Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
PATIENT SUPPORT
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a patient support, and
more particularly to a
patient mattress for a hospital bed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention provides a mattress for supporting a patient
with one or more
cushioning layers that provide immersion and pressure distribution to a
patient supported on
the mattress.
In one form of the invention, a patient support includes a plurality of
cushioning layers
arranged such that their supporting surfaces when unloaded are generally
arranged in a plane.
Each cushioning layer is interlocked with each adjacent cushioning layer
wherein each
cushioning layer provides lateral and longitudinal support to each of its
adjacent cushion
layers.
[0003] In one aspect, the cushioning layers include a bladder layer.
[0004] In another aspect, the cushioning layers include a gel layer.
[0005] According to yet another aspect, at least one of the cushioning
layers includes
transverse openings allowing air to pass through the at least one cushioning
layer to direct air
flow through the at least one cushioning layer.
[0006] In any of the above supports, the patient support may include a
plurality of inflatable
bladders and a gel layer adjacent the inflatable bladders. For example, the
gel layer may
interlock with adjacent bladders of the inflatable bladders.
[0007] In another aspect, each of the bladders has a hexagonal cross-
section. In addition or
alternately, the gel layer may include a plurality of hexagonal gel footings.
For example, each
of the gel footings may be disconnected from its adjacent gel footings.
Optionally, each of the
gel footings may be internally reinforced by a plurality of hexagonal gel wall
structures.
[0008] According to yet another aspect, the cushioning layers are supported
on a foam crib.
[0009] In addition, the support optionally includes turning bladders
positioned below the foam
crib, with the foam crib including at least two hinged panels to allow turning
of a patient
supported on the patient support.
[0010] In another aspect, the support includes a cover and is configured to
flow air through the
support beneath the cover to manage moisture that may build up under the
cover, which is
formed from a material that prevents liquid intrusion but allows gas and
moisture to flow
through the cover.
-1-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
[0011] For example, the foam crib may include a plurality of channels
extending there through
for directing air through the foam crib and into at least one of the
cushioning layers.
Additionally, the foam crib may support or house one or more blowers to direct
air though the
channels.
[0012] In another aspect, the support cover includes a mesh panel that
permits air to be drawn
into the cover by the blower units.
[0013] Accordingly, the present invention provides a support surface that
provides a patient
with pressure distribution and optionally improved moisture management.
[0014] According to aspect, the present invention provides a cover for a
patient support, such
as a mattress, for supporting a patient on a bed, such as a hospital bed. The
cover is adapted
to provide a generally smooth upper surface that extends over the mattress
while still
accommodating the movement of portions of the mattress or changes in thickness
of the
mattress, for example, when turning the patient. Optionally, the cover may be
configured to
follow the surface topology of the mattress, including a mattress with raised
bolsters and/or a
mattress with a raised head end.
[0015] In one form, a patient support includes a cushioning layer and a
cover with an upper
panel of flexible fabric extending over an upper side of the cushioning layer
and two side
panels joined with the upper panel. The side panels extend along the sides of
the cushioning
layer and are secured at the bottom side of the cushioning layer. The side
panels are
configured to contract or expand to accommodate variations in height of the
cushioning layer to
allow the upper panel to remain generally smooth even when the cushioning
layer undergoes a
change in its surface topology.
[0016] In one aspect, the cushioning layer comprises a cushioning system.
For example, the
cushioning system may include a plurality of bladders.
[0017] In a further aspect, the side panels are secured at the bottom side
of the cushioning
layer by a bottom panel that extends under the bottom side of the cushioning
layer.
[0018] In another form of the invention, a patient support includes a
cushioning layer and a
cover with an upper side for extending over the cushioning layer and two sides
joined
extending downwardly from the upper side. The sides extend along the sides of
the
cushioning layer and are secured at the bottom side of the cushioning layer.
The sides of the
cover are configured to contract or expand to accommodate variations in height
of the
cushioning layer to allow the upper side to remain generally smooth even when
the cushioning
layer undergoes a change in its surface topology.
-2-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
[0019] In one aspect, the cover is formed from an upper panel, which forms
the upper side,
and the sides are formed by side panels that are joined with the upper panel.
The cover
further includes a bottom panel that is joined with the side panels to thereby
secure the side
panels at the lower side of the cushioning layer.
[0020] In any of the above, the sides or side panels may be formed from a
liquid impermeable
fabric. Further, the upper panel may be formed from a liquid impermeable
material.
[0021] In yet another form of the invention, a cover includes an upper
panel of flexible fabric
for extending over a top side of a mattress, a lower panel for extending under
a bottom side of
a mattress, and end panels and side panels joined with the upper panel and
with the lower
panel. The side panels extend along the sides of the mattress and have upper
and lower
edges. The upper edges are joined with the upper panel, and the lower edges
are joined with
lower panel. The side panels are configured to prevent liquid intrusion into
the mattress and
further so that their upper and lower edges separate and/or diverge to
accommodate variations
in height of the mattress to allow the upper panel to remain generally smooth
even when the
mattress undergoes a change in its surface topology.
[0022] In any of the above, the cover may include a zipper. In addition,
each of the side
panels includes an upper side panel portion and a lower side panel portion.
The upper side
panel portions are joined with the upper panel. The lower panel portions are
joined with the
lower panel, and the zipper joins the upper side panel portions with the lower
side panel
portions.
[0023] In a further aspect, each of the upper side panel portions includes
a flap of fabric
extending over the zipper when the zipper is closed. For example, the flap of
fabric may be
formed by a folded loop of fabric.
[0024] In yet another aspect, each of the upper side panel portions
includes a fold, which
includes at least a portion that at least partially unfolds from an unexpanded
configuration to an
expanded configuration when the respective side of cushioning layer or
mattress to which the
fold is adjacent increases in height, for example, when it is raised to turn a
patient.
[0025] In yet a further aspect, the folds are biased in its non-expanded
configuration such that
when the mattress or cushioning layer increases in height, at least a portion
of each fold will at
least partially unfold but when the mattress or cushioning layer decreases in
height, the
respective fold will generally return to its non-expanded configuration.
[0026] In another aspect, each fold may be biased in its un-expanded
configuration by one or
more elastic strands. For example, the strand or strands may extend between
the upper panel
and the lower panel. In this manner when the upper side of the mattress or
cushioning layer
-3-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
rises relative to the lower side, the strand or strands are stretched and the
upper side panel
portion at least partially unfolds. When the mattress or cushioning layer is
no longer in a raised
position, the strand or strands pull on the upper panel to return it its un-
raised position allowing
the upper side panel portion to return its unexpanded configuration.
[0027] In any of the above, the cushioning layer or mattress may include a
plurality of
inflatable bladders.
[0028] According to yet another aspect, the inflatable bladders may be
supported on a foam
crib, also enclosed in the cover.
[0029] In addition, the cushioning layer or mattress optionally includes
turning bladders
positioned in the cover to allow turning of a patient supported on the patient
support. For
example, the turning bladders may be located beneath the foam crib.
[0030] In another aspect, the cover is configured to flow air beneath the
cover to manage
moisture that may build up under the cover, which is formed from a material
that prevents
liquid intrusion but allows gas and moisture to flow through the cover.
[0031] In yet another form, a patient support includes a plurality of
cushioning layers arranged
such that their upper cushion layer forms a support surface for a patient. The
upper
cushioning layer comprises a bladder layer with a plurality of bladders with
at least two zones,
with each zone being configured to be separately inflatable. Located beneath
the upper
cushioning layer is a pneumatic system with a plurality of supply tubes, which
are supported
and guided by the bladder layer and coupled to the respective zones for
inflating the zones.
[0032] In one aspect, the bladder layer forms a carrier for the supply
tubes. For example, the
bladder layer may include a plurality of supports for supporting the supply
tubes. For example,
the supports may comprise channels that are formed or attached at or to the
bottom surface of
the bladder layer. Suitable supports may be formed from patches of sheet
material that are
adhered or welded at or to the bottom surface of the bladder layer. For
example, the bladder
layer may be formed by an upper sheet and a lower sheet, which are joined
together by for
example by welding, with the supports mounted to the lower sheet. For example,
the supports
may be adhered to or welded to the lower sheet. Alternatively, an additional
sheet may be
provided and joined with the lower sheet, with the supports mounted to the
additional sheet.
[0033] According to yet another aspect, the bladder layer may include a
harness for supporting
the tubes. For example, as noted, the bladder layer may be formed by an upper
sheet and a
lower sheet, with the harness formed by the upper sheet. Alternately, the
harness may be
formed by the lower sheet or both sheets.
-4-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
[0034] In a further aspect, the harness comprises an extension of the
respective sheet or
sheets of the bladder layer, for example, in the form of a flange, which is
adapted to support
the supply tubes. For example, the flange may have openings through which the
supply tubes
may be routed or passed through and which are sized to hold the tubes in
place. For example,
the openings may comprise a pair of slits, which are spaced to form loops
between the slits so
that the loops will frictionally hold the supply tubes in place.
