WO2024035620A1

WO2024035620A1 - Patient support apparatus for removably securing an oxygen bottle

Info

Publication number: WO2024035620A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/029592
Authority: WO
Inventors: Megan BAIR; William Dwight CHILDS; Connor Feldpausch ST. JOHN; Tyler Ethen
Original assignee: Stryker Corporation
Priority date: 2022-08-08
Filing date: 2023-08-07
Publication date: 2024-02-15

Abstract

A patient support apparatus for use in removably securing an oxygen bottle is provided. A bottle holder assembly is operatively attached to an intermediate frame for concurrent movement between a plurality of vertical configurations. The bottle holder assembly includes a mount and a receptacle supporting a stop and including an inlet shaped to receive an end of the oxygen bottle. The receptacle is arranged for movement relative to the mount between a stow position to secure the oxygen bottle along a receptacle axis with the end of the oxygen bottle abutting the stop and an exchange position to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle along the receptacle axis. Movement of the receptacle from the stow position to the exchange position moves the inlet relative to the intermediate frame to present the oxygen bottle for exchange along the receptacle axis.

Description

PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS FOR REMOVABLY SECURING AN OXYGEN BOTTLE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The subject patent application claims priority to and all the benefits of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/395,995 filed on August 8, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Patient support apparatuses, such as hospital beds, stretchers, cots, tables, wheelchairs, and chairs are used to help caregivers facilitate care of patients in a health care setting. Conventional patient support apparatuses generally comprise a base and a patient support surface upon which the patient is supported. Often, these patient support apparatuses have one or more movable components, such as side rails that can be moved between raised and lowered positions, deck sections which articulate to adjust the patient support surface to support the patient between different patient support configurations, as well as lift mechanisms that adjust the height of the patient support surface.

[0003] For emergency situations, life support devices, such as an oxygen bottle, are generally secured to patient support apparatuses. The oxygen bottle is secured to the patient support apparatus for situations where a patient has breathing disorders or problems that necessitate the use of oxygen. With patient support apparatuses having lift mechanisms and being generally mobile, the oxygen bottle needs to be properly secured to the patient support apparatus during movement such that the oxygen bottle does not detach, fall off, or loosely bounce around on the patient support apparatus. Additionally, with the height of the patient support surface being adjustable, the oxygen bottle needs to be properly secured such that the oxygen bottle is not dragged along floor surfaces or obstruct movement.

[0004] Other types of conventional patient support apparatuses may secure the oxygen bottle to the patient support apparatus, but these types of designs are complicated to secure the oxygen bottle, are difficult to remove the oxygen bottle, and can result in decreased performance in response to an emergency situation. [0005] Previous patient support apparatuses that secure oxygen bottles have left room for improvement in this area. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art to address one or more of the challenges outlined above.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure provides a patient support apparatus for use in removably securing an oxygen bottle, including: abase; an intermediate frame arranged for movement relative to the base between a plurality of vertical configurations including a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, with the intermediate frame supporting a patient support deck; a lift mechanism coupled between the intermediate frame and the base to move the intermediate frame between the plurality of vertical configurations; and a bottle holder assembly operatively attached to the intermediate frame for concurrent movement between the plurality of vertical configurations, the bottle holder assembly including: a mount coupled to the intermediate frame, a stop, and a receptacle supporting the stop and having an inlet shaped to receive an end of the oxygen bottle along a receptacle axis, with the receptacle being arranged for movement relative to the mount between: a stow position to secure the oxygen bottle along the receptacle axis with the end of the oxygen bottle abutting the stop and with the receptacle axis arranged in a first axis configuration relative to the intermediate frame; and an exchange position to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle along the receptacle axis and out of the inlet with the receptacle axis arranged in a second axis configuration relative to the intermediate frame, the second axis configuration being different from the first axis configuration; where movement of the receptacle from the stow position to the exchange position moves the inlet relative to the intermediate frame to present the oxygen bottle for exchange along the receptacle axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 is perspective view of a patient support apparatus having a base, a litter with a patient support deck, a lift mechanism, side rails, and a bottle holder assembly.

[0009] Figure 2 is an illustrative view of a control system of the patient support apparatus of Figure 1. [0010] Figure A is a schematic left-side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 1, shown with a first side rail and a second side rail arranged in a raised position, and with the bottle holder assembly operatively attached to an intermediate frame.

[0011] Figure 3B a schematic left -side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 3A, shown with the second side rail arranged in an intermediate position, and shown with the first side rail arranged in the raised position.

[0012] Figure 3C a schematic left -side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 3 A, shown with the second side rail arranged in a lowered position, and shown with the first side rail arranged in the raised position.

[0013] Figure 4A is another schematic left-side view of the patient support apparatus of Figures 3A-3B, shown with two of the side rails removed for illustrative purposes but depicting the bottle holder assembly operatively attached to the intermediate frame, and with the lift mechanism supporting the litter in a raised configuration.

[0014] Figure 4B is another schematic left-side view of the patient support apparatus of Figure 4A, shown with the lift mechanism supporting the litter in a lowered configuration.

[0015] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the intermediate frame of the patient support apparatus of Figures 1-4B, shown with the bottle holder assembly operatively attached to an end of the intermediate frame, according to one configuration.

[0016] Figure 6A is another perspective view of the intermediate frame of the patient support apparatus of Figure 5, shown with the bottle holder assembly including a receptacle arranged in a first side exchange position to facilitate receiving of an oxygen bottle along a receptacle axis.

[0017] Figure 6B is a perspective view of the intermediate frame of the patient support apparatus of Figure 6A, shown with the oxygen bottle being received by the bottle holder assembly.

[0018] Figure 6C is a perspective view of the intermediate frame of the patient support apparatus of Figure 6B, shown with the receptacle arranged in a stow position to secure the oxygen bottle along the receptacle axis.

[0019] Figure 7 A is another perspective view of the intermediate frame of the patient support apparatus of Figure 5, shown with the receptacle arranged in a second side exchange position to facilitate receiving of the oxygen bottle along the receptacle axis. [0020] Figure 7B is a perspective view of the intermediate frame of the patient support apparatus of Figure 7 A, shown with the oxygen bottle being received by the bottle holder assembly.

[0021] Figure 8 is another perspective view of the intermediate frame of the patient support apparatus of Figure 5, shown with the bottle holder assembly operatively attached to a side of the intermediate frame.

[0022] Figure 9A is an exploded view of the bottle holder assembly including a mount and the receptacle having a stop and an inlet shaped to receive the oxygen bottle.

[0023] Figure 9B is a front exploded view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 9A.

[0024] Figure 10A is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly, shown with the receptacle including an outer sleeve coupled to the mount and an inner sleeve, and shown with the receptacle being arranged in an exchange position.

[0025] Figure 10B is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 10A, shown with the receptacle in phantom to illustrate one configuration of the stop defined as a first tab and a second tab for exemplary purposes.

[0026] Figure 10C is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 10B, shown with the oxygen bottle along the receptacle axis and out of the inlet.

[0027] Figure 10D is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 10C, shown with oxygen bottle having advanced further into the receptacle and extending past the first tab operatively attached to the inner sleeve.

