Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PATIENT SUPPORT WITH IMPROVED PATIENT SAFETY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This disclosure relates to patient supports, such as hospital
beds, and more
specifically, patient supports with advanced safety features. More
particularly, this
disclosure relates to patient supports with advanced safety features for use
in, for
example, applications where the patient's mental condition is of concern, such
as due to
medications or in mental healthcare settings.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Patient supports, such as beds, are known to have safety and
lockout
functionality. However, as patient supports become increasingly sophisticated
and are
used more often in demanding environments, such as mental health facilities,
safety
and lockout functionality is becoming increasingly important. Misuse or
unauthorized
use of a patient support may result in greater risks to the safety of the
patient, the
attendant or caregiver, and other individuals. Damage to the patient support
or
surrounding environment is also possible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A patient support according to this disclosure can include a
frame, a patient
support deck coupled to the frame and configured to support a patient, wheels
coupled
to the frame and positioned to movably support the frame on a floor.
[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a securing device is
coupled to the
frame. The securing device is configured to releasably secure the patient
support to a
location suitable for immobilizing the patient support. For example, the
securing device
may be configured to removably fasten the frame to the floor, wall or other
fixed object
suitable for immobilizing the patient support.
[0005] According to another aspect of this disclosure, at least one guard
structure is
coupled to the frame. For example, two or four guard structures may be
provided. Each
of the guard structures has a substantially continuous body, preferably
without any
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through-opening. Each of the guard structures has a gripping portion
configured to be
gripped by a person.
[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a control panel
is coupled to
the frame and positioned to be accessed by an attendant. The control panel has
a user
interface, for example comprising buttons. A controller is coupled to the
control panel
and configured to control functionality of the patient support, for example
movement
functionality, comprising at least one of articulation of the patient support
deck or
height adjustment of A height-adjustable frame portion. The controller is
configured to
be locked out and only enable the functionality when an access control device
is
unlocked. The control panel may comprise the access control device. The access
control device may be unlocked only by authorized users, for example in
response to an
authorization key being present, such as an authorization code that may be
manually
entered at the buttons of the control panel, a radio-frequency identification
(RFID) tag, a
biometric trait, a smart card, a magnetic key or a physical key.
[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a brake mechanism is
operably coupled to at least one of the wheels and a brake pedal is coupled to
the brake
mechanism and removable from the brake mechanism by an attendant.
[0008] Another patient support according to this disclosure can include
a frame
configured to be supported by a floor, a non-articulating patient support deck
supported
by the frame, at least two side panels extending from the patient support deck
to the
floor to enclose a space below the patient support deck, and restraint loops
on opposite
sides of the patient support deck.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The drawings illustrate, by way of example only, embodiments of
the present
disclosure.
[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a patient support.
[0011] Fig. 2 is a side view of the patient support of Fig. 1.
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[0012] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of a system for controlling
a patient
support.
[0013] Fig. 4 is a side view of the patient support of Fig. 1 showing
activation of a
CPR mechanism.
[0014] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the patient support
showing
features for improved patient safety.
[0015] Fig. 6 is a front view of a securing device.
[0016] Fig. 7 is a top rear view of the securing device disassembled.
[0017] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing hidden components of a
securing device
according to another embodiment.
[0018] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a securing device
according to
another embodiment.
[0019] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a side rail.
[0020] Figs. 11a-b are diagrams of an attendant's control panel.
[0021] Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a method of entering numeric codes at the
attendant's control panel.
[0022] Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram of a system for controlling
the patient
support with an access control device.
[0023] Figs. 14a-d are perspective views of embodiments of different
access control
devices and authorization keys.
[0024] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a removable brake pedal.
[0025] Figs. 16a-b are perspective views of a flexible retainer for
holding together
panels of a patient support deck.
[0026] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a mattress with a zipper-less
cover.
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[0027] Fig. 18 is an oblique projection of another embodiment of a
patient support
showing features for improved patient safety.
[0028] Fig. 19 is a detail at section A-A of Fig. 18 showing a flush
joint.
[0029] Fig. 20 is a detail at section B-B of Fig. 18 showing a height-
adjustable foot.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] As used herein, the term "patient support" refers to an apparatus
for
supporting a patient in an elevated position relative to a support surface for
the
apparatus, such as a floor. One embodiment of a patient support includes beds,
for
example hospital beds for use in supporting patients in a hospital
environment. Other
embodiments may be conceived by those skilled in the art. The exemplary term
"hospital bed" or simply "bed" may be used interchangeably with "patient
support"
herein without limiting the generality of the disclosure.
[0031] As used herein, the term "guard structure" refers to an apparatus
mountable
to or integral with a patient support that prevents or interferes with egress
of an
occupant of the patient support from the patient support, particularly egress
in an
unintended manner. Guard structures are often movable to selectively permit
egress of
an occupant of the patient support and are usually located about the periphery
of the
bed, for example on a side of the bed. One embodiment of a guard structure
includes
side rails, mountable to a side of a patient support, such as a hospital bed.
Another
embodiment of a guard structure includes a head board or a foot board. Other
embodiments may be conceived by those skilled in the art. The exemplary terms
"guard
rail", "side rail", or "rail structure" may be used interchangeably with
"guard structure"
herein without limiting the generality of the disclosure.
[0032] As used herein, the term "control circuit" refers to an analog or
digital
electronic circuit with inputs corresponding to a patient support status or
sensed
condition and outputs effective to cause changes in the patient support status
or a
patient support condition. For example, a control circuit may comprise an
input
comprising an actuator position sensor and an output effective to change
actuator
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position. One embodiment of a control circuit may comprise a programmable
digital
controller, optionally comprising or interfaced with an electronic memory
module and
an input/output (I/0) interface. Other embodiments may be conceived by those
skilled
in the art. The exemplary terms "controller", "control system", "control
structure" and
the like may be used interchangeably with "control circuit" herein without
limiting the
generality of the disclosure.
[0033] Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a height-adjustable patient
support 100.
The patient support 100 includes a substantially horizontal frame 102 that
supports an
adjustable patient support deck 104 (or simply "deck") positioned thereon to
receive a
patient support surface (or "mattress") for supporting a patient thereon. For
clarity, the
mattress is not illustrated. The patient support deck 104 has an upper-body
portion 105
capable of tilting up to form a backrest and tilting down to a prone position
(tilt-up
position shown). At the head end of the patient support 100 is a headboard
106, while a
foot-board 108 is attached to the frame 102 at the foot end of the patient
support 100.
Guard structures comprising side rails 110 are positioned on each side of the
patient
support 100. Such side rails 110 may be moveable so as to facilitate entry and
exit of a
person. In this embodiment, the patient support 100 is a bed. The term
"patient" is
intended to refer to any person, such as a hospital patient, long-term care
facility
resident, or any other occupant of the patient support 100.
[0034] The patient support 100 includes two leg assemblies 112, 114, each
having a
pair of legs 111. The head leg assembly 112 is connected at the head end of
the patient
support 100 and the foot leg assembly 114 is connected at the foot end of the
patient
support 100. Upper portions of the legs 111 of the leg assemblies 112, 114 are
connected to one or more linear actuators that may move the upper portions of
the legs
111 back and forth along the length of the patient support 100. Leg braces 116
pivotably
connected to the legs 111 and to the frame 102 constrain the actuator movement
applied to the legs 111 to move the leg assemblies 112, 114 in a manner that
raises and
lowers the frame 102. In other words, the leg assemblies 112, 114 act as
linkages that
collapse and expand to respectively lower and raise the frame 102, whose
height is
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indicated by H. The lower ends of the leg assemblies 112, 114 are connected to
caster
assemblies 118 that allow the patient support 100 to be moved to different
locations.
