U.S. patent application number 09/809881 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-29 for bed pads.
Invention is credited to Heavrin, Thomas.
Application Number | 20010044970 09/809881 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26893945 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010044970 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heavrin, Thomas |
November 29, 2001 |
Bed pads
Abstract
This article is a padded gap protector for hospital beds that
provides zero clearance no matter what the articulated position of
the bed is. The pad remains in compression with the mattress and
closes the gap between the mattress and side rails. The pad
provides a zero gap when the matters is in a horizontal position
and when the mattress is secured in an articulate position such as
an elevated position. Straps secure the pad to a bed frame beneath
the mattress to maintain compression and a V-shaped section with no
material or a soft material maintains the zero gap when the
mattress is in an articulate position. Another set of straps secure
the top of the pad to the top rail of the bed rails.
Inventors: |
Heavrin, Thomas; (Arlington,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EMCH, SCHAFFER, SCHAUB & PORCELLO CO
P O BOX 916
ONE SEAGATE SUITE 1980
TOLEDO
OH
43697
|
Family ID: |
26893945 |
Appl. No.: |
09/809881 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60198591 |
Apr 19, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/663 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/0507 20130101;
A47C 21/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/663 |
International
Class: |
A47C 031/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A pad for use with a bed having a mattress and side rails
wherein the pad provides zero clearance between the mattress and
side rails comprising: a cover defining an interior space formed of
a material the material being flexible, non-abrasive, and
substantially resistant to penetration by an appendage of a person;
a top attachment means connected to a top section of the cover; a
bottom attachment means connected to a bottom section of the cover;
a foam material filling the interior space defined by the cover
wherein the foam material has a higher density; and the higher
density foam material further defining at least one V-shaped cavity
pointing downwardly towards the bottom section of the cover wherein
the cavity is a void.
2. A pad according to claim 1 wherein a lower density foam fills
the V-shaped cavity.
3. A pad according to claim 1 including a stiffening member located
adjacent the bottom section of the cover.
4. A pad according to claim 1 wherein the foams have a density
ranging from 0.25 to 2.0 lbs/ft.sup.3.
5. A pad according to claim 1 wherein the higher density foam has a
density greater than 1.0 lbs/ft.sup.3.
6. A pad according to claim 2 wherein the lower density foam has a
density lower than 1.0 lbs/ft.sup.3.
7. A pad according to claim 1 wherein the foams are urethane
foams.
8. A pad according to claim 2 wherein the V-shaped cavity contains
a soft material.
9. A pad according to claim 2 wherein the V-shaped cavity contains
no material.
10. A pad according to claim 1 including at least one V-shaped
cavity pointed upwardly towards the top section of the pad.
11. A pad according to claim 1 including a multiplicity of V-shaped
cavities, wherein at least one of the cavities point upwardly and
at least one of the cavities points downwardly.
12. A pad for use with a bed having a mattress and bed rails
comprising: a cover defining an interior space formed of a material
the material being flexible, non-abrasive, and substantially
resistant to penetration by an appendage of a person; a top
attachment means for securing a top section of the cover to a top
section of the bed rails; a bottom attachment means for securing a
bottom section of the cover to a bed frame beneath the mattress; a
foam material filling the interior space defined by the cover
wherein the foam material has a higher density; the higher density
foam material further defining at least one V-shaped cavity
pointing downwardly towards the bottom section of the cover wherein
the cavity is a void; and the bottom surface of the cover
positioned adjacent a top surface of the mattress to provide zero
clearance between the mattress and side rails.
13. A pad according to claim 12 wherein a lower density foam fills
the V-shaped cavity.
14. A bed comprising: a mattress; at least one side rail; at least
one pad including a cover defining an interior space formed of a
material the material being flexible, non-abrasive, and
substantially resistant to penetration by an appendage of a person;
a top attachment means securing a top section of the cover to a top
rail of the bed rail; a bottom attachment means securing a bottom
section of the cover to a bed frame beneath the mattress; a foam
material filling the interior space defined by the cover wherein
the foam material has a higher density; the higher density foam
material further defining at least one V-shaped cavity pointing
downwardly towards the bottom section of the cover wherein the
cavity is a void; and the bottom surface of the cover positioned
adjacent a top surface of the mattress to provide zero clearance
between the mattress and side rails.