[0028] Figure 10E is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 10D, shown with the oxygen bottle having advanced further into the receptacle with an end of the oxygen bottle abutting the second tab.

[0029] Figure 1 OF is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 10E, shown with the oxygen bottle being positioned within the receptacle.

[0030] Figure 11 A is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly operatively attached to the intermediate frame of the patient support apparatus, according to another configuration.

[0031] Figure 1 IB is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 11 A, shown with the bottle holder assembly including a receptacle being arranged in an exchange position and a collar assembly coupled to the intermediate frame. [0032] Figure 1 1C is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 1 IB, shown with the oxygen bottle along a receptacle axis, and shown with the collar assembly arranged in an open position.

[0033] Figure 11D is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 11C, shown with the oxygen bottle having advanced along the receptacle axis and being positioned within the receptacle.

[0034] Figure HE is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 11D, shown with the receptable arranged in the stow position, and shown with the collar assembly arranged in a closed position to secure the oxygen bottle.

[0035] Figure 12A is a perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 11 A.

[0036] Figure 12B is an exploded view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 12A, shown with the bottle holder assembly including a mount, a pivot bracket, and a biasing element interposed between the mount and the pivot bracket to urge the receptacle towards the exchange position.

[0037] Figure 13A is a bottom perspective view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 12A.

[0038] Figure 13B is an exploded view of the bottle holder assembly of Figure 13 A, shown with the mount having a recess shaped to receive the biasing element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, a patient support apparatus 100 is shown for supporting a patient in a heath care setting. The patient support apparatus 100 illustrated throughout the drawings is realized as a hospital bed. In other versions, however, the patient support apparatus 100 may be a stretcher, a cot, a table, a wheelchair, a chair, or a similar apparatus utilized in the care of a patient.

[0040] A support structure 102 provides support for the patient. In the representative version illustrated herein, the support structure 102 generally comprises a base 104 and a litter 106. Here, the litter 106 includes an intermediate frame 108 and a patient support deck 110 spaced above the base 104. The base 104 defines a longitudinal axis LA from a head end to a foot end. The intermediate frame 108 is spaced above the base 104. As is described in greater detail below, a lift mechanism 112 is interposed between the base 104 and the intermediate frame 108 to facilitate moving the litter 106 relative to the base 104 between a plurality of vertical configurations, including without limitation one or more raised configurations 106A (sec Figures 3A-4A), lowered configurations 106B (see Figure 4B), and/or inclined configurations such as a Trendelenburg configuration (not shown).

[0041] The patient support deck 110 has at least one deck section 114 arranged for movement relative to the intermediate frame 108 between a plurality of section positions (not shown in detail). The deck sections 114 of the patient support deck 110 provide a patient support surface 116 upon which the patient is supported. More specifically, in the representative version of the patient support apparatus 100 illustrated herein, the patient support deck 110 has four deck sections 114 which cooperate to define the patient support surface 116: a back section 118, a seat section 120, a leg section 122, and a foot section 124 (see Figures 3A-6). In the representative version illustrated herein, the seat section 120 is fixed to the intermediate frame 108 and is not arranged for movement relative thereto. However, it will be appreciated that the seat section 120 could be movable relative to other deck sections 114 in some versions. Conversely, the back section 118 and the leg section 122 are arranged for independent movement relative to each other and to the intermediate frame 108, as described in greater detail below, and the foot section 124 is arranged to move partially concurrently with the leg section 122. Other configurations are contemplated, and it will be appreciated that different arrangements of deck sections 114 are contemplated by the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, the patient support deck 110 could be configured without a discrete seat section 120 in some versions. Furthermore, while the representative version of the litter 106 illustrated herein employs the intermediate frame 108 to support the deck sections 114 of the patient support deck 110 for movement relative to the base 104 via the lift mechanism 112, it will be appreciated that various types of litters 106, with or without discrete intermediate frames 108 and/or with a differently-configured lift mechanism 112, are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0042] A mattress 126 is disposed on the patient support deck 110 during use. The mattress 126 comprises or otherwise defines the patient support surface 116 upon which the patient is supported, but it will be appreciated that its shape is defined based on the arrangement of the patient support deck 110. Here too, it will be appreciated that the patient support deck 110 itself would define the patient support surface 116 during operation of some versions of the patient support apparatus 100 without the mattress 126. Put differently, the mattress 126 may be omitted in certain versions, such that the patient can rest directly on the patient support surface 1 16 defined by the deck sections 114 of the patient support deck 110. The base 104, the litter 106, the intermediate frame 108, and the patient support deck 110 each have a head end and a foot end corresponding to designated placement of the patient’s head and feet on the patient support apparatus 100. It will be appreciated that the specific configuration of the support structure 102 may take on any known or conventional design, and is not limited to that specifically illustrated and described herein. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0043] Side rails 128, 130, 132, 134 are coupled to the support structure 102 via mounts and are supported for movement relative to the intermediate frame 108 (and, thus, relative to the base 104). A first side rail 128 is positioned at a right head end of the litter 106. A second side rail 130 is positioned at a left head end of litter 106. A third side rail 132 is positioned at a right foot end of the litter 106. A fourth side rail 134 is positioned at a left foot end of the litter 106. As shown in Figure 5, one or more of the side rails may be coupled to one or mounts via linkages and may be movable between a plurality of side rail positions, including a raised position 128A, 130A in which they block ingress and egress into and out of the patient support apparatus 100 (see Figure 3A), one or more intermediate positions 128B, 130B (see Figure 3B), and a lowered position 128C, 130C (see Figure 3C) in which they are not an obstacle to such ingress and egress across the periphery P of the patient support surface 116. It will be appreciated that there may be fewer side rails for certain versions, such as where the patient support apparatus 100 is realized as a stretcher or a cot. Similarly, it will be appreciated that side rails may be attached to any suitable component or structure of the patient support apparatus 100, and that their respective mount 125 and/or linkage 139 may be configured in various ways. In some versions, the side rails 128, 130, 132, 134 or other portions of the patient support apparatus 100 may be similar to as is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2021/0338504 Al, entitled ''Side Rail Assembly For A Patient Support Apparatus,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other configurations are contemplated. In the representative version illustrated herein, the first and second side rails 128, 130 are coupled to the back section 118 of the patient support deck 110 and move concurrently therewith. In Figures 4A-4B, which each depict left-side views of the patient support apparatus 100, the second and fourth side rails 130, 134 are omitted for illustrative purposes. [0044] As shown in Figures 1 and 3 A-4B, a headboard 1 6 and a footboard 138 are coupled to respective mounts of the intermediate frame 108 of the litter 106. However, it will be appreciated that the headboard 136 and/or footboard 138 may be coupled to other locations on the patient support apparatus 100, such as the base 104, or may be omitted in certain versions. One or more caregiver interfaces 140, such as handles, are shown in Figure 1 as being integrated into the first and second side rails 128, 130 to facilitate movement of the patient support apparatus 100 over floor surfaces FS. Additional caregiver interfaces 140 may be integrated into the headboard 136, the footboard 138, and/or other components of the patient support apparatus 100, such as the third and/or fourth side rails 132, 134, the intermediate frame 108, and the like. The caregiver interfaces 140 are shaped so as to be grasped by a caregiver as a way to position or otherwise manipulate the patient support apparatus 100 for movement. It will be appreciated that the caregiver interfaces 140 could be integrated with or operatively attached to any suitable portion of the patient support apparatus 100, or may be omitted in certain versions.

