EP4066690A1 - Druckumverteilung-matratze - Google Patents

Druckumverteilung-matratze Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4066690A1
EP4066690A1 EP21166020.4A EP21166020A EP4066690A1 EP 4066690 A1 EP4066690 A1 EP 4066690A1 EP 21166020 A EP21166020 A EP 21166020A EP 4066690 A1 EP4066690 A1 EP 4066690A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mattress
pressure redistribution
supporting
support structure
inner support
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP21166020.4A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Fábio PINTO
Dick SCHILSTRA
Ian MAHONEY
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Invacare International GmbH
Original Assignee
Invacare International GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Invacare International GmbH filed Critical Invacare International GmbH
Priority to EP21166020.4A priority Critical patent/EP4066690A1/de
Priority to EP22710179.7A priority patent/EP4312668A1/de
Priority to PCT/IB2022/052278 priority patent/WO2022208207A1/en
Publication of EP4066690A1 publication Critical patent/EP4066690A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses or cushions
    • A47C27/081—Fluid mattresses or cushions of pneumatic type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C21/00—Attachments for beds, e.g. sheet holders, bed-cover holders; Ventilating, cooling or heating means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses
    • A47C21/04—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating
    • A47C21/042—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating for ventilating or cooling
    • A47C21/046—Devices for ventilating, cooling or heating for ventilating or cooling without active means, e.g. with openings or heat conductors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/14—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays
    • A47C27/18—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with foamed material inlays in combination with inflatable bodies
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/22—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas with both fibrous and foamed material inlays
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C31/00—Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
    • A47C31/006—Use of three-dimensional fabrics

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a pressure redistribution mattress comprising an inner support structure housing a pressure redistribution assembly including a plurality of air cells connected by means of a pressure redistribution system.
  • Such pressure redistribution mattresses are known as such in the art, for instance from International (PCT) Publication No. WO 00/62648 A1 and U.S. Patent No. US 6,269,505 B1 .
  • Such mattresses conventionally make use of a pressure redistribution assembly including a plurality of juxtaposed air cells arranged e.g. in a longitudinal and/or transversal configuration, i.e. with each air cell extending along a length or a width of the mattress.
  • the juxtaposition of air cells is however detrimental in that it negatively affects circulation of air and moisture in the mattress, the air cell assembly acting in effect as a barrier against such air and moisture circulation.
  • a general aim of the invention is to provide an improved pressure redistribution mattress.
  • an aim of the present invention is to provide such a solution that ensures efficient pressure redistribution as well as improved microclimate management.
  • Another aim of the invention is to provide such a solution that achieves superior performance in terms of temperature and humidity management.
  • a further aim of the invention is to provide such a solution that provides optimal conform for the patient.
  • Yet another aim of the invention is to provide such a solution which remains reasonably simple and cost-efficient to produce.
  • Still another aim of the invention is to provide such a solution which facilitates cleaning and maintenance operations.
  • a pressure redistribution mattress according to claim 1, namely such a mattress comprising an inner support structure housing a pressure redistribution assembly including a plurality of air cells connected by means of a pressure redistribution system.
  • the air cells are spaced apart from one another to form gaps between the air cells, and the gaps are filled with supporting spacers formed of an open-structured, non-foam supportive material allowing circulation of air and moisture.
  • the inner support structure comprises a flexible supporting frame member with a longitudinal space configured and dimensioned to receive the pressure redistribution assembly and supporting spacers.
  • the flexible supporting frame member preferably includes a pair of longitudinal sidewalls encasing the pressure redistribution assembly and supporting spacers, a central portion of each longitudinal sidewall being provided with at least one transversal aperture that ensures circulation of air and moisture between the longitudinal space and lateral sides of the mattress.
  • Each transversal aperture may advantageously consist of a transversal cut-out formed in an upper side of each longitudinal sidewall.
  • the aforementioned flexible supporting frame member may be made of a foam material, such as a polyurethane foam.
  • the inner support structure comprises a supporting layer overlying the pressure redistribution assembly and supporting spacers.
  • the supporting layer may likewise be made of an open-structured, non-foam supportive material allowing circulation of air and moisture.
  • the supporting layer extends in the mattress apart from a head section and a foot section of the mattress.
  • the supporting layer may especially extend, in the width direction, all the way between the lateral sides of the mattress.
  • the open-structured, non-foam supportive material may in particular advantageously consist of a three-dimensional elastic arrangement of polymer filaments, especially filaments made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • the inner support structure comprises a heel zone supporting element provided in a foot section of the mattress.
  • the heel zone supporting element includes an upper supporting element made of spacer fabrics.
  • the inner support structure comprises a soft top layer provided in a top portion of the inner support structure, which soft top layer preferably extends over the entire top portion of the inner support structure apart from a head section of the mattress.
  • the inner support structure further comprises a head zone supporting element provided in a head section of the mattress.
  • the head zone supporting element is made of a foam material, such as a polyurethane foam, and includes a castellated upper surface.
  • the air cells are transverse air cells extending in a width direction of the mattress and the supporting spacers are transverse supporting spacers filling the gaps between the transverse air cells.
  • the mattress may additionally comprise a removable cover housing the inner support structure, which removable cover is preferably made of an air-permeable, multi-directional stretch fabric reducing shear and friction, such as a polyurethane coated nylon fabric.
  • FIG. 1 a pressure redistribution mattress, designated globally by reference numeral 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • Mattress 1 includes a removable cover 10 housing an inner support structure 100, not visible in Figure 1 , but partly visible in Figures 1A and 1B , and shown entirely in Figure 1C .
  • Figures 1A-1C show the inner support structure 100 and removable cover 10 with selected portions thereof removed for the purpose of illustration and explanation.
  • Reference signs 1H, 1F and 1L in Figures 1 and 1A-C respectively designate a head section, a foot section and lateral sides of the mattress 1.
  • the removable cover 10 is preferably made of an air-permeable, multi-directional stretch fabric reducing shear and friction, such as a polyurethane coated nylon fabric. Other cover materials could be contemplated.
  • the inner support structure 100 houses a pressure redistribution assembly 200 including a plurality of (here eight) air cells 210, here arranged in a transversal manner, that are connected by means of a pressure redistribution system. Only part of the pressure redistribution assembly 200 is visible in Figures 1A-C .
  • the pressure redistribution assembly 200 is schematically shown in isolation in Figures 2 and 2A where the pressure redistribution system is designated by reference numeral 250.
  • each air cell 210 in essence consists of a cushioning device comprising a load-bearing envelope that includes an intake port and a pressure release port allowing air to respectively enter or exit the load-bearing envelope as a function of load applied thereon.
  • This load-bearing envelope contains a resilient inner member (made e.g. of a polyurethane foam) that has the ability to deform under load and regain its original form in the absence of load, thus allowing air to exit or be drawn into the load-bearing envelope.
  • each air cell 210 includes a T-connector 210A acting as the intake and pressure release ports, which T-connector 210A is connected to tubing elements 250A of the pressure redistribution system 250, thus allowing automatic pressure redistribution amongst the air cells 210 depending on the load applied thereon.
  • Reference signs 250B and 250C in Figures 2 and 2A respectively designate intake valves and air filters provided at both ends of the pressure redistribution system 250 to allow air to be drawn into the system from the environment.
  • Reference sign 250D in Figure 2 designates a pressure release valve of the pressure redistribution system 250 designed to allow excess pressure to be released into the environment.
  • the pressure redistribution assembly 200 shown in Figures 1 , 1A-C , 2 and 2A is in effect a non-powered assembly and that pressure redistribution amongst the air cells therefore occurs solely depending on the load applied on the top surface of the mattress 1.
  • the pressure redistribution system 250 would typically be connected to an air pump and may be modified to allow air to be selectively introduced into or drawn out of selected air cells 210.
  • the configuration of the relevant pressure redistribution system may in effect differ from the illustrated configuration and is not as such critical to the implementation of the present invention.
  • a key aspect of the mattress in accordance with the present invention resides in the fact that the air cells 210 are spaced apart from one another to form (here transversal) gaps 210a between the air cells 210, as is visible e.g. in Figures 1A-C , 2 and 2A (see also Figures 3 and 3A which show the inner support structure 100 with upper layers 135, 140, 145 removed for the sake of illustration). This provides room for air and moisture to circulate between the air cells 210, which vastly improves microclimate management.
  • FIG. 1A-C , 3 and 3A Another key aspect of the mattress according to the invention resides in the fact that the gaps 210a are filled with supporting spacers 115 (as shown in Figures 1A-C , 3 and 3A ) that are formed of an open-structured, non-foam supportive material allowing circulation of air and moisture.
  • supporting spacers 115 as shown in Figures 1A-C , 3 and 3A .
  • conventional foam material such as polyurethane foam
  • the inner support structure 100 comprises a flexible supporting frame member 110 with a longitudinal space 110a configured and dimensioned to receive the pressure redistribution assembly 200 and supporting spacers 115. More specifically, the flexible supporting frame member 110 includes a pair of longitudinal sidewalls 110L encasing the pressure redistribution assembly 200 and supporting spacers 115, which longitudinal sidewalls 110L provide adequate structural integrity and reinforcement of the lateral sides 1L of the mattress 1.
  • each longitudinal sidewall 110L is advantageously provided with at least one transversal aperture 110b that ensures circulation of air and moisture between the longitudinal space 110a and the lateral sides 1L of the mattress 1.
  • transversal apertures 110b are provided, namely as transversal cut-outs 110b formed in an upper side of each longitudinal sidewall 110L.
  • the flexible supporting frame member 110 may be made of a foam material, such as a polyurethane foam. While use of a foam material is contemplated, microclimate management is not compromised as air and moisture are allowed to circulate between the longitudinal space 110a and the lateral sides 1L of the mattress 1 through the transversal cut-outs 110b. As a matter of fact, the provision of the cut-outs 110b allows improved air and moisture circulation owing to the resulting Venturi effect created by the cut-outs 110b.
  • Figures 1A-C also show that the inner support structure 100 preferably further comprises a supporting layer 140 overlying the pressure redistribution assembly 200 and the supporting spacers 115.
  • a supporting layer 140 is also visible in the photographic illustration of Figure 4 .
  • the supporting layer 140 is likewise made of an open-structured, non-foam supportive material allowing circulation of air and moisture.
  • the supporting layer 140 advantageously extends in the mattress 1 apart from the head section 1H and the foot section 1F of the mattress 1, and preferably extends, in the width direction, all the way between the lateral sides 1L of the mattress 1. Accordingly, air and moisture are also allowed to circulate via the supporting layer 140, which favours extraction of heat and humidity, thus further improving microclimate management.
  • the open-structured, non-foam supportive material used as a constituent of the aforementioned supporting spacers 115 and supporting layer 140 consists of a three-dimensional elastic arrangement of polymer filaments, especially filaments made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), as shown in the photographic illustration of Figure 5 .
  • TPE thermoplastic elastomer
  • Such a material is commercially available on the market, including e.g. from company Enkev B.V. ( www.enkev.com ) under the product designation Labyrinth ® 100 (Labyrinth ® being a registered trademark of Enkev B.V.).
  • This material may be produced by extruding molten polymer and shaping/molding the resulting monofilaments into desired three-dimensional structures of fused monofilaments.
  • the aforementioned supporting spacers 115 and supporting layer 140 could in effect form a single integral supporting structure.
  • the use of individual elements may however be advantageous in terms of modularity and the ability to replace only selected elements in case of need.
  • a dedicated heel zone supporting element 130/135 is preferably provided in the foot section 1F of mattress 1.
  • this heel zone supporting element 130/135 includes a bottom supporting element 130 housed within the longitudinal space 110a of the flexible frame member 110 and, more importantly, an upper supporting element 135 that is made of spacer fabrics.
  • Spacer fabrics are known as such in the art and basically consist of two textile sheets joined and separated by distance fibres (such as polyester fibres) to offer high absorption capacities, which is particularly useful to transfer weight away from the vulnerable heel area. Spacer fabrics are commercially available on the market, e.g. from company Essedea GmbH & Co. KG ( www.essedea.de ) under the product designation 3DEA ® (3DEA ® being a registered trademark of Heinz-Willy Essers).
  • the flexible frame member 110 and bottom supporting element 130 may advantageously exhibit a sloped configuration, reducing in thickness towards the end of the mattress 1, to create a sloped heel zone 1F with a slight angle of the order of e.g. 5 degrees.
  • a dedicated head zone supporting element 120 is likewise preferably provided.
  • this head zone supporting element 120 is made of a foam material (such as polyurethane foam) and is partly housed within the longitudinal space 110a of the flexible frame member 110.
  • This supporting element 120 advantageously includes a castellated upper surface 120A that provides extra comfort and a certain level of additional pressure redistribution for the patient's head.
  • the inner support structure 100 additionally comprises a soft top layer 145 provided in a top portion of the inner support structure 100.
  • this soft top layer 145 extends over the entire top portion of the inner support structure 110 apart from the head section 1H of the mattress 1.
  • the soft top layer 145 overlies the supporting layer 140 and the upper supporting element 135 provided in the heel zone.
  • the soft top layer 145 is mainly meant to act as a soft, responsive top layer designed to envelop the patient for maximum comfort.
  • This soft top layer 145 may in particular consist of non-woven polyester fibres.
  • pressure redistribution mattress depicted in the appended drawings is designed to allow non-powered pressure redistribution, without the need for a power unit, one could nevertheless contemplate applying the same principle to a powered pressure redistribution mattress, if desired.
  • pressure redistribution mattress depicted in the appended drawings includes eight air cells arranged in a transversal manner
  • the pressure redistribution mattress could include any number of air cells arranged in a longitudinal and/or transversal manner.
  • a heel zone supporting element and a head zone supporting element as described above is not essential, although preferred as it brings further benefits to the patient.
  • the same is basically true with respect to the provision of the supporting layer and soft top layer which may potentially be replaced by any other adequate layer or layers.
  • the provision of the relevant supporting layer and soft top layer nevertheless remains a favoured and preferred solution that brings further benefits in terms of microclimate management and comfort for the patient.
EP21166020.4A 2021-03-30 2021-03-30 Druckumverteilung-matratze Withdrawn EP4066690A1 (de)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21166020.4A EP4066690A1 (de) 2021-03-30 2021-03-30 Druckumverteilung-matratze
EP22710179.7A EP4312668A1 (de) 2021-03-30 2022-03-14 Druckumverteilungsmatratze
PCT/IB2022/052278 WO2022208207A1 (en) 2021-03-30 2022-03-14 Pressure redistribution mattress

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21166020.4A EP4066690A1 (de) 2021-03-30 2021-03-30 Druckumverteilung-matratze

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4066690A1 true EP4066690A1 (de) 2022-10-05

Family

ID=75302386

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21166020.4A Withdrawn EP4066690A1 (de) 2021-03-30 2021-03-30 Druckumverteilung-matratze
EP22710179.7A Pending EP4312668A1 (de) 2021-03-30 2022-03-14 Druckumverteilungsmatratze

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22710179.7A Pending EP4312668A1 (de) 2021-03-30 2022-03-14 Druckumverteilungsmatratze

Country Status (2)

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EP (2) EP4066690A1 (de)
WO (1) WO2022208207A1 (de)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1082442A (fr) * 1953-08-27 1954-12-29 Matelas
DE9409944U1 (de) * 1994-06-20 1994-09-15 Steppdeckenfabrik Kirchhoff Oh Wasserbett mit Abstandshaltern zwischen Einzelbehältern
US5634224A (en) 1994-08-16 1997-06-03 Gates; Stephen M. Inflatable cushioning device with self opening intake valve
US5671492A (en) 1995-03-14 1997-09-30 Simon; Keith Douglas Contoured asymmetrical mattress
DE19954187A1 (de) * 1998-11-25 2000-05-31 Peter Hechler Pneumatisch beaufschlagbare Matratze
WO2000062648A1 (en) 1999-04-20 2000-10-26 M.P.L. Ltd. Inflatable cushioning device with manifold system
DE202004000702U1 (de) * 2004-01-16 2004-06-03 Scharf, Günther Matratze für ein Liegemöbel
US10631658B2 (en) * 2014-01-23 2020-04-28 Hans Malzl Mattress

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202014005041U1 (de) * 2014-06-17 2014-07-09 Wilhelm Blaser Matratzeneinlage aus Luftschläuchen

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1082442A (fr) * 1953-08-27 1954-12-29 Matelas
DE9409944U1 (de) * 1994-06-20 1994-09-15 Steppdeckenfabrik Kirchhoff Oh Wasserbett mit Abstandshaltern zwischen Einzelbehältern
US5634224A (en) 1994-08-16 1997-06-03 Gates; Stephen M. Inflatable cushioning device with self opening intake valve
US5671492A (en) 1995-03-14 1997-09-30 Simon; Keith Douglas Contoured asymmetrical mattress
DE19954187A1 (de) * 1998-11-25 2000-05-31 Peter Hechler Pneumatisch beaufschlagbare Matratze
WO2000062648A1 (en) 1999-04-20 2000-10-26 M.P.L. Ltd. Inflatable cushioning device with manifold system
US6269505B1 (en) 1999-04-20 2001-08-07 M.P.L. Ltd. Inflatable cushioning device with manifold system
DE202004000702U1 (de) * 2004-01-16 2004-06-03 Scharf, Günther Matratze für ein Liegemöbel
US10631658B2 (en) * 2014-01-23 2020-04-28 Hans Malzl Mattress

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2022208207A1 (en) 2022-10-06
EP4312668A1 (de) 2024-02-07

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