WO2025106805A1

WO2025106805A1 - Extension member for a patient support

Info

Publication number: WO2025106805A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/056108
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Ryan Sweeney; Iii David Scharich; James K. Galer; Michael W. Graves; Matthew Thomas Thielking; Matthew A. CUTLER; Anton Schmid
Original assignee: Stryker Corp
Current assignee: Stryker Corp
Priority date: 2023-11-16
Filing date: 2024-11-15
Publication date: 2025-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-16

Abstract

A patient support apparatus is provided that includes an extendable patient support operable to be coupled between a patient support and a movable component. The extendable patient support may be deployable from a stowed position to an extended position that provides a support surface beyond a first end of the patient support for a portion of the patient.

Description

EXTENSION MEMBER FOR A PATIENT SUPPORT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a patient support apparatus and more particularly to an extension member for a patient support of the patient support apparatus.

BACKGROUND

[0002] When trying to accommodate a greater range of size of patients, some hospital beds have extendable side rails and footboards and an adjustable deck that can expand and/or elongate, which then creates a gap between the mattress support on the deck and the side rails and/or footboard. These gaps are often filled with a mattress insert to support a portion of the patient.

[0003] The patient’s heels are the second most common location for hospital acquired pressure injuries. And providing adequate support for the heels is often a consideration in reducing the chance of pressure injuries. For instance, to fill a gap near the heels, most beds have mattress inserts that are positioned in the gap to expand the patient support surface. However, these inserts can be heavy and place a strain on the caregiver handling the insert. Oftentimes, the insert is not in the room when needed and is missing. Pillows tend to be used in place of the insert. Additionally, it is common for storage of the insert to be an issue when moving the bed to another location, such movement via an elevator. An alternative conventional approach to fill the gap includes adjusting the mattress length using air bladders within the mattress to expand and retract the length. These bladders, however, take time to inflate, and when they are inflated the cover tends to fold and compromise pressure distribution.

SUMMARY

[0004] In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described herein can be embodied in a patient support apparatus including a deck and a patient support supported on the deck and operable to support a patient. The patient support may include first and second opposing ends. The patent support apparatus may include a movable component operably coupled to the deck and operable to move relative to the first end of the patient support and to move relative to the deck to extend a length of the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus may include an extendable patient support operable to be coupled between the patient support and the movable component. The extendable patient support may be deployable from a stowed position to an extended position that provides a support surface beyond the first end of the patient support for a portion of the patient.

[0005] The foregoing and other aspects can each optionally include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination. In particular, one aspect includes all the following features in combination.

[0006] In some aspects, the extendable patient support includes a rotatable coupler operable to provide tension on the support surface of the extendable patient support, and where the rotatable coupler is biased by a spring to provide the tension.

[0007] In some aspects, a transverse member is provided between ends of the rotatable coupler to provide support for the extendable patient support.

[0008] In some aspects, the rotatable coupler may include first and second sides that are substantially identical to each other and mate together to form a cylindrical element on which the support surface is wound and unwound as the extendable patient support is movable between the stowed position and the extendable position.

[0009] In some aspects, the support surface includes a first end and a second end, where the second end is coupled to the patient support and the first end is distal from the second end in the extended position, and where the first end of the patient support includes first and second comer portions each coupled respectively to an accessory mount of the movable component via extendable links that bias each of the first and second comer portions toward the accessory mount. [0010] In some aspects, a support member is provided between the first and second comer portions, and where the support member is a rigid, longitudinal element and the extendable links are respectively coupled to the ends of the support member.

[0011] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be operable to be selectively coupled between the patient support and the movable component.

[0012] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be configured to couple between the patient support and the movable component by connecting a first end of the extendable patient support to the first end of the patient support and a second end of the extendable patient support to the movable component.

[0013] In some aspects, the movable component may be a footboard assembly.

[0014] In some aspect, the extendable patient support may be operable to fold in the stowed position between the first end of the patient support and the movable component with the movable component being proximal to the first end of the patient support.

[0015] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be operable to unfold from the stowed position to the extended position in response to movement of the movable component away from the first end of the patient support.

[0016] In some aspects, in the extended position, the extendable patient support may be suspended between the first end of the patient support and the movable component.

[0017] In some aspects, the movable component may include first and second posts spaced apart on opposite sides of the movable component, and where the extendable patient support includes first and second couplers respectively operable to receive the first and second posts.

[0018] In some aspects, in the extended position, the extendable patient support may provide tension on the first and second posts respectively via the first and second couplers, thereby engaging the first and second couplers respectively to the first and second posts. [0019] In some aspects, each of the first and second couplers may include a cam lock operable by a caregiver to selectively engage the first and second posts.

[0020] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may include a support member provided between the first and second couplers and operable to support the extendable patient support in the extended position.

[0021] In some aspects, the extendable patient support includes a first link that couples the first coupler to the support member and a second link that couples the second coupler to the support member, where the first and second links are coupled to the support member respectively via first and second pivots that are operable for unrestricted rotation between the first and second links and the support member, and where the first and second links are coupled to the first and second couplers respectively via a tension interface operable to bias the first and second links away from the patient support.

[0022] In some aspects, the first and second couplers include a linkage arm with a pivot connected to the support member, where the pivot allows unrestricted rotation of the support member relative to the linkage arm, where the linkage arms of the first and second couplers are biased away from the patient support by an integrated tension interface provided by the first and second couplers.

[0023] In some aspects, the support member is operable to pivot about a rotational axis that extends from the first coupler to the second coupler.

[0024] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be coupled to the patient support via at least one of a zipper, one or more snaps, a welded seam, hook and loop fasteners, a sewn seam, one or more buttons, one or more rivets, or a Keder rail.

[0025] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be integral to a cover of the patient support.

[0026] In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described herein can be embodied in a patient support operable to be positioned on a patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus may include a movable component operable to extend a longitudinal length of the patient support apparatus. The patient support may include a patient support surface operable to provide cushioning for a patient. The patient support surface may include a perimeter. The patent support may include an extendable patient support configurable between a stowed position and a deployed position that provides a support surface beyond the perimeter of the patient support surface for a portion of the patient. The extendable patient support may include a first coupler operably coupled to the movable component.

[0027] The foregoing and other aspects can each optionally include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination. In particular, one aspect includes all the following features in combination.

[0028] In some aspects, the movable component may be at least one of part of the patient support, a barrier of the patient support apparatus, or a frame of the patient support apparatus.

[0029] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be configured to couple between the patient support and the movable component by connecting a first end of the extendable patient support to a first end of the patient support and a second end of the extendable patient support to the movable component.

[0030] In some aspects, the movable component may be a footboard assembly.

[0031] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be operable to fold in the stowed position between the perimeter of the patient support and the movable component with the movable component being proximal to the first end of the patient support.

[0032] In some aspects, the movable component may include first and second posts spaced apart on opposite sides of the movable component, where the first coupler of the extendable patient support may be operable to receive the first post, and where the extendable patient support may include a second coupler on a side of the extendable patient support opposite the first coupler. The second coupler may be operable to receive the second post. [0033] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be coupled to the patient support via at least one of a zipper, one or more snaps, a welded seam, hook and loop fasteners, a sewn seam, one or more buttons, one or more rivets, or a Keder rail.

[0034] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be integral to a cover of the patient support.

[0035] In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described herein can be embodied in a person support including a mattress having a perimeter and an extendable patient support coupled or selectively coupled to the mattress and deployable from a stowed position to an extended position. At least a portion of the extendable patient support may be extended beyond the perimeter of the mattress to provide a support surface beyond the perimeter of the mattress for a portion of a person’s body.

[0036] The foregoing and other aspects can each optionally include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination. In particular, one aspect includes all the following features in combination.

[0037] In some aspects, at least a portion of the extendable patient support may be stowed in the mattress and/or a movable component of the person support.

[0038] In some aspects, a middle section of the extendable patient support may be stowed in the mattress and/or the movable component.

[0039] In some aspects, at least a portion of the extendable patient support may be stowed between the mattress and a movable component.

[0040] In some aspects, the person support may include a barrier, and where the extendable patient support may be coupled to or selectively coupled to the barrier at least when in the extended position or when in the stowed position.

[0041] In some aspects, the barrier may include a footboard.

[0042] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be coupled to the footboard when in the extended position and when in the stowed position. [0043] In some aspects, at least a portion of the extendable patient support may be stowed in the footboard when the extendable patient support is in the stowed position.

[0044] In some aspects, at least a portion of the extendable patient support is stowed in the mattress or adjacent the mattress when the extendable patient support is in the stowed position.

[0045] In some aspects, the person support may include a tensioner coupled to the extendable patient support to tension the extendable patient support at least when the extendable patient support is in the extended position.

[0046] In some aspects, the tensioner may be mounted to the footboard, and optionally the tensioner may be mounted in the footboard.

[0047] In some aspects, the tensioner may include a spring.

[0048] In some aspects, the person support may include a guide, which may be operable to guide the extendable patient support in a path between the barrier and the mattress when the extendable patient support is moved between the extended position and the stowed position. Optionally, the guide is adjustable.

[0049] In some aspects, the guide may be mounted to or in the barrier, and optionally the guide includes a roller.

[0050] In some aspects, the barrier may be movable between a first position adjacent the mattress and a second position spaced from the mattress. The extendable patient support may be deployed or deployable to the extended position when the barrier is moved to the second position.

[0051] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be coupled to the barrier when in the extended position and when in the stowed position. The barrier may extend the extendable patient support from the stowed position when the barrier is moved to the second position spaced from the mattress. [0052] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be configured to retract to the stowed position when the barrier is moved to the first position adjacent the mattress, and optionally the extendable patient support may be configured to automatically retract to the stowed position when the barrier is moved to the first position adjacent the mattress.

[0053] In some aspects, the person support may include an energy source configured to move the extendable patient support from the stowed position to the deployed position, and optionally the energy source may be configured to move the extendable patient support from the deployed position to the stowed position.