[0035] In another form of the invention, a patient support includes a
plurality of cushioning
layers arranged such that their upper cushion layer forms a support surface
for a patient. The
upper cushioning layer comprises a bladder layer with a plurality of bladders
with at least two
zones, with each zone being configured to be separately inflatable. Located
beneath the
upper cushioning layer is a sensing system with a plurality of sensing tubes,
which are
supported and guided by the bladder layer and coupled to the respective zones
for sensing the
pressure in the zones.
[0036] In one aspect, the bladder layer forms a carrier for the supply
tubes. For example, the
bladder layer may include a plurality of supports for supporting the sensing
tubes. For
example, the supports may comprise channels that are formed or attached at or
to the bottom
surface of the bladder layer. Suitable supports may be formed from patches of
sheet material
that are adhered or welded at or to the bottom surface of the bladder layer.
For example, the
bladder layer may be formed by an upper sheet and a lower sheet, which are
joined together
by for example by welding, with the supports mounted to the lower sheet. For
example, the
supports may be adhered to or welded to the lower sheet. Alternatively, an
additional sheet
may be provided and joined with the lower sheet, with the supports mounted to
the additional
sheet.
[0037] According to yet another aspect, the bladder layer may include a
harness for
supporting the sensing tubes. For example, as noted, the bladder layer may be
formed by an
upper sheet and a lower sheet, with the harness formed by the upper sheet.
Alternately, the
harness may be formed by the lower sheet or both sheets.
[0038] In a further aspect, the harness comprises an extension of the
respective sheet or
sheets of the bladder layer, for example, in the form of a flange, which is
adapted to support
the sensing tubes. For example, the flange may have openings there through
which the
sensing tubes may be routed or passed through and which are configured to hold
the tubes in
place. For example, the openings may comprise a pair of slits, which are
spaced to form loops
between the slits so that the loops will frictionally hold the sensing tubes
in place.
CA 2878994 2878994 2019-03-19
[0039] According to yet another aspect, in any of the above patient
supports, the bladder layer
may include transverse openings allowing air to pass through the bladder layer
to direct air
flow through the at least one cushioning layer.
[0040] In any of the above supports, the, patient support may include a gel
layer adjacent the
inflatable bladders. For example, the gel layer may interlock with adjacent
bladders of the
inflatable bladders. In another aspect, each of the bladders has a hexagonal
cross-section. In
addition or alternately, the gel layer may include a plurality of hexagonal
gel footings. For
example, each of the gel footings may be disconnected from its adjacent gel
footings.
Optionally, each of the gel footings may be internally reinforced by a
plurality of hexagonal gel
wall structures. According to yet another aspect, the cushioning layers are
supported on a
foam crib. In addition, the support optionally includes turning bladders
positioned below the
foam crib, with the foam crib including at least two hinged panels to allow
turning of a patient
supported on the patient support.
[0041] In another aspect, the support includes a cover and is configured to
flow air through the
support beneath the cover to manage moisture that may build up under the
cover, which is
formed from a material that prevents liquid intrusion but allows gas and
moisture to flow
through the cover.
[0042] For example, the foam crib may include a plurality of channels
extending there through
for directing air through the foam crib and into at least one of the
cushioning layers.
Additionally, the foam crib may support or house one or more blowers to direct
air though the
channels.
[0043] In another aspect, the support cover includes a mesh panel that
permits air to be drawn
into the cover by the blower units.
[0044] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail
below, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to
the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other
embodiments
and is capable of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not
expressly
disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used
herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting. The use of
"including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the
items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents
thereof. Further,
enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless
otherwise
expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting
the invention to
-6-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration
be construed
as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or
components that might be
combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view a patient support shown mounted to a
patient support
apparatus, for example, a hospital bed;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 1;
[0047] FIG. 2A is an exploded fragmentary view of the patient support
illustrating the various
cushioning layers and components that may be incorporated into the patient
support;
[0048] FIG. 3 is a similar view to FIG. 2 with the cover removed to show
the internal
cushioning layers;
[0049] FIG. 3A is a plan view of the patient support illustrating the
different areas or zones of
the patient support;
[0050] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bladder layer of the patient
support;
[0051] . FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the bladder layer with a partial
cut-away illustrating the
construction of at least some of the bladders;
[0052] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the foam crib that supports the
bladder layer;
[0053] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view the foam crib of FIG. 5
illustrating the foam crib with
a hinged panel;
[0054] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base of the patient support;
[0055] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pair of turning bladders;
[0056] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the gel layer of the patient
support;
[0057] FIG. 9A is an enlarged plan view of a gel footing of the gel layer
of FIG. 9;
[0058] FIG. 10 is a similar view to FIG. 3 illustrating a patient
supported on the surface and
illustrating the immersion of the patient's body into the surface,
[0059] FIG. 11 is a perspective view a patient support and cover shown
mounted to a patient
support apparatus, for example, a hospital bed;
[0060] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the patient support and
cover of FIG. 11;
[0061] FIG. 13 is similar view to FIG. 12;
[0062] FIG. 14 is a similar view to FIG. 13 illustrating optional cover
tie downs;
[0063] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cover shown over a patient
showing the optional tie
down locations;
[0064] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a head end of the patient support,
which is shown with
bladders, with a head cushion mounted to the head end;
-7-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
[0065] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the head end of the patient support in
FIG. 16;
[0066] FIG. 18 is a similar view to FIG. 16 with the patient support and
cushion shown in
phantom to illustrate an anchoring system for the cushion; and
[0067] FIGS. 19A-19C illustrates various strap configurations for securing
the head end
cushion to the underlying bladders;
[0068] FIG 19D is a plan view of the head end of the bladder layer;
[0069] FIG. 20 is a perspective view a patient support apparatus, for
example, a hospital bed;
[0070] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a bladder layer of the patient
support apparatus of
FIG. 20;
[0071] FIG. 21 is a plan view of the bladder layer of FIG. 20A;
[0072] FIG. 21A is an enlarged view of detail XXIA of FIG. 21;
[0073] FIG. 21B is an enlarged view of detail XXIB of FIG. 21;
[0074] FIG. 21C is similar view to FIG. 21B but with the tubes inserted;
[0075] FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the bladder layer of FIG.
20A;
[0076] FIG. 23 is a similar view to FIG. 22 with the tubing removed for
clarity;
[0077] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the bladder layer of FIG.
23;
[0078] FIG. 25 is an enlarge plan view of the supports mounted at or to the
bottom surface of
the bladder layer;
[0079] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the foam and gel layer of the
patient support;
[0080] FIG. 27 is a side view of the foam and gel layer of the patient
support;
[0081] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the portion of the foam crib that
supports the bladder
layer; and
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the portion of the foam crib that supports
the gel layer
inverted and placed on the bladder layer to show the connection between the
foot end of the
foam crib and the head/body end of the foam crib; and
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the foot portion of the foam crib folded
showing the
hinge formed by the gel layer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0082] Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 generally designates a patient
support of the
present invention. While described as a "patient" support, it should be
understood that
"patient" is to be construed broadly to include not only people undergoing
medical treatment
but also invalids and other persons, such as long term care persons, who may
or may not be
undergoing medical treatment. Further, while patient support 10 is illustrated
as a mattress, it
-8-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
,
will be understood that patient support 10 may take on other forms, such as
pads, cushions,
including cushions for a wheelchair or a stationary chair pads. As will be
more fully described
below, patient support 10 provides support to a patient's body and, further,
may be adapted to
provide therapy or treatment to the patient, for example, rotation therapy,
percussion therapy,
or vibration therapy or the like. Additionally, the support surface of the
patient support may be,
configured to provide a control system that automatically determines a
suitable immersion level
for each individual patient that is positioned on the support, thereby
creating an individualized
immersion level that is tailored to that specific individual. For further
details of a suitable
immersion control system reference is made to copending application U.S. Ser.
No.
61/696,819, filed Sept. 5, 2012, entitled INFLATABLE MATTRESS AND CONTROL
METHODS (Attorney Docket No. 143667.150316(P400)).
[0083] Referring again to FIG.1, patient support 10 is supported on a
patient support
apparatus 12 that, in this particular embodiment, is a hospital bed. However,
patient support
apparatus 12 may take on other forms besides a hospital beds, such as, but not
limited to, long
term care, cots, stretchers, operating tables, gurneys, and the like. Further,
patient support
apparatus 12 may be a conventional support apparatus that is commercially
available and that
merely provides a supporting function for patient support 10.
