U.S. patent application number 10/739775 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-08 for patient support surface.
Invention is credited to Biondo, John P., Branson, Gregory W..
Application Number | 20040128772 10/739775 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32682176 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040128772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Branson, Gregory W. ; et
al. |
July 8, 2004 |
Patient support surface
Abstract
A fluid filled patient support and related method of
distribution, use and disposal thereof.
Inventors: |
Branson, Gregory W.;
(Batesville, IN) ; Biondo, John P.; (Aurora,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Intellectual Property Group
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
2700 First Indiana Plaza
135 North Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
32682176 |
Appl. No.: |
10/739775 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60435177 |
Dec 19, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/713 ;
5/710 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/05776
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/713 ;
005/710 |
International
Class: |
A47C 027/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A patient support apparatus comprising: a longitudinally
extending first manifold; a longitudinally extending second
manifold positioned in laterally spaced relation to the first
manifold; a plurality of laterally extending bladders, each bladder
positioned parallel to the other bladders and including opposing
first and second ends; a plurality of longitudinally spaced first
fluid couplings coupled to the first manifold and configured to
provide fluid communication between the first manifold and at least
one of the plurality of bladders; a plurality of longitudinally
spaced second fluid couplings coupled to the second manifold and
configured to provide fluid communication between the second
manifold and at least one of the plurality of bladders; and wherein
the plurality of bladders are configured to be removably received
intermediate the first and second longitudinally spaced manifolds,
the first fluid couplings being configured to selectively and
releasably couple the first manifold to the first end of at least
one of the plurality of bladders, and the second fluid couplings
being configured to selectively and releasably couple the second
manifold to the second end of at least one of the plurality of
bladders.
2. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the
first and second fluid couplings comprises a tubular member
extending inwardly from the first and second manifolds,
respectively.
3. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a
plurality of retaining members coupled to the tubular member and
configured to retain the tubular member within the bladder.
4. The patient support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and
second manifolds each includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced
fluid ports, the first end of each bladder includes a fluid port,
the second end of each bladder includes a fluid port, a first end
of each coupling is fixed to one of the fluid ports of the first
and second manifolds, and a second end of each coupling is
removably coupled to one of the fluid ports of the bladders.
5. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
bottom wall coupled to the first and second manifolds and extending
below the plurality of bladders.
6. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
top coverlet including a top surface and a side wall extending
downwardly from the top surface, the side wall being configured to
extend over outer side edges of the first and second manifolds and
under a bottom surface of the first and second manifolds.
7. The patient support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the top
coverlet includes an elastic cord coupled to the side wall to hold
the side wall of the top coverlet under the first and second
manifolds.
8. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at
least one connecting sheet coupled to each of the bladders and a
coupler configured to restrain movement of the connecting
sheet.
9. The patient support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the coupler
comprises one of a plurality of buttons and a plurality of snaps
coupled to the connecting sheet.
10. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
fluid supply in fluid communication with the first and second
manifolds, the fluid supply configured to provide a fluid having a
first pressure to the first manifold and a fluid having a second
pressure to the second manifold.
11. The patient support apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at
least one check valve coupled between the first manifold and at
least one of the bladders to permit fluid flow from the manifold
into the bladder.
12. A bladder for use in a patient support apparatus, the bladder
comprising: an outer wall defining a longitudinal center axis and a
fluid chamber; a first connecting flange coupled to the outer wall
and extending laterally in a first direction; a second connecting
flange coupled to the outer wall and extending laterally in a
second direction opposite the first direction; a hinge coupled to
the outer wall and configured to permit the bladder to pivot about
the longitudinal extending axis; a first attachment member coupled
to the first connecting flange; a second attachment member coupled
to the second connecting flange, the first attachment member
configured to cooperate with the second attachment member of an
adjacent bladder and thereby secure the first connecting flange to
the second connecting flange of the adjacent bladder; and a fluid
port formed within the outer wall and in fluid communication with
the fluid chamber.
13. The bladder of claim 12, further comprising receiving notches
formed in opposing ends of the outer wall, and first and second
manifolds received by the receiving notches.
14. The bladder of claim 12, wherein the attachment device
comprises one of a plurality of buttons and a plurality of
snaps.
15. The bladder of claim 12, further comprising at least one check
valve in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and configured
to prevent fluid flow in a direction from the fluid chamber through
the fluid port.