[0054] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may include a cushioning layer. Optionally, the cushioning layer may include a foam cushioning layer, a gel cushioning layer, a bladder cushioning layer, or 3D fabric cushioning layer, or a combination of two or more of the cushioning layers.

[0055] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may include bellows, where the extendable patient support may be operable to fold or collapse when in its stowed position.

[0056] In some aspects, the person support may include a supply of air in communication with the bellows, where the bellows are inflatable to extend the extendable patient support from its stowed position.

[0057] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may include a bladder layer, and the patent support may include a supply of air in communication with the bladder layer to inflate the bladder layer.

[0058] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may be impermeable to liquid.

[0059] In some aspects, the extendable sheet may be gas permeable, where the extendable patient support is breathable.

[0060] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may have antimicrobial properties. Optionally, the extendable patient support may include silver, copper, or an antimicrobial chemical additive applied thereto or incorporated therein. [0061] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may include a mattress sheet or cover.

[0062] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may include an extendable elastic sheet.

[0063] In some aspects, the person support may include a frame, which supports the mattress. The extendable patient support may be coupled to the mattress when in the extended position and when in the stowed position. The mattress may be coupled to the frame, and when the extendable patient support is deployed from the stowed position, the mattress remains on the frame.

[0064] In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described herein can be embodied in a person support including a mattress having a perimeter. The person support may include a barrier adjacent the mattress and an extendable patient support coupled to the mattress and to the barrier and deployable from a stowed position within the barrier to an extended position. At least a portion of the extendable patient support may be extended beyond the perimeter of the mattress to provide a support surface beyond the perimeter of the mattress between the barrier and the mattress for a portion of a person’s body.

[0065] The foregoing and other aspects can each optionally include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination. In particular, one aspect includes all the following features in combination.

[0066] In some aspects, the barrier may include a footboard.

[0067] In some aspects, the person support may include a tensioner mounted to the footboard and coupled to the extendable patient support to tension the extendable patient support at least when the extendable patient support is in the extended position.

[0068] In some aspects, the person support may include a guide, and the guide may be operable to guide the extendable patient support between the extended position and the stowed position. [0069] In some aspects, the guide may include a roller, and optionally the roller may be vertically adjustable.

[0070] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may include a cushioning layer, and optionally the cushioning layer may include a foam cushioning layer, a gel cushioning layer, a bladder cushioning layer, or 3D fabric cushioning layer, or a combination of two or more cushioning layers.

[0071] In some aspects, the extendable patient support may include a ridge at each opposed edge over at least a portion of the extendable patient support, and optionally the ridge may include a compressible ridge.

[0072] In some aspects, in the person support, the patient support, or the patient support apparatus, as the case may be, the extendable patient support may be an extendable sheet.

[0073] Before the aspects and aspects of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure may be implemented in various other embodiments and aspects and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments and aspects. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting one or more embodiments or aspects to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of an embodiment or aspect any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] Fig. 1 shows a patient support according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [0075] Fig. 2 shows a top view of an extendable patient support according to one aspect.

[0076] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the extendable patient support in Fig. 2.

[0077] Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of an extendable patient support according to one aspect.

[0078] Fig. 4B shows a cross section of a track according to one aspect.

[0079] Fig. 5 shows a coupler for an extendable patient support according to one aspect.

[0080] Fig. 6 shows a coupler for an extendable patient support in an unlocked configuration according to one aspect.

[0081] Fig. 7 shows the coupler of Fig. 6 in a locked configuration according to one aspect.

[0082] Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of an extendable patient support according to one aspect.

[0083] Fig. 9 shows an extendable patient support according to one aspect.

[0084] Fig. 10 shows a portion of the extendable patient support in Fig. 9.

[0085] Fig. 11 shows a portion of the extendable patient support in Fig. 9.

[0086] Fig. 12 shows a rotatable coupler according to one aspect.

[0087] Fig. 13 shows an exploded view of the rotatable coupler in Fig. 12 along with a coupler according to one aspect.

[0088] Fig. 14 shows a movable coupler according to one aspect.

[0089] Fig. 15 depicts a top view of the movable coupler in Fig. 14.

[0090] Fig. 16 depicts a side view of the movable coupler in Fig. 14.

[0091] Fig. 17 shows a coupler according to one aspect.

[0092] Fig. 18 shows another view of the coupler in Fig. 17. [0093] Fig. 19 shows a side view of a pivoting coupler according to one aspect.

[0094] Fig. 20 shows a front view of the pivoting coupler in Fig. 19.

[0095] Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of an extendable patient support according to one aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] An integrated bed extender hammock or an extendable patient support may be connected to the mattress, frame, or both. The hammock may allow for the bed extender to be stowed and is always there when needed.

[0097] A patient support apparatus in accordance with one aspect is depicted in Fig. 1 and generally designated 100. The patient support apparatus 100 includes a frame 120 and a patient support 112 for supporting a patient (not shown). The patient support 112, such as a mattress, may be disposed on a deck surface of a deck 130 for comfortably supporting the patient. It is to be understood that the patient support apparatus 100 may be implemented without a mattress or with numerous alternatives for the mattress, such as cushions. For instance, the mattress may be an air mattress according to one or more aspects described herein. [0098] Although the particular form of patient support apparatus 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 is a bed adapted for use in a hospital or other medical setting, it is to be understood that the patient support apparatus 100 may be a cot, a stretcher, a gurney, a recliner, an operating room table, or a residential bed or any other structure capable of supporting a patient, whether stationary or mobile and/or whether used in a medical or residential setting.

[0099] In one aspect, the patient support apparatus 100 may include a plurality of wheels 122 supporting the frame 120. The wheels 122 may allow the patient support apparatus 100 to be easily moved along a surface (i.e., the floor). Alternatively, the patient support apparatus 100 may be implemented without wheels 122, such that the patient support apparatus 100 is relatively stationary. When implemented with wheels 122, the patient support apparatus 100 may include a brake 125 for immobilizing at least one of the wheels, including configurations where the brake immobilizes all of the wheels 122.

[0100] The patient support 112 of the patient support apparatus 100 may provide a patient support surface 118 and may be supported on the deck surface of the deck 130, which in turn is supported on the frame 120. One or more components of the patient support 112 may provide a pressure distribution layer operable to support a patient and distribute pressure with respect to the patient. Such internal components may include but are not limited to cushioning assemblies of the patient support, such as bladders, foam, and gel layers.

[0101] The term “patient support” is used broadly herein and may refer to the whole mattress or cushion that supports a patient thereon or may refer to a portion of the mattress or cushion, such as a topper or an overlay, or to a separate device that can be used with a mattress or cushion, for example such as a pad to be placed on top of a mattress to provide treatment to a patient, such as low air loss, to move a patient, or to change the characteristic of the mattress or cushion, such as described below.

[0102] The deck 130 may have one or more articulatable deck sections, including a back deck section (“Fowler”), a seat deck section, and a thigh deck section, which together with the frame 120 are supported on a wheeled base 123 by a lift assembly 127.

[0103] In one aspect, the patient support apparatus 100 may include one or more barriers, such as a footboard 148, a headboard 146, and a plurality of side rails 114. One of the side rails 114 proximal to the footboard 148 in Fig. 1 is shown in a lowered position in which ingress into, and egress out of, the patient support apparatus 100 is not obstructed by the lowered side rail 114. Each side rail 114 may be configured so it can be individually moved between a lowered position and a raised position. The side rails 114 may be moved to one or more intermediate positions as well.

[0104] It is to be understood that the patient support apparatus 100 may be modified from what is shown to include one or more components adapted to allow the user to extend the width of the deck 130, thereby allowing the patient support apparatus 100 to accommodate patients of varying sizes. For example, the width of the deck 130 may be adjusted, between a first width, a second or intermediate width, and a third or expanded width. The first width may be, for example, a 36-inch width, the second intermediate width may be, for example a 42 -inch width, and the third expanded width may be, for example, a 48-inch width, although these widths may be varied.

[0105] Turning to Figs. 2-3, as noted above, the patient support apparatus 100 may be adjustable so that it can accommodate taller and/or wider patients. A patient support component 132 in one aspect may be extendable relative to the deck 130 or another portion of the patient support apparatus 100 that remains fixed relative to a perimeter 113 of the patient support 112. The patient support component 132, in one aspect, may be described as a bed extender frame.

[0106] The patient support component 132 may be operably coupled to the deck 130 (e.g., directly or indirectly via the frame 120) and may be extendable relative to the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112. The patient support component 132 may be any movable component of the patent support apparatus 100 capable of being moved relative to another component of the patient support apparatus 132. For instance, the patient support component 132 (also described as a movable component) may be part of the patient support 112, part of an end barrier, or part of the frame 120.

[0107] The patient support component 132 in one aspect may support an end board, such as the footboard 148, so that the end board may be selectively moved away from the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112 and moved toward the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112. The patient support component 132 may include a movable deck 133 operable to move in conjunction with the end board, providing a support surface on which a component may rest. It is noted that in Figs. 2-3, the movable deck 133 is not utilized for supporting a component or object; however, it is to be understood that such a component may be provided in an alternative configuration. [0108] The patient support component 132 may include an accessory mount 134 in one aspect. The accessory mount 134 may vary in construction from application to application. In Figs. 2-3, the accessory mount 134 is provided in the form of a vertical post operable to be received by and support an accessory. Accessories that can be supported by the accessory mount 134 include an IV-pole and a pump assembly. Additional accessories may be utilized depending on the application.

[0109] In one aspect, the accessory mount 134 of the patient support component 132 may be operably coupled to an extendable patient support 200 proximal to a first end 202 of the extendable patient support 200. The accessory mount 134 in Figs. 2 and 3 is separate from the footboard 148 — however, alternatively, the accessory mount 134 may be part of the footboard 148 (or another end board) of the patient support apparatus 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the extendable patient support 200 may be coupled to the patient support component 132 in a manner separate from the accessory mount 134.