15. A bed according to claim 14 wherein a lower density foam fills
the V-shaped cavity.
16. A bed according to claim 14 wherein the rail is a 1/2 rail and
the pad is a 1/2 pad.
17. A bed according to claim 14 wherein the at least one side rail
is a pair of side rails adjacent each side of the mattress.
18. A bed according to claim 17 wherein the at least one pad is a
pair of pads, each of the pads of the pair attached to each of the
side rails of the pair of side rails.
19. A bed according to claim 18 including a mattress pad spacer
wherein the mattress has a foot end, the pair of pads have a foot
end and the mattress pad spacer is in compression with the foot
ends of the pair of pads at the foot end of the mattress.
20. A bed according to claim 18 including a head board wherein the
mattress has a head end, the pair of pads have head ends and the
head ends of the mattress and the pair of pads are in compression
with the head board.
21. A bed according to claim 18 having four corners wherein the
pair of pads is in compression with the four corners of the bed.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to bed pads for filling any gaps in
hospital or nursing home beds. My bed pads may be referred to as
gapless bed pads or zero gap bed pads. The most typical gap exists
between side rails and the mattress of a long term care bed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Hospital beds traditionally had some type of collapsible
side rail on each side of the mattress, so that a patient on the
bed cannot inadvertently roll off of the bed and receive serious
injuries from a fall to the floor. Padded covers, bumper wedges and
the like also are used with the bed-rails to improve the comfort
and safety of patients in long-term care facilities. Despite these
improved configurations, a rather large gap still exists between
the rails, pads, headboard, footboard and the bed mattress. The gap
is even more pronounced when the bed is in an articulated or
elevated position. The long term care industry refers to this as
"the 1 inch gap issue". Any gap of more than one inch associated
with raised bed rails is unacceptable. Consequently, a need remains
for improvement in the safety of these devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] I have invented a padded gap protector that provides zero
clearance no matter what the articulated position of the bed is.
The pad remains in compression with the mattress and closes the gap
between the mattress and side rails. The pad provides a zero gap
when the mattress is in a horizontal position and when the mattress
is secured in an articulate position such as an elevated position.
Straps secure the pad to the bed frame below the mattress to
maintain compression and an V-shaped section of soft material
maintains the zero gap when the mattress is in an articulated
position. Another set of straps secure the top of the pad to the
bed rail. With foot pads, this invention provides 360.degree. zero
gap protection.
[0004] The pad's zero gap clearance reduces the risk of
"poke-through", that is, a limb or digit being caught between the
mattress and the pad, rail to rail, rail to headboard or rail to
footboard. The pad is soft, well padded, nonabrasive, cleanable,
and moisture resistant. The pad does not impede rapid lowering of
bed-rails. The pad is quickly and easily attachable and detachable
and does not impede charging sheets or providing medical
attention.
[0005] The pad is for use with a bed having a mattress and bed
rails. The pad includes a cover defining an interior space formed
of a material the material being flexible, non-abrasive and
substantially resistant to penetration by an appendage of a person.
A top attachment means secures a top section of the cover to the
top rail of the bed rails and a bottom attachment means secures a
bottom section of the cover to a bed frame beneath the mattress. A
foam material fills the interior space defined by the cover wherein
the foam material has a high density. The higher density foam
material further defines at least one V-shaped cavity pointing
downwardly towards the bottom section of the cover. A lower density
foam fills the V-shaped cavity. The bottom surface of the cover is
positioned adjacent a top surface of the mattress to provide zero
clearance between the mattress and side rails.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 shows side view of the pad of this invention with a
mesh or see through top.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the pad of this invention
with a mesh top.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows the pad of this invention installed on a
hospital bed with a mattress and side rails in a horizontal
position.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows the pad of this invention installed on a
hospital bed in an articulate position.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows a hospital bed with one rail up and one rail
down.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The pads of this invention are intended for placement on the
inside of the rails of a long term care bed. The pads can be
flipped to the outside of the rails to enable a quick linear
change. This is done by leaving the top 3/4 inch straps and quick
release buckles in place and releasing (unfastening) the bottom 1
inch, quick release buckles.
