This application claims the benefit of provisional application, entitled A PATIENT LYING SURFACE WITH TURN-ASSIST, Ser. No. 60/866,206, filed Nov. 16,2006.

The present invention relates to a mattress assembly for use on a hospital bed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a replacement mattress assembly that can be used on various types of bed frames to provide improved patient support and therapies.

Additional features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.

US 2002/0194678 relates to an inflatable product that includes a chamber and an electric air pump for inflating the chamber. The air pump has an air intake and an air outlet. The air intake is connected to the outside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the inside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a first position. The air intake is connected to the inside of the chamber and the air outlet is connected to the outside of the chamber when the air pump is moved to a second position.

US 5,716,199 relates to an air pump including a pump mounted within a housing. A silencer attached to the pump for reducing vibrational shock of the operating pump and for reducing noise by directing the discharged compressed air into the silencer, a heater secured in a heat-exchange chamber in the silencer for beating the discharged air for warming the outlet air with the heater mounted in the silencer well sealed for preventing heat loss, and a suction hood detachably mounted on a side panel of the housing having filter provided in the suction hood for removing dirt laden in the suction air stream, whereby upon dismantling of the suction hood, the hose connected to the sacs of an air mattress may be instantly connected to an inlet adapter of a suction tube connected to the pump for immediately sucking and exhausting air in the sacs for descending the air mattress for an emergency CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

The present teachings provide a patient support apparatus in accordance with claim 1. Advantageous features are defined in the dependent claims.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figure in which:

• FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 1B is an isometric exploded view of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a top cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 3A is a bottom isometric view of a first group of upper cushion bladders according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 3B is a transverse side view of a deflated first group of upper cushion bladders according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 3C is a top view of a first group of upper cushion bladders according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 4A is an isometric view of a lower group of cushion bladders according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 4B is a top view of the lower group of cushion bladders according to the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 4A;
• FIG. 5 is a top view of a turning bladder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6A is a partial isometric view of a foam crib according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 6B is a transverse view of side foam pieces of a foam crib according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 7A is an isometric view of a bottom cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the CPR manifold pull valve handle;
• FIG. 7C is a bottom plan view of the bottom cover;
• FIG. 8 is an isometric view of an inflating/deflating system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a tubing system, a foam crib and a bottom cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a tubing system and CPR manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a foam crib and a bottom cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the control box assembly according to the present invention;
• FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the control box assembly according to the present invention without a control box top cover;
• FIG. 14 is a top view of an embodiment of a control box bottom cover according to the present invention;
• FIG. 15A is a side view of a control box and a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 15B is a side view of a patient lying surface and an embedded control box and according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry between the air main control board and various valves of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry between the air main control board and other components of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a control pendent that may be used to control the inflation/deflation system of the present invention;
• FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the control pendent of FIG. 18;
• FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a control pendant clip according to one embodiment of the present invention in a closed position;
• FIG. 20A is an exploded view of a control pendant clip according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 20B is an isometric view of a front clip member and a utility securing member from a control pendant clip according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a control pendant clip according to one embodiment of the present invention in a fully opened position;
• FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a control pendant clip according to one embodiment of the present invention in a closed position;
• FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a control pendant clip according to one embodiment of the present invention in a partially opened position;
• FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a control pendant and control pendant clip of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 25 is an isometric view of a control pendant mated with a control pendant clip of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 26 is side view of a control pendant mated with a control pendant clip of a patient lying surface according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a control pendant according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 28 is an exploded view of a control pendant according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a control pendant clip with a line management fastener in an opened position according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a utility clip with an IV holder in an opened position according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a utility clip with an IV holder in a closed position according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 30 an isometric view of a utility clip with an IV holder in an opened position secured to a siderail according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 31 is a back isometric view of a utility clip with an alternative IV holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 32 is a front isometric view of a utility clip with an alternative IV holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 33 is a front isometric view of a utility clip with an alternative IV holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 34 is an isometric view of a utility clip with a cup holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 35 is an isometric view of utility clips with a cup holder and a glass holder secured to a siderail according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 36 is an isometric view of a utility clip with a glass holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 37 is an isometric view of a utility clip with a hook holder secured to a siderail according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 38 is an isometric view of a utility clip a hook holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 39 is an isometric view of a utility clip with an IV holder with a foam member according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 40 is an isometric view of a utility clip with an IV holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 41 is an isometric view of a utility clip with an IV holder secured to a siderail according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 42 is an isometric view of a utility clip with an IV holder and an attachment member according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 43 is an isometric view of a utility clip with an IV holder and an attachment member in a closed position according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 44 is an isometric view of a utility clip with an IV holder and an attachment member secured to a siderail according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 45 is an isometric view of a utility clip with an IV holder and an attachment member in an opened position according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 46 is an isometric view of an over bed table with utility clips according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 47 is an isometric view of an over bed table with utility clips secured to siderails according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 48 is a back isometric view of a utility clip with a tissue holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 49 is a front isometric view of a utility clip with a tissue holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 50 is a front isometric view of a utility clip with a towel and soap holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 51 is a front isometric view of a utility clip with a towel and soap holder according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 52 is an isometric view of utility clips with a table according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 53 is an isometric view of utility clips with a table in an angled position secured to a siderail according to another embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 54 is an isometric view of utility clips with a table in a horizontal position secured to a siderail according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 55 is an isometric view of utility clips with a table in a vertical position secured to a siderail according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 56 is an isometric view of utility clips with a table in a raised position secured to a siderail according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The term "longitudinal" as used herein and unless defined otherwise is used to define a length-wise orientation, for example from one end to the other end of the patient lying surface along the length thereof.

The term "transverse" as used herein and unless defined otherwise is used to define an orientation generally perpendicular to a length-wise orientation, for example from side to side of the patient lying surface along the width thereof.

The term "head end" as used herein and unless defined otherwise is used in relative positioning to mean the end in proximity of the head of a patient lying on the lying surface.

