U.S. patent application number 13/655574 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-02 for mattress with capacitive immersion control.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPAN-AMERICA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to James R. O'Reagan.
Application Number | 20130104312 13/655574 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48170879 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130104312 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Reagan; James R. |
May 2, 2013 |
MATTRESS WITH CAPACITIVE IMMERSION CONTROL
Abstract
A mattress and a capacitive immersion system for adjusting the
support that the mattress provides to a user are disclosed. In one
embodiment, a mattress includes one or more air cells and a
capacitive immersion system. The system relates generated
capacitance between conductors mounted to an air cell to a pressure
inside the air cells on which the conductors are mounted. More
specifically, the measured capacitance may be related to a distance
between the conductors. This distance may then be related to
pressure with the air cells. The air cell may be inflated or
deflated as required or desired to maintain a suitable minimum
distance or distance that a user finds to be subjectively
comfortable.
Inventors: |
O'Reagan; James R.; (Greer,
SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Span-America Medical Systems, Inc.; |
Greenville |
SC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SPAN-AMERICA MEDICAL SYSTEMS,
INC.
Greenville
SC
|
Family ID: |
48170879 |
Appl. No.: |
13/655574 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61551608 |
Oct 26, 2011 |
|
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61674523 |
Jul 23, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/710 ;
5/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 27/083 20130101;
A47C 27/18 20130101; A61G 7/05769 20130101; A61G 7/05715
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/710 ;
5/713 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/08 20060101
A47C027/08 |
Claims
1. An adjustable mattress for supporting a user thereon,
comprising: at least one adjustable fluid chamber, said fluid
chamber having respective top and bottom sides thereof; a control
system associated with said fluid chamber for controlling the
degree of inflation of said fluid chamber, for thereby controlling
the distance between the respective top and bottom sides thereof; a
pair of conductor elements respectively associated with said top
and bottom fluid chamber sides, for comprising a capacitive
component for generating capacitance between said conductor
elements based at least in part on the distance between such
conductor elements; and a feedback loop interconnecting said
capacitance with said control system, with said control system
configured to control the inflation of said fluid chamber so as to
maintain at least a predetermined distance between said fluid
chamber respective top and bottom sides, so that a user received on
said mattress is prevented from bottoming out against the fluid
chamber bottom side.
2. An adjustable mattress as in claim 1, wherein: said at least one
adjustable fluid chamber comprises a plurality of air cells; and at
least one of said pair of conductor elements comprises a wire
conductor.
3. An adjustable mattress as in claim 1, wherein: said at least one
adjustable fluid chamber comprises a plurality of air cells; and
said control system is configured to control inflating and
deflating of said air cells.
4. An adjustable mattress as in claim 3, further including: a frame
formed of respective foam elements, and having a central cavity
formed by said foam elements, and receiving said plurality of air
cells; and a shield within said frame and situated between said air
cell upper sides and a user received on said mattress for reducing
interference with capacitance generated between said conductor
elements.
5. An adjustable mattress as in claim 4, wherein: said shield
comprises one of metal strips and metal plate construction; and
said metal comprises at least one of aluminum, copper, nickel, and
iron.
6. An adjustable mattress as in claim 3, further including: a
plurality of said pairs of conductor elements, with at least one
top conductor and at least one associated bottom conductor mounted
to each of said respective plurality of air cells, and with each
top conductor and associated bottom conductor defining a
capacitance therebetween; and wherein said conductor elements
comprise one of wire, strip, and plate metal sensors.
7. An adjustable mattress as in claim 3, wherein: said control
system further includes a controllable pump and associated air
hoses interconnected with said air cells for controllably inflating
and deflating said air cells; and said plurality of air cells are
respectively aligned with respective portions of a user's body
supported thereon.
8. A patient support mattress with capacitive immersion control for
adjusting the support that the mattress provides to the patient,
comprising: a frame formed of respective foam elements, and having
a generally central cavity formed by said foam elements; a
plurality of air cells received in said cavity, and adapted to be
controllably inflated; an inflation pump system associated with
said air cells and configured for being activated for controlling
the degree of inflation of said air cells; at least one pair of
conductors, associated with respective upper and lower surfaces of
said air cells and configured for generating capacitance based on
the distance between such upper and lower surfaces; and a
controller for receiving an input based on such generated
capacitance, and configured for activating said inflation pump
system so as to maintain a predetermined distance between said
upper and lower surfaces, so as to immerse a patient in said
mattress while preventing bottoming out of such patient against
said air cell lower surfaces.
9. A patient support mattress as in claim 8, wherein: said frame
comprises a casing; said foam elements comprise foam bolsters and
foam sides running the length of said mattress and on either side
thereof, and a foam header and foam footer at the respective ends
of said mattress and capping the foam bolsters and sides; said
mattress further includes a topper in said casing and defining a
support surface for a patient received on said mattress.
10. A patient support mattress as in claim 8, wherein said
controller is calibrated based on measured capacitances with and
without a patient received on said mattress to establish what is a
minimum distance greater than a bottoming out distance, and is
configured to inflate and deflate said air cells so as to keep said
mattress from bottoming out.
