U.S. patent application number 12/839052 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-20 for therapy and low air loss universal coverlet.
Invention is credited to Dennis Flessate.
Application Number | 20110010855 12/839052 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43464210 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110010855 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flessate; Dennis |
January 20, 2011 |
Therapy and Low Air Loss Universal Coverlet
Abstract
A low air loss universal coverlet includes a perforated top
layer formed with a breathable waterproof material, a middle air
permeable layer underlying the lop layer, and a bottom plenum layer
underlying the middle air permeable layer. The bottom plenum layer
includes air tunnels and air pockets. An air source is connected to
the bottom plenum layer and supplies pressurized air to the air
tunnels and the air pockets, where air flows from the air pockets,
through the middle air permeable later, and through the top layer.
The air pockets define tufts when filled with air that support a
patient on the surface and prevent blocking of air flow.
Inventors: |
Flessate; Dennis;
(Lighthouse Point, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22203
US
|
Family ID: |
43464210 |
Appl. No.: |
12/839052 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61226539 |
Jul 17, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/484 ;
5/502 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/05769 20130101;
A61G 7/05784 20161101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/484 ;
5/502 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/00 20060101
A47G009/00 |
Claims
1. A low air loss universal coverlet comprising: a top layer formed
with a breathable material; a middle air permeable layer underlying
the lop layer; a bottom plenum layer underlying the middle air
permeable layer, wherein the top layer, the middle air permeable
layer and the bottom plenum layer define a coverlet support
surface; and sides extending from the coverlet support surface, the
sides being shaped to fit over and around an existing mattress to
thereby secure the coverlet support surface to the mattress,
wherein the bottom plenum layer comprises a first sub-layer and a
second sub-layer underlying the first sub-layer, the first
sub-layer being connected with the second sub-layer to define a
pattern of air pockets that are expandable into air tufts when
filled with air.
2. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 1, further
comprising a pump connected to the bottom layer, the pump supplying
the air pockets with air.
3. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 1, wherein
the top layer is perforated.
4. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 1, wherein
the top layer is formed of nylon with laminated urethane.
5. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 1, wherein
the middle air permeable layer comprises an air permeable foam
material.
6. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 1, wherein
the middle air permeable layer comprises one of open cell foams,
reticulated foams, fiber batting, and 3D spacer fabric.
7. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 1, wherein
the first sub-layer and the second sub-layer of the bottom plenum
layer are selectively welded to each other to define the pattern of
air pockets.
8. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 7, wherein
the first sub-layer is perforated.
9. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 1, wherein
the bottom plenum layer comprises a plurality of sections including
at least a foot section and a center section, wherein the foot
section comprises an air channel defined via a connection between
the first sub-layer and the second sub-layer, the air channel being
attachable to an air source, and wherein the center section
comprises the pattern of air pockets, an opposite end of the air
channel being attached to the pattern of air pockets and supplying
air to the pattern of air pockets.
10. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 9, wherein
the bottom layer comprises three sections including the foot
section, the center section and a head section.
11. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 10,
wherein the head section is attached to the center section, and
wherein all sides of the first sub-layer and the second sub-layer
in head section are attached to one another.
12. A low air loss universal coverlet comprising: a top layer
formed with a breathable waterproof material, wherein the top layer
is perforated; a middle air permeable layer underlying the lop
layer; a bottom plenum layer underlying the middle air permeable
layer, the bottom plenum layer comprising air tunnels and air
pockets, wherein at least the air pockets are perforated; and an
air source connected to the bottom plenum layer, the air source
supplying pressurized air to the air tunnels and the air pockets,
wherein air flows from the air pockets, through the middle air
permeable later, and through the top layer.
13. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 12,
wherein the middle air permeable layer comprises an air permeable
foam material.
14. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 12,
wherein the middle air permeable layer comprises one of open cell
foams, reticulated foams, fiber batting, and 3D spacer fabric.
15. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 12,
wherein the bottom plenum layer comprises a first sub-layer and a
second sub-layer underlying the first sub-layer, the first
sub-layer being connected with the second sub-layer to define the
air pockets when filled with air.
16. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 12,
wherein the bottom plenum layer comprises a plurality of sections
including at least a foot section and a center section, wherein the
foot section comprises an air channel defined via a connection
between the first sub-layer and the second sub-layer, the air
channel being attachable to the air source, and wherein the center
section comprises the air pockets, an opposite end of the air
channel being attached to the air pockets and supplying air to the
air pockets.
17. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 16,
wherein the bottom layer comprises three sections including the
foot section, the center section and a head section.
18. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 17,
wherein the head section is attached to the center section, and
wherein all sides of the first sub-layer and the second sub-layer
in head section are attached to one another.
19. A low air loss universal coverlet according to claim 12,
wherein the top layer, the middle air permeable layer and the
bottom plenum layer define a coverlet support surface, the low air
loss universal coverlet further comprising sides extending from the
coverlet support surface, the sides being shaped to fit over and
around an existing mattress to thereby secure the coverlet support
surface to the mattress.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/226,539, filed Jul. 17, 2009, the
entire content of which is herein incorporated by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] (NOT APPLICABLE)
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is common knowledge in the wound care industry that heat
and moisture aggravate the condition of a decubitus or pressure
ulcer. Currently there are specialty mattresses, used to cure or
prevent pressure wounds, with devices or features that allow for
additional flow of air to remove moisture and heat from the
patient. These devices typically are called low air loss therapy
mattresses.
[0004] Some mattresses have a large amount of air flowing below the
top cover on which the patient lies, but interior to the mattress.
This may remove some of the heat that has built up in the mattress
itself, but unfortunately, this is not as effective as a mattress
with a specialty top cover that allows air to flow into and out of
the top cover itself, i.e., more directly in contact with the
patient.
[0005] Another device or feature has a top cover that is
essentially two layers of material, the top layer of which usually
is of a breathable type fabric. There are slits at either end of
this top cover. This allows air to be blown into the bottom of the
cover and allows for the air to escape out the top slits at the
head of the bed.
[0006] This last type of device is an improvement over air just
inside the mattress itself as the air flow is closer to the patient
and removes more heat and moisture than models that have air
internal to the mattress.
[0007] Another more advanced type of device is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,926,884, Air Distribution Device for the Prevention and
Treatment of Decubitus Ulcers and Pressure Sores, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference. This low air loss top
coverlet also has air flow from the foot to the interior of the two
layer coverlet. An improvement is the design of the top layer of
the coverlet. It has thousands of perforations (very small holes).
These holes allow the air to directly reach the skin of the
patient, thereby maximizing the effect of cooling and moisture
removal. This greatly aids the healing of the wound and prevents
further skin degradation of other pressure points on the patient's
body.
[0008] These methods, however, still are not ideal. When the
patient lies on the top cover, the weight of the body naturally
closes the "envelope" that is formed by the two layers of the
cover. These areas under the body, especially the torso, therefore
get less air flow, and consequently less reduction of heat and
moisture.
[0009] Also, these specialty top covers, the '884 patent coverlet,
and the top covers with slits at the head and foot are made for
specific specialty mattress systems, which include the mattress,
top cover, and controller. These top covers only fit and function
on the system mattress. These systems are, consequently, very
expensive. Unfortunately, then only those patients with the worst
ulcers and other medical conditions can benefit from this
additional direct low air loss therapy.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore, desirable to have a direct low air loss
coverlet that does not block air flow under the patient torso or
other body extremities, is low cost, and is universal to all
mattresses whether another specialty mattress system or just a
standard hospital mattress. The low air loss universal coverlet of
the described embodiments endeavors to overcome the drawbacks of
prior designs.
[0011] The coverlet, by its design features, can be placed on any
mattress (truly universal). It allows air to circulate under the
torso and other body parts to achieve a greater curative rate for
wounds by removing more heat and moisture. As there is a middle
layer in the coverlet made of soft yet very air permeable material,
the patient receives extra pressure relief. Another feature is its
low cost. It is more affordable for the general population of wound
patients. Finally, as heat and moisture are removed under the
patient and away from the mattress, the standard hospital mattress
life is prolonged.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, a low air loss universal
coverlet includes a top layer formed with a breathable material, a
middle air permeable layer underlying the lop layer, and a bottom
plenum layer underlying the middle air permeable layer. The top
layer, the middle air permeable layer and the bottom plenum layer
define a coverlet support surface. Sides extend from the coverlet
support surface are shaped to fit over and around an existing
mattress to thereby secure the coverlet support surface to the
mattress. The bottom plenum layer includes a first sub-layer and a
second sub-layer underlying the first sub-layer, where the first
sub-layer is connected with the second sub-layer to define a
pattern of air pockets that are expandable into air tufts when
filled with air.
