U.S. patent application number 13/951151 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-30 for adjustable width mattress.
This patent application is currently assigned to Joerns Healthcare, LLC. Invention is credited to Brian L. Guthrie.
Application Number | 20140026325 13/951151 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49993439 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140026325 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Guthrie; Brian L. |
January 30, 2014 |
Adjustable Width Mattress
Abstract
An adjustable-width mattress includes a support surface that has
a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the
length dimension. The width dimension of the support surface may be
varied.
Inventors: |
Guthrie; Brian L.;
(Pasadena, CA) |
Assignee: |
Joerns Healthcare, LLC
Stevens Point
WI
|
Family ID: |
49993439 |
Appl. No.: |
13/951151 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61675639 |
Jul 25, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/709 ;
5/722 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G 7/002 20130101;
A61G 7/1055 20130101; A61G 7/05776 20130101; A61G 2200/16 20130101;
A61G 7/0515 20161101; A61G 7/1044 20130101; A47C 27/088
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/709 ;
5/722 |
International
Class: |
A47C 27/08 20060101
A47C027/08 |
Claims
1. An adjustable-width mattress comprising: a support surface
having a length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to
the length dimension, wherein the width dimension of the support
surface may be varied.
2. The adjustable width mattress of claim 1, wherein the support
surface has a first width dimension when in an unloaded state, and
has a second width dimension when the mattress is subject to an
inward force applied in a direction parallel to the width
dimension, the first width dimension being greater than the second
width dimension.
3. The adjustable width mattress of claim 2, wherein the length
dimension of the support surface when the support surface has the
first width dimension is the same as the length dimension of the
support surface when the support surface has the second width
dimension.
4. The adjustable width mattress of claim 2, wherein the first
width is approximately 42 inches and the second width is
approximately 36 inches.
5. An adjustable-width mattress comprising: a support surface
having a length dimension along a longitudinal axis and a width
dimension that is perpendicular to the length dimension; a central
portion that provides a portion of the support surface; an
expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface;
wherein an inward force applied to the expansion portion in a
direction parallel to the width dimension causes the expansion
portion to collapse so that the width dimension of the support
surface is decreased.
6. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 5, wherein when the
inward force is removed the expansion portion expands to an
unloaded state.
7. The adjustable width mattress of claim 5, the expansion portion
comprising an air cell containing an expansion foam, wherein fluid
is displaced from the expansion portion when the expansion portion
collapses.
8. The adjustable width mattress of claim 7, the central portion
comprising an air cell that is in fluid communication with the
expansion portion, wherein fluid is displaced from the expansion
portion into the central portion when the expansion portion
collapses.
9. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 7, further comprising a
second expansion portion that provides a portion of the support
surface, the second expansion portion comprising an air cell
containing a second expansion foam, wherein an inward force applied
to the second expansion portion in a direction parallel to the
width dimension causes the second expansion to collapse and air is
displaced from the second expansion portion so that the width
dimension of the support surface is decreased.
10. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 9, wherein the expansion
portion and the second expansion portion are located on opposed
sides of the central portion.
11. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 10, the central portion
comprising an air cell that is in fluid communication with the
expansion portion and in fluid communication with the second
expansion portion; wherein fluid is displaced from the expansion
portion into the central portion when the expansion portion
collapses, and fluid is displaced from the second expansion portion
into the central portion when the second expansion portion
collapses
12. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 11, further comprising
an air inlet that allows fluid from an external fluid reservoir
into the central portion; an air outlet that allows fluid to flow
from the central portion to the external fluid reservoir when the
pressure in the central portion exceeds a target pressure.
13. An adjustable-width mattress comprising: a support surface
having a length dimension along a longitudinal axis and a width
dimension that is perpendicular to the length dimension; a first
central portion that provides a portion of the support surface, the
first central portion comprising an air cell containing a foam
inflation structure; a second central portion that provides a
portion of the support surface, the second central portion
comprising an air cell containing a second foam inflation
structure; a first expansion portion that provides a portion of the
support surface, the first expansion portion comprising an air cell
containing a first expansion foam inflation structure; and a second
expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface,
the second expansion portion comprising an air cell containing a
second expansion foam inflation structure; wherein the first
central portion is located between the second expansion portion and
the second central portion, and is in fluid communication with the
first expansion portion; and the second central portion is located
between the first expansion portion and the first central portion,
and is in fluid communication with the second expansion
portion.
14. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 13, wherein the first
central portion is in fluid communication with an external fluid
reservoir, the second central portion is in fluid communication
with the external fluid reservoir, and the first central portion is
not in fluid communication with the second central portion.
15. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 14, further comprising:
a first air inlet that allows fluid from the external fluid
reservoir into the first central portion; a first air outlet that
allows fluid to flow from the first central portion to the external
fluid reservoir when the pressure in the first central portion
exceeds a target pressure; a second air inlet that allows fluid
from the external fluid reservoir into the second central portion;
a second air outlet that allows fluid to flow from the second
central portion to the external fluid reservoir when the pressure
in the second central portion exceeds a second target pressure;
16. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 15, wherein the target
pressure has the same value as the second target pressure.
17. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 15, wherein in the first
expansion portion comprises a first outer cell that encapsulates a
foam element that occupies no more than half the cross-sectional
space of the first outer cell and a first inner cell that
encapsulates a foam element that occupies no more than half the
cross-sectional space of the first inner cell.
18. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 17, wherein the first
outer cell and the first inner cell are connected by a hinge that
allows relative rotational movement between the first outer cell
and the first inner cell.
19. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 18, wherein when the
first outer cell is rotated about the hinge relative to the first
inner cell, both the first outer cell and the first inner cell are
at least partially collapsed.
20. The adjustable-width mattress of claim 19, wherein when the
first outer cell and the first inner cell are at least partially
collapsed air contained in the first inner cell and the first inner
cell to travel to the first center air cell.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/675,639, filed Jul. 25, 2012, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates in general to a mattress with an
adjustable, variable width. More particularly, this invention
relates to a mattress that provides a support surface suitable for
use by an occupant wherein the width of the support surface may be
changed.
[0003] Mattresses are used to provide a cushioned support for an
occupant of a bed. Beds are typically provided in one of several
standard widths to accommodate different sizes and different
numbers of occupants. Beds are commonly used in the healthcare
industry to support patients. Healthcare beds are typically
provided in one of different standard widths. A standard width bed
is used for most applications while a bariatric bed may be used for
obese patients requiring a larger support surface. Beds of
different sizes require corresponding mattresses of different
sizes. It would be advantageous to have a single mattress that
could be used on different size beds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates to an adjustable-width mattress. The
adjustable-width mattress includes a support surface that has a
length dimension and a width dimension perpendicular to the length
dimension. The width dimension of the support surface may be
varied.
[0005] This invention also relates to an adjustable-width mattress
with a support surface having a length dimension and a width
dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The
adjustable-width mattress includes a central portion that provides
a portion of the support surface. The adjustable-width mattress
includes an expansion portion that provides a portion of the
support surface. An inward force applied to the expansion portion
of the support surface in a direction parallel to the width
dimension causes the expansion portion to collapse so that the
width dimension of the support surface is decreased.
[0006] This invention also relates to an adjustable-width mattress
with a support surface having a length dimension and a width
dimension perpendicular to the length dimension. The
adjustable-width mattress includes a first central portion that
provides a portion of the support surface. The first central
portion comprises an air cell containing a foam inflation
structure. The adjustable-width mattress includes a second central
portion that provides a portion of the support surface. The second
central portion comprises an air cell containing a second foam
inflation structure. The adjustable-width mattress includes first
expansion portion that provides a portion of the support surface.
The first expansion portion comprises an air cell containing a
first expansion foam inflation structure. The adjustable-width
mattress includes a second expansion portion that provides a
portion of the support surface. The second expansion portion
comprises an air cell containing a second expansion foam inflation
structure. The first central portion is located between the second
expansion portion and the second central portion, and is in fluid
communication with the first expansion portion. The second central
portion is located between the first expansion portion and the
first central portion, and is in fluid communication with the
second expansion portion.