16. A patient support system comprising: a fluid supply; a first
manifold in fluid communication with the fluid supply and
configured to receive from the fluid supply a fluid having a first
pressure; a second manifold in fluid communication with the fluid
supply and configured to receive from the fluid supply a fluid
having a second pressure; a plurality of laterally extending first
bladders positioned intermediate the first and second manifolds,
each first bladder in fluid communication with the first manifold;
and a plurality of laterally extending second bladders positioned
intermediate the first and second manifolds, each second bladder in
fluid communication with the second manifold.
17. The patient support system of claim 16, wherein each of the
first and second manifolds include a plurality of fluid couplings,
and each of the plurality of bladders include at least one fluid
port which is configured to selectively couple to one of the fluid
couplings.
18. The patient support system of claim 16, further comprising a
bottom wall coupled to the first and second manifolds and extending
below the plurality of bladders.
19. The patient support system of claim 16, further comprising at
least one connecting sheet coupled to each of the bladders and an
attachment device configured to restrain movement of the connecting
sheet.
20. The patient support system of claim 19, wherein the attachment
device comprises one of a plurality of buttons and a plurality of
snaps.
21. A disposable air mattress configured for single patient use,
the air mattress comprising: a first longitudinal air distribution
channel; a second longitudinal air distribution channel positioned
in laterally spaced relation to the first manifold; a plurality of
laterally extending air tunnels, the air tunnels positioned
adjacent to and parallel with each other; each of the air tunnels
including opposing first and second ends, the first end of at least
some of the air tunnels configured to be in communication with the
first longitudinal air distribution channel and the second end of
at least some of the air tunnels configured to be in communication
with the second longitudinal air distribution channel; and the
first longitudinal air distribution channel, the second
longitudinal air distribution channel, and the air tunnels being
formed of polymeric sheet material configured to be incinerated
without releasing toxic gases.
22. The air mattress of claim 21, wherein each of the air tunnels
is integrally formed with an air pocket at each end, each air
pocket extending over and covering the adjacent distribution
channel, thereby increasing the width of the mattress.
23. The air mattress of claim 21, further comprising an air source
coupled to the first longitudinal air distribution channel and the
second longitudinal air distribution channel.
24. The air mattress of claim 21, wherein the polymeric sheet
material comprises a polyolefin film.
25. The air mattress of claim 21, further comprising: a plurality
of longitudinally spaced first fluid couplings configured to
provide fluid communication between the first longitudinal air
distribution channel and at least one of the plurality of air
tunnels; a plurality of longitudinally spaced second fluid
couplings configured to provide fluid communication between the
second longitudinal air distribution channel and at least one of
the plurality of air tunnels; and wherein the plurality of air
tunnels are configured to be removably received intermediate the
first and second longitudinally spaced longitudinal air
distribution channel, the first fluid couplings are configured to
selectively and releasably couple the first longitudinal air
distribution channel to the first end of at least one of the
plurality of air tunnels, and second fluid couplings are configured
to selectively and releasably couple the second longitudinal air
distribution channel to the second end of at least one of the
plurality of air tunnels.
26. The air mattress of claim 21, further comprising at least one
connecting sheet coupled to each of the air tunnels and a coupler
configured to restrain movement of the connecting sheet.
27. The air mattress of claim 26, wherein the coupler comprises one
of a plurality of buttons and a plurality of snaps coupled to the
connecting sheet.
28. A patient support system comprising: a first sheet; a second
sheet; a pair of longitudinally extending edge seals connecting the
first sheet and the second sheet; a plurality of laterally
extending seals connecting the first sheet and the second sheet,
and forming a plurality of laterally extending bladders; and at
least one longitudinally extending channel form passing through a
plurality of the laterally extending seals to provide fluid
communication between adjacent bladders.
29. The patient support system of claim 28, wherein the first sheet
and the second sheet are formed from polyolefin.
30. The patient support system of claim 28, wherein the channel
form comprises a hollow core rope.
31. A patient support comprising: a head end; a foot end opposite
the head end; an upper member including a plurality of vacuum
formed, upwardly projecting cavities; a lower member; a plurality
of longitudinally extending seals and a plurality of laterally
extending seals coupling the upper member to the lower member; and
wherein a plurality of fluid zones are formed intermediate the head
end and the foot end of the patient support.
32. The patient support of claim 31, wherein the lower member
includes a plurality of vacuum formed, downwardly projecting
cavities.