[0084] For example, patient support apparatus 12 may include one or more
controls that are
integrated therein and which are used in controlling one or more functions of
patient support
10, as will be discussed in greater detail below. For example, electrical
connectors may be
provided for establishing an electrical link between a user interface that is
positioned on, or
integrated into, the barrier of patient support apparatus 12. The user
interface may take on a
variety of different forms, such as, but not limited to, a touch screen, a
Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD), a plurality of buttons, switches, knobs, or the like, or any
combination of these
components, which allows a user to control the operation of patient support
10. The
connection between the interface and patient support 10 may take on different
forms, including
a direct electrical cable that runs from the footboard to patient support 10,
for example by way
of electrical connectors that electrically couple the user interface to
circuitry supported on or in
the frame of the bed, and/or by wireless communication, such as disclosed in
commonly
assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/802,855, filed March 14, 2013,
by applicants
Michael Hayes et al. and entitled COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS FOR PATIENT SUPPORT
APPARATUSES, the complete disclosure of which is hereby. For more exemplary
details of a
suitable hospital bed reference is made to the beds described in U.S. Patent
Nos. 8,006,332;
-9-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
7,690,059; 7,805,784; 7,962,981; and 7,861,334, all commonly owned by Stryker
Corporation
of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 2, patient support 10 includes a cover 14, which
provides a plurality of
optional features. For example, cover 14 may be formed from a flexible knit
material, such as
a flexible knit nylon or a nylon-like fabric, which provides a high
breathability rate to facilitate
moisture management. Additionally, cover 14 may be formed with the knit fibers
on the patient
facing side of the cover and with an inner surface formed by a stretchy
elastomeric membrane
that is stretchable so as not to reduce, if not eliminate, any interference
with the patient
immersion into support 10, as will be more fully described below. Furthermore,
as will be more
full described below, because cover 14 optionally encloses one or more blowers
or fans for
circulating air through the support, as part of a low air loss system, cover
14 may incorporate
an open mesh panel to allow air to be drawn into the cover 14.
[0086] In another aspect, cover 14 may include one or more indicia on its
surface. For
example, cover 14 may include indicia to define the preferred location for a
patient on patient
support 10. The indicia may include a demarcation 16, such as a line, that
defines the overall
general area in which the patient should be positioned in the supine position
and additional
demarcations 18, 20, 22, and 24, also for example lines, that define the foot
area, the thigh
and seat areas, the back areas, and the head area of the patient support. In
this manner,
when a patient is located in the general area and also generally aligned with
the sub-areas, the
patient will be properly aligned with the support cushioning layers and
turning bladders that are
configured to provide the appropriate cushioning and functionality to that
region of the patient's
body.
[0087] In addition to the demarcation lines that identify the different
areas/sections of the
support, other indicia may be applied for example, graphical instructions,
representations of the
underlying cushioning layers (e.g. the gel or bladders), as well as the
location of optional
percussion/vibration and/or turning bladders to again facilitate the proper
positioning of the
patient.
[0088] The various demarcations, which for example indicate the different
areas of support,
i.e. thigh and back support areas, foot support areas, and head support areas,
may be applied
to the underlying sheet that forms the cover using a heat transfer process.
For example, ink
that is applied to a carrier sheet may be transferred onto the fabric that
forms the cover using
heat. In this manner, the ink does not simply coat the fabric, as is the case
with silk screening,
and instead merges with the fabric (and optionally underlying elastomeric
membrane) which
-10-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
provides the sheet with generally constant properties. This tends to reduce
the wear and
provide increased longevity to the demarcations.
[0089] To provide appropriate cushioning and immersion for the patient,
patient support 10
includes a bladder layer 26 with a plurality of bladders 26a, 26b, which
provide support to the
patient's thighs, seat, back, and head, and a gel layer 28, which provides
support to the
patient's heels. Bladder layer 26 may be formed from a sheet of gelatinous
elastomeric
material, which is configured, such as by molding, including injection
molding, blow molding,
thermoforming, or cast molding, to include a plurality of sacs or cavities,
which form upper wall
26c and side walls 26d of each bladder 26a, 26b, which is then joined with a
bottom sheet 26e
to form the closed chambers of the bladders (see FIG. 4A). The two sheets are
joined together
around their respective perimeters and around each of the sacs to form an
array of discrete
bladders. At least some regions of the sheets may be left un-joined (for
example see in FIG.
4A) to form fluid passageways between some or all of the adjacent bladders so
that a network
of passageways can be formed in the bladder layer to allow air flow between at
least some of
the bladders, which reduces the amount of tubing that is require to inflate
the bladders and to
maintain the pressure in the bladders at the desired pressure value. As noted
below, some
bladders may be grouped together in that they are in communication with each
other through
the above-noted air passageways, or through tubing, so that the bladders form
zones.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 2, bladder layer 26 and gel layer 28 are
supported so that their top or
patient facing surfaces are adjacent each other and positioned generally in
the same plane
and at the same height (when not loaded with a patient) to form a generally
continuous layer of
cushioning. Though as noted below, at the interface between the gel layer and
the bladders
layer, the gel layer may be slightly angled downwardly to provide a more
comfortable transition
between the adjacent cushion layers.
[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, bladders 26a, 26b are arranged in
zones, which
optionally may be independently controlled with the inflation/deflation of
each zone
independent of the other zone or zones. For example, the zones may include a
head zone at
the head end 10a of support 10, a back zone at the back section 10c of support
10, seat and
thigh zones at the seat and thigh sections 10d, and a heel zone at the foot
end 10b of patient
support 10. Further, each zone may be divided, for example into a left sub-
zone and a right
sub-zone so that when a patient is being turned, the pressure on the bladders
on one side may
be adjusted (e.g. increased or decreased) to accommodate the motion of the
patient. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, the seat zone includes a right seat
zone and a left seat
zone to facilitate turning the patient. In the illustrated embodiment, the
back zone and the
-11-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
head zone are grouped together and, further, positioned so that they will
generally be aligned
together when the patient is positioned on support 10
[0092] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, bladders 26a are arranged in rows and
columns (rows are
transverse to the long axis of the patient support, with columns extending
generally parallel to
the long axis of the patient support), with each bladder 26a in each row
offset longitudinally
from the adjacent bladder 26a to form an alternating pattern in each row so
that the bladders
are nested with the bladders of the adjacent rows. Further, the lateral center
line of each
bladder 26a extends between its respective adjacent bladders. In the
illustrated embodiment,
bladders 26a each have a hexagonal cross-section so that each bladder edge is
offset from
the corresponding edge of the adjacent bladder. For further details of the
bladder
arrangement, materials, and construction, reference is made to copending U.S.
patent
applications Ser. No. 13/022,326, filed Feb. 7,2011, entitled PATIENT/INVALID
HANDLING
SUPPORT (Attorney Docket No. STRO3A P-257A); Ser. No. 13/022,372, filed Feb.
7, 2011,
entitled PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING SUPPORT (Attorney Docket No. STRO3A P-257B);
Ser. No. 13/022,382, filed Feb. 7,2011, entitled PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING
SUPPORT
(Attorney Docket No. STRO3A P-257C); Ser. No. 13/022,454, filed Feb. 7, 2011,
entitled
PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING SUPPORT(Attorney Docket No. STRO3A P-2570) ; Ser. No.
13/548,591, filed Jul. 13, 2012, entitled PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING SUPPORT
(Attorney
Docket No. STRO3A P-376A).
[0093] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, head section bladders 26b have a
generally block-
shaped configuration with the side of bladders 26b facing bladders 26a having
recesses that
correspond to the shape of bladders 26a to provide a smooth transition between
the head end
and back section bladders. Bladders 26b may also incorporate a cover 26c to
tie both left side
head end bladder and right side head end bladder together to provide uniform
support to the
patient's head except when the patient is being turned, as described below.
[0094] Gel layer 28 is formed from a gelastic material. Suitable gelastic
materials include a
SEB, SEBS, SEP, SEPS, SEEP, SEEPS polymer combined with a mineral oil, such as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,485,787; 3,676,387; 3,827,999; 4,259,540;
4,351,913; 4,369,284;
4,618,213; 5,262,468; 5,508,334; 5,239,723; 5,475,890; 5,334,646; 5,336,708;
4,432,607;
4,492,428; 4,497,538; 4,509,821; 4,709,982; 4,716,183; 4,798,853; 4,942,270;
5,149, 736;
5,331,036; 5,881,409; 5,994,450; 5,749,111; 6,026,527; 6,197,099; 6,865,759;
7,060,213;
6,413, 458; 7,730,566; and 7,964,664.
[0095] As one example, the gelatinous elastomeric material may be
formulated with a weight
ratio of oil to polymer of approximately 3.1 to 1. The polymer may be Kraton
1830 available
-12-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
from Kraton Polymers, which has a place of business in Houston, Texas, or it
may be another
suitable polymer. The oil may be mineral oil, or another suitable oil. One or
more stabilizers
may also be added. Additional ingredients¨such as, but not limited to¨dye may
also be
added. In another example, the gelatinous elastomeric material may be
formulated with a
weight ratio of oil to copolymers of approximately 2.6 to 1. The copolymers
may be Septon
4055 and 4044 which are available from Kuraray America, Inc., which has a
place of business
in Houston, Texas, or it may be other copolymers. If Septon 4055 and 4044 are
used, the
weight ratio may be approximately 2.3 to 1 of Septon 4055 to Septon 4044. The
oil may be
mineral oil and one or more stabilizers may also be used. Additional
ingredients¨such as, but
not limited to¨dye may also be added. In addition to these two examples, as
well as those
disclosed in the aforementioned patents, still other formulations may be used.
[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, gel layer 28 includes a plurality of
gelastic footings that
are disconnected from each other so that each footing can compress
independently from its
adjacent surrounding footing. The tern footing is used in the sense that the
overall gel
structure (defined by gel wall 30) is wider than it is tall. Referring to FIG.