11. A patient support mattress as in claim 8, wherein said
inflation pump system includes an air pump and air hoses
interconnecting said air pump to said air cells, so that said
controller can inflate or deflate said air cells through activation
of said air pump as needed for preventing a patient from bottoming
out.
12. A patient support mattress as in claim 8, further including: a
plurality of said pairs of conductor elements, with at least one
top conductor and at least one associated bottom conductor mounted
to each of said respective plurality of air cells, with each top
conductor and associated bottom conductor defining a capacitance
therebetween; a shield within said frame and situated between said
air cell upper surfaces and a patient received on said mattress for
reducing interference with capacitance generated between said
conductors; and wherein said conductor elements comprise one of
wire, strip, and plate metal sensors.
13. A method for controlling an adjustable support to prevent
bottoming out of a patient received thereon, comprising: providing
an adjustable support having at least one air cell supporting a
patient and adapted to be controllably inflated and deflated;
providing at least one pair of conductors, associated with
respective upper and lower surfaces of the air cell and configured
for generating capacitance based on the distance between such upper
and lower surfaces; and controlling the degree of inflation of the
air cell based on the generated capacitance to maintain a
predetermined distance between the upper and lower surfaces, so as
to immerse a patient in such support while preventing bottoming out
of such patient against the air cell lower surface.
14. A method as in claim 13, wherein the adjustable support
comprises one of a bed, wheelchair, and specialized transport.
15. A method as in claim 13, wherein the adjustable support
comprises a patient support mattress having a plurality of air
cells interconnected with a controllable air pump and corresponding
plurality of air hoses, for controlled inflating and deflating of
such air cells.
16. A method as in claim 15, wherein the air cells are grouped into
respective patient support regions and respectively controlled.
17. A method as in claim 16, wherein the grouped air cells are
respectively controlled through alternate inflation and deflation
to assist turning a patient supported on the mattress, while using
the generated capacitance to controllably inflate the air cells at
at least minimum levels to prevent patient bottoming out.
18. A method as in claim 15, further including: a frame formed of
respective foam elements, and having a central cavity formed by
such foam elements, and receiving the plurality of air cells; and a
plurality of pairs of conductors, with at least one top conductor
and at least one associated bottom conductor mounted to each of the
respective plurality of air cells, with each top conductor and
associated bottom conductor defining a capacitance therebetween;
and wherein such conductors comprise one of wire, strip, and plate
metal sensors.
19. A method as in claim 18, further including a shield within such
frame and situated between the air cell upper surfaces and a
patient received on such mattress for reducing interference with
capacitance generated between such conductors.
20. A method as in claim 18, wherein: such controller is calibrated
based on measured capacitances with and without a patient received
on the mattress; such controller is configured for being calibrated
to know what is a minimum distance greater than a bottoming out
distance, and to inflate and deflate such air cells so as to keep
the mattress from bottoming out; and such controller input
comprises one of a constant feedback loop and a signal received at
determined intervals.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefits of previously filed
U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled "CAPACITIVE IMMERSION
SYSTEM FOR MATTRESS," assigned U.S. Ser. No. 61/551,608, filed Oct.
26, 2011, and of previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent
Application entitled "CAPACITIVE IMMERSION SYSTEM FOR MATTRESS,"
assigned U.S. Ser. No. 61/674,523, filed Jul. 23, 2012, and both of
which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0002] The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to
mattresses, and more specifically to systems for adjusting the
support provided to users of mattresses, especially for the
patient-care environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0003] The design, construction, and use of mattresses and bed
frames has been known and practiced for many years. In particular,
mattresses and bed frames have been developed with various features
for specific uses and in specific fields, such as in health
care-related fields. For example, many known beds for hospitals and
nursing homes include mattresses and bed frames with various
features for adjusting the beds and for contributing to the safety
of the patients utilizing the beds.
[0004] Examples of mattresses with various adjustable features are
disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,763 to Bourland et
al. (disclosing a pressure mapping system with capacitive measuring
pad), U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,737 to Savenije (disclosing a fluid
filled mattress with height measuring and control devices), U.S.
Pat. No. 5,010,772 to Bourland et al. (disclosing a pressure
mapping system with capacitive measuring pad), U.S. Pat. No.
5,410,297 to Joseph et al. (disclosing a capacitive patient
presence monitor), U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,002 to Goldman (disclosing a
capacitive biofeedback sensor with resilient polyurethane
dielectric for rehabilitation), U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,332 to Goldman
(disclosing a capacitive biofeedback sensor with resilient
polyurethane dielectric for rehabilitation), U.S. Pat. No.