[0035] Articulation of the patient support deck 104 is controlled by
actuators (not
shown) that adjust the tilt of the upper-body portion 105 of the patient
support deck
104 as well as the height of a knee-supporting portion of the patient support
deck 104.
[0036] A manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quick release handle
124 is
provided on each side of the patient support 100 to rapidly lower the upper-
body
portion 105 of the patient support deck 104 and place the bed into an
emergency state
wherein the patient support deck 104 is flat and optionally the side rails are
unlocked.
This will be discussed in further detail below.
[0037] The patient support 100 further includes an attendant's control
panel 120
located at the foot-board 108. The attendant's control panel 120 may, among
other
things, control the height H of the frame 102, as well as the articulation of
the patient
support deck 104. To allow for similar adjustment, an occupant's control panel
122 may
be provided, for example, on a side rail 110.
[0038] The control panels 120, 122 include user interfaces, for example
buttons.
The buttons may be membrane style buttons that operate as momentary contact
switches (also known as "hold-to-run" switches). Buttons may be provided to
raise the
frame 102, lower the frame, articulate the patient support deck 104,
set/pause/reset an
exit alarm, zero an occupant weight reading, lockout controls, and to enable
other
functions. The control panels 120, 122 may have different sets of buttons for
different
sets of functions, with the attendant's control panel 120 typically having a
wider array of
functions available. Other styles of user interface and buttons, such as touch-
screen
buttons, are also suitable. The user interfaces of the control panels 120, 122
may
include indicators, such as printed graphics or graphics on a display, for
describing the
functions of the buttons or other interface and as well as indicating data
related to the
patient support 100.
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[0039] It should be emphasized that the patient support 100 is merely one
example
of a patient support that may be used with the techniques described herein.
Other
examples of patient supports that may be so used include ultra-low type height-
adjustable beds such as those disclosed in US Patent Publication No.
2011/113556 and
US Patent No. 7,003,828, which are both incorporated herein by reference.
[0040] As shown in Fig. 2, one or more linear actuators 200 are provided
to the leg
assemblies 112, 114. Each linear actuator 200 has an extendable/retractable
rod 208
that is connected to a bearing block 202, which slidably engages with a
respective guide
rod 204. The guide rods 204 are fixed to the frame 102. The upper portions of
the legs
111 of each of the leg assemblies 112, 114 are pivotably connected to the
respective
bearing block 202. When the actuators 200 extend and retract, the bearing
blocks 202
move linearly along the lengths the guide rods 204. This linear motion is
converted, via
the additional constraint of the pivot-connected leg braces 116, to motion
that raises
and lowers the frame 102. Also illustrated is one of the elongate structural
members
206 that, together with cross-members (not shown), form the frame 102.
Although in
this embodiment the patient support 100 has two actuators 200 for raising and
lowering
the frame 102, it should be understood that one or more actuators 200 may be
used.
[0041] Each actuator 200 may include an actuator position sensor that may
output a
signal indicative of the position of the actuator 200 and thus the height of
the frame 102
above the floor. For instance, the actuator position sensor may be a digital
rotary
encoder that outputs pulses to a control circuit that may comprise a
programmable
digital controller, which may count the pulses to determine the position of
the bearing
block 202 and may further lookup or calculate a height of the frame 102 based
on this
count. A single actuator position sensor may be indicative of frame height
when more
than one actuator 200 is used. In other examples, other kinds of position or
height
sensors may be used and these need not be included in the actuator.
[0042] The actuators 200 may also be configured to move the patient
support 100
into other positions, such as the Trendelenburg position (head lower than
foot) or the
reverse Trendelenburg position (head higher than foot).
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[0043] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of a system 300 for controlling the
patient
support 100. Each of the components of the system 300 may be attached to the
patient
support 100 at a suitable location.
[0044] The system 300 includes a controller 302 that includes a
processor 304
electrically coupled to an input/output interface 306 and memory 308. The
controller
302 may be situated in a control box that is attached or otherwise coupled to
the
patient support 100. The controller 302 may be physically integrated with
another
component of the system 300, such as the attendant's control panel 120.
[0045] The processor 304 may be a microprocessor, such as the kind
commercially
available from FreescaleTM Semiconductor. The processor 304 may be a single
processor
or a group of processors that cooperate. The processor 304 may be a multicore
processor. The processor 304 is capable of executing instructions obtained
from the
memory 308 and communicating with the input/output interface 306.
[0046] The memory 308 may include one or more of flash memory, dynamic
random-access memory, read-only memory, and the like. In addition, the memory
308
may include a hard drive. The memory 308 is capable of storing data and
instructions for
the processor 304. Examples of instructions include compiled program code,
such as a
binary executable, that is directly executable by the processor 304 and
interpreted
program code, such as Java bytecode, that is compiled by the processor 304
into
directly executable instructions. Instructions may take the form programmatic
entities
such as programs, routines, subroutines, classes, objects, modules, and the
like, and
such entities will be referred to herein as programs, for the sake of
simplicity. The
memory 308 may retain at least some of the instructions stored therein without
power.
[0047] The memory 308 stores a program 310 executable by the processor
304 to
control operations of the patient support 100. The controller 302 comprising
the
processor 304 executing the program 310, which configures the processor 304 to
perform actions described with reference to the program 310 may control, for
example,
the height of the frame 102, articulation of the patient support deck 104
(e.g., upper-
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body tilt and knee height), exit alarm settings, and the like. The controller
302 may also
be configured to obtain operational data from the patient support 100.
Operational data
obtained by the controller 302 may be used by the processor 304 and program
310 to
determine control limits for the patient support 100.
[0048] The memory 308 also stores data 312 accessible by the processor 304.
The
data 312 may include data related to the execution of the program 310, such as
temporary working data. The data 312 may additionally or alternatively include
data
related to properties of the patient support 100, such as a patient support
serial
number, model number, MAC address, IP address, feature set, current
configuration,
[0049] The input/output interface 306 is configured to communicate
information
[0050] In one embodiment, the input/output interface 306 allows the
processor 304
[0051] The system 300 may further include components, such as one or
more
actuators 316 configured to control the articulation of the patient support
deck 104, one
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or more load sensors 318 (e.g., load cells) positioned to measure the weight
of the
occupant of the patient support 100, one or more side-rail sensors 320, 321
configured
to sense the position and/or locked state of a side rail 110, the frame-height
actuators
200, the occupant's control panel 122, and the attendant's control panel 120.
Each of
the components may receive control signals from the controller 302, send data
signals
to the controller 302, or both.
[0052] In this embodiment, the controller 302 includes the input/output
interface
306 having one or more physical ports 322, such as a universal serial bus
(USB) port, a
memory card slot, an Ethernet jack, a serial port, or the like. The port 322
includes logic,
such as a USB controller or Ethernet adaptor, to allow transfer of data
between the
controller 302 and a physically connected external device, such as a memory
stick,
memory card, portable computer, or similar device. Such physical connections
may be
made by an appropriate cable, such as a USB cable, Ethernet crossover cable,
or the like.
When the port includes a network interface, standard network protocols may be
used.
The port 322 accepts a physical connection (e.g., a cable or insertion of a
card).
[0053] A portable memory device 324, such as a USB memory stick or flash
memory
card, or an external computer, such as a portable computer 326, may be
connected to
the port 322 to communicate data with the patient support 100.