[0045] Wheels 142 are coupled to the base 104 to facilitate transportation over floor surfaces FS. The wheels 142 are arranged in each of four quadrants of the base 104, adjacent to comers of the base 104. In the version shown in Figure 1, the wheels 142 are caster wheels that are able to rotate and swivel relative to the support structure 102 during transport. Here, each of the wheels 142 forms part of a caster assembly 144 mounted to the base 104. In the illustrated version, the patient support apparatus 100 includes a brake assembly 153 operatively attached to one or more of the wheels 142 and being operable between a braked state 153B to inhibit movement of the base 104 about floor surfaces FS, and an unbraked state 153U to permit movement of the base 104 about floor surfaces FS. In some versions, the brake assembly 153 includes a brake lever 155 (e.g., a foot pedal) operatively attached to the base 104 and arranged for user engagement to operate the brake assembly 153 between the braked state 153B and the unbraked state 153U. In some versions, the brake assembly 153 may be similar to as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,806,653, entitled ''Patient Transport Apparatus With Electro-Mechanical Braking System,” and/or International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2021/138176 Al, entitled “Patient Transport Apparatus With Electro-Mechanical Braking System,” the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other configurations are contemplated. [0046] It should be understood that various configurations of the caster assemblies 144 are contemplated. In addition, in some versions, the wheels 142 arc not caster wheels. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the wheels 142 may be non-steerable, steerable, non-powered, powered, or combinations thereof. While the representative version of the patient support apparatus 100 illustrated herein employs four wheels 142, additional wheels are also contemplated. For example, the patient support apparatus 100 may comprise four non-powered, non-steerable wheels, along with one or more additional powered wheels. In some cases, the patient support apparatus may not include any wheels. In other versions, one or more auxiliary wheels (powered or nonpowered), which are movable between stowed positions and deployed positions, may be coupled to the support structure 102. In some cases, when auxiliary wheels are located between caster assemblies 144 and contact the floor surface FS in the deployed position, they cause two of the caster assemblies 144 to be lifted off the floor surface FS, thereby shortening a wheel base of the patient support apparatus 100. A fifth wheel may also be arranged substantially in a center of the base 104.

[0047] As noted above, the patient support apparatus 100 employs the lift mechanism 112 to lift and lower the litter 106 relative to the base 104 which, in turn, moves the intermediate frame 108 together with the patient support deck 110 between various vertical configurations, such as to the raised vertical configuration 106A depicted in Figures 3A-4A, the lowered vertical configuration 106B depicted in Figures 4B, or to any desired vertical configuration therebetween including various inclined configurations. To this end, the lift mechanism 112 may include a head end lift member 146 and a foot end lift member 148 which are each arranged to facilitate movement of the litter 106 with respect to the base 104 using one or more lift actuators 150. The lift actuators 150 may be realized as linear actuators, rotary actuators, or other types of actuators, and may be electrically operated and/or may be hydraulic. It is contemplated that, in some configurations, only one lift member and one associated lift actuator may be employed, e.g., to raise only one end of the litter 106, or one central lift actuator to raise and lower the litter 106. The construction of the lift mechanism 112, the head end lift member 146, and/or the foot end lift member 148 may take on any known or conventional design, and is not limited to that specifically illustrated. By way of non-limiting example, the lift mechanism 112 could comprise a “scissor” linkage arranged between the base 104 and the litter 106 with one or more actuators configured to facilitate vertical movement of the patient support deck 110. In some versions, the lift mechanism 112 may be similar to as is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,172,753, entitled “Patient Support Lift Assembly the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0048] As noted above, the patient support deck 110 is operatively attached to the intermediate frame 108 (e.g., as depicted in Figures 1 and 3A-6), with one or more of the deck sections 114 arranged for movement between a first section position and a second section position. To this end, one or more deck actuators 152 are interposed between the deck section 114 and the intermediate frame 108 to move the deck section 114. In the representative versions illustrated herein, the deck actuator 152 is realized as a linear actuator disposed in force-translating relationship between the deck section 114 and the intermediate frame 108. More specifically, one deck actuator 152 is provided between the intermediate frame 108 and the back section 118, and another deck actuator 152 is provided between the intermediate frame 108 and the leg section 122, and each of the deck actuators 152 is arranged for independent movement to position the respective deck sections 114 to adjust the shape of the patient support surface 116 between a plurality of patient support configurations (for example, a flat configuration, a raised fowler configuration, a seated configuration, etc.). The deck actuator 152 coupled to the back section 118 is configured to move the back section 118 between the first section position, the second section position, as well as to additional section positions between the first and second section positions and/or to section positions beyond the second section position.

[0049] Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the patient support apparatus 100 could employ any suitable number of deck actuators 152, of any suitable type or configuration sufficient to effect selective movement of one or more of the deck sections 114 relative to the litter 106 or other components of the support structure 102. By way of non-limiting example, the deck actuator 152 could be a linear actuator or one or more rotary actuators driven electronically and/or hydraulically, and/or controlled or driven in any suitable way. Moreover, the deck actuator 152 could be mounted, secured, coupled, or otherwise operatively attached to the intermediate frame 108 and to the deck section 114, either directly or indirectly, in any suitable way. In addition, one or more of the deck actuators 152 could be omitted for certain applications.

[0050] The patient support apparatus 100 employs a control system, generally indicated at 154, to effect operation of various functions of the patient support apparatus 100, as described in greater detail below. To this end, and as is best shown schematically in Figure 2, the control system 154 generally includes a controller 156 disposed in communication with one or more user interfaces 158 adapted for use by the patient and/or the caregiver to facilitate operation of one or more functions of the patient support apparatus 100. In certain versions, the controller 156 is also disposed in communication with the lift actuators 150, the deck actuators 152, a sensor system 160, one or more local alarms 162, one or more charging interfaces 164, and/or a communication interface 166 for communicating with a remote device 168. Each of these components will be described in greater detail below.

