Boost feature for a bed

0001This application relates to an adjustable bed having a boost feature operable by a single-action boost control for placing the bed in a nonemergency state favorable for boosting a bed occupant away from the foot of the bed and toward the head of the bed.

0002Adjustable beds are used in hospitals and other health care settings. Such beds typically have an adjustable height, an adjustable profile, an adjustable angular orientation, an adjustable mattress firmness or some combination thereof.

0003Some of the adjustments made to the bed while occupied by an occupant can cause the occupant to migrate toward the foot of the bed. The need to reposition the migrated occupant adds to the workload of the caregiver staff. Moreover, the physical demands of repositioning the occupant can cause injury to the caregiver. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a feature that helps caregivers reposition the bed occupant toward the head of the bed.

0004In one embodiment, an adjustable bed includes an occupant support having adjustable settings that include an elevation, a profile and an angular orientation and an interface for allowing desired values of the adjustable settings to be individually commanded. The bed also includes a single-action boost control for commanding a boost configuration comprising a boost elevation setting, a boost profile setting and a boost angular orientation setting. The bed also includes an adjustment system for adjusting the bed to the desired adjustable settings in response to inputs to the interface and for adjusting the elevation, profile and angular orientation to the boost configuration settings in response to input applied to the single-action boost control. The invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

0005<figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">FIGS. <b>1-4</b></figref> are perspective views of a bed described herein, the views showing the bed in various elevations, profiles and angular orientations.

0006<figref idref="f0005">FIG. <b>5</b></figref> is a schematic side elevation view of the bed.

0007<figref idref="f0006">FIG. <b>6</b></figref> is a view of a user interface with keys for individually adjusting elevation, profile and angular orientation of the bed to desired settings thereof.

0008<figref idref="f0007">FIG. <b>7</b></figref> is a view of another user interface with keys for individually adjusting the firmness of a mattress deployed on the bed.

0009<figref idref="f0008">FIGS. <b>8A-8C</b></figref> are a sequence of schematic side elevation views showing adjustment of the bed elevation, profile and angular orientation.

0010<figref idref="f0009">FIGS. <b>9A-9D</b></figref> are graphical depictions showing adjustment of the bed elevation, profile, angular orientation and firmness.

0011<figref idref="f0010">FIGS. <b>10A-10B</b></figref> are graphical depictions showing a boost elevation as a function of initial elevation of the bed.

0012<figref idref="f0011 f0012">FIGS. <b>11A-11D</b></figref> are a sequence of views similar to those of <figref idref="f0008">FIGS. <b>8</b></figref> showing why it may be desirable for the boost elevation to depend on the initial elevation of the bed.

0013<figref idref="f0013">FIGS. <b>12A-12C</b></figref> are a sequence of views comparing an embodiment in which the elevation is adjusted at least partly concurrently with a profile adjustment to an embodiment in which the elevation adjustment is deferred until after the completion of the profile and angular orientation adjustments.

0014<figref idref="f0014">FIG. <b>13</b></figref> is a view similar to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. <b>6</b></figref> showing a "RETURN" key.

0015<figref idref="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004 f0005">FIGS. <b>1-5</b></figref> illustrate an adjustable bed <b>20</b> having a head end <b>22,</b> a foot end <b>24</b> longitudinally spaced from the head end, a left side <b>26</b> and a right side <b>28</b> laterally spaced from the left side. The bed includes a base frame <b>32,</b> an intermediate frame <b>34</b> and a deck <b>36.</b> The deck of an adjustable bed typically comprises multiple sections such as upper body, thigh and calf sections <b>40, 42,</b> and <b>44.</b> The calf section includes a foot section extension <b>46</b> longitudinally positionable between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. The extension can be placed in the fully retracted position to accommodate a short mattress length or may be partially or fully extended to accommodate a longer mattress length. The bed also includes a headboard <b>50,</b> a footboard <b>52,</b> head end siderails <b>54</b> and foot end siderails <b>56.</b>

0016A mattress <b>60</b> rests on the deck. The mattress may be unsegmented or may be segmented into individual cushions. The mattress may be one with a non-adjustable firmness or one with an adjustable firmness. Adjustable firmness mattresses are typically inflatable mattresses that can be inflated or deflated by a compressor and/or aspirator <b>62</b> to an appropriate working firmness.