4A, each footing is
formed by an outer perimeter wall 30, having a generally hexagonal shape,
which is then
supported internally by six internal hexagonal-shaped walls, which are
arranged in a circular
pattern to form a central hexagonal-shaped wall, which is formed by the
respective inner walls
of the six internal hexagonal-shaped walls, which in turn share walls with the
outer perimeter
wall 30. In other words, the central hexagonal-shaped wall is not a separate
wall and instead
is defined by the inwardly facing walls of each internal hexagonal-shaped
wall. Similarly, the
outer wall of each internal hexagonal-shaped wall is provided or formed by a
portion of the
outer perimeter wall 30.
[0097] For example, the height of each wall may be in a range of about 1"
to 4", or in a range
of about 2" to 3", and the thickness of each wall may be in a range of about
1/32" to 3/8" or in a
range of about 1/16" to /1/4.". The width of each footing may be in a range of
about 3" to 6" or in
a range of about 4" to 5", with each internal hexagonal-shaped wall in a range
of about 1" to 2"
or in a range of about 3/4 to 1 1/2". To facilitate injection molding, the
walls are slightly tapered,
for example, to create a draft angle. For example, the draft angle may fall in
a range of about 1
degrees to 10 degrees or in a range of about 3 degrees to 8 degrees
[0098] In this manner, each gel footing 30 provides a nested set of
interconnected gel walls
that tend to buckle under the weight of a patient and continue to provide
cushioning support to
the patient's heels over the full range of collapse of each group of the
internal walls. By
spreading the load across multiple walls that are interconnected but arranged
in isolated
-13-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
groups, each grouping will allow greater immersion and provide better
redistribution of stress
or pressure across the patient's heel then when all the walls are tied
together.
[0099] In addition, each gel wall of each gel footing may be joined at
their lowermost edges by
a base sheet of gel, which is relatively thin, like a skin, which is used in
the molding process to
help distribute the gel material across the full width of the gel layer.
[00100] Further, the gel forming gel layer 28 may be selected to very soft,
but with the
interconnection of the adjacent inner walls still provide adequate support and
cushioning to the
patient's heel. For examples of other gel configurations that may be used,
including gel
columns (where the gel structures have a greater height than their width),
reference is again
made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,485,787; 3,676,387; 3,827,999; 4,259,540; 4,351,913;
4,369,284;
4,618,213; 5,262,468; 5,508,334; 5,239,723; 5,475,890; 5,334,646; 5,336,708;
4,432,607;
4,492,428; 4,497,538; 4,509,821; 4,709,982; 4,716,183; 4,798,853; 4,942,270;
5,149, 736;
5,331,036; 5,881,409; 5,994,450; 5,749,111; 6,026,527; 6,197,099; 6,843,873;
6,865,759;
7,060,213; 6,413, 458; 7,730,566; 7,823,233; 7,827,636; 7,823,234; and
7,964,664.
[00101] As best seen in FIG. 3, bladder layer 26 and gel layer 28 are
supported by a foam crib
40. Crib 40 optionally includes a first portion 40a that extends under bladder
layer 26 from the
head end to the thigh region of the patient and a second portion 40b that
extends under the gel
layer from below the thigh region to foot end 10b of patient support 10. Crib
40 tends to keep
the softer cushion layers of the bladders and gel in place while also
providing a firmer rail along
both sides of support 10.
[00102] Foam crib portion 40a includes a base wall 42 and a pair of
upwardly extending
sidewalls 44, which as noted form a foam rail along opposed sides of bladder
layer 26 to
facilitate entry to and exit from the bed, and to cradle the patient when they
are in the supine
position. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, base wall 42 of crib 40 includes a
plurality of channels
that form a tree-like configuration with a central channel 46 and a plurality
of laterally extending
branch channels 48, which are in fluid communication with central channel 46.
Central
channels 46 in fluid communication with inlet or feeder channels 46a formed at
the base of
central channel 46. And, each inlet channel 46a includes a recess 46b for
receiving a blower
unit 50, whose output is directed toward the central channel 46 through inlet
or feeder channel
46a and whose intake extends through the lower edge of base wall 42 so that
when blower
units 50 are covered by bladder layer 26, the blower units can draw in air
from the space
adjacent the lower end of foam crib 40, as will be more fully described below.
These channels
also facilitate the bending of foam crib, described below.
-14-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
[00103] Blower units 50, when operated, blow air into channels 46a and 46,
which in turn
distribute the air into branch channels 48 to generate air flow into the
bladder layer 36 from
beneath. To allow the air to flow through bladder layer 26, the base sheet of
bladder layer 26
includes a plurality of openings so that air can flow up through the bladder
layer 26 and
between the bladders 26a as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 3. To better focus
the flow of air,
base layer 42 may incorporate a sheet of non-woven material 54 (FIGS. 2A and
6) adhered to
its surface, which extends over inlet channels 46a, central channel 46, and
portion of branch
channels 48 to leave the distal end of each branch channel open so that they
direct air into the
bladder layer 46 at discrete space locations.
[00104] Referring again to FIG. 5, each sidewall 44 of crib 40 has an upper
wedge-shaped
portion 60 adjacent at least the shoulder area of a patient supported on
patient support 10.
Wedge-shaped portions 60 form angled surfaces facing the patient, at the
patient's shoulder
region, which extend above the upper surface of bladder layer 26 when inflated
and unloaded,
and extend above bladder layer 26 at an even greater height when a patient is
placed on
bladder layer 26. Therefore, wedge-shaped portions 60 provide lateral support
to a patient at
their shoulders, but are sufficiently resilient to collapse down to the
underlying base of sidewall
44 when a patient exits the bed..
[00105] Inwardly facing sides of sidewalls 44 optionally include a
plurality of recesses 62 that at
least generally follow the contour of each adjacent bladder 26a to thereby
provide lateral
support to each adjacent bladder both in the lateral and longitudinal
direction. As a result,
bladders 26a are held in place and, to a certain extent, somewhat interlocked
with each other
given their own interlocking arrangement. Similarly, as seen in FIG. 3, the
inwardly facing
edge of gel layer 28 may include a plurality of recesses to receive the
bladders adjacent the
gel layer so that the foot end bladders are similarly laterally and
longitudinally supported by the
adjacent gel layer.
[00106] As best seen in FIG. 6, foam crib portion 40b similarly has a base
wall 64 with a pair of
upwardly extending sidewalls 66 that similarly include recesses that generally
match the shape
of the respective gel footings and recesses formed between each gel footing.
In a similar
manner to the bladders, sidewalls 66 therefore provide lateral and
longitudinal support to each
of the adjacent gel footings that run along the edge of the gel layer 28. In
this manner, each
layer is interlocked with its adjacent layer so that all three materials
(foam, air-filled bladder,
and gel) form a cushioning system.
[00107] Further, foam base wall 66 of foam crib section 40b includes a
plurality of recesses to
receive the lower ends of each bladder at the foot end of bladder layer 26
and, further, provide
-15-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
downwardly tapered upper surfaces adjacent each recess so that the gel
footings at the thigh
end of gel layer 28 are sloped downwardly to provide a smooth transition
between the adjacent
gel layer and bladder layer. This transition is optionally aligned generally
between the knee
and thigh of the patient supported on patient support 10.
[00108] As best seen in FIG. 2A, patient support 10 optionally includes a
pair of turning
bladders 70a and 70b. Turning bladders 70a, 70b are positioned beneath crib
40. Referring to
FIG. 5, bladders 70a and 70b are aligned under sectioned portions 42a and 42b
of base wall
42 of crib 40, which are detached from the remainder of the crib along three
sides to form
hinged panels, which are hinged at the center of crib 40 so that they can lift
up when one of the
turning bladders is inflated. To prevent the hinged panel from falling into
the crib, each panel
optionally includes an L-shaped rim that generally aligns with a corresponding
L-shaped sill in
the balance of the crib that extends around the detached panels.
[00109] To deliver air to bladders 26a and 26b and to turning bladders 70a
and 70b, support 10
includes a pneumatic system. In this illustrated embodiment, the pneumatic
system includes a
pneumatic harness 80, which includes a plurality of tubing sections 84 that
are supported and
secured to a fabric carrier that secures the various tubing sections and
associated connectors
86 in their desired configuration and locations. In this manner, when harness
80 is placed over
crib 40, the tubing and its associated connectors can be easily aligned with
the appropriate
inlets for inflating the respective bladders. Together, the tubing and fabric
carrier form a
flexible manifold that can be easily located in a position with an inlet end
(where the tubing
exits the carrier) positioned and aligned for coupling to the pump or pumps
that supply the air
tO the respective bladders. The pump or pumps that supply air to the tubing
are optionally
located in a box at the foot end of the support, more fully described below.