[0007] Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of
the disclosed embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an
expandable width mattress.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of
FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an schematic, cross-sectional view taken along the
line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 is an overhead, schematic view of the mattress shown
in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mattress shown in FIG.
1, showing an optional top sheet.
[0013] FIG. 6 is an end view of a first embodiment of an adjustable
side rail.
[0014] FIG. 7 is an end view of a second embodiment of an
adjustable side rail.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of an
alternative embodiment of a width expanding mattress.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 8, when the
mattress is in a narrow configuration.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of an expandable width mattress.
[0018] FIG. 11 is an overhead view of the mattress of FIG. 10 in a
narrow configuration.
[0019] FIG. 12 is an overhead view of the mattress of FIG. 10 in an
expanded configuration.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of an expandable width mattress.
[0021] FIG. 14 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress.
[0022] FIG. 15 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of an adjustable-width mattress.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIG.
1 a perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustable width
mattress, indicated generally at 10. The adjustable width mattress
10 has a length dimension 12 along a longitudinal axis 14. The
adjustable width mattress 10 has a width dimension 16 that is
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14. The length dimension 12
is greater than the width dimension 16. The length dimension 12 and
the width dimension 16 define the size of a support surface 18 of
the adjustable width mattress 10.
[0024] The adjustable width mattress 10 includes a central portion
20. The central portion 20 provides at least a portion of the
support surface 18. The adjustable width mattress 10 also includes
a first expansion portion 22 and a second expansion portion 24. The
first expansion portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 each
provide a portion of the support surface 18. The first expansion
portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 allow the width
dimension 16 of the support surface 18 to be varied, as will be
described in detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the first
expansion portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 are
located on opposed sides of the central portion 20, but this is not
necessary, and the adjustable width mattress may have fewer or more
expansion portions that the two illustrated, if desired.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view
taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1. The central portion 20 includes
a central relatively air-impermeable envelope 26 that defines a
central space 28. A central foam support 30 is located in the
central space 28. The central foam support 30 is a self-inflating
structure that expands when not loaded to return the central
portion 20 to an unloaded state, illustrated in FIG. 2.
Alternatively, the central portion 20 may include air cells,
springs, or other desired support mechanisms suitable to support an
occupant.
[0026] The first expansion portion 22 includes a first relatively
air-impermeable envelope 32 that defines a first expansion space
34. The first expansion space includes a first expansion foam 36.
The first expansion foam 36 is a self-inflating structure that
expands when not loaded to return the first expansion portion 22 to
an unloaded state, illustrated in FIG. 2. Similarly, the second
expansion portion 24 includes a second relatively air-impermeable
envelope 38 that defines a second expansion space 40. The second
expansion space 40 includes a second expansion foam 42. The second
expansion foam 42 is a self-inflating structure that expands when
not loaded to return the second expansion portion 24 to an unloaded
state, illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0027] The adjustable width mattress 10 may be placed on a bed
surface 44 for use. The bed includes side rails 46 and 48 that are
attached to outer ends of the bed surface 44 and extend
perpendicular to the bed surface 44. The illustrated bed surface 44
is capable of being adjusted in the width dimension 16 to provide
the bed surface 44 with different widths. When the width of the bed
surface 44 is changed, the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in an
outward direction 50 or an inward direction 52. The illustrated bed
surface 44 is configured so that the side rails 46 and 48 move
simultaneously in either the outward direction 50 or the inward
direction 52. When the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in the inward
direction 52, the movement is resisted by the adjustable width
mattress 10 and the side rails 46 and 48 apply a compressive force
on the adjustable width mattress 10. The central portion 20 is more
resistant to being compressed than the first expansion portion 22
and the second expansion portion 24. Therefore, the first expansion
portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 collapse, eventually
reaching the disposition shown in FIG. 3. The central portion 20 is
more resistant to being compressed due to having a higher air to
foam ratio within the central space 28. However, the central
portion 20 may be made more resistant to being compressed by other
desired means, such as by making the central foam support 30 from a
more rigid foam than the first expansion foam 36 and the second
expansion foam 42, or by providing structural reinforcement to the
central portion 20 that resists force in the inward direction
52.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the
adjustable width mattress 10 taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1,
illustrating the adjustable width mattress 10 when the first
expansion portion 22 and the second expansion portion 24 are fully
collapsed. The foam elements are not shown in FIG. 3, for clarity.