The term "foot end" as used herein and unless defined otherwise is used in relative positioning to mean the end in proximity of the feet of a patient lying on the lying surface.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the numeral 10 designates a patient support surface of a patient support apparatus, typically a bed or other patient handling devices, such as a cot, a stretcher, or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, patient support surface 10 includes a top cover 15, a plurality of bladders (30, 40, and 50), a crib 60, and a bottom cover 80. In the illustrated embodiment, three groups of bladders are provided, namely, an upper group of cushion bladders 30, a lower group of cushion bladders 40, and a group of turning bladders 50. The upper group of cushion bladders 30 includes a plurality of transverse bladders 32. Similarly, the lower group of cushion bladders 40 is made of a plurality of longitudinal bladders 42. Further, the group of turning bladders 50 is made up of at least two turning bladders 52, 54. To inflate the various bladders, patient support surface 10 includes an inflating/deflating system 100, which is at least partially embedded in the patient support surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top cover 15 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The top cover 15 of the instant invention may fulfill several functional requirements. It is optionally easy to clean, it may help eliminate cross infections, it may be impermeable, it is flexible and stretchable to accommodate various positions of the patient support surface 10, and it is soft and optionally fire retardant. Top cover 15 of the patient support surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises side portions 16, a head portion 17, a foot portion 18 and a top portion 19.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7A, the lower peripheral contour 22 of top cover 15 includes an attachment device or fastener designed to complementarily mate with an attachment device or fastener of upper peripheral contour 82 of bottom cover 80. When mated, the top cover 15 and bottom cover 80 completely encompass the upper group of cushion bladders 30, the lower group of cushion bladders 40, the turning bladder 50, the inflating/deflating system 100 (except the control box assembly 300 described more fully below), and the foam crib 60. Furthermore, the attachment devices are hidden and not visible when properly mated to one another. In one embodiment of the present invention, this can be achieved through the use of an overlay (not shown), in the form of a large material flap, concealing mated attachment devices and stitches of top cover 15 and bottom cover 80. This latter feature may limit contamination, maintain fire retardant properties of the patient support surface 10 and minimize, if not eliminate, liquids from seeping into the patient support surface 10.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the attachment devices comprise a zipper. In alternative embodiments, and without limiting the scope of the invention, attachment devices may be configured as Velcro™ attachment, snaps, straps, and other know attachment means.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, an overlay is made of the same material as top cover 15 and is permanently affixed thereto. In another embodiment of the present invention, the overlay is permanently affixed to bottom cover 80.

The top cover 15, according to one embodiment of the present invention, may be made of premium polyurethanes material such as Dartex™ material, commercially available from Dartex Coatings Inc., Slatersville, RI, under the name Dartex™ or any other suitable material that exhibits good hydrolysis properties, thus reducing, if not eliminating, potential risks from cross contamination. Further, the top cover 15 may meet International Flame Retardant Standard BS EN 531 and equivalents. In another embodiment of the present invention, the top cover 15 may be made of material that is air and moisture vapor impermeable as well as being fluid impermeable. In yet another embodiment, top cover 15 may be made of material which is biostatic (anti-mycotic) providing a barrier to virus and bacteria.

A worker skilled in the art would readily understand that, without limitations, urethane based materials, such as nylon-based fabric with a polyurethane transfer coating, or vinyl based or vinyl coated materials, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyolefin laminated or coated fabrics or other heat sealable covering materials with antibacterial, antifungal and fluid penetration resistant characteristics may be used to make the top cover 15 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, there is a fire barrier layer adjoining the top cover 15, which may consist of a cloth. The fire barrier layer can be made of fire retardant or fire resistant materials. Examples of suitable materials for a fire barrier layer, without limitations, are Nomex™ (a meta-aramid material) and Keylar™ commercially available from DuPont & Company, Wilmington, Del., M5 fiber commercially available from Magellan Systems International, LLC, Bethesda, Md., coated nylon, carbon foam, Proban™ and Indura™ FR cotton fabrics commercially available from Westex Inc., Chicago, Ill., Pyrovatex™ FR cotton commercially available from CIBA Specialty Chemicals Corporation, Tarrytown, N.Y., Dale Antiflame™ cotton fabric commercially available from Daletec AS, Dalekvam, Norway, Technora™ fabric commercially available from Teijin Kabushiki Kaisha Corporation, Japan, Lenzing FR™ commercially available from Lenzing Fibers Inc., North Axis, Ala., modacrylic fiber, poluamide-imide fibers and polybenzimidazole (PBI) fibers.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fire barrier layer is contiguous with top cover 15 to form a coverlet. The coverlet performs the same functions as the top cover 15 described above but further comprises a fire barrier layer for added fire retardant or fire resistant characteristics.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fire barrier layer and top cover 15 are fused together. Alternately, the fire barrier layer and top cover 15 may be operatively connected together, for example by stitches, snaps, eyelets, hooks, laces, Velcro™ attachments.

With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C, the upper group of cushion bladders 30 may be made of a plurality of substantially parallel transverse (running across the width) bladders 32 to provide transverse cushioning and support for the patient's body. The upper group of cushion bladders 30 may adjoin and be interposed between top cover 15 (or coverlet) and lower group of cushion bladders 40 (FIG. 1B). Bladders 32 are inflatable and deflatable to adjust the cushioning effect and firmness of the upper group of cushion bladders 30 to a desired or required level. Alternately, each bladder 32 is individually inflatable and deflatable. Generally, when patient support surface 10 is in use, upper group of cushion bladders 30 is inflated and can be adjusted to desired firmness depending on the needs of the patient. The relatively narrow width or diameter of bladders 32 may be designed to provide for better body pressure redistribution and to provide full body pressure relief to the patient lying on the patient support surface 10.

Upper group of cushion bladders 30 may be slightly wider than the lower group of cushion bladders 40 and the turning bladder 50. The upper group of cushion bladders 30 covers the control box assembly enclosure 150 and CPR manifold enclosure 109 located at the foot end 12 and head end 11 of the patient support surface respectively.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, parallel bladders 32 are substantially parallel and longitudinally running across the length of upper group of cushion bladders 30, providing longitudinal cushioning and support for the patient's body. Further, upper group of cushion bladders 30 is held in place by a bladder anchoring system 130, fully described further in this specification.

Optionally, all bladders 32 may be independent of each other and can be replaced separately if damaged.

Alternately, the upper group of cushion bladders 30 may be held in place by a bladder anchoring system 130 and a bladder securing means 140.

In another embodiment, in addition to a bladder anchoring system 140, a bladder securing means 140 may include a plurality of bladder securing straps 142 attached, and optionally permanently attached, to the sides of the upper group of cushion bladders 30, which are configured to be fastened to a plurality of bladder securing straps 143 and 144 (see FIGS. 4A and 5 respectively) that are attached, for example permanently attached, to the sides of lower group of cushion bladder 40 (FIG. 4A) and the sides of turning bladders 50 (FIG. 5), respectively.

In one embodiment, bladders 32 may be grouped into different sections of the upper group of cushion bladders 30, with each particular section being individually inflatable and deflatable and with all the bladders 32 from a particular group being inflatable or deflatable simultaneously. In this latter embodiment, the different sections may be designed to support a different part of the patient's body. Examples of such sections are, without limitations, a head section, a seat section, a thigh section, and a foot section, etc.