[00110] As noted above, the various tubing that supplies the bladders with
air are coupled to a
pump or pumps, which in the illustrated embodiment are located in a pump box
90 shown in
FIG. 7. Pump box 90 is preferably located at the foot end 10b of the patient
support 10 and
further beneath the crib portion 40b under gel layer 28. Pump box 90 for
example may be
formed from a polymeric material and has a centrally located recess typically
located under the
heels of a patient to provide increased immersion depth for the heels of the
patient when the
patient is lying on patient support 10. In addition to storing or holding the
pump or pumps,
pump box 90 may also include a CPR manifold, which when opened allows the air
from the
bladders to be dumped so that the patient is then supported directly on the
crib beneath the
bladders, which provides a firmer surface to allow CPR to be administered to
the patient. In
addition to a pump or pumps, box 90 may also house various controls and
circuitry for
-16-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
controlling the pump or pumps and for other devices that may be incorporated
into patient
support.
[00111] As noted above, bladders 26a, 26b are inflated, or deflated, in
groups or zones as
described above under the control of box 90 and its associated pumps and
control circuitry.
The fluid connections between the bladders and box 90 are established by the
tubing 84 that
run between box 90 and the various bladders and which connect to inlets on the
bladders by
connectors 86. As noted above, tubing 84 is attached to or housed in a fabric
carrier which
together form the flexible manifold 80.
[00112] Similarly, manifold 80 may support the tubing for turning bladders
70a, 70b, which
extend generally longitudinally in a direction from the head end 10a to foot
end 10b, and as
noted are positioned underneath foam crib 40 and are used to help turn a
patient positioned on
top of patient support 10. To that end, turn bladders and are each separately
and
independently inflatable and deflatable, which is also controlled by box 90
and its associated
circuitry.
[00113] For example, as discussed in reference to copending application
U.S. Ser. No.
61/696,819, filed Sept. 5, 2012, entitled INFLATABLE MATTRESS AND CONTROL
METHODS (Attorney Docket No. 143667.150316(P-400)), patient support 10 may
incorporate
sensors, such as depth sensor plates 92, for sensing the immersion of a
patient into the
surface. Based on the sensed immersion, the controller, which also may be
located in box 90
or elsewhere, including for example in recesses 94 formed in foam crib 40
(FIG. 5), may be
used to optimize the immersion of a patient into the surface based on the
individual needs of a
patient. In order to assist depth sensor plates 92, support 10 incorporates a
conductive fabric
102, which together function as capacitive sensors whose output changes as a
patient moves
closer or farther away from them. More specifically, conductive fabric 102
functions in a
manner similar to the top plate of a parallel plate capacitor, while depth
sensor plates 92 form
the bottom plates of the parallel plate capacitor. Thus, as the vertical
distance between
conductive fabric 102 and any of the depth sensor plates 92 changes, the
capacitance
between the fabric 102 and the plate(s) 92 will change. This change is
detected by a detector
circuit that is electrically coupled between fabric 102 and each of the depth
sensor plates 92.
That is, one or more wires (not shown) are electrically coupled to fabric 102
and the detector
circuits, while one or more other wires (not shown) are connected between each
plate 92 and
the detector circuit. Conductive fabric 102 may be any commercially available
fabric that is
electrically conductive, or it may be an electrically conductive foil, or any
other material that is
-17-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
electrically conductive, and that is flexible enough to not significantly
alter the flexibility of
patient support 10 in that region.
[00114] Fabric 102 is positioned on top of bladder layer 26 but over a fire
sock or barrier 100,
which wraps around bladder layer 26 and is made of any suitable material that
resists the
spread of fire. Such materials may vary. In one embodiment, fire barrier 100
may be made of,
or include, Kevlar (poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide), or other brands of
para-aramid
synthetic fibers. Other materials may alternatively be used. Cover 14, which
includes an
upper cover portion 14a and a lower cover portion 14b, therefore encloses
fabric 102, sock
100, bladder layer 26, gel layer 28, crib 40, turning bladders 70a, 70b, and
plates 92, as well
as pump box 90 and the pneumatic manifold. For example, upper cover portion
14a and a
lower cover portion 14b may be secured together by a zipper, which allows
access to the
various components inside support 10.
[00115] As noted above, when one of the turning bladders is inflated, the
corresponding hinged
panel of foam crib will raise up. At the same time, the air in the bladders
above the rising panel
may either be maintained or increased, while the pressure on the bladders on
the opposite
side may be reduced or even deflated.
[00116] In addition to turning a patient, sections of patient support 10
may be folded to
accommodate the Fowler being raised or the leg section of being lowered. For
example,
support 10 may be supported on a bed with an articulating deck, with a head
section, a back
section, a seat section and a leg section, with one or more sections being
pivotable to raise the
Fowler or leg sections as noted. To accommodate the articulating deck, foam
crib may include
a corresponding gatch for each point of articulation (see FIG. 3). Further,
cover 14 may
include a V-shaped section (no shown) which extends into its underside and
into one of the
gatches to similarly accommodate the bending of support when one of the deck
sections is
pivoted. For example, the open mesh that was noted above may be located in the
V-shaped
section to allow air to be drawn into the cover when blower units are running
to circulate air
through the cover. Though it should be understood that the mesh panel may also
be located
elsewhere, including on a bottom side of cover 14.
[00117] When assembled, therefore, patient support 10 not only includes a
cushioning layer
that provides a pressure redistribution system to enhance the support of a
patient lying upon
support 10 but also optionally provides a moisture management system, as well
as an
immersion control system. As noted above, additional functionalities may be
provided in a
form of configuring some of the bladders as percussion and/or vibration
bladders, such as
-18-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
=
described in the referenced copending applications It should be understood
that patient
support 10 may be modified to include one or more bladders in the foot zone in
lieu of the gel
layer and, therefore, the air pressure inside of these bladders could be
monitored and
controlled by the same system that controls the feet section bladders, thigh
and seat section
bladders, and head section bladders.
[00118] Referring to FIG. 11, the numeral 110 generally designates a
patient support of the
present invention. As will be more fully described below, patient support 110
includes a cover
114 that is adapted to accommodate a patient's immersion into the support and
expansion of
the patient support, for example, when used to turn a patient but while still
maintaining a
smooth surface that does not bunch up.
[00119] Referring to FIG. 12, cover 114 may be formed from a flexible
knit material, such as a
flexible knit nylon or a nylon-like fabric, which provides a high
breathability rate to facilitate
moisture management. Additionally, cover 114 may be formed with the knit
fibers on the
patient facing side of the cover and with an inner surface formed by a
stretchy elastomeric
membrane that is stretchable so as not to reduce, if not eliminate, any
interference with the
patient immersion into support 110. Furthermore, as described in copending
U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 61/697,010, filed Sept. 5, 2012, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT
(Attorney
Docket No. STRO3A P-405), cover 114 optionally encloses one or more blowers or
fans for
circulating air through the support, as part of a low air loss system.
Therefore, cover 114 may
incorporate one or more open mesh panels to allow air to be drawn into or
blown out of the
cover 114.
[00120] In another aspects, also described in copending U.S. patent
application Ser. No.
61/697,010, filed Sept. 5, 2012, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT (Attorney Docket No.
STRO3A P-
405), cover 114 may include one or more indicia on its surface. For example,
cover 114 may
include indicia to define the preferred location for a patient on patient
support 110. The indicia
may include a demarcation, such as a line, that defines the overall general
area in which the
patient should be positioned in the supine position and additional
demarcations, also for
example lines, that define the foot area, the thigh and seat areas, the back
areas, and the
head area of the patient support. In this manner, when a patient is located in
the general area
and also generally aligned with the sub-areas, the patient will be properly
aligned with the
support cushioning layers and turning bladders that are configured to provide
the appropriate
cushioning and functionality to that region of the patient's body.
[00121] In addition to the demarcation lines that identify the different
areas/sections of the
support, other indicia may be applied for example, graphical instructions,
representations of the
-19-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
underlying cushioning layers (e.g. the gel or bladders), as well as the
location of optional
percussion/vibration and/or turning bladders to again facilitate the proper
positioning of the
patient.
[00122] The various demarcations, which for example indicate the different
areas of support,
i.e. thigh and back support areas, foot support areas, and head support areas,
may be applied
to the underlying sheet that forms the cover using a heat transfer process.
For example, ink
that is applied to a carrier sheet may be transferred onto the fabric that
forms the cover using
heat. In this manner, the ink does not simply coat the fabric, as is the case
with silk screening,
and instead merges with the fabric (and optionally underlying elastomeric
membrane) which
provides the sheet with generally constant properties. This tends to reduce
the wear and
provide increased longevity to the demarcations.