[0054] As mentioned, the upper-body portion or backrest 105 of the
patient support
deck 104 is variably positionable, and accordingly may be raised and lowered
so that the
occupant of the patient support 100 may be provided with, for example, a range
of
positions between fully prone and sitting upright. As shown in Fig. 4, a
backrest support
402 is pivotably connected to the frame 102 and supports the backrest 105 over
its
range of positions.
[0055] A backrest actuator assembly 404 is connected between the backrest
105
and the frame 102 and is configured to raise and lower the backrest 105 with
respect to
the frame 102. In this example, the backrest actuator assembly 404 includes an
actuator
316, which is connected to the frame 102. The backrest actuator assembly 404
may
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further include an emergency mechanism that may be activated in the event of
an
emergency condition, such as the need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR)
on a patient. The backreset actuator assembly 404 comprising an emergency
mechanism further includes a lockable damper 406 that is connected in series
with the
actuator 316 at one end and is pivotably connected to a lever arm 408
extending from
the backrest support 402 at another end. The lever arm 408 may also be known
as a
head gatch bracket. The CPR handle 124 operates with the above components to
release or lower the backrest 105 in the event of an emergency.
[0056] The actuator 316 may be an electric motor-driven linear actuator.
[0057] The lockable damper 406 may be a lockable fluid-filled damper, such
as a
locking hydraulic damper, locking gas spring, or the like. The lockable damper
406 is
configured to provide damping over a range of motion when unlocked and
configured to
rigidly or nearly rigidly lock at any position on the range of motion. For the
linear style
damper described herein, range of motion may be known as damper stroke.
Dampers
may also be known as dampeners or dashpots.
[0058] In one example, the lockable damper 406 includes a cylindrical
body though
which a piston slides. Each side of the piston has a chamber of fluid that is
selectively
communicated by pushing an unlocking pin that opens a valve in the piston to
allow
fluid to move between the chambers. Relative movement between the cylindrical
body
and a rod extending from the piston may then be damped (valve open) or held
rigid
(valve closed). In other examples, other kinds of dampers may be used. The
lockable
damper 406 may be a BLOC-O-LIFTT" device sold by Stabilus GmbH of Koblenz,
Germany.
[0059] Each CPR handle 124 (see Fig. 1) is connected to the lockable
damper 406.
Each CPR handle 124 is configured to unlock the lockable damper 406 when
actuated to
an unlock position, thereby allowing the damper 406 to contract without having
to
operate the actuator 316.
[0060] During normal operation of the patient support 100, the lockable
damper
406 is locked in an extended state and movement of the actuator 316 causes the
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lockable damper 406 to push or pull against the lever arm 408 to raise or
lower the
backrest 105 as commanded by the controller 302 operated by the bed's occupant
or an
attendant, such as a nurse or caregiver.
[0061] During an emergency, such as a cardiac arrest of the bed's
occupant, a CPR
handle 124 may be manually actuated to quickly allow the backrest 105 to lower
due to
gravity as shown by arrow E (lowered position shown in phantom line). The rate
of
lowering of the backrest 105 is controlled at least in part by the damping
effect of the
damper 406 as it contracts over its damped range of motion under the weight of
the
backrest 105, backrest support 402, attached side rails 110, mattress, the
occupant's
upper body, and any other items in or on the patient support 100.
[0062] After the CPR handle 124 has been actuated and while the backrest
105 is
lowering due to gravity, the CPR handle 124 may be returned to its original
position, or
lock position, to lock the lockable damper 406 at its current length and
thereby stop the
lowering of the backrest 105. The backrest 105 may be stopped at any position
along
the damped range of motion, which may make for safer bed operation. For
example, if
the arm of the occupant or that of a person standing near the hospital bed is
under the
backrest 105 during a CPR release, the backrest 105 may be temporarily stopped
to
reduce the chance of injury.
[0063] Once the CPR handle 124 is pulled and the emergency mechanism is
activated to place the patient support in an emergency state, the goal is to
allow
caregiver's to perform whatever procedures are required to attend to the
immediate
needs of the patient. Accordingly, a patient supporting surface of the patient
support is
made flat when in the emergency state and, optionally, the side rails are
unlocked
through actuation of the release, permitting them to drop out of the way due
to gravity.
Other actions may also be performed automatically by the patient support when
the
emergency mechanism is activated to improve access of the caregiver to the
patient or
otherwise facilitate emergency care.
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[0064] As will now be discussed, the patient support 100 includes one or
more
features for improved safety in a healthcare environment, for example a mental
healthcare setting. These environments often require advanced protective
measures to
reduce the chance of patient self-harm, harm to others (e.g., attendants,
caregivers,
visitors, etc.), and damage to facilities or the patient support 100 itself.
[0065] Referring to Fig. 5, each of the two caster assemblies 118 of the
patient
support 100 includes two caster wheels 502. The caster wheels 502 can be
considered
to be coupled to the frame 102 and, more specifically, to a height-adjustable
portion of
the frame that includes the leg assembles 112, 114. Although shown coupled to
the
lower ends of the legs 112, 114, the caster wheels 502 may be connected to
another
part of the frame 102 that allows the patient supported to be supported by the
floor.
For example, a lower frame, or base frame, may be provided to which the caster
wheels
502 are coupled and to which the height adjustable portion of the frame is
also coupled.
This still constitutes a frame 102 having a height adjustable portion, or
simply a height
adjustable frame 504, as described herein. The caster wheels 502 are
positioned to
movably support the height-adjustable frame 504 on the floor 506.
[0066] A pair of securing devices 508 are coupled to the height-
adjustable frame 504
and configured to releasably secure the patient support 100 to a location
suitable for
immobilizing the bed. In particular, the securing devices 508 are configured
to
removably fasten the patient support 100 to the floor 506. In this embodiment,
two
securing devices 508 (one hidden from view in Fig. 5) are positioned at
opposite ends of
the height-adjustable frame 504, with each securing device 508 being removably
fastened to one of the caster assemblies 118. Each securing device 508 is
positioned
within the perimeter of the patient support 100 to reduce a tripping hazard.
[0067] The securing devices 508 being removable from the patient support
100
advantageously allows the patient support 100 to be rolled to another
location, while
still permitting the patient support 100 to be securely fastened to the floor
506 when
needed, such as when used by a patient who suffers from a mental health
problem and
who therefore may be inclined to move the patient support 100 or use it to
cause
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damage or injury. Providing a securing device 508 at each end of the patient
support
100 beneficially reduces the chance that the patient support 100 can be turned
or
rocked to free the patient support 100 from the floor 506 or have an unsecured
end
lifted, as is more readily possible if only one securing device were to be
used.
[0068] Referring to Fig. 6, in this embodiment, each securing device 508
comprises
at least one connecting member 602 and a base 604 from which the connecting
member 602 extends. In this embodiment, two connecting members 602 are used.
Each
connecting member 602 has one end, at a hinge 606, that is connected to the
base 604,
which is attached to the floor 506. Each connecting member 602 has another end
having
an elongate slot 608 that allows the connecting member 602 to be removably
fastened
to the caster assembly 118.
[0069] Each hinge 606 pivotably connects the lower end of the respective
connecting member 602 to the base 604. The hinge 606 is also configured to
allow
removal of the connecting member 602 from the base 604 without the use of
tools, as
will be discussed below.
[0070] At the upper end of the connecting member 602, the slot 608 mates
with a
lug 610 that extends from the caster assembly 118 of the patient support 100.
A
padlock, bolt, pin, or similar apparatus can be inserted into a hole 612 in
the lug 610 to
block disconnection of the connecting member 602 from the lug 610. In this way
the
securing device 508 is removably fastenable to the lug 610, and thus
releasably secures
the patient support 100 to the floor 506.