In one embodiment of the present invention, upper group of cushion bladders 30 is coupled to top cover 15 (or a coverlet where applicable) and to bottom cover 80 via a bladder anchoring system 130 as will be more fully described below. Alternately, upper group of cushion bladders 30 may be not affixed to top cover 15 (or to a coverlet).

Without departing from the intended scope of the present invention, a worker skilled in the art would understand that the number and shape of bladders 32, and of upper group of cushion bladders 30, can be varied in order to adapt patient support surface 10 to a variety of patient support apparatuses or to provide different care and treatments to patients having particular needs.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, lower group of cushion bladders 40, which may be formed from a plurality of parallel longitudinal bladders 42, provides longitudinal cushioning and support for the patient's body. Lower group of cushion bladders 40 may adjoin and be interposed between the upper group of cushion bladders 30 and the turning bladders 50. Each bladder 42 is inflatable and deflatable to adjust the cushioning effect and firmness of the lower group of cushion bladders 40 to a desired level, thus optionally providing full body pressure relief to the patient support on the patient support surface 10.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, parallel bladders 42 are substantially parallel and transverse, running across the width of lower group of cushion bladders 40 and providing transverse cushioning and support for the patient's body.

In one embodiment, each bladder 42 is individually inflatable and deflatable. In another embodiment, bladders 42 are grouped into different sections of the lower group of cushion bladders 40, and each particular section is individually inflatable and deflatable, all the bladders from that particular group being inflated or deflated simultaneously.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower group of cushion bladders 40 is held in place by a bladder anchoring system 130. Alternately, the lower group of cushion bladders 40 is held in place by both a bladder anchoring system 130 and bladder securing means 140. Lower group of cushion bladders 40 may be affixed to top cover 15 (or a coverlet) and to bottom cover 80 through bladder anchoring system 130 (see below).

In another embodiment of the present invention encompassing a bladder securing means 140 and depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the bladder securing means 140 may be comprised of a plurality of bladder securing straps 143 permanently attached to the sides of lower group of cushion bladders 40 designed to be fastened to a plurality of bladder securing straps 142 and 144 (see FIGS. 3A and 5 respectively) permanently attached to the sides of upper group of cushion bladders 30 and the sides of turning bladders 50 respectively.

In one embodiment of the present invention, lower group of cushion bladders 40 may be affixed to top cover 15 (or a coverlet where applicable) and to bottom cover 80 through a bladder anchoring system 130 (see below).

In another embodiment of the present invention, lower group of cushion bladders 40 is not affixed to top cover 15 (or to a coverlet where applicable).

Without departing from the intended scope of the present invention, a worker skilled in the art would understand that the number and shape of bladders 42 and of lower group of cushion bladders 40 can be varied in order to accommodate the adaptation of patient support surface 10 to a variety of patient support apparatuses or to provide different care and treatments to a class of patients.

Referring to FIG. 5, a group of turning bladders 50 may be formed by two bladders 52, 54 that run longitudinally (elongated longitudinally). As depicted in FIG. 5, group of turning bladders 50, according to one embodiment of the present invention, is bottle-shaped with an enhanced width part 55 proximal to the head end 11 of the patient support surface 10 (corresponding to the head and upper torso of the patient) and a reduced width part 56 in proximity of the foot end 12 of the patient support surface 10. One function of the group of turning bladders 50 is to provide assistance in turning the patient in order to facilitate the administration of care or treatment to the patient. Each of the two sections 52, 54 that run longitudinally is independently and operatively connected to the inflating/deflating system 100 via the tubing system 102. Primary hoses 53 run from sections 52, 54 to valve manifold assembly 304 (FIGS. 12-14) of control box assembly 300 (FIGS. 8 and 12). Secondary hoses 51 (FIGS. 8-10) run from sections 52, 54 to CPR manifold 108 (FIGS. 1B and 8-10).

Alternately, the turning bladders 52, 54 may be in fluid communication with the opposite section of the lower cushion formed by lower group of cushion bladders 40. For example, bladder 52 may be in fluid communication with bladders 40a, while bladder 54 may be in fluid communication with bladders 40b. In this manner, air flow between the respective bladders will allow one set of bladders in the lower group of bladders to deflate while the opposite turning bladder is inflating. For example, if you want to turn a patient to the right, the left turning bladder will be inflated and the right section of the lower group of bladders will deflate. This will allow repositioning of the patient over a full range of motion while still retaining the patient on the foam crib. As would be understood, some level of air cushioned support may still be provided under the patient when in a turned position.

The above described shape of the group of turning bladders 50 may be designed to provide alignment of the back, hip and legs of the patient when operating the turn-assist function of the patient support surface 10. For proper care and treatment, it is usually important to be able to rotate the patient along the longitudinal axis of his body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, group of turning bladders 50 is affixed to top cover 15 (or a coverlet) and to bottom cover 80 through bladder anchoring system 130 (see below).

In another embodiment of the present invention, upper group of cushion bladders 30 is not affixed to top cover 15 (or to a coverlet where applicable).

A worker skilled in the art would readily understand that variations of the shape of the group of turning bladders 50 could be made without departing from the scope of the instant invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of flexible bladder securing means 140 are provided that connect to the various bladders to hold them into place, thus forming a bladder anchoring system. In addition, bladder anchoring system 130 may include a plurality of tethers 132, such as flexible bands or straps, that run throughout the various bladders of the patient support surface 10 and through anchoring slits 134 found in upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and group of turning bladders 50 (see FIGS. 3C, 4B, and 5 respectively) and bottom foam piece 64 of foam crib 60. Tethers 132 extend through the various bladders and further through cradle 60 with their ends trapped between cradle 60 and bottom cover 80. In the illustrated embodiment, tethers 132 are coupled to anchors 135, which are trapped between cradle 60 and bottom cover 80. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, anchors 135 comprise flanges or plates that have a transverse dimension that is sufficient to prevent the anchors from passing through the openings formed in the cradle through which the tethers extend. By trapping the ends of the tethers 132 between the cradle and the bottom cover, the bladders are stabilized and tethered to the cradle. Anchors 135 may be positioned to correspond to the tethers 132 and anchoring slits 134, located on the bottom cover 80 (FIG. 9). Tethers 132 can, after running throughout the various bladders of the patient support surface 10 through anchoring slits 134 as described above, be firmly attached to the anchors at their distal ends. While illustrated as a separate component, the anchors may be formed by the ends of the tethers themselves, where the tethers have enlarged ends. Further, the proximal ends of vertical tethers 132 may be attached to top cover 15 or a coverlet where applicable. In an alternative embodiment, the proximal end of tethers 132 may be attached to the upper group of cushion bladders (see FIG. 3B).

