Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
PATIENT SUPPORT WITH CUSHIONING LAYER AND FOAM CRIB
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of Canadian Patent Application
No. 2,878,994
filed September 5, 2013.
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a patient support, and
more
particularly to a patient mattress for a hospital bed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] In one aspect, the cushioning layers include a bladder layer.
[0006] In another aspect, the cushioning layers include a gel layer.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
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[0010] According to yet another aspect, the cushioning layers are
supported on a
foam crib.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] In another aspect, the support cover includes a mesh panel that
permits air to
be drawn into the cover by the blower units.
[0015] Accordingly, the present invention provides a support surface that
provides a
patient with pressure distribution and optionally improved moisture
management.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] In one aspect, the cushioning layer comprises a cushioning system.
For
example, the cushioning system may include a plurality of bladders.
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[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
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[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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 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.
[0029] In any of the above, the cushioning layer or mattress may include
a plurality of
inflatable bladders.
[0030] According to yet another aspect, the inflatable bladders may be
supported on
a foam crib, also enclosed in the cover.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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
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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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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
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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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
cover, which is formed from a material that prevents liquid intrusion but
allows gas and
moisture to flow through the cover.
[0044] 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.
[0045] In another aspect, the support cover includes a mesh panel that
permits air to
be drawn into the cover by the blower units.
[0046] 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 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
[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view a patient support shown mounted to a
patient
support apparatus, for example, a hospital bed;
[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 1;
[0049] 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;
[0050] FIG. 3 is a similar view to FIG. 2 with the cover removed to show
the internal
cushioning layers;
[0051] FIG. 3A is a plan view of the patient support illustrating the
different areas or
zones of the patient support;
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[0052] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bladder layer of the patient
support;
[0053] 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;
[0054] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the foam crib that supports the
bladder layer;
[0055] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view the foam crib of FIG. 5
illustrating the
foam crib with a hinged panel;
[0056] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base of the patient support;
[0057] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a pair of turning bladders;
[0058] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the gel layer of the patient
support;
[0059] FIG. 9A is an enlarged plan view of a gel footing of the gel layer
of FIG. 9;
[0060] 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;
[0061] FIG. 11 is a perspective view a patient support and cover shown
mounted to a
patient support apparatus, for example, a hospital bed;
[0062] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the patient support and
cover of
FIG. 11;
[0063] FIG. 13 is similar view to FIG. 12;
[0064] FIG. 14 is a similar view to FIG. 13 illustrating optional cover
tie downs;
[0065] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cover shown over a patient
showing the
optional tie down locations;
[0066] 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;
[0067] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the head end of the patient support in
FIG. 16;
[0068] 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
[0069] FIGS. 19A-19C illustrates various strap configurations for
securing the head
end cushion to the underlying bladders;
[0070] FIG 19D is a plan view of the head end of the bladder layer;
[0071] FIG. 20 is a perspective view a patient support apparatus, for
example, a
hospital bed;
[0072] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a bladder layer of the patient
support
apparatus of FIG. 20;
[0073] FIG. 21 is a plan view of the bladder layer of FIG. 20A;
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
[0074] FIG. 21A is an enlarged view of detail XXIA of FIG. 21;
[0075] FIG. 21B is an enlarged view of detail )0(IB of FIG. 21;
[0076] FIG. 21C is similar view to FIG. 21B but with the tubes inserted;
[0077] FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the bladder layer of FIG.
20A;
[0078] FIG. 23 is a similar view to FIG. 22 with the tubing removed for
clarity;
[0079] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the bladder layer of
FIG. 23;
[0080] FIG. 25 is an enlarge plan view of the supports mounted at or to
the bottom
surface of the bladder layer;
[0081] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the foam and gel layer of the
patient support;
[0082] FIG. 27 is a side view of the foam and gel layer of the patient
support;
[0083] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the portion of the foam crib that
supports the
bladder layer; and
[0084] 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
[0085] 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
[0086] 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 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
application U.S. Ser. No. 61/696,819, filed Sept. 5, 2012, entitled INFLATABLE
MATTRESS
AND CONTROL METHODS (Attorney Docket No. 143667.150316(P400)).
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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; 7,690,059; 7,805,784; 7,962,981; and 7,861,334,
all commonly
owned by Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
[0089] 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.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[0094] 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.
[0095] 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 head zone are grouped together and, further, positioned so that they
will generally
be aligned together when the patient is positioned on support 10
[0096] 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
-12-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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-257D) ; Ser. No. 13/548,591, filed Jul. 13, 2012, entitled
PATIENT/INVALID
HANDLING SUPPORT (Attorney Docket No. STRO3A P-376A).
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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 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
-13-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00100] 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.
[00101] 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 /W. 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 %". 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
[00102] 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 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.
-14-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
[00103] 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.
[00104] 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.
[00105] 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.
[00106] 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.
[00107] 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
-15-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00108] 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.
[00109] 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.
[00110] 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.
[00111] 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 downwardly tapered upper surfaces adjacent each recess so
that the gel
-16-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00112] 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.
[00113] 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.
[00114] 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
-17-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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 controlling the pump or pumps and for other devices
that may be
incorporated into patient support.
[00115] 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.
[00116] 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.
[00117] 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
-18-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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 electrically conductive, and that is flexible
enough to not
significantly alter the flexibility of patient support 10 in that region.
[00118] 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.
[00119] 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.
[00120] 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.
[00121] 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
-19-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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
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.
[00122] 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.
[00123] 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.
[00124] 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
-20-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00125] 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.
[00126] 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.
[00127] 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
-21-
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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).
[00128] 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-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(Aftorney 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).
[00129] 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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 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).
[00130] 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.
[00131] 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.
[00132] 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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 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.
[00133] 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.
[00134] 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.
[00135] 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00136] 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.
[00137]
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.
[00138]
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.
[00139]
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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00140] 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 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.
[00141] 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.
[00142] 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.
[00143] 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,
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00144] In addition to securing layer 198 to bladder layer 126 by straps
200, which
extend through cushioning layer 198 (see FIGS. 19A-19C 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 bladders to thereby form a mechanical
coupling between
cushioning layer 198 and the bladder layer.
[00145] Optionally, as best seen in FIG. 19D, 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.
[00146] 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.
[00147] 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.
[00148] 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.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00149] 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 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.
[00150] 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.
[00151] 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
illustrated embodiment, bladders 226a and 226b are grouped into left and right
head and
back zones 232, 234 and seat zones 236 and 238.
[00152] 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.
[00153] 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 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.
[00154] 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00155] 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.
[00156] 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 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.
[00157] 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.
[00158] 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00159] 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.
[00160] 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 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.
[00161] 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
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
[00162] 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.
[00163] 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 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).
[00164] 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.
[00165] Accordingly, the present invention provides a patient support that
provides a
mattress with inflatable support bladders that can offer improved immersion of
the patient
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
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.
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.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-15
