WO2002041821A2

WO2002041821A2 - Entrapment potential assessment apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2002041821A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/043378
Authority: WO
Inventors: William L. Ii Jacques
Original assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-11-21
Filing date: 2001-11-20
Publication date: 2002-05-30
Also published as: AU2002217786A1; WO2002041821A3

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, an apparatus (132) is provided for determining the potential for entrapment of a patient in a gap (54) defined in a bed (10). The apparatus (132) includes a simulated body part (142, 144) configured to simulated a body part of a person. During an entrapment test, a user attempts to position the simulated body part (142, 144) in the gap (54) defined by the bed (10) to determine the entrapment potential of the gap (54).

Description

ENTRAPMENT POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT APPARATUS

Background of the Invention

[ 1 ] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/252,317, filed November 21 , 2000, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[2] The present invention relates to beds. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices for assessing the potential for a person positioned on a bed to become entrapped between a siderail and a mattress of the bed or between any other components of the bed.

[3] On occasion, a patient positioned on a bed may become entrapped in a gap or other void on a bed. For example, if a narrow mattress is positioned on a bedframe designed to hold a wide mattress, a gap may develop between the mattress and another component of the bed. This gap may present a potential for entrapment. [4] According to the present invention, an entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap is provided. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus is configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus includes a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person, a handle coupled to the simulated body part, and a gauge positioned between the handle and the simulated body part. The gauge is configured to provide information related to the potential for entrapment of a body part of the person in the gap defined by the bed. [5] According to another aspect of the present invention, another entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap is provided. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus is configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus includes a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person. The simulated body part has a longitudinal axis. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus further includes a transverse handle coupled to the simulated body part. [6] According to another aspect of the present invention, another entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap is provided. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus is configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus includes a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person and a gauge integral with the simulated body part. The gauge is configured to provide information related to the potential for entrapment of the body part of the person in the gap defined by the bed. [7] According to another aspect of the present invention, another entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap is provided. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus is configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus includes a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person and an electronic gauge coupled to the simulated body part. The gauge is configured to provide information related to the potential for entrapment of the body part of the person in the gap defined by the bed. [8] According to another aspect of the present invention, another entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap is provided. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus is configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus includes a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person and a gauge coupled to the simulated body part. The gauge including an indicator configured to indicate at least one of an acceptable and unacceptable potential for entrapment of the body part of the person in the gap defined by the bed.

[9] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, another entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap is provided. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus is configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed. The entrapment potential assessment apparatus includes a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person and at least one indicia configured to indicate the body part of a person being simulated by the simulated body part during an entrapment potential assessment test.

[ 10] Additional features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[11] A detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which: [12] Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an entrapment potential assessment apparatus positioned adj acent to two bed components (shown in phantom) defining a gap;

[13] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a bed including a bedframe, a mattress positioned on the bedframe, and two sets of siderails coupled to the bedframe and a preferred embodiment entrapment potential assessment apparatus positioned in a gap defined between two of the siderails and the mattress to assess the potential of a person positioned on the bed to become entrapped in the gap;

[14] Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2 showing the preferred embodiment entrapment potential assessment apparatus of Fig. 2 positioned between one of the two siderails and the mattress during an entrapment potential assessment test;

[15] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment entrapment potential assessment apparatus of Fig. 2 showing the entrapment potential assessment apparatus including a handle, a gauge, a neck, and a head;

[16] Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the gauge of the preferred entrapment potential assessment apparatus; and

[17] Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the gauge of Fig. 4.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[ 18] As illustrated in Fig. 1 , bed components 26, 28 can cooperate to define a gap 30 therebetween that may have a potential for entrapping a person therein.

According to the present disclosure, an entrapment potential assessment apparatus 32 is provided to aid in assessing the potential for a person positioned on a bed to become entrapped in any of the gaps defined between the components of the bed, such as gap 30 defined by first and second bed components 26, 28.

[ 19] Entrapment potential assessment apparatus 32 is configured to test many of the gaps defined by components of a bed, such as the gaps defined by bed 10 shown in Fig. 2. Entrapment potential assessment apparatus 32 may also be used to test holes or gaps within a bed component or gaps gap defined between bed components and bed accessories attached to or positioned adjacent to the bed such as ventilators, IN poles, traction equipment, or other medical devices. [20] As shown in Fig. 1 , entrapment potential assessment apparatus 32 includes a handle 34, a gauge 36 coupled to handle 34, and a body 40 coupled to gauge 36. Body 40 includes a first simulated body part 42 and a second simulated body part 44. First and second simulated body parts 42, 44 are configured to simulate specific body parts of a person to assist in assessing the potential for the body parts being simulated to become entrapped in a gap. As shown in Fig. 1 , body 40 includes indicia 46 indicating that first simulated body part 42 is sized to simulate the neck of a person and second simulated body part 44 is sized to simulate the head of a person. According to alternative embodiment entrapment potential assessment apparatuses, fewer or more simulated body parts are provided and other configurations of indicia, if any, are provided to indicate which body parts of a person are being simulated.