[0110] The extendable patient support 200 may include a second end 204 distal from the first end 202 and operable to couple in a stationary manner relative to the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112. For instance, the second end 204 of the extendable patient support 200 may be connected to the patient support apparatus 112. As another example, the extendable patient support 200 may correspond to an extendable sheet provided on the patient support 112, with the second end 204 of the extendable patient support being proximal to the head end 144 opposite the foot end 142 proximal to which the first end 202 is movably disposed.

[0111] In one aspect, the second end 204 may be coupled to the patient support 112 in a manner that provides a gap 231 to allow a fitted sheet to go around a comer of the patient support 112. Alternatively, the second end 204 may fill the gap 231 and a sheet retention hook may be used instead to retain the sheet on the patient support 112.

[0112] In one aspect, a space 233 may be provided between the first end 202 of the extendable patient support 200 and the footboard 148. The space 233 may allow the mechanism to rotate without being hindered by the footboard 148, to allow for easy removal and addition of the footboard 148, and to allow excess fluid of any type to move away from the patient, down and off of the support surface 206.

[0113] The extendable patient support 200, in one aspect, may be deployable from a stowed position to an extended position that provides a support surface 206 beyond the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112. In Figs. 2 and 3, the extendable patient support 200 is deployable beyond the perimeter 113 at the foot end 142 of the perimeter 113. In this way, the extendable patient support 200 may be deployable beyond the foot end 142 of the patient support 112. Additionally, or alternatively, the extendable patient support 200 may be deployable beyond the perimeter 113 at the head end 144 of the patient support 112, with the patient support component 132 being extendable at the head end 144 of the patient support apparatus 100.

[0114] The extendable patient support 200 may be operable to deploy in conjunction with movement of the patient support component 132 away from the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112 to extend the length of the patient support apparatus 100. In one aspect, the extendable patient support 200 may be integrated into the patient support 112 to form part of the patient support 112. In one aspect, the extendable patient support 200 may be configured so that, in the deployed position, the material stretch properties of the extendable patient support 200 may provide tension between the first and second ends 202, 204 to support the patient, such as the heels of the patient. The extendable patient support 200 may allow the patient support 112 to move during turns and bed position changes.

[0115] The extendable patient support 200 may be constructed in a variety of ways, including one or more materials as described herein. For instance, the extendable patient support 200 may be formed of a material similar to a cover of the patient support 112, and include a fire barrier material provided internal to the extendable patient support 200 for internal padding purposes. [0116] In one aspect, the extendable patient support 200, in conjunction with the patient support component 132 being movable, may provide a method of extending the patient support (e.g., the mattress) rather than use of a separate mattress block. The extendable patient support 200 may be easy to deploy primarily because it may not require the nurse to go find a separate piece whenever the bed extender is in use. This configuration may also be more useful than air bladders within the mattress because it can extend instantly and may avoid compromising pressure redistribution when the frame is retracted. Additionally, it is worth noting that the extendable patient support 200 configuration may provide a low-cost solution relative to conventional mattress extending options.

[0117] The extendable patient support 200 may include a support surface 206, a first end 202, and a second end 204, as described herein. The support surface 206 may be provided in the form of a flexible support operable to fold or collapse in a stowed state. The support surface 206 may include one or more layers, one or more of which may include a fabric layer and/or padding material. For instance, the extendable patient support 200 may include one or more layers of fabric or flexible material, with the second end 204 end attached to the foot end of the patient support 112, and the other, first end 202 attached to a patient support component 132 (e.g., a bed extender) integrated into the frame 120 of the patient support apparatus 100. When the patient support component 132 is in the retracted position, the layers of fabric of the extendable patient support 200 may naturally fold and collapse into the small space between the footboard 148 and the foot end of the patient support 112. When the patient support component 132 is in the extended position, the fabric is put in tension and creates a suspended surface to support the feet of taller patients.

[0118] In order to improve patient comfort and reduce pressure, padding such as foam, gel, batting, or air bladders could be added to the extendable patient support 200. The padding may be placed on top of the fabric or between multiple layers of fabric. If air bladders are provided in the extendable patient support 200, the pressure in these bladders may be adjusted by a pump within the patient support 112, within the frame, or external to the product.

[0119] In one aspect, the extendable patient support 200 may be flush with the top of the patient support 112. Alternatively, the extendable patient support 200 may be positioned lower than the top of the patient support 112 to reduce the pressure on patients’ heels. The fabric of the extendable patient support 200 may provide a level surface, alternatively, the fabric of the extendable patient support 200 may angle downward as another way to reduce the pressure on patients’ heels. The height and angle of the fabric of the extendable patient support 200 may be adjustable so it can meet the needs or preferences of a variety of patients.

[0120] The shape of the extendable patient support 200 may vary from application to application. In one aspect, the extendable patient support 200 may have a width that is the same width as the patient support 112. Alternatively, the extendable patient support 200 may be shaped differently. For example, the extendable patient support 200 may be tapered, such that the fabric is narrower near the mattress and wider toward the end board, increasing or maximizing the width of the extendable patient support 200 while still allowing sheets to attach properly to the comers of the patient support 112 (e.g., providing a gap 231 that enables attachment of a sheet to the comers of the patient support 112).

[0121] The first end 202 may include a movable coupling assembly 240, which may be operable to couple to and move with the patient support component 132 to facilitate deployment of the extendable patient support 200. The movable coupling assembly 240 in one aspect may include first and second couplers 210 operable to respectively receive the accessory mount 134 of the patient support component 132. For instance, the first and second couplers 210 may include an opening operable to receive a vertical post of the accessory mount 134. The coupling between the opening and the vertical post of the accessory mount 134 may allow vertical movement of the first and second couplers 210 and restrict lateral movement of the first and second couplers 210 relative to the accessory mount 134. The restriction on lateral movement of the first and second couplers 210 relative to the accessory mount 134 maintains the position of the first end 202 of the extendable patient support 200 relative to the patient support component 132 as the patient support component 132 moves away from and toward the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112.

[0122] It is noted that the extendable patient support 200 may be connected to the patient support component 132 in a variety of ways. For instance, the extendable patient support 200 may be screwed, riveted, or welded in place for a more permanent attachment. As another example, the extendable patient support 200 may utilize a set screw or clamp for a semi-permanent attachment. In yet another example, the extendable patient support 200 may use a spring pin or over-center mechanism (described herein in conjunction with Figs. 6 and 7) for a temporary attachment that can be quickly locked and unlocked. In still another example, the extendable patient support 200 may rely on friction between a post (e.g., the accessory mount 134) and an O-ring or simply a close fit between the post and a slot to attach the extendable patient support 200 without any additional steps. In a further example, the extendable patient support 200 may also be attached using a snap feature (described herein in conjunction with Fig. 5) that may be configured to release under significant tension, allowing the fabric to support the weight of a patient’s feet, but causing the extendable patient supports 200 to release from the patient support component 132 when excessive weight is applied.

[0123] In one aspect, the support surface 206 may be configured at the first end 202 to receive a coupling member 242 (e.g., a support member), which may be a rigid or semi-rigid member (e.g., a rod), that may be provided between the first and second couplers 210. Optionally, the coupling member 242 may connect the first coupler 210 to the second coupler 210. The support surface 206 may include a sleeve operable to receive the coupling member 242 provided between the first and second couplers 210. The coupling member 242 maintains a position of the first end 202 of the support surface 206, such that the coupling member 242 and the first end 202 of the support surface 206 move in conjunction with movement of the patient support component 132.

[0124] In one aspect, the first and second couplers 210, as well as the coupling member 242, may be decoupled from the support surface 206 to facilitate stowing or removing the extendable patient support 200 separate from the patient support 112. For instance, the first and second couplers 210 maybe decoupled from the accessory mounts 134, and the coupling member 242 may be removed from the sleeve provided by the support surface 206, thereby enabling removal of the first and second couplers 210 and the coupling member 242 from the support surface 206. The first and second couplers 210 may be coupled to the accessory mounts 134 in a variety of ways, such as a cam mechanism as described herein and/or a set screw.

[0125] In one aspect, the first and second couplers 210 may receive the accessory mounts 134 in the form of a bed end mounting post. The first and second couplers 210 may provide clearance for traction posts to fit within and engage the bed end mounting posts (e.g., the accessory mounts 134).

[0126] In one aspect, the second end 204 of the support surface 206 may be removably coupled to the patient support 112. For instance, the second end 204 of the support surface 206 may be removably coupled to the foot end 142 of the patient support 112 at or proximal to the perimeter 113 thereof. The removable coupling may be provided in a variety of forms and may vary from application to application. In Figs. 2 and 3, the second end 204 of the support surface 206 may be removably coupled to the patient support 112 via a plurality of snap button connections 220. Alternative removable coupling configurations include a zipper or a beaded welt and track configuration (e.g., a keder welt and keder track). Further alternatives for removable coupling configurations include hook and loop fasteners and one or more buttons. In one aspect, the coupling between the second end 204 and the patient support 112 may not be removable. Example couplings include a sewn seam, a welded seam, one or more rivets. The second end 204 of the extendable patient support 200 may be coupled to a bottom of a watershed of the patient support 112. Optionally, the second end 204 may be coupled to a secondary flap of the patient support 112 below the watershed. The secondary flap and the second end 204 may be coupled together in any manner depending on the construction, including manners described herein, such as a zipper or snaps.

[0127] It is to be understood that the extendable patient support 200 may be attached to the patient support 112 in a variety of ways. Additional example attachments include the extendable patient support 200 being welded, sewn, or fastened directly to the patient support 112 for a more permanent attachment. Yet another example includes the extendable patient support 200 being attached to the patient support 112 using a zipper to provide strength while still allowing easy attachment and removal. Still further example attachments include the extendable patient support 200 being attached to the patient support 112 using snaps (e.g., the snap button connections 220) or hook and loop, allowing the fabric to support the weight of a patient’s feet, but causing the fabric to release from the mattress when excessive weight is applied.

