Birthing bed apparatus

Abstract

A patient support apparatus includes adjustable structures configured to achieve various positions of a patient during labor and delivery of a child. The present disclosure includes mechanisms that allow for a tilt angle of a patient supporting frame to be adjusted as well as providing for improved use of components of the patient support apparatus.

Description

BIRTHING BED APPARATUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to US Provisional Application No. 63 / 668,696, filed July 8, 2024, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to patient support apparatuses configured to be used in the birthing process. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a patient support apparatus with powered frames that are movable to adjust the position of a woman in labor to ease the delivery of a child.

[0003] Patient-support apparatuses, including hospital beds and birthing beds, sometimes provide support for patients during medical procedures. In the case of birthing beds, the apparatus supports the mother throughout the labor and delivery of a child. During the procedures or birthing process, it is sometimes 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 genital area of a mother during labor to assist with the delivery of the child.

[0004] There is a continuing need to improve the ease of use of such a patient support apparatus to ease the burden on the caregiver and to better achieve various positions as the birthing process progresses.SUMMARY

[0005] 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.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus comprises a first frame, a second frame supported on the first frame and pivotable about a lateral pivot axis relative to the first frame; and a powered tilt mechanism pivotably coupled to the first frame and slidably coupled to the second frame, the tilt mechanism including a powered actuator operable to pivot the second frame relative to the first frame upon through a range of extension and retraction of the powered actuator.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second frame comprises at least one channel to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channel.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second frame comprises a plurality of channels to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channels.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the tilt mechanism comprises a slide block configured to engage the channel and slide relative thereto.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the tilt mechanism comprises a plurality of slide blocks, each slide block engaging the second frame to cause movement of the second frame.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the tilt mechanism includes a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the first frame.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the tilt mechanism pivots a relative to the first frame.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect, a first end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to the second frame.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect, a second end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to lower a first end of the second frame relative to the first frame.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to raise a first end of the second frame relative to the first frame.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the actuator of the tilt mechanism includes a quick release mechanism.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first aspect, a telescoping rod of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second fame pivots about an axis that is parallel to an axis about which the tilt mechanism pivots relative to the first frame.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the patient support apparatus further comprises a third frame that that moves relative to both the first and second frames.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the first frame is an intermediate frame movable relative to a base frame.

[0022] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the second frame is an upper frame.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the patient support apparatus comprises a pair of roller ball assemblies that are configured to engage a wall when the first and second frames move vertically.

[0024] In some embodiments of the first aspect, each of the roller ball assemblies are configured to rotate about an axis that is not parallel to the surface of the wall.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect, each of the roller ball assemblies includes a ball, an axle, and a bearing interposed between the ball and the axle.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus comprises a base frame, an intermediate frame movable vertically relative to the base frame, and a foot support frame, the foot support frame supported from the intermediate frame and movable vertically relative to the intermediate frame, the foot support frame including a pair of receivers for supporting a removable foot deck section, the receivers formed to each include a channel for supporting a basin below the foot deck section when the foot deck section is positioned on the receivers.

[0027] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus further comprising an upper frame and a tilt mechanism that includes a powered actuator that causes tilting of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0028] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the upper frame comprises at least one channel to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channel.

[0029] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the upper frame comprises a plurality of channels to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channels.

[0030] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the tilt mechanism comprises a slide block configured to engage the channel and slide relative thereto.

[0031] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the tilt mechanism comprises a plurality of slide blocks, each slide block engaging the upper frame to cause movement of the upper frame.

[0032] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the tilt mechanism includes a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame.

[0033] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the tilt mechanism pivots a relative to the intermediate frame.

[0034] In some embodiments of the second aspect, a first end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to the upper frame.

[0035] In some embodiments of the second aspect, a second end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0036] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to lower a first end of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0037] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to raise a first end of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0038] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the actuator of the tilt mechanism includes a quick release mechanism.

[0039] In some embodiments of the second aspect, a telescoping rod of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0040] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the second fame pivots about an axis that is parallel to an axis about which the tilt mechanism pivots relative to the intermediate frame.

[0041] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the patient support apparatus comprises a pair of roller ball assemblies that are configured to engage a wall when the intermediate and upper frames move vertically.

[0042] In some embodiments of the second aspect, each of the roller ball assemblies are configured to rotate about an axis that is not parallel to the surface of the wall.

[0043] In some embodiments of the second aspect, each of the roller ball assemblies includes a ball, an axle, and a bearing interposed between the ball and the axle.

