BACKREST PIVOTlNG SYSTEM FOR A PATlENT SUPPORT DEVICE
There is provided a backrest pivoting system having a backrest and an actuator for pivoting the backrest. The actuator is pivotably connected to the backrest by a pivot defining a first pivot axis. The backrest is configured to pivot about a guide member which defines a second pivot axis coaxial with the first pivot axis. There is also provided a backrest pivoting system including an actuator and a resilient member mounted in series with the actuator. There is also provided an extendable user support assembly comprising a lower body support panel and a core support panel supported by a frame, the lower body support panel being translatable relative to the frame such that an opening is created between the lower body support panel and the core support panel when the lower body support panel is translated away from the core support panel. There is also provided a method for placing a bed in a vascular position.
1 . A backrest pivoting system for a patient support device, said patient support device having a frame, a backrest pivotably connected to the frame for supporting the backrest, the backrest pivoting system comprising:
an actuator having a first actuator portion connected to an actuator pivot pin movably mounted to the frame and a second actuator portion pivotably connected to the backrest via a pivot defining a first pivot axis for selectively moving the pivot towards and away from the first actuator portion when the actuator is actuated;
at least one guide rail secured to the frame;
at least one guide member operatively connected to the backrest, the at least one guide member engaging the at least one guide rail for guiding the backrest along a predetermined path during actuation of the actuator; and
at least one pivoting link having a first end pivotably connected to the frame and a second end pivotably connected to the backrest for pivoting the backrest relative to the frame about the at least one guide member during movement of the pivot towards and away from the first actuator end, the at least one guide member defining a second pivot axis coaxial with the first pivot axis.
2 . The backrest pivoting system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one guide rail is angled relative to the frame to guide the backrest upwardly and away from the first portion of the actuator when the backrest is pivoted away from the frame.
3 . The backrest pivoting system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising spaced-apart first and second lever members and a transversal member extending between the first and second lever members.
4 . The backrest pivoting system as claimed in claim 3 , wherein each lever member each lever member comprises a first linear portion and a second linear portion angled relative to the first linear portion.
5 . The backrest pivoting system as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the first pivot comprises a pivot bracket depending from the transversal member and a pivot pin extending through the pivot bracket and the second portion of the actuator.
6 . The backrest pivoting system as claimed in claim 3 , wherein each one of the at least one pivot member comprises a roller member adapted for rotating about the second pivot axis.
7 . The backrest pivoting system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an orientation sensor operatively connected to the backrest for monitoring the orientation of the backrest relative to the frame.
8 . The backrest pivoting system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the orientation sensor comprises a potentiometer, a first sensor arm pivotably connected to one of the at least one guide arm and a second sensor arm pivotably connected to the first sensor arm and to the potentiometer.
9 . The backrest pivoting system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a resilient member connected in series with the actuator between the frame and the actuator.
10 - 34 . (canceled)