As shown, when the first expansion portion 22 and the second
expansion portion 24 are collapsed, the support surface 18 has a
second width dimension 16 that is smaller than a first width
dimension (shown in FIG. 4). It should be appreciated that the
width dimension 16 of the support surface 18 can vary while the
length dimension 12 does not change. The adjustable width mattress
10 includes air channels 54 that allow fluid communication between
the central space 28 and the first expansion space 34, as well as
between the central space 28 and the second expansion space 40.
When the compressive force is applied to the adjustable width
mattress 10 so that the first expansion space 34 and the second
expansion space 40 collapse, air is displaced from the first
expansion space 34 and the second expansion space 40 into the
central space 28 through the air channels 54. The adjustable width
mattress 10 includes an air outlet 56 that allows fluid
communication between the central space 28 and an external fluid
reservoir 58. The illustrated external fluid reservoir 58 is the
ambient air surrounding the adjustable width mattress 10. The air
outlet 56 allows air to escape from the adjustable width mattress
10 when the compressive force is applied to the adjustable width
mattress 10 so that the first expansion space 34 and the second
expansion space 40 collapse. The air outlet 56 includes a relief
valve 60 that may be used to set a target air pressure within the
adjustable width mattress 10. The relief valve 60 allows air to
travel from the central space 28 to the external fluid reservoir 58
when the pressure in the central space 28 exceeds the target air
pressure.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, a view similar to that of FIG. 3 is
shown when the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in the outward
direction 50. The compressive force is no longer applied to the
adjustable width mattress 10 and the first expansion foam 36 and
the second expansion foam 42 (shown in FIG. 2) have expanded to
return the first expansion space 34 and the second expansion space
40 to their respective unloaded states. Air is drawn from the
central space 28 into the first expansion space 34 and the second
expansion space 40 through the air channels 54. The adjustable
width mattress 10 includes an air inlet 62 that allows fluid
communication between the central space 28 and the external fluid
reservoir 58. It should be appreciated that the air inlet 62 may
provide fluid communication with a second external fluid reservoir
(not shown) rather than the external fluid reservoir 58, if
desired. The air inlet 62 includes a check valve 64 that prevents
air from escaping from the central space 28 through the air inlet
62.
[0030] Only one embodiment of fluid paths has been illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4. It should be appreciated that the adjustable width
mattress 10 may include different air paths from those illustrated.
For example, the air inlet 62 and the air outlet 56 may be
connected to a manifold (not shown) with air channels (not shown)
such as tubing connected to the central space 28, the first
expansion space 34, and the second expansion space 40, if
desired.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the adjustable
width mattress 10 is shown. The adjustable width mattress 10
includes an optional top sheet 66. The top sheet 66 is attached to
the side rails 46 and 48 by hook-and-loop fasteners at the location
indicated at 68 (only the connection to side rail 48 is visible in
FIG. 5). Alternatively, the top sheet 66 may be attached to the
side rails 46 and 48 by other desired fasteners such as, for
example, snaps, hooks, zippers, or clamps. It should be appreciated
that the top sheet 66 may alternatively be attached to the side
rails 46 and 48 using a relatively permanent attachment such as
stitching or adhesives, if desired. The top sheet 66 is able to
support the weight of the occupant 70 so that the weight of the
occupant 70 may be temporarily removed from the support surface 18.
By removing the weight of the occupant 70 from the support surface
18 the adjustable width mattress 10 may be better able to equalize
pressure between the central space 28, the first expansion space
34, and the second expansion space 40 (shown in FIG. 2), for
example, when the side rails 46 and 48 are moved in the outward
direction 50 and in the inward direction 52.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 6, an end view of the adjustable air
mattress 10 and side rails 46 and 48 is shown. The side rails 46
and 48 are shown in a raised position relative to the support
surface 18, as compared to a lowered position shown in FIG. 2. When
the side rails 46 and 48 are in the raised position, the top sheet
66 creates a hammock-like support for the occupant 70. The side
rails 46 and 48 may be raised using an electric motor (not shown),
a hydraulic system, a mechanical jack, or other desired mechanisms.