33. The patient support of claim 32, further comprising an
intermediate layer coupled between the upper member and the lower
member to form a plurality of upper fluid zones and a plurality of
lower fluid zones.
34. A method of distributing a patient support comprising the steps
of: storing at a distribution facility a patient support including
a plurality of bladders configured to receive fluid; storing at a
care facility a fluid supply; receiving at the distribution
facility a request for the patient support; sending the patient
support to the care facility; coupling the patient support to the
fluid supply at the care facility; supplying fluid to the patient
support from the fluid supply; inflating the plurality of bladders
of the patient support; supporting a patient on the patient
support; deflating the plurality of bladders of the patient
support; uncoupling the patient support from the fluid supply; and
sending the patient support to a disposal facility.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein, the bladders include a
plurality of microvents to release fluid to atmosphere.
36. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of
releasing air through the plurality of microvents.
37. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of
incinerating the patient support at the disposal facility.
38. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of
independently controlling the inflation of selected ones of the
bladders.
39. A method of positioning and replacing a mattress on a frame of
a bed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bed
including a frame; supporting a first mattress on the frame, the
mattress including a plurality of fluid zones; coupling a fluid
supply to the first mattress; inflating the fluid zones of the
first mattress; supporting a first patient on the first mattress;
independently controlling selected ones of the fluid zones;
removing the first patient from the first mattress; deflating the
fluid zones of the first mattress; uncoupling the fluid supply from
the first mattress; replacing the first mattress with a second
mattress, the second mattress including a plurality of fluid zones;
coupling the fluid supply to the second mattress; inflating the
fluid zones of the second mattress; supporting a second patient on
the second mattress; and disposing of the first mattress.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein, the bladders include a
plurality of microvents to release fluid to atmosphere.
41. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of
releasing air through the plurality of microvents.
42. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of disposing of the
first mattress comprises the step of incinerating the first
mattress at a disposal facility.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/435,177, filed Dec. 19, 2002, the
disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to patient supports
and, more particularly, to fluid-filled patient supports for
supporting the body of a person. The present invention further
relates to a method of providing disposable patient supports.
[0003] Beds, including mattresses, mattress overlays, mattress
toppers, and mattress replacement systems having a plurality of air
bladders or sacs to provide an adjustable patient support surface
are well known in the art. One type of inflatable patient support
surface is a "low air loss" mattress which is in communication with
a blower and includes a plurality of microvents configured to
slowly release air. Examples of conventional inflatable patient
supports are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,413 to Goodwin and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,079 to Hakamiun et al., which are assigned to
the assignee of the present invention and the disclosures of which
are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
[0004] Traditionally, inflatable patient supports are reusable.
More particularly, such patient supports typically include a
wipable outer surface that is cleaned after each patient use so
that it is sanitized for its use by the next patient. Often such
patient supports are rented by hospitals wherein after each patient
use, the supplier must physically remove the patient support and
have it cleaned and sanitized for future use.
[0005] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration
of the following detailed description of the presently perceived
best mode of carrying out the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers
to the accompanying figures in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with a partial cutaway of the
coverlet, of an illustrative mattress of the present invention and
schematically showing the connection to a fluid supply;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
mattress of FIG. 1, with the coverlet removed for clarity;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the fluid coupling
of a manifold of the mattress, the fluid port of a bladder of the
mattress, and a cooperating plug receivable within the fluid
port;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of a fluid coupling of
a manifold of the mattress and cooperating cap configured to
receive the fluid coupling;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of first and second
bladders of the mattress of FIG. 1, showing the second bladder
uncoupled from the first bladder;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the mattress of FIG. 1,
illustrating a coverlet extending across the top surface and side
surfaces of the mattress;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 1 showing an illustrative coupling for the bladders;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 8
showing an alternative embodiment coupling for the bladders;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a further illustrative
embodiment mattress of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the mattress of FIG.
10;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of
FIG. 10, showing a channel form positioned with a lateral seal;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view, with a
partial cutaway, illustrating a further illustrative embodiment
mattress of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing an illustrative process
of forming the mattress of FIG. 13;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a further illustrative
embodiment of the mattress of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a method of mattress
distribution and disposal in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] With reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a
mattress assembly 10 according to an illustrative embodiment of the
present invention. While in the following discussion reference will
be made to a mattress assembly 10, it should be appreciated that
the present invention may be used not only as a mattress assembly,
but also as a mattress overlay, a mattress topper, or other
cushioned product for use in connection with a patient support,
such as a chair cushion, a side rail pad or a bed extender.
Further, the mattress assembly 10 may be supported by the frame or
deck of any conventional bed. For example, the mattress assembly 10
could be supported by the frame of the bed disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,208,250, which is assigned to the assignee of the present
invention and the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
[0024] The mattress assembly 10 includes a fluid cushion or support
assembly 12 configured to be located within a top coverlet 14. The
fluid cushion assembly 12 defines a longitudinal axis 16 extending
between a head end 18 and an opposing foot end 20 of the mattress
assembly 10. Further, the fluid cushion assembly 12 defines
longitudinally extending opposing side edges 22 and 24. The top
coverlet 14 includes a top surface 26 for supporting a patient, and
a sidewall 28 which extends downwardly around the peripheral edge
of the fluid cushion assembly 12 as defined by the head and foot
ends 18 and 20, and the opposing side edges 20 and 24. An elastic
band 29 (FIG. 7) may be coupled to the sidewall 28 of the coverlet
14 in order to assist in securing the coverlet 14 to the fluid
cushion assembly 12.
[0025] The support assembly 12 includes first and second
longitudinal air distribution channels or manifolds 30 and 32. The
first and second manifolds 30 and 32 are laterally spaced proximate
the opposing side edges 20 and 24, respectively, and extend
longitudinally between the head end 18 and the foot end 20 of the
mattress assembly 10. The first and second manifolds 30 and 32
include a plurality of first and second fluid ports 31 and 33,
respectively. The first and second fluid ports 31 and 33 are
longitudinally spaced and in fluid communication with a fluid
chamber 34 defined by each manifold 30 and 32 (FIGS. 2 and 7). As
detailed below, each manifold 30 and 32 illustratively comprises a
tubular member formed from a polymer sheet material, such as
polyolefin. Illustratively, at the head end 18, each manifold 30
and 32 is sealed, while at the foot end 20 each manifold 30 and 32
includes a fluid coupling 35 and 36. Each fluid coupling 35 and 36
is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a
conventional fluid supply 38 through tubular members or hoses 40
and 42.
[0026] A connecting sheet 44 illustratively couples the first
manifold 30 to the second manifold 32 and extends below the support
assembly 12. A plurality of straps 46 are coupled to the manifolds
30 and 32 and are configured to secure the mattress assembly 10 to
a support surface, such as a bed frame (not shown).
[0027] The support assembly 12 further includes a plurality of
longitudinally spaced and transversely extending air tunnels or
fluid bladders 50 extending between the first manifold 30 and the
second manifold 32. Each bladder 50 defines a fluid chamber 51
configured to be placed in fluid communication with one or both of
the manifolds 30 and 32 (FIG. 7). More particularly, each bladder
50 illustratively comprises a sheet which is generally folded in
half to form a tubular member, wherein the open side edges and
bottom edges are sealed through conventional means, such as
radio-frequency (RF) welding, to form the fluid chamber 51. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, the top surface 52 of each bladder 50
illustratively includes a plurality of microholes or microvents 53
that permit air to slowly leak out of the fluid chamber 51 at a
predetermined rate, thereby defining a "low air loss" bladder 50.
In one illustrative embodiment, each microvent has a diameter of
approximately 0.030 inches when the bladder 50 is inflated to a
pressure up to approximately 18 inches of water. As detailed below,
each bladder 50 is illustratively formed from a polymer sheet
material, such as polyolefin.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, opposing ends 54 and 56 of
the bladders 50 include retaining portions or extensions 58 and 60,
respectively, which define air pockets and extend laterally
outwardly and vertically above the respective first and second
manifolds 30 and 32. In other words, the retaining portions 58 and
60 define first and second receiving notches 62 and 64 which
receive the first and second manifolds 30 and 32, respectively,
thereby preventing lateral movement of the bladders 50 relative to
the manifolds 30 and 32.
[0029] Each bladder 50 further includes first and second fluid
ports 66 and 68 positioned within the receiving notches 62 and 64,
respectively. The fluid ports 66 and 68 are in fluid communication
with the fluid chamber 51 defined by the bladder 50. Each fluid
port 66 and 68 is configured to be selectively and releasably
coupled to one of a plurality of fluid couplings 72 and 74,
respectively, supported by the first and second manifolds 30 and
32. As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid couplings 72 and 74 are
longitudinally spaced along the manifolds 30 and 32, respectively,
and extend laterally inwardly toward the bladders 50.
Illustratively, the fluid couplings 72 and 74 are formed from a
material weldable to the manifolds 30 and 32, such as
polyolefin.
[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, each fluid coupling 72
and 74 includes a tubular member 76 having a first end fixed to the
fluid port 31, 33 of a respective one of the first and second
manifolds 30 and 32. A second end of each fluid coupling 72 and 74
is releasably coupled to one of the fluid ports 66 and 68 of a
bladder 50. Each tubular member 76 includes a plurality of
retaining elements 78, illustratively barbs, integrally formed with
and extending circumferentially outwardly from the tubular member
76. The retaining elements 78 engage an inner surface 80 of the
respective fluid port 66, 68, thereby preventing inadvertent
uncoupling therefrom.
[0031] Given the modular design of the mattress assembly 10, each
bladder 50 may be selectively coupled for fluid communication with
one or both of the first and second manifolds 30, 32, thereby
defining a plurality of independently controllable fluid zones. For
example, the fluid supply 38 may provide a high pressure fluid to
one of the first and second manifolds 30 and 32 and provide a low
pressure fluid to the other of the first and second manifolds 30
and 32. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, conventional plugs 82 may
be sealingly received within the unused fluid ports 66 and 68, to
prevent the exhausting of fluid from the fluid chamber 51 of the
respective bladder 50 to atmosphere. Likewise, conventional caps 83
may sealingly receive the unused fluid couplings 72 and 74 to
prevent the exhausting of fluid from the respective fluid chambers
34 of the manifolds 30 and 32 to atmosphere. It should be
appreciated that the fluid ports 66 and 68 and the fluid couplings
72 and 74 which are not required may be permanently sealed or
removed in their entirety from the bladders 50 and manifolds 30 and
32, respectively.
[0032] More particularly, the fluid supply 38 may include a
conventional control system (not shown) having appropriate pressure
sensors and fluid valves which are configured to regulate the
pressure within each of the manifolds 30 and 32. As such, the
pressure of the fluid in each of the air zones defined by the
bladders 50 may be independently sensed and controlled in order to
maintain desired pressures therein. An example of an inflatable
patient support surface system is provided in U.S. Pat. No.
5,647,079, which is assigned to the assignee of the present
invention and the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by
reference herein.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 5, 8, and 9, each bladder 50
illustratively includes a first connecting sheet 84 extending
longitudinally in a first direction, and a second connecting sheet
86 extending longitudinally in a second direction opposite the
first direction of the first connecting sheet 84. The connecting
sheets 84 and 86 are coupled to a lower portion of each bladder 50
through a hinge 88. The hinge 88 permits for pivotal movement of
the bladder 50 relative to adjacent bladders 50.
[0034] Each connecting sheet 84 and 86 includes a coupler 90
configured to restrain movement thereof relative to the connecting
sheet 84 and 86 of an adjacent bladder 50. More particularly, a
first attachment member of the coupler 90 is coupled to each first
connecting sheet 84 and is configured to operably cooperate with a
second attachment member of the coupler 90 which is coupled to the
second connecting sheet 86 of an adjacent bladder 50.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the coupler 90 may include a first
attachment member comprising a plurality of buttons 92 supported by
the first connecting sheet 84 and a second attachment member
comprising a plurality of button holes 94 supported by the second
connecting sheet 86. The buttons 92 are removably received within
the button holes 94 to releasably secure the first connecting sheet
84 to the second connecting sheet 86. Alternatively, as illustrated
in FIG. 9, the coupler 90' may include a plurality of snaps 96,
including a first attachment member 97 coupled to the first
connecting sheet 84 and a second attachment member 98 coupled to
the second connecting sheet 86 and securingly engagable with the
first attachment member 97. It should be appreciated that other
conventional couplers, such as hook and loop fasteners, may be
readily substituted for the buttons 92 and snaps 96 identified
above. Further, should a permanent connection between adjacent
bladders 50 be desired, the first and second connecting sheets 84
and 86 may be secured together using permanent fixation means, such
as RF welding or adhesives. Alternatively, the mattress assembly 10
may be made up of preformed top and bottom parts as disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,389, which is assigned to the assignee of the
present invention and incorporated by reference herein.