[0012] The top straps and buckles are not intended to be so tight
that the straps will not swivel or travel along the top rail
rod.
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a side view of bed pad 10 of this invention for
use with a long term care bed. Pad 10 includes cover 12, top straps
14, bottom straps 16 and mesh (see through) top 18. Cover 12
encases foam 20 and foam 20 includes at least one V-shaped cavity
22 shown in phantom pointing downwardly. Pad 10 also has top edge
24 and bottom edge 26. V-shaped cavity 22 may be avoid or may
include low density foam 28.
[0014] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of pad 10 with more than one
V-shaped cavity 22. Pad 10 may use a multiplicity of cavities 22.
Cavities 22 may be filled or unfilled. Also, cavities 22 may point
upwardly to top edge 24, downwardly towards bottom edge 26 or any
combination thereof. Preferably, at least one cavity 22 points
downwardly.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows pad 10 installed on a long term care bed in a
horizontal position. FIG. 3 shows pad 10 on bed 30. Bed 30 includes
mattress 32, side rails 34, head board 36, foot board 38, frame 40
and legs 42. FIG. 3 shows full length side rails 34. Frequently,
however, rails 34 and pads 10 are 1/2 rails and 1/2 pads located
near the top or head of bed 10 adjacent head board 36. Head or foot
pad 44 also may be used with gapless bed rail pads 10. FIG. 3 shows
foot pad 44 in place adjacent foot board 38 and between pads 10.
Foot pad 44 is in compression with pads 10 and mattress 32. Pads 10
also are in compression with head board 36.
[0016] FIG. 4 shows pads 10 installed on long term care bed 30. Bed
30 is in an articulate position. FIG. 4 also shows top straps 14
secured to the top of side rails 34 and bottom straps 16 secured to
frame 40. Note, pads 10 stay in compression with mattress 32 even
when bed 30 is in an articulate position.
[0017] FIG. 5 shows long term care bed 30 with one side rail 34 up
and one side rail 34 down. With side rail 34 in a down position,
pad 10 flips over to the outside of rail 34 for linen changes. Down
rail 34 and flipped pad 10 are below mattress 32.
[0018] The pad of this invention uses a foam which may vary widely.
Preferably, the foam is a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane
likewise varies widely. Generally, it is a thermoplastic polymer
produced by the condensation reaction of a polyisocyanate and a
hydroxyl-containing material, e.g., a polyol derived from propylene
oxide or trichlorobutylene oxide. The basic polymer unit is formed
as follows: R.sub.1NCO+R.sub.2OH.fwdarw.R.sub.1NHCOOR.sub.2.
[0019] The organic polyisocyanates which may be employed for the "A
side" component include aromatic, aliphatic, and cycloaliphatic
polyisocyanates and combinations thereof. Representative of these
types are the diisocyanates such as m-phenylene diisocyanate,
2,4-toluene diisocyanate, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, mixtures of
2,4-and 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate,
tetramethylene diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate,
hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate (and isomers),
naphthalene-1,5-diisocyanate, 1-methoxyphenyl-2,4-diisocyanate,
2,2'-, 2,4'-, and 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate,
4,4'-biphenylene diisocyanate, 3,3'-dimethoxy-4,4'-biphenyl
diisocyanate, and 3,3'-dimethydiphenylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate;
thetriisocyanates such as 4,4',4"-triphenylmethane triisocyanate,
and toluene 2,4,6-triisocyanate; and the tetraisocyanates such as
4,4'-dimethyldiphenylmethane 2,2'-5,5'-tetraisocyanate; and
polymericpolyisocyanates such as polymethylene polyphenylene
polyisocyanate. Especially useful die to their availability and
properties are 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and polymethylene
polyphenylene polyisocyanate.
[0020] Also used are the easily accessible, optionally
uretonimine-carbodiimide and urethane group-containing aromatic di-
and polyisocyanates such as 2,2'-, 2,4'-, 4,4'-diphenylmethane
diisocyanate (MDI), as well as any desired mixtures of these
isomers, and mixtures of 2,2'-, 2,4%, 4,4'-diphenylmethane
diisocyanate and polyphenyl polymethylene polyisocyanates (crude
MDI).