[0044] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure patient support apparatus comprises an upper frame, a patient supporting deck section supported on the upper frame, the patient supporting deck section comprising a lateral side having an inset formed along the lateral side, and a siderail supported from the upper frame and movable between a raised position above the patient supporting deck and a lowered position, the siderail including an upper surface that is positioned in the inset when the siderail is in the lowered position, the upper surface of the siderail providing a continuous surface with the head deck section.

[0045] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the patient support apparatus further comprising an upper frame and a tilt mechanism that includes a powered actuator that causes tilting of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0046] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the upper frame comprises at least one channel to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channel.

[0047] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the upper frame comprises a plurality of channels to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channels.

[0048] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the tilt mechanism comprises a slide block configured to engage the channel and slide relative thereto.

[0049] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the tilt mechanism comprises a plurality of slide blocks, each slide block engaging the upper frame to cause movement of the upper frame.

[0050] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the tilt mechanism includes a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame.

[0051] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the tilt mechanism pivots a relative to the intermediate frame.

[0052] In some embodiments of the third aspect, a first end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to the upper frame.

[0053] In some embodiments of the third aspect, a second end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0054] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to lower a first end of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0055] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to raise a first end of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0056] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the actuator of the tilt mechanism includes a quick release mechanism.

[0057] In some embodiments of the third aspect, a telescoping rod of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0058] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the second fame pivots about an axis that is parallel to an axis about which the tilt mechanism pivots relative to the intermediate frame.

[0059] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the patient support apparatus comprises a pair of roller ball assemblies that are configured to engage a wall when the intermediate and upper frames move vertically.

[0060] In some embodiments of the third aspect, each of the roller ball assemblies are configured to rotate about an axis that is not parallel to the surface of the wall.

[0061] 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 andwill 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

[0062] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0063] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a patient support apparatus embodied as birthing bed according to the disclosure, the view looking from the foot end of a patient’s left side;

[0064] Fig. 2 is a side view of another embodiment of a birthing bed as viewed on from the patient’s right side of the bed with the foot end of the birthing bed at the right of Fig. 2, the embodiment of Fig. 2 having a different removable foot section and related structure as compared to Fig. 1;

[0065] Fig. 3 is a foot end view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 looking from the patient’s foot end of the birthing bed;

[0066] Fig. 4 is a head end view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 looking from the patient’s head end of the birthing bed;

[0067] Fig. 5 is a right side view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 viewed on from the patient’ s left side of the bed with the head end of the birthing bed at the right of Fig. 2;

[0068] Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 with components of the birthing moved to different positions in Fig. 6 as compared to Fig. 5;

[0069] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 with the components of the birthing bed moved to different positions as might be used during the birthing process;

[0070] Fig. 8 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 with the components arranged as shown in Fig. 6;

[0071] Fig. 9 is a foot end perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 2 as viewed from the patient’s foot end and from a perspective that is higher than the birthing bed;

[0072] Fig. 10 is an outboard view of the patient’s left hand siderail shown in Fig. 6;

[0073] Fig. 11 is a top view of the siderail of Fig. 10; with the outboard side at the top ofFig. 11;

[0074] Fig. 12 is a top view of a portion of an upper frame of the embodiment of Fig. 2 with components omitted and showing the arrangement of various components positioned at the head end of the birthing bed;

[0075] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the upper frame of Fig. 12, Fig. 13 showing the portion in perspective as view from above and from the left head end of the birthing bed;

[0076] Fig. 14 is similar to Fig. 13 with a cover removed to show structure and showing the components of a roller ball assembly exploded from the upper frame;

[0077] Fig. 15 is the arrangement of Fig. 14 taken from a view that is below the assembly;

[0078] Fig. 16 is the arrangement of Fig. 14 taken directly above the assembly;

[0079] Fig. 17 is perspective view of a portion a portion of the embodiment of Fig. 2 showing a placenta basin positioned in a portion of a yoke assembly of the birthing bed;

[0080] Fig. 18 shows a portion of the arrangement of Fig. 17 with the placenta basin removed to show further detail;

[0081] Fig. 19 is similar to Fig. 6 with the head end portion of the birthing bed of Fig. 6 lowered as compared to the foot end of the birthing bed;

[0082] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the birthing bed of Fig. 19 with portions removed to provide details of a tilt mechanism used to move the head end of the birthing bed;