[0051] As noted above, the controller 156 is best depicted schematically Figure 2, and has been omitted from certain drawings for the purposes of clarity and consistency. It will be appreciated that the controller 156 and/or the control system 154 can be configured or otherwise arranged in a number of different ways. The controller 156 may have one or more microprocessors for processing instructions or for processing an algorithm stored in memory to control operation of the actuators 150, 152, generation or interpretation of signals and/or data (e.g., data from sensors, the sensor system 160, and the like), communication with the user interfaces 158 and/or remote devices 168, performance of one or more functions of powered devices 161, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 156 may comprise one or more microcontrollers, field programmable gate arrays, systems on a chip, discrete circuitry, and/or other suitable hardware, software, or firmware that is capable of carrying out the various functions and operations described herein. The controller 156 may be carried on-board the patient support apparatus 100, such as on the base 104 or the litter 106, or may be remotely located. The controller 156 may comprise one or more subcontrollers configured to control all of the actuators 150, 152 and/or user interfaces 158 or one or more subcontrollers for each actuator 150, 152 and/or user interface 158 (or other component of the patient support apparatus 100). The controller 156 may communicate with the actuators 150, 152, the user interfaces 158, and or other components of the control system 154 via wired or wireless connections. Power to the actuators 150, 152, other powered devices, and/or the controller 156 may be provided by an external power source 157 and/or a battery back-up power supply 159. The external power source 157 and/or the battery back-up power supply 159 may provide power to one or more powered devices 161, actuators 150, 152, user interfaces 158, and/or charging interfaces 164. The battery back-up power supply 159 may include one or more chargers. For instance, a bed charger may be provided in electrical communication with the battery back-up power supply 159. The bed charger may have a tether for attaching to a main power source and/or the external power source 157 to charge the battery back-up power supply 159.

[0052] In the representative version illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the patient support apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of user interfaces 158 which may be accessible by the patient, the caregiver, or by both the caregiver and the patient. Each user interface 158 of the patient support apparatus 100 generally comprises an input device 170 configured to generate an input signal in response to activation by a user which, in turn, is communicated to the controller 156. The controller 156, in turn, is responsive to the input signal and can control or otherwise carry out one or more functions of the patient support apparatus 100 in response to receiving the input signal. Put differently, the controller 156 is configured to perform a function of the patient support apparatus 100 in response to receiving the input from the input device 170. By way of non-limiting example, the input device 170 could be realized as a “lift bed” button, activation of which causes the controller 156 to drive the lift actuators 150 to move the intermediate frame 108 of the litter 106 from the maximum lowered configuration 106B (see Figure 4B) vertically away from the base 104 towards the raised configuration 106 A (see Figure 4A). In some versions, one or more of the user interfaces 158 may also employ an output device 172, such as a screen, one or more audible and/or visual indicators (e.g., speakers, beepers, light emitting diodes LEDs, and the like), to communicate information to the user (e.g., to the caregiver). In some versions, the user interface 158 may be realized as a touchscreen interface that serves as both an input device 170 and an output device 172. In some versions, the controller 156 may be configured to facilitate navigation of visual content of the user interface 158 (e.g., realized as a graphical user interface GUI) in response to receiving the input signal from the input device 170. Thus, it will be appreciated that the user interface 158 could be configured in a number of different ways sufficient to generate the input signal. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the user interfaces 158 could be of a number of different styles, shapes, configurations, and the like. By way of non-limiting example, one or more of the user interfaces 158 may comprise buttons, indicators, screens, graphical user interfaces, and the like. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0053] Referring now, generally, to Figures 5-13B, the patient support apparatus 100 described and illustrated herein provides for use in removably securing an oxygen bottle 194. To this end, in the illustrated versions, the patient support apparatus 100 includes a bottle holder assembly 196 operatively attached to the intermediate frame 108 for concurrent movement between the plurality of vertical configurations (see Figures 3A-4B). The bottle holder assembly 196 is spaced from floor surfaces FS throughout movement of the intermediate frame 108 between the plurality of vertical configurations. In this way, the oxygen bottle 194 is secured such that the bottle holder assembly 196 as well as the oxygen bottle 194 are not dragged along floor surfaces FS during movement and do not otherwise obstruct movement of and/or inhibit access to portions of the patient support apparatus 100. The bottle holder assembly 196 is configured to facilitate securing of the oxygen bottle 194 to the patient support apparatus 100, and in the representative configurations illustrated herein includes a mount 198 coupled to the intermediate frame 108 and a receptacle 200 arranged for movement relative to the mount 198. Here, the receptacle 200 is movable between a stow position SP (see Figures 5, 6C, and 8) to secure the oxygen bottle 194 along a receptacle axis RA, and an exchange position EP (see Figures 6A, 6B,7A, and 7B) to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA. Movement of the receptacle 200 will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0054] In the representative configurations illustrated herein, the bottle holder assembly 196 is operatively attached to the intermediate frame 108. It will be appreciated that the bottle holder assembly 196 may be operatively attached to any side or part of the intermediate frame 108. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3A-4B, the bottle holder assembly 196 may operatively attach to the foot end of the intermediate frame 108. In another example, as shown in Figure 8, the bottle holder assembly 196 may operatively attach to the left side of the intermediate frame 108. Other configurations are contemplated, such as, attaching to the head end or right-side of the intermediate frame 108, and/or to other portions of the support structure 102.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 5, one exemplary configuration of the bottle holder assembly 196 is shown. The bottle holder assembly 196 is operatively attached to an end (e.g., the foot end) of the intermediate frame 108, which is depicted schematically for illustrative purposes. The mount 198 is coupled to the intermediate frame 108 and the receptacle 200 is arranged for movement relative to the mount 198. The receptacle 200 includes a first receptacle end 202 and a second receptacle end 204 opposite the first receptacle end 202, as shown in Figure 5. The receptacle 200 further supports a stop 206 and includes an inlet 208 shaped to receive an end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA. The stop 206 will be discussed in greater detail below. In the illustrated versions, the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 received by the inlet 208 is a bottom end (e.g., spaced from a top end where a regulator is disposed). However, it will be appreciated that other configurations arc contemplated.

[0056] Exchange of the oxygen bottle 194 may be done in various ways. For instance, the receptacle 200 may be formed so as to allow for bilateral exchange of the oxygen bottle 194 in some versions. Figures 6A-6C illustrate one exemplary operation of the bottle holder assembly 196 to removably secure the oxygen bottle 194, with Figure 6A depicting the receptacle 200 being arranged in a first side exchange position EP’ to facilitate receiving of the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA. In the first side exchange position EP’, the first receptacle end 202 is closer to the intermediate frame 108 than the second receptacle end 204. In Figure 6B, the oxygen bottle 194 is shown as having advanced along the receptacle axis RA with the oxygen bottle 194 being received by the receptacle 200 to illustrate a scenario where a user stores the oxygen bottle 194 by advancing the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 past the inlet 208 at the first receptacle end 202. Here, the receptacle 200 is in the exchange position EP to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA and out of the inlet 208. Movement of the receptacle 200 to the exchange position EP moves the inlet 208 relative to the intermediate frame 108 to present the oxygen bottle 194 for exchange along the receptacle axis RA and out of the inlet 208 in the exchange position EP. In Figure 6C, the receptacle 200 is in the stow position SP to secure the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA with the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 abutting the stop 206. Here, the receptacle axis RA (with the receptacle 200 in the stow position SP) is arranged in a first axis configuration RA’ relative to the intermediate frame 108. Comparing to Figure 6B, the receptacle axis RA in Figure 6B (with the receptacle 200 in the exchange position EP) is arranged in a second axis configuration RA” relative to the intermediate frame 108 such that the second axis configuration RA” is different from the first axis configuration RA’ (shown in Figure 6C). It will be appreciated that, although the first receptacle end 202, second receptacle end 204, first axis configuration RA’, and the second axis configuration RA” are described herein as being the “first” and “second,” the particular order of receptacle end and axis configurations may be varied, and the terms in the phrases “first receptacle end,” “second receptacle end,” “first axis configuration RA’,” and “second axis configuration RA”” are merely used to distinguish the receptacle end and axis configuration of the receptacle axis, respectively, from other receptacle ends and axis configurations, not to indicate any particular significance to its sequential order. [0057] Figures 7 A and 7B illustrate another exemplary operation of the bottle holder assembly 196 and securing of the oxygen bottle 194, with Figure 7A depicting the bottle holder assembly 196 being arranged in a second side exchange position EP” to facilitate receiving of the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA. In the second side exchange position EP”, the second receptacle end 204 is closer to the intermediate frame 108 than the first receptacle end 202. In Figure 7B, the oxygen bottle 194 is shown as having advanced along the receptacle axis RA with the oxygen bottle 194 being received by the bottle holder assembly 196 to illustrate a scenario where the user stores the oxygen bottle 194 by advancing the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 past the inlet 208 at the second receptacle end 204. In this way, as shown throughout Figures 6A- 7B, the user may store the oxygen bottle 194 by advancing the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 past the inlet 208 at either end 202, 204 of the receptacle 200. Said differently, the receptacle 200 is formed to allow for bilateral exchange of the oxygen bottle 194.