6,009,580 to Caminade et al. (disclosing a method and apparatus for
supporting an element to be supported, in particular the body of a
patient, making it possible to support said element at a
predetermined float line), U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,370 to Reinbold et
al. (disclosing a capacitative sensor), U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,526 to
Montant et al. (disclosing apparatus for controlling the inflation
pressure of a mattress in response to deformation of the mattress
using impedance measurement), U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,804 to Wise et
al. (disclosing a system and methods for mattress control in
relation to patient distance), U.S. Pat. No. 7,007,327 to Ogawa et
al. (disclosing an adjustable bed), U.S. Pat. No. 7,107,642 to Wong
et al. (disclosing an adjustable mattress and pillow system), U.S.
Pat. No. 7,426,872 to Dittmar et al. (disclosing a sensor, device
and method for measuring the pressure of an interface between two
bodies), U.S. Pat. No. 7,469,572 to Bartlett (disclosing
measurement of moisture vapor transfer rate), U.S. Pat. No.
7,641,618 to Noda et al. (disclosing a capacitance-type pressure
sensor and heart beat/respiration measuring device using the same),
U.S. Pat. No. 7,779,956 to Breed et al. (disclosing vehicular seats
with weight sensing capability), U.S. Pat. No. 7,815,219 to Breed
et al. (disclosing weight measuring systems and methods for
vehicles), U.S. Pat. No. 7,916,036 to Pope et al. (disclosing
patient position monitor with timer), U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2010/0039269 to Newham (disclosing modular systems
for monitoring the presence of a person using a variety of sensing
devices), U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0225488 to
Hinterlong (disclosing a patient monitoring system using an active
mattress or chair system), and U.S. Patent Application Publication
No. 2011/0120228 to Main et al. (disclosing a capacitive pressure
sensor).
[0005] The subject matter of each of the herein-referenced
published patent-related documents is fully incorporated herein by
reference, for all purposes.
[0006] One issue that is of increased concern in the mattress
industry is the occurrence of "bottoming out" of a patient on a
mattress. When a patient bottoms out, the patient may no longer be
generally supported by the mattress. Such lack of support can lead
to significant safety and medical concerns. For example, patients
may become injured due to contact with the surfaces on which the
mattresses are positioned, due to a loss of support between the
patient and the surface. Further, patients may develop decubitus
ulcers (pressure sores or bedsores), which are often caused by
pressure, friction, shear forces, moisture, and/or heat, due to a
lack of circulation in the mattress caused by bottoming out.
[0007] Another issue of increased concern in the mattress industry
is pressure distribution throughout the mattress. Many currently
known mattresses fail to adequately distribute pressure throughout
the mattress, thus causing pressure peaks to occur at various
locations throughout the mattress and causing user discomfort and
susceptibility to ulcer formation.
[0008] Accordingly, a system for adjusting the support of a
mattress during use by, for example, a patient, would be desired in
the art. Further, a system that can detect and prevent bottoming
out would be advantageous. Still further, a system that provides
improved pressure distribution and/or redistribution would be
advantageous.
SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
[0009] Aspects and advantages of the presently disclosed subject
matter will be set forth in part in the following description, or
may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through
practice of the presently disclosed subject matter.
[0010] In view of the recognized features encountered in the prior
art and addressed by the presently disclosed subject matter,
improved apparatus and methodology are presently disclosed for
adjusting the support provided by a mattress during use. It is a
general object of the present disclosure to provide a mattress and
a capacitive immersion system for a mattress. The capacitive
immersion system may advantageously adjust the mattress as desired
or required to prevent a user supported on the mattress, such as a
patient, from bottoming out. Additionally, the capacitive immersion
system may allow maximization of the immersion of a user in the
mattress, while preventing bottoming out, thus maximizing pressure
distribution throughout the mattress. The capacitive immersion
system may further advantageously provide the user with
optimized/controlled pressure levels for the mattress.
[0011] A present exemplary mattress includes one or more air cells
and a capacitive immersion system. The system relates generated
capacitance between conductors mounted to an air cell to a pressure
inside the air cell on which the conductors are mounted. More
specifically, the measured capacitance may be related to a distance
between the conductors. This distance may then be related to the
pressure within the air cells.
[0012] A present exemplary system includes a top conductor and a
bottom conductor, each of which is mounted to an air cell. The
conductors are connected to and in communication with a controller,
which includes suitable algorithms for measuring capacitance
between the conductors and relating this capacitance to a distance
between the conductors. The distance may then be indirectly related
to the pressure inside the air cell. The controller may further be
connected to and in communication with a control system for
inflating and/or deflating the air cell. The air cell may be
inflated or deflated as required or desired to maintain a suitable
minimum distance or distance that a user finds to be subjectively
comfortable.
[0013] In some embodiments, the system includes a shield. The
shield blocks capacitance generated from a user of a mattress from
interfering with the generated capacitance between the
conductors.