[0071] Holes 614 in the base 604 allow the base 604 to be fixed to the
floor 506. In
this embodiment, four holes 614 are spaced along the length of the base 604.
Threaded
stud anchors 616 (one shown) can be embedded in the floor 506 at locations
corresponding to the holes 614 in the base 604. Nuts 618 (one shown) can then
be
threaded onto the stud anchors 616 to fasten the base 604 to the floor 506.
Other
fastening techniques can alternatively be used to secure the base 604 to the
floor 506.
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[0072] With reference to Fig. 7, the hinges 606 are shown in more
detail. The hinges
606 are the same. In the figure, for illustrative purposes, the left hinge 606
has the
respective connecting member 602 inserted, while the right hinge 606 has the
respective connecting member 602 removed.
[0073] Each hinge 606 includes a hollow tubular body 702 having a circular
cross-
section through which a circular bore 700 extends. At the midpoint of the
tubular body
702 are located a narrow opening 704 and a wider opening 706. The wider
opening 706
is oriented to receive insertion of the connecting member 602 when the
connecting
member 602 is about parallel to the floor 506 or the plane of the base 604.
The narrow
opening 704 is sized to permit rotation of the connecting member 602 through a
selected angular range, which in this embodiment is about 180 degrees.
[0074] Each connecting member 602 includes a wide portion 708 at the end
that
mates with the hinge 606. The wide portion 708 is wider than the remaining
portion 710
of the connecting member 602. The shape and size of wide portion 708 is
selected to fit
through the wider opening in the hinge 706 but not through the narrow opening
704.
The wide portion 708 of the connecting member 702 has a rectangular cross-
section
having a depth D that is larger than the height H of the wider opening 706 but
smaller
than the diameter of the bore 700 of the tubular body 702. On the other hand,
a
thickness T of the wide portion 708 is small enough to clear the height H of
the wider
opening 706. Thus, the wide portion 708 of the connecting member 702 can be
inserted
into the hollow tubular body 702 in one pivotal orientation of the connecting
member
702 (depicted), but is restrained in other orientations (e.g., the orientation
shown in Fig.
6).
[0075] The connecting members 602 are thus installable and removable
from the
base 604 without the use of tools, while still being able to pivot in hinges
606 to provide
rotation and some mechanical play for assembly. This advantageously allows the
connecting members 602 to be easily removed from the base 604 when the patient
support 100 is moved to another location. Thus, since only the base 604
remains fixed to
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the floor when no patient support 100 is present, the danger of tripping or
injury is
reduced.
[0076] In use, referring again to Fig. 6, multiple bases 604 are
fastened to the floor
506 at various locations where the patient support 100 is desired to be used
in a
securely fixed manner. Such locations can include, for example, various rooms
at a
healthcare facility. When securing the patient support 100, the connecting
members
602 are connected to the bases 604 and laid in the floor 506 at a particular
location
where the patient support 100 is to be used. The patient support 100 is then
positioned
between and aligned with the bases 604. The connecting members 602 are then
rotated
upwards towards the caster assembly 118, so that the slots 608 in the
connecting
members 602 fit over the lugs 610. Padlocks or other apparatuses are then
installed in
the holes 612 in the lugs 610 to prevent the connecting members 602 from being
disconnected.
[0077] In addition, the slots 608 of the connecting members 602 are
longer than the
size of the lugs 610 and the hinges allow rotation of the connecting members,
both of
which can accommodate movement or rotation of the caster assembly 118 while
the
patient support 100 is being raised and lowered. Such movement or rotation may
be
due to the structure of the particular leg assemblies 112, 114 used or may be
due to
specific actuated positions of the patient support 100, such as the
Trendelenburg or
reverse Trendelenburg positions.
[0078] Regarding manufacture, the connecting members 602, lugs 610, and
base
604 can be made of metal plate or bar stock cut to shape. Each hinge 606 can
be made
of one or more pieces of metal tube welded to the base 604. The lugs 610 can
be
welded to the caster assembly 118.
[0079] Fig. 8 shows a securing device 802 according to another embodiment.
The
securing device 802 is similar to the securing device 508. Features and
aspects of the
securing device 802 can be used with the securing devices of the other
embodiments
described herein and vice versa.
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[0080] The securing device 802 is removably connected to the castor
assembly 118.
The securing device 802 includes a connecting member 804 that is hinged to a
base 806,
which is fixed to the floor 506. The connecting member 804 includes an
elongate slot
808 that mates with a lug 810 that is fixed to a cross-member 812 of the
caster assembly
118. A padlock or other apparatus can be inserted into a hole 814 in the lug
810 to
fasten the connecting member 804 to the lug 810. In this embodiment, one such
securing device 802 is used at each castor assembly 118.
[0081] The securing device 802 is positioned under a portion of the
caster assembly
118, and specifically, positioned under a cover 816 of the caster assembly
118, so as to
be concealed by the cover 816. The cover 816 conceals structural components of
the
caster assembly 118 as well as the securing device 802 in order to reduce the
chance of
damage or injury due to exposed metal parts, such as the connecting member
804. In
addition, concealing the securing device 802 in this manner advantageously
reduces the
chance of tampering by patients or other unauthorized individuals.
[0082] Fig. 9 shows a securing device 902 according to another embodiment.
Features and aspects of the securing device 902 can be used with the securing
devices
of the other embodiments described herein and vice versa.
[0083] The securing device 902 includes a removable lug 904 that has a
backing
plate 906 and a flange 908 extending perpendicularly from the backing plate
906. The
flange 908 includes a slot 910 for connecting to an upper link of a chain 912,
which is a
connecting member that forms part of the securing device 902. The slot 910
have an
arcuate shape. The securing device 902 further includes a base 914 that is
fixed to the
floor 506. A lower link of the chain 912 connects to a link of the base 914.
The flange
908 of the removable lug 904 is inserted through a like-shaped slot 916 in a
generally
hollow bumper bracket 918 that extends from the cross-member 812 of the caster
assembly 118. The backing plate 906 prevents the removable lug 904 from
leaving the
slot 916 forwardly and a padlock 920 or similar apparatus connecting the upper
link of
the chain 912 to the slot 910 of the lug 904 prevents the lug 904 from leaving
the slot
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916 rearwardly (into the bumper bracket 918). The chain 912 secured in this
manner
thus secures the patient support 100 to the floor 506.
[0084] In this embodiment, when the securing device 902 is not being
used, the
padlock 920 and removable lug 904 can be removed and stored, leaving the chain
914
[0085] In this embodiment, the securing device 902 is located at a lower
corner of
the patient support 100 near one of the caster wheels 502. Any number, e.g.,
one to
[0086] The securing devices discussed above prevent the patient support
100 from
being moved by unauthorized people, such as patients and especially when the
patient's
mental condition is of concern. The securing devices thus advantageously
reduce the
[0087] Referring to Fig. 10, one of the side rails 110 is shown. The
side rail 110 is an
example of a guard structure. Any or all of the side rails 110, headboard 106,
and
footboard 108 can be considered guard structures and can have the features
described
below for the side rail 110.
20 [0088] The side rail 110 has a continuous body 1002 without any
through-openings
of significant size, as such openings may be used by a patient to cause harm
to
themselves. Examples of through-openings of significant size are those large
enough to
fit a finger, arm, or other body part. Still other examples include openings
large enough
to allow tying of shoelaces or similar objects that may pose a risk of
strangulation. In
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[0089] The side rail 110 has a gripping portion 1004 configured to be
gripped by a
person, for example the patient or an attendant. The gripping portion 1004 has
a
thickened portion 1006 positioned at an outside edge of the side rail 110 and
a thinner
interior portion 1008 located adjacent the thickened portion 1006. The
thickened
portion 1006 and adjacent thinner portion 1008 allow for gripping by the hand
of a
patient when adjusting his/her position in the patient support 100, for
controlling the
side rail or for handling of the patient support 100 by an attendant or
caregiver, while
precluding a need for through-openings that may cause safety concerns.
