U.S. patent application number 11/352909 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for inclined mattress pad.
This patent application is currently assigned to Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert E. Ackley, Robert Green, Kim Robertson.
Application Number | 20060179580 11/352909 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36889402 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060179580 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robertson; Kim ; et
al. |
August 17, 2006 |
Inclined mattress pad
Abstract
A full length mattress pad is provides improved patient support
for all parts of the user's body through provision of a support
surface supplement for use with existing support surfaces, such as
for use on top of a conventional mattress or hospital bed. The pad
has a body of resilient material having a relatively flat, planar
lower surface for being received on top of the existing support
surface, and has a length at least generally the same as that of
the mattress, or at least long enough to support the full length of
a user. An inclined upper surface is defined by the body of
resilient material, and has a plurality of different longitudinal
sections. The plurality of different longitudinal sections
collectively define a predetermined angle of inclination for the
inclined upper surface which is relatively constant along the
entire length of the body of resilient material relative to its
planar lower surface. At least one of the plurality of different
longitudinal sections has a relatively flat surface inclined at the
predetermined angle of inclination, while at least one other of the
plurality of different longitudinal sections has a surface formed
with respective or different projections therein, so that improved
patient support is provided through a combination of the inclined
upper surface and the plurality of different longitudinal sections.
Preferably, the predetermined angle of inclination is no more than
about 10.degree.. Characteristics of the plurality of longitudinal
sections are selected based upon one or more of the type of
resilient material used, the thickness of such material, the change
in thickness of such material due to the predetermined angle of
inclination, the material density, and the indention load
deflection characteristics of such material, with such selection
and combination of characteristics determined so as to optimize the
inclined pad for support for the user's body which is engineered on
the basis of the intended end use of said mattress pad. The
longitudinal sections are also formed by one or both of
longitudinal and lateral cuts within a selected portion of the
inclined upper surface, also preselected to address the relieving
of support pressure points to decrease the chance of decubitus
ulcers in users of the mattress pad. At least one of the depths,
widths, and lengths of such cuts, forming cross-sectional shapes of
the different or respective projections, are preselected on the
basis of the intended end use of said mattress pad. A plurality of
channels may be formed between adjacent of the respective
projections, for dissipating heat and moisture from a user who is
supported on the inclined upper surface, to increase the health and
comfort of such user.
Inventors: |
Robertson; Kim;
(Shelbyville, KY) ; Green; Robert; (Greenville,
SC) ; Ackley; Robert E.; (Greenville, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORITY & MANNING, P.A.
POST OFFICE BOX 1449
GREENVILLE
SC
29602-1449
US
|
Assignee: |
Span-America Medical Systems,
Inc.
Greenville
SC
|
Family ID: |
36889402 |
Appl. No.: |
11/352909 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60652689 |
Feb 14, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/730 ; 5/691;
5/736 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/148 20130101;
A47C 27/146 20130101; A47C 21/046 20130101; A47C 27/144
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
005/730 ;
005/691; 005/736 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/14 20060101
A47C027/14 |
Claims
1. A full length mattress pad, for providing improved patient
support for all parts of the user's body through provision of a
support surface supplement that is formed for use with existing
support surfaces, such as for use on top of a conventional mattress
or hospital bed, said mattress pad comprising: a body of resilient
material having a relatively flat, planar lower surface for being
received on top of an existing support surface, and having a length
at least generally the same as that of a mattress; and an inclined
upper surface defined by said body of resilient material, having a
plurality of different longitudinal sections disposed on said
inclined upper surface; wherein said plurality of different
longitudinal sections collectively define a predetermined angle of
inclination for said inclined upper surface which is relatively
constant along the entire length of said body of resilient material
relative to said planar lower surface thereof, with at least one of
said plurality of different longitudinal sections having a
relatively flat surface inclined at said predetermined angle of
inclination, and with at least one other of said plurality of
different longitudinal sections having a surface formed with
different projections therein, so that improved patient support is
provided through a combination of said inclined upper surface and
said plurality of different longitudinal sections.
2. A full length mattress pad as in claim 1, wherein at least one
of said plurality of longitudinal sections may be formed with
different projections therein having specific cross-sectional
shapes in both a top view and side view perspective.
3. A full length mattress pad as in claim 1, wherein
characteristics of said plurality of longitudinal sections are
selected based upon one or more of the type of resilient material
used, the thickness of such material, the change in thickness of
such material due to said predetermined angle of inclination, the
density of said material, and the indention load deflection
characteristics of such material, with such selection and
combination of characteristics determined to optimize said inclined
pad so as to provide engineered support for the user's body.
4. A full length mattress pad as in claim 1, wherein said
predetermined angle of inclination is no more than about
10.degree..
5. A full length mattress pad as in claim 1, where said
predetermined angle of inclination is between about 2.degree. to
5.degree..
6. A full length mattress pad as in claim 2, wherein said
cross-sectional shapes of said different projections forming said
plurality of longitudinal sections are formed by one or both of
longitudinal and lateral cuts within a selected portion of said
inclined upper surface of said resilient body of said mattress pad,
preselected to address the relieving of support pressure points to
decrease the chance of decubitus ulcers in users of said mattress
pad.
7. A full length mattress pad as in claim 6, wherein at least one
of the depths, widths, and lengths of said cuts, forming said
cross-sectional shapes of said different projections, are
preselected on the basis of the intended end use of said mattress
pad.
8. A full length mattress pad as in claim 7, wherein the angles of
said cuts are shifted to accommodate said angle of inclination of
said inclined upper surface, so as to create the desired
projections within each of the sections having projections
therein.
9. A full length mattress pad as in claim 2, wherein said
cross-sectional shapes of said different projections forming said
plurality of longitudinal sections are formed by at least
longitudinal cuts within a selected portion of said inclined upper
surface of said resilient body of said mattress pad, and wherein
said longitudinal cuts extend across the entire body of said
mattress pad.