[21] Preferably, handle 34, gauge 36, and body 40 are integral. Handle 34, gauge 36, and body 40 are integrally coupled together using molding techniques, adhesives, fasteners such as screws or rivets, locking tabs, or any other technique known to those of ordinary skill in the art. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the handle, gauge, and body are not integrally coupled to be readily removable from each other.

[22] To assess the entrapment potential of gap 30, a user positions entrapment potential assessment apparatus 32 so that first simulated body part 42 is positioned on one side of gap 30 and handle 34 is positioned on the other side of gap 30 as shown in Fig. 1. Next, the user pulls on handle 34 in direction 35 until first simulated body part 42 is pulled into gap 30. To test second body part 44, it is positioned adjacent to gap 30, if possible, and the user pulls on handle 34 to obtain an entrapment potential assessment in the same manner as followed for first body part 42.

[23] During or after pulling on handle 34, gauge 36 indicates the entrapment potential of gap 30. Preferably, this indication is based on the amount of force necessary to pull the simulated body part 42, 44 being tested into gap 30. For example, if the force required to pull first body part 42 into gap 30 was more than a predetermined amount or first body part 42 could not be pulled into gap 30, the entrapment potential for gap 30 would be within acceptable levels for first body part 42. Conversely, if the force required to pull first simulated body part 42 into gap 30 was less than the predetermined amount, the entrapment potential for gap 30 may be outside acceptable levels for first body part

42.

[24] Gauge 36 includes a pair of indicators 37, 39 that indicate acceptable or unacceptable entrapment potentials. If the entrapment potential is within an acceptable range, indicator 37 lights up, as shown in Fig. 1. If the entrapment position is not within an acceptable range, indicator 39 lights up. According to alternative embodiments, fewer or more indicators are provided to indicate assessment results. Such indicators include lights, sounds, mechanical devices, or any other indicators known to those of ordinary skill in the art. [25] As shown in Fig. 1, handle 34 is preferably transverse to a longitudinal axis 41 of body 40 to aid in pulling entrapment potential assessment apparatus 32 during an assessment test. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the handle, if any, extends longitudinally or at another orientation to the longitudinal axis of the body. [26] Preferably, body 32 of entrapment potential assessment apparatus 32 is made of a rigid material, such as a hard plastic material. By using a relatively rigid material, the life of entrapment potential assessment apparatus 32 and the repeatability of the assessment test is enhanced. However, according to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other materials are used for the body of the entrapment potential assessment apparatus such as other rigid, semi-rigid, or soft materials such as plastics, metals, wood, or other materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[27] According to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus is configured to be pushed, rather than pulled, into a gap to determine the entrapment potential of the gap. A gauge is provided that measures or otherwise detects the amount of force necessary to push a simulated body part into the gap. Based on the amount of force or other parameter measured or detected, an entrapment assessment for the gap is made.

[28] As shown in Fig. 2, illustrative bed or patient support 10 is provided to support a person (not shown) for treatment or rest. Bed 10 includes a mattress 12 and a bedframe 14 supporting mattress 12 over the floor. Mattress 12 provides a rest or support surface 16 configured to receive a person. Bed 1 further includes a pair of head end siderails 18 pivotably coupled to bedframe 14, a pair of foot end siderails 20 pivotably coupled to bedframe 14, a headboard 22 coupled to bedframe 14, and a footboard 24 coupled to bedframe 14.

[29] A preferred embodiment entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 is provided to aid is assessing the potential for a person positioned on bed 10 to become entrapped in any of the gaps defined between the components of bed 10. For example, entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 may be used to test a gap 54 defined between head and foot end siderails 18, 20 and mattress 12 (as shown in Fig. 2), a gap 48 defined between foot end siderail 20 and footboard 24, a gap 50 defined between head end siderail 18 and mattress 12 anywhere along the length of head end siderail 18, a gap 52 defined between foot end siderail 20 and mattress 12 anywhere along the length of foot end siderail 20, a gap 56 defined between head end siderail 18 and headboard 22, or any other gap between components on a bed.

[30] Entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 may also be used to test holes or gaps within a component. For example, entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 may be used to test openings 58 in head and foot end siderails 18, 20.

Entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 is also configured to test gaps defined between bed components and bed accessories attached to or positioned adjacent to the bed, such as ventilators, IN poles, traction equipment, or other medical devices. [31] As shown in Fig. 4, entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 includes a handle 134, a gauge portion 138 integral with handle 134, and a body 140 integral with gauge portion 138. Body 140 includes a first simulated body part or neck 142, a second simulated body part or head 144, a first transition portion 145 extending between gauge portion 138 and neck 142, and a second transition portion 147 extending between neck 142 and head 144.

[32] As shown in Figs.2 and 3, entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 is being used to test the entrapment potential of gap 54 defined between head and foot end siderails 18, 20 and mattress 12. To assess the entrapment potential of gap 54, a user positions entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 so that neck 142 or head 144 is positioned on one side of gap 54 and handle 134 is positioned on the other side of gap 54. Next, the user pulls on handle 134 in direction 135 until neck 142 or head 144 is pulled into gap 54.

[33] Gauge portion 138 includes a gauge 136 that indicates whether a predetermined amount of force was required to pull neck 142 or head 144 into gap 54. If the force required to pull neck 142 or head 144 into gap 54 was more than the predetermined amount or neck 142 or head 144 could not be pulled into gap 54, the entrapment potential for gap 54 would be within acceptable levels for whichever body part was tested. If the force required to pull neck 142 or head 144 into gap 54 was less than the predetermined amount, the entrapment potential for gap 54 may be outside acceptable levels, for whichever simulated body part was tested. Gauge 136 is adjustable to permit changing the predetermined amount of force. Such changes may be necessary for different simulated body parts, different gap types, or because of changes to regulations or other standards.

[34] Preferably entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 is used to test gaps between "soft" components and other components. For example, as previously mentioned, entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 may be used to test gap 54 between siderails 18, 20 and mattress 12, as shown in Figs.2 and 3. Entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 may also be used to test other gaps defined by soft components (not shown) positioned on bed, such as padded siderails, gap fillers, or bolsters. [35] Because mattress 12 is soft or compliant, it gives or yields during testing as shown in Fig. 3. This compliance can cause gap 54 to enlarge when something is forced therein. Therefore, objects that are larger than the initial size of gap 54 may be forced into and enlarge gap 54. Thus, depending upon the initial size of gap 54 and the stiffhess of mattress 12, gap 54 may or may not pass an entrapment potential assessment. By observing the amount of force required to pull body parts 142, 144 into the "compliant" gap, a user can determine a likelihood that an actual body part could be forced into the complaint gap. [36] Entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 may also be used to test gaps defined only by "hard" components. For example, entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132 may be used to test gap 48 defined between foot end siderail 20 and footboard 24. If gap 48 is too wide, neck 142 will pass therethrough with little or no resistance. If neck 142 will not pass through gap 48 or more than the predetermined amount of force is required to pull neck 142 into gap 48, it likely has a low entrapment potential.

[37] According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, handle

134, gauge portion 138, and body 140 are made of a rigid material such as hard plastic. As shown in Fig.4, handle 134 includes an ergonomic grip portion 148 that is transverse to a longitudinal axis 141 of body 140 to aid in gripping of and pulling on entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132. Handle 134 also defines an opening 150 that permits gripping of grip portion 148. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other handle configurations known to those of ordinary skill in the art are provided. [38] Neck 142 of body 12 is sized to simulate the neck of a relatively small, thin person. Neck 142 is preferably cylindrical and has a preferred diameter 152 of 70 millimeters (2.75 inches) that approximates the diameter of a compressed neck of a relatively small, thin person. Similarly, head 144 is sized to simulate the head of a relatively small person having a corresponding small head, such a child. Head 144 is also preferably cylindrical and has a preferred diameter 154 of 127 millimeters (5.00 inches) that approximates the diameter of a compressed head of a small person or child. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, smaller or larger diameter cylinders are provided to simulate larger or smaller neck and head dimensions. As shown in Fig. 4, body 140 includes indicia 146 indicating that first simulated body part 142 is sized to simulate the neck of a person and second simulated body part 144 is sized to simulate the head of a person. [39] According to alternative embodiments of the disclosure, the first and second simulated body parts of the entrapment potential assessment apparatus are sized to simulate other body parts of a person such as the chest, arms, legs, hands, or feet. According to other alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, shapes other than cylinders are provided to simulate body parts of a person. For example, spherical, elliptical, triangular, conical, or any other shapes known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be used to simulate a body part of a person. According to other alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, fewer or more than two simulated body parts are provided on the body of the entrapment potential assessment apparatus. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second body parts are removable from each other and the gauge.