[0013] The coverlet preferably includes a pump connected to the
bottom layer that supplies the air pockets with air. The top layer
may be perforated. In one arrangement, the top layer is formed of
nylon or similar material with laminated urethane. The middle air
permeable layer may comprise an air permeable foam material. In one
arrangement, the first sub-layer and the second sub-layer of the
bottom plenum layer are selectively welded to each other to define
the pattern of air pockets. The first sub-layer may be
perforated.
[0014] The bottom plenum layer may include a plurality of sections
including at least a foot section and a center section. The foot
section comprises an air channel defined via a connection between
the first sub-layer and the second sub-layer, the air channel being
attachable to an air source, and the center section comprises the
pattern of air pockets. An opposite end of the air channel is
attached to the pattern of air pockets and supplies air to the
pattern of air pockets. The bottom layer preferably includes three
sections including the foot section, the center section and a head
section. The head section may be attached to the center section,
where all sides of the first sub-layer and the second sub-layer in
head section are attached to one another.
[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, a low air loss universal
coverlet includes a perforated top layer formed with a breathable
waterproof material, a middle air permeable layer underlying the
lop layer, and a bottom plenum layer underlying the middle air
permeable layer. The bottom plenum layer includes air tunnels and
air pockets, where at least the air pockets are perforated. An air
source is connected to the bottom plenum layer and supplies
pressurized air to the air tunnels and the air pockets, where air
flows from the air pockets, through the middle air permeable later,
and through the top layer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] These and other aspects and advantages will be described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the low air loss coverlet
design;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the coverlet layers;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the bottom plenum layer;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a sectional view through section A-A in FIG. 3;
and
[0021] FIG. 5 is a sectional view through section B-B in FIG.
3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] With reference to the drawings, a unique top coverlet is
shown that can be used on any home, hospital or specialty mattress.
The coverlet 10 is designed such that air can be blown into the
interior of the coverlet, utilizing a small pump controller 12
which can hang on the foot of the bed.
[0023] The controller 12 is very simple, not requiring complex
valve mechanisms, printed circuit boards, visual displays, touch
control panels, large housings, and larger pumps utilized on
complete specialty mattress systems. The described system simply
utilizes one small air pump, an on/off switch, a small housing and
a few other inexpensive components. It is small, light weight, and
can hang off the bed. It is therefore and most importantly
inexpensive. In an alternative construction, the controller 12 may
effect two-speed control for the air flow from the pump. The user
can choose a low flow or a high flow of air for the coverlet.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, the coverlet 10 has a top layer 14, a
very air permeable middle layer 16, a bottom plenum layer 18, and
four sides 20 (FIG. 1).
[0025] The sides 20 can be made out of laminated materials (nylons
or similar materials with urethane or vinyl), or stretchy materials
or any other suitably strong material. The preferred sides 20 have
elastic all around their respective bottom edges, like a bottom of
a fitted bed sheet. This elastic secures the coverlet 10 to the
mattress. Straps or other means could also be used to secure the
coverlet 10 to the mattress. The sides 20 of the coverlet 10 are
made full and deep, such that the coverlet 10 will fit over any
thickness of mattress or mattress system, and hold securely. The
sides are typically 18'', but any depth can be made.
[0026] The top layer 14 of the coverlet 10 is preferably made out
of a highly breathable material such as the well known
Gore-Tex.RTM.. Any nylon with laminated urethane which is
breathable would be suitable. This breathable material is also
waterproof and has little friction and shear so as to not irritate
the patients' skin. In addition to the breathability feature, this
top layer is also perforated (as in the '884 patent identified
above).
[0027] The middle layer 16 is made out of any material that is very
air permeable that has some thickness and has a "soft" quality.
Some examples of this material may be a wide variety of open cell
foams, reticulated foams, fiber batting, or 3D spacer fabric. The
thickness is typically 1'', but could be thicker or thinner. The
middle layer 16 allows the air from the bottom plenum layer 18 to
easily go through it to the top perforated layer 14. It also adds
comfort especially over the air filled tufted areas (described
below). This area can tend to be quite firm, therefore, the soft
foam (or other material) middle layer 16 prevents patient
discomfort. As this layer 16 covers the whole bed, it also acts
like a basic simple foam therapy layer, which improves the ability
to prevent pressure points aiding pressure relieving therapy. This
is especially true if the universal coverlet 10 is placed over a
standard hospital mattress, which is typically very firm.