[0036] As described above, the components on the mattress 10,
including manifolds 30 and 32, bladders 50, fluid ports 66 and 68,
and fluid couplings 72 and 74, are illustratively formed from a
polymeric material and, more particularly, a polyolefin. However,
other similar materials which facilitate easy disposal may be
substituted therefor. The appropriate material is selected based
upon several criteria, including: (i) ease of bonding through
conventional means, such as RF welding, (ii) capability of disposal
by conventional means without adverse impact, such as incineration
without releasing toxic gases, (iii) bio-compatibility, (iv)
availability and (v) cost. All of the aforementioned criteria
permit the disposal of the mattress 10 after a single patient use.
Materials which meet the above criteria include polymers including,
but are not limited to: ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyester,
polyolefin blends, polyolefin laminates, functionalized
polyolefins, and polyethylene terephthalate glycol.
[0037] Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, a further illustrative
embodiment mattress assembly 110 is illustrated. The mattress
assembly 110 includes an upper sheet 112 coupled to a lower sheet
114. More particularly, the upper sheet 112 and the lower sheet 114
are secured together through first and second longitudinally
extending side seals 116 and 118 and a plurality of laterally
extending seals 120. The lateral seals 120 define a plurality of
laterally extending bladders 122. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the
lateral seals 120 are formed proximate the vertical center plane of
the mattress assembly 110 intermediate a top surface 124 defined by
the upper sheet 112 and a bottom surface 126 defined by the lower
sheet 114. As with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-9, the top surface
124 illustratively includes a plurality of microvents 127 that
permit air to slowly leak out of the bladders 122 at a
predetermined rate. In one illustrative embodiment, each microvent
127 has a diameter of approximately 0.030 inches when the bladders
122 are inflated to a pressure up to approximately 18 inches of
water.
[0038] First and second longitudinally extending channel forms 128
and 130 are received intermediate the upper and lower sheets 112
and 114. The channel forms 128 and 130 illustratively comprise
hollow core ropes which define air passageways 132 and 134,
respectively, within the lateral seals 120 thereby facilitating
fluid communication between adjacent bladders 122. During assembly,
the channel forms 128 and 130 are positioned between the upper and
lower sheets 112 and 114 before the lateral seals 120 are
formed.
[0039] Illustratively, the upper and lower sheets 112 and 114 are
formed from a polymer sheet material, such as a polyolefin. As
detailed above, any material which is easily bonded, disposable,
bio-compatible, readily available, and relatively inexpensive, may
be substituted therefor.
[0040] Turning now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a further illustrative
embodiment mattress assembly 210 and related method are
illustrated. The mattress assembly 210 includes a support assembly
212 defining a longitudinal axis 216 extending between a head end
218 and a foot end 220. First and second longitudinally extending
sides 220 and 224 extended between the head end 218 and the foot
end 220.
[0041] The support assembly 212 includes an upper member 226,
illustratively a polyolefin sheet, including a plurality of vacuum
formed, upwardly extending cavities 228, 230 and 232. Each cavity
228, 230, and 232 includes a peripheral wall 234, which fluidly
isolates it from adjacent cavities 228, 230, and 232. It should be
appreciated that openings may be formed within the wall 234 to
provide for fluid communication between the adjacent cavities 228,
230, and 232.
[0042] The support assembly 212 further includes a lower member
236, also illustratively a polyolefin sheet, including a plurality
of vacuum formed, downwardly extending cavities 238, 240 and 242.
Again, each cavity 238, 240, and 242 includes a peripheral wall
244, which fluidly isolates it from adjacent cavities 238, 240, and
242. While in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the
lower member 236 includes a plurality of cavities 238, 240 and 242,
it should be appreciated that the lower member 236 may
alternatively comprise a substantially planar sheet.
[0043] In the illustrative embodiment, an intermediate layer 246 is
coupled between the upper member 226 and the lower member 236,
thereby separating the upper cavities 228, 230, and 232 from fluid
communication with the lower cavities 238, 240, and 242. As such,
the cavities 228, 230, 232 and 238, 240, 242 define a plurality of
upper fluid zones and a plurality of lower fluid zones,
respectively. Illustratively, the intermediate layer 246 comprises
a substantially planar sheet of polyolefin.
[0044] In the manner detailed above, a fluid supply 38 may be
fluidly coupled to the mattress assembly 210 and illustratively
includes a conventional control system (not shown) configured to
regulate the pressure within each of the cavities 228, 230, 232 and
238, 240, 242 defining a plurality of upper fluid zones and a
plurality of lower fluid zones. As such, the pressure of the fluid
in each of the fluid zones may be independently sensed and
controlled in order to maintain desired pressures therein.
