U.S. patent application number 10/970448 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-21 for two-mode therapeutic mattress system.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPAN-AMERICA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.. Invention is credited to O'Reagan, James Richard, Weston, Russell James.
Application Number | 20050081300 10/970448 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34435176 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050081300 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Reagan, James Richard ; et
al. |
April 21, 2005 |
Two-mode therapeutic mattress system
Abstract
A two-mode therapeutic mattress system is provided, including a
non-powered air mattress, a pressure dispersion cushion, and a
selectively operable air diffusion coverlet in a common modular
assembly for improved medical management of skin care. The
non-powered air mattress includes longitudinal air cylinders
providing a static air support system inflated to predetermined
pressure. The longitudinal air cylinders are in pressure
communication with elasticized reservoirs, in that the air level in
the elasticized reservoirs dynamically reacts to changes in
pressure in the longitudinal air cylinders, for example upon
receipt of a patient upon the mattress system. The pressure
dispersion cushion facilitates pressure relief with a number of
lateral and longitudinal cuts resulting in a plurality of separate
upright support cells, the size and construction of which may vary
over the surface of the pressure dispersion cushion so as to
provide selective support characteristics. The air diffusion
coverlet contains a plurality of air pockets. The air diffusion
coverlet operates in two modes: a "therapy mode" such that
compressed air from an air compressor is pumped to the air
diffusion coverlet, and an "off" mode in which the air pockets
collapse to provide a suitable and relatively smooth bedding
component to the therapeutic mattress system. The non-powered air
mattress, pressure dispersion cushion, and selectively operable air
diffusion coverlet cooperate to provide a single product that
addresses localized pressure, maceration, shear stress, and dynamic
changes in a patient's condition during the course of time.
Inventors: |
O'Reagan, James Richard;
(Greer, SC) ; Weston, Russell James; (Greer,
SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORITY & MANNING, P.A.
POST OFFICE BOX 1449
GREENVILLE
SC
29602-1449
US
|
Assignee: |
SPAN-AMERICA MEDICAL SYSTEMS,
INC.
|
Family ID: |
34435176 |
Appl. No.: |
10/970448 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60512882 |
Oct 21, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/713 ; 5/710;
5/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/05769 20130101;
A61G 7/05784 20161101; A61G 7/05715 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/713 ;
005/710; 005/714 |
International
Class: |
A47C 027/10 |
Claims
1. A therapeutic mattress system, comprising: a plurality of
pressurized air bladders; at least one resiliently activated
reservoir, said at least one reservoir in pressure communication
with said bladders, such that air is transferable between said
bladders and said reservoir; a first perimeter bolster lateral to
said bladders and a second perimeter bolster opposite said first
perimeter bolster and lateral to said bladders; a pressure
dispersion cushion, said pressure dispersion cushion covering said
bladders and said first and second perimeter bolsters; a cover,
said cover residing upon said pressure dispersion cushion opposite
said bladders, said cover including plural air pockets, said air
pockets being air permeable.
2. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 1, wherein said pockets
are interoperative one to another such that air is transferable
between adjacent said pockets.
3. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 2, wherein said pockets
are configured to inflate upon receipt of pressurized air.
4. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 3, wherein said cover
includes means to release pressurized air through said cover.
5. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 3, wherein said pockets
are relatively flat when uninflated.
6. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 1, wherein said cover
is fluid impermeable.
7. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 1, said press
dispersion cushion further including means for providing
preselected support characteristics.
8. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 1, wherein said
pressure dispersion cushion defines a support surface opposite said
cylinders, further including lateral cuts of predetermined depth
into said support surface.
9. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 8, wherein said
pressure dispersion cushion further includes longitudinal cuts.
10. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 1, wherein said first
and second perimeter bolsters define a first compressibility, said
pressure dispersion cushion defines a second compressibility, said
second compressibility greater than said first compressibility.
11. A therapeutic mattress system, comprising: a plurality of
pressurized cylinders; at least one resiliently activated
reservoir, said at least one reservoir interoperative with said
cylinders, such that air is transferable between said cylinders and
said reservoir; a first perimeter bolster lateral to said cylinders
and a second perimeter bolster opposite said first perimeter
bolster and lateral to said cylinders; a pressure dispersion
cushion, said pressure dispersion cushion topping said cylinders
and said first and second perimeter bolsters; a cover, said cover
residing upon said pressure dispersion cushion opposite said
cylinders, said cover including plural air pockets, said pockets
air permeable at a predetermined rate.
12. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 11, wherein said
pockets are interoperative one to another such that air is
transferable between adjacent said pockets.
13. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 12, wherein said
pockets are adapted for receipt of pressurized air, said pockets
inflatable upon said receipt of pressurized air.
14. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 13, wherein said
pockets are relatively flat when uninflated.
15. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 11, wherein said cover
is fluid impermeable.
16. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 11, said press
dispersion cushion further including means for providing
preselected support characteristics.
17. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 11, wherein said
pressure dispersion cushion defines a support surface opposite said
cylinders, further including lateral cuts of predetermined depth
into said support surface.
18. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 17, wherein said
pressure dispersion cushion further includes longitudinal cuts
normal to said lateral cuts.
19. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 11, wherein said first
and second perimeter bolsters define a first compressibility, said
pressure dispersion cushion defines a second compressibility, said
second compressibility greater than said first compressibility.
20. A therapeutic mattress system, comprising: a plurality of
pressurized air cylinders; at least one resiliently activated
reservoir, said at least one reservoir in pressure communication
with said cylinders, such that air is transferable between said
cylinders and said reservoir; a first perimeter bolster lateral to
said cylinders and a second perimeter bolster opposite said first
perimeter bolster and lateral to said cylinders, said first and
second perimeter bolsters defining a first compressibility; a
pressure dispersion cushion, said pressure dispersion cushion over
said cylinders and said first and second perimeter bolsters, said
pressure dispersion cushion defining a second compressibility, said
second compressibility greater than said first compressibility,
said pressure dispersion cushion including a support surface
opposite said cylinders, said support surface including plural
lateral and longitudinal cuts therein to provide predetermined
selective support characteristics; a cover, said cover residing
upon said pressure dispersion cushion opposite said cylinders, said
cover including a first and second substrate layer, said cover
including plural inflatable pockets defined between said first and
second substrate layers, said inflatable pockets being air
permeable; said inflatable pockets configured to inflate upon
receipt of pressurized air, to define a first mode; said inflatable
pockets configured to collapse relatively flat absent pressurized
air therein, to define a second mode; and wherein said cover is
selectively operable in either said first mode or said second
mode.
21. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 20, wherein said
inflatable pockets are in air communication one with another.
22. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 21, wherein said cover
is fluid impermeable.
23. The therapeutic mattress system of claim 22, wherein said
pressure dispersion cushion further includes a heel relief portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/512,882, filed Oct. 21, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention concerns a therapeutic mattress system that
may be operated in two modes. More specifically, this invention
concerns a two-mode therapeutic mattress system including a
non-powered air mattress, a pressure dispersion cushion, and a
selectively operable air diffusion coverlet in a common modular
assembly for improved medical management of skin care.
[0003] Bedridden, non-ambulatory, or immobile patients are at
increased risks for the development of breakdown of the integrity
of the skin. Such breakdown may lead to the development of lesions,
ulcers, sores, and the like. Such maladies may result in part from
physiological causes such as decreased circulation, impaired
nutrition, reduced skin thickness and viability, and other bodily
weaknesses. However, external factors may also contribute to the
development of such maladies. For example, localized pressure to
the skin occurs from support of the patient's weight upon a bedding
system. Because different portions of the human body have different
weights, and have different surface areas for distribution of that
weight upon a bedding system, different pressure can be brought to
bear at various locations along the body. Localized points of
relatively great pressure are particularly troublesome in the
management of skin care and the prevention of skin ulcers. The
dispersion specifically of localized points of greater pressure,
and generally of the weight of the body, to as broad a surface area
as possible is helpful in avoiding the development and/or
progression of skin ulcers, and also to promote the healing of
existing skin ulcers.
[0004] Another external cause that may exacerbate the development
of skin ulcers is maceration, a softening of the skin by soaking or
steeping in moisture. As a person lies in a bed, perspiration from
skin in contact with the bedding surface may tend to accumulate
rather than evaporate, inasmuch as air circulation to the location
of the accumulation is inhibited or limited by the very occurrence
that caused the accumulation--skin in contact with the bedding
surface. By remaining in contact with the skin, the moisture
softens the skin and makes it more susceptible to breakdown, and
thereby more susceptible to the development of skin ulcers.