[0058] As mentioned above, the bottle holder assembly 196 may be operatively attached to any side or part of the intermediate frame 108. In Figure 8, the bottle holder assembly 196 is operatively attached to the left side of the intermediate frame 108. In other configurations, the bottle holder assembly 196 may operatively attach to the right side of the intermediate frame 108 or the head end of the intermediate frame 108. Although the Figures depict the mount 198 coupled to an underside of the intermediate frame 108, it will be appreciated that the mount 198 may couple to any side of the intermediate frame 108. For instance, the mount 198 may at least partially couple to a frontside (a surface facing towards an exterior of the patient support apparatus 100) of the intermediate frame 108. Here too it will be appreciated that different versions of the bottle holder assembly 196 described and illustrated herein could be disposed on different sides of the intermediate frame 108 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0059] In some versions, the receptacle 200 includes an outer sleeve 212 coupled to the mount 198 and an inner sleeve 214 supported for telescoping movement relative to the outer sleeve 212 along the receptacle axis RA (compare Figures 6A and 6B or 7 A and 7B). As shown in Figures 9 A and 9B, the outer sleeve 212 has a first outer sleeve end 216 and a second outer sleeve end 218 opposite the first outer sleeve end 216. In the first side exchange position EP’ (see Figure 6A), the first receptacle end 202 is further defined as the first outer sleeve end 216. Here, the first outer sleeve end 216 defines the inlet 208 to receive the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 with the first outer sleeve end 216 arranged closer to the intermediate frame 108 than the second outer sleeve end 218. In the second side exchange position EP” (sec Figure 7A), the second receptacle end 204 is further defined as the second outer sleeve end 218. Here, the second outer sleeve end 218 defines the inlet 208 to receive the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 with the second outer sleeve end 218 arranged closer to the intermediate frame 108 than the first outer sleeve end 216. In this way, when the receptacle 200 is in the stow position SP, such configuration maintains the abutment between the stop 206 and the end 210 of the oxygen bottom. Said differently, the oxygen bottle 194 is properly secured such that the oxygen bottle 194 is prevented from disengaging from, detaching from, falling out, sliding out, and the like relative to the receptacle 200.

[0060] The outer sleeve 212 and inner sleeve 214 may be formed and/or shaped in any suitable way to secure the oxygen bottle 194 as well as facilitate the telescoping movement. For instance, the outer and inner sleeve 214s are cylindrical in shape with the inner sleeve 214 having a smaller diameter than the outer sleeve 212. Other configurations are contemplated. As shown throughout Figures 5-8, when assembled, the inner sleeve 214 is coaxial with the outer sleeve 212 and movable along the receptacle axis RA relative to the outer sleeve 212. As shown in Figures 9A-9B, the outer sleeve 212 defines at least two outer slots 220 and the inner sleeve 214 defines at least two an inner slots 222, all shaped to receive a sliding element 224. Here, two sliding elements 224 are provided. The sliding element 224 extends through both the outer slot 220 and the inner slot 222 and is slidable within the outer and inner slots 222 to facilitate the telescoping movement of the inner sleeve 214. The sliding element 224 limits movement of the inner sleeve 214 relative to the outer sleeve 212 such that the inner sleeve 214 may move towards either ends of the outer sleeve 212 without decoupling from the outer sleeve 212. It will be appreciated that the sliding element 224 may form any suitable size and shape as well as be any suitable element that facilitates the telescoping movement of the inner sleeve 214. It will further be appreciated that there may be any number of sliding elements 224.

[0061] The bottle holder assembly 196 includes a pivot bracket 226 (see Figures 9A-9B and 12A-13B) operatively attached to the receptacle 200 and pivotably coupled to the mount 198 to support the receptacle 200 for pivoting movement relative to the mount 198 about a pivot axis PA. The pivot bracket 226 may attach to the receptacle 200 via any type of fastener 228. The pivot bracket 226 may also pivotably couple to the mount 198 via any type of pin 230 or the like that facilitates the pivoting movement of the receptacle 200 relative to the mount 198. The pivoting movement of the receptacle 200, in some versions, aid in the securement of the oxygen bottle 194. Said differently, the pivoting movement of the receptacle 200 helps maintain the abutment of the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 and the stop 206 to properly secure the oxygen bottle 194. The stop 206 is spaced from the pivot bracket 226 to maintain the abutment between the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 and the stop 206 in the stow position SP. Additionally or alternatively, in some configurations, the intermediate frame 108 defines a reference plane PN wherein the weight of the oxygen bottle 194 urges the receptacle 200 towards the stow position SP with the receptacle axis RA intersecting the reference plane PN. In this way, the weight of the oxygen bottle 194 helps facilitate aligning the receptacle 200 into a position where the oxygen bottle 194 is secured.

[0062] As mentioned above, the receptacle 200 is arranged for pivoting movement relative to the mount 198 about the pivot axis PA. The pivot axis PA is arranged extending through the mount 198. In some versions, the pivot axis PA may extend generally horizontally to arrange the inlet 208 of the receptacle 200 closer to the intermediate frame 108 in the exchange position EP than in the stow position SP (compare Figure 6B with receptacle 200 in the exchange position EP to Figure 6C with the receptacle 200 in the stow position SP; also compare Figure 11A with the receptacle 200 in the stow position SP to Figure 11B with the receptacle 200 in the exchange position EP). On the other hand, in some versions, the pivot axis PA may extend generally vertically to arrange the inlet 208 of the receptacle 200 closer to the intermediate frame 108 in the stow position SP than in the exchange position EP. It will be appreciated that the mount 198 may pivot about more than a single pivot axis PA. Further, in some versions, the receptacle 200 may pivot vertically relative to the mount 198 such that the receptacle axis RA is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA of the intermediate frame 108. In such configurations, the receptacle 200 may be in a generally vertical configuration such that when the receptacle 200 is in the stow position SP, the oxygen bottle 194 is secured generally vertical relative to the intermediate frame 108. In other configurations, the receptacle 200 may be arranged in a generally horizontal configuration such that when the receptacle 200 is in the stow position SP, the oxygen bottle 194 is secured generally horizontal relative to the intermediate frame 108.