[0021] The B side resin component contains a hydroxy functional
polyol. Examples of the polyol component (b) include an alkylene
diol such as ethylene glyol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol
and polypropylene glycol; and a polyester diol such as an
esterification product of an excess amount of an alkylene diol with
a dicarboxylic acid or its anhydride.
[0022] The resulting polyurethane contained a small amount of
blowing agent to yield a polyurethane foam having a density of
about 0.5 lbs/ft.sup.3. The densities, however, may range from 0.25
and 2.0 lbs/ft.sup.3. More specifically, a polyol such as
polypropylene glycol is treated with a diisocyanate in the presence
of some water and a catalyst (amines, tin soaps, organic tin
compounds). As the polymer forms, the water reacts with the
isocyanate groups to cause crosslinking and also produces carbon
dioxide, which causes foaming. In other cases, trifluoromethane or
similar volatile material may be used as blowing agents.
[0023] The density of the foams I use may vary widely. Typically,
the density of the foam is greater than 1.0 lbs/ft.sup.3 and the
density of the foam in the V-shape is less than 1.0
lbs/ft.sup.3.
[0024] The long term care bed includes a mattress and side rails. A
cover defining an interior space is formed of a material that is
flexible, nonabrasive and substantially resistant to penetration by
an appendage of a person. A top attachment means secures a top
section of the cover to a top rail of the bed rails and a bottom
attachment means secures a bottom section of the cover to a bed
frame beneath the mattress. A foam material fills the interior
space defined by the cover wherein the foam material has a higher
density. The higher density foam material defines at least one
V-shaped cavity pointing downwardly towards the bottom section of
the cover and a lower density foam fills the V-shaped cavity. The
bottom surface of the cover is positioned adjacent a top surface of
the mattress to provide zero clearance between the mattress and
side rails.
[0025] In another embodiment, the V-shape portion of the pad may
contain no material at all. I strongly recommend, however that this
portion of the pad contain a less dense or soft material.
[0026] The cover of the pad may vary widely. Generally, the cover
is made of a vinyl material. The covers preferably are based on
homopolymers or copolymers of vinyl chloride, for example vinyl
chloride/vinyl acetate copolymers. The homopolymers and the
copolymers are both commonly referred to as PVC resins or PVC
polymers. Compositions which comprise PVC resin are commonly
referred to as PVC compositions or simply as PVC. PVC compositions
which contain little or no plasticizer (for example up to about 2%
by weight) are relatively rigid and brittle, and they are commonly
referred to as rigid PVC, unplasticized PVC or UPVC. PVC
compositions which contain relatively large amounts of plasticizer
(for example around 10%-40%, by weight) are more flexible and have
a lower modulus, and they are commonly referred to as flexible PVC,
plasticized PVC or PPVC. The plasticizer may be a simple ester
plasticizer, also known as monomeric plasticizer. Naturally, the
cover of this invention preferably is a flexible PVC.
[0027] Preferably, the materials of this invention are
flame-resistant and have a low-smoke value. This usually is
accomplished by incorporating a metallic salt such as aluminum
trihydrate. Typically, the materials should have a flame spread of
25 or less and a smoke value of less than 400 according to standard
ASTM tests.
[0028] The straps of this invention may vary widely. The straps
have tabs that are secured in place with hook and loop fasteners or
with quick-release buckles. The fasteners should be located on the
cover to face away from a patient to reduce risk to injury. The top
straps of the pad fasten to the top rail of the bed rails. The
bottom straps are secured below the mattress to the bed frame,
springs or the bottom side of the mattress. The pad has a bottom
side that rests on the top side of the mattress. Because of this,
the mattress acts as a spring and the pad moves with the mattress.
When the mattress is compressed as when the bed is placed in an
articulated position or elevated position, the pad moves with the
mattress. The bottom side of the pad remains pressed against the
top side of the mattress. This results in a zero gap between pad
mattress and rail. When the bed is articulated, the movement causes
the pad to bend at the V-shape portions. This keeps the pad firmly
against the mattress rather than create a gap as with conventional
pads.
[0029] The straps used with pad may have different lengths and
widths. Typically, the straps may be 3/4 inch or 1 inch in width.