[0083] Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of the birthing bed of Fig. 19 to provide additional details regarding the tilt mechanism;

[0084] Fig. 22 is another view of portions of the birthing bed of Fig. 19 which provides another view of the tilt mechanism of the birthing bed the bed shown without the head end being lowered, similar to the arrangement of Fig. 6;

[0085] Fig. 23 is yet another view of portions of the birthing bed of Fig. 19, Fig. 23 taken from below the upper frame of the birthing bed to show another view of components of the birthing bed, the bed shown without the head end being lowered, similar to the arrangement of Fig. 6;

[0086] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a portion of the birthing bed of Fig. 2, Fig. 24 taken from a head end of the birthing bed and showing the structure mounting a head deck section to a head section frame;

[0087] Fig. 25 is a view similar to Fig. 24, Fig. 25 showing the components that releasably secure the head deck section to the head section frame in an exploded arrangement;

[0088] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a yoke of the birthing bed of Fig. 2 with portions removed to show particular details of a support structure supported on the yoke, the support structure configured to receive accessories of the birthing bed;

[0089] Fig. 27 is a top view of portion of the support structure of Fig. 26 that is configured to receive the accessories of the birthing bed; and

[0090] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the portion shown in Fig. 27.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] The present disclosure includes a discussion of several modifications of a typical birthing bed, such as an Affinity IV® birthing bed available from Hill-Rom, Inc. of Batesville, IN. The modifications disclosed herein provide improved manufacturability and functionality which simplify the structure of a patient support apparatus 10, as compared to the prior art, and provided easier use by caregivers.

[0092] According to the present disclosure, a patient support apparatus embodied as a birthing bed 10 or birthing bed 10’ comprises a head deck section 12, seat deck section 14, and a removable foot deck section 16 as shown in Fig. 1. The patient support apparatus 10, 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 patient support apparatus 10 includes a lift system 17 that is operable to raise and lower the intermediate frame 20 vertically relative to the base 18. 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 patient support apparatus 10. The foot deck section is supported on a support frame 22 that is supported by the intermediate frame 20. The support frame 22 moves vertically as depicted by arrow 24 in Fig. 1 to adjust to a plurality of positions including positions in which the foot deck section is vertically spaced from the seat deck section 14 as is known in the art. This allows a caregiver or patient to adjust the patient support apparatus 10 to a plurality of positions during labor and delivery. The patient support apparatus 10, 10’ is referred to by reference to the position of a patient laying on their back on the patient support apparatus 10, 10’. A head end 300 of the patient support apparatus 10, 10’ is opposite a foot end 302. The right side 304 (see Fig. 1) is based on the patient’s right and the left side 306 is based on the patient’s left side.

[0093] The patient support apparatus 10, 10’ is configured to support a multi-section mattress (not shown) that is supported on the head deck section 12 and seat deck section 14. In use during natural delivery of a baby, the patient support apparatus 10 is configured to permit a caregiver access to the genital area of a patient seated on the mattress 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 to the intermediate frame 20. Vertical adjustment of a foot deck section is described in U.S. Pat. No. US7757317B2 which isincorporated herein for the disclosure of functions of a birthing bed, to the extent those functions are not superseded by this disclosure.

[0094] The patient support apparatus 10, 10’ includes a pair of foot supports 30, 32 that are adjustable to multiple positions as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7676868B2, which is incorporated by reference herein for the disclosure of adjustable foot supports. The foot supports 30, 32 each support a respective leg support 34, 36 which is movable relative to the respective foot support 30, 32 to support a patient’s legs during portions of the progression of natural delivery of a baby. The leg supports 34, 36 are adjustable in a manner similar to that of the calf supports disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7657953B2, which is incorporated by reference herein for the disclosure of adjustable leg supports.

[0095] The patient support apparatus 10, 10’ also includes a pair of labor grips 38, 40 as shown in Fig. 1. The labor grips 38 (deployed), 40 (stowed), are similar to those disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 660875, which is incorporated by reference to provide additional details of structures of the patient support apparatus 10, 10’ not discussed in detail in this disclosure. The patient support apparatus 10, 10’ also includes a pair of siderails 42, 44 positioned on opposite sides of the head deck section 12. The siderails 42, 44 are similar to those described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 645459 which is incorporated by reference to provide additional details of structures of the patient support apparatus 10, 10’ not discussed in detail in this disclosure. The head deck section 12 is movable between a lowered position (shown in Fig. 6) and a raised position shown in Fig. 1. The head deck section 12 is driven by a linear actuator similar to that shown in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20220313513 A 1 and has an emergency release mechanism 46 similar to that disclosed therein. U.S. Patent Publication No. US20220313513A1 in incorporated by reference herein for the disclosure of drive actuator and emergency release mechanism. The patient support apparatus 10 further includes a head board 48.

