Patient support apparatus having powered width extenders

A bed comprising

• an articulated bed deck configured to support an occupant, the articulated bed deck including a first deck section and a second deck section, the first deck section being pivotable relative to the second deck section, the first deck section including a first fixed width portion and a first wing movably coupled to the first fixed width portion, the second deck section including a second fixed width portion, and a second wing movably coupled to the second fixed width portion,
• a motor coupled to the first deck section and operable to extend and retract the first wing relative to the first fixed width portion, wherein operation of the motor to extend and retract the first wing relative to the first fixed width portion also extends and retracts, respectively, the second wing relative to the second fixed width portion, and
• a release unit coupled to the first wing and configured to move between:
• a) an engaged position in which the release unit is engaged as the motor rotates causing the wing to translate relative to the first fixed width portion;
• and b) a disengaged position in which the release unit is disengaged.

A bed comprising:

• a fixed width deck section;
• a wing movably coupled to the fixed width section;
• a drive system at least a part of which is configured to rotate about an axis;
• and
• a release unit configured to move between:
• a) an engaged position in which the release unit engages the drive system as the part of the drive system rotates about the axis thereby causing the wing to translate relative to the fixed width section;
• and b) a disengaged position in which the release unit is disengaged from the drive system.