10. A full length mattress pad as in claim 2, wherein said
cross-sectional shapes of said different projections forming said
plurality of longitudinal sections are formed by at least
longitudinal cuts within a selected portion of said inclined upper
surface of said resilient body of said mattress pad, and wherein
said longitudinal cuts extend only partially across the entire body
of said mattress pad.
11. A full length mattress pad as in claim 2, wherein said
cross-sectional shapes of said different projections forming said
plurality of longitudinal sections are formed by longitudinal and
lateral cuts within a selected portion of said inclined upper
surface of said resilient body of said mattress pad, preselected to
address the relieving of support pressure points to decrease the
chance of decubitus ulcers in users of said mattress pad, and
wherein said longitudinal and lateral cuts within different
sections are varied in at least one of depth, numbering, and
spacing thereof.
12. A full length mattress pad as in claim 2, wherein said
cross-sectional shapes of said different projections forming said
plurality of longitudinal sections are formed by longitudinal and
lateral cuts within a selected portion of said inclined upper
surface of said resilient body of said mattress pad, preselected to
address the relieving of support pressure points to decrease the
chance of decubitus ulcers in users of said mattress pad, and
wherein said longitudinal cuts and said lateral cuts within
different sections are varied in depth thereof.
13. A full length mattress pad as in claim 2, wherein said
cross-sectional shapes of said different projections forming said
plurality of longitudinal sections are formed by longitudinal and
lateral cuts within a selected portion of said inclined upper
surface of said resilient body of said mattress pad, with channels
formed within said resilient body of said mattress pad, adjacent
the bottom of said cuts thereof.
14. A full length mattress pad as in claim 13, wherein said
channels are formed for corresponding with one or both of said
longitudinal and said lateral cuts.
15. A full length mattress pad as in claim 13, wherein said
channels are formed with predetermined cross-sectional shapes.
16. A full length mattress pad as in claim 15, wherein said
predetermined cross-sectional shapes of said channels include at
least one of circular, trapezoidal, triangular, and rectangular
shapes.
17. A full length mattress pad, for providing improved patient
support for all parts of the user's body through provision of a
support surface supplement that is formed for use with existing
support surfaces, such as for use on top of a conventional mattress
or hospital bed, for providing beneficial rest of a user through
providing raised extremities while reducing the incidence of
damaged tissue conditions such as may occur from the application of
sheer forces thereto, said full length mattress pad comprising: a
body of resilient material having a relatively flat, planar lower
surface for being received on top of an existing support surface,
and having a length at least generally the same as that of a
mattress on which said mattress pad will be supported; an inclined
upper surface defined by said body of resilient material, having a
plurality of different longitudinal sections disposed on said
inclined upper surface; a predetermined angle of inclination for
said inclined upper surface which is relatively constant along the
entire length of said body of resilient material relative to said
planar lower surface thereof, collectively defined by said
plurality of different longitudinal sections; a relatively flat
surface inclined at said predetermined angle of inclination and
defined in at least one of said plurality of different longitudinal
sections; and respective projections forming a surface, at said
predetermined angle of inclination, and within at least one other
of said plurality of different longitudinal sections; and a
plurality of channels formed between adjacent of said respective
projections, for dissipating heat and moisture from a user who is
supported on said inclined upper surface, to increase the health
and comfort of such user; and wherein said predetermined angle of
inclination is no more than about 10.degree., so that improved
patient support is provided through a combination of said inclined
upper surface and said plurality of different longitudinal
sections.
18. A full length mattress pad as in claim 17, wherein at least one
of said plurality of longitudinal sections may be formed with
respective projections therein having specific cross-sectional
shapes in both a top view and side view perspective.
19. A full length mattress pad as in claim 17, wherein said
channels are formed with predetermined cross-sectional shapes.
20. A full length mattress pad as in claim 19, wherein said
predetermined cross-sectional shapes of said channels include at
least one of circular, trapezoidal, triangular, and rectangular
shapes.
21. A full length mattress pad as in claim 17, wherein said
predetermined angle of inclination is between about 2.degree. to
5.degree..
22. A full length mattress pad as in claim 17, wherein said
cross-sectional shapes of said respective projections forming said
plurality of longitudinal sections are formed by at least
longitudinal cuts within a selected portion of said inclined upper
surface of said resilient body of said mattress pad, and wherein
said longitudinal cuts extend across the entire body of said
mattress pad.
23. A full length mattress pad as in claim 17, wherein said
cross-sectional shapes of said respective projections forming said
plurality of longitudinal sections are formed by at least
longitudinal cuts within a selected portion of said inclined upper
surface of said resilient body of said mattress pad, and wherein
said longitudinal cuts extend only partially across the entire body
of said mattress pad.
24. A full length mattress pad as in claim 17, wherein said
cross-sectional shapes of said respective projections forming said
plurality of longitudinal sections are formed by longitudinal and
lateral cuts within a selected portion of said inclined upper
surface of said resilient body of said mattress pad, preselected to
address the relieving of support pressure points to decrease the
chance of decubitus ulcers in users of said mattress pad, and
wherein said longitudinal and lateral cuts within different
sections are varied in at least one of depth, numbering, and
spacing thereof.
25. A full length mattress pad as in claim 17, wherein said
cross-sectional shapes of said respective projections forming said
plurality of longitudinal sections are formed by longitudinal and
lateral cuts within a selected portion of said inclined upper
surface of said resilient body of said mattress pad, preselected to
address the relieving of support pressure points to decrease the
chance of decubitus ulcers in users of said mattress pad, and
wherein said longitudinal cuts and said lateral cuts within
different sections are varied in depth thereof.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/652,689, entitled "INCLINED MATTRESS PAD"
by Kim Robertson, Robert Green, and Robert E. Ackley, filed Feb.