[00123] To provide cushioning and immersion for the patient, patient
support 110 includes one
or more cushioning layers for supporting a patient's body. Optionally, patient
support 110
includes a cushioning system formed from a plurality of cushioning layers that
are configured
to be mechanically interconnected at least in one degree or more so that the
layers work
together at least on one or more directions. In the illustrated embodiment,
patient support 110
includes a bladder layer 126 with a plurality of bladders, which provide
support to the patient's
thighs, seat, back, and head, and an optional gel layer, for example, which
provides support to
the patient's heels. Bladder layer 126 and gel layer may be supported by a
foam crib 130,
which together may form a cushioning system for patient support 110. Crib 130
tends to keep
the softer cushion layers of the bladders and gel in place while also
providing a firmer rail along
both sides of support 110. Optionally, the bladders of bladder layer 126, the
gel layer and
foam crib each have surfaces or structure that interconnect them together at
least in one
direction so that the bladders, gel layer, and foam crib may work in unison in
one degree or
another. Additionally, the side rails of the foam crib, which form bolsters,
may be raised or
angled upwardly relative to the top surface of the bladder layer, over at
least a portion of the
bladder layer, to form a cradle so that when the patient is lying on the
bladder and gel layers,
the foam crib will cradle the patient and further provide lateral support to
the patient to reduce
the risk of the patient rolling or falling from the patient support even when
the side rails are
lowered. For further details of optional bladder layers, gel layers, and foam
cribs, and, for
example, how they are mechanically connected, reference is made to copending
U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 61/697,010, filed Sept. 5,2012, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT
(Attorney
Docket No. STRO3A P-405).
-20-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
[00124] The cushioning system may have multiple zones. For example, the
bladders
themselves may be arranged in zones, which optionally may be independently
controlled with
the inflation/deflation of each zone independent of the other zone or zones.
The zones may
include a head zone at the head end of support 110 formed by one group of
bladders, a back
zone at the back section of support 110 formed by another group of bladders,
seat and thigh
zones at the seat and thigh sections formed by a third group of bladders, and
a heel zone at
the foot end of patient support 110 formed by the gel layer. Further, each
zone may be divided,
for example into a left sub-zone and a right sub-zone so that when a patient
is being turned,
the pressure on the bladders on one side may be adjusted (e.g. increased or
decreased) to
accommodate the motion of the patient. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, the seat
zone includes a right seat zone and a left seat zone to facilitate turning the
patient. In the
illustrated embodiment, the back zone and the head zone are grouped together
and, further,
positioned so that they will generally be aligned together when the patient is
positioned on
support 110. For further details of the bladder arrangement, materials, and
construction,
reference is made to copending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 61/697,010,
filed Sept. 5,
2012, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT (Attorney Docket No. STRO3A P-405); Ser. No.
13/022,326, filed Feb. 7,2011, entitled PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING SUPPORT
(Attorney
Docket No. STRO3A P-257A); Ser. No. 13/022,372, filed Feb. 7,2011, entitled
PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING SUPPORT (Attorney Docket No. STRO3A P-2576); Ser. No.
13/022,382, filed Feb. 7,2011, entitled PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING SUPPORT
(Attorney
Docket No. STRO3A P-257C); Ser. No. 13/022,454, filed Feb. 7, 2011, entitled
PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING SUPPORT(Attorney Docket No. STRO3A P-257D) ; Ser. No.
13/548,591, filed Jul. 13, 2012, entitled PATIENT/INVALID HANDLING SUPPORT
(Attorney
Docket No. STRO3A P-376A).
[00125] Optionally, as described in copending U.S. patent applications Ser.
No. 61/697,010,
filed Sept. 5, 2012, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT (Attorney Docket No. STRO3A P-
405), patient
support 110 may include a pair of turning bladders. The turning bladders are
positioned
beneath crib 130 but within cover 114. To reduce friction between the bladders
and crib 130,
which is formed from a foam material, optionally, portions of crib may include
a fabric overlay
or wrap 132 (see FIGS. 12 and 13). The fabric may comprise a low friction
material, such as
nylon, to reduce the drag on the bladders and also reduce the wear on the
foam. The pump or
pumps that supply air to the turning bladders as well as the support bladders
tubing are
optionally located in a box 140 at the foot end of the support, and further
beneath the foot end
of crib 130 under gel layer 128. Again for further details of support
cushioning layer and the
-21-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
components that may be located in cover 114, reference is made to copending
U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 61/697,010, filed Sept. 5, 2012, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT
(Attorney
Docket No. STRO3A P-405).
[00126] Referring again to FIG. 12, cover 114 includes an upper cover
portion 150 and a lower
cover portion 152 that are joined together by a zipper 154, which allows
access to the various
components inside support 110. Upper cover portion 150 includes an upper side,
which may
be formed from a separate panel, and upper side portions that depend
downwardly (as view in
FIGS. 12-15) from upper side and optionally are formed from separate panels
that are joined
with the upper panel, for example by welding, stitching or the like.
Similarly, lower cover
portion 152 includes a lower side, which may be formed from a separate lower
panel, and
lower side portions that extend upwardly (as view in FIGS. 12-15) from the
lower side and
optionally are formed from separate panels that are joined with the lower
panel, for example by
welding, stitching or the like. In the lustrated embodiment, the upper side of
the cover is
configured to follow the surface topology of the underlying cushion or
cushioning system to
provide a smooth surface, which can facilitate cleaning.
[00127] However, to accommodate the increase in thickness in the cushioning
system, for
example, when one of the turning bladders is inflated, one or more of sides
114a, 114b, as well
as head end 114c, of cover 114 are adapted or configured to contract or expand
to allow the
upper side or panel to remain generally smooth even when the patient support
undergoes a
change in its surface topology. It has been found that covers with loosely
fitting top sheets,
which accommodate the change in shape of the underlying cushioning system or
layer by
providing excess material on the top sheet, for example, when turning a
patient, tend to bunch
up, which can make them hard to clean and, moreover, result in the excess
fabric shifting to
one side. As a result, the excess fabric may no longer be available to provide
slack for the
other side of the mattress.
[00128] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, each side 156 and 158 and end 160 and 162
of cover 114 is
joined with the upper side 164 and lower side 66 of cover 114. As noted above
each upper
side 164, lower side 166, sides 156, 158, and ends 160, 162 may be formed from
panels. The
sides 156 and 158 extend along the sides of the patient support and cushioning
system, with
the ends 160, 162 extending there between. Each of side 156 and 158 and each
end 160 and
162 has an upper edge joined with the upper panel and a lower edge joined with
lower panel.
Though it should be understood that some of the panels may be formed from an
extension or
extensions of the upper or lower panels and therefore are formed from the same
material
forming the upper or lower panels rather than comprises separate panels.
Further, the side
-22-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
=
panels and head end panels are configured so that their upper and lower edges
separate
and/or diverge to lengthen and extend the respective side panels and head end
panel so that
cover 114 can accommodate variations in height of the mattress to allow the
upper panel to
remain generally smooth, as noted, even when the mattress undergoes a change
in its surface
topology.
[00129] Further, as noted, each side panel 156, 158 may include an upper
side panel portion
156a, 158a and. a lower side panel portion 156b, 158b, where the upper side
panel portions
156a, 158a are joined with the upper panel 166, and the lower side panel
portions 156b, 158b
are joined with the lower panel 168. Similarly, the end panels 160 and 162 may
have upper
end panel portions 160a, 162a and lower end panel portions 162a, 162b that
respectively are
joined with the upper and lower panels 166, 168. Zipper 154 then joins the
upper side panel
portions with the lower side panel portions, and joins the upper end panel
portions to their
respective lower end panel portions.
[00130] In addition, the upper side panel portions 156a, 158a and upper end
panel portions
160a, 162a may each include a flap or panel 170, 172 (only two shown, but it
should be
understood that the other side and end also has a similar flap or panel) of
fabric extending over
the zipper when the zipper is closed. For example, the flap may be formed by a
folded loop of
fabric, including the same fabric that is used to form the upper end panel
portions and upper
side panel portions. In this manner, flaps 170 and 172 each form a watershed
over the zipper
to limit liquid intrusion through the zipper.
[00131] In the illustrated embodiment, each side and the head end further
includes a fold 174
that unfolds (or at least partially unfolds) when the cushioning layer
increases in height to allow
the upper side of cover 114 to raise with the upper surface of the cushion
layer and also allows
it to remain generally smooth and move with the upper surface of the cushion
layer
unencumbered by the sides. In this manner, the sides and head end unfold from
an
unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration when the cushioning
layer increases
in height, for example, when it is raised to turn a patient. Further, it
should be understood that
depending in the increase in height in the cushioning layer, it may be that
only a portion of one
of the folds partially unfolds.
[00132] In the illustrated embodiment the folds are provided on the upper
side panel potions
and upper head end panel portion. For example, the folds may be made from the
material that
forms the upper side panel portions and upper head end panel portion or may be
formed by
separate panels or sheets of material that are attached, for example by
stitching, welding, or
the like.
-23-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
[00133] Optionally, the folds may be biased in their non-expanded
configuration such that when
the cushioning layer decreases in height, the folds will generally return to
their non-expanded
configuration. "Generally return to its non-expanded configuration" means that
the fold may
not assume the exact same fold, but it will resume to a non-expanded, folded
configuration that
is generally similar to its original non-expanded configuration.