[0128] In Fig. 4A, a beaded welt 1320 is shown in conjunction with an extendable patient support 1300, which may be similar to the extendable patient support 200 in many respects with the exception of the removable coupling configuration between the extendable patient support 1300 and the patient support 112. The extendable patient support 1300 for instance may include a patient support surface 1306 and first and second ends. The beaded welt 1320 may be provided proximal to a second end 1306 of the extendable patient support 1300 and may be receivable within a track 1322 coupled to the patient support 112. A cross-section of the track 1322 is shown in Fig. 4B. For purposes of discussion, the track 1322 is shown separate from the patient support 112 in Fig. 4 A — however, the track 1322 may be coupled to the patient support 112 in practice. The track 1332 may be a keder track, and the beaded welt 1320 may be a keder track. [0129] The extendable patient support 200 in the present disclosure is not limited to the coupler 210 configuration shown and described in conjunction with Figs. 2 and 3. Alternative coupler configurations may be utilized. An example alternative coupler configuration is shown in Fig. 5 and generally designated 1410. The coupler 1410 may be similar to the coupler 210 in that the coupler 1410 may be configured to resist lateral movement relative to the accessory mount 134 (e.g., a vertical post). The coupler 1410 may snap fit onto the accessory mount 134 from a side of the accessory mount 134. In this way, the coupler 1410 may resist lateral movement relative to a longitudinal axis or length wise axis of the patient support, while allowing longitudinal movement in the case of sufficient force to decouple the snap fit from the accessory mount 134. This configuration may facilitate maintaining the first end 202 of the extendable patient support 200 in position with respect to the patient support component 132 as it moves into and out of proximity to the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112.

[0130] In Fig. 5, the coupler 1410 includes a receiver 1412 for the coupling member 242 to receive and to couple the coupling member 242 to the coupler 410.

[0131] Another example alternative coupler configuration is shown in Figs. 6 and 7 and generally designated 1510. The coupler 1510 is similar to the coupler 210, with the exception of including a lever lock 1512 that is movable between a locked position shown in Fig. 7 and an unlocked position shown in Fig. 6. As the lever lock 1512 rotates from the unlocked position in Fig. 6 into the lock position in Fig. 7, a cam surface of the lever lock 1512 may engage the accessory mount 134 to compress both the cam surface of the lever lock 1512 against the vertical outer surface of the accessory mount 134 and the opposing interior surface of the opening or receiver of the coupler 1510. The coupler 210 may not include the lever lock 1512, and may instead utilize clearance fit between the accessory mount 134 and the coupler 210 to provide sufficient coupling therebetween.

[0132] As described herein, the patient support surface area, which is defined by patient support 112, may be adjustable so that it can accommodate taller and/or wider people, but without the need to insert (or remove) a mattress insert. Referring to Fig. 8, in one aspect, the patient support apparatus 100 includes an extendable patient support 230 (e.g., an extendable sheet) coupled to the patient support 112. The extendable patient support 230 may be deployable from a stowed position to an extended position, where at least a portion of the extendable patient support 230 is extended beyond the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112 to provide a support surface beyond the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112 for a portion of a person’s body and thereby increase the patient support surface area.

[0133] In one aspect, the extendable patient support 230 may be coupled to (or selectively coupled to) one of the barriers, such as the footboard 148, at least when in the extended position or when in the stowed position. Optionally, as shown in Fig. 8, the extendable patient support 230 may be coupled to the footboard 148 when in the extended position and when in the stowed position. Further, also as shown in Fig. 8, at least a portion of the extendable patient support 230 can be stowed in the footboard 148 when the extendable sheet 230 is in its stowed position.

[0134] Alternately, at least a portion of the extendable sheet 230 can be stowed in the patient support 112 or adjacent the patient support 112.

[0135] In Fig. 8, the extendable patient support 230 may be tensioned in its extended position by a tensioner 232. For example, the tensioner 232 may be coupled to the extendable patient support 230, for example at its free edge, to tension the extendable patient support 230 at least when the extendable patient support 230 is in the extended position. In one aspect, the tensioner 232 may be mounted to the footboard 148, and optionally mounted in the footboard 148. For example, the tensioner 232 may be a spring or springs, such as coil springs, which are coupled to the edge of the extendable patient support 230, namely the free or proximal edge of extendable patient support 230 that is located in the footboard 148.

[0136] Optionally, the patient support apparatus 100 may include a guide 234 to guide the extendable patient support 230 along at least a portion of its path between the barrier and the patient support 112 when the extendable patient support 230 is moved between the extended position and the stowed position. Optionally, the guide 234 is adjustable. For example, the guide 234 may be mounted to or in the barrier, such as shown in Fig. 8. In one aspect, the guide 34 may include a roller 236 rotatably mounted in the footboard 148. Optionally, the roller 236 may be vertically adjustable to thereby fit the extendable patient support 230 and, therefore, may also form a tensioner for the extendable patient support 230 in addition to guiding the extendable patient support 230.

[0137] The roller 236 may be spring loaded (e.g., a torsion spring) so that tension may be applied continuously to the extendable patient support 230. When the patient support component 132 (optionally, the barrier) is retracted, the spring of the roller 236 may cause the extendable patient support 200 to roll up automatically on the roller 236. The spring of the roller 236 may be sufficiently strong to support the weight of a large patient's feet on the extendable patient support 200. If a large amount of weight is applied to the extendable patient support 200, such as in the case of a person sitting on the extendable patient support 200 when extended, the spring of the roller 236 may allow additional fabric of the extendable patient support 200 to unroll until the load is supported by the frame 120. In this way, the roller 236 may be configured to protect the fabric of the extendable patient support 200 from being overloaded. The amount of unrolling with respect to the roller 236 may depend on the tension of the spring. Greater tension may provide less rolling or no rolling depending on the load.

[0138] In one aspect, the position of the roller 236 may be adjusted or varied by a caregiver to adjust the position of the extendable patient support 200 relative to the patient's feet. For instance, one position of the roller 236 may support the patient's feet, while another position of the roller 236 may not provide such support.

[0139] In one aspect, the roller 236 and the associated spring may facilitate maintaining consistent performance (e.g., keeping the extendable patient support 200 taught) despite movements in the patient support 112 or stretching of the patient support 112. [0140] In one aspect, the roller 236 may allow the fabric of the extendable patient support 200 to be attached at multiple heights or angles while maintaining a target tension on the extendable patient support 200 for support of a portion of the patient thereon.

[0141] In one aspect, the roller 236 may have a mechanism to lock it in place to support heavier loads. For instance, the roller 236 may be configured to automatically lock when fully extended. The roller 236 may be unlocked by pressing a button or lever on the side of the roller in one configuration. The roller 236 may also be configured to have many locked positions for different extender positions or to adjust the tension in the extendable patient support 200.

[0142] Although the roller 236 is described primarily in conjunction with being coupled to the barrier or the footboard 148, it is to be understood that the roller 236 instead may be mounted to the patient support component 132 or another component of the frame 120. [0143] The roller 236 may be surrounded by padding or additional components to protect or house the roller 236, and/or to protects the patient's feet from the roller 236. For instance, foam may be provided around portions of the roller 236 or components associated with or coupled to the roller 236 to protect or guard against unintentional contact with the roller 236.

[0144] Referring again to Fig. 8, the extendable patient support 230 may be anchored at one end in the barrier, for example in footboard 148, and coupled on its opposed end to the patient support 112. Further, the barrier may be mounted so that it is movable between a first position adjacent the mattress and a second position spaced from the mattress. For examples of movable side rails and a movable footboard, reference is made to U.S. Publication No. 2016/0193095, filed as U.S. Patent Application No. 14/916,335 on March 3, 2016, commonly owned by Stryker Corporation, which is commonly assigned to Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Michigan and is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. As described herein, at least a portion of the extendable patient support 230 may be stowed in the patient support 112 and/or a movable component of the patient support apparatus 100. In one aspect, a middle section of the extendable patient support 230 may be stowed in the patient support 112 or the movable component of the patient support apparatus 100. In one aspect, at least a portion of the extendable patient support 230 may be stowed between the patient support 112 and the movable component of the patient support apparatus 100 (e.g., a portion of the extendable patient support 230 may be folded between the patient support 112 and the movable component).

[0145] Referring again to Fig. 2, when the barrier, e.g., footboard 148, is in its first position adjacent the patient support 112, the tensioner 232 may pull on the extendable patient support 230 so that it is mostly contained within the footboard 148, and the extendable patient support 230 is only partially extended from the footboard 148 sufficiently to couple to the patient support 112. When the barrier, such as the footboard 148, is extended and is moved to its second position (spaced from the patient support 112), the extendable patient support 230 is anchored at the patient support apparatus 112, and, hence, against the force of the tensioner 232 and deployed to its extended position with the extendable patient support 230 under tension from the force of the tensioner 232. When the barrier, e.g., the footboard 148, is returned to its first position, the tensioner 232 will pull the extendable patient support 230 back into the barrier. As noted, a suitable tensioner 232 may comprise a spring or springs coupled to the edge of the extendable patient support 230. Thus, the patient support apparatus 100 includes an energy source (e.g., the spring or springs) that is configured to move the extendable patient support 230 from its deployed position to its stowed position, and optionally, as described below, the patient support apparatus 100 may include an energy source that is configured to move the extendable patient support 230 from its stowed position to its deployed position.

[0146] In one aspect, the end of the extendable patient support 230 located in the barrier is mounted about a take-up roller, for example, a spring loaded take-up roller, so that when the barrier is moved to its second position, the extendable patient support 230 will unroll from the take-up roller and will be, therefore, tensioned by the take-up roller. The take-up roller, therefore, can act as the tensioner instead of a separate spring(s) or in addition to a separate spring or springs. When the barrier, e.g., the footboard 148, is returned to its first position, the roller will rewind and pull the extendable patient support 230 back into the barrier.