A worker skilled in the art would appreciate that various means of anchoring the upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40, and group of turning bladders 50 to the patient support surface 10 could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, inflating/deflating system 100 may comprise a tubing system 102, a CPR manifold 108, a CPR manual pull valve 106 and a control box assembly 300. The inflating/deflating system 100 may operate several features of the patient support surface 10, such as full body pressure redistribution, adjustable firmness, low air loss, maximum inflate, turn-assist and emergency deflation for CPR administration.

Pressurized air is provided to the various bladders by means of an air pump 325 located within control box assembly 300. Control box assembly 300 is embedded into the patient support surface 10, in proximity to the foot end 12.

As best seen in FIG. 12, control box assembly 300 includes a control box top cover 301 and a control box bottom cover 302 (see also FIGS. 13 and 14), which form, when mated, a substantially rectangular control box assembly casing 303. As depicted in FIG. 12, several components of the control box assembly 300 are located within the control box assembly casing 303 or connected thereto. A power cord 312 may be connected to a side control box bottom cover 302, with an electrical circuit running from power cord 312 to an AC switch 314, to a toroid 310 for converting the voltage from an outlet voltage (e.g. 120V) to an appropriate lower voltage for the operation of the control box assembly 300, and to an air main control board (AMCB) 305. The air main control board (AMCB) 305 is electrically connected to air pump 325 and valve manifold assembly 304. The air intake and exit to and from the air pump 325 is through canister assembly 320. In the illustrated embodiment, canister assembly includes two chambers, namely an intake chamber 321 and an exit chamber 322. The air enters the canister assembly 320 by intake chamber 321, and then proceeds to the intake of the air pump 325 where it is compressed and pumped out of the air pump 325 through the exit chamber 322 of the canister assembly 320. The chambers of the canister assembly 320 absorb vibration and minimize noise generated by air pump 325. The air then goes through the valve manifold assembly 304 and proceeds to the tubing system 102. Alternately or in addition, manifold 304 may have enlarged chambers, which may provide vibration and noise reduction.

In one embodiment of the present invention, control box assembly 300 further comprises a fan 330 set in a fan enclosure 332 one of side foam pieces 61 and 62 of foam crib 60 to exit air out of the control box assembly 300. In one embodiment of the present invention, control box assembly 300 further comprises various sensors or sensor reading electronics.

In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the control box assembly 300 is powered by means of a battery pack. In a further embodiment (not shown), control box assembly 300 is powered through the power source of the patient support apparatus or bed.

To inflate and maintain pressure in the patient support surface 10, electrically powered air pump 325 supplies air under pressure through tubing system 102, with upper group of cushion bladders 30 connected to the inflating/deflating system 100 via the tubing system 102 through connectors 35 (FIGS. 3A-3C), lower group of cushion bladders 40 operatively connected to the inflating/deflating system 100 via the tubing system 102 through connectors 45, and group of turning bladders 50 operatively connected to the inflating/deflating system 100 via the tubing system 102 through connectors 155.

Primary hoses 103 run from air pump 325 (within the control box assembly 300) to each of upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and turning bladder 50 (or respective bladders of upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and turning bladder 50) via valve manifold assembly 304. Valve manifold assembly 304 distributes the airflow from air pump 325 to the various bladders of the patient support surface 10 according to the required need. Secondary hoses 31, 41 and 51 run from CPR manifold 108 to primary hoses 103 connected to upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and turning bladder 50 respectively, or respective bladders of upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and turning bladder 50.

FIGS. 17A and 17B diagrammatically shows a configuration of the integration of the control box assembly 300 in the patient support surface 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. At the foot section of the patient support surface 10 there is a control box assembly enclosure 150 in the bottom of bottom cover 80 facing downward from patient support surface 10. The control box assembly 300 (comprising air pump 325) fits into control box assembly enclosure 150 and is secured in place by two or more control box assembly securing straps 355. The control box assembly securing straps 355 are affixed, optionally permanently affixed, along both sides (running transverse across the patient support surface 10) of the control box assembly enclosure 150. Each control box assembly securing strap 355 can be coupled to a complementary control box assembly securing strap 355 on opposite side of the control box assembly enclosure 150 via a strap coupling means (See FIG. 7C). When the two or more control box assembly securing straps 355 are coupled to their respective complementary control box assembly securing straps 355, the control box assembly 300 is secured to the patient support surface 10 and embedded therein. As such, the patient support surface 10 is easily adaptable to a variety of patient support apparatuses or beds.

The patient support surface 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a feature which assists the care provider in efficiently providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a patient lying thereon. The CPR manifold 108 is embedded within the patient support surface 10 proximal to the head end 11 thereof. The relative positioning of the CPR manifold 108 is above the foam crib 60 and bottom cover 80 (see FIGS. 1 and 9) and underneath the top cover 15 (or a coverlet where applicable), the upper group of cushion bladders 30, the lower group of cushion bladders 40 and the group of turning bladders 50 (see FIG. 1 for example).

FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry between the air main control board (AMCB) 305 and various valves of a patient support surface 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry between the air main control board (AMCB) 305 and other components of a patient support surface 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a tubing system 102 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Tubing system 102 comprises primary hoses 103 running from valve manifold assembly 304 (not shown) to each bladder of the upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and group of turning bladders 50 (see FIG. 12), and secondary hoses 31, 41 and 51 run from CPR manifold 108 to primary hoses 103 connected to upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and group of turning bladders 50 (not shown) respectively, or respective bladders of upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and group of turning bladders 50.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the tubing of the tubing system 102 which runs longitudinally are positioned in proximity of side foam pieces 61 and 62. This configuration helps avoiding the tubing from interfering with other components of the patient support surface and from inadvertently being disconnected from their respective bladder.

At the head section 11 of patient support surface 10, there is a CPR manifold assembly, which allows the bladders to be quickly deflated so that the patient is supported by the relatively rigid support surface under the inflatable bladders. In this manner, CPR can be administered quickly to the patient. In the illustrated embodiment, CPR manifold assembly includes a CPR manifold 108 and a CPR manifold pull valve 106, which when pulled releases air from the manifold. Manifold 108 is coupled to every bladder of the patient support surface 10 through secondary hoses 31, 41, and 51, which are connected to manifold 108 through check valves 108a. Secondary hoses 41 run from CPR manifold 108 to primary hoses 103 connected to upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and group of turning bladders 50 respectively, or respective bladders of upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and group of turning bladders 50, where applicable. Check valves 108a prevent air from flowing into the manifold when the pressure in the manifold exceeds the pressure in the support surface but open to allow air to flow into the manifold when the pressure in the manifold drops, for example, when the manifold pull valve is opened.