[40] First transition portion 145 integrally couples gauge portion 138 and handle 134 to neck 142. Similarly, second transition portion 147 integrally couples head 144 to neck 142 and the remainder of entrapment potential assessment apparatus 132. [41] As shown in Fig. 4, first and second transition portions 145, 147 are conical. This shape facilitates alignment of neck and head portions 142, 144 with the gap being tested. For example, to test gap 54, first transition portion 145 is positioned adjacent to or in gap 54. As a user pulls on handle 134, first transition portion 145 centers neck 142 relative to gap 54. Similarly, second transition portion 147 facilitates centering head 144 relative to the gap being tested. According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other shapes and configurations are provided for the transition portions or the transition portions are not provided. [42] According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, gauge

136 is electronic and includes a sensor 156, a processor or controller 158, such as a microprocessor, and a display 160 as shown in Fig. 6. Sensor 156 is configured to provide an electronic signal to controller 158 indicative of the amount of force applied between handle 134 and body 140 during an assessment test. Processor 160 then sends a signal to display 160 to give an indication of the test results. [43] Preferably, sensor 156 is a strain gauge, load cell, or other force sensitive device such as piezoelectric, resistive, elastic, or other devices known to those of ordinary skill in the art for observing or measuring a force. Other parameters may also be observed or measured by an appropriate sensor, such as displacement, pressure, torque, or other parameters known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[44] As shown in Fig. 5, display 160 is an LED display having a meter 162 on its lower edge and pair of indicia 164, 166 indicating an acceptable range and an unacceptable range of forces. During a test, an indicator or arrow 168 indicates the maximum force applied during the test. If the maximum force applied falls within the acceptable range, then the entrapment potential for the gap is lower. If the maximum force applied falls outside the acceptable range, the potential for entrapment of gap may be higher. [45] According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, LCD's, analog displays, or other electronic displays are provided. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the display does not include a meter, but only displays a positive/negative or pass/fail indicator depending on whether the gap passed the entrapment potential assessment test. [46] According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor includes memory and/or programming that retains and/or analyzes test data from an entrapment potential assessment test. For example, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor includes memory and/or programming configured to store and/or analyze a series of tests performed on a ^• particular gap. The processor is configured to download the stored data to a computer for processing or provides an onboard statistical analysis of the multiple tests performed on a particular gap. For example, according to one embodiment, a port or other communications device is provided to communicate the data to a computer for processing. According to another embodiment, the apparatus includes a display and keypad for displaying and entering data or other information. According to another alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor is configured to store test data for multiple gaps so that multiple gaps on a bed can be tested and later recorded by downloading, handwriting, or otherwise storing the test results at one time. [47] According to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, other configurations of gauges that measure, indicate measurements or measurement results, or otherwise gather or provide information related to the entrapment potential are provided. For example, according to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, mechanical or electro-mechanical gauges are provided. According to some alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the gauges include one or more springs, dashpots, or other mechanical devices known to those of ordinary skill in the art that sense or otherwise detect force or other parameters. A processor may or may not be provided with such systems. A needle or other indicator may be provided with such gauges to indicate the maximum force applied or whether the gap tested otherwise passed or failed the entrapment assessment.

[48] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.

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Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus being configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus comprising a first simulated body part configured to simulate a first body part of a person, the first simulated body part being cylindrical and having first diameter, a second simulated body part configured to simulate a second body part of a person, the second simulated body part being cylindrical and having a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter of the first simulated body part, a first transition portion coupled to and positioned between the first and second simulated body parts, the first transition portion being conical and including a first end of the first diameter and a second end of the second diameter, a handle configured to be gripped by a person, a second transition portion coupled to and positioned between the handle and the first simulated body part, the second transition portion being conical and including a first end of the second diameter and a second end of a third diameter, the third diameter being less than the second diameter, and a gauge positioned between the handle and second transition portion, the gauge being configured to provide information related to the potential for entrapment of a body part of the person in the gap defined by the bed.

2. An entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus being configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus comprising a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person, a handle coupled to the simulated body part, and a gauge positioned between the handle and the simulated body part, the gauge being configured to provide information related to the potential for entrapment of a body part of the person in the gap defined by the bed.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the simulated body part includes a longitudinal axis and the handle includes a transverse grip portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the handle includes a plurality of finger-receiving recesses.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the handle includes a hand- receiving opening.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the gauge is configured to indicate the amount of force applied to the handle during an entrapment test.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the gauge is configured to indicate whether the gap being tested during an entrapment test satisfied a predetermined test standard.