[0014] Another exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed
subject matter includes an adjustable mattress for supporting a
user thereon. Such a mattress preferably comprises at least one
adjustable fluid chamber, a control system, a pair of conductor
elements, and a feedback loop. Further such adjustable fluid
chamber preferably has respective top and bottom sides thereof; the
control system associated with such fluid chamber preferably
controls the degree of inflation of such fluid chamber, for thereby
controlling the distance between the respective top and bottom
sides thereof; the pair of conductor elements preferably are
respectively associated with such top and bottom fluid chamber
sides, for comprising a capacitive component for generating
capacitance between such conductor elements based at least in part
on the distance between such conductor elements; and such feedback
loop preferably is interconnecting such capacitance with such
control system, with such control system configured to control the
inflation of such fluid chamber so as to maintain at least a
predetermined distance between such fluid chamber respective top
and bottom sides. With such an exemplary arrangement, a user
received on such mattress is advantageously prevented from
bottoming out against the fluid chamber bottom side.
[0015] In some variations of the foregoing adjustable mattress,
such at least one adjustable fluid chamber may comprise a plurality
of air cells; and at least one of such pair of conductor elements
may comprise a wire conductor. In others thereof, such at least one
adjustable fluid chamber may comprise a plurality of air cells; and
such control system may be configured to control inflating and
deflating of such air cells.
[0016] Variations of the foregoing presently disclosed adjustable
mattress exemplary embodiments may further include a frame formed
of respective foam elements, and having a central cavity formed by
such foam elements, and receiving such plurality of air cells; and
a shield within such frame and situated between such air cell upper
sides and a user received on such mattress for reducing
interference with capacitance generated between such conductor
elements.
[0017] In other presently disclosed alternatives, such shield may
comprise one of metal strips and metal plate construction; and such
metal may comprise at least one of aluminum, copper, nickel, and
iron.
[0018] In yet other present variations, an exemplary adjustable
mattress may further include a plurality of such pairs of conductor
elements, with at least one top conductor and at least one
associated bottom conductor mounted to each of such respective
plurality of air cells, and with each top conductor and associated
bottom conductor defining a capacitance therebetween; and such
conductor elements may comprise one of wire, strip, and plate metal
sensors.
[0019] In yet others, such control system may further include a
controllable pump and associated air hoses interconnected with such
air cells for controllably inflating and deflating such air cells;
and such plurality of air cells may be respectively aligned with
respective portions of a user's body supported thereon.
[0020] Yet other present exemplary embodiments of presently
disclosed subject matter relate to a patient support mattress with
capacitive immersion control for adjusting the support that the
mattress provides to the patient. Such exemplary mattress may
comprise a frame formed of respective foam elements, and having a
generally central cavity formed by such foam elements; a plurality
of air cells received in such cavity, and adapted to be
controllably inflated; an inflation pump system associated with
such air cells and configured for being activated for controlling
the degree of inflation of such air cells; at least one pair of
conductors, associated with respective upper and lower surfaces of
such air cells and configured for generating capacitance based on
the distance between such upper and lower surfaces; and a
controller. Preferably in such exemplary arrangements, such
controller is provided for receiving an input based on such
generated capacitance, and configured for activating such inflation
pump system so as to maintain a predetermined distance between such
upper and lower surfaces, so as to immerse a patient in such
mattress while preventing bottoming out of such patient against
such air cell lower surfaces.
[0021] In some variations of the foregoing, such frame may comprise
a casing; such foam elements may comprise foam bolsters and foam
sides running the length of such mattress and on either side
thereof, and a foam header and foam footer at the respective ends
of such mattress and capping the foam bolsters and sides; and such
mattress may further include a topper in such casing and defining a
support surface for a patient received on such mattress.
[0022] In still other present variations, such controller may be
calibrated based on measured capacitances with and without a
patient received on such mattress to establish what is a minimum
distance greater than a bottoming out distance, and may be
configured to inflate and deflate such air cells so as to keep such
mattress from bottoming out.
[0023] Yet other present alternatives relate to a patient support
mattress wherein such inflation pump system may include an air pump
and air hoses interconnecting such air pump to such air cells, so
that such controller can inflate or deflate such air cells through
activation of such air pump as needed for preventing a patient from
bottoming out.
[0024] Others thereof may relate to a patient support mattress
which may further include a plurality of such pairs of conductor
elements, with at least one top conductor and at least one
associated bottom conductor mounted to each of such respective
plurality of air cells, with each top conductor and associated
bottom conductor defining a capacitance therebetween; a shield
within such frame and situated between such air cell upper surfaces
and a patient received on such mattress for reducing interference
with capacitance generated between such conductors; and wherein
such conductor elements may comprise one of wire, strip, and plate
metal sensors.
[0025] It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art
from the complete disclosure herewith that the presently disclosed
subject matter equally relates to devices/apparatus as well as
related and/or corresponding methodologies. One such presently
disclosed exemplary methodology relates to a method for controlling
an adjustable support to prevent bottoming out of a patient
received thereon. Such method preferably comprises providing an
adjustable support having at least one air cell supporting a
patient and adapted to be controllably inflated and deflated;
providing at least one pair of conductors, associated with
respective upper and lower surfaces of the air cell and configured
for generating capacitance based on the distance between such upper
and lower surfaces; and controlling the degree of inflation of the
air cell based on the generated capacitance to maintain a
predetermined distance between the upper and lower surfaces, so as
to immerse a patient in such support while preventing bottoming out
of such patient against the air cell lower surface.