[00134] For example, again referring to FIG. 12 and 13, the folds may be
biased in their un-
expanded configuration by one or more elastic strands 176. A suitable elastic
strand may be in
form of a fabric covered elastic or rubber cord, such as a bungee. the strand
or strands may
extend between the upper panel and the lower panel. In the illustrated
embodiment, strand
176 is threaded through upper and lower straps or panels 178, 180, which are
respectively
joined to upper panel 166 and lower side panel portions 156b, 158b and to
lower head end
panel portion 160b. For example, panels 178 may be secured to upper panel 166
by an
adhesive, removable fasteners, such as hook and loop patches (e.g. VELCROTM
patches) or
snaps, stitching or welding, depending on the materials. Lower panels 180 are
joined to upper
portion 154a of zipper 154 so that when upper portion of zipper is joined with
lower portion
154b of zipper 154, strand 176 extends between the upper and lower panels 166,
168 of cover
114 to thereby bias folds 174. In this manner when the upper side of the
mattress raises
relative to the lower side, the strand of strands are stretched and fold 174
in the upper side
panel portion that is adjacent the side of the mattress that is being raised
at least partially
unfolds. When the mattress is no longer in a raised position and the strand or
strands pull on
the upper panel 166 to return it its un-raised position, the stand or strands
also urge the folds in
the upper head end panel portion and the upper side panel portion (on the side
that is
deflating) to generally return their unexpanded configuration.
[00135] Referring again to FIG 12, strand 176 may be threaded though
grommets 182 mounted
in panels 178 and 180 and further is anchored at its ends to panels 178 and
180 by cord or
barrel locks 176a. While illustrated as being formed by a single stand that
threads through the
grommets in panels 178 and 180, it should be understood that two or more
strand may be
used.
[00136] To further facilitate the retention of the corners of cover 114
during a turning event, for
example, each corner may incorporate an anchor or anchoring assembly 190.
Optionally, to
facilitate the anchoring of the corners, the corners may be stiffened or
reinforced. For
example, as best seen in FIG 15, anchoring system 190 includes a reinforcing
member 192,
such as plastic tube, which is configured with a rounded angle shape. The
reinforcing member
may be mounted to upper panel 166, for example, in a loop or loops of material
which form a
-24-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
channel through which member 192 can be inserted. The loop or loops may then
be attached,
for example by way of stitching, an adhesive, welding or the like to a
plurality of tie downs such
as straps 196, which are then secured at their opposed ends to lower cover
portion 152, for
example, to lower panel 168, either by stitching, welding, releasable
fasteners, such as hook
and loop fasteners or snaps. In this manner, when the cushioning system is
raised by the
turning bladder or bladders, the corner on the side that is being lifted will
generally remain at a
fixed height as controlled by the length of straps 196. Straps 196 may be non-
stretching or
may have some limited elasticity, or a combination of both may be used. For
example the
straps or tie downs that are closer to the corner may be non-stretchy, while
the tie downs or
straps that are located at the sides may have some elastic characteristics.
[00137] As noted above, crib 130 may be wrapped or covered with a layer of
fabric. The fabric
may also protect the foam from the strands and tie downs, which may also form
wear points on
the foam if not protected.
[00138] Referring to FIGS. 16-18, patient support 110 may optionally
incorporate a cushioning
layer 198 on top of bladder layer 126. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, cushioning
layer 198 may be configured as a head end cushion and secured to head end of
bladder layer
126 by straps 200. Cushioning layer 198 may be formed from a soft foam, such
as a urethane
foam. A suitable urethane foam includes a 2.5 lb. expanded urethane foam.
[00139] Cushioning layer 198 is contoured to provide raised or sloping
sides 198a, 198b, which
cradle and help support a patient's head, especially during a turn. The
central portion 198c of
cushioning layer 198 may be generally flat or form a slight concave region,
which transitions to
the sides with a smooth curve. The upper end of cushioning layer 198, which is
closer to the
head end of bladder layer 126, may be slightly raised (see FIGS. 19A-19C),
while the lower
end, which would be generally aligned under the neck of a patient, may also be
slightly raised.
In this manner, the head of the patient is cradled by cushioning layer 198.
[00140] In addition to securing layer 198 to bladder layer 126 by straps
200, which extend
through cushioning layer 198 (see FIGS. 19A-190 for optional configuration),
cushioning layer
198 may also be configured so that its lower surface follows the surface
topology of one or
more bladders 126a of bladder layer 126 to further secure the position of the
cushioning layer.
For example, referring to FIGS. 19A-19C, the underside of cushioning layer 198
may have one
or more recesses 198d, for example, formed in the lower surface of the foam,
which generally
follow the surface topology of one or more of the bladders. As a result the
lower surface also
forms portions 198e that depend from the lower surface to extend between at
least two of the
-25-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
bladders to thereby form a mechanical coupling between cushioning layer 198
and the bladder
layer.
[00141] Optionally, as best seen in FIG. 190, bladder layer 126 includes
enlarged bladders
126b at the head end to form right side and left side bladders. Additionally,
each bladder 126b
may include a releasable fastener 202, such as hook and loop (e.g. VELCROTM)
patches,
which engages similar patches provided on the underside of cushioning layer
198 to further
secure cushioning layer 198 in place.
[00142] Referring again to FIGS. 19A-19C, strap 200 may form a loop around
a portion of
cushioning layer 198 which is then anchored, for example, to the under of
bladder layer 126.
As shown, cushioning layer 198 may include one or more channels 198f formed
therein for the
strap 200 to pass through and secure it in place.
[00143] In addition, as best see and understood from FIG. 16, the sides
198g of cushioning
layer 198 may be configured to follow the shape of the sides of bladder layer
126 so that
cushioning layer 198 also mechanically couples to the foam crib as described
in copending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/697,010, filed Sept. 5, 2012, entitled
PATIENT SUPPORT
(Attorney Docket No. STRO3A P-405). Thus, the cushioning system provides a
series of layers
that are mechanically interconnected or coupled so that the system can operate
together to
provide support to the patient.
[00144] Referring to FIG. 20, the numeral 210 generally designates another
embodiment of a
patient support of the present invention, which is illustrated supported on a
patient support
apparatus 212 that, in this particular embodiment, is a hospital bed. However,
patient support
apparatus 212 may take on other forms besides a hospital beds, such as, but
not limited to,
long term care, cots, stretchers, operating tables, gurneys, and the like.
Further, patient
support apparatus 212 may be a conventional support apparatus that is
commercially available
and that merely provides a supporting function for patient support 210.
[00145] For example, patient support apparatus 212 may include one or more
controls that are
integrated therein and which are used in controlling one or more functions of
patient support
210. For example, electrical connectors may be provided for establishing an
electrical link
between a user interface that is positioned on, or integrated into, the
barrier of patient support
apparatus 212. The user interface may take on a variety of different forms,
such as, but not
limited to, a touch screen, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a plurality of
buttons, switches,
knobs, or the like, or any combination of these components, which allows a
user to control the
operation of patient support 210. The connection between the interface and
patient support
210 may take on different forms, including a direct electrical cable that runs
from the footboard
-26-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
to patient support 210, for example by way of electrical connectors that
electrically couple the
user interface to circuitry supported on or in the frame of the bed, and/or by
wireless
communication, such as disclosed in commonly assigned, U.S. patent application
Ser. No.
13/802,855, filed March 14, 2013, by applicants Michael Hayes et al. and
entitled
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS FOR PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUSES. For more
exemplary details of a suitable hospital bed reference is made to the beds
described in U.S.
Patent Nos. 8,006,332; 7,690,059; 7,805,784; 7,962,981; and 7,861,334, all
commonly owned
by Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
[00146] Referring to FIG. 20A, patient support 210 includes a bladder layer
226 with a plurality
of bladders 226a, 226b, which provide support to the patient's thighs, seat,
back, and head.
As described above, bladder layer 226 may be used in combination with a gel
layer, which
provides support to the patient's heels, and a foam crib, which supports both
the bladder layer
and the gel layer, as well as providing other functions. For additional
details of a suitable gel
layer and foam crib reference is made herein to the incorporated application
and to further
optional details provided below.
[00147] Referring to FIG. 24, bladder layer 226 may be formed from an upper
sheet 228 and a
lower sheet 230. As best seen in FIGS. 22 and 23, upper sheet 228 and lower
sheet 230a are
joined together, such as by adhesive or welded or the like, to form bladders
226a and 226b
and further in a manner to form a plurality of zones. For example, in the
illustrated
embodiment, bladders 226a and 226b are grouped into left and right head and
back zones
232, 234 and seat zones 236 and 238.
[00148] Again referring to FIG. 24, bladders 226a and 226b are first formed
in their extended
configurations, for example, by thermoforming, and then joined with lower
sheet 228. When
formed in their extended configurations, each bladder forms a "pod" which is
configured with a
hexagonal cross-section so that the pods can be more closely nested than, for
example, round
or can shaped bladders and further can be arranged so that their edges do not
align and
instead are offset between adjacent bladders, which as described in the
incorporated
application, reduces the ability of a patient to detect the edges of each
bladder and hence
improve their comfort.
[00149] Referring to FIG, 22, bladder 226a and 226b are inflated by a
pneumatic system 240,
which is controlled by a control system, such as described above. In the
illustrated
embodiment, pneumatic system 240 includes a plurality of supply tubes 242.