8. An entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus being configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus comprising a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person, the simulated body part having a longitudinal axis and a transverse handle coupled to the simulated body part to assist in pulling the simulated body part into the gap defined by the bed.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the handle includes a plurality of finger-receiving recesses.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the handle includes a hand- receiving opening.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a conical transition portion positioned between the simulated body part and the transverse handle.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , further comprising another simulated body part having a first diameter and another conical transition portion positioned between the first and second-mentioned simulated body parts, wherein the first- mentioned simulated body part has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.

13. An entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus being configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus comprising a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person and a gauge integral with the simulated body part, the gauge being configured to provide information related to the potential for entrapment of the body part of the person in the gap defined by the bed.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the gauge is configured to indicate the amount of force applied to the simulated body part during an entrapment test.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the gauge includes a scale indicating the amount of force applied to the simulated body part during the entrapment test.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the scale includes a marker indicating a predetermined amount of force.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the gauge is configured to indicate whether the gap being tested during an entrapment test satisfied a predetermined test standard.

18. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the gauge includes an indicator light that indicates whether the gap being tested satisfied the predetermined test standard.

19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the gauge includes a strain gauge configured to detect force applied to the simulated body part.

20. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a handle, wherein the gauge is positioned between the handle and the simulated body part to detect force applied to the simulated body part from the handle.

21. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a conical transition portion positioned between the gauge and the simulated body part.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 , further comprising another simulated body part having a first diameter and another conical transition portion positioned between the first and second-mentioned simulated body parts, wherein the first- mentioned body part has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter of the second-mentioned body part.

23. An entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus being configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus comprising a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person and an electronic gauge coupled to the simulated body part, the gauge being configured to provide infoπnation related to the potential for entrapment of the body part of the person in the gap defined by the bed.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the electronic gauge includes a display configured to display the amount of force exerted on the simulated body part during an entrapment test.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the display includes a scale configured to indicate the amount of force exerted on the simulated body part during the entrapment test.

26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the electronic gauge includes an indicator configured to indicate whether the gap being tested passed an entrapment test.

27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the electronic gauge includes a strain gauge configured to detect force applied to the simulated body part.

28. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a handle configured to be pulled on by a person during and entrapment test, wherein the electronic gauge is positioned between the handle and the simulated body part to detect force applied to the simulated body part by the handle.

29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the electronic gauge is configured to store the information.

30. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the electronic gauge is configured to transfer the information.

31. An entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus being configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus comprising a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person and a gauge coupled to the simulated body part, the gauge including an indicator configured to indicate at least one of an acceptable and unacceptable potential for entrapment of the body part of the person in the gap defined by the bed.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 , wherein the indicator includes a light configured to light when at least one of the acceptable and unacceptable potentials for entrapment exists.

33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the gauge includes a scale indicating the amount offeree applied to the simulated body part.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the gauge further includes a marker positioned to indicate a predetermined amount offeree on the scale.

35. An entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus being configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus comprising a simulated body part configured to simulate a body part of a person and at least one indicia configured to indicate the body part of a person being simulated by the simulated body part during an entrapment potential assessment test.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the indicia indicates that the simulated body part is configured to simulate the head of a patient.

37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the indicia indicates that the simulated body part is configured to simulate the neck of a patient.

38. The apparatus of claim 35, further comprising another simulated body part configured to simulate anotlier body part of a person and another indicia configured to indicate the body part of a person being simulated by the second-mentioned simulated body part.

39. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the indicia includes a graphical depiction of the part of a body being simulated by the simulated body part.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the graphical depiction is human-shaped and includes a marker indicating the specific part of the body being simulated by the simulated body part.

41. An entrapment potential assessment apparatus for use with a bed defining a gap, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus being configured to facilitate assessment of the potential for entrapment of a body part of a person in the gap defined by the bed, the entrapment potential assessment apparatus comprising a first simulated body part configured to simulate a first body part of a person and having a first width, a second simulated body part configured to simulate a second body part of a person and having a second width, the second width being smaller than the first width of the first simulated body part, a first transition portion coupled to and positioned between the first and second simulated body parts, the first transition portion including a first end of the first width and a second end of the second width, a handle configured to be gripped by a person, and a second transition portion coupled to and positioned between the handle and the first simulated body part, the second transition portion including a first end of the second width and a second end of a third width, the third width being less than the second diameter.

42. The apparatus of claim 41 , wherein the first and second simulated body parts are cylindrical.

43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the first and second transition portions are conical.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the first and second transition portions are cylindrical.

45. The apparatus of claim 41 , further comprising a gauge configured to provide infoπnation related to the potential for entrapment of a body part of a patient in the gap defined by the bed.

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