[0147] The take-up roller may instead be powered by a controller or control system mounted in the patient support apparatus 100 in response to signals generated by a user interface, e.g., buttons or a touchscreen display (reference is made to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/612,428 filed December 18, 2006, and issued as Patent No. 7,690,059, on April 6, 2010, which is commonly owned by Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein), to allow the extendable patient support 230 to be extended, dispensed or to retract the extendable patient support 230.

[0148] In this manner, the extendable patient support 230 may be coupled to the barrier when in the extended position and when in the stowed position, with the barrier (i.e., the tensioner 232 in the barrier) pulling on the extendable patient support 230 and thereby extending the extendable patient support 230 from its stowed position from within the barrier when the barrier is moved to the second position, where it is spaced from the patient support 112. Optionally, to stop the patient support 112 from slipping on the deck 130 when the extendable patient support 230 is pulled by the barrier (when the barrier is moved to its second position spaced from the patient support 112), the patient support 112 may be coupled to the deck 130, such that when the extendable patient support 230 is pulled from its stowed position, the patient support 112 will remain on the deck 130.

[0149] In one aspect, the extendable patient support 230 may be initially decoupled from the patient support 112. Instead, the extendable patient support 230 may be deployed from the barrier and then coupled to the patient support 112 before, after, or while the barrier is being moved from its first position adjacent the patient support 112 to its second position spaced from the patient support 112 — again, the tensioner 232 applies tension to the extendable patient support 230 and returns the extendable patient support 230 to its stowed position once either the extendable patient support 230 is decoupled from the patient support 112 or the barrier returns to its first position.

[0150] In either case, the extendable patient support 230 is configured to retract to its stowed position when the barrier is moved to the first position adjacent the patient support 112. Optionally, as noted, the extendable patient support 230 may be configured to automatically retract to the stowed position when the barrier is moved to the first position adjacent the patient support 112 either under the force of the tensioner 232 or the take-up roller operating as a tensioner.

[0151] In one aspect, the extendable patient support 230 may be an extended portion of a sheet or a cover that normally covers the patient support 112 or a sheet of material joined, either releasably or permanently, with the sheet or cover that normally covers the patient support 112.

[0152] In one aspect, the extendable patient support 230 is a single ply sheet. In other aspects, the extendable patient support 230 may have two or more plies of material. Further, the material forming the extendable patient support 230 may be elastic. Optionally, the extendable patient support 230 includes or forms a cushioning layer, such as a foam cushioning layer, a gel cushioning layer, a bladder cushioning layer, or 3D fabric cushioning layer, or a combination of any two or more of the cushioning layers. Further, the bladders may include a ridge at each opposed edge over at least a portion of the extendable patient support 230 to provide a spill barrier. To facilitate retraction of the extendable patient support 230 into the barrier (or patient support 112), the ridge may include a compressible ridge. Optionally, the ridges may be formed from inflatable elongated bladders or passageways formed between the extendable patient support 230 and strips of material joined, such as by welding, to the edges of the extendable patient support 230 or between two or more plies of material forming the extendable patient support 230. [0153] In one aspect, the extendable patient support 230 may include bellows so that the extendable patient support 230 can fold or collapse when in its stowed position within the barrier or within the mattress. Thus, rather than being rolled up on a roller in the barrier as described above, the extendable patient support 230 may be folded up in the barrier when in its stowed position.

[0154] In one aspect, the patient support apparatus 100 may include an air supply in communication with the extendable patient support 230. The air supply may be controlled by an onboard controller or control system mounted on the person support, such as described in the following: U.S. Patent Application No. 11/612,428, filed December 18, 2006, and issued as U.S. Patent No. 7,690,059, on April 6, 2010; and/or may be part of a pneumatic system, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,011,039, issued September 6, 2011; U.S. Patent No. 8,914,924, issued December 23, 2014; U.S. Patent No. 8,006,333, issued August 30, 2011; U.S. Patent No. 7,690,059, issued April 6, 2010; U.S. Publication. No. 2013/0061396, filed July 13, 2012 as U.S. Patent Application No. 13/548,591, and issued as U.S. Patent No. 9,820,904 on November 21, 2017; U.S. Publication. No. 2015/0059100, filed on August 29, 2014, as U.S. Patent Application No. 14/472,697, and issued as U.S. Patent No. 9,782,312 on October 10, 2017; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2017/0027792, filed as U.S. Patent Application No. 15/292,180 on October 13, 2016, and issued as U.S. Patent No. 10,682,273 on June 16, 2020; U.S. Patent No. 8,875,331, issued on November 4, 2014; and U.S. Patent No. 8,661,915, issued on March 4, 2014 , all of which are commonly assigned to Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Michigan and are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein. Any of these pneumatic systems may be located in one or more of the barriers, the bed frame, or in the mattress. For example, when the extendable patient support 230 includes bellows, the bellows may be inflatable by the air supply. In one aspect, when inflated, the bellows may extend the extendable patient support 230 from its stowed position. For example, the bellows may be configured so that they are inflated from its distal end (and furthest from the barrier) so that as the extendable patient support 230 is inflated it unfolds from its distal end in a rolling fashion.

[0155] As noted herein, the extendable patient support 230 may include a bladder layer, with the air supply in communication with the bladder layer to inflate the bladder layer. The bladders may be formed in and located in discrete regions of the extendable patient support 230 or extend across the full width and/or length of the extendable patient support 230 and may be formed as tubular bladders or a matrix of pod-like bladders. For examples of suitable bladders that may be incorporated in the extendable patient support 230 (though on a scaled down-size) reference is made to the following: U.S. Patent No. 5,542,136, issued on August 6, 1996 ; U.S. Patent No. 6,907,633, issued on June 21, 2005; U.S. Patent No. 8,201,292, issued on June 19, 2012; U.S. Patent No. 8,413,271, issued on April 9, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 8,910,334, issued on December 16, 2014; and U.S. Patent No. 9,468,307, issued on October 18, 2016, all of which are commonly assigned to Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Michigan and are What ar by reference in their entireties herein. Further, the cushioning layer may be formed as a separate layer mounted to the extendable patient support 230.

[0156] In any of the above, the extendable patient support 230 may be formed from a material that is impermeable to liquid and/or gas permeable so that the extendable patient support 230 is breathable, such as GORTEX material, available from GORE. For farther details of suitable materials reference is made to U.S Patent No. 8,910,334, issued on December 16, 2014, which is commonly assigned to Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Michigan and is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0157] In any of the above, the extendable patient support 230 may have antimicrobial properties. For example, the extendable patient support 230 may include silver, copper, or antimicrobial chemical additives, such as MICROBAN, applied thereto or incorporated therein. The silver or copper may include copper or silver powder, silver or copper alloys, including or copper or silver alloy powder. [0158] As noted above, the extendable patient support 230 may be formed as part of a mattress sheet or may be formed as part of a mattress cover. Further, the extendable patient support 230 may be stored in the patient support 112 instead of the barrier. For example, the foot end of the patient support 112 may include a recess that forms a cavity into which the extendable patient support 230 may be rolled or folded when in its stored position and extended therefrom to either be completed to the barrier before, after, or while it is extended or simply coupled to the barrier so when the barrier moves, the extendable patient support 230 with be extended from the mattress. Thus, the extendable patient support 230 may be only coupled to the patient support 112 when in its stowed position, or it may be coupled to both the patient support 112 and the barrier, and instead of being “dispensed” from the barrier, it could be dispensed from the mattress.

[0159] It is to be understood from the description herein that, when the barrier is moved to its second position spaced from the patient support 112, and the extendable patient support 230 is extended beyond the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112, the extendable patient support 230 may be provided in a hammock configuration with no cushion a supporting structure beneath it except for the frame that supports the footboard 148. In some situations, it may be advantageous to tilt the extendable patient support 230 upward or downward. When used at the foot end of the patient support apparatus 100, it may be desirable for the extendable patient support 230 to be elastic and, further, to have sensors, such as sensors formed therein, to monitor the pressure on the person’s heels, which will be contacting the extended sheet. For an example of suitable sensors that may be formed in the extendable sheet 30, reference is made to U.S. Patent No. 8,875,331, issued on November 4, 2014 and U.S. Patent No. 8,661,915, issued on March 4, 2014, which are commonly assigned to Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Michigan and are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

[0160] Turning to Figs. 9- 11 , a patient support 112 for a patient support apparatus 100 is shown similar to the patient support 112 described in conjunction in Figs. 2-3. An extendable patient support 300 is shown that is deployable from a stowed position to an extended position and provides a support surface 306 beyond a perimeter 113 of the patient support 100 proximal to a foot end 142 of the patient support 112. The extendable patient support 300 may include a first end 302 and a second end 304, as well as a support surface 306, similar to the extendable patient support 200 as well as any variations described herein with respect thereto. The extendable patient support 300 may be similar in many respects to the extendable patient support 200, such as being constructed of a cover material that is durable and including an internal padding, such as fire barrier material for padding.

[0161] The patient support 112 may be coupled to the extendable patient support 300, which may include a movable coupling assembly 340 different from the movable coupling assembly 240 described in conjunction with the extendable patient support 200. The coupling between the extendable patient support 300 and the patient support 112 may be similar to one or more of the couplings described in conjunction with the extendable patient support 200 and the patient support 112. For instance, in Fig. 9, the coupling between the extendable patient support 300 and the patient support 112 is a sewn seam — although, as mentioned, the coupling may vary depending on the application. The patient support apparatus 100 in Fig. 9 is substantially similar to the patient support 100 described herein, including a patient support component 132 with a movable deck 133 and footboard posts 149 configured to support a footboard 148 (not shown in Fig. 9 but depicted in Fig. 1). Further, the patient support apparatus 100 in Fig. 9 includes an accessory mount 134.