Supply tubes
242 extend under bladder layer 226 and couple to and are in communication with
each of the
respective zones of the bladder layer via couplers 246a that connect to inlet
ports 248a
-27-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
provided in bladder layer 226 so that each zone can be separately or
independently inflated,
and also couple to the turning bladders beneath the foam crib. Additionally,
the control system
may include a plurality of sensing tubes 244, which extend under bladder layer
226 and couple
to and are in communication with each of the respective zones of the bladder
layer via
couplers 246b that connect to inlet ports 248a provided in bladder layer 226
so that the
pressure in each zone can be independently measured by sensors mounted
remotely from the
bladders, for example, in the control compartment or pump box described above.
As will be
more fully described below, bladder layer 226 is adapted to support and guide
the supply and
sensing tubes to the respective zones. Optionally, therefore, the bladder
layer may form a
carrier for the tubes, which can facilitate the assembly of the patient
support.
[00150] As best seen in FIGS. 22 and 23, bladder layer 226 may include a
plurality of supports
250 for mounting support tubes 242 and 244 to bladder layer 226. For example,
supports 250
may comprise channels that are formed or attached at or to the bottom surface
of bladder layer
226. Suitable supports may be formed from patches of sheet material that are
adhered or
welded at or to the bottom surface of bladder layer 226. As best seen in FIG.
25, supports
may be formed from circular patches 252 of material, for example, nylon, which
are attached
by welds 254 at or to the bottom or underside of bladder layer 226, for
example to lower sheet
230. Alternately, an additional sheet may be provided and joined with the
lower sheet, with the
supports mounted to the additional sheet. It should be understood that
supports 250 may be
used to support tubes 242 and/or tubes 244 or separate supports may be provide
for tubes
242 or 244.
[00151] Referring to FIGS. 21, 21A, 21C, and 23, bladder layer 226 may
include a harness 260
for supporting and optionally holding tubes 242 and/or 244. For example,
harness 260 may be
formed by the upper sheet or the lower sheet or both. Alternatively, harness
260 may be
formed from a section of sheet that is attached to one or both of the bladder
layer sheets, for
example by stitching adhesive, or welding or the like.
[00152] In the illustrated embodiment, harness 260 comprises an extension
of the respective
sheet or sheets of the bladder layer, for example, in the form of a flange
262, which is adapted
to support the supply tubes. Optionally, upper sheet 228 of bladder layer has
a greater
thickness than lower sheet 230 to accommodate the stretching that may occur
when forming
bladders 226a and 226b. For example, the upper sheet (228) may have a
thickness in a range
of about 40/1000 to 120/1000 of an inch, from about 60/1000 to 100/10000 of an
inch, and
optionally about 80/1000 of an inch. The bottom sheet (230) may have a
thickness in a range
of about 10/1000 to 35/1000 of an inch, from about 15/1000 to 30/1000 of an
inch, and
-28-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
,
=
optionally about 20-25/1000 of an inch. In this manner, the flange may be
formed from the
thicker of the two sheets or the two sheets combined to provide increased
strength.
[00153] As best seen in FIGS. 21A and 21C, flange 262 may have openings 264
through which
the supply tubes may be routed or passed through and which are sized to hold
the tubes in
place. For example, the openings may comprise a pair of slits, which are
spaced to form loops
= 266 between the slits so that the loops will frictionally hold the tubes
in place. Optionally, each
pair of tubes 242 and 244 may be supported in the same opening, such as shown
in FIG. 21C.
Alternately, flange 262 may have openings of different sizes to support each
tube separately.
[00154] As noted above, bladder layer 226 is formed by, for example, two
sheets that are joined
together. The sheets may be joined around their respective perimeters and
around each of the
bladders or pods to form an array of discrete bladders. As noted in the
referenced
applications, at least some regions of the sheets may be left un-joined (for
example see in FIG.
22) to form fluid passageways between some or all of the adjacent bladders so
that a network
of passageways can be formed in the bladder layer to allow air flow between at
least some of
the bladders, which reduces the amount of tubing that is require to inflate
the bladders and to
maintain the pressure in the bladders at the desired pressure value. As noted
below, some
bladders may be grouped together in that they are in communication with each
other through
the above-noted air passageways, or through tubing, so that the bladders form
zones. In
addition, as seen in FIG. 21B, bladder layer 226 includes a plurality of
transverse openings
268, which are located between bladders 226a to allow air to flow from beneath
the bladder
layer through the bladder layer.
[00155] As described above, to deliver air to bladders 226a and 226b and to
the turning
bladders (not shown herein), support 210 includes pneumatic system 240, with a
plurality of
supply tubes 242 and a control system with a plurality of sensing tubes 244.
Supply tubes 242,
as described, are harnessed by bladder layer 226 so that they can then be
directed to the
pump of the pneumatic system, which as described in P405 and P400, may be
supported in a
compartment at the foot end of the support beneath the gel layer and foam
crib. Additionally,
sensing tubes 244 may be similarly harnessed and directed to sensors, also
mounted in the
compartment, which sense the pressure in each zone to form part of a closed
loop feedback
control system, which is described more fully in U.S. Pat. Application Ser.
No. 13/836,813,
entitled INFLATABLE MATTRESS AND CONTROL METHODS, filed on March 15, 2013.
[00156] When assembled, therefore, patient support 210 not only includes a
cushioning layer
that provides a pressure redistribution system to enhance the support of a
patient lying upon
support 210 but also optionally provides a line management system for the
pneumatic tubes of
-29-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
the inflation and control system. It should be understood that patient support
210 may be
modified to include one or more bladders in the foot zone in lieu of the gel
layer and, therefore,
the air pressure inside of these bladders could be monitored and controlled by
the same
system that controls the head and back section bladders, and the thigh and
seat section
bladders.
[00157] Referring to FIGS. 26-30, bladder layer 226 and a gel layer 328 are
supported by a
foam crib 340. Crib 340 includes a head/body end 344 and a foot end 346 which
are joined
together at a joint 342, which is configured to allow the gel and foot end of
foam crib 340 to be
raised relative to the head/body end (or vice versa to allow the head/body end
to be raised
relative to the foot end). As best seen in FIG. 28, one side of joint 342 may
include a
recessed region with line management channels 348 that, for example, direct
supply tubing
242 from bladder layer 226 to the air manifold 350 via a CPR valve 352, which
are optionally
located at the foot end in a control compartment (or pump box) located beneath
the foot end
portion of the foam crib, and direct sensing tubing 244 to sensors also
located in the control
compartment. Additionally, foam crib 340 may include channels 354 (FIG. 28)
extending into
its respective sides for line management purposes.
[00158] Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, joint 342 is formed by complementary
stepped profiles
formed by wedge shaped blocks 342a on the head/body end 344 of foam crib 340
and angled
blocks 342b formed on foot end 346 of foam crib 340, which are joined by
releasable
fasteners, such as VELCROTM patches 358 so the foot end 346 may be
disconnected from
head/body end 344 to allow access to the control compartment. Further, when at
least some
of the patches are unhooked, joint 342 may form a hinge.
[00159] As best seen understood from FIG. 26, 28, and 30, the foot end
portion of the joint
extends over and meshes with the head/body portion of the joint and further
supports the gel
layer so that it too meshes with the bladders of the bladder layer and is
connected to the
head/body end when the fasteners align and are coupled. The foot end'of joint
342 further
includes hinge 346, which is formed by two sections of the foot end. The two
sections may be
joined by the gel layer 328 via a sheet of non-woven material and adhesive
interface, which
acts as the hinge so that foot end 346 can be pivoted about hinge 345 and then
be flipped
over onto the head/body end 344 (FIG. 30). To form the hinge, the sheet of non-
woven
material and an adhesive coating or layer that attaches gel layer 328 to the
foot end of the
foam crib is cut so that the sheet is divided into two sections, one attached
to the gel layer and
the first section of the foot end of the foam crib and the second attached to
the gel layer and
-30-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
the second section of the foot end of the foam crib so that the gel layer can
fold and therefore
form the hinge (see FIG. 30).
[00160] As described above, the blower units may be supported in the foam
crib and further
may be supported in recesses formed between blocks 342a and 342b. Optionally,
foot end
346 of foam crib may incorporate rigid supports 360, for example, in the form
of plastic flanged
channels, which align over and cover the blowers to protect them from
interference from the
foam. Further, the channels may be joined together by a web (see FIG 30) so
that they also
provide protection to the tubing that extends through the joint from the
head/body end to under
the foot end the foam crib. For further detail of gel layer 328 and crib 340
reference is made to
the gel layers and foam cribs described above.
[00161] Accordingly, the present invention provides a patient support that
provides a mattress
with inflatable support bladders that can offer improved immersion of the
patient into the
surface of the mattress and, therefore, improved pressure distribution to the
patient, in
combination with an optional line management system that facilitates assembly
and handling of
the patient support. With the independent discrete bladder arrangement, it has
been found that
a more balance contact (see FIG. 10) can achieve in both the x and y- axes.
Further, given the
unitary nature of the support bladders, the need for tubing can be
significantly reduced, and for
some functions eliminated.
[00162] While several forms of the invention have been shown and described,
other changes
and modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art.
Therefore, it will be
understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are
merely for
illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention which is defined
by the claims which follow as interpreted under the principles of patent law
including the
doctrine of equivalents.
-31-
CA 2878994 2019-03-19