[0063] Still referring to Figures 9A-9B, the inner sleeve 214 has a first inner sleeve end 232 and a second inner sleeve end 234 opposing the first inner sleeve end 232. As mentioned above, the receptacle 200 is movable to the stow position SP to secure the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA with the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 abutting the stop 206. In versions where the receptacle 200 is configured to facilitate bilateral exchange of the oxygen bottle 194, the stop 206 may be defined relative to cither end 232, 234 of the inner sleeve 214. For example, in some versions, the stop 206 is defined as a first tab 236 operatively attached to the inner sleeve 214 adjacent the first inner sleeve end 232 to abut the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 in the first side exchange position EP’. In another example, the receptacle 200 further includes a second tab 238 operatively attached to the inner sleeve 214 adjacent the second inner sleeve end 234 to abut the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 in the second side exchange position EP”.

[0064] The first and second tabs 236, 238 are coupled to the inner sleeve 214. In some versions, the first and second tabs 236, 238 may couple to a pin 241 and the inner sleeve 214 may form any type of slot, recess, or the like to receive the pin 241 in order to aid in the coupling the first and second tabs 236, 238. It will be appreciated that the first and second tabs 236, 238 may couple to the inner sleeve 214 in any suitable manner via any suitable method. It will further be appreciated that the stop 206 may include any number of tabs 236, 238. For instance, as shown in Figures 9 A and 9B, wherein the stop 206 is defined as the first tab 236, the stop 206 includes three first tabs 236 and wherein the stop 206 is defined as the second tab, the stop 206 includes three second tabs 238. Other configurations are contemplated. It will further be appreciated that the first tab 236 and/or the second tab 238 may include other quantities of tabs, including a single tab, a pair of tabs, more than three tabs, and the like. In some versions, the stop 206 may be defined as any type of element that abuts the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 in the stow position SP including, but not limited to, a flap, arm, leg, projection, extension, and the like.

[0065] Referring to Figures 10A-10F, the first and second tabs 236, 238 are each pivotally coupled to the inner sleeve 214 of the receptacle 200. The first and second tabs 236, 238 are arranged to move (e.g., pivot) inwardly relative to the inner sleeve 214 of the receptacle 200 in response to engagement of the respective tabs 236, 238 with the oxygen bottle 194 as the oxygen bottle 194 is advanced along the receptacle axis RA. In this way, the stop 206 is defined as the first tab 236 or the second tab 238 depending on which end of the receptacle 200 the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 is being advanced past or which end defines the inlet 208, whereby whichever of the first tab 236 or the second tab 238 does not define the stop 206 will move (e.g., pivot) inwardly relative to the inner sleeve 214 in response to engagement with the oxygen bottle 194 as the oxygen bottle 194 is advanced along the receptacle axis RA to bring the end 210 into engagement with the stop 206. For illustrative purposes, Figures 10B-10E depict the receptacle 200 in phantom with the second inner sleeve end 234 extending past the second outer sleeve end 218 regardless of whether the oxygen bottle 194 is disposed along the receptacle axis RA or within the receptacle 200 to help illustrate general changes in the position of the first tab 236 in response to engagement with the oxygen bottle 194 while maintaining a fixed perspective throughout subsets of successive drawing views (e.g., compare Figures 10A-10F). The first tab 236 is employed in Figures 10A-10F to help illustrate how the first tab 236 can change positions as the oxygen bottle 194 is advanced out of the inlet 208 and further along the receptacle axis RA. Here, the stop 206 is defined as the second tab 238 with the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 abutting the second tab 238 (see Figure 10E) to depict the securing of the oxygen bottle 194.

[0066] Referring now to Figures 11A-13B, another exemplary configuration of the bottle holder assembly 196 is provided. In this configuration, the stop 206 is defined by the receptacle 200 (see Figure 11A). Figures 11A-1 IE illustrate another exemplary operation of the bottle holder assembly 196 to removably secure the oxygen bottle 194, with Figure 11A depicting the receptacle 200 being arranged in the stow position SP with the receptacle axis RA arranged in a first axis configuration RA’ relative to the intermediate frame 108. Here, the receptacle axis RA, arranged in the first axis configuration RA’, is generally extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA. In Figure 11B, the receptacle 200 is arranged in the exchange position EP to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA. Movement of the receptacle 200 to the exchange position EP moves the inlet 208 relative to the intermediate frame 108 to present the oxygen bottle 194 for exchange along the receptacle axis RA. In Figure 11C, the oxygen bottle 194 is aligned with the receptacle axis RA to illustrate a scenario where a user intends to store the oxygen bottle 194 or remove the oxygen bottle 194 from the receptacle 200. In Figure 11D, the oxygen bottle 194 is shown as having advanced along the receptacle axis RA with the oxygen bottle 194 being received by the receptacle 200 to illustrate a scenario where the user stores the oxygen bottle 194 by advancing the end 210 of the oxygen bottle 194 past the inlet 208. In Figure 1 IE, the receptacle 200 is being arranged in the stow position SP with the oxygen bottle 194 being secured. Here, the receptacle axis RA is arranged in the second axis configuration RA’ ’ such that the second axis configuration RA” is different from the first axis configuration RA’ (shown in Figure 11B). In this configuration, the receptacle axis RA laterally moves between the first axis configuration RA’ to the second axis configuration RA”. Other configurations are contemplated. [0067] In some versions, the bottle holder assembly 196 includes a collar assembly 240 coupled to the intermediate frame 108. The collar assembly 240 is shaped to receive the oxygen bottle 194 in the stow position SP (see Figure HE). The collar assembly 240 includes a collar mount 242 coupled to the intermediate frame 108. Here, the collar mount 242 is disposed in spaced relation to the mount 198. The mount 198 is coupled to the intermediate frame 108. The collar assembly 240 further includes a clasp 244 movable relative to the collar mount 242 to secure the oxygen bottle 194 in the stow position SP. The clasp 244 is pivotably coupled to the collar mount 242 for movement relative to the collar mount 242 between an open position OP (see Figure 1 IB) and a closed position CP (see Figure 11 A). When the clasp 244 is in the closed position CP, the collar assembly 240 forms a ring around the oxygen bottle 194 such that the oxygen bottle 194 is secured in the stow position SP. The clasp 244 is movable from the closed position CP to the open position OP to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle 194 away from the stow position SP. When the clasp 244 in the open position OP, the collar assembly 240 forms an open ring such that the oxygen bottle 194 is movable away from the stow position SP wherein at least a portion of the oxygen bottle 194 is not secured to the patient support apparatus 100.

[0068] As best shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the bottle holder assembly 196 includes another version of the pivot bracket 226. Similar to the version of the pivot bracket 226 described above, in this version the pivot bracket 226 is arranged to support the receptacle 200 for pivoting movement. More specifically, the pivot bracket 226 is coupled to the mount 198 and pivotably coupled to the receptacle 200 to support the receptacle 200 for pivoting movement relative to the mount 198 about the pivot axis PA. It will be appreciated that the pivot bracket 226 may couple to the mount 198 in any suitable manner. For instance, the pivot bracket 226 may couple to the mount 198 via a mount fastener 248 (see Figure 13A). Other configurations are contemplated. Here, the bottle holder assembly 196 may include a receptacle ring 250 coupled to the pivot bracket 226 via a connector 252. The receptacle ring 250 may encircle the receptacle 200 to support the receptacle 200 relative to the mount 198. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0069] In some versions, the bottle holder assembly 196 further includes a biasing element 254 interposed in force-translating relation between the pivot bracket 226 and the mount 198 to urge the receptacle 200 towards the exchange position EP. For the purposes of clarity and consistency, certain structural features described below are not separately illustrated in Figures 5- 10F, but can be found in other Figures (e.g., Figures 12A-13B). The mount 198 may define any type of opening, recess, pocket, groove, or the like to support the biasing element 254. For instance, as shown in Figure 13B, the mount 198 has a recess 256 shaped to receive the biasing element 254. In the configuration shown, the biasing element 254 is a torsion spring. The spring may have one or more tangs. The tang may be inserted into the recess 256 such that the spring urges the receptacle 200 towards the exchange position EP. In this way, biasing of the receptacle 200 to the exchange position EP urges the inlet 208 relative to the intermediate frame 108 to present the receptacle 200 towards the user and/or the oxygen bottle 194 for exchange along the receptacle axis RA. This provides ease for the user during the exchange of the oxygen bottle 194 in that the receptacle 200 can be presented to the user automatically, and can subsequently be articulated out of the way to store the oxygen bottle 194.

[0070] It will be appreciated that other configurations of the bottle holder assembly 196 are contemplated by the present disclosure which facilitate movement of the receptacle 200 relative to the mount 198 between the stow position SP to secure the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA with the receptacle axis RA arranged in the first axis configuration RA’ relative to the intermediate frame 108, and the exchange position EP to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA with the receptacle axis RA arranged in the second axis configuration RA’ ’ relative to the intermediate frame 108 such that the second axis configuration RA” is different from the first axis configuration RA’, where movement of the receptacle 200 from the stow position SP to the exchange position EP moves the inlet 208 relative to the intermediate frame 108 to present the oxygen bottle 194 for exchange along the receptacle axis RA out of the inlet 208. To this end, various styles, types, and/or arrangements of linkages, bracket, mounts, and the like, may be interposed between the receptacle 200 and the intermediate frame 108 to facilitate movement of the inlet 208 between the stow position SP and the exchange position EP. By way of non-limiting example, in some versions, a four-bar mechanism may be interposed between the intermediate frame 108 and a portion of the bottle holder assembly 196 (e.g., between the mount 198 and the receptacle 200) to facilitate movement of the inlet 208 relative to the intermediate frame 108 to present the oxygen bottle 194 for exchange along the receptacle axis RA out of the inlet 208 as the receptacle 200 moves from the stow position SP to the exchange position EP. Other configurations are contemplated. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that movement of the receptacle 200 could occur in various ways and could orientate the receptacle axis RA differently than is illustrated throughout the drawings depending on the specific configuration of the bottle holder assembly 196 and/or the patient support apparatus 100. By way of non-limiting example, the bottle holder assembly 196 could be configured so as to support the oxygen bottle 194 along the receptacle axis RA in a generally vertical configuration (not shown) during operation in the stow position SP, and so as to articulate the receptacle axis RA away from the intermediate frame 108 in the exchange position EP. Other configurations are contemplated.

[0071] Several configurations have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the configurations discussed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

[0072] The present disclosure also comprises the following clauses, with specific features laid out in dependent clauses, that may specifically be implemented as described in greater detail with reference to the configurations and drawings above.

CLAUSES

I. A patient support apparatus for use in removably securing an oxygen bottle, the patient support apparatus comprising: a base; an intermediate frame arranged for movement relative to the base between a plurality of vertical configurations including a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, with the intermediate frame supporting a patient support deck; a lift mechanism coupled between the intermediate frame and the base to move the intermediate frame between the plurality of vertical configurations; and a bottle holder assembly operatively attached to the intermediate frame for concurrent movement between the plurality of vertical configurations, the bottle holder assembly including: a mount coupled to the intermediate frame, a stop, and a receptacle supporting the stop and having an inlet shaped to receive an end of the oxygen bottle along a receptacle axis, with the receptacle being arranged for movement relative to the mount between: a stow position to secure the oxygen bottle along the receptacle axis with the end of the oxygen bottle abutting the stop and with the receptacle axis arranged in a first axis configuration relative to the intermediate frame; and an exchange position to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle along the receptacle axis and out of the inlet with the receptacle axis arranged in a second axis configuration relative to the intermediate frame, the second axis configuration being different from the first axis configuration; wherein movement of the receptacle from the stow position to the exchange position moves the inlet relative to the intermediate frame to present the oxygen bottle for exchange along the receptacle axis out of the inlet.

II. The patient support apparatus of clause I, wherein the receptacle is arranged for pivoting movement relative to the mount about a pivot axis.

III. The patient support apparatus of clause II, wherein the pivot axis is arranged extending through the mount.

IV. The patient support apparatus of any of clauses II-III, wherein the bottle holder assembly includes a pivot bracket operatively attached to the receptacle and pivotably coupled to the mount to support the receptacle for pivoting movement relative to the mount about the pivot axis.

V. The patient support apparatus of clause IV, wherein the pivot axis extends generally horizontally to arrange the inlet of the receptacle closer to the intermediate frame in the exchange position than in the stow position.

VI. The patient support apparatus of clause V, wherein the stop is spaced from the pivot bracket to maintain abutment between the end of the oxygen bottle and the stop in the stow position.

VII. The patient support apparatus of clause VI, wherein the intermediate frame defines a reference plane; and wherein weight of the oxygen bottle urges the receptacle towards the stow position with the receptacle axis intersecting the reference plane.

VIII. The patient support apparatus of any of clauses IV- VIII, wherein the pivot axis extends generally vertically to arrange the inlet of the receptacle closer to the intermediate frame in the stow position than in the exchange position. TX. The patient support apparatus of clause VITT, wherein the bottle holder assembly further includes a biasing clement disposed between the pivot bracket and the mount to urge the receptacle towards the exchange position.

X. The patient support apparatus of any of clauses I-IX, wherein the receptacle includes an outer sleeve coupled to the mount, and an inner sleeve supported for telescoping movement relative to the outer sleeve along the receptacle axis.

XI. The patient support apparatus of clause X, wherein the outer sleeve has a first outer sleeve end and a second outer sleeve end opposing the first outer sleeve end; wherein the exchange position is further defined as a first side exchange position; wherein the first outer sleeve end defines the inlet to receive the end of the oxygen bottle in the first side exchange position; and wherein the second outer sleeve end defines the inlet to receive the end of the oxygen bottle in a second side exchange position different from the first side exchange position.

XII. The patient support apparatus of clause XI, wherein the first outer sleeve end is arranged closer to the intermediate frame than the second outer sleeve end in the first side exchange position; and wherein the second outer sleeve end is arranged closer to the intermediate frame than the first outer sleeve end in the second side exchange position.