In the illustrated embodiment, manifold 108 is supported in base 80 by a CPR support 111, which is mounted to side walls 84 and 85 by fasteners (e.g. see FIG. 7B). CPR manifold 108 may be located within a CPR manifold enclosure 109 (FIG. 11) formed between the end of cradle 60 and base 80. As best understood from FIG. 7A, CPR manual pull valve 106 is operatively connected to a CPR plate 110 with a plug 110a and manual pull valve handle 107. Plate 110 is mounted to the exterior side of base 80, with plug 110a of CPR plate 110 extending through an opening 84a of sidewall 84 of bottom cover 80 and further into valve 106. As noted above, plate 110 includes a manual pull handle 107, which when pulled dislodges plug 110a from valve 106 to thereby open the valve and hence empty manifold 108. For further details of CPR manifold 108, reference is made to copending application entitled, filed December 13, 2006, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RAPIDLY DEFLATING AIR CELLS WITH CHECK VALVES FOR CARDIO PULMONARY RESUSCITATION, owned by Sentech Medical Systems, Inc., which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the patient support surface 10 has two CPR manual pull valves 106, positioned on each side of the patient support surface 10 and operatively connected to the CPR manifold 108. As best understood from FIGS. 7A and 11, bottom cover 80, manifold 108 is supported between the side walls of bottom cover 80 and adjacent the end of crib 60. Further, each side wall of bottom cover 80 includes an opening, which allows the pull valve tab or handle 107 to couple to the respective pull valve 106 through the wall of the bottom cover 80.

As noted, the primary function of the CPR manifold assembly is to rapidly deflate and level the upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and group of turning bladders 50 of patient support surface 10 for enabling the administration of CPR procedures. As such procedures are often life preserving in nature, the time in which they can be administered to a patient is crucially important. To the CPR manifold assembly, the health care provider simply has to pull the CPR manual pull valve handle 107, which then disconnects from and unplugs CPR manual pull valve 106, causing all running functions of the patient support surface 10 to stop and all bladders thereof to instantly deflate.

As depicted in FIGS. 6A and 11, the patient support surface 10 comprises a foam crib 60, which lies against the periphery of the inside of the bottom cover 80 to contain the patient substantially in the center of the bed or patient support apparatus. There are two side foam pieces 61, 62 that run longitudinal along the sides of the patient support surface 10. Side foam pieces 61, 62 are joined to a bottom foam piece 64, described below. The side foam pieces 61, 62 are glued to the bottom foam piece 64 and sealed with a thin cloth 65 to form an integral component. Further, foam crib 60 may incorporate areas 60a and 60b of increased thickness in bottom foam piece 64 at the head end of the crib to facilitate head positioning. For example, the increased thickness may be formed by the bottom foam piece 64 or by separate foam pads or pieces secured to the bottom foam piece, for example by glue.

A transverse section view of side foam pieces 61, 62 according to one embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 6B. In this embodiment, side foam pieces 61, 62 each have a substantially trapezoidal shape with two angles θ₁ and θ₂ being substantially right angles while angle θ₃ is acute and angle θ₄ is obtuse. The respective top surfaces 61a and 62a are narrower than the respective bottom surfaces 61c and 62c. Respective inside lateral surface 61b and 62b of side foam pieces 61, 62 are oriented towards the center of the patient support surface 10. Respective outside lateral surfaces 61d and 62d are facing the outside of the patient support surface 10 and are substantially vertical. The shape of side foam pieces 61, 62 according to this embodiment of the present invention assist in maintaining the bladders (30, 40 and 50) and the patient in a proper position, in the center of the patient support surface 10.

The bottom foam piece 64 is made from a material that is strong, but of lower Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) than side foam pieces 61, 62. For example, side foam pieces 61, 62 may have an ILD in a range of 60 to 85, or in a range of 41-60, or in a range of 33 to 40. Suitable ILD's for side foam pieces include an ILD of 85, an ILD of 80, an ILD of 75, or an ILD of 70. Bottom foam piece 64 is cushy and comfortable and of minimal height. According to an embodiment of the present invention (see for example FIG. 11), bottom foam piece 64 is substantially rectangular in shape, extending laterally to the inner sides of bottom cover 80 under the side foam pieces 61, 62 and extending longitudinally to the respective enclosures 109 (FIG. 11), 150 for the CPR manifold 108 and control box assembly 300.

In one embodiment of the present invention, side foam pieces 61, 62 have an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) of 85.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there are compression gashes 63 may be provided in side foam piece 61, 62 in areas that are tailored to allow the patient support surface 10 to bend easily with the patient support apparatus or bed as various sections thereof are articulated. For example, in the embodiment depicted at FIG. 11, compression gashes 63 in side foam pieces 61, 62 are positioned for the patient support surface 10 to accommodate a patient support apparatus or a bed which has a movable foot section. Compression gashes 63 are always in corresponding positions on both side foam pieces 61 and 62. Bottom cover 80 is designed so that the base portion 88 thereof contours the compression gashes 63 and thereby avoids hindering the bending of the patient support surface 10. The number of compression gashes in side foam pieces 61 and 62 may vary and may include, for example, two compression gashes 63, four compression gashes 63, six compression gashes 63, eight compression gashes, or ten compression gashes.

A worker skilled in the art would understand that the foam crib 60 according to embodiments of the present invention does not necessarily need to be made of foam and that any relatively soft material with an appropriate Indentation Load Deflection, as described above.

In reference to FIG. 7, the bottom cover 80 of the patient support surface according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises side walls or portions 85, a head wall or portion 86, a foot wall or portion 87 and a base wall or portion 88.

The bottom cover 80 is designed to cover the bottom but also covers the outside walls of the patient support surface 10. In one embodiment of the present invention, the underside surface of base portion 88 of bottom cover 80 is made of or has a layer of non-skid material on the section proximal to the foot portion 87. The underside surface section of base portion 88 of bottom cover 80 proximal to the head portion 86 is made of or has a layer of a slippery material such as, without limitations, nylon. The side portions 85 of bottom cover 80 are fabricated from (or covered with) a thick non-skid material, which is of high-resistance. In this manner, when surface 10 is resting on a frame, such as a deck assembly of a bed, the head end of surface 10 can slide relative to the frame, for example, when surface 10 is being lifted or folded.

Bottom cover 80 also comprises anchoring points 135 of the bladder anchoring system 130.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 7A, 9 and 11, attachment straps 160 are provided on the surface 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. There is a plurality of attachment straps 160 affixed to the bottom cover 80 at many locations of the sides thereof. Attachment straps 160 allow the patient support surface 10 to be adapted and secured to many types of patient support apparatuses or beds in different ways. For example, without limitations, attachment straps 160 can be attached to a deck support or an intermediate frame of a patient support apparatus or bed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, attachment straps 160 are also provided on the head end 11 and foot end 12 of patient support surface 10.

Referring to FIG. 18, inflation/deflation system 100 may be controlled by a control pendant 350. Control pendent 350 is operatively connected to the control box assembly 300 to communicate therewith. In these embodiments, the connection is through a communication wire. Control pendant 350 provides an interface for a health care provider to control the operation of several features of the patient support surface 10 such as full body pressure redistribution, adjustable firmness, low air loss, maximum inflate, turn-assist and emergency deflation for CPR administration.

Alternately, control pendant 350 may communicates with the control box assembly 300 via wireless communication means.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control box assembly 300 is operatively connected to the patient support apparatus' or bed's communication network, such as a CAN network, which is coupled to one or more bed control panels, including a touch screen, to allow a user to control various functions on the bed or review the status of various functions on the bed. In this manner, the control of the control box assembly 300 and the functions of the patient support surface may therefore be effected through the support apparatus' or bed's control panel.

Control pendant 350, as depicted in the exemplarily embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19, includes a plurality of control buttons 350a and an interface control board 350b, which is in communication with buttons 350a and control board 305 of control box 300. Buttons 350a and board 350b are housed on a housing 350c, which includes a back housing member 350d and a cover plate 350e, which covers board 350b, but provides openings through which buttons 350a and the indicator lights 350f, such as LEDs, (all of which are mounted to board 350b) extend for viewing and access by a user. Further, buttons 350a and indicators 350f are sealed in housing 350c by a flexible cover 350g, such as a membrane, which allow a user to activate the buttons through the flexible cover.

Control buttons 350a may include, for example, Turn-Assist Right 351, Turn-Assist Left 352, Max Inflate 353, Stop 354, Firmness Decrease 355, Firmness Increase 356, Default Firmness 357 (not shown), Lock 358, Maintenance Call 359 (not shown), etc. As would be understood, when any one of these control buttons is actuated, typically by pressure, the control board will actuate the pump or deactivate the pump as appropriate for the selected function or generate the appropriate signal for the alarm or lock functions.

The patient support surface 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises various sensors to perform specific functions. These sensors can be of all or some of the following categories: pressure sensor(s), angle or tilt sensor(s), temperature sensor(s) and humidity sensor(s).

The pressure sensor(s) are used to measure the pressure on a patient's body lying on the patient support surface 10 by measuring the applied pressure in various points of the patient support surface 10. The pressure sensor(s) can be placed in several locations, for example, without limitations, on either face of the top cover 15, on the coverlet, on upper group of cushion bladders 30, on lower group of cushion bladders 40, on group of turning bladders 50, etc.

The angle or tilt sensor(s) may be used to measure the inclination angle(s) of various sections of a patient support surface 10 used with a patient support apparatus or bed which has moveable sections. The angle or tilt sensor(s) can be located in several locations, for example, without limitations, on either face of the top cover 15, on the coverlet, on upper group of cushion bladders 30, on lower group of cushion bladders 40, on group of turning bladders 50, on either face of the bottom cover, etc.

The temperature sensor(s) are used to measure the temperature of a patient's body lying on the patient support surface 10, and are situated, without limitations, on either face of the top cover 15, on the coverlet, etc.

The humidity sensor(s) are used to measure the relative humidity of a patient's body lying on the patient support surface 10, and are situated, without limitations, on the top surface of top cover 15 or a coverlet, etc. The humidity sensor(s) may be useful to monitor or detect possible medical conditions, such as bed ulcers, which are affected by the humidity.

It should be understood that other possible types of sensors could be used within the present invention such as, without limitations, integrated circuit sensors, Piezo sensitive devices, angular sensors, potentiometers, contact switches, capacitors, Temposonic™ (linear position sensors and transducers...), magneto resistive elements, optical sensors, camera sensors, radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, magnetic sensors, or any combination thereof.

As noted, the various functions of the patient support surface 10 may be controlled via the control pendant 350, and examples thereof are described below.

The turn-assist function of the patient support surface 10 assists a health care provider in turning bed-ridden patients. The patient should be positioned along the longitudinal centerline of the patient support surface 10 to facilitate turning. Failure to position the patient along the patient support surface centerline before starting the turn-assist function could result in patient injury. In an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to raise the patient support apparatus siderails. Then, the health care provider can initiate the turn-assist by selecting the corresponding function (turning the patient on the left or on the right) on the control pendant 350 (or on the patient support apparatus' or bed's communication network control panel).

A function selection signal is then transmitted from the control pendant 350 to the air main control board 305 of control box assembly 300. Air main control board 305 then operatively coordinates the for the air pump 325, valve manifold assembly 304 to inflate one of the two bladders 52, 54 that run longitudinally in group of turning bladders 50 (as depicted in FIG. 5). If the patient needs to be turned to the right, the left bladder 52 will be inflated and conversely, if the patient needs to be turned to the left, the right bladder 54 will be inflated.

Patient support surface firmness settings may be adjusted for patient comfort requirements. In one embodiment of the present invention, default firmness is predetermined and pre-programmed. For example, the default firmness may be pre-programmed to be in a range of 20 to 25 mmHg, 25 to 30 mmHg, or 15 to 20 mmHg and may, for example, be pre-programmed to be about 22 mmHg.

The determination of the default firmness value will depend on the weight of the patients, with higher settings being typically preferable for heavier patients.

Using the control pendant 350 (or on the patient support apparatus' or bed's communication network control panel), the "Max inflate" function of the patient support surface may be selected, which allows nurses to inflate the patient support surface 10 to a maximum predetermined pressure to facilitate patient manipulation and transfer to or from patient support surface 10. For example, a maximum predetermined pressure may be in a range from 70 to 80 mmHg, in a range from 60 to 70 mmHg, or in the range from 50 to 60 mmHg. In various embodiments, maximum predetermined pressure may be 80 mmHg, 70 mmHg, 60 mmHg, or 50 mmHg.

Another feature of the patient support surface 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is the CPR state of the patient support surface 10 via the CPR manifold assembly. As described previously, a function of the CPR manifold assembly is to rapidly deflate and level the upper group of cushion bladders 30, lower group of cushion bladders 40 and group of turning bladders 50 of patient support surface 10 for enabling the administration of CPR procedures and to stop every running features of the patient support surface 10. Since CPR procedures can often be life preserving in nature, the time in which they can be administered to a patient is sensitive.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the CPR state feature of the patient support surface 10 is not controlled from the control pendant 350 but rather from the CPR manifold assembly. To initiate the CPR state feature, the health care provider simply has to pull on CPR manual pull valve handle 107 of a CPR manual pull valve 106, which will cause all other running functions or features of the patient support surface 10 to stop and all inflated bladders thereof to rapidly deflate. The patient is then in a proper position for receiving CPR procedures, lying flatly on a firm surface.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the CPR manual pull valve 106 is replaced by a CPR electrically powered valve 106a (not shown) operatively connected to and controlled via the control pendant 350. In such an embodiment, control pendant 350 comprises a CPR valve activation button to initiate the CPR state feature.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an indicator or alarm signal is activated on the control pendant 350 whenever the CPR positioning feature is initiated.

Referring to FIG. 20, the numeral 370 generally designates a clip of the present invention. Clip 370 is configured to mount to a variety of different shaped components, typically structural members of a piece of hospital equipment, including furniture, an IV pole, a patient handling device, such as a hospital bed, a stretcher, a cot, a wheel chair, or the like. Further, as will be more fully described below, clip 370 provides a mounting surface for various accessories so that the various accessories may be mounted to, for example, the equipment. Though described and illustrated in reference to a patient handling device, it should be understood that clip 370 may be used to mount various accessories to other hospital equipment, as noted, including furniture, an IV pole or any other equipment that has a member that can be engaged by the clip and, moreover, support the clip and the desired accessory.

As best seen in FIGS. 20, 20A. 20B, and 21-23, clip 370 comprises a pair of clip members 371 and 372 that are pivotally connected together about a pivot axis 370a. Further, clip members 371 and 372 are biased in a manner to urge the clip members toward each other so that when the clip members straddle a structural member, such as a side rail member on a hospital bed, the clip members engage the structural member. In addition, at least one of the clip members is provided with a mounting surface 370b for mounting an accessory to the clip and ultimately to the structural member.

Referring again to FIG. 20A, each clip member 371, 372 is formed from a plate member 371b, 372b, which is coupled to or formed with a pivot shaft 371a, 372a at their respective upper edges. Pivot shafts 371a and 372a are aligned along axis 370a and receive a pivot pin 374 therethrough to thereby pivotally couple the two clip members together. Pivot pin 374 is secured in pivot shafts 371a and 372a by a nut 375 and, further, is enclosed in shafts 371a and 372a by covers 376.

Plate members 371b and 372b are optionally formed from a plastic material and are configured, such as by molding, to at least partially wrap around the structural member so that the inwardly facing surface of the plate members provides a receiving portion that makes contact with the structural member over at least discrete areas of the structural member rather than simply a line contact. However, it should be understood that in some applications, a line contact between one or more of the clip members and the structural members may be adequate.

As best seen in FIGS. 20, 21, and 22, the inwardly facing sides of clip members are provided with gripping areas 378, such as areas of material with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber. This surface may be applied, such as by spraying or adhesively attaching a layer of high friction surface or may be injection molded with the respective plate member. In this manner, the gripping areas may improve the frictional coupling between the clip and the structural mounting member to which the clip is mounted.

As noted, clip members 371 and 372 may be configured to at least partially wrap around the structural member. In the illustrated embodiment, when in its fully closed position and as viewed in FIG. 20, each plate member 371b, 372b includes a general central region 371c, 372c, which forms a receiving portion, an inwardly angle portion 371d, 372d at a lower portion of the plate member, and an inwardly angled portion 371e, 372e at the upper portion thereof, which connects or is molded to the respective pivot shaft (371a, 372a). Further, lower or distal edge portions 371f, 372f of the plate members extend generally downwardly in a general vertical orientation (as viewed in FIG. 20) from angled portions 371d, 372d. Depending on the size of the structural member, the lower distal edge portions 371f, 372f may contact and further bear against each other when the clip is mounted to the structural member. In this manner, the bearing force generated between the lower or distal edge portions 371f and 372f may provide additional torsional resistance and, hence, stability to the clip when the clip is mounted to a structural member. However, it should be understood that the depending on the size of the structural member, the distal edge portions may not make contact.

As noted previously, clip members 371 and 372 are biased toward each other. In the illustrated embodiment, clip members 371 and 372 are biased by a spring 373, such as coil spring, which is located in pivot shafts 371a and 372a about a post 373a and with the ends 373b, 373c of the spring engaging, for example, internal ribs 371g provided in shafts 371a, 372a. In this manner, clip member 371 and clip member 372 can be opened through opposite rotational movements thereof around the pivot axis formed by the pivot pin 374 against the force of the spring, but with the spring applying a biasing force to return the clip members to their closed position (FIG. 20). Ribs 371g comprise radial ribs and are joined at their distal ends in the central passages of shafts 371a, 372a by an annular member 371h, which provides a guide for pin 374.

In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory comprises an accessory mounting member 377, namely a bracket, and a control module interface 350, referred to herein as a control pendent. In order to mount pendent 350 to bracket 377, bracket 377 includes a pair of opposed grooves 379. The back side of control pendant 350 includes a complementary flange 380, which can be slidably and removably mated with grooves 379 of control pendant clip 370.

Referring again to FIG. 20B, mounting surface 370b is provided at the outwardly facing side of clip member 372. In the illustrated embodiment, mounting surface 370b includes a pair of projecting cylindrical shaped bodies 370c that extend into corresponding openings 377a provided in bracket 377. Optionally, an adhesive may be applied between the respective facing surfaces of the clip member 372 and bracket 377 and about bodies 370c, with bodies 370b acting like dowels. Alternately, bodies 370c may be provided with or formed from a high friction surface to provide a frictional coupling between bracket 370b and clip member 372. A snap fit coupling may also be provided. For example, bodies 370c may include an enlarged annular lip that either engages bracket 377 at openings 377a, for example, by engagement with a corresponding groove provided in opening or by extending through the openings.

In this manner, clip 370 can then be coupled to any part of the patient support apparatus or bed, such as, without limitations, a siderail, a footboard, a headboard, a frame system, by simply positioning clip members 371, 372 on opposite sides of such part of the patient support apparatus or bed and releasing one of the clip members. Further, when mounted in pivot shafts 371a and 372a, spring 373 may be pre-tensioned so that the spring force in spring 373 will then cause the clip members to apply pressure on the part of the patient support apparatus or bed even when the clip members are in their fully closed position (FIG. 20) resulting in the control pendant clip 370 being firmly coupled thereto. As noted, griping areas 378 of clip members will provide added frictional force to prevent pendant clip 370 from accidentally moving or becoming decoupled.