[0096] Referring now to Figs. 2, 3, 6, and 8, it can be seen that the siderails 42, 44, when in a lowered position, are positioned with the respective upper surfaces 52, 54 of the respective rails 42, 44 positioned in notches 56, 58 in the head deck section 12. The notches 56, 58 are formed in the lateral sides of the head deck section 12 to form respective insets in the head deck section 12. In prior art birthing beds, the siderails are positioned outside of the boundary of the head deck section 12. As such, the head deck section 12 cannot be positioned immediately against another patient support apparatus, such as a stretcher, for example without creating a gap between the respective head deck sections. With the current disclosure, the siderails 42, 44 are configured to tuck under the head deck section 12 and the notches 56, 58 provide clearance for the upperportion of the siderails 42, 44. This adjustment provides the capability for the patient support apparatus 10 to be used with no gap between the head deck section 12 and adjacent patient support apparatuses to limit the potential for a patient to inadvertently insert their hand in a gap between the patient support apparatuses during a transfer between the patient support apparatus 10 and another patient support apparatus. Similarly, the lack of a gap reduces the potential for an IV line or the like to get captured in such a gap. Importantly, by having the siderail in this position, the lowest position possible for the patient support apparatus 10 is reduced as there is additional clearance below the mechanism of the respective siderails 42, 44 to provide clearance with the floor. Thus, the use of the notches 56, 58 with the siderails 42, 44 provides support for the patient during a transfer, while eliminating the gap and minimizing the lowest possible position for the patient support apparatus 10, 10’ when lowered.

[0097] Referring to Fig. 10 and 11, it can be seen that the siderail 44 is formed to include a discontinuity 160 at the head end 300 of the siderail 44. The siderail 42 has a similar discontinuity. The discontinuity 160 is best seen in the top view of Fig. 1 1. The effect of the discontinuity 160 is to create a grip area 162 that is available to an occupant of the patient support apparatus 10, 10’ to help reposition themselves upwardly on the patient support apparatus 10, 10’ during the labor process. In some instances, the occupant may be positioned on their knees and need additional support during a labor pain. The grip area 162 provides a variable surface to grip during the labor process.

[0098] As shown in Figs. 1, 7, 8, 17, 18, and 26, the patient support apparatus 10 has a notch 60 formed in the seat section 14 which is positioned above a placenta basin 62. While this structure is known in the prior art, the present placenta basin 62 is supported from a yoke 64 of the support frame 22 and moves with the support frame 22. The yoke 64 of the present disclosure replaces a cast yoke structure of the Affinity IV®, providing reduced costs and improved functionality. Namely, the yoke 64 includes a welded assembly 66 that supports a pair of foot section supports 68, 70 from which a removable foot section (not shown) may be supported to form a complete deck surface for the patient support apparatus 10. The foot section supports 68, 70 of the present disclosure are configured to support a removable foot section in the manner described with respect to the embodiments of Fig. 19 of US7757317B2, which is incorporated by reference above. The foot section support 70 is a mirror image of the foot section support 68 and functions similarly. For that reason, the present disclosure will address the structure of foot section support 68.

[0099] In the embodiment of Figs. 17 and 18, the foot section support 68 has a molded inner member 72 which is formed to include a slanted surface 74 which intersects a verticalsurface 76. Three pins 78, 80, 82 protrude from the inner member 72 and serve to engage with a mating structure of the removable foot deck section such that the removable foot deck section hangs from the foot section support 70. The slanted surface 74 and the corresponding surface on the foot section support 68 assist a user in centering the removable foot section on the yoke 64 when it is being installed by guiding a support of the removable foot section into engagement. The inner member 72 is further arranged to include a channel 84 into which a lip 86 of the placenta basin 62 is received when the placenta basin 62 is positioned on the yoke 64. The placenta basin 62 is positioned past a retainer 88 which engages with a surface 90 of the placenta basin 64 when it is installed to resist the placenta basin 64 from being inadvertently moved relative to the yoke 64. The pins 78, 80, 82 are secured to a base 92 of the foot section support 70 by a threaded fastener. However, other means of fastening the pins 78, 80, 82 may also be employed, such as welding, press fitting, or the like.

