Institutional beds are equipped with features which permit the bed to be used by patients having a variety of conditions and ailments. In some instances provision has to be made to ensure that the patient can not move sideways and fall off the bed. This is often done by including adjustable side rail assemblies attached to the bed and having a vertical frame moveable between an upper or deployed position to contain the patient, and a lowered position to provide normal access to the bed.
Side rail assemblies may create difficulties which are detrimental to the use of such structures. For instance, the frame has to be strong and is consequently heavy. This is dangerous if the frame can move downwardly without restraint because the open frame can fall on the feet or hands of a patient. Also, such a frame requires considerable strength to return it to the deployed position.
A further consideration in designing a side rail assembly is the amount by which the assembly projects outwardly from the side of the bed. On of the one hand there should be significant clearance between the frame and the bed to minimize the risk of trapping fingers, hands and feet, while on the other hand the frame should be close to the bed to allow attendants to reach the patient without undue bending caused by the lowered frame separating the attendant from the bed. Also, the position of the frame may be a factor for placing the patient on the mattress.