It should be appreciated that by providing the side rails 46 and 48
this mechanism allows an attendant to raise the side rails 46 and
48 even when a relatively large occupant 70 such as an obese person
or bariatric patient is supported on the top sheet 66.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 7, the adjustable width mattress 10 is
shown with a second embodiment of an adjustable side rails. The
second embodiment includes side rails 72 and 74, which are shown in
extended positions. The side rails 72 and 74 include wings 76 and
78, respectively and the top sheet 66 is attached (as previously
described) to the wings 76 and 78. The wings 76 and 78 are rotated
relative to the side rails 72 and 74, respectively, to the
illustrated extended positions and the top sheet 66 is pulled taut.
This creates a hammock-like support for the occupant 70 and removes
the weight of the occupant 70 from the support surface 18. The
wings 76 and 78 may be moved relative to the side rails 72 and 74
using an electric motor (not shown), a hydraulic system, a
mechanical jack, or other desired mechanisms.
[0034] It should be appreciated that FIG. 7 illustrates one way in
which the top sheet 66 may be drawn taut while the adjustable width
mattress 10 is occupied by an occupant 70. Other mechanisms to draw
the top sheet 66 taut may be used, such as using a roller on one
end of the top sheet 66. The roller may be attached to a winch to
facilitate use by a single attendant.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 8, a schematic, cross-sectional view
of an alternative embodiment of an adjustable width mattress,
indicated generally at 80, is shown. The adjustable width mattress
80 includes a central portion, indicated generally at 82, that
includes pneumatically-separated first center air cells 84 and
second center air cells 86. The first center air cells 84 are in
fluid communication with an external fluid reservoir 88 through a
first air inlet 90 and a first air outlet 92. The first center air
cells 84 are pneumatically connected to a first expansion portion,
indicated generally at 94, by first air channels 96. The second
center air cells 86 are in fluid communication with the external
fluid reservoir 88 through a second air inlet 98 and a second air
outlet 100. The second center air cells 86 are pneumatically
connected to a second expansion portion, indicated generally at
102, by second air channels 104. The first expansion portion 94
includes a first outer cell 106 and a first inner cell 108. The
first outer cell 106 and the first inner cell 108 each encapsulate
a foam element 110 and 112, respectively. The foam element 110 and
the foam element 112 extend longitudinally along the length of the
adjustable width mattress 80, and occupy no more than half the
cross-sectional space of the first outer cell 106 and the first
inner cell 108, respectively. The first outer cell 106 and the
first inner cell 108 are attached to each other at a hinge line
114. As shown, the first center air cells 84 are located between
the second expansion portion 102 and the second center air cells 86
and the second center air cells 86 are located between the first
expansion portion 94 and the first center air cells 84.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 9, a schematic, cross-sectional view of
the adjustable width mattress 80 is shown when the adjustable width
mattress 80 is in a narrow configuration. The hinge line 144 allows
relative rotational movement between the first outer cell 106 and
the first inner cell 108. As shown, the first outer cell 106 is
folded along the hinge line 114 into a position closer to the
central portion 82. This partially collapses both the first outer
cell 106 and the first inner cell 108, and causes air contained in
the first inner cell 106 and the first inner cell 108 to travel to
the first center air cell 84 through the first air channel 96. It
should be appreciated that since the first outer cell 106 and the
first inner cell 108 each occupy no more than half the
cross-sectional space of the cells, both the first outer cell 106
and the first inner cell 108 may occupy the space of a single cell
when the air is displaced from both cells, as shown in FIG. 9. The
second expansion portion 102 includes components similar to the
first expansion portion 94, and will not be described
separately.