[0100] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the patient support apparatus 10’ has a modified foot section support which includes the structure of foot section support 70, hut has a modified retainer in lieu of the inner member 72. The retainer (not shown) is a monolithic structure that is configured to support a stowable foot deck section 16 like the embodiment shown in Figs. 4-5A of US7757317B2, which is incorporated by reference above. That stowable foot deck section includes an integrated placenta basin so there is no need to provide a support for the placenta basin 62. The use of the retainer in the foot section support of patient support apparatus 10’ allows for the yoke 64 to be adapted to either option of foot deck section.

[0101] Referring now to Figs. 8, 12, and 13, the head end of the intermediate frame 52 is shown to illustrate an improved oxygen tank holder structure 102 and roller-bumper system that includes two roller bumper assemblies 104, 106. The bumper assemblies 104, 106 are similar, so the discussion herein will be limited to the structure of bumper assembly 106. The bumper assembly 106 is positioned within a cover 108 and a roller ball 110 is rotatable about an axis 112 which is defined by a bearing 114. Referring to Fig. 14, the bearing 114 is supported on a subframe 122 under the cover 108 and secured at one end 118 by a bracket 116 and by a flange 120 formed in the sub-frame 122. Referring to Fig. 12, an imaginary line 124 is drawn tangential to the surface of the roller ball 110 of bumper assembly 106. The line 124 represents the surface of a wall when the patient support apparatus 10 is positioned correctly against the wall. The bearing 114 is positioned so that an angle 130 is formed between the line 122 and the axis 112. The angle 130 is defined relative to a surface 132 of the roller ball 110 such that the roller ball 110 will rotate about the bearing 114 regardless of where the surface 132 contacts the wall. This allows the patient support apparatus 10 to be positioned such that either or both of the roller balls 110contact the wall and act as bumpers when the patient support apparatus 10 is pushed against the wall. This limits the damage done to the wall by either roller ball 110 as the movement of the roller ball 110 provides an even movement over the surface of the wall. The bearing 114 is secured to the sub-frame 122 by an axle 126 that is positioned in the bearing 114 such that the bearing 114 rotates on the axle 126. The bearing 114 is a low friction material that move with the roller ball 110 to allow the roller ball 114 to move smoothly relative to the axle 126. The bumper assembly 106 further includes an outer bumper 127 secured to the bracket 124 by a fastener 129

[0102] Referring to Figs. 14 -16, an oxygen tank holder bracket 140 is shown to be secured to the sub-frame 122 by a pair of screws 142, 142. The bracket 140 includes a wire form basket 144 secured to a flange 146 by welds 148, 148. The basket 144 is simplified such that when an oxygen tank is positioned in an opening 150 (see Figs. 4-5) the cover 108 retains the oxygen tank and a leg 152 formed in the basket 144 supports the oxygen tank from the bottom. This simplified design allows for easy manufacture and assembly as compared to prior art oxygen tank holder structures.

[0103] Referring now to Figs. 19-23, a mechanism for powered tilting of the upper frame 26 of the patient support apparatus 10 relative to the intermediate frame 20 is disclosed. Referring to Fig. 13, the upper frame 26 is supported on the intermediate frame 20 at a cross-bar 200 that is supported on a pair of support bearings 202, 204. The support bearings 202, 204 cooperate with the cross-bar 200, which has a round cross-section, to allow the upper frame 26 to pivot about an axis 206 that extends laterally across the patient support apparatus 10. The rotation of the upper frame 26 about axis 206 is controlled by a tilt mechanism 210. The tilt mechanism 210 includes a linear actuator 212 which extends and retracts telescopic shaft 228 to change the length of the linear actuator 212, which, in turn, rotates the upper frame 26 about axis 206.

[0104] The tilt mechanism 210 includes a pair of arms 214, 216 that are pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame 20 on opposite lateral sides of the intermediate frame 20 and are pivotable about an axis 218. Axis 218 extends laterally across the patient support apparatus 10 and is parallel to axis 206. A cross-bar 208 extends between the pivot connections of the arms 214, 216 to the intermediate frame 20 to provide stability at the axis 218. Referring to Fig. 20, a channel 220 is positioned on the intermediate frame 20. Another similar channel 221 is positioned on the intermediate frame 20 opposite channel 220. Another cross-bar 222 extends between the arms 214, 216. Outboard of the arms 214, 216 and co-axially with the cross-bar 222, a rotational bearing 224 engages a slide block 226. The slide block 226 (and a companion slide block on the opposite side) are constrained to move linearly along the channel 220. As will bedescribed in further detail, the extension and retraction of the linear actuator 212 causes the tilt mechanism 210 to activate such that there is relative movement of the slide block 226 which drives rotation of the upper frame 26 about axis 206.