14, 2005 and which is incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present subject matter concerns mattress pads or
overlays having an inclined surface in general, and in particular
full length mattress pad embodiments having a variety of features
to improve support for all parts of the user's body including in
combination an inclined surface and sectionalized support areas,
and which pads are portable yet which offer improved manufacturing
efficiencies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Convoluted foam pads have been used for providing improved
comfort in affordable, consumer style products. Convoluted foam
pads have also been used in hospital care practices as well as home
therapeutic use as mattress overlays. Examples of such prior foam
pads includes designs have a typically relatively thin base having
tall conical peaks rising therefrom in a convoluted pattern, with
an appearance similar to packing cartons for eggs. Such pads and
others offer a level of usefulness in providing support to the user
by relieving certain pressure points which the otherwise underlying
mattress or support surface may not provide. Such pads can to an
extent, from a distributed support perspective, enhance the surface
of a conventional mattress or hospital bedding without entailing
significant logistics or costs. The pads can be placed over the
surface of the mattress with no special attachment mechanisms and
then can be discarded over a period of use to be replaced by
another inexpensive convoluted pad, either as associated with a
program of "single patient use" or in accordance with other
procedures.
[0004] Such embodiments of convoluted supplemental support pads
provide at least one measure of usefulness relative to the problem
of decubitus ulcers, also known as bedsores. The problem of
prolonged pressure on natural bony projections of an individual
greatly lessens the comfort of the user, or in patient situations
(i.e., users constrained to significant periods of bed rest),
creates conditions for the potential occurrence of decubitus
ulcers. Such ulcers may typically occur in patients located in
acute care settings where the patient's condition or treatment
regimen limits the opportunity to therapeutically turn or otherwise
reposition the patient. The convoluted pads described above have
mainly been developed to provide improved comfort to users, or in
some embodiments, to reduce and/or eliminate, at relatively low
marginal cost, the initial development of decubitus ulcers in
patients or other individuals who face above average times of bed
rest. However, the manner in which such pads are supported on an
underlying mattress or support creates a relatively horizontal
sleeping surface for the user.
[0005] Anecdotal evidence exists that suggests that sleeping with
raised extremities offers therapeutic benefits. For example,
elevating the head and heart relative to the rest of the body may
help reduce the development or persistence of a variety of
different types of aliments. For example, elevating the head and
heart may reduce acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease
("GERD"). Lying flat on a conventional mattress, or other
horizontal surface such as a conventional mattress with a typical
convoluted pad, may help promote stomach acid leaking from the
stomach into the esophagus, thereby causing heartburn and damaging
the esophagus as well as the vocal cords. By raising the head and
torso when individuals or patients are asleep, the leakage of the
stomach acid into the esophagus may be lessened or prevented. Lying
on a surface which raises the head and torso above the rest of the
body may improve valve closure in the stomach. Thus, similar to
such potentially beneficial relationship to acid reflux and/or
GERD, elevating the head and torso relative to the rest of the body
may also reduce the incidence and effects of hiatal hernia, which
is caused by improper valve closure at the stomach.
[0006] Another example of how elevating the head and the heart
relative to the rest of the body may be helpful relates to
preventing certain ailments related to circulatory system
abnormalities, especially as relates to blood pressure. In
particular, it has been suggested that elevating the head can cause
cerebral critical closing pressure ("CCP") and intracranial
pressure ("ICP") to be beneficially reduced. It has been shown that
elevating the head while sleeping may reduce CCP and ICP levels.
Having high CCP and ICP readings can increase the risk of strokes
and other cerebrovascular circulation problems. Elevating the head
also lowers blood flow pressures, which pressures could otherwise
lead to additional problems such as brain edema, migraines, and
glaucoma. Thus, elevating the head may reduce the severity of such
ailments.
[0007] Obstructive sleep apnea is another problem that can be
addressed by elevating the heat and heart relative to the rest of
the body during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when throat
muscles and tongue relax during sleep and partially block the
opening of the airway. When the muscles of the soft pallet at the
base of the tongue and the uvula relax and sag, the airways become
blocked making breathing both labored and noisy and can even cause
it to stop altogether. By elevating the head and torso relative to
the other parts of the body, the likelihood of such obstructions
may decrease, thereby helping to lessen the chance of an individual
suffering from sleep apnea.
[0008] Instead of the head and torso of a body, for some ailments
it has been found that it may be advantageous to elevate the feet
and legs relative to the rest of the body. Studies have shown that
30% of older adults experience benign nocturnal leg cramps.
Further, many people suffer from leg edema which results in swollen
legs and feet that occur when fluid is retained in these
extremities. By slightly elevating the feet and legs relative to
the rest of the body, the occurrence of leg cramps and leg edema
may be reduced. Further, elevation of feet and legs relative to the
rest of the body may also decrease the occurrence and severity of
varicose veins. Varicose veins can occur when blood backs up in
lower legs causing venous pressure to increase in the blood vessel,
which in turn causes the blood vessel to dilate. By raising the
feet and legs during sleep, the blood pressure may be reduced in
these areas due to the forces of gravity.
[0009] A further benefit of raising the legs and feet may be the
reduction of shin splints and tendonitis within the legs.
Tendonitis and skin splits, a form of tendonitis, occur from
inflammation of the associated tendons. By forcing the blood to
travel against gravity, less blood flows to the injured areas,
which can reduce inflammation of the tendon and thus the pain
associated with it.
[0010] Different products have been suggested to place a mattress
on at least a partial inclined position. For example, blocks have
been placed under frames of beds to make the bed lean at an angle.
The use of such blocks often causes the mattress to slide. Further,
the individual sleeping on the mattress also tends to slide down
the smooth surface, very undesirably creating sheer forces, which
can damage skin tissue. Similarly, wedges have been used for
placement under a mattress, to lift the mattress into an inclined
position, though with similar resulting problems.