[0090] The side rail 110 may comprise an antimicrobial material, such as
a coating or
embedded material that kills microbes and improves patient safety by reducing
the risk
of infection.
[0091] In this embodiment, each of the side rails 110, headboard 106, and
footboard
108 has a continuous body without any through-opening of significant size and
a
thickened portion with adjacent thinner portion for gripping or handling, as
described
above.
[0092] Referring to Fig. 5, the attendant's control panel 120 is
positioned on the
footboard 108 to be accessed by an attendant or caregiver and the occupant's
control
panel 122 is positioned on a side rail 110 for access by the patient. When the
patient's
mental condition is of concern, it is advantageous that only authorized users,
for
example attendants or caregivers, have access to the functionality of the bed.
This may
be provided, for example, by an access control device coupled to the
controller 302.
The access control device is configured to be unlocked by an authorized user
in order to
enable bed functionality. The access control device may be configured to be
selectively
locked by an authorized user or configured to remain in a normally locked
state to
prevent unauthorized access to bed functionality. This prevents patients from
readily
accessing bed functionality, especially movement controls, and possibly
controlling the
patient support 100 in a way that may hurt themselves or others, thereby
improving
patient safety. The combination of the controller 302 and the access control
device may
be known as a security lockout or "psych" lockout. In this context, "bed
functionality"
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may include any functions of the controller 302, for example bed movement
controls,
such as bed height and patient support deck articulation, alarms, such as bed
exit
alarms, patient weight information, data connectivity, guard structure locking
state, etc.
The control panel may comprise the access control device or it may be separate
from
the control panel and electrically coupled to the controller 302.
[0093] With reference to Fig. 3, the controller 302 is configured to
control
functionality of the patient support 100, for examplearticulation of the
patient support
deck 104 or height adjustment of the height-adjustable frame 504. The
controller 302 is
further configured to temporarily enable such movement functionality when an
access
control device is unlocked by authorized users, for example in response to an
authorization key being present and provided to the access control device.
Examples of
suitable authorization keys include a radio-frequency identification (RFID)
tag, a
magnetic key, a physical key or an authorization code that may be manually
entered at
the buttons of the attendant's control panel 120. The controller 302 can be so
configured by the processor 304 executing the program 310.
[0094] Fig. 13, shows an embodiment of a system 1300 for controlling the
patient
support 100. The system 1300 can be used in conjunction with the security
lockout
feature described with reference to Figs. 11-12. The system 1300 is similar to
the system
300 of Fig. 3, and the description of the system 300 can be referenced
generally, and can
be referenced specifically for elements having like reference numerals.
[0095] The system 1300 includes an access control device 1302 that is
electrically
coupled to the controller 302, and specifically, electrically coupled to the
processor 304
via the input/output interface 306. The access control device 1302 can be
unlocked by
an authorization key 1304, such as an authorization code, a radio-frequency
identification (RFID) tag, biometric trait, a smart card, a magnetic key or
physical key,
which can be provided by an authorized user, such as an attendant or
caregiver. The
access control device 1302 can be located at any suitable location on or near
the patient
support, with wired or wireless connectivity to the controller 302. The
control panel 120
may comprise the access control device 1302.
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[0096] Fig. 11a shows the attendant's control panel 120 according to one
embodiment of the system 1300, with buttons for use in controlling
functionality of the
patient support by entry of an authorization key 1304 in the form of an
authorization
code. A first group of buttons 1120 controls articulation of the upper-body
portion 105
of the patient support deck 104. A second group of buttons 1140 controls the
height of
the frame 102. A third groups of buttons 1160 controls articulation of the
knee-
supporting portion of the patient support deck 104. A set of other buttons
1180 are
provided to control other features of the patient support 100, such as
lighting, alarms,
preprogrammed positions for the patient support deck 104, and an electronic
CPR
function, via a CPR button 1182, that causes the controller 302 to quickly
articulate the
patient support deck 104 to a flat position so that emergency CPR can be
performed. In
addition, a contour button 1184 can be provided to control a contour function
of the
patient support 100.
[0097] The buttons 1120 for controlling upper-body position include an
upper-body
raise button 1122, an upper-body lower button 1124, and an upper-body lock
button
1126 that locks out control of upper-body movement at the occupant's control
panel
122. An upper-body articulation indication 1128 (e.g., a diagram) is provided
between
the buttons 1122, 1124 to indicate to the attendant or caregiver the functions
of the
buttons 1122, 1124, 1126. Alternative or additional indications, such as the
text "HEAD",
can also be provided.
[0098] The buttons 1140 for controlling the height of the frame 102
include a frame
raise button 1142, a frame lower button 1144, and a frame height lock button
1146 that
locks out control of frame-height movement at the occupant's control panel
122. A
frame height articulation indication 1148 (e.g., a diagram) is provided
between the
buttons 1142, 1144 to indicate to the attendant or caregiver the functions of
the
buttons 1142, 1144, 1146. Alternative or additional indications, such as the
text "BED",
can also be provided.
[0099] The buttons 1160 for controlling lower-body position include a
lower-body
raise button 1162, a lower-body lower button 1164, and a lower-body lock
button 1166
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that locks out control of lower-body movement at the occupant's control panel
122. A
lower-body articulation indication 1168 (e.g., a diagram) is provided between
the
buttons 1162, 1164 to indicate to the attendant or caregiver the functions of
the
buttons 1162, 1164, 1166. Alternative or additional indications, such as the
text "KNEE",
can also be provided.
[00100] Fig. 11b illustrates a conceptual numeric mapping for the buttons
1122-1166
so that the pattern corresponding to the authorization code can be more easily
remembered and manually entered at the buttons 1122-1166.
[00101] The buttons 1122-1166 are mapped to the digits "1" to "9" and, in this
embodiment, the physical arrangement of the mapping conforms to a common
telephone keypad layout (omitting "0", "*", and "#"). The authorization code
may thus
be thought of as numeric and can include any series of digits from "1" to "9".
The
program 310 of the controller 302 is provided with this mapping, stored as
data 312 for
example, so that when the authorization code is to be entered, the controller
302 treats
input at the buttons 1122-1166 as digits "1" through "9" instead of the normal
movement or locking commands. For example, a press of the button 1162 is
detected at
the controller 302 as input of a "3", a press of button 1144 is detected as
input of a "5",
and so on. However, the buttons 1122-1166 do not have visible indications of
the digits
"1" through "9". Instead, the arrangement of the buttons 1122-1166 and the
numeric
mapping to a common telephone keypad layout allows those people knowledgeable
of
enterable numeric codes to enter such codes easily and intuitively without
giving
unauthorized people (e.g., patients) any indication that a numeric code can be
entered
via the buttons 1122-1166. Lack of numeric indications on the buttons 1122-
1166
advantageously deprives unauthorized individuals the opportunity to guess the
authorization code, and may prevent unauthorized individuals from even
becoming
aware that an authorization code exists.
[00102] Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a method 1200 that shows how codes can be
entered
at the buttons 1122-1166 to enable or disable patient, master and security
lockouts.
The method 1200 may be used with one embodiment of the system 1300 and can
form
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part of the program 310.Authorization codes and/or access codes can be stored
as data
312 in the memory 308 (Fig. 3).