[0026] In variations of the foregoing, the adjustable support may
comprise one of a bed, wheelchair, and specialized transport.
[0027] In other variations thereof, the adjustable support may
comprise a patient support mattress having a plurality of air cells
interconnected with a controllable air pump and corresponding
plurality of air hoses, for controlled inflating and deflating of
such air cells. In some such variations, the air cells may be
grouped into respective patient support regions and respectively
controlled. In some of such further variations, the grouped air
cells may be respectively controlled through alternate inflation
and deflation to assist turning a patient supported on the
mattress, while using the generated capacitance to controllably
inflate the air cells at at least minimum levels to prevent patient
bottoming out.
[0028] In other presently disclosed alternatives, exemplary
methodology may further include a frame formed of respective foam
elements, and having a central cavity formed by such foam elements,
and receiving the plurality of air cells; and a plurality of pairs
of conductors, with at least one top conductor and at least one
associated bottom conductor mounted to each of the respective
plurality of air cells, with each top conductor and associated
bottom conductor defining a capacitance therebetween; and wherein
such conductors may comprise one of wire, strip, and plate metal
sensors.
[0029] In other variations, methodology may further include a
shield within such frame and situated between the air cell upper
surfaces and a patient received on such mattress for reducing
interference with capacitance generated between such conductors. In
yet others, such controller may be calibrated based on measured
capacitances with and without a patient received on the mattress;
such controller may be configured for being calibrated to know what
is a minimum distance greater than a bottoming out distance, and to
inflate and deflate such air cells so as to keep the mattress from
bottoming out; and such controller input may comprise one of a
constant feedback loop and a signal received at determined
intervals.
[0030] Additional objects and advantages of the presently disclosed
subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of
ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description herein.
Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and
variations to the specifically illustrated, referred and discussed
features, elements, and steps hereof may be practiced in various
embodiments and uses of the presently disclosed subject matter
without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter.
Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of
equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated,
referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or
positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the
like.
[0031] Still further, it is to be understood that different
embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments,
of the presently disclosed subject matter may include various
combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features,
steps, or elements, or their equivalents including combinations of
features, parts, or steps or configurations thereof not expressly
shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description of such
figures. Additional embodiments of the presently disclosed subject
matter, not necessarily expressed in the summarized section, may
include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of
features, components, or steps referenced in the summarized objects
above, and/or other features, components, or steps as otherwise
discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art
will better appreciate the features and aspects of such
embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the
specification. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in
and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments
of the presently disclosed subject matter and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the presently
disclosed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] A full and enabling disclosure of the presently disclosed
subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of
ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which
makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a
mattress in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, along the lines 2-2 of
FIG. 1, of an exemplary embodiment of a mattress in accordance with
the present disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, along the lines 3-3 of
FIG. 1, of an exemplary embodiment of a mattress in an unloaded
position in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mattress of FIG. 3
in a loaded position in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
plurality of air cells with a top conductor of a capacitive
immersion system mounted thereto in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of a plurality of air cells with a top conductor of a capacitive
immersion system mounted thereto in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
plurality of air cells with a top conductor and shield of a
capacitive immersion system mounted thereto in accordance with the
present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of a plurality of air cells with a top conductor and shield of a
capacitive immersion system mounted thereto in accordance with the
present disclosure; and
[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of a plurality of air cells with a top conductor and shield of a
capacitive immersion system mounted thereto in accordance with the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Reference is herein made in detail to exemplary embodiments
of the presently disclosed subject matter, one or more examples of
which are illustrated in or represented by the drawings. Each
example is provided by way of explanation of the presently
disclosed subject matter, not limitation of the presently disclosed
subject matter. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art that various modifications and variations can be made in
and to the presently disclosed subject matter without departing
from the scope or spirit of the presently disclosed subject matter.
For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield a still
further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the presently
disclosed subject matter covers such modifications and variations
as come within the scope of the disclosure and equivalents
thereof.
[0043] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrates
an exemplary mattress 10. The mattress 10 includes at least one air
cell 12. Exemplary air cells 12 are inflatable air bladders, which
are for their alternate inflation/deflation connected directly to a
control system 14, as will be more fully described below. Such air
cells 12 may be operated in a manner so as to provide the primary
support surface for a user, such as a patient. One, two, three,
four, or more air cells 12 may be provided in a mattress 10
according to the present disclosure. The air cells 12 may have any
suitable positioning relative to one another. For example, one or
more air cells 12 may extend lengthwise through a head, neck, and
shoulder ("upper") portion 20, an intermediate portion 22, and a
heel ("lower") portion 24 of the mattress 10, as shown, thus
generally providing support throughout the length of a user's body.
In other embodiments, one or more air cells 12 may extend
lengthwise through only one or more of the upper portion 20,
intermediate portion 22, and/or lower portion 24. In still other
embodiments, one or more air cells 12 may extend widthwise through
any one or more of the upper portion 20, intermediate portion 22,
and/or lower portion 24, or may extend in any suitable direction
through any suitable portion of the mattress.