[0105] Referring now to Fig. 23, the tilt mechanism 210 includes another cross-bar 230 that extends between arms 214, 216 and supports a pair of flanges 232, 236 which support the telescopic rod 228 of the actuator 212. Another cross-bar 236 is secured to the upper frame 26 and supports two flanges 238, 240 from which the actuator 212 is supported at its opposite end. Thus, extension and retraction of the actuator 212 acts on the arms 214, 216 through the flanges 232, 234. This results in relative movement of the arms 214, 216 by rotating the arms 214, 216 relative to the intermediate frame 20 about the axis 218 and sliding the slide blocks 226 relative to the upper frame 26. This causes relative tilting of the upper frame 26 about axis 206 relative to the intermediate frame 20. Extension of the telescopic shaft 228 will cause the foot end of the patient support apparatus 10 to lower relative to the head end and retraction of the will cause the foot end to raise relative to the head end. As such, the upper frame 26 can be positioned in tilt or reverse tilt to accomplish improved positioning for the birthing process.

[0106] The actuator 212 is illustratively embodied as an electrical actuator with a motor 242. It is contemplated that the actuator 212 may have a manual quick release mechanism, as is known in the art, with a release handle positioned near the release mechanism 46 of the head section 12 (See Fig. 1). When the tilt actuator 212 is equipped with a quick release mechanism, a user may activate the quick release mechanism to move the upper frame 26 to a zero tilt position. In some embodiments, the quick release may allow a user to manually adjust the tilt position of the upper frame 26. In some embodiments, the tilt mechanism 210 may include one or more gas springs that provide assistance to a user in manually tilting the upper frame 26. For example, in some embodiments, gas springs may be loaded with a bias to urge the upper frame 26 to a zero tilt position. In other embodiments, the gas springs may be loaded to assist with achieving a particular tilt position.

[0107] The deck sections of the patient support apparatus 10, 10’ includes an improved fastening system to removably fasten the deck panels from a section frame. Referring to Figs. 24 and 25, head deck section 20 has a panel 330 secured to a frame 332 by a number of fastener assemblies 334. Each faster assembly 334 includes a plug 336 and a clip 338. The plug 336 has a head 340 that is fit into a slot 342 of a receiver 344 formed in the panel 330. The plug 336 includes a stem 346 that extends through an opening 348 formed in the frame 332 and the clip 338 is slipped over a flange 350 of the frame 332 where the opening 348 is formed. The clip 338positively engages a groove 352 formed in the stem 346 so that the panel 330 is positively secured to the frame 332, but still easily removable.

[0108] Referring now to Fig. 8 and 26-28, the patient support apparatus 10, 10’ includes an accessory mount 362 which makes use of a pivot axis of the foot supports 32 and 34. The accessory mount 362 is engaged with a pivot mount 360 formed in the yoke 64. The accessory mount 362 forms a passageway 366 which utilizes a pair of pins 368, 368 secured through a body 374 which is received in the pivot mount 360 and is prevented from rotating based on a keying feature 376 that prevents the body 374 from rotating in the mount 360. The pins 368, 368 are a cost-effective way to form a keying feature within the passageway 366 so that an accessory may be supported in the accessory mount 362 and prevented from rotating. A bracket 370 is secured to a bearing 372 by three fasteners 378 so that the foot support 32, 34 may pivot about an axis 380 defined by the accessory mount 376. An outer bumper 364 is provided to guide any accessory into the passageway 366.

[0109] Aspects of the disclosure will now be described in the following numbered clauses, and dependent clauses:

[0110] Clause 1. A patient support apparatus comprising a first frame, a second frame supported on the first frame and pivotable about a lateral pivot axis relative to the first frame; and a powered tilt mechanism pivotably coupled to the first frame and slidably coupled to the second frame, the tilt mechanism including a powered actuator operable to pivot the second frame relative to the first frame upon through a range of extension and retraction of the powered actuator.