[0011] Adjustable beds have also been employed. However, these beds
are quite expensive and do not incline the whole body. Rather only
a portion of the body is inclined creating an unnatural sleeping
position. Therefore, such beds are not useful for individuals
needing to remain generally in a prone position. Partial wedges
used to only raise the head or foot portion of the body have also
been developed. As with the adjustable bed, abnormal sleeping
positions often occur through the use of such wedges.
[0012] Therefore, a need exists for a device that can be used with
different types of mattresses to promote the inclination of a body
during rest and/or sleep while also mainly remaining in a normal or
natural sleeping position. Also, a need exists for an inclined
topper that can be portable, for use with different types of
mattresses at different locations, while still being full length
relative to such mattress types. Further, it would be generally
beneficial if such a device could provide adequate physical and
physiological support to help prevent the occurrence of undesirable
sheer forces for bedridden individuals, while also providing the
potential benefits obtained by the provision of a user's inclined
position created by the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present subject matter recognizes and addresses the
above briefly discussed drawbacks, and others, of prior mainly
horizontal support surfaces and existing mechanisms for creating an
inclined support surfaces on which a user reposes during rest or
sleep. Accordingly, one broad aspect of the present subject matter
is to provide an inclined pad that may be used to maintain normal
prone like, sleeping position while elevating selectively either
legs or head relative to the rest of the user's body. Another broad
aspect of the present subject matter is to provide an improved
topper or pad device which is portable while still being full
length relative to the underlying mattress with which it is
used.
[0014] A further general aspect of the present subject matter is to
provide improved patient support surfaces, for reducing the
incidence of damaged tissue conditions, such as may occur from the
application of sheer forces on tissue. Still another general aspect
of the present subject matter is to provide improved patient
support surfaces, for reducing the incidence of circulatory-based
ailments.
[0015] Another general aspect of the present subject matter is to
provide such improved support through use of a support surface
supplement that is easy to adapt for use with existing support
surfaces, such as for use on top of a conventional mattress or
hospital bed. In such context, another present aspect to provide
such an improved support surface supplement that is relatively low
cost.
[0016] Another present aspect is to provide such an improved
support surface supplement which is also subject to efficient
manufacturing techniques, to contribute to a relatively low cost
thereof.
[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the present subject
matter will be set forth in part in the following description, or
will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the
present complete description, or may be appreciated through
practice of the present subject matter.
[0018] Also, it should be understood that modifications and
variations to specifically illustrated and discussed features
hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of this
subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the
subject matter. Such variations may include, but are not limited
to, substitutions of equivalent features and means for those shown
or discussed, and the reversal of those constructions, or the like.
Still further, it should be understood that different embodiments,
as well as different presently presented preferred embodiments, of
the present subject matter may include various combinations of
presently disclosed features, or their equivalents (including
combinations of features or steps and configurations thereof
nonexpressly shown or stated).
[0019] One such exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter
relates to an inclined pad made of a resilient material having
different longitudinal sections disposed on the inclined surface of
the pad. At least one of such sections may be formed with different
projections therein. Such projections may advantageously have
specific cross-sectional shapes in both a top view and side view
perspective that have characteristics which are selected based upon
the type of resilient material used, for example, regarding
thickness, change of thickness (due to angle of incline), density,
and indention load deflection characteristics (the deflection
response of a set amount of the resilient material to a
predetermined test load). Such selection and combination of
characteristics help to optimize the inclined pad in accordance
with present subject matter by providing engineered or designed
support for the user's body, either to address specific ailments
and/or to provide an overall general comfort to the user.
[0020] The angle of incline of the inclined pad may vary per the
present subject matter depending on the end use of the pad. For
example, a pad in accordance with present subject matter, may be
used to address a specific ailment such as sleep apnea or leg
edema. Generally, per present subject matter, the angle of incline
for such an embodiment will be below 10.degree. such as between
about 2.degree. to 5.degree.. Taking into consideration such angles
of inclination as well as the thickness and density of the
resilient material to be used, sections of projections may be
designed to further aid in addressing specific ailments which an
embodiment of an inclined pad per present subject matter is
designed to address and/or also to address the relieving of
pressure points to decrease the chance of decubitus ulcers in users
who may be bedridden.
[0021] The projections may be formed by longitudinal and/or lateral
cuts within a selected portion of the inclined surface of the main
body of the pad. The depths, widths, and lengths of the cuts again
may be dependent upon the end use of the pads. The angles of the
cuts may be shifted to accommodate the inclined surface to create
the desired projections within each of the sections having
projections therein. The longitudinal cuts may extend across the
entire body of the pad or may extend only partially across the pad.
Further, the longitudinal and lateral cuts within different
sections may vary in depth, numbering and spacing. In embodiments
where the depth of the lateral cuts varies between sections, each
of the longitudinal cuts may vary in depth within each of the
sections in the body of the pad.
[0022] Channels may also be formed within the body of the pad. Such
channels may correspond with either the longitudinal or lateral
cuts which help to form and/or define the projections within the
different sections of the pad. Such channels may be of different
cross-sectional shapes including circular, trapezoidal, triangular,
rectangular, and the like. Such channels may be useful in
developing specific support characteristics within the
corresponding section of the pad. The channels may also be useful
in dissipating heat and moisture to increase the health and comfort
of the user who is supported on the inclined surface.
[0023] Inclined pad embodiments in accordance with the subject
matter described herein may easily, quickly, and relatively
inexpensively convert a flat mattress into a mattress having an
inclined surface. The cost, ease of use and the benefits to the
user make such present inclined pad subject matter useful for
addressing the different types of ailments as described above.
[0024] Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate
the features and aspects of such embodiments, methods and other
present aspects upon review of the remainder of the
specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] A full and enabling disclosure of the present matter,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, may be understood upon studying the complete disclosure
herewith, including in part review of the following detailed
specification, in conjunction with the appended figures, in
which;
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary
embodiment of an inclined mattress pad constructed in accordance
with the present subject matter;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the exemplary embodiment of
FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates an end plan view of the exemplary
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the FIG. 3
illustration;
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged side view of a portion of the
FIG. 2 illustration; and
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the FIG. 2
illustration.
[0032] Repeated use of the same reference characters throughout the
present specification and drawings is intended to indicate the same
or analogous elements or features of the present subject matter. In
most instances, dotted line representations are intended to
illustrate alternative features of the present subject matter,
unless otherwise indicated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the present matter, one or more examples
of which are shown in, or otherwise represented by, the figures.
Each example is provided to explain the subject matter, and not as
a limitation of the subject matter. In fact, features illustrated
or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another
embodiment or parts thereof to yield still a further embodiment. It
is intended that the present subject matter cover such alternative
combinations, modifications and variations.
[0034] The present subject matter is generally directed to inclined
pads that can easily convert mattresses having flat or relatively
flat surfaces into mattresses providing inclined surfaces on which
users may be supported. These inclined pads are constructed by
taking into consideration the resilient material used, including
the resilient material's thickness, change of thickness (angle of
incline), density, and its indention load deflection
characteristics to engineer a pad that is best suited for its
particular end use, whether that is to address a specific ailment
or to provide the user with an overall improved comfort and
sleep.
[0035] The pad can be engineered to supply specific support to the
user's body by providing the pad with a specific angle of incline
and subdividing the inclined surface of the pad into different
support sections. The subdividing of the inclined surface of the
pad into support sections can be performed in a similar manner to
the relatively flat mattress pads disclosed in commonly owned U.S.
Pat. No. 4,862,538; U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,159; U.S. Pat. No.
5,252,278; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,504. The entire contents of
these U.S. patents are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety for all purposes. However, with respect to the present
subject matter, the effect that the inclined surface of the pad may
have, or its planned use, is taken into consideration before
criteria for such support sections are created.
[0036] FIGS. 1 through 6 show various facets of exemplary
embodiments of an inclined mattress pad, generally 10, in
accordance with present subject matter that includes a main body 20
formed from a resilient material. A variety of resilient materials
may be used, for example, cellular cut foam. Individual pad 10 is
generally rectangular having a length D.sub.3 and a width D.sub.4.
The length D.sub.3 may correspond to the length of a mattress or it
may be a set length which corresponds to an average size person.
For example, the length D.sub.3 may be about 72''. The width
D.sub.4 may also vary depending on the width of the bed or support
surface on which it will be placed. Often times, for hospital beds,
this size will correspond to the size of a twin mattress. The exact
rectangular dimensions however may vary. Advantageously, though,
the length D.sub.3 will be a distance which will allow for of an
individual's body to be supported on the pad 10, and embodiments
with such dimensions are encompassed within the present subject
matter, regardless of whether the length of the subject pad matches
that of a given mattress on which it is used in a particular
instance.
[0037] The main body 20 of the pad 10 forms an upper inclined
surface generally 30. The inclined surface 30 is constructed by
having different thicknesses along the body 20 of the pad 10
starting with a thicker end 22 having a height H.sub.1 extending
down to a thinner end 24 having a height H.sub.2.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the incline (or angle) of the
inclined surface 30 is relatively constant. This relatively
constant incline helps to maintain a user's body in a normal, prone
like, sleeping position. In such an embodiment, the heights H.sub.1
and H.sub.2 are a function of an angle of incline, represented by
angle .alpha. (see FIGS. 2 and 5), and the length D.sub.3 and vise
versa. Angle .alpha. of the inclined pad 10 is measured between the
inclined surface 30 and a generally flat base surface 26 of the
main body 20. The angle .alpha. will be at an angle that does not
cause the individual discomfort while sleeping or resting on the
inclined surface. Generally, angle .alpha. will be under 10.degree.
in measurement. In some embodiments, the angle .alpha. will
generally be between about 5.degree. and about 2.degree.. In the
exemplary embodiment shown, angle .alpha. is around 2.5.degree.. In
such an embodiment, general benefits of having raised extremities,
either having the head and heart raised relative to the rest of the
body when individuals lay with their head toward the thicker end
22, or having the feet and legs raised relative to the rest of the
body when the user's head is resting towards the thinner end 24,
can still be achieved without any unwanted drawbacks or associated
discomfort for the individual using the pad 10.
[0039] To combat or counteract sheering potentially created by the
angle of incline, the resilient material used as the base body of
the inclined pad 10, will limit the amount of sheer created between
the mattress and the base surface of the body 20 of the pad 10,
when a user's body is lying on the inclined surface 30. Such an
arrangement is to help prevent the sliding of the pad generally 10
relative to the mattress or other support surface (not shown) on
which the pad 10 is received. Similarly, the resilient material
reduces the amount of sheer between the inclined surface 30 and the
user's body.
[0040] The height H.sub.1 of the thicker end 22, represents the
thickest section of the main body of the pad 10. As stated above,
the height H.sub.1 is dependent upon the angle .alpha. and the
height H.sub.2 of the thinner end 24 and the length D.sub.3 of the
pad 10. In the embodiment shown, angle alpha .alpha. is about 2.5
degrees with the height H.sub.2 of the thinner end 24 being around
0.5'' while the length D.sub.3 is around 72''. For such
measurements, H.sub.1 of the thicker end 22 corresponds to the
distance of around 3.6''. Again, the height H.sub.1 of the thicker
end 22 will varying depending on the angle alpha .alpha., the
height H.sub.2 of the thinner end 24 and the length D.sub.3 of the
mattress pad 10. The measurements for the height H.sub.1 of the
thicker end 22 will also take into consideration the end use of the
pad. For example, for residential use, it may be advantageous to
limit the height H.sub.1 to a height which will allow for fitted
sheets to fit over both the pad 10 as well as the mattress it will
overlay.
[0041] Another consideration which affects both the height H.sub.1
of the end 22 and the angle .alpha. of the inclined pad 10 is the
type of ailment which the inclined pad may be used to address.
Generally speaking, an angle between about 5.degree. and 2.degree.
can be used to generally address elements such as high blood
pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, hiatal hernia, etc., when the
head is place towards the thicker end 22 of the main body 20 of the
pad 10. Such angles also provided benefits in addressing leg
cramps, leg edemas, varicose veins, etc., as discussed above, when
the feet and legs are placed towards the thicker end 22 of the main
body 20 of the pad 10. However, it may be determined for particular
patients or users that specific angles of greater and lesser size
may be useful for the inclined surface to provide better relief for
specific of such ailments as described above, all of which
variations are intended to come within the spirit and scope of the
present subject mattered.
[0042] The height H.sub.2 of the thinner end 24 will generally be
the height which will provide basic cushioned (i.e., resilient)
support for the portion of the body which is supported thereon.
However, no specific measurement is necessarily needed for the
height H.sub.2 of the thinner end 24 of the main body 20 of the pad
10. The height H.sub.2 of the thinner end 24 may vary from a
minimal distance up to several inches in height depending on the
use of the inclined pad 10, and the thicker end 22 may be likewise
varied, to establish a desired angle of inclination.
[0043] To further increase the benefits of the inclined pad 10,
surface 30 may have a plurality of longitudinal sections, each
having predetermined support characteristics which may be
determined based on the use of the pad 10, the characteristics of
the resilient material, and the angle of the incline at which the
pad 10 is constructed. In an exemplary embodiment, three sections
40, 50 and 60 are provided. Such sections may be formed by
subdividing the main body 20 of the pad 10 into the desired
sections. For example, in the embodiment shown, sections 40, 50 and
60 may be provided, with each section intended to give a different
type of support for each portion of the body depending on the
intended use of the inclined pad 10. The sections may vary in their
longitudinal lengths also depending on the use of the inclined pad
10, for example, involving the age and physical dimensions of the
subject patient, or due to other factors. For example, in the
embodiment shown, section 40 is about 16'' long, section 50 is
about 36'' long, and section 60 is about 20'' long, thereby making
up a total length D.sub.3 of 72''.
[0044] In the embodiment shown, sections 40 and 50 are formed by a
plurality of cuts 70 in a longitudinal direction as well as a
plurality of cuts 72 in a lateral direction in section 40 and a
plurality of cuts 74 in the lateral direction in section 50. These
multiple cuts (or defined separations) 70, 72, 74, respectively, in
the main body 20, form projections 42 and 52 in sections 40 and 50.
Such cuts may be variously placed in virtually any displacement in
body 20 and in a variety of relationships to inclined surface 30 of
the pad 10. However, rectangular patterns have been shown to be
useful for their ease of manufacture and effectiveness in
selectively altering support characteristics of the main body 20.
Generally, whenever a main body 20 is provided with a uniformity
density and a predetermined change of thickness between thicker end
22 and thinner end 24, a desired indentation load deflection
("ILD", discussed in more detail below) may be established in
sections 40, 50 and 60 by changing from one section to another the
disposition and nature (e.g., the spacing and number) of the
plurality of parallel longitudinal cuts and lateral cuts in such
main body 20.
[0045] Depending on the heights H.sub.1 and H.sub.2 of the thicker
end 22 and the thinner end 24, respectively, and the particular
engineered support being provided, any of the sections 40, 50, 60
may have projections formed therein. Conversely, as shown in the
figures, specific sections may not have such projections, depending
on the support to be provided.
[0046] In the embodiment shown, the lateral cuts 72 and 74 are
disposed in perpendicular relationship to the longitudinal cuts 70
such that the longitudinal cuts 70 form right angles with the
lateral cuts 72 and 74, thereby forming the rectangular projections
42, 52. The lateral cuts 72 are in closer proximity (i.e., closer
spacing) to one another than are the lateral cuts 74, while the
longitudinal cuts 70 are in the illustrated preferred embodiment,
disposed at a constant distance or separation from one another. In
such an embodiment, the projections 42, for example, may have
cross-sectional shape of approximately 1'' by 2'' and may have a
height of around 1.5''. Projections 52 in such an embodiment may
possess cross-sectional measurements of 2'' by 2'' with the height
of projection being around 1''. However, many different cut depths
for the longitudinal cuts 70 and the lateral cuts 72, 74 may be
used to form desired projection heights. Likewise, varying the
spacing referenced above between adjacent cuts, varies the
cross-sectional sizes of the resulting projections. As understood
by those of ordinary skill in the art, variation of such projection
cross-sectional sizes can be practiced in order to selectively vary
support characteristics for the resulting pad.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 6, a further optional feature of
the inclined foam pad is illustrated. Channels 44, 54 are cut
within the foam at the base of corresponding lateral cuts 72, 74,
respectively, within the main body 20 of the pad 10. Such channels
may assume various shapes and forms. A generally circular channel
is useful in that it helps to dissipate moisture and heat build up
and can also be easily fabricated. However, channels having
different cross-sectional shapes may be used. The channels 44 are
formed along lateral cuts 72 beneath the projections 44 (or
adjacent the bases thereof) while the channels 54 are formed along
the lateral channels 74 beneath the projections 52. The channels
also intersect with longitudinal cuts 70.