0017Collectively, the intermediate frame <b>34,</b> the deck 36, and the mattress <b>60</b> comprise an occupant support <b>66.</b>

0018Links <b>70</b> and intermediate frame actuators, not visible, moveably connect the intermediate frame to the base frame. Links <b>72</b> and deck actuators, also not visible, moveably connect at least some of the deck sections to the intermediate frame. The actual physical configuration, construction, quantity and arrangement of the frames, deck, links and actuators may differ from the configurations shown in the illustrations without affecting the applicability of the subject matter claimed herein. Collectively, the links and actuators comprise an adjustment system for adjusting various settings of the occupant support to desired settings. These settings include: <ol id="ol0001" compact="compact"><li>1) the elevation <b>H</b> of the intermediate frame as determined by the height of a reference datum <b>R</b> on the intermediate frame;</li><li>2) the angular orientation θ;</li><li>3) the deck profile, which can be substantially planar (<figref idref="f0003">FIGS. <b>3</b></figref><b>,</b><figref idref="f0004"><b>4</b></figref><b>)</b> or can be non-planar (<figref idref="f0001">FIGS. <b>1</b></figref><b>,</b><figref idref="f0002"><b>2</b></figref><b>,</b><figref idref="f0005">5</figref>); and</li><li>4) the foot section position <b>F.</b></li></ol>

0019Using a user interface described below, a user can individually or separately adjust the elevation <b>H,</b> angular orientation θ, profile, and foot section extension position <b>F.</b> That is, each adjustment can be made without affecting any of the other adjustments and, with only limited exceptions, the ability to make an adjustment is not a function of the state of adjustment of the other features. One of these exceptions is that the maximum achievable angular orientation θ may be a function of bed elevation. Specifically, the ability to achieve the maximum angular orientation can be limited if the bed is at a low elevation; additional adjustment toward the full angular orientation may be achievable only after the elevation is increased.

0020If the mattress is an adjustable firmness mattress, the adjustable settings include the firmness of the mattress. The adjustable settings typically include a "normal" firmness mode, which inflates the mattress according to the weight in the bed and the positions of the deck sections, and a "max inflate" mode which inflates the bed to a maximum setting. If the mattress is an adjustable firmness mattress, the adjustment system includes the compressor and/or aspirator unit <b>62.</b>

0021Referring additionally to <figref idref="f0006">FIG. <b>6</b></figref><b>,</b> the bed also includes one or more user interfaces such as the interface <b>80</b> on siderail <b>54.</b> Other user interfaces may also be present on the siderails or on other parts of the bed. The user interface shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. <b>6</b></figref> allows a user to individually command desired values of the adjustable settings of the occupant support. Keys <b>82, 84</b> adjust the elevation <b>H</b> of the occupant support. Keys <b>86, 88</b> adjust the angular orientation θ. Keys <b>92, 94</b> adjust the profile by pivoting the thigh and calf sections <b>42, 44;</b> keys <b>96, 98</b> adjust the profile by pivoting the deck upper body section <b>40.</b> Keys <b>100, 102</b> adjust the position <b>F</b> of the foot section extension.

0022<figref idref="f0007">FIG. <b>7</b></figref> shows a separate user interface <b>104</b> for commanding inflation of an inflatable mattress. Keys <b>106, 108</b> are used to place the mattress in a "normal" or "maximum inflate" condition.

0023Although the interfaces <b>80, 104</b> are depicted as keypads with keys, other types of interfaces such as foot pedals may also be used.

0024A controller <b>120</b> (<figref idref="f0005">FIG. <b>5</b></figref><b>),</b> such as a microprocessor, receives the user's commands from the user interface(s) and controls operation of the actuators to effect the commanded adjustments.

0025Using the above described keys a user can exercise individual control over the adjustable settings of the occupant support. For example the user can use the elevation keys <b>82, 84</b> to adjust the elevation <b>H</b> without affecting the angular orientation θ or can use the angular orientation keys <b>86, 88</b> to adjust the angular orientation without affecting mattress firmness, and so forth.

0026The bed also includes a single-action boost control <b>124</b> in the form of a key <b>126</b> on user interface <b>80.</b> Although the boost control <b>124</b> is shown as a key, the boost control may take other physical forms. The boost control, when pressed by a user, issues a command to the controller to place the occupant support in a boost configuration defined by two or more settings. The boost configuration settings are settings that facilitate repositioning of a bed occupant toward the head end of the bed. The boost control is referred to as a single action control because a single action, such as a user applying pressure on the key <b>126,</b> affects all the adjustments defined by the boost configuration.