[0045] While the upper member 226, the lower member 236, and the
intermediate layer 246 are illustratively formed from polyolefin,
any material which is easily bonded, disposable, bio-compatible,
readily available, and relatively inexpensive, may be substituted
therefor.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the mattress assembly 210 of FIG.
13 is formed initially by providing upper and lower sheets 248 and
250 of polyolefin. Each sheet 248 and 250 is placed in a vacuum
mold 252 where the plurality of upwardly extending cavities 228,
230, and 232 are formed to define the upper member 226, and the
plurality of downwardly extending cavities 238, 240, and 242 are
formed to define the lower member 236. More particularly, the mold
252 includes cooperating upper and lower mold members 254 and 256.
The upper mold member 254 draws a vacuum on the upper sheet 248 to
form the upwardly extending cavities 228, 230, and 232, while the
lower mold member 256 draws a vacuum on the lower sheet 250 to form
the downwardly extending cavities 238, 240, 242.
[0047] Next, the intermediate layer 246 is positioned between the
upper member 226 and the lower member 236. The upper member 226,
the intermediate layer 246 and the lower member 236 are then
secured together in a sealing relationship, illustratively through
conventional means, such as RF welding. The mattress assembly 210
may be completed by the application of any desired additional
components such as fluid couplings and a coverlet.
[0048] FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment mattress
assembly 210' which may be formed through a vacuum molding process
in a manner similar to that of the mattress assembly 210 of FIGS.
13 and 14. Again, the mattress assembly 210' includes a plurality
of upwardly extending cavities 228', 230', 232', 233, 235, and 237
and a plurality of downwardly extending cavities (not shown) which
are substantially identical to the upwardly extending cavities. The
upwardly extending cavities 228', 230', 232', 233, 235, and 237 and
the downwardly extending cavities include peripheral or edge
bladders 235 and 237 which may be utilized as manifolds to supply
air to the remaining upper cavities 228', 230', 232', and 233 and
to the lower cavities.
[0049] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a method of mattress
distribution and disposal in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated method
eliminates the need for service technicians from the mattress
supplier to install, and then subsequently remove and clean, a
conventional mattress from a hospital or care facility 410.
Moreover, the prior art method typically requires that a service
technician remove the mattress from the hospital after use by a
single patient. The patient support is then returned to a service
center and subsequently sent to a cleaning or laundry facility for
sterilization. The method of the present invention simplifies this
process due to the disposability of the mattress.
[0050] Referring further to FIG. 16, the mattress 10 or patient
support is initially stored at a distribution center 420. Likewise,
a fluid supply 38 is stored at the hospital 410 and may be owned or
rented by the hospital 410. The fluid supply 38 illustratively
remains at the hospital for a longer period of time than the single
use mattress 10 and is configures for use with multiple patients
supported on multiple mattresses 10. When requiring a mattress 10,
the hospital 410 contacts a sales office 430. Such communication
with the sales office 430 may be through conventional means, such
as telephone, electronic mail or conventional mail. Upon receiving
an order for a mattress 10, the sales office 430 processes the
order and sends a request to the distribution center 420. In turn,
the distribution center 420 sends the mattress 10 to the hospital
410, again through conventional channels such as conventional mail.
Illustratively, the mattress 10 is shipped in a sterile condition
and is contained within sealed packaging to maintain its sterile
condition.
[0051] Upon receiving the mattress 10, the hospital 410 unpacks the
mattress 10 from the packaging and places the mattress 10 on a
support surface, such as the frame of a hospital bed. Next, the
hospital bed 410 couples the mattress to the fluid supply 38. Fluid
is then supplied to the mattress 10 from the fluid supply 38
thereby inflating the plurality of bladders 50. During operation, a
patient is supported on the upper surface 26 of the mattress 10. As
detailed above, the fluid supply 38 illustratively controls
selected zones of the bladders 50 independently such that different
fluid zones are provided with different pressures. Once treatment
of the patient has been completed, and the mattress 10 is no longer
required, the mattress 10 is deflated and the fluid supply 38
uncoupled therefrom. The mattress 10 is then replaced with a
substantially identical second mattress for providing support to a
different patient. Next, the hospital properly packages and ships
the mattress 10 to a certified disposal facility 440. The disposal
facility 440 then disposes of the mattress in a proper manner.
Illustratively, the mattress 10 is incinerated at the disposal
facility 440.
[0052] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *