Hospital chair beds with stowable stand-assist supports

[0001] This patent application is a 35 USC 371 national phase application of PCT/US2010/058833, filed Dec. 3, 2010, which claims the benefit of priority of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/289,523, filed Dec. 23, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/352,472, filed Jun. 8, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of hospital beds and, more specifically, to hospital beds that are convertible into a chair configuration.

[0003] Conventional hospital beds are configured to provide a sufficiently comfortable support surface for patients in a supine position. In many cases, it is desirable for patients to elevate from a supine position to a sitting position in order to increase the activity of the circulatory and cardiovascular systems and/or in the course of medical treatment. In addition, patients may be interested in sitting up in bed to be more comfortable, for example, in order to read or meet with visitors. However, it may be difficult for some patients to get out of a hospital bed. As such, hospital beds that can be converted into chair-like configurations have been developed. In addition, hospital beds that can assist patients in moving from a supine position to a sitting position for the purpose of achieving a standing or walking position from a side egress orientation have also been developed.

[0004] Embodiments of the invention are directed to hospital beds with on-board, stowable stand-assist supports.

[0005] Embodiments of the invention are directed to hospital beds. The beds include: (a) a base frame comprising laterally spaced apart first and second long sides and longitudinally spaced apart top and bottom end portions; (b) a patient support surface, wherein the patient support surface comprises a back panel, a seat panel, and a leg panel configured to articulate relative to each other, and wherein the patient support surface is configured to translate from a bed configuration to a chair configuration; and (c) first and second spaced stand-assist supports, one residing on each side of the back panel, wherein when the back panel is upwardly oriented and the patient support surface is in the chair configuration, the stand-assist supports are configured to reside above and on opposing sides of the seat panel and extend outwardly from the back panel toward the leg panel in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0006] Additional embodiments of the invention are directed to hospital beds that include: (a) a base frame comprising laterally spaced apart first and second long sides and longitudinally spaced apart top and bottom end portions; (b) a lifting mechanism secured to the base frame; (c) a rotating frame mounted on the lifting mechanism, wherein the rotating frame is configured to rotate about a vertical axis relative to the base frame; (d) a patient support surface pivotally secured to the rotating frame, wherein the patient support surface comprises a back panel, a seat panel, and a leg panel configured to articulate relative to each other, and wherein the patient support surface is configured to translate from a bed configuration to a side-egress chair configuration; and (e) first and second spaced stand-assist supports, one residing on each side of the back panel to be able to rotate with the back panel to the side-egress chair configuration, wherein when the patient support surface is in the side-egress chair configuration, the stand-assist supports are configured to reside above and on opposing sides of the seat panel and extend outwardly from the back panel toward the leg panel in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to hospital beds that have a patient support surface including a back panel, a seat panel and a leg panel. The bed is configured to rotate to a side egress chair configuration. The bed is characterized in that the hospital bed includes a pair of stand-assist supports, one residing proximate each long side of the back panel that are pivotably attached to a respective portion of the back panel and rotate with the back panel to the side-egress chair configuration. When the bed is in the side-egress chair configuration, the stand-assist supports are configured to pivot outward from the back panel to reside above and on opposing sides of the seat panel.

[0008] Yet other embodiments are directed to methods of operating a hospital bed. The methods include pivoting a pair of stand-assist supports from a respective stowed position proximate opposing sides of an outer perimeter of a back panel to an outwardly extending configuration above a seat panel of the patient support surface so that one support resides on one side of a seat panel and the other resides on the other side of the seat panel.

[0009] The method may include converting the bed into a chair bed either an end egress or side egress chair bed.

[0010] The methods may include (a) rotating an articulating patient support surface to a side egress position; and pivoting the stowed supports before, during or after the rotating step.

[0011] Embodiments of the invention are directed to hospital beds that include: (a) a base frame comprising laterally spaced apart long sides and longitudinally spaced apart end portions; (b) a lifting mechanism secured to the base frame between the end portions; (c) a rotating frame mounted on the lifting mechanism; (d) a patient support surface pivotally secured to the rotating frame, the patient support surface includes a back panel, a seat panel, and leg section configured to articulate relative to each other; and (e) a pair of longitudinally spaced stand-assist supports pivotally attached to one of the long sides of the base frame. The frame is configured to rotate horizontally (e.g., about a vertical axis) relative to the base. The patient support surface is configured to translate from a bed configuration to a side-egress chair configuration. When the patient support surface is in the side-egress chair configuration, the stand-assist supports are configured to reside above and on opposing sides of the seat panel to provide a respective support (e.g., handle) for a patient.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hospital bed can also include a second pair of longitudinally spaced stand-assist supports pivotally attached to the other long side of the base frame. When the patient support surface is in the side-egress chair configuration, one pair of the stand-assist supports are configured to reside above and on opposing sides of the seat panel.

