CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional application 60/514,797, filed Oct. 27, 2003. 


   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Patients in hospital or long-term care facilities often reside in beds disposed between safety rails. Although the use of these safety rails provides some degree of protection against the risk of the patient falling off the bed, these safety rails present their own safety concerns. Patients, especially elderly or “developmentally disabled” patients, frequently injure themselves by trapping their heads, arms, legs, or other body parts between the safety rails and the mattress. In extreme cases, deaths have also occurred due to these entrapments. 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bed assembly  63  comprised of a mattress  12  and foundation  14 , according to the prior art. 
   Disposed on bed assembly  63  are Bed Safety Rail (BSR) assemblies  48  and  49  respectively, shown in the raised or upper operating position. BSR  48 / 49  are held in place by two adjustable lateral supports  50  and  51  respectively. Lateral supports  50 / 51  extend at least the width of mattress  12  and are disposed between mattress  12  and foundation  14 . In the lowered or down configuration, the BSR  48 / 49  are irrelevant to patient safety as the patient, not shown, is generally out of bed when the BSR  48 / 49  are in this configuration. These prior art BSR assemblies are generally manufactured of metal but could be made of any material and be in any configuration or shape of those BSR assemblies currently available on the open market. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the length of BSR assemblies  48 / 49  respectively, is typically not coextensive with the length of mattress  12 . In one embodiment, the differences between these lengths  53 ,  54 ,  53   a  and  54   a  respectively are from about 2 to 24 inches. As is apparent, these differences create inherent “gaps” that pose a substantial risk to the patient, becoming entrapped between either the headboard  65  or the footboard  66  and the BSR  48 / 49 . 
     FIG. 2  depicts an end view of the prior art bed assembly  63  of  FIG. 1 , comprised of mattress  12  (hidden from view), foundation  14  (hidden from view), BSR  48 / 49 , lateral supports  50  (partially shown) and  51  (not shown), headboard  65  (partially obstructed) and footboard  66 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , inherent gaps  55  and  55   a  are created between mattress  12  and BSR  48 / 49 . In one embodiment, the reason for this gap is the additional space required to raise and lower BSR  48 / 49  in their normal function. In this illustration, gap  55 / 55   a  is from about 1–3 inches. Another reason for gap  55 / 55   a  is the limited adjustment capabilities of supports  50 / 51 . 
   These “gaps” pose a substantial risk to the patient, becoming entrapped between the mattress  12  and the BSR  48 / 49 . 
   Degrees and severity of entrapment can vary from patient to patient depending on several factors. These factors include but are not limited to height, weight, cognitive function, and level of ambulatory ability. 
   Entrapment can involve numerous body parts including but not limited to hands, feet, arms, legs, torso, neck, or head. 
   Injuries sustained also vary according to the type and length of entrapment. Bruising, sprains and breaks would result from more minor events. More serious injuries up to and including, but not limited to death can also occur in cases of prolonged events involving choking or suffocating entrapments. 
   These safety concerns have given rise to a multiplicity of lawsuits against hospitals and long-term care facilities. Thus, within the past ten years, the Long Island, N.Y. Developmental Disabilities Service Office has been sued at least twice for injuries and or deaths resulting from a patient&#39;s entrapment with a safety rail assembly. 
   In one care facility, located in Schenectady, N.Y., the management of such facility has discontinued the use of safety rail assemblies in some cases, and now has those patients sleeping on mattresses that have been placed upon the floor. As is apparent, this alternative arrangement presents its own set of problems. 
   It is therefore an object of this invention to eliminate or greatly reduce the risk of entrapments and injuries sustained therefrom. Preferably, the invention, through proper implementation and monitoring, will eliminate the need for BSR entirely in some cases, or substantially limit the need for their use in others. 
   It is a further object of this invention to provide a mattress assembly that can be used with or without existing safety rails and which will minimize the likelihood of patient entrapment that exists with the prior art assemblies. 