[00103] At 1202, the patient support 100 is operated normally. All functions
are
available at both the attendant's control panel 120 and the occupant's control
panel
122. That is, the controller 302 (Fig. 3) responds to all commands to raise
and lower the
frame and articulate the patient support deck 104, whether such commands are
received from the attendant's control panel 120 or the occupant's control
panel 122.
This mode is suitable when control by the patient is permitted.
[00104] At 1204, a control lockout can be selected. If no lockout is
selected, normal
operation at 1202 continues. In this embodiment, the choice of lockouts
includes a
patient lockout, a master lockout, and a security lockout. The type of lockout
selected
can be determined by preconfigured inputs at the attendant's control panel
120. For
example, pressing one of the lock buttons 1126, 1146, 1166 (Fig. 11a)
initiates a
respective patient lockout, pressing all three lock buttons 1126, 1146, 1166
simultaneously initiates the master lockout, and pressing a different
combination of
buttons simultaneously, such as lock buttons 1146 and 1166 as well as contour
button
1184, initiates the security lockout. Any such presses can be configured to
include a
press-and-hold. Visual indications, such as illuminated or flashing LEDs,
and/or audible
indications, such as chirp sound, can also be provided to indicate which, if
any, lockouts
have been activated.
[00105] When a patient lockout is selected, at 1206, the controller 302
ignores a
subset of commands input at the occupant's control panel 122, such as bed
movement
commands, while permitting other commands, such as nurse call or bed lighting
commands. For example, an attendant may have chosen, by pressing the lock
button
1126, to lockout raising and lowering of the upper-body portion 105 of the
patient
support deck 104 via the occupant's control panel 122. However, the controller
302 still
responds to all commands input at the attendant's control panel 120.
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[00106] At 1208, any active patient lockout can be deselected by, for example,
the
attendant pressing the respective lockout button 1126, 1146, 1166. When all
patient
lockouts are deselected, the patient support resumes normal operation at 1202.
[00107] When the master lockout is selected, at 1210, the controller 302
ignores
either a subset of commands or all commands input at the occupant's control
panel 122
as well as a subset of commands input at the attendant's control panel 120. In
one
embodiment, the subset of commands at the attendant's control panel 120
includes all
commands except the emergency CPR function activated by the emergency CPR
button
1182. That is, the patient support 100 cannot have its height adjusted nor its
patient
support deck 104 articulated with the exception of flattening the patient
support deck
104 by pressing the emergency CPR button 1182. In the master lockout mode,
other
non-movement related buttons can be configured to still remain active, such as
a nurse
call button and bed light button. The master lockout can be used to prevent
patients,
visitors, or other unauthorized people from adjusting the patient support 100
in a way
that may be detrimental to the patient.
[00108] At 1212, the master lockout can be deselected by, for example, again
pressing all three lock buttons 1126, 1146, 1166 simultaneously.
[00109] When the security lockout is selected, at 1214, the controller
302 awaits
input of a numeric access code. This is to prevent inadvertent or unauthorized
activation
of the security lockout. The access code is preselected, normally is not
customizable by
the end user of the patient support 100. The access code may comprise a series
of digits
(e.g., "161833") that are entered at the attendant's control panel 120 by
pressing the
buttons 1122-1166. Accordingly, after the security lockout has been selected
at step
1204, the controller 302 at step 1214 awaits entry of the access code at the
buttons
1122-1166 instead of initiating the normal movement or lockout functions of
the
buttons 1122-1166. If the access code is not entered correctly or not entered
within a
predetermined timeout, then normal operation resumes at 1202.
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[00110] If the access code is entered successfully, then, at step 1216,
the controller
302 awaits selection of an authorization code via the buttons 1122-1166 of the
attendant's control panel 120. Again, the controller 302 interprets presses of
the
buttons 1122-1166 as the associated digit and does not initiate the normal
movement
or lockout functions of the buttons 1122-1166. The attendant can enter any
numeric
code desired (e.g., "1369") within predefined limits, such as one to six
digits. The
attendant should remember the numeric code selected, since this will be
required to
temporarily activate the attendant's control panel 120 during the security
lockout.
[00111] During either or both of steps 1214 and 1216, numeric code entry can
be
aborted by again simultaneously pressing lock buttons 1146 and 1166 as well as
contour
button 1184 or by expiry of a timeout (e.g., 30 seconds) between button
presses.
[00112] At 1218, the security lockout is fully activated. Accordingly,
the controller 302
ignores all commands input at the occupant's control panel 122 as well as all
commands
input at the attendant's control panel 120, including presses of the emergency
CPR
button 1182. The patient support 100 cannot be raised, lowered, articulated,
caused to
flatten in the electronic CPR mode, or controlled in any other way. This
advantageously
prevents patients from hurting themselves or others with the patient support
100.
[00113] During security lockout, the controller 302, at 1220, checks for a
simultaneous press of the lock buttons 1146 and 1166 as well as contour button
1184
followed by entry of the access code. When this condition is met, the
controller 302
returns to normal operation at 1202. This allows the attendant to deactivate
the
security lockout.
[00114] Also during the security lockout, the controller 302, at 1222,
checks for entry
of the authorization code via the attendant's control panel 120. Because the
controller
302 ignores movement commands during the security lockout, the controller 302
can
interpret all presses of the buttons 1122-1166 as digits. Upon detecting entry
of the
authorization code, the controller 302, at 1224, temporarily responds to
commands. In
this embodiment, if the authorization code is entered incorrectly, no feedback
is
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provided, which can assist in keeping the existence of enterable numeric codes
secret
from patients or other unauthorized individuals.
[00115] At step 1224, the controller 302 interprets movement function button
presses at the attendant's control panel 120 and occupant's control panel 122
normally
and as in the same manner as in step 1202. The attendant can thus control the
patient
support 100 to raise, lower, and articulate the patient support deck 104, as
well as
control other features. The patient support 100 also responds to a press of
the
emergency CPR button 1182. In this embodiment, the controller 302 also
responds to
commands via the occupant's control panel 122. In another embodiment, the
controller
302 responds to commands at the attendant's control panel 120 and only outward
facing control panels on the side rails 110. In still another embodiment, the
controller
302 responds to commands only at the attendant's control panel 120.
[00116] While temporarily responding to commands at step 1224, the controller
302,
at 1226, checks for a relock condition which, when met, returns the controller
302 to
the state of ignoring commands at 1218 to disable functionality of the patient
support
100. The relock condition can include one or more of an expiry of a timeout
between
button presses and entry of a relocking command. The timeout can be a
predefined
time, e.g., 30 seconds, without any button presses at one or more of the
control panels
120, 122. This allows the return to step 1218 in the case where, for example,
the
attendant walks away from the patient support 100 after inputting commands.
The
relocking command can include the press of any of the lock buttons 1126, 1146,
1166.
This allows the return to step 1218 in the case where, for example, the
attendant
desires to quickly restrict functionally of the patient support 100 without
relying on a
timeout.
[00117] In this embodiment of the method 1200, at any of the steps above where
the
controller 302 successfully receives input of a numeric code at the
attendant's control
panel 120, an audible and/or visible confirmation may be issued to provide
feedback to
the attendant indicating that the numeric entry was successful. Similarly,
audible and/or
visible prompts may be issued to provide feedback to the attendant indicating
that
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numeric entry is expected. In another embodiment, no such confirmation or
prompt is
issued as a precaution against inadvertently alerting a patient or other
unauthorized
person that such codes can be entered.
[00118] The simultaneous button combinations described above are examples
only.