[0162] The movable coupling assembly 340 in Fig. 9 may be similar to the movable coupling assembly 240 in that the movable coupling assembly 340 may include first and second couplers 310 operable to receive a vertical post of the accessory mount 134. The movable coupling assembly 340 may be removably coupled to the accessory mount 134, so that the movable coupling assembly 340 can be disconnected from the accessory mount 134. The first and second couplers 310 may be constructed to couple to the accessory mount 134 similar to the first and second couplers 210, such as by a set screw, a cam mechanism, or a snap fit. As another example, the first and second couplers 310 may be fixed or removably mounted to the accessory mount 134.

[0163] Optionally, the patient support component 132 may pivot relative to the patient support 112. For instance, as shown in Fig. 9, the patient support component 132 may pivot along a path 135, along with the moveable coupling assembly 340 and the extendable patient support 300.

[0164] The movable coupling assembly 340 may include a coupling member 342 provided proximal to the first end 302 of the extendable patient support 200, similar to any one or more of the couplings described herein between the support surface 306 and the patient support 112, between the support surface 206 and the patient support 112, and between the support surface 206 and the movable coupling assembly 240. For instance, a portion of the support surface 306 proximal to the first end 302 may include a beaded welt (e.g., a keder welt similar to the beaded welt 1320 depicted in Fig. 4) that may be receivable in a track (e.g., a keder track similar to the track 1322 depicted in Fig. 4) provided by the movable coupling assembly 340.

[0165] In Figs. 9-10, the movable coupling assembly 340 includes a rotatable member 342 in the form of a cylindrical shaped component (e.g., a roller) that rotates relative to both the first and second couplers 310. The support surface 306 of the extendable patient support 300 runs over or around rotatable member 342 so that the support surface 306 may be wound around the rotatable member 342 as the patient support component 132 moves the extendable patient support 300 between stowed and deployed positions. Fig. 9 depicts the extendable patient support 300 in the deployed position with the support surface 306 unwound from the rotatable member 342 of the movable coupling assembly 340. [0166] In Figs. 9-11, the rotatable member 342 is aluminum — although it may be differently constructed. The rotatable member 342 may be configured in a variety of ways and may be constructed from a variety of materials and is not limited to any particular construction. [0167] The rotatable member 342 may be configured to resist rotation to provide tension on the extendable patient support 300 to support a portion of the patient (e.g., the patient’s heels). Support provided by the extendable patient support 300 may be present during patient movements for turns and bed position changes. The rotatable member 342 may rotate to wind the support surface 306 of the extendable patient support 300 thereon, e.g., from a deployed position to a stowed position as the patient support component 132 moves toward the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112.

[0168] The rotatable member 342 may have a diameter of about 1.75” and be configured to provide approximately 5.5” of travel for the extendable patient support 300 (e.g., about 5.5” of the support surface 306 may be wound and unwound from the rotatable member 342). As described herein, a spring may be utilized to provide torsion on the rotatable member 342 to resist unwinding of the support surface 306 from the rotatable member 342, thereby providing tension on the extendable patient support 300 relative to the patient support 112.

[0169] In practice, the coupling between the rotatable member 342 and the first and second couplers 310 may be subjected to forces transverse to a longitudinal axis of the rotatable member 342, potentially leading to a binding force between the rotatable member 342 and the first and second couplers 310. This transverse force may be applied by tension of the extendable patient support 300 between the first and second ends 202, 204 thereof, with the first end 202 proximal to the rotatable member 342 and being tensioned by a tensioner, such as a spring, that enables the support surface 306 to be wound up on the rotatable member 342 as the extendable patient support 300 moves from the deployed position to the stowed position.

[0170] In order to avoid subjecting significant binding force on the coupling between the first and second couplers 310 and the rotatable member 342, a transverse member 343 may be disposed between the first and second couplers 310 in a fixed relationship with the first and second couplers 310. The transverse member 343 may counter significant binding force on the coupling between the first and second couplers 310 and the rotatable member 342.

[0171] In one aspect, the transverse member 343 may be considered a support (e.g., a rod) that spans a foot end 143 between the first and second couplers 310 to provide one or more of the following aspects: prevent incorrect reassembly of the movable support apparatus 340; prevent material from shrouding the footboard connector 149; and resist torsion of each coupler 310 around the accessory mount 134.

[0172] The first and second couplers 310, like the first and second couplers 210, may include an opening operable to receive and engage the accessory mount 134 of the patient support component 132 proximal to a foot end 142 of the patient support apparatus 100.

[0173] The movable coupling assembly 340 is shown disengaged from the accessory mount 134 of the patient support component 132 in Fig. 11. The rotatable remember 342 in the figure includes the track configuration 345, similar to the track 1322 described in conjunction with Fig. 4. Further, as shown, the rotatable member 342 is disengaged axially somewhat relative to the coupler 310, which is receivable within an opening of the rotatable member 342 aligned with the central axis of the rotatable member 342. Removal of the coupler 310 entirely from the end of the rotatable member 342 may enable removal of a bead welt of the support surface 306 of the extendable patient support 300 from the track 345 of the rotatable member 342.

[0174] An alternative configuration of the rotatable member for a movable coupling assembly 440 is shown in Figs. 12 and 13 in conjunction with an extendable patient support 400 that is similar to the extendable patient support 300. Differences between the extendable patient support 400 and the extendable patient support 300 pertain to the movable coupling assembly 440 and the first and second couplers 410. The movable coupling assembly 440 is similar in some respects to the movable coupling assembly 340 described herein, except the movable coupling assembly 440 includes a rotatable member 442 constructed differently for coupling to a coupler 410 (similar to the coupler 310) and for a coupling to a support surface 406 (similar to the support surface 306) of extendable patient support 300 proximal to a first end 402 thereof.

[0175] The coupler 410 of the movable coupling assembly 440 includes an opening 413, similar to an opening of the coupler 310, operable to receive the accessory mount 134 for engagement between the movable coupling assembly 440 and the accessory mount 134 of the patient support component 132. The coupler 410 also includes an opening or receiver 411 operable to receive a transverse member (not shown) that is similar to the transverse member 343 of the movable coupling assembly 340. The receiver 411 may include a countersink for receipt of a fastener that couples to the transverse member to connect the coupler 410 to the transverse member. The transverse member, like the transverse member 343, may resist binding forces applied between the coupler 410 and the rotatable member 442.

[0176] Turning to the rotatable member 442, it may include a first side 441 and a second side 447 operable to mate together to form a main body of the rotatable member 442, which is depicted in Fig. 12 without the first and second couplers 410 and an end cap 449. For instance, the first and second side 441, 447 may correspond to first and second halves of the rotatable member 442 that may be joined together to form a cylindrical member having a central or longitudinal axis 450. The first and second sides 441, 447 may be separable to enhance cleanability, manufacturability, and aesthetics.

[0177] In one aspect, a slot of the rotatable member 442 may receive a beaded welt (e.g., similar to the beaded welt 1320) between the first and second sides 441, 447 of the rotatable member 442 in order to couple the support surface 406 to the rotatable member 442. Each of the first and second sides 441, 447 may include internal clearance 471 to hold the beaded welt. The rotatable member 442 includes a slot 470 for passthrough of the support surface 406 while the beaded welt is retained within the rotatable member 442. Alternatively, a portion of the support surface 406 may be sandwiched between the first and second sides 441 , 447 of the rotatable member 442 in order to couple the support surface 406 to the rotatable member 442.

[0178] The first and second sides 441, 447 may be identical to each other and configured to mate with each other by rotating one of the sides 180° relative to the other so that the first and second ends of one side are swapped relative to the other side. This identical construction may enable ease of manufacturing and a reduction in the number of unique components used for the movable coupling assembly 440. Alternating cutouts and protrusions 472 on each of the first and second sides 441, 447 may be provided to hold together the clamshell-type seam of the first and second sides 441, 447. A fastener receiver 473 may be provided in each of the first and second sides 441, 447 to receive a fastener that facilitates coupling the first side 441 to the second side 447.

[0179] In Fig. 13, each of the first and second sides 441, 447 of the rotatable member 442 may respectively include first and second engagement members 462 operable to interact with a cap-side engagement 461 of the end cap 449 to maintain a position of the end cap 449 in place when the first and second sides 441, 447 are mated together and to prevent rotation of the end cap 449 relative to the first and second sides 441, 447. In Fig. 13, the first and second engagement of members 462 in the cap side engagement 461 may be provided in the form of interlocking teeth that prevents rotation in the mechanical coupling between the end cap 449 and the first and second sides 441, 447. The teeth may be provided with various shapes, such as triangular, square, rectangular, or trapezoidal depending on the configuration — in general, when the first and second sides 441, 447 are brought together in conjunction with the end cap 461, the teeth engage and prevent rotational movement of the end cap 461 relative to the first and second sides 441, 447.

[0180] As described herein, the rotatable members 342, 442 may be configured to rotate relative to the first and second couplers 310, 410. In Fig. 13, a spring tensioner 465 may be provided that engages a stop of the end cap 449 on a first end and engages another stop of the coupler 410. The spring tensioner 465 may bias the rotatable member 442 in a clockwise direction so that the support surface 406 is wound in a clockwise manner about the rotatable member 442 of the movable coupler assembly 440. The end cap 449 may include a cap end stop 460 that engages the first coupler stop 475 of the coupler 410 and a second coupler stop 476 at start and stop positions with pre-load, potentially limiting rotation to no more than one full rotation. The limit on rotation may aid in infection control.

[0181] Alternatively, constant force or constant torque may be provided by a spring tensioner 465 to allow for full retraction of the material of the support surface 406 around the rotatable coupler 442.

[0182] As the patient support component 132 is moved away from the patient support 112, the spring tensioner may allow more of the support surface 406 to unwind from the rotatable member 442, while maintaining tension on the extendable patient support 400 so that significant sagging thereof does not occur. The spring tensioners 465 may include a spring that is pre-loaded to provide tension on the rotatable member 442 relative to the coupler 410. A clearance hole beneath the spring tension 465 in Fig. 13 may receive a bolt (e.g., a shoulder bolt not shown) operable to attach the end cap 449 to the first and second sides 441, 447. The end cap 449 may include an internal ledge to engage the bolt.