   It is a further object of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for retrofitting existing beds so as to eliminate the safety problems set forth above, without having to replace the entire bed unit. 
   This and other objects of the invention will be described more fully below. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Disclosed herein is a side panel safety apparatus for a bed, and a related method comprising: a horizontal stabilizer for placement at least partially underneath a mattress of said bed; and a vertically-extending panel attached substantially perpendicularly thereto; wherein: placement of said horizontal stabilizer at least partially underneath said mattress secures said vertically-extending panel in a substantially-vertical orientation along a side of said bed. One embodiment further comprises a cover covering both said mattress and said horizontal stabilizer. Another embodiment comprises the foregoing side panel safety apparatus in combination with a safety rail of said bed, further comprising: said safety rail; wherein: said horizontal stabilizer blocks a person in said bed from moving a part of said person&#39;s body into contact with said safety rail such that said body part becomes entrapped from said contact. Another embodiment comprises: said vertically-extending panel comprising at least two movable vertical sections; said horizontal stabilizer comprising at least two horizontal stabilization sections, each said horizontal stabilization section attached substantially perpendicularly to one of said movable vertical sections; and a hinge assembly between two adjacent said movable vertical sections enabling said adjacent movable vertical sections to be rotated relative to one another within a vertical plane of said movable vertical sections. 


   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the invention believed to be novel are set forth in the appended claims. The invention, however, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing(s) summarized below. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bed assembly utilizing prior art BSR assemblies. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an end view of a bed assembly utilizing prior art BSR assemblies. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a mattress assembly in one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of the side panel assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the side panel assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 6  is an end view of the side panel assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of a side panel assembly embodiment with an ingress/egress cutout. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the cutout side panel assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  is an end view of the cutout side panel assembly of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of a movable side panel assembly embodiment. 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of the movable side panel assembly of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 12  is an end view of the movable side panel assembly of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of the movable side panel assembly of  FIG. 10  illustrating movement of this assembly. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the hinge assembly that facilitates said movement illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a full assembly in various embodiments covered by a cover. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a bed assembly which can be in any embodiment of the invention, in combination with a prior art BSR, with the BSR shown in the upper position. 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a bed assembly according to  FIG. 16 , with the BSR shown in the lowered position. 
   


   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a mattress assembly  10  comprised of a mattress  12  disposed on a foundation  14 . The foundation  14  may be any base on which a mattress typically sits. It may, e.g., be a box spring, a foundation, a spring platform, a plywood platform, etc. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 3 , and disposed on both sides of the mattress  12 , are side panels  16  and  18 . One of the functions of these side panels  16 / 18  is to prevent a patient (not shown) disposed on such mattress from having inadvertent contact with structure outside of the side panels  16 / 18 , such as safety rails (see  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  16  and  17 ). 
   In the preferred embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , each of side panels  16 / 18  are preferably L-shaped structures that comprise horizontally extending stabilizers  20  and  22 , respectively. The stabilizers  20 / 22  are preferably disposed, at least in part, underneath mattress  12 . 
   In one embodiment, the mattress  12  is encased within a mattress cover. In another embodiment the mattress  12  is first wrapped with a fireproof material and then enclosed within a mattress cover. 
   In one embodiment, a fire barrier fabric is used to cover mattress  12 , and side panel assemblies  16  and  18 ; a similar fire barrier fabric may be used to cover the comparable parts of assembly  10 ′ (see  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  12 , and  13 ). 
   The assemblies  16 / 18  may be integral assemblies. Alternatively, one may separately make stabilizers  20 / 22  and join them to vertically-extending panels  21  and  23  using adhesion or a variety of similar attachment techniques known in the art. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 3 , it will be seen that vertically extending panel  23  is comprised of a cutout section  25  that, in the embodiment depicted, has a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape. In other embodiments, not shown, different shapes may be used for cutout section  25  including arcuate shapes (oval, circular), square shapes, triangular shapes, irregular shapes, and the like. The purpose of said cutout—irrespective of shape—is to allow the patient ingress and egress to and from the bed. Optionally, should it be required, to give the patient the opportunity to get into or out of bed on either side, said cutout can be made on either or both side panels. 
     FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  are top, side, and end views, respectively, of side panel assembly  16 . In the preferred embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6 , the stabilizer  20  preferably has a width  26  of from about 4 to about 40 inches; as will be apparent, most of this width  26  will be disposed under mattress  12  (see  FIG. 3 ). Similarly, and referring to  FIG. 9 , stabilizer  22  preferably has a width  28  of from about 4 to about 40 inches. The widths  26  and  28  may be identical, but need not be identical. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 8 , the stabilizers  20 / 22  preferably have thicknesses  30  and  32 , respectively, of from about 1 to about 2 inches. 
   In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , the stabilizer  22  is shown extending the entire length of panel  23 . In one embodiment, stabilizers  20  and  22  are preferably coextensive with upstanding panels  21  and  23 , i.e., their lengths are identical. In another embodiment, their regions of overlap run from about 45 to about 86 inches. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , and in the preferred embodiment depicted therein, each of vertically extending panels  21  and  23  preferably have thicknesses  34 / 36 , respectively from about 1 to 4 inches. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 3 , and in the embodiment depicted, it will be seen that vertically extending panels  21 / 23  preferably have heights  35 / 37 , respectively, of from about 6 to about 24 inches. It is preferred that the heights  35 / 37  be sufficient such that the panels  21 / 23  extend above the mattress  12  by from about 1 to about 18 inches. 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , and in the embodiment depicted, it will be seen that the cutout  25  preferably has a maximum depth  27  of from about 2 to about 20 inches, and preferably from about 4 to about 8 inches. 
     FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  12 , and  13  illustrate an embodiment  10 ′ that is similar to the embodiment  10  depicted in  FIGS. 3 through 8  but differs therefrom in the following respects: (a) it has only one type of upstanding panel  23  (i.e., panel  23 ′) rather than two different types, (b) it has only one type of stabilizer  22 ′, and the stabilizer  22 ′ is not coextensive with the movable vertical sections  40 ,  42 , and  44  which correspond to head section  40 , middle section  42 , and foot section  44 . 
   The middle section  42  is rotatably connected to each of head section  40  and foot section  44  by hinge assemblies  46 . 
   The assembly  10 ′ preferably is disposed upon and contiguous with an adjustable hospital bed (not shown). As the position of the hospital bed changes, the hinge assemblies  46  allow the assembly  10 ′ to change its shape.  FIG. 14  is a schematic view, not drawn to scale, of one hinge assembly  46  connecting parts  40  and  42 . 
   The sections  40 ,  42 , and  44  may have identical dimensions, or they may have different dimensions. In the preferred embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 10 ,  11 ,  12 , and  13 , each of sections  40  and  44  will preferably have a length of from about 24 to about 42 inches, and it is preferred that such lengths, in one embodiment, be equal. The length of middle section is preferably from about 16 to about 40 inches. But, it is understood that the dimensions of sections  40 ,  42 , and  44  may be varied so as to accommodate differently-dimensioned adjustable hospital beds, and are preferably governed by the particular adjustable bed with which they are intended to be used. The number of sections may also be varied, so that two, three, four, or even more sections may be employed, depending upon the characteristics of the adjustable bed for which they are intended. 
     FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a covered mattress assembly  60  comprised of a cover  62 . As will be apparent, the assembly being covered (not shown in  FIG. 15 ) is substantially identical to the assembly  10  of  FIG. 3 , or to the assembly  10 ′ of  FIG. 10 , whether those assemblies are covered by a fire barrier fabric or not. It is optional although highly preferred that, prior to the time cover  62  is used to encase the entire assembly  10 , or  10 ′, the fire barrier “big socks” be disposed around the individual elements of such assemblies (such as, e.g., the mattress  12 , and/or the side panel assemblies  16 / 18 ). 