However, management of maceration across a spectrum of patients,
even within a single facility such as a hospital or a nursing home,
is not simple. While one particular patient may have a tendency for
maceration, perhaps from an individual tendency to perspire more, a
second particular individual may suffer from quite dry, frangible
skin, perhaps from a tendency to perspire less. It would be useful
for such a facility to have a uniform system, in part for the
reduction of costs, that would nevertheless allow for selective
employment or avoidance of modalities for the management of
maceration, depending upon the particular needs of individual
patients.
[0005] Still a third external exacerbation of the tendency of the
development of skin ulcers is shear stress upon the skin. Shear
stress occurs, in part, from the friction of rubbing the surface of
the skin. For the bed-bound person, shear most often occurs
specifically between the person's skin and the bed linens upon the
mattress. However, the degree and extent of that shear stress is
influenced by the surface features of the mattress or padding
beneath the bed linens. It is helpful in the management of skin
care to employ bedding systems with technologies adapted for the
reduction of shear between the skin of a patient and the bedding
system.
[0006] Healthcare costs are another factor that must be recognized
for the management of skin care in the avoidance of skin ulcers.
Skin ulcers, which potentially may lead to infections, bleeding,
and secondary maladies and complications, increase the cost of care
to the patient. At the same time, however, increased costs are
associated with avoiding the development of such maladies and with
treating existing ulcerations. For example, systems to address the
exacerbation of localized pressure as a contributor to skin ulcers
may not also address maceration as a factor; for a facility to
warehouse both systems increases the cost to the facility for such
services. Still further, a system for reducing shear stress to the
skin may not be ideal for addressing either localized pressure or
maceration, or both, and thereby increase costs still further.
Furthermore, it must be recognized that the skills of the
caregivers called upon to employ such systems may not be uniform
such that simplicity in using any such system would be desirable as
lowering the likelihood of mistake or misuse.
[0007] It may be found also that, as any two patients may have
varying needs, a particular individual patient may have needs that
change over time, even during the course of a single day. For
example, a particular patient may have a tendency toward perspiring
during the afternoon hours, at the hottest part of the day, but
toward dry skin, or even overly dry skin, during the evening and
night hours. For such a patient, a system that is not adjustable to
therapeutically address the perspiration during the afternoon hours
so as to thereby reduce maceration, yet allow for normal
perspiration or even externally-applied moisturizers and emollients
during the evening, may tend to worsen rather than improve that
particular patient's condition.
[0008] It must also be recognized that patient care is far more
expansive than simply providing for the prevention or improvement
of skin sores. For example, patients may tend to move about upon
the surface of a bed, including involuntary movements during sleep.
Many bed systems have large metal rails or similar devices to
prevent the patient from accidentally rolling out of the bed, but
such barriers may prove awkward and obstructive otherwise, and may
tend to provide psychological detriment to the patient.
Furthermore, such systems interfere with entry upon and egress from
the bed when needed.
[0009] Higher localized pressures on the heels of a supine patient
upon a bed are still another particular aspect of the interplay
between the patient support surface and the development of pressure
sores. The relatively excessive pressures focused on the heels are
often difficult to reduce, in part simply from the configuration of
the human anatomy--a supine patient upon a relatively flat bedding
surface tends to generate higher localized pressure upon the
heels.
[0010] To combat the development of skin ulcers, the medical
practice has employed the use of various mattress systems,
including foam mattresses and air mattresses. However, while
addressing particular causes of the development of skin ulcers,
such products have not provided a solution in a single product that
addresses localized pressure, maceration, shear stress, and dynamic
changes in a patient's condition during the course of time.
SUMMARY
[0011] In response to the discussed difficulties and problems, a
new two-mode therapeutic mattress system has been discovered.
[0012] According to the present invention, an integrated mattress
system is provided that includes the combination of non-powered air
mattress bladders, foam cushioning providing systematized pressure
dispersion, and selectively operable low volume air diffusion to
the skin of a patient reclined thereon, along with improved heel
comfort and internal bolsters for prompting a patient away from the
edges of the bed system.
[0013] The present invention includes a mattress system adapted for
fast, easy setup by caregivers. It includes a vapor permeable, yet
fluid impermeable, exterior cover comprised of material easily
cleaned, which may be bacteriostatically treated, may have
antistatic construction and materials, may be treated with
anti-fungal modalities, and may provide for flammability prevention
or reduction.