XIII. The patient support apparatus of any of clauses XI- XII, wherein the inner sleeve has a first inner sleeve end and a second inner sleeve end opposing the first inner sleeve end; wherein the stop is defined as a first tab operatively attached to the inner sleeve adjacent to the first inner sleeve end to abut the end of the oxygen bottle in the first side exchange position; and wherein the receptacle further includes a second tab operatively attached to the inner sleeve adjacent to the second inner sleeve end to abut the end of the oxygen bottle in the second side exchange position.

XIV. The patient support apparatus of clause XIII, wherein the first and second tabs are each coupled to the inner sleeve of the receptacle.

XV. The patient support apparatus of clause XIV, wherein the first tab is arranged to move inwardly relative to the inner sleeve of the receptacle in response to engagement of the first tab with the oxygen bottle as the oxygen bottle is advanced along the receptacle axis; and wherein the second tab is arranged to move inwardly relative to the inner sleeve of the receptacle in response to engagement of the second tab with the oxygen bottle as the oxygen bottle is advanced along the receptacle axis.

XVI. The patient support apparatus of any of clauses I-XV, wherein the bottle holder assembly further includes a collar assembly coupled to the intermediate frame and shaped to receive the oxygen bottle in the stow position.

XVII. The patient support apparatus of clause XVI, wherein the collar assembly includes a collar mount coupled to the intermediate frame, and a clasp movable relative to the collar mount to secure the oxygen bottle in the stow position.

XVIII. The patient support apparatus of clause XVII, wherein the clasp is pivotably coupled to the collar mount for movement relative between: an open position to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle away from the stow position, and a closed position to secure the oxygen bottle in the stow position.

XIX. The patient support apparatus of any of clauses XVII-XVIII, wherein the collar mount is disposed in spaced relation to the mount.

XX. The patient support apparatus of any of clauses XVII-XIX, wherein the clasp is movable relative to the receptacle.

XXI. The patient support apparatus of any of clauses I-XX, wherein the bottle holder assembly is spaced from floor surfaces throughout movement of the intermediate frame between the plurality of vertical configurations.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A patient support apparatus for use in removably securing an oxygen bottle, the patient support apparatus comprising: a base; an intermediate frame arranged for movement relative to the base between a plurality of vertical configurations including a lowered configuration and a raised configuration, with the intermediate frame supporting a patient support deck; a lift mechanism coupled between the intermediate frame and the base to move the intermediate frame between the plurality of vertical configurations; and a bottle holder assembly operatively attached to the intermediate frame for concurrent movement between the plurality of vertical configurations, the bottle holder assembly including: a mount coupled to the intermediate frame, a stop, and a receptacle supporting the stop and having an inlet shaped to receive an end of the oxygen bottle along a receptacle axis, with the receptacle being arranged for movement relative to the mount between: a stow position to secure the oxygen bottle along the receptacle axis with the end of the oxygen bottle abutting the stop and with the receptacle axis arranged in a first axis configuration relative to the intermediate frame; and an exchange position to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle along the receptacle axis and out of the inlet with the receptacle axis arranged in a second axis configuration relative to the intermediate frame, the second axis configuration being different from the first axis configuration; wherein movement of the receptacle from the stow position to the exchange position moves the inlet relative to the intermediate frame to present the oxygen bottle for exchange along the receptacle axis out of the inlet.

2. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is arranged for pivoting movement relative to the mount about a pivot axis.

3. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the pivot axis is arranged extending through the mount.

4. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the bottle holder assembly includes a pivot bracket operatively attached to the receptacle and pivotably coupled to the mount to support the receptacle for pivoting movement relative to the mount about the pivot axis.

5. The patient support apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pivot axis extends generally horizontally to arrange the inlet of the receptacle closer to the intermediate frame in the exchange position than in the stow position.

6. The patient support apparatus of claim 5, wherein the stop is spaced from the pivot bracket to maintain abutment between the end of the oxygen bottle and the stop in the stow position.

7. The patient support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the intermediate frame defines a reference plane; and wherein weight of the oxygen bottle urges the receptacle towards the stow position with the receptacle axis intersecting the reference plane.

8. The patient support apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pivot axis extends generally vertically to arrange the inlet of the receptacle closer to the intermediate frame in the stow position than in the exchange position.

9. The patient support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the bottle holder assembly further includes a biasing element disposed between the pivot bracket and the mount to urge the receptacle towards the exchange position.

10. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes an outer sleeve coupled to the mount, and an inner sleeve supported for telescoping movement relative to the outer sleeve along the receptacle axis.

11. The patient support apparatus of claim 10, wherein the outer sleeve has a first outer sleeve end and a second outer sleeve end opposing the first outer sleeve end; wherein the exchange position is further defined as a first side exchange position; wherein the first outer sleeve end defines the inlet to receive the end of the oxygen bottle in the first side exchange position; and wherein the second outer sleeve end defines the inlet to receive the end of the oxygen bottle in a second side exchange position different from the first side exchange position.

12. The patient support apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first outer sleeve end is arranged closer to the intermediate frame than the second outer sleeve end in the first side exchange position; and wherein the second outer sleeve end is arranged closer to the intermediate frame than the first outer sleeve end in the second side exchange position.

13. The patient support apparatus of claim 11, wherein the inner sleeve has a first inner sleeve end and a second inner sleeve end opposing the first inner sleeve end; wherein the stop is defined as a first tab operatively attached to the inner sleeve adjacent to the first inner sleeve end to abut the end of the oxygen bottle in the first side exchange position; and wherein the receptacle further includes a second tab operatively attached to the inner sleeve adjacent to the second inner sleeve end to abut the end of the oxygen bottle in the second side exchange position.

14. The patient support apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first and second tabs are each coupled to the inner sleeve of the receptacle.

15. The patient support apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first tab is arranged to move inwardly relative to the inner sleeve of the receptacle in response to engagement of the first tab with the oxygen bottle as the oxygen bottle is advanced along the receptacle axis; and wherein the second tab is arranged to move inwardly relative to the inner sleeve of the receptacle in response to engagement of the second tab with the oxygen bottle as the oxygen bottle is advanced along the receptacle axis.

16. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottle holder assembly further includes a collar assembly coupled to the intermediate frame and shaped to receive the oxygen bottle in the stow position.

17. The patient support apparatus of claim 16, wherein the collar assembly includes a collar mount coupled to the intermediate frame, and a clasp movable relative to the collar mount to secure the oxygen bottle in the stow position.

18. The patient support apparatus of claim 17, wherein the clasp is pivotably coupled to the collar mount for movement relative between: an open position to facilitate movement of the oxygen bottle away from the stow position, and a closed position to secure the oxygen bottle in the stow position.

19. The patient support apparatus of claim 17, wherein the collar mount is disposed in spaced relation to the mount.

20. The patient support apparatus of claim 17, wherein the clasp is movable relative to the receptacle.

21. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottle holder assembly is spaced from floor surfaces throughout movement of the intermediate frame between the plurality of vertical configurations.