   The cover  62  is preferably comprised, or consists essentially, of fabric made from synthetic polymeric material. The fabric in cover  62  preferably will have flame-retardant, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties. Cover  62  is preferably tailored to fit snugly about the assemblies  10  and  10 ′, though for the  10 ′ (adjustable bed) configuration, the tailoring of cover  62  may require some play for movement of the adjustable bed into various positions other than horizontally flat. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 15 , and in the preferred embodiment depicted therein, a zipper  64  is shown extending around side  66  and  68 . It is preferred that the zipper also extend around side  70 . The zipper may, but need not, also extend around back side  72 . 
   The zipper  64  preferably is constructed from a plastic material, although it may be constructed from metal. 
     FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate a preexisting bed with a Bed Safety Rail (BSR), which has been retrofitted with an invention embodiment to eliminate the safety hazards earlier discussed. That is, these figures illustrate an embodiment of the invention in combination with a preexisting bed and prior art BSR system. 
   Referring to  FIG. 16 , depicting covered mattress assembly  60  in place, in combination with the BSR  48  (obscured from view), and  49  in the upper position, individuals, primarily those of diminished mental or physical capacity, are “trained” to learn the lateral limits of their respective bed assembly, by coming in contact with the elevated side panel  16  or  18  prior to BSR  48 / 49 . This training process will preferably take from about 1 to 4 weeks, although in some cases, a longer time may be required. 
   Following this training period utilizing this combination of bed assembly  60  and the BSR  48 / 49  assemblies, the BSR  48 / 49  will remain in place on the bed assembly in the lowered or down position as depicted in  FIG. 17 . This adjustment period will preferably take from about 1 to 4 weeks, although in some cases, a longer time may be required. 
   During this adjustment period, frequent (e.g., every 15 minutes) bed checks will be made to ensure that no notable events, or safety issues arise. As the adjustment period progresses, the frequency of said bed checks may be extended as is clinically appropriate. 
   In the embodiments shown, it is highly preferred, but optional, to cover all of the surfaces of each of these structures with the fire barrier fabric. 
   Instead of using fire barrier fabric, one may use any other fire barrier materials, such as foams, coatings, etc. 
   One may use any of the fire barrier fabrics that are commercially available. In one embodiment, the fire barrier fabric is “INTEGRITY 30,” sold by the Ventex Company of P.O. Box 1038, Great Falls, Va. This material is a knitted fire barrier that comprises modacrylic fiber, fiberglass, and polyester fiber. In one embodiment, it is affixed to the assemblies depicted by either metal staples, or glass thread, or Kevlar thread, or any other suitable equivalent attachment means. In another embodiment, it is used to make a cover that is disposed over each respective assembly but is not necessarily affixed thereto. In this latter embodiment, the fire barrier fabric made from the fire barrier fiber may be referred to as a “big sock.” 
   The side panels  16  and  18  preferably are assemblies that, in one embodiment, are made from a synthetic polymeric material. In one embodiment, the density of the polymeric material is from about 1 to about 10 pounds per cubic foot. 
   In one embodiment, it is preferred that the synthetic polymeric material have density of less than about 3 pounds per cubic foot and, more preferably, less than about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot. In one embodiment, the density of the polymeric material is less than about 2.3 pounds per cubic foot. 
   In one embodiment, the polymeric material has an indentation load deflection (ILD) of from about 50 to about 500 pounds and, more preferably, from about 100 to about 250 pounds. In one aspect of this embodiment, the material has an ILD of from about 75 to about 200 pounds. 
   It is preferred that the polymeric material be substantially inflammable. As used in this specification, the term substantially inflammable refers to a material that passes a test such as described in California Technical Bulletin 117, or a similar set of standards. 
   In one embodiment, the polymeric material is a polyethylene that preferably is a high-density polyethylene with crystallinity in excess of about 80 percent. 
   In another embodiment, the polymeric material is polyethylene foam. In one aspect of this embodiment, the polyethylene foam is “ETHAFOAM 4101” sold by the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Mich. The material has a compression set, as measured by ASTM D3575 (Suffix B) of less than about 20 percent. 
   In another embodiment, the polymeric material is polyurethane with an ILD of from about 50 to about 500 pounds. Other similar polymeric materials possessing equal or greater qualities also may be used. 
   One material that may be used to make cover  62  is “DAF AntiBac” manufactured by DAF Products, Inc., 420 Braen Avenue, Wyckoff, N.J. The material has a weight of from about 9 to about 15 ounces per square yard and is made from a 3-ply polyvinyl chloride reinforced laminate. This material is flame resistant (passing California Technical Bulletin test 117 and NFPA 701 Small Scale), it is mildew resistant, and it is antibacterial. Other similar fabrics possessing equal or greater qualities also may be used. 
   This invention accomplishes its objects through providing solid “gap free” side panels  16  and  18  disposed on mattress  12  and encased in cover  62  with or without the fire barrier “big socks”. This eliminates the gaps  53 / 53   a ,  54 / 54   a , and  55 / 55   a  as previously described, as well as any interbar spacing inherent in the BSR  48 / 49  as depicted, or otherwise not shown. 
   Another unique feature of the product is that no sleep surface is lost when the disclosed assembly is used, because it is applied to the outside edges of the mattress and does not at all overlap the top surface of the mattress. 
   Preferably, this invention will initially be used as a training device, installed on any given patient&#39;s bed assembly that indicates the use of BSR  48 / 49  assemblies. 
   With the invention in place, and the BSR  48 / 49  in the upper position, individuals, primarily those of diminished mental or physical capacity, are “trained” to learn the lateral limits of their respective bed assembly, by coming in contact with the elevated side panel  16  or  18  prior to BSR  48 / 49 . This training process will preferably take from about 1 to 4 weeks, although in some cases, a longer time may be required. 
   Following this training period utilizing both this invention and the BSR  48 / 49  assemblies, the BSR  48 / 49  will remain in place on the bed assembly in the lowered or down position. This adjustment period will preferably take from about 1 to 4 weeks, although in some cases, a longer period may be required. 
   During this adjustment period, frequent (every 15 minutes) bed checks will be made to ensure that no notable events, or safety issues arise. As the adjustment period progresses, the frequency of said bed checks may be extended as is clinically appropriate. 
   Preferably, upon completion of these training and adjustment periods, all parties involved with the care of each individual including but not limited to staff, nurses, doctors, occupational and physical therapists, family members, and even in some case patients will be comfortable with completely removing the BSR  48 / 49  assemblies, thus removing any risk of entrapment with BSR assemblies. 
   While only certain preferred features of the invention have been illustrated and described, many modifications, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
A side panel safety apparatus for a bed, and a related method comprises: a horizontal stabilizer for placement at least partially underneath a mattress of said bed; and a vertically-extending panel attached substantially perpendicularly thereto; wherein: placement of said horizontal stabilizer at least partially underneath said mattress secures said vertically-extending panel in a substantially-vertical orientation along a side of said bed. One embodiment further comprises a cover covering both said mattress and said horizontal stabilizer. Another embodiment comprises the foregoing side panel safety apparatus in combination with a safety rail of said bed, further comprising: said safety rail; wherein: said horizontal stabilizer blocks a person in said bed from moving a part of said person's body into contact with said safety rail such that said body part becomes entrapped from said contact. Another embodiment comprises: said vertically-extending panel comprising at least two movable vertical sections; said horizontal stabilizer comprising at least two horizontal stabilization sections, each said horizontal stabilization section attached substantially perpendicularly to one of said movable vertical sections; and a hinge assembly between two adjacent said movable vertical sections enabling said adjacent movable vertical sections to be rotated relative to one another within a vertical plane of said movable vertical sections.