[0048] Through the separation created by the cuts 70, 72, 74, the
channels 44, 54 receive and pass heat and moisture from a patient
or person resting upon the inclined pad 10, so that such this
excess heat and moisture is dissipated from the user. This excess
heat and moisture may enter channels 44, 54 by filtering through
the body 20 of the pad 10, in particular the projections 42, 52. By
whatever path or manner, dissipation removes air from around the
user so as to carry off excess heat and moisture, thereby enhancing
the comfort provided by the inclined pad 10, and improving the
general health conditions of the user. Further, the channels 44, 54
cooperate with the cuts to promote independent action of the
individual projections 42, 52 in response to loads being placed
thereon, for improved resilient support of the user.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, channels 46 may also be placed at
the base of longitudinal cuts 70. These channels 46 further
facilitate dissipation of heat and moisture as described above. The
channels 46 may also help to promote the independent action of the
individual projections 42, 52 to the loads being placed on each
individual projection. If the lateral cuts 72 and 74 are at
different depths, then the longitudinal channels 46 may extend only
the length of one individual section, such as either section 40 or
section 50, or may extend through multiple sections of the body 20
of the pad 10.
[0050] For example, if end section 40 has deeper lateral cuts 72
than the lateral cuts 74 in section 50 of body 20, then the
channels 46 may correspond to the same depth as the channels 44
within the body 20. However, in another embodiment, with lateral
cuts 72 deeper then the lateral cuts 74, the longitudinal cuts 70
may not run as deep as the lateral cuts 72, or alternatively the
channel 46 may be placed further away from the base of the
longitudinal cut 70, so that the channels 46 run in the same plane
as the channels 54 in the section 50 of the main body 20 of the pad
10. In such an embodiment, section 40 will have two planes of
channels within the main body 20 which do not intersect. One plane
would correspond to the longitudinal channels 46, while the other
plane would correspond to lateral channels 44 running below the
longitudinal channels 46. On the other hand, section 50 would have
two sets of channels running in both a lateral direction and a
longitudinal direction within a single plane. Within this plane,
the longitudinal channels 46 running in the longitudinal direction
would intersect the lateral channels 54 running in the lateral
direction. Other combinations of channel placements are possible
and may be determined based on the end use of the inclined pad
10.
[0051] Due to the fact that the surface 30 is inclined on the pad
10 relative to its base 26, longitudinal cuts 70 and the lateral
cuts 72, 74 as well as any channels 44, or 54 which may be cut into
the resilient material, must take into consideration the angle
.alpha. of the inclined surface 30. For example, such information
must be taken into account to obtain uniform sized projections 42,
52 within each section, if so desired. To accomplish this, the
lateral cuts 72 and 74 may be cut at an angle along line 76 (see
FIG. 5). Line 76 is angled at an angle .theta. as measured from a
line "T" (perpendicular "T") running perpendicular to the base
surface 26 of the main body 20 as shown in FIG. 5. If all the cuts
72 are to be parallel to each other, then the angle .alpha. of the
cut line 76 will be equal to the angle .alpha. of the inclined
surface (which, in FIG. 5, is shown based on an imaginary plane "P"
situated above the inclined surface 30 and running parallel to the
"flat", horizontal, bottom or base 26).
[0052] If all the lateral cuts 72 are to have the same depth, then
the end points of the lateral cuts 72 are aligned along a plane 45.
The plane 45 forms an angle .beta..sub.1 with plane 48 which runs
parallel to the base surface 26 of the body 20 of the pad 10.
Similarly, if lateral cuts 74 run parallel to each other and have
the same depth of cut, then the lateral cuts 74 will align at the
base of the cut along a plane 55 with the plane 55 forming an angle
.beta..sub.2 with a plane 58 that runs parallel to the base surface
26 of the main body 20. In such an embodiment, angles .beta..sub.1
and .beta..sub.2 when combined will equal the angle .alpha..
[0053] The projections 42, 52 can possess different shapes having
different top view cross-sections and side view cross-sections as
long as the shapes of the projections do not negate or severely
lessen the benefits of the angle of incline of the pad 10. If
certain projection designs warrant not having uniform shapes, such
as those shown having rectangular top view cross-sections and
generally rectangular side view cross sections, within each section
40, 50, 60 of the pad 10, and if the base of the lateral cuts 72
and lateral cuts 74 still align within a plane 45, then the angles
.beta..sub.1 and .beta..sub.2 will not necessarily have to equal
angle .alpha..
[0054] Similarly, if the lateral cuts 72, 74 are not cut to form a
right angle with the inclined surface 30, then the angle .theta.
between the cut lines 76 and the perpendicular "T" also does not
have to equal the angle .alpha.. In this manner, different shaped
projections may be formed that are still useful for optimizing
pressure dispersion in conjunction with practice of the inclined
surface.
[0055] Plane 45 may also represent the longitudinal cut 70. For
example, in such embodiments were it is desirable for the depth of
the longitudinal cut 70 to equal the depth of the lateral cut 72,
the longitudinal cut 70 (represented by plane 45) may be made at an
angle. In some embodiments, the longitudinal cut 70 may be uniform
in depth across two or more of sections 40, 50, 60, regardless of
the depths of the lateral cuts 72, 74. In other embodiments, the
depths of the longitudinal cuts may vary between the sections, such
as shown in FIG. 5.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 5 in relation to FIG. 2, the longitudinal
cuts 70 may be formed across the section 40 at a depth that
corresponds to plane 45, while the cuts along section 50 may
correspond to the plane 55. In such embodiments, the planes 45 and
55 are different depths but they still run parallel to each other.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, section 60 may have no specific
projections extending therefrom, and thus may have no longitudinal
cuts 70 therein. However, in some embodiments, if the height
H.sub.2 of the thinner end 24 of the main body 20 is sufficient
enough to permit the forming of beneficial projections, then
section 60 may have appropriate projections to contribute to
pressure dispersions, depending on the end use and the type of
ailment which the inclined pad 10 may be used to address.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the longitudinal and lateral channels
may have generally constant diameters. Further, the lateral
channels in any of the sections 40, 50, 60 may also have the same
diameter. These circular channels 44, 54 may range for exemplary
embodiments in diameter between 0.20'' and 0.50''. In the
embodiment shown, the lateral channels 44 in the section 40 of the
main body 20 of the pad 10 each have a diameter 43, which is larger
than diameter 53 of the channel 54 within the section 50 of the
main body 20 of the pad 10. Again, variations may be used for
different end uses to particularly address specific needs and/or
ailments.