[0044] The mattress may in some embodiments further include a
casing 30, which may at least partially define a cavity in which
the air cells 12 are contained. For example, an exemplary casing 30
includes foam bolsters 32 and foam sides 34 running the length of
the mattress 10 and on either side thereof. At the respective ends
of the mattress 10 and capping the foam bolsters and sides 32 and
34 are, respectively, a foam header 36 and foam footer 38, which
along with the bolsters 32 form the cavity in the mattress 10. Such
cavity (not numbered) is configured for positioning of air cells 12
therein. It should be understood that the various components of the
casing 30 are not limited to foam materials, but rather that any
suitable materials are within the scope and spirit of the present
disclosure.
[0045] A topper 40 may also be provided and included in the casing
30. The topper 40 may define a support surface 42 having various
portions, such as the upper portion 20, intermediate portion 22,
and lower portion 24. The topper 40 may be positioned between the
air cells 12 and a user sitting or laying on the mattress 10.
[0046] It should further be understood that the term "mattress" is
not intended to limit the present disclosure to mattresses for
beds. Rather, the term "mattress" encompasses any suitable support
apparatus for, for example, a bed, wheelchair or other specialized
transport, chair, or other device on which a person may sit or lay
at rest.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, a mattress 10 according to
the present disclosure may include a capacitive immersion system
50. The system 50 may be configured to measure and adjust the
amount of support provided by the mattress 10 to a user supported
on the mattress 10. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the system
50 may prevent "bottoming out" of a user, such as a patient, on the
mattress. "Bottoming out" is a term of art in the mattress industry
to generally reference the lowest point, relative to a frame,
support, or other reference point, to which a user on a mattress
can descend. Once a patient has bottomed out, no more significant
supported descent of the patient may occur. Additionally, the
capacitive immersion system may allow maximization of the immersion
of a user in the mattress, while preventing bottoming out, thus
maximizing pressure distribution throughout the mattress. Immersion
is the distance that a user sinks into the mattress 10 when
supported thereon. It should be understood that maximum immersion
may be determined objectively relative to, for example, bottoming
out, or may be determined subjectively for an individual user based
on the comfort level of the user. When determined subjectively, the
pressure distribution for the user throughout the mattress may be
improved while a comfort level of the user on the mattress is
maintained.
[0048] To measure and adjust the amount of support provided by the
mattress 10, the system 50 may include conductors mounted to the
mattress 10. The conductors may be configured to generate a
capacitance therebetween. In exemplary embodiments, one or more
respective top conductors 52 and bottom conductors 54 may be
mounted to one or more of the air cells 12. For example, in some
embodiments, at least one top conductor 52 and at least one
associated bottom conductor 54 may be mounted to each of the air
cells 12 in the mattress 10. Each top conductor 52 may be
positioned on a top portion of an air cell 12 between the air cell
12 and a topper 40, support surface 42, and/or user. Each bottom
conductor 54 may be positioned on a bottom portion of an air cell
12 between the air cell 12 and the ground, frame 55, and/or other
suitable surface on which the mattress 10 is supported. Each top
conductor 52 and associated bottom conductor 54 may define a
capacitance therebetween.
[0049] Each of the top conductors 52 and bottom conductors 54 may
be formed from any suitable capacitive material, such that a
capacitance is generated between an associated top conductor 52 and
bottom conductor 54. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment
of a top conductor 52, wherein the top conductor 52 is a wire
sensor. FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a top conductor
52, wherein the top conductor 52 is an aluminum foil strip
extending lengthwise on an air cell 12. The associated bottom
conductor 54 according to these embodiments may also be a wire
sensor or aluminum foil strip, or may be another suitable conductor
extending at least partially lengthwise and/or widthwise on one or
more air cells 12. A top conductor 52 and/or bottom conductor 54
according to the present disclosure may be a wire, foil strip,
plate, or other suitable device formed from aluminum, copper,
nickel, iron, or any other suitable metal or other suitable
material.
[0050] In some embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 and 7
through 9, a system 50 may further include a shield 56. A shield
according to the present disclosure may be configured to prevent
any capacitance exhibited by a user supported on the mattress from
interfering with the intended capacitance readings between the
respective top and bottom conductors 52, 54 of the system 50. For
example, in exemplary embodiments, a shield 56 may be positioned
between a top conductor 52 and a topper 40, support surface 42,
and/or user. Any capacitance exhibited by a user supported on the
mattress 10 may be blocked or reduced by the shield 56 before
reaching and interfering with the capacitance between an associated
top conductor 52 and bottom conductor 54.
[0051] FIGS. 7 through 9 illustrate various embodiments of a shield
56 according to the present disclosure. In one embodiment, as shown
in FIG. 7, a shield 56 may be an aluminum plate. In another
embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, a shield 56 may be formed from
widthwise extending strips, which may be formed from, for example,
aluminum foil. In yet another embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, a
shield 56 may be formed from lengthwise extending strips, which may
be formed from, for example, copper foil. A shield 56 according to
the present disclosure may be a foil strip, plate, or other
suitable device formed from aluminum, copper, nickel, iron, or any
other suitable metal or other suitable material.