For example, griping areas 378 may be made of, or covered with, a material with a friction coefficient in the range of about 2.0 to 3.0, or in the range of about 1.0 to 2.0, or in the range of about 0.5 to 3.0. For example, the material may have a friction coefficient of about 3.0, a friction coefficient of about 2.0, or a friction coefficient of about 1.0.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, depicted in FIGS. 27-30, clip 370 may couple to an accessory in the form of a line management fastener 385, which may be used to manage wires from, for example, control pendant 350. In this configuration, clip 370 enables the grouping of one or more wires from control pendant 350 to be located and supported on the upper side of clip 370. As such, the interference from the wires with other components of the lying surface or patient support apparatus is minimized, thereby also minimizing the risks of inadvertently disconnecting the wires and of injury.

Line management fastener 385 includes a plate member 385a, which is configured to overlay clip member 372 and which includes openings 385b, for receiving bodies 370c of clip member 372 similar to bracket 377. Further, plate member 385a extends upwardly above pivot shafts 371a, 372a and includes mounted at its upper end a clip or fastener 385c, which has a pivotal arm 385d and base 385e. Both arm 385d and base 385e may have a pad 385f, 385g, such as a resilient pad, including a rubber or foam pad, so that wires may be frictionally held between the respective pads when arm 385d is pivoted to its closed and latched position on base 385e (FIG. 29). Alternately, clip 385 may be used to hold IV tubes in which case the pads may help preventing the undesirable pinching of IV tubes. Pads 385f and 385g may have an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) of in a range of 100-70, for example a ILD of 100, 90, 85, 80, 75, or 70. For example, pads 385f, 385g may have an ILD of 60 to 85, an ILD of 41-60, or an ILD of 33 to 40.

Referring to FIGS. 31-33, clip 370 maybe used to support another embodiment of a line management fastener 485. Line management fastener 485 similarly includes a plate 485a with openings 485b to mount fastener to clip 370. In the illustrated embodiment, fastener 485 includes a body 460 at the upper end of plate 485 that is formed from a resilient material and includes a plurality of recesses 465 formed therein for receiving and holding tubes or wires. Recesses 465 are formed inwardly from the upper surface of body 460 and further have constricted openings at the upper surface to thereby form clamps. The clamps may vary in size to accommodate different size tubes or wires. Several tubes or wires can thus be managed and held in place by clamping them in securing clamps 465 which complement the sizes of said tubes and wires. Thus fastener 485 provides a snap-in type tube management system.

In other embodiments of the present invention, control pendant clip 370 can be used for other purposes. For example, FIGS. 34-36 illustrate respectively a clip with a cup or glass holder or other cylindrical objects. As best seen in FIG. 34, clip 370 is coupled with a cup holding member 585. Cup holding member 585 includes a rearward plate 586 with a plurality of openings for coupling to bodies 370c of clip 370 in a similar manner to the previous embodiments. Clip 370 may be mounted to a glass holding member 685 which has a plate 686 with openings 686a and a closed upper annular member 687.

According to an embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 37 and 38, a clip 370 is provided with another holding member 785, which is also configured to engage a cylindrical object (similar to members 585 and 685). However, in this embodiment, member 785 may be formed without a bottom support surface and instead is formed from two resilient C-shaped arms 787 that extend from plate 786. Arms 787 may be used to mount the clip to a cylindrical member, such as a pole, or may simply provide a pair of outwardly projecting hooks on which items may be suspended or dropped. In this embodiment, multiple medical equipments can be supported by holding member 785, such as, without limitations, bottles, stethoscopes, pressure measuring devices, etc.

As best seen in FIGS. 39-41, two clips 370 may be coupled together by a bracket in the form of a plate 885 that has one set of openings for receiving bodies 370c of one clip and another set of openings to receive the bodies 370c of the other clip. Further, one or both clips may include pads 900 on the inwardly facing sides of the clip members (371, 372), which reduces the spacing between the clip members and, further, may provide a resilient high friction surface for holding therebetween tubes or the like. Pads 900 may be made from a similar material to pads 385f and 385g.

As best seen in FIGS. 42-45, clips 370 may be attached by a bracket 995 that provides a stacked arrangement for the clips with a first upper plate section 995a for mounting to one clip and a second lower plate section 995b for mounting to the second clip.

FIGS. 46-47 illustrate a transverse over bed table 1085 with utility clips 370 mounted to the frame members 1087 of table 1085. Frame members 1087 similarly includes openings into which bodies 370c may be secured or mounted.

FIG. 48 depicts a clip 370 with a tissue box holder 1185 mounted to the clip in a similar manner described in reference to the previous embodiments.

FIGS. 49-50 illustrate a clip 370 with a soap holder 1285 or a towel holder 1385. Towel holder 1385 may optionally include a holder 1387 for holding personal hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body gels, etc.

FIG. 51 shows clips 370 and holders 685 and 1387 interconnected by a transverse member 1400.

Referring to FIGS. 52-56, according to another embodiment of the present invention clips 370 may be used to mount a writing surface, such as a writing table 1500, for example in a plurality of different positions. For example, writing table 1500 may be mounted to clips 370 by pivot brackets 1502, which allow for selective positioning of table 1500 about a generally horizontal axis of rotation 1502a. Table 1500 is mounted to brackets 1502 by a pair of tabs 1504 which extend from a lower edge (as viewed in FIG. 52) of table 1500 and couple to the pins (not shown) of brackets 1502. For example, the pins may be contained in a high friction sleeve so that brackets 1502 for example, may provide an infinite number of positions (similar to a lap top hinge) or the pins may have a plurality of engagement surfaces that cooperate with similar engagement surfaces provided on the inside wall of the bracket, such as flexible splines, to provide a plurality of discrete positions for table 1500.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a universal clip that can be used to mount a wide variety of accessories or objects to a structural member of, for example, hospital equipment and especially of a patient handling device.

While several embodiments have been shown and described, modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the present invention has been described in reference to a pneumatic bladder system; however, while air may be preferable, any suitable fluid, such as other gases or liquids may be pumped into the various bladders without exceeding the scope of the invention. Thus, while the term "air: has been used throughout the specification, the term "air" should be understood to mean any suitable fluid, gaseous or liquid.

Further, the present invention has been described for use in association with a patient bed, which typically include a frame system comprising a base frame supported on the floor, for example by a plurality of caster wheels, an intermediate frame supported by an elevation system, a deck support connected to the intermediate frame and one or more side rails. A worker skilled in the art would readily understand that a bed can be configured in other ways. The patient support surface according to the present invention would be readily usable with alternate patient support apparatus, including for example, a stretcher, a cot, or the like.

In addition, the present invention makes reference to various components as being made of foam (for example foam crib and components thereof, IV tube management fastener and components thereof, etc.). It should be understood that the term "foam" is intended to mean any relatively soft material with an appropriate Indentation Load Deflection.

Unless defined otherwise, all 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.