[0013] In particular embodiments, the stand-assist supports are only deployable when the bed is in the side-egress chair position and/or the stand-assist supports block rotation of the patient support surface while extended.

[0014] The stand-assist supports may include an angular upper portion that extend to provide respective handles with gripping surfaces for a patient. The handles may optionally be shaped the same and each can have an angle of between about 100-130 degrees measured from a line drawn through a tip of the handle to an intersecting line drawn perpendicular to a centerline of the second portion.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one of the stand-assist supports may be releasably mounted to the base frame such that when released, the support defines a cane that can be used by a patient.

[0016] The stand-assist supports may be mounted to the base frame to allow the supports to be longitudinally moved about the base frame to allow for lateral adjustment with respect to the seat section in the side-egress chair position.

[0017] The stand-assist supports may be mounted to the base frame to be able to be adjusted in height to lock in different height positions.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bed can include a first pair of side rails and a second pair of side rails longitudinally spaced apart from the first pair of side rails. Each side rail can be movably mounted to the bed with the first pair residing on opposing sides of the back panel and the second pair residing on opposing sides of the leg section, with the second pair configured to reside substantially vertically when the bed is in the side-egress chair configuration. When the bed is in the side-egress chair configuration, the stand-assist supports have handles that extend toward each other across the seat panel above the second pair of side rails and closer to a center of the seat section than the second pair of side rails.

[0019] In some particular embodiments, the leg section includes first, second, and third panels pivotally connected together in series. The leg section first panel can be pivotally connected to the seat panel and at least some of the plurality of leg section panels can be configured to overlap each other when the patient support surface is in the side egress chair configuration so that at least two of the leg section panels are in a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0020] In some embodiments, the hospital bed is configured to also be able to translate to a stand-assist configuration whereby the seat panel is tilted downward at (typically at an angle up to and including about 30 degrees) while the back panel is substantially upright (or slightly inclined between about 10-20 degrees in a forward direction).

[0021] Still other embodiments are directed to methods of operating a hospital bed. The methods include: (a) articulating back, scat and leg sections of a patient support surface relative to each other from a substantially co-planar configuration to a chair configuration; (b) rotating the back, seat and leg sections 90 degrees to a side egress position; then (c) after the rotating step, extending a pair of stand-assist supports from a stowed position to an upwardly extending configuration so that one support resides on one side of the seat section and the other resides on the other side of the seat section; (d) inhibiting (electronically and/or physically) rotation of the back, seat and leg sections while the stand-assist supports are extended.

[0022] The methods may also include (e) tilting the seat section downward at an angle of up to about 30 degrees while the back section is substantially vertical to move the bed to a stand-assist side egress configuration while the stand-assist supports are extended.

[0023] Other embodiments are directed to hospital beds that include: (a) a base frame comprising laterally spaced apart first and second long sides and longitudinally spaced apart top and bottom end portions; (b) a lifting mechanism secured to the base frame; (c) a rotating frame mounted on the lifting mechanism configured to rotate horizontally relative to the base frame; (d) a patient support surface pivotally secured to the rotating frame, wherein the patient support surface comprises a back panel, a seat panel, and a leg section configured to articulate relative to each other, and wherein the patient support surface is configured to translate from a bed configuration to a side-egress chair configuration; and (e) a pair of spaced stand-assist supports attached to the back panel to be able to rotate with the back panel to the side-egress chair configuration.

[0024] When the patient support surface is in the side-egress chair configuration, the stand-assist supports are configured to reside above and on opposing sides of the seat panel and are substantially horizontal.

[0025] Some embodiments are directed to hospital beds characterized in that the hospital bed includes a pair of spaced stand-assist supports that attach to the back panel. The stand-assist supports are configured to reside above and on opposing sides of the seat panel and are substantially horizontal and oriented to extend along an outer long edge portion of the seat panel in a direction that extends from the back panel.