[00119] In this embodiment of the method 1200, during entry of authorization
codes
and/or access codes, the controller 302 continually monitors for a sequence of
button
[00120] Referring again to Fig. 13, in one embodiment, the controller
302, by way of
the program 310, is configured to detect one or more authorization keys 1304
being
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[00121] In another embodiment, unlocking the access control device 1302
with a
certain type of authorization key 1304, for example a physical key, replaces
entry of the
numeric authorization code at step 1222, and step 1216 is omitted. The access
code is
still required to activate the security lockout, but to temporarily control
the functionality
of the patient support 100, at step 1224, the selected type of authorization
key 1304 is
required instead of the authorization code.
[00122] The access control device 1302 may thus be configured to add an
additional
level of security for control of functionality of the patient support 100.
That is, in
addition to correctly inputting the authorization code and/or the access code,
the
attendant must also possess the an additional authorization key 1304. This can
further
improve patient safety and reduce the risk of harm or damage.
[00123] Referring to Fig. 5, the access control device 1302 can be
located, for
example, on a side bracket 510 to which the footboard 108 is attached. Figs.
14a-c show
a portion of the side bracket 510 from behind illustrating various embodiments
for the
access control device 1302 and authorization key 1304.
[00124] In one embodiment, referring to Fig. 14a, the access control
device 1302
comprises a mechanical tumbler lock 1402 and a connected electrical limit
switch 1404
that detects an unlocked position of the tumbler lock 1402 via movement of a
portion of
the tumbler lock 1402. The electrical limit switch 1404 is electrically
connected to the
controller 302 via wires (not shown). The authorization key 1304 is thus a
physical key
1406, for example a metal key. The tumbler lock 1402 may be biased to the
locked
position, so that when the physical key 1406 is released, the tumbler lock
1402
automatically locks. This feature can replace or complement the use of
timeouts in the
method 1200 with respect to a numeric code or codes replaced by the tumbler
lock
1402, since functionality can automatically be restricted when the physical
key 1406 is
not being turned by the attendant to hold the lock 1402 open.
[00125] In another embodiment, referring to Fig. 14b, the access control
device 1302
comprises a radio-frequency device 1408 electrically connected to the
controller 302
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and the authorization key 1304 comprises a radio-frequency identification
(RFID) tag
1410. The controller 302 is configured to activate functionality when the RFID
tag 1410
is brought into an effective range of the radio-frequency device 1408. The
controller 302
can also be configured to deactivate functionality when the RFID tag 1410 is
again
brought into the effective range of the radio-frequency device 1408, and a
timeout may
alternatively or additionally be used for this purpose.
[00126] In another embodiment, referring to Fig. 14c, the access control
device 1302
comprises a magnet detector 1412, such as a Hall effect sensor or reed switch,
and the
authorization key 1304 comprises a magnet 1414. This may be in the form of a
magnetic
key card as is normally used to control access to doorway opening in
restricted areas of
a healthcare facility. Operation is similar to the RFID tag embodiment of Fig.
14b.
[00127] In another embodiment, referring to Fig. 14d, the access control
device 1302
comprises a biometric interface 1415, such as fingerprint reader, a retinal
scanner, or a
voice recognition device, and the authorization key 1304 comprises a biometric
trait of
an authorized user, such as a fingerprint 1416. Operation is similar to the
RFID tag
embodiment of Fig. 14b.
[00128] Referring again to Fig. 5, the patient support 100 includes a
brake pedal 512
for activating and deactivating a brake mechanism that is operatively coupled
to at least
one of the caster wheels 502, so as to selectively lock the caster wheel 502
and thus
selectively immobilize the patient support 100. It may be desirable for an
attendant to
immobilize the patient support 100 in this manner at times. However, it is
also desirable
to prevent unauthorized people, such as a patient whose mental health is of
concern,
from deactivating the brake mechanism and moving the patient support 100, as
this
may result in harm to the patient or others or may cause damage to the patient
support
100 or the facility.
[00129] Accordingly, with reference to Fig. 15, the brake pedal 512 is
removable from
the brake mechanism 1502 by an attendant without the use of tools. In this
embodiment, the brake pedal 512 has a non-circular (e.g., hexagonal) hole 1504
that
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mates with a like-shaped shaft 1506 of the brake mechanism 1502 to removably
couple
the brake pedal 512 to the brake mechanism 1502. The brake pedal 512 can thus
be slid
on and off the shaft 1506 and still allow for activation and deactivation of
the brake
mechanism 1502 when slid on.
[00130] The brake pedal 512 and shaft 1506 can also include an alignment
indicator
1508. The alignment indicator 1508 can include separate indicators 1510, 1512,
such as
grooves, markings, holes, or similar, on each of the brake pedal 512 and shaft
1506 that
visually indicate the correct orientation for the brake pedal 512.
Alternatively, the
alignment indicator 1508 can be mating surfaces on the shaft 1506 and hole
1504 of the
brake pedal 512 that permit only one mating orientation of the shaft 1506 and
hole
1504. Examples of such include non-symmetric shapes such as a generally
circular shaft
with a single flat face and a correspondingly shaped hole in the brake pedal
512.
[00131] In use, after pressing the brake pedal 512 into the position that
activates the
brake mechanism 1502 and immobilizes the patient support 100, the attendant
can
simply pull the brake pedal 512 off the shaft 1506. When the time comes to
move the
patient support 100, the attendant returns with the brake pedal 512 and slides
it back
onto the shaft 1506, referencing the alignment indicator 1508, before pressing
the
brake pedal 512 into the position that deactivates the brake mechanism 1502
and
allows the patient support 100 to be rolled.
[00132] In another embodiment, the brake pedal 512 can have a shaft that mates
with a hole in the brake mechanism 1502.
[00133] The patient support 100 includes additional safety features that can
advantageously reduce the risk of injury or damage, particularly when used
with
patients whose mental condition is of concern.
[00134] Referring to Fig. 5, flexible retainers 514 are provided at hinges
516, 518 of
the panels 520, 522, 524 of the patient support deck 104. Since one or more of
the
panels 520, 522, 524 may not be fastened to the frame 102 and may have a hinge
that is
readily breakable or designed to be separable without tools, the flexible
retainers 514
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can prevent the panels 520, 522, 524 of the patient support deck 104 from
being taken
apart easily. Typically, the panel 522 under the patient's mid-section is
fastened to the
frame 102, while the panels 520, 524 positioned under the patient's head and
feet are
hinged to permit articulation and thus may not be fastened securely enough to
the
frame 102 or mid-section panel 522 to prevent unauthorized removal. By
providing the
flexible retainers 514, the risk of a patient removing a panel and causing
harm or
damage is reduced, while still allowing the hinges 516, 518 to function
unimpeded. Any
number of flexible retainers 514 may be used at each of the hinges 516, 518.
[00135] As shown in Fig. 16a, one flexible retainer 514 is shown from above
positioned at the separable hinge 518 between the mid-section panel 522, which
is fixed
to the frame 102, and the foot panel 524, which is not fixed to the frame 102.
It can be
seen that, in this embodiment, the flexible retainer 514 is a cable loop 1602
that loops
through holes 1604 in the panels 522, 524 and has ends with eyelets joined by
a
removable fastener 1606, such as a bolt with a locknut, as shown in Fig. 16b.
The
removable fastener 1606 allows removal of the flexible retainer 514, and thus
separation of connected panels 522, 524, with tools for maintenance purposes,
while
reducing the risk of unauthorized removal and allowing the hinge 518 to
function as
expected.
[00136] Referring to Fig. 5, in this embodiment, the headboard 106 and
footboard
108 are non-removably fixed to the frame 102. This can advantageously prevent
unauthorized removal of the headboard 106 and footboard 108 to reduce the
chance of
patients harming themselves or others or damaging property. In this
embodiment, bolts
526 (one shown removed) thread into vertical posts 528 of the footboard 108.
Heads of
the bolts 526 abut underside portions of the frame 102 to securely hold the
footboard
108 in place and prevent removal of the footboard 108 without tools. The same
structure is used at the headboard 106.
[00137] Still referring to Fig. 5, due to the need to occasionally
restrain patients,
patient restraint loops 532 are provided on opposite sides of the patient
support deck
104. The restraint loops 532 are positioned in pairs opposite each other to
receive and
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hold adjustable patient restraints across the patient's body. Any number of
restraint
loops 532 can be provided along the length of the support deck 104. It is
advantageous
that the restraint loops 532 are provided on the support deck 104 because the
support
deck 104 can still be raised, lowered, and articulated to at least some degree
without
[00138] With reference to Fig. 5, a power cord 534 is provided to supply power
to the
patient support 100 from, for example, an electrical outlet. The power cord
534
provides power to the controller 302 (Fig. 3), actuators 200 (Fig. 2), as well
as any other
components that require it. The power cord 534 extends from the patient
support 100
[00139] To reduce the risk that a patient or other unauthorized person may
attempt
to remove components from the patient support 100 to cause harm or damage, the
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fasteners include bolts or studs with locknuts, such as nylon insert locknuts,
which are
available under the trade-name NYIOCTM. An example of such a tamper-resistant
fastener
is shown at 1606 in Fig. 16b.
[00140] With reference to Fig. 17, the patient support 100 can include a
mattress
[00141] With reference to Fig. 18, another embodiment of a patient support
1800
with safety features for use in applications where the patient's mental
condition is of
concern will now be discussed. Features and aspects of the patient support
1800 can be
used with the patient supports of the other embodiments described herein and
vice
20 versa.
[00142] The patient support 1800 includes a frame 1802 configured to be
supported
by the floor 1804. The frame 1802 has a generally rectangular shape and is
made of
steel (or other metal) box tubing. The frame 1802 can include twelve or more
lengths of
box tubing arranged at the twelve edges of a rectangular prism. The frame 1802
is only
[00143] The patient support 1800 further includes a generally
rectangular, flat non-
articulating patient support deck 1806 supported by the top of the frame 1802.
In this
embodiment, the patient support deck 1806 is made from a single piece of sheet
metal,
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such as 10 gauge steel sheet. An antimicrobial material, such as paint or
coating
containing silver, can be applied to the patient support deck 1806. The
patient support
deck 1806 has side edges 1808 (one hidden) that are bent downwards and fixed
to the
outside of the frame 1802 by fasteners 1810.
[00144] The patient support 1800 further includes generally rectangular and
flat side
panels 1812 (one hidden). Top edges 1814 of the side panels 1812 are
overlapped by
the downwardly bent side edges 1808 of the patient support deck 1806, and
accordingly, the top edges 1814 of the side panels 1812 are fixed to the frame
1802 by
the same fasteners 1810 that fix the patient support deck 1806 to the frame
1802. The
side panels 1812 extend from the patient support deck 1806 to the floor 1804
to
partially enclose a space below the patient support deck 1806. Bottom edges
1815 of
the side panels 1812 are also fixed to the frame by fasteners 1816. The side
panels 1812
can be made of plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and may be
provided
with antimicrobial material, such as embedded additives or a silver-bearing
paint or
coating.
[00145] The patient support 1800 further includes patient restraint loops 1818
positioned on opposite sides of the patient support deck 1806. In this
embodiment, the
restraint loops 1818 are fixed to the side panels 1812 by fasteners. The
restraint loops
1818 are provided in pairs, one on each side panel 1812, and any number of
restraint
loop pairs can be provided. Restraint loops on the far side are hidden in the
figure. In
this embodiment, three groups of restraint loop pairs are positioned at the
head, mid-
section, and foot of the patient support deck 1806.
[00146] The patient support 1800 further includes a non-removable headboard
1820
fixed to the frame 1802 and a non-removable footboard 1822 fixed to the frame
1802.
Fasteners are used to fix the headboard 1820 and footboard 1822 to the frame
1802,
and such fasteners can be concealed by tamper-resistant plugs, at 1824. The
headboard
1820 and footboard 1822 can be made of plastic, such as HDPE, and may be
provided
with antimicrobial material, such as embedded additives or silver-bearing
paint or
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coating. With the support deck 1806 and side panels 1812, the headboard 1820
and
footboard 1822 complete the enclosed box-like structure of the patient support
1800.
[00147] Additional, longitudinally aligned restraint loops 1826 may be
positioned on
the outside faces of the headboard 1820 and footboard 1822, and the headboard
1820
and footboard 1822 may be provided with slots 1828 at locations above the
restraint
loops 1826 to guide longitudinally aligned restraints. In Fig. 18, while only
the
longitudinally aligned restraint loops 1826 on the footboard 1822 are visible,
the
longitudinally aligned restraint loops 1826 on the headboard 1820 are similar
or
identical. In this embodiment, three pairs of longitudinally aligned restraint
loops 1826
and slots 1828 are provided.
[00148] Fig. 19 shows a detail of the patient support 1800 of Fig. 18
sectioned at A-A.
A portion of the tubular box frame 1802 is shown. As can be seen, the side
edge 1808 of
the patient support deck 1806 overlaps the top edge 1814 of the side panel
1812. The
top edge 1814 of the side panel 1812 is made thinner than the bulk of the side
panel
1812, so as to allow the overlapping side edge 1808 of the patient support
deck 1806 to
be flush with the exposed portion of the side panel 1812, at 1902. The flush
joint 1902
eliminates a potentially sharp edge that could be used by a mental health
patient to
cause bodily harm. Also shown is one of the fasteners 1810, which in this
embodiment is
a bolt with a locknut, the bolt penetrating all of the frame 102, the top edge
1814 of the
side panel 1812, and the side edge 1808 of the patient support deck 1806.
[00149] Fig. 20 shows a detail of the patient support 1800 of Fig. 18
sectioned at B-B.
The patient support 1800 includes four height-adjustable feet 2002 (one shown)
attached to the bottom four corners of the frame 1802 for adjustably
supporting the
patient support 1800 on the floor 1804. Accordingly, the frame 1802 can be
considered
a height-adjustable frame.
[00150] In this embodiment, each height-adjustable foot 2002 includes a
threaded
stud 2004 and an attached plastic or rubber foot piece 2006. The stud 2004
threads into
a bracket 2008 that is welded or otherwise attached to the inside of an lower
corner of
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the frame 1802. By rotating the height-adjustable foot 2002, the stud 2004
travels up or
down to adjust the distance the foot piece 2006 extends from the patient
support 1800.
[00151] The fasteners connecting the components of the patient support 1800
together can be tamper-resistant fasteners. Such components can include the
frame
1802, patient support deck 1806, side panels 1812, and restraint loops 1818,
1826,
among others. Suitable tamper-resistant fasteners include bolts or studs with
locknuts,
such as nylon insert locknuts, which are available under the trade-name
NylocTm. An
example of such a tamper-resistant fastener is shown at 1810 in Fig. 19.
[00152] The metal components of the patient support 1800, such as the frame
1802
and patient support deck 1806 may be painted.
[00153] While
the foregoing provides certain non-limiting example embodiments, it
should be understood that combinations, subsets, and variations of the
foregoing are
contemplated. The
monopoly sought is defined by the claims.
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