[0058] As referenced above, the projections may be made into
different shapes depending on the type of effect that is desired,
as long as the effect of the angle of incline is not greatly
reduced. In the embodiment shown, the projections 42, 52 are
generally rectangular in their top view cross-sectional shape and
side view cross-sectional shapes. The projections may optionally
have beveled edges 90. In this manner, instead of the inclined
surface 30 having a relatively flat surface (albeit at an angle),
the beveled edges can create a more accommodating surface. However,
the edges of the projections 42, 52 may alternatively have straight
edges 92, as shown in phantom (i.e., dotted lines). In such manner,
the projections may have straight edges on all sides of the
projections 42, 52 on the surface 30 or may have beveled edges on
all sides of the projections 42, 52 on the surface 30 or may be a
combination of both.
[0059] Further, longitudinal cuts 70 and lateral cuts 72, 74 may
have increased widths, to provide greater separation between the
projections 42, 52. For example, in section 50, instead of having
walls 57 of projections 52 in close proximity, the projections 52
may have walls 56 which are spaced further apart due to the width
of the longitudinal cuts 74. These cuts may correspond to the
diameter of a channel if one is disposed therein, or, the channel
54 may have a larger diameter than the distance between the walls
56 of the projections 52. Such wider cuts may be employed in both
the longitudinal cuts 70 and the lateral cuts 72, 74, respectively.
Again, the width of the cuts 70, 72, 74 may vary as long as the
desired benefits gained from the angle of incline of the pad 10 are
not significantly altered.
[0060] As stated above, the support characteristics defined by the
sections 40, 50 and 60 of the inclined support surface 30 may be
varied depending on the use of the pad and the type of ailment that
is trying to be addressed. Based on such criteria, optimized
pressure dispersions for a given patient profile or need, may be
obtained based on the design of the sections 40, 50, 60. The
designs of the projections are formed and influenced by the
different longitudinal cuts 70 and the lateral cuts 72, 74 as well
as the shape of the projections 42, 52 and the use of channels 44,
46, 54. Adjusting the support provided in any one of sections 40,
50, 60 has an effect on the support provided to the body of a user
thereon and on the dispersion of pressure in each of the other
sections. Such is particularly the case whenever the body lying on
the pad 10 is supported in a prone position (either supine or
lateral) over all three-support sections of the inclined support
surface 30.
[0061] Thus, another aspect of the present subject matter is that
the support provided by each section should be selected so as to
define a desired pressure interface relationship between the user
and all three sections, taking into account maintenance of the
desired effects of the inclined surface. Collectively, this results
in a system of support for an individual of optimized pressure
dispersion while taking into account the type of ailment that the
inclined surface is provided to address. The different support
sections, 40, 50, 60 still have to function as a system to achieve
such optimized dispersion of pressure while taking into account,
and maintaining, the effects of the inclined surface on the user's
body.
[0062] If the section 40 of the inclined surface 30 on the thicker
end 22 of the body 20 is disposed adjacent to a user's head,
section 50 would generally support the scapula, torso, sacrum and
trochanter sections of an adult user of the pad 10, while section
60 would support the lower legs, feet and heels of such a patient.
Alternatively, the orientation of the user on the pad may be
changed so that the section 40 is associated with the user's feet
and lower legs and section 60 is associated with the head, while
section 50 continues to be associated generally with the user's
midsection. In either configuration, a range of support
characteristics may be provided which optimize pressure dispersion
while taking into account the effects of the inclined surface on
the user's body.
[0063] The different sections 40, 50, 60 can be optimized to
provide a pad with a systemized support profile of indention load
deflection ("ILD"), such as defined and described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,580,504, fully incorporated herein by reference. Using the
indention load deflection characteristic, the presently preferred
designed pad which incorporates the type of foam material used
regarding its thickness, change in thickness (angle of incline),
density and indention load deflection may be taken into
consideration to develop preferred designs of projections to
optimize the surface characteristics of the inclined pad 10. Taking
into account such factors, the inclined surface 30 of the pad 10
with its sections of projections can generally be used to improve
different ailments, the effects of which may be reduced by the
inclined surface in combination with the use of the projections, to
provide an engineered support for the user's body which surpasses
other devices used to incline a resting user.
[0064] The pads 10 can be easily manufactured using a computer
numerically controlled ("CNC") machine to cut out the specific
design of the pad from a block of the resilient material having
specific measurements. In one embodiment, a block of resilient
material which has a length corresponding to length D.sub.3 and a
height in excess of H.sub.1+H.sub.2 can be used to form two
inclined pads 10, whereby the CNC machine forms each of the two
pads by cutting along a diagonal within the block so that two pads
(oppositely nested together) are inversely formed out of the single
block of resilient material. CNC machines may be also used to cut
the longitudinal cuts 70 and the lateral cuts 72 and 74 within each
section 40, 50, 60 of the pad 10 as needed. Thereby, the pads can
be easily formed out of the resilient material, which forms the
main body 20 of the pad 10. Thus, the present exemplary embodiments
contribute to the efficient manufacture of the respective designs,
to contribute to lower cost of the present subject matter.
[0065] It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that various modifications and variations can be made in the
present subject matter without departing from the scope thereof
presently disclosed.
* * * * *