[0028] The preferred bottom plenum layer 18 is made from any type
of material which can be RF welded, such as a laminated nylon with
urethane or vinyl. Other methods of attachment such as gluing,
sonic welding, or heat sealing, with the appropriate material could
be used. The bottom layer 18 is made up of two layers, an upper
(first sub-layer) 22 and a lower (second sub-layer) 24, preferably
the upper being perforated. The perforations are not where the air
channels are made. The air channels are formed to be air tight.
That is, the perforations are made while the material is flat,
before any RF welding or the like, and therefore, any pattern of
perforations can be made. For example, the center of the flat
material can be perforated, leaving the edges with no perforations.
When RF welding, the edges are the channels (with no perforations)
and the center is tufted, with perforations (described below). The
end is connected to the tufted portion (usually the trunk area) and
allows air to flow out to the tufts.
[0029] The bottom layer 18, in the preferred design, has three
sections. A foot section 26 has two air channels 32 formed by
welding the upper and lower layers together, one channel on either
side of the coverlet 10. The air pump in the controller 12 is
connected via tubing 34 to the foot of both the air channels 32.
The other ends of the air channels 32 connect to a center section
28 of the bottom layer 18. The purpose of the air channels 32 is to
direct the air to that section of the coverlet 10 that needs the
most air flow, and disallows the air from finding the path of least
resistance and escaping out to the edge of the coverlet. That is,
the air channels 32 are preferably air tight except at the ends.
One end is at the foot of the bed, and connects to the pump
allowing air to flow in. The other end connects to the tufts 36
(described below). There are no perforations in the air channels
32. By containing the air and directing it very specifically to the
tufts 36, the air cannot escape to other portions of the coverlet,
like the edges, following a path of least resistance.
[0030] The center section 28 is constructed by welding the upper
and lower layers in (a variety of) patterns that form, when filled
with air, small "tufts" 36. For example, the material could be
welded with small (1/4'' round) welds, about 2'' apart on a diamond
shaped pattern. These tufts 36 keep the air passages open, even
under the weight of the torso. The upper layer of the center
section 28 is perforated preferably with many very small holes. The
air coming from the pump, passing through the two air channels 32,
passes through to the tufted areas 36 and out the small perforated
holes, through the middle layer 16 of very air permeable material
(reticulated foam for example), and through the top surface 14
directly to the patient's torso.
[0031] A head section 30 of the bottom layer 18 is formed with the
upper and lower layers attached on all four sides and attached to
the center section 28. It also is perforated on the upper
layer.
[0032] The three sections 26, 28, 30 can be varied widely as to the
number of sections in the coverlet 10 and to the pattern of the
tufting 36. For example, tufting could be added around the leg
sections and also changing the arrangement of welded air tubes. The
whole coverlet 10 could, for example, be completely tufted. Also
the type of foam or other very air permeable material could have
different sections or thickness, differing for torso as opposed to
the foot and head sections. This would allow for more or less
comfort and pressure relieving therapy.
[0033] The device overall dimensions can be changed from regular
width to wide for obese patients, or from regular length to short
or long. However, the full sides 20 of the coverlet 10, along with
the elastic allow for some mattress dimension changes.
[0034] As the coverlet of the described embodiments removes heat
and moisture, it can also extend the life of ordinary foam hospital
mattresses. Over time, heat and the moisture from patients tend to
degrade the foam interior of standard mattresses reducing their
effectiveness. This device will help extend their life. This is
therefore a long term cost savings to the medical facility.
[0035] The low air loss and therapy coverlet 10, by its universal
and unique design, can be added to any current or future mattress,
and greatly adds to the therapy given to the patient. Not only is
the skin condition of the patient improved due to less heat and
moisture, but the coverlet also adds to the pressure relief of bony
protuberances.
[0036] The coverlet can be used for prevention due to its
relatively low cost. Prevention is very desirable, and cost
effective, in the pressure wound care arena. However, currently, a
specialty mattress system is very costly. Medicare and other
payment mechanisms do not allow for much preventative care. The
coverlet with a very simple air source (air pump) is on the order
of one half to one tenth the cost of a complete specialty mattress
system. A specialty mattress system must employ a larger air pump
and a more expensive control system to operate the mattress at the
right pressures and areas. The specialty mattresses require
significantly more material and labor to produce than the described
coverlet. Specialty mattress systems are, therefore, very
expensive. The described coverlet is a very viable low cost therapy
and low air loss alternative.
[0037] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *