EP3448343B1

EP3448343B1 - Mattress system and connector

Info

Publication number: EP3448343B1
Application number: EP17719703.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: John Lewis; Grahame JONES
Original assignee: Direct Healthcare Group Ltd
Current assignee: Direct Healthcare Group Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-25
Filing date: 2017-04-24
Publication date: 2021-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2037-04-24
Also published as: GB2542221B; GB2542221B8; EP3448343A1; WO2017187145A1; GB2542221A; DK3448343T3; GB2542221A8

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns mattresses and mattress systems. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a mattress system for the reduction of pressure sores. The invention also concerns a mattress system and connector arrangement.

Background of the Invention

Various mattresses and mattress systems exist which attempt to reduce the occurrence of pressure sores in long term users, such as hospital and care patients. Pressure sores can develop when a bed user lies in the same position for an extended period of time. Various systems exist depending on the level of risk of developing pressure sores for a bed user. For example, in a high-risk scenario, an active mattress system may be provided, where an air pump is used to cyclically vary the pressure inside numerous air chambers which make up a mattress. As the cost of providing all bed users in a care or hospital environment with a mattress system including a pump is prohibitive, and unnecessary in many cases, it may be necessary to change the mattress system on a bed depending on the risk factors for any particular bed user. Such a process may be time consuming for a nurse or carer and take their attention from other important duties. Even if all of the mattresses in a ward (for example) are able to be joined with a pump to provide an active system, then the step of joining a pump to the mattress may take an undesirable amount of time. Also, disconnection of a pump from a mattress may result in all of the air escaping from the mattress system, thereby significantly reducing the comfort of the mattress and increasing the likelihood of pressure sores being caused. In lower risk scenarios, a closed mattress system may be provided, where air may circulate between various air chambers of a mattress as a result of patient movement on the mattress, thereby changing the air pressure within those chambers without requiring an external pump. However, if the risk factors for a bed user change over time, it may be necessary to move them to a different bed or mattress system.
US5251349A discloses a multi-modal patient support system is provided having the capability of switching from any one of at least three modes of operation, particularly a first constant pressure mode, a second pulsation, and a third turning mode. A plurality of like inflatable sacs are provided supported upon a rigid support member. The inflatable sacs comprise at least two internal chambers. In the first static mode, the inflatable sacs are maintained at a relatively constant predetermined pressure. In the second pulsation mode, at least two sets of inflatable sacs are inflated and deflated in at least two separate and opposite patterns of pressurization so as to provide alternating pressure point relief to a patient resting upon the sacs. In the third turning mode, generally opposite disposed portions of the inflatable sacs are alternately inflated and deflated so that a patient resting upon the sacs can be automatically tilted from side to side. An inflatable sac for use with the multi-modal patient support system is further provided.
US6928681B1 discloses an alternating pressure pad comprising at least two sets of inflatable cells, an air supply line to each set, a pump to circulate pressurized air through a circuit including the sets of cells and to return air from the cells to the pump, valve means for alternately causing inflation and deflation of each set, a sensor pad in the circuit through which pressurized air is passed and detecting means for detecting a reduction in air flow through the sensor pad to a level below a predetermined level and for increasing air pressure in the sets of cells to restore the air flow to a level above the predetermined level.
US6745996B1 discloses an alternating pressure valve system comprising a blower with an air intake and an air outlet. A rotor valve assembly is connected to the air outlet from the blower, the rotor valve assembly comprises: a housing with an air intake, a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a circular chamber; and a wedged shaped rotor valve rotatably contained within the circular chamber of the housing such that the rotor valve can rotate to partially block the first air outlet, partially block the second air outlet, or block neither air outlets. The rotor valve is preferably controlled by a gearmotor and pressure sensors to detect the relative pressure in each outlet.
WO03/006868A1 discloses a connector that connects an air-inflatable mattress with alternately inflatable cells to a pump. Air-supply lines from the pump are attached to male body parts of the connector. Air-supply lines from the mattress connect to passages of female body parts of the connector. When the male body parts and the female body parts are engaged, supply lines from the pump are in fluid communication with supply lines from the mattress via passages in the female body part. When the male body parts are removed from the connector to disconnect the air supply, one-way valves seal the air-supply lines and expose a cross-connect port interconnecting the female body part passages. Thus cells are interconnected and the pressure is equalised throughout the mattress.
The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved mattress system for use in the prevention of pressure sores.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a mattress system comprising a mattress, the mattress comprising a first set of interconnected chambers and a second set of interconnected chambers,
the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers being joined to a connector,
the connector being configurable between:

a first mode in which the connector defines a first airflow path into the first set of interconnected chambers and a second airflow path into the second set of interconnected chambers, and there is no airflow path between the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers,
a second mode in which the connector closes off the first air flow path and second air flow path and defines a third airflow path between the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers, and
wherein the connector is arranged such that connection to an air pump automatically configures the connector in the first mode
wherein the connector comprises an overpressure valve arranged to allow air to exit the mattress system should the air pressure within the mattress system exceed a predefined level,
wherein the connector is arranged such that when the connector is configured in the first mode, the overpressure valve is closed off, and
when the connector is configured in the second mode, the overpressure valve is open to airflow from the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers.

The connector may comprise a first pump connector associated with the first airflow path. The connector may comprise a second pump connector associated with the second airflow path. The first pump connector and second pump connector may each be configured for attachment to separate air pump outlets. The mattress system may comprise an air pump. The connector, when configured in the first mode, may allow an air pump to individually control the air pressure within the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers. For example, the configuration may allow the air pressure within the first set of interconnected chambers to be increased to a higher level than the air pressure within the second set of interconnected chambers, or vice versa. Therefore, as in the first configuration, there is no airflow between the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers, the mattress system may comprise two independently controlled sections, each section comprising one of the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers. Such mattress systems may be operated such that the pressure in the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers is cyclically varied. Such mattress systems may be used in hospital and care environments in order to reduce the occurrence of pressure sores.
The connector, when configured in the second mode, links the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers. Pressure applied to one or more of the first set of interconnected chambers may result in air moving from the first set of interconnected chambers to the second set of interconnected chambers, and vice versa. The connector, when configured in the second mode, may be arranged such that the first air flow path and second air flow path are closed off.
The connector may be arranged to be configured in the first mode when the connector is attached to an air pump. The connector may comprise a latch or similar retaining mechanism to help prevent accidental detachment from the air pump.
The connector may be arranged to be configured in the second mode when the connector is not attached to an air pump. The connector is arranged such that connection to an air pump automatically configures the connector in the first mode. The connector may be arranged such that disconnection from an air pump automatically configures the connector in the second mode. The first air flow path and second air flow path may be associated with biased stop valves. Connection of the connector to an air pump may displace the stop valves such that the first air flow path and second air flow path are opened. The displacement of the stop valves may be effected by contact with the air pump outlets. When the connector is disconnected from an air pump, the biased stop valves may move into a position blocking the first air flow path and second air flow path. The biased stop valves may be biased by a spring arrangement or any other suitable biasing arrangement. Such an arrangement may provide a connector which, when disconnected from an air pump, automatically moves into the second mode, therefore preventing an undesirable amount of air from escaping from the mattress system.
In an alternative arrangement, the connector may comprise one or more turn valves associated with the first air flow path and second air flow path. The first air flow path and second air flow path may be opened by turning the turn valves into a first configuration, and closed by turning the turn valves into a second configuration. However, in such an arrangement, an operator will have to perform an additional step in comparison to the automatic arrangement.
One or more of the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers may comprise an air inlet valve open to the atmosphere. The air inlet valve may be arranged to allow air to enter the chambers in the event of the air pressure within the relevant chamber reducing below a certain level. This may help prevent gradual air loss, and thus pressure loss, in the mattress system over time, particularly when the connector is in the second mode.
One or more chambers of the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers may comprise an air retaining material. The air retaining material may be a foam. Where more than one of the interconnected chambers comprises an air retaining material, the cross sectional profile of the air retaining material may be the same in each of the interconnected chambers. Alternatively, the air retaining material may have a different cross sectional profile in different chambers. Varying the cross sectional profile of the air retaining material may vary the load bearing characteristics of the chamber. This may allow different chambers to support loads with different internal pressures within the chambers. Such an arrangement may be advantageous when seeking to reduce the occurrence of pressure sores.
One or more chambers of the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers may be substantially free of any air retaining material.
The relative size of one or more of the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers may vary in dependence on the intended location of the interconnected chambers with respect to the body of a patient lying on the mattress.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is also provided a connector for use with a mattress comprising a first set of interconnected chambers and a second set of interconnected chambers,
the connector arranged to be joined to the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers,
the connector being configurable between:

a first mode in which the connector defines a first airflow path into the first set of interconnected chambers and a second airflow path into the second set of interconnected chambers, and there is no airflow path between the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers,
a second mode in which the connector closes off the first air flow path and second air flow path and defines a third airflow path between the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers
wherein the connector is arranged such that connection to an air pump automatically configures the connector in the first mode
wherein the connector comprises an overpressure valve arranged to allow air to exit the mattress system should the air pressure within the mattress system exceed a predefined level,
wherein the connector is arranged such that when the connector is configured in the first mode, the overpressure valve is closed off, and
when the connector is configured in the second mode, the overpressure valve is open to airflow from the first set of interconnected chambers and second set of interconnected chambers.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a mattress system according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a connector in a first mode according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a connector in a second mode according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 shows a sectional view of a connector in a first mode according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a connector in a second mode according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a connector in a second mode according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a connector in a first mode according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a connector according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 shows a connector in a first mode according to a third example of the disclosure; and
Figure 10 shows a connector in a second mode according to a third example of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a mattress system 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Mattress system 10 comprises a mattress 12, made up of a first set of interconnected chambers 14 and a second set of interconnected chambers 16.
The first set of interconnected chambers 14 comprises a plurality of chambers 18 connected by a conduit 22. Conduit 22 permits fluid communication between the chambers 18. Similarly, the second set of interconnected chambers 16 comprises a plurality of chambers 20 connected by a conduit 24. Conduit 24 permits fluid communication between the chambers 20.
Each of the chambers 18, 20 are formed from a deformable plastic material and house a resilient air retaining material consisting of foam. Each of the conduits 22, 24 comprise flexible pipe sections. Pipe joints are provided at the points at which the conduits 22, 24 branch and/or connect to one of the chambers 18, 20.
The first set of interconnected chambers 14 and second set of interconnected chambers 16 are each connected to a connector 26 by the conduit 22 and the conduit 24 respectively.
Connector 26 comprises a first pump connector and a second pump connector. The first and second pump connectors are connectable to first and second outlets 28, 30 respectively of pump 32.
Connector 26 is configurable between a first mode and a second mode. The first mode and the second mode are shown schematically in Figures 2 and 3 respectively.
In the first mode the connector 26 defines a first airflow path 34 and a second airflow path 36. The first airflow path 34 allows fluid communication between the first pump connector and the first set of interconnected chambers 14. The second airflow path allows fluid communication between the second pump connector and the second set of interconnected chambers 16.
When the connector 26 is in the first mode, and the first and second pump connectors are connected to the first and second outlets 28, 30 respectively of the pump 32, the pump 32 may be operated to individually control the air pressure within the first set of interconnected chambers 14 and second set of interconnected chambers 16. For example, the pump may be operated to cyclically inflate and deflate the first set and second set of interconnected chambers 14, 16. This may be done by the pump 32 cyclically pumping air into and out of the first and second set of interconnected chambers 14, 16 via the first and second airflow paths 34, 36 respectively.
Preferably, the first set of interconnected chambers 14 and second set of interconnected chambers 16 are alternately inflated and deflated. Although those skilled in the art will understand that various programmes of inflation and deflation are possible.
In the second mode the connector 26 defines a third airflow path 38. The third airflow path 38 allows fluid communication between the first set of interconnected chambers 14 and the second set of interconnected chambers 16.
When the connector is in the second mode, pressure differences between the first set of interconnected chambers 14 and second set of interconnected chambers 16 may result in airflow between the first and second set of interconnected chambers 14, 16 via the third airflow path 38. This may happen, for example, due to movement of a user situated on the mattress.
A connector 126 according to a second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.
Connector 126 comprises a housing 127 defining a first barrel 144 and a second barrel 146. The first barrel 144 and second barrel 146 are substantially side by side and also parallel to each other. The barrels 144, 146 are substantially cylindrical in shape and each extend from a first end 140, 142 at a first side of the housing 127 to a second end 141, 143 at a second side of the housing 127. At the first end 141, 143 the barrels 144, 146 are pump connectors and are each arranged to connect to an output from a pump. At the second end 141, 143 the barrels 144, 146 are each arranged to connect to a set of interconnected chambers.
The barrels 144, 146 each house a stop valve 148, 150 which is slidable through its barrel 144, 146. The stop valves 148, 150 are cartridge shaped elements which fit closely inside their barrels 144, 146. The stop valves 148, 150 each comprise a side opening 152, 154 in one side.
The stop valves 148, 150 are each slidable between two positions: a first position corresponding to the first mode, and a second position corresponding to the second mode. In the first position, the side openings 152, 154 are each aligned with a recess 156, 158 in the inner wall of the respective barrels 144, 146. The recesses 156, 158 each extend along the barrels 144, 146 and, in one direction, beyond the stop valves 148, 150. In this first position, the openings 152, 154 and the recesses 156, 158 each provide a first and second airflow path 134, 136 respectively between the first ends 140, 142 and the second ends 141, 143 of the respective barrels 144, 146.
In the second position the side openings 152, 154 are not aligned with the recesses 156, 158 and the stop valves 148, 150 and barrels 144, 146 are so dimensioned that airflow between the first ends 140, 142 and the second ends 141, 143 is prevented. Seals may be provided to prevent air leaking between the stop valves 148, 150 and the inner walls of the barrels 144, 146.
A passageway 160 is provided between the first barrel 144 and the second barrel 146. In the first position the ends of the passageway 160 are blocked by the stop valves 148, 150. Passageway 160 is therefore unable to provide an airflow path between the barrels 144, 146. However in the second position the ends of the passageway 160 are uncovered and the passageway 160 provides a third airflow path 138 between the second ends 141, 143 of each barrel 144, 146.
Passageway 160 is additionally in fluid communication with overpressure valve 166. Overpressure valve 166 is configured to allow air to exit the mattress system should the air pressure within the mattress system exceed a certain level.
Formations proximate each of the first ends 140, 142 and the second ends 141, 143 of each barrel restrict the distance over which the stop valves 148, 150 can travel through the barrels 144, 146 and prevent the stop valves 148, 150 from falling out the barrels 144, 146.
Helical springs 162, 164 are provided in each of the barrels 144, 146. The helical springs 162, 164 are arranged to bias their respective stop valves 148, 150 to the second position. The connector 126 is therefore biased to the second mode. This may be advantageous because the connector 126 will be bias towards a configuration in which air is retained within the mattress system.
The connector 126 can be changed from the second mode to the first mode by pushing the stop valves 148, 150 against the spring and along the barrels 144, 146 towards the first position. According to the second embodiment of the invention, this is preferably done using a pump outlet when the pump outlet is connected to the connector 126. Preferably the pump outlet is specifically adapted to be received by the connector 126. In the second embodiment, it is envisaged that the first ends 140, 142 of the barrels 144, 146 define a female formation and the pump outlet defines a male formation. The skilled person will appreciate that the outlet of the pump need not necessarily be integrated within the pump itself, but it may for example refer to the end of a conduit, pipe, and/or other such connector in fluid communication with the pump itself.
Figures 6 and 7 show simplified schematics of a barrel 244 and stop valve 248 of a connector 226 similar to that of the second embodiment. A pump outlet 274 is shown being inserted into the barrel 244 and pushing the stop valve 248 from the second position (Figure 6) to the first position (Figure 7).
As shown in Figure 8, the housing 127 of the connector 126 can be formed in two interconnecting parts 127a and 127b; the stop valves 148, 150 being slidably retained between the those two parts.
A retaining mechanism in the form of a latch mechanism 168 may be provided to retain, in use, a pump outlet which has been inserted into the connector 126. According to the second embodiment, the latch mechanism comprises a release flap 170 having a formation 172 for engaging with a corresponding formation on the pump outlet when the pump outlet is connected to the connector 126. To remove the pump outlet from the connector 126, the flap may be pulled to disengage the formation 172 from the corresponding formation.
Figures 9 and 10 show a third example of a connector 326. The connector 326 comprises two substantially parallel and side by side barrels 344 and 346. The barrels 344, 346 are each interrupted by a cylindrical drum 376 which extends substantially perpendicularly to the two barrels 344, 346 and connects the interior space of the two barrels 344, 346.
A rotatable cylinder 378 is provided within the cylindrical drum 376. The rotatable cylinder 378 has two semi-circular cut- outs 380 and 382. The rotatable cylinder 387 may be positioned in a first position, in which the connector 326 is in the first mode, wherein the cut outs 380, 382 are each aligned with one of the barrels 344, 346. In this first position the barrels 344, 346 and the cut- outs 380, 382 define a first airflow channel 334 and a second airflow channel 336 through the connector 326. Should a pump outlet be connected to one side of each barrel 344, 346 and a set of interconnecting cells was connected to the other side of each barrel 344, 346, then connector 387 puts each of the pump outlets in fluid communication with a set of interconnecting cells.
An outwardly extending recess 384 is provided in the cylindrical drum 376. The rotatable cylinder 387 may be positioned in a second position, in which the connector 326 is in the second mode, wherein the cut- outs 380, 382 place one side of each barrel 344, 346 in fluid communication with the recess 384. In this second position the cut- outs 380, 382 and the recess 384 define a third airflow channel 338 through the connector 326. Should a set of interconnecting cells be connected to one side of each barrel 344, 346, then connector 387 puts each of the sets of interconnecting cells in fluid communication with each other.
An overpressure valve 366 is provided on the recess 384 to allow air to exit the mattress system, via the third airflow channel, should the air pressure within the mattress system exceed a certain level.
Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.
It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

A connector (26, 126, 226) for use with a mattress (12) comprising a first set of interconnected chambers (14) and a second set of interconnected chambers (16), the connector (26, 126, 226) arranged to be joined to the first set of interconnected chambers (14) and second set of interconnected chambers (16), the connector (26, 126, 226) being configurable between: a first mode in which the connector (26, 126, 226) defines a first airflow path (34, 134) into the first set of interconnected chambers (14) and a second airflow path (36, 136) into the second set of interconnected chambers (16), and there is no airflow path between the first set of interconnected chambers (14) and second set of interconnected chambers (16), a second mode in which the connector (26, 126, 226) closes off the first air flow path (34, 134) and second air flow path (36, 136) and defines a third airflow path (38, 138) between the first set of interconnected chambers (14) and second set of interconnected chambers (16), wherein the connector (26, 126, 226) is arranged such that connection to an air pump (32) automatically configures the connector (26, 126, 226) in the first mode, characterised in that the connector (26, 126, 226) comprises an overpressure valve (166) arranged to allow air to exit the mattress system (10) should the air pressure within the mattress system (10) exceed a predefined level, wherein the connector is arranged such that when the connector (26, 126, 226) is configured in the first mode, the overpressure valve (166) is closed off, and when the connector (26, 126, 226) is configured in the second mode, the overpressure valve (166) is open to airflow from the first set of interconnected chambers (14) and second set of interconnected chambers (16).
A mattress system (10) comprising the connector (26, 126, 226) according to claim 1 and a mattress (12), the mattress (12) comprising a first set of 5 interconnected chambers (14) and a second set of interconnected chambers (16),
the first set of interconnected chambers (14) and second set of interconnected chambers (16) being joined to the connector (26, 126, 226).
A mattress system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the connector (26, 126, 226) comprises a first pump connector associated with the first airflow path (34, 134) and a second pump connector associated with the second airflow path (36, 136), the first pump connector and second pump connector each being configured for attachment to separate air pump outlets (28, 30, 274).
A mattress system (10) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the mattress system (10) comprises the air pump (32).
A mattress system (10) according to claim 4, wherein the connector (26, 126, 226) when configured in the first mode, allows the air pump (32) to individually control the air pressure within the first set of interconnected chambers (14) and second set of interconnected chambers (16).
A mattress system (10) according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the connector (26, 126, 226) comprises a retaining mechanism for securing the air pump (32) to the connector (26, 126, 226).
A mattress system (10) according to any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the connector (26, 126, 226) is arranged such that disconnection from the air pump (32) automatically configures the connector (26, 126, 226) in the second mode.
A mattress system (10) according to any of claims 2 to 7 wherein the first air flow path (34, 134) and second air flow path (36, 136) are associated with biased stop valves (148, 150, 248).
A mattress system (10) according to claim 8, wherein the connector (26, 126, 226) is arranged such that connection of the connector (26, 126, 226) to the air pump (32) displaces the stop valves (148, 150, 248) such that the first air flow path (34, 134) and second air flow path (36, 136) are opened.
A mattress system (10) according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the connector (26, 126, 226) is arranged such that disconnection of the connector (26, 126, 226) from the air pump (32) permits the biased stop valves (148, 150, 248) to move into a position blocking the first air flow path (34, 134) and second air flow path (36, 136).
A mattress system (10) according to any of claims 2 to 10, wherein one or more of the first set of interconnected chambers (14) and second set of interconnected chambers (16) comprises an air inlet valve open to the atmosphere.
A mattress system (10) according to any of claims 2 to 11, wherein one or more chambers of the first set of interconnected chambers (14) and second set of interconnected chambers (16) comprises an air retaining material.