[0014] The present invention includes beneath the exterior cover an
air diffusion coverlet. According to the invention, the air
diffusion coverlet is constructed of air permeable material. Such
material is formed into inflatable pockets about the surface of the
air diffusion coverlet. Such pockets may be disposed about the
entirety of the surface for acceptance of a patient thereon, or
disposed only in preselected locations of the surface. The pockets
are inflated by means of an external air compressor. The air
compressor may be operable in therapy mode, such as to provide
compressed air to the air diffusion coverlet. Alternatively, the
air compressor may be selectively inoperable, such that compressed
air is not provided to the air diffusion coverlet. In the first
operation, with compressed air provided by the air compressor to
the air diffusion coverlet, compressed air is provided to the
inflatable pockets of the air diffusion coverlet. Under pressure,
the compressed air is allowed to slowly escape from the inflatable
pockets through small orifices in the pocket material, or through
the weave of the material, or through the structure of nonwoven
substrates; the compressed air is directed toward the patient upon
the bed, thereby resulting in transfer or evaporation of any
accumulated moisture as well as reduction of heat buildup. In the
second operation, with the air compressor selectively turned off,
no such air flow is provided to the patient via the air diffusion
coverlet, but nevertheless the air diffusion coverlet need not be
removed from the bedding system, as it provides a suitable and
therapeutic component to the mattress system even in its
non-powered mode.
[0015] The present invention also includes a pressure dispersion
cushion beneath the air diffusion coverlet. The pressure dispersion
cushion may be formed of compressible material, such as
polyurethane foam. The pressure dispersion cushion may include
lateral cuts, from side to side, along its surface, of varying or
constant depth, so as to create ribs in the pressure dispersion
cushion. Such ribs would provide individually responsive support to
the patient reclined upon the mattress system, allowing for
reduction of localized pressure upon the skin of the patient.
Additionally, the pressure dispersion cushion may include not only
lateral cuts but also longitudinal cuts, perpendicular to the
lateral cuts, upon its surface. Likewise, the longitudinal cuts may
be of varying or uniform depth. So configured with lateral and
longitudinal cuts, individual cells would be created, the cells
being individually responsive to pressure from bearing the weight
of a patient reclined upon the mattress system. About the perimeter
of the pressure dispersion cushion, a bolster may also be provided
in the present invention. The bolster, too, is comprised of
compressible material, such as polyurethane foam, but is less
compressible, and may be more dense, than the material used for the
pressure dispersion cushion described here and above. As such, the
perimeter bolster is firmer and would thereby gently prompt a
patient reclined upon the bed away from the edges of the bed,
without awkward obstructions from other devices, such as bed rails
or gates, interfering with entry to and egress from the bed
surface.
[0016] The pressure dispersion cushion described hereinabove may
also include a heel relief incline portion. The heel relief incline
portion would reside in a plane slightly inclined as compared to
the general plane of the other aspects of the pressure dispersion
cushion. So configured, the heel relief incline would redistribute
load from the heels of a patient reclined upon the bed to the
calves, while providing complete foot support.
[0017] Beneath the pressure dispersion cushion of the present
invention lies a plurality of compressed air cylinders. The
compressed air cylinders are comprised of a resilient substrate and
lie longitudinally along the length of the therapeutic mattress
system. The longitudinal air cylinders are inflated upon
manufacture and sealed for permanent retention of the air held
therein, thereby providing a static air system for permanent use in
a therapeutic setting. So configured, the longitudinal air
cylinders remain compressed during the life of the mattress system,
and do not deflate during power outages or accidental disruption of
electrical power to the mattress system. The longitudinal air
cylinders are in pressure communication with one or more
elasticized reservoirs disposed beneath the pressure dispersion
cushion. The elasticized reservoirs may be partially enclosed
within elastic sleeves, providing for compression of the air
disposed within the reservoirs. In pressure communication with the
longitudinal air cylinders, the elasticized reservoirs receive air
displaced from the longitudinal air cylinders by the weight of a
person upon the mattress system, thereby accommodating the load
upon the bedding system and re-equalizing pressures. Furthermore,
the air in the longitudinal air cylinders is injected to a
predetermined pressure that, in cooperation with the elasticized
reservoirs, prevent the longitudinal air cylinders from bottoming
out upon receipt of the weight of a person upon the bed.
[0018] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be
set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious
from the description, or may be learned from practice of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The aspects described above, as well as other apparent
aspects, advantages, and objectives of the present invention are
apparent from the detailed description below in combination with
the drawings, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view generally from the foot and
right side of the mattress system, in partial cutaway, with
sectional lines for reference in other figures;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view generally from the foot and
right side of the mattress system;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the mattress system
generally from the foot and right side, particularly showing the
air diffusion coverlet;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the mattress
according to the present invention, generally from the foot of the
system, particularly showing the air diffusion coverlet folded back
to reveal the pressure dispersion cushion;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the mattress system
according to the present invention, generally from the foot and
right side of the system, particularly showing the air diffusion
coverlet and pressure dispersion cushion removed to reveal the
longitudinal air cylinders, elasticized reservoirs, and other
components;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective exploded view, showing
portions of the pressure dispersion cushion, longitudinal air
cylinders, and elasticized reservoirs, along with other
components;
[0026] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view, taken along line A-A in
FIG. 1, illustrating a first exemplary air diffusion coverlet,
pressure dispersion cushion, longitudinal air cylinder, and
elasticized reservoirs;
[0027] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view, taken along line A-A in
FIG. 1, illustrating a second exemplary air diffusion coverlet,
pressure dispersion cushion, longitudinal air cylinder, and
elasticized reservoirs;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line B-B in
FIG. 2, illustrating an exemplary air diffusion coverlet, pressure
dispersion cushion, and longitudinal air cylinder;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line A-A in
FIG. 1, showing in dashed lines a diagrammatic of a patient
disposed upon the mattress system; and
[0030] FIG. 10 is an isolated, enlarged side elevational view of a
sloping heel pressure relief section in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples which
are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of
explanation of the invention, not by way of limitation of the
invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part
of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a
still third embodiment. It is intended that the present application
include such modifications and variations as come within the scope
and spirit of the invention. The same numerals are used to refer to
the same features throughout the drawings and the text that
follows.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the therapeutic mattress system
generally 20 includes an air diffusion coverlet 30 atop a pressure
dispersion cushion 50, which in turn is atop longitudinal air
cylinders 70, configured to provide the widest array of treatment
options available at commercially reasonable prices. FIG. 1 is a
perspective view, in partial cutaway, showing the relative
locations of each of these three component subsystems. The
therapeutic mattress system 20 generally would be used with a
hospital-type bed, shown in dash lines in FIG. 1, but may be used
on any suitable platform and its therapeutic advantages may be
realized independent of the type of specific platform employed.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the therapeutic mattress system 20
typically would be enclosed within a vapor permeable exterior
fitted cover 22. Also as depicted in FIG. 2, an air compressor 85
is used to provide compressed air to the air diffusion coverlet by
means of an air hose 87.
[0034] FIG. 3 depicts the therapeutic mattress system 20 with the
exterior fitted cover 22 folded back to reveal the air diffusion
coverlet 30. As depicted in FIG. 3, the air diffusion coverlet 30
is in "therapy mode" such that compressed air from the air
compressor 85 is being pumped to the air diffusion coverlet 30,
inflating the inflatable pockets 35.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the therapeutic
mattress system 20 showing the air diffusion coverlet 30 folded
back to reveal the pressure dispersion cushion 50. As will be
described in greater detail hereinbelow, the pressure dispersion
cushion 50 is comprised of compressible foam, such as polyurethane
foam. However, various subcomponents of the pressure dispersion
cushion 50 may be made from foams of differing compressabilities,
for advantageous reasons.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the therapeutic mattress
system 20 with the air diffusion coverlet 30 and the pressure
dispersion cushion 50 removed, with the longitudinal air cylinders
70 and elasticized reservoirs 73 revealed. As depicted in FIG. 5,
the longitudinal air cylinders 70 are disposed lengthwise along the
therapeutic mattress system 20. In the exemplary embodiment
depicted in FIG. 5, the elasticized reservoirs 73 are disposed
toward the foot of the therapeutic mattress system 20.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective exploded view showing
portions of the pressure dispersion cushion 50, the longitudinal
air cylinders 70, the elasticized reservoirs 73, and the air lines
76 that provide pressure communication between the elasticized
reservoir 73 and the longitudinal air cylinders 70. Also depicted
in FIG. 6 is a portion of the pressure dispersion cushion 50.