The length of the straps typically is up to 12 inches depending
upon the thickness of the mattress, bed framework rail height and
the like. A practical solution is to make the straps longer than
necessary to accommodate many sizes.
[0030] While the pad has at least one V-shaped section, it may have
more than one. Often 2 or 3 V-shaped are used to more easily
conform to the shapes a hospital bed may have. Also, the pad may
use a combination of V-shapes and inverted V-shapes mattress
configurations.
[0031] The bottom of the pad, typically between the cover and foam
also contains a stiffening member such as 1/2 inch electrical
conduit pipe. In compression, the conduit further maintains the
surfaces of the pad and mattress in contact with each other thereby
maintaining the zero gap.
[0032] The following example further illustrate this invention:
EXAMPLE I
[0033] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a pad according to this invention. The
pad had the following properties and dimensions. FIG. 2 shows a
V-shape section and an inverted V-shape section. Pad 10 typically
has the following construction.
FIGS. 1 and 2
[0034] 1. Scale: 1"=1'
[0035] 2. 1/2" electrical conduit
[0036] 3. 1" wide vinyl strap--sealed and stitched
[0037] 4. 1" wide vinyl strap--sealed and stitched
[0038] 5. Fasteners: four 3/4" quick-release buckles at top
[0039] 6. Fasteners: four 11/2" quick-release buckles at bottom
[0040] 7. Left side bed rail pad requires dimensions 37 and 41 1/2
to be reversed
[0041] 8. Materials: a) vinyl; b) foam; and c) foam
EXAMPLE II
[0042] Another pad according to this invention has the following
properties and dimensions. The pad may have a V-shape section and
an inverted V-shape section or a multiplicity of V-shaped
sections.
[0043] 1. Scale: 1"=1'
[0044] 2. 1/2" electrical conduit
[0045] 3. 1" wide vinyl strap--sealed and stitched
[0046] 4. 1" wide vinyl strap--sealed and stitched
[0047] 5. Fasteners: four 3/4" quick-release buckles at top
[0048] 6. Fasteners: four 11/2" quick-release buckles at bottom
[0049] 7. Left side bed rail pad requires dimensions 37 and 41 1/2
to be reversed
[0050] 8. Materials: a) vinyl; b) foam; and c) foam
EXAMPLE III
[0051] FIG. 3 shows a mattress pad spacer for the bed bottom. The
headboard and top of the mattress are compressed together by use of
the footboard pad.
[0052] FIGS. 3-5 show the pads in position on a hospital bed. Note,
the pads are flush with each other at the four corners of the
bed.
[0053] The following materials were used in the pads shown in the
Figs.
[0054] 1. Dense foam (Ohio Foam) #240125
[0055] 2. 1/2" conduit (electrical)
[0056] 3. Buckles (snap) #SR 11/2" (Nexis) Astrup
[0057] 4. Strap bottom #1936 Mfg. Ltc. 1".times.12"
[0058] 5. Urethane supported film MIL-83849 Type #1
[0059] FIG. 5 shows a hospital bed with one rail up and one rail
down. The one rail up has the pad flipped over on the outside for
linen change. The one rail down is below the mattress with the pad
flipped to the outside for linen change. Rails 34 and pad 10 may be
1/2 rails and 1/2 pads. Long term care is widely using 1/2 rails as
enablers. The 1/2 rail also can be a restraint. The enabler still
has 1" gap problem.
[0060] The mesh on the half pad viasion, like the full rail pad,
enables the patient to control the positioning of the bed
(electric). Most bed manufacturers have placed controls for
electric beds both on the patient side and care giver side of the
half rail.
[0061] There are still other bed manufacturers that have added a
remote control device by wire to the underside of the bed. This
invention also secures the wire, while the remote sits on the
patient's stomach.
[0062] This invention works well with various bed type and various
rails. All are made with big gaps with various mattress widths are
for sale. Lengths also vary. Incorrect ordering will increase the
gap problem. Beds vary from 76" to 80" long. Mattresses vary from
72" to 84" long and 32" to 39" wide.
[0063] In addition to these embodiments, persons skilled in the art
can see that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the
above invention without departing from the intended spirit and
scope thereof.
* * * * *