[0183] An alternative movable coupler assembly and coupler for the accessory mount 134 are shown in Figs. 14-16 and generally designated 540 and 510. The movable coupler assembly 540 includes a coupling member 542 that may be operably received within or coupled to a support surface 206 proximal to the first end 202 of the extendable patient support 200. For instance, as described herein, support surface 206 may include a sleeve operable to receive the coupling member 542 of the movable coupler assembly 540, optionally with the material of the support surface 206 of the extendable patient support 200 being secured outside a raised protrusion 550 of the moveable coupler 540 toward the lateral sides of the moveable coupler

540.

[0184] The movable coupler assembly 540 may provide spring resisted rotation of a pivoting turret in order to provide tension on the extendable patient support to support a least a portion of the patient (e.g., the heels) and to allow the support surface to move during turns and bed position changes.

[0185] As the patient support component 132 moves away from the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112, over a defined range, the coupling member 542 may be operable to rotate and move the manner that maintains tension on the extendable patient support 200 between the first and second ends 202, 204 thereof. The movable coupling assembly 540 may include a link 520 operable in conjunction with a tension interface 514 to bias the coupling member 542 toward the footboard 148. This way, the link 520 may maintain tension on the support surface 206 of the extendable patient support 200. For purposes of disclosure, one side of the movable coupler assembly 540 is shown so that one of the couplers 510 and one of the links 520 are depicted. It is to be understood that the other side of the movable coupler assembly 540 may be configured in a similar manner and provides similar construction and functionality. [0186] The coupler 510 of the movable coupler assembly 540 may be similar in some respects to the coupler 210 of the movable coupler assembly 240. For instance, the coupler 510 may include an opening or receiver adapted to receive the accessory mount 134 and to facilitate maintaining a position of the coupler 510 relative to the patient support component 132 as the movable coupler assembly 540 along with the coupler 510 move proximal to and distal from the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112. In one aspect, similar to the coupler 210, the coupler 510 may be secured to the accessory mount 134 via an attachment mechanism, such as a cam mechanism, a set screw, a friction fit, or a snap fit.

[0187] The coupler 510, as perhaps best seen in Fig. 16, includes a leg 511 extending downward from a main body of the coupler 510. The leg 511 may contact a surface 513 of the patient support apparatus 100, limiting rotational movement of the coupler 510 relative to a central axis 515 thereof and in at least one direction with respect to the central axis 515 (e.g., a counter-clockwise limit on rotation in Fig. 16). The coupler 510, in one aspect, may be fixed to the accessory mount 134 (e.g., a traction post) with a set screw, cam, or placed on the accessory mount with the leg 511 (or other type of protrusion) to prevent rotation.

[0188] The coupler 510, as described herein, may include a tension interface 514 operably coupled to the link 520. A fastener 512 may couple the link 520 to the tension interface 514 of the coupler 510. The fastener 512 may, for example, be a bolt that maintains a vertical position of the link 520 while allowing rotation about the vertical axis of the tension interface 514. The tension interface 514 may include a spring or other tensioning mechanism operable to bias the link 520 to rotate a pivot 522 of the link 520 toward the foot board 148. The pivot 522 may be an unrestricted pivot.

[0189] Under sufficient force directed by the extendable patient support 200 toward the perimeter 113 of the patient support 112 or away from the footboard 148, the link 520 may rotate about the tension interface 514, and the coupling member 542 may likewise rotate about the pivot 522 of the link 520 as the coupling member 542 moves away from the footboard 148. Movement of the coupling member 542 in Fig. 15 is about 3” from the footboard 148 — although the present disclosure is not so limited. Because the pivot 522 of the link 520 is rotating in an arc as the coupling member 542 moves away from the footboard 148, the length of the coupling member 542 may be variable. For instance, the coupling member 542 may include a pivot member 541 (e.g., a sleeve) coupled to the pivot 522 of the link 520, and a linkage member 543 disposed between the pivot member 541 on each side of the patient support apparatus 100. The linkage member 543 may slide into and out of a receiver of the pivot member 541 so that the overall length of the coupling member 542 may vary as the link

520 rotates about the tension interface 514. [0190] An alternative configuration of a coupler 610 is shown in Figs. 17 and 18 and depicted without a coupling member for purposes of disclosure. The coupling member for the coupler 610 may be substantially similar to the coupling member 542 described herein. And, the coupler 610 may be similar to the coupler 510, with the exception of the tension interface and the link being integrated into the coupler 610. A linkage arm 620 may be provided by the coupler 610, which may be configured to pivot about the accessory mount 134 in the same axis as the accessory mount 134 (e.g., a traction post). The coupler 610 may include the accessory mount coupler 618 that is fixedly supported to the accessory mount 134, while the linkage arm 620 may rotate relative to the accessory mount coupler 618. A fastener 619, such as a clip, may maintain a vertical position of the linkage arm 620 relative to the accessory mount coupler 618. The linkage arms 620, like the link 520, may include a pivot 622 similar to the pivot 522. The pivot 622 may be coupled to the coupler assembly to bias the coupling member toward the footboard 148. Under sufficient force by the extendable patient support 200 on the coupler assembly, the pivot 622 may rotate away from the footboard 148, applying tension on the extendable patient support 200.

[0191] Turning to Figs. 19 and 20, in one aspect, an extendable patient support 700 is shown in conjunction with a movable coupler 740 in a representative manner. The movable coupler 740 includes a coupler assembly 742 operably received by a support surface 706 (e.g., a sleeve) proximal to the first end 702 of the extendable patient support 700, which may include the second end 704 operatively coupled to the patient support 112 and which may include a support surface 706 disposed between the first and second ends 702, 704. The movable coupler 740 may be configured to rotate about a rotational axis 750 that is spaced apart from the movable coupler 740. The rotational axis 750 may be substantially aligned with the first and second couplers 710, and may be configured to couple to an accessory mount 134, similar to one or more configurations described herein. The rotational axis 750 may extend from the first coupler 710 to a second coupler 710. [0192] The first and second coupler 710 may include a tension mechanism 720 or spring like mechanism operable to bias the coupler assembly 742 of the movable coupler 740 toward a foot end 142 of the patient support apparatus. The coupler assembly 742 in Figs. 19- 20 is a bar spanning between the couplers 710 — although the coupler assembly 742 may be configured differently depending on the configuration.

[0193] In one aspect, an extendable patient support 800 may be provided for use with the patient support 112. The extendable patient support 800 may include a first end 802 and a second and 804, similar to the extendable patient support 200. The extendable patient support 800 may also include a support surface 806 similar to the support surface 206 of the extendable patient support 200. The extendable patient support 800 may include a first side 821 and a second side 822 dispose laterally with respect to the first end 802. A link 842 may be provided to operably couple the accessory mount 134 to each of the first and second sides 821, 822. For instance, in one aspect, first and second links 842 may be connected directly to comer portions aligned respectively with the first side 821 and the first end 802. This link 842 may be an extendable link (e.g., stretchy) and may include a loop that fits over a post of the accessory mount 134 to couple the comer portion to the accessory mount 134. In one aspect, the link 842 may be a stretchy band operable to provide tension on the comer portion so that the extendable patient support 800 is biased toward each of the accessory mounts 134.

[0194] Optionally, a coupling assembly 840 may be received within the support surface 806 to provide support between the first and second sides 821, 822. The coupling assembly 840 may be a rigid component, such as a fiberglass or aluminum rod. The links 842 may be connected to the coupling assembly 840 instead of being directly coupled to the extendable patient support 800. The links 842 may be coupled to the accessory mounts 134 via a loop that receives the accessory mount 134, and these links 842 may be stretchy bands or stretch like material that biases the coupler assembly 842 toward the accessory mounts 134 or toward the foot end 142 of the patient support apparatus. [0195] By providing links 842 that bias the first end 802 of the extendable patient support 800 toward the foot end 142 of the patient support apparatus 100, the support surface 806 of the extendable patient support 800 may provide sufficient support for a portion of the patient’s body.

[0196] The extendable patient support 800 in one aspect may be removably coupled to the patient support 112. For instance, in any of the ways described herein, such as via a zipper or snaps, the extendable patient support 800 may be removably coupled to the patient support 112.

[0197] Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure based on the orientation of the embodiments and aspects shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit embodiments or aspects to any specific orientation(s).

[0198] The above description is that of current embodiments and aspects of the disclosure. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments or aspects of the disclosure or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments or aspects. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described embodiments or aspects may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments and aspects include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present disclosure is not limited to only those embodiments or aspects that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

[0199] While several forms have been shown and described, other changes and modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art. Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure which is defined by the claims which follow as interpreted under the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a deck; a patient support supported on the deck and operable to support a patient, the patient support including first and second opposing ends; a movable component operably coupled to the deck and operable to move relative to the first end of the patient support and to move relative to the deck to extend a length of the patient support apparatus; and an extendable patient support operable to be coupled between the patient support and the movable component, the extendable patient support being deployable from a stowed position to an extended position that provides a support surface beyond the first end of the patient support for a portion of the patient.

2. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendable patient support includes a rotatable coupler operable to provide tension on the support surface of the extendable patient support, wherein the rotatable coupler is biased by a spring to provide the tension.

3. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein a transverse member is provided between ends of the rotatable coupler to provide support for the extendable patient support.

4. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the rotatable coupler includes first and second sides that are substantially identical to each other and mate together to form a cylindrical element on which the support surface is wound and unwound as the extendable patient support is movable between the stowed position and the extendable position.

5. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support surface includes a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is coupled to the patient support and the first end is distal from the second end in the extended position, wherein the first end of the patient support includes first and second comer portions each coupled respectively to an accessory mount of the movable component via extendable links that bias each of the first and second comer portions toward the accessory mount.