[0111] Clause 2. The patient support apparatus of clause 1 , wherein the second frame comprises at least one channel to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channel.

[0112] Clause 3. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, wherein the second frame comprises a plurality of channels to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channels.

[0113] Clause 4. The patient support apparatus of clause 3, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a slide block configured to engage the channel and slide relative thereto.

[0114] Clause 5. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a plurality of slide blocks, each slide block engaging the second frame to cause movement of the second frame.

[0115] Clause 6. The patient support apparatus of clause 1 , wherein the tilt mechanism includes a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the first frame.

[0116] Clause 7. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, wherein the tilt mechanism pivots a relative to the first frame.

[0117] Clause 8. The patient support apparatus of clause 1 , wherein a first end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to the second frame.

[0118] Clause 9. The patient support apparatus of clause 8, wherein a second end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0119] Clause 10. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, wherein the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to lower a first end of the second frame relative to the first frame.

[0120] Clause 11. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, wherein the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to raise a first end of the second frame relative to the first frame.

[0121] Clause 12. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, wherein the actuator of the tilt mechanism includes a quick release mechanism.

[0122] Clause 13. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, wherein a telescoping rod of the powered actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0123] Clause 14. The patient support apparatus of clause 1 , wherein the second fame pivots about an axis that is parallel to an axis about which the tilt mechanism pivots relative to the first frame.

[0124] Clause 15. The patient support apparatus of clause 1, wherein the patient support apparatus further comprises a third frame that that moves relative to both the first and second frames.

[0125] Clause 16. The patient support apparatus of clause 15, wherein the first frame is an intermediate frame movable relative to a base frame.

[0126] Clause 17. The patient support apparatus of clause 16, wherein the second frame is an upper frame.

[0127] Clause 18. The patient support apparatus of clause 1 , wherein the patient support apparatus comprises a pair of roller ball assemblies that are configured to engage a wall when the first and second frames move vertically.

[0128] Clause 19. The patient support apparatus of clause 18, wherein each of the roller ball assemblies are configured to rotate about an axis that is not parallel to the surface of the wall.

[0129] Clause 20. The patient support apparatus of clause 19, wherein each of the roller ball assemblies includes a ball, an axle, and a bearing interposed between the ball and the axle.

[0130] Clause 21. A patient support apparatus comprising a base frame, an intermediate frame movable vertically relative to the base frame, and a foot support frame, the foot support frame supported from the intermediate frame and movable vertically relative to the intermediate frame, the foot support frame including a pair of receivers for supporting a removable foot deck section, the receivers formed to each include a channel for supporting a basin below the foot deck section when the foot deck section is positioned on the receivers.

[0131] Clause 22. The patient support apparatus of clause 21, the patient support apparatus further comprising an upper frame and a tilt mechanism that includes a powered actuator that causes tilting of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0132] Clause 23. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein the upper frame comprises at least one channel to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channel.

[0133] Clause 24. The patient support apparatus of clause 23, wherein the upper frame comprises a plurality of channels to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channels.

[0134] Clause 25. The patient support apparatus of clause 23, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a slide block configured to engage the channel and slide relative thereto.

[0135] Clause 26. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a plurality of slide blocks, each slide block engaging the upper frame to cause movement of the upper frame.

[0136] Clause 27. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein the tilt mechanism includes a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame.

[0137] Clause 28. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein the tilt mechanism pivots a relative to the intermediate frame.

[0138] Clause 29. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein a first end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to the upper frame.

[0139] Clause 30. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein a second end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0140] Clause 31. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to lower a first end of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0141] Clause 32. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to raise a first end of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0142] Clause 33. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein the actuator of the tilt mechanism includes a quick release mechanism.

[0143] Clause 34. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein a telescoping rod of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0144] Clause 35. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein the second fame pivots about an axis that is parallel to an axis about which the tilt mechanism pivots relative to the intermediate frame.

[0145] Clause 39. The patient support apparatus of clause 22, wherein the patient support apparatus comprises a pair of roller ball assemblies that are configured to engage a wall when the intermediate and upper frames move vertically.

[0146] Clause 40. The patient support apparatus of clause 39, wherein each of the roller ball assemblies are configured to rotate about an axis that is not parallel to the surface of the wall.