[0052] As discussed above, a capacitance may be generated between a
top conductor 52 and bottom conductor 54. This capacitance may be
utilized to measure and adjust the amount of support provided by
the mattress 10 to a user supported on the mattress 10. The system
50 may include a controller 60, as shown. The controller 60 may be
connected to and in communication with an associated top and bottom
conductor 52, 54 through, for example, wiring or other suitable
apparatus. The controller 60 may thus receive an input, which may
be on a constant feedback loop or which may be provided at suitable
intervals, of the generated capacitance between the associated top
and bottom conductor 52, 54. The controller 60 may further include
suitable algorithms for relating the generated capacitance to a
pressure inside one or more air cells 12 on which the conductors
52, 54 are mounted. More specifically, the measured capacitance may
be related to a distance between the associated top conductor 52
and bottom conductor 54. This distance may then be related to
pressure within the air cells 12.
[0053] For example, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a first distance 70
between a top conductor 52 and bottom conductor 54. The first
distance 70 may be a distance between the conductors 52 and 54 in,
for example, an unloaded position with no user being supported on
the mattress 10. FIG. 4 illustrates a second distance 72 between a
top conductor 52 and bottom conductor 54. The second distance 72
may be a distance between the conductors 52 and 54 in, for example,
a loaded position with a user being supported on the mattress 10.
Suitable algorithms included in the controller 60 may correlate
such distances 70, 72 to the capacitance generated between the top
conductor 52 and bottom conductor 54 when at those respective
distances 70, 72. Further, a minimum distance may be determined for
a mattress 10. The minimum distance may be approximately zero or a
minimum distance such that there is generally no air support at a
location in an air cell 12 between a top conductor and bottom
conductor, may be a designated bottoming out distance, may be a
maximum immersion distance, and/or may be the second distance 72 as
shown or any other suitable minimum distance. The minimum distance
is thus a predetermined distance that provides a limit to how far a
user supported on a mattress 10 may be allowed to sink, and thus be
immersed, as discussed below. In exemplary embodiments, the minimum
distance may be greater than a bottoming out distance, such that a
user supported on a mattress 10 is not allowed to sink past the
bottoming out distance. In further exemplary embodiments, the
minimum distance may be a maximum immersion distance. In still
further exemplary embodiments, the minimum distance may be a
user-determined and/or user-adjustable distance.
[0054] By defining a minimum distance which in some embodiments is
greater than a bottoming out distance, the present system 50,
mattress 10, and methods as disclosed herein advantageously provide
novel systems and methods for warning a user about, and preventing
the user from, bottoming out. Previously known systems utilize
alarms that are activated when a minimum pressure is reached in the
mattress 10 such that bottoming out cannot be prevented. These
systems are inaccurate, and in many cases fail to actually prevent
bottoming out. The present system 50, by instead utilizing a
minimum distance as discussed above to, for example, trigger an
alarm, provides more accurate monitoring and preventing of
bottoming out.
[0055] As discussed, the controller 60 may include suitable
algorithms for relating a generated capacitance between a top
conductor 52 and bottom conductor 54 to a distance between the top
conductor 52 and bottom conductor 54. Thus, a first distance 70,
second distance 72, minimum distance, and/or any other suitable
distance may be determined by a measurement of capacitance. The
controller 60 may further include suitable algorithms for setting
the predetermined minimum distance and/or any other suitable
minimum distance before or during use of the mattress. The
predetermined distance may be determined to prevent bottoming out,
may be determined to maximize immersion, may be determined based on
the subjective comfort of a user, and/or may be determined based on
any other suitable technique. Further, the controller 60 may be
connected to and in communication with the control system 14 for
inflating and deflating the air cells 12, and may include suitable
algorithms for activating the control system 14 to inflate or
deflate one or more air cells 12 as desired or required. For
example, in exemplary embodiments, the controller 60 activates the
control system 14 when the distance between a top conductor 52 and
bottom conductor 54, as determined by capacitance as discussed
above, reaches a minimum distance. The air cells 12 may be inflated
or deflated as desired or required to maintain a distance that is
generally greater than or equal to the minimum distance. This
ensures that the distance between the conductors 52, 54 is never
less than the minimum distance and, in exemplary embodiments, never
reaches a bottoming out distance. The controller 60 thus indirectly
relates generated capacitance to the pressure inside one or more
air cells 12 on which conductors 52, 54 are mounted.
[0056] The controller 60 and control system 14 may each be included
in and/or include suitable hardware, such as handheld remotes,
personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, pendant
controllers, or computers. Further, in some embodiments, the
controller 60 and control system 14 may both be included in a
single piece of hardware. The control system 14 may further include
suitable apparatus for inflating and/or deflating the air cells 12.
For example, the control system 14 may include a pump 82 and
suitable hoses 84 connecting the pump 82 to one or more air cells
12. A manifold 86 may be included and disposed between the pump 82
and hoses 84 to direct flows therebetween, or the hoses 84 may be
directly connected to the pump 82. The controller 60 may activate
the control system 14, and thereby the pump 82, as desired or
required to inflate or deflate the air cells 12.
[0057] The system 50 thus allows for capacitance readings to be
calibrated to particular air cell 12 and/or mattress 10
embodiments, and allows for automatic adjustment of the pressure in
the air cells 12 of the mattress 10 so as to prevent a supported
user from bottoming out, to allow maximization of the immersion of
a user in the mattress so as to maximize pressure distribution
and/or redistribution throughout the mattress, and/or to otherwise
provide the user with optimized/controlled pressure levels. Such
control technique can be applied at an integral level to an entire
mattress 10 and/or air cells 12 thereof, or to sectionalized
support associated with such mattress 10, such as to air cells 12
supporting one or more of an upper portion 20, intermediate portion
22, and/or portion 24, or any sub-portions thereof.
[0058] For example, in some embodiments, the system 50 and control
technique of the present disclosure may be applied to individual
air cells 12 or groups of air cells 12. Such application may be
particularly advantageous when a user is being turned on a mattress
12. For example, a user may independently turn on mattress, for
comfort and/or medical purposes. Such turning may allow the user to
alternate between lying on the back, stomach, or side. Additionally
or alternatively, a user may be assisted in turning, for comfort
and/or medical purposes. Such assisted turning may be performed
manually, automatically, or through a hybrid manual-automatic
process. A user may be manually turned by, for example, hospital
staff. During a manual turn assist, a user may be moved into a
specified position, and positioning aids (not shown) may be
utilized to retain the user in this position. For example, a user
may be rolled onto one side, and positioning aids utilized to
retain the user in this position. The user may be physically moved
by, for example, hospital staff, and/or various air cells 12 may be
inflated and deflated to assist in moving the user. A user may be
automatically turned by, for example, operation of the control
system 14 using a turning algorithm. During such automatic turning,
various air cells 12 may inflate and deflate according to a
predetermined schedule to move the user into a specified position.
In a hybrid manual-automatic process, various manual and automatic
aspects as discussed herein may be combined to turn the user.
Turning of the user may reduce or prevent the risk of the user
developing decubitus ulcers. However, during the turning process,
the various air cells 12 may be subjected to increased or decreased
pressure due to the shifting mass of the user. For example, rolling
of the user to one side may increase the pressure in the air cells
12 onto which the user is rolled, and decrease the pressure in the
air cells 12 off of which the user is rolled. Thus, bottoming out
of the air cells 12, and in particular the air cells 12 subjected
to increased pressure due to the turning process, is of increased
concern during the turning process.
[0059] Thus, the system 50 and control technique of the present
disclosure can be applied during the turning process to prevent the
user from bottoming out during turning. For example, as discussed
above, respective top conductors 52 and bottom conductors 54 may be
mounted to individual air cells 12. During the turning process,
controller 60 may thus receive an input, as discussed above, for
one or more individual air cells 12. The control system 14 may be
activated as required and as discussed above to prevent bottoming
out of each individual air cell 12. Thus, during, for example,
rolling of a user to one side, the air cells 12 onto which the user
is rolled may be inflated as required to prevent bottoming out on
these air cells 12 due to operation of the system 50 and control
technique as discussed herein.
[0060] In one exemplary turning process, the mattress 10 may
include, for example, four lengthwise extending air cells 12. The
user may be rolled to one side onto, for example, one, two or three
of the air cells 12. Broken lines in FIG. 2, for example,
illustrates two individual air cells 90 and 92 after a user has
been turned onto the user's side on the air cells 90, 92. During
rolling and while the user remains on one side, the system 50 and
control technique as discussed herein may prevent the individual
air cells 12 on which the user is disposed, such as air cell 90
and/or air cell 92 as shown, from bottoming out, by inflating the
individual air cells 12, such as air cell 90 and/or air cell 92, as
required. The user may then be rolled to another side onto, for
example, one, two or three of the air cells 12, each of which may
be the same or different from the previously discussed air cells
12. During this rolling and while the user remains on one side, the
system 50 and control technique as discussed herein may similarly
prevent the individual air cells 12 on which the user is disposed
from bottoming out. The user may then be returned to an original
position on the mattress 10 wherein the user may be supported by
all or a portion of the lengthwise extending air cells 12, which
may for example include air cells 90 and 92 as well as other air
cells 12. After being returned to the original position, as well as
when in the original position before rolling, the system 50 and
control technique as discussed herein may similarly prevent the
individual air cells 12 on which the user is disposed, including
air cells 90 and 92, from bottoming out.
[0061] The present written description uses examples to disclose
the presently disclosed subject matter, including the best mode,
and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the
presently disclosed subject matter, including making and using any
devices or systems and performing any incorporated and/or
associated methods. While the presently disclosed subject matter
has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments
thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon
attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce
alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments.
Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of
example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject
disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications,
variations and/or additions to the presently disclosed subject
matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art.
* * * * *