[0026] Yet other embodiments are directed to methods of operating a hospital bed. The methods include: (a) articulating back, seat and leg sections of a patient support surface relative to each other from a substantially co-planar configuration to a chair configuration; (b) rotating the back, seat and leg sections 90 degrees to a side egress position; then (c) after the rotating step, pivoting a pair of stand-assist supports from a respective stowed position against opposing sides of an outer perimeter of a back panel to an outwardly extending configuration so that one support resides on one side of the seat section and the other resides on the other side of the seat section, both a distance above the seat section.

[0027] It is noted that any one or more aspects or features described with respect to one embodiment, may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below.

[0046] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Like reference numbers signify like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0047] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification are taken to specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0049] The term “hospital bed” is used broadly herein to refer to a bed for persons in whatever environment the bed is used and is not limited to use in a hospital per se (e.g., a hospital bed may be used in a private home, nursing home, rehab center, short term or long term care facility, outpatient treatment center and the like). It is noted that although certain features of the hospital beds are described with respect to a hospital bed that can be converted into a chair bed, it is contemplated that embodiments are not limited thereto and can be used with any type of hospital bed. Further, although primarily described for use with a side-egress chair bed, embodiments can be used with end-egress chair beds.

[0050] In the drawings, the thickness of lines, layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0051] Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of a device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of “over” and “under”. A device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0052] It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a “first” element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could also be termed a “second” element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0053] The beds can be configured with lift mechanisms and patient supports that have structural ratings sufficient to provide lift functions for weight ranges of patients, e.g., between about 100-1200 lbs, typically between about 100-1200 lbs, such as between about 100-1000 lbs or between about 100-500 lbs, and the like, but may also be configured to accommodate larger weight patients and smaller weight patients including bariatric patients.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2, a hospital bed 10, according to some embodiments of the present invention, is illustrated. The illustrated bed 10 has a base 12 and a rotating frame 14 mounted on the base 12. The frame 14 is configured to rotate relative to the base 12 to facilitate side egress from the bed 10 by a patient, as will be described below. Casters 16 can be mounted to the four corners of the base 12 and facilitate movement of the bed about the hospital or other environment. In some embodiments, casters 16 are locking casters that can be selectively locked to prevent movement of the bed 10.

[0055] The illustrated bed 10 has a patient support surface 18 configured to support a mattress 18m (FIG. 2) on which a patient is situated. The patient support surface 18 is supported by the rotating frame 14 and includes a back panel 20, a seat panel 22, and a leg panel or section 24. The back panel 20, seat panel 22 and leg section 24 can articulate with respect to each other and may be serially hinged together. The back panel 20 and seat panel 22 can be pivotally attached to each other by pins, hinges, or other suitable mechanisms well known in the art. The seat panel 22 and leg section 24 can also be pivotally attached to each other by pins, hinges, or other suitable mechanisms well known in the art.

[0056] The bed 10 also can have a first set of patient side rails 30 typically secured to the back panel 20 in spaced-apart relationship and a second set of patient side rails 32 typically secured to the seat panel 22 or leg section 24 in spaced-apart relationship, as illustrated. A head board 40 can be secured to the base 12 at the head end of the bed 10 and a foot board 42 can be secured to the base 12 at the foot end of the bed 10, as illustrated.

[0057] The patient support surface 18 can be secured to the rotating frame 14 via a transverse rod or pin connection (not illustrated) to facilitate tilting of the patient support surface 18 relative to the rotating frame 14. The rotating frame 14 is secured to the base 12 via a lift mechanism 50 (FIG. 1A, 2), such as a double scissors lift. The lift mechanism 50 is configured to raise and lower the patient support surface 18, via the rotating frame 14, relative to the base 12. The lift mechanism 50 can be driven by hydraulic cylinders, air cylinders, air bags, and/or other electrical or electromechanical devices, etc. The lift mechanism 50 can be configured to allow the patient support surface 18 to be raised above and lowered with respect to the base 12. See, e.g., co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/398,098 for examples of rotational and lift components, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2, the bed 10 can include at least one on-board, stowable stand-assist support 75 (shown in FIG. 1B as two, one on each side of the seat section 22) that is attached to the base frame 12. One end portion of the support 75 can be affixed to a long side of the frame 61₁ (FIG. 3). When the bed 10 is in a side egress orientation, as shown in FIG. 1B, the on-board, stowable stand-assist support(s) 75 can be manually or automatically deployed upward so that a patient sitting in the chair bed (after the bed is turned 90 degrees relative to the normal sleeping position/orientation) can contact the handle portions 75h on the top end portions thereof. Where automated deployment is used, the (unlock) or deployment or extension of the supports can be electronically controlled via sensors and monitoring circuits, signal processors, and/or computers and may use actuators, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, springs, linkages or other devices known to those of skill in the art.

[0059] The stand-assist supports 75 can be configured to inhibit rotation of the bed back to alignment with the long sides of the frame when the stand-assist supports 75 are deployed (e.g., extended). The supports 75 can be configured to have a low profile to mount to the side frame(s) 61 during non-use and allow the patient support surface 18 to articulate, lift and rotate without interference with the predetermined normal motions of the bed. The supports 75 can be used with the patient side rails 30, 32 as shown for example in FIGS. 1B and 2.

[0060] In some embodiments, the leg panel or section 24 can be configured to have a plurality of segments that translate relative to each other to be able to take on different orientations when in the chair versus bed positions. FIG. 3 illustrates that the leg section 24 has at least two adjacent panels 25, 26 that can move from being horizontal and in co-planar relationship in the bed position to being substantially orthogonal in the side egress chair position. As shown, the lower panel 26 can be substantially horizontal while the other panel 25 is substantially vertical. The lower panel 26 can extend toward the interior space of the bed/base frame 12 and a smaller portion of the lower panel 26 may reside forward of the upper panel 25.

[0061] In other embodiments, the back panel and seat panel may disengage from the foot or leg panel and not rotate into the side egress position. See, e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/499,896, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if recited in full herein.

[0062] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3, 4A and 4B, the leg section 24 includes a first panel 25, a second panel 26, and a third panel 27 pivotally connected together in series. The leg section first panel 25 can be pivotally connected to the seat panel 22 of the articulating patient support surface 18. When the patient support surface 18 is in a horizontal configuration to support a patient in a supine position, the leg section first, second and third panels 25, 26, 27 can be in substantially co-planar relationship as illustrated in FIG. 1. The leg section panels 25, 26, 27 are configured to be able to fold together and/or overlap at least portions of each other when the patient support surface is in a chair configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 4B.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the leg section panels 25, 26, 27 have respective different lengths L₁, L₂, L₃. The length L₁ of panel 25 is greater than the lengths L₂ and L₃ of panels 26 and 27. L₁ may be between about twelve inches and about twenty four inches (12″-24″). The length L₃ of panel 27 is greater than the length L₂ of panel 26, but is less than the length L₁ of panel 25. L₃ may be between about ten inches and about twenty inches (10″-20″). The length L₂ of panel 26 is less than both L₁ of panel 25 and L₃ of panel 27. L₂ may be between about six inches and about twelve inches (6″-12″). Other patient support configurations and/or leg section configurations may be used.

[0064] In operation, the bed 10 typically has the back panel 20, seat panel 22, and leg section 24 in a horizontal configuration as shown in FIG. 1A, to support a patient in a supine position. To convert the bed 10 to a chair configuration, the back panel 20, seat panel 22 and leg section 24 articulate relative to each other as shown in FIG. 2, for example by an actuator (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or other suitable mechanism). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1B, the back panel 20 and the seat panel 22 can pivot relative to each other until they are substantially orthogonal to each other. The articulated patient support surface 18 can be placed in a “zero-gravity” configuration or other desirable shape and rotated approximately ninety degrees (90°) to permit side egress from the bed 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 3. Once rotated approximately ninety degrees (90°) to permit side egress from the bed 10, the articulated patient support surface 18 can then be tilted as a unit, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, until the seat panel 22 is substantially horizontal. At this point, the back panel 20 may be substantially vertical. In some embodiments, the bed 10 can then be further moved to a stand-assist configuration with the seat 20 tilted down about 30 degrees and the back 20 being positioned substantially vertically.

[0065] In some particular embodiments, as or after the patient support surface 18 is rotated to the side egress position, the first, second, and third panels 25, 26, 27 of the leg section 24 pivot relative to each other. Tilting of the articulated patient support surface 18 can cause the first, second, and third panels 25, 26, 27 to pivot relative to each other such that the third panel 27 is substantially horizontal, the second panel 26 is in overlying, face-to-face contact with the third panel 27, and the first panel 25 is substantially vertical. This causes a rear portion 27a of the third panel 27 to extend under the base 12 of the bed, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. As such, the third panel 27 is substantially out of the way of the feet of a patient who wishes to egress from the bed 10 and/or allows for the bed to accommodate a greater range of patient sizes to exit the bed while contacting the floor (e.g., short and tall patients).

[0066] Thus, in some particular embodiments, the leg section first, second and third panels 25, 26, 27 pivot relative to each other such that, when the patient support surface is in the side egress chair configuration, the third panel is substantially horizontal, the second panel is in overlying, face-to-face contact with the third panel, and the first panel is substantially vertical. The leg section first second and third panels 25, 26, 27 pivot relative to each other such that, when the patient support surface is in a chair configuration, a portion of the third panel extends beneath the base. The leg section first, second, and third panels 25, 26, 27 each have respective different lengths. Typically, the leg section first panel has a length that is greater than a length of the second and third panels.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1B, the side rails 32, can be secured to the leg section 24 and may optionally rotate with the leg section 24 so as to be oriented such that a longitudinal direction thereof A₁ is substantially vertical (FIG. 1B) when the bed is in a side egress position. In other embodiments, the side rails 32 can be removed prior to rotation or not used on the bed 10 at all.

[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the side rails 32 can remain on the bed but the stand assist supports 75 are configured to be used as support handles 75h to help a patient stand up from a sitting position on the support surface 18. The patient support surface 18 may then be raised and tilted forward, if necessary, to facilitate patient egress from the support surface 18 (e.g., a “stand-assist” orientation). In other embodiments, the stand-assist supports 75 can be used when the bed 10 is in the chair configuration shown in FIG. 1B, and/or to help patients rise or exit the bed in both side egress configurations (e.g., FIG. 1B and FIG. 2), where used.

[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 7 and 8, the bed 10 can be configured with at least one pair of stand-assist supports 75 that stow proximate to (typically against) one long side of the base frame 61. The supports 75 can be stowed to reside against an upper surface of the long side of the base frame 61, one on opposing sides of the seat section 22 (when in the side egress position). The handle 75h can be oriented to face into the interior space of the bed (when stowed). However, one or both of the supports 75 may alternatively optionally store against an upwardly extending (vertical) surface of the long side of the base frame 61 (not shown) under the patient support surface 18. The support 75 can be attached to the long side 61 of the base frame 12 via pivot 76 at one end portion 75a (the end portion away from the handle 75h) and may be held in the stow position using a retention member 80 at a medial 75m or opposing end portion 75b (FIG. 4A, 5). The support 75 can be configured with sufficient structural capacity/integrity so that the handle 75h is accessible by a user and the upper end 75b does not require any cross-support. The retention member 80 can be any suitable configuration to releasably hold the support 75 against the frame 12 as is well known to those of skill in the art. For example, the retention member 80 can comprise a resilient clip with an open front to frictionally engage and release the support 75 from the stowed position. Typically, the support 75 is securely held against (and may be directly against) the frame 61, but no affirmative lock is required.

[0070] The supports 75 can have a primary body 75p (FIG. 11) that is mounted to the frame 61 to allow a single plane of motion and to be able to affirmatively stop when rotated up and positioned to reside adjacent the seat panel 22 on the corresponding side of the bed 10 without allowing further rotation. That is, the primary body 75p of each support 75 can be mounted to the frame 61 to have a limited travel from about 0-90 degrees between the stowed and the active positions. The handle 75h can rotate independently of the primary body 75p and may be extendable relative thereto. The handle 75h can have an angular shape with an angle “a” of between about 100-130 degrees, typically about 120 degrees measured from a longitudinally extending segment centerline to a tip thereof (FIG. 10).

[0071] The support 75 and handle 75h can be configured to provide the structure necessary to reliably support the weight of typical patients. In some embodiments the support 75 can be configured to accommodate patients having a weight between about 100-500 lbs. The handle end 75h can include a textured and/or elastomeric gripping surface. Replaceable (textured) end grips can be used where desired (not shown).