[0147] Clause 41. The patient support apparatus of clause 40, wherein each of the roller ball assemblies includes a ball, an axle, and a bearing interposed between the ball and the axle.Clause 42. A patient support apparatus comprising an upper frame, a patient supporting deck section supported on the upper frame, the patient supporting deck section comprising a lateral side having an inset formed along the lateral side, and a siderail supported from the upper frame and movable between a raised position above the patient supporting deck and a lowered position, the siderail including an upper surface that is positioned in the inset when the siderail is in the lowered position, the upper surface of the siderail providing a continuous surface with the head deck section.

[0148] Clause 43. The patient support apparatus of clause 42, the patient support apparatus further comprising an intermediate frame supporting the upper frame and a tilt mechanism that includes a powered actuator that causes tilting of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0149] Clause 44. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein the upper frame comprises at least one channel to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channel.

[0150] Clause 45. The patient support apparatus of clause 44, wherein the upper frame comprises a plurality of channels to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channels.

[0151] Clause 46. The patient support apparatus of clause 44, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a slide block configured to engage the channel and slide relative thereto.

[0152] Clause 47. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a plurality of slide blocks, each slide block engaging the upper frame to cause movement of the upper frame.

[0153] Clause 48. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein the tilt mechanism includes a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the intermediate frame.

[0154] Clause 49. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein the tilt mechanism pivots a relative to the intermediate frame.

[0155] Clause 50. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein a first end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to the upper frame.

[0156] Clause 51. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein a second end of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0157] Clause 52. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to lower a first end of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0158] Clause 53. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to raise a first end of the upper frame relative to the intermediate frame.

[0159] Clause 54. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein the actuator of the tilt mechanism includes a quick release mechanism.

[0160] Clause 55. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein a telescoping rod of the actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

[0161] Clause 56. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein the second fame pivots about an axis that is parallel to an axis about which the tilt mechanism pivots relative to the intermediate frame.

[0162] Clause 57. The patient support apparatus of clause 43, wherein the patient support apparatus comprises a pair of roller ball assemblies that are configured to engage a wall when the intermediate and upper frames move vertically.

[0163] Clause 58. The patient support apparatus of clause 57, wherein each of the roller ball assemblies are configured to rotate about an axis that is not parallel to the surface of the wall.

[0164] Clause 59. The patient support apparatus of clause 58, wherein each of the roller ball assemblies includes a ball, an axle, and a bearing interposed between the ball and the axle.

[0165] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description including particular embodiments described in the numbered clauses, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. 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.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A patient support apparatus comprising a first frame, a second frame supported on the first frame and pivotable about a lateral pivot axis relative to the first frame; and a powered tilt mechanism pivotably coupled to the first frame and slidably coupled to the second frame, the tilt mechanism including a powered actuator operable to pivot the second frame relative to the first frame upon through a range of extension and retraction of the powered actuator.

2. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second frame comprises at least one channel to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channel.

3. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second frame comprises a plurality of channels to control the movement of a component of the tilt mechanism slidably along the channels.

4. The patient support apparatus of claim 3, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a slide block configured to engage the channel and slide relative thereto.

5. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism comprises a plurality of slide blocks, each slide block engaging the second frame to cause movement of the second frame.

6. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism includes a pair of arms pivotably coupled to the first frame.

7. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tilt mechanism pivots a relative to the first frame.

8. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first end of the powered actuator is pivotably coupled to the second frame.

9. The patient support apparatus of claim 8, wherein a second end of the powered actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

10. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to lower a first end of the second frame relative to the first frame.

11. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the patient support apparatus has a first end and a second end, and wherein the tilt mechanism is operable to raise a first end of the second frame relative to the first frame.

12. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the powered actuator of the tilt mechanism includes a quick release mechanism.

13. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein a telescoping rod of the powered actuator is pivotably coupled to a frame member of the tilt mechanism.

14. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second fame pivots about an axis that is parallel to an axis about which the tilt mechanism pivots relative to the first frame.

15. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the patient support apparatus further comprises a third frame that that moves relative to both the first and second frames.

16. The patient support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first frame is an intermediate frame movable relative to a base frame.

17. The patient support apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second frame is an upper frame.

18. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the patient support apparatus comprises a pair of roller ball assemblies that are configured to engage a wall when the first and second frames move vertically.

19. The patient support apparatus of claim 18, wherein each of the roller ball assemblies are configured to rotate about an axis that is not parallel to the surface of the wall.

20. The patient support apparatus of claim 19, wherein each of the roller ball assemblies includes a ball, an axle, and a bearing interposed between the ball and the axle.

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