[0038] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first
exemplary air diffusion coverlet 30, pressure dispersion cushion
50, longitudinal air cylinders 70, and elasticized reservoirs 73.
As depicted in FIG. 7A, the inflatable pockets 35 of the air
diffusion coverlet 30 may be lateral relative to the orientation of
the therapeutic mattress 20, or may be individual pockets as
explained in more detail herein below.
[0039] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second
exemplary embodiment of the therapeutic mattress system 20, in
which the inflatable pockets 35 of the air diffusion coverlet 30
are longitudinal along the length of the therapeutic mattress
system 20.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary
air diffusion coverlet 30, pressure dispersion cushion 50, and
longitudinal air cylinders 70. FIG. 8 also depicts the perimeter
bolsters 58 along the lateral sides of the pressure dispersion
cushion 50; the pressure dispersion cushion 50 is represented by
crosshatching of a given direction, whereas the perimeter bolsters
58 are represented by crosshatching of a different orientation.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing in dashed lines a
diagrammatic representation of a patient 95 disposed upon the
therapeutic mattress 20, received upon the inflatable pockets 35 of
the air diffusion coverlet 30. As depicted in FIG. 9, the air
diffusion coverlet 30, the pressure dispersion cushion 50, and the
longitudinal air cylinders 70 conform under the weight of a patient
95 to the shape of the patient 95 disposed upon the therapeutic
mattress 20.
[0042] Finally, FIG. 10 is an enlarged side elevational view of an
isolated portion of the pressure dispersion cushion 50, showing the
heel relief incline 64 for redistributing pressure from the heels
of the patient 95 to the patient's calves.
[0043] In greater detail, it may be understood that the exterior
fitted cover 22 may comprise various fabrics, such as a stretch
fabric of different materials. Such fabric may be provided with
other technological features, for example treated so as to be
easily cleaned. Furthermore, the exterior fitted cover 22 may be
treated with bacteriostatic agents, anti-static agents, anti-fungal
agents, and flame retardants. The exterior fitted cover 22 is vapor
permeable, so as to allow diffusion of compressed air from the
inflatable pockets 35 of the air diffusion coverlet 30 to reach the
patient 95 so as to provide evaporation of accumulated moisture and
dissipation of built-up heat. Cover 22 comprises material that,
though vapor permeable, is fluid impermeable, or at least largely
fluid resistant, such that perspiration and/or accidental bodily
waste upon the therapeutic mattress system 20 will not penetrate
through the cover 22 so as to reach the air diffusion coverlet 30.
Such fluid impermeability or resistance may be realized by any
number of known commercial means, including weaving techniques and
surface treatments.
[0044] The air diffusion coverlet 30 likewise comprises fabric,
either woven or nonwoven, providing for air permeability. Such air
permeability may be realized through the relative tightness of the
weave of woven fabric, the relative interconnectedness of the
fibers of nonwoven fabric, or even by the mechanical perforation of
the fabric to create small holes there through. The air diffusion
coverlet 30 receives compressed air from the air compressor 85 via
an air hose 87. The air diffusion coverlet 30 is a "low air loss"
system, meaning that compressed air within the inflatable pockets
35 escapes the inflatable pockets 35 slowly so as to provide
gentle, non-disruptive air flow to the skin of the patient 95.
[0045] The air diffusion coverlet 30 may have inflatable pockets 35
of various configurations. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the
inflatable pockets 35 may be configured to be relatively smaller
individual, rectangular pockets, such that individual pockets may
be observed not only laterally across the therapeutic mattress
system 20, but also longitudinally so as to create a grid of such
inflatable pockets 35 upon the air diffusion coverlet 30.
Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the inflatable
pockets 35 may be longitudinal members of a longitudinal length
approximating that of the therapeutic mattress system 20. In either
event, the inflatable pockets 35 are in air communication with one
another, such that compressed air from the air compressor 85 will
be transferred from one inflatable pocket 35 to another, such that,
once the pressure from the air compressor 85 within the air
diffusion coverlet 30 reaches equilibrium, each inflatable pocket
35 will have substantially the same internal positive pressure of
air compressed therein. It is to be understood that the air
diffusion coverlet 30 includes at least two layers of substrate,
with the inflatable pockets 35 defined between the two substrates;
the inflatable pockets 35 may be formed by selective gluing, heat
welding, stitching, or the like between the two layers of substrate
to form the inflatable pockets 35. Regardless of the method of
construction, provision is made for air communication between and
amongst the inflatable pockets 35 by predetermined locations of no
gluing, no heat welding, no stitching, or the like so as to create
vapor pathways between the inflatable pockets 35.
[0046] It is also to be understood that the billow of the
inflatable pockets 35 shown in the Figures is depicted for
illustration purposes only. Different sized inflatable pockets 35
may be practiced, including particularly different dimensions of
the internal chambers 36 of the inflatable pockets 35, with
different amounts of billowing of the individual inflatable pockets
35.
[0047] The air compressor 85 provides compressed air to the air
diffusion coverlet 30 via the air hose 87. The air hose 87 connects
with the air diffusion coverlet 30 by any of a number of
conventional means already known in commerce, all of which are
intended to be quick and uncomplicated. As such, the air compressor
85 and the air hose 87 may be brought to a particular therapeutic
mattress system 20 and connected simply, with minimal disruption to
the patient 95 received upon the mattress system 20. The air
compressor 85 is selectively operable between a "therapy mode" in
which it provides compressed air to the air diffusion coverlet 30,
and an off mode in which no such air is provided. When the air
compressor 85 is in off mode, the internal chambers 36 of the air
diffusion coverlet 30 contain no compressed air, and collapse to
provide a suitable and relatively smooth bedding component to the
therapeutic mattress system 20. When the air compressor 85 is in
therapy mode, the flow rate of air from the compressor 85 to the
air diffusion coverlet 30 via the air hose 87 may be varied, either
by valving or by adjusting the speed of operation of the air
compressor 85. In such way, the therapeutic effect of the air
diffusion coverlet may be regulated for individual patient needs.
In another embodiment, the air flow from the air compressor 85 to
the air diffusion coverlet 30 may be cooled or heated, as might be
medically advantageous in particular treatment cases. Still
further, the composition of the air flow to the air diffusion
coverlet 30 may be modified, such that air compressor 85 provides
humidified air to the air diffusion coverlet 30, or provides air
impregnated with medicinal agents such as topical antibiotics,
emollients, fragrances, decongestants, or antiseptics; such agents
may be introduced into such air flow at the air compressor 85, or
along the length of the air hose 87.
[0048] The pressure dispersion cushion 50 may include a variety of
constructions designed and intended to facilitate pressure relief.
Pressure relief, for example, may be provided by a number of
lateral cuts 54 formed in such surface, along with a number of
longitudinal cuts 52 that may also optionally be provided. Such
lateral and longitudinal cuts 54, 52 may be practiced in any of the
embodiments herewith, although for clarity they are represented
only in FIGS. 1 and 4. The combination of lateral cuts 54 and
longitudinal cuts 52 results in a plurality of separate upright
support cells 56, the size and construction of which may vary over
the surface of the pressure dispersion cushion 50 so as to provide
selective support characteristics. Examples of such various
arrangements as may be practiced in combination with the subject
invention are discussed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,862,538;
5,025,519; 5,252,278; 5,580,504, the complete disclosures of which
are fully incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood
that the appended Figures, for example FIG. 8, depict a thickness
of pressure dispersion cushion 50 relative to a thickness of
longitudinal air cylinders 70 for illustration purposes only.
Pressure dispersion cushion 50 may have any advantageous thickness
relative to the thickness of longitudinal air cylinders 70, for
example less than one-half, as may be found therapeutically
beneficial in individual circumstances.
[0049] As depicted, for example, in FIG. 4, the pressure dispersion
cushion 50 also includes perimeter bolsters 58. The perimeter
bolsters 58 are fabricated of compressible material, but are less
compressible than the pressure dispersion cushion 50. It is
understood in the art that various nomenclatures may describe
support characteristics of given mixtures of compressible foam. For
example, "IFD" is intended to refer to the known characteristic of
so-called indentation force deflection. Indentation force
deflection (IFD) may be defined as the number of pounds of pressure
needed to compress a fifty square inch circular plate into a pad of
a given percentage deflection thereof. For example, a 25% IFD of 30
lbs. would mean that 30 lbs. of pressure is required to push a 50
square inch circular plate into a 4" pad a distance of 1" (that is,
25% of the original, unloaded thickness). Using a 25% IFD
characteristic for description purposes, the perimeter bolsters 58
may exhibit a 50-58 lb. IFD, for example 54 pounds, while the
pressure dispersion cushion 50 may exhibit an IFD of less than 44
pounds, for example, 35 pounds. So configured, the mattress system
20 provides a number of features that maintains a stable support
environment for a patient ingressing to egressing from the mattress
system 20. The resulting structure and practice of the invention
results in roll protection, such that a patient might detect,
consciously or subconsciously, the greater density of the perimeter
bolsters 58 about the perimeter of the mattress system 20 and
thereby be prompted away from the edge of the mattress system 20.
Additionally, the system provides safer patient entry upon an
egress from the mattress system 20 by providing a more solid, less
compressible boundary around the outer dimensions of the mattress
system 20.
[0050] As depicted in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the
bottom surface of pressure dispersion cushion 50 may alternatively
be cut to provide predetermined ridges 51 to act as retainers for
the longitudinal air cylinders 70, providing inter-locking between
the two subsystems and thereby improving structural integrity.
[0051] As depicted in FIG. 10, the therapeutic mattress system 20
may also include a heel relief incline 64. The heel relief incline
64 is a sloping heel pressure relief section for redistributing
load from relatively less tolerant heel areas of a patient reclined
upon mattress system 20 to relatively more pressure-tolerant lower
legs and calves. At the heel relief incline 64, an overall angular
slope is introduced to a portion of the pressure dispersion cushion
50, as represented by an angle generally 66. The heel relief
incline 64 may practice various ranges of angle 66, such as for
example 6 degrees, to achieve improved patient heel health in
different situations. As represented in FIG. 10, the sloping
portion of the heel relief incline 64 is primarily achieved by
reduction in the size and/or shape of the respective cells 56. In
such way, a minimum base thickness of the pressure dispersion
cushion 50 is maintained, despite the angled surface for the heel
relief incline 64.
[0052] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 6, among others, beneath the
pressure dispersion cushion 50 of the mattress system 20 lie
longitudinal air cylinders 70. Together with the elasticized
reservoirs 73, the longitudinal air cylinders represent a static
air support system inflated to predetermined pressure at
manufacture, for example 0.10 pounds per square inch, to suit
original manufacturing specifications. Different numbers and sizes
of the longitudinal air cylinders 70 may be practiced, for example
four. Additionally, different numbers and sizes of the elasticized
reservoirs 73 may be practiced, for example two. The longitudinal
air cylinders 70 are in pressure communication with the elasticized
reservoirs 73 by the air lines 76 connecting there between. The
longitudinal air cylinders 70 are integrally formed from polymeric
film. Moreover, the longitudinal air cylinders 70 are independent
of one another, reacting independently to patient movement upon the
mattress system 20. While the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1
and 6 are longitudinal cylinders, it will be appreciated that
laterally-positioned air cylinders may also be practiced within
variations of this invention.
[0053] The elasticized reservoirs 73 are resiliently actuated, in
that the air level in the elasticized reservoir 73 dynamically
reacts to changes in pressure in the longitudinal air cylinder 70.
For example, upon receipt of a patient upon the mattress system 20,
air will be displaced from the longitudinal air cylinders 70 into
one or more of the respectively connected elasticized reservoirs 73
through the air lines 76. However, because of the predetermined
pressures and elasticities of the longitudinal air cylinders 70 and
the elasticized reservoirs 73, and because the elasticized
reservoirs 73 each include an annular elastic sleeve 73, all of the
air within a particular longitudinal air cylinder 70 will not be
displaced. Instead, the pressure level between the longitudinal air
cylinder 70 and its inner connected elasticized reservoir 73 will
reach a pressure equilibrium that provides residual support to the
patient.
[0054] So configured, it will be appreciated that the subcomponent
system of the longitudinal air cylinders 70, elasticized reservoir
73, and annular elastic sleeve 74 function to redistribute air from
the longitudinal air cylinders 70 to the elasticized reservoirs 73
to accommodate load upon the mattress system 20 re-equalized
pressures within the system, and support the patient accepted upon
the mattress system 20 without bottoming out. Opposing longitudinal
elements 60, in concert with the ridges 51, retain the longitudinal
air cylinders 70 in proper position.
[0055] Various modifications and variations can be made in the
embodiments of the present invention without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention. It is intended that the present
invention include such modifications as come within the scope of
the within disclosure, and their equivalents.
* * * * *