notches 87, 88 and is selfcentered into a zero backlash position. Since the pin 86 is wedged in one of the notches 87, 88,there is no movement in the of the pivot shaft 41 that is attached to the pivot-coupler 42. When the pin 86 is not wedged in one of the notches 87, 88 during transition, the pin 86 is positively supported by the compression springs 89 positioned in the slots 83 that keep the pin 86 in place and prevent movement.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7A, one embodiment of the foot support 32, 34 further comprises a bumper 82 that has a catch 84 at an edge 81 of the bumper 82 that is configured to prevent the pivot shaft 41 from overturning. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the bumper 82 comprises a foot end edge 73 that is shorter in height than the two lateral edges 75. The shortened height of the foot end edge 73 ensures that any lever positioned under the bumper 82 and used to move the foot support 32, 34 from one position to another is not inadvertently activated by the bumper 82. All components of the pivot-coupler 42 comprises oil impregnated metal.

[0077] Referring back to FIG. 1, the birthing bed 10 can include one or more labor grips 24 positioned to help the patient during the birthing process. The labor grips 24 are mounted to the underside of the support frame 22 on each side of the bed 10. The labor grips 24 are mirror images of each other. As shown in FIG. 10, each labor grip 24 has a normally vertical or substantially upright post 90 having a free end 92. As used herein, the term “substantially upright” includes an angle between the upright post 90 and the support frame 22 that is approximately in a range from about 80 degrees to about 90 degrees. An opposite lower end 94 of the substantially upright post 90 is attached to a socket 96 that is mounted on the underside of the support frame 22 and projects at an angle of about 45° in a forward direction toward the foot end of the bed 10 and in a downward direction. The opposite lower end 94 is rotatable in a socket 96 to permit the labor grip 24 to pivot between its stowed position 98 and operative position 100. A patient or caregiver can apply a force on the free end 92 to position the labor grip 24 to position it in the stowed position 98 or in the operative position 100.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 12, the socket 96 of each labor grip 24 consists of a push button 102 which can be released to move the labor grip 24 from its stowed position 98 to its operative position 100 and vice versa. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the socket 96 comprises a main body 104 and a locking cap 108 that is attached to the support frame 22 in the seat section of the birthing bed 10. A rotating body 106 that can be rotated by releasing the push button 102 is attached to the substantially upright post 90 of the labor grip 24 and is positioned concentric with the main body 104. When a user operates the push button 102, the rotating body can be rotated, thereby changing the position of the substantially upright post 90. The socket 96 of the labor grip 24 does not have any access hole that has a pressed fit washer to service the components. Sucha hole can be a severe pinch point when exposed. Therefore, the present disclosure is directed to labor grip 24 that can be actuated between a stowed position 98 and an operative position 100 without the use of any levers associated with access holes.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Aspects of the disclosure will now be described in the following numbered clauses, and dependent clauses:

[0081] Clause 1. A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on an intermediate frame, and a plurality of calf supports pivotably coupled to a plurality of foot supports, each of the calf supports comprising a hydraulic jack system and a handle that is operable to move the calf support from a first position to a second position.

[0082] Clause 2. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each of the calf support is operable to move from the first position to the second position when a torque is applied on the handle and transferred to the hydraulic jack system though an end of a threaded rod attached to the handle.

[0083] Clause 3. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hydraulic jack system comprises a hydraulic jack output piston, a hydraulic jack input piston, and a self-contained hydraulic jack cylinder, and wherein the hydraulic jack output piston has a first diameter larger than a second diameter of the hydraulic jack input piston.

[0084] Clause 4. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hydraulic jack output piston has a concave surface.

[0085] Clause 5. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hydraulic jack system is configured to increase the torque applied by a user by about 6 times.

[0086] Clause 6. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hydraulic jack system is configured to translate the torque applied by the user to a rod-ball end of a locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is configured to maintain the calf support in the first or the second position.

[0087] Clause 7. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first position is a locked use position, and the second position is a stowed position.

[0088] Clause 8. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the calf support is changed from the first position to a third position before being changed to the second position.

[0089] Clause 9. The patient support apparatus of clause I , any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the third position is an unlocked use position.

[0090] Clause 10. 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.

[0091] Clause 11. A method of actuating a calf support comprising applying a torque on a handle that is operable to move the calf support from a first position to a second position, transferring the torque applied on the handle into a clamping force applied to a rod-ball end of a of a locking assembly configured to engage with a cushion assembly of the calf support.

[0092] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the torque applied on the handle is transferred to a hydraulic jack system in the calf support though an end of a threaded rod attached to the handle.

[0093] Clause 13. The method of clause 11, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the calf support is comprised in a birthing bed.

[0094] Clause 14. The method of clause 1 1 , any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hydraulic jack system comprises a hydraulic jack output piston, a hydraulic jack input piston, and a self-contained hydraulic jack cylinder, and wherein the hydraulic jack output piston has a first diameter larger than a second diameter of the hydraulic jack input piston.

[0095] Clause 15. The method of clause 11, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hydraulic jack output piston has a concave surface.

[0096] Clause 16. The method of clause 11 , any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hydraulic jack system is configured to increase the torque applied by a user by about 6 times.

[0097] Clause 17. The method of clause 11, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hydraulic jack system is configured to translate the torque applied by the user to the rod-ball end of the locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is configured to maintain the calf support in the first or the second position.

[0098] Clause 18. The method of clause 11, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first position is a locked use position, and the second position is a stowed position.

[0099] Clause 19. The method of clause 11, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the calf support is changed from the first position to a third position before being changed to the second position.

[0100] Clause 20. The method of clause 1 1 , any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the third position is an unlocked use position.

[0101] Clause 21. A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on an intermediate frame, and a plurality of labor grips mounted to the underside of a support frame of the seat deck section.

[0102] Clause 22. The patient support apparatus of clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each of the labor grips includes a substantially upright post having a free end is pivotably mounted to a socket attached to the support frame.

[0103] Clause 23. The patient support apparatus of clause 21 , any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the labor grip is pivotable between a stowed position and an operative position.

[0104] Clause 24. The patient support apparatus of clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the socket includes a push button that is releasable to move the labor grip from a first position to a second position and vice versa.

[0105] Clause 25. The patient support apparatus of clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first position is a stowed position, and the second position is an operative position.

[0106] Clause 26. The patient support apparatus of clause 21 , any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the socket includes a rotating body that isconfigured to be rotated by releasing a push button and enabling the labor grip to pivot between the stowed position and the operative position.

[0107] Clause 27. The patient support apparatus of clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the socket does not include an access hole to service the labor grip.

[0108] Clause 28. The patient support apparatus of clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the patient support apparatus is a birthing bed.

[0109] Clause 29. A method of positioning a labor grip comprising releasing a push button on a first end of the labor grip and applying a force on a first end of the labor grip operable to move the labor grip from a first position to a second position.

[0110] Clause 30. The method of clause 29, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein a second end of the labor grip is pivotably mounted to a socket attached to a support frame of a patient support apparatus.

[0111] Clause 31. The method of clause 29, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the labor grip is pivotable between the first position is a stowed position and the second position is an operative position.

[0112] Clause 32. The method of clause 29, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the socket includes a rotating body that can be rotated by releasing a push button and enabling the labor grip to pivot between the first position and the second position.

[0113] Clause 33. The method of clause 29, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the socket does not include an access hole to service the labor grip.

[0114] Clause 34. The method of clause 29, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the patient support apparatus is a birthing bed.

[0115] Clause 35. A patient support apparatus comprising a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on an intermediate frame, and a plurality of calf supports pivotably coupled to a plurality of foot supports, each of the calf supports configured to be coupled to a foot support by a pivot shaft attached to pivot-coupler.

[0116] Clause 36. The patient support apparatus of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the pivot-coupler comprises a circular dowel pin configured to be engaged in a first notch or a second notch depending on a position of the calf support.

[0117] Clause 37. The patient support apparatus of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the circular dowel pin is configured to be engaged in the first notch when the calf support is in a stowed position and in the second notch when the calf support is in a use position.

[0118] Clause 38. The patient support apparatus of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein pin is configured to be positively locked in the first notch or in the second notch without any backlash.

[0119] Clause 39. The patient support apparatus of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the pin is comprised of oil impregnated metal.

[0120] Clause 40. The patient support apparatus of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the pivot shaft comprises the first notch and the second notch.

[0121] Clause 41. The patient support apparatus of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the foot support comprises a bumper configured to prevent overturning of the pivot shaft.

[0122] Clause 42. The patient support apparatus of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the bumper includes a catch that extends from an edge of the bumper and is configured to prevent the overturning of the pivot shaft.

[0123] Clause 43. The patient support apparatus of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the foot support comprises a bumper that includes a foot end edge and two lateral edges, and wherein a height of the foot end edge is less than a height of the lateral edges.

[0124] Clause 43. The patient support apparatus of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the pivot-coupler comprises a compression spring configured to positively support the pin when the pin is not engaged in the first notch or the second notch.

[0125] Clause 43. The patient support apparatus of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the pivot-coupler comprises a first and a second compression springs.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on an intermediate frame, and a plurality of calf supports pivotably coupled to a plurality of foot supports, each of the calf supports comprising a hydraulic jack system and a handle that is operable to move the calf support from a first position to a second position; wherein each of the calf support is operable to move from the first position to the second position when a torque is applied on the handle and transferred to the hydraulic jack system though an end of a threaded rod attached to the handle.

2. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hydraulic jack system comprises a hydraulic jack output piston, a hydraulic jack input piston, and a self-contained hydraulic jack cylinder, and wherein the hydraulic jack output piston has a first diameter larger than a second diameter of the hydraulic jack input piston.

3. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hydraulic jack output piston has a concave surface.

4. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the hydraulic jack system is configured to increase the torque applied by a user by about 6 times.

5. The patient support apparatus of claim 4, wherein the hydraulic jack system is configured to translate the torque applied by the user to a rod-ball end of a locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is configured to maintain the calf support in the first or the second position.

6. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first position is a locked use position, and the second position is a stowed position.

7. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the calf support is changed from the first position to a third position before being changed to the second position.

8. The patient support apparatus of claim 7, wherein the third position is an unlocked use position.

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

10. A method of actuating a calf support comprising: applying a torque on a handle that is operable to move the calf support from a first position to a second position, transferring the torque applied on the handle into a clamping force applied to a rod-ball end of a of a locking assembly configured to engage with a cushion assembly of the calf support, wherein the torque applied on the handle is transferred to a hydraulic j ck system in the calf support though an end of a threaded rod attached to the handle.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the calf support is comprised in a birthing bed.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the hydraulic jack system comprises a hydraulic jack output piston, a hydraulic jack input piston, and a self-contained hydraulic jack cylinder, and wherein the hydraulic jack output piston has a first diameter larger than a second diameter of the hydraulic jack input piston.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the hydraulic jack output piston has a concave surface.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the hydraulic jack system is configured to increase the torque applied by a user by about 6 times.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the hydraulic jack system is configured to translate the torque applied by the user to the rod-ball end of the locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is configured to maintain the calf support in the first or the second position.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first position is a locked use position, and the second position is a stowed position.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the calf support is changed from the first position to a third position before being changed to the second position.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the third position is an unlocked use position.

19. A patient support apparatus comprising: a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on an intermediate frame, and a plurality of labor grips mounted to an underside of a support frame of the seat deck section, wherein each of the labor grips includes a substantially upright post having a free end is pivotably mounted to a socket attached to the support frame.

20. The patient support apparatus of claim 19, wherein each of the labor grip is pivotable between a stowed position and an operative position.

21. The patient support apparatus of claim 19, wherein the socket includes a push button that is releasable to move the labor grip from a first position to a second position and vice versa.

22. The patient support apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first position is a stowed position, and the second position is an operative position.

23. The patient support apparatus of claim 22, wherein the socket includes a rotating body that is configured to be rotated by releasing a push button and enabling the labor grip to pivot between the stowed position and the operative position.

24. The patient support apparatus of claim 19, wherein the socket does not include an access hole to service the labor grip.

25. The patient support apparatus of claim 19, wherein the patient support apparatus is a birthing bed.

26. A method of positioning a labor grip comprising: releasing a push button on a first end of the labor grip, and applying a force on the first end of the labor grip operable to move the labor grip from a first position to a second position, wherein a second end of the labor grip is pivotably mounted to a socket attached to a support frame of a patient support apparatus.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the labor grip is pivotable between the first position is a stowed position and the second position is an operative position.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the socket includes a rotating body that can be rotated by releasing a push button and enabling the labor grip to pivot between the first position and the second position.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the socket does not include an access hole to service the labor grip.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the patient support apparatus is a birthing bed.

31. A patient support apparatus comprising: a patient support deck comprising a head deck section, a seat deck section, and a foot deck section supported on an intermediate frame, and a plurality of calf supports pivotably coupled to a plurality of foot supports, each of the calf supports configured to be coupled to a foot support by a pivot shaft attached to pivot-coupler; wherein the pivot-coupler comprises a circular dowel pin configured to be engaged in a first notch or a second notch depending on a position of the calf support.

32. The patient support apparatus of claim 31, wherein the circular dowel pin is configured to be engaged in the first notch when the calf support is in a stowed position and in the second notch when the calf support is in a use position.

33. The patient support apparatus of claim 31, wherein the pin is configured to be positively locked in the first notch or in the second notch without any backlash.

34. The patient support apparatus of claim 31, wherein the pin is comprised of oil impregnated metal.

35. The patient support apparatus of claim 31, wherein the pivot shaft comprises the first notch and the second notch.

36. The patient support apparatus of claim 31, wherein the foot support comprises a bumper configured to prevent overturning of the pivot shaft.

37. The patient support apparatus of claim 36, wherein the bumper includes a catch that extends from an edge of the bumper and is configured to prevent the overturning of the pivot shaft.

38. The patient support apparatus of claim 31, wherein the foot support comprises a bumper that includes a foot end edge and two lateral edges, and wherein a height of the foot end edge is less than a height of the lateral edges.

39. The patient support apparatus of claim 31, wherein the pivot-coupler comprises a compression spring configured to positively support the pin when the pin is not engaged in the first notch or the second notch.

40. The patient support apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the pivot-coupler comprises a first and a second compression springs.

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