0027The boost configuration is defined by at least a boost elevation setting and a boost profile setting. The boost elevation setting may or may not depend on the initial elevation of the bed as described in more detail below. Preferably, the boost elevation setting is a pre-established working height satisfactory to a large proportion of the caregiver population. The preferred boost profile setting is a flat profile, i.e. a profile in which angles α and β are both approximately zero. Preferably the boost configuration is also defined by a boost angular orientation setting θ (<figref idref="f0004">FIGS. <b>4</b></figref><b>,</b><figref idref="f0005"><b>5</b></figref><b>).</b> The preferred boost angular orientation setting is about seven degrees head down relative to the orientation of the base frame <b>32.</b> If the bed is equipped with an adjustable firmness mattress, the boost configuration may also include a boost firmness setting instead of or, more preferably, in addition to a boost angular orientation setting. The boost firmness setting is a firmness substantially equal to the maximum firmness, or at least closer to the maximum firmness than to the normal firmness. If the bed is equipped with a position adjustable foot section extension <b>46,</b> the boost configuration includes a boost position setting of the foot section extension. In one variant of the bed the boost position setting of the extension is its existing position at the time the user applies pressure to the boost control. In another variant the boost position setting of the extension is its fully retracted position. The fully retracted position, because it is as close as possible to the bed occupant, may allow the occupant to assist in his own repositioning by pushing against the footboard 52 with his feet.

0028<figref idref="f0006">FIGS. <b>6</b></figref> and <figref idref="f0008"><b>8</b></figref><b>-9</b> show a response to a user's application of pressure to the boost control <b>126.</b> The occupant support begins moving from its initial elevation <b>H_INITIAL</b> to a boost elevation setting <b>H_BOOST.</b> As described in more detail below, the boost elevation setting may depend on the initial elevation <b>H_INITIAL</b> or may be independent of the initial elevation. The adjustment system also begins moving the occupant support from its initial profile to the boost profile, e.g. to the flat profile described above. The elevation and profile adjustments may occur sequentially or may occur at least partially concurrently as seen in <figref idref="f0009">FIGS. <b>9A</b> and <b>9B</b></figref><b>.</b> The elevation adjustment ceases when the elevation reaches the boost elevation setting. The profile adjustment ceases when the deck <b>36</b> reaches the boost profile setting. The elevation and profile adjustments also cease if the user does not sustain pressure on the boost control, and resume if the user re-applies pressure. <figref idref="f0009">FIGS. <b>9A</b> and <b>9B</b></figref> show the boost elevation and the boost profile being achieved at the same time, but this need not be the case.

0029If the bed is equipped with an adjustable firmness mattress, and the boost configuration includes a boost firmness setting, the pressure initially exerted by the user on the boost control <b>126</b> also causes the compressor <b>62</b> to begin inflating the mattress to its boost firmness setting as seen in <figref idref="f0009">FIG. <b>9D</b></figref><b>.</b> The compressor will continue to inflate the mattress to the boost firmness setting even if the user releases pressure on the boost control. The mattress will revert to its pre-existing (pre-boost) firmness after a revert condition has been satisfied. The revert condition is considered to have been satisfied after the lapse of an interval of time, for example 30 minutes after pressure was first applied to the boost control <b>124.</b> The revert condition may also be considered to have been satisfied if the user, after having pressed and released the boost control, commands a bed adjustment other than the boost feature.

0030As already noted, and as seen in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. <b>8C</b></figref><b>,</b> the boost configuration may also include a boost angular orientation setting θ, preferably a seven degree head down setting, in addition to the boost elevation setting, the boost profile setting and the boost firmness setting (if applicable). The angular orientation adjustment may occur concurrently or at least partly concurrently with the elevation and profile adjustments (<figref idref="f0009">FIG. <b>9C</b></figref><b>,</b> dashed line). Alternatively, the angular orientation adjustment can be deferred until after the elevation and profile adjustments are complete. The angular orientation adjustment, if deferred, may commence substantially immediately after attainment of the predefined elevation and profile (<figref idref="f0009">FIG. <b>9C</b></figref><b>,</b> solid line) or may be additionally delayed for an interval of time, for example about one second (<figref idref="f0009">FIG. <b>9C</b></figref><b>,</b> dotted line). During the additional delay, the user is required to maintain pressure on the boost key, otherwise the angular adjustment will not occur. Deferring the angular orientation adjustment allows the user to release the boost control to take advantage of the elevation, profile and firmness adjustments (if applicable) but to prevent any adjustment to the angular orientation. This capability is useful in situations where it may not be advisable to place the occupant in a head-down orientation. The angular orientation adjustment ceases when the angular orientation reaches the boost angular orientation setting or when the user no longer sustains pressure on the boost control <b>126.</b>

0031In view of the foregoing, certain specific embodiments and enhancements may now be better appreciated.

0032Referring to <figref idref="f0010">FIG. <b>10</b></figref><b>,</b> in one specific embodiment, the boost elevation setting depends on the initial elevation <b>H_INITIAL</b> of the occupant support relative to a reference elevation <b>H_REF.</b> In the disclosed embodiments <b>H_REF</b> is about 6 inches (about 15.25 cm) higher than the lowest elevation to which the intermediate frame <b>34</b> can be lowered. If the initial elevation of the occupant support is higher than the reference elevation <b>H_REP,</b> the boost elevation setting equals the reference elevation. As a result, the response to a user input to the boost control will include a lowering of the occupant support as seen in <figref idref="f0010">FIG. <b>10A</b></figref> (and in <figref idref="f0008">FIG. <b>8B</b></figref><b>).</b> However if the initial elevation of the occupant support is lower than the reference elevation (<figref idref="f0010">FIG. <b>10B</b></figref><b>),</b> the boost elevation setting equals the initial elevation. As a result the response to the user input will not include a raising of the occupant support. Instead the adjustment system will adjust the occupant support profile to the boost profile setting, adjust the angular orientation to the boost angular orientation setting and, if applicable, adjust the mattress firmness to the boost firmness setting.

0033The above described dependence of the boost elevation on the initial elevation may be desirable to prevent certain innocuous but extraneous movements of the occupant support that might otherwise occur when the initial elevation of the occupant surface is above a boost elevation that does not depend on initial elevation. Referring to <figref idref="f0011 f0012">FIGS. <b>11A - 11D</b></figref><b>,</b> consider a bed configured to lower the occupant support to the boost elevation <b>H_BOOST</b> if the initial position of the occupant support is above the boost elevation and to raise the occupant support to the same boost elevation if the initial position of the occupant support is lower than the boost elevation. The bed is in an initial state <b>A</b> (<figref idref="f0011">FIG. <b>11A</b></figref><b>).</b> As described above, application of pressure to the boost control adjusts the elevation and profile to achieve state <b>B</b> (<figref idref="f0011">FIG. <b>11B</b></figref><b>)</b> and then begins to adjust the angular orientation toward state <b>D</b> (<figref idref="f0012">FIG. <b>11D</b></figref><b>).</b> The change of angular orientation can cause elevation reference datum <b>R,</b> which is about one third of the distance from the head end to the foot end of the intermediate frame, to drop below the boost elevation <b>H_BOOST</b> as depicted at intermediate state <b>C</b> (<figref idref="f0012">FIG. <b>11C</b></figref><b>).</b> If the user releases pressure on the boost control when the bed is at state <b>C,</b> and then reapplies pressure to the control, the controller <b>120</b> would interpret state <b>C</b> as the initial, pre-boost state of the bed. Because the controller perceives datum <b>R</b> as being lower than the boost elevation, the control system would respond by raising the occupant support until datum <b>R</b> arrives at the boost elevation, and by adjusting the angular orientation to a level orientation. The control system would then command an angular orientation adjustment toward state <b>D.</b> Because the control system previously commanded a head down angular orientation and also commanded reference datum <b>R</b> to drop below the boost elevation (due to the combination of a decrease in elevation to the boost elevation followed by a change in angular orientation) the re-elevation and re-leveling may be viewed as an extraneous or wasted motion. This extraneous motion can be avoided by making the boost elevation a function of initial elevation as described in the previous paragraph. Irrespective of whether the boost elevation depends on or is independent of the initial elevation, extraneous motion may also be avoided by including appropriate instructions in the controller software, albeit with an attendant increase in software complexity and/or memory requirements. Accordingly, another specific embodiment has a boost elevation that is independent of initial elevation.

0034Referring to <figref idref="f0013">FIG. <b>12</b></figref><b>,</b> the adjustment system adjusts the occupant support elevation <b>H</b> to a boost elevation independently of the initial elevation. As described above, if the initial elevation is higher than the boost elevation, the change in angular orientation is deferred until after the elevation and profile achieve the boost elevation and boost profile (solid lines). However if the initial elevation is lower than the boost elevation (dashed lines) the occupant support is adjusted to the boost elevation only after the bed profile and angular orientation are adjusted to the boost profile and boost orientation (dashed lines).

0035As already noted, adjustments may occur concurrently or sequentially. In another specific embodiment, the elevation, profile and angular orientation adjustments are carried out sequentially in the order just listed, independent of the initial elevation of the occupant support, provided the user sustains pressure on the boost control.

0036As seen in <figref idref="f0014">FIG. <b>13</b></figref><b>,</b> a single action "RETURN" key <b>128</b> may be provided to return the occupant support to whatever state it had been in prior to activation of the boost function.

0037Although this disclosure refers to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made.