6. The patient support apparatus of claim 5, wherein a support member is provided between the first and second comer portions, wherein the support member is a rigid, longitudinal element and the extendable links are respectively coupled to the ends of the support member.

7. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendable patient support is operable to be selectively coupled between the patient support and the movable component.

8. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendable patient support is configured to couple between the patient support and the movable component by connecting a first end of the extendable patient support to the first end of the patient support and a second end of the extendable patient support to the movable component.

9. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the movable component is a footboard assembly.

10. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendable patient support is operable to fold in the stowed position between the first end of the patient support and the movable component with the movable component being proximal to the first end of the patient support.

11. The patient support apparatus of claim 10, wherein the extendable patient support is operable to unfold from the stowed position to the extended position in response to movement of the movable component away from the first end of the patient support.

12. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in the extended position, the extendable patient support is suspended between the first end of the patient support and the movable component.

13. The patient support apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the movable component includes first and second posts spaced apart on opposite sides of the movable component, and wherein the extendable patient support includes first and second couplers respectively operable to receive the first and second posts.

14. The patient support apparatus of claim 13, wherein, in the extended position, the extendable patient support provides tension on the first and second posts respectively via the first and second couplers, thereby engaging the first and second couplers respectively to the first and second posts.

15. The patient support apparatus of claim 14, wherein each of the first and second couplers include a cam lock operable by a caregiver to selectively engage the first and second posts.

16. The patient support apparatus of claim 14, wherein the extendable patient support includes a support member provided between the first and second couplers and operable to support the extendable patient support in the extended position.

17. The patient support apparatus of claim 16, wherein the extendable patient support includes a first link that couples the first coupler to the support member and a second link that couples the second coupler to the support member, wherein the first and second links are coupled to the support member respectively via first and second pivots that are operable for unrestricted rotation between the first and second links and the support member, and wherein the first and second links are coupled to the first and second couplers respectively via a tension interface operable to bias the first and second links away from the patient support.

18. The patient support apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first and second couplers include a linkage arm with a pivot connected to the support member, wherein the pivot allows unrestricted rotation of the support member relative to the linkage arm, wherein the linkage arms of the first and second couplers are biased away from the patient support by an integrated tension interface provided by the first and second couplers.

19. The patient support apparatus of claims 16, wherein the support member is operable to pivot about a rotational axis that extends from the first coupler to the second coupler.

20. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendable patient support is coupled to the patient support via at least one of a zipper, one or more snaps, a welded seam, hook and loop fasteners, a sewn seam, one or more buttons, one or more rivets, or a Keder rail.

21. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extendable patient support is integral to a cover of the patient support.

22. A patient support operable to be positioned on a patient support apparatus, the patient support apparatus includes a movable component operable to extend a longitudinal length of the patient support apparatus, the patient support comprising: a patient support surface operable to provide cushioning for a patient, the patient support surface including a perimeter; and an extendable patient support configurable between a stowed position and a deployed position that provides a support surface beyond the perimeter of the patient support surface for a portion of the patient, the extendable patient support including a first coupler operably coupled to the movable component.

23. The patient support of claim 22, wherein the movable component is at least one of part of the patient support, a barrier of the patient support apparatus, a frame of the patient support apparatus.

24. The patient support of claim 22, wherein the extendable patient support is configured to couple between the patient support and the movable component by connecting a first end of the extendable patient support to a first end of the patient support and a second end of the extendable patient support to the movable component.

25. The patient support of claim 22, wherein the movable component is a footboard assembly.

26. The patient support of claim 22, wherein the extendable patient support is operable to fold in the stowed position between the perimeter of the patient support and the movable component with the movable component being proximal to the first end of the patient support.

27. The patient support of claim 22, wherein the movable component includes first and second posts spaced apart on opposite sides of the movable component, wherein the first coupler of the extendable patient support is operable to receive the first post, and wherein the extendable patient support includes a second coupler on a side of the extendable patient support opposite the first coupler, wherein the second coupler is operable to receive the second post.

28. The patient support of claim 22, wherein the extendable patient support is coupled to the patient support via at least one of a zipper, one or more snaps, a welded seam, hook and loop fasteners, a sewn seam, one or more buttons, one or more rivets, or a Keder rail.

29. The patient support of claim 22, wherein the extendable patient support is integral to a cover of the patient support.

30. A person support comprising: a mattress having a perimeter; and an extendable patient support coupled or selectively coupled to said mattress and deployable from a stowed position to an extended position wherein at least a portion of said extendable patient support is extended beyond said perimeter of said mattress to provide a support surface beyond said perimeter of said mattress for a portion of a person’s body.

31. A person support according to claim 30, wherein at least a portion of the extendable patient support is stowed in the mattress and/or a movable component of the person support.

32. A person support according to claim 31, wherein a middle section of the extendable patient support is stowed in the mattress and/or the movable component.

33. A person support according to claim 30, wherein at least a portion of the extendable patient support is stowed between the mattress and a movable component.

34. The person support according to claim 30, comprising a barrier, said extendable patient support being coupled to or selectively coupled to said barrier at least when in said extended position or when in said stowed position.

35. The person support according to claim 34, wherein said barrier comprises a footboard.

36. The person support according to claim 35, wherein said extendable patient support is coupled to said footboard when in said extended position and when in said stowed position.

37. The person support according to claim 35, wherein at least a portion of said extendable patient support is stowed in said footboard when said extendable patient support is in said stowed position.

38. The person support according to claim 35, wherein at least a portion of said extendable patient support is stowed in said mattress or adjacent said mattress when said extendable patient support is in said stowed position.

39. The person support according to claim 35, comprising a tensioner coupled to said extendable patient support to tension said extendable patient support at least when said extendable patient support is in said extended position.

40. The person support according to claim 39, wherein said tensioner is mounted to said footboard, and optionally said tensioner is mounted in said footboard.

41. The person support according to claim 39, wherein said tensioner includes a spring.

42. The person support according to claim 34, comprising a guide, said guide operable to guide said extendable patient support in a path between said barrier and said mattress when said extendable patient support is moved between said extended position and said stowed position, and optionally said guide is adjustable.

43. The person support according to claim 42, wherein said guide is mounted to or in said barrier, and optionally said guide includes a roller.

44. The person support according to claim 34, wherein said barrier is movable between a first position adjacent said mattress and a second position spaced from said mattress, and said extendable patient support being deployed or deployable to said extended position when said barrier is moved to said second position.

45. The person support according to claim 44, wherein said extendable patient support is coupled to said barrier when in said extended position and when in said stowed position, and said barrier extending said extendable patient support from said stowed position when said barrier is moved to said second position spaced from said mattress.

46. The person support according to claim 45, wherein said extendable patient support is configured to retract to said stowed position when said barrier is moved to said first position adjacent said mattress, and optionally said extendable patient support is configured to automatically retract to said stowed position when said barrier when is moved to said first position adjacent said mattress.

47. The person support according to any above claim, fiirther comprising an energy source configured to move said extendable patient support from said stowed position to said deployed position, and optionally said energy source is configured to move said extendable patient support from said deployed position to said stowed position.

48. The person support according to any above claim, wherein said extendable patient support includes a cushioning layer, and optionally said cushioning layer includes a foam cushioning layer, a gel cushioning layer, a bladder cushioning layer, or 3D fabric cushioning layer or a combination of two or more of the cushioning layers.

49. The person support according to any above claim, wherein said extendable patient support includes bellows, wherein said extendable patient support is operable to fold or collapse when in its stowed position.

50. The person support according to claim 49, comprising a supply of air in communication with said bellows wherein said bellows are inflatable to extend said extendable patient support from its stowed position.

51. The person support according to claim 48, wherein said extendable patient support includes a bladder layer, comprising a supply of air in communication with said bladder layer to inflate said bladder layer.

52. The person support according to any above claim, wherein said extendable patient support is impermeable to liquid.

53. The person support according to claim 52, said extendable sheet being gas permeable wherein said extendable patient support is breathable.

54. The person support according to any above claim, wherein said extendable patient support has antimicrobial properties, optionally said extendable patient support including silver, copper, or an antimicrobial chemical additive applied thereto or incorporated therein.

55. The person support according to any above claim, wherein said extendable patient support includes a mattress sheet or cover.

56. The person support according to any above claim, wherein said extendable patient support includes an extendable elastic sheet.

57. The person support according to any above claim, farther comprising a frame, said frame supporting said mattress, said extendable patient support being coupled to said mattress when in said extended position and when in said stowed position, and said mattress coupled to said frame, wherein when said extendable patient support is deployed from said stowed position, said mattress remains on said frame.

58. A person support comprising: a mattress having a perimeter; a barrier adjacent said mattress; and an extendable patient support coupled to said mattress and to said barrier and deployable from a stowed position within said barrier to an extended position, wherein at least a portion of said extendable patient support is extended beyond said perimeter of said mattress to provide a support surface beyond said perimeter of said mattress between said barrier and said mattress for a portion of a person’s body.

59. The person support according to claim 58, wherein said barrier includes a footboard.

60. The person support according to claim 59, comprising a tensioner mounted to said footboard and coupled to said extendable patient support to tension said extendable patient support at least when said extendable patient support is in said extended position.

61. The person support according to claim 59, comprising a guide, and said guide operable to guide said extendable patient support between said extended position and said stowed position.

62. The person support according to claim 61, wherein said guide includes a roller, and optionally said roller is vertically adjustable.

63. The person support according to any one of claims 58-62, wherein said extendable patient support includes a cushioning layer, and optionally said cushioning layer includes a foam cushioning layer, a gel cushioning layer, a bladder cushioning layer, or 3D fabric cushioning layer, or a combination of two or more cushioning layers.

64. The person support according to claim 58, wherein said extendable patient support includes a ridge at each opposed edge over at least a portion of said extendable patient support, and optionally said ridge including a compressible ridge.

65. The person support, the patient support, or the patient support apparatus, as the case may be, according to any above claim, wherein the extendable patient support is an extendable sheet.