Device for moving beds

A lifting and steering device for raising and moving beds comprising:

• a frame having an underside and an upper side;
• wheels connected to the underside of the frames, said wheels including a singular traction and steering wheel;
• a bed raising mechanism mounted on the frame and extendable from the upper side of the frame, said mechanism including an elevating device movable from a lower retracted position to a higher bed engaging and raising position;
• a first electric motor drivingly connected to the elevating device for driving the elevating device between said lower and higher positions;
• a second electric motor drivingly connected to the traction and steering wheel for driving the traction and steering wheel in rotation for propelling the lifting and steering wheel relative to a support surface engaging the traction and steering wheel;
• a steering member rotatably connected to the frame for rotation about a vertical steering axis;
• a third electric motor drivingly connected to the steering member for effecting rotation of the steering member about said vertical steering axis in opposite directions;
• said traction and steering wheel connected to said steering member for rotation therewith about said vertical steering axis relative to said frame;
• a source of electrical energy carried by the frame;
• a manipulable handle connected to the frame, said handle including a transverse member arranged so as to be graspable by an operator of the steering and lifting device;
• a control panel mounted on said handle and electrically connected to at least said third electric drive motor and said source of electrical energy, and including means for controlling electrical actuation of said third motor in opposed directions to thereby provide steering control of the lifting and steering device.