[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates that the bed 10 can include two pairs of the supports 75, one on one long side 61₁ and one on the other 61₂. This allows a user to select one of the different pair of supports 75 to be used depending on which way the bed 10 is rotated for side egress (e.g., in either a left or right direction). In some embodiments, a user can extend both pairs of the supports 75 when the bed is in the side-egress chair configuration, but typically a single pair is used while the other pair remains stowed against or proximate the frame 61.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, the supports 75 can be configured to be adjustable in at least a length dimension (e.g., upwardly) to allow for different size patients. Typically, the height “H” of the handle 75h can be adjustable between about 3-8 inches and may be configured to be able to selectively reside (lock into a desired position) between about 18 inches to about 23 inches above the base frame 61 (FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 6, the length adjustment can be via a telescopic configuration with the handle rod 79 being able to be translated vertically to a desired length and self-lock based on the configuration and frictional engagement of the handle rod 79 and channel 75ch (FIG. 12). In other embodiments, a positive locking feature or component such as a spring pin, cotter pin, clevis pin or other locking member/configuration may be used. The support 75 can include an anti-rotation configuration or member to allow the handle rod 79 to stay in the proper orientation so that the handles 75h project toward each other across the seat section/panel 22 to define a comfortable patient stand-assist support that is easily accessible by different sized patients at the desired heights. The anti-rotation can be provided by a geometrically shaped channel and a corresponding shaped rod forming a portion of the handle, a D-shaped channel or a slot in the handle that mates with a pin mounted internal to the channel and the like.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, the supports 75 may also be mounted to the base frame to allow for lateral adjustment, e.g., the frame can include a lockable track/slot configuration 275 (shown as longitudinally adjustable on the frame for a lateral adjustment with respect to the seat between positions A and B). The frame track/slot configuration 275 may also or alternatively hold the supports 75 to allow for transverse adjustment (to reside closer the forward edge of the seat section or to reside closer toward the back section).

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 9, one or both of the stand-assist supports 75 can be configured to define a cane 75c with the handle 75h. In some embodiments, only one of the stand assist supports 75 in each pair can be used as a cane 75c and the other stand-assist support has a different end configuration and is mounted to the frame in a different manner. The support member 75 defining the cane 75c can be released from the frame 61₁ when exiting or after exiting the bed 10 for use by the patient. The lower(ground) end of the cane 75c can include an anti-slip member 77 that can be added to the cane 75c prior to use by the patient or may reside on the support proximate the pivot attachment end portion 76 (the latter is shown attached in FIG. 9). The anti-slip member 77 can be an elastomeric cap or film that can be replaced as needed due to use. In other embodiments, the cane floor contacting end can be configured with grooves, embossments or other textures to provide an increased friction surface without requiring a separate member 77.

[0076] The supports 75 can be an integral single piece body or may be configured as a multi-piece body. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the support 75 includes a primary tubular member 75p and a telescoping hexagonal rod section 79 that slidably snugly resides in the tubular member and extends a distance upward and angles upward and laterally over toward a patient to define the handle 75h. However, other configurations of the supports 75 may be used.

[0077] In some embodiments, the stand-assist supports 75 are mounted to the bed frame 61 and may be able to be used as a mount system for releasably mounting the stand-assist support with handles 75h as well as different therapeutic or accessory devices in the same support body 75p when pivoted upward, e.g., slings, braces, cuffs and/or exercise accessories can releasably mount to the primary support body 75p after the handle 75h is removed (not shown). For use when the bed 10 is not in the side-egress chair bed position, the support 75 can be mounted to the outside of the frame 61 so that the mattress 18m or support surface 18 does not interfere with deployment of the support 75.

[0078] An alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 13A and 13B. In this embodiment, the stowable supports 75′ can be stowed adjacent an outer perimeter of the back panel 20. As shown in FIG. 13B, the supports 75′ can be pivotally attached to a medial and/or lower portion of the back panel 20 (or upper portion of the seat panel) via pivot 20p. As such, the supports 75′ can pivot downward to be substantially parallel to the seat section 22 of the bed 10 and reside at a distance above the mattress of the seat section 22 as shown in FIG. 13B. The supports 75′ may alternatively be attached to the seat or leg panels so as to be able to rotate with the patient support surface (not shown).

[0079] Typically, the bed 10 will include two supports 75′ as shown, one on each opposing side of the back panel 20. However, in other embodiments, a bed may include only one of the supports 75′.

[0080] Also, instead of the pivot attachment, which allows ease of use and requires no on site assembly, the supports 75′ can be releasably stowed against the bed panel 20. In use, a nurse or other care provider can release one or both of the supports 75′ and manually attach the support(s) 75′ to the bed, typically at the lower portion of the back panel 20 or at an upper portion of the seat panel 22 to form the side exit rail/assist when the bed is in the chair bed configuration.

[0081] The supports 75′ can extend a distance above the scat panel 22 and mattress 18m. Typically, the supports 75′ reside at a distance that is between about 3-12 inches above the mattress 18m of the seat panel 22. The supports 75′ may also be configured to allow vertical adjustment for the deployed position to accommodate different sized/heights in patients. As shown in FIG. 14, the supports 75′ may alternatively or additionally be configured to cooperate with vertically or upwardly extending partitions 175 that can provide additional barrier structure as appropriate. For example, the supports 75′ can include slots on an outer surface thereof or channels extending that releasably engage upwardly and/or downwardly extending substantially planar shields that provide the partitions 175. The shields or partitions 175 may have other shapes and may have different shapes on each side of the seat section or panel 22.

[0082] The supports 75′ can have a length that is less than a length of the mattress, typically a length that substantially corresponds to a length of the back panel 20. The supports 75′ can define safety rails when deployed as shown in FIG. 13B. The supports 75′ may provide a safety feature to inhibit a patient from falling out of the bed sideways when the bed is in the side egress chair position, for example. The supports 75′ can also assist a patient in exiting the bed either in the chair or a stand assist configuration with the seat panel raised relative to the chair position. The supports 75′ can be provided in telescoping configuration for length adjustment.

[0083] The supports 75′ can also hold other accessory structures for ease of patient access to desired items. As shown in FIG. 15, the supports 75′ can releasably hold tables 160. The tables 160 (or partitions 175, FIG. 14) can include BLUETOOTH connections, INTERNET, WIFI or other electrical connections 160e, including plug-in receptacles for recharging electronic devices, typically patient entertainment or communication devices such as cell phones, computers, televisions and/or MP3 players such as IPODS. The supports 75′ can also hold other accessory items such as reading supports, mirrors, therapeutic devices and the like. As appropriate, struts can be used to structurally reinforce the supports. The struts can connect a seat section siderail to the corresponding support 75′ (not shown).

[0084] In some embodiments, the side rails 32 proximate the leg panel 24 can translate transversely in and out (toward and away from the back panel 20) as shown by the directions of the arrows “T” in FIG. 13A. Referring to the right side of the bed in FIG. 13A and 13B, one or both of the lower side rails 24 can translate inwardly toward the center of the bed frame to expose the mattress on the leg section 24 to allow a wheel chair closer access to the patient.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 13A, the supports 75′ can stow snugly against an outer perimeter of the head panel 20 proximate an outer edge portion of the mattress (and under the mattress 18m). The supports 75′ can curve at an upper end portion 75c to follow the contour of the panel 20 and/or mattress 18m. The curve portion 75c can extend inwardly when deployed as shown in FIG. 13B. The curve portion 75c is not required but may provide additional handle support for the patient. The stand-assist supports curved end can optionally substantially correspond to a contour at an intersection of a short and long side of the bed frame and/or mattress 18m. The curve 75c may have an ergonomic three-dimensional shape for patient comfort/ease of use (such as angled and curved in three dimensions).

[0086] Although shown as rotated to the right side of the bed frame in FIG. 13A, 13B, the bed can be configured to rotate the panels 20, 22, 24 and mattress 18m to the left side as well to allow both right and left side egress.

[0087] The supports 75′ can include other features as described above for other embodiments, for example, it is contemplated that replaceable hand grips and/or covers can be configured to slide over at least the end portions of the supports 75′ (e. g. , the curved portions 75c where used). The outer end (shown as the curved portion 75c) may also or alternatively include a textured and/or elastomeric gripping surface. Replaceable (textured) end grips can be used where desired (not shown). The supports 75′ can be configured to provide the structure necessary to reliably support the weight of typical patients. In some embodiments, the supports 75′ can accommodate patients having a weight between about 100-500 lbs.

[0088] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed typical preferred embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.