[0037] When the adjustable width mattress 80 is in the narrow
configuration shown in FIG. 9, the first expansion portion 94 and
the second expansion portion 102 may be inflated by rotating the
occupant (not shown) from side to side. This alternates between
apply a load to the first center air cells 84 forcing air into the
first expansion portion 94 through the first air channel 96, and
the second center air cells 86 forcing air into the second
expansion portion 102 through the second air channel 104. The first
center air cells 84 and the second center air cells 86 include foam
inflation structures (not shown), and when the occupant's weight is
removed from the first center air cells 84, the foam inflation
structure will cause air to be drawn into the first center air
cells 84 through the first air inlet 90. Similarly, the second
center air cells will inflate when the occupant's weight is
removed. Thus, as the occupant is rocked back and forth on the
adjustable width mattress 80, the first expansion portion 94 and
the second expansion portion 102 will be pumped full of air.
Alternatively, the first expansion portion 94 may include an air
inlet (not shown) to allow an operator to inflate the first
expansion portion 94 directly using an accessory pump or other
pressurized air source. The second expansion portion 102 may share
an air inlet with the first expansion portion 94, if desired.
[0038] When the adjustable width mattress 80 is in the
configuration shown in FIG. 8, the first expansion portion 94 may
be moved to the narrow configuration (shown in FIG. 9) by the
operator manually folding the first outer cell 106 against the
first inner cell 108. Alternatively, the first expansion portion 94
may include an air outlet (not shown) that allows the operator to
use a vacuum to withdraw air from the first expansion portion 94.
Alternatively, the first outer cell 106 may be biased to fold so
that the adjustable width mattress 80 is in the narrowed
configuration shown in FIG. 9. The first expansion portion 94 may
then include an air outlet (not shown) that the operator may open
in order to allow air to escape so that the first expansion portion
94 will move to the narrowed configuration. The biasing may be
accomplished by any desired mechanism, such as a spring attached to
a push plate, or by using a resilient material in the hinge line
114.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 10, a second alternative embodiment of
an adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at 116, is shown.
The adjustable width mattress 116 includes a
longitudinally-alternating arrangement of lateral full-width air
cells 118 and pairs of lateral half-width air cells 120 and 122.
The full-width air cells 118 are cylinders 8 inches in diameter.
The half-width air cells 120 and 122 are cylinders 10 inches in
diameter. Alternatively, the lateral full-width air cells 118 and
the lateral half-width air cells 120 and 122 may be other desired
sizes. The air pressure in the adjustable width mattress 116 is
maintained so that the pressure in the half-width air cells 120 and
122 is approximately 80% of the air pressure in the full-width air
cells 118 when the adjustable width mattress 116 is in a narrowed
configuration shown in FIG. 10. Alternatively, the difference in
pressure between the full-width air cells 118 and the half-width
air cells 120 and 122 may be some other desired value. Referring to
FIG. 11, an overhead view of the adjustable width mattress 116 in
the narrowed configuration is shown. The adjustable width mattress
116 has a length dimension 124 along a longitudinal axis 126. The
adjustable width mattress 116 has a width dimension 128 that is
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 126. The length dimension
124 is greater than the width dimension 128.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 12, an overhead view of the adjustable
width mattress 116 is shown in an expanded configuration. As shown,
the pairs of half-width air cells 120 and 122 have been moved
laterally outward relative to each other. When the adjustable width
mattress 116 is in the expanded configuration, there is a central
gap 130 between each of the pairs of half-width air cells 120 and
122. The air pressure in the adjustable width mattress 116 is
maintained so that the pressure in the half-width air cells 120 and
122 is approximately equal to the air pressure in the full-width
air cells 118 when the adjustable width mattress 116 is in the
expanded configuration. The adjustable width mattress 116 may
include a stretchable or reconfigurable top sheet (not shown) to
help distribute the weight of an occupant onto the air cells 118,
120, and 122 and across the relatively open areas including the
gaps 130. It should be appreciated that the dimensions detailed
above are only one embodiment, and the air cells 118, 120, and 122
may have other desired sizes.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 13, a third alternative embodiment of an
adjustable width mattress, indicated generally at 132, is shown.
The adjustable width mattress 132 includes a central portion,
indicated generally at 134. The central portion 134 includes
pneumatically-separated first center air cells 136 and second
center air cells 138. The first center air cells 136 and second
center air cells 138 include foam inflation elements (not shown) to
allow the air cells to self-inflate when they are not loaded. The
first center air cells 136 are pneumatically connected to a first
expansion portion 140 by first air channels 142. The second center
air cells 136 are pneumatically connected to a second expansion
portion 144 by second air channels 146. The first expansion portion
140 and the second expansion portion 144 may be inflated by
rotating an occupant of the adjustable width mattress 132 from side
to side, alternatingly applying a load to the first center air
cells 136 in order to inflate the first expansion portion 140, and
applying a load to the second center air cells 136 in order to
inflate the second expansion portion 144. Alternatively, the
expansion portions may include air inlets and outlets (not shown)
to allow an attendant to manually inflate or deflate the expansion
portions.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown an exploded,
perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment of an
adjustable-width mattress, indicated generally at 148. The
adjustable-width mattress 148 includes a central portion indicated
generally at 150 that includes a longitudinally-arranged series of
laterally-extending air cells 152. The adjustable-width mattress
148 includes a foam perimeter consisting of foam surround pieces
154. The adjustable-width mattress 148 also includes a first
expansion bladder 156 and a second expansion bladder 158, which are
located between the central portion 150 and the foam surround
pieces 154. In normal use, the adjustable-width mattress 148 is
supported by a bed (not shown). The bed includes a first side rail
160 and a second side rail 162 which are able to be moved in an
inward direction 164 and an outward direction 166.
[0043] The adjustable-width mattress 148 includes a mattress
controller (not shown). The mattress controller may be connected to
a position sensor (not shown). Limit switches may be used to sense
the relative positions of the side rails 160 and 162 and provide
that information to the mattress controller. The mattress
controller is able to regulate the air pressure in the first
expansion bladder 156 and the second expansion bladder 158. This
allows the mattress controller to adjust the size of
adjustable-width mattress 148 to correspond to the space between
the side rails 160 and 162. The mattress controller may include a
manual interface to allow the attendant to direct the mattress
controller to pressurize or vent the first expansion bladder 156
and the second expansion bladder 158. This would be useful when the
adjustable-width mattress 148 is installed on a bed frame that
allows the width of the frame to be manually adjusted.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown an exploded,
perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment of an
adjustable-width mattress, indicated generally at 168. The
adjustable-width mattress 168 is operates similarly to the
previously-described adjustable-width mattress 148 (shown in FIG.
14). However, the adjustable-width mattress 168 includes a central
expansion bladder 170 located between a first central portion 172
and a second central portion 174.
[0045] Generally, the mattresses described above are 36 inches wide
in their most narrowed configuration, and 42 inches wide in their
most expanded configuration. It should be appreciated that the
sizes and relative pressures described above refer only to the
embodiments shown, and other sizes and relative dimensions may be
used if desired. Also, it should be appreciated that side rails
described in connection with the adjustable-width mattress 10 may
be used with any of the other described mattresses in order to
assist an attendant with adjusting the width of the mattress.
[0046] It should be appreciated that the mattresses described above
may be paired with an adjustable-width bed so that the bed and
mattress may both have their size adjusted. It is advantageous to
be able to change the width of a bed. For example, a large bed may
be narrowed to fit into a small space. Or a bed may be widened in
order to accommodate a larger occupant. The mattresses described
above allow the bed to be fitted with a single mattress that is
usable with multiple different bed widths such as, for example, two
or more bed widths, or any desired bed width between the maximum
and the minimum mattress width.
[0047] Some of the embodiments described above allow the width of
the mattress to be changed without the need for external power.
Additionally, some of the embodiments allow the width of the
mattress to be changed without removing the occupant from the
support surface. Also, these mattresses allow a single attendant to
change the width of the mattress when this may otherwise be
problematic for an attendant who is attempting to change the width
of a bed occupied by an obese occupant.
[0048] It should be appreciated that embodiments describe how to
provide a variable width mattress, and that these embodiments may
be modified to provide a variable length mattress, if desired.
[0049] The principle and mode of operation of this invention have
been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiments.
